Economic challenge is filling empty businesses
“I will know the economy is finally improving when those buildings are being used.”
That thought crosses my mind when driving by certain vacant business locations throughout the Tri-Cities.
The Business Legacy Center off Kirk Road on the east side of St. Charles is one such area. The empty Bakers Square and Rex’s Cork ‘N Fork restaurant buildings on East Main would look better occupied. We won’t even start on the numerous openings in Charlestowne Mall.
Batavia has an eyesore of vacant space on Island Avenue with its defunct shopping strip, but at least the city had a better idea for that land use — but voters didn’t see it that way in voting down a park district recreation facility. A few years from now, they may wish a new recreation center had been approved.
I was worried that one spot in Geneva — the former Viking Office Supply building at 127 W. State St. — could remain empty for months, or even years.
Not to worry. The Bicycle Heaven store is planning on opening in that location in another week.
There are other spots, of course. And not all have to be up and running to declare us in better shape. But how about at least half of them?
Start playing again
Jane Siarny of St. Charles has been a member of Geneva United Methodist Church for six years — and it’s meant more “play time.” Siarny is a trained instructor of InterPlay, using play as a foundation for bringing people together for creative activities that benefit body, mind, heart and spirit.
It sounds like a lot, but Siarny will explain it during concurrent sessions starting at 9:30 a.m. and going until noon or 3 p.m. Saturday at Geneva United Methodist.
“I have noticed that folks often need practice in free-play as we have lost that from our culture in our busy, structured ‘recreational’ and educational endeavors,” Siarny explained. “This is a wonderful way for people to play at any age. Play de-stresses us, creates community, and breaks down barriers between groups of people.”
Questions can be directed to Siarny at (630) 715-8590 or at InterPlayChicago@sbcglobal.net.
Cooking for causes
It may start to get confusing as to which men are cooking at which place. Regardless, a lot of men are cooking over the next few months for worthy causes.
While the “60 Men Who Cook” event in Geneva unfolds May 6 at the Kane County Fairgrounds to support various Geneva service clubs, it should not be confused with the “50 Men Who Cook” event in Batavia, which takes place from 6 to 9 p.m. Saturday at the Lincoln Inn to benefit Suicide Prevention Services.
You can order tickets for $50 online at the Suicide Prevention Services website, or purchase them at the door for $60.
Climbing trivia ladder
Our team finished second last weekend during the TriCity Family Services trivia night fundraiser, our highest finish in years.
But when you know what the name is for a group of crows, you should fare well. The answer? A group of crows is called a “murder.”
No kidding.
dheun@sbcglobal.net