Downtown Halloween Events

There are many Halloween events this weekend and Trick or Treating at downtown shops on Halloween.

Urban Legends Begin in Downtown, what all ages can do this Halloween weekend!!

TC Church
THE FUN FAIR! a community event for all Kids!
Free Admission!
> Free Candy!
> Free Food!
> Free Games!
> Sign up to win exciting Prizes!
Indoor-carnival which serves as a alternative Halloween celebration. The kids are in a safe environment. And they definitely have a FUN time!
10/31 6pm-8pm
@ 310 E Chicago
info: 847.888.8558

YWCA
Halloween Hike
10/28 & 10/29, 6pm-9pm
@ Camp Tu-endie-wei
info: 847.742.7930

MT Special Cut
Halloween Specials - Green Hair!
10/31 @ 15 N State St
info: 847.760.6528

Books at Sunset/Prairie Rock Brewing Co
Elgin's Supernatural Tour (Adult)
10/28 & 10/31, 6:30pm-9pm
@ Books at Sunset, 1100 South St
tickets & info: 847.888.1860

Al's Cafe & Creamery & Janus Theatre
"We Only Have Ives for You: A David Ives Revue"
10/27-10/29, 8pm @ 43 Dupage Ct
tickets & info: 847.841.1713/ dinner: 847.742.1180

Gasthaus Zur Linde
Costume Party - Contest with prizes!
10/31, @ 15 N Grove Ave
info: 847.695.8828

Oak Crest Atrium
Grandma's Porch on Halloween
10/31, 3-5pm @ 204 S State St
children 10 & under
info: 847.742.2255 - Zoila

Elgin Theatre Company
"Night of the Living Dead"
10/28 & 10/29, 8pm
@ Theater 355 - 355 E Chicago St
tickets & info: 847.741.0532

Gail Borden Library
"The Land Before Time" Movie
10/29, 10:30am-Noon
Enjoy popcorn & come in costume!
info: 847.429.4599

McNeil Mansion
7th Annual Holiday Open House
10/28-10.30, 10am-5pm @ 162 S State St
info: 847.622.9636-Mary

The Mission (Adult)
Medusa's Halloween Costume Party
10/28, 10:30pm @ 209 E Chicago
info: 847.488.0320

Salon De Belleza Yatzel
Halloween Discounts & Free Face Painting
10/31, 4pm-7:30pm @ 210 Dupage St
info: 847.608.2619

Senior Services Association
Halloween Costume Party Lunch & Bingo
10/28 11:30am-2pm @ 101 S Grove Ave
info/reservations: 847.741.0404

Trick or Treating at these downtown shops on Monday, October 31st from 4:00 to 7:30
Super Print
160 E. Chicago St.

Keeney's
19 Douglas Ave

Gasthaus
15 N Grove Ave

Gail Borden
270 N Grove Ave

Jalapenos
7 Clock Tower Plaza

Downtown Neighborhood Association
2 Douglas Ave

Mobile Media
231 Douglas Ave

Extreme Wireless
117 S Grove Ave

Carswell's Flooring
225 E Chicago St

Salon De Belleza Yatzel
210 Dupage St

Montana Realty
10 Douglas Ave

Quick Shoe Repair
18 S. Spring St

Spanky's
51 Clock Tower Plaza

That Suits You
203 E. Chicago St

The Cash Store
87 Clock Tower

Out to Lunch, October 31st

Please join us for the last Out to Lunch of 2005!

Location:
Akina’s Thai Restaurant
23 S Grove Ave
Elgin, IL
Date: Monday, 10/31/05
Time: 12 pm
Menu: Buffet lunch for $7, includes beverage
Special guest: Councilman Tom Sandor

Costumes optional

Please RSVP to (847)488-1456 by October 28th.

Construction Updates - Parking Lot Closing

The south portion of the City’s Riverside Drive parking lot, also known as
the Osco lot, will be permanently closed effective Nov. 1, as City crews
prepare for the demolition of the old Spiess Department Store, 32 S. Grove Street.

The northern section of the parking lot, also known as the NBD lot, will
remain open with 58 reserved parking spots and 27 unrestricted spaces
daily. Reserved spots currently located in the southern lot will be
relocated to the north lot, and will remain available Monday through
Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Employees and clients who currently park in these lots can find alternate
parking in the Spring Street Deck located on Spring Street between
Highland and Chicago, or in other off-street lots throughout the Center
City area, including the Civic Parking Lot at Highland and Douglas
Avenues. The City of Elgin monthly parking permits will be honored at
these alternative sites. Permits are $30 per month and are available at
City Hall.

An additional 550 spaces will become available upon the opening of the new Fulton Street Deck, scheduled to open in mid-November. The new deck is located between South Grove and Villa Street, with entrances from both Fulton Street and Prairie Street.

For more information Ruthanne Hall, the City’s management analyst at (847) 931-6104.

The Great American Family Diner Set to Open in November

The Great American Family Diner is moving to downtown from it's Villa St. location. It will be located in the space formally occupied by Anthony's Restaurant and Jazz Club. The site is at a prime location onDouglass and Kimball. They expect to open in early November and will be serving breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Read the article in the October 25th Daily Herald.

Unilever Closing Downtown Plant

The Unilever plant at State and Highland is closing. While the loss of a business and the jobs it provides is never a positive. In the case of a manufacturing facility with no room for expansion, located in a revitalizing downtown, it is not unexpected.

Below are two excerps from the Riverfront Master Plan created in 2000.

F9
This parcel's high visibility from the Highland Avenue bridge, Walton Island and the Civic Center/Cultural Campus demands that the building be more aesthetic and less of a wall blocking the views from the west side. Temporary artwork placed on the east façade could work into a cultural theme of the Civic/Cultural Campus, with long term replacement of the building with a more human scale architecture a long-term goal. A walkway along the water's edge linking Highland Avenue to Kimball Avenue or Foundry Park would continue the riverwalk north to Judson College. A canoe chute/fish ladder on the west bank would create a longer stretch of navigable water in Elgin.

R13
Lipton Industries is a valuable corporate member of the community that would benefit by relocating to a more appropriate industrial site that enhances their business development plan. The City and Lipton should begin to negotiate a transition process that would allow redevelopment of this site in a 3 - 5 year time frame. Redevelopment site uses should be flexible to take advantage of unforeseen market opportunities to capture corporate, residential or commercial uses that would benefit from a high visibility site on the Fox River in the heart of downtown. Parking for the new site uses will need to be accommodated on site and partially in off-site areas.

Read the article in today's Daily Herald.

Festival Park Phase II Presentation to Council

The plans for Festival Park Phase II will be presented to the City Council on Wednesday, October 26th at the 6 p.m. Committee of Whole meeting. The council meets in the council chambers on the second floor of city hall, 150 Dexter Ct. Elgin, IL.

Read the article in today's Daily Herald.

Its Happening Downtown 10/14 - 10/21

The Season of Fall Entertainment - Did you find "Wicked" booked and expensive? Go to inexpensive-just as fun-local entertainment!
" We Only Have Ives For You: A David Ives Revue" by the Janus Theatre Company - Friday, October 14th-Sat. October 29th, 8pm
This show will be presented between October 14th-29th(Thurs., Fri. Sat. at 8pm) at Al's Cafe & Creamery. Tickets are $12 and dinner reservations can be made at Al's before the show(I know because I already made mine for this Saturday with the husband and friends!). A $2 portion of each ticket will go to the Hurricane Katrina Relief Fund through the American Red Cross. For more information and tickets call 847.841.1713 or go to www.janustheatre.org. For dinner reservations call Al's at 847.742.1180.

The Tony's Today!! - Friday-Sunday October 14th-16th
Played by our very own Elgin Symphony Orchestra between October 14th-16th. Hear excerpts from A Chorus Line, Phantom of the Opera, and Fiddler on the Roof.
Single tickets start at $15 so call 847.888.4000 or go to www.elginsymphony.org.

"Night of the Living Dead" by the Elgin Theatre Company - Friday, October 14th - Sat. October 29th, 8pm
This production will be held at Theatre 355 at 355 East Chicago St. Tickets are $15.00 for adults and $12.00 for youth/senior citizens. Additional performances will be held on October 15, 21, 22, 28, and 29, 2005. For reservations or more info call the Elgin Theatre Company at (847) 741-0532 or web site at WWW.ELGIN-THEATRE.ORG.

Children's Theatre of Elgin Presents...The Wizard of Oz - Fri-Sun October 21st-23rd
So head out to the Hemmens Cultural Center to see this classic through our youth's talent!! For tickets and event information call 847.931.5900.

Organization Events - Fall Fests, Fundraising for food, Family Fun Fairs, Finding out what a week without violence is all about...
Third Annual Family Fall Fest - Saturday October 15th, 3:30pm
This fun filled event will be hosted by the First United Methodist Church in Carlton Roger's Park(adjacent to the Church).
For more details call 847.741.0038 ext. 104 or visit www.fumcelgin.org.

Elgin Skyline Tour - Last One of the Year!! - Saturday, October 15th, 1pm
Join Mary Hill from the Elgin Area Historical Society on Saturday, October 15th at the corner of Douglas and Highland at 1pm.
The tour fee is $5 per person For more info call 847.742.4248.

18th Annual Halloween Family Fun Fair, Saturday, October 15th,10 - 2 pm
Held at the Centre's Heritage Ballroom and sponsored by the City’s Parks & Recreation Department and Sherman Health, kids and families can participate in child car seat safety checks, carnival games, craft activities, storytelling and book sale. A special costume contest will also be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., with awards given to the spookiest, funniest and best overall costume!! For more information, contact Jane Gregory, special events coordinator, at 847/931-6625.

Elgin Crop Walk - Sunday October 16th, 1pm
The Elgin area crop walk seeks to reduce hunger and bring basic health care to countries around the world. Through Church World Services, the Crop Walk aids these basic needs, and 25% of everything raised stays in the community to help alleviate hunger through local pantries. The Elgin Crop walk will begin at the First United Methodist Church. A five mile and one mile walk are available. Contact Mary Hewitt at 847.741.3576 for more information.

Week Without Violence - Sunday-Saturday October 16th-22nd
Call the YWCA for further information of the below events at 847.742.7930
Sunday: Day of Remembrance - Spend some time remembering those who have been affected by violence.
Monday: Walk for Peace - Meet at the YWCA at 4:30pm(Sponsored by the YWCA Teen REACH program)
Tuesday: "I am a Peacemaker Art Show and reception" 4:30pm-6:30pm(Sponsored by the YWCA School age childcare program)
Wednesday: Self Defense Demonstration by Kim's Black Belt Academy at the YWCA at 4:30pm(Sponsored by the YWCA Board of Directors)
Thursday: "Making our Schools Safer" Peacemakers panel discussion at the YWCA at 6pm.(Sponsored by the YWCA Teen REACH program)
Friday: Open to Change - Open House Activities - Free Family Swim at the YWCA from 6:30pm-8pm.(Sponsored by the YWCA Aquatics program)
Saturday: 3 on 3 Basketball Tournament - Alternatives to violence (Ages 14-17) beginning at 9am at the YWCA(Sponsored by the YWCA Southeast Asian Youth)

Buying and Selling on eBay - Tuesday, October 18th, 7pm-8:30pmWant to turn your old junk into profits? Join us to learn the basic about buying, selling, and safety on eBay.
Being held at the Gail Borden Library in Meeting Rooms A&B.

30th Anniversary Dinner for the Community Crisis Center - Thursday, October 20th
Join them as they celebrate their 30 years of service, deliver the State of the Agency address and honor Jack Shales Family with the Seigle Family Humanitarian Award.
This will be held at the Centre in Elgin. For more info call 847.697.2380.

Workshops & Opportunities for your Business/Organization and Knowledge
Downtown DNA Advertising for the Holidays
Call DNA at 847.488.1456 to find out ways that your business can advertise and promote through free postcards for Halloween, inexpensive rates through Ultimas Noticas and the Daily Herald, along with taking part in our annual Window Wonderland!!

Kane County Energy Futures: A Conference on Growth and Energy - Friday, October 21st 10am-2pm
At the Centre the Community Energy Cooperative will release the Kane County Energy Plan. This will look at how rapid growth will impact current infrastructure and what the region can do to meet the expanding needs through minimizing costs, disruptions, and environmental impacts. To find out more information and register call the Community Energy Cooperative at 773.486.7600 ext. 200 or go to http://www.energycooperative.org/.

Business Happenings - Places to go to next week!!
Azteca de Oro has Re-Opened!!!
After two months of closure Azteca de Oro just opened this past Friday. So grab some friends and check out the old and the new at this restaurant, bar, and dance club!! You can find them at 260 National Street. Feel free to give them a call to welcome them back at 847.742.0859.

Business Afterhours - HCR Manor Care, Thursday, October 20th, 5-7pm
Time to meet fellow Downtown residents at 180 S. State Street for a meet and greet that the Chamber of Commerce and HCR Manor Care hosts.

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.