Adirondacks - Thrones of Summer 2011 Participation Reminder

Adirondacks-Thrones of Summer 2011 is directed by the Elgin Community Network in partnership with the Gail Borden Public Library, City of Elgin, Elgin Climate Change Organization, Elgin Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Neighborhood Association and Elgin's businesses, corporations, restaurants, public agencies, schools, churches, community groups and not-for profits. The event is completely volunteer driven and free to the public!

Once again ECN is asking the community to enthusiastically embrace the imaginative Thrones just as they did the Rain Barrels, Bicycles On Parade, and Dinos. They are asking you to be a part of this extraordinary project and create a fanciful work of art using a simple, oversized adirondack chair as the canvas.

These artful entertainment pieces will be

· Displayed throughout the community during June
· Be a part of Gail Borden's Midsummer Knight's Read
· On the float in the City of Elgin's 2011 4th of July Parade
· Showcased in July and voted on at the library
· Exhibited & auctioned off at Elgin's largest art festival, Art & Soul on the Fox/Passeggiata on July 31

At less than $3 a day, this is a great way for you to advertise your identity. The exposure is immense and ongoing from June to August.

The deadline to participate is Tuesday, March 15. There will be a colossal, eco-friendly, medieval kickoff slated for Saturday, April 23 at Gail Borden Public Library.

The DNA encourages all of our downtown businesses to participate in this excellent promotional opportunity which enhances and enriches our community.

For more information, please download the Adirondacks-Thrones of Summer 2011 application by clicking here!

Again, please submit your completed application and fee by Tuesday, March 15.

For more information, contact Sigi Psimenos at 312.953.8216 or email sigiusa@yahoo.com

The Madness is Here!

The Madness is Here! Welcome to Downtown Madness - the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin's exciting new interactive promotion for the entire month of March with downtown Elgin's restaurants and bars.

In the spirit of the popular NCAA College Basketball Tournament, we proudly unveil our own version of March Madness with a distinctly downtown twist this Friday, March 4 in the form of a bracket tournament that will pit 16 sweet dishes and drinks from downtown establishments against each other and YOU, the voting public, determine the winners.

Beginning this Friday, the public will be able to vote online for their favorite "dish" or "drink" in each of the Opening Round match-ups at http://bit.ly/fQ7GtX. (NOTE: The link will not be "live" until Friday at 1PM.) Downtown Neighborhood News subscribers will receive a personal invitation to the voting link on Friday morning.

Here are your Opening Round match-ups with corresponding "signature dish" or "signature drink" in parenthesis:

-Domani Café (Domani Latte) vs. La Quebrada (Tampiquena)
-Al's Café & Creamery (Burns Malt) vs. Spanky's Gyros (Italian Sausage)
-Douglas Street Sports Pub (Bacon Cheddar Burger) vs. La Puesta Del Sol (La Puesta Margarita)
-Elgin Public House (Pulled Pork) vs. Ravenheart Coffee (Mediterranean Club Sandwich)
-Buckingham's Steakhouse (Grand Tomahawk) vs. Gasthaus Zur Linde (Das Boot)
-Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant (Pa Naeng) vs. Red Bar Winery (Spicy Butter Poached Shrimp)
-Martini Room (Appletini) vs. Toom Toom Thai Restaurant (Thai Style Chicken Wings)
-PRIME BurgerHouse (Drunken Bull Burger) vs. Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano (Asparagi)

Opening Round voting lasts from Friday, March 4 thru Monday, March 14. After which eight of the 16 establishments will move on to the Round of 8, with second round voting slated for March 13-21. The final four establishments tip-off third round voting March 23-28. The Championship Game round of voting then takes place March 30-April 4, with the winning venue announced on Wednesday, April 6.

In addition to the public voting component of Downtown Madness, there will also be a separate Downtown Madness "Pick 'Em" Challenge - Presented by Daily Herald Media Group, where the public will have the opportunity to fill out and predict the winners of the entire Downtown Madness bracket tournament from the Round of 16 through the Championship Game.

Points are awarded for each correctly picked "winner" based on the week-to-week voting results. The sheet with the most points at the end of the promotion will win $100 in Downtown Gift Certificates. In case of a tie, a drawing will be conducted amongst the high-point sheets to determine a winner.

The official Pick 'Em Challenge brackets will be available this Friday, March 4 at www.DailyHerald.com/community/elgin as well as http://www.downtownelgin.com/.

All completed sheets are due into the DNA, via e-mail at DowntownElgin@gmail.com or dropped off in-person at 2 Douglas Avenue, by no later than Monday, March 14. A complete list of rules and instruction on how to play will be available on the bracket sheet and on the DNA Blog.

For clarification purposes, the round-by-round selections made by participants in the Pick 'Em Challenge DO NOT have any bearing on the voting component of Downtown Madness.

We invite everyone to join in on all the "hoopla" of Downtown Madness! Bring your family and friends downtown to rediscover all of our great restaurants and bars and vote for your favorites.

Downtown Madness Round of 16 Voting

WELCOME!

Click here to Join the Madness!

2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Seeking Volunteers

The 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers, which kicks off Thursday, June 2, is seeking volunteers interested in participating in our Market Advisory Committee.

Under the direction of the Downtown Neighborhood Association’s new Market Manager, Jennifer Benson, this advisory committee will provide input and feedback about shaping the market in 2011. We are also seeking volunteers to assist with set-up, take-down and other duties during the market season.

Vendor and sponsorship applications for the 2011 Harvest Market as well as other Harvest Market specifics will be available soon.

If you have any questions or suggestions about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market or would be interested in joining the Harvest Market's Advisory Committee, please contact Jennifer Benson at 847.488.1456 or via e-mail at elginharvestmarket@gmail.com.

Last Chance to RSVP for February Out to Lunch at DSSP

Our next Out to Lunch meeting will be Monday, February 28 from Noon-1:15pm and is proudly hosted by Douglas Street Sports Pub at 231 Douglas Avenue.

February's featured guest speaker will be City of Elgin Police Chief Jeff Swoboda.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only), guests may choose one of three delicious lunch options:

- Italian Beef Aus Jus on soft roll
- Turkey Patty Melt - 1/2 lb of homemade turkey breast piled high on marble rye with Jack & American cheese and grilled onions
- Vegetarian Patty Melt - served between two roasted pieces of marble rye with Swiss and American cheese and grilled onions

All meals come with fries, a cookie for dessert and a beverage of choice - soft drinks, iced tea or coffee.

Please RSVP to DNA by no later than Friday, February 25, with your name, e-mail address and choice of entree, by phone at 847.488.1456, by e-mail at jpawlowski@elginil.org or you can RSVP Online!

Downtown Brainstorm #1 Results & Next Steps

In November of 2010, the DNA held its first Downtown Brainstorm Workshop in an effort to engage the Elgin community and encourage more involvement in downtown issues, happenings and DNA programming. Approximately 60 people attended the workshop and discussed the following topics in a series of 3 roundtable rotations:

• Special Events
• Arts Initiatives
• Property Improvement
• Community Outreach
• “Green” Initiatives
• New Business Development
• Fundraising
• Marketing

An overview of the feedback received at this meeting is available here >

The DNA utilized this feedback to help us plan our organizational programming for 2011. We decided to focus on the 3 themes that we saw reoccurring at the workshop. These themes are outlined below along with a brief summary of some of the programming that we have started for 2011 to address them.

More communication about who DNA is and what we do.

• Creating a direct mailer to Elgin residents promoting the mission of the DNA along with our new downtown directory brochure listing downtown businesses and attractions.


• Speaking to neighborhood groups and encouraging resident memberships and involvement.


• Putting out regular communication about what our committees are currently working on via social media and website.


• Providing small “innovation grants” to downtown businesses to assist them in promoting their business and the downtown in creative and innovative ways.


• Hosting an information workshop about downtown grant programs and an open house for our Downtown Design Resource Center in April.

Smaller, more frequent downtown events and promotions, especially in the arts.

• Planning at least one promotion each month to promote downtown businesses and attractions. Look for "Downtown Madness" in March...


• Planning 1-2 downtown cruise nights leading up to the Downtown Car Show.


• Working with the Cultural Arts Commission on public art component of a poetry and photography contest to display work in vacant storefronts.


• Encouraging and supporting other groups to do small downtown “street” events throughout the summer and fall.
  

More marketing about the positive changes in downtown.

• Revamping downtownelgin.com with enhanced visual media and social media applications to engage visitors.


• Producing short videos interviewing downtown business owners about what they do and why they do it.


• Planning to launch a campaign marketing downtown’s available commercial spaces and properties to potential tenants and buyers.


• Planning a downtown streetpole banner campaign with key marketing messages.


• Distributing our new downtown directory brochure in the Daily Herald Fox Valley edition (15,000+ subscribers)

We hope you will join us for our next Downtown Brainstorm Workshop on Tuesday, March 22, 6-8PM at The Centre of Elgin’s Heritage Ballroom. Please RSVP to (847) 488-1456 or downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Thank you for supporting the organization that supports downtown.

The DNA Board of Directors & Staff

Thunder on the Fox Informational Meeting at Elgin Public House on 2/21

This summer the excitement of national professional powerboat racing will hit the waters of the Fox River as Thunder on the Fox comes to Elgin on Saturday, June 18 and Sunday, June 19. The event is projected to bring close to 30,000 spectators from all over the country into the Elgin area over the course of the entire weekend.

The organizer of this sporting event, Jim McGrath, would like to speak to area businesses about potential promotional and sponsorship opportunities available with the race, as well as answer any questions about the event that you may have.

Business owners are invited to attend a brief informational meeting at Elgin Public House, 219 E. Chicago Street on Monday, February 21 at 6:00PM.

If you are interested in attending this meeting, please RSVP at 847.488.1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org by no later than Thursday, February 17 at 5:00PM.

February Downtown Gift Certificate Promotion

Calling all Cupids and Casanovas!

Want to know the perfect combination to his or her heart this Valentine's Day? This year, give them what they really want: Downtown Gift Certificates and Red Bar Wine.

Throughout the month of February, purchase a minimum of $50 in Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates and receive a voucher for a complimentary bottle of Red Bar Winery's hottest new custom varietals:

Rediscover Red (Red Sangria)

or

Get Down 2Nite (Cranberry-Apple White Wine)

Downtown Gift Certificates are valid at over 60 downtown businesses and available in $5 and $10 denominations. Stop into the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in downtown Elgin to purchase yours today!

Make your Valentine's date night special this year with Downtown Gift Certificates and Red Bar Winery's Rediscover Red or Get Down 2 Nite White.

Limit one bottle per customer. Wine must be redeemed at Red Bar Winery, 74 S. Grove Avenue by March 1, 2011. Red Bar Winery cannot guarantee choice of Downtown Red or Downtown White as supplies are limited.

Downtown Snow Removal Update - February 4

As a reminder to our downtown residents and businesses, the NO PARKING signs and parking restrictions throughout downtown will remain in effect from now through Sunday morning.

We realize these parking restrictions are an inconvenience but they are necessary to assist City crews in cleaning out the parking stalls. We continue to urge you to park in the city lots and decks throughout the weekend. Parking time limits will not be enforced in city lots and decks during this time. Enforcement will resume Monday at 8AM.

Also curb-to-curb haul out of the snow continues tonight and Saturday night.

Thank you for your patience and cooperation.

If you have any questions, please contact the City of Elgin's 24-Hour Snow Command at 847-931-5977 or e-mail snowcommand@cityofelgin.org

Welcome New & Renewing DNA Members for 2011

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin welcomes our new and renewing DNA Members from the month of January 2011:

BocaJump
1331 Davis Road
(847) 695-9476

Gifford Park Association

O'Connor-Leetz Funeral Home
364 Division Street
(847) 741-1400

Ziegler's Ace Hardware
215 N. Spring Street
(847) 742-8939

Nick's Liquors
71 Clock Tower Plaza #77
(847) 742-4939

164 Division LLC
164 Division Street, #705
(847) 697-7799

Boys & Girls Club of Elgin
355 Dundee Avenue
(847) 608-5017

Fox River Water Reclamation District
(847) 742-2068

Tom's Auto Clinic
264 Prairie Street
(847) 695-5835

Elgin Public Museum
225 Grand Boulevard
(847) 741-6655

Elgin United Methodist Church
216 E. Highland Avenue
(847) 741-0038

YWCA Elgin
220 E. Chicago Street
(847) 742-7930

Elgin Parent Co-Op School
240 Standish Street
(847) 741-0506

Demi & Cooper Advertising
18 Villa Court
(847) 931-5800

Future Link IT
166 E. Chicago Street
(224) 523-8000

Provena St. Joseph Hospital
77 N. Airlite Street
(847) 695-3200

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
(847) 468-8810

Colonial Cafe
600 S. McLean Boulevard
(847) 888-3939

La Puesta Del Sol
165 E. Highland Avenue
(847) 468-1416

Shockey Jewelers
18 Douglas Avenue
(847) 742-0113

Steffen Kelly & Steffen, P.C.
17 Douglas Avenue
(847) 741-0503

The Larkin Center
1212 Larkin Avenue
(847) 695-5656

Anderson Graphics, Inc.
9N656 Beckman Trail, Unit 1
(847) 521-9225

CSI Technologies
1 Douglas Avenue
(847) 836-3000

Kim's Black Belt Academy
5 South Spring Street
(847) 695-5434

Senior Services Associates, Inc.
101 S. Grove Avenue
(847) 741-0404

Prominent Property Management, Inc.
160 Symphony Way, Suite 400
(847) 697-7764

Highland Fellowship Church
2250 W. Highland Avenue
(847) 741-6629



Armida & Joseph Dominguez

Bill & Kathleen McGraw

Dan & Karen Fox

Jack & Beverly Sabo

Jerri McCue

Patricia & Dan Miller

Steve Thoren

Alex Pecharich

John Bordsen

Tony Aiello & Laurie Faith Gibson-Aiello

Weert Goldstein

Mohammad Iqbal

Keith Farnham

Rhonda & Ed Huber

Michael & Gail Foltyn

John DiVerde, Jr.


Help support the organization that supports downtown Elgin by becoming a Downtown Neighborhood Association Member in 2011.

Community Family/Individual Memberships start as low as $30!

Community and Downtown Business Memberships are available with a variety of valuable member benefits packages including special member rates on DNA events, promotional mentions in the Downtown Neighborhood News, display ads at www.DowntownElgin.com and much more!

Click here for a list of available DNA Membership packages and rates > > >

You can even sign-up and pay for your DNA Membership securely via our Online Payment Processing Page.

For more information about DNA Membership or for other ways you can support downtown Elgin, contact us at 847.488.1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Update on Downtown Snow Removal

The City of Elgin is continually adjusting its snow removal plan to manage the storm that is upon us. At this time, a city crew has been assigned to haul snow out of downtown in order to expedite the clean-up process over the next few days. Your cooperation is requested in the following ways:

1. Please do not park on downtown streets from Tuesday through Saturday morning. The city's plan is to use large snow removal equipment to pick up the snow on the curbs and bump outs. Having a clear path to do so will make this process faster and more efficient. We urge you to park in the city lots and decks today through Saturday. Parking time limits will not be enforced in city lots and decks during this time. Enforcement will resume Monday at 8AM.

2. Please shovel the snow in front of your property/business to the curb line in preparation for this haul out effort.

Thank you for your cooperation.

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Stay Informed

Here is some additional information on how to receive the City's updates directly. Resident safety is the city's primary goal. Residents should not travel unless absolutely necessary.

· Information updates will be posted on Channel 17, on the City's website at www.cityofelgin.org and on the City of Elgin's Facebook and Twitter pages.

· Residents interested in receiving automated telephone updates can register on the city's website at www.cityofelgin.org. From the homepage's "quick links" section, go to "activate/deactivate CodeRed." Follow the instructions.

· Residents can also receive text message updates via Nixle. Registration information is at www.cityofelgin.org/police.

· If you have questions or concerns about snow removal, contact Elgin Snow Command at (847) 931-5977 or email snowcommand@cityofelgin.org.

Welcome New & Renewing DNA Members for 2011

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin welcomes our new and renewing DNA Members from December 2010 (January 2011 members will be recognized in next week's blog):

City of Elgin
150 Dexter Court
(847) 931-6100

Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce
31 S. Grove Avenue
(847) 741-5660

Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau
77 Riverside Drive
(847) 695-7540

Stickling Foundation
100 E. Chicago Street
(847) 742-8939

Izaak Walton League of America - Elgin Chapter

Tongue n Chic Dental Boutique
14 Douglas Avenue, Suite A
(847) 841-6665

Law Office of Shirley Sadjadi
169 E. Chicago Street
(847) 741-6180

VTS Investigations, LLC
800-538-4464

Ecker Center for Mental Health
1845 Grandstand Place
(847) 695-0484

Gail Borden Public Library
270 N. Grove Avenue
(847) 742-2411

Natalie Pepa

Bjorn & Hjordis Rektorli

Clare Ollayos

Howard A. Stege Jr. & Robert Knizner

Grace Richard

Tom Armstrong

Help support the organization that supports downtown Elgin by becoming a Downtown Neighborhood Association Member in 2011.

Community Family/Individual Memberships start as low as $30!

Community and Downtown Business Memberships are available with a variety of valuable member benefits packages including special member rates on DNA events, promotional mentions in the Downtown Neighborhood News, display ads at www.DowntownElgin.com and much more!

Click here for a list of available DNA Membership packages and rates > > >

You can even sign-up and pay for your DNA Membership securely via our Online Payment Processing Page.

For more information about DNA Membership or for other ways you can support downtown Elgin, contact us at 847.488.1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Downtown Snow Removal Notification

The National Weather Service has issued a Blizzard Warning, from this Tuesday afternoon through this Wednesday afternoon, for the entire North Central and Northeast section of Illinois (including Cook and Kane Counties) as well as a Hazardous Weather Outlook Warning for the next few days with heavy snow accumulations, strong winds, white-out conditions and sub-zero temperatures.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association would like to make you aware of some news regarding the City's snow removal plans as well as some precautions and measures we recommend you take in preparation for this weather event:

• The City of Elgin has informed us that the priority, first and foremost, will be to clear roads. As such, city crews will not be able to address snow removal on downtown city sidewalks for quite some time after this week's blizzard event. In general, responsiveness to all snow removal other than main roads will be delayed.

• With such a large accumulation of snow expected after the close of business on Tuesday, the clean-up on Wednesday will be especially difficult and will likely continue through the end of the week. We encourage downtown business and property owners to work together, lending a hand where needed and sharing resources, such as snow blowers.

• As a reminder, you may pile your snow on the curb line. We ask that you please not throw the snow into the street. As stated, the city crew's ability to remove the piles on the curb will be delayed.

• With temperatures expected to plummet Wednesday night into the sub-zero range, we ask that you keep your sidewalks salted through the weekend to help keep the build-up of dangerous ice on sidewalks to a minimum.

• The snow accumulation will also make parking on downtown streets very challenging. We encourage you to park in city surface lots or in the decks at Symphony, Spring or Fulton. Remember that street parking between 4 and 6AM is prohibited.

Questions or concerns regarding snow and ice control during the event can be directed to the Public Works Department through the city's 24 hour Snow Command Center by calling 847-931-5977 or by emailing the Snow Command Center at snowcommand@cityofelgin.org

We appreciate your patience and cooperation in this effort.


Local Online Resources:

www.cityofelgin.org - City of Elgin's website

www.facebook.com/cityofelgin - City of Elgin's Facebook page

www.u-46.org - School District U-46 website

www.facebook.com/downtownelgin - DNA's Facebook page

www.weather.com - Weather Channel website

The Scene - January 25, 2011

Let's set the "Scene" for your week of live entertainment and great fun in downtown Elgin:

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
www.DouglasStreetSportsBar.com

Book your Super Bowl XLV party package now at DSSP. Packages start at $12 and be sure to inquire about booking their private party room. Halftime will be highlighted by their 2nd Annual Cheeseburger Chowdown Challenge. Call for more details!

The Gasthaus
15 N. Grove
847.695.8828

On Saturday, January 29 at 9:30pm, the Gasthaus welcomes Crossbones Inc. CBI mixes the intensity of the 80's hardcore punk scene with the catchy sensibilities of early punk bands like The Ramones and The Sex Pistols.

Red Bar Winery
74 S. Grove Avenue
847.741.0349
www.RedBarWinery.com

Time once again for Salsa Thursdays, each and every Thursday night at Red Bar After Dark! Enjoy a Tapas bar, red hot salsa dancing and music by DJ Mombo.

Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
www.VillaVerone.net

On Thursday, January 27 at 6pm come out and say hello to this week's Elgin Person of the week, David Ham. Also, Elgin OPERA's Festival of Singers returns to Villa Verone on Sunday, January 30 from 6-9pm to perform Broadway showtunes, art songs and classic opera for your dining pleasure.

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago St.
847.468.8810
www.ElginPublicHouse.com

EPH's next trivia tourney for February/March begins Wednesday, February 2 at 7pm. With Half-Price Burger Nights every Monday night, Trivia Night every Wednesday and live jazz every Friday & Saturday, there's always something brewing at Elgin Public House.

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
www.MartiniRoomElgin.com

Bring all your rowdy friends to Martini Madness on Monday nights at Martini Room. All your favorite martinis are 25% off. Doors open at 4:30pm!

Be sure to check out Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Bring on the Brass - a Family Series Concert featuring the ESO Brass Quintet on Saturday, January 29 at 3:30pm at Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way. And Elgin Theatre Company's performance of Noises Off! returns for its second weekend at Elgin Academy's Kimball Street Theater on Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm.

City Manager Stegall to Speak at DNA Out to Lunch Meeting on January 25

A new season of the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin’s monthly Out to Lunch meetings debuts on Tuesday, January 25 with Guest Speaker Sean Stegall, City Manager for the City of Elgin. The luncheon takes place from Noon-1:15PM at La Puesta Del Sol Restaurant, 165 E. Highland Avenue in downtown Elgin.

For $12.00 per person, guests will be treated to a buffet luncheon of authentic Mexican cuisine, including appetizers, entrees, dessert and non-alcoholic beverages, followed by a brief presentation and Q&A session with Stegall. Guests are encouraged to pay in cash and are asked to RSVP to the DNA by Thursday, January 20 by phone at (847) 488-1456 or by e-mail at jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Sean R. Stegall has worked in municipal government for 14 years – the last seven for the City of Elgin where he has earned national recognition for his budgetary expertise. He oversees a staff of nearly 1,000 and works to assist the Mayor and City Council in moving Elgin forward. Stegall is a graduate of Western Illinois University and earned his Master of Public Administration from Northern Illinois University. He is also a graduate of Harvard University’s John F. Kennedy School of Government.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and normally conducted on the last Monday of each month, are an effort to engage the public by showcasing a different downtown Elgin restaurant each month and featuring guest speakers and topics relevant to the community. Past guest speakers have included City of Elgin Mayor Ed Schock, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, and U-46 Superintendent Dr. Jose Torres.

Top 10 Ways to Get Involved in Your Downtown

1. Sign up to be a DNA Member

There has never been a better time to support the organization that supports downtown Elgin. DNA membership truly does have its privileges as our members enjoy a variety of valuable benefits. Your yearly membership fees help contribute to the continued revitalization of downtown.

2. Volunteer

The DNA is a community coalition of volunteers. They are the lifeblood of all that we do. We are always on the lookout for great volunteers who want to contribute their time and efforts into making downtown a better place to work, live and play. Contact us today to find out more about current volunteer opportunities.

3. Purchase downtown gift certificates

Downtown gift certificates are valid at over 65 downtown businesses. Gift certificates are available in denominations of $5 and $10 and make great gifts for family and friends. Stop by the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue M-F from 9am-5:30pm to purchase yours!

4. Serve on a DNA committee

Our DNA volunteer committees provide the guidance to plan and support our downtown initiatives such as special events, promotions, image enhancement, economic development and more. If you would be interested in serving on a committee or would like to attend an upcoming committee meeting, please contact us.

5. Shop and dine downtown

With over 20 distinctive eateries, bistros and bars to whet your appetite and dozens of retail shops, boutiques, professional services and other unique businesses to patronize, make downtown your destination for dining and doing business.

6. Participate in downtown events

Whether shopping the Harvest Market for fresh, locally grown produce, bringing the family out for the Fourth of July Parade, Halloween Howl or Window Wonderland, or taking in one of the many public art exhibits or cultural festivals, we encourage everyone to take advantage of all there is to do and enjoy all year long in our downtown.

7. Become a community or corporate event sponsor

Our yearly slate of special events would not be possible without the generous support of our sponsors. If you or your company would be interested in sponsoring one or more of our DNA special events in 2011 or for a list of sponsorship opportunities, rates and benefit packages, please contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at jpawlowski@elginil.org or call 847.488.1456.

8. Participate in local government

Attend city council meetings. Vote in the upcoming election. A fully-engaged downtown is a stronger downtown.

9. Stay informed

Stay on top of all the latest downtown news, special events, performances, exhibits, business promotions and charitable activities through the DNA's hyper-local social media presence on Facebook, Twitter, Blog, Website and Downtown Neighborhood News Top 10 eblast.

10. Give us your feedback

Have an idea for a new event or promotion? Suggestions on something you feel would enhance downtown Elgin? Feedback on things you really like? Critiques? Questions? Comments? Just want to chat? The DNA welcomes your input and encourages your active participation in our downtown. We also conduct on-going "Downtown Brainstorm" workshops throughout the year to solicit the community's feedback and ideas.

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
2 Douglas Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120
(847) 488-1456

Tonya Hudson
Executive Director

Jason Pawlowski
Promotions Coordinator

Suzan Shipyor
Administrative Associate

Funeral Arrangements for Kathryn Keeney

Kathryn Keeney, mother of the late Patricia Keeney of Keeney's Sporting Goods & PK's Antiques in downtown Elgin, who succumbed to complications from cancer at the age of 62 on December 27, passed away last Friday, December 31 at the age of 90.

Visitation for Kathryn Keeney will take place on Wednesday, January 5 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. at O'Connor-Leetz Funeral Home at 364 Division Street. A funeral mass will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 272 Division Street beginning at Noon.

Keeney's Sporting Goods & PK's Antiques at 19 Douglas Avenue will be closed indefinitely until further notice.

Keeney's to Open One Last Time Today

Keeney's Sporting Goods & PK's Antiques at 19 Douglas Avenue will open for business one final time today from 10AM-6PM.

Keeney's offers a wide assortment of sporting goods, equipment, U-46 gear, branded high school apparel, letterman jackets, fishing gear, winter apparel and much more. PK's Antiques, located in the basement of Keeney's, features a myriad of vintage and antique treasures including vintage clothing, hats, jewelry and accessories, antique glassware, barware, records, books and memorabilia.

This evening at 6PM, the community is invited to a public closing ceremony in front of Keeney's Sporting Goods to bid a fond farewell to an Elgin institution since 1883

After today, the store will be closed indefinitely until further notice.

Community Mourns the Loss of Downtown Shopkeeper

The Elgin community this week is mourning the loss of Patricia Keeney, owner of Keeney's Sporting Goods, an advocate for the downtown and well-known volunteer with the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA).

Keeney, 62, died Monday at Provena St. Joseph's Hospital from complications related to cancer.

“Pat cared deeply about downtown, the DNA and her community,” said Tonya Hudson, DNA executive director. “She was spirited, passionate and had a good heart.”

The Keeney family has been in business in downtown Elgin since 1883. The business began as a general store, and became a sporting goods store in its current location at 19 Douglas Avenue in 1945.

Keeney took over the business when her father passed away in 1993. Since then she added vintage clothing, jewelry and antiques to the shop’s offerings and became increasingly involved in the revitalization of downtown through the DNA.

Her volunteer work with the DNA included leadership roles on event committees such as the July 4th Parade, Window Wonderland, the DNA Awards Gala, and the Downtown Elgin Car Show. She also served on the DNA’s Board of Directors.

Friend and fellow DNA Board member, Karin Jones, said Keeney’s willingness to serve was an incredible asset to the organization.

“She was always ready to jump in and help, whether it was selling tickets at a carnival, asking for sponsorships or passing out flyers to fellow downtown business owners,” Jones said.

Jones was among the many volunteers who stepped forward to help run the store and care for her in her home when Keeney was diagnosed with cancer in November.

“Her courage through all of this was inspiring, as was the outpouring of support for her from the community,” Jones said.

DNA staff and volunteers ran a fundraising campaign to collect contributions to help Keeney with her bills. They also organized a vintage fashion fundraiser at Villa Verone in mid-December under the leadership of DNA founder and fellow downtown business owner, Ruth Munson. The group’s efforts raised about $8,000 just under three months.

For Jones, the success of the fundraising efforts had everything to do with what Pat had given to the community.

"When you met her, she touched your heart, and then she stayed there," Jones said. "She was just one of those people you will never forget.”

Visitation is Thursday, December 30 at O’Connor-Leetz Funeral Home at 364 Division Street in Elgin from 4-8PM.

Mass will be held Friday, December 31 at St. Joseph Catholic Church at 272 Division Street in Elgin beginning at 10AM.

New Downtown Gift Certificate 12 Days of Christmas Promotion

New Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates are here just in time for the holidays and we at the Downtown Neighborhood Association want to stuff your stockings with some extra goodies for those on your gift giving list as part of our 12 Days of Christmas Promotion.

Right now, buy $25-45 worth of downtown Elgin gift certificates and receive a free 15-piece Tower Building Jigsaw Puzzle for the kids to enjoy!

Buy $50-95 worth of gift certificates and receive an additional $5 gift certificate FREE!

Buy $100 or more in gift certificates and receive an additional $10 gift certificate FREE!

Downtown gift certificates are redeemable at nearly 70 downtown businesses.

Stay tuned to the DNA Blog and our Facebook page for more special offers from our 12 Days of Christmas Promotion.