Health & Wellness
Finally, all the tax/inventory stuff is done, just have to send it along to the accountant. What a relief. I started in early February and just finished it yesterday. It wasn’t constant work, just nagging, tedious stuff that takes hours and hours to do and filled all of my “non-work” time. I actually have some time to write now.
Hyannis had a Health & Wellness Expo at the Sheraton yesterday. It was very well attended and included a number of interesting exhibits. They also had workshops, one with Bernie Siegel. We didn’t attend any of the workshops, but Patricia did get a mini Reiki treatment and a Polarity treatment. She tried to get me to do one, but I wasn’t biting. It’s not that I’m skeptical about these alternative treatments (maybe a little, but I also have an open mind), but having a 15 minute demo would do nothing for me. If I’m going to try one of these things, I want to give the therapy a fighting chance. Anyway, the turnout was impressive and whoever organized it should be commended. We need more of these things in downtown Hyannis (well, the edge of downtown, but still walking distance), especially in the winter. I was curious as to why there was an Electolux, solar energy, leather goods, and a few other booths that stretched the meaning of “Health and Wellness.” I didn’t have a problem with it, but if you’re going to allow those, why not invite the Cape Cod Brewing Company and keep us guys busy and out of trouble?
My hometown of Syracuse used to do a lot of winter expos and fairs. We’re limited here in downtown Hyannis because there aren’t any large centers to host larger events (Syracuse has had the Center of Progress Building, the War Memorial and the Carrier Dome). A winter car show would be great, either vintage or new, and of course an indoor boat show would do really well.
Supposedly there is a chance of a Whole Foods going in on North Street. This was one of the stores that I had mentioned in a blog just a year ago as the type of store that would give downtown a huge boost. Don’t get me wrong, I’m all for locally owned stores, but downtown is in dire need of a “name” store that will bring with it substantial out-of-town traffic that will benefit our local shops.
There is also a proposal for taking the old armory space and building a performing arts center. Another great move. Some have complained that the armory should be preserved because it was where JFK made his first post-election speech. Hey, we can’t preserve everything JFK touched, and the building is of no historic/architectural value (and if you read our old blog, you know how big we are on preserving great old buildings). Some have also complained about parking. When parking becomes a real issue in Hyannis, lets make a toast to success. Plan for it as best you can, utilize shuttles, whatever. But make it happen!