Take a Breath

Now that the St. Francis Hospital emotional rollercoaster ride is coming to an end, I think it’s safe to say that we all were affected. Not knowing what would happen put a lot of stress on the community. Who would end up unemployed? What would happen to the building? Just as people held their breath waiting to see what would happen, they also held their wallets, and many of the small businesses suffered. Curiously, we all have this illusion that things will remain the same, especially when we are not paying attention or keeping in touch, but things change whether we pay attention or not. And even though the closing was not related to the turmoil surrounding St. Francis Hospital, I have to report that we have lost another business on Western Avenue.
We can all breathe a little easier now. Things will return to normal. Hopefully, we will appreciate and pay attention to all the businesses that remain in Blue Island more than ever. Let me ask you this; What is your favorite store? Where do you go out to eat all the time? Who has that thing you want? Why not splurge this week? Go ahead, spend $10.00 in Blue Island.
On a lighter note, I have to tell you how great Stefanelli’s is. My husband and I are cheese lovers, and we have developed a fondness for English Stilton. We were buying it at Trader Joe’s since good Stilton was not available in Blue Island. We promised Stefanelli’s that if they brought in Stilton we would buy it, not the whole wheel at once, but eventually we would take it all. I’m happy to say that for six weeks we have been buying and enjoying our private stash of Stilton, and now I hear reports that someone else is starting to buy it too. All I have to say is; HANDS OFF OUR STILTON! Luckily, Joe Stefanelli has assured me that he will keep the supply coming.
Last but not least, if you missed the Cinco de Mayo festival in the park at York & Western, you missed some great music and equally great food. On behalf of the merchants and restaurants that set up, I would like to thank Ruth Sheahan and the Chamber of Commerce for their help, the City of Blue Island for their support, and the FORUM newspaper for the ad.

Candace Carr
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