Moveable Feast is not quite ready to move
Several developers and business owners have shown me blueprints for their projects or ideas through the years, and one I saw last spring was a plan for Moveable Feast in Geneva to move from its Franklin Street site to Third Street, next to the Geneva History Center.
Owner Matt Lennert envisioned a deli and separate dining area large enough for parties, as well as plenty of seating and a glass front facing Third Street so patrons having a bite to eat could overlook the goings-on along Geneva's busy retail center.
The original hope was to be open during this weekend's Christmas Walk. Unfortunately, those plans never took hold, as patrons of the holiday event will notice the empty parcel where Kris Kringle Haus once stood.
"We decided about six weeks ago, actually, that this wasn't the right thing for us at this time," said Lennert, who didn't elaborate on that decision.
Lennert did say he has spoken to developer Joe Stanton about the parcel he recently purchased at 317 S. Third St. to see what kind of fit might exist, but nothing specific has come of those discussions.
"We just need to get through our busy season here during the holidays, and stay where we are at for a while more," Lennert said. "We are not really looking at anything else right now."
An even better Batavia: The best thing about Batavia being tabbed by BusinessWeek magazine as one of the best communities in which to raise kids is this: In a relatively short period of time it could become far better.
It was good to hear recent hints from Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke that he believes the Batavia schools and park district should be able to strike a deal with Mooseheart to obtain some much-needed land for future expansions, though he told me last week he realizes it will take some time.
But it's time for the schools and park district in Batavia to have some options available for new facilities, particularly in the exercise/fitness category, that can compete with neighboring towns.
This is why the park district is seeking input from residents about what they would like to see in a community recreation center.
I'm not sure what it would take for this to happen, but I also feel Batavians deserve a nice auditorium to watch their young people perform school plays and musicals.
Maybe more land will open more possibilities for the arts as well, if a new auditorium isn't practical or approved on the current high school campus.
Honoring that day: As the years pass, it could easily become more difficult to honor life-changing events of our past -- unless you dedicate yourself to it.
Aurora University goes beyond that dedication.
The university hosted its 38th annual Pearl Harbor Day memorial luncheon and ceremony Monday, with military speakers and a recognition of area survivors. The event also ties in annual youth achievement awards, making it the perfect way to honor this day -- get young people involved in understanding and remembering what happened on Dec. 7, 1941.
dheun@sbcglobal.net