Downtown Elgin

Resources for Illinois Food/Agriculture Businesses

2012-01-24T15:22:00.002-06:00

You would think that a market manager would be off in some sunnyarea resting her weary bones from the summer’s hectic and fun schedule, butlike our vendors, I am busy plotting, planning, learning and improving myselfand the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market. As some of you know we already have anongoing survey determining the best times and days for this year’s market. Ihave learned that cities and events are always changing and evolving toaccommodate the needs of its residents, attendees, and existing and potentialcustomers.

I recently took a trip to Springfield where I attended apre-workshop that led up to the 2012 Illinois Specialty Crops, Agritourism andOrganic conference called “Farmers Markets: Creating Resources and Partnershipsfor a Healthy Community”. I learned quite a bit in the areas of the LINKprogram (which we will be unveiling this year) as well as new state laws. Ialso saw some really informative presentations about a variety of topics somemore broad and some more specific. I even shared and networked with othermarket managers from all over the stat,e including Lisa Bralts from the UrbanaMarket at the Square, Keith Johnson from the Woodstock Farmers Market, RoxanneJunge with the Glenview Market, Lindsey Engelsman from DeKalb’s Farmers Marketand Dee Basile with the Aurora Farmers Markets which is celebrating their 100^thyear!

I particularly wanted to give a heads up on four possibleresources for Illinois businesses, especially when it comes to agriculture andfood. Hopefully what I share will behelpful:

1) Illinois Products Logo Program

This program from theIllinois Department of Agriculture identifies Illinois products in variousretail establishments – from major grocery stores to local community farmersmarkets. Currently over 500 food andagribusinesses utilize this logo. The great thing is that any entity thatproduces, processes, packages or manufactures a food or agribusiness product inIllinois can be authorized to participate in the logo program – and it is FREEof CHARGE.

2) Market Maker

This is another greatFREE marketing tool for anyone that does anything with food. It is a web-based resource that connectsfarmers, fishermen, processors, distributors, food retailers, and consumers. Thething I really liked about it, aside from being another way for potentialcustomers and vendors to find us, is that it contains demographics and businessdata for you to identify markets by those characteristics; enables you to findlists of potential marketing partners by location, and also notifies you whensomeone pops up in your area.

3) Organic Cost Share Program

Though several of ourvendors could be considered organic, most of them are too small to afford thecertification costs. This wonderful program exists to alleviate that burden on smallbusinesses who are producers and handlers. If eligible this program will reimburse that business a portion of the costsof organic certification, up to 75% of the costs up to a maximum of $750.

4) Local Producer Loans/Grants – THEY DO EXIST

· Whole Foods Market Loan Program

Loans range from $1,000 to $100,000 and can befor things like purchasing more animals, investing in new equipment orconverting to organic production.

· SARE (Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education)

Grants are available by region and state. I was quite excited to read about all themonies they gave out, and the wide range of recipients such as: research andeducation, graduate student projects, professional development, to localfarmers and ranchers, and youth/educators. Definitely worth looking at.

· Though harder to get, it is worth mentioningthat the Illinois Department of Agriculture usually lists federal grants as well on their webpage.

· Illinois Finance Authority

This group offers quite the list oflending tools to service farmers and agribusinesses with their pressing capitalneeds. Since 2004, they have supported561 businesses, approved $685 million dollars in financing, and have served over80+ counties in Illinois.

RSVP Now for Out to Lunch at Al's Cafe, ArtSpace Tour

2012-01-22T17:59:00.000-06:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin's first Out to Lunch of 2012 is Tuesday, January 31 at Al's Cafe & Creamery, 43 Dupage Court.

Before sitting down for a delicious buffet lunch, Out to Lunch guests will be treated to an exclusive guided tour of the new ArtSpace site, at S. Spring and Dupage, by John Shales of Shales-McNutt Construction, beginning at Noon.

Following the tour and Q&A, guests will gather at Al's Cafe & Creamery for a delicious buffet style lunch featuring Cafe Salad, Homemade Mashed Potatoes, Danish Frikadeller, Beef Bourgignon, Penne Pasta, Al's Famous Malts, and Non-Alchoholic Beverages, Coffee or Tea.

Price is $12 per person all inclusive with tax & tip included. Cash only. Space is limited. Reservations required!

RSVP with your name and e-mail address by phone at 847-488-1456, by e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org or via Online RSVP form by no later than Friday, January 27.

For more information about Downtown Elgin events like Out to Lunch, visit www.DowntownElgin.com.

Residents to gain more access to healthy, active lifestyle options through local grant programming

2011-12-09T13:30:00.001-06:00

Three Elgin organizations – Downtown NeighborhoodAssociation, the City of Elgin and Highland Fellowship Church – were among 11 selectedto receive grant funding from the Making Kane County Fit for Kids Consortium.

The grants, ranging in amount from $1,200 to $10,000, willbe used to reverse the rising tide of childhood obesity in Kane County througha variety of programs designed to promote active lifestyles and increase accessto fresh fruits and vegetables.

The city of Elgin was selected to receive two grants – onefor $10,000 for the Elgin Community Garden Network to expand the number ofcommunity garden sites through the city and one for $1,500 for the Bicycle andPedestrian Advisory Committee to support the Second Annual Bike for Life event.

Highland Fellowship Church will receive a $4,000 grant toexpand a community garden on their church site where local at-risk families canlearn how to grow food for themselves and for local food pantries.

DNA will receive a $3,500 grant to purchase equipment toaccept debit, credit and LINK cards at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market. Theinitiative will allow lower income residents greater opportunity to purchase healthy, locally grown and produced foods, and alsoprovides an economic boost to the local growers and vendors of the area byincreasing their customer base.

“We will now be able to open up the market to an underservedpopulation, giving them more access to locally produced foods and to theircommunity,” said Tonya Hudson, DNA executive director. “When they shop at themarket, they will also see cooking demonstrations by local chefs, exhibits bylocal artists, performances by local musicians and more. We hope the experiencewill encourage more engagement in the downtown and in the community.”

Grant recipients were chosen by the Consortium based ontheir proposals to implement strategies that are contained in the Fit Kids 2020Plan. This is the second time this year that the Consortium has distributed thegrants.

The Fit Kids 2020 Plan was developed by parents, physicians,engineers, educators, planners, public health professionals, transportationexperts, faith leaders, local policy makers and more. The Funders Consortium’smembers are: the Community Foundation of the Fox River Valley, the United Wayof Elgin, the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, the Kane County RegionalOffice of Education and the Kane County Departments of Health, Development andTransportation.

Window Wonderland Decorating Contest Results

2011-12-07T11:44:00.001-06:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin thanks everyone who braved the elements and rocked in the holiday season in downtown Elgin at Saturday's Rockin' in a Window Wonderland – Presented by Provena Saint Joseph Hospital.

After tabulating the judges' ballots and collecting all of the People's Choice Award votes from both paper ballots and online, we are pleased to announce the winners of this year's Window Wonderland Window Decorating Contest:

Gifford Park Association, decorated FutureLink IT, 164 E. Chicago Street, was selected as the Best Overall Window as determined by our judging panel. For their efforts they will receive a $500 Cash Prize and will be recognized at an upcoming Elgin City Council meeting.

Other winners include:

Business – Kirkpatrick, Jones & Herzog, 19 S. Spring Street;

Children's – Highland Christian Academy, decorated 62 S. Grove Avenue;

Open – YWCA Elgin, 220 E. Chicago Street;

People's Choice – Highland Christian Academy, decorated 62 S. Grove Avenue

Each of these organizations will receive $50 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates and will also be recognized at an upcoming City Council meeting.

To see a slideshow of all participating decorated windows, click here!

For more information about downtown Elgin events or to find out how you or your organization can become a DNA Member in 2012, call (847) 488-1456, e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com or visit DowntownElgin.com

DNA & Elgin Symphony Team Up for Discounted Holiday Concert Tickets

2011-12-06T16:00:00.001-06:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra are teaming up once again to offer DNA members and fans a chance to enjoy one of downtown Elgin's most treasured cultural institutions during the holiday season at a discounted price.

This coming weekend the ESO gets to the heart of the holidays with "'Tis the Season," a traditional concert filled with talented guest artists & beloved carols.

When ordering your tickets by phone, mention the DNA's "Top 10" eblast to receive a 10% discount on your ticket order for any performance of "'Tis the Season". You can also use the coupon code "11-DNA" when ordering tickets online at ElginSymphony.org

Specific performance dates and times for "'Tis the Season" are:

Saturday, December 10 - 3:30PM and 8PM
Sunday, December 11 - 3:30PM

All performances are held at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin.

Featured soloists are Rich Ridenour, much-loved pianist and previous guest artist with the ESO, and Elizabeth Norman, the Chicago-based soprano who has wowed ESO audiences. Special appearances by Choral-Aires Chorus & Elgin Children's Chorus.

To purchase tickets, please call the box office at 847-888-4000 or order online at ElginSymphony.org.

After the show, the DNA invites you to enjoy one of downtown Elgin's many fine eateries for dinner or drinks. For more information about downtown restaurants and bars, visit DowntownElgin.com.

Workshop to Discuss “Windows of Opportunity” in Downtown Elgin

2011-12-05T16:45:00.001-06:00

The public is invited to participate in the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s Downtown Brainstorm workshop on December 14, 6 to 8 p.m. at the Gail Borden Public Library in downtown Elgin.

The workshop’s focus is on downtown Elgin’s “Windows of Opportunity” – specifically what businesses residents, visitors and existing business owners would like to see in downtown in the next few years.

Workshop attendees will work in groups to identify target customer groups, existing downtown business clusters, complementary business opportunities and available spaces in which to locate them.

Space is limited. RSVP to DNA at (847) 488-1456 or downtownelgin@gmail.com or @downtownelgin on Facebook and Twitter.

This is the third in the series of Downtown Brainstorm workshops. Held in November, 2010 and March, 2011, the workshops are designed to be interactive so attendees can meet new people, provide input and learn more about downtown Elgin. Each workshop has produced valuable information that DNA has used in planning its programming, projects and special events.

DNA’s Downtown Brainstorm was recently recognized by the Illinois Main Street Program with a 2011 Lieutenant Governor’s Award for Excellence in Downtown Revitalization.

Window Wonderland Decorating Contest Participants

2011-12-02T11:15:00.000-06:00

The following is a list of participating windows in the 2011 Window Wonderland window decorating contest. Pick up your printed ballots at the DNA Office on Saturday, December 3 beginning at Noon. Paper ballots must be submitted by 5PM on December 3.

You can also VOTE ONLINE for the People's Choice Award at www.DowntownElgin.com. Online voting concludes on Monday, December 5 at 5PM.

To vote, you will need to enter the code number (example: B-100) either on your printed ballot or in your online ballot for the entry you feel is the "best of the best" and most effectively represents the theme of this year's event, "Rockin' in a Window Wonderland".

View photos of most of the participating windows in the Window Wonderland Photo Album.

2011 WINDOW WONDERLAND DECORATING CONTEST PARTICIPANTS

B-100
The Annex Antiques
201 E. Chicago Street
Business

B-101
Demi and Cooper Advertising
18 Villa Court
Business

O-200
Downtown Elgin Harvest Market decorating
59 Douglas Avenue
Open

B-102
Elgin Antiques and Uniques
203 E. Chicago Street
Business

O-201
Elgin Citizens Police Academy decorating
Elgin Police Department
151 Douglas Avenue
Open

O-202
Elgin Junior Service Board decorating
Al's Café
43 DuPage Court
Open

O-203
Elgin Lodge No. 117 decorating
56 S. Grove Avenue
Open

C-300
Elgin River Rats HS Rugby
Steffen, Kelly and Steffen
17 Douglas Avenue
Business

B-103
Elgin Symphony Orchestra
20 DuPage Court
Business

B-104
Extreme Wireless
119 S. Grove Avenue
Business

O-204
Gifford Park Association decorating
Future Link IT
164 E. Chicago Street
Open

C-301
Highland Christian Academy decorating
62 S. Grove Avenue
Children's

O-205
Holy Trinity Lutheran Church decorating
165 E. Chicago Street
Open

O-206
Judson University decorating
Ken Stepps State Farm
111 Douglas Avenue
Open

B-105
Kirkpatrick, Jones and Herzog
19 S. Spring Street
Business

O-207
Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
205 Fulton Street
Open

O-208
Puerto Rican Heritage Organization decorating
Montana Realty
8 Douglas Avenue
Open

B-106
Ravenheart Coffee
176 E. Chicago Street
Business

B-107
The Razor’s Edge
55 Douglas Avenue
Business

B-108
Rediscover Records
207 E. Chicago Street
Business

B-109
Salon Couture
176 E. Chicago Street
Business

B-110
Shockey Jewelers
18 Douglas Avenue
Business

B-111
Simple Balance Holistic Center
221 E. Chicago Street
Business

C-302
Spring Hill Gymnastics decorating
61 S. Grove Avenue
Children's

O-209
SWAN decorating
SpaceTaste Gallery
10 Douglas Avenue
Open

B-112
Two Doors Down Antiques
207 E. Chicago Street
Business

B-113
WRMN's Radio Shopping Show
22 Douglas Avenue
Business

B-114
Wrona Brothers
205 E. Chicago Street
Business

O-210
YWCA Elgin
220 E. Chicago Street
Open

Window Wonderland Ready to Rock Downtown Elgin

2011-11-30T07:47:00.001-06:00

It's almost here! Downtown Elgin Window Wonderland - Presented by Provena Saint Joseph Hospital, returns to the streets of downtown Elgin this Saturday, December 3 from 12-5PM.

In addition to all of the beautifully decorated storefront windows, decorated in this year's event theme of "Rockin' in a Window Wonderland", lining Elgin's downtown, Window Wonderland offers the following list of activities and locations (subject to change), including:

Real Live Reindeer - Santa's Crew Reindeer fly into Elgin's Civic Parking Lot (Highland and Douglas Avenues) from 12-4PM.

Holiday Horse Drawn Carriage - Presented by Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick. Enjoy a festive, horse-drawn carriage ride up and down Douglas Avenue. The carriage will also drop off and pick up visitors at the Elgin Winter Market, 166 Symphony Way. Round trip rides are $5 per person (kids 5 and under FREE) and can be purchased at the Civic Parking Lot (Highland and Douglas) or at the Winter Market. The Horse Drawn Carriage will operate from 12-4PM.

Live Nativity Scene with Nativity Animal Petting Zoo - First United Methodist Church, 215 E. Highland Avenue, will again be performing the live nativity in front of the church from 12-4PM. Kids can also enjoy petting and feeding all of the nativity animals. Nativity performances take place every half hour. In between performances, FUMC invites you inside to partake in their Holiday Open House with refreshments and tours of the church.

Kris Kringle Mart - Browse dozens of holiday crafts and unique gift ideas at our special Window Wonderland Kris Kringle Mart at 215 E. Chicago Street from 12-5PM. The Kris Kringle Mart will open Friday, December 2 and remain open until Sunday, December 4.

Ice Sculpting Demo - Artist Joe Gagnepain will demonstrate his ice sculpting skills from 12-2:30PM by showing guests how to transform a block of ice into an intricate holiday work of art in DuPage Court near the Elgin Symphony Orchestra offices.

Rockin' Santa - He's part Santa, part Elvis but he's all about rockin' your Window Wonderland! Join Rockin' Santa as he performs all your holiday favorites (and maybe a few you haven't heard before) at Villa Verone, 13 Douglas Avenue, from 12:30-2PM, and then at Ravenheart Coffee, 176 E. Chicago Street from 2:30-3:30PM! (Times subject to change)

Holiday Passport - Beginning at Noon, kids and families can pick up a free goody bag at the DNA Office, 2 Douglas Avenue, containing menus and coupons from downtown businesses as well as an exclusive Window Wonderland Adventure Kit containing: a map detailing the day's activities and passport stops, a People's Choice Award window decorating ballot and a secret message decoder. To decode the message and redeem your free Photo with Santa and gift at Elgin Public House, visit all of the passport stops and write down the codes on the posters at each stop to reveal your super secret message from Santa before turning it into our Elves at Elgin Public House.

Photos with Santa - Presented by Elgin Public House. After visiting all of the passport stops, turn in your decoded message to Santa's helpers at EPH, 219 E. Chicago Street, and get your photos taken with the big guy himself from 2-4PM. You will receive a printed photo in a keepsake holiday card (while supplies last) and a secret Santa gift!

Window Decorating Contest/People's Choice Balloting - Be sure to check out all of the beautiful decorated windows and vote for your favorite in the People's Choice Window Decorating Award Voting. Ballots will be available to pick up at the DNA Office, 2 Douglas Avenue, beginning at Friday, December 2. You can also VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE WINDOW ONLINE throughout the weekend. Online voting concludes on Monday, December 5 at 5PM.

The day culminates with the City of Elgin's Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5PM in front of City Hall at 150 Dexter Court. The Elgin Children's Chorus will perform followed by Council Members and City Staff helping to throw the switch to officially usher in the holiday season in Elgin.

Beginning Friday, December 2 you can pick up your Window Wonderland Adventure Kit at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue or at other downtown locations, or download at DowntownElgin.com.

Winners of the Window Decorating Contest will be announced the week after Window Wonderland. Three winners will be selected by our judging panel in the categories of Open, Business and Childrens. Each category winner receives a $50 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate. The People's Choice Award winner will also receive a $50 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate. One overall winner selected by our judging panel will win a $500 Cash Prize.

CLICK TO SEE A COMPLETE LIST OF PARTICIPATING DECORATED WINDOWS

Thank you to our valued sponsors Provena Saint Joseph Hospital, Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, Elgin Public House, Judson University and Elgin Junior Service Board.

For more information about Downtown Elgin Window Wonderland, contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

List of Participating Windows in Window Wonderland Decorating Contest (to date)

2011-11-25T12:40:00.001-06:00

This Saturday, December 3, downtown Elgin will be rockin' in the holiday season as the DNA's Window Wonderland - Presented by Provena Saint Joseph Hospital returns to the streets of downtown Elgin from Noon-5PM.

In addition to all of the wonderful activities and attractions available around downtown, the highlight of the day will be the opportunity to visit all of our beautifully decorated storefront windows and even judge for yourselves which ones are your favorites in our People's Choice Award voting.

The following is a list of the addresses of confirmed windows to date that will be decorated in the theme of this year's event, "Rockin' in a Window Wonderland", as well as the participating decorating group and the category in which they will be competing:

Demi and Cooper Advertising
18 Villa Court
Business

Downtown Elgin Harvest Market decorating
59 Douglas Avenue
Open

Elgin Antiques and Uniques
203 E. Chicago Street
Business

Elgin Citizens Police Academy decorating
Elgin Police Department
151 Douglas Avenue
Open

Elgin Junior Service Board decorating
Al's Café
43 DuPage Court
Open

Elgin Lodge No. 117 decorating
56 S. Grove Avenue
Open

Elgin River Rats High School Rugby decorating
Steffen Kelly and Steffen
17 Douglas Avenue
Open

Elgin Symphony Orchestra
20 DuPage Court
Business

Extreme Wireless
119 S. Grove Avenue
Business

Gifford Park Association decorating
Future Link IT
164 E. Chicago Street
Open

Highland Fellowship Church decorating
62 S. Grove Avenue
Childrens

Holy Trinity Lutheran Church decorating
165 E. Chicago Street
Open

Judson University decorating
Ken Stepps State Farm
111 Douglas Avenue
Open

Kirkpatrick, Jones and Herzog
19 S. Spring Street
Business

Our Lady of the Holy Rosary
205 Fulton Street
Open

Puerto Rican Heritage Organization decorating
Montana Realty
8 Douglas Avenue
Open

Ravenheart Coffee
176 E. Chicago Street
Business

Rediscover Records
207 E. Chicago Street
Business

Salon Couture
176 E. Chicago Street
Business

Shockey Jewelers
18 Douglas Avenue
Business

Simple Balance Holistic Center
221 E. Chicago Street
Business

Spring Hill Gymnastics decorating
61 S. Grove Avenue
Childrens

SWAN decorating
SpaceTaste Gallery
10 Douglas Avenue
Open

The Annex Antiques
201 E. Chicago Street
Business

The Centre of Elgin
100 Symphony Way
Open

Two Doors Down Antiques
207 E. Chicago Street
Business

WRMN's The Radio Shopping Show
22 Douglas Avenue
Business

Wrona Brothers
205 E. Chicago Street
Business

YWCA Elgin
220 E. Chicago Street
Open

All windows will be marked with appropriate signage to indicate they are a participating window as well as a unique corresponding category code. Ballots for the People's Choice Award will be included inside the Window Wonderland adventure packet. You must submit your People's Choice Award ballot to the DNA office at 2 Douglas Avenue by 5PM on Monday, December 5. You can also vote online at DowntownElgin.com starting December 2.

Our judging panel will score each window based on a variety of criteria. Winners in each category will win $50 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates. The group or business whose window is selected as the Best Overall Window will win $500 CASH!

Thank you to our Presenting Sponsor: Provena Saint Joseph Hospital.

Thanks also to our Event Sponsors: Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick; Kirkpatrick, Jones and Herzog Insurance; Tom's Auto Clinic; Judson University; Elgin Public House and Elgin Junior Service Board.

Give the Gift of Downtown Gift Certificate Promotion

2011-11-22T14:41:00.001-06:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin encourages everyone to shop local this holiday season by patronizing our downtown businesses for your holiday shopping needs. Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates are a great way to not only support our small businesses but to Give the Gift of Downtown to friends and loved ones!

Now thru December 30 during the DNA's Give the Gift of Downtown Promotion:

- Buy at least $50 in Downtown Gift Certificates and receive one $5 Downtown Gift Certificate FREE!
- Buy at least $100 in Downtown Gift Certificates and receive one $10 Downtown Gift Certificate FREE!
* Limit one special promotional rate offer per person, per household during the length of the promotion.

Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates are available in denominations of $5 and $10 and are accepted at over 60 of the following downtown businesses:

RESTAURANTS AND BARS

Al's Cafe and Creamery
43 DuPage Court

Bangkok House and Shanghai Restaurant
11 Douglas Avenue

Camaroncito Loco
21 N. State Street

Casa Lara Restaurant
7 Clock Tower Plaza

Domani Cafe
109 E. Highland Avenue

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue

Eaton's Redwood Inn
118 W. Chicago Street

El Faro #1
9 N. State Street

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street

The Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue

La Rosita Bakery
9 N. State Street

La Quebrada Restaurant
50 N. Spring Street

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street

Medusa's
209 E. Chicago Street

Pastigel Bakery
154 E. Chicago Street

Ravenheart Coffee
176 E. Chicago Street

Spanky's Gyros III
51 Clock Tower Plaza

Toom Toom Thai Restaurant
23 S. Grove Avenue

Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue

RETAIL AND SERVICES

Andersen's
27 N. Grove Avenue

The Annex Antiques
201 E. Chicago Street

Artistic Framing and Supplies
25 N. Grove Avenue

Budget Signs
20 S. Spring Street

Butera Market (this location only)
3 Clock Tower Plaza

Central Barber Shop
172 E. Chicago Street

Collingbourne's Interesting Things
219 W. Highland Avenue

Crawford's Automotive
151 N. Spring Street

Crucial Cuts
15 Ziegler Court

Divine Touch Salon
15 N. State Street

Elgin Antiques and Uniques
203 E. Chicago Street

Elgin Books and Coffee
209 E. Chicago Street

Elgin Jewelers
11 N. State Street

Extreme Wireless
117 S. Grove Avenue

Fadez and Bladez
9 N. Grove Avenue

Fusion Mind-Body Studio
221 E. Chicago Street

Integrity Beauty Salon
217 E. Chicago Street

JJ Peppers Food Store
10 S. State Street

JR Photographics
164 Division Street

Kellenberger Auto
217 Symphony Way

Kerygma Piano
164 Division Street

Kim's Black Belt Academy
5 S. Spring Street

Nick's Liquors
71-77 Clock Tower Plaza

Pittsburgh Paints
266 Kimball Street

The Razor's Edge
55 Douglas Avenue

Rediscover Records
207 E. Chicago Street

Salon Couture
176 E. Chicago Street

Shockey Jewelers
18 Douglas Avenue

Simple Balance Holistic Center
221 E. Chicago Street

SpaceTaste Gallery
10 Douglas Avenue

Studio One Hair Design
151 E. Highland Avenue

Super Print
160 E. Chicago Street

Tom's Auto Clinic
264 Prairie Street

Sophie's Jewelry
125 S. Grove Avenue

Tongue N Chic Dental Boutique
14 Douglas Avenue

Top Notch Tatoo
216 E. Chicago Street

Two Doors Down Antiques
207 E. Chicago Street

Wrona Brothers
205 E. Chicago Street

Ziegler's Ace Hardware
215 N. Spring Street

ENTERTAINMENT

Elgin OPERA
350 Park Street

Elgin Symphony Orchestra
20 DuPage Court

Elgin Theatre Company
350 Park Street

Janus Theatre Company
164 Division Street, 8th Floor

DNA Honors Businesses, Volunteers in Roaring '20s Style

2011-11-21T10:35:00.001-06:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin celebrated downtown Elgin in the Roaring ‘20s last Thursday by transforming the Grand Victoria Casino’s Fox River Room into a 1920’s-style speakeasy called “The Blind Tiger” for the organization’s annual Awards Gala.

The DNA handed out seven awards to individuals, organizations and businesses that had a positive impact on downtown Elgin over the past 12 months.

Extraordinary Volunteers: Armida and Joe Dominguez;

Outstanding Member Business: Elgin Public House;

Outstanding Partner Business: In the Neighborhood Deli;

Remarkable Renovation: Senior Services Associates;

Excellence in Business: Villa Verone;

Above and Beyond Award: Krisilee Murphy;

President’s Award: ACME Design

Click here to view a slideshow of the evening > > >

DNA Board President Karin Jones and Board Member Armida Dominguez also celebrated the lives of former DNA Board Members, Patricia Keeney and Steve Munson, both of whom passed away during the last year.

To lend to the evening’s golden ambience, cast members from Janus Theatre portrayed fictional ‘20s characters that interacted with guests and performed Vaudevillian musical numbers during dinner hour.

A judging panel also selected both the best dressed “guy” and “doll” whose attire was most reflective of the ‘20s theme. The winners were Alex Pecharich and Nikki Adams Hutcherson, who each received $25 in downtown Elgin gift certificates.

The DNA Awards Gala was presented by TranSystems, Landmark Contractors, Grand Victoria Casino and the City of Elgin. Sponsors included Sherman Health, Shales McNutt Construction, Janus Theatre, Future Link IT, Forthwrite Message Boards, Hitchcock Design Group, Nick’s Liquors and VTS Investigations.

Rockin' in a Window Wonderland

2011-11-15T22:01:00.001-06:00

It's beginning to look a lot like Downtown Elgin Window Wonderland - Presented by Provena Saint Joseph Hospital, taking place Saturday, December 3 from 12-5PM in the streets of Downtown Elgin.

Scheduled activities and locations (subject to change) include:

Real Live Reindeer - Santa's Crew Reindeer fly into Elgin's Civic Parking Lot (Highland and Douglas Avenues) from 12-4PM

Holiday Horse Drawn Carriage - Presented by Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick. Enjoy a festive, horse-drawn carriage ride up and down Douglas Avenue. The carriage will also drop off and pick up visitors at the Elgin Winter Market, 166 Symphony Way. Round trip rides are $5 per person (kids 5 and under FREE) and can be purchased at the Civic Parking Lot (Highland and Douglas) or at the Winter Market. The Horse Drawn Carriage will operate from 12-3PM

Live Nativity Scene with Nativity Animal Petting Zoo - First United Methodist Church, 215 E. Highland Avenue, will again be performing the live nativity in front of the church from 12-4PM. Kids can also enjoy petting and feeding all of the nativity animals. Nativity performances take place every half hour. In between performances, FUMC invites you inside to partake in their Holiday Open House with refreshments and tours of the church.

Kris Kringle Mart - Browse dozens of holiday crafts and unique gift ideas at our special Window Wonderland Kris Kringle Mart at 215 E. Chicago Street from 12-5PM. The Kris Kringle Mart will open Friday, December 2 and remain open until Sunday, December 4.

Ice Sculpting Demo - Artist Joe Gagnepain will demonstrate his ice sculpting skills by showing guests how to transform a block of ice into an intricate holiday work of art in DuPage Court.

Rockin' Santa - He's part Santa and part Elvis but he's all about rockin' your Window Wonderland! Join Rockin' Santa as he performs all your holiday favorites (and maybe a few you haven't heard before) at Villa Verone, 13 Douglas Avenue, from 12:30-2PM, and Ravenheart Coffee, 176 E. Chicago Street from 2:30-3:30PM! (Times subject to change)

Holiday Passport - Beginning at Noon, kids and families can pick up a free goody bag at the DNA Office, 2 Douglas Avenue, containing menus and coupons from downtown businesses as well as an exclusive Window Wonderland Adventure Kit containing: a map detailing the day's activities and passport stops, a People's Choice Award window decorating ballot and a secret message decoder. To decode the message and redeem your free Photo with Santa and gift at Elgin Public House, visit all of the passport stops and write down the codes on the posters at each stop to reveal your super secret message from Santa before turning it into our Elves at Elgin Public House.

Photos with Santa - Presented by Elgin Public House. After visiting all of the passport stops, turn in your decoded message to Santa's helpers at EPH, 219 E. Chicago Street, and get your photos taken with the big guy himself from 2-4PM. You will receive a printed photo in a keepsake holiday card (while supplies last) and a secret Santa gift!

Window Decorating Contest/People's Choice Balloting - Be sure to check out all of the beautiful decorated windows and vote for your favorite in the People's Choice Window Decorating Award Voting. Ballots will be available to pick up at the DNA Office, 2 Douglas Avenue, beginning at Friday, December 2. You can also VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE WINDOW ONLINE throughout the weekend (the link will be active beginning Friday, December 2 at Noon).

The day culminates with the City of Elgin's Tree Lighting Ceremony at 5PM in front of City Hall at 150 Dexter Court. The Elgin Children's Chorus will perform followed by Council Members and City Staff helping to throw the switch to officially usher in the holiday season in Elgin.

Beginning Friday, December 2 you can pick up your Window Wonderland Adventure Kit at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue or at other downtown locations, or download at DowntownElgin.com.

Winners of the Window Decorating Contest will be announced the week after Window Wonderland. Three winners will be selected by our judging panel in the categories of Open, Business and Childrens. Each category winner receives a $50 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate. The People's Choice Award winner will also receive a $50 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate. One overall winner selected by our judging panel will win a $500 Cash Prize.

CLICK TO SEE A COMPLETE LIST OF PARTICIPATING DECORATED WINDOWS AND VOTE FOR YOUR FAVORITE ONLINE!

Thank you to our valued sponsors Provena Saint Joseph Hospital, Hampton, Lenzini and Renwick, and Elgin Public House.

For more information about Downtown Elgin Window Wonderland, contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Decorate a Window and You Could Stuff Your Stocking with $500 Cash!

2011-11-02T14:58:00.000-05:00

Attention local artists, schools, neighborhood associations, non-profits, businesses and community groups! DNA is offering a $500 Cash Prize for our 2011 downtown window decorating contest as part of this year's "Rockin' in a Window Wonderland" holiday event on Saturday, December 3, 12-5PM in downtown Elgin.

Windows should be decorated to the "Rockin' in a Window Wonderland" theme, incorporating holiday music and performance themes in the window's visuals, props and messages. Bonus points are given for entries that bring the theme to life during the event on December 3. Judging categories include Business, Children's, Open and a People's Choice Award. Winners in each category receive a $50 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate, and one overall winner will be chosen by a panel of judges to receive the overall $500 cash prize.

Window decorating takes place throughout the month of November. Judging takes place on Saturday, December 3 and windows stay up until January 2. Groups can request a specific downtown storefront window or our committee can assign you one.

If your group is interested in participating in the 2011 Window Wonderland Window Decorating Contest, please download the participation form, complete and submit to:

DNA
Attn: Window Wonderland Committee
2 Douglas Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120

Completed participation forms and any applicable fees are due by no later than Friday, November 11.

Download Window Wonderland Participation Form > > >

If you have any questions, please contact the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin at (847) 488-1456.

Elgin Commerce Building Debuts New Business Center

2011-11-02T07:45:00.000-05:00

On Thursday, November 3 from 4-6PM, the Elgin Commerce Building, 40 DuPage Ct, invites you to attend an Open House for their beautiful, brand new Business Center. Light refreshments will be served.

The Business Center offers over 2,200 sq. ft., 9 unique offices for lease, conference room, kitchenette and common work area. These are great opportunities for start-up businesses looking for office space.

For more info about the Elgin Commerce Building's new Business Center and Open House, contact Chris Kravetz at ck@ckrealtor.com.

Toom Toom Thai Celebrates 2-Year Anniversary with Thailand Flood Fundraiser

2011-10-31T14:59:00.003-05:00

On Wednesday, November 2, Toom Toom Thai Restaurant, 23 S. Grove Avenue, will be celebrating their two-year anniversary in downtown Elgin.

To mark the occasion, Chef Uthaiwan (Toom) Wiitanen is hosting a day-long fundraiser with the proceeds benefiting The Princess Foundation, which provides relief and support to the victims of the recent floods in Thailand.

From 11:30AM until 9PM, in lieu of the restaurant’s traditional lunch and dinner menu, guests will be treated to a special menu of Vegetable Egg Rolls, Chicken Pot Stickers, and Beef, Chicken or Vegetable Noodle Soup. All food is free with a donation.

At 12PM, representatives from the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin along with the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce and the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau will conduct a brief ceremony congratulating Wiitanen on her two years of business in downtown Elgin. The ceremony will conclude with Mayor David Kaptain reading a proclamation recognizing November 2, 2011 as Toom Toom Thai Restaurant Day in Elgin.

In addition to collecting donations, there will also be silent auctions for unique prizes as well.

For more information about the, please contact Chef Toom Wiitanen at (847) 531-8755.

DNA Honored at Illinois Main Street Awards Dinner

2011-10-28T13:42:00.001-05:00

GALESBURG, IL - On Wednesday, October 26, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin was honored with two Illinois Main Street awards for downtown revitalization from at the organization’s 2011 Awards Dinner at Soangetaha Country Club in Galesburg, Illinois.

Executive Director Tonya Hudson and members of the DNA Board of Directors and Staff accepted the Lt. Governor’s Award for Downtown Revitalization in the Outstanding Organization Project category for the DNA’s Downtown Brainstorm: an interactive planning workshop about downtown Elgin addressing a different topic of relevance to the community.

Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski accepted the Lt. Governor’s Award for Downtown Revitalization in the Outstanding Promotion category for Downtown Madness – a social media promotion that pitted the signature drinks and dishes of downtown bars and eateries in a March Madness style bracket tournament where the public’s votes determined the winners of each match-up.

The Awards Dinner capped off three days of workshops, seminars and networking opportunities at the 2011 Illinois Main Street Conference in Galesburg, in which over 40 different Illinois Main Street communities from across the state participated.

As part of the conference, Hudson and Pawlowski also presented an educational workshop about social media strategy for Main Street organizations entitled “Social Media on Main Street”.

Halloween Day-Night Double Header in Downtown Elgin

2011-10-24T15:48:00.003-05:00

Downtown Elgin is THE place to be this Halloween Weekend!

On Saturday, October 29 from 10AM-4PM, the DNA once again presents Elgin's Halloween Howl - Presented by Alexian Brothers Health System & Ken Stepps State Farm - a family-friendly afternoon of frightfully fun festivities in downtown Elgin.

Schedule of Events:

10AM-1PM - Sherman Health's Halloween Family Fun Fair at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way, featuring family-friendly activities and a kids costume contest

Noon-4PM - Trick or Treating at downtown Elgin businesses

1-3PM - Elgin Public Museum's Bone Hunt - a fun Halloween archeological dig on the grass in front of The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

1-3PM - Midwest Dance Collective Teaching the Thriller Dance - under the direction of Ellen Werksman MDC will be teaching kids the Michael Jackson Thriller Dance on the Nightmare on Chicago Street stage at Chicago & Douglas

1-4PM - Kids Costume Photo Booth at Ken Stepps' State Farm, 111 Douglas Avenue - get your kids photos taken in their Halloween finest

1-4PM - Psychosis Haunted House, 200 N. Spring Street, matinee, "kid-friendly" haunted house

2-3PM - Halloween Crafts & Music Activities in the basement of The Hemmens, presented by U-46

3:30PM - Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Spooktacular Concert at The Hemmens. Come in costume to hear some "boo"-tiful music. Tickets are $15 for adults, $10 for kids and available in person at the box office on the day of the concert or purchase tickets in advance at http://www.ElginSymphony.org

For a complete list of participating businesses in the Howl's Trick-or-Treating and a comprehensive schedule of Halloween weekend events in downtown Elgin, click here!

THEN...

NEWSFLASH! The Zombies have taken over and Elgin is the last line of defense! Join the Zombie Defense Initiative on from 6-11PM as the City of Elgin presents Nightmare on Chicago Street.

Chicago Street (between Douglas and Villa) will be closed for a Halloween music festival, with local bands, theater performances, a zombie walk, live burlesque show, a visit from Svengoolie and Victoria Price, granddaughter of legendary horror actor Vincent Price, a costume contest and specials from downtown businesses.

Admission is $7 at the gate with $5 discounted advanced tickets available at the DNA Office, 2 Douglas Avenue. Children under the age of 17 must be accompanied by an adult (age 21+).

6-7:30PM - Kashmir (Led Zeppelin tribute band)

8-9PM, 9:30-10:30PM - ARRA (classic rock tribute band)

9-9:30PM - Costume Contest with Svengoolie

9:30-11PM - Meet and Greet with Svengoolie

10:40-11PM - Burlesque Show by Dancewerks Dance Productions

For more information on the City of Elgin's Nightmare on Chicago Street event, visit http://www.NightmareonChicagoStreet.com

Dr. Torres to Speak at October Out to Lunch

2011-10-12T09:31:00.003-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association's final Out to Lunch of the 2011 season is Monday, October 24 at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street in downtown Elgin. October's special guest speaker is Dr. Jose Torres, Superintendent, School District U-46.

Guests will enjoy networking between 11:45AM-12PM. The lunch portion of the program begins at Noon followed by Dr. Torres' presentation about his Destination 2015 plan around 12:30PM.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only) guests will be treated to a delicious lunch buffet of some EPH favorites as well as a choice of soft drinks or water.

RSVP with your name and e-mail address to the DNA by phone at 847-488-1456, by e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org, or via our Online RSVP Form by no later than Friday, October 21.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, typically conducted on the fourth Monday of each month, are an effort to showcase a different downtown Elgin restaurant while engaging the public with guest speakers and topics relevant to the downtown community.

This year's Out to Lunch guest speakers have included City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, City Manager Sean Stegall, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, Provena St. Joseph Hospital CEO Dr. Eugene McMahon, YWCA Elgin Special Events Coordinator Deirdre White, and Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson.

DNA Awards Gala Roaring '20s Trivia on WRMN-AM 1410

2011-10-06T17:01:00.007-05:00

Think you know your 1920's Elgin trivia?

Beginning Monday, October 10 listen to WRMN-AM 1410 every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 7:20AM throughout October and early November for your DNA Awards Gala Roaring '20s Trivia Question of the Day.

After the question is read, be the first person to e-mail the correct answer to us at DowntownElgin@gmail.com for your chance to win Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates and other prizes from trivia question sponsors. Winners will be announced at 5:20PM each day on WRMN and on DNA's Facebook and Twitter pages.

Click to listen to the WRMN radio commercial >>>

On Thursday, November 17, the Downtown Neighborhood Association invites you to join us at the Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue, as we celebrate 1920's Elgin along with those who are working to make downtown a swell place to live, work and enjoy today!

Cocktails at 6PM (cash bar) followed by Dinner & Awards at 7PM. Roarin' entertainment provided by Janus Theatre.

Tickets are $65 per person ($55 for DNA members), Sponsored Tables of 8 are $560 ($485 for DNA Members). 1920's-inspired evening apparel encouraged. Prizes awarded for the snazziest dressed Sheiks and Shebas.

Don't be a wet blanket! Get your glad rags on, jump on the trolley and RSVP by November 4 to (847) 488-1456 or RSVP and pay securely online at DowntownElgin.com

Other sponsorship packages and marketing opportunities are also available. Contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at jpawlowski@elginil.org for more information.

Special thanks to our 2011 Presenting Sponsors TranSystems and Grand Victoria Casino.

Harvest Market Concludes 2011 Season Thursday, September 29

2011-09-27T14:30:00.003-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association invites you to join us this Thursday, September 29 from 10AM-4PM at the Old Library Lot, 200 N. Grove Avenue, for our final Downtown Elgin Harvest Market of the 2011 season.

Here are some of the activities planned for this week at the market:

* Jamlady Book Signing - All Day - our very own Jamlady, Beverly Alfeld, will be selling and signing copies of her books: The Jamlady Cookbook, a resource cookbook for the canner, gardener, gourmet chef, and health-conscious person; and Pickles to Relish, an encyclopedic cookbook with an ethnobotanical approach to cooking, canning, and living.
* City of Elgin Booth – The Centre of Elgin - information about their fall and winter services and programs.
* Chiro One Wellness Center Booth – information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.
* Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore – information and more.
* ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth – free CFL’s and learn about various ways to lessen your carbon footprint at home and work.
* Community Booth: Gail Borden Public Library - materials and promotion of upcoming library events, including the library's Hispanic Heritage month activities.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

Celebrate Andersen's 50th Anniversary Today at Gasthaus Outdoor Cookout

2011-09-21T10:12:00.004-05:00

The DNA invites everyone to attend a special ceremony celebrating Andersen's Engraving's 50th Anniversary in downtown Elgin today.

Beginning at Noon today, join us for a special pre-ceremony lunchtime cookout at The Gasthaus, 15 N. Grove Avenue. They'll be cooking up burgers for $5.50 (plus tax & tip) and brats for $5.00 (plus tax & tip) as well as serving non-alcoholic beverages all on their beautiful, brand-new outdoor patio. The Gast's full lunch menu will also be available.

Then at 1PM we invite you to walk up the street to Andersen's, 27 N. Grove Avenue, where Elgin dignitaries will gather for a special ceremony, including the re-unveiling of the original Andersen's Gifts sign which marked the store's original location at 170 DuPage some 50 years ago.

The outdoor cookout at The Gasthaus goes until 2PM.

For custom engraving, trophies, wedding invitations, graduation announcements, greeting cards, gifts and foil imprinting services, call Andersen's today at 847-742-5434.

Please join the DNA in congratulating Andersen's Engraving on 50 years of service to the Elgin community!

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - September 22

2011-09-20T14:56:00.003-05:00

Here's what's happening this week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market on Thursday, September 22 from 10am-4pm at the Old Library Lot, 200 N. Grove Avenue in downtown Elgin, across from the Gail Borden Public Library and adjacent to The Centre of Elgin and Hemmens Cultural Center.

- Back to School Market Day - 10am–2pm - students from local schools participating in various sustainable, agricultural, wellness sessions and food demonstrations.
- Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment.
- City of Elgin Booth – Hemmens – information about their upcoming 2011-2012 season
- Simple Balance Holistic Center – information on wellness programs, packages, and upcoming workshops and events.
- Landin Chiropractic – performing free spinal screenings, with state-of-the-art equipment, using infrared cameras to measure the temperature of the nerve roots on the spine.
- ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Hawthorne Hill Nature Center - information about nature programs for the fall and winter.
- Community Booth: Community Crisis Center - information regarding CCC's services and will be selling recycled fabric products, the proceeds of which benefit the Crisis Center.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market's 2011 season comes to a close next Thursday, September 29.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please contact Market Manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Mayor Kaptain to Speak at September Out to Lunch

2011-09-14T14:09:00.002-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin's next monthly "Out to Lunch" meeting will be Monday, September 26 at Bangkok House and Shanghai Restaurant, 11 Douglas Avenue. Networking begins at 11:45AM and the lunch program runs Noon-1PM.

The featured guest speaker for September will be City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only) guests will enjoy a lunch buffet consisting of Crab Rangoon, Thai Style Egg Rolls (vegetarian), Thai Yellow Curry with Chicken, Szechwan Beef, Chow Foon (vegetarian), seasonal fruits and choice of soft drinks or tea.

RSVP with your name and e-mail address to DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski by phone at 847-488-1456, by e-mail at jpawlowski@elginil.org or via our Online RSVP Form by no later than Friday, September 23.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and typically conducted on the last Monday of each month, are an effort to showcase a different downtown Elgin restaurant each month and engage the public by featuring guest speakers and topics relevant to the community. Recent Out to Lunch guest speakers have included City Manager Sean Stegall, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson and Provena St. Joseph Hospital CEO Dr. Eugene McMahon.

'Mayor at the Market' Highlights This Week's Downtown Elgin Harvest Market

2011-09-13T15:58:00.005-05:00

This week’s Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, taking place on Thursday, September 15 from 10AM-4PM at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue, is highlighted by a special visit from Mayor David Kaptain entitled “Mayor at the Market”.

Mayor Kaptain will be on hand to discuss sustainability issues with market patrons from 11AM-12PM. The setting will be informal and “market munchies” will be available to those who wish to participate.

Other events and activities planned for this week’s Harvest Market include:

• Davey Tree Booth ”Ask an Arborist” - Davey Tree will conduct a tree pruning demonstration.
• Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings.
• City of Elgin Booth – Fire Department will be on hand with their fire vehicles.
• Salon Couture – check out their latest natural beauty products and services.
• ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Elgin Public Museum - promoting all of their exciting fall programming.
• Community Booth: The Literacy Connection – information about their programs and upcoming events.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Market Manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

The 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market season closes on Thursday, September 29.

Congratulations to Andersen's Engraving on 50 Years in Downtown Elgin

2011-09-13T15:34:00.004-05:00

This September, Andersen's Engraving, 27 N. Grove Avenue in Elgin, is celebrating 50 years of service to the downtown Elgin community.

On Wednesday, September 14 at Elgin's City Council meeting at 7PM, Mayor David Kaptain will read a formal proclamation honoring owner Dave Andersen, by proclaiming September 21 Andersen's Engraving Day in Elgin.

Then on Wednesday, September 21 beginning at 1PM, owner Dave Andersen and other Elgin dignitaries will take part in a ceremony in front of the shop, which includes a very special unveiling of the original restored "Andersen's Gifts" sign that marked the shop's original storefront location at 170 DuPage.

As an added bonus, Andersen's neighbor The Gasthaus, 15 N. Grove Avenue, will offer a special pre-ceremony cook-out, featuring burgers, brats and non-alcoholic beverages, on their beautiful new outdoor patio for all attendees beginning at Noon.

S.J. Andersen opened Andersen's Gifts in September 1961 at 170 DuPage in downtown Elgin. Over its 50 years in business, the store has called several downtown locations home, including stints at 163 E. Chicago Street next to the old Wilson's Shoes where the Martini Room currently resides; 21 Douglas Avenue next to Keeney's Sporting Goods; and its current location at 27 N. Grove Avenue next to Artistic Framing and Supplies.

The core business of the shop has always focused on trophies, custom engraving services, wedding invitations, graduation announcements, greeting cards, gifts and foil imprinting services. For more information on available products, specific services and pricing, contact Dave Andersen at 847-742-5434.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association congratulates the Andersen family on a well-deserved 50th Anniversary celebration in downtown Elgin!

Photos of Andersen’s different storefronts from over the decades are available at http://photobucket.com/Andersens50th

Downtown Elgin Car Show Results

2011-09-12T11:43:00.004-05:00

Over 70 different cars, trucks and alternative fuel vehicles rolled into Elgin’s Civic Parking Lot on Saturday, September 10 for the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s 5th Annual Downtown Elgin Car Show – Presented by Ken Stepps State Farm.

In addition to raffles, silent auctions, music and other fun activities, participants and spectators alike were asked to cast their ballot for the vehicles they deemed Best in Show.

The overall winner of Best in Show was Ron Barclay of Gilberts and his 1958 Pontiac Bonneville. Barclay received a trophy from Ken Stepps of Ken Stepps State Farm Insurance Agency, 111 Douglas Avenue, courtesy of Andersen’s Engraving, 27 N. Grove Avenue.

Other winners included Kurt Berghahn of Sleepy Hollow with his Ford Model A; Joe Sant of Elgin with his 1957 Ford; and Jon Schwartz of Dundee with his 1936 Aston Martin. The People’s Choice Award winner was Bruce Flescher of Hampshire with his 1969 Chevy Chevelle.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association hosted two Cruise Nights in August, which included an impromptu cruise around the streets of downtown Elgin, to engage local car enthusiasts as well as promote the September car show.

The DNA would like to thank our car show sponsors, Ken Stepps State Farm, Chicago Area Clean Cities Coalition, Redmon's Towing, Kirkpatrick, Jones & Herzog and Tom's Auto Clinic; our booth sponsors, Huntington Learning Center, Chiro One Wellness and Titan Self Storage; our 2011 Car Show Committee Chair Rich Hirschberg; and everyone who participated in or attended this year's Downtown Elgin Car Show.

Click for a photo slideshow from the Downtown Elgin Car Show >>>

Downtown Elgin Car Show Details

2011-09-09T13:51:00.003-05:00

The DNA's fifth annual Downtown Elgin Car Show - Presented by Ken Stepps State Farm takes place Saturday, September 10 from 9AM-3PM at the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas Avenue.

Registration and Check-In Procedures for Participants:

•Registration begins at 9AM sharp! We will have minimal staff on hand at the Civic Lot setting things up so if you do arrive early, we would appreciate your patience in waiting until we are completely set up at 9AM to take your registration info.

•If you have pre-registered AND pre-paid for your vehicle in advance, you just need to provide our check-in volunteers with your name so they can check you off the list. You will then receive your complimentary Car Show dash plaque and instructions on where to park your vehicle.

•If you have pre-registered but did not pre-pay, our volunteer will also collect your information and the $5 registration fee from you. You will then receive your complimentary Car Show dash plaque and instructions on where to park your vehicle.

•If you did not pre-register your vehicle, you will need to fill out a Car Show registration form and pay the $5 registration fee. Supplies permitting, you will then receive your complimentary Car Show dash plaque (they are first come, first served to non-preregistered particpants) and instructions on where to park your vehicle.

Judging/Awards

•Participants will be handed a ballot at check-in to vote for your Top 3 vehicles in show. Please return your completed ballot to the DNA volunteer at the check-in tent before 1PM.

•Car Show patrons can pick up their People's Choice Ballots at the DNA check-in tent. Ballots must be returned to the DNA volunteer at the check-in tent before 1PM.

•Awards will be presented at 2:30PM.

•Plaques will be awarded to the 2nd-5th Place winners (based on our participants' votes) and a trophy to our Best in Show. There will also be a People's Choice Award trophy - as selected by guests in attendance at the Car Show.

Weather

The forecast is calling for a chance of rain on Saturday, thus we are enacting the following procedures should weather become an issue:

Prior to 9AM

•If there is heavy or sustained rain or threat of lightning in the area prior to 9AM, we will postpone the Car Show until Saturday, September 17, Civic Lot, 9AM-3PM.

•Light rain or drizzle will not cause the Car Show to be postponed.

After 9AM

•The Car Show will go on rain or shine. If the weather becomes a bigger issue after the Car Show has started, we will wait it out as long as possible then, if necessary, cancel the remainder of the show. We would not reschedule.

We will be keeping an eye on the weather beginning at 7AM that morning and will post updates about the status of the Car Show at DowntownElgin.com and on DNA's Facebook and Twitter accounts.

We look forward to a great weekend of activities in downtown Elgin - including the Car Show, Next Wave Art Salon, Elgin Historic House Tour, 9/11 Memorial Ceremony and Concert of Rememberance at Hemmens. Join us!

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - September 8

2011-09-06T17:20:00.003-05:00

Here's what's happening this week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers on Thursday, September 8 from 10AM-4PM at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue, across from the Gail Borden Public Library and adjacent to The Centre of Elgin:

Vintage Cars at the Market - promoting the Downtown Elgin Car Show - Presented by Ken Stepps on Saturday, September 10 at the Civic Lot.

Live Entertainment – Grandpa Q singing and playing guitar - 10AM-Noon.

Davey Tree Booth–”Ask an Arborist” - educational information about trees and our environment.

City of Elgin Booth – staff from the Bluff City Cemetery will be on hand to provide information on the cemetery.

Simple Balance Holistic Center Booth– information about wellness programs and packages offered, as well as, upcoming workshops and events.

Landin Chiropractic Booth – performing free spinal screenings with state-of-the-art equipment, using infrared cameras to measure the temperature of the nerve roots on the spine.

ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Elgin Area Historical Society – Apple press activity and promoting Bluff City Cemetary Walk on Saturday, September 24.

Community Booth: Gifford Park Association - will be present selling tickets to their upcoming Historic Elgin House Tour on September 10 & 11.

For more information on the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Market Manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Downtown Elgin Car Show Rolls Into Fifth Year This Saturday

2011-09-06T16:11:00.006-05:00

The 2011 Downtown Elgin Car Show - Presented by Ken Stepps State Farm returns to the Civic Parking Lot, at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues, on Saturday, September 10 from 9AM-3PM.

Celebrating its fifth year, the Car Show will again showcase the area's hottest hot rods, classic cars, vintage vehicles and green/AFVs all in one location in the heart of downtown Elgin. There will also be entertainment, green seminars, car care clinics, food drive, vendor booths, and more! Trophies will be awarded to the best five cars in show as determined by the car show participants. A People's Choice Award, selected by the voting public, will also be given out.

The Downtown Elgin Car Show is FREE to the public! There is a $5 Registration Fee per vehicle. All pre-registered participants will receive a limited edition Downtown Elgin Car Show Dash Plaque at check-in.

To pre-register your vehicle(s) for the Downtown Elgin Car Show, click here!

Note to Downtown Residents, Employees and Business Owners: the Civic Parking Lot will be closed off to public parking from 7AM-3PM on Saturday, September 10. Street parking is available on the streets adjacent to the Civic Lot including Highland Avenue, Douglas Avenue and Division Street and FREE parking is available in the nearby parking decks on Spring Street and on Symphony Way across from The Centre. The Civic Lot will reopen to public parking at 3:30PM.

The rain date for the Downtown Elgin Car Show is Saturday, September 17.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association would like to thank our event sponsors Redmon's Towing, Tom's Auto Care and Kirkpatrick, Jones & Herzog Insurance, our booth sponsors Chiro One Wellness, Huntington Learning Center and Titan Self Storage, and a special thanks to our presenting sponsor Ken Stepps State Farm Insurance Agency.

Downtown Money Saving Discounts with Your Gail Borden Library Card

2011-09-06T11:58:00.003-05:00

During September's National Library Card Sign-up Month, show your Gail Borden Library card at area merchants and receive a money-saving discount. Below is a list of participating downtown merchants and DNA members:

2 Doors Down Antiques
207 E. Chicago St.
10% off merchandise (except records)

Al’s Café
43 DuPage Court
10% off the check

Andersen’s Engraving
27 N. Grove Ave.
10% off all orders

Artistic Framing & Supplies
25 N. Grove Ave.
10% off framing & 15% off in-stock supplies

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant
11 Douglas Ave.
10% off entire bill, excluding alcohol

Douglas Street Sports Bar
231 Douglas Ave.
5% off food

Elgin Antiques
203 E. Chicago St.
10% off merchandise

Elgin Books
209 E. Chicago St.
20% off purchase of books

Elgin Historical Museum
360 Park St.
10% off one regularly priced item in museum store

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago St.
$4 off two or more entrees (restrictions apply)

Elgin Public Museum
225 Grand Blvd.
10% off any item in the museum store

In the Neighborhood Deli & Café
185 N. Edison Ave.
10% off any order

La Quebrada Restaurant
50 N. Spring St.
Free dessert with purchase of $10 or more

Salon Couture
176 E. Chicago St.
15% off any one service or product; one discount per visit

Villa Verone
13 Douglas Ave.
5% off the total bill

To view the complete list of participating Elgin area merchants, visit GailBorden.info.

This Week at Downtown Elgin Harvest Market’s September “First Thursday” Market

2011-08-30T16:51:00.002-05:00

Here is a rundown of the happenings this week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market’s final “First Thursday” Market of the 2011 season on Thursday, September 1, with special extended hours from 10AM-6PM, at the Old Library Lot, 200 N. Grove Avenue, across from the Gail Borden Public Library and next to The Centre of Elgin.

• Art at the Market – Keath Sodapop, a local artist and member of Art for All, will be interacting with customers creating urban/public art pieces, plus decorating ReStore outdoor furniture and objects that will be for sale at ReStore the next day.
• Artz Zone - from 4-6PM where artists in the community have the opportunity to set up for free at the Harvest Market and sell/demo their art.
• "Market Munchies" - available to market customers who shop between 4-6PM with a purchase over $15.
• Kids’ Corner - complete with face painting, table games, coloring pages, puzzles, plus prizes and more will be provided by community sponsor, Highland Fellowship Church/Highland Christian Academy.
• Live Entertainment - Strolling violinist Jennifer Silk between Noon – 1:30PM and singer/musicians Jams Clipper 4-6PM.
• Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings.
• Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment.
• City of Elgin Booth – Fire Department‘s water rescue and recovery team will be present with fire trucks, rescue boats, and more.
• Chiro One Wellness Center Booth – information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.
• ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth – get free CFL’s and learn about various ways you can get involved or lessen your carbon footprint at home and work.
• Community Booth: International Teams – promoting their “Ride for Refuge” Fox Valley bike ride which will raise awareness and funds for refugees and anti-trafficking projects.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers runs every Thursday from 10AM-4PM now through September 29.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, please contact Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

City of Elgin 9/11 Memorial Ceremony, Concert of Remembrance at Hemmens

2011-08-30T13:01:00.006-05:00

On Sunday, September 11 at 3:30PM at the Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, the Elgin Choral Union, along with the City of Elgin and the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, present A Concert of Remembrance - a collaborative performance to commemorate the Tenth Anniversary of the September 11 attacks.

This moving concert features John Adams’ Transmigration of Souls, written shortly after the attacks to exemplify the emotions & complexities of the tragedy; and Johannes Brahms’ Requiem, often referred to as the Human Requiem, written for the living as they remember those who have passed on.

The concert will also feature performances by Elgin Choral Union, Elgin Symphony Orchestra, Heartland Voices, Elgin Children’s Chorus, and Elgin OPERA.

Tickets are on available by calling the Hemmens' Box Office at 847-931-5900 or at Hemmens.org.

Preceding the concert at 1:30PM, join the City of Elgin for a September 11 Memorial Ceremony at Civic Plaza, 150 Dexter Court (behind City Hall), featuring a presentation of the colors, performance of The Star Spangled Banner, God Bless America and Amazing Grace, welcoming remarks by City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain, sounding of the bells, rifle salute, Taps and more.

For additional information about the ceremony, please call 847-931-5677 or for a link to the complete rundown of the ceremony's itinerary, click here!

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - August 25

2011-08-24T10:14:00.003-05:00

Here's what's happening at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market this Thursday, August 25 from 10AM-4PM at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove across from the Gail Borden Public Library and next to The Centre of Elgin:

* Davey Tree Booth – "Ask an Arborist" - will have educational information about trees and our environment

* City of Elgin Booth – Hemmens Cultural Center will be promoting their line-up of performances for the 2011-2012 season

* Chiro One Wellness Center Booth – will be on hand with information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.

* ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Hawthorne Hill Nature Center - will have information on their upcoming programs

* Community Booth: Gifford Park Association - will be selling tickets to their upcoming 30th Annual Elgin Historic House Tour on Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Jennifer Benson at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - August 18

2011-08-17T11:10:00.003-05:00

Here's what's happening this Thursday, August 18 at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market from 10AM-4PM at 200 N. Grove Avenue, located across from the Gail Borden Public Library and next to The Centre of Elgin:

• Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – the Neurosciences folks and Joyce Ancona will be present to help market goers learn their stroke score cards and blood pressures.
• Davey Tree Booth–"Ask an Arborist!" - educational information about trees and our environment.
• Simple Balance Holistic Center – will have information on hand of wellness programs and packages offered, as well as upcoming workshops and events.
• Salon Couture–an Aveda salon - will have information about their products and services, plus maybe a raffle or hand massage.
• ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Elgin Public Museum - Fun with pH! Test water samples to see if Elgin’s water is in balance; then test other liquids to see how they compare with water.
• Community Booth: Community Crisis Center - will be providing information regarding their services and have Terri Naaf selling reusable fabric gift bags and other sewing crafts that will go 100% to the Community Crisis Center.
• Find the Downtown Wandering Gnome! You will find clues posted at the market with a picture of the gnome hiding in a nearby DNA Downtown Member Organization/Business. First ten people to find the gnome within the next week will get a prize.
• Merchandise for Sale at the Downtown Neighborhood Association Booth:

- New Harvest Market T-shirts $10- $15
- Elgin Tower Building Puzzles $5
- Vintage Elgin Seeds Magnet $3.50
- Weekly Recipe Cards $1

• Become a DNA Harvest Market Member! Join DNA as a Harvest Market member for only $45 and get a free tote bag, free Vintage Seeds Magnet, membership card which helps you get a free raffle ticket at the DNA booth, 10% discounts on merchandise, and other specials, plus all of the benefits included with the DNA individual membership.

Click here to see photos of our new Harvest Market t-shirts > > >

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl Details

2011-08-09T13:26:00.008-05:00

The following is a list of drink specials available to Downtown Elgin Pub Crawlers (for the night of August 12 only) who show their passports when ordering. All participating Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl establishments will be offering $3.00 Miller Lite bottles - courtesy of our presenting sponsor, Euclid Beverage.

The Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828

• The Moody Blues - $3

• Purple Haze - $3

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847-741-0349
www.MartiniRoomElgin.com

• Red Apple Martini - $6

• Cherry Sprite Mixed Drink - $5

• SoCo Lime Shot - $3

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847-695-5659
www.DouglasStreetSportsBar.com

• LA Lemonade - $5

• All Three Olives Vodka Drinks - $5

• Summer Shante Drafts - $4

Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847-742-0263
www.VillaVerone.net

• Glass of House Wine (red or white) - $5

• Cucumber Shots - $2

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
www.ElginPublicHouse.com

• EPH Strawberry Lemonade - $5

• Peach Cobbler Shots - $3.50

The AfterSet
158 Symphony Way
847-608-7570

• Patron Pyrat Rum and Coke - $5

• Patron Citrogne Tequila and Sprite - $5

Medusa's
209 E. Chicago Street

• Drink specials TBA

Additionally, the streets of downtown Elgin will be alive with activity as several local musicians will be performing on street corners throughout the evening including:

• John Rodriguez & Dave Hudson – Highland & Douglas (southeast corner)
• The Reverends – Chicago & Douglas/S. Grove (southwest corner near park)
• Joe Haggenjos – Chicago & Spring (southwest corner near park)
• Annalee – Chicago & Spring (west of Spring deck entrance/exit)

For a $10 donation, crawlers will receive one raffle ticket for a cash prize of $500, as well as an official Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl lanyard (complete with bottle opener) courtesy of our presenting sponsor, Euclid Beverage.

Crawlers who visit at least FOUR of the 7 participating bars will receive a second raffle ticket for the $500 cash prize drawing. Each bar will also host a unique prize package - raffle tickets for these prizes are $1 each.

Donation proceeds and raffle ticket sales benefit the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin to support the continued revitalization of downtown Elgin.

To avoid the lines at check-in, pre-register and pay online by clicking here!

Downtown Elgin Walk and Talk Slated for August 23

2011-08-09T12:57:00.001-05:00

On Tuesday, August 23, the Elgin Police Department will conduct a "Walk and Talk" through the downtown Elgin business district from 2-4PM. The purpose of the Walk and Talk is for officers and members of the command staff to meet members of the downtown Elgin community and seek input regarding any issues facing downtown business owners and residents. Members of city staff, including code enforcement, will also be available to address questions or concerns. The walk will commence in front of the DNA office at 2 Douglas Avenue, where several groups will be formed to walk through the various areas in the downtown.

Any downtown business owner or resident who would like to participate in the walk should contact Lt. Bill Wolf at 847-289-2602 or email wolf_b@cityofelgin.org. The walk will conclude at the DNA office at 3:30PM for a quick wrap-up meeting and Q&A. This event is a great opportunity for members of the downtown area to work with the City of Elgin toward the common goal of hosting a thriving business district.

For more information, contact the DNA at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Downtown Day (and Night) Planner for Thursday, August 4

2011-08-04T08:42:00.009-05:00

Seriously? What isn't there to do in downtown Elgin today?

Not to worry, we've got your Thursday all planned out:

- Start with one of Domani Cafe's new Frappes or Fruit Smoothies. They're delish!

- Then head over to the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, across from the Gail Borden Public Library, where it's "First Thursday" time! That not only means the market stays open for two extra hours (until 6PM) but also live music and entertainment from strolling minstrels, a food-art demonstration by Jeff Turner from In the Neighborhood Deli, kids activities, Artz Zone and, of course, fresh locally produced fruit, veggies, bread, olives, hummus, spices and much more! Plus you can look for our roving Harvest Market Gnome hiding in one of our downtown Elgin DNA member businesses.

- After a busy morning of shopping and eating at the market, maybe you need to work off some of those calories? No prob. Head over to The Centre of Elgin for a workout in their beautiful fitness center. Not a member? Why not join today? Call 847-531-7000 for information about membership?

- Lunch time! Lots of choices here folks: authentic Thai cuisine or Sushi at Toom Toom Thai, homestyle Mexican fare at La Puesta Del Sol and La Quebrada, "pub grub" at Elgin Public House and The Gasthaus, Chinese and Thai inspired flavors from Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant, American fare for a variety of palettes and legendary Burn's Malts at Al's Cafe & Creamery, sandwiches from Ravenheart Coffee, cookies and pastry from Pastigel Bakery and La Rosita Bakery...is your mouth watering yet?

- Elgin's rich history is preserved and showcased throughout the year at the Elgin History Museum at 360 Park Street. The museum is open today from Noon-4PM. Stop in and celebrate your City's heritage.

- Want to get your read on? Elgin Books has you covered with wall-to-wall used and vintage books. Don't forget to sample their coffee and root beer floats!

- How about getting a head start on that holiday shopping list? Find unique treasures for all the people on your list at Elgin Antiques and Uniques, Two Doors Down Antiques (featuring Rediscover Records) and Spacetaste Gallery. How about something for that special someone? Jewelry makes a great gift and Shockey Jewelers and Elgin Jewelers both offer a vast selection of high quality gold, silver, diamonds and estate pieces - as well as repair services. For the handyman, stop into Ziegler's Ace Hardware for all things tool-icious. Don't forget Andersen's Engraving and Artistic Framing and supplies for unique gift ideas and Wrona Brothers for all of your office supply needs.

- The question: Where can I get a style, massage, mani/pedi or just chill out and feel pampered? The answer: Salon Couture. For more answers, call now for your appointment.

Now, here's where your day in downtown gets really interesting...

- It's Girls Night Out at Douglas Street Sports Pub from 6-9PM. Ladies receive free admission, free goody bags and the chance to shop-til-you-drop with a variety of vendors. A great way to spend a great night with the girls.

- Beginning at 6:30PM, Villa Verone rolls out the red carpet for another Elgin Person of the Week. This week's EPOW celebrity bartender is Elgin broadcasting legend Jeff Myers from Channel 17's Elgin Today and the Chef Jeff & Jeff Show on WRMN-AM 1410. There's karaoke, free appetizers, dancing and fun with friends!

- Get your motor running and head out to Festival Park for the DNA's first-ever Downtown Elgin Cruise Night - Presented by Ken Stepps. In conjunction with the City of Elgin's Free Movie Night presentation of the movie Cars, the DNA is inviting car enthusiasts to show off their cool cars and vintage vehicles to the movie night crowd. The DNA will also be selling pop, water, popcorn and other treats as a fundraiser to support continuing downtown revitalization efforts.

- Afterwards, stop off at Martini Room or The Afterset for an after-movie cocktail or slide over to the Grand Victoria Casino for some late night gaming excitement.

How's that for a full day? Still not enough? There's always Friday. :)

The Afterset
158 Symphony Way
(847) 608-7570

Al's Cafe & Creamery
43 DuPage Court
(847) 742-1180

Andersen's Engraving
27 N. Grove Avenue
(847) 742-5434

Artistic Framing & Supplies
25 N. Grove Avenue
(847) 741-8811

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant
11 Douglas Avenue
(847) 695-2644

The Centre of Elgin
100 Symphony Way
(847) 531-7000

Domani Cafe
109 E. Highland Avenue
(847) 695-8851

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
(847) 695-5659

Elgin Antiques & Uniques
203 E. Chicago Street
(847) 606-6284

Elgin Books & Coffee
209 E. Chicago Street
(847) 695-2680

Elgin Jewelers
11 N. State Street
(847) 695-1384

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
(847) 468-8810

Festival Park
136 S. Grove Avenue

The Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
(847) 695-8828

Gail Borden Public Library
270 N. Grove Avenue
(847) 742-2411

Grand Victoria Casino
250 S. Grove Avenue
(847) 468-7000

In the Neighborhood Deli
185 Edison Avenue
(847) 888-9486

La Puesta Del Sol
165 E. Highland Avenue
(847) 468-1416

La Quebrada Restaurant
50 N. Spring Street
(847) 622-7970

La Rosita Bakery
7 N. State Street
(847) 742-6680

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
(847) 741-0349

Pastigel Bakery
154 E. Chicago Street
(847) 429-1969

Ravenheart Coffee
176 E. Chicago Street
(847) 841-8451

Rediscover Records
(inside Two Doors Down Antiques)
207 E. Chicago Street
(847) 741-4300

Salon Couture
176 E. Chicago Street
(847) 488-1465

Shockey Jewelers
18 Douglas Avenue
(847) 742-0113

Spacetaste Gallery
10 Douglas Avenue
(847) 284-0810

Two Doors Down Antiques
207 E. Chicago Street
(847) 741-4300

Toom Toom Thai Restaurant
23 S. Grove Avenue
(847) 531-8755

Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
(847) 742-0263

Wrona Brothers
205 E. Chicago Street
(847) 742-4296

Ziegler's Ace Hardware
215 N. Spring Street
(847) 741-5610

Inaugural Downtown Elgin Cruise Night Motors Into Festival Park on Thursday, August 4

2011-08-02T16:46:00.003-05:00

On Thursday, August 4 beginning at 7PM, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin invites you to crank your engines and motor on down to Festival Park in downtown Elgin for a triple feature of fast-moving family fun, food and a flick.

In conjunction with the City of Elgin's Free Family Movie Night in the Park featuring the hit Disney movie Cars, the DNA rolls out its first ever Downtown Elgin Cruise Night – Presented by Ken Stepps State Farm.

The Cruise Night will showcase classic, cool cars from all eras and styles parked along the walkways in Festival Park. Redmon's Towing is scheduled to bring their antique tow truck out to the park and other unique vehicles will also be on hand.

That night the DNA will also be selling popcorn, soft drinks and other treats to all Cruise Night and Movie Night patrons as well as promoting all things downtown Elgin. Concession proceeds benefit the DNA's downtown revitalization efforts.

For kids and families, the City of Elgin will have a Cars-themed bounce house and a photo booth, where kids can have photos taken with lifelike Cars characters created by ACME Design.

Car enthusiasts who own vehicles they would like to show off at Thursday's Cruise Night or at the final Cruise Night of 2011 scheduled for August 25, are encouraged to contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at 847-488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

For more information about Downtown Elgin Cruise Nights or the Downtown Elgin Car Show on Saturday, September 10 from 9AM-3PM at Elgin Civic Plaza, visit DowntownElgin.com.

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market

2011-08-02T15:10:00.003-05:00

This Thursday, August 4 is First Thursday time once again at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, 200 N. Grove Avenue in the Old Library Lot across from Gail Borden Public Library and next to The Centre of Elgin, which means special extended hours from 10AM-6PM to squeeze in all of these fun events and activities:

New Market Layout - More Parking!

Live Entertainment – Strolling violinist Jennifer Silk between Noon–1:30PM and Me & My Band 4-6PM

“Art at the Market” – a First Thursday’s series made possible by the Palmer Foundation will feature Jeff Turner from In the Neighborhood Deli creating food art for the public to see and taste from 12:30-2PM, including a bag of goodies to practice your food art.

Artz Zone from 4-6PM where artists in the community have the opportunity to set up for free at the Harvest Market and sell/demo their art. Artists currently participating at the market are Beadlicious (bead & glass jewelry), Gail Azinger (functional pottery), Cheshire Kat (bamboo and acrylic jewelry, cards, buttons) Sister Craft Arts (water color paintings and art notecards), Zuq & Zoe (unique paper and fabric products), Julie’s Jewels (handmade jewelry and accessories), Karol’s Jewelry Shop (necklaces crafted with various materials), Eftstudios (etchings/artwork), Jewelry for You (handcrafted and custom jewelry), Kathryn Longo (lambs made out of clay and real wool, recycled fabric flowers), and Kards by Kay (photo greeting cards)

FREE “Market Munchies” for customers who shop between 4-6PM with purchase over $15.

Kids’ Corner, provided by Highland Fellowship Church/Highland Christian Academy, will feature face painting, table games, coloring pages, puzzles, plus prizes and more!

New Vendor - Cook, Seal & Process - JamLady with delicious jams, fruit butters, vinegars, etc.

Davey Tree Booth – Ask an Arborist. Educational information about trees and our environment.

Simple Balance Holistic Center Booth – will have information on hand of wellness programs and packages offered, as well as upcoming workshops and events.

Landin Chiropractic Booth – performing free spinal screenings, with state of the art equipment, using infrared cameras to measure the temperature of the nerve roots on the spine.

Downtown Neighborhood Association Booth – check out our new T-Shirts made out a recyclable blend for all ages, youth to adult, to wear with fun slogans like “We Got the Beet” to “I Eat My Veggies”. Adult sizes are $15 and Youth are $10.

ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth – learn more about Elgin Climate Change Organization and its various activities in Elgin, along with the Elgin Community Network made up of many active Elgin neighborhoods. Plus get free CFL light bulbs.

Community Booth: International Teams - Promoting "Ride for Refuge" - Fox Valley Bike Ride to raise awareness and funds for refugees and anti-trafficking projects, along with fair trade items for sale.

Find the Downtown Wandering Gnome - find clues posted at the market with a picture of the gnome hiding in a nearby DNA member organization/business. First ten people to find the gnome within the next week will get a prize.

Pre-Register Now for 5th Annual Downtown Elgin Car Show

2011-07-28T15:21:00.002-05:00

The 2011 Downtown Elgin Car Show - Presented by Ken Stepps State Farm Insurance Agency returns to the Civic Parking Lot at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues on Saturday, September 10 from 9AM-3PM.

Now in its fifth year, the Car Show will showcase the area's hottest hot rods, classic cars, vintage vehicles, tricked-out trucks and green/alternative fuel vehicles all in one location in the heart of downtown Elgin. There will also be music, food, entertainment, demonstrations, car care clinics, vendor booths and much more!

The Downtown Elgin Car Show is FREE to the public. There is a $5 Registration Fee per participating vehicle. All pre-registered participants will receive a limited edition Downtown Elgin Car Show Dash Plaque at check-in.

Click here to pre-register your vehicle today!

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Car Show or our upcoming Downtown Elgin Cruise Nights on Thursday, August 4 and Thursday, August 25, call DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at (847) 488-1456, e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org or visit DowntownElgin.com.

Art & Soul on the Fox/Passeggiata Returns to Downtown Elgin

2011-07-25T16:10:00.006-05:00

The Third Annual Art & Soul on the Fox/Passeggiata, produced in cooperation with the City of Elgin by Art for All, will fill downtown Elgin with art and music on DuPage Court, S. Spring Street and S. Grove Avenue on Saturday, July 30 and Sunday, July 31.

Art & Soul on the Fox is open to the public on Saturday from 11AM-6PM - followed by the Passeggiata from 7-10PM Saturday night - and again on Sunday from 11AM-5PM.

To our downtown businesses, please note the following street closures for the weekend:

Spring Street from Chicago Street to Fulton Street will be closed Friday, July 29 at 5PM until the night of Sunday, July 31.

Grove Avenue from DuPage Court to Fulton Street will be closed Saturday, July 30 at 5AM until the night of Sunday, July 31.

This free cultural festival offers a visually captivating environment of juried artists and handcrafted artisans working in a variety of mediums, including ceramics, fiber, glass, jewelry, metal, photography, watercolors, wood and more.

Enjoy local actors in Walkabout: Theatre on Your Feet, as well as local singers, musicians, poets and dancers. In addition, all of the thrones from the popular Adirondacks: Thrones of Summer promotion will be on display and then auctioned off in silent and public auctions throughout the weekend. There will also be creative childrens activities, a bike corral, great food and more.

Here is the line-up of live entertainment scheduled for both days:

Saturday, July 30:

Noon - Heart of Hawaii (hula)
http://divaventures.net/hula.html

1PM - Walkabout Theatre
http://www.elginwalkabout.blogspot.com

2PM - Elgin Opera Training & Performing Ensemble
http://www.elginopera.org/

3PM - Chase Away

4PM - My Lazy Elephant
http://www.facebook.com/MyLazyElephant

5PM - The Sexy Blues Band

6PM - Fox Valley Bellydance Collective - including performance by Zoh'ra's Jewels!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fox-Valley-Bellydance-Collective/101750756541995

7PM - Projecto 7 & Salsa Dancers
Join the salsa dancers for an evening of dancing under the stars w/special guests Chi-Caribena Designs & Dance (samba)
http://www.chicaribenadesigns.com/

Sunday, July 31:

Noon - North American Gurning Championship

1PM - Adirondacks-Thrones of Summer Live Auction

2PM - Ballet Folklorico Huehuecoyotl
http://www.bfh.org/

3PM - Blue Tulip Wranglers

4PM - Fox River Trio
http://foxrivertrio.net/index.html

5PM - Vehicle

6PM - Luna Blues Machine
http://www.thelunabluesmachine.com/

All questions and concerns about Art & Soul on the Fox/Passeggiata should be directed to Sigi Psimenos at 312-953-8216 or e-mail sigiusa@yahoo.com.

Vote for the DNA's Harvest Market Throne

2011-07-25T12:05:00.004-05:00

All of your favorite Adirondacks: Thrones of Summer are on display now thru Thursday, July 28 along the bike path at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue, and your vote could help determine the winner of The Game of Thrones.

Be sure to vote for DNA's Harvest Market Throne - #8 at the Library or online at GailBorden.info.

Voting closes this Thursday, July 28 at 5PM!

The top ten favorite thrones, as selected by the voting public, will be auctioned off live at Art and Soul on the Fox/Passeggiata on Sunday, July 31 at 1PM on the main stage. The remaining 45 Thrones will be part of the silent auction that begins on Saturday, July 30.

Proceeds benefit sustainable neighborhood projects.

Tie-Dying Demo This Week at Downtown Elgin Harvest Market

2011-07-18T12:01:00.003-05:00

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers Health System continues this Thursday, July 21 from 10AM-4PM, at its new location at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue (Kimball Street and N. Grove Avenue) next to The Centre of Elgin and across from the Gail Borden Public Library.

This week from Noon-2PM, Mad Discs and Dyes will conduct a tie-dying demonstration. Market patrons will have the opportunity to first learn this technique and then be able to dye their own white t-shirts (must be 100% cotton) for $5 each. This can be a great way to recycle and rejuvenate older shirts with stains or marks.

Dustin and Mike can also tie-dye shirts for you with white t-shirts available for purchase at $10 each.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Jennifer Benson at ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Elgin 4th of July Parade People's Choice Award Winner Announced

2011-07-12T13:34:00.004-05:00

Congratulations to Spring Hill Gymnastics who were selected the winners of the 2011 Elgin 4th of July Parade People's Choice Award as the parade unit that represented the best-of-the-best in overall presentation in last week's parade.

Over 200 votes were cast at DowntownElgin.com over the week-long voting promotion.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin would again like to congratulate the winners of the Parade Float Decorating contest as determined by our panel of parade judges: Bob Malm, Riccardo Mancha, Krisilee Murphy, Velma Sept and Rich Wagner.

OPEN CATEGORY – A.B.O.D.E.

BUSINESS CATEGORY – Lamp Incorporated

CHILDREN'S CATEGORY – Spring Hill Gymnastics

ECO-ELGIN – Elgin Climate Change Organization (ECCO)

SPECIAL JUDGE'S RECOGNITION – The Crystal Lake Strikers

All of the parade winners will be recognized at the Elgin City Council Meeting on Wednesday, July 13 at Elgin City Hall, 150 Dexter Court, beginning at 7PM.

Over 15,000 people flocked to the streets of the Northeast Neighborhood Association and downtown Elgin to witness the 2011 City of Elgin 4th of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health.

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - July 7

2011-07-05T17:56:00.004-05:00

Here's what's in store for you at our July First Thursday Harvest Market on Thursday, July 7 at the Old Library Parking Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue:
- Extended Harvest Market Hours from 10AM-6PM

- Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings

- Davey Tree Booth – Ask an Arborist! Educational information about trees and our environment.

- City of Elgin Booth – The Fire Department’s Suppression division will be present.

- Kids’s Corner provided by Highland Fellowship Church/Highland Christian Academy will be complete with face painting, table games, coloring pages, puzzles, plus prizes and more!

- Bocajump – find out about this online business, its local news, and its local business opportunities for Elgin and more!

- Chiro One Wellness Center Booth – information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.

- Salon Couture – showcasing their Aveda product line, fun info about their salon, raffles, and opportunities to relax, enjoy, and take care of yourself!

- FOR KIDS & ADULTS! Downtown Neighborhood Association Booth – check out our new T-Shirts made out a recyclable blend for all ages, youth to adult, to wear with fun slogans like “We got the Beet” and “I Eat My Veggies”. Adult sizes are $15 and Youth sizes are $10.

- ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth – learn more about Elgin Climate Change Organization and its various activities in Elgin, along with the Elgin Community Network made up of many active Elgin neighborhoods.

- Community Booth: International Teams
Distributing “Bring Change” campaign literature to raise awareness of issues in human trafficking locally and internationally. Additionally, will have “Bring Change” cd for sale.

- Live Entertainment – Strolling violinist Jennifer Silk between Noon–1:30PM, Annalee Hooson singing from 2-4PM, Fox River Trio 4-6PM, and Carleton the Mime might even be seen roving amongst the crowd!

- FOR KIDS & ADULTS! “Art at the Market” – a First Thursday’s series made possible by the Palmer Foundation will feature from Noon-2PM artisan volunteers helping market goers create art out of “junk” in 5-10 minutes. Known for their Transformer made out of junk at FoxFireFest several years ago Art by Joseph, out of Batavia, will be on hand all day creating a “Marketpiece” sculpture made out of junk found in the local area.

- Artz Zone from 4-6PM where artists in the community have the opportunity to set up for free at the Harvest Market and sell/demo their art! Artists currently participating at the market are Beadlicious (Bead & glass jewelry), Gail Azinger (functional pottery), Cheshire Kat (bamboo and acrylic jewelry, cards, buttons) Sister Craft Arts (water color paintings and art notecards), Zuq & Zoe (unique paper and fabric products), Julie’s Jewels (handmade jewelry and accessories), Karol’s Jewelry Shop (necklaces crafted with various materials), Eftstudios (etchings/artwork). Artists interested in joining should contact Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456.

- “Market Munchies” for customers who shop between 4-6PM with purchase over $15.

- FOR KIDS & ADULTS! Find the Downtown Wandering Gnome!
Find clues posted at the market with a picture of the gnome hiding in a nearby Downtown Elgin DNA member organization/business. The first ten people to find the gnome within the next week receive a prize.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Market Manager Jennifer Benson at 847-488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

Downtown Elgin Live Music and Entertainment Scene - July 7-12

2011-07-05T10:59:00.005-05:00

Thursday, July 7

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847-695-5659
DouglasStreetSportsPub.com

From 6-9PM, Douglas Street Sports Pub invites all the ladies in the house to their Girls Night Out.

The first 50 ladies to attend receive free admission, free Mai Tai & Lei, free entry to the prize raffle and a free goodie bag and shopping, shopping and more shopping with products available from local vendors.

Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano
13 Douglas Avenue
847-742-0263
VillaVerone.net

Thursday nights in downtown Elgin can be summed up in four simple letters: E.P.O.W. - also known as Elgin Person of the Week at Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano.

Beginning at 6:30PM, say hello to this week's EPOW and celebrity bartenders, Howard Stege and Robert Knizer...better known to downtown Elginites as Butch and Bob.

Come out to enjoy drinks, free appetizers, karaoke, dancing and an all-around good time in classic Villa Verone style!

Friday, July 8

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847-741-0349
MartiniRoomElgin.com

This Friday, Martini Room bids farewell to some of its older martinis, in advance of the upcoming launch of their NEW cocktail menu which debuts on Friday, July 22.

The following classic martinis will be featured for just $5:

· Chocolate Covered Cherry
· Berry Fusion
· Tootsie Roll
· Cherry Blossom
· Naked Smoothie
· Love Potion
· The Perfect Peach

Be sure to stop by Martini Room on Friday and have a good time with their budget-conscious "going away party".

Sunday, July 10

2011 Tropical Summer Jam
Parking lot in front of City Hall
150 Dexter Court

The 2011 Tropical Summer Jam Car & Motorcycle Show begins at 9AM in the parking lot in front of City Hall at 150 Dexter Court in downtown Elgin. Awards and prizes for 1st-3rd place for all categories. Cash award for Overall Best of Show. Enjoy live entertainment, beer garden, vendor & food booths, children's play area and much more!

For more information, contact Esteban at 847-529-7570 or e-mail raw1productions@yahoo.com.

Monday, July 11

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847-695-5659
DouglasStreetSportsPub.com

From 6-11PM, Douglas Street Sports Pub invites everyone to "A Benefit for Dean Williams" - a very special fundraiser all for Dean's dream to walk again.

$10 cover at the door and 10% of all food sales with a matching 10% donation by DSSP all going to Dean.

There will be giveaways, door prizes and silent auctions for Cubs tickets, White Sox jerseys and signed sports and music memorabilia. Plus enjoy Minute-to-Win-It games, a Water Pong Tournament ($10 per team - cash prize for 1st and 2nd place), Miller Lite Specials, Learn the Melbourne Shuffle, music from DJ Cheez and much more!

Tuesday, July 12

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
ElginPublicHouse.com

Come check out EPH's monthly installment of "Fun with Food". This July's Fun with Food is BBQ. Mike has come up with some great specials including BBQ pizzas, BBQ Tacos, Fish with a Peach BBQ sauce, or BBQ Pulled Pork Spring Rolls.

4th of July Parade Float Judging Results

2011-07-04T13:09:00.004-05:00

Judging by the crowds that poured into Elgin to partake in this summertime tradition, this year's City of Elgin 4th of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health was a tremendous success!

Speaking of judging, we have the results of this year's Parade Float Judging contest. Here are the winners by category:

OPEN

1st Place - A.B.O.D.E.
2nd Place - People Who Make Patriotic Floats
3rd Place - First Congregational Church of Elgin

BUSINESS

1st Place - Lamp Incorporated
2nd Place - Provena St. Joseph Hospital
3rd Place - Danny's Pizza

CHILDREN'S

1st Place - Spring Hill Gymnastics
2nd Place - Kids' First Pediatric Dental
3rd Place - St. John's Lutheran School

ECO-ELGIN AWARD

Elgin Climate Change Organization

SPECIAL RECOGNITION AWARD

The Crystal Lake Strikers

These organizations will be honored at an upcoming Elgin City Council meeting, later this July.

The 2011 Parade Float Judging panel consisted of Bob Malm, Riccardo Mancha, Krisilee Murphy, Velma Sept and Rich Wagner. The City of Elgin and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin would like to thank our esteemed judging panel for their service.

Don't forget, that there is one more bit of parade kudos yet to be awarded. Beginning Wednesday, July 6 at DowntownElgin.com, the general public will have the opportunity to vote for the 2011 Elgin Fourth of July Parade People's Choice Award through our online voting form. This award is open to any parade unit - not just floats - that you feel represents the best of the best in this year's parade.

Tell your friends and family to get out and rock the vote for your favorite parade unit. People's Choice Award voting concludes on Tuesday, July 12 at Noon.

A special thanks to everyone - sponsors, participants, staff and all of our amazing volunteers - for making this year's City of Elgin 4th of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health a tremendous success!

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - June 30

2011-06-29T09:02:00.003-05:00

FOR KIDS & ADULTS! Special Market Activity: Noon–2PM - Free, juicy Southern Illinois Peaches + Fun & Loud Pit Game - Picnic at the Market!

Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings

Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment

City of Elgin Booth – From the Recreation department there will be information for the public on what community recreation is available in the City of Elgin this summer.

Simple Balance Holistic Center – will have information on hand of wellness programs and packages offered, as well as upcoming workshops and events.

Landin Chiropractic – performing free spinal screenings, with state of the art equipment, using infrared cameras to measure the temperature of the nerve roots on the spine.

DNA Booth - market merchandise, Find the Gnome clue and more.

ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Elgin Community Garden Network - Learn what to do in your garden in July & August! We’ll focus on keeping your plants healthy in the summer heat.

Community Booth: Community Crisis Center - will be providing information regarding their services

NEW! Educational Signage - new educational signs will start popping up around the market helping customers and the public alike learn terms like grass-fed and locally grown, how to compost and practice it at the market, learn why Downtown’s are sustainable, and see a map of where our vendors and their products came from!

City of Elgin Fourth of July Parade: Toys on Parade

2011-06-29T08:53:00.007-05:00

The 2011 City of Elgin Fourth of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health steps off Monday, July 4 at 9AM.

Over 15,000 spectators annually converge upon downtown Elgin to witness this summertime tradition. This year's parade features over 80 parade units, 20 floats and nearly 150 different vehicles.

PARADE THEME & JUDGING

The theme of this year's Fourth of July Parade is "Toys on Parade". Groups, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate by decorating floats or parade vehicles in the finest toy-themed regalia or dressing up in toy-inspired costumes.

In addition to the regular parade float judging, which includes a first, second and third place prize in the Open, Business and Children’s categories, a special "Eco-Elgin Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of a "Green" Elgin - utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes for their parade entry.

This year's parade float decorating contest judging panel consists of Bob Malm, Ricardo Mancha, Krisilee Murphy, Velma Sept and Rich Wagner.

NEW! PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

This year's Fourth of July Parade will also include a People's Choice Award, voted on by the general public for the entire week following the parade, for the parade unit that best exemplifies the "Toys on Parade" theme. Photos of every parade unit, courtesy of our official Parade Photographer, David Ham of Ham Sandwich Imagery, and the online voting form will be available on the DNA's website at DowntownElgin.com beginning Wednesday, July 6 and "People's Choice" award voting concludes Tuesday, July 12 at Noon.

NEW! GRAND TEACHERS/GRAND MARSHALS

This past spring, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin encouraged area students, parents, teachers and school administrators to nominate outstanding Elgin area teachers to serve as a Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshal. After receiving dozens of nominations, the Fourth of July Parade committee selected three deserving candidates who will ride at the front of the parade in a beautiful powder blue Grand Marshal ’57 Cadillac convertible, provided by Richard Bennett:

Amy Baldini
5th-8th Grade Teacher
The Einstein Academy

Gloria Helin
1st Grade Teacher
Channing Memorial Elementary School

Dee Burns Maroney
4th Grade Teacher
Lords Park Elementary School

As an added thank you to the many deserving nominees, the Fourth of July Parade Committee has invited all of the "grand" teacher nominees and their nominators to march in the parade alongside the Grand Marshal car.

NEW! KOUNTRY PET RESORT POOCH PARADE

Another new addition to this year’s Fourth of July Parade is the Kountry Pet Resort Pooch Parade. Beginning at Ann Street and Douglas Avenue just before 9AM, members, staff and residents of Kountry Pet Resort in Elgin will parade their puppies and pooches - many dressed in their finest patriotic attire – to warm up the crowd along the south end of the parade route. There will be a costume contest, dog trick demonstrations and free dog treats and toys will be handed out by Kountry Pet Resort staff. Pet waste clean-up will be provided by Ron John Poo-B-Gone of Bartlett.

NEW! COMMUNITY CRISIS CENTER TOY DRIVE

In keeping with the parade theme of Toys on Parade, parade-goers are encouraged to donate a new toy at Community Crisis Center's Toy Drive, which takes place after the parade in front of City Hall, 150 Dexter Court. Every family that donates a toy receives one free child's admission (with the purchase of an adult ticket) to LEGOLand located in the Streets of Woodfield in Schaumburg.

Characters from the movie Toy Story will also be on-hand at the Toy Drive taking photos with the kids. A small financial donation to the Community Crisis Center is required and parents must take their own photos.

PARADE ENTERTAINMENT

The City of Elgin’s Fourth of July Parade also boasts an assemblage of some of the area's finest parade entertainment sure to thrill parade-goers both young and young at heart, including:

South Shore Drill Team
The Jesse White Tumblers
Crystal Lake Strikers
Big Shoulders Brass Band
Medinah Motor Corps
Dundee Scottish Pipe Band
Kane County Mounted Rangers
Matt Wilhelm and Next Level BMX Team
Those Funny Little People
U-46 Bands from Streamwood High School, South Elgin High School, Larkin High School and Elgin High School
Tebala Shriners Blue Haze Mini Choppers, Mini Bikes and Big Wheels

STREET CLOSURES

Please be advised that Kimball Street will be shut down from Brook to Center streets from 8:45AM until the parade completely disbands around 11:30AM. Parking is available at the south end of the parade route in the free downtown parking lots and garages and at the north end in the Sherman Health Immediate Care surface lot and along neighboring streets.

VOLUNTEERS

The parade would not be possible without the efforts of dozens of community volunteers. The Fourth of July Parade Committee is still seeking additional volunteers for the day of the parade. Available positions include Block Captains, Gate Keepers, Parade Route Ambassadors and Set-Up/Tear-Down Crew. The approximate time commitment would be 7AM-11AM. All volunteers enjoy a Volunteer Breakfast at the Elgin Police Department Community Room, 151 Douglas Avenue, beginning at 6:15AM and a free parade t-shirt. For more information about volunteering for the Fourth of July Parade, call (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com

SPONSORS

The City of Elgin, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin and the Fourth of July Parade Committee thanks all of the generous sponsors for their support of the parade.

Sherman Health – Presenting Sponsor

Provena St. Joseph Hospital – Red Level Sponsor

Woody Buick/GMC, John B. Sanfilippo & Son, Inc. and BocaJump – White Level Sponsors

Spring Hill Gymnastics, Insure One, Kountry Pet Resort, Kids First Pediatric Dentistry, Elgin Community College, Psychosis Haunted House, Kirkpatrick, Jones & Herzog Insurance and Redmon’s Towing – Blue Level Sponsors

Harris Bank, Danny’s Pizza, Lamp Incorporated, Elgin Public House, Elgin Junior Service Board and Richard Bennett – Community Sponsors

For more information about the 2011 City of Elgin Fourth of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health, contact the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin at (847) 488-1456, e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com or visit DowntownElgin.com.

Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge Winner Announced

2011-06-28T21:41:00.005-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin would like to congratulate Jeff Turner and In the Neighborhood Deli, 185 Edison, as our winner of the inaugural Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge against Downtown Madness Champion Greg Shannon and Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street, in a battle for pulled pork supremacy.

After all the votes from the public were counted, In The Neighborhood Deli's Pulled Pork defeated Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork by 6 votes.

The announcement was made live on Tuesday morning's Chef Jeff and Jeff show on WRMN AM-1410.

For their victory in the Crosstown Classic Challenge, In the Neighborhood Deli now has the privilege of naming the dish that both Turner and Shannon will cook and sample at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market on Thursday, July 14. Fans of both establishments are encouraged to come out to the market to enjoy some great food and cheer on their team once again.

It was also confirmed by the two proprietors that nearly 100 lbs. of pulled pork was sold between the two restaurants during the DNA's week-long social media promotion.

Congratulations also to Steve Knight for casting his vote for In the Neighborhood Deli. Knight's name was drawn at random from all of the winning team's votes to win a pair of White Sox tickets for the July 30 game against the Boston Red Sox at U.S. Cellular Field - courtesy of Crosstown Classic Challenge presenting sponsor, Van Galder Bus Company.

Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge Scoring Update - June 27

2011-06-27T09:07:00.002-05:00

Hello again Pulled Pork fans! Are you ready to cheer your team onto victory?

It's two outs in the bottom of the ninth and things could not be any tighter in Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge - Presented by Van Galder Bus Company. Here's where we stand:

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads In The Neighborhood Deli's Pulled Pork by 4.

Time to bring in the closer! This one is for all the marbles! Pull for your favorite pork! If you have already voted, tell all your foodie friends to rock the vote for your team! It's easy to participate:

1.) Like the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, IL's Facebook page (and encourage your Facebook friends to do so as well)

2.) Post the following message on the DNA Facebook wall: "I love [EPH/ITN Deli's] Pulled Pork."

If you are not a Facebook user, you can vote through our online voting form at DowntownElgin.com. One vote per e-mail address only!

VOTING CLOSES MONDAY, JUNE 27 AT 11:59PM CDT!

Remember, when your team wins - you could be the winner of two tickets to the Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox game on July 30 at U.S. Cellular Field, courtesy of Van Galder Bus Company!

Stay tuned to the DNA's Facebook page and DNA blog for the latest scoring updates!

Good luck and keep those Facebook likes and votes coming!

Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge Scoring Update - June 24

2011-06-24T16:32:00.003-05:00

Hello again Pulled Pork fans! Are you ready to cheer your team onto victory?

It's just about Seventh Inning Stretch time at the Crosstown Classic Challenge - Presented by Van Galder Bus Company and here's where we stand:

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads In The Neighborhood Deli's Pulled Pork by 18.

Come on food fanatics! Make this weekend count! Pull for your favorite pork! If you have already voted, tell all your foodie friends to rock the vote for your team! It's easy to participate:

1.) Like the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, IL's Facebook page (and encourage your Facebook friends to do so as well)

2.) Post the following message on the DNA Facebook wall: "I love [EPH/ITN Deli's] Pulled Pork."

If you are not a Facebook user, you can vote through our online voting form at DowntownElgin.com. One vote per e-mail address only!

VOTING CLOSES MONDAY, JUNE 27 AT 11:59PM CDT!

Remember, when your team wins - you could be the winner of two tickets to the Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox game on July 30 at U.S. Cellular Field, courtesy of Van Galder Bus Company!

Stay tuned to the DNA's Facebook page and DNA blog for the latest scoring updates!

Good luck and keep those Facebook likes and votes coming!

Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge Scoring Update - June 23

2011-06-23T11:56:00.002-05:00

Hello again Pulled Pork fans! Are you ready to cheer your team onto victory?

We're in the middle innings of the Crosstown Classic Challenge - Presented by Van Galder Bus Company and here's where we stand:

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads In The Neighborhood Deli's Pulled Pork by 23.

Come on Elgin foodies! Pull for your favorite pork and rock the vote for your team! It's easy to participate:

1.) Like the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, IL's Facebook page (and encourage your Facebook friends to do so as well)

2.) Post the following message on the DNA Facebook wall: "I love [EPH/ITN Deli's] Pulled Pork."

If you are not a Facebook user, you can vote through our online voting form at DowntownElgin.com. One vote per e-mail address only!

VOTING CLOSES MONDAY, JUNE 27 AT 11:59PM CDT!

Remember, when your team wins - you could be the winner of two tickets to the Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox game on July 30 at U.S. Cellular Field, courtesy of Van Galder Bus Company!

Stay tuned to the DNA's Facebook page and DNA blog for the latest scoring updates!

Good luck and keep those Facebook likes and votes coming!

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market: June 23

2011-06-21T14:38:00.003-05:00

Here's what's happening this week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market on Thursday, June 23 from 10AM-4PM at its new location at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue:

FOR KIDS & ADULTS! Musical Chairs at 12:30PM - Come play Musical Chairs with our Harvest Market Adirondack Throne to win free prizes! Rich Wagner of Rediscover Records will supply the tunes!

Alexian Brothers Health System Booth - health information and screenings

Davey Tree Booth - educational information about trees and our environment

City of Elgin Booth - information about this summer's special events

Downtown Neighborhood Association Booth - market merchandise including Recipe Cards for $1.00 each and Elgin Seed Company Magnet for $3.50 each

ECCO/ECN's Sustainable Booth - Hawthorne Hill Nature Center will be present with information and activities to reconnect people with nature through positive outdoor experience

Community Booth - YWCA Elgin will hand out popcorn and refreshments (10AM-2PM) while promoting the YWCA and their upcoming Y-Walk/Y-Ride event on July 10 in Festival Park.

Find the Harvest Market Gnome - a new clue will be revealed at the market to help you locate the Gnome at a participating downtown business - prizes will be awarded to those who find him!

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Jennifer Benson at ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Let's Play Two: Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge Begins June 20

2011-06-16T08:11:00.006-05:00

Beginning Monday, June 20, in honor of the first Chicago crosstown series of the season, our 2011 Downtown Madness Champion, Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork, will put downtown pride on the line against our crosstown neighbor, In The Neighborhood Deli and their Pulled Pork, in our newest social media promotion: Elgin's Crosstown Classic Challenge - Presented by Van Galder Bus Company.

All next week, we are asking Facebook fans to step up to the plate and get behind their "team" by casting their vote for their favorite on the DNA's Facebook page. Here's how to participate:

1.) You must "LIKE" the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin IL Facebook Page and encourage friends and other loyal Pulled Pork supporters to do so as well.

2.) Post one of the following messages on DNA's wall: "I love EPH's Pulled Pork" or "I love ITN Deli's Pulled Pork". Only one vote per screen name.

PLEASE DO NOT POST YOUR VOTE UNTIL MONDAY, JUNE 20. ALL VOTES POSTED PRIOR TO MONDAY, JUNE 20 WILL NOT BE COUNTED!

If you are not a Facebook user, we invite you to vote through our Crosstown Classic Challenge Online Voting Form, which will be available Monday, June 20 at DowntownElgin.com. Only one vote per e-mail address.

The winner of the Crosstown Classic Challenge will not only have bragging rights but will also have the choice of which dish both restaurants will prepare and sample at the Crosstown Classic Challenge Cook-Off on Thursday, July 14 at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market.

The best part is when your team wins, you could be a winner too! At the conclusion of the promotion, we will draw a name at random from all of the voters on the "winning team" and that lucky person will receive two tickets to the Chicago White Sox vs. Boston Red Sox game on Saturday, July 30 at U.S. Cellular Field - courtesy of our presenting sponsor, Van Galder Bus Company.

Tune in to the Chef Jeff & Jeff Show on WRMN-AM 1410 on Tuesday, June 21 beginning at 9AM for our first Crosstown Classic Challenge scoring update. Then tune in again on Tuesday, June 28 at 9AM for the announcement of the winning team as well as the winner of the baseball tickets!

Again, voting begins Monday so if you have not done so already, please "LIKE" the DNA Facebook page and then post your vote on our wall beginning Monday, June 20.

We also encourage you to "Like" Elgin Public House, In the Neighborhood Deli and Van Galder Bus Company's Facebook pages as well:

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin IL

Elgin Public House

In The Neighborhood Deli

Van Galder Bus Company

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - June 16-18

2011-06-15T14:28:00.005-05:00

Thursday, June 16

Y-Walk/Y-Ride Kickoff - Elgin Persons of the Week
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847-742-0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

This Thursday beginning at 6:30PM, Villa Verone hosts some very special Elgin Persons of the Week: the YWCA Elgin, who will be on hand to promote the YW's Y-Walk/Y-Ride event which takes place on July 10 at 10:30AM in Festival Park. Enjoy free appetizers, karaoke, dancing and fun with friends, all while supporting the YW!

Three Amigos Movie Night
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Grab your lip balm, summon the invisible swordsman and sew like the wind over to EPH beginning at 8PM for a screening of the all-time comedy classic The Three Amigos. EPH will be offering specials on Corona and El-berita as well as a plethora of Three Amigos inspired food specials. Wash it down with some Tequila...it's like beer.

Friday, June 17

Elgin BrewFest
Festival Park
Prairie Street & South Grove Avenue
http://www.elginbrewfest.com/

On Friday, June 17 and Saturday, June 18 from 5PM-Midnight, come out and enjoy Elgin Brewfest, an outdoor live music festival that takes place every Father's Day Weekend in downtown Elgin. The event features a large selection of premium beers, classic festival grub and, of course, live music from your favorite local bands!

Friday night's performers include Friction - 6-7PM, Modern Day Romeos - 7:30-8:30PM and Infinity - 9-11PM. Saturday night features Smokin Gunz - 6-7PM, HiFi Superstar - 7:30-8:30PM and 7th Heaven - 9-11PM.

Tickets must be purchased for all beer sales. Wristbands with valid photo ID must be obtained to purchase alcohol. $5 per ticket. 1 ticket = 1 (16oz) beer or 1 (6oz) glass of wine. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Club of Elgin.

For more information regarding Elgin Brewfest, please e-mail Info@ElginBrewfest.com or visit http://www.elginbrewfest.com/

My Lazy Elephant
The Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
847-695-8828

At 9PM, stop by The Gast for the unofficial Brewfest after-party featuring the return of My Lazy Elephant. And don't forget that The Gasthaus is now open for lunch with a great selection of burgers, sandwiches and pub food.

Hot and Sexy Salsa Night
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847-742-0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

Spice up your weekend at Villa Verone with another installment of their Hot & Sexy Salsa Night beginning at 9PM. Come dance the night away!

Saturday, June 18

Thunder on the Fox
Fox River at McBride Street
http://www.thunderonthefox.com/

On Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19, bring the family out to the banks of the Fox River in downtown Elgin to enjoy all the action of live Formula Two and Formula Three Tunnel Boat racing excitement as APR Superleague and McGrath Motorsports present Thunder on the Fox!

Race times are Noon-5PM on both Saturday and Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults, $7 for kids (6-12), and free admission for kids 5 and under. Tickets will be on sale at the event location on McBride Street beginning at 8AM on Friday, June 17. Bring your own lawn chairs. Food and beverage vendors will be on hand. No food, alcohol, coolers or pets allowed.

For more specific details about the event, visit their website at ThunderOnTheFox.com

Sunday, June 19

Father's Day Brunch
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847-468-8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Brunch for the Dads we love featuring chocolate covered bacon, bacon stuffed with bacon wrapped in bacon, peppered candied bacon on top of a deviled egg, carving Station and more! $18.95 per person. Reservations recommended.

Dads Eat Free
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847-695-5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

On Father's Day at Douglas Street Sports Pub DADS EAT FREE (with $10.99 or greater table purchase) all day long! Bring the entire family and celebrate Dad! Doors open at 11AM.

Dad's Day Drink Special
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847-741-0349
http://www.martiniroomelgin.com/

Martini Room has prepared a very special cocktail for Father's Day: the Algonquin Manhattan. Elegantly composed of Jim Beam, Grand Marnier, Angostura bitters, orange zest and pineapple juice, this unique cocktail is sure to become a favorite and all fathers can enjoy it on Father's Day for 25% off regular price.

Happy Father's Day to all the wonderful dads out there!

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - June 16

2011-06-14T12:48:00.004-05:00

Bike to Work Week Special Activity at Noon
-The Bicycle Garage will conduct a bike education/repair clinic.

Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings

Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment

City of Elgin Booth – From the Community Development department will be information from the Health division for the summer months.

Salon Couture Booth

Downtown Neighborhood Association Booth - Harvest Market Snack Bag Raffle (Specifically for the Cyclist or Public Transit Commuter but not limited to) - Raffle tickets are $1 or free with Market Membership or with proof of bike/helmet or transit card. Drawing will be at 1pm.

(FOR KIDS & ADULTS!) ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth - Elgin Public Museum
Some things are not easily recycled. Discover new innovative ways scientists are tackling problem substances like oil and Styrofoam.

(FOR KIDS & ADULTS!) Community Booth - Gail Borden Public Library
Learn about knights of chivalry, dragons and fairies, castles of old, a medieval fair and summer reading quests! Enjoy story time with a Royal Reader. Bring your camera and pose with a medieval character. Pretend you are royalty or even a knight in shining armor!

NEW! Beginning this week new educational signs will start popping up around the market helping customers and the public alike learn terms like grass-fed and locally grown, how to compost and practice it at the market, learn why Downtown’s are sustainable, and see a map of where our vendors and their products came from!

Winners of Grand Teacher/Grand Marshal Competition Announced

2011-06-08T14:54:00.003-05:00

After receiving dozens of nominations of so many deserving "grand" teachers from Elgin area schools, students, parents and administrators over the last month, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin is proud to announce our three Parade Grand Marshals for the City of Elgin's 2011 Fourth of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health:

Amy Baldini
5th-8th Grade Teacher
The Einstein Academy

Gloria Helin
1st Grade Teacher
Channing Memorial Elementary School

Dee Burns Maroney
4th Grade Teacher
Lords Park Elementary School

Congratulations to our three winners who will ride in our special Grand Marshal convertible to kick off the parade!

Plus as an added thank you to our many deserving nominees, we will also be inviting all of the "grand" teacher nominees, who are available on Fourth of July morning, to march in the parade alongside the Grand Marshal car.

Thank you again to all of you who took the time to recognize our wonderful Elgin area teachers!

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - June 9

2011-06-08T12:59:00.003-05:00

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers continues this Thursday, June 9 from 10AM-4PM, at its new location at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue (Kimball Street and N. Grove Avenue) next to The Centre of Elgin and across from the Gail Borden Public Library.

Planned activities and attractions include:

* Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings

* Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment

* City of Elgin Booth – The Fire Department’s Water & Rescue division will be on hand with information.

* Chiro One Wellness Center Booth– will be on hand with information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.

* Simple Balance Holistic Center Booth– will have information on hand of wellness programs and packages offered, as well as upcoming workshops and events.

* Downtown Neighborhood Association Booth:
- Harvest Market Snack Bag Raffle (Specifically for the Cyclist or Public Transit Commuter but not limited to) - Raffle tickets are $1 or free with Market Membership or with proof of bike/helmet or transit card. Drawing will be on June 16 at 1pm.
- NEW! Recipe Cards for $1 from our vendors using products/produce from the market!

* (FOR KIDS & ADULTS!) ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Elgin Area History Museum
Dairy Delights – Discover Elgin’s dairy industry; its connection to our library? Learn how butter was made and how we can make it today!

* Community Booth: Elgin Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Will have information about Bike to Work Week - June 11–18, Elgin’s bike plant, Ride for Life registration form, Bike Chain Project map, and Kane County Bike Map.

Elgin Bike to Work Week - June 11-18

2011-05-25T11:50:00.003-05:00

Below is a list of Elgin Bike to Work Week events between June 11-18 (all events are free unless noted)

Click here to download Elgin Bike to Work Week Printable Poster

Saturday 6/11
9:00 am–Noon

Bike Donation Drive - The BPAC will collect bikes at the Centre and then send them to Working Bikes Cooperative, where most will be repaired and sent to areas/countries in need of bikes for transportation.

Sunday 6/12
6:00 am–3:30 pm

Bike for Life Ride in rural Kane County - A fund raiser for school bike racks. Fee involved. Register at www.cityofelgin.org/bikes

Monday 6/13
6:30 pm–8:00 pm

Local historian, Jerry Turnquist, will lead a bike tour through the Elgin Historic District. Meet at Old Main, 360 Park Street.

Tuesday 6/14
6:00 pm

Join a bike fitness class for a 90-minute ride on the Fox River Trail. Meet at the Centre.

Wednesday 6/15
Noon

Celebratory lunch for bike commuters at noon on Walton Island, sponsored by the Elgin Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Rain date is Friday, 6/17. Reservations are required. Call 847 931 6788

Wednesday 6/1
7:00 pm

The Bicycle Garage will conduct a bike education/repair clinic at the Gail Borden Public Library.

Thursday 6/16
7:30 am

Breakfast ride with the Mayor - Meet in front of City Hall and ride for 30 minutes before stopping for coffee at Ravenheart Café in Downtown Elgin.

Thursday 6/16
Noon

The Bicycle Garage will conduct a bike education/repair clinic at the Harvest Market in Downtown Elgin.

Friday 6/17
6:45 pm

Matt Wilhelm, X-Games Medalist will perform a BMX trick bike show at the “old library” parking lot in downtown.

Friday 6/17
8:00 pm

Watch the movie “Chasing Legends” in The Centre ballroom.

Saturday 6/18
Noon–5 pm

Avoid the traffic in the area of the boat races by biking to the event and securing your bike at the bike corral sponsored by the BPAC. Donation requested.

ONGOING BIKE TO WORK WEEK EVENTS (ALL WEEK LONG)

- Bike to the Gail Borden Public Library and get $5.00 worth of late fees waived and a coupon for a free drink with a purchase from Chicago Gourmet Cafe.

- Visit the bike display at GBPL, including a typical commuter bicycle outfitted by Main Street

-Bikes and history of biking in Elgin presented by the Elgin Area Historical Society.

- Take advantage of the new bike loan program at the Eastside Recreation Center. Call Aaron at 847-888-1989 for details

- Free showers at the Centre for bike commuters.

- Attend any event and get a free water bottle, sponsored by Elgin BPAC, Elgin Community Network and The Bicycle Garage

- Locate the BPAC sponsored “Thrones of Summer” decorated chair along the bike path.

Please contact Paul Bednar, BPAC staff coordinator at 847-931-6788 with any questions, or go to www.cityofelgin.org/bikes for more information.

New Season, New Location for Downtown Elgin Harvest Market

2011-05-25T11:26:00.004-05:00

Opening Day of the 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers Health System kicks off next Thursday, June 2, with special extended market hours from 10AM-6PM, at its new location at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue (Kimball Street and N. Grove Avenue) next to The Centre of Elgin and across from the Gail Borden Public Library.

Opening day at the Harvest Market will feature:

- Free Harvest Market tote bags with proof of purchase

- Alexian Brothers Health System Booth - wellness information and screenings

- Sponsor and Community Partner Informational booths

- Kids' Corner complete with face painting, table games, coloring pages, puzzles, plus prizes provided by Highland Fellowship Church/Highland Christian Academy

- Live Entertainment consisting of a strolling violinist, folk singer, and more

- Artisans selling their artwork via Artz Zone 4-6pm

- "Art at the Market" Demonstrations at Noon

- "Market Munchies" from 4-6PM for customers with a purchase of $15 or more

- Month-long free raffle at the DNA Booth hosted by United Way, along with newly launched Harvest Market membership, merchandise, etc.

- The first clue on the whereabouts of DNA's Wandering Gnome will also be posted with a picture of the gnome hiding in a nearby DNA member business/organization - first ten people to find the gnome will get a prize!

- Donation container for vendors and customers to donate food to the Community Crisis Center

This year the market is placing special emphasis on local vendors selling primarily locally grown and produced foods, as well as, education on good sustainable practices for healthy living and adding a weekly component of arts and artisans.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market will be open every Thursday from June 2-September 29. Normal market hours are 10AM-4PM. On every first Thursday of each month, the market rolls out its special First Thursday market featuring extended hours from 10AM-6PM and offering added components such as live entertainment, Artz Zone, Kids Corner, sustainability and wellness booths, market munchies and much more.

Our market vendors, farms and local businesses will be offering bread, eggs, meats, fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey products, olives, hummus, cheese, spices, pickles, applesauce, mustards, salsas, knife sharpening services, lunch foods and more!

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market is sponsored by Alexian Brothers Health System, Chiro One, Highland Fellowship Church & Highland Christian Academy, Landin Chiropractic, Salon Couture, and Simple Balance Holistic Center. Thanks also to our partners City of Elgin, BocaJump, Elgin Climate Change Organization, Elgin Community Network, and Northern Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity's Restore. "Art at the Market" is made possible by a grant through the Palmer Foundation.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

Frock Swap Returns to Hemmens July 16

2011-05-25T09:35:00.002-05:00

Frock Swap, the annual wardrobe revitalization event which benefits the Community Crisis Center, returns to The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, on July 16.

For a $10 entry fee, shoppers & swappers can revitalize their wardrobes for little or no money. It's green. It's affordable. It's good for our community. What could be better?

In addition to the shopping and swapping, new additions to this year's event include a performance by The Reverends, the Frock Swap fashion show judged by Project Runway's Althea Harper and special honorary chair, WGN's Nancy Loo.

It's fashionably fun! For more information on how to participate in Frock Swap, visit their website at FrockSwapCCC.com

Deadline to Recognize a Grand Elgin Teacher Extended Until June 1

2011-05-24T15:49:00.002-05:00

The deadline to nominate a "grand" Elgin teacher as a Parade Grand Marshal for the City of Elgin's 2011 Fourth of July Parade has been extended until Wednesday, June 1.

In conjunction with the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health, which steps off at the intersection of Slade and Douglas Avenues on Monday, July 4 at 9AM, the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin is asking your assistance to help us in recognizing outstanding teachers in the Elgin community by nominating them to be one of the 2011 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshals!

The Parade Committee is asking parents, local PTO members, school administrators or students to write a brief essay about why they feel their teacher is “grand” in the classroom and therefore deserves to be honored as a Grand Marshal in the 2011 Fourth of July Parade.

The competition is open to any teacher (K-12) currently working in an Elgin public or private school. Additional guidelines and restrictions are outlined in the nomination packet.

To download the nomination packet, visit the Fourth of July Parade page on the DNA website at www.DowntownElgin.com.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will accept nominations in person or by mail at DNA, 2 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120; by fax at (847) 488-1449; or by e-mail at DowntownElgin@gmail.com.

The Parade Committee will then announce the three Grand Marshals selected from all of the nominations on Friday, June 3. Our Parade Grand Marshals will ride in a special classic car at the front of the parade courtesy of Mr. Richard Bennett. They will also each receive an official City of Elgin Fourth of July Parade t-shirt and other goodies.

PLEASE NOTE: Those teachers selected must be available the morning of the parade from approximately 8AM until 12PM.

If you have any questions about the Grand Teacher/Grand Marshall nomination process or for additional information about the City of Elgin's 2011 Fourth of July Parade, please contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Fourth of July Parade Application Deadline Approaching

2011-05-24T15:32:00.002-05:00

The parade application deadline for the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health is Friday, May 27.

Completed applications, along with proof of liability insurance for your group and any applicable parade fees, must be submitted to the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin by 5PM this Friday to guarantee a spot in this year’s parade. Parade paperwork can be faxed to (847) 488-1449 or dropped off at or mailed to:

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
2 Douglas Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120

The parade entry fee is $100 for businesses and political groups. There is no fee for not-for-profit organizations.

Parade applications are available at the DNA’s website at DowntownElgin.com or interested participants can stop into the DNA Office Monday-Friday from 9AM-5PM to pick up an application.

Over 15,000 spectators annually attend this Elgin summertime tradition. Last year's parade featured over 110 units, 25 floats, 150 different parade vehicles, 2,600 participants and took over 50 volunteers to coordinate.

For more information about the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade, contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

ESO Music Director Hanson to Speak at May Out to Lunch

2011-05-12T09:25:00.000-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin's next monthly "Out to Lunch" meeting will be Monday, May 23 at Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano, 13 Douglas Avenue. Networking begins at 11:45AM and the program runs Noon-1:15PM.

The featured guest speaker for May will be Elgin Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor Robert Hanson, who will preview ESO's final concert of the 2010-2011 season, Tchiakovsky and Rachmaninoff, June 10-12 at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only) guests will enjoy a delicious lunch buffet featuring Caprese, Penne Al Fonno, Farfala w/Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Pollo Milanese and Homemade Cream Puffs and your choice of Soft Drinks or Coffee.

RSVP with your name and e-mail address by phone at 847.488.1456 or via e-mail at jpawlowski@elginil.org by no later than Friday, May 20.

Upcoming Out to Lunch speakers include Dr. Eugene McMahon, President and CEO of Provena St. Joseph Hospital, and City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain. Dates and locations to be announced.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and typically conducted on the last Monday of each month, are an effort to engage the public by showcasing a different downtown Elgin restaurant each month and featuring guest speakers and topics relevant to the community. Recent Out to Lunch guest speakers have included City Manager Sean Stegall, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson and YWCA Elgin Events Coordinator Deirdre White.

For Lease or Sale in Downtown Elgin Meeting Set for May 18

2011-05-12T09:13:00.000-05:00

Are you interested in attracting new business and investment to downtown Elgin? We sure are.

Join the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin on Wednesday, May 18 from 6-8PM at 11 Douglas Avenue, 2nd Floor (above Villa Verone and Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant) for an introductory meeting to discuss "For Lease or Sale in Downtown Elgin", a marketing and assistance program to attract new business and encourage investment in downtown Elgin.

The Evening's Agenda:

6:00-6:30PM: Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres & networking
6:30-6:45PM: Commercial real estate trends
6:45-7:15PM: Resources, grants and tax incentives
7:15-7:45PM: "For Lease or Sale" marketing & assistance program
7:45-8:00PM: Q&A and closing remarks

Downtown property owners, managers, brokers and business owners, commercial real estate developers, investors and brokers or anyone interested in downtown commercial real estate opportunities are invited to attend.

Space is limited. Please RSVP by Friday, May 13 to the DNA at (847) 488-1456 or downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Live Music and Entertainment Scene - May 12-15

2011-05-11T16:51:00.000-05:00

Thursday, May 12

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street and Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

Elgin Person(s) of the Week: Tish Powell & Anna Moeller
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
6PM

Friday, May 13

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

Free Belgium Beer Tasting
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
7PM
ElginPublicHouse.com

Art on the Eighth
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
7PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street and Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Hot & Sexy Salsa Night
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
9PM

Saturday, May 14

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

Road Rally
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
ElginPublicHouse.com
1PM

Art on the Eighth
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
7PM

Jen St. Stjarna
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Sunday, May 15

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
2PM

Jorge Holmes
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

Welcome New & Renewing DNA Members for April

2011-05-11T15:51:00.000-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin would like to welcome and recognize our new and renewing members from April 2011.

CL Graphics
134 Virginia Rd., Ste. A
Crystal Lake
815.455.0900

IMAGO Media
73 S. Riverside Drive
847.961.8000

Janus Theatre Company
919 Prospect Blvd.
847.841.1713

La Quebrada Restaurant
50 N. Spring Street
847.622.7970

Marketplace Media Group
115 S. Grove Avenue
847.695.1912

Salon Couture
176 E. Chicago Street
847.488.1465

United Way of Elgin
1797 N. LaFox
South Elgin
847.741.2259

Jennifer Almanza

Kathleen Beger

Jennifer & David Benson

Jesse Berreles

Joe Follrath & Karen Beyer

Suzann Cummings

Kenneth Ebner

Lynn & John Freels

Jeanne Hamacher

Jen & Jay Howver

Bill & Sue Kellenberger

Cathy & Art Malm

Jodie, Jacqlin & Laura Nord

John & Marlene Shales

Jodie Stackowiak

Bernadine & Dick Tracy

James Vaughn

James Eric & Denise Viebrock

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - May 4-May 8

2011-04-29T16:11:00.014-05:00

Here's the low-down on one "mother" of a weekend of live music and entertainment in Downtown Elgin:

Thursday, May 5

$5 Cinco de Mayo Specials (Margaritas, Tequila Sunrise)
La Puesta Del Sol
165 E. Highland Ave.
847.468.1416

Cinco De Mayo $5 Margarita Specials
La Quebrada
50 N. Spring Street
847.622.7970

Cinco De Mayo Celebration with Patron Citronge Mojitos for $5.50
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
MartiniRoomElgin.com

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

Mayor’s Preservation Awards
Professional Building
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
6PM

Elgin Person(s) of the Week: Community Carnival Volunteers
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
6PM

Girls Nite Out - Cinco De Mayo
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
DouglasStreetSportsBar.com
6PM

Friday, May 6

Espolon Tequila Tasting
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
5PM
MartiniRoomElgin.com

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Hot & Sexy Salsa Night
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
9PM

Saturday, May 7

ACS Walk ‘n Roll
Festival Park
WalkRoll.org
Registration - 8AM
Start Time - 9AM

Elgin’s Green Expo
The Centre of Elgin
100 Symphony Way
ECCO-FoxValley.net
9AM-4PM

Elgin Firefighter Memorial
Elgin Fire Barn #5 Museum
533 St. Charles Street
11AM

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

Benefit for Japan with The Reverends & Blue Tulip Wranglers
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
DouglasStreetSportsBar.com
1PM-4PM

Jen St. Stjarna
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Sunday, May 8

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
2PM

Irish Session
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
ElginPublicHouse.com
3PM

Celebrate Mom's Special Day in Downtown Elgin

2011-04-29T15:21:00.006-05:00

Mother's Day Brunch
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
ElginPublicHouse.com

Price is $18.95 per adult, $7.95 per child (ages 6-10), children under 6 free. Free flowers for all moms! Reservations available from 10AM to 1:30PM. (EPH's regular menu will be available after 1:30PM.)

MENU:

Drinks
Orange, Pineapple, or Cranberry Juice, Mimosa or Bloody Mary Bar for $4.50 or unlimited for $10

Buffet
Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Shrimp Cocktail, Tuna and Asparagus Carpaccio, Smoked Salmon Lox and Pastries, Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Caprese, Vegetable Strata, Stuffed Pablano Peppers with Cranberry and Pecan, Italian Stuffed Red Pepper with Chicken and Provolone, Butternut Squash Bisque, Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce, Cheesy Potato Casserole, Hashbrowns, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Bacon & Sausage, Corned Beef and Sweet Potato Hash, Irish Bangers, Lemon Chicken, Margarita Tilapia, Macaroni & Cheese, Risotto, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Vegetable Medley

Featured Stations
Ham, Turkey, and Pork Carving Station, Omelet and Scramble Station, Salad Station

Sweets
Greg's Famous Bread Pudding, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Sweet Potato Pie, Peach Crisp, Brownie with Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce, Black Cherry Crepes, French Toast

Mother's Day Buffet
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
DouglasStreetSportsPub.com

Make your reservations today for Douglas Street Sports Pub's Mother's Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 8 beginning at 10AM.

DSSP's Buffet offers dozens of scrumptious homemade breakfast and lunch selections, sides, desserts and a complimentary glass of champagne for mom!

Price is $12.00 per person, $6.00 for children.

Mother's Day at Al's Cafe
Al's Cafe & Creamery
43 DuPage Court
847.742.1180
AlsCafe.com

Join Al's Cafe & Creamery for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8 from 11AM-8PM. Chef Tony has prepared a special menu for the day including (see menu for individual prices):

Appetizers
Hot Artichoke & Spinach with Bleu Cheese Dip, Crab Cakes, White Bean Bruschetta, Scallop Ravigotte and Garlic Roasted Shrimp

Entrees
Pork Tenderloin Medallions, Roasted Salmon Mediterranean, Black Angus Sirloin Steak, Black Angus Steak & Shrimp, Danish Bleu Steak, Schwartzwalder Schweinder Schnitzel, Zigeuner Schnitzel, Idaho Spring Trout, Fetuccini Rose, Shrimp Arrabiata, Finnish Boneless Pork Chop

Rib Special
The Classic, The Texas Jack Ribs, The Carnival, The Thai, The Vienna

All Mothers receive a free Mother's Day Gift! Reservations are recommended.

Mother's Day Thai Buffet
Toom Toom Thai Restaurant
23 S. Grove Ave
847.531.8755
ToomToomThai.net

Lunch 12–2:30PM
Dinner 4:30-9PM

$29.95 per person

Buffet menu features Veggie Egg Rolls, Chicken Pot Stickers, Garden Salad, Thai Chicken Wings, Tofu Pad Thai, Beef Pad Si Ew, Stir-Fried Green Beans, Chicken Panang, Shrimp Curry, Thai Fried Rice and Purple Rice with Mango, plus Soft Drinks, Iced Tea, Ice Water or B.Y.O.B.

And Chef Toom is also pleased to announce that Toom Toom Thai Restaurant will now be serving Sushi! Stop in for Mother's Day and be one of the first on your block to try Toom Toom Thai's new Sushi as part of their Mother's Day Buffet.

By reservation only. RSVP before Saturday, May 7 at 6PM.

Mother's Day at Villa Verone
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

Dinner served 3-9PM. Call for reservations and specifics.

Mother's Day Martini - Wild Sensation Martini Special
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
MartiniRoomElgin.com

In honor of Mothers everywhere, Martini Room has created a truly unique cocktail: The Wild Sensation Martini!

The Wild Sensation Martini is made with Citrus Vodka, St. Germain Liqueur, white grapefruit juice and served with a Wild Hibiscus edible flower! On Sunday, May 8, the Wild Sensation Martini will be specially priced for $6. Invite your Mother to enjoy this beautiful martini in the warm and comfortable atmosphere of Martini Room!

Why not make it a brunch-and-a-show Mother's Day? Take mom to brunch and then head out to Kimball Street Theater at Elgin Academy (Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue) for Sunday's 2PM matinee performance of Elgin Theatre Company's The Woman in Black by Stephen Mallatratt. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for youths/seniors. Purchase your tickets today at (847)741-0532 or visit Elgin-Theatre.org.

Also, be sure to stop by the Downtown Neighborhood Association's booth at Elgin's Green Expo on Saturday, May 7 at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way from 9AM-4PM. We will be promoting the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market and giving out free Marigolds to all the moms!

And nothing says I LOVE YOU to that special mom on Mother's Day quite like jewelry. Why not make her day with a gift of beautiful jewelry from one of downtown Elgin's fine jewelers? Stop by Shockey Jewelers at 18 Douglas Avenue or Elgin Jewelers at 11 N. State Street to choose from a wide variety of gold jewelry, diamonds, estate pieces and much more!

Can't decide on what to buy for that special mom in your life? Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates also make great gifts and are accepted at over 60 downtown Elgin businesses and are available in denominations of $5 and $10. Stop into the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue weekdays 9:00AM-5:30PM to purchase your GC's!

Downtown Live Music & Entertainment Scene - Week of April 27-May 1

2011-04-27T11:08:00.005-05:00

Thursday, April 28

Elgin Person(s) of the Week - NENA
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

This week's Elgin Person(s) of the Week are the good people of the NorthEast Neighborhood Association (NENA). Singing, dancing, great food, great friends and great fun! It all starts at 6PM!

Monty Python Movie Night
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Stop into EPH at 8PM for a special screening of the classic flick Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. Also be sure to enjoy a goblet of Monty Python Holy Ale!

Friday, April 29

Super Office Party
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Bring the office out for DSSP's free monthly dinner buffet starting at 5PM.

Broken Glass - Page-to-Stage Reading Series
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
847.951.1515

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents Broken Glass by Christopher Bibby, the third in their Page to Stage play reading series. Presented in recognition of Holocaust Rememberance Day, the play is set in Berlin, 1938 and a friendship is put to the test. All performances take place at the Elgin Art Showcase, Professional Building, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor. Show starts at 7:30PM.

Saturday, April 30

Broken Glass - Page-to-Stage Reading Series
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
847.951.1515

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents Broken Glass by Christopher Bibby, the third in their Page to Stage play reading series. Presented in recognition of Holocaust Rememberance Day, the play is set in Berlin, 1938 and a friendship is put to the test. All performances take place at the Elgin Art Showcase, Professional Building, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor. Show starts at 7:30PM.

The Connor Bernhard Standards Group
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

Join The Connor Bernhard Standards Band playing all your favorite jazz licks in VV's all new Saturday Night Live Jazz series. Starts at 8PM.

ESO's Beethoven's Triple Concerto
The Hemmens Cultural Center
45 Symphony Way
847.888.4000
http://www.elginsymphony.org/

Four rising stars and one of Beethoven’s most unique yet seldom heard works create a program full of once-in-a-lifetime moments. With his 2009 Metropolitan Opera debut, conductor Kazem Abdullah has quickly become one of the most watched talents of the classical world. He leads Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and the return of three of the season’s soloists for your chance to hear them again, this time performing together! Concert starts at 8PM!

B4 & After - Beatles Tribute Band
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Come out to DSSP for a special Saturday night performance by renowned Beatles tribute band, B4 & After. No cover!

Street Corner Blue
Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

A traditional R&B band exploring the roots from Bourbon to Beal Street, Motown to Muscle Shoals. They delight in exploring each divergent thread & weaving it into the unique sound that is Street Corner Blue! Starts at 9PM.

Sunday, May 1

Broken Glass - Page-to-Stage Reading Series
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
847.951.1515

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents Broken Glass by Christopher Bibby, the third in their Page to Stage play reading series. Presented in recognition of Holocaust Rememberance Day, the play is set in Berlin, 1938 and a friendship is put to the test. All performances take place at the Elgin Art Showcase, Professional Building, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor. Show starts at 1PM.

ESO's Beethoven's Triple Concerto
The Hemmens Cultural Center
45 Symphony Way
847.888.4000
http://www.elginsymphony.org/

Four rising stars and one of Beethoven’s most unique yet seldom heard works create a program full of once-in-a-lifetime moments. With his 2009 Metropolitan Opera debut, conductor Kazem Abdullah has quickly become one of the most watched talents of the classical world. He leads Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and the return of three of the season’s soloists for your chance to hear them again, this time performing together! Concert starts at 3:30PM.

And don't forget to take advantage of our ESO & DNA Triple Play promotion this week. Purchase tickets to Saturday or Sunday's performance of ESO's Beethoven's Triple Concerto and receive three great promotional offers:

1.) Complimentary CD of a Live ESO Performance of "Beethoven's Ninth" (with purchase of four tickets)

2.) Free $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate (with purchase of $50 or more from DNA thru Friday, May 6)

3.) One of 3 Specially-Priced Dine-In Specials at Downtown Restaurants & Bars including Al's Cafe & Creamery, Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant, Elgin Public House, Martini Room and Villa Verone (dine-in only, must show ESO ticket stub at time of purchase, valid only on April 30 or May 1)

For more information visit http://www.downtownelgin.com/ or http://www.elginsymphony.com/

More Participating Establishments Added to ESO & DNA Triple Play Promo

2011-04-22T14:48:00.003-05:00

In conjunction with Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Beethoven's Triple Concerto concerts on Saturday, April 30 at 8PM and Sunday, May 1 at 3:30PM at The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, we want to "Take You Out with the Crowd" in downtown Elgin with the ESO and DNA Triple Play.

Here's the pitch...

Purchase tickets for Beethoven's Triple Concerto and receive the following perks that are sure to be a hit:

1.) Complimentary CD of a Live ESO Performance of "Beethoven's Ninth" (with purchase of FOUR tickets)

2.) Free $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate (when you purchase $50 worth or more from DNA thru Friday, May 6)

3.) Three Specially-Priced Menu Items or Dine-In Deals at Participating Downtown Elgin Restaurants and Bars (April 30 and May 1 only) including Al's Cafe & Creamery, Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant, Elgin Public House, Martini Room and Villa Verone!

Click here for a complete list of participating downtown establishments and their "Triple Play Specials" > > >

TRIPLE YOUR FUN WITH DINNER & "THE SHOW"!

Come for a classic concert...
Stay for a discounted Downtown dinner...
Use your Downtown Elgin gift certificates to pay!

For tickets and additional information, call the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 847.888.4000 or visit ElginSymphony.org

Help Recognize a "Grand" Elgin Teacher

2011-04-20T15:13:00.005-05:00

In conjunction with the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade, which steps off Monday, July 4 at 9AM, the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin is asking your assistance to help us in recognizing outstanding teachers in the Elgin community by nominating them to be one of our 2011 Parade Grand Marshals!

We are asking parents, local PTO members, school administrators or students to write a brief essay about why they feel their teacher is “grand” in the classroom and therefore deserves to be honored as a Grand Marshal in the 2011 Fourth of July Parade.

The competition is open to any teacher (K-12) currently working in an Elgin public or private school. Additional guidelines and restrictions are outlined in the nomination packet.

To download the nomination packet, click here!

Nomination packets will also be mailed out to all Elgin public and private schools.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will accept nominations through Monday, May 23.

Our parade committee will then select three winners from all of the nominations to serve as Parade Grand Marshals and will ride in a special classic car at the front of the parade. They will also each receive an official City of Elgin Fourth of July Parade t-shirt and other goodies.

PLEASE NOTE: Those teachers selected must be available the morning of the parade from approximately 8AM until 12PM.

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Turn a Triple Play with Elgin Symphony Orchestra and DNA!

2011-04-19T16:56:00.006-05:00

In conjunction with Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Beethoven's Triple Concerto concerts on Saturday, April 30 at 8PM and Sunday, May 1 at 3:30PM at The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, we want to "Take You Out with the Crowd" in downtown Elgin with the ESO and DNA Triple Play.

Here's the pitch...

Purchase tickets for Beethoven's Triple Concerto and receive the following perks that are sure to be a hit:

1.) Complimentary CD of a Live ESO Performance of "Beethoven's Ninth" (with purchase of FOUR tickets)

2.) Free $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate (when you purchase $50 worth or more from DNA thru Friday, May 6)

3.) Three Specially-Priced Menu Items or Dine-In Deals at Participating Downtown Elgin Restaurants and Bars (April 30 and May 1 only)

Click here for a complete list of participating downtown establishments and their "Triple Play Specials" > > >

TRIPLE YOUR FUN WITH DINNER & "THE SHOW"!

Come for a classic concert...
Stay for a discounted Downtown dinner...
Use your Downtown Elgin gift certificates to pay!

For tickets and additional information, call the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 847.888.4000 or visit ElginSymphony.org

RSVP Today for DNA's April Out to Lunch

2011-04-18T12:26:00.002-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association's next monthly "Out to Lunch" meeting will be Monday, April 25 at La Quebrada Restaurant at 50 N. Spring Street. Networking begins at 11:45AM and the program runs Noon-1:15PM.

Our featured guest speaker for April will be YWCA Elgin's Event Coordinator Deirdre White.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only) guests will enjoy a delicious Mexican lunch buffet featuring Beef Fajitas, Specially Prepared Chicken and Fish, Spanish Rice and Beans, Tossed Salad, Seasonal Fruit, Salsa and Chips, and your choice of Soft Drinks or Coffee.

RSVP with your name and e-mail address by phone at 847.488.1456, by e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com or via our Online RSVP Form by no later than Friday, April 22.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and typically conducted on the last Monday of each month, are an effort to engage the public by showcasing a different downtown Elgin restaurant each month and featuring guest speakers and topics relevant to the community. Recent Out to Lunch guest speakers have included City Manager Sean Stegall, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda and Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson.

Live Music and Entertainment Scene - April 14-17

2011-04-13T11:31:00.009-05:00

Come get a taste of all the great nightlife and live entertainment in store for you this weekend in downtown Elgin:

La Puesta Del Sol/The Eclipse Room
165 E. Highland Avenue
847.468.1416
It's finally here!

On Saturday, April 16, La Puesta celebrates the Grand Opening of The Eclipse Room, an intimate room for the best live entertainment in downtown Elgin. Legendary caribbean rock band Mr. Myers will be on hand to kick things off in style! $15 advanced tickets, $20 at the door. Call (847) 468-1416 to reserve your tickets NOW!

Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

This Thursday, April 14 is Elgin Person of the Week time again! This week your celebrity bartender is James Myers! The EPOW fun starts at 6PM. Also crooner Jeorge Holmes returns to VV on Sunday, April 17 at 5PM. Come hear all your classic faves by Sinatra, Elvis, Pavarotti and more! Reservations are highly recommended! And be sure to check out VV's new weekly specials: Mondays - free dessert with purchase of 2 entrees; Tuesdays - $20 bottle of house wine with purchase of 2 entrees; Wednesdays - get your 2nd glass of house wine for only a PENNY with any entree purchase.

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Sample beers from Around the World, including Traquair, Red Stripe, and Monty Python, at EPH's Free Beer Tasting on Friday, April 15 from 7-9PM. On Saturday, April 16 come for the Tequila and Little Bites food pairing and stay for the rockin' musical stylings of Storm Crow at 9PM. Don't forget Half-Price Burger Night on Monday evenings and Trivia Night every Wednesday at 7PM.

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
http://www.martiniroomelgin.com/

Let's face it, nobody enjoys paying taxes. To help you get through this most dreadful of days, Martini Room is offering their own special tax break: 20% off drinks on Thursday, April 14. For the calorie conscious, be sure to check out Martini Room's new SKINNY DRINKS, made with their own, sugar-free simple syrup, freshly made sweet and sour, and muddled with fresh fruits and herbs.

Red Bar Winery and Bistro
74 S. Grove Avenue
847.695.1659
http://www.redbarwinery.com/

On Thursday, April 14 beginning at 9PM enjoy Red Bar's Thursday Night Salsa with all the hottest salsa music and dancing to set your night on fire. Fridays are now Plush Fridays at Red Bar with the best Hip-Hop, House, R&B and Reggae plus ladies get in free before 11PM.

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Enjoy blazing hot Blackhawks & Bulls playoff action with DSSP and 35 cent wings during all playoff games. Don't forget Karaoke Wednesdays, U-Call It Thursdays and Fantastic Fridays including DSSP's signature Friday Fish Fry starting at 4PM every Friday for only $8.

Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
847.695.8828

Come party like a rockstar this Thursday, April 14 as DJ Seth K is mixing all your favorite Old School, Dance and Top 40 every Thirsty Thursday featuring great food and drink specials.

Elgin OPERA
Kimball Street Theatre Rider Center at Elgin Academy
350 Park Street
847.695.5014
http://www.elginopera.org/

The Final Round of Elgin OPERA's 5th Annual Vocal Competition will be held on Sunday, April 17 at 1:30PM. The competition attracted singers from the Fox Valley area, the Chicagoland area and across the midwest. This event is open to the public. Entrance fee at the door is $10.

Fourth of July Parade Applications Now Available

2011-04-11T17:30:00.004-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin is now accepting applications for the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health, which steps off at 9am at the corner of Slade and Douglas Avenues on Monday, July 4.

Parade and sponsor pplications are now available through the DNA’s website at www.DowntownElgin.com or at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in Elgin. Completed participant and/or sponsor applications along with any applicable fees must be submitted to the DNA by 5pm on Friday, May 27 to secure a spot in this year's parade.

Every year the DNA and the City of Elgin try to make the parade more entertaining and visually appealing, so if you plan to participate, please make every effort to submit a high quality entry! The parade entry fee is $100 for businesses and political groups. There is no fee for not-for-profit organizations.

The theme of this year’s Fourth of July Parade is "Toys on Parade". Groups, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate by decorating floats or parade vehicles in the finest toy-themed regalia or dressing up in toy-inspired costumes.

In addition to the regular parade float judging, which includes a first, second and third place prize in the Open, Business and Childrens categories, a special "Eco-Elgin Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of a "Green" Elgin - utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes for their parade entry.

This year's Fourth of July Parade will also include a "People's Choice" award, voted on by the general public for the entire week following the parade, for the parade unit that best exemplifies the "Toys on Parade" theme. Photos of every parade unit and the online voting form will be available on the DNA's website at www.downtownelgin.com beginning July 6 and "People's Choice" award voting concludes Monday, July 11.

To select our 2011 Parade Grand Marshal, this year we are inviting local students, classrooms and schools to nominate a deserving teacher as our 2011 Parade Grand Marshal. Nomination forms will be sent to all public and private Elgin schools and will also be available on the DNA website beginning Wednesday, April 20. The parade committee will choose three candidates from all of the nominations to serve as Grand Marshals.

Groups, organizations or businesses can also help to present the parade for our community while gaining valuable promotion and premiere exposure by becoming a parade sponsor. Sponsors are included on all marketing and promotions prior to the parade and given special recognition on parade day, depending on their level of investment. Parade sponsors may also be parade participants, and must complete both the parade application and the sponsor commitment form - available now at the DNA's website. Sponsorship is available at levels of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 or more. Contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org for more information.

Over 16,000 spectators annually attend this summertime tradition. Last year's parade featured over 110 units, 25 floats, 150 different parade vehicles, 2,600 participants and took over 50 volunteers to coordinate. As such the Parade Committee is also seeking additional volunteers to work this year’s parade. The time commitment is approximately 6am to 12pm, depending on what duty you are assigned. Volunteers are treated to a free breakfast at orientation before the parade and each receives a free parade t-shirt. Please contact Suzan Shipyor at the DNA Office at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com to learn more about parade volunteer opportunities.

2011 Downtown Madness Champion Crowned

2011-04-06T12:45:00.003-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin closes out Downtown Madness, its successful month-long restaurant and bar social media promotion, by crowning its first ever Downtown Madness Champion: Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork.

After a whirlwind 5 weeks of voting excitement that saw 16 sweet dishes and drinks from downtown Elgin establishments square off in a March Madness-style bracket tournament and pared down to the eventual top two by the voting public, Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork defeated Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 182 votes in a back-and-forth Final Round of voting from March 30-April 5.

To celebrate, the DNA invites the public to join us at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street, on Thursday, April 7 from 5-7PM for our first ever Downtown Madness Happy Hour and Championship Celebration.

Elgin Public House will be offering their Madness MVP, the Pulled Pork Plus PLUS (Pulled Pork sandwich with cheddar cheese, jalapenos, bacon & cole slaw) as a special-of-the-day, as well as, Irish themed drinks such as St. Peter's English Ale, Cream Stout & IPA for $7, Killians, Smithwicks and Harp for $4, Guinness draft for $5 and Jameson & Tullamore Dew w/mixers for $5.

The evening will culminate with the presentation of the 2011 Downtown Madness Trophy, courtesy of Andersen's Trophies, 27 N. Grove Avenue in downtown Elgin.

The DNA also congratulates Alice Moring of Elgin, who went a perfect 15-for-15 in her predictions in the Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge. For her efforts, she will receive $100 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates for picking the most correct "winners" based on the week-to-week voting throughout Downtown Madness.

The DNA would like to thank all of the great downtown establishments who participated:

Al’s Café & Creamery, 43 DuPage Court, 847-742-1180
Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant, 11 Douglas Avenue, 847-695-2644
Buckingham’s Steakhouse at Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue, 847-468-7000
Domani Café, 107 E. Highland Avenue, 847-695-8851
Douglas Street Sports Pub, 231 Douglas Avenue, 847-695-5659
Gasthaus Zur Linde, 15 N. Grove Avenue, 847-695-8828
La Puesta Del Sol, 165 E. Highland Avenue, 847-468-1416
La Quebrada, 50 N. Spring Street, 847-622-7970
Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago Street, 847-741-0349
PRIME BurgerHouse at Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue, 847-531-PRIME
Ravenheart Coffee, 176 E. Chicago Street, 847-841-8451
Red Bar Winery, 74 S. Grove Avenue, 847-695-1659
Spanky’s Gyros, 51 Clock Tower Plaza, 847-841-8451
Toom Toom Thai Restaurant, 23 S. Grove Avenue, 847-531-8755 Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano, 13 Douglas Avenue, 847-742-0263

Thanks to Jeff Myers and Jeff Turner from the Chef Jeff & Jeff Show on WRMN-AM 1410 and special thanks to Brian Fletcher, Brian Ilc and Daily Herald Media Group for the wonderful promotional consideration throughout the tournament.

Most of all, thanks to everyone of you who participated in Downtown Madness!

Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Seeking Sponsors

2011-04-06T10:16:00.004-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin recently announced that in 2011 the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers will be moving to the old Gail Borden Library parking lot on the S.W. corner of Kimball St. & N. Grove Avenue.

The Harvest Market is seeking sponsors for our 2011 Harvest Market season. Sponsor benefits include choice of 4 dates at the market to promote your organization with table, tent and chairs provided. We also have exclusive First Thursday sponsor opportunities as well.

If your business or organization is interested in becoming a Community or First Thursday Sponsor for the 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market season, please download and complete sponsor forms and send to:

Jennifer Benson
Harvest Market Manager
Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
2 Douglas Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120

Click to download the Community Sponsorship Form

Click to download the First Thursday Sponsorship Form

For questions or additional information about the 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, call Jennifer at 847.488.1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 5, 11:30AM

2011-04-05T11:33:00.002-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. With less than 30 minutes to go, let's update you on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 11:30AM CDT on Monday, April 5):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 66

These two deserving candidates need your help on this Election Day! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru TODAY at NOON.

Buzzer beater time!

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 5, 10AM

2011-04-05T09:08:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. We've got an old-fashioned barn burner in the Championship Game of Downtown Madness! Things could not be any tighter! With less than 2 hours to go, let's update you on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 10AM CDT on Monday, April 5):

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork by 9

These two deserving candidates need your help on this Election Day! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru TODAY at NOON.

We'll have one more Championship Edition of Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog at 11:30AM!

Get your popcorn ready!

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 4

2011-04-04T11:14:00.005-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. One thing we've learned about Downtown Madness: it's never over until it's over...and it's far from over yet! With less than 24 hours to go, let's update you on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 12PM CDT on Monday, April 4):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 11

This one's for all the marbles! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru Tuesday, April 5 at Noon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 3

2011-04-03T14:58:00.002-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. In 48 hours, the final round of voting will be complete and we will crown our 2011 Downtown Madness Champion. Let's update you now on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 3PM CDT on Sunday, April 3):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 58

This one's for all the marbles! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru Tuesday, April 5 at Noon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 2

2011-04-02T14:56:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. Just because March has moved on, there's no April-fooling around in Downtown Madness! It's One Shining Moment time for one of these two power "HOUSES". Let's update you now on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 3PM CDT on Saturday, April 2):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 49

This one's for all the marbles! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru Tuesday, April 5 at Noon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - April 1

2011-04-01T14:05:00.005-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. Just because March has moved on, there's no April-fooling around in Downtown Madness! It's One Shining Moment time for one of these two power "HOUSES". Let's update you now on the scoring in the Downtown Madness Championship Game (as of 3PM CDT on Friday, April 1):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 34

This one's for all the marbles! If you have not already voted for your favorite in the Championship Game, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Final Round voting continues thru Tuesday, April 5 at Noon.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Welcome New & Renewing DNA Members From March 2011

2011-03-30T11:35:00.004-05:00

The DNA would like to welcome our new and renewing members from March 2011:

Burritt Building, LLC
25 S. Grove Avenue
847.608.8574

D. Hudson Productions
164 Division Street, Suite 305-306
847.845.6333

Judson University
1151 N. State Street
847.628.2500

Keystone Realty
23 S. Spring Street
847.931.1818

La Quebrada Restaurant
50 N. Spring Street
847.622.7970

Transystems Corp.
1051 Perimeter Drive
Schaumburg
847.605.9600

Ramona Aguina

Hector & Maria Alvarez

Laura Dion-Jones Casey

Michelle Clute

Joe David Dominguez

Titus Dominguez

Juan Figueroa

Leonard & Karen Haseman

David & Tonya Hudson

George Irizarry

Karin Jones

Richard Kozal & Heather Ronnow

Jason Pawlowski

Rebecca Sanchez

Bruce & Suzan Shipyor

Michael & Jennifer Wong

Roy Vombrack & Jennifer Silk

Help support the organization that supports downtown Elgin in 2011 by becoming a DNA Community Family/Individual Member. For a $30 annual fee, members receive:

• 2 VIP seats for Elgin's July 4th Parade
• 2 guest passes to The Centre of Elgin
• Member price for DNA events/activities
• Elgin Tower Building puzzle
• Exclusive members-only promotions

You can even sign-up and pay for your membership online via our Secure Online Payment Processing page.

For more information about DNA Membership and for other ways to get involved in your downtown, call (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Scholarships Available to DNA Members

2011-03-29T14:01:00.005-05:00

This year the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin unveiled the DNA Scholarship Program, which provides assistance to DNA members to attend local educational workshops and conferences on topics related to entrepreneurship and small business development. Scholarships will be made available for those conferences and workshops throughout the year that the DNA chooses based on their offering of topics related to entrepreneurship and small business development. These scholarships cover the advertised cost of the workshop or conference; travel and other associated costs are not included. Our first DNA Scholarship offering of 2011 is for the following event: Becoming Entrepreneurs: Conference for Women Presented by YWCA and Elgin Community College Thursday, April 14, 8:30AM-4:00PM ECC University and Business Center 1700 Spartan Drive, Elgin IL 60123 Eligibility Requirements: This scholarship is available to female owners or employees of current DNA-member businesses located in downtown or female DNA members who are interested in opening a business in downtown in the next 2 years. A maximum of (2) scholarships will be awarded for this conference. Those selected to receive a DNA scholarship are expected to write a brief summary of what they learned from the experience to share with the community via the DNA’s various communication vehicles. This summary is due one week following the workshop or conference. The scholarship application and event flyer are available here >> Please forward completed scholarship applications to Tonya Hudson, DNA Executive Director, by FAX at (847) 488-1449 or e-mail thudson@downtownelgin.com by April 6. Please feel free to contact the Downtown Neighborhood Association at (847) 488-1456 with any questions about this event or the DNA Scholarship Program.

Downtown Madness FINAL ROUND Voting Now Open

2011-03-28T13:32:00.005-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness – the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s exciting new interactive promotion for the entire month of March and first week of April pitting downtown Elgin's restaurants and bars in a head-to-head bracket tournament, similar to the NCAA’s March Madness, where the public’s votes determine the winners.

The voting action has been fierce throughout the first two rounds of competition and our third round voting totals topped the 500 mark! Our "fine four" have been pared to the last two teams standing. Here are the Final Results from the Third Round of Downtown Madness:

- Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork defeats Al's Cafe's Burns Malt by 63

- Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng defeats Villa Verone's Asparagi by 96

We now unveil the last two teams standing in our winner-take-all FINAL ROUND of Downtown Madness:

- Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork vs. Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng

Final Round voting in Downtown Madness is now open and concludes Tuesday, April 5 at Noon. Subscribers to the DNA’s Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 weekly e-blast will receive the link to the Final Round Voting Form in Wednesday’s edition of the DNN.

Voters can also visit DowntownElgin.com, "Like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownElgin or just CLICK HERE to access the Final Round Voting Form.

Voting is limited to one vote per e-mail address and you must vote for one of the two entries in the final match-up!

For an up-to-date scoring summary on all the match-ups to see how your "teams" are doing, visit Downtown Madness Score Central throughout the Final Round on the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Blog at DowntownElgin.blogspot.com.

We will announce the winning venue on Wednesday, April 6. At that time, the DNA will also announce the winner of our Downtown Madness Pick ‘Em Challenge, in which individuals attempt to predict the winners from the Opening Round thru the Championship Game according to the weekly voting.

For more information about Downtown Madness, please contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 28

2011-03-28T08:48:00.004-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. The shot clock is ticking down on the Third Round of Downtown Madness! With a record voting turnout, let's update you now on the scoring in both of these pivotal match-ups in Round 3 (as of 9AM CDT on Monday, March 28):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Al's Cafe & Creamery's Burns Malt by 31

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads Villa Verone's Asparagi by 58

Time is running out! If you have not already voted for your favorites in Round 3, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per valid e-mail address), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Third Round voting continues thru TODAY at Noon. We will announce the winners of the Third Round of play as well as unveil the Championship Game round on Wednesday, March 30. Voting for the final round of Downtown Madness tips off March 30 thru April 4.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 27

2011-03-27T12:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. With less than 24 hours to go in the Third Round of Downtown Madness, let's update you now on the scoring in both of these pivotal match-ups (as of 12PM CDT on Sunday, March 27):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads Al's Cafe & Creamery's Burns Malt by 23

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads Villa Verone's Asparagi by 67

It's put-up or shut-up time! If you have not already voted for your favorites in Round 3, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember - ONE VOTE per person, per valid e-mail), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Third Round voting continues thru Monday, March 28 at Noon. We will announce the winners of the Third Round of play as well as unveil the updated brackets for the Championship Game round on Wednesday, March 30. Voting for the final round of Downtown Madness tips off March 30 thru April 4.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog throughout the weekend for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 26

2011-03-26T15:06:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. We're starting the second half of the Third Round of Downtown Madness and things are getting exciting! Let's update you now on the scoring in both of these pivotal match-ups in Round 3 (as of 3PM CDT on Saturday, March 26):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
Al's Cafe & Creamery's Burns Malt by 13

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Villa Verone's Asparagi by 85

It's put-up or shut-up time! If you have not already voted for your favorites in Round 3, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Third Round voting continues thru Monday, March 28 at Noon. We will announce the winners of the Third Round of play as well as unveil the updated brackets for the Championship Game round on Wednesday, March 30. Voting for the final round of Downtown Madness tips off March 30 thru April 4.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog throughout the weekend for the latest updates!

Now back to the action...

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 25

2011-03-25T14:04:00.004-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. The early stages of the Third Round of Downtown Madness has made for some exciting drama! Let's update you now on the scoring in both of these pivotal match-ups in the Round 3 (as of 3PM CDT on Friday, March 25):

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
Al's Cafe & Creamery's Burns Malt by 34

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Villa Verone's Asparagi by 63

Call for Submissions for Elgin Pop-Up Poetry Project

2011-03-24T14:34:00.004-05:00

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission is currently accepting submissions from writers of all ages for the first ever Elgin Pop-Up Poetry Project. Published and unpublished poets throughout the greater Chicago area are invited to submit a poem for consideration. Submissions will be accepted during the month of April (National Poetry Month) and are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011.

ABOUT THE ELGIN POP-UP POETRY PROJECT
The theme for this year’s project is Icons of Elgin, which could be a person, place or thing. Selected poems will be enlarged and displayed in tandem with photography from Elgin ’s 1440 Photo Project at government buildings, downtown storefront windows, and other public places during the summer. Final selections will be published in a special commemorative book to celebrate the event. This project is sponsored by the Elgin Cultural Arts Commission, City of Elgin , Downtown Neighborhood Association, and the Palmer Foundation.

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES
Only one poem per author will be considered. The poem can be no more than 10 lines (not including the title). The poem can be an existing work or a new poem. Poems must have proper spelling and punctuation before submission. No special formatting will be accepted that includes graphics or unusual symbols. Standard indentation, justification, spacing will be reproduced as close as possible to the submitted poem. An excerpt from a longer poem will be considered if it can stand alone. Poems will be judged on quality of writing but also for accessibility and suitability for public display before a general audience. If reprint permissions are required, permission must be obtained prior to submitting the poem. Submissions are due by 5:00 p.m. on Friday, April 29, 2011. Copies of submitted poems will not be returned.

SENDING IN YOUR POEM
There are three ways to submit a poem:

1. An application can be downloaded at www.cityofelgin.org, where it can be saved electronically and emailed to elginarts@gmail.com.

2. Mail poem to: Elgin Pop-Up Poetry Project, Attn: Sean Hargadon, Chairman, Elgin Cultural Arts Commission and Sylvia Grady, Staff Liaison, City Manager’s Office 150 Dexter Court, Elgin, IL 60120.

3. Directly submit poem online at http://www.elginarts.org/.

All poetry submissions will be judged by an independent panel. Writers whose poems are chosen for display will be notified in May. While there is no honorarium offered, each writer whose work is displayed will receive a copy of the poster featuring his/her poem. For more information contact: Sean Hargadon at elginarts@gmail.com. Look for Elgin Pop-Up Poetry Project 2011 on Facebook.

Downtown Madness - Round Three Now Open

2011-03-21T13:19:00.008-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness – the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin’s exciting new interactive promotion for the entire month of March pitting downtown Elgin's restaurants and bars in a head-to-head bracket tournament, similar to the NCAA’s March Madness, where the public’s votes determine the winners.

The voting action has been fierce throughout the first two rounds of competition and our voters have again paired the field from eight elite establishments to these four fine finalists.

Here are the Final Results from the Second Round of Downtown Madness:

- Al's Cafe's Burns Malt defeats Domani Cafe's Domani Latte by 94

- Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork defeats La Puesta Del Sol's La Puesta Margarita by 73

- Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng defeats Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk by 114

- Villa Verone's Asparagi defeats Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings by 39

We now unveil the last four teams standing and our two powerhouse match-ups for the pivotal Round Three of Downtown Madness:

- Al's Cafe's Burns Malt vs. Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork

- Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng vs. Villa Verone's Asparagi

Third Round voting in Downtown Madness is now open and concludes Monday, March 28 at Noon. Subscribers to the DNA’s Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 weekly e-blast will receive the link to the Third Round Voting Form in Wednesday’s edition of the DNN. Voters can also visit DowntownElgin.com, "Like" us on Facebook at facebook.com/DowntownElgin or just CLICK HERE to access the Third Round Voting Form.

Voting is limited to one vote per e-mail address and you must vote for one of the two entries in each match-up! Failure to vote for one entry in each match-up will invalidate the remainder of your votes.

For an up-to-date scoring summary on all the match-ups to see how your "teams" are doing, visit Downtown Madness Score Central throughout the Third Round on the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Blog at DowntownElgin.blogspot.com.

The Final Round of voting for the Downtown Madness Championship Game takes place March 30-April 4, with the winning venue announced on Wednesday, April 6. The DNA will also announce the winner of our Downtown Madness Pick ‘Em Challenge, in which individuals attempt to predict the winners from the Opening Round thru the Championship Game according to the weekly voting.

For more information about Downtown Madness, please contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 21

2011-03-21T08:39:00.003-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. The Second Round of Downtown Madness is nearly in the books but there's still time to will your team onto victory! With a little more than 3 hours to go in Round 2, let's update you now on the scoring in each of the match-ups in the Round of 8 (as of 9AM CDT on Monday, March 21):

Al's Cafe & Creamery's Burns Malt leads
Domani Cafe's Domani Latte by 85

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
La Puesta Del Sol's La Puesta Margarita by 66

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk by 107

Villa Verone's Asparagi leads
Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings by 40

It's Bracket Buster time! If you have not already voted for your favorites in Round 2, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Second Round voting continues thru TODAY at Noon. We will announce the winners of the Second Round of play as well as unveil the updated brackets for the Third Round on Wednesday, March 23. Voting for Round 3 tips off March 23 thru March 28.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 20

2011-03-20T15:01:00.002-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. The shot clock is winding down on the Second Round of Downtown Madness! With less than 24 hours to go in Round 2, let's update you now on the scoring in each of the match-ups in the Round of 8 (as of 3PM CDT on Sunday, March 20):

Al's Cafe & Creamery's Burns Malt leads
Domani Cafe's Domani Latte by 80

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
La Puesta Del Sol's La Puesta Margarita by 65

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk by 60

Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings leads
Villa Verone's Asparagi by 11

It's Bracket Buster time. If you have not already voted for your favorites in Round 2, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Second Round voting continues thru Monday, March 21 at Noon. Downtown Madness Score Central will update the voting throughout the weekend and announce the winners of the Second Round of play as well as unveil the updated brackets for the Third Round on Wednesday, March 23. Voting for Round 3 tips off March 23 thru March 28.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

* * * * * * * *

CLICK HERE to watch Jeff Myers of Elgin Today announce the updated brackets for the Round of 8.

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 19

2011-03-19T17:03:00.002-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. We are coming up on buzzer beater time in the Second Round of Downtown Madness! With less than 48 hours to go in Round 2, let's update you now on the scoring in each of the match-ups in the Round of 8 (as of 5PM CDT on Saturday, March 19):

Al's Cafe & Creamery's Burns Malt leads
Domani Cafe's Domani Latte by 68

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
La Puesta Del Sol's La Puesta Margarita by 59

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk by 54

Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings leads
Villa Verone's Asparagi by 13

It's Bracket Buster time. If you have not already voted for your favorites in Round 2, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Second Round voting continues thru Monday, March 21 at Noon. Downtown Madness Score Central will update the voting throughout the weekend and announce the winners of the Second Round of play as well as unveil the updated brackets for the Third Round on Wednesday, March 23. Voting for Round 3 tips off March 23 thru March 28.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

* * * * * * * *

CLICK HERE to watch Jeff Myers of Elgin Today announce the updated brackets for the Round of 8.

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 18

2011-03-18T14:14:00.006-05:00

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. We are coming up on buzzer beater time in the Second Round of Downtown Madness! Let's update you now on the scoring in each of the match-ups in the Round of 8 (as of 4PM CDT on Friday, March 18):

Al's Cafe & Creamery's Burns Malt leads
Domani Cafe's Domani Latte by 42

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
La Puesta Del Sol's La Puesta Margarita by 35

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk by 45

Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings leads
Villa Verone's Asparagi by 13

It's Bracket Buster time. If you have not already voted for your favorites in Round 2, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), forward the voting link onto your friends and family to encourage them to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Second Round voting continues thru Monday, March 21 at Noon. Downtown Madness Score Central will update the voting throughout the weekend and announce the winners of the Second Round of play as well as unveil the updated brackets for the Third Round on Wednesday, March 23. Voting for Round 3 tips off March 23 thru March 28.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

* * * * * * * *

CLICK HERE to watch Jeff Myers of Elgin Today announce the updated brackets for the Round of 8

New Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson to Speak at DNA’s March Out to Lunch

2011-03-18T14:03:00.002-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin's next "Out to Lunch" meeting will be Monday, March 28 from Noon-1:15PM and is proudly hosted by Toom Toom Thai Restaurant at 23 S. Grove Avenue in Downtown Elgin.

Our featured guest speaker for March will be the DNA's new Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson, who will discuss her exciting plans for the 2011 Harvest Market season, which begins Thursday, June 2.

For $12.00 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only), guests will enjoy a delicious lunch buffet courtesy of Chef Toom Wiitanen, featuring Pot Stickers, Garden Salad, Thai Chicken Wing, Chef Surprise, Pepper Steak (Beef), Pad Thai Woonsen (Tofu), Thai Fried Rice (Veggie), Fruit, and choice of Tea, Coffee or Soda.

Interested guests should RSVP to DNA by no later than Friday, March 25, with your name and e-mail address via our Online RSVP Form, by phone at 847.488.1456 or by e-mail at downtownelgin@gmail.com.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and conducted on the last Monday of each month, are an effort to engage the public by showcasing a different downtown Elgin restaurant each month and featuring guest speakers and topics relevant to the community. Recent Out to Lunch guest speakers have included City of Elgin Mayor Ed Schock, City Manager Sean Stegall, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, and U-46 Superintendent Dr. Jose Torres.

Downtown Brainstorm to Focus on Addressing Perceptions

2011-03-17T15:39:00.002-05:00

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin invites the community to participate in Downtown Brainstorm #2, an interactive planning workshop about downtown Elgin and the DNA, on Tuesday, March 22 from 6-8PM at The Centre of Elgin's Heritage Ballroom, 100 Symphony Way.

The theme of this workshop will be “How do we continue to change the perception of downtown Elgin for the better?”

Proposed discussion topics include, but are not limited to:

• Proposed new downtown marketing and branding campaigns, including a new DowntownElgin.com website
• Plans for marketing downtown's available commercial spaces and properties to potential tenants and buyers
• Accentuating the positives/eliminating the negatives through key marketing messages via social media, community outreach and other engagement tools
• Image enhancement through special events and promotions

The public is encouraged to attend this workshop to share ideas, meet new people and get involved in their community. To RSVP for Downtown Brainstorm #2, please contact the DNA at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com by Monday, March 21 at Noon. You can also RSVP via our Online RSVP Form.

In November of 2010, the DNA held its first Downtown Brainstorm Workshop in an effort to engage the Elgin community and encourage more involvement in downtown issues, happenings and DNA programming. Approximately 60 people attended this workshop and in a series of 3 roundtable rotations discussed topics such as special events, arts initiatives, property improvement, community outreach, “green” initiatives, new business recruitment, fundraising and marketing. Three reoccurring themes emerged from this workshop, upon which the DNA based its focus for programming and projects for 2011:

1.) More communication about who DNA is and what we do.
2.) Smaller, more frequent downtown events and promotions, especially in the arts.
3.) More marketing about the positive changes in downtown.

The DNA will provide an overview of how this feedback is being implemented in its current programming and projects at the workshop.