Douglas L Hoeft Memorial Sculpture Celebration

The Douglas L. Hoeft Scholarship Foundation invite the public to join them in celebrating the installation of the new Douglas L. Hoeft Sculpture at the Douglas L. Hoeft Memorial site along the Elgin Riverfront, directly behind Hemmens Cultural Center. The gathering will take place on Saturday, October 1, 2005, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.

The statue, paid for by private donations, was designed by artist Chris Bennett. The sculpture captures State Representative Hoeft in a pose quite typical of how he was often seen while visiting with constituents and friends. Visitors will be invited to sit on the bench with the statue for a commemorative picture. A light picnic lunch will be served, and the event will be held rain or shine.

State Representative Hoeft served in the State legislature from 1992-2002, and had just been elected to his sixth term when he died unexpectedly. During his tenure in office, Mr. Hoeft was instrumental in helping Elgin receive funding for a variety of projects and programs including grants for the Police Department's Domestic Violence program and new Digital Patroller system, improvements to Rt. 25, the Pioneer Memorial Statue, and substantial money for Elgin’s riverfront revitalization project.

A longtime resident of Elgin, Mr. Hoeft was very committed to the community. He began his career teaching social studies at Elgin High and continued being an advocate for education when he was in Springfield. He worked hard for PADS and many other local organizations. Donations to the Douglas L. Hoeft Scholarship Foundation can be sent to 216 King Arthur Ct., Elgin, Illinois 60120.

For more information please call 847-931-6175.

Out to Lunch, September 26th

DNA Out To Lunch!!! - Monday, September 26th at Noon.
Break bread and network at El Rincon de Pastigel & Pastigel Bakery (Located at 154 E. Chicago). The price is $6.50 for a buffet lunch including a drink.

Our speaker is Lynne Bosley, the Executive Director from the United Way of Elgin. She will present a summary of the recent Needs Assessment and an update on hurricane relief efforts in Elgin. Please RSVP to DNA(847.488.1456) by 9/23.

Bill Maher Performance is Sold Out

Bill Maher will be performing at the Hemmens Cultural Center in Downtown Elgin on September 24th. The performance is sold out. Check here for more performances at the Hemmens.

Downtown Flea Market, September 24th

Enjoy flea markets? Come to downtown Elgin from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, September 24th. The Flea Market is located at the Elgin Civic Center parking lot on Highland and Douglas.

If you are interested in being a vendor, contact the Downtown Neighborhood Association (847) 488-1456.

Last Chance for Harvest Market

The last Harvest Market is today. It runs from 12 to 6 p.m. today. Look for the tents in the Civic Center parking lot at Highland and Grove.

Harvest Market and Salsa Challenge

Two more weeks of Harvest Market. Bring the grocery list for your salsa recipe and enter it in the Salsa Challenge at Fiesta Salsa.

Harvest Market is from 12 to 6 p.m. on Thursday, September 15th and 22nd. Look for the tents in the Civic Center parking lot at Highland and Grove.

How does your salsa size up? Enter it in the Salsa Challenge to find out.
Salsa Challenge takes place during Fiesta Salsa at Kimball and Grove on Saturday, September 17th. Preparation begins at 8 a.m. and the public taste test starts at 12:30 p.m. Check the web site for details or call (847) 468-7212 to register for the competition.

Coffee Anyone

Coffee shop For Sale, anyone interested? The Daily Bean on Highland Avenue in downtown Elgin is for sale according to owner Claire Gouge.

“We know everybody wants it downtown and we want it to stay downtown,” said
Gouge, who has owned the business for about a year. “But we hope someone
buys it and loves it.” Daily Herald, September 8, 2005

Read Lenore Adkins article.

Downtown as a Classroom

Students from Judson College use downtown Elgin as a classroom on Thursday afternoon. Professor Christopher Miller brought his Architecture of Cities class down to experience the historic and diverse architecture that is downtown Elgin.

Hurricane Evacuees Arriving in Elgin Today

250 people are scheduled to start arriving in Elgin, Illinois Tuesday, September 6, 2005 and will be housed at the Elgin Mental Health Care facilities at 750 South State Street.
Items needed include the following: canned food, bottled water, clothes, shoes, blankets, baby items, school supplies, new underclothes, etc. If you are interested in volunteering or can provide goods, please contact Dolly Scanlan at 847.742.1040 x-2005 or Raul Almavar at 847.742.1040 x-2010.

Local Efforts to Help Hurricane Katrina Victims

How you can help from the Daily Herald

Hurricane Katrina Taize Prayer Service - Tuesday, September 6th at 7:00 pm
First Congregational Church
256 E. Chicago St.
Elgin, IL
(847) 741-4045

Hurricane Katrina ESO Benefit Concert - Wednesday, September 7th at 7:30 pm
On Wednesday, September 7, 2005 the Elgin Symphony Orchestra will hold a benefit concert to assist in the Hurricane Katrina relief effort. The concert will begin at 7:30 p.m. at the Hemmens Theatre, 45 Symphony Way in downtown Elgin.

The concert was inspired as Robert Hanson, Music Director of the ESO, viewed the horrific scenes of devastation left in the wake of Hurricane Katrina. Tom Roeser, ESO Board President said “When we started placing calls to our musicians and other community organizations to organize the event, the response was overwhelming. Everyone wanted to do something to help. ESO musicians and community organizations are donating their services so that all monies raised can go directly to relief effort.”

Community partners in this event include the Elgin Symphony Orchestra, the Elgin Choral Union, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra, Heartland Voices, EFS Foundation, Otto Engineering and the City of Elgin. Originally, the Elgin Children’s Theatre had a scheduled rehearsal in the Hemmens Theatre and generously offered to move their rehearsal so the benefit concert could take place.

Admission to the concert is free and all donations will go directly to The McCormick Tribune Foundation Hurricane Katrina Relief Campaign. This fund was established by The McCormick Tribune Foundation and many of its Communities Program Partners to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The McCormick Tribune Foundation will match the first $2,000,000 contributed to the campaign at 50 cents on the dollar.

The Elgin Choral Union, the Elgin Youth Symphony Orchestra and Heartland Voices will join the Elgin Symphony Orchestra in the performance. The program will include Beethoven’s Symphony No. 5, choral selections from Mozart and Mendelssohn, America the Beautiful and more. Also, guests from the City of Elgin and members of the clergy will speak during the concert, lending support and uniting the community in this cause.

The Elgin Symphony Orchestra last held a benefit concert after the September 11th disaster. Over 1,000 area residents attended that benefit, donating more than $13,000 to the effort.

“We hope that the concert will serve to unite the community, the music we’ve chosen is uplifting and it will help people come together to do what we can in the face of this disaster” remarked Robert Hanson, Music Director.

A musician from the Louisiana Philharmonic (out of New Orleans) will speak about what she saw and experienced.

For more information about the concert, visit the ESO’s website at http://www.elginsymphony.org/ or call the administrative office at (847) 888-0404.

It's Happening Downtown - September 5th - September 11th

It's Happening Downtown
The Dinosaurs have Arrived at the Gail Borden Library!!
Along with dinosaurs around the Downtown for "Dinos on Parade" the dinosaurs are in place at the library. The ribbon cutting for the African Dinosuar Exhibit is Tuesday, September 6th. So bring your friends and family to the see the Dinosaurs between September 6th - December 30th at the Gail Borden Library!!

2005 Citizens Police Academy - Tuesday September 6th - October 18th
It's not too late to get your application or contact Paula Emerson at 847.289.2588 to be an Elgin Citizen Cop! This 8 week session will be every Tuesday from 6:30-9:30pm.

Harvest Market - Thursday, September 8th
Located in the Civic parking lot next to the Elgin post office this weekly happening is every Thursday from 12pm-6pm.
So head on over as the last day of the Harvest Market is September 22nd! Call DNA for more info 847.488.1456.

Neighborhood Watch Meeting - Thursday September 8th @ 7pm
This meeting will be held in the Elgin police station and is a good opportunity to learn more about the Neighborhood watch groups and possibly join :)

2005 Day of Caring - United Way of Elgin's Extreme Community Makeover - Friday, September 9th
If you have signed up already don't forget to go to your project and enjoy the free breakfast and lunch.
For more info or to volunteer last minute call United Way at 847.741.2259

How Does Your Salsa Size Up? Enter it in the Salsa Challenge at Fiesta Salsa and get your share of the $2000 in prize money.
Last day to register is September 9th.
Go to fiestasalsa.org or call 847.468.7212 for more information.

The Midwest Vintage Clothing, Jewelry, and Textiles Sale and Show – September 9th & 10th Friday 5-10pm Sat 10am-5pm
This is a great event for all of you who enjoy the antique, unique, and most interesting.(This would include myself!) With over 75 dealers there will be plenty to go around. You can even get a discount if you dress in vintage! This terrific show is located at the Hemmens Cultural Center. And even if you are not in the mood for buying there will be certified appraiser and a jewelry repair on site. There will be admission at the door, for more information call 847.428.8368.

24th Annual Elgin Historic House Tour – September 10th & 11th 10am-5pm
House guides will show you all of the nooks and crannies each house has to offer, along with any juicy stories! And what do you know, tickets are on sale in the Downtown at Al's Cafe & Creamery and Ziegler's Ace Hardware. A big thanks to the Gifford Park Association who made this event possible. $20 at the door, $10 students
For more information call 847.695.4022 or go on the web to http://www.gifford-park-assoc.org/

Get Centricised at the Centre - September 10th 8:30am-2pm
Yes ladies. It is true. No men allowed. Here is a day set aside exclusively for you to check out what the Centre has to offer for your fitness, health, and enjoyment.
Hey, there's even babysitting services offered that day. So try the fitness classes, try the equipment, refreshments, rock climbing, and spa treatments!
For more information call 847.531.7000.

Peace Pole Dedication, First Congregational Church - Sunday, September 11th 11:30 am
256 E. Chicago Street. Call 847.741.4045 for the details .

Literary Fundraiser at the Martini Room - Sunday, September 11th 6:30pm
Like going to Fundraiser galas? Want to go to a book club with a little more pizzazz? It’s time to go to a Literary Fundraiser where you can lounge, talk books, read from your favorite books, drink a Martini, and raise money for the Literacy program at the same time!! This event is sponsored by the Books at Sunset and The Martini Room.
To RSVP call 847.888.1860 and to become a volunteer tutor for the Literary Connection contact 847.742.6565.

Downtown Elgin Flea Market - Saturday September 24th 9am-3pm
Looking for Vendors!! So call the Downtown Neighborhood Association to get your space at 847.488.1456. Don’t miss it!!!

Are you aware of other activities going on in the Downtown that DNA needs to promote?
Please call (847.488.1456) or e-mail DNA with the details.

Lane Closures on Kimball Starting Monday

One westbound lane on Kimball between Douglas and Brook will be closed beginning Monday. The closure will be between 8:30 am and 3:30 pm through Wednesday.

New Technology Chronicles Prehistoric Creatures Arrival

Jobaria. (Photo by Patrick Malia)

There's a new blog in town, Elgin Dinosaurs, documenting the arrival of the GIANTS:African Dinosaurs Exhibit at the Gail Borden Public Library. The Elginite had a post on this last week. I have a feeling the library will be a busy place for the next four months.

Its Happening Downtown - August 29th - September 5th

It's Happening Downtown!
A Time to Network and Eat - Monday, August 29th
Come to our Out to Lunch - Monday, August 29th @ Noon at Cafe Magdalena. Our speaker will be Sean Stegall, Assistant City Manager of the City of Elgin, and we will be thanking Bob Beeter from the Elgin Police Department. We will be having a buffet meal with free drinks for $6.50.

Parks & Recreation Board Meeting - Tuesday, August 30th
Located at the Centre at 7pm. Call 847.931.6126 for more information.

Don't forget the Martini Room's Weekly Happenings - Every Wednesday and Friday
Every Wednesday night several artists work are showcased and sold in Martini Room's great lounge atmosphere. And then on Friday take advantage of the great tunes of "Inertia".

Harvest Market - Thursday, September 1st
Harvest Market is EVERY Thursday!! Located in the Civic parking lot next to the Elgin post office this weekly happening is every Thursday from 12pm-6pm. So head on over as the last day of the Harvest Market is September 22nd!

The Gail Borden Public Library Foundation cordially invites you to attend a Champagne Preview Party...Thursday, September 1st
Come celebrate and support the opening of the upcoming exhibit - Giants: African Dinosaurs created by Project Exploration.
Attendance and donation is $50 per person, and special donation levels are Suchomimius Level ($100-$249), Afrovenator Level ($250-$499) Vobaria Level ($500 & up)
RSVP the Gail Borden Library at 847.742.2411 and ask for Joyce Schifferer.

Do you want to be in the Fiesta Salsa Parade? - Deadline:September 2nd
The Grand Marshall this year is Zoraida Sambolin from NBC 5. The parade kicks of at 12 pm on September 17th at Grove and Slade.
Contact Jeanette Mihalec at 847.741.5660 to get your group in!!

The Historic Elgin House Tour Needs Your Help!!! - Saturday and Sunday September 10th & 11th
Currently they are in need of volunteers to help be guides on Sunday September 11th from either 9:50am-1:30pm or 1:20pm-5pm. Not for being a guide. Please call Sandy at 847.347.1589 to help and get a FREE TICKET to the House Tour !!

Flea Market Vendors Wanted! - Saturday September 24th
DNA will be hosting a Downtown Elgin Flea Market from 9am-3pm at the Civic Center Parking Lot. For more information call 847.488.1456. Spaces are $20.

Boat Races in the Fox River

The Elginite is proposing Asian boat races in the Fox River. (See the post).

There's a Southeast Asian Water Festival in Lowell, Mass, which features traditional boat races. The festival is expected to draw 50,000 to 60,000 visitors to Lowell's Merrimack River each year, a celebration of the river as a God in Southeast Asian culture.Imagine bringing 50-60,000 people to downtown Elgin for something similar. The Lao community here can be joined by Thai, Cambodian and other communities in Chicagoland to host this event. This could be a good way to highlight Elgin's diversity and deliver traffic to downtown businesses. It would also highlight the downtown and especially the riverfront's revitalization.

Wikipedia entry on dragon boats. I also found swan boats and long boats.

What do you think?

Sculptural Signs

I found this mention of Sculptural Signs on The Northfield Downtown Development Corporation blog from Northfield, Minnesota. This is a great downtown site.
Several more sign links from the NDDC are listed below:
Portsmouth, New Hampshire
Signs of Newburyport

Don't forget the revised sign ordinance is coming up before the Planning Commission on Monday, September 19th at 7 pm. The meeting will be held at the City Council Chambers, City Hall North Wing.

Dinosaur Photos on Flickr

Thanks to The Elginite (see post) for discovering these pics on Flickr. Go to the library link for more information on the exhibit. See the "Dinos on Parade" article the Sunday Daily Herald.

It's Happening Downtown! - August 22 - 29

It's Happening Downtown!

Want to help with the image of Elgin? Or meet the New Police Chief? - Monday, August 22nd
The Elgin Image Advisory Commission will be meeting at 7pm in the second floor conference room in the North wing of city hall.
The Police Chief's Monthly Community Meeting will be at 7pm at the Elgin Police Station.

"Walk Across Illinois" with Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn - Tuesday, August 23rd
As part of the Walk Across Illinois program Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn will be in Elgin at 11 a.m. on Walton Island. From there, there will be a walk heading north along the bike path next to the Fox River. Please come and take a break from work during your lunch hour and go for a walk!!

Want to know the latest decisions in Elgin first? - Wednesday, August 24th
City Council Meetings - Wednesday @ 6pm and 7pm
Click on the times to see the appropriate agendas. Please check the location.

Harvest Market - Thursday, August 25th
Did the rain spoil your Harvest Market plans last week? Harvest Market is EVERY Thursday!! Located in the Civic parking lot next to the Elgin post office this weekly happening is every Thursday from 12pm-6pm. So head on over as the last day is September 22nd!

A Time to Network and Eat - August 29th
Come to our Out to Lunch - Monday, August 29th @ Noon at Cafe Magdalena.
Our speaker will be Sean Stegall, Assistant City Manager of the City of Elgin, and we will be thanking Bob Beeter from the Elgin Police Department. We will be having a buffet meal with free drinks for $6.50. Please remember to tip, and RSVP by August 26th. Thanks!!

Do you like old houses and their history? - ASAP
The Historic Elgin House Tour could use your help!! They are in need of volunteers to help on September 10th from 1:20pm-5:00pm and on Sunday September 11th from either 9:50am-1:30pm or 1:20pm-5pm. Please call Sandy at 847.347.1589 to help and get a FREE TICKET.

Bleu Delph Flower Shop Relocates

The Bleu Delph Flower Shop is now located at 17 N. Grove. Stop in and see the unique arrangements Jonathan creates. Read Lenore Adkins' article in the Sunday Daily Herald.

It's Happening Downtown, the Week of August 15th

Thursday, August 18th
What: Harvest Market
Time: 12 to 6 pm
Where: Civic Center parking lot at the corner of Highland and Grove

Friday, August 19th
What: Deadline for the United Way Day of Caring
Volunteers are needed to help your community and the downtown!! If you haven't signed up with the United Way yet for a project let us give you some ideas. Three projects that are in or very close to our Downtown are still in need of volunteers. Please look below and contact DNA so that we may form a group to go help with at least one of these projects.

Where:
1) Boys and Girls Club of Elgin Code #1 - 355 Dundee Ave. - Needs to be scraped and painted
Skills & Supplies: Painting experience, ladders, any painting equipment
Full day project - # of Volunteers needed: 12-24 people

2) Near West Neighbors Association Code #12 - North side of W. Chicago Street between State St. and North Crystal Street - Brush Clean-up
Skills & Supplies: small chain saw, rakes, work gloves
Half day project - # of Volunteers needed: 10-20 people

3) Wellington Neighborhood Code #26 - Lower Wellington - Operation Clean Sweep
Skills and Supplies: Garden Gloves, small chain saw, rakes, weed whackers
Half day project - # of Volunteers needed 40-5)

Saturday, August 20th
What: Saturday Night at the Movies
Presented by the City of Elgin and the Cultural Arts Commission. "The Adventures of Robin Hood" Errol Flynn at his best. It's free. Bring a chair or blanket. Consessions by DNA.
Time: 8pm
Where: Hemmens south lawn