Decade of DNA Banners

Each month in our Top 10 we unveil another banner celebrating our 10th anniversary. Here are the banners from the first 3 months of 2008:

JANUARY 2008

FEBRUARY 2008:

MARCH 2008:

Mark your calendars now for our 10th Anniversary Party at the Grand Victoria Casino on October 2 beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be black tie (optional) so guys, here's your excuse to finally by that tux you've always wanted.

Downtown Elgin Top 10 | March 13-23

This is a condensed version of the weekly Top 10. Get the Top 10 in all its glory delivered directly to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up here >

1.
NHS Open House
Come welcome a new organization to Downtown!
Refreshments, free raffles, and giveaways are just some of the goodies and resources you can find at this organization that educates, supports, and helps homeowners in Elgin! So stop over and say hello! (Also make sure to check out one of NHS's windows that Betsy Couture and Chris Dansy decorated, through the DNA design committee's "Adopt a Storefront" program.)

Thursday, March 13, 10am - 3pm
Neighborhood Housing Services
163 E. Chicago Street

2.
YWCA Elgin Leadership Award
H.S. Senior Women: A scholarship to help with advanced education!
In celebration of its 25th Annual Leader Luncheon on May 8, 2008, the YWCA Elgin will honor a graduating high school woman seeking an advanced education. An initial $1,000 scholarship renewable for three additional years will be presented to the recipient at the celebration. Applications and instructions regarding the award are online at https://64.135.216.19/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001keVw_-x2ZYnpd8jnj6lb0Pa7RhmHL4NQmuBZ6nKgIgJUrW3NEvo8zebjNBYzS_FPVu_5t8k2uy8uDv7CIxuTaHc3TCFj71ZDmuGlPDLz3pATT9qH6TxBtQ==
Questions? Contact the YWCA, 847-742-7930.
Deadline for this application is March 14!

3.
Rollicking Weekend at the Hemmens
Brigid's Cross & Ides of March Perform
Brigid's Cross and special guest Beth Patterson will bring you an exciting blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music. Mention this e-mail when you order tickets and receive a 25% discount to Brigid's Cross!

The Ides of March will perform the next night with their signature horn riff. Their show spans three decades of music that includes Jim Peterik's catalog of Top 40 hits! For tickets call 847.931.5900) or go online to https://64.135.216.19/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001keVw_-x2ZYkia8ukwpSN7g8U0302WA7j6d42v71oC5yCaF0T0CuQSsSYWahp3u-k7iKhDhh2GwUeTgWm7u0N25WvJiFLZtt3aNEQGVbwJ_DwRSu11lqfsw.

Brigid's Cross - Friday, March 14, 8pm
The Ideas of March - Sat., March 15, 8pm
Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

4.
Run for Your Wife - Last Weekend
Performed by the Elgin Theatre Company
John Smith is an ordinary London cab driver with his own car, sets his hours, is hard working, punctual, etc. The exception is that he has two wives who don't know about each other! Adult tickets are $15. Students/Seniors $12. Call 847.741.0532 or e-mail tickets@inil.com For more info go to https://64.135.216.19/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001keVw_-x2ZYm3Pv3VVbdBXi59Rb6yplFMH6k1RJ6j83ZP6AUw0B66j3pswXLqCwDDVVVUq4_J058U4-LmNWUFYgFTBOb5mDkCI6yS-BNXcgmTFoAqPubLxA==

Fri. & Sat., March 14 & 15, 8pm
Theatre 355, 355 E. Chicago Street

5.
Two Plays by the Independent Players
This is the last weekend...so go!
"Hay Fever"
General Admission $15, Seniors $12, Students $10. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back. Fri. & Sat., March 14 & 15, 8pm Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

"Story Theatre" General Admission $15, Seniors $12, 13yrs. and older $10, 12yrs and under $5. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back. Sat. & Sun., March 15 & 16, 3pm Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

6.
New Exhibits at the EAHS - "Old Main"
Celebrate the 2008 Re-Opening of the Museum Come see three exhibits: At the Ballet: Lisa Boehm's Nutcracker; 100 Years of Wing Park Golf; and Piano in the Parlour. At 1:30pm there will be an "At the Ballet" panel discussion program featuring: Clare Ollayos, Jean Keltner, Sandy Haggard, and Don Haefliger. Refreshments will be offered, and admission is free and open to the public. For more info call 847.742.4248. Sunday, March 16, 1pm - 3pm Elgin Area Historical Society 360 Park Street

7.
St. Patty Specials in Downtown Elgin
Treasures await in the following places...

Elgin Public House - 219 E. Chicago Monday - Lamb stew, corned beef and cabbage, shepherds pie, and specials on Guinness, Harp, Smithwick's, & Killians. Call 847.468.8810 for more info.

Grand Victoria Casino - 250 S. Grove Monday - J.P. & the Cats will perform their high energy music & laidback comedy from 7pm - 12am at the Fox & Hound in the Casino. Specials during March are Tuesday's $3 Guinness at Fox & Hound or feast on a "Spring Dinner Buffet" every Wed. for $12.99. For more info call 847.468.7000.

Martini Room - 161 E. Chicago Street It's St. Patty’s Weekend! Friday: Complimentary appetizers - Akina's Thai Live entertainment - Inertia - 10pm;playing classic jazz, soul fused with house music. Cocktail specials: · Grey Goose Orange Citrus Martini $8 · Ginger Apple Long Drink $4 · Shamrock Shaker Martini $6 & Irish Car Bombs $4
Saturday: Guest DJ (Voodoo Schaumburg) 9pm Cocktail specials: · Banana Foster Martini $6 · Executive Sunrise $4 · Green Cookie Shot $3 & Irish Car Bombs $4
Monday: Complimentary appetizers. "Stepping on Suburbs" at 7pm, step dancing lessons and smooth, mellow music. Cocktail specials: · Most Martinis $2 OFF · $3 well drinks & Irish Car Bombs $4
Also Starting from Thursday, March 13th till Monday the 17th all green martinis are $2 OFF - Mermaid (fruity, exotic), Apple, Caramel Apple, Emerald, and Mint Chocolate. For more info call 847.741.0349

Oak Crest Atrium - 204 S. State Street Monday - 1st Anniversary Celebration for the Oak Crest Cellar Pub! Join them on St. Patrick's Day from Noon - 5pm, featuring traditional Irish food and old time favorites played by the popular "Rhythm Rascals". The community dinner will follow at 6pm, reservations are required, and there is a $10 donation per dinner. Call 847.742.2255 for more info and to make a reservation.

Senior Services Associates - 101 S. Grove Monday - 10am - St. Patrick's Day Celebration with Nicko Naidenov. For reservations call Minnie Vasquez at 847.741.0404

8.
Walk & Roll Kick-Off After Hours
Hosted by the American Cancer Society
Come meet this proactive organization March 18, at their after hours, and join them in celebrating the 36th anniversary of Walk & Roll as they raise over $1.1 million to fight cancer. On May 10, you can participate in the first annual Walk & Roll Elgin event at Festival Park. Participants can register online at https://64.135.216.19/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001keVw_-x2ZYm-BY77tBt-QKmqzM_GFgTK25SJIbRq45Idp1rbFRoVk28-rvcVYOLedEiSYFCrCqdR8J6jhqAZepHucgXzH31uZ0yZU_oWiPp0v1L9WDH6Jg== to sign up their team. To RSVP, get involved, or for more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 630-879-9009 x3 or e-mail ILWalkRoll.Elgin@cancer.org.

Tuesday, March 18, 4pm - 8pm
Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue

9.
JJ Fish & Chicken Lunch Specials
A relatively new restaurant to Downtown...
This chain used to just be in Chicago, but has now come to Downtown Elgin! Mixed with Pamela's soul food, and homecooked meals everyday, they also do catering for all occassions. Their lunch special is any entree (Chicken, Ribs, Fish, etc.), 2 Sides, and a 12 oz. drink for $4.99. And a dinner special that is $6.99. So stop by and say hi to Pamela and taste the food!

Open every day 10am - 10pm
JJ Fish & Chicken, 221 National Street

10.
Easter Weekend is in One Week!
Have brunch at the Holiday Inn and more...
Spend time with family and friends and enjoy Holiday Inn's Annual Easter Brunch at their hotel. This year the Easter Bunny will be making a special visit to take pictures with the families. Their mouth-watering brunch includes made to order omelets, sliced turkey and ham, French toast, dessert, their chocolate fountain and much more! Costs are $17.95 per adult, $13.95 - Seniors 55 and over, $9.95 per child(5-12). To make reservations call 847.488.9000.

Sunday, March 23, 9am - 1:30pm
Holiday Inn & Suites, 495 Airport Road

Want to Post Your Easter Activity? - DNA Members or Downtown businesses/organizations send your activity to us via e-mail to jbenson@elginil.org before Tuesday, March 18.

Downtown Elgin Top 10 | March 7 - March 14

This is a condensed version of the weekly Top 10. Get the Top 10 in all its glory delivered directly to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up here >

1.

Disney's Beauty & the Beast
Presented by CYT Chicago

Come see area youth perform this classic this weekend. Advanced tickets are $8-$12, $2 more at the door. Discounts are available. For tickets or more info call 847.516.2CYT or http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoQe_c6QDxcI416hqmFNYVY7HaPe3ywLi2a-AczAwKA8Pug2FVwzOAkiEGHVQXWpw9lKaspoBiMn1g1kFA_bQDS_BAT8mFkiAd-veLMq3Ynenw==.

Friday, March 7, 7pm
Saturday, March 8, 2pm & 6pm
Sunday, March 9, 2pm
Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

2.
Run for Your Wife
Performed by the Elgin Theatre Company

John Smith is an ordinary London cab driver with his own car, sets his hours, is hard working, punctual, etc. The exception is that he has two wives who don't know about each other! Adult tickets are $15. Students/Seniors $12. Call 847.741.0532 or e-mail tickets@inil.com For more info go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoQyGxncydXiOwhAmqDZAwryo-3ybgFsogxCtxAkG1LAIgUKvzmSspm7GRu0zYGVvwLiHToc_aA7DM0ho9t7q7XzTtveDN_LorzPHISwFWh6Dw==

Fri. & Sat., March 7 - March 15, 8pm
Theatre 355, 355 E. Chicago Street

3.
Two Plays by the Independent Players
Have your pick on two different story lines...

"Hay Fever"
General Admission $15, Seniors $12, Students $10. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back.

Fri. & Sat., March 7 - March 15, 8pm
Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

"Story Theatre"
General Admission $15, Seniors $12, 13yrs. and older $10, 12yrs and under $5. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back.

Sat. & Sun., March 8 - March 16, 3pm
Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

4.
Chicago Bandits Open House and unveiling of their retail store!

The Chicago Bandits, Elgin's newest sports team, will be hosting an open house this Saturday. The team will provide huge discounts on selected merchandise, raffles, giveaways, and more!Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be on hand. Everyone is welcome to attend! For more info, call our office at 877-7BANDIT or email us at chicagobanditsmedia@gmail.com

Downtown Elgin Businesses & Organizations:
This season, Chicago Bandits are starting their new Bandits Kids Club, which will provide kids the opportunity to become part of their ball club and your business as well. The Kids Club is free to join and will furnish every Kids Club member a variety of complimentary offers. If you would like to add coupons for a complimentary item to help drive new traffic into your location, please contact Gerry Clarke at 630-336-7164 or simply drop by our new office/store. Your business will be highlighted in their Kids Club link on their website, in their 2008 Chicago Bandits Media Guide, as well as $100 of free game tickets! In addition, they will furnish each participating sponsor the email club list to use for future offers you would like to promote.

Saturday, March 8, 10am - 2pm
Chicago Bandits Office, 72 S. Grove Avenue

5.
Liberty's Teeth Playing At the Pub
Rock 'N Roll Past, Present...Future!

This group does a variety of party rock from artists: Led Zepplin, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Blink 182, Guns and Roses, Green Day, Weezer, Velvet Revolver, Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne, and much more! For further info call the pub at 847.468.8810 or go to the band's website.

Saturday, March 8, evening
Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street

6.
Gail Borden Public Library in a Week
Remembering Abraham Lincoln's Legacy

Celebrate Abraham Lincoln by visiting an authentic 8 by 10 foot log cabin built right in the middle of the library rotunda. And right behind this lil' log cabin are two tables full of "Lincoln logs" to play with! The library will continue to celebrate "all things Lincoln" as part of A Tapestry of Freedom and in anticipation of Lincoln's 200th birthday anniversary in 2009.

Second Sunday Concert Series
A native of Lviv, Ukraine, Mr. Dzhuryn has performed cello with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma and Sir Georg Solti. He now performs with Russian Pianist Mikhail Yanovitski in the community rooms.Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments after the performance. Free tickets are now available at the Greeter and Second Floor Information Desks.

Sunday, March 9, 2pm - 3pm
Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave
For further info call 847.742.2411

7.
Kiwanis Club of Elgin - Guest Speaker
A club that meets every Tuesday in Downtown!

Kiwanis Club of Elgin is an International Service Club that raises and donates money to various local charities. They meet every Tuesday at Prairie Rock. All are welcome to attend. This Tuesday, March 11 Gerald Anderson will be speaking. Lunch is $10 payable to the club. For more information call 847.695.1316.
Tuesday, March 11, Noon
Prairie Rock Brewing Company
127 S. Grove Avenue

8.
American Cancer Society Walk & Roll Kick-Off

Come meet this proactive organization March 18, at their after hours, and join them in celebrating the 36th ainniversary of Walk & Roll as they raise over $1.1 million to fight cnater.

On May 10, you can participate in the first annual Walk & Roll Elgin event at Festival Park. Participants can register online at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoQ_oe0pB2n5LiB3_7O6H1XVT1_bWJzceBvSy7t8xAQWk7RpE1VCo2iBiCZyIVI_QVsL09LPPVGCOFr-PGoa1O_s2P-4coDDVQV7e9UWBolrfQ== to sign up their team.

To RSVP, get involved, or for more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 630-879-9009 x3 or e-mail ILWalkRoll.Elgin@cancer.org.

Tuesday, March 18, 4pm - 8pm
Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue
RSVP by Tuesday, March 11!

9.

Tribal Style Bellydance Show & Class
Time to watch and learn how to bellydance!

Come out to the Martini Room for a night of performances by the Blue Lotus Tribe and Christina's student troupe Lotus Bloom. There will also be a mini workshop and open dancing!
There is a $5 cover charge. Future performances at this venue - April 16, May 21, June 18. For more information call 773.454.6493.

Wednesday, March 12, 8:30pm
Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago Street

10.
YWCA Elgin Leadership Award
H.S. Senior Women: A scholarship to help with advanced education!

In celebration of its 25th Annual Leader Luncheon on May 8, 2008, the YWCA Elgin will honor a graduating high school woman seeking an advanced education. An initial $1,000 scholarship renewable for three additional years will be presented to the recipient at the celebration. Applications and instructions regarding the award are online at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoRwPfcXq_7xBLzEgxLzNCxQvMDclnVDJgMLMO514djyoEWY5maLPezPOZE-U28lTr7XeSPaMm2G1IVHo0Giy1PdohkcBwJKYCuhUujgQz01Pw== until the March 14 deadline. Packets are also available at the YWCA Elgin, 220 East Chicago St. Questions? Contact the YWCA, 847-742-7930.

Deadline for this application is March 14!

Next Clue for Lookin' for Lincoln in Downtown Elgin

Abe will be back in town March 10 to 16. Here's the clue to help you find him:

Whether you are coming to this downtown hotspot to run the track, play in the pool, take a dance class or attend a fancy banquet, you’re sure to find Abe hanging out and having fun. Remember to put your name in the drawing to win Abe, and you’ll also get 10 percent off your purchase of pool passes for Wing and Lord’s Park Family Aquatic Center.

Lookin’ for Lincoln is a year-long promotion put on by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin. For one week each month, a lifesize cardboard cut-out of Abraham Lincoln appears at a different downtown business or establishment offering a special promotion or discount. When you spot him be sure to enter your name in the drawing to win Cardboard Abe. The drawing will be held at the Window Wonderland event on December 6.

Welcome to the Neighborhood of Downtown Elgin

A few months ago I went to visit my brother in Bucktown, a neighborhood of Chicago, and had an epiphany.

Downtown Elgin is Bucktown.

Okay, we are not literally Bucktown, but we are very much like an up-and-coming neighborhood of Chicago. We are on the uphill climb towards revitalization. We have an urban backdrop of beautiful architecture. Our arts scene is on the verge of exploding. We have a good sampling of restaurants and bars and people are hungry for more. We are attractive to young professionals and real estate developers. And the community that exists among the residents and businesses in a neighborhood is very present here in Downtown Elgin.

Bottom line – we are cool. And unlike any of those neighborhoods of Chicago, we have parking. Booyah!

But the neighborhood of Downtown Elgin is not just for the residents and businesses with a downtown address. Downtown Elgin is “everyone’s neighborhood.”

So, please join me in welcoming two new businesses to our neighborhood – Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano and the Chicago Bandits corporate office and retail store.

Villa Verone, located at 13 Douglas Avenue, is now open for dinner and will open for lunch later in the month. Along with fabulous authentic Italian food, you’ll enjoy a diverse wine list, very knowledgeable and entertaining servers, live jazz music on Thursday nights and Pietro, the owner.

The Chicago Bandits, a professional softball team that will open its season at Judson University this summer, is having an open house Saturday, March 8 at their office at 72 South Grove. Check out the Bandits wear and meet their great staff. As the Bandits tagline says, “They’ll steal your heart.”

So, get out there, be neighborly and enjoy your neighborhood.

Hot times, summer in the city

I don’t know about you, but I am so over this weather.

For those of you who feel you are being consumed by the gloom of a never-ending winter, do not despair. Summer is coming. And it will be a hot one in downtown Elgin.

With the opening of Festival Park last year and a summer full of successful events like Fox Fire Fest, Fiesta Salsa, and Duckapolooza, everyone is clamoring to get those special event applications in to the city to have their event downtown.

Here is what the Downtown Neighborhood Association has in store. Be sure to check the City of Elgin website in the coming months for all the other hot happenings.

Though summer doesn’t officially begin until June, the downtown event season heats up with the Cinco de Mayo Festival, May 1-4 at the former Gail Borden Library site along the Fox River. This year’s festival promises to be a big cultural celebration boiling over with great food, music, dancing, entertainment, children’s activities, and a carnival by Windy City Amusements.

Next in the DNA’s summertime lineup is the Fourth of July Parade, which is quickly becoming one of the best parades in the ‘burbs. This year’s parade will celebrate “the red, white and Blues,” and kicks off with a chase scene that would make Jake and Elwood proud. Honest Abe will also make a special appearance, in Blues Brothers shades and top hat, of course. Parade participant applications will be available in the early spring.

The Elgin Cycling Classic will ride alongside Fox Fire Fest again this year on August 3. More than 200 cyclists come from all over the Midwest to challenge themselves on our downtown course and a chance to win more than $12,000 in cash prizes. Online registration for participants opens in the early spring.

The Downtown Elgin Car and AFV Show on September 6 was a new event last year that has great potential to draw large crowds with the variety of vintage to hybrid vehicles that will be on display. We are pairing this event with a 3-day carnival so there will be lots of fun for the whole family, even if you aren’t a car enthusiast.

The summer event season comes to a close in mid-September so you will have a little break to rest up for the DNA’s 10th Anniversary Party at the Grand Victoria Casino in early October. The event will be a black-tie (optional) affair celebrating 10 years of downtown revitalization.

We wrap up 2008 with our annual Window Wonderland event on December 6, with lots of decorated storefront windows and holiday entertainment in the theme of The Nutcracker Suite.

If your organization or business would like to participate in any of the above events as entertainment, booth exhibitors, sponsors or volunteers, please contact the Downtown Neighborhood Association at (847) 488-1456 or email me at thudson@elginil.org.

Lincoln Spotted at Keeney's Sporting Goods

A few weeks ago I gave you the first clue for our “Lookin’ for Lincoln” promotion – where each month a lifesize cut-out of Abe Lincoln will hang out in a downtown location for a week and offer a special promotion. The clue was:

When this downtown business was established, Grover Cleveland was president. The business started as a drug store but when the current owner’s great-great-grandfather took over in 1946 it became a sporting goods store. If Lincoln were alive today he could get his U-46 gym suit and varsity letterman’s jacket at this store.

Did you find Abe? He was at Keeney’s Sporting Goods at 19 Douglas Ave. He donned an Elgin Maroons cap and scarf during his stay with owner Patricia Keeney. Look for the next Lookin’ for Lincoln clue on March 8.

As one door closes, another one opens

Let’s Meet for Coffee, the little coffee shop on Highland Avenue, has closed its doors after almost two in the cup a joe and morning gossip business. The shop’s regulars (and decafs) will certainly miss owner Lachell Jeffries, whose personality is as sweet as her mocha lattes.

Even new customers were not new for long. Lachell treated everyone as if she had known them forever. Her life was an open book. And to make a long story short, in the end, Lachell had to put her family first and close the coffee shop.

From all of us downtown, we wish you the best, Lachell. Thank you for sharing your steaming espresso and warm spirit with us.

So it goes in a city in the midst of revitalization, as we good-bye to Let’s Meet for Coffee, we say hello to Villa Verone, opening the week of March 3.

Downtown Elgin now marks the third location for experienced restaurateur Pietro Verone, who has owned and operated Villa Verone restaurants in Geneva for 12 years and Sycamore for five years.

When Fred and Judy Steffen closed the door to Café Magdalena at 13 Douglas Avenue at the start of the year, Pietro saw an open door for expanding his Villa Verone empire. Though Café Magdalena regulars will recognize the painted blue sky ceiling and the checkerboard tile floor, they may be pleasantly surprised by some of the remodeling Pietro has done.

When I first met Pietro he was standing on the very top of a tall ladder in nice Italian shoes, dress pants, and a blazer putting a faux finish on the walls. He was instantly charming. He likes to joke. I’m sure you will love him.

From all of us downtown, “Buona Fortuna” on your opening, Pietro.

Lookin' for Lincoln in Downtown Elgin

February is the month of heart-shaped candies, red roses, funny valentines and… Honest Abe?

Yes, February 12 marks Abraham Lincoln’s 199th Birthday – a day that I normally wouldn’t pay much attention to. But State Representative Ruth Munson has changed all that. She’s got the whole city in a Lincoln state of mind.

Munson, along with Karen Fox at U-46 and Cherie Murphy at the City of Elgin, have gathered a small army of people together to plan a year-long Lincoln celebration that will culminate in a community-wide 200th Birthday Party for Abe on February 12, 2009.

The festivities aptly begin with and are centered around the Gail Borden Library’s Tapestry of Freedom exhibit, a four-month endeavor that promotes harmony, respect and unity through the celebration of black history, women’s history, cultural diversity and preservation. The exhibit spotlights the faces, expression and histories of freedom and it starts today. Check out the library’s website for more information.

Following the tried and true template of the year-long 150th Anniversary celebration in Elgin, the Lincoln committee is not looking to plan a bunch of new events but rather to have existing events take on the Lincoln theme. That may be as literal as dancing Abes in the July 4th Parade or as general as celebrating freedom at the Cinco de Mayo Festival.

I’m big on themes – my Barbie birthday party of 1989 is like legendary. But themes do more than make fun memories. They build bridges. They bring ideas and people together. Which is something that Lincoln fought to do. And its something that our community really needs right now.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association is kicking off its Lincoln activities with a special promotion. It’s kinda quirky, but so was Lincoln.

Though Honest Abe never came to Elgin during his Presidency, he’ll be hanging around Downtown throughout the year, spending one week of each month at a downtown shop or restaurant. I don’t want to freak you out. It’s not really Abe – it’s a lifesize cardboard cut out of him.

I will give you a clue in my column prior to his arrival so that you can find him and get 10 percent off your purchase. Be sure to sign his back side each time you spot him and you’ll be entered in a drawing to win him at the city’s tree lighting ceremony on December 6. You know you’ve always wanted a lifesize Abe Lincoln in your living room – so here’s your chance.

Abe is scheduled to arrive downtown just in time for his birthday on February 12 and will stay for a week. Here is the clue to help you find him:

When this downtown business was established, Grover Cleveland was president. The business started as a drug store but when the current owner’s great-great-grandfather took over in 1946 it became a sporting goods store. If Lincoln were alive today he could get his U-46 gym suit and varsity letterman’s jacket at this store.

Banner Years in Downtown

Are you a downtown business that is celebrating a banner year? We want to know about it! Banner years are anniversary years that end in either "0" or "5" and also include the 1-year anniversary.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association is celebrating our 10th Anniversary! A few of our neighbors celebrating banner years are:

Keeney's Sporting Goods - 125 years
Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce - 100 years
Elgin Public House - 1 year

Add more to the list by posting a comment.

Downtown Elgin - Something to Brag About

Cities are big on bragging rights.

They post their accomplishments on signs throughout the city. They write their achievements on the water tower. Like the one in Hebron painted to look like a basketball boasting their 1952 state champs. Or the plaque in Woodstock’s Town Square that proclaims “Ned’s Corner: Groundhog Day Movie – 1992.”

When it comes to bragging rights, Elgin’s got ‘em. Though we don’t often use ‘em. Perhaps we’re modest. Perhaps we’re just too busy to put up signs and paint water towers.

But there is one small brown sign on the corner of Kimball Street and Dundee Avenue whose four little words speak volumes about our city’s rich past, exciting present and bright future. And those words are … drumroll, please . . . Illinois Main Street Community.

Okay, they don’t sound very exciting, but they are. I have to admit those words meant nothing to me for the past seven years that I drove past them. In any case, over the past few months I’ve learned that those words play a major roll in the revitalization of our downtown, as well as 1,200 other historic downtowns across the country.

The Main Street Program is a comprehensive community revitalization program that promotes historic preservation and economic development to restore prosperity and vitality to downtowns and neighborhood business districts.

Though there is no “Main Street” in Elgin, the City was designated as an Illinois Main Street community in 2002. The Downtown Neighborhood Association utilizes the Main Street model to manage its operations and revitalization efforts.

What happened to downtown Elgin in the 1980s and 1990s happened to many downtowns across the country. Where once all roads led to downtown, the development and expansion of roads brought opportunities for new retail, restaurants and residential. Just picture Randall Road, and you get the idea.

Though this greatly expanded the city’s tax base, it also created some very tough competition for the independent businesses of the traditional business district. Many of them couldn’t compete, and they left, leaving vacant storefronts and no one to care for them. Our downtowns became ghost towns. And some of them got pretty scary.

But with their city’s support and the help of the Main Street program, downtowns nationwide are going through a renaissance. They are being appreciated for their historical fabric and their unique potential for retail, restaurants and residential. People are realizing that the downtown is the heart of their community, and that heartbeat is getting stronger by the day.

Downtown Elgin is no exception. With the city’s streetscape project, events in Festival Park, riverfront living, unique shops, distinctive restaurants, the Hemmens, the Library, the Centre, the Grand Vic… Downtown Elgin has some big time bragging rights. So, let’s use them.

Great Deals on Office Space in Downtown Elgin

Who says you can’t get something for nothing? Or, next to nothing, anyway.

My husband is scoping out an office space for his video production company. Of course, I suggest Downtown Elgin. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t. But what I saw during our scope out process surprised even me. I wanted to open up a small business just to get the great deals that some of these property owners are offering.

I have heard from many business owners, those with storefronts and those with upper story offices, that they chose Downtown Elgin for the “cheap rent.” Now, “cheap” is a relative term. But how does 500 bucks a month sound?

That’s what my husband found in the Professional Building on Division Street. He’s got his eye on a 600 square foot space on the third floor with two enclosed offices and a lobby. It’s not luxurious, but it is rich with history. It’s got the frosted pane doors and windows reminiscent of a P.I.’s office in a noir film. Think Bogart in The Big Sleep. If you stop in during the week, Mr. Pearson can show you the available spaces. But don’t you dare call him Mr. Parsons, despite what his shirt says. Just a word of advice. That one’s on the house.

If you want breathtaking views that really should cost more than they do (and certainly will someday soon) check out the Elgin Tower Building. Built as a 15-story luxurious bank in 1929, timing was the Tower Building’s foe from the start. The Home National Bank opened in May of 1929, the stock market crashed just a few months later and the Great Depression took what little chance the bank had left to survive.

But today, an investment in the Tower Building can yield great returns. Just check out the offices of architects Roger Muterspaugh or Eric Pepa – both are wonderful examples of modern design in a historic building. Just don’t eat lunch before stepping onto the manually operated elevators. You might lose it.

You can find more amazing deals on private offices in the Commerce Building on the corner of Spring St. and DuPage Ct., as well as a number of smaller buildings scattered throughout downtown. If you’re looking to spend a little more for modern amenities, check out the Burritt Building on South Grove. Certainly Burnidge Cassell Associates would be willing to show off their top floor digs.

If you’re looking for retail or restaurant space, take a walk around downtown and check out the variety of storefronts just waiting to be filled. Some of them need some elbow grease but others only need a little TLC. Most have elements of historic charm, like exposed brick and tin ceilings. In a few years these windows of opportunity will be hard to come by, especially at these prices.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association can help you to find the space you’re looking for in Downtown through our partnerships with the City of Elgin, property owners and managers and real estate agents. Once you’ve decided on Downtown, we’ll call out the welcome wagon and help you settle in to your new neighborhood. And here’s the best part – we do all that for free.

So, I guess you can get something for nothing these days, at least in Downtown Elgin.

Get Your Gifts in Downtown Elgin

Mom, Dad, and anyone else on my Christmas gift-buying list, if you’re reading this, stop right here. The following article contains top secret information about your Christmas gifts. And I’ll totally know if you read it by the fake look of surprise when you open them on Tuesday. So, shoo.

Okay, everybody else, you’ve got just a few hours left to get some really unique gifts in Downtown Elgin for those hard to buy for people on your list. Yes, you heard me right, there is shopping in Downtown Elgin. I have proof. Allow me to explain.

So, I’m looking for a wine rack for my parents. But not one that when people come over they say, “Oh, I have that wine rack. Target, right?” I want a really nice wine rack that elicits a “Where on God’s green earth did you get that wine rack, it’s so cool!” kind of response. Yes, some people do get that excited about wine racks.

I go to the typical places. I brave the horrendous traffic on Randall Road to deal with people whose Christmas spirit is clearly waning. And I see the same few pieces of metal welded together to hold a couple bottles of wine. Blah, blah, blah.

But then, I go to Lily Falls in Downtown Elgin. Vicki has four different wine racks to choose from, each one as cool as the next. And she crawls around on the floor playing with my one year old while I shop. Plus, while I’m there, I find something for my sister-in-law and my girlfriend. Score!

Next was the mother-in-law. What to get for the woman from whom you stole her only son? I suggest a gorgeous antique pin from Keeney’s.

Patricia Keeney’s family has been in business in Downtown Elgin for 125 years – she not only sells treasures, she is one. Her grandfather transitioned the business from a drug store to a sporting goods store back in the 1930s. And Patricia put her two cents in, as she has been known to do, by adding P.K. Antiques to the mix. She has some really beautiful antique jewelry and some fabulous 1970’s coats. So, I got the gorgeous pin for my mother-in-law, and I got a letterman’s jacket for my Elgin High football player nephew. Score, again!

Now, if I was a husband with a brilliant wife who wanted something dazzling to celebrate their seven wonderful years of marriage and the sacrifice that she endured to carry their first-born child, I might stop in to Shockey Jewelers or Elgin Jewelers. And that’s all I’m going to say about that.

Gift certificates are always great, too. How about two tickets to the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and a gift certificate to a downtown restaurant? Or a day of pampering at the new Salon Couture? Or coffee for a month at Ravenheart or Let’s Meet for Coffee?

There is something for everyone on your list, especially if you’re looking for something unique and you want a little personal attention. See all that Downtown Elgin has to offer, for the holidays and everyday, at http://www.communitywalk.com/downtownelgin.

I can’t wait for Tuesday when my parents open their gift and people ask “Where on God’s green earth did you get that wine rack?” and I can say, “Downtown Elgin.”

DNA Holiday Soiree... Was it snazzy enough for ya?

So, all 75+ of you who braved the non-existent ice storm to attend the DNA Holiday Soiree at Martini Room, did you have a good time? What did you like about it? What can we change for next year to make it better? We're already working on the weather, but what else? Let us know what you think!

We heard many positive comments about the jazz band. If the band were to play Martini Room on a regular basis, would you become a Martini Room regular?

Thank you, and Happy Holidays!

Tonya & Jennifer
DNA

Photos by David Benson

Gettin' Snazzy in Downtown Elgin

As Tom Skilling was all but forbidding people to leave their homes during the ice storm that was really nothing more than some plain old rain last Tuesday night, a crowd of people were enjoying some snazzy, jazzy holiday fun in downtown Elgin’s Martini Room at the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Holiday Soiree (which is pronounced swor-A… it’s just a snazzy name for a party. Feel free to use it for your next gathering. People will think you are ultra cool).

There was a live jazz band, favorite fare from downtown restaurants and, of course, snazzy cocktails that slosh over the rim of their snazzy glasses in transit. Luckily, that was the only sloshing going on. Everyone was very well behaved.

Events like this where neighbors, fellow business owners, city staff and organizations can connect and enjoy their downtown is where the true “power meetings” are happening. Over the next few days I heard some great stories of people making new business contacts, trying out a new restaurant, and changing their perspective on what is and what can be in downtown Elgin.

Martini Room is one of our many best kept secrets down here. We at DNA hope that events like our Holiday Soiree will turn the rumor mill on turbo speed. If you have a good time downtown, tell someone about it. Did you love the music? Tell someone. Did you love the food? Tell someone. Better yet, bring some friends or clients with you to check it out for themselves. And then post your comments on our blog so you can tell the whole wide world about it!

Though we love for people to have a good time, we don’t throw parties (or soirees) just to throw parties. We want our parties, events, workshops and all that we do to have an economic impact on our downtown businesses. We want you to shop, dine, enjoy, live in and love downtown, and we want our businesses to prosper.

With marketing dollars in high demand and attention spans at an all-time low, the personal invitation is still one of the most effective marketing tools out there. Use it. I’ll start… uh-hem… I, Tonya Hudson, am personally inviting you to enjoy your downtown. Make the most of what is here, and believe me when I say, more is sure to come.

There’s more than meets the eye downtown

As I’ve been walking the streets of downtown Elgin over the past two months as the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s new director, two things have become very apparent.

Number one: I really need to get some comfortable shoes. And number two: Downtown Elgin is a victim of that nasty little fallacy called the sweeping generalization.

I first learned about sweeping generalizations in Helen Gudeman’s English class at Larsen Middle School. A sweeping generalization is an error of omission that assumes what is true under certain conditions must be true under all conditions.

For example, the statement “all birds have wings so all birds can fly.” Well, that sweeping generalization doesn’t account for those poor little land bound birds like the penguin and the emu.

Okay, here’s another one: I don’t go to Downtown Elgin because there is nothing there for me.

That may have been true five years ago, but it certainly isn’t true now. There are more restaurants, retail, professional services, residents and events down here than there have been in a long time. And there are more coming.

So, I challenge you to sweep those generalizations under the rug and support downtown revitalization by doing these five things:

(1) Have lunch or dinner downtown once a month.
The holidays are a great time to bring out of town friends and family downtown to experience our unique and charming restaurants. They can eat at a Chili’s in any city, but they can only at Elgin Public House in Downtown Elgin.

(2) Give the businesses a chance to change your mind.
For your next haircut, or insurance quote, or picture to be framed, try our downtown merchants. I can tell you from personal experience that it is really rewarding to support local, independently owned businesses. You are personally helping someone to succeed and you’ll get that personal touch that is often missing at the big chains.

(3) Stay informed.
DNA sends an email blast every Thursday that has the top ten things happening in downtown Elgin that week. And I’ll tell you, it’s hard to choose only ten. You can sign up for the e-blast on our website.

(4) Volunteer
We are having an open call for people interested in volunteering on Thursday, December 13 at 8:30am at the DNA office in the Elgin Tower Building. Our volunteers are directly involved with projects that promote, beautify and revitalize downtown. Stop by or give me a call to talk about our volunteer opportunities.

And, I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t say…

(5) Become a member or a sponsor of DNA.
You’ll make great personal and professional contacts and your sponsorship dollars will be a smart investment. You can play a direct role in revitalizing downtown by partnering with us.

So, are you with me? Good. I’ll see you downtown. And don’t laugh at my gym shoes and business suit. It’s a downtown thing.

Walking in a Winter Wonderland

And Bob in his hardhat and Joe on his Cat have just settled down for a long winter’s nap.

Construction has come to a close on Phase I of the Downtown Elgin Streetscape Plan, just in time for a flurry of holiday activities.

Though a few barricades and sandbags remain, not a dump truck will be stirring, not even a drill until early next year.

Okay, enough with the forced ‘Twas the Night Before Christmas metaphors – they just don’t really work with construction terminology.

Anyway, it’s the most wonderful time of the year to come downtown and see what you’ve been missing. Starting today.

Ever seen a real live reindeer? Dasher, Dancer, Prancer and the whole gang is hanging out in the City Hall parking lot today. No, they’re not awaiting their court date, though they are a wily crew. They are part of the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s annual Window Wonderland event happening today all throughout downtown Elgin.

Santa’s here too making a special appearance to promote his new movie. That guy is always reinventing himself. He’s like the Travolta of the North Pole. The kiddies can have lunch with him at The Centre from 11 to 12:30 or 1 to 2:30 – just give a call to 847-931-6100 to pre-register. Santa will also be available for free pictures in the Professional Building at 164 Division Street from 12 to 5pm. How can Santa be in two places at once, you ask? As my nephew would say, “Duh, he’s Santa.” Duh.

There’s also a live nativity scene in the parking lot next to the Galleria on North Grove with Larkin Avenue Baptist Church presenting a narration of the Gospel of Luke. Carolers will accompany the “bahs” and “moos”.

Now the main event, as the name implies, are the decorated storefront windows sprinkled throughout downtown. More than 25 businesses and volunteer groups decorated windows in the theme of “Holidays of the Past, Present and Future.” You’ll get a passport to help you make your way around downtown to find the windows. You can travel by foot or by trolley to survey the handiwork and then vote for your favorite. Many of the businesses are offering free hot chocolate and other goodies and lots of fun activities so be sure to stop in and get your passport stamped.

The day closes with fun in Festival Park as the city presents its annual tree lighting ceremony beginning at 5pm, complete with free sleigh rides and readings of the Polar Express.

So bring the family down for some holiday fun. You’ll be surprised to see what a few watts of electricity and a little holiday cheer can do. No doubt you’ll have visions of downtown Elgin dancing in your head.

‘Tis the Season for Giving

I felt like a kid on Christmas morning.

Earlier this week the Downtown Neighborhood Association received an envelope from the Grand Victoria Foundation. And it wasn’t one of those thin, bulk-mailed “we regret to inform you” envelopes. It was a thick, typewriter-addressed “we’ve got good news for you” envelopes.

I tore it open to find the gift that I never knew I had always wanted… DNA had been chosen to receive a $10,000 grant from the Grand Victoria Foundation’s Grantworks Program.

Even my favorite Christmas gift of all time – the Deluxe Easy Bake Oven – couldn’t compete with this.

DNA is now in the company of other local non-profits such as Boys & Girls Club, the Elgin Public Museum and the Literacy Connection who have been able to take some big leaps forward with the help of the Grand Victoria Foundation’s Elgin Grantworks Program. The program offers general operating grants and a variety of tools and learning opportunities to enhance Elgin's nonprofit sector.

“Giving” may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of the riverboat. But you may be surprised to learn that the Grand Victoria Casino allocates 20 percent of its annual adjusted net operating income to programs that benefit the community. Of that 20 percent, 12.5 percent is directed to the Grand Victoria Foundation, which manages and administers the funds through grant programs like Elgin Grantworks.

The grant from Grand Victoria Foundation is the first private grant that DNA has received in its almost ten years of existence. I could flatter myself and say that the poignant prose of our grant proposal moved the Foundation directors to tears. But then I’d have to tell myself to get over myself. This victory belongs to the DNA volunteers.

So, in the spirit of the season, I would like to “give thanks” to all the volunteers who have worked so hard over the past ten years to build DNA into an organization that the Grand Victoria Foundation felt was worth investing in. You know who you are. You’ve knocked on doors asking for sponsorships. You’ve called in every favor you had saved up in your lifetime. You’ve stood outside in 100 degree heat at the 4th of July Parade and you were still patriotic when it was all over.

So, on behalf of the DNA Board of Directors and the Staff, thank you volunteers, for all that you have done and continue to do to support downtown revitalization. You are appreciated.
Oh, and I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t say we are currently recruiting volunteers for 2008. If you are interested in learning more about how to get involved with DNA, give me a call at (847) 488-1456 or email me at thudson@elginil.org.

Downtown Wayfinding Signs

No, you’re not seeing quadruple.

Last week the City had four examples of new wayfinding signs installed along South Grove Avenue between Prairie and Fulton Streets. At first glance they may seem identical, but if you take a closer look you’ll see some small variations.

The City’s Project Action Team is soliciting feedback from the community about the signage. The Downtown Neighborhood Association has offered this blog as a quick and easy way to let them know what you think.

If you’re pretty adept at getting around downtown, try to think like an out-of-towner as you scope out the signage. Like Uncle Ned from Wisconsin. If he’s driving by at 20 miles per hour, would that sign be helpful or confusing? Is there enough information? Is there too much? Is it the right information?

Having just come off a major signage project at Judson University, I’ve learned a thing or two about signage. Number one – signs are information tools. They should present information clearly and effectively. Number two – signs are marketing tools. So, not only should they present information clearly and effectively, but they should present it in an appealing and eye-catching way. And that way is different for each business or organization or, in this case, city.

For example, though St. Charles and Elgin may have the same information on its signs, like directions to the riverfront or to the library, the signs themselves would be as different as St. Charles and Elgin are from each other.

Though you should never judge a book by its cover, people will judge a city by its signage. Which is why the City has invested a lot of time and resources into a comprehensive wayfinding signage system for downtown. It’s all part of the downtown streetscape project. The signs you see on Grove are just one example. We will see more popping up as phases of construction are completed.

So here’s your chance, Elgin. Check out the signs and get to blogging.

Safety in Numbers

When I told my dad about my new job in downtown Elgin, he bought me a celebration gift. A can of pepper spray.

My dad’s gift got me thinking about the perception of safety in Downtown Elgin. And about how perceptions are often a few steps behind reality.

The City of Elgin recently conducted a survey to capture the public’s perceptions about a variety of issues, one of which was safety. The survey showed that 89% of people feel safe walking in Downtown Elgin during the day. However, after the sun goes down in the city, only 42% of people said they feel safe walking Downtown.

In reality, the crime rate in Elgin is actually considered low, relatively speaking, despite some recent crime “spikes.” In fact, the rate of violent crime in Elgin dropped 12 percent from 2005 to 2006, according to the Elgin Police Department’s 2006 Annual Crime Report.

Another recent study showed that when compared to eight other Illinois cities of similar size and scope, Elgin was second only to Naperville for having the lowest crime rate.

Surprised? I was. And then I wondered how many dads give their daughters pepper spray when they get jobs in downtown Naperville.

But, in the end, perceptions trump stats. Though stats don’t lie, they also don’t make your heart beat any slower when you’re walking alone at night on a dark, desolate street.

“Dark” and “desolate” are two words that the City and the Downtown Neighborhood Association are hoping to get out of people’s vocabulary when they’re talking about downtown Elgin. And changing the way we talk about Downtown is a big step towards changing others’ perceptions of it.

The City’s downtown streetscape project will replace those bad “D” words with good “B” words like “bright” and “bustling.” Enhanced street lighting is one of the project’s key features. Take a stroll down South Grove Avenue and you can see what they will look like. And brick sidewalk and street pavers, newspaper stands, benches, planters and other aesthetic upgrades will all help to make the Downtown appear more attractive and welcoming for new businesses, residents and visitors.

Increased pedestrian traffic also contributes to the feeling of safety in a downtown. Maybe because we know that there is safety in numbers. Take Michigan Avenue for instance. You probably don’t feel unsafe walking the Mag Mile at night, even though you may be stepping over sleeping street people along the way. It’s bright. It’s bustling. It feels relatively safe.

I’m certainly not advocating to let your guard down, whether you’re downtown or uptown. Being aware of your surroundings is key to staying safe. But I am advocating that as you look at those surroundings when you’re walking downtown, see how they have changed and are changing. Then tell someone about it.