I couldn't help but overlook the fact that the recent visit to La Grange by the 12 Turkish government officials did not include a stop by the Turkish-owned breakfast bar on Burlington Avenue.
Besides the owner, there's nothing Turkish about Cafe Calbay, but perhaps the dignitaries would have enjoyed talkng to someone in their own language.
(I remember doing a profile on the owner years ago when a destructive earthquake hit his native Turkey)
Will someone tell Congressman Lipinski his community service field office on the north side of the tracks no longer houses the offices of State Rep. Bob Molaro? Maybe Mike Zalewski can inform the representative. After all, he was appointed to the seat nearly a year ago when Molaro resigned to become a lobbyist.
How many times do I have to mention the annoying spelling error on a yellow caution sign as drivers pass into La Grange over the Ogden Avenue bridge? The sign cautions motorists of the approaching roadway, Burlington Avenue. But the sign reads BurliGton.
In other useless minutae, it seems it's been at least a couple years since the meeting room upstairs in Village Hall has had every white sconce light illuminated at once. That one light off stage right (that's above the left side of the dais) has been out forever.
We thought nobody noticed the words "Stone Avenue" were no longer visible on the faded royal blue Metra sign along the platform on the Hillgrove Avenue side of the train station. But Assistant Village Manager Andrianna Peterson has let us know a new sign will grace the new platform when it is fully rebuilt by next spring.
Hopefully, someone at La Grange Public Library -- or the village for that matter -- will realize the utter danger disabled people have crossing the driveway to access the library entrance on Cossitt. Seems the curb cut should be placed within the parking lot except of just a few feet from where cars and minivans are often zooming in or out of the lot.
Could the lonely, single strand of white holiday-type lights hanging from a tree between Francesca's and Prasino's be a sign seasonal lighting is going up sooner than ever? Or could it mean the organic restaurant is soon to open in the La Grange Pointe senior center?
Last but not least, thanks to La Grange Officer Herrera for helping me out the other night. Shows you can always depend on the Police Department.
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
A NEW 'DOWNTOWN' EVENT SITE?
Many visitors and organizers of the recent BIG Picture art easel auction in the park adjacent to Stone Avenue Station on the Burlington Northern Santa Fe line in La Grange were in agreement the site is perhaps one of the West End's best kept secrets.
Not used for much more than the occasional picnic or waiting place for train commuters and their rides, the unnamed park under the shade of numerous trees proved a great place to cool off and walk the paved path during the West End Art Festival.
But when the white lights were strung up high above everyone's heads on the night of Sept. 12, something magical seemed to take place. With beverages sold by La Bella Catering and pizza by Aurelio's, the natural atmosphere of the park setting, sans the occasional loud train, proved somewhat peaceful and tranquil a good part of the night.
Almost immediately after the auction ended, visitors and organizers were talking up the potential of turning the West End park -- some four blocks from the main business district -- into an informal event site in future summers.
The park, leased by the village from Metra, is accessible, attractive and offers lots of area parking space, especially at night when businesses such as the new Wyckoff-Tweedie photo studio,, Circle of Stones, the First National Bank of La Grange Katherine Dierkes' State Farm Insurance office and Harder's are closed. And any music or noise coming from the park will not impact neighbors, whose homes are a good distance away.
The park could be the site of summer concerts, kid's activity nights or perhaps a weekly dance or temporary beer garden sponsored each week by a different bar or restaurant.
Plus, opening up that end of the downtown to more events could finally tie the West End into the main downtown.
Shuttle buses could transport park patrons to and from the downtown parking deck or Calendar parking lot. Train commuters from neighboring communities could simply hop on and off the Metra for a short visit to La Grange.
Of course, if anything else is held there, the park's asphalt path system would have to be repaved and made accessible to the handicapped. And more park benches and seating and both drinking and ornamental fountains could be installed.
.
Some La Grange Business Association members and officers said it's something to think about and Village President Liz Asperger, in attendance at the auction, informally agreed.
It's an idea worth considering. Let us know what you think.
Not used for much more than the occasional picnic or waiting place for train commuters and their rides, the unnamed park under the shade of numerous trees proved a great place to cool off and walk the paved path during the West End Art Festival.
But when the white lights were strung up high above everyone's heads on the night of Sept. 12, something magical seemed to take place. With beverages sold by La Bella Catering and pizza by Aurelio's, the natural atmosphere of the park setting, sans the occasional loud train, proved somewhat peaceful and tranquil a good part of the night.
Almost immediately after the auction ended, visitors and organizers were talking up the potential of turning the West End park -- some four blocks from the main business district -- into an informal event site in future summers.
The park, leased by the village from Metra, is accessible, attractive and offers lots of area parking space, especially at night when businesses such as the new Wyckoff-Tweedie photo studio,, Circle of Stones, the First National Bank of La Grange Katherine Dierkes' State Farm Insurance office and Harder's are closed. And any music or noise coming from the park will not impact neighbors, whose homes are a good distance away.
The park could be the site of summer concerts, kid's activity nights or perhaps a weekly dance or temporary beer garden sponsored each week by a different bar or restaurant.
Plus, opening up that end of the downtown to more events could finally tie the West End into the main downtown.
Shuttle buses could transport park patrons to and from the downtown parking deck or Calendar parking lot. Train commuters from neighboring communities could simply hop on and off the Metra for a short visit to La Grange.
Of course, if anything else is held there, the park's asphalt path system would have to be repaved and made accessible to the handicapped. And more park benches and seating and both drinking and ornamental fountains could be installed.
.
Some La Grange Business Association members and officers said it's something to think about and Village President Liz Asperger, in attendance at the auction, informally agreed.
It's an idea worth considering. Let us know what you think.
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)