Geneva's Park Place Interiors in growing mode
It's good to see a success story like Park Place Interiors in Geneva's Dodson Place come out of this rough economy.
Owners Russ and Kathleen Newhouse have often talked about how important it is to be part of Geneva's Third Street and the support they have received from the community. It makes them quite excited about Park Place's 3,000-square-foot expansion into an adjoining space formerly occupied by Cradles and More.
"This gives us more exposure in the courtyard, and hopefully it will work out," Russ said. "If you don't take chances, you won't get anywhere."
Russ said past successes made it easier to view the new space as an opportunity that couldn't be passed up.
"We're happy with it, and we're hoping to have it open in a few weeks."
Those tricky artists: A painting that has enough visual tricks to make one feel they are looking at 3-D art? They do exist.
A free program titled "Visual Tricks-Visual Treats" from 3:30 to 4:30 p.m. May 5 at the Messenger Public Library in North Aurora will feature some of those paintings.
Paintings of Picasso and other famous artists who employed the "trompe l'oeil" technique, which literally means "trick the eye," will be featured.
It's one of many interesting programs, including some for avid readers and golfers, the library's adult services department will offer.
Registration for the art program is available at messengerpl.org or by calling the library at (630) 896-0240, ext. 3.
No fudging on this: I figured my entry into this fundraiser was fairly lame. After all, how can a chunk of delicious fudge stack up to a superb casserole or main dish at the 60 Men Who Cook event on May 7 at the Kane County Fairgrounds?
Even though it is widely known that I don't cook, I am capable of making our family's awesome fudge recipe - and that's why I agreed to participate.
The Taste of Chicago has cut some suburban entrants this summer and it caused an uproar about losing a participant who had offered chocolate and fudge, which made me think that maybe my addition to the local fundraiser that will benefit various Geneva organizations won't be so bad. A chunk of fudge could be perfect to take the edge off some of the other great food offerings.
Tickets at $25 per person (or $35 at the door) are available at the Geneva Chamber of Commerce, (630) 232-6060, and other Geneva locations. Plus, don't forget that this event raises funds through the $1 votes everyone will cast for favorite chefs.
For my club's causes: And what else have I gotten involved in? My service club is holding its key fundraiser on Tuesday - the annual Tri-Cities Exchange Club Draw Down at the Royal Hawk Country Club in St. Charles.
For a $100 ticket, participants have a chance to win a grand prize of $4,000 or one of the $200 consolation prizes.
The funds support our key causes - prevention of child abuse and promotion of patriotism.
Anyone interested in a ticket can send me an e-mail or call me at (630) 561-1986.
dheun@sbcglobal.net