St. Peter Church Giving Tree Captures Holiday Spirit

Three reasons the 2012 Giving Tree experience is so special.

Three things stand out in my mind about this year's St. Peter Church Giving Tree experience. I should explain that each year, St. Peter quietly and inauspiciously asks church members to do a couple of things: take a paper ornament or two from the small artificial tree in the narthex, then puchase the item that's written on it. As I've written in previous articles, the Giving Tree is the best part of Christmas. It's people coming together, donating time and treasure, to make sure other people who are less fortunate have something under their tree on Christmas day. Gifts are donated to area social service agencies—Hesed House, Provena Geneva Care Center, Elgin Mental Health Center, Fox Valley Pregnancy Center, Catholic Charities, VNA of Fox …

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Live Windows Return to Downtown Geneva

A unique display returns to Geneva just in time for the Christmas Walk on Dec. 7, 2012!

For the fourth year, many retail storefront windows in downtown Geneva will truly be “alive” with the spirit of the holiday. Joining in the fun will be mannequin brides at Crystal Bride, State Street Dance Studio ballerinas at Ella’s Pink Bowtique, artisans working in the window at State Street Jewelers and Proud Fox Galleries. The traditional Christmas Walk begins with the Geneva Chamber of Commerce's Christmas Walk and House Walk on Dec. 7. At 6 p.m. Santa Lucia, the Swedish symbol of the season, and her attendants arrive by horse-drawn carriage to offer Swedish cookies to visitors. Santa makes his appearance to light the Great Tree on the courthouse lawn and officially opens his Gingerbread House at 6:30 p.m. You are then invited to …

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Geneva Giving Trees Coming Nov. 27 to the Geneva History Center

The unveiling of the fifth annual giving tree project is 11 a.m. Tuesday.

The Geneva History Center will unveil the 5th Annual Geneva Giving Trees at 11 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 27. There will be 15 Christmas trees decorated by various nonprofit groups that serve the Geneva area.   Each tree is decorated in accordance with each organization's mission and areas of service. The organizations include: The public is invited to vote for their favorite tree with their dollars from Nov. 27 until Dec. 27 at the Geneva History Center or online atwww.genevahistorycenter.org. The winning organization will keep 100 percent of the funds pledged to support their tree. The remaining organizations will split their winnings with the Geneva History Center. The winner will be announced at 4 p.m. Friday, Dec. 28 at a press conference at …

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Kane County Health Department: Holiday Food Safety Tips

Take care to enjoy holiday feasts, follow a few simple food safety tips

A key recipe for holiday cheer is the taste of great food toward the end of the year. But as you prepare to meet, greet and eat, use these food safety steps for your holiday fete. OK, a poet I’m not, but the holiday season is upon us, and already there have been tips on safe shopping to protect against thieves, advice on smart shopping to guard against spending too much, suggestions on sights to see and where to shop. But the holidays also are synonymous with food, so today, the Kane County Health Department offers some safety tips to ward off food-borne illness: Plan your holiday meals days in advance: This is especially important if you must thaw large quantities of frozen food.  Thaw safely: The safest way to thaw frozen food is in a …

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Santa's Got a Brand New Roof

With the help of many ... Santa's home in Geneva is ready for the season!

Santa Claus flew in for the day and joined Lisa Nelson, Carlson’s Floors; Lou George, The Home Depot; Rod Johnson, Geneva Fire Department (GFD) and many other Geneva firefighters in the ribbon cutting of the renovated Santa House.  The Geneva Fire Department personnel donated their time (lots of time) to construct a new roof with materials donated by Home Depot. Carlson’s Floors will be putting in new carpeting once the house arrives for his seasonal location on James Street. In addition, Weaver Partners will be installing a handicap accessible entrance. The Santa House will open at 6:30 p.m. Dec. 7, following Santa Lucia and her attendants arriving by horse-drawn carriage, the great tree lighting, Graham's Fine Chocolates Candy Cane …

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5 Geneva Homes 'Deck the Halls' for the Holidays—A Geneva 'Must-See' Event

Every Geneva resident should experience the Holiday House Tour at least once. Here's your chance to get tickets for this year's event.

Great Ideas for Dining in Geneva—Before, During and After Thanksgiving

Just over two weeks away, are your plans in place for Thanksgiving? Here are some Geneva-area suggestions for dining out or carrying home.

Here are some fall-season favorites for dining out or taking home for Thanksgiving, courtesy of the Geneva Chamber of Commerce. Chianti’s – 201 S. Third St., Geneva – 630.232.0212 chiantisgeneva.com Enjoy Jumbo pumpkin ravioli in a pumpkin spice cream sauce until Thanksgiving at Chianti’s. Hotel Baker – 100 W. Main St., St. Charles – 630.584.2100 Thanksgiving Day Feast – Buffet Feast in the Rainbow Room. 1:30 – 6 pm.  Call for reservations. Oscar Swan Country Inn – 1800 W. State St., Geneva – 630.232.0173 Enjoy an old-fashioned dinner at Oscar Swan Country Inn.  Seatings are at 12:30 an 3:30 p.m.  Roasted turkey with ALL the trimmings, live music and ambience of the 1902 historic mansion. Reservations, please. Starbucks – 229 W. State St…

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Geneva Commons Holiday Events Begin Nov. 25, New this Year: Pet Photos with Santa

Geneva Commons holiday events begin Nov. 25.

The public is invited to light up the night at Geneva Commons beginning Friday, Nov. 25, the day after Thanksgiving, when the traditional tree-lighting ceremony will be held along with other festivities. Then on each following Sunday through Dec. 18, children can enjoy visits with Santa as he strolls the center or stop by the Santa Station for photo opportunities. New this year, pets will be able to join in on the photo fun on Dec. 7. And, as always, each Sunday from Nov. 27 through Dec. 11, shoppers can enjoy free horse-drawn carriage rides around the center. Details of each program are provided below. HOLIDAY TREE LIGHTING & SANTA ARRIVAL: On Friday, Nov. 25, free horse-drawn carriage rides kick off the season from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m…

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