A Flickr Timeline of Downtown Elgin

Check out this mashup of Flickr called Tickr.

This is an embedded version using "downtown elgin il" as the search phrase.


You can view the results above in four ways.
Timeline, List View, Flipbook or Map View.
The Flipbook is like Coverflow, you can click on the stacked images on the sides to flip through the collection.

Try your own searches here.

"Green" Bags & CFL Bulbs at Harvest Market

The City of Elgin will be giving away 200 "Green Bags" and energy efficient CFL light bulbs to Harvest Market customers on Thursday, June 12th from 10 am to 6 pm. Harvest Market is in the Civic Center parking lot at the corner of Highland and Douglas in downtown Elgin. You can purchase an assortment of fruits, vegetables, flowers, delicious jams, healthy gourmet dog treats, bread, pies, muffins and scones, free range meats and eggs, cheese, pickles, and olive oil.


UPDATE
Pics of the bag, CFL bulb, Cheddar Jalapeño bread and the bag tag.
Go to www.cityofelgin.org/green to find out more about the city's green efforts.
The 250 bags ran out at 1pm. Everyone that received one can return next week and use it to carry their purchases home.

Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl and American Pie

Somebody famous is coming to Downtown Elgin.

I will give you a couple clues to guess who it is. If you aren’t under the age of 30, you may want to phone a friend, or your kids, on this one.

Okay, clue number one: He played “Kevin” in the American Pie films in the late 1990’s/early 2000’s. If you don’t know him as Kevin, you might know him as the kid who made out with Tara Reid in the film. Eeeww.

Clue number two: He played Henry Rowengartner, a pre-pubescent kid turned professional pitcher for the Chicago Cubs, in the film Rookie of the Year, released in 1993.

And clue number three: At the age of 12, I was convinced that he was the man I was going to marry. That doesn’t really help you, but I feel better now that I have confessed that to someone.

Give up? It’s Thomas Ian Nicholas. If you don’t know him by name, Google him. You would probably recognize his face.

Thomas will be hanging out in Downtown Elgin in August – not as an actor but as a musician. First, he and his band will be opening for Starship and Blues Traveler at Fox Fire Fest on August 2. Then, he will be hosting and playing the Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl on August 15.

Why would Thomas Ian Nicholas, the “Kid in King Arthur’s Court,” even know or care to come to Downtown Elgin anyway, you ask?

He and my husband are actually good friends, which is totally weird for me, for reasons I have already explained.

I actually haven’t met him in person yet. But when I do, I told my husband not to look at me because I will get really embarrassed, which will make me do my “nervous laugh,” which will almost definitely lead to a snort – and that would be utterly mortifying.

But you can meet Thomas up close and personal if you come to the Downtown Elgin Pub Crawl on August 15. He’ll kick off the event with a short outdoor concert in DuPage Court near Al’s Café and hang out with the “crawlers” as they make their way around Downtown Elgin, stopping at Gasthaus, Martini Room, Elgin Public House, Prairie Rock, Villa Verone and La Puesta del Sol. Thomas will close the night out with a full concert at Medusa’s (a.k.a. The Mission for you 30-somethings) where crawlers can win great raffle prizes, including a Harley Davidson XL 1200N Sportster. Sweet.

The Elgin Pub Crawl is organized by Geoffrey Sands from Medusa’s and the Elgin Jaycees and proceeds benefit Little Angels, the Elgin Police Torch Fund and Children’s Theatre of Elgin. Tickets are $20 and are on sale now at most Downtown Elgin businesses and festivals, including Prairie Rock’s Brewfest this weekend in Festival Park.

To learn more about the Pub Crawl visit http://www.elginpubcrawl.com/. To learn more about Thomas, visit http://www.thomasiannicholas.com/.

And for all you ladies with lingering Thomas Ian Nicholas crushes, before you come out to the Pub Crawl, visit http://www.djcolette.com/ to learn all about Thomas’ super hot Chicago DJ wife – DJ Colette.

Shop Green at Downtown Elgin’s Harvest Market This Thursday

In the City of Elgin, “green” is the new black.

Our city’s vehicle fleet is flanked with hybrid cars. Our streetlamps are running on LED bulbs. The new Sherman Hospital will be heated and cooled by a geothermal lake. Judson University is home to one of the most environmentally-sound academic buildings in North America.

And beginning June 12, you can shop “green” every Thursday at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market.

Shopping at a local farmers market is an easy way to start living a more “green” and sustainable lifestyle. Not only are you supporting local farmers and preserving precious farmland, but most of the produce and other items are grown organically without those nasty pesticides, antibiotics and hormones.

One of the favorite vendors at Downtown Elgin’s Harvest Market is Gloria’s Gourmet Meat & Eggs. Gloria and her husband Don Hoffer have a farm in Compton, IL where they raise antibiotic- and hormone-free cattle, pigs, and chickens, as well as a set of healthy, six-month old twins named Nicholas and Katherine.

It’s a pretty amazing thing these days to buy a pound of meat from the person who actually raised it.

The first farmers market started back in 1934 on a dirt lot in Los Angeles when a handful of farmers came together to sell their homegrown wares out of the backs of their pick-up trucks. Elgin’s market hasn’t strayed much from that tradition – except the dirt lot is an asphalt parking lot and the department of public health is a little more stringent on its policies. Thank goodness.

Downtown Elgin’s Harvest Market has a great variety of locally grown and produced offerings – from fruits and veggies to multigrain breads to pickles, olive oil, cheese, fresh-cut flowers and even organic dog treats. Hey, even dogs need to eat “green” – your lawn will thank you.

Each market day we will also host an educational or entertainment group with activities related to “green” and healthy living. We are also planning chef demonstrations showing meal that can be made with market products. Details about what is happening when will be available soon at DowntownElgin.com.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market runs June 12 through September 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in the Civic Parking Lot near City Hall at Douglas and Highland Avenues. And while you are there, be “green” and take a walk around the Downtown to see how its changing.

Amazin' Race 2008

The first Elgin Amazin' Race was a huge success. 19 teams and 100 people scrambled through downtown Elgin solving clues and performing feats of strength and knowledge. Five teams were turned away on Friday because of the 19 team limit. Sign up early next year.
The teams gather at the Elgin Public House waiting for their first clue.
We ran into Armand Young on our way to Festival Park. He has been walking for more than a year. He started the journey he calls, Bamboo the Walk, in Santa Monica, California, and plans to plant the bamboo shoot he carries with him at the former site of the World Trade Center in New York City. Click here for the Courier News article or here for the Life in Elgin post.
Here is the Kickstands Team fresh and ready to compete while waiting for the 1 pm start at Festival Park. Our first challenge was a water balloon toss where you had to successfully toss 10 balloons with a maximum of 30 tries. We were 10 for 10.
After a couple of other stops we found ourselves at The Centre and another challenge, the four-person ski run. This is teamwork.
The next challenge was at the Fountain Square condos. It was a welcome break to stay in air conditioned comfort while solving a Spiderman puzzle.
A couple more stops and we found ourselves at Al's Cafe. Dave volunteered to take one for the team and take the brain freeze challenge.

We finished around 4 pm and headed back to the Public House for dinner and refreshments. I was exhausted but had a great time, I think we traveled about 10 miles.

Link to photos from the Courier.
Article from the Courier News.
Article from the Daily Herald.

Calling All Artists

Artspace
Mark your calendar for July 24 at 7 p.m.
A public meeting with Artspace is scheduled in the Heritage Ballroom at the The Centre with details and updates on the progress of the project. More information on the Artspace project is available here and at www.artspaceusa.org.

Art Showcase 2008
A juried fine art & fine craft show, sponsored by the Elgin Area Branch of the American Association of University Women (AAUW) in conjunction with FoxFireFest on August 2nd and 3rd in Festival Park.

An entry form and show details are available at www.aauwartshow.com

Alley of Art
The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission seeks artists to participate in the Alley of Art. The show is part of Walkabout: Theatre On Your Feet – a theatre walking tour throughout downtown Elgin.

Alley of Art will run on Saturday August 16, 23 and 30 from 1 to 4 at Du Page Court in downtown Elgin.

There will be a People’s Choice Award featuring a cash prize for Best in Show. All artworks are open for consideration. Please email a link to online portfolio or provide low resolution jpeg photos by July 1. They can be sent to elginarts@gmail.com.

For more information contact Sean Hargadon at 847-363-3573 or elginarts@gmail.com.

Downtown Elgin in Detail

New satellite images of downtown Elgin are available from Google. Festival Park in great detail and other recent improvements. Explore and share your finds in comments.

Trains and Butterflies

Appearing soon at Festival Park. This is the train that will take children for rides around the park. The photo was taken at the Elgin Public Works Open House on Saturday, May 17th. A ride will cost $1 although it might be free during some special events.

The trackless Wattman Mini Express Train is 3 feet wide by 33 feet long. The train holds up to 24 passengers.


The kids are right in the middle of the action as Mayor Schock sets the butterflies free into their new paradise at the corner of Ann and Douglas. The new butterfly garden is the result of the collaboration between the City of Elgin and the NorthEast Neighborhood Association (NENA).

Some links
The Butterfly WebSite
Children's Butterfly Site
Butterfly - Wikipedia

Bike Racks and More...

New bike racks have been installed on DuPage Court. Two racks in the style of old fashioned "high wheel" bikes bookend the court. Other bike rack locations here.
Six loop racks dot the court.
A new restaurant called Mad Maggies is coming soon at the Grove Ave side of the court and Al's Cafe has a new projecting sign over on the Spring St side.
One more thing...

The new trees are in on Grove Ave, a welcome sight. So ride your bike down to DuPage Court and have a malt, take in the sights and sometime in the future you can have a pizza too.

Top Ten April 25 - May 4

Lady Windermere's Fan
Performed by Vex Theatre
This Oscar Wild play will be presented at the Elgin Art Showcase. Tickets are $15, for Seniors and Students, $12. Tickets are available at the door, but cash only. Reservations and further info can be done online at www.vextheatre.org.

In the gallery: "Paint:2008"
A collection of contemporary works will be on exhibit the same duration as Vex Theatre's play, created by artists Laura Brown, Renee Dankert, Erin Denk, Mary Mariutto, Rick Nueberger, Steve Oleksy, and Sharon Settles.

Fri. & Sat., April 25 & 26, 8pm
Sunday, April 27, 3pm
Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

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"Let's Get This Show on the Road"
American Idol's Leslie Hunt Performing Live at the Hemmens to support local programs

American Idol contestant Leslie Hunt will join the Elgin Junior Service Board and community volunteers in presenting "Let's Get This Show On The Road," a musical and comedy production. This is the ESJB's 27th follies production and all proceeds from this event support the programs run by the EJSB to better the lives of women and children throughout the community.

Leslie Hunt, was voted a top 10 female vocalist in 2007, during Season Six, a.k.a. "The Season of Sanjaya." Ms. Hunt is a St. Charles, Illinois native and is currently performing her own material throughout the Chicagoland area. She is releasing her own album of self-composed music July 1, 2008 through her own company, Benesklie Productions.

Tickets, priced from $15, are available by calling the Hemmens Box Office at 847.931.5900. Special "Patron" tickets are available for $35 each and include a cocktail hour prior to the show and a meet and greet with American Idol contestant Leslie Hunt. Patrons must be 21 years and older. For more information visit www.elginjsb.org or contact chairperson Deirdre White at 847.363.0968.

Friday & Saturday April 25 & 26, 8pm
Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

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Out to Lunch at Akina's
Is it Springtime for a spring roll?:)

Join us this Monday to savor spring and healthy Thai food at Akina's. A buffet spread of Downtown favorites will be offered along with beverages. The cost is $8.50, all inclusive. Our guest speaker will be executive director Johnny Placeres, of the Neighborhood Housing Services of Fox Valley(NHS). NHS just moved to Downtown in the past six months and is a member of the Downtown Neighborhood Association. NHS will also be visible next weekend at the Cinco de Mayo Festival.

Monday, April 28, Noon
Akina's Thai Restaurant, 23 S. Grove Avenue

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May is Preservation Month
Events, walks, lectures, activities...

The Elgin community shares its pride, concern, and ideas on Preservation in the month of May, kicking off with Elgin's Mayor's Awards on May 1 at 6pm at the Heritage Ballroom, Centre - 100 Symphony Way. Historic Preservation Specialist, Jennifer Fritz-Williams remarked "The awards recognize creative and imaginative efforts made toward neighborhood and downtown revitalization with three honors of distinction." For the months' activities click HERE.

For a joint Fox Valley Preservation activity on the topic of "Green Preservation" and good food in Geneva click HERE.

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Cinco de Mayo Next Weekend
Carnival, Festival & Parade

It's time to get outside and soak up the beginning of festival season in Downtown Elgin between the Gail Borden Public Library and Hemmens at Kimball and Grove! The Cinco de Mayo festival will offer live music, lots of food, carnival rides and games, children's activities, business and information booths, and much more! The Festival Hours are as follows:

Thursday, May 1 - 5pm - 10pm
Friday, May 2, 5pm - 11pm
Saturday, May 3, 1pm - 11pm Hours
Sunday, May 4, 1pm - 10pm

Parade - Saturday, May 3, 12pm
(The Parade will start at Spring and Highland and will go North on Spring Street, then turn west onto Symphony and go all the way to the Festival site)

Entertainment Schedule, Competitions, & Wristband Specials for the Carnival Rides

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Applications for Upcoming Events
4th of July Parade & Harvest Market - organized and sponsored by the Downtown Neighborhood Association

It's that time of year to plan on promoting your business and organization, or just having fun with a group of friends and family at the 2008 4th of July Parade! So download your application and get it in before May 30, 2008. The sooner it is in, the better chance to be staged closer to the beginning of the parade!

Also are you a farmer in the area or have friends who sell their home grown food at Farmer's Markets in Chicagoland? Or you have a favorite vendor that you have liked at a different farmer's market and would like to see them here in Elgin? We are looking for vendors for the 2008 Harvest Market season in Downtown Elgin. So download an application to get the details - Early Deadline is May 1, but applications for the whole season can be taken until June 6.

Questions? Call 847.488.1456 or e-mail thudson@elginil.org.

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Regional Competition Needs Help
Looking for ways to serve in the Elgin community?

The National Christian Forensics and Communication Association has a wonderful opportunity for adults who enjoy helping teens. The league will be holding a regional competition on the campus of Judson University in Elgin, May 6-8, and is in need of 500 local volunteers to serve as judges. No experience is necessary; there will be an orientation prior to each round. Judges can donate a few hours or a day to help make this valuable experience, a success for the students and the community. If you are interested, please contact Sue at (630) 514-3971 or by e-mail at judges06@gmail.com.

Tuesday - Thursday, May 6-8
Judson University, 1151 N. State Street

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The Greatest Story eBertolt
The Janus Theatre company presents the final show in their 2007-2008 season.

The Greatest Story eBertolt: A Brecht Review - a new show celebrating the life and writings of the late German playwright and poet, Bertolt Brecht. Elgin native Sarafina Vecchio created the piece by adapting the writings from Bertolt Brecht and arranging the music from Kurt Weill. She's also directing the plays.

The Story
In this collage of music, theatre and poetry, six actors find themselves together in a run-down German café. With just their will and charisma they tell the story of Bertolt Brecht - a revolutionary poet who found fame in Germany as playwright, but because of his strong opposition to Hitler's ideas he was forced to flee Germany and ended up in America where he found a new enemy - Joseph McCarthy and the Red Scare. The Greatest Story eBertolt reminds us that every choice, decision and vote counts.

The Tickets
Tickets are $15 regular, $12 student/senior, $10 for groups of 8 or more, and can be reserved by calling 847-931-0637. For more information, go to www.janustheatre.org.

In the Gallery
Throughout the duration of Janus Theatre's play photographs of Bruce Starrenburg "Route of Abbys: Sacred Architecture of France and Great Britain" will be on display.

Fri.& Sat., May 2&3; 9&10; 16&17, 8pm
Sunday, May 4, 11,18, 6pm
Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

PHOTO: CLOCKWISE FROM BOTTOM TO TOP: MEREDITH KOCH (ELGIN), JIM PIERCE (SOUTH ELGIN), RISE DAWN JONES (ELGIN), STEVE MACARUS (ELGIN), JOCELYN MILLS (CAROL STREAM) AND GREG PETERS (ELGIN).

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Gershwin: American Icon Festival
Performed by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra and conductor Robert Hanson

This season's American Icon Festival will feature the eminent Pascal Roge performing two of the best-loved piano concertos of the 20th century - those of Gershwin and Ravel. The program concludes with An American in Paris, a rhapsodic invention portraying the vivid experiences of a visitor to the romantic city by and day and by night. For tickets call 847.888.4000 or go online to www.elginsymphony.org.

Friday, May 2, 1:30pm
Friday & Saturday, May 3 & 4, 8pm
Sunday, May 4, 3:30pm
Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

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3rd Annual Asian Fusion Festival

The Asian American Community of Elgin (AACE) will be hosting its 3rd Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration "Simply Asia - The "Cultural Avenue" on May 31 at the Hemmens Auditorium. This will be a big celebration of culture - Asian and beyond - within the greater Kane and Cook County community with over 1,000 people enjoying an enticing experience of lots of food, music, and performance. Mayor Ed Schock is serving as Honorary Chairman for the festival.

Sponsors are encouraged to donate raffle and silent auction items which would be gratefully appreciated. For more info click HERE.

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Lookin’ for Lincoln

Clue for April 19-26

Abe’s not afraid of a little construction. He’ll be hanging out this week at a business on Chicago Street sipping banana cream lattes and reading one of his favorite books, "The Life of George Washington.” Stop in for a visit and get a special discount at this downtown shop. Be sure to sign Abe’s back side and drop your name in the box for a chance to win Abe at the end of the year.

Don't Abandon Your Downtown

Don’t let the big holes in sidewalk fool you. Downtown Elgin is open for business.

Streetscape construction is well underway on Chicago Street. And though business owners are excited about how beautiful and pedestrian-friendly their new and improved street will soon become, they are also a little nervous. And understandably so.

The construction workers are doing a great job in trying to maintain pedestrian access to the businesses. But, construction in and of itself is a deterrent for many people.

Loud machines, flying dust and rubble underfoot, not to mention limited on-street parking, closed traffic lanes and cranky drivers . . . yeah, you can understand why a downtown business in the midst of streetscape construction might be a little nervous.

So, I’m here this week to ask a favor of you.

When someone starts complaining that it is too hard to get around Downtown Elgin, give them a light thump on the forehead and say, “give me a break.” Then present the following argument:

(1) Downtown Chicago is eternally under construction, and people just accept it.
(2) Flying dust might be annoying, but it won’t kill you. Unless you are allergic to dust – then you should probably steer clear.
(3) This is temporary.
(4) It’s okay to change your driving habits – there are other ways to access Chicago Street than driving into Downtown on it. Like National Street or Kimball Street and cutting over on Spring Street to the Spring or Fulton parking garages.
(5) There are a lot of businesses in Downtown Elgin that are worth leaping over a pile of gravel for.

We Elginites pride ourselves on being tough. We work hard. We play hard. Certainly we can handle a little construction. Pshh.

So, don’t abandon your Downtown businesses. Jerry is still ready to give you an old-fashioned haircut and a shave at Central Barber Shop. Herminda and Gloria are ready to serve up a cup of coffee and a good read at Elgin Books. Carswell’s Flooring has still got you covered.

You can check out all the businesses on Chicago Street and throughout Downtown on the DNA’s Downtown Directory at DowntownElgin.com.

Downtown Mixer - Social Networking

Meet a future client, a Facebook friend or a date for Friday night at a new networking scene in Downtown Elgin!

Thursday, April 10
5 to 7 pm

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago St.

Free noshing, Free stuff, Cash bar

"Speed Networking" starts at 5:30
Drawing for a Tom Tom One GPS at 6:30

Powered by Everyware Inc.

New things are sprouting up all over downtown Elgin

The birds are chirping. The squirrels are frolicking. And the construction workers have come out of hibernation.

Spring is in the air in downtown Elgin.

OK, it doesn't really feel like spring. But the new businesses sprouting up throughout downtown are a good sign.

Those of you who read my column regularly (all five of you, thank you) have heard me rave about the new Italian restaurant, Villa Verone. If you haven't tried it yet, go on a Thursday night and stay for the live jazz entertainment. And if you stay late enough, you may even get to hear owner Pietro sing Sinatra.

Hand & Sole Nail Spa is now open for business at 19 N. State St. Owner Janet Schmoyer is a longtime downtown neighbor, having worked at The Razor's Edge for many years. Janet also is a very active volunteer with the Downtown Neighborhood Association. She serves on four committees -- and she gives a heck of a pedicure.

Coming soon to downtown is The Braiding House at 119 W. Chicago St. The Web site says it all: "There are days we feel beautiful and days we don't, and when we don't, we do something about it." I just love that. Stop in and see owners Cecile and Gislaine on one of those not-so-beautiful days.

Looking for video production services for your business or organization? D. Hudson Productions at 164 Division St. is a full-service video production company specializing in commercial and industrial videos for broadcast and Web. Owner Dave Hudson is great to work with, and I'm not saying that because we have the same last name.

In addition to new businesses, downtown also has some existing businesses that are trying some new things.

Elgin Public House at 217 E. Chicago St. now has live music a few times a month, usually on Friday nights. Bluesman Keith Scott quickly is becoming a downtown Elgin favorite.

Salon Couture at 167 E. Chicago St. has taken up the cause of promoting clean water for all during Earth Month in April. The salon is planning to raise at least $1,500 for the Alliance of Great Lakes through a variety of fundraisers.

Gasthaus Zur Linde is transitioning from its roots as a German restaurant to becoming more of a German pub with food and spirits and live music on the weekends. You will see some major changes to the pub's interior in the coming months.

If you are looking for a new networking scene, check out the DNA's Downtown Mixers. The first mixer will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. April 10 at Elgin Public House and is sponsored by Everyware Inc.

To get the latest on what's up in downtown Elgin, sign up for our weekly e-blast at www.DowntownElgin.com.

Top Ten: March 28 - April 6

1) Two Music Venues this Friday
Within a couple blocks of each other...

Elgin Jazz Espial
Featuring The Loren Golden Quartet, listen to live jazz for $20. A cash bar for wine and beer will also be available. So get your tickets soon, as seating is limited. For reservations or to listen to their music go to www.jazzespial.com.

Friday, March 28, 7:30pm
Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

Keith Scott Band
Having been in Downtown Elgin a couple times already, Keith will yet again entertain those at the Elgin Public House with his acoustic blues. For more info call 847.468.8810.

Friday, March 28, 9pm
Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street

2) Out to Lunch - Quiznos & DNA
Good food, conversation, and more!

Join the Downtown Neighborhood Association, at their office, for a boxed lunch from Quiznos. Choose between turkey, chicken, and beef. Chips, chocolate chip cookies, soft drinks, and bottled water will be provided. The cost is $7 all inclusive, so bring cash or a check made out to the "Downtown Neighborhood Association". Our guest speaker will be Cherie Murphy, marketing officer for the City of Elgin. RSVP by March 28 by calling 847.488.1456 or e-mailing jbenson@elginil.org.

Monday, March 31, Noon
DNA office, 2 Douglas Avenue
(First floor of the Elgin Tower Building)

3) Ribbon Cutting/Dinner at Villa Verone
Come say hello to Downtown's new Italian restaurant!

At this month's "Out to Dinner" we will celebrate the opening of Villa Verone and welcome owner Pietro and his staff to the neighborhood! The evening begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 6pm followed by an Italian buffet at 6:30. Our guest speaker will be Brent Edwards from the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, who will talk about how places like Villa Verone are helping to make Downtown Elgin a destination. Cost is $16 (including tax and pop). Please tip accordingly.

RSVP before March 28th for the ribbon cutting and Out to Dinner by calling 847.488.1456 or by e-mailing jbenson@elginil.org.

Tuesday, April 1, 6pm
Villa Verone, 13 Douglas Avenue

4) City of Elgin's Annual Auction
Need a bike? Tools? Read on...

Like to get a good deal? Like digging around for that great find? Head over to the City of Elgin's annual auction that several city departments participate in. Some of the items include over 150 bicycles, misc. tools, office equipment, electronics, jewelry, and multiple items from the police's evidence unit. Any questions? Call 847.289.2530.

Sat., March 29, 8am: Preview, 9am: Auction
Lower Level of the Hemmens, 45 Symphony

5)Leo Kottke & Leon Redbone
Presented by Nitelite Promotions

Sit down and take a seat at the Hemmens next Saturday for an entertaining, witty, and musically inclined performance by two musicians who have paved their own genre. A show not to miss, if you know anything about these two men!
Get tickets by calling 847-931-5900 or go online to www.hemmens.org.

Saturday, March 29, 8pm
Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

6) Cinco De Mayo Fest & Parade
Celebre el Cinco de Mayo con Nosotros!

Join us in Downtown Elgin from May 1-4 for a community-wide celebration of culture, complete with great food, music, children's activities, a parade through downtown, and a carnival by Windy City Amusements! So head to the Downtown Neighborhood Association website to get further information on getting your business and organization involved! For more information call Tonya at 847.488.1456.

Advertising Opportunity with Reflejos Newspaper - Due March 28 - Call Regina at 847.806.5671 for more info or e-mail rcoeto@reflejos.com

Sponsor Application - Due April 1

Booth Vendor Application - Due April 15

Cinco de Mayo Parade Application - Due April 16

7) 10th "Cheers for Children" Brunch
A delicious gourmet cuisine fundraisor for the Larkin Center.

Come savor specialty dishes, along with participating in a live and silent auction. Handmade items, fine wines, a sapphire and diamond bracelet, and a grand raffle prize for a one week stay at the Divi Little Bay Beach & Racquet Club in St. Maarten, the first week of December. Please join them in enjoying this event with a tropical flavor and live entertainment. Cost is $80. Call Sharon at 847.695.5656 x263 to reserve or book online at www.larkincenter.org.

RSVP by Tuesday, April 1!
Sunday, April 13, 11am - 1:30pm
ECC, University Business Center
1700 Spartan Drive

8) Louise Knight at the Library
Presented by the Gail Borden Public Library & the Elgin Area Branch of the American Association of University Women

Louise W. Knight, author of
Citizen: Jane Addams and the Struggle for Democracy will trace how Addams's early struggles with failure during an era of limited opportunities for women shaped her ideas about women's potential and her social reform activism. Refreshments will be served. Book sales and signing follow the program. Please register at the Adult Services Information Desk by calling 847.429.4680, or online at www.gailborden.info.

Tuesday, April 1, 7pm
Gail Borden Library, 270 N. Grove Ave.

9) StoryTubes - 2008 National Contest
Tell, Tube, Tabulate for Fun and Prizes!

Storypalooza is back and bigger then ever! With its new name "Storytubes" it is now a national contest for all kids across the country Grade 1-6. The four different categories this year are Hair Raising Tales, From or For the Heart, Of Heros and Heroines, Facts, Fads, and Phenoms. Kids just need to create a 2 minute video about their favorite book and upload it on YouTube. Then send the link to the Gail Borden Public library via their website. You will automatically be entered into the national contest. Each week, one individual will win $500 in books and their sponsoring library will receive $1,000 in books! Thanks to the sponsoring publishers, Simon & Schuster, Scholastic, Eaglemont Press, DK Publishing, Charlesbridge Publishing, and Shenanigan Books. Watch www.gailborden.info for further details.

Begin Entering Tuesday, April 1
Voting will take place in May

10) The Firebird & Classical Guitar
Performed by the Elgin Symphony Orchestra

Jason Vieaux is expanding the definition of "Classical Guitarist" and delighting audiences along the way. He will lend his expressive gifts to a performance of Rodrigo's beloved Concierto de Aranjuez. Led by acclaimed conductor, Grant Cooper, the ESO will also perform Beethoven's Symphony No. 8 and Strainsky's magical suite from The Firebird. For tickets call 847.888.4000 or go to www.elginsymphony.org.

Saturday, April 5, 8pm
Sunday, April 6, 3:30pm
Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

Downtown Parking Wars

You can all breathe easy now. I have solved the parking problem in Downtown Elgin.

Let’s bring back the parking meters. Then let’s hire a lovely girl named Rita to watch them.

I’m kidding. Actually, the problem, per se, is less about parking spaces than it is about parking habits.

This week a few retail business owners banned together to confront some downtown employees who regularly park all day in their street’s 90-minute parking spaces. After a few days of watchful eyes, dirty looks, some choice words and smooth refereeing by a parking enforcement officer, things are much better. The employees have parked in a nearby public lot and the retailers can give their customers front door service.

Problem solved? Not really. This situation is happening on many downtown streets and not just in Elgin.

Downtowns want their streets to be pedestrian-friendly and aesthetically-pleasing. Hence the construction of parking garages to hide away the excess of vehicles. On-street parking is typically allowed for 90 minutes or less to encourage easy access for shoppers, diners, or clients frequenting downtown businesses.

I remember when I worked at JC Penney they told us in our training that employees were to park behind the “employee line”, which was about 20 spaces back, to leave the front spaces for the customers. In this case, the “employee line” is in the public lots and garages for those businesses who do not have designated parking spaces.

It may surprise you to learn that the downtown has more than 2,000 spaces in public lots and covered garages. And they are all free. So, no matter where you work in downtown, you aren’t more than two blocks from free public parking. If you work in downtown Chicago, you are probably drooling right now.

Your parking options are: the Spring Street garage, the Fulton Street garage, the Civic Center garage on Symphony Way, and the Civic Parking Lot near City Hall. If you are coming downtown for a quick trip, there are more than 500 on-street parking spaces.

You can help to create a pedestrian-friendly downtown by being aware of the parking time limits and abiding by them. It benefits the businesses, which in turn benefits the city as a whole.

And after a few months of walking a couple extra blocks every day, you may notice that it benefits your waistline too. I dropped my last few pounds of baby weight somewhere between the Tower Building and the Spring Street Garage.

And if you want to be able to park anywhere you want for as long as you want (except for on the streets) you can buy a parking sticker from the City for $30 a month. Just go the Finance Department. Tell them that DNA sent you.

Are you a visual person? See a map of Downtown parking options here >

Decade of DNA Banners

Each month in our Top 10 we unveil another banner celebrating our 10th anniversary. Here are the banners from the first 3 months of 2008:

JANUARY 2008

FEBRUARY 2008:

MARCH 2008:

Mark your calendars now for our 10th Anniversary Party at the Grand Victoria Casino on October 2 beginning at 6 p.m. The event will be black tie (optional) so guys, here's your excuse to finally by that tux you've always wanted.

Downtown Elgin Top 10 | March 13-23

This is a condensed version of the weekly Top 10. Get the Top 10 in all its glory delivered directly to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up here >

1.
NHS Open House
Come welcome a new organization to Downtown!
Refreshments, free raffles, and giveaways are just some of the goodies and resources you can find at this organization that educates, supports, and helps homeowners in Elgin! So stop over and say hello! (Also make sure to check out one of NHS's windows that Betsy Couture and Chris Dansy decorated, through the DNA design committee's "Adopt a Storefront" program.)

Thursday, March 13, 10am - 3pm
Neighborhood Housing Services
163 E. Chicago Street

2.
YWCA Elgin Leadership Award
H.S. Senior Women: A scholarship to help with advanced education!
In celebration of its 25th Annual Leader Luncheon on May 8, 2008, the YWCA Elgin will honor a graduating high school woman seeking an advanced education. An initial $1,000 scholarship renewable for three additional years will be presented to the recipient at the celebration. Applications and instructions regarding the award are online at https://64.135.216.19/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001keVw_-x2ZYnpd8jnj6lb0Pa7RhmHL4NQmuBZ6nKgIgJUrW3NEvo8zebjNBYzS_FPVu_5t8k2uy8uDv7CIxuTaHc3TCFj71ZDmuGlPDLz3pATT9qH6TxBtQ==
Questions? Contact the YWCA, 847-742-7930.
Deadline for this application is March 14!

3.
Rollicking Weekend at the Hemmens
Brigid's Cross & Ides of March Perform
Brigid's Cross and special guest Beth Patterson will bring you an exciting blend of traditional and contemporary Irish music. Mention this e-mail when you order tickets and receive a 25% discount to Brigid's Cross!

The Ides of March will perform the next night with their signature horn riff. Their show spans three decades of music that includes Jim Peterik's catalog of Top 40 hits! For tickets call 847.931.5900) or go online to https://64.135.216.19/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001keVw_-x2ZYkia8ukwpSN7g8U0302WA7j6d42v71oC5yCaF0T0CuQSsSYWahp3u-k7iKhDhh2GwUeTgWm7u0N25WvJiFLZtt3aNEQGVbwJ_DwRSu11lqfsw.

Brigid's Cross - Friday, March 14, 8pm
The Ideas of March - Sat., March 15, 8pm
Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

4.
Run for Your Wife - Last Weekend
Performed by the Elgin Theatre Company
John Smith is an ordinary London cab driver with his own car, sets his hours, is hard working, punctual, etc. The exception is that he has two wives who don't know about each other! Adult tickets are $15. Students/Seniors $12. Call 847.741.0532 or e-mail tickets@inil.com For more info go to https://64.135.216.19/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001keVw_-x2ZYm3Pv3VVbdBXi59Rb6yplFMH6k1RJ6j83ZP6AUw0B66j3pswXLqCwDDVVVUq4_J058U4-LmNWUFYgFTBOb5mDkCI6yS-BNXcgmTFoAqPubLxA==

Fri. & Sat., March 14 & 15, 8pm
Theatre 355, 355 E. Chicago Street

5.
Two Plays by the Independent Players
This is the last weekend...so go!
"Hay Fever"
General Admission $15, Seniors $12, Students $10. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back. Fri. & Sat., March 14 & 15, 8pm Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

"Story Theatre" General Admission $15, Seniors $12, 13yrs. and older $10, 12yrs and under $5. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back. Sat. & Sun., March 15 & 16, 3pm Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

6.
New Exhibits at the EAHS - "Old Main"
Celebrate the 2008 Re-Opening of the Museum Come see three exhibits: At the Ballet: Lisa Boehm's Nutcracker; 100 Years of Wing Park Golf; and Piano in the Parlour. At 1:30pm there will be an "At the Ballet" panel discussion program featuring: Clare Ollayos, Jean Keltner, Sandy Haggard, and Don Haefliger. Refreshments will be offered, and admission is free and open to the public. For more info call 847.742.4248. Sunday, March 16, 1pm - 3pm Elgin Area Historical Society 360 Park Street

7.
St. Patty Specials in Downtown Elgin
Treasures await in the following places...

Elgin Public House - 219 E. Chicago Monday - Lamb stew, corned beef and cabbage, shepherds pie, and specials on Guinness, Harp, Smithwick's, & Killians. Call 847.468.8810 for more info.

Grand Victoria Casino - 250 S. Grove Monday - J.P. & the Cats will perform their high energy music & laidback comedy from 7pm - 12am at the Fox & Hound in the Casino. Specials during March are Tuesday's $3 Guinness at Fox & Hound or feast on a "Spring Dinner Buffet" every Wed. for $12.99. For more info call 847.468.7000.

Martini Room - 161 E. Chicago Street It's St. Patty’s Weekend! Friday: Complimentary appetizers - Akina's Thai Live entertainment - Inertia - 10pm;playing classic jazz, soul fused with house music. Cocktail specials: · Grey Goose Orange Citrus Martini $8 · Ginger Apple Long Drink $4 · Shamrock Shaker Martini $6 & Irish Car Bombs $4
Saturday: Guest DJ (Voodoo Schaumburg) 9pm Cocktail specials: · Banana Foster Martini $6 · Executive Sunrise $4 · Green Cookie Shot $3 & Irish Car Bombs $4
Monday: Complimentary appetizers. "Stepping on Suburbs" at 7pm, step dancing lessons and smooth, mellow music. Cocktail specials: · Most Martinis $2 OFF · $3 well drinks & Irish Car Bombs $4
Also Starting from Thursday, March 13th till Monday the 17th all green martinis are $2 OFF - Mermaid (fruity, exotic), Apple, Caramel Apple, Emerald, and Mint Chocolate. For more info call 847.741.0349

Oak Crest Atrium - 204 S. State Street Monday - 1st Anniversary Celebration for the Oak Crest Cellar Pub! Join them on St. Patrick's Day from Noon - 5pm, featuring traditional Irish food and old time favorites played by the popular "Rhythm Rascals". The community dinner will follow at 6pm, reservations are required, and there is a $10 donation per dinner. Call 847.742.2255 for more info and to make a reservation.

Senior Services Associates - 101 S. Grove Monday - 10am - St. Patrick's Day Celebration with Nicko Naidenov. For reservations call Minnie Vasquez at 847.741.0404

8.
Walk & Roll Kick-Off After Hours
Hosted by the American Cancer Society
Come meet this proactive organization March 18, at their after hours, and join them in celebrating the 36th anniversary of Walk & Roll as they raise over $1.1 million to fight cancer. On May 10, you can participate in the first annual Walk & Roll Elgin event at Festival Park. Participants can register online at https://64.135.216.19/exchweb/bin/redir.asp?URL=http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001keVw_-x2ZYm-BY77tBt-QKmqzM_GFgTK25SJIbRq45Idp1rbFRoVk28-rvcVYOLedEiSYFCrCqdR8J6jhqAZepHucgXzH31uZ0yZU_oWiPp0v1L9WDH6Jg== to sign up their team. To RSVP, get involved, or for more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 630-879-9009 x3 or e-mail ILWalkRoll.Elgin@cancer.org.

Tuesday, March 18, 4pm - 8pm
Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue

9.
JJ Fish & Chicken Lunch Specials
A relatively new restaurant to Downtown...
This chain used to just be in Chicago, but has now come to Downtown Elgin! Mixed with Pamela's soul food, and homecooked meals everyday, they also do catering for all occassions. Their lunch special is any entree (Chicken, Ribs, Fish, etc.), 2 Sides, and a 12 oz. drink for $4.99. And a dinner special that is $6.99. So stop by and say hi to Pamela and taste the food!

Open every day 10am - 10pm
JJ Fish & Chicken, 221 National Street

10.
Easter Weekend is in One Week!
Have brunch at the Holiday Inn and more...
Spend time with family and friends and enjoy Holiday Inn's Annual Easter Brunch at their hotel. This year the Easter Bunny will be making a special visit to take pictures with the families. Their mouth-watering brunch includes made to order omelets, sliced turkey and ham, French toast, dessert, their chocolate fountain and much more! Costs are $17.95 per adult, $13.95 - Seniors 55 and over, $9.95 per child(5-12). To make reservations call 847.488.9000.

Sunday, March 23, 9am - 1:30pm
Holiday Inn & Suites, 495 Airport Road

Want to Post Your Easter Activity? - DNA Members or Downtown businesses/organizations send your activity to us via e-mail to jbenson@elginil.org before Tuesday, March 18.

Downtown Elgin Top 10 | March 7 - March 14

This is a condensed version of the weekly Top 10. Get the Top 10 in all its glory delivered directly to your inbox every Wednesday. Sign up here >

1.

Disney's Beauty & the Beast
Presented by CYT Chicago

Come see area youth perform this classic this weekend. Advanced tickets are $8-$12, $2 more at the door. Discounts are available. For tickets or more info call 847.516.2CYT or http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoQe_c6QDxcI416hqmFNYVY7HaPe3ywLi2a-AczAwKA8Pug2FVwzOAkiEGHVQXWpw9lKaspoBiMn1g1kFA_bQDS_BAT8mFkiAd-veLMq3Ynenw==.

Friday, March 7, 7pm
Saturday, March 8, 2pm & 6pm
Sunday, March 9, 2pm
Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way

2.
Run for Your Wife
Performed by the Elgin Theatre Company

John Smith is an ordinary London cab driver with his own car, sets his hours, is hard working, punctual, etc. The exception is that he has two wives who don't know about each other! Adult tickets are $15. Students/Seniors $12. Call 847.741.0532 or e-mail tickets@inil.com For more info go to http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoQyGxncydXiOwhAmqDZAwryo-3ybgFsogxCtxAkG1LAIgUKvzmSspm7GRu0zYGVvwLiHToc_aA7DM0ho9t7q7XzTtveDN_LorzPHISwFWh6Dw==

Fri. & Sat., March 7 - March 15, 8pm
Theatre 355, 355 E. Chicago Street

3.
Two Plays by the Independent Players
Have your pick on two different story lines...

"Hay Fever"
General Admission $15, Seniors $12, Students $10. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back.

Fri. & Sat., March 7 - March 15, 8pm
Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

"Story Theatre"
General Admission $15, Seniors $12, 13yrs. and older $10, 12yrs and under $5. For tickets and information call 847-697-7374. Leave name and number and IP will call you back.

Sat. & Sun., March 8 - March 16, 3pm
Elgin Art Showcase, 164 Division Street

4.
Chicago Bandits Open House and unveiling of their retail store!

The Chicago Bandits, Elgin's newest sports team, will be hosting an open house this Saturday. The team will provide huge discounts on selected merchandise, raffles, giveaways, and more!Complimentary snacks and refreshments will be on hand. Everyone is welcome to attend! For more info, call our office at 877-7BANDIT or email us at chicagobanditsmedia@gmail.com

Downtown Elgin Businesses & Organizations:
This season, Chicago Bandits are starting their new Bandits Kids Club, which will provide kids the opportunity to become part of their ball club and your business as well. The Kids Club is free to join and will furnish every Kids Club member a variety of complimentary offers. If you would like to add coupons for a complimentary item to help drive new traffic into your location, please contact Gerry Clarke at 630-336-7164 or simply drop by our new office/store. Your business will be highlighted in their Kids Club link on their website, in their 2008 Chicago Bandits Media Guide, as well as $100 of free game tickets! In addition, they will furnish each participating sponsor the email club list to use for future offers you would like to promote.

Saturday, March 8, 10am - 2pm
Chicago Bandits Office, 72 S. Grove Avenue

5.
Liberty's Teeth Playing At the Pub
Rock 'N Roll Past, Present...Future!

This group does a variety of party rock from artists: Led Zepplin, The Rolling Stones, AC/DC, Blink 182, Guns and Roses, Green Day, Weezer, Velvet Revolver, Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne, and much more! For further info call the pub at 847.468.8810 or go to the band's website.

Saturday, March 8, evening
Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street

6.
Gail Borden Public Library in a Week
Remembering Abraham Lincoln's Legacy

Celebrate Abraham Lincoln by visiting an authentic 8 by 10 foot log cabin built right in the middle of the library rotunda. And right behind this lil' log cabin are two tables full of "Lincoln logs" to play with! The library will continue to celebrate "all things Lincoln" as part of A Tapestry of Freedom and in anticipation of Lincoln's 200th birthday anniversary in 2009.

Second Sunday Concert Series
A native of Lviv, Ukraine, Mr. Dzhuryn has performed cello with Itzhak Perlman, Yo-Yo Ma and Sir Georg Solti. He now performs with Russian Pianist Mikhail Yanovitski in the community rooms.Meet the artists and enjoy refreshments after the performance. Free tickets are now available at the Greeter and Second Floor Information Desks.

Sunday, March 9, 2pm - 3pm
Gail Borden Public Library, 270 N. Grove Ave
For further info call 847.742.2411

7.
Kiwanis Club of Elgin - Guest Speaker
A club that meets every Tuesday in Downtown!

Kiwanis Club of Elgin is an International Service Club that raises and donates money to various local charities. They meet every Tuesday at Prairie Rock. All are welcome to attend. This Tuesday, March 11 Gerald Anderson will be speaking. Lunch is $10 payable to the club. For more information call 847.695.1316.
Tuesday, March 11, Noon
Prairie Rock Brewing Company
127 S. Grove Avenue

8.
American Cancer Society Walk & Roll Kick-Off

Come meet this proactive organization March 18, at their after hours, and join them in celebrating the 36th ainniversary of Walk & Roll as they raise over $1.1 million to fight cnater.

On May 10, you can participate in the first annual Walk & Roll Elgin event at Festival Park. Participants can register online at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoQ_oe0pB2n5LiB3_7O6H1XVT1_bWJzceBvSy7t8xAQWk7RpE1VCo2iBiCZyIVI_QVsL09LPPVGCOFr-PGoa1O_s2P-4coDDVQV7e9UWBolrfQ== to sign up their team.

To RSVP, get involved, or for more information, contact the American Cancer Society at 630-879-9009 x3 or e-mail ILWalkRoll.Elgin@cancer.org.

Tuesday, March 18, 4pm - 8pm
Grand Victoria Casino, 250 S. Grove Avenue
RSVP by Tuesday, March 11!

9.

Tribal Style Bellydance Show & Class
Time to watch and learn how to bellydance!

Come out to the Martini Room for a night of performances by the Blue Lotus Tribe and Christina's student troupe Lotus Bloom. There will also be a mini workshop and open dancing!
There is a $5 cover charge. Future performances at this venue - April 16, May 21, June 18. For more information call 773.454.6493.

Wednesday, March 12, 8:30pm
Martini Room, 161 E. Chicago Street

10.
YWCA Elgin Leadership Award
H.S. Senior Women: A scholarship to help with advanced education!

In celebration of its 25th Annual Leader Luncheon on May 8, 2008, the YWCA Elgin will honor a graduating high school woman seeking an advanced education. An initial $1,000 scholarship renewable for three additional years will be presented to the recipient at the celebration. Applications and instructions regarding the award are online at http://rs6.net/tn.jsp?e=001UkO3VvYqVoRwPfcXq_7xBLzEgxLzNCxQvMDclnVDJgMLMO514djyoEWY5maLPezPOZE-U28lTr7XeSPaMm2G1IVHo0Giy1PdohkcBwJKYCuhUujgQz01Pw== until the March 14 deadline. Packets are also available at the YWCA Elgin, 220 East Chicago St. Questions? Contact the YWCA, 847-742-7930.

Deadline for this application is March 14!

Next Clue for Lookin' for Lincoln in Downtown Elgin

Abe will be back in town March 10 to 16. Here's the clue to help you find him:

Whether you are coming to this downtown hotspot to run the track, play in the pool, take a dance class or attend a fancy banquet, you’re sure to find Abe hanging out and having fun. Remember to put your name in the drawing to win Abe, and you’ll also get 10 percent off your purchase of pool passes for Wing and Lord’s Park Family Aquatic Center.

Lookin’ for Lincoln is a year-long promotion put on by the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin. For one week each month, a lifesize cardboard cut-out of Abraham Lincoln appears at a different downtown business or establishment offering a special promotion or discount. When you spot him be sure to enter your name in the drawing to win Cardboard Abe. The drawing will be held at the Window Wonderland event on December 6.