'Expansion' could be buzzword in 2010
There may not be a lot of new homes or businesses sprouting in Batavia in the coming year, but "expansion" may continue.
Batavia Mayor Jeff Schielke has delivered that message during his recent state of the city breakfast meeting, and again during a recent talk with my service club.
Schielke said his city has had recent requests from Jewel, Target, Sam's Club and Walmart, all located along Randall Road, about future expansion projects.
"I think it is the competitive nature of these folks, and a lot of it is about expanding the grocery portion of their stores," Schielke added.
While he wasn't able to divulge the names of potential suitors, Schielke did say that a few "national name" restaurants are making overtures to all of the Tri-Cities about putting locations along Randall Road.
It seems that, despite the economy, area residents are pretty consistent about welcoming new restaurant venues with their dollars. But it doesn't take much more than seeing the building shell for the still-not-open Golden Corral family restaurant on Randall Road in Batavia to realize this economy remains a tricky minefield.
Sugo closing for now: Another east side restaurant in St. Charles is preparing to close its doors, but its owner is hoping to relocate somewhere in the Tri-Cities.
Sugo Italian restaurant, located next to the former Cork 'N Fork restaurant, has alerted customers it will close at the end of the month.
The location has housed Sam's Club and other restaurants in the past, but current owner Javiel Sugo said this closing has to do with the economy and the landlord's decision to not renew the lease.
"We'll look around for something in St. Charles or Geneva, hopefully, but we'll see," said Sugo, whose restaurant has been in operation for four years.
Just a big family: Township senior centers are sure to grow in popularity as baby boomers age, but Wayne Township Senior Center is recognized as one that already has a loyal following as it gets ready to enter its 30th year of service.
The center, located on North Avenue in West Chicago, recently earned accolades at the annual Township of Illinois convention and will get more in two days at an Association for Illinois Senior Centers gathering.
The center has earned awards for its caring staff members, programs, community support and marketing directives.
Paula Eaton was tabbed the "Senior Director of the Year" and cited the key reasons the center is well-received by its 500 members.
"We get to know everybody here, and that is sometimes difficult to do with our small staff," Eaton said. "We make them feel welcome and we listen to them and really learn about what they want to do."
Eaton - who is assisted by Paula Trigger, who earned an award as a top staff member - said the seniors and staff "feel like part of a big family."
This is more apparent, Eaton said, when the center sends greeting or sympathy cards, and establishes calling trees to keep everyone informed about friends at the center.
The center is planning its 30th anniversary party for February or March.