Author Among Us

Welcome back!

If there were such a designation at St. Charles High School, David Algrim would have been voted the “Least Likely to Write a Children’s Book”.

Yet, that is exactly what he did. With the recent release of Oops-a-Daisy, he has three published books and counting … with the wheels already turning for the next creation. Algrim didn’t exactly tell me he’d have to kill me if I knew, but he wasn’t all that revealing which just heightens my curiosity as I anxiously await the next masterpiece. He did drop a hint, however; and the season we are in right now might have something to do with the setting of his next book.

“I wouldn’t call it a masterpiece,” said Algrim. “I just have lots of ideas, mostly ones that are born out of my experience raising kids.” Maxwell, 9, Connor, 6, and Meagan who is 4 provide plenty of material for his writing career. In fact Maxwell is the co-author of the story Wake Up, Papa Bear!, a book that was based on a bedtime ritual they used to play when Maxwell, then 4, would help create the different scenarios described in the story. Algrim also finds his role as a soccer coach and involvement with the Cub Scouts additional fuel for his writing passion.

By the time you read this, Algrim would have been to the Mill Creek Elementary School for a classroom visit, armed with 35 signed copies of his book, making good on a package he donated for the Mother’s Club of Geneva.

“I love sharing stories with the young kids, even middle school-aged kids. I like to let them know anyone can publish a book.” Inspiring people is considered great fun for Algrim. “That is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do,” he explained.

Future David Algrim sightings include the Mother’s Club of Geneva Holiday Craft Show on Saturday, November 14, at Geneva High School. Algrim was there last year, and the cramps he had from the book signing was proof it was a huge success!

Algrim ends with a compliment to our town. “Geneva is a great place to raise a family between the schools and parks. We love it here; it’s a great place to live.”

David Algrim, I am sure most will agree, people like you are what helps make Geneva a great place to live!

This article first appeared in the November 2009 issue of eGeneva Magazine.

A Ruby in the Rough

September 6, 2008

He’s a man not unlike many men in Geneva. He is a father, husband and hard-working employee of a family-run business in town.

Meet Paul Ruby, who believes “once you figure out what your priorities are, you go in that direction, enjoy what you have along the way and don’t worry about what you can’t control.”

What makes Ruby stand out is the way he lives out the last part of his philosophy: “…unless, of course, you can effect change with a positive impact.” That’s exactly what he did when he set out to form the Paul Ruby Foundation for Parkinson’s Research.

The man behind the foundation has a better understanding than most of this progressive disease that affects more than 1 million people in the U.S. alone. Ruby was diagnosed with Parkinson’s in July 2006. Not long after he formed the foundation; and his family, friends and acquaintances whose lives he didn’t even realize he’d touched helped sustain it.

The foundation has raised more than $100,000. Two events that have been successful are the Concert for a Cure held in the fall and the Paul Ruby golf outing, recently held August 7 which raised over $30,000. Ruby was amazed as more than 120 golfers, 56 caddies and 45 volunteers stepped up to put together a fantastic event.

“It is still just as touching having been witness to another great show of support from the community.”

“I know there are many hands that work together to pull this off,” Ruby said, holding back emotion. “It is still just as touching having been witness to another great show of support from the community.”

Ruby should know how to throw a good party, having 22 years’ experience in the hospitality industry. These events are well-run and provide a great way for friends to come together and have fun for a good cause. This year’s Concert for a Cure and auction will be held Saturday, September 6 at Tanna Farms Golf Club in Geneva.

Way to go, Paul! We are proud to share a community with the likes of you. To learn more, visit the Paul Ruby Foundation Web site at www.paulrubyfoundation.org.

This article first appeared in the September 2008 issue of eGeneva Magazine.