Some interesting new businesses have made their home on Main Street in Dallas during the past few months. They offer some good values and experiences.

The winter rains have arrived, and now is a good time to curl up with a warm beverage and good book. Reading Time Books at 857 Main St. not only offers a good selection of reasonably priced used and new books in a welcoming atmosphere, but will also brew a cup of tea or coffee and tempt you with assorted sweets. The books are well organized, the staff is helpful and a back corner caters to young readers. Reading Time Books is open Tuesday through Saturday and will "showcase" local musicians Thursday evenings from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and offer Children Story Telling at 10 on Saturday mornings. Stop by and check out this classy book store. (503) 831-1107

Just down the street, on the corner of Main and Court, L'attitude Point One has quietly opened and is serving well presented and tasty food while training a staff and correcting problems that pop up in the completely remodeled facility. Open Tuesday through Saturday for lunch and dinner, L'attitude Point One provides an upscale yet historic ambience that enhances an eating experience featuring food made from scratch and purchased from local sources. The plan is to have a grand opening when all the kinks are worked out and nothing will get in the way of your culinary experience, but I recommend that you not wait. Come in now. (503) 831-1588

Three or four businesses further down Main Street, the biggest makeover has occurred at The Majestic, 976 Main St. This one-time theater turned skating rink has been transformed into a beautiful event center which still has the ambience of the original 1910 silent movie theater but with all the modern amenities of today. It can host events from formal to casual and elegant to fun. In addition to the interior renovation, the exterior has been repainted and the side wall features a mural celebrating the history behind the 1848 naming of Polk County and the city of Dallas. If you are looking for somewhere to hold an event, this could be the place. (503) 779-5339

A big thank you to everyone who has donated time, materials and expertise in putting in the new landscaping at Rotary Park, located on Fern Avenue in north Dallas. This park is being renovated and by next summer will have a children's play area, basketball court, picnic facilities, etc. A future column will recognize the neighborhood, people, businesses and organizations involved in this project which will enhance Dallas' livability.

Finally, during this Thanksgiving time, let's be aware of and thankful for the many things that we, as citizens of America, take for granted and that so many people in the world do not have.

Jim Fairchild is mayor of Dallas. Contact him at (503) 831-3511 or mayor@ci.dallas.or.us.