It might be in St. Charles, but it’ll still be Geneva Hardware
As a member of the male species in the shopping world, here is my creed — the smaller the store, the better.
But owners Michael and Cindy Dickson of Geneva Hardware in the shopping strip on West State Street, feel their store is too small. They’ll solve that problem, and some issues with their lease, by moving this month to the former St. Charles Dominick’s site in the shopping strip along Lincoln Highway (Route 38). Even though the store will be in St. Charles, it will keep the Geneva Hardware name.
Property owner Bill Rosenfelder is wasting no time in bringing back Ace Hardware to the location the Dicksons are leaving. Rosenfelder has been “Geneva’s Ace Hardware guy” for four decades, and he’d like a new Ace up and running by late spring.
This is good news for that retail area in Geneva, especially because Rosenfelder hopes to fill other empty storefronts in that strip to reverse a trend that started in 2007 when closings mounted. This strip has potential to come back because it is located in downtown Geneva.
Chamber’s grand nightSt. Charles Chamber of Commerce President Lori Hewitt and her staff once again organized a grand Charlemagne Award Dinner last Friday night at the St. Charles Country Club.
People needed a night out after that crazy blizzard, so everyone was in good spirits.
In addition to crowning John Collins as the 2010 Charlemagne winner, it was interesting to see some long-standing community icons recognized for anniversaries, including old St. Patrick#146;s Church (160 years) and the Arcada Theatre (85 years).
A wild timeThey won#146;t be calling Geneva a #147;sleepy town#148; along the Fox River any more. At least not during the weekend that the Geneva Cultural Arts Commission stages its Dancing With the Geneva Stars event.
Last Saturday#146;s show at Eagle Brook Country Club could best be described as #147;electric#148; and all of the couples competing did a great job.
You#146;d be hard-pressed to find a more crowded and entertaining fundraiser. So crowded, in fact, that some people took the wrong coats at the end of the night. So, check your coats.
Lots of eventsWe deserve interesting and fun events to reward us for surviving this winter. A few good ones are coming up.
The Fox River Corridor group hosts its annual wine tasting Friday night at the new Bistro One West, at 1 W. Illinois St., the site of the former Sage Bistro, and Erik and Me.
The Fox Valley Newcomers are raising money this year for Royal Family Kids Camp, a great program that provides a summer haven for abused children. It starts with a Valentine#146;s fashion show from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday at the Oscar Swan Inn in Geneva.
Also, the play #147;Love Letters#148; will be staged at 8 p.m. Saturday at Steel Beam Theatre, with a wine and cheese reception at 7 p.m., all to benefit the new St. Charles Arts Council. Two well-known folks in the local arts world #8212; Donna Steele of Steel Beam Theatre and John Gawlik of Fox Valley Repertory #8212; take on the play#146;s only roles.
dheun@sbcglobal.net