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Local readers take the floor
Pat Lenhoff
Updated: February 20, 2012 8:14AM
Today I step back and let you, the reader, take the floor and have your say about local issues.
But first I have to say that I was contacted by many readers to let me know that Mariano’s had in fact moved the piano and pianist from the location near the ice machine and ATM (a location I bemoaned in an earlier column) to a spot of more prominence near the entry door and café. Readers also reported that when they remarked on the change, store staff said it was only temporary. Well, I hope for the sake of the pianist and the store ambiance that they make it permanent. There’s no shame in responding to customer critiques.
Not long ago I tackled a difficult column about the disturbing new statistics about chronic head/brain trauma occurring in our family’s beloved sport, football, and how one day it may be wise to discontinue the youth version of the sport due to the long-term ramifications. Reader Gavin Muldowney wrote: “We have gone back and forth on whether to let our son play tackle football. He finished playing his first season this year at age 8 in third grade. One of our favorite shows, Law and Order SVU, had a story line that centered around a former NFL quarterback’s diminishing mental capacity due to recurring concussions earlier in his life. Suffice it to say that come next fall we will be discussing the dangers of concussions vs trusting the helmet manufacturer.” I think many families will do the same as the statistics become more frightening.
Our discussion about Hawthorn Mall generated some dialogue. Reader Anna had this to say: “I wholeheartedly agree. I’ve lived in Libertyville 22 years and shopped at Hawthorn Mall just as long. It has become more and more depressing as time goes on. At this time of year I’d rather get frostbite walking around Old Orchard than a serious case of the blues at Hawthorn. Westfield has seriously neglected it and a good facelift is in order. Scalpel please!”
The only problem I have with Anna’s observation is that by shopping at Old Orchard, Westfield still benefits, thereby bolstering argument against improving one of their centers because shoppers will go to another one instead. I like reader Rhonda Talarovich’s approach, similar to Anna but with a twist: “Would rather freeze in the cold outdoors at Deer Park than go to Hawthorn. Hawthorn is definitely second class.”
Reader Shari Meserve wrote: “Loved your article regarding Westfield. The exact thought hit me six months ago and was reinforced throughout this holiday shopping season. There are no redeeming features, no compelling reason to shop there. In addition to the reasons you cited, the anchor stores are so limited in their merchandise. I also wanted to say that the last time I mentioned my distaste for Westfield my husband reminded me that Libertyville rejected the opportunity to develop the land when it was being built. Makes me wonder if having that tax revenue would have prevented the village’s current fiscal problems, ie the financial drain of the Sports Complex. I also wonder if Libertyville residents would have put more pressure on Westfield than VH residents, only because LV residents seem to take so much pride in MainStreet whereas VH residents don’t have a central downtown area. Not sure if that plays into anything…just wondering?”
Email me if you’re wondering also.
Send email to Pat Lenhoff at: viewfromvh@yahoo.com
