Concrete changes made to Batavia Riverwalk
The only concrete Batavians might be interested in at the moment would be the slabs that will make the foundation of the new band shell at the Peg Bond Center on the city's Riverwalk.
But another significant piece of concrete has been moved near the Depot Museum, this one a large statuary of a frog that was previously "living" near the Fox's on the River restaurant.
Batavia resident Phil Elfstrom, of Kane County government and Batavia park board fame, donated the piece to the Riverwalk setting.
"It was down by his restaurant, so I think it was moved because more people would see it on the Riverwalk," City Administrator Bill McGrath said. "It doesn't have a name I know of as of yet, but I would think the community will name it sooner or later."
The concrete frog overlooks Depot Pond in its location near the steps on the east side of the museum.
As for that other important concrete, which will be transformed into the band shell, McGrath said, underground work is being finished and construction completion is on target for the Windmill City Fest in July.
No longer a secret:
Anytime someone claims they have the "best-kept secret" in town, I am all ears when they decide to share that secret.
Jeanine Sobel, the adult activity supervisor for the St. Charles Park District, thinks that the adult activity center at the Pottawatomie Community Center just might qualify as the best thing too many people don't know about.
She recently stopped by my service club to inform members of the various recreational opportunities available for those "50 and better."
With so many Baby Boomers well into their 50s, it is no wonder that park districts and townships are offering so much more for those in that age bracket.
If you haven't had a chance to check out the pool tables, the pickle ball courts, the computers, or the numerous other games and activities at this center, consider yourself let in on this "best-kept" secret. Information about the center is available at (630) 513-4324.
Thoughts on Stanley:
While hockey has been on the minds of many fans in the Chicago area since the Stanley Cup playoffs started a month ago, there is no doubt that when a Chicago team reaches the pinnacle of its sport, it is a business gold mine.
I watched one game at Real Time Sports in St. Charles amid hundreds of fans. The same scenario was playing out in hundreds of taverns and sports bars throughout the area. That's a windfall at this time of year, especially when considering our baseball teams are terrible.
The funniest scene during the hockey game occurred when the largest screen in Real Time had a meaningless White Sox game playing, and fans wanted the Blackhawks on every screen in the building. But they couldn't get the big screen to change channels. An employee finally got on a ladder and fiddled around with some sort of connection in the ceiling to finally force the screen to air the hockey game - which brought one of the louder cheers of the night.
dheun@sbcglobal.net