June Out to Lunch

When: Monday, June 26th, 2006 at 12 pm
Where: Cafe Magdalena
13 Douglas Ave
Elgin, IL
What: Guest speaker Councilman John Walters. Lunch is a pasta buffet for $7 including soda.
How: To RSVP call 847.488.1456 before June 23rd.

Harvest Market is Back!

Harvest Market is back for 2006. Every Thursday until September 28th from 12 pm to 6 pm in the Civic Center Parking lot at Highland and Grove (across from the post office).

Fresh vegetables, bread, flowers, plants, French pastries, honey and more...

Brewfest 2006

Brewfest is back for 2006. Join us on June 16th and 17th on Prairie St. in front of the Prairie Rock Brewing Company, 127 S. Grove, Elgin IL.

Elgin 1440 Photography Exhibit

The Elgin 1440 Photography Exhibit featuring the works of 69 different photographers taken May 2, 2006 is currently on display at the Gail Borden Public Library, 270 North Grove. The 175 photo collection will be on display on the main art wall and on the second floor in Adult Services through July 10.

Elgin Post Office Book Drive

The Elgin Post Office is hosting a book drive for the Elgin community, from now through July 31st. Drop off new or gently used books at the Elgin Post office’s main office, 66 Grove Court. They will be distributed to families in the Elgin community. For details call 847.741.0725.

June Out to Dinner

Out to Dinner
What: An opportunity to network with Downtowners and meet with Councilman David Kaptain
When: Tuesday, June 13th at 6 pm
Where: Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant
11 Douglas Ave
Elgin, IL
How: RSVP to 847.488.1456 or email by June 12th
Cost: $12 for a buffet dinner

News From New Orleans

The National Main Street Conference is in New Orleans this week. Norma Miess and Jennifer Benson are representing Elgin and have these thoughts to share.

French Quarter is Open!!!
If there was only one idea I could convey and get across to the readers of this blog about the status of the French Quarter in New Orleans is that it's open and waiting for ya'll to visit and enjoy. Though touched by Hurricane Katrina last August, it did not have flood damage but only wind damage. Nine months of clean-up and repair in this area have left only some buildings in disrepair as far as some roofs, windows, and trees damaged and new trees being planted. After talking to three different business they all mentioned that businesses that aren't open because the tourists are not here. With tourists believing the general hype that there is nothing open and that everything here is flattened and destroyed. The French Quarter still has most of the vibrancy that I remember from when I was here in 2003. So don't postpone your plans in coming to the Big Easy!!!

National Main Street Conference
With 1200 attendees, not counting all of the LA staff, National Trust staff and speakers, this conference has been successful in staying with New Orleans as it's host city through all of the tragedy. Though a main reason for attending conferences is the sessions, there is also the award ceremony, the opening and closing programs, tours, clean-ups, networking and the Main Street Expo. Along with fellow Illinois Main Street executive directors (Antioch, Waukegan, Libertyville and others), we were able to network with programs from Iowa, Indiana, Oklahoma, Maine and National, State and Preservation agencies. At the Expo we ran into streetscape vendors of light poles, street furniture, banners and holiday decorations.

The Opening Reception was held at Jackson Square, a beautiful historical city park right in the heart of the French Quarter. A great chance to enjoy networking with the attendees from around the country.

Highlights at the Opening Session included a national trends survey naming 5 top challenges for Downtown revitalization organizations:

• Small business survival
• Funds
• Development issues
• Competition for volunteers
• Rebuilding infrastructure

Other emerging trends affecting the revitalization field are the shifting concept of "community", diversifying demographics, and the lack of novelty or excitement.

Mitchell J. Landrieu, Lt. Governor of Louisiana reported on the relief efforts and the need for his office to address the effort with reduced staff.

Some of the sessions we participated in are:
* Asset-based Economic Development - Heritage tourism
* Preserving and Promoting a Sense of Place
* Effective Downtown Marketing through the Web
* Developing and Effective Pledge Campaign
* Target Markets & Events Calendar Development


Photos and more reports will be posted upon Norma and Jennifer's return.

Budget Roundtable Tonight

Don't forget the Budget Roundtable Discussion tonight.
It is hosted by the City of Elgin and Elgin Community Network. The Mayor and City Council Members will be on hand to speak with stakeholders to gather community input on the upcoming 2007 Budget process. To reserve your spot please contact RuthAnne Hall at 847-931-6104 or email.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will be participating and suggesting a joint marketing effort between the city and businesses to promote downtown Elgin. Arlington Heights has run a similiar campaign for several years.

Tower Building Eagle

Photo by Kirk Lawler

"An eagle looks to the sun...
One of the many noteworthy architectural details of the Elgin Tower building. Completed in 1929, this example of the Art Deco style is still Elgin's tallest building."

If you'd like a print of this photo, stop by the DNA office at 2 Douglas and it can be yours for a mere $15. While you're there, take a few minutes to view the other photos of downtown Elgin provided by Kirk Lawler.

Maps on the City of Elgin Web Site

Various maps are available on the city of Elgin web site.

Some downtown maps of note.
Neighborhood Association Map
Enterprise Zone Map
TIF District Map
Capital Improvement Project Map
Current & Proposed Development Downtown Map

Chicago White Sox World Series Trophy Tour

Get your photo taken with the World Series trophy and capture the memory of a lifetime!

When: Tuesday, June 6th from 3 pm to 6 pm
Where: The Centre of Elgin
How:

• Please provide your own camera. Make sure to bring extra batteries!
• We request a $10 per party donation to Chicago White Sox Charities. Cash donations only, please.
• Access to the Trophy is on a first-come, first-served basis.
• We recommend arriving early. Wait times have been exceeding one hour. If you have small children, we suggest bringing a small activity to keep them engaged.
• We will end the line once the "wait" time exceeds the end time of the event
  
  
  For more information, please call 312-674-5197
  

I Spy Downtown - Elgin Picture Riddles

I Spy Downtown - Elgin Picture Riddles

Search for the architectural details pictured
in the flyer. Write the address of the buildings in
the spaces provided. All entries receive a
free "Exploring Elgin" coloring book upon
completion. Correctly completed entries will
be entered into a raffle for prizes from area
businesses.

Entries are due at the Tower Building at
2 Douglas Ave. from 8:30a - 5:00p M-F;
or through the mail slot by June 9th,2006.

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.