Ceremony and culture: firefighter badge pinning and the library’s One Book selection

The council took time at the start of its Feb. 2 meeting for community‑focused items: a badge pinning for firefighter‑paramedic Joshua Haynes and an appearance by Geneva Public Library Director Christine Lazarus announcing this year’s One Book, One Community pick.

Mayor and councilmembers introduced Haynes, who was sworn in about a year earlier. Haynes introduced family members in the chamber while the mayor recounted Haynes’s path to the Geneva Fire Department and invited his mother to pin the badge.

Christine Lazarus presented the library’s selection (The Correspondent by Virginia Evans) and outlined a series of public events tied to the program: a book giveaway starting Saturday with more than 750 free copies available (first‑come, first‑served) and digital checkouts; a community art show called 'Dear Geneva' featuring 50 local artists and an artist reception March 19; a volunteer/community connection event April 11; a community‑wide book discussion April 15; and an author visit and closing celebration on April 19 supported by the library foundation. Lazarus said the program is intended to foster community dialogue and accommodate inclusive formats.