Rambling through central Illinois, still aching after overseeing the planting of 425 shrubs and trees over the weekend.
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Having lamented seeing too many storefronts go dark, it’s encouraging to write about new businesses opening. So I’m happy to type that, before this month is over, Elmwood will have two more storefronts occupied by businesses.
Wednesday was the grand opening for Burrell’s Family Barbershop at 107 W. Main St., the former home to Bees and Blooms flower shop.
Owner George Burrell has been cutting hair and instructing barbers for 15 years. Burrell is a Shelbyville native who has also worked in Decatur. He plans to be open Tuesday through Saturday and welcomes walk-in customers.
Less than two blocks away at 118 E. Main St., Black Maple Coffee plans a grand opening on April 22, according to Amanda Atchley, director of operations.
As part of its opening promotion, Atchley said the first 50 customers will receive free black maple trees.
Since Black Maple owner Emily Morton opened her first store 12 years ago, the chain has grown to five locations, including Canton, Farmington, Havana and Lewistown.
While Black Maple has drive-through service at three of its locations, the Havana and Lewistown restaurants also offer sit-down service. That’s the plan for Elmwood, which will serve breakfast and lunch and use the upper floors of the old Parkview Restaurant building for catering and events.
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Princeville suffered a rash of at least six vehicle burglaries and thefts last Saturday. While all of the Peoria County Sheriff’s reports have not been released for print, there’s an obvious message here. Lock your vehicles and take your keys out of the ignition! … Morel mushrooms are up in the 217 area code. … Speaking of warnings, Tuesday was allegedly World Backup Day, a reminder that anybody who has a website or keeps information online needs to store that same info on a hard drive in case of emergency. Cloud-based backups are fine if you know how to access them. Myself, I feel safer with something we can carry around. … The horrors of online hackers are no joke. Someday I’ll relate the sad story of my high school buddy Jimbo, whose successful business was held hostage by internet pirates from abroad and eventually had to close.
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Got some good-smelling horseradish and better-tasting homemade wine from Mike Peters this week in a trade for swamp-bur oak trees and acorns. All the booze is great, but I’m still hoping for at least a piece of pie before the barter window closes. … If you haven’t visited the Mason State Tree Nursery, you need to check it out (dnr2.illinois.gov/masonstatenursery). They grow great native shrubs and trees for a very reasonable price (shrubs are generally 100 for $45). My newest favorite is the chickasaw plum, a fruit-producing tree/shrub. But be warned, they sell out of plants fast. … Parting shot: An Elmwood senior citizen stopped by recently to share a story. She had gone out to rake leaves in her yard and was approached by four youngsters who offered to do the work for her. After 15 minutes, they had the leaves raked and would not take payment. “But they did like my chocolate-chip cookies,” she said. “I just wanted people to know there are still good young people out there.”
Contact Jeff Lampe at (309) 231-6040 or jeff@wklypost.com.
