Sixth Street School's absence leaves a gap in downtown Geneva

Is it just me, or does anyone else have to refocus a bit on where they are when driving in the area that once housed Sixth Street School in Geneva?

The school was demolished late last year to possibly make way for a new library in Geneva, though that is far from official at this point and a couple of years away at least.

But it's just an open field now, with a small playground for kids tucked in the corner by Franklin Street. That playground, called Seventh Street Park, may get a lot of business if it sits in the shadow of a new library in the future.

But the old school was a landmark for years, always noticeable when turning on Franklin or Campbell streets off Seventh Street if driving that way into downtown Geneva. It also provided some nice overflow parking for community festivals.

Without it towering over the area, a "weird feeling" that something is missing sets in now.

Cooking by calendar

I'm starting to keep my eye open for when Josef's Elegante Meats and Deli in Geneva would start cooking its burgers and brats outside. That takes place on any Saturday in which the temperature is in the 50-degree range.

We can count on that occurring sometime after the market is through the Easter rush of selling legs of lamb, said Joe Falcone, son of owner Pat Falcone.

"Then we start thinking about the grilling season," said Joe Falcone, who usually handles the grilling duties.

That's only about seven weeks away, folks.

Those brunch spots

A few readers felt as if I had mentioned the best brunch locations last week when asking about some other locations - because I rarely go to brunch. Not being an expert on that topic, it was a good idea to see what others thought.

It turns out, I overlooked one that has been plain as day for more than a year - The Little Traveler on Third Street in Geneva. This popular shop added the brunch experience when deciding to open its doors on Sundays. We've heard plenty of good things about it, but it slipped through my mind when mentioning area spots.

Another one mentioned is a little off our beaten path, but sounded quite good - Cantigny. Plus, this reader said it offers lighter fare and it feels pretty good to have brunch there and then walk around the grounds.

Perfect timing

It's been a few years since the boys and girls basketball teams at both Geneva High School and Batavia High School have been, at the same time, very good and of equal ability to do damage in the Upstate Eight River Division and beyond.

That formula should make for a fun night Friday at Geneva when the girls' teams square off, followed by the boys, with Geneva's Hall of Fame inductee ceremony taking place as well.

Some more wine

Last week, in rattling off the business landscape near the empty 25-plus acres that was once home to the St. Charles Mall, I forgot to mention that a new Pride beer and wine store is opening adjacent to the Pride gas station there at Bricher Road and Lincoln Highway.

A little competition for Binny's maybe, but also another signal that empty storefronts and lots are starting to come around in that region.

dheun@sbcglobal.net