Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 20

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!

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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

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

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

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

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.

Downtown Madness Rolls into Round 2

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.

After a hotly contested Opening Round of voting from March 4-14, our voters have paired the original Field of 16 to eight elite establishments.

Here are the Final Results from the Opening Round of Downtown Madness:

- Domani Cafe's Domani Latte defeats La Quebrada's Tampiquena by 84

- Al's Cafe's Burns Malt defeats Spanky's Gyros Italian Sausage by 132

- La Puesta Del Sol's Margarita defeats Douglas Street Sports Pub's Bacon Cheddar Burger by 13

- Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork defeats Ravenheart Coffee's Mediterranean Club by 108

- Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk defeats Gasthaus Zur Linde's Das Boot by 31

- Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng defeats Red Bar Winery's Spicy Butter Poached Shrimp by 14

- Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings defeats Martini Room's Appletini by 23

- Villa Verone's Asparagi defeats PRIME BurgerHouse's Drunken Bull Burger by 6

Here are the Downtown Madness Second Round match-ups:

- Domani Cafe's Domani Latte vs. Al's Cafe's Burns Malt

- La Puesta Del Sol's Margarita vs. Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork

- Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk vs. Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng

- Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings vs. Villa Verone's Asparagi

Second Round voting in Downtown Madness opens at Noon on Wednesday, March 16 and concludes Monday, March 21 at Noon. Subscribers to the DNA’s Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 weekly e-blast will receive the link to the Second Round Voting Form in Wednesday’s edition of the DNN. Voters can also visit www.DowntownElgin.com, "Like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/DowntownElgin or just CLICK HERE to access the Second 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 Second Round on the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s Blog at DowntownElgin.blogspot.com.

Third Round voting for the Final Four establishments tips off March 23-28. The Championship Game round of voting then 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 14

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. We are coming up on buzzer beater time in the Opening Round of Downtown Madness! Let's update you now on the scoring in each of the match-ups in the Round of 16 (as of 9AM CDT on Monday, March 14):

Domani Cafe's Domani Latte leads
La Quebrada's Tampiquena by 85

Al's Cafe's Burns Malt leads
Spanky's Gyros Italian Sausage by 125

La Puesta Del Sol's Margarita leads
Douglas Street Sports Pub's Bacon Cheddar Burger by 14

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
Ravenheart Coffee's Mediterranean Club by 107

Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk leads
Gasthaus Zur Linde's Das Boot by 29

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Red Bar Winery's Spicy Butter Poached Shrimp by 21

Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings leads
Martini Room's Appletini by 11

Villa Verone's Asparagi leads
PRIME BurgerHouse's Drunken Bull Burger by 5

Time is ticking down on the Opening Round voting clock. If you have not already voted for your favorites, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), encourage your friends and family to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Opening Round voting concludes TODAY at Noon. Downtown Madness Score Central will announce the winners of the Opening Round of play and unveil the updated brackets for the Round of 8 on Wednesday, March 16. Voting for the Round of 8 tips off March 16 thru March 21.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

* * * * * * *

And don't forget to download your bracket in our Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge - Presented by Daily Herald Media Group. Correctly predict the winners (based on the round-by-round voting) from the Opening Round straight thru the Championship Game to take your shot at $100 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates.

To download and fill out your bracket, click here!

Completed Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge sheets must be submitted to DNA by Monday, March 14. E-mail predictions and completed sheets to DowntownElgin@gmail.com

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 13

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. Time is running out in the Opening Round of Downtown Madness! Let's update you now on the scoring in each of the match-ups in the Round of 16 (as of 12PM CDT on Sunday, March 13):

Domani Cafe's Domani Latte leads
La Quebrada's Tampiquena by 81

Al's Cafe's Burns Malt leads
Spanky's Gyros Italian Sausage by 119

La Puesta Del Sol's Margarita leads
Douglas Street Sports Pub's Bacon Cheddar Burger by 15

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
Ravenheart Coffee's Mediterranean Club by 101

Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk leads
Gasthaus Zur Linde's Das Boot by 22

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Red Bar Winery's Spicy Butter Poached Shrimp by 17

Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings leads
Martini Room's Appletini by 15

Villa Verone's Asparagi leads
PRIME BurgerHouse's Drunken Bull Burger by 3

Time is ticking down on the Opening Round voting clock. If you have not already voted for your favorites, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), encourage your friends and family to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Opening Round voting concludes Monday, March 14 at Noon. Downtown Madness Score Central will announce the winners of the Opening Round of play and unveil the updated brackets for the Round of 8 on Wednesday, March 16. Voting for the Elite 8 tips off March 16 thru March 21.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

* * * * * * *

And don't forget to download your bracket in our Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge - Presented by Daily Herald Media Group. Correctly predict the winners (based on the round-by-round voting) from the Opening Round straight thru the Championship Game to take your shot at $100 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates.

To download and fill out your bracket, click here!

Completed Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge sheets must be submitted to DNA by Monday, March 14. E-mail predictions and completed sheets to DowntownElgin@gmail.com

Downtown Madness Score Central - March 12

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. It's getting down to crunch time in the late stages of the Opening Round of Downtown Madness! Let's update you now on the scoring in each of the match-ups in the Round of 16 (as of 5PM on Saturday, March 12):

Domani Cafe's Domani Latte leads
La Quebrada's Tampiquena by 73

Al's Cafe's Burns Malt leads
Spanky's Gyros Italian Sausage by 109

La Puesta Del Sol's Margarita leads
Douglas Street Sports Pub's Bacon Cheddar Burger by 15

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
Ravenheart Coffee's Mediterranean Club by 97

Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk leads
Gasthaus Zur Linde's Das Boot by 38

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Red Bar Winery's Spicy Butter Poached Shrimp by 13

Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings leads
Martini Room's Appletini by 11

Villa Verone's Asparagi leads
PRIME BurgerHouse's Drunken Bull Burger by 9

Don't get too complacent leaders. Remember, no lead is safe when the stakes are this high! Cinderellas - if you want to keep dancing it's time to rally fan support for your squads!

Time is ticking down on the Opening Round voting clock. If you have not already voted for your favorites, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), encourage your friends and family to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Opening Round voting concludes Monday, March 14 at Noon. Downtown Madness Score Central will announce the winners of the Opening Round of play and unveil the updated brackets for the Round of 8 on Wednesday, March 16. Voting for the Elite 8 tips off March 16 thru March 21.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

* * * * * * *

And don't forget to download your bracket in our Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge - Presented by Daily Herald Media Group. Correctly predict the winners (based on the round-by-round voting) from the Opening Round straight thru the Championship Game to take your shot at $100 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates.

To download and fill out your bracket, click here!

Completed Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge sheets must be submitted to DNA by Monday, March 14. E-mail predictions and completed sheets to DowntownElgin@gmail.com

Downtown Madness Score Central Update - March 11

Welcome back to Downtown Madness Score Central. It's getting down to crunch time in the late stages of the Opening Round of Downtown Madness! Let's update you now on the scoring in each of the match-ups in the Round of 16 (as of 5PM on Friday, March 11):

Domani Cafe's Domani Latte leads
La Quebrada's Tampiquena by 63

Al's Cafe's Burns Malt leads
Spanky's Gyros Italian Sausage by 95

La Puesta Del Sol's Margarita leads
Douglas Street Sports Pub's Bacon Cheddar Burger by 19

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
Ravenheart Coffee's Mediterranean Club by 87

Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk leads
Gasthaus Zur Linde's Das Boot by 41

Red Bar Winery's Spicy Butter Poached Shrimp leads
Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng by 1

Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings leads
Martini Room's Appletini by 15

Villa Verone's Asparagi leads
PRIME BurgerHouse's Drunken Bull Burger by 19

Don't get too complacent leaders. Remember, no lead is safe when the stakes are this high! Cinderellas - if you want to keep dancing it's time to rally fan support for your squads!

Time is ticking down on the Opening Round voting clock. If you have not already voted for your favorites, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), encourage your friends and family to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Opening Round voting concludes Monday, March 14 at Noon. Downtown Madness Score Central will announce the winners of the Opening Round of play and unveil the updated brackets for the Round of 8 on Wednesday, March 16. Voting for the Elite 8 tips off March 16 thru March 21.

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

* * * * * * *

And don't forget to download your bracket in our Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge - Presented by Daily Herald Media Group. Correctly predict the winners (based on the round-by-round voting) from the Opening Round straight thru the Championship Game to take your shot at $100 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates.

To download and fill out your bracket, click here!

Completed Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge sheets must be submitted to DNA by Monday, March 14. E-mail predictions and completed sheets to DowntownElgin@gmail.com

Downtown Madness Score Central

Welcome to Downtown Madness Score Central. We are at "halftime" of the Opening Round of voting for Downtown Madness. Let's update you now on the scoring in each of the match-ups in the Round of 16 (as of Noon on Wednesday, March 9):

Domani Cafe's Domani Latte leads
La Quebrada's Tampiquena by 47

Al's Cafe's Burns Malt leads
Spanky's Gyros Italian Sausage by 69

La Puesta Del Sol's Margarita leads
Douglas Street Sports Pub's Bacon Cheddar Burger by 7

Elgin Public House's Pulled Pork leads
Ravenheart Coffee's Mediterranean Club by 69

Buckingham's Steakhouse's Grand Tomahawk leads
Gasthaus Zur Linde's Das Boot by 33

Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant's Pa-Naeng leads
Red Bar Winery's Spicy Butter Poached Shrimp by 1

Martini Room's Appletini leads
Toom Toom Thai Restaurant's Thai Style Chicken Wings by 4

Villa Verone's Asparagi leads
PRIME BurgerHouse's Drunken Bull Burger by 12

Our voters have come out strong in the first half with great team efforts put forth by each participating establishment's starters. With the second half of the Opening Round of voting upon us, it's gut check time! Don't get too complacent leaders. Remember, no lead is safe when the stakes are this high! Cinderellas - if you want to keep dancing it's time to rally fan support for your squads!

If you have not already voted for your favorites, VOTE NOW!

If you have already voted (remember, one vote per person, per computer), encourage your friends and family to get out and rock the vote for your teams!

Opening Round voting concludes Monday, March 14 at Noon. Downtown Madness Score Central will announce the winners of the Opening Round of play and unveil the updated brackets for the Round of 8 on Wednesday, March 16. Voting for the Elite 8 tips off March 16 thru March 21.

Time for the second half of voting to get started!

Stay tuned to Downtown Madness Score Central on the DNA Blog for the latest updates!

* * * * * * *

And don't forget to download your bracket in our Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge - Presented by Daily Herald Media Group. Correctly predict the winners (based on the round-by-round voting) from the Opening Round straight thru the Championship Game to take your shot at $100 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates.

To download and fill out your bracket, click here!

Completed Downtown Madness Pick 'Em Challenge sheets must be submitted to DNA by Monday, March 14. E-mail predictions and completed sheets to DowntownElgin@gmail.com

Adirondacks - Thrones of Summer 2011 Participation Reminder

Adirondacks-Thrones of Summer 2011 is directed by the Elgin Community Network in partnership with the Gail Borden Public Library, City of Elgin, Elgin Climate Change Organization, Elgin Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Neighborhood Association and Elgin's businesses, corporations, restaurants, public agencies, schools, churches, community groups and not-for profits. The event is completely volunteer driven and free to the public!

Once again ECN is asking the community to enthusiastically embrace the imaginative Thrones just as they did the Rain Barrels, Bicycles On Parade, and Dinos. They are asking you to be a part of this extraordinary project and create a fanciful work of art using a simple, oversized adirondack chair as the canvas.

These artful entertainment pieces will be

· Displayed throughout the community during June
· Be a part of Gail Borden's Midsummer Knight's Read
· On the float in the City of Elgin's 2011 4th of July Parade
· Showcased in July and voted on at the library
· Exhibited & auctioned off at Elgin's largest art festival, Art & Soul on the Fox/Passeggiata on July 31

At less than $3 a day, this is a great way for you to advertise your identity. The exposure is immense and ongoing from June to August.

The deadline to participate is Tuesday, March 15. There will be a colossal, eco-friendly, medieval kickoff slated for Saturday, April 23 at Gail Borden Public Library.

The DNA encourages all of our downtown businesses to participate in this excellent promotional opportunity which enhances and enriches our community.

For more information, please download the Adirondacks-Thrones of Summer 2011 application by clicking here!

Again, please submit your completed application and fee by Tuesday, March 15.

For more information, contact Sigi Psimenos at 312.953.8216 or email sigiusa@yahoo.com

The Madness is Here!

The Madness is Here! Welcome to Downtown Madness - the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin's exciting new interactive promotion for the entire month of March with downtown Elgin's restaurants and bars.

In the spirit of the popular NCAA College Basketball Tournament, we proudly unveil our own version of March Madness with a distinctly downtown twist this Friday, March 4 in the form of a bracket tournament that will pit 16 sweet dishes and drinks from downtown establishments against each other and YOU, the voting public, determine the winners.

Beginning this Friday, the public will be able to vote online for their favorite "dish" or "drink" in each of the Opening Round match-ups at http://bit.ly/fQ7GtX. (NOTE: The link will not be "live" until Friday at 1PM.) Downtown Neighborhood News subscribers will receive a personal invitation to the voting link on Friday morning.

Here are your Opening Round match-ups with corresponding "signature dish" or "signature drink" in parenthesis:

-Domani Café (Domani Latte) vs. La Quebrada (Tampiquena)
-Al's Café & Creamery (Burns Malt) vs. Spanky's Gyros (Italian Sausage)
-Douglas Street Sports Pub (Bacon Cheddar Burger) vs. La Puesta Del Sol (La Puesta Margarita)
-Elgin Public House (Pulled Pork) vs. Ravenheart Coffee (Mediterranean Club Sandwich)
-Buckingham's Steakhouse (Grand Tomahawk) vs. Gasthaus Zur Linde (Das Boot)
-Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant (Pa Naeng) vs. Red Bar Winery (Spicy Butter Poached Shrimp)
-Martini Room (Appletini) vs. Toom Toom Thai Restaurant (Thai Style Chicken Wings)
-PRIME BurgerHouse (Drunken Bull Burger) vs. Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano (Asparagi)

Opening Round voting lasts from Friday, March 4 thru Monday, March 14. After which eight of the 16 establishments will move on to the Round of 8, with second round voting slated for March 13-21. The final four establishments tip-off third round voting March 23-28. The Championship Game round of voting then takes place March 30-April 4, with the winning venue announced on Wednesday, April 6.

In addition to the public voting component of Downtown Madness, there will also be a separate Downtown Madness "Pick 'Em" Challenge - Presented by Daily Herald Media Group, where the public will have the opportunity to fill out and predict the winners of the entire Downtown Madness bracket tournament from the Round of 16 through the Championship Game.

Points are awarded for each correctly picked "winner" based on the week-to-week voting results. The sheet with the most points at the end of the promotion will win $100 in Downtown Gift Certificates. In case of a tie, a drawing will be conducted amongst the high-point sheets to determine a winner.

The official Pick 'Em Challenge brackets will be available this Friday, March 4 at www.DailyHerald.com/community/elgin as well as http://www.downtownelgin.com/.

All completed sheets are due into the DNA, via e-mail at DowntownElgin@gmail.com or dropped off in-person at 2 Douglas Avenue, by no later than Monday, March 14. A complete list of rules and instruction on how to play will be available on the bracket sheet and on the DNA Blog.

For clarification purposes, the round-by-round selections made by participants in the Pick 'Em Challenge DO NOT have any bearing on the voting component of Downtown Madness.

We invite everyone to join in on all the "hoopla" of Downtown Madness! Bring your family and friends downtown to rediscover all of our great restaurants and bars and vote for your favorites.

Downtown Madness Round of 16 Voting

WELCOME!

Click here to Join the Madness!

2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Seeking Volunteers

The 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers, which kicks off Thursday, June 2, is seeking volunteers interested in participating in our Market Advisory Committee.

Under the direction of the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s new Market Manager, Jennifer Benson, this advisory committee will provide input and feedback about shaping the market in 2011. We are also seeking volunteers to assist with set-up, take-down and other duties during the market season.

Vendor and sponsorship applications for the 2011 Harvest Market as well as other Harvest Market specifics will be available soon.

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market or would be interested in joining the Harvest Market's Advisory Committee, please contact Jennifer Benson at 847.488.1456 or via e-mail at elginharvestmarket@gmail.com.

Last Chance to RSVP for February Out to Lunch at DSSP

Our next Out to Lunch meeting will be Monday, February 28 from Noon-1:15pm and is proudly hosted by Douglas Street Sports Pub at 231 Douglas Avenue.

February's featured guest speaker will be City of Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only), guests may choose one of three delicious lunch options:

- Italian Beef Aus Jus on soft roll
- Turkey Patty Melt - 1/2 lb of homemade turkey breast piled high on marble rye with Jack & American cheese and grilled onions
- Vegetarian Patty Melt - served between two roasted pieces of marble rye with Swiss and American cheese and grilled onions

All meals come with fries, a cookie for dessert and a beverage of choice - soft drinks, iced tea or coffee.

Please RSVP to DNA by no later than Friday, February 25, with your name, e-mail address and choice of entree, by phone at 847.488.1456, by e-mail at jpawlowski@elginil.org or you can RSVP Online!

Downtown Brainstorm #1 Results & Next Steps

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 the workshop and discussed the following topics in a series of 3 roundtable rotations:

• Special Events
• Arts Initiatives
• Property Improvement
• Community Outreach
• “Green” Initiatives
• New Business Development
• Fundraising
• Marketing

An overview of the feedback received at this meeting is available here >

The DNA utilized this feedback to help us plan our organizational programming for 2011. We decided to focus on the 3 themes that we saw reoccurring at the workshop. These themes are outlined below along with a brief summary of some of the programming that we have started for 2011 to address them.

More communication about who DNA is and what we do.

• Creating a direct mailer to Elgin residents promoting the mission of the DNA along with our new downtown directory brochure listing downtown businesses and attractions.


• Speaking to neighborhood groups and encouraging resident memberships and involvement.


• Putting out regular communication about what our committees are currently working on via social media and website.


• Providing small “innovation grants” to downtown businesses to assist them in promoting their business and the downtown in creative and innovative ways.


• Hosting an information workshop about downtown grant programs and an open house for our Downtown Design Resource Center in April.

Smaller, more frequent downtown events and promotions, especially in the arts.

• Planning at least one promotion each month to promote downtown businesses and attractions. Look for "Downtown Madness" in March...


• Planning 1-2 downtown cruise nights leading up to the Downtown Car Show.


• Working with the Cultural Arts Commission on public art component of a poetry and photography contest to display work in vacant storefronts.


• Encouraging and supporting other groups to do small downtown “street” events throughout the summer and fall.
  

More marketing about the positive changes in downtown.

• Revamping downtownelgin.com with enhanced visual media and social media applications to engage visitors.


• Producing short videos interviewing downtown business owners about what they do and why they do it.


• Planning to launch a campaign marketing downtown’s available commercial spaces and properties to potential tenants and buyers.


• Planning a downtown streetpole banner campaign with key marketing messages.


• Distributing our new downtown directory brochure in the Daily Herald Fox Valley edition (15,000+ subscribers)

We hope you will join us for our next Downtown Brainstorm Workshop on Tuesday, March 22, 6-8PM at The Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom. Please RSVP to (847) 488-1456 or downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Thank you for supporting the organization that supports downtown.

The DNA Board of Directors & Staff

Thunder on the Fox Informational Meeting at Elgin Public House on 2/21

This summer the excitement of national professional powerboat racing will hit the waters of the Fox River as Thunder on the Fox comes to Elgin on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. The event is projected to bring close to 30,000 spectators from all over the country into the Elgin area over the course of the entire weekend.

The organizer of this sporting event, Jim McGrath, would like to speak to area businesses about potential promotional and sponsorship opportunities available with the race, as well as answer any questions about the event that you may have.

Business owners are invited to attend a brief informational meeting at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street on Monday, February 21 at 6:00PM.

If you are interested in attending this meeting, please RSVP at 847.488.1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org by no later than Thursday, February 17 at 5:00PM.

February Downtown Gift Certificate Promotion

Calling all Cupids and Casanovas!

Want to know the perfect combination to his or her heart this Valentine's Day? This year, give them what they really want: Downtown Gift Certificates and Red Bar Wine.

Throughout the month of February, purchase a minimum of $50 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates and receive a voucher for a complimentary bottle of Red Bar Winery's hottest new custom varietals:

Rediscover Red (Red Sangria)

or

Get Down 2Nite (Cranberry-Apple White Wine)

Downtown Gift Certificates are valid at over 60 downtown businesses and available in $5 and $10 denominations. Stop into the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in downtown Elgin to purchase yours today!

Make your Valentine's date night special this year with Downtown Gift Certificates and Red Bar Winery's Rediscover Red or Get Down 2 Nite White.

Limit one bottle per customer. Wine must be redeemed at Red Bar Winery, 74 S. Grove Avenue by March 1, 2011. Red Bar Winery cannot guarantee choice of Downtown Red or Downtown White as supplies are limited.

Downtown Snow Removal Update - February 4

As a reminder to our downtown residents and businesses, the NO PARKING signs and parking restrictions throughout downtown will remain in effect from now through Sunday morning.

We realize these parking restrictions are an inconvenience but they are necessary to assist City crews in cleaning out the parking stalls. We continue to urge you to park in the city lots and decks throughout the weekend. Parking time limits will not be enforced in city lots and decks during this time. Enforcement will resume Monday at 8AM.

Also curb-to-curb haul out of the snow continues tonight and Saturday night.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Elgin's 24-Hour Snow Command at 847-931-5977 or e-mail snowcommand@cityofelgin.org

Welcome New & Renewing DNA Members for 2011

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin welcomes our new and renewing DNA Members from the month of January 2011:

BocaJump
1331 Davis Road
(847) 695-9476

Gifford Park Association

O'Connor-Leetz Funeral Home
364 Division Street
(847) 741-1400

Ziegler's Ace Hardware
215 N. Spring Street
(847) 742-8939

Nick's Liquors
71 Clock Tower Plaza #77
(847) 742-4939

164 Division LLC
164 Division Street, #705
(847) 697-7799

Boys & Girls Club of Elgin
355 Dundee Avenue
(847) 608-5017

Fox River Water Reclamation District
(847) 742-2068

Tom's Auto Clinic
264 Prairie Street
(847) 695-5835

Elgin Public Museum
225 Grand Boulevard
(847) 741-6655

Elgin United Methodist Church
216 E. Highland Avenue
(847) 741-0038

YWCA Elgin
220 E. Chicago Street
(847) 742-7930

Elgin Parent Co-Op School
240 Standish Street
(847) 741-0506

Demi & Cooper Advertising
18 Villa Court
(847) 931-5800

Future Link IT
166 E. Chicago Street
(224) 523-8000

Provena St. Joseph Hospital
77 N. Airlite Street
(847) 695-3200

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

Colonial Cafe
600 S. McLean Boulevard
(847) 888-3939

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

Shockey Jewelers
18 Douglas Avenue
(847) 742-0113

Steffen Kelly & Steffen, P.C.
17 Douglas Avenue
(847) 741-0503

The Larkin Center
1212 Larkin Avenue
(847) 695-5656

Anderson Graphics, Inc.
9N656 Beckman Trail, Unit 1
(847) 521-9225

CSI Technologies
1 Douglas Avenue
(847) 836-3000

Kim's Black Belt Academy
5 South Spring Street
(847) 695-5434

Senior Services Associates, Inc.
101 S. Grove Avenue
(847) 741-0404

Prominent Property Management, Inc.
160 Symphony Way, Suite 400
(847) 697-7764

Highland Fellowship Church
2250 W. Highland Avenue
(847) 741-6629



Armida & Joseph Dominguez

Bill & Kathleen McGraw

Dan & Karen Fox

Jack & Beverly Sabo

Jerri McCue

Patricia & Dan Miller

Steve Thoren

Alex Pecharich

John Bordsen

Tony Aiello & Laurie Faith Gibson-Aiello

Weert Goldstein

Mohammad Iqbal

Keith Farnham

Rhonda & Ed Huber

Michael & Gail Foltyn

John DiVerde, Jr.


Help support the organization that supports downtown Elgin by becoming a Downtown Neighborhood Association Member in 2011.

Community Family/Individual Memberships start as low as $30!

Community and Downtown Business Memberships are available with a variety of valuable member benefits packages including special member rates on DNA events, promotional mentions in the Downtown Neighborhood News, display ads at www.DowntownElgin.com and much more!

Click here for a list of available DNA Membership packages and rates > > >

You can even sign-up and pay for your DNA Membership securely via our Online Payment Processing Page.

For more information about DNA Membership or for other ways you can support downtown Elgin, contact us at 847.488.1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Update on Downtown Snow Removal

The City of Elgin is continually adjusting its snow removal plan to manage the storm that is upon us. At this time, a city crew has been assigned to haul snow out of downtown in order to expedite the clean-up process over the next few days. Your cooperation is requested in the following ways:

1. Please do not park on downtown streets from Tuesday through Saturday morning. The city's plan is to use large snow removal equipment to pick up the snow on the curbs and bump outs. Having a clear path to do so will make this process faster and more efficient. We urge you to park in the city lots and decks today through Saturday. Parking time limits will not be enforced in city lots and decks during this time. Enforcement will resume Monday at 8AM.

2. Please shovel the snow in front of your property/business to the curb line in preparation for this haul out effort.

Thank you for your cooperation.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stay Informed

Here is some additional information on how to receive the City's updates directly. Resident safety is the city's primary goal. Residents should not travel unless absolutely necessary.

· Information updates will be posted on Channel 17, on the City's website at www.cityofelgin.org and on the City of Elgin's Facebook and Twitter pages.

· Residents interested in receiving automated telephone updates can register on the city's website at www.cityofelgin.org. From the homepage's "quick links" section, go to "activate/deactivate CodeRed." Follow the instructions.

· Residents can also receive text message updates via Nixle. Registration information is at www.cityofelgin.org/police.

· If you have questions or concerns about snow removal, contact Elgin Snow Command at (847) 931-5977 or email snowcommand@cityofelgin.org.

Welcome New & Renewing DNA Members for 2011

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin welcomes our new and renewing DNA Members from December 2010 (January 2011 members will be recognized in next week's blog):

City of Elgin
150 Dexter Court
(847) 931-6100

Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce
31 S. Grove Avenue
(847) 741-5660

Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
77 Riverside Drive
(847) 695-7540

Stickling Foundation
100 E. Chicago Street
(847) 742-8939

Izaak Walton League of America - Elgin Chapter

Tongue n Chic Dental Boutique
14 Douglas Avenue, Suite A
(847) 841-6665

Law Office of Shirley Sadjadi
169 E. Chicago Street
(847) 741-6180

VTS Investigations, LLC
800-538-4464

Ecker Center for Mental Health
1845 Grandstand Place
(847) 695-0484

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

Natalie Pepa

Bjorn & Hjordis Rektorli

Clare Ollayos

Howard A. Stege Jr. & Robert Knizner

Grace Richard

Tom Armstrong

Help support the organization that supports downtown Elgin by becoming a Downtown Neighborhood Association Member in 2011.

Community Family/Individual Memberships start as low as $30!

Community and Downtown Business Memberships are available with a variety of valuable member benefits packages including special member rates on DNA events, promotional mentions in the Downtown Neighborhood News, display ads at www.DowntownElgin.com and much more!

Click here for a list of available DNA Membership packages and rates > > >

You can even sign-up and pay for your DNA Membership securely via our Online Payment Processing Page.

For more information about DNA Membership or for other ways you can support downtown Elgin, contact us at 847.488.1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Downtown Snow Removal Notification

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning, from this Tuesday afternoon through this Wednesday afternoon, for the entire North Central and Northeast section of Illinois (including Cook and Kane Counties) as well as a Hazardous Weather Outlook Warning for the next few days with heavy snow accumulations, strong winds, white-out conditions and sub-zero temperatures.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association would like to make you aware of some news regarding the City's snow removal plans as well as some precautions and measures we recommend you take in preparation for this weather event:

• The City of Elgin has informed us that the priority, first and foremost, will be to clear roads. As such, city crews will not be able to address snow removal on downtown city sidewalks for quite some time after this week's blizzard event. In general, responsiveness to all snow removal other than main roads will be delayed.

• With such a large accumulation of snow expected after the close of business on Tuesday, the clean-up on Wednesday will be especially difficult and will likely continue through the end of the week. We encourage downtown business and property owners to work together, lending a hand where needed and sharing resources, such as snow blowers.

• As a reminder, you may pile your snow on the curb line. We ask that you please not throw the snow into the street. As stated, the city crew's ability to remove the piles on the curb will be delayed.

• With temperatures expected to plummet Wednesday night into the sub-zero range, we ask that you keep your sidewalks salted through the weekend to help keep the build-up of dangerous ice on sidewalks to a minimum.

• The snow accumulation will also make parking on downtown streets very challenging. We encourage you to park in city surface lots or in the decks at Symphony, Spring or Fulton. Remember that street parking between 4 and 6AM is prohibited.

Questions or concerns regarding snow and ice control during the event can be directed to the Public Works Department through the city's 24 hour Snow Command Center by calling 847-931-5977 or by emailing the Snow Command Center at snowcommand@cityofelgin.org

We appreciate your patience and cooperation in this effort.


Local Online Resources:

www.cityofelgin.org - City of Elgin's website

www.facebook.com/cityofelgin - City of Elgin's Facebook page

www.u-46.org - School District U-46 website

www.facebook.com/downtownelgin - DNA's Facebook page

www.weather.com - Weather Channel website

The Scene - January 25, 2011

Let's set the "Scene" for your week of live entertainment and great fun in downtown Elgin:

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
www.DouglasStreetSportsBar.com

Book your Super Bowl XLV party package now at DSSP. Packages start at $12 and be sure to inquire about booking their private party room. Halftime will be highlighted by their 2nd Annual Cheeseburger Chowdown Challenge. Call for more details!

The Gasthaus
15 N. Grove
847.695.8828

On Saturday, January 29 at 9:30pm, the Gasthaus welcomes Crossbones Inc. CBI mixes the intensity of the 80's hardcore punk scene with the catchy sensibilities of early punk bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols.

Red Bar Winery
74 S. Grove Avenue
847.741.0349
www.RedBarWinery.com

Time once again for Salsa Thursdays, each and every Thursday night at Red Bar After Dark! Enjoy a Tapas bar, red hot salsa dancing and music by DJ Mombo.

Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
www.VillaVerone.net

On Thursday, January 27 at 6pm come out and say hello to this week's Elgin Person of the week, David Ham. Also, Elgin OPERA's Festival of Singers returns to Villa Verone on Sunday, January 30 from 6-9pm to perform Broadway showtunes, art songs and classic opera for your dining pleasure.

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago St.
847.468.8810
www.ElginPublicHouse.com

EPH's next trivia tourney for February/March begins Wednesday, February 2 at 7pm. With Half-Price Burger Nights every Monday night, Trivia Night every Wednesday and live jazz every Friday & Saturday, there's always something brewing at Elgin Public House.

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
www.MartiniRoomElgin.com

Bring all your rowdy friends to Martini Madness on Monday nights at Martini Room. All your favorite martinis are 25% off. Doors open at 4:30pm!

Be sure to check out Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Bring on the Brass - a Family Series Concert featuring the ESO Brass Quintet on Saturday, January 29 at 3:30pm at Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way. And Elgin Theatre Company's performance of Noises Off! returns for its second weekend at Elgin Academy's Kimball Street Theater on Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm.

City Manager Stegall to Speak at DNA Out to Lunch Meeting on January 25

A new season of the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin’s monthly Out to Lunch meetings debuts on Tuesday, January 25 with Guest Speaker Sean Stegall, City Manager for the City of Elgin. The luncheon takes place from Noon-1:15PM at La Puesta Del Sol Restaurant, 165 E. Highland Avenue in downtown Elgin.

For $12.00 per person, guests will be treated to a buffet luncheon of authentic Mexican cuisine, including appetizers, entrees, dessert and non-alcoholic beverages, followed by a brief presentation and Q&A session with Stegall. Guests are encouraged to pay in cash and are asked to RSVP to the DNA by Thursday, January 20 by phone at (847) 488-1456 or by e-mail at jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Sean R. Stegall has worked in municipal government for 14 years – the last seven for the City of Elgin where he has earned national recognition for his budgetary expertise. He oversees a staff of nearly 1,000 and works to assist the Mayor and City Council in moving Elgin forward. Stegall is a graduate of Western Illinois University and earned his Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. He is also a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and normally 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. Past guest speakers have included City of Elgin Mayor Ed Schock, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, and U-46 Superintendent Dr. Jose Torres.

Top 10 Ways to Get Involved in Your Downtown

1. Sign up to be a DNA Member

There has never been a better time to support the organization that supports downtown Elgin. DNA membership truly does have its privileges as our members enjoy a variety of valuable benefits. Your yearly membership fees help contribute to the continued revitalization of downtown.

2. Volunteer

The DNA is a community coalition of volunteers. They are the lifeblood of all that we do. We are always on the lookout for great volunteers who want to contribute their time and efforts into making downtown a better place to work, live and play. Contact us today to find out more about current volunteer opportunities.

3. Purchase downtown gift certificates

Downtown gift certificates are valid at over 65 downtown businesses. Gift certificates are available in denominations of $5 and $10 and make great gifts for family and friends. Stop by the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue M-F from 9am-5:30pm to purchase yours!

4. Serve on a DNA committee

Our DNA volunteer committees provide the guidance to plan and support our downtown initiatives such as special events, promotions, image enhancement, economic development and more. If you would be interested in serving on a committee or would like to attend an upcoming committee meeting, please contact us.

5. Shop and dine downtown

With over 20 distinctive eateries, bistros and bars to whet your appetite and dozens of retail shops, boutiques, professional services and other unique businesses to patronize, make downtown your destination for dining and doing business.

6. Participate in downtown events

Whether shopping the Harvest Market for fresh, locally grown produce, bringing the family out for the Fourth of July Parade, Halloween Howl or Window Wonderland, or taking in one of the many public art exhibits or cultural festivals, we encourage everyone to take advantage of all there is to do and enjoy all year long in our downtown.

7. Become a community or corporate event sponsor

Our yearly slate of special events would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. If you or your company would be interested in sponsoring one or more of our DNA special events in 2011 or for a list of sponsorship opportunities, rates and benefit packages, please contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at jpawlowski@elginil.org or call 847.488.1456.

8. Participate in local government

Attend city council meetings. Vote in the upcoming election. A fully-engaged downtown is a stronger downtown.

9. Stay informed

Stay on top of all the latest downtown news, special events, performances, exhibits, business promotions and charitable activities through the DNA's hyper-local social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Website and Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 eblast.

10. Give us your feedback

Have an idea for a new event or promotion? Suggestions on something you feel would enhance downtown Elgin? Feedback on things you really like? Critiques? Questions? Comments? Just want to chat? The DNA welcomes your input and encourages your active participation in our downtown. We also conduct on-going "Downtown Brainstorm" workshops throughout the year to solicit the community's feedback and ideas.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
2 Douglas Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 488-1456

Tonya Hudson
Executive Director

Jason Pawlowski
Promotions Coordinator

Suzan Shipyor
Administrative Associate

Funeral Arrangements for Kathryn Keeney

Kathryn Keeney, mother of the late Patricia Keeney of Keeney's Sporting Goods & PK's Antiques in downtown Elgin, who succumbed to complications from cancer at the age of 62 on December 27, passed away last Friday, December 31 at the age of 90.

Visitation for Kathryn Keeney will take place on Wednesday, January 5 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at O'Connor-Leetz Funeral Home at 364 Division Street. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 272 Division Street beginning at Noon.

Keeney's Sporting Goods & PK's Antiques at 19 Douglas Avenue will be closed indefinitely until further notice.

Keeney's to Open One Last Time Today

Keeney's Sporting Goods & PK's Antiques at 19 Douglas Avenue will open for business one final time today from 10AM-6PM.

Keeney's offers a wide assortment of sporting goods, equipment, U-46 gear, branded high school apparel, letterman jackets, fishing gear, winter apparel and much more. PK's Antiques, located in the basement of Keeney's, features a myriad of vintage and antique treasures including vintage clothing, hats, jewelry and accessories, antique glassware, barware, records, books and memorabilia.

This evening at 6PM, the community is invited to a public closing ceremony in front of Keeney's Sporting Goods to bid a fond farewell to an Elgin institution since 1883

After today, the store will be closed indefinitely until further notice.

Community Mourns the Loss of Downtown Shopkeeper

The Elgin community this week is mourning the loss of Patricia Keeney, owner of Keeney's Sporting Goods, an advocate for the downtown and well-known volunteer with the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA).

Keeney, 62, died Monday at Provena St. Joseph's Hospital from complications related to cancer.

“Pat cared deeply about downtown, the DNA and her community,” said Tonya Hudson, DNA executive director. “She was spirited, passionate and had a good heart.”

The Keeney family has been in business in downtown Elgin since 1883. The business began as a general store, and became a sporting goods store in its current location at 19 Douglas Avenue in 1945.

Keeney took over the business when her father passed away in 1993. Since then she added vintage clothing, jewelry and antiques to the shop’s offerings and became increasingly involved in the revitalization of downtown through the DNA.

Her volunteer work with the DNA included leadership roles on event committees such as the July 4th Parade, Window Wonderland, the DNA Awards Gala, and the Downtown Elgin Car Show. She also served on the DNA’s Board of Directors.

Friend and fellow DNA Board member, Karin Jones, said Keeney’s willingness to serve was an incredible asset to the organization.

“She was always ready to jump in and help, whether it was selling tickets at a carnival, asking for sponsorships or passing out flyers to fellow downtown business owners,” Jones said.

Jones was among the many volunteers who stepped forward to help run the store and care for her in her home when Keeney was diagnosed with cancer in November.

“Her courage through all of this was inspiring, as was the outpouring of support for her from the community,” Jones said.

DNA staff and volunteers ran a fundraising campaign to collect contributions to help Keeney with her bills. They also organized a vintage fashion fundraiser at Villa Verone in mid-December under the leadership of DNA founder and fellow downtown business owner, Ruth Munson. The group’s efforts raised about $8,000 just under three months.

For Jones, the success of the fundraising efforts had everything to do with what Pat had given to the community.

"When you met her, she touched your heart, and then she stayed there," Jones said. "She was just one of those people you will never forget.”

Visitation is Thursday, December 30 at O’Connor-Leetz Funeral Home at 364 Division Street in Elgin from 4-8PM.

Mass will be held Friday, December 31 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 272 Division Street in Elgin beginning at 10AM.

New Downtown Gift Certificate 12 Days of Christmas Promotion

New Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates are here just in time for the holidays and we at the Downtown Neighborhood Association want to stuff your stockings with some extra goodies for those on your gift giving list as part of our 12 Days of Christmas Promotion.

Right now, buy $25-45 worth of downtown Elgin gift certificates and receive a free 15-piece Tower Building Jigsaw Puzzle for the kids to enjoy!

Buy $50-95 worth of gift certificates and receive an additional $5 gift certificate FREE!

Buy $100 or more in gift certificates and receive an additional $10 gift certificate FREE!

Downtown gift certificates are redeemable at nearly 70 downtown businesses.

Stay tuned to the DNA Blog and our Facebook page for more special offers from our 12 Days of Christmas Promotion.

Downtown Snow Removal Info for Winter 2010-11

Though the first significant snow of winter 2010 has yet to fall, the DNA is providing you with information to help you be prepared.

In general, the city will follow the same basic snow removal plan as 2009, when service in downtown was reduced from an enhanced level to the same level provided to other commercial districts throughout the city due to budget cuts and a reduced workforce. Property and business owners took back the responsibility of clearing their own sidewalks.

The "new" system worked well last year; there was much collaboration among neighbors in sharing the responsibility and cost of clearing their blocks. It is important that this collaboration continue this year so that we may provide our customers, tenants and employees with a pedestrian-friendly business district and neighborhood during the winter months.

As such, we have put together some information on how this collaborative snow removal process may occur this year:

• During or following a snow event, the city's first priority is to clear roads. Then crews are dispatched to other parts of the city, including downtown.

• The downtown crew's first priority is to clear the sidewalks around public buildings, such as city hall and the police station, as well as public parking lots and decks. The goal is to have these cleared by 8AM.

• Their next priority is to clear the crosswalks of intersections and other public spaces, such as DuPage Court, Festival Park and the sidewalks on the bridges.

• Once all these areas are cleared, the crew will then clear any remaining sidewalk areas until their shift ends at 3PM. The city also utilizes community restitution workers to supplement the workforce when possible. However, as we saw last year, this is often late in the day and the snow has been packed down by pedestrians, making it very difficult to remove with either equipment or material.

• We would like to suggest that downtown business and property owners have your sidewalks cleared from property line to curb line by 9AM following an overnight snow event, as this is the time that the majority of downtown is "open for business." This will help to reduce the areas of packed down snow, lessening the chances of it turning to impassable ice, and increasing our downtown's walkability and safety.

• You may pile your snow on the curb line using the row of brick pavers along the curb line as a guide. Please do not throw the snow into the street.

• The city's goal is to remove the piled snow from the curb line within 72 hours of a major event. This is usually done from 4 to 6AM. However, if we have frequent events within days of each other, the city's response time will be delayed, resulting in large mounds of snow on the curb line. The city will remove it - it will just take longer. The city also clears the mounds of snow that have accumulated in the street parking stalls and other areas throughout downtown between 4 and 6AM, so please be advised that street parking is prohibited during this time.

• We highly encourage you to talk with your neighbors about contracting a private snow removal company for your block or sharing in the responsibility of shoveling your block. This will help to alleviate one of the problems that we saw last year. For example, if 6 of the 8 properties on a block were cleared, the 2 that were not cleared reflected poorly not only on that business but on the whole block. The packed down snow that eventually became ice was not only uninviting but also very dangerous.

• We would like to make special mention to those realtors and brokers who represent downtown properties that are available for sale or lease. Please work with your clients to be sure that the sidewalks outside these properties are taken care of.

We have provided you with a resource list for local snow removal service companies below, should you decide to go that route.

Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call Tonya Hudson at the DNA at (847) 488-1456 or Jim Bell at the City of Elgin at (847) 931-6124.


SNOW REMOVAL SERVICE RESOURCE LIST

We have put together a short list of snow removal service companies in Elgin who have the capabilities and availability to handle downtown sidewalk/ alley snow removal. The DNA is not endorsing any of these companies, nor do we have personal experience working with any of them. This is merely a resource list.

Brickman Group
31W620 Spaulding Rd
Elgin, IL 60120
847-741-4609

Monarch Nurseries
600 Spring Hill Ring Rd
West Dundee, IL 60118
847-428-7066

Tecza Environmental Group
12N422 Switzer Rd
Elgin, IL 60123
847-742-3320

Tovar Snow Professionals
31W377 Spaulding Rd
Elgin, IL 60120
847-695-0080

Downtown Elgin Window Wonderland Passports Now Available

It may be Black Friday today but on December 4 we may very well be dreaming of a white 2010 Downtown Elgin Window Wonderland: Miracle on the Streets - Presented by Provena St. Joseph Hospital.

The 2010 Window Wonderland Holiday Passports are now available to download and print out at http://www.downtownelgin.com.

Click here to download your passport now > > >

Several businesses are offering special promotions all week long so download your passport today and get a head start on all the great savings and specials you can enjoy in downtown Elgin!

Those that obtain 7 stamps on their passport will receive a free Photo with Santa during his visit to Window Wonderland from 1-5pm in the lobby of the Burritt Building at 25 S. Grove Avenue on December 4.

Passports, as well as ballots for the People's Choice Award in the 2010 Window Decorating Contest, will both be available to pick up at the Gail Borden Public Library at 270 S. Grove Avenue, The Centre of Elgin at 100 Symphony Way and many downtown businesses beginning next week!

Thank You

Dear Downtown Businesses, Residents & Property Owners,

As construction season 2010 comes to a close and the Thanksgiving holiday is upon us, the DNA would like to extend our sincere gratitude for your perseverance and patience throughout this phase of the project.

This season of construction was an extremely challenging one. And the recession certainly didn't make it any easier. We are looking forward to 2011, which we hope will be a year of recovery.

Thank you for your support and partnership as we continue to work together to revitalize downtown Elgin.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving,

The DNA Board of Directors & Staff

FROM THE DNA BOARD OF DIRECTORS . . .

"I just want to say thanks to all the business owners that get up every day in this tough economy in order to add something unique to our downtown. You truly make a difference. Thank you."

- Sean Hargadon

"I would like to thank all of you for your continued patronage of our downtown businesses through this difficult period of construction and recession. Our merchants, restaurants, bars, and services have needed your support to get through this, and you haven't let them down."

- Neal Pitcher

"I would like to thank all the downtown merchants, bars, restaurants and residents for having so much patience with all of the construction as well as the recession in 2010."

- Victor Gonzalez

"Thank You to all my neighbors for making downtown a real neighborhood. May next year bring construction free streets and sidewalks filled with customers."

- Steve Munson

"My heartfelt gratitude to all of you who share your time, talents, energy and efforts making our downtown what it is and what it will be!"

- Karin Jones

"Thanksgiving is the time to be truly grateful and to count our blessings. I would like to thank all of the downtown businesses, who have supported and worked together for a better downtown during these trying business conditions this year."

- Tom Brockner

Window Wonderland is Coming to Downtown!

While we may not know who is naughty and who is nice...although we have a pretty good idea...we are making a list (and checking it twice) of all the family fun events, activities and attractions on tap for Downtown Elgin Window Wonderland: Miracle on the Streets - Presented by Provena St. Joseph Hospital on Saturday, December 4 from 12-5pm.

Events and attractions include:

Santa's Crew Live Reindeer at Civic Plaza at the northwest corner of Highland and Douglas Avenues;

Live Nativity Scene with Petting Zoo at First United Methodist Church at 216 E. Highland Avenue;

Photos with Santa (1-5pm) in the lobby of the Burritt Building at 25 S. Grove Avenue;

Holiday Window Decorating Contest Judging throughout downtown Elgin;

Chestnut Roasting in front of Quiznos Subs at 59 Douglas Avenue;

Heated Holiday Trolley to shuttle Window Wonderland visitors around the various activities from 2-6pm;

Free Ice Skating from Noon-9pm at City-Skate at Elgin Civic Plaza behind City Hall at 150 Dexter Court;

Holiday Song and Dance at Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano at 13 Douglas Avenue, including holiday karaoke;

U.S. Postal Service Holiday Stamp Unveiling at 10 Douglas Avenue;

AND NEW THIS YEAR! Horse Drawn Carriage Rides up and down the streets of downtown Elgin for $5 per person (children 5 and under FREE) from Noon-3pm.

The day culminates with the City of Elgin’s Tree Lighting Ceremony, which includes a musical performance by Elgin Children's Chorus and a special appearance by Santa Claus on a fire truck, at Civic Plaza at 150 Dexter Court at 5pm. Families are invited to The Hemmens Cultural Center at 45 Symphony Way from 3-5pm to make ornaments to be placed on the tree.

The Weeklong Window Wonderland Holiday Passport features 20 “stops” at local businesses in downtown Elgin offering holiday activities, gifts or refreshments as well as discounts on merchandise. Those who collect a minimum of 7 passport stamps from November 27-December 4 will receive a free photo with Santa at the Burritt Building. Window Wonderland passports will be available beginning Monday, November 29 at downtown businesses, the Centre of Elgin, or Gail Borden Public Library to get a head start on voting for your favorite decorated window, collecting passport stamps and holiday dining and shopping in downtown Elgin!

In the spirit of the season, Window Wonderland will also feature a Coat Drive at Elgin Public House at 219 E. Chicago Street courtesy of Landin Chiropractic to benefit the Salvation Army as well as a collection site at 10 Douglas Avenue for the Community Crisis Center's Annual Holiday Toy Giveaway, taking place on December 16 at The Hemmens Cultural Center. All visitors who bring a new, unwrapped toy between $5-25 to the Window Wonderland collection site will receive a voucher for a free photo with Santa.

In addition to Saturday’s activities, the downtown Elgin area will also serve as host to several family-friendly activities all weekend long:

VEX Theatre will be presenting a new entertainment adventure for teens and adults. “Twist-a-Carol” features comedy, theater and song. Performances are at 7:30 p.m. on Friday December 3 and Saturday, December 4 with a matinee performance on Sunday, December 5. Tickets are $10. For reservations go to http://www.vextheatre.org/

Troupe America Inc. presents the musical comedy “Away in the Basement - A Church Basement Ladies Christmas”. A fun-filled Holiday Show for the whole family at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way in Elgin. Showtimes are 2:00pm & 7:30pm on Saturday, December 4 and 3:00pm on Sunday, December 5. Call 847.931.5590 or visit http://www.hemmens.org/ for more information.

On Saturday, December 4 at 1:00pm the Elgin Historical Society hosts A Holiday Tea at the Elgin History Museum at 360 Park Street featuring the Elgin Children’s Chorus. For more information, visit http://www.elginhistory.org/

Come visit the first monthly Urban Eden Market from 10am-3pm at “The Haight” at 166 Symphony Way where fresh seasonal goods & foods, baked bread, organic teas & spices, health & beauty, antiques & collectibles, renewable energy, sustainable technology, interactive art & crafts will be available for your pleasure. Visitors will also enjoy holiday jazz, steaming cider, hot chocolate, animals from Lord’s Park Zoo, a Kidz Zone, kids' group mural painting, book signings, the French Chef boogie from the Polar Express and a sneak peak of the new documentary “Grow Wise”. Be sure to come back at 5 p.m. for the Garden Party.

The DNA and the City of Elgin are also proud to again renew our partnership with Elgin Home for the Holidays – a collaborative effort consisting of over two dozen local not-for-profit organizations to promote the events, activities and volunteer opportunities available to Elgin residents during the holiday season. For a comprehensive listing of all Elgin holiday events throughout the months of November and December, visit http://www.elginhomefortheholidays.com/

The DNA would like to thank our 2010 Sponsors: Provena St. Joseph Hospital, Hampton, Lenzini & Renwick, Insure One, and the City of Elgin.