Get ready for a gastropub
A few months ago, I wrote about Sean Williams and his plans to open a new restaurant called The Office at the former site of McNally’s, prior to its move to the First Street Plaza.
Williams was in no hurry to try to open the restaurant before the holidays, figuring he preferred a little more time to make sure he was going to get it right.
So that time is now. Billed as a gastropub, The Office opened Monday at 201 E. Main St.
The name comes from when Williams first purchased the building in 1997 when it was St. Charles Office Supply, but the restaurant artwork honors its place in city history.
Ira Minard, one of the city’s founders, put up the building in 1849 as the city’s first bank. Minard lived next door, in an area where Williams will now have outdoor dining available.
Council needs you:
If you have some time and some skills to help worthy organizations or charitable events, there are plenty of opportunities throughout the Tri-Cities.
But a new one is surfacing for those who have a fondness for the arts.
The newly formed St. Charles Arts Council has the call out for volunteers, with a list of needs that begs for a lot of people to step forward — even if just for a couple of hours a week, or to be put on an on-call list.
The council has its sights set on a citywide all-arts festival as its signature event in 2012, but for the time being it needs office help, administrative assistance, event coordinators, curators and grant writers.
Those looking to get more information and possibly get involved can send an e-mail to StCharlesArtsCouncil@gmail.com or call (630) 443-3794.
History all around:
You couldn’t ask for much more history in one place at one time than the St. Charles Heritage Center Ball last Saturday night at the Hotel Baker, celebrating the 100th birthday of the St. Charles Park District.
You had the history center, the history of the hotel itself, and then 100 years of park district lore.
Carol Glemza, an employee of the park district for 68 years, shared some wonderful recollections, talking about the excitement of a notice coming from the federal government that WPA funds would be available to build Pottawatomie Park.
Mayor Don DeWitte expressed melancholy, yet fond, memories for the Hotel Baker, saying his late parents were married there in 1948.
The heritage center board and fundraising chairman Brian Henry produced a wonderful evening.
The bargain hunt:
On the hunt for that elusive book, CD, DVD or video game? And at a price you can’t beat?
Might be a good idea to stop by the Baker Memorial United Methodist book sale from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday at the church, 307 Cedar Ave., St. Charles.
Shovel it safely:
Unless every weather reporter in the Midwest had it wrong, there is a good chance you had a hard time finding your newspaper this morning under several inches of snow.
As you dig your way out, take a few breaks. Snow shoveling is a tough sport.
dheun@sbcglobal.net