10 minute read
Blue Suede opens in Port Byron
Business has been steady and satisfying since Blue Suede Cocktails & Coffee opened in downtown Port Byron on Oct. 7.
Besides the main level coffee and wine bar, the upper floor features two vacation rentals that are listed on Vrbo. Blue Suede Cocktails & Cof fee brings cla ssy destination to Por t Byron
BY SARAH FORD For Shaw Media
A Port Byron couple is making their mark on the downtown scene and adding their own special flair to a village that continues to see growth despite the country’s economic challenges.
Steve and Judi Gibson of Port Byron have owned and operated Interstate Batteries of the Quad Cities for 30 years, but when the opportunity came to acquire a prime location for a different kind of business, they knew the timing was right. Their original concept was a coffee bar, but it morphed into wine and cocktails and two shortterm rentals for travelers or day-trippers.
The Gibsons purchased the former Young’s Heating & Air building at 125 N. Main St. in February 2020 and started the demolition process in March, right around the time when the COVID-19 pandemic hit. “It slowed down the process and took us longer than planned, with all the restrictions,” said Judi. “But here we are,” she said with a smile, as she looked around the establishment on a busy Friday morning.
Blue Suede officially opened on Thursday, Oct. 7 and so far, the community has been “very receptive” to the new business, she said. Social m e d i a a n d w o r d o f m o u t h h a ve attracted a steady flow of customers, with many locals already returning for the coffee and drinks, including energy drinks, wines by the bottle or glass, beers, Uncommon and Cherry Bomb Blonde drafts, and a variety of cocktails.
The new building also enhances Port Byron’s allure as a downtown destination, with large windows and seating that face Main St. or the Mississippi River. A classy, warm, and welcoming atmosphere greets customers, with tables, chairs, and comfy couches situated throughout the two main rooms and plenty of space for p r i v a c y a n d c o n v e r s a t i o n s w i t h friends.
The business also provides the perfect outlet for the Gibsons to display their memorabilia – Judi is an avid Elvis Presley fan, which inspired the business name, and Steve is a Petroliana fan. A collection of Presley posters adds to the business’s charm, and the coffee and energy drinks are inspired by some of his songs, such as the Hound Dog coffee (peanut butter, banana, and chocolate), or the Priscilla coffee with Irish Cream.
A wall of wine displays the various options, and a full bar with granite c o u n t e r t o p s i s s t a f f e d b y s m i l i n g barista/bartenders. A white baby grand piano is perfectly situated in a corner, with plans to bring in pianists for occasional entertainment. Also in the works are plans to offer pastries in the morning and simple, light appetizers such as meat, cheese, and cracker trays in the evening, to perfectly pair with the drinks.
An outdoor patio features fire pit tables that emit warmth while taking in the picture-perfect view of the Mississippi River, along with more seating for guests to enjoy their drinks outdoors. Judi plans to have the outdoor area open “as long as can be,” even as winter weather nears.
Besides the main level business, the upper floor consists of two vacation rentals, both with a living room, two bedrooms, a full kitchen, full bath, dining table, washer and dryer, and a deck with seating for that spectacular river view. One rental has a nautical t h e m e a n d t h e o t h e r P e t r o l i a n a , matching the vintage truck parked on the corner in front of the business. So far, the bed and breakfast-type accommodations listed on Vrbo have been booked all weekends since opening.
The couple’s goal is to “provide something different to the community” and bring a new downtown destination in the place where they’ve lived for over 30 years. “We want to promote the region to visitors and let them know of things to do right on the Mississippi,” said Judi.
The building was designed by the Gibsons and built by their son-in-law Kevin Frey of Rapids City, along with local contractors. Now that it’s complete and the customers are satisfied, the long-awaited opening process has been worth the labor of love.
“Blue Suede is a wonderful addition t o P o r t B y r o n ’ s d o w n t o w n , ” s a i d Mayor Barb Cray. “It’s a beautiful and well-designed space to ‘drink’ - drink a cup of coffee or drink a glass of wine, and drink in the lovely view of the river! And the two short term rentals provide charming accommodations f o r a n y o n e l u ck y e n o u g h t o s t a y there.”
The Gibson’s are still “testing the waters” on hours, with the following currently posted: 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesdays, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 – 10 p.m. on Wednesdays and Thursdays, 6 a.m. – 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. – midnight on Fridays, 8 a.m. – midnight on Saturday, noon – 8 p.m. on Sundays, and closed on Mondays. Plans are still in the works for a ribbon-cutting with village officials sometime in November. Find Blue Suede Cocktails & Coffee on social media for inform ation and more.
Photos by Sarah Ford for Shaw Media A fire pit and outdoor seating make for the perfect place to enjoy a drink and the Mississippi River view.
Nancy Dyk stra receives Whiteside Count y 4 -H Hall of Fame award
Congratulations to Whiteside County 4-H Hall of Fame winner Nancy Dykstra of Morrison, who was recognized for her accomplishments last week.
D y k s t r a w a s a n e i g h t - y e a r member of the Cottonwood 4-H Club of Morrison in her youth and later became the “hardworking” leader of the same club. For 10 years, Dykstra led club members in meeting their requirements and contributing to several projects in the community. She is well-known for encouraging club members to be involved in everything they possibly could because “it will look good on your award forms!” Dykstra had two children enrolled in 4-H, but she treated all members as her own.
D y k s t r a c o n t i n u e s t o b e involved in Whiteside County 4-H and has served on the 4-H Support Fund Committee for the past three years.
Photo provided Nancy Dykstra of Morrison shows her Whiteside County 4-H Hall of Fame medal.
REGIONAL NEWS
Rotar y Clubs obser ve World Polio Day
BY MARY BETH EGGERS
Over 100 Rotarians from 12 area clubs from Iowa and Illinois gathered at the Botanical Center in Rock Island this past Wednesday night to celebrate the upcoming World Polio Day on October 24 and raise money toward eradicating Polio.
“We really are ‘this close,’” said Toni Lucas of Albany, holding up her thumb and forefinger —a long held symbol for Rotarians. Her club, which meets weekly in Rapids City and holds fundraisers for Rotary International’s PolioPlus, set up an outdoor display to bring attention to this deadly and paralyzing disease. The banner, located along Highway 84 just north of Hampton, displays a simple message of “END POLIO” and is flanked by antique crutches and a wheelchair.
Although Polio may seem like a disease from decades ago, it still exists in our world—and so too, the possibility that it could reemerge. When Rotary and its partners began their efforts in 1988, there were 350,000 cases of polio in 125 countries every year. Today, due to contributions totaling over $2.2 billion and countless volunteer hours, polio cases have been reduced 99.9 percent and only two countries continue to report cases of wild poliovirus.
These two countries, Pakistan and Afghanistan, present unique challenges, including political insecurity, vaccine refusal and misinformation. A recent announcement from UNICEF and the WHO, reported that the Taliban has agreed to allow health workers from the United Nations to begin a nationwide polio vaccination campaign in Afghanistan. If this proves true and efforts continue in these two countries, Rotary members and the world could witness complete eradication of this deadly debilitating disease.
Like many older Rotarians, Lucas can clearly remember the fear and anxiety that polio caused during the 1950s and 60s. “It is exciting and remarkable to think that in my lifetime, Rotarians and the world, could see Polio completely eradicated.”
River Cities Rotary meets every Tuesday at 7:15 a.m. at the Brother’s Restaurant in Rapids City. The Morrison Rotary Club meets Wednesdays at 12:10 p.m. at the Odell Library Community Room. Guests and new members are welcome to attend to learn more about PolioPlus, as well as these clubs’ many local service projects.
Photo provided A banner, located along Highway 84, displays a simple message of “END POLIO” and is flanked by antique crutches and a wheelchair.
Two trunk-or-treats planned in Prophetstown Oct. 29
Two Prophetstown churches will have trunk-or-treat activities on Friday, Oct. 29, with local families and businesses contributing to the fun.
First Lutheran Church of Prophetstown, 300 W. Third St., will have its 16th annual trunk-or-treat from 5 to 7 p.m. with decorated trunks, treats, food and games. The church is collecting paper products for the Prophetstown Food Pantry, with napkins, paper towels and toilet paper requested. Call the church office at 815-537-2758 if you’d like to host a trunk.
Prophetstown United Methodist Church, 110 Lafayette St., will have its second annual trunk-or-treat from 6 to 8 p.m. in the parking lot. Wear your costume and enjoy candy, games and prizes.
WHOA serving drive-thru chili dinner in Morrison on Oct. 29
The White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center will be serving chili, fresh-baked cinnamon rolls, hot chocolate and hot apple cider from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Whiteside County Fairgrounds Livestock Pavilion, 201 W. Winfield St.
This is a drive-thru only event.
Donations will be accepted.
WHOA is a nonprofit organization that provides equine-assisted recreational, educational, therapeutic and social opportunities for people with disabilities.
Go to www.whiteoakscenter.org/, call 815-772-2669 or find White Oaks Therapeutic Equestrian Center on Facebook to learn more.
The Erie High School Student Council will host a blood drive from 1:30 to 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 3, at the school gym.
Masks and appointments are required.
Donors will get their choice of a retro T-shirt or gift card.
Donors are asked to eat before donating. Donors are eligible to give blood if their last donation was before Sept. 8.
To sign up, contact Mrs. Melton or Mrs. McDonnell at 309-659-2239.
Stonecroft Clinton Women’s Connection to host brunch Nov. 10
Stonecroft Clinton Women’s Connection will meet at 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 10, at Community Reformed Church, 747 N. 12th St., Clinton, Iowa. The cost to attend is $10. There will be a brunch followed by music and an inspirational nondenominational speaker.
Music will be provided by Don Kincaid of Bettendorf, Iowa.
Speaker Jenny Farrell of Davenport, Iowa, will present “A Life Transformed.” Farrell shares through drama the life of Mary Magdalene and how despite a 2,000year difference, we have much in common with her.
All women are invited to attend. Reservations are due Friday, Nov. 5. For reservations or information, call Nancy at 563-242-8819 or her cellphone at 563-3578859 or Donna at 563-357-6843.
