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Many Fairfield Glade residents who spoke at a town hall meeting on the future of the Druid Hills Clubhouse project made it known that they miss dining at the now-closed Legends banquet room and Fireside Lounge there.

Whether the Fairfield Glade Community Club should operate more than one restaurant currently only Stonehenge Grille was the primary topic of discussion during the Oct. 26 meeting at The Center.

The board of directors called the town hall meeting for residents to offer their suggestions and ask questions about the future of the Druid Hills Clubhouse building.

The board will decide whether to remodel the 50-year-old building or tear it down and replace it and whether a restaurant will be included.

FGCC board member Greg Jones, who heads the Druid Hills Clubhouse project advance planning team, said the meeting would be the first of several town halls on what should be done at Druid Hills with the support of residents.

This is not the committees or even the boards clubhouse, it is the communitys, said Jones, who moderated discussion with the audience of about 150 people. So we want to be attentive to make sure were listening to what you have to say.

He said there likely will be a survey for residents, too, and noted that residents also can offer their comments and ask questions by email at druidhillsprojects@fairfieldglade.cc.

Most residents who spoke wanted either Legends/Fireside to reopen or a restaurant to be included in plans for a new clubhouse complex.

One woman made her point for more dining by asking the audience for a show of hands who are golfers and then for the same among those who like to eat out. About twice as many hands went up for the latter.

I think that tells you where were coming from, she said, adding that the emphasis in Fairfield Glade, seems to be on golf, and golf only.

She said the Casa Grande Mexican restaurant that opened on Peavine Rd. in October has been mobbed with customers, and noted that they dont even have a liquor license.

So, I think there is an opportunity for us to have more and better food and beverage service here, and have it quickly, she said. She and others agreed that waiting several years for a remodeled or new complex is too long.

According to a project timeline, construction of a new complex or remodeling of the existing building would occur in two phases, with the first completed in 2024. There was no timeline yet for completion of the second phase.

One resident said because the community club has a flagship golf course in Stonehenge there had better be a flagship restaurant to go along with it. Stonehenge Grille, he said, is nice, but it doesnt cut it.

Pointing out FGCCs history of an unsuccessful food and beverage operation, he said a friend who owns an Illinois resort with golf courses and restaurants suggested to him that FGCC lease Legends/Fireside to a restaurateur who knows how to run a restaurant rather than operate it itself. Many in the audience applauded him.

The F&B operation had been subject to complaints in recent years from some residents when both Stonehenge Grille and Legends/Fireside were open. In 2018, for example, it lost $657,000. Losses were reduced to $472,000 in 2019.

All F&B losses are subsidized through property owner assessments.

Complaints about poor quality of both food and service, primarily at Fireside Lounge, coupled with the high level of subsidies, led the board to decide to close Legends/Fireside effective April of this year, and operate only a newly remodeled Stonehenge Grille year-round. Stonehenge Grille previously shut down at the same time as the golf course in November until the spring.

With now only one restaurant to manage, F&B for the year to date ending Sept. 30 lost about $239,000; that is $90,000 less than what it was budgeted to lose at $329,000 for the first nine months. During the same period last year, it lost $425,000.

Before the meeting, one woman walked carried a petition and asked attendees if they would sign it in support of a drive to reopen Legends/Fireside.

A reopening is not likely anytime soon, if at all. At a board meeting this past summer, General Manager Bob Weber said that the COVID-19 pandemic has made hiring and retaining staff even more difficult than previously. He repeated at a board workshop Oct. 27, that staffing is the major obstacle to reopening Legends/Fireside.

Weber said another issue is that there arent enough diners to support more than one restaurant in the fall and winter when the number of visitors to the Glade drops considerably, some residents leave for warmer weather and others prefer to stay at home during cold temperatures. He said F&B revenue typically falls about 40% during that time.

The board announced last week that Stonehenge Grille will be closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays starting in November and continuing through the winter as part of a reshuffling of services during the usually slow time.

But the board said it is working with caterers to have some special events at The Center, which has a banquet room but no full-service kitchen.

Jones said at the workshop that the community meeting on Druid Hills was well-attended with a lot of good conversation and that he received 30-35 email messages on the topic.

I thought yesterday was a pretty good day, he said.

More here:
Druid Hills project in the works, FGCC holds town hall - Crossville Chronicle

(Alexandria, MN) There are only a few school board positions and a handful of questions on the ballot for next Tuesday's special elections. The following is a look at what is on the ballot in the various school districts in and around Alexandria.

ISD 206 - Alexandria (Vacancy)

ISD 213 - Osakis (Vacancy)

ISD 547 - Parkers Prairie (Vacancy)

ISD 2908 - Brandon-Evansville(Question)

Approval of School Building Bonds

Shall the School Board of Independent School District No. 2908 (Brandon-Evansville), Minnesota (the School District), be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $14,500,000, for the purpose of providing funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including but not limited to, safety and security improvements, renovation of existing space into classrooms, gymnasium, career and technical shop and community fitness room additions, construction of new parking lots and new storage shed at the Brandon school facility and including but not limited to, safety and security improvements, classroom addition, gymnasium addition, renovation of existing space to provide more classrooms, new parent drop-off area, demolition of three story building and construction of new parking lots at the Evansville school facility?

ISD 2753 - Long Prairie-Grey Eagle(Question)

Question - Renewal of Expiring Referendum Revenue Authorization

The board of Independent School District No. 2753 (Long Prairie-Grey Eagle) has proposed to renew the school district's existing referendum revenue authorization of $249.24 per pupil which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2022. The proposed referendum revenue authorization would be applicable for ten years beginning with taxes payable in 2023, unless otherwise revoked or reduced as provided by law. Shall the increase in the revenue proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 2753 be approved?

ISD 743 - Sauk Centre (Question)

Question 1 - Renewal of Capital Project Levy To Fund Technology

The board of Independent School District No. 743 (Sauk Centre Public Schools) has proposed a capital project levy authorization of 2.281% times the net tax capacity of the school district. This authorization would renew the school districts existing authorization which is scheduled to expire after taxes payable in 2021. The proposed capital project levy authorization will raise approximately $259,805 for taxes payable in 2022, the first year it is to be levied, and would be authorized for six years. The estimated total cost of the projects to be funded over that time period is approximately $1,558,830. The additional revenue from the proposed capital project levy authorization will provide funds for the acquisition, installation, replacement, support and maintenance of software, software licenses, computers, improved technology equipment, networks, infrastructure, and the costs of technology related personnel and training. Shall the capital project levy authorization proposed by the board of Independent School District No. 743 be approved?

Question 2 - Approval of School District Bond Issue

Shall the school board of Independent School District No. 743 (Sauk Centre Public Schools) also be authorized to issue its general obligation school building bonds in an amount not to exceed $26,450,000 to provide funds for the acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities, including renovations and ADA-accessibility improvements to existing restrooms in the secondary building, the construction and equipping of an early childhood center, storm shelter, and outdoor projects yard at the elementary school, remodeling and improvements to the existing elementary school library and computer lab, remodeling and improvements to create learning communities at the elementary school, the remodeling and equipping of the elementary school special education suite, the addition of a sensory room at that site, subdividing existing elementary classrooms to create smaller classrooms and break-out areas, the construction and equipping of new entrances and learning commons in the secondary building, the remodeling and equipping of the media center, staff lounge, career and technical education spaces, the construction and equipping a new cafeteria and storm shelter at the secondary school building, remodeling and improvements to create a culinary arts learning space with break-out areas, renovations to the existing science lab to create classrooms and storage areas, upgrades and improvements to lighting, boilers, water distribution systems, the central clock and public address system, and the construction of roofing repairs and improvements at the elementary school and auditorium?

ISD 2342 - West Central Area (Question)

Question 1 - School Building Bonds for New and Existing Elementary Schools

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an aggregate amount not to exceed $37,030,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction of a new South elementary school in Hoffman and construction and renovation at North elementary school in Elbow Lake including, but not limited to, site acquisition and improvements at the elementary sites by means of site development, demolition and abatement, modernization, and beautification?

Question 2 - School Building Bonds for Classroom Expansion, Fitness Center and Equipment

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an aggregate amount not to exceed *4,870,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, expanding classroom spaces and labs, adding equipment and furniture to support STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math), Career and Technical Education, a Student Fitness Center, the Media Center and other general updates to facility grounds?

Question 3 - School Building Bonds for Athletic Complexes; Outdoor Upgrades

Shall the board of Independent School District No. 2342 (West Central Area Schools), Minnesota be authorized to issue general obligation school building bonds of the School District in an aggregate amount not to exceed $5,495,000 for acquisition and betterment of school sites and facilities including, but not limited to, construction and equipping of a track and filed complex, construction of a softball and baseball field complex and to repair and upgrade other outdoor grounds and structures?

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What are on the local ballots for next Tuesday's special elections - Voice Of Alexandria

Phone and online orders are pouring into Rangoon since management announced on social media that Chinatowns lone Burmese restaurant would close at the end of the year after a 28-year run on Ninth Street.

But the thousand-layer bread and spring ginger salads may not go away for good.

While Christine Gyaw and her business partners field an uptick in orders from nostalgic customers, they have also heard from several restaurateurs who are interested in either keeping Rangoon in business or opening it as a different Burmese restaurant at 112 N. Ninth St. The restaurant opened in 1993 at 145 N. Ninth St. and moved down the block to a larger storefront in 1996.

READ MORE: Rangoon and 11 other restaurants that capture Chinatown's spirit

One potential suitor owns several non-Asian restaurants in Philadelphia, Gyaw said, and his children love the food. If she can strike a deal with him, she said, she would stay on as a partner and would teach Rangoons recipes to a new chef. Regardless of the new management, Gyaw said, the place needs remodeling, a common necessity at an older restaurant. Rangoon had offered beer and wine in the dining room, but new management could offer more profitable cocktails and a tightening of the menu.

Gyaw, 64, who fled Myanmar in 1990 with her daughter, Mya, said the rigors of the business have caught up with her and partners Jenny Louie and Chiu Sin Mee. They decided to announce the closing Oct. 26 to allow customers time to process the news.

Gyaw said the pandemic has been particularly hard on them as they schlep sacks of potatoes and other heavy ingredients from storage into the kitchen.

Their chef, as Gyaw explained, is 77 years old. The restaurant has also shed staff since reopening in May 2020 after a two-month shutdown early in the pandemic to the point that they cannot staff the formal dining room for in-person service. Rangoon did not offer delivery before the pandemic, and the owners were forced to transition their kitchen to the world of third-party platforms.

Customers showing up for pickups have been emotional, Gyaw said. One said, I almost cried when I heard about this. When I saw him, I wanted to cry, too.

See original here:
Rangoon, which brought Burmese cuisine to Philadelphia in 1993, says it will close, but there are plans to sell - The Philadelphia Inquirer

Election Day is fast approaching.

It's a thin ballot in Livingston County. Here's what Livingston County residentsneed to know for Nov. 2.

In Brighton, residents will decide who will fill four of the city's council seats.

In Howell, residents will chose a mayor and three city council members.They also will select two people to serve on the city's board of review.

Voters in Conway and Handy townships will join voters in Fowlerville in deciding ona bond millage for Fowlerville Schools. The estimated millage that will be levied for the proposed bondis 0.9 mill, which wouldnot increase what taxpayers are paying, according to the proposal.

An informational flyer from Fowlerville Schools says the proposed millage essentially extends thebond repayments by a year. The additional money will be used for a new elementary school building, technology for the new school,remodeling school buildings and playgrounds, according to the proposal.

In Howell, residents inPrecincts 1 and 2vote atLivingstonEducationalServiceAgency (LESA).Precinct 3votes at Howell City Hall in the second floor conference room.

In Brighton, residents in Precinct 1 vote at the Brighton Area District Library; residents in Precinct 2 vote at the Brighton Community Center and residents in Precincts 3 and 4 vote at the Brighton Education Community Center (BECC).

In Conway Township, residents will vote at Conway Township Hall and Handy Township residents will vote atWoodshire Place Banquet Facility.

Residents can find their assigned precinctby entering their address on the county's website.

A resident may register in person at their local clerk's office, up to and including Election Day with residency verification. Documents that may be accepted for residency verification (items must include the applicant's name and current address): current utility bill, bank statement, paycheck, government check, or other government document.

A person registering to vote less than 14 days before an election can vote in person with an absentee ballot at the Clerk's Office with residency verification. They also have the option to go to their voting location after registering at their local clerk's office.

Polls will be open 7 a.m. until 8 p.m.

Contact Kayla Daugherty at 517-552-2848 or kdaugherty@gannett.com.Follow her on Twitter @KayDaugherty92.

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The 2021 general election is Tuesday. Here is what you need to know in Livingston County - Livingston Daily

Grand Canyon's men's basketball team returns to pre-COVID normalcy in its arena Saturday night against Western New Mexico.

There will be a full house, the frenzied, electric atmosphere created by the students known as the "Havocs."

And there will likely be some tears shed before the game when a tribute video will be played to honor former player Oscar Frayer, who died March 23 in a fiery car crash in northern California, three days after he blocked three shots and scored eight points in GCU's loss to Iowa in the first round of the NCAA Tournament.

Frayer, who returned for his final season last year after missing the 2019-20 season, will always be remembered by his teammates and coaches and the newcomers who have heard stories about the athletic, charismatic forward.

"He's done a lot for this school, so it's good that they are honoring him," said forward Sean Miller-Moore, who was Frayer's roommate last season when the Antelopes made school history, becoming the first team to reach the NCAA Tournament.

Miller-Moore said Frayer's passion carried over to the kind of player he has become.

"How joyful he was, and how passionate he was," Miller-Moore said. "When he was on the court, he was always working hard. Every time I'm on the floor, I'm remembering him, no matter what."

Coach Bryce Drew, now in his second year leading the Antelopes, said that Saturday is going to be a celebration of Frayer's life.

"Honoring him with the team and what he helped accomplish," Drew said. "When I look down at his jersey (number 4), I'll have some sadness but I'llalso have a smile in my heart knowing what he's accomplished in his life."

This will be Drew's and most of the players' first full Havocs experience. They got a glimpse of the noise level during Midnight Madness, when students packed the arena. But this is now in a game situation.

Last year, with COVID-19 restrictions, GCU was grateful to have some fans spread out among cardboard cutouts. As the season wound down, more than 2,000 students were let into games, which still created a great college basketball atmosphere.

Now the noise level figures to be off the charts, especially after that full crowd couldn't be heard for a year-and-a-half. During Thursday's practice, Drew had noise piped in over the PA system at times.

"Trying to make them realize how loud they're going to have to talk during the games," Drew said.

After practice, the players got to see their new locker room that includes a lounge and massage chairs. There also is a new weight room near steps from the locker room and an expanded trainer's room.

That excited them.

Since the spring, they weren't able to shower at the arena, because of remodeling going on. They would have to go back to their dorms to shower.

Thursday's practice was attended by Bryce's father, Homer Drew, the former great Valparaiso coach, who led his small Indiana team to a first-round NCAA shocking win over Mississippi on son Drew's memorable 3-point buzzer beater in 1998. Homer said he will be attending Saturday's game.

Drew wasn't ready to say what his starting lineup will be for Western New Mexico, but said he's comfortable with a number of players.

It could be fun watching local guys, Jovan Blacksher Jr., and Holland Woods II, in the backcourt together for the first time. Blacksher was the MVP of the WAC Tournament last year. Woods transferred in from Arizona State, where he played in every game last season for the Sun Devils, who were bitten by injuries.

"We might see different starting lineups," Drew said. "There's a lot of versatility. I don't see a set starting lineup. I see lots of guys that will play first half and second half, see how it goes."

Miller-Moore, who played a key role off the bench last season, said this a close team, even with seven newcomers, including former ASU forward Taeshon Cherry.

"We all love each other," Miller-Moore said. "We're so close as a team already."

To suggest human-interest story ideas and other news, reach Obert at richard.obert@arizonarepublic.comor 602-316-8827. Follow him on Twitter @azc_obert.

Support local journalism: Subscribe to azcentral.com today

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Grand Canyon to pay tribute to Oscar Frayer before playing Western New Mexico on Saturday - The Arizona Republic

Its always fun to plan the next addition to any home or house structure. Additional rooms and large layout extensions can add functionality and value to properties. Exciting structures can elevate any house aesthetic. Moreover, there is more space and a place for things at home.

One of the most common home projects is adding a second story. Many homes start with a single-story foundation. Over the years, additional renovations become more evident. Homeowners improve and remodel parts of their property. However, these home projects dont come without proper planning and preparation.

Its best to know some things before adding a second story to your home. Youre adding another aspect, but theres also a possibility of subtracting parts from the structural fidelity. Changes are inevitable, no matter how big or small the project is.

Adding a second-floor costs money

Any home remodels or renovation, no matter the size, costs money. The same applies when you want to add a second floor to your property. Its best to prepare for the costs, so you dont underestimate the expenses of an additional second floor.

Costs often include the materials, labor, and the service of companies. Its always better to have a little extra budget in case of changes. After all, you cant compromise the safety and condition of a top floor on an existing single story.

Budget planning should be part of the entire project planning. Discuss the budget with your contractor to avoid overshooting expenses as much as possible. Contractors arent strangers to limited budgets. Various compromises are always present to fit any budget construction but dont forget to spare the extra cash.

Prepare the garage for additional floor layers

If you want to add a top floor to the garage, it may require different preparation. Youll need to call a garage door repair company for the task first. There are ideal structure aspects to the garage that can change with the addition of a top floor.

In most cases, the garage still stays as a car space. Adding second floors can change the area of the garage. To avoid any misalignment issues, you should deal with the existing garage door first.

Moreover, its best to clear the garage floor first. In this move, you may end up having to move vehicles away first. Clear out items and fixtures for the additional second floor. Prepare the garage door just like you would prepare for the construction.

Prerequisite tasks can include garage door repair

For garage doors that lack the proper maintenance and regular services, its a different matter to prep the doors. If the garage doors arent in the best condition, there may be issues with any renovation.

Adjustments, movements, and part inspections are necessary. The last thing you want is a weak garage that can compromise the additional floor to your property. Loose mechanisms, missing door parts, or damages can affect the building work of the second floor.

So if you need garage door spring repair, garage door roller repair or any other garage door services, its better to contact a local garage door company before.

The same goes for garage door installation works. If its part of your plan to add a new garage door and a second floor, incorporate the doors into the plan. Installation, design, size, frame adjustments, and garage foundations are essential aspects you need to consider.

There are standard building codes for every location

Living in neighborhoods and locations can translate to various guidelines. Since youre living with a community, additional construction requires a lot of things. You cant renovate homes without the proper permit.

In some cases, you need to ask for permission from community councils to add a second floor. Since aerial areas are often contingent on debate or protest, inquire with localities first. Different additions mean different standards, guidelines, and procedures to follow.

There are also specific building codes to guarantee a standard building foundation. If there are accidents and unfortunate situations, tragedies to your property can affect other homes. Trusted professional contractors are experts in building codes to work around regulations.

Other things to consider for constructing an additional second floor

Technicalities arent the only cause of concern for adding a second floor. Theres more to adding a second floor than the new layout, design, and budget. To prepare for other matters, consider the following scenarios:

Read more:
Things to Know About Adding Second Story Additions to Your Home - MarylandReporter.com - MarylandReporter.com

Louise Archer Elementary School (via Google Maps)

Fairfax County voters will face a one-question test on Election Day tomorrow (TuesdaY0, where theyll decide whether to fund 15 school projects, including three in the Tysons area.

The 2021 school bond referendum includes renovations for two high schools (Centreville and Falls Church) and 12 elementary schools, plus a site acquisition for a future Western High School.

If approved, the ballot question would allow Fairfax County Public Schools to spend up to $360 million in bond revenue, but the district suggests in an informational packet that the additional bonded debt for the county would not significantly affect local taxes.

Louise Archer Elementary School

One project covered by this years referendum is the modernization and expansion of Viennas Louise Archer Elementary School (324 Nutley St. Northwest), which was last renovated in 1991.

Bond proceeds would provide $37 million to replace two temporary classrooms and 10 modular classrooms, which consist of two trailers and a 66-foot by 180-foot modular space, among other upgrades.

Its a major renovation, and its phased, so every finish, every ceiling tile, every electrical outlet, every mechanical system, its a completegut and renovation as well as addition, so its a total redo, senior project manager Brad Pierce with Reston-based Architecture, Inc. told the Vienna Board of Architectural Review on Oct. 19.

The transformation will expand the school form nearly 53,000 square feet of space, plus nearly 12,000 square feet of temporary setups, to over 103,000 square feet. Most of the additional space would come through a new second-story addition constructed behind the existing school.

Plans for the project also call for expanding the parking lot and bus loop, bringing a new playground and basketball courts, repurposing the current cafeteria for the library, adding a stage off the school gymnasium, and creating a community room.

The project could finish in 2025.

Falls Church High School

The referendum would also provide $130 million to increase Falls Church High Schools building area (7521 Jaguar Trail) by nearly 41.6%, from 303,413 square feet to 429,596 square feet.

The additions include science classrooms, administrative offices, library, music rooms, and more for the building, last renovated in 1989.

The construction will occur in phases to allow for continuous use of the school building, FCPS says on a project website. The renovation will take approximately four years to complete.

Mosaic Elementary School

Mosaic Elementary School (formerly known as Mosby Woods, located at 9819 Five Oaks Road) is also set for a renovation. The $38 million renovation would add approximately 37,000 square feet, bringing the school to 110,000 square feet.

The school currently has eight temporary and 10 modular classrooms.

The projects up for school bond money were selected from the 2022-2026 Capital Improvement Program. More information about the 2021 referendum can be found on the FCPS website.

Photo via Google Maps

See original here:
Residents to vote on $360 million FCPS bond issue - Tysons Reporter

A local pizzeria is making the jump past the lettuce curtain.Heirloom Pizza Co. is set to open a second location at the empty Beverly's Fabric building at 344 S. Main St. Owner and chef, Mike Foley, confirmed the news Thursday, "We are so excited to be a part of the revitalization of Oldtown Salinas!"Foley has big plans for the historic two-story building. The new location will serve as more than just a pizza parlor. He hopes it will be a thriving nightlife and social hub for downtown."I want to liven the place up a bit," Foley said. "The plan is to build a music stage and host musicians from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m." The music space would be branded, "Live at Heirloom Pizza Company."Up on the second floor will be another colorful addition to Oldtown. A bar called the Sneaky Tiki Lounge along with an event space for private parties. Unlike the Monterey location, the Salinas spot will be open for lunch. The menu is set to have the same favorites locals love with several new additions like soups and salads. Heirloom Pizza Company will be leasing the space. The building was recently bought by produce giant Taylor Farms; adding to their growing Oldtown Salinas real estate portfolio. In 2018, New Harvest Christian Fellowship bought the building, despite city code prohibiting religious assembly in that space. After taking the zoning matter to city council and to court, the church eventually moved on and sold the building to Taylor. Construction for the new restaurant will take time. Because the space has never been a restaurant, they need to build a kitchen, bars, stage and dining area from the ground up. Once permits are factored in, the entire process could take up to 18 months, with an opening date of Spring 2023.

A local pizzeria is making the jump past the lettuce curtain.

Heirloom Pizza Co. is set to open a second location at the empty Beverly's Fabric building at 344 S. Main St.

Owner and chef, Mike Foley, confirmed the news Thursday, "We are so excited to be a part of the revitalization of Oldtown Salinas!"

Foley has big plans for the historic two-story building. The new location will serve as more than just a pizza parlor. He hopes it will be a thriving nightlife and social hub for downtown.

"I want to liven the place up a bit," Foley said. "The plan is to build a music stage and host musicians from 8 p.m. - 11 p.m." The music space would be branded, "Live at Heirloom Pizza Company."

Up on the second floor will be another colorful addition to Oldtown. A bar called the Sneaky Tiki Lounge along with an event space for private parties.

Unlike the Monterey location, the Salinas spot will be open for lunch. The menu is set to have the same favorites locals love with several new additions like soups and salads.

Heirloom Pizza Company will be leasing the space. The building was recently bought by produce giant Taylor Farms; adding to their growing Oldtown Salinas real estate portfolio. In 2018, New Harvest Christian Fellowship bought the building, despite city code prohibiting religious assembly in that space. After taking the zoning matter to city council and to court, the church eventually moved on and sold the building to Taylor.

Construction for the new restaurant will take time. Because the space has never been a restaurant, they need to build a kitchen, bars, stage and dining area from the ground up. Once permits are factored in, the entire process could take up to 18 months, with an opening date of Spring 2023.

Go here to read the rest:
Heirloom Pizza Co. to open second location in old Beverly's Fabric building in Oldtown Salinas - KSBW Monterey

Wes Anderson is one of the most acclaimed filmmakers alive today. However, his films seem to split people into two groups, those who love them or hate them. I happen to be in the former category. Andersons films have been a big part of my life ever since I saw Fantastic Mr. Fox in theaters when I was 10 years old. He has made four films since that one, with 2014s The Grand Budapest Hotel being his most acclaimed as well as his most recent live-action film until now. The French Dispatch closes a three year gap between films and a seven year gap since Anderson has directed a live-action film. In fact, this is a longer wait than anticipated, as the film was slated to be released in July of 2020.

So was the wait worth it? Of course it was! Anderson has an almost perfect track record at this point, so fans of his will of course love this film. His idiosyncratic style of filmmaking is at its peak here. You may even say it is Wes Anderson at his most Wes Anderson-y. The sets drip with his iconic symmetry. The carefully framed shots are unmistakably his own. His usual cast members all appear throughout the film. To some, this makes The French Dispatch feel like it is Anderson on auto-pilot. However, there is so much more that he does with this film that separates it from his other work.

To start, the story is structured much differently from his other films. Rather than follow a strict narrative, the film tells five different stories, with three of them constructing the centerpiece of the film. The first section and epilogue take place in the offices of The French Dispatch and see the staff of the The French Dispatch assembling the final edition of their paper. The editor, played by Bill Murray, does not want to cut any of the stories that are up for print that week. From there, we are thrust into each story with a visual retelling. For a director so synonymous with wonderful color choice, the majority of the film takes place in black and white. These sections make up the moments that are in-print, only switching to color for things that are either in the present or off the books. As usual with Andersons films, narration and internal monologues from the characters and outside parties help drive the story at certain points. This helps to create a wonderful atmosphere that makes the audience aware that what they are watching is not only the thoughts of a writer, but also the actions of a character on screen. It is truly a spellbinding technique that he has never done better until now.

The cast list includes many of the usual suspects in a Wes Anderson film. Bill Murray, Owen Wilson, Jason Schwartzman, Tilda Swinton, Adrien Brody, and many more return. However, many of these actors take a backseat to new additions to the lineup. The first major story, titled The Concrete Masterpiece, follows Benicio del Toro as a convicted murderer turned modern artist who paints his muse, a prison guard played by La Seydoux. Much of this films R rating comes from this section due to the nude painting scenes as well as Adrien Brody dropping many foul words to rather humorous results. The second story, titled Revisions To A Manifesto sees the second lead role from Timothe Chalamet this year as well as a whole swath of younger actors who do an incredible job at fitting effortlessly into Andersons storybook style of acting. Chalamet he does a great job of disappearing into his character, chasing away any thoughts one might have that he was just cast as name recognition. He is also a surprisingly good comedic actor. The Private Dining Room Of The Police Commissioner closes out the main stories with a magnetizing tale about kidnapping and food, led by Jeffrey Wright as one of the best characters to ever grace Andersons films. Every second he is speaking is enchanting. This section also includes Willem Dafoe in one of the best bit parts in recent memories.

Another major deviation from his past work is the use of other formats. While he has two stop motion films under his belt, Anderson can add full on animation to his repertoire. The section near the end in which the characters morph into comic strip caricatures of themselves for a cartoonish car chase is one of Andersons funniest moments. There are several sections during the second story in which other unique filmmaking decisions happen, such as the moment where a characters backstory is conveyed by a stage dramatization. The first story is presented in part as a slideshow, with many of them consisting of people physically standing still in a room. It is an absolute delight to see how all of these different ideas come together to make an absolutely cohesive film. Anderson also gets credit for crafting up three enticing stories that all couldve filled out their own feature length films. However, he manages to compact these tales into just the right length to keep everything interesting and engaging. This is also interesting as there is little semblance of a moral or overarching plot throughout these stories. They are simply biographies, anecdotes, memoirs and articles about the lives of fictional people. The film does also lack the emotional gut punch of films like The Royal Tenenbaums or Moonrise Kingdom, but it makes up for it in technique. Due to this, this is likely Andersons least rewatchable film, but that does not make it his least enjoyable.

The anthology structure of the film might make The French Dispatch feel lightweight and the intense overstylization may seem like retreads of his past work, but Wes Anderson has done it again. This film is a wonderful time that will surely delight even the most casual fan of his. To those who have a much deeper connection, this is undoubtedly the film of the year.

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'The French Dispatch' arrives hot off the presses and will please any Wes Anderson fan - Point Park Globe

Editors Note: This is the first story in a two-part From the Archives series celebrating The Observers 55th anniversary. The second part will be published Friday, Nov. 5.

Today marks 55 years of The Observer, Notre Dames most prolific student-run newspaper. Founded in 1966 by a group of ambitious students dedicated to providing a reliable and relevant news service on campus, The Observer was the crowning achievement of a years-long effort to make a name for student journalism at Notre Dame.

In this first segment of a two-part edition, we will examine The Observers predecessor The Voice, and how it set up the groundwork for The Observers debut 55 years ago.

March 22, 1963 | The Voice Staff | Researched by Spencer Kelly

Oct. 27, 1966 | Stephen M. Feldhaus | Researched by Spencer Kelly

On Friday, March 22, 1963, a newspaper was born at Notre Dame but it wasnt The Observer. It was The Voice, a short-lived publication that immediately preceded its better-known relative.

In their first-ever edition, The Voice ran a column titled WE HAVE BEGUN a manifesto of sorts. The editors wrote that The Voice arises from no ones ashes, pointing to the absence of a campus newspaper in 1963.

While Scholastic did exist at the time, magazines are essentially different publications than newspapers, with content being long in form and literary in style. Newspapers more often present direct representations of facts, absent of stylistic additions.

For this reason, they wrote that Scholastic is not a newspaper, is not intended to be a newspaper, functionally cant be a newspaper.

As its name implied, The Voice would be favoring a dialogue among the student body, the student government and the administration. The new publication would eliminate the isolation between these groups by creating awareness of the diverse views.

It is in this way that we can claim in some sense to be the voice of the University of Notre Dame, they wrote.

The Voice recognized that these were high aspirations, and it would ultimately fall short of them. The paper was published sporadically over three-and-a-half years. On Thursday, Oct. 27, 1966, the front page declared its own downfall:THE VOICE IS DEAD.

Editor-in-chief Stephen M. Feldhaus (67) cited numerous problems precipitating the papers demise. Insufficient funding prevented the paper from printing regularly, diminishing the relevancy of their stories. Staffing shortages further exacerbated production issues, and lack of support from the University impeded their legitimacy.

But Feldhaus was proud of their work, writing that in spite of the magnitude of these obstacles, the VOICE has managed to exist.

Further, Feldhaus remained optimistic about the future of student journalism at Notre Dame.

Theres room for a newspaper at Notre Dame, he wrote. But not The Voice under the present circumstances.

The newspaper-shaped gap in the Notre Dame community would be filled by a new publication, co-founded by Feldhaus, that launched just one week later: The Observer.

The Voice was effectively a trial run for its descendant a prototype that allowed Feldhaus to learn from his mistakes. Though The Voice crashed, it was crucial to The Observers success.

The Voice rose from no ones ashes, but The Observer rose out the ashes of The Voice. For that, it is forever indebted.

Nov. 3, 1966 | Observer Staff | Researched by Christina Cefalu

The ending of The Voice left an opening for a contemporary change in Notre Dames student journalism. Just a week after The Voice was shut down, its former editor-in-chief Stephen M. Feldhaus banded together a creative and driven group of students, including Robert Anson (67) and Pat Collins (66), to begin a new era of the Notre Dame student newspaper with the founding of The Observer. Feldhaus vision for this new publication was a journal of Notre Dame and its students, which would be published regularly, starting at weekly editions in the first month and biweekly editions to follow.

Infusing the vibrancy of student writing into its pages, the newly-founded Observer would do just what its name proclaims: observe, remark, notice, comment and adhere. The team proclaimed this was not a rebirth of The Voice, but a new beginning in Notre Dames history. 55 years later, The Observer still proudly reports and represents the thoughts and views of the tri-campus community.

The Observer greatly expanded the newspaper content, no longer limiting its scope to simple reports of campus events. This new approach included coverage on both global issues and student activities, opinion pieces and cheeky cartoons.

The Observers first publication was saturated with character. The paper included a Letters to the Observer section, which functioned like its current Viewpoint section, giving all students a platform of expression. Norman Jeddeloh (68) interviewed as the first weekly Man in the News article for his efforts to improve life for off-campus students. Interhall sports records stood alongside a passionate plea for athletes to receive compensation beyond scholarships in The college football swindle.

Within these works, The Observers new mission to pursue an all-encompassing search for the truth was woven in. This search for truth stands the test of time, as The Observers success and longevity is founded in its authentic take on the Notre Dame experience.

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From the Archives: The Observer's unusual origin story - Observer Online