By Debra Dingman
The Toughest ‘Semester’
After graduation, after working downtown and in Dixon churches, there is a silence that seems to settle upon downtown for a couple of weeks. I believe it is because our families—after focusing so much on the end of school and graduation--take off for vacations or simply just be still. But after that, parents of graduates may experience the ‘toughest semester.’
For all three of my grown children, I experienced the difficulty of getting them home by a decent hour or to report in where they were going and with whom—just in case of emergencies, of course, or for general respect. Until students go off to college dorms or shared apartments, there will most likely be some struggles with authority—they’ve done what was ‘required’ by graduating.
In their mind, they have completed their task under your household and now are a full-fledge adult who can command their lives. That would be great if there was no one else in the house to hear one (and his buddies) raiding the refrigerator at 2 a.m. Trying to get a seemingly grown adult to abide by ‘old’ house rules is a challenge of communication and I wish the many families success over the summer. Don’t be surprised if this ‘next semester’ is the toughest.
DDBA Meets June 6
Bryan-Braker Funeral Home will be hosting the next Downtown Dixon Business Association Meeting on Thursday, June 6, at 8:30 a.m. The weather should be nice and Dan Ayala as well and Chris Donhost always do a nice job setting up outdoors. We’re going to hear a couple people: Cookie Powell, Director of Dixon Family Services is going to share about their new thrift store that will open soon on Adams Street in the Tudor style corner building.
We are also planning to hear from John and Leslie Kraintz about their opening of the Firehouse Bistro on North First Street. I think it is important for our local residents to learn how much activity is going on in our downtown area. I love seeing so many people shopping and have enjoyed having a business downtown although we could all surely use more. Supporting the merchants means keeping more than your tax dollars local. The public is welcome to attend DDBA meetings and we are always looking for volunteers to help at events or fundraisers.
Speaking of fundraisers, Kristin Hernandez of the Wilde Hare Salon will be soliciting volunteers to work the DDBA Fireworks Booth that will be in the CVS Parking Lot. Kathy King of First Priority Mortgage will also be sharing about a possible ‘Fun Run.’ For more information, call (707) n678-8400 or check out the website downtowndixon.org.
Grillin’ and Chillin’ Adds 120 More Cars
I got to visit with Mike Hamilton the other day after he’d been to see Police Chief Jon Cox about safety issues for the upcoming Grillin’ and Chillin’ that will be downtown on Saturday, July 20. The G & C is adding about 120 more cars to their car show line up and needed to block off some more streets.
The City is working with Mike to ensure folks can still get around and that the event is another smashing success. Now that Mike is ‘partially’ retired (Does anyone ever really fully retire?), the G & C is a passion and we can be assured there will be plenty of barbecue ribs and lots of chili again during the street fair!
The G & C does have a website and you can sign up now for entering one of the cook-offs or for booth space but don’t delay, it is only seven weeks away.
Gone Fishin’ Holds Swap Meet
Just in time for Father’s Day, Gone Fishin’ Marina has announced their 5th annual Boater’s Swap Meet for Saturday, June 15, 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. There is surely going to be plenty to sell and plenty to buy for the outdoor sport enthusiast. There is no charge for space so clean out your garages, guys! Time to trade in what you don’t use for things you’d like to try. I’m all for recycling and using things before they get old or out of date.
Owners Mark and Karena Blanton say it should be fun with a pancake breakfast waiting for shoppers. Donations will go to ‘Toys for the Troops Kids’ from the breakfast and you can get more information by calling (707) 678-1600 or to reserve a booth space, emailing: Emily@gfmarine.com
The huge shop is located at 1800 North Lincoln Street in Dixon which is also near Emigh’s Meat Market, Ron DuPratt Ford, and on the way to Curves. This sounds like the perfect way to shop for Father’s Day which is Sunday, June 16.
Until next week, TTFN.
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