Good to be back on a local stage
The name of the first play that Courtney Rioux ever appeared in should have been a clue to family and friends that this young girl might go on to bigger and better things.
As a sixth-grader at Haines Middle School in St. Charles, Rioux had a part in "Good News," and that's pretty much been the phrase by which to describe her stage presence.
Rioux first hit the high school stage as a freshman in 1996 in a role in "Saloon Keeper's Daughter." From that point on, the 2000 graduate of St. Charles East has been someone to keep an eye on.
And those who have followed her career are doing just that. She returned to St. Charles in "The Taffetas," a tribute to the 1950s, playing at Pheasant Run through April 11.
"I was really excited to be part of this," Rioux said of the play, which opened Feb. 7. "It has really been fun, learning about the 1950s and playing that part."
Rioux remains busy, having a part in an independent film now in production, while also teaching in the Chicago area.
For now, it is indeed good news to see her on a local stage again.
Up in the air: There certainly is no lack of wind blowing in these parts. The number of truly spectacular calm days in Kane County could probably be counted on one hand each year.
So if we can use this wind for something other than messing up our hair, a kid flying a kite or making our golf shots even worse, county leaders may want to give it some thought.
With Kane County hearing a pitch from GSY-Energy Inc. out of Chicago to consider wind turbines as an energy source, it also sets us up for a chunk of the stimulus plan money that calls for more "green" energy.
And the folks at GSY-Energy say that the west side of the county is the best place to consider turbines. That probably didn't take a lot of research, other than maybe a round of golf at Mill Creek.
Living near the west side, I can tell you that the winds definitely tend to howl in these parts - pretty much all of the time.
That's the spot: The Arcedium Coffeehouse stands out nicely in its location, clearly as part of St. Charles' new First Street.
Owners Celeste and Dennis Walker may find themselves in the best possible location - once this economy stabilizes and the vision that has been First Street becomes a full reality.
Until then, here's to hoping that the new coffeehouse, which features organic and free-trade coffee roasted on site, in addition to a variety of specialty coffees and other beverages, can get a decent foothold. Downtown workers are going to like the fact that this is a cafe that also offers bakery goods and sandwiches.
With the nearby parking garage and future business complex, Arcedium, at the corner of Indiana and First across from Blue Goose, should eventually be in the right place at the right time.