DNA 2010 Awards Winners Announced

The DNA is pleased to announce our 2010 DNA Award Winners – to be presented at the DNA Awards Gala on Thursday, October 14 at the Grand Victoria Casino.

Volunteer of the Year
Art for All
For their amazing work on the Art & Soul on the Fox/Passegiata event in downtown July 31-August 1.

Excellence in Business Success
La Puesta del Sol
For their perseverance as an independent, family-run restaurant that has built up a loyal clientele over their past 14 years in downtown

Outstanding Member/Partner
Elgin Antiques & Uniques
For their overwhelmingly positive, “pro-downtown” attitude and their ongoing participation in DNA activities and promotions

Remarkable Renovation
The Razor’s Edge
For the truly remarkable renovation and restoration of the interior of their salon

Above & Beyond
Ina Dews
For a decade of volunteer service as the manager of the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market

A special President’s Award will also be awarded that evening.

Congratulations to all the winners!

Would you like to show your support for the winners? Tickets may be reserved for the event until Sunday, October 10 at 5PM at http://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/event?oeidk=a07e308ktwwb93fa7a0&llr=zwlt76bab

Downtown Elgin Construction Update - Week of 10/11

Dexter Court Nearly Complete; E. Highland Surface Removal to Begin

Reconstruction of Dexter Court winds down the week of October 11 with the milling of the existing asphalt surface (Monday) and placement of the first course of the new asphalt surface (Tuesday or Wednesday). Dexter Court will be closed for a period of time while the asphalt is being placed and allowed to cool.

Surface removal on Highland Avenue between Riverside Drive and Center Street, on Spring Street between Highland Avenue and Division Street, and on Center Street between Kimball Street and Dundee Avenue takes place this week, as well as placement of the first course of the new asphalt surface.

Installation of brick pavers continues on the south side of Highland Avenue between Spring Street and Center Street.

The City's payment drop box has been temporarily relocated during construction. To access the drop box, enter the Civic Center Parking lot from Douglas Avenue. Vehicular access to the drop box will be available in a drive up lane set up in the parking area along the north side of this entrance. The drop box will remain in its temporary location until the new center planter/wall is built in Dexter Court.

This phase of the CBD Streetscape project includes Highland Avenue from Riverside Drive to Center Street, Grove Court, Spring Street from Highland Avenue to Division Street, Dexter Court and Center Street from Kimball Street to Dundee Avenue.

* * * * * * * *

Metra Track Reconstruction October 20-27

Kimball Street is scheduled to be closed the week of October 20-27 for the reconstruction of the METRA tracks. During the time of this closure, there will be no work on Highland Avenue. Work on placing the final asphalt surface and permanent pavement markings will take place after Kimball Street re-opens.

Lets Spice It Up! Spice Truck Returns to Downtown Elgin Harvest Market

The Lets Spice It Up! Spice Truck pays a return visit to downtown Elgin as the 2010 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers concludes its landmark tenth season this Thursday, October 7 at our October First Thursday Harvest Market from 10am-6pm at the Civic Parking Lot at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall.

Michael and Lisa will be on hand with an entire truckload of all of your favorite dried spices, soup bases, sauces, salsas and much more! For more information about Let's Spice It Up! visit their website at http://www.letsspiceitup.com/

Other activities confirmed for Thursday include:

* Musical performance by Fox River Trio
* Terrifying costumed characters from Psychosis Haunted House - Elgin's newest Halloween attraction - will turn the Harvest Market into a Haunted Market

Construction Update: Kimball Street Bridge Patching Begins Today

Street patching work is scheduled to begin on Kimball Street Bridge on Monday, October 4 and will continue for 3-4 days, depending on weather. There will be one lane open in each direction during the patching activity.

"All indications right now show that the work should be wrapped up by Friday, October 8," commented David Lawry, Public Services Director. "We know that motorists have been faced with a lot of obstacles over the past couple of months downtown and we plan to make this as seamless as possible."

The patching is scheduled to be conducted in between rush hour times, starting at 9:30 am and will wrap up by 2:00 pm each day. Motorists are reminded to use caution in construction zones.

* * * * * * * *

Reconstruction of Dexter Court continues through the week of October 4, 2010. Dexter Court will be closed for two weeks to allow for reconstruction. Access to City Hall is available through the Civic Center parking lot with access from Douglas Avenue, Highland Avenue and Grove Court.

The City's payment drop box has been temporarily relocated during construction. To access the drop box, enter the Civic Center Parking lot from Douglas Avenue. Vehicular access to the drop box will be available in a drive up lane set up in the parking area along the north side of this entrance.

The closure of Dexter Court is expected to last until Monday, October 11.

* * * * * * * *

Installation of brick paver sidewalks continues on the south side of Highland Avenue from Grove Avenue to Douglas Avenue and from Spring Street to Center Street.

Lowering of drainage and utility structure lids will take place during this week as well in preparation for removal of the existing asphalt surface. Milling of the existing asphalt surface and installation of the first layer of the new asphalt surface throughout this phase of the project is expected to begin the week of October 11.

Kimball Street is scheduled to be closed for a week during October for the reconstruction of the Metra tracks. During the time of this closure, there will be no work on Highland Avenue. Work on placing the final asphalt surface and permanent pavement markings will take place after Kimball Street re-opens.

This phase of the CBD Streetscape project includes Highland Avenue from Riverside Drive to Center Street, Grove Court, Spring Street from Highland Avenue to Division Street, Dexter Court and Center Street from Kimball Street to Dundee Avenue.

* * * * * * * *

Weekly progress meetings for the Central Business District construction project are held on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting if they have any questions or concerns regarding the construction.

Specific questions regarding the construction may be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.

For general information on the project, please contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the City's website at www.cityofelgin.org and click the Gettin' Around in Downtown icon.

Deadline to RSVP for 2010 DNA Awards Gala Extended

Last call!

If you have not yet submitted your RSVP for the 2010 Downtown Neighborhood Association Awards Gala - Presented by TranSystems, JCT Services, Inc. and Landmark Contractors, Inc., please do so now! Deadline to submit your RSVP or remit payment has been extended to Friday, October 8.

Individual tickets are $60 each ($50 for current DNA members) and sponsored tables of 8 are $600 each ($500 for current DNA members).

CLICK HERE TO RSVP > > >

It's going to be the Cat's Meow!

Please join us for a hotsy-totsy night on the town at the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Awards Gala on Thursday, October 14 from 6-9 PM at the Grand Victoria Casino at 250 S. Grove Avenue in downtown Elgin.

In typical DNA fashion, we will be celebrating in style with a 1940's-themed night of fun, festivities and fundraising. There will be a live jazz band, ballroom dancers, cocktail dresses (and cocktails), black ties, awards, accolades, an art gallery, and after-parties in downtown. Cocktail dresses and tuxedos are encouraged, and the best-dressed 1940's guy and gal will be rewarded.

Speaking of style, the DNA is also pleased to announce that our Special Guest Emcee for the Gala is Mrs. Illinois America 2010 Amy Gregorio.

Amy was crowned Mrs. Illinois America this past July. She recently returned from Tuscon, Arizona where she competed at the 2010 Mrs. America Pageant and finished 2nd runner up.

An Emmy nominated TV journalist, professionally known as “AJ Sterling”, she was voted ”Best Reporter,” by the Associated Press. Her stories have appeared on CBS, CNN, and Fox while working in Nashville, Indianapolis and Chicago. She has been honored to meet four US Presidents and a multitude of other leaders while reporting on many historical events.

Covering Super Bowls, riots and flying with the Red Barons have been good practice for life as a mom. She and her husband, John, have a 4 1/2 year old son and a 2-year-old daughter and live in Northfield with their cat Mac. When not running after the kids, she runs for charity and climbs Chicago ’s tallest buildings. Amy is also a court appointed child advocate for abused and neglected children through CASA and involved with other child-centered organizations.

Route 31 & E. Highland Avenue Intersection Now Open

Access to Route 31 from E. Highland Avenue through downtown Elgin is now open. Please use caution as there are still construction barricades in this area prohibiting access to Highland Avenue west of Route 31. The traffic signals at Highland and Route 31 are now in operation.

The City’s Highland Avenue Sewer Separation project continues on W. Highland Avenue between Route 31 and Jackson Avenue. The underground work is complete, and restoration is expected to be complete within the next 2 weeks on W. Chicago St and the valley between Jackson and Lynch, weather permitting.

The City’s Highland Avenue Reconstruction project, which includes the complete removal and replacement of pavement, curb and gutter on Highland Avenue between Route 31 and the split at Larkin Avenue, is expected to be complete by late-October, weather permitting.

For more information on these projects, please contact Joe Evers, city engineer, at (847) 931-5955 or jevers@cityofelgin.org.

2010 Elgin Pub Crawl Raffle & Passport Drawing Results

Thank you Pub Crawlers for packing ten great downtown Elgin venues on Saturday, September 25th for the 2010 Elgin Pub Crawl.

Not only did the event bring hundreds of people into the downtown area but Pub Crawl raffle ticket sales as well as Pub Crawl t-shirts sales at Martini Room helped raise over $2,500 for Senior Services Associates, The John E. McCue Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin.

The winners of the Charity Raffle prizes were as follows:

Marta Keller - iPad from Senior Services Associates
Kris Walsted - $250 Cash from John E. McCue Memorial Scholarship Fund
Bob Knizer - $50 A-1 Cab Gift Certificate
Steph Alters - $50 A-1 Cab Gift Certificate
Rene Mendez - $50 A-1 Cab Gift Certificate
Renee Merrill - $50 A-1 Cab Gift Certificate
Tom Smith - $50 A-1 Cab Gift Certificate

The winners of the Budweiser Pub Crawl Passport drawing were as follows:

Greg Tucker - Michelob Mountain Bike
Larry Pahl - Budweiser Coleman Cooler
Bernice Hernandez - Amber Bock Golf Bag
Carolyn Buhrow - iPod Tower Speakers

Winners will be notified by phone and by e-mail. All winners must claim their prizes by October 15th. We will redraw winners for any unclaimed prizes on October 18th.

The Pub Crawl Committee and the Downtown Neighborhood Association would like to thank our ten participating downtown Elgin venues:

The AfterSet
158 Symphony Way
847.608.7570

Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810

Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847.695.8828

Hangout Club & Grill (formerly Mad Maggies)
51 S. Grove Avenue
847.531.5883

La Puesta Del Sol
165 E. Highland Avenue
847.468.1416

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349

Medusa's
209 E. Chicago Street
818.342.9877

Red Bar Winery
74 S. Grove Avenue
847.695.1659

Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263

Thanks also to Tim McCay at City Beverage/Budweiser for your generous donation of passport prizes, signage, flyers, passports, lanyards, raffle tickets; thank you to A-1 Cab Dispatch for donating the discount fare coupons to ensure everyone got home safely as well as the gift certificate raffle prizes; and thank you to the volunteers who worked late into the night selling raffle tickets at each of the venues.

Elgin's Halloween Howl

On Saturday, October 30, downtown Elgin is the place to be for all your pre-Halloween fun as we present Elgin's Halloween Howl - A Nightmare on Chicago Street. Bring the "boos" and "ghouls" out for an afternoon of family fun and then "mummy" and "deadly" can return that evening for some ghoulish, grown-up good times!

Here is a rundown of the day's activities:

1 PM - Costume Contest (for kids 12 and under) Registration at Elgin Civic Plaza at 150 Dexter Court; Trick or Treating and Kids Activities (including Pumpkin Decorating, Face Painting, "Thriller" Dance Demo and more) on Downtown Elgin Streets; and Kids Arts and Crafts in the lower level of The Hemmens at 45 Symphony Way.

2 PM - Storytelling courtesy of Gail Borden Library at Civic Plaza

3 PM - Parade of Costumes/Awards at Elgin's Civic Plaza

3:30 PM - Elgin Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween Spooktacular Concert at The Hemmens Cultural Center at 45 Symphony Way, Tickets: $10/kids, $15/adults. Visit http://www.elginsymphony.org/ for tickets.

8 PM - Rocky Horror Picture Show - The Hemmens Cultural Center, Tickets: $7 - ADULTS ONLY! Visit http://www.hemmens.org/ for tickets. Come out early to The Hemmens to meet your Master of “Scare”-emonies WCIU Channel 26 - The U’s Svengoolie!

Afterwards, be sure to visit Psychosis Haunted House, Elgin's newest Halloween attraction, at 200 Symphony Way for a quality haunt or stay for all the frighteningly fun times that downtown Elgin's nightlife has to offer!

Elgin's Halloween Howl - A Nightmare on Chicago Street is a joint venture between the City of Elgin, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin, the Elgin Symphony and The Hemmens Cultural Center.

The Scene: Another Big September Saturday On Tap

The song may say, "Wake me up when September ends," but after a fun-filled September slate of family festivals, live entertainment and cultural events the last two weekends in downtown Elgin, you may need another 40 winks at September's conclusion.

Whatever your weekend plans are, cancel them! We've got your Friday and Saturday planned in downtown this weekend:

Friday, September 24th

Ladies first! At 5pm, kick off your heels and celebrate the weekend with Salon Couture at 176 E. Chicago Street and their monthly Martini and Manicure event. For $25, you'll savor an Espresso martini while enjoying $10 chair massages and $10 off all hair, nail, facials and full massages. You'll also be eligible for a drawing to win a $25 Salon Couture gift card.

Don't stop the pampering there! Grab up your main squeeze and head over to Douglas Street Sports Bar at 231 Douglas Avenue for their Fantastic Friday including live music and an $8 Fish Fry or enjoy some live jazz upstairs at Elgin Public House's (219 E. Chicago Street) Pub 217. At 9pm, get your Martini fix again at Martini Room's (161 E. Chicago Street) Harlem Liquor Tasting featuring Harlem RHS shots for $2 and Harlem Tootsie Roll Martinis for $6. Then dance the rest of your night away After Dark-style on Red Bar Winery's (74 S. Grove Avenue) dance floor.

Saturday, September 25th

Good morning sunshine! Start off your Saturday with a morning coffee or breakfast nosh at Domani Cafe at 109 E. Highland Avenue or Ravenheart Coffee at 176 E. Chicago Street.

Then head over to the 2010 Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo from 9am-2pm at the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall. Check out all the coolest muscle cars, hot rods, classics, vintage and antique roadsters as well as the latest innovations in fuel-efficient technologies, hybrids, E-85's, veggie oilers and much more! Two great car shows for one great price - FREE!

Afterwards, grab lunch at one of over a dozen downtown eateries:

Maybe a burger and a Burns malt at Al's Cafe & Creamery at 43 DuPage Court, wonderful Chinese cuisine at Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant at 11 Douglas Avenue, tantilizing Thai food at Toom Toom Thai at 23 S. Grove Avenue, or a tasty Sammie and soup at Quiznos Sub at 59 Douglas Avenue?

Perhaps Mexican food is front-and-center on your menu. No problem. Enjoy all the festive flavors of fine Mexican fare at La Puesta Del Sol at 165 E. Highland Avenue, La Quebrada at 50 N. Spring Street, El Faro at 9 N. State Street, or Camaroncito Loco at 21 N. State Street.

If you've got a craving for gaming, bring your crew to the Grand Victoria Casino at 250 S. Grove Avenue to double-down on four distinct dining experiences for appetites of all kinds including Crave Deli, Grand Victoria Buffet, Prime BurgerHouse, and Buckingham's Steakhouse.

Feeling full yet? Save room for the "Cos" as legendary comedian Bill Cosby comes to the Hemmens Cultural Center at 45 Symphony Way for two shows at 5pm and again at 9pm. For ticket information and purchase, call the Hemmens' Box Office at (847) 931-5900 or visit http://www.hemmens.org/.

Cap off the night with friends at the 2010 Elgin Pub Crawl beginning at 8pm. Start off by picking up your passport at any one of the ten participating downtown venues including:

The AfterSet - 158 Symphony Way
Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill - 231 Douglas Avenue
Elgin Public House - 219 E. Chicago Street
Gasthaus - 15 N. Grove Avenue
Hangout Club & Grill - 51 S. Grove Avenue
La Puesta Del Sol - 165 E. Highland Avenue
Martini Room - 161 E. Chicago Street
Medusa's - 209 E. Chicago Street
Red Bar Winery - 74 S. Grove Avenue
Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano - 13 Douglas Avenue

Procure a minimum of 6 punches on your passport, fill it out and insert it into one of the passport collection boxes to be eligible for some great prizes courtesy of City Beverage and Budweiser including a Michelob Mountain Bike, Budweiser Coleman Cooler, Amber Bock Golf Bag and Bud iPod Speaker Tower.

Volunteers from Senior Services Associates, The John E. McCue Memorial Scholarship Fund and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin will be on hand at each venue selling charity raffle tickets for $5 each with proceeds to be split amongst the three Not-for-Profit organizations. Raffle prizes include a brand new iPad (valued at $525) and a $250 cash prize.

Some of the Pub Crawl venues have special events going on as well including Birthday Night at Medusa's, Comedy Night at Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill and Hall of Fame blues recording artist Lonnie Brooks performing at 8pm at Hangout Club & Grill's (formerly Mad Maggie's) grand opening!

To make sure everyone gets home safely, A-1 Cab Dispatch will have a fleet of cabs in and around downtown as well as discounted fare coupons (good for the night of the Pub Crawl only) available at each Pub Crawl venue.

If ever there was a weekend to get Downtown, this would be the one!

Enjoy your weekend!

Downtown Elgin Construction Update - Week of September 27

Dexter Court Reconstruction Begins This Week

Reconstruction of Dexter Court begins Monday, September 27. Dexter Court will be closed for two weeks to allow for reconstruction. Access to City Hall is available through the Civic Center parking lot with access from Douglas Avenue, Highland Avenue and Grove Court.

The City's payment drop box will be temporarily relocated during construction. To access the drop box, enter the Civic Center Parking lot from Douglas Avenue. Vehicular access to the drop box will be available in a drive up lane set up in the parking area along the north side of this entrance.

Click here for detour route > > >

The closure of Dexter Court is expected to last until Monday, October 11.

* * * * * * * *

Installation of brick paver sidewalks continues on the south side of Highland Avenue from Grove Avenue to Douglas Avenue and from Spring Street to Center Street.

Milling of the existing asphalt surface and installation of the first layer of the new asphalt surface throughout this phase of the project is expected to begin the week of October 11.

This phase of the CBD Streetscape project includes Highland Avenue from Riverside Drive to Center Street, Grove Court, Spring Street from Highland Avenue to Division Street, Dexter Court and Center Street from Kimball Street to Dundee Avenue.

* * * * * * * *

Weekly progress meetings for the Central Business District construction project are held on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting if they have any questions or concerns regarding the construction.

Specific questions regarding the construction may be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.

For general information on the project, please contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the City's website at www.cityofelgin.org and click the Gettin' Around in Downtown icon.

Downtown Elgin ArtSpace Project Receives Funding

The Elgin ArtSpace Project, slated for the Fountain Square campus at 15 S. Spring Street, was recently approved for funding through a grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

For a transcript of the official press release from Illinois Governor Pat Quinn's office, click here!

Check out these stories in the Daily Herald and on BocaJump about the Elgin ArtSpace Project being approved for funding through a grant from the Illinois Housing Development Authority:

Daily Herald

"Grant means full speed ahead for Elgin artist co-op"
By Harry Hitzeman

http://www.dailyherald.com/story/?id=409499&src=32

Courier News

"State OKs financing plan for Artspace project in Elgin"

By Mike Danahey

http://www.suburbanchicagonews.com/couriernews/news/2732720,Artspace-project-funding_EL092110.article

BocaJump

http://elgin.bocajump.com/Articles/elgins-artspace-awarded-ihda-funding

Downtown Elgin Construction Update - Week of September 20

Installation of brick paver sidewalks continues on the north side of Highland Avenue from Grove Court to Center Street and should conclude this week.

Removal of the remaining portion of the existing sidewalk on the south side of Highland, grading and placing aggregate base for the new sidewalk begins on Friday, September 17. New sidewalk and concrete base for brick pavers will be poured during the week of September 20 also. Installation of the new brick pavers will begin the week of September 27.

Installation of the new water main on Dexter Court will begin on Wednesday, September 22. This work will be done during overnight hours, generally 9:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. This work is expected to continue on Thursday and possibly Friday evenings as well.

Work on the reconstruction of Grove Court is expected to begin on Monday, September 27.

* * * * * * * *

Weekly progress meetings for the Central Business District construction project are held on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting if they have any questions or concerns regarding the construction.

Specific questions regarding the construction may be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.

For general information on the project, please contact Joe Evers at 847-931-5955 or visit the City's website at www.cityofelgin.org and click the Gettin' Around in Downtown icon.

The Scene - September 16-19

It's another busy weekend in downtown Elgin and to celebrate we are bringing back "The Scene" - a summary of other quick hits and happenings in and around downtown this weekend.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 17

- Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill at 231 Douglas Avenue will have live music with "K-Sextion", an $8.00 Fish Fry and $5.00 Jack Daniels Drinks all month long.

SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 18

- Elgin Public House at 219 E. Chicago Street is hosting Half Way to St. Patty's Day all day on Saturday. Stop in to EPH to party Irish style! Great Irish food specials including Corned Beef and Cabbage, Lamb Stew and Sheppards Pie. Also great specials on Guinness, Killians, Sam Smith, St. Petes, Jameson and Tullamore Dew.

- Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill will be celebrating Jack Daniels' Birthday party with live music from "Dont No" and a visit by the Jack Danielas Girls. $8 Half Slab of BBQ Ribs and $14 Full Slab of BBQ Ribs on both Saturday and Sunday.

- The Hemmens Cultural Center at 45 Symphony Way is rolling out the red carpet for the Elgin Short Film Festival at 7pm. Six short films chosen by the selection committee will be screened and then guests will vote for their favorite. WGN's Dean Richards will serve as the evening's emcee. For tickets visit www.hemmens.org for tickets. And be sure to purchase tickets for the Red Carpet Reception immediately following the event featuring dancing, hors d'oeuvres and a cash bar. Also a reminder that next Saturday, September 25th Bill Cosby will be in downtown Elgin performing two live shows at 5pm and 9pm at Hemmens!

And on your way into downtown on Saturday be sure to stop by the Elgin Fire Museum's Open House from 10am-3pm to enjoy family-friendly activities including water fights, food, museum tours, intereactive displays and much more! Also the Elgin Police Department will be hosting a rummage sale from 10am-3pm (on Friday and Saturday) to raise money for the police department's Canine unit.

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 19

- The 2010 Tropical Summer Jam Automotive & Motorcycle Show takes place at the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas Avenues. Trophies and awards will be presented to cars and bikes in all categories and a cash prize is available for the "hopping" contest. E-mail raw1productions@yahoo.com for more information.

And don't forget to check out the Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo next Saturday, September 25th at the Civic Parking Lot from 9am-2pm. Visit www.downtownelgin.com for more info or to pre-register your vehicle.

- The Elgin Art Showcase at the Professional Building at 164 Division Street, 8th Floor presents Love and Gershwin at 4:30pm. The performance features vocalist Rise Jones with Margaret Brady on the piano. Tickets are $10. Please call 847.302.0379 for information or reservations.

Now Accepting Nominations for 2010 DNA Awards Gala

The Downtown Neighborhood Association is asking for your help in recognizing outstanding downtown Elgin volunteers, businesses, groups, organizations or DNA partners/members by nominating them for an award at the 2010 DNA Awards Gala, which takes place Thursday, October 14 at the Grand Victoria Casino from 6-9pm.

Categories include "Remarkable Renovation", "Excellence in Business", "Outstanding DNA Member/Partner" and "Extraordinary Volunteer".

Eligible businesses and volunteers must have had renovation, business, time partnering and/or volunteering with the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) or in downtown Elgin between October 1, 2009 and October 1, 2010. Each award category may have its own specific eligibility requirements as well.

Nomination forms are available at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in downtown Elgin, by calling 847.488.1456 or download the form here!

Individual tickets for the 2010 DNA Awards Gala are $60 ($50 for current DNA Members) and sponsored tables are $600 ($500 for current DNA Members). Click here to RSVP and purchase tickets online!

Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo Postponed

The Downtown Neighborhood Association and the Car Show Committee regret to announce that the 2010 Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo scheduled for Saturday, September 11 from 9am-3pm has been postponed due to inclement weather.

We are targeting Saturday, September 25th as a possible new date to reschedule the car show. Location: Civic Parking Lot at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall. Hours: TBD.

Once we have the date confirmed, we invite you to come out and enjoy two great car shows in one: all the best muscle cars, hot rods, antique and classic cars as well as the latest in alternative fuel vehicles, hybrids and green technology cars!

And if you have a car you'd like to showcase at the Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo, please contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at 847.488.1456 to pre-register or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

We are also seeking volunteers to help out on the day of the car show as well as sponsors and vendors.

We appreciate your understanding about the postponement and hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Art Salon Making Waves in Downtown Elgin

100+ artists, $3,000 in prizes, and the TARDIS from Dr. Who?

A vacant industrial building in downtown Elgin will be transformed into a gallery of art and spectacle at The Next Wave Art Salon on September 11, from 6 to 10PM.

More than 100 artists from all over the Chicago area have registered to participate in this unique showcase of art in the suburbs. All types of art will be represented – from fine art, to digital, to performance and, literally, everything in between. Even “hair art” and “aerial art” will be represented, and certainly new categories of art will be created throughout the weekend.

Billed as a “radically inclusive” event, the only guideline artists are asked to follow is that their submissions are based on the theme of “working.” Whether an artist is a professional who has shown his work at too many shows to remember, a young, burgeoning artist just out of college, or someone who works a 9 to 5 and has never shown her work to anyone but her cat – all are welcome and encouraged to share their work with each other and the community at this event.

The “salon” concept is inspired by the salons of the 17th century that brought together visual artists, writers, performers, philosophers, political thinkers and creators from all walks of life to an environment free of censorship for the purpose of sharing ideas and creating new relationships.

Three $1000 prizes will be awarded to the artists who best exhibit the theme of “working” in a style that is their own.

The Next Wave Art Salon is hosted by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin (DNA), a volunteer-driven organization that works to revitalize downtown Elgin. This is one of many arts events that, in recent years, are contributing to the renaissance that downtown Elgin is experiencing.

Events such as the Next Wave also help to lay the foundation for arts-related economic development projects, such as “Elgin ArtSpace” which would bring 55 affordable live/work units for artists and their families to downtown Elgin, as well as market-rate space for arts related businesses. This project is currently under consideration for approval by the Illinois Housing Development Authority.

In addition to the 100-plus artists participating in the event, the DNA has partnered with a handful of other organizations and businesses to make the event possible. One such partner is Acme Design Co., an Elgin-based product design company that makes movie props, product replicas and other types of art for the purpose of “work.” Acme is donating a number of pieces to the event, but the one that is drawing the most buzz is the replica TARDIS from Dr. Who that Acme designed and built for a collector.

Funding for the Next Wave Art Salon is provided by the Florence B. and Cornelia A. Palmer Foundation, a local private foundation that supports arts organizations and events, with in-kind support from the City of Elgin, Fabric Images and the Haight Family.

The Next Wave Art Salon will be held at 166 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin, just one block east of The Centre of Elgin and just north of the Elgin Police Department. The event is free and open to the public on Saturday, September 11, 6-10PM. Free parking is available in the public parking garage across from the Centre.

More information is available at thenextwave.me or by calling (847) 488-1456.

2010 Elgin Pub Crawl Returns on Saturday, September 25

The 2010 Elgin Pub Crawl takes place on Saturday, September 25th beginning at 8pm and spanning ten great venues in downtown Elgin.

Participating venues are:

The AfterSet
158 Symphony Way
847.608.7570

Douglas Street Sports Bar & Grill

231 Douglas Avenue

847.695.5659

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810

Gasthaus Zur Linde
15 N. Grove Avenue
847.695.8828

Hangout Club & Grill (formerly Mad Maggies)
51 S. Grove Avenue
847.531.5883

La Puesta Del Sol
165 E. Highland Avenue
847.468.1416

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349

Medusa's
209 E. Chicago Street
818.342.9877

Red Bar Winery
74 S. Grove Avenue
847.695.1659

Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263

Senior Services Associates, Inc. and The John E. McCue Memorial Scholarship Fund will be selling raffle tickets throughout September leading up to the night of the Pub Crawl. Senior Services' raffle prize will be a brand new iPad and the McCue Memorial Scholarship Fund will offer a $250 cash prize! Raffle ticket proceeds, as well as the proceeds from Pub Crawl T-Shirt sales on the night of the Pub Crawl, will benefit these Not-for-Profit organizations.

Pub Crawl passports will be available at all participating venues on the night of September 25th. "Crawlers" who collect a minimum of 6 stamps will turn in their passport at the end of the evening to be entered into a drawing for some great prizes courtesy of the fine folks at City Beverage and Budweiser.

All Budweiser & Bud Light bottles will be available for the low price of $3 per bottle at each of the ten participating Elgin Pub Crawl venues.

Below is a map of the ten participating 2010 Elgin Pub Crawl venues:

Rediscover Downtown Elgin on September 11

Saturday, September 11th is THE day to be in Downtown Elgin and the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin invites you to rediscover all the wonderful things downtown has to offer!

Bring the whole family as there will be so much to do and see that day including:

* Patriotic Ceremony beginning at 9am on Walton Island by the flag sculpture - the public is invited to join in this formal ceremony which includes a color guard, rifle squad, and musical performances

* The Downtown Elgin Car Show & Midwest Green Car Expo from 9am-3pm at the Civic Parking Lot at the intersection of Highland and Douglas Avenues near City Hall in downtown Elgin - two distinctly unique shows: one showcasing classic, muscle and antique cars and the other highlighting green technology and hybrid vehicles all in one place

* Commemorative 9/11 Artwork Unveiling at Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Avenue at 10am - the library will host an unveiling of an installation commemorating 9/11 by renowned abstract artist George Kokines

* Elgin's Fit Forest Ceremonies & Activities at Festival Park entrance and main stage at 1pm - a cooperative initiative between the City of Elgin, The Davey Expert Tree Company and the U.S. Forest Service to improve Elgin’s urban forest

* The City of Elgin's Biggest Block Party at Festival Park from 1pm-10pm - live music, kids activities, bags tournament benefitting Elgin Parks Department, climbing wall, touch-a-truck as well as food, drinks and loads of family fun are just a few things on the menu for this end of summer celebration

* The Boys & Girls Club of Elgin's Duck Pluck at 2pm at Festival Park - adopt your duck today by visiting www.elginducks.com

* Dancewerks' "Legs and Lace Goes to Hollywood" at Elgin Art Showcase at 7pm & 9:30pm - tickets $25 in advance, $30 at the door

* The Next Wave Art Salon at 166 Symphony Way from 6-10pm - a free event attracting artists of all genres and mediums with innovative approaches to their art form gathered together in a "found space" in downtown Elgin

Your Gail Borden Public Library Card Has Superpowers!

September is Library Card Sign-Up Month and your Gail Borden Public Library card has superpowers! Show it at participating businesses during September to receive a discount on merchandise or services. See below for a list of participating downtown Elgin businesses offering a discount and be a money-saving superhero!

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 and 15% off in-stock supplies.

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

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

Elgin Books – 209 E. Chicago
10% off total of any purchase.

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, one per table, dine in only (not combinable with any other coupons or gift certificate)

Integrity Beauty Salon – 213 E. Chicago St.
10% off any service.

Keeney’s Sporting Goods – 19 Douglas
10% off any purchase; not including U-46 gym suits.

La Rosita Bakery – 7 N. State St.
One free bread with any purchase.

La Tazza Café – 270 N. Grove Ave.
Free iced tea or lemonade with the purchase of any sandwich.

Law Offices of Shirley Sadjadi – 169 E. Chicago St.
Free immigration legal consultation.

Quiznos – 59 Douglas Ave.
10% off orders over $5 on nonsale items; excludes everyday value items and torpedoes, bullets and sammies.

Red Bar Winery & Bistro – 74 S. Grove St.
10% off any food item; alcohol not included.

Salon Couture – 176 E. Chicago St.
20% off any one service or product; one discount per visit.

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

For a complete list of all participating businesses, visit www.gailborden.info

Highland Avenue Streetscape Work Continues This Week

Work continues the week of August 23 along the north side of E. Highland Avenue from Grove Court to Center Street.

This work includes grading, framing and pouring new sidewalk and the concrete base for the brick paver sidewalk.

Concrete placement is expected to be completed by Labor Day with placement of brick pavers by mid-September.

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Weekly Progress Meetings

Weekly progress meetings for the Central Business District construction project are held on Thursdays at 8:30 a.m. at the construction office located at 201 E. Chicago Street. Business and property owners are invited to attend the first 15 minutes of the meeting if they have any questions or concerns regarding the construction.

Specific questions regarding the construction may be directed to Shelley Costello with TranSystems at 847-871-3185.