Pressure Washing of Parking Decks

Alliance Window Cleaning will be pressure washing the parking deck at
Douglas Ave. and Symphony Way beginning at 9:30 p.m. Friday May 26th.
The contractors are recommending that all vehicles be removed from the
deck.

The company will be power washing all City parking decks over the next
few weeks. Signs will be posted on the days prior to cleaning. If there
are any questions or concerns please call the Elgin Public Works
facility at 847-697-3160.

Main Street Showcase

Yesterday, I spent the day in the atrium of the Thompson Center promoting Elgin. Main Street representatives from Batavia, Genoa, Libertyville, Lombard, Pontiac, Prophetstown and Waukegan were spreading the word that there is life in the downtowns of cities of all sizes.



Some of the reasons people stopped to chat.

• Three people asked about the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and took brochures (None of them knew we had a symphony)
• One was considering a move to Elgin and another visitor's daughter had just moved here.
• Two people had recently stopped in Elgin while biking.
• A couple from South Elgin commented on the improvements.

Links to the materials.

Downtown Directory

Out to Lunch Photos, April and May

Akina's on April 24th, 2006

El Rincon de Pastigel Restaurant on May 22nd, 2006

Fresh Coat of Paint on City's Web Site

The city of Elgin's web site has a new look. The content is the same but the colors, photos and logo have changed.

City seeks National Night Out group participation

The Elgin Police Department and the National Association of Town Watch will sponsor local participation in the 23rd Annual National Night Out crime prevention celebration on Tuesday, Aug. 1.
National Night Out is seen as an opportunity to build neighborhood unity and strengthen police-community partnerships, heighten crime awareness, and generate support and participation for local anti-crime programs. Police say it also is a chance to send a message to criminals that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.
Neighborhood Watch groups and associations are encouraged to participate in this year's National Night Out by sponsoring a block party on Aug. 1 from 6 to 9 p.m. Last year, more than 40 neighborhoods joined in the effort to make it a successful event.

To register a neighborhood for National Night Out 2006, people should call the police Department at (847) 289-2626. All registrations must be submitted no later than Friday, June 23, to be recognized by the city.

Memorial Day Activities

Don't forget to honor those who have given their lives for our freedom. The true purpose of Memorial Day.

Elgin Marine Corp League and Northern Kane County Viet NOW Floral Tribute
Time: 9:45 a.m.
Location: Highland Avenue Bridge

Or later on attend the ceremony at Bluff City Cemetery. Get there early, the event is well attended.
Elgin Patriotic Memorial Association Program
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Location: Bluff City Cemetery

No need to cook, breakfast and lunch can be had at the:
Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast
Enjoy all-you-can-eat pancakes!
Time: 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Location: Hemmens Cultural Center, Lower Level
Cost: $5 per person, tickets will be available on Memorial day

Outdoor Exhibition Group's 6th Annual Rib Fest
Enjoy food, drinks, music and children's activities. Event is free to the public. To enter the competition or for more information, call Milt Evans at 847-742-8736.
Time: 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Location: Walton Island

Feel competitive?
Try the 29th Annual Elgin Valley Fox Trot
5K Race, 10 Mile Race and Family Fun Walk and Corporate Challenge. Race starts at 8:00 a.m. sharp in front of City Hall.

Check the City of Elgin web site for more information.

Design Competition for the Veterans Memorial Park

The Veteran’s Memorial Park Committee has developed a design competition to seek qualified proposals for a veteran’s memorial which will be the main feature of the park. This competition will result in the selection of a design proposal that will be used to create the veteran’s memorial.

Submission of design proposals to the committee are due June 15, 2006
Selection of the winning proposal is on August 30, 2006

This competition is open to all interested parties. All qualified proposals will be considered. The winning design proposal selected by the Elgin City Council will receive a $10,000 Award. The memorial site parameters are listed in the design packets that will be available to the public at City Hall the receptionist desk or you can download from the link.
For additional information please contact Sally Rasmussen at 847-931-5939.

Today is Syttende Mai (17th of May)

May 17 is Norwegian Constitution Day, or grunnlovsdag, commonly known as "Syttende Mai." Syttende Mai (literally, "17th of May") is a celebration of the day in 1814 when Norway's constitution was signed in the town of Eidsvoll, Norway.
Children's parades with an abundance of flags form the central elements of the celebration. So wave a Norwegian flag and eat some lutefisk. Never heard of lutefisk, well the direct translation is lye fish. My personal experience with it was as a Christmas Eve tradition. I never did eat it for two reasons. First, the smell and second, the fact that my parents had to use stainless steel utensils because the silverware tarnished upon contact with the lutefisk.

May Out to Lunch

Date: May 22nd
Time: 12 pm
Location: El Pastigel Rincon, 154 E. Chicago St. Elgin, IL
- Our guest speaker is Shari Matthews Huizar, the Executive Director from Centro de Informacion. The price is $7 including soda. Please RSVP to 847.488.1456 by May 19th.

New Drive-Up Window at the Library

The Gail Borden Public Library is very pleased to offer the new drive-up service. Customers may call ahead to request books, DVDs, music CDs, recorded books and CD Roms for pick up at the drive-up window. To ensure prompt service, customers are asked to allow 2 hours to process requests and to limit requests to 5 items. Customers may call (847) 742-2411 to request drive-up service. Customers will be asked to come inside for library card registration and payment for fines or lost materials.

Behind-the-Scenes Museum Tour

Celebrate International Museum Day with a Behind-the-Scenes Museum Tour!
Let your curiosity take you behind the scenes at Elgin Historical Museum, 360 Park St. Tours will be conducted on May 17th at 1 PM, 3 PM, and 5 PM. Advance regstration recommended. For additional information contact the Old Main Museum at 847-742-4248.

How Far Does Our Web Presence Reach?

The Internet exposes life in Elgin, IL to the world. The vast majority of visitors to the DNA's web site and blog are from the Fox Valley but every week there are hits from other states and other countries. Today I took note of a visitor from Cote d'Ivoire. Now it has been many years since my last geography test but I still recognize most countries listed in the log but this one stood out so I did a quick Google search to enlighten me. These are the facts on Cote d'Ivoire according to the CIA. Go to the link for all the details.

Cote d'Ivoire
Location: Western Africa, bordering the North Atlantic Ocean, between Ghana and Liberia
Area - Comparative: slightly larger than New Mexico
Climate: tropical along coast, semiarid in far north; three seasons - warm and dry (November to March), hot and dry (March to May), hot and wet (June to October)
Terrain: mostly flat to undulating plains; mountains in northwest
Elevation extremes: lowest point: Gulf of Guinea 0 m highest point: Mont Nimba 1,752 m
Natural resources: petroleum, natural gas, diamonds, manganese, iron ore, cobalt, bauxite, copper, gold, nickel, tantalum, silica sand, clay, cocoa beans, coffee, palm oil, hydropower
Population: 17,654,843
Note: estimates for this country explicitly take into account the effects of excess mortality due to AIDS; this can result in lower life expectancy, higher infant mortality and death rates, lower population and growth rates, and changes in the distribution of population by age and sex than would otherwise be expected (July 2006 est.)
Economy - overview: Cote d'Ivoire is among the world's largest producers and exporters of coffee, cocoa beans, and palm oil. Consequently, the economy is highly sensitive to fluctuations in international prices for these products and weather conditions.

Now if I had studied French it wouldn't have taken me until this point for the light bulb to go off and to realize that Cote d'Ivoire was formerly known as the Ivory Coast. The Google translation is Dimension Ivory, so maybe someone that did study French can comment on the translation.

If the person who viewed our site from Cote d'Ivoire happens to read this, please post a comment so we know the circuitous (I had to use the dictionary for this one) path that lead you to us.

Anyone else who uses the web to keep up with What's Happening Here or just happened to land here, please post a comment to let us know where you are located and what you were looking for.
It would interesting to hear from our regular visitors from Arizona, France and Texas.

Police Officer Memorial Service

The Elgin Police Department is hosting the Annual Police Officer Memorial Service Monday, May 15th at 2:30 pm. It will be held in front of the police station at 151 Douglas Ave. The service is held annually to pay respect to officers who were killed in the line of duty locally and across the country as well as those members who have passed away during the past year.

The week of May 14th through May 22nd is National Police Week.

Preservation Month Activities - May 12 to May 18

“Historic Visions” A Gallery Walk in Downtown Elgin
The Downtown Neighborhood Association invites you to a special gallery walk May 17th from 5pm to 9pm showcasing Elgin’s vibrant history, as various artists - Elgin Area Historical Society, Keith French, Kirk Lawler, Warren Mogler, and Robert Winner - share their vision of historic preservation at Elgin in several Downtown locations:
Hines Building at 24 Douglas Ave.
The Elgin Tower Building at 2 Douglas Ave.
Pastigel at 154 E. Chicago Street
Elgin Books at 209 E. Chicago St
Kirkpatrick, Jones & Sharf Insurance at 19 S. Spring St.
Attendees may enter a free raffle for a framed architectural detail in Downtown Elgin courtesy of Artistic Framing and Supplies and professional photographer Kirk Lawler. This event is organized by the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Design Committee as part of the Preservation Month activities and in an effort to promote the rich and historic architecture of Downtown Elgin. For more information, please call (847)488-1456 or visit www.downtownelgin.org

I Spy Downtown... An Architectural Hunt for Kids
Bring the whole family in a search of architectural details throughout the various buildings in Downtown Elgin. Enjoy the unique historic atmosphere on an ongoing self guided treasure hunt as part of the Preservation Month activities. Find the "I Spy Downtown" flier at the Gail Borden Public Library (270 N. Grove), at Al’s Café & Creamery (43 Dupage Court), and the Downtown Neighborhood Association's office ( 2 Douglas Avenue). Completed entries can be returned at 2 Douglas Avenue between M-F 8:30 - 5:00pm and will receive a FREE “Exploring Elgin” coloring book. Correct entries will be entered into a raffle for prizes from Al’s Café & Creamery, Elgin Area Historical Society, Elgin Books, and photographer Kirk Lawler. Don't miss it! The deadline for entries is June 9th. This event is organized by the Downtown Neighborhood Association's Design Committee in an effort to promote the rich and historic architecture of Downtown Elgin. For more information, please call (847)488-1456 or visit www.downtownelgin.org

Sell to the City

Do you have an Elgin business that is interested in selling your product to the city? Then this is an opportunity for you.

The City of Elgin is hosting a vendor fair for their employees. This will be an opportunity for Elgin businesses to showcase their products and services to the City employees. Every Elgin business is eligible but due to space constraints selected vendors will be chosen based on response, vendor variety and employees' needs.
The goal is to provide businesses access to City employees as potential customers. It is recommended that participating vendors provide samples, offer coupons or discounted rates for individual employee purchase. There is no fee for participation in the event.
The event will be held on Tuesday June 27 from 10 am to 1 pm at The Centre Heritage Ballroom.
All interested merchants must complete an application and return it to Daina DeNye, City of Elgin Purchasing Department, 150 Dexter Court, Elgin IL 60120, fax (847) 931-5689, no later than June 6, 2006.
If you have any questions regarding this event, please email Daina Denye at denye_d@cityofelgin.org or call 847-931-5604.

Construction on Riverside Drive and Grove Ave

Novak Construction, the General Contractor doing the construction on Riverside and Grove Streets will begin May 8, 2006. The work on Grove will require a large excavation in the public sidewalk along the west side of the street. The work will be done on the west half of the road from the center line toward the building requiring southbound lane closures during the day. Flagmen will be used to direct traffic in the remaining northbound lane and trench platting at night.

Please avoid the portion of Grove Avenue between Chicago and Spring if possible.

This Weekend during Preservation Month, May 4 - May 6

Thursday, May 4
Mayor's Awards for Preservation
The Elgin Heritage Commission honors outstanding contributors to Elgin's heritage. Honorees have demonstrated their dedication to older architecture, neighborhoods and history.
Sponsored by the Elgin Heritage Commission.
Call Sarosh Saher at (847) 931-5943.
Location: Heritage Ballroom, The Centre of Elgin.
Time: 6:00pm to 9:00pm. (Ceremony at 7:00pm.)

Saturday, May 6
The Great Unveiling
Celebrate the 9th Annual Great Unveiling as neighborhood organizations sponsor the removal of substitute siding in an old fashioned barn raising atmosphere at two Elgin residences. Free volunteer labor and a monetary gift is provided to property owners that have applied to have the nonoriginal artificial siding removed from their historic homes. It's a busy day for all volunteers!
Sponsored by the Northeast Neighborhood Association (NENA) and Admirers of Beautiful Old Dwellings of Elgin (ABODE).
Contact Jeff Gill at (847) 468-1926 or Brian Anderson at (847) 741-1177.
Location: 856 North Spring St.
Time: 9:00am - noon. (lunch will be served)

Firefighters Memorial Service
Listed on the National Register of Historical Places, Elgin Fire Barn No.5 is the appropriate site for a memorial service and dedication ceremony to honor firefighters who died in the line of duty this past year and retirees from Elgin and nearby communities.
Sponsored by the Elgin Fire Department and Elgin Fire Barn No. 5.
Contact Timothy Ryan at (847) 931-6175.
Location: Elgin Fire Barn No. 5 at 533 St. Charles Street.
Time: 11:00am.

Walk it, See it, Feel it
An educational walking tour of West Elgin that will use history, stories, and hands-on experience to enhance participants knowledge of Elgin's development as a city. Learn about the influences that shaped development of West Elgin, the Kimball Family, pre-Civil War architecture, cobblestone buildings, the topography of the area, and the social changes that continue to influence this part of the city.
Sponsored by the Elgin Area Historic Society
Contact Mary Hill at (847) 695-9659 or eahs360@foxvalley.net.
Location: 52 N. Crystal Street. Park on neighborhood streets.
Time: 1:00pm.

CInco de Mayo Carnival, Fest and Parade

Carnival and Fest
Rides, food vendors, entertainment, games, information booths and more!! The Fest will be from May 4th thru May 7th on the corner of N. Grove and Kimball in the old Gail Borden parking lot.

The hours are Thursday 5pm-10pm, Friday 5pm-11pm, Saturday 12pm-11pm , and Sunday 12pm-10pm. Unlimited ride specials will be on Thursday 5pm-9pm and Saturday and Sunday 12pm-4pm.

Parade
Saturday, May 6th at 10 am
The Cinco de Mayo parade will start at Fulton and Spring (between ECC Fountain Square Campus and the Fulton St. Parking garage). It will proceed North on Spring Street and turn West onto Symphony Way ending at the Fest location.

For more information call 847.488.1456

Hemmens 2006-2007 Season

The Hemmens 2006 - 2007 season was announced yesterday. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. May 24. Call (847) 931-5900 or visit http://www.hemmens.org/ for details. Read the April 28th Daily Herald article here.

2006
•Rock band Survivor: 7 p.m. Aug. 8.
•Paramount’s LaserSpectacular featuring the music of Pink Floyd: 8 p.m. Sept. 23
•Chicago singer/songwriter Cathy Richardson: at 8 p.m. Sept. 29.
•Country star Phil Vassar: 8 p.m. Sept. 30.
•Glenn Miller Orchestra: 3 p.m. Oct. 1
•Political satirists Capitol Steps: 8 p.m. Oct. 13.
•Political satirist P.J. O’Rourke: 8 p.m. Oct. 14.
•Blues legend Bo Diddley: 8 p.m. Oct. 20.
•New age pianist George Winston: 7:30 p.m. Nov. 7.
•Blues legend B.B. King: 8 p.m. Nov. 9.
•Comedian and actress Kathy Griffin: 8 p.m. Nov. 10.
•British Invasion seminal figure Eric Burdon & The Animals: 8 p.m. Nov. 11.
•Singer Kathy Mattea: 8 p.m. Nov. 17.
•Award-winning composer Marvin Hamlisch: 8 p.m. Nov. 18.
•Grammy-winning gospel, country and jazz group Aaron Neville Quartet featuring Charles Neville: Dec. 1.
•New age and world music from David Cullen, Will Ackerman, Philip Aaberg and Samite, of Windam Hill: 8 p.m. Dec. 2.
•Country group Oak Ridge Boys: 8 p.m. Dec. 16.

2007
•Southern African vocal group Ladysmith Black Mambazo: 8 p.m. Feb. 16
•Dancing illusionists MOMIX: 7 p.m. Nov. 25
•Celtic singer Natalie MacMaster: 7 p.m. March 11.
•Neil Simon’s play “Lost in Yonkers”: 8 p.m. March 23 and 24.
•Bluegrass act Cherryholmes: April 29
•Jim Peterik & World Stage, a concert with top musicians and songwriters celebrating Peterik’s 35-year career in music: 8 p.m. May 18

Seeking Artists

The American Association of University Women-Elgin branch is seeking artists to exhibit at the 47th annual Art Showcase of the Elgin Fine Arts Festival, Aug. 5-6, in Elgin's Civic Center Plaza. Only original work will be accepted. Entry deadline is May 1, or until all sites are filled. For an entry form, send a No. 10 SASE to Art Showcase, 602 Prospect St., Elgin, IL 60120.