When a business shuts down in Coplay, it's more noticeable than in larger retail centers.

Four empty commercial buildings are located in the borough. Two are on North Second and two are on Chestnut Street.

One of the Chestnut Street buildings is owned by the same person who owns the former J&R Market. This building has been refurbished and parking spaces are marked in the lot. The word is it could become a convenience store.

Across the street, the Chestnut Street Diner has been closed now for several weeks. The former owner, who ran a restaurant there for many years, may return or could become a bakery. However, there is no confirmation.

No reports are circulating about what could be located in either of the two structures on North Second Street, which have been empty for several years. One of them is the former Merchants Bank, which became Wachovia and then closed.

Questions also remain about the future of the former site of Bill's, which closed when an illness struck the family.

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The Coplay Garden Club will meet March 21, 7 p.m., at St. John's Lutheran Church.

Suzanne Allen, Penn State master gardener, will present a floral design workshop.

The theme is "We're all Irish," with green being the color.

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St. John's Lutheran Church will hold Friendship Sunday March 17.

Parish members are asked to bring a friend to church and, after the service, brunch will be served in the church social hall featuring a variety of fresh breads.