Winners of Grand Teacher/Grand Marshal Competition Announced

After receiving dozens of nominations of so many deserving "grand" teachers from Elgin area schools, students, parents and administrators over the last month, the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin is proud to announce our three Parade Grand Marshals for the City of Elgin's 2011 Fourth of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health:

Amy Baldini
5th-8th Grade Teacher
The Einstein Academy

Gloria Helin
1st Grade Teacher
Channing Memorial Elementary School

Dee Burns Maroney
4th Grade Teacher
Lords Park Elementary School

Congratulations to our three winners who will ride in our special Grand Marshal convertible to kick off the parade!

Plus as an added thank you to our many deserving nominees, we will also be inviting all of the "grand" teacher nominees, who are available on Fourth of July morning, to march in the parade alongside the Grand Marshal car.

Thank you again to all of you who took the time to recognize our wonderful Elgin area teachers!

This Week at the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - June 9

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers continues this Thursday, June 9 from 10AM-4PM, at its new location at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue (Kimball Street and N. Grove Avenue) next to The Centre of Elgin and across from the Gail Borden Public Library.

Planned activities and attractions include:

* Alexian Brothers Health System Booth – health information and screenings

* Davey Tree Booth – educational information about trees and our environment

* City of Elgin Booth – The Fire Department’s Water & Rescue division will be on hand with information.

* Chiro One Wellness Center Booth– will be on hand with information and free screenings for your overall health and wellness.

* Simple Balance Holistic Center Booth– will have information on hand of wellness programs and packages offered, as well as upcoming workshops and events.

* Downtown Neighborhood Association Booth:
- Harvest Market Snack Bag Raffle (Specifically for the Cyclist or Public Transit Commuter but not limited to) - Raffle tickets are $1 or free with Market Membership or with proof of bike/helmet or transit card. Drawing will be on June 16 at 1pm.
- NEW! Recipe Cards for $1 from our vendors using products/produce from the market!

* (FOR KIDS & ADULTS!) ECCO/ECN’s Sustainable Booth: Elgin Area History Museum
Dairy Delights – Discover Elgin’s dairy industry; its connection to our library? Learn how butter was made and how we can make it today!

* Community Booth: Elgin Bicycle & Pedestrian Advisory Committee: Will have information about Bike to Work Week - June 11–18, Elgin’s bike plant, Ride for Life registration form, Bike Chain Project map, and Kane County Bike Map.

Elgin Bike to Work Week - June 11-18

Below is a list of Elgin Bike to Work Week events between June 11-18 (all events are free unless noted)

Click here to download Elgin Bike to Work Week Printable Poster

Saturday 6/11
9:00 am–Noon

Bike Donation Drive - The BPAC will collect bikes at the Centre and then send them to Working Bikes Cooperative, where most will be repaired and sent to areas/countries in need of bikes for transportation.

Sunday 6/12
6:00 am–3:30 pm

Bike for Life Ride in rural Kane County - A fund raiser for school bike racks. Fee involved. Register at www.cityofelgin.org/bikes

Monday 6/13
6:30 pm–8:00 pm

Local historian, Jerry Turnquist, will lead a bike tour through the Elgin Historic District. Meet at Old Main, 360 Park Street.

Tuesday 6/14
6:00 pm

Join a bike fitness class for a 90-minute ride on the Fox River Trail. Meet at the Centre.

Wednesday 6/15
Noon

Celebratory lunch for bike commuters at noon on Walton Island, sponsored by the Elgin Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Committee. Rain date is Friday, 6/17. Reservations are required. Call 847 931 6788

Wednesday 6/1
7:00 pm

The Bicycle Garage will conduct a bike education/repair clinic at the Gail Borden Public Library.

Thursday 6/16
7:30 am

Breakfast ride with the Mayor - Meet in front of City Hall and ride for 30 minutes before stopping for coffee at Ravenheart Café in Downtown Elgin.

Thursday 6/16
Noon

The Bicycle Garage will conduct a bike education/repair clinic at the Harvest Market in Downtown Elgin.

Friday 6/17
6:45 pm

Matt Wilhelm, X-Games Medalist will perform a BMX trick bike show at the “old library” parking lot in downtown.

Friday 6/17
8:00 pm

Watch the movie “Chasing Legends” in The Centre ballroom.

Saturday 6/18
Noon–5 pm

Avoid the traffic in the area of the boat races by biking to the event and securing your bike at the bike corral sponsored by the BPAC. Donation requested.

ONGOING BIKE TO WORK WEEK EVENTS (ALL WEEK LONG)

- Bike to the Gail Borden Public Library and get $5.00 worth of late fees waived and a coupon for a free drink with a purchase from Chicago Gourmet Cafe.

- Visit the bike display at GBPL, including a typical commuter bicycle outfitted by Main Street

-Bikes and history of biking in Elgin presented by the Elgin Area Historical Society.

- Take advantage of the new bike loan program at the Eastside Recreation Center. Call Aaron at 847-888-1989 for details

- Free showers at the Centre for bike commuters.

- Attend any event and get a free water bottle, sponsored by Elgin BPAC, Elgin Community Network and The Bicycle Garage

- Locate the BPAC sponsored “Thrones of Summer” decorated chair along the bike path.

Please contact Paul Bednar, BPAC staff coordinator at 847-931-6788 with any questions, or go to www.cityofelgin.org/bikes for more information.

New Season, New Location for Downtown Elgin Harvest Market

Opening Day of the 2011 Downtown Elgin Harvest Market - Presented by Alexian Brothers Health System kicks off next Thursday, June 2, with special extended market hours from 10AM-6PM, at its new location at the Old Library Lot at 200 N. Grove Avenue (Kimball Street and N. Grove Avenue) next to The Centre of Elgin and across from the Gail Borden Public Library.

Opening day at the Harvest Market will feature:

- Free Harvest Market tote bags with proof of purchase

- Alexian Brothers Health System Booth - wellness information and screenings

- Sponsor and Community Partner Informational booths

- Kids' Corner complete with face painting, table games, coloring pages, puzzles, plus prizes provided by Highland Fellowship Church/Highland Christian Academy

- Live Entertainment consisting of a strolling violinist, folk singer, and more

- Artisans selling their artwork via Artz Zone 4-6pm

- "Art at the Market" Demonstrations at Noon

- "Market Munchies" from 4-6PM for customers with a purchase of $15 or more

- Month-long free raffle at the DNA Booth hosted by United Way, along with newly launched Harvest Market membership, merchandise, etc.

- The first clue on the whereabouts of DNA's Wandering Gnome will also be posted with a picture of the gnome hiding in a nearby DNA member business/organization - first ten people to find the gnome will get a prize!

- Donation container for vendors and customers to donate food to the Community Crisis Center

This year the market is placing special emphasis on local vendors selling primarily locally grown and produced foods, as well as, education on good sustainable practices for healthy living and adding a weekly component of arts and artisans.

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market will be open every Thursday from June 2-September 29. Normal market hours are 10AM-4PM. On every first Thursday of each month, the market rolls out its special First Thursday market featuring extended hours from 10AM-6PM and offering added components such as live entertainment, Artz Zone, Kids Corner, sustainability and wellness booths, market munchies and much more.

Our market vendors, farms and local businesses will be offering bread, eggs, meats, fruits, vegetables, flowers, honey products, olives, hummus, cheese, spices, pickles, applesauce, mustards, salsas, knife sharpening services, lunch foods and more!

The Downtown Elgin Harvest Market is sponsored by Alexian Brothers Health System, Chiro One, Highland Fellowship Church & Highland Christian Academy, Landin Chiropractic, Salon Couture, and Simple Balance Holistic Center. Thanks also to our partners City of Elgin, BocaJump, Elgin Climate Change Organization, Elgin Community Network, and Northern Fox Valley Habitat for Humanity's Restore. "Art at the Market" is made possible by a grant through the Palmer Foundation.

For more information about the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market, contact Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail ElginHarvestMarket@gmail.com.

Frock Swap Returns to Hemmens July 16

Frock Swap, the annual wardrobe revitalization event which benefits the Community Crisis Center, returns to The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way, on July 16.

For a $10 entry fee, shoppers & swappers can revitalize their wardrobes for little or no money. It's green. It's affordable. It's good for our community. What could be better?

In addition to the shopping and swapping, new additions to this year's event include a performance by The Reverends, the Frock Swap fashion show judged by Project Runway's Althea Harper and special honorary chair, WGN's Nancy Loo.

It's fashionably fun! For more information on how to participate in Frock Swap, visit their website at FrockSwapCCC.com

Deadline to Recognize a Grand Elgin Teacher Extended Until June 1

The deadline to nominate a "grand" Elgin teacher as a Parade Grand Marshal for the City of Elgin's 2011 Fourth of July Parade has been extended until Wednesday, June 1.

In conjunction with the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade – Presented by Sherman Health, which steps off at the intersection of Slade and Douglas Avenues on Monday, July 4 at 9AM, the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin is asking your assistance to help us in recognizing outstanding teachers in the Elgin community by nominating them to be one of the 2011 Fourth of July Parade Grand Marshals!

The Parade Committee is asking parents, local PTO members, school administrators or students to write a brief essay about why they feel their teacher is “grand” in the classroom and therefore deserves to be honored as a Grand Marshal in the 2011 Fourth of July Parade.

The competition is open to any teacher (K-12) currently working in an Elgin public or private school. Additional guidelines and restrictions are outlined in the nomination packet.

To download the nomination packet, visit the Fourth of July Parade page on the DNA website at www.DowntownElgin.com.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will accept nominations in person or by mail at DNA, 2 Douglas Avenue, Elgin, IL 60120; by fax at (847) 488-1449; or by e-mail at DowntownElgin@gmail.com.

The Parade Committee will then announce the three Grand Marshals selected from all of the nominations on Friday, June 3. Our Parade Grand Marshals will ride in a special classic car at the front of the parade courtesy of Mr. Richard Bennett. They will also each receive an official City of Elgin Fourth of July Parade t-shirt and other goodies.

PLEASE NOTE: Those teachers selected must be available the morning of the parade from approximately 8AM until 12PM.

If you have any questions about the Grand Teacher/Grand Marshall nomination process or for additional information about the City of Elgin's 2011 Fourth of July Parade, please contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Fourth of July Parade Application Deadline Approaching

The parade application deadline for the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health is Friday, May 27.

Completed applications, along with proof of liability insurance for your group and any applicable parade fees, must be submitted to the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin by 5PM this Friday to guarantee a spot in this year’s parade. Parade paperwork can be faxed to (847) 488-1449 or dropped off at or mailed to:

Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin
2 Douglas Avenue
Elgin, IL 60120

The parade entry fee is $100 for businesses and political groups. There is no fee for not-for-profit organizations.

Parade applications are available at the DNA’s website at DowntownElgin.com or interested participants can stop into the DNA Office Monday-Friday from 9AM-5PM to pick up an application.

Over 15,000 spectators annually attend this Elgin summertime tradition. Last year's parade featured over 110 units, 25 floats, 150 different parade vehicles, 2,600 participants and took over 50 volunteers to coordinate.

For more information about the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade, contact DNA Promotions Coordinator Jason Pawlowski at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

ESO Music Director Hanson to Speak at May Out to Lunch

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin's next monthly "Out to Lunch" meeting will be Monday, May 23 at Villa Verone Ristorante Italiano, 13 Douglas Avenue. Networking begins at 11:45AM and the program runs Noon-1:15PM.

The featured guest speaker for May will be Elgin Symphony Orchestra Music Director and Conductor Robert Hanson, who will preview ESO's final concert of the 2010-2011 season, Tchiakovsky and Rachmaninoff, June 10-12 at The Hemmens Cultural Center, 45 Symphony Way.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only) guests will enjoy a delicious lunch buffet featuring Caprese, Penne Al Fonno, Farfala w/Sun-Dried Tomatoes, Pollo Milanese and Homemade Cream Puffs and your choice of Soft Drinks or Coffee.

RSVP with your name and e-mail address by phone at 847.488.1456 or via e-mail at jpawlowski@elginil.org by no later than Friday, May 20.

Upcoming Out to Lunch speakers include Dr. Eugene McMahon, President and CEO of Provena St. Joseph Hospital, and City of Elgin Mayor David Kaptain. Dates and locations to be announced.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and typically 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. Recent Out to Lunch guest speakers have included City Manager Sean Stegall, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda, Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson and YWCA Elgin Events Coordinator Deirdre White.

For Lease or Sale in Downtown Elgin Meeting Set for May 18

Are you interested in attracting new business and investment to downtown Elgin? We sure are.

Join the Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin on Wednesday, May 18 from 6-8PM at 11 Douglas Avenue, 2nd Floor (above Villa Verone and Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant) for an introductory meeting to discuss "For Lease or Sale in Downtown Elgin", a marketing and assistance program to attract new business and encourage investment in downtown Elgin.

The Evening's Agenda:

6:00-6:30PM: Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres & networking
6:30-6:45PM: Commercial real estate trends
6:45-7:15PM: Resources, grants and tax incentives
7:15-7:45PM: "For Lease or Sale" marketing & assistance program
7:45-8:00PM: Q&A and closing remarks

Downtown property owners, managers, brokers and business owners, commercial real estate developers, investors and brokers or anyone interested in downtown commercial real estate opportunities are invited to attend.

Space is limited. Please RSVP by Friday, May 13 to the DNA at (847) 488-1456 or downtownelgin@gmail.com.

Live Music and Entertainment Scene - May 12-15

Thursday, May 12

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street and Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

Elgin Person(s) of the Week: Tish Powell & Anna Moeller
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
6PM

Friday, May 13

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

Free Belgium Beer Tasting
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
7PM
ElginPublicHouse.com

Art on the Eighth
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
7PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street and Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Hot & Sexy Salsa Night
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
9PM

Saturday, May 14

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

Road Rally
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
ElginPublicHouse.com
1PM

Art on the Eighth
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
7PM

Jen St. Stjarna
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Sunday, May 15

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
2PM

Jorge Holmes
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

Welcome New & Renewing DNA Members for April

The Downtown Neighborhood Association of Elgin would like to welcome and recognize our new and renewing members from April 2011.

CL Graphics
134 Virginia Rd., Ste. A
Crystal Lake
815.455.0900

IMAGO Media
73 S. Riverside Drive
847.961.8000

Janus Theatre Company
919 Prospect Blvd.
847.841.1713

La Quebrada Restaurant
50 N. Spring Street
847.622.7970

Marketplace Media Group
115 S. Grove Avenue
847.695.1912

Salon Couture
176 E. Chicago Street
847.488.1465

United Way of Elgin
1797 N. LaFox
South Elgin
847.741.2259

Jennifer Almanza

Kathleen Beger

Jennifer & David Benson

Jesse Berreles

Joe Follrath & Karen Beyer

Suzann Cummings

Kenneth Ebner

Lynn & John Freels

Jeanne Hamacher

Jen & Jay Howver

Bill & Sue Kellenberger

Cathy & Art Malm

Jodie, Jacqlin & Laura Nord

John & Marlene Shales

Jodie Stackowiak

Bernadine & Dick Tracy

James Vaughn

James Eric & Denise Viebrock

Downtown Elgin Live Music & Entertainment Scene - May 4-May 8

Here's the low-down on one "mother" of a weekend of live music and entertainment in Downtown Elgin:

Thursday, May 5

$5 Cinco de Mayo Specials (Margaritas, Tequila Sunrise)
La Puesta Del Sol
165 E. Highland Ave.
847.468.1416

Cinco De Mayo $5 Margarita Specials
La Quebrada
50 N. Spring Street
847.622.7970

Cinco De Mayo Celebration with Patron Citronge Mojitos for $5.50
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
MartiniRoomElgin.com

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

Mayor’s Preservation Awards
Professional Building
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
6PM

Elgin Person(s) of the Week: Community Carnival Volunteers
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
6PM

Girls Nite Out - Cinco De Mayo
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
DouglasStreetSportsBar.com
6PM

Friday, May 6

Espolon Tequila Tasting
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
5PM
MartiniRoomElgin.com

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
5-10PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Hot & Sexy Salsa Night
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net
9PM

Saturday, May 7

ACS Walk ‘n Roll
Festival Park
WalkRoll.org
Registration - 8AM
Start Time - 9AM

Elgin’s Green Expo
The Centre of Elgin
100 Symphony Way
ECCO-FoxValley.net
9AM-4PM

Elgin Firefighter Memorial
Elgin Fire Barn #5 Museum
533 St. Charles Street
11AM

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

Benefit for Japan with The Reverends & Blue Tulip Wranglers
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
DouglasStreetSportsBar.com
1PM-4PM

Jen St. Stjarna
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
8PM

Sunday, May 8

Community Carnival Fundraiser
Kimball Street & Douglas Avenue
1PM-10PM

The Woman in Black
Kimball Street Theatre at Elgin Academy
Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue
Tickets: $15 adults, $12 kids
Elgin-Theatre.org
2PM

Irish Session
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
ElginPublicHouse.com
3PM

Celebrate Mom's Special Day in Downtown Elgin

Mother's Day Brunch
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
ElginPublicHouse.com

Price is $18.95 per adult, $7.95 per child (ages 6-10), children under 6 free. Free flowers for all moms! Reservations available from 10AM to 1:30PM. (EPH's regular menu will be available after 1:30PM.)

MENU:

Drinks
Orange, Pineapple, or Cranberry Juice, Mimosa or Bloody Mary Bar for $4.50 or unlimited for $10

Buffet
Seasonal Fresh Fruit, Shrimp Cocktail, Tuna and Asparagus Carpaccio, Smoked Salmon Lox and Pastries, Tomato and Fresh Mozzarella Caprese, Vegetable Strata, Stuffed Pablano Peppers with Cranberry and Pecan, Italian Stuffed Red Pepper with Chicken and Provolone, Butternut Squash Bisque, Eggs Benedict with Hollandaise sauce, Cheesy Potato Casserole, Hashbrowns, Biscuits and Sausage Gravy, Bacon & Sausage, Corned Beef and Sweet Potato Hash, Irish Bangers, Lemon Chicken, Margarita Tilapia, Macaroni & Cheese, Risotto, Sour Cream Mashed Potatoes, Fresh Vegetable Medley

Featured Stations
Ham, Turkey, and Pork Carving Station, Omelet and Scramble Station, Salad Station

Sweets
Greg's Famous Bread Pudding, Chocolate Covered Strawberries, Sweet Potato Pie, Peach Crisp, Brownie with Peanut Butter Caramel Sauce, Black Cherry Crepes, French Toast


Mother's Day Buffet
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
DouglasStreetSportsPub.com

Make your reservations today for Douglas Street Sports Pub's Mother's Day Brunch Buffet on Sunday, May 8 beginning at 10AM.

DSSP's Buffet offers dozens of scrumptious homemade breakfast and lunch selections, sides, desserts and a complimentary glass of champagne for mom!

Price is $12.00 per person, $6.00 for children.


Mother's Day at Al's Cafe
Al's Cafe & Creamery
43 DuPage Court
847.742.1180
AlsCafe.com

Join Al's Cafe & Creamery for Mother's Day on Sunday, May 8 from 11AM-8PM. Chef Tony has prepared a special menu for the day including (see menu for individual prices):

Appetizers
Hot Artichoke & Spinach with Bleu Cheese Dip, Crab Cakes, White Bean Bruschetta, Scallop Ravigotte and Garlic Roasted Shrimp

Entrees
Pork Tenderloin Medallions, Roasted Salmon Mediterranean, Black Angus Sirloin Steak, Black Angus Steak & Shrimp, Danish Bleu Steak, Schwartzwalder Schweinder Schnitzel, Zigeuner Schnitzel, Idaho Spring Trout, Fetuccini Rose, Shrimp Arrabiata, Finnish Boneless Pork Chop

Rib Special
The Classic, The Texas Jack Ribs, The Carnival, The Thai, The Vienna

All Mothers receive a free Mother's Day Gift! Reservations are recommended.


Mother's Day Thai Buffet
Toom Toom Thai Restaurant
23 S. Grove Ave
847.531.8755
ToomToomThai.net

Lunch 12–2:30PM
Dinner 4:30-9PM

$29.95 per person

Buffet menu features Veggie Egg Rolls, Chicken Pot Stickers, Garden Salad, Thai Chicken Wings, Tofu Pad Thai, Beef Pad Si Ew, Stir-Fried Green Beans, Chicken Panang, Shrimp Curry, Thai Fried Rice and Purple Rice with Mango, plus Soft Drinks, Iced Tea, Ice Water or B.Y.O.B.

And Chef Toom is also pleased to announce that Toom Toom Thai Restaurant will now be serving Sushi! Stop in for Mother's Day and be one of the first on your block to try Toom Toom Thai's new Sushi as part of their Mother's Day Buffet.

By reservation only. RSVP before Saturday, May 7 at 6PM.


Mother's Day at Villa Verone
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
VillaVerone.net

Dinner served 3-9PM. Call for reservations and specifics.


Mother's Day Martini - Wild Sensation Martini Special
Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
MartiniRoomElgin.com

In honor of Mothers everywhere, Martini Room has created a truly unique cocktail: The Wild Sensation Martini!

The Wild Sensation Martini is made with Citrus Vodka, St. Germain Liqueur, white grapefruit juice and served with a Wild Hibiscus edible flower! On Sunday, May 8, the Wild Sensation Martini will be specially priced for $6. Invite your Mother to enjoy this beautiful martini in the warm and comfortable atmosphere of Martini Room!

Why not make it a brunch-and-a-show Mother's Day? Take mom to brunch and then head out to Kimball Street Theater at Elgin Academy (Kimball Street & Dundee Avenue) for Sunday's 2PM matinee performance of Elgin Theatre Company's The Woman in Black by Stephen Mallatratt. Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for youths/seniors. Purchase your tickets today at (847)741-0532 or visit Elgin-Theatre.org.

Also, be sure to stop by the Downtown Neighborhood Association's booth at Elgin's Green Expo on Saturday, May 7 at The Centre of Elgin, 100 Symphony Way from 9AM-4PM. We will be promoting the Downtown Elgin Harvest Market and giving out free Marigolds to all the moms!

And nothing says I LOVE YOU to that special mom on Mother's Day quite like jewelry. Why not make her day with a gift of beautiful jewelry from one of downtown Elgin's fine jewelers? Stop by Shockey Jewelers at 18 Douglas Avenue or Elgin Jewelers at 11 N. State Street to choose from a wide variety of gold jewelry, diamonds, estate pieces and much more!

Can't decide on what to buy for that special mom in your life? Downtown Elgin Gift Certificates also make great gifts and are accepted at over 60 downtown Elgin businesses and are available in denominations of $5 and $10. Stop into the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue weekdays 9:00AM-5:30PM to purchase your GC's!

Downtown Live Music & Entertainment Scene - Week of April 27-May 1

Thursday, April 28

Elgin Person(s) of the Week - NENA
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

This week's Elgin Person(s) of the Week are the good people of the NorthEast Neighborhood Association (NENA). Singing, dancing, great food, great friends and great fun! It all starts at 6PM!

Monty Python Movie Night
Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Stop into EPH at 8PM for a special screening of the classic flick Monty Python and the Search for the Holy Grail. Also be sure to enjoy a goblet of Monty Python Holy Ale!


Friday, April 29

Super Office Party
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Bring the office out for DSSP's free monthly dinner buffet starting at 5PM.

Broken Glass - Page-to-Stage Reading Series
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
847.951.1515

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents Broken Glass by Christopher Bibby, the third in their Page to Stage play reading series. Presented in recognition of Holocaust Rememberance Day, the play is set in Berlin, 1938 and a friendship is put to the test. All performances take place at the Elgin Art Showcase, Professional Building, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor. Show starts at 7:30PM.


Saturday, April 30

Broken Glass - Page-to-Stage Reading Series
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
847.951.1515

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents Broken Glass by Christopher Bibby, the third in their Page to Stage play reading series. Presented in recognition of Holocaust Rememberance Day, the play is set in Berlin, 1938 and a friendship is put to the test. All performances take place at the Elgin Art Showcase, Professional Building, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor. Show starts at 7:30PM.

The Connor Bernhard Standards Group
Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

Join The Connor Bernhard Standards Band playing all your favorite jazz licks in VV's all new Saturday Night Live Jazz series. Starts at 8PM.

ESO's Beethoven's Triple Concerto
The Hemmens Cultural Center
45 Symphony Way
847.888.4000
http://www.elginsymphony.org/

Four rising stars and one of Beethoven’s most unique yet seldom heard works create a program full of once-in-a-lifetime moments. With his 2009 Metropolitan Opera debut, conductor Kazem Abdullah has quickly become one of the most watched talents of the classical world. He leads Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and the return of three of the season’s soloists for your chance to hear them again, this time performing together! Concert starts at 8PM!

B4 & After - Beatles Tribute Band
Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Come out to DSSP for a special Saturday night performance by renowned Beatles tribute band, B4 & After. No cover!

Street Corner Blue
Elgin Public House/Pub 217
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

A traditional R&B band exploring the roots from Bourbon to Beal Street, Motown to Muscle Shoals. They delight in exploring each divergent thread & weaving it into the unique sound that is Street Corner Blue! Starts at 9PM.


Sunday, May 1

Broken Glass - Page-to-Stage Reading Series
Elgin Art Showcase
164 Division Street, 8th Floor
847.951.1515

The Elgin Cultural Arts Commission presents Broken Glass by Christopher Bibby, the third in their Page to Stage play reading series. Presented in recognition of Holocaust Rememberance Day, the play is set in Berlin, 1938 and a friendship is put to the test. All performances take place at the Elgin Art Showcase, Professional Building, 164 Division Street, 8th Floor. Show starts at 1PM.

ESO's Beethoven's Triple Concerto
The Hemmens Cultural Center
45 Symphony Way
847.888.4000
http://www.elginsymphony.org/

Four rising stars and one of Beethoven’s most unique yet seldom heard works create a program full of once-in-a-lifetime moments. With his 2009 Metropolitan Opera debut, conductor Kazem Abdullah has quickly become one of the most watched talents of the classical world. He leads Beethoven’s “Triple Concerto” and the return of three of the season’s soloists for your chance to hear them again, this time performing together! Concert starts at 3:30PM.

And don't forget to take advantage of our ESO & DNA Triple Play promotion this week. Purchase tickets to Saturday or Sunday's performance of ESO's Beethoven's Triple Concerto and receive three great promotional offers:

1.) Complimentary CD of a Live ESO Performance of "Beethoven's Ninth" (with purchase of four tickets)

2.) Free $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate (with purchase of $50 or more from DNA thru Friday, May 6)

3.) One of 3 Specially-Priced Dine-In Specials at Downtown Restaurants & Bars including Al's Cafe & Creamery, Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant, Elgin Public House, Martini Room and Villa Verone (dine-in only, must show ESO ticket stub at time of purchase, valid only on April 30 or May 1)

For more information visit http://www.downtownelgin.com/ or http://www.elginsymphony.com/

More Participating Establishments Added to ESO & DNA Triple Play Promo

In conjunction with Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Beethoven's Triple Concerto concerts on Saturday, April 30 at 8PM and Sunday, May 1 at 3:30PM at The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, we want to "Take You Out with the Crowd" in downtown Elgin with the ESO and DNA Triple Play.

Here's the pitch...

Purchase tickets for Beethoven's Triple Concerto and receive the following perks that are sure to be a hit:

1.) Complimentary CD of a Live ESO Performance of "Beethoven's Ninth" (with purchase of FOUR tickets)

2.) Free $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate (when you purchase $50 worth or more from DNA thru Friday, May 6)

3.) Three Specially-Priced Menu Items or Dine-In Deals at Participating Downtown Elgin Restaurants and Bars (April 30 and May 1 only) including Al's Cafe & Creamery, Bangkok House & Shanghai Restaurant, Elgin Public House, Martini Room and Villa Verone!

Click here for a complete list of participating downtown establishments and their "Triple Play Specials" > > >

TRIPLE YOUR FUN WITH DINNER & "THE SHOW"!

Come for a classic concert...
Stay for a discounted Downtown dinner...
Use your Downtown Elgin gift certificates to pay!

For tickets and additional information, call the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 847.888.4000 or visit ElginSymphony.org

Help Recognize a "Grand" Elgin Teacher

In conjunction with the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade, which steps off Monday, July 4 at 9AM, the Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin is asking your assistance to help us in recognizing outstanding teachers in the Elgin community by nominating them to be one of our 2011 Parade Grand Marshals!

We are asking parents, local PTO members, school administrators or students to write a brief essay about why they feel their teacher is “grand” in the classroom and therefore deserves to be honored as a Grand Marshal in the 2011 Fourth of July Parade.

The competition is open to any teacher (K-12) currently working in an Elgin public or private school. Additional guidelines and restrictions are outlined in the nomination packet.

To download the nomination packet, click here!

Nomination packets will also be mailed out to all Elgin public and private schools.

The Downtown Neighborhood Association will accept nominations through Monday, May 23.

Our parade committee will then select three winners from all of the nominations to serve as Parade Grand Marshals and will ride in a special classic car at the front of the parade. They will also each receive an official City of Elgin Fourth of July Parade t-shirt and other goodies.

PLEASE NOTE: Those teachers selected must be available the morning of the parade from approximately 8AM until 12PM.

If you have any questions about the nomination process, please contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org.

Turn a Triple Play with Elgin Symphony Orchestra and DNA!

In conjunction with Elgin Symphony Orchestra's Beethoven's Triple Concerto concerts on Saturday, April 30 at 8PM and Sunday, May 1 at 3:30PM at The Hemmens, 45 Symphony Way, we want to "Take You Out with the Crowd" in downtown Elgin with the ESO and DNA Triple Play.

Here's the pitch...

Purchase tickets for Beethoven's Triple Concerto and receive the following perks that are sure to be a hit:

1.) Complimentary CD of a Live ESO Performance of "Beethoven's Ninth" (with purchase of FOUR tickets)

2.) Free $5 Downtown Elgin Gift Certificate (when you purchase $50 worth or more from DNA thru Friday, May 6)

3.) Three Specially-Priced Menu Items or Dine-In Deals at Participating Downtown Elgin Restaurants and Bars (April 30 and May 1 only)

Click here for a complete list of participating downtown establishments and their "Triple Play Specials" > > >

TRIPLE YOUR FUN WITH DINNER & "THE SHOW"!

Come for a classic concert...
Stay for a discounted Downtown dinner...
Use your Downtown Elgin gift certificates to pay!

For tickets and additional information, call the Elgin Symphony Orchestra Box Office at 847.888.4000 or visit ElginSymphony.org

RSVP Today for DNA's April Out to Lunch

The Downtown Neighborhood Association's next monthly "Out to Lunch" meeting will be Monday, April 25 at La Quebrada Restaurant at 50 N. Spring Street. Networking begins at 11:45AM and the program runs Noon-1:15PM.

Our featured guest speaker for April will be YWCA Elgin's Event Coordinator Deirdre White.

For $12 per person (all inclusive with tax & tip included - cash only) guests will enjoy a delicious Mexican lunch buffet featuring Beef Fajitas, Specially Prepared Chicken and Fish, Spanish Rice and Beans, Tossed Salad, Seasonal Fruit, Salsa and Chips, and your choice of Soft Drinks or Coffee.

RSVP with your name and e-mail address by phone at 847.488.1456, by e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com or via our Online RSVP Form by no later than Friday, April 22.

The Out to Lunch Meetings, presented by the DNA and typically 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. Recent Out to Lunch guest speakers have included City Manager Sean Stegall, Police Chief Jeff Swoboda and Downtown Elgin Harvest Market Manager Jennifer Benson.

Live Music and Entertainment Scene - April 14-17

Come get a taste of all the great nightlife and live entertainment in store for you this weekend in downtown Elgin:

La Puesta Del Sol/The Eclipse Room
165 E. Highland Avenue
847.468.1416
It's finally here!

On Saturday, April 16, La Puesta celebrates the Grand Opening of The Eclipse Room, an intimate room for the best live entertainment in downtown Elgin. Legendary caribbean rock band Mr. Myers will be on hand to kick things off in style! $15 advanced tickets, $20 at the door. Call (847) 468-1416 to reserve your tickets NOW!

Villa Verone
13 Douglas Avenue
847.742.0263
http://www.villaverone.net/

This Thursday, April 14 is Elgin Person of the Week time again! This week your celebrity bartender is James Myers! The EPOW fun starts at 6PM. Also crooner Jeorge Holmes returns to VV on Sunday, April 17 at 5PM. Come hear all your classic faves by Sinatra, Elvis, Pavarotti and more! Reservations are highly recommended! And be sure to check out VV's new weekly specials: Mondays - free dessert with purchase of 2 entrees; Tuesdays - $20 bottle of house wine with purchase of 2 entrees; Wednesdays - get your 2nd glass of house wine for only a PENNY with any entree purchase.

Elgin Public House
219 E. Chicago Street
847.468.8810
http://www.elginpublichouse.com/

Sample beers from Around the World, including Traquair, Red Stripe, and Monty Python, at EPH's Free Beer Tasting on Friday, April 15 from 7-9PM. On Saturday, April 16 come for the Tequila and Little Bites food pairing and stay for the rockin' musical stylings of Storm Crow at 9PM. Don't forget Half-Price Burger Night on Monday evenings and Trivia Night every Wednesday at 7PM.

Martini Room
161 E. Chicago Street
847.741.0349
http://www.martiniroomelgin.com/

Let's face it, nobody enjoys paying taxes. To help you get through this most dreadful of days, Martini Room is offering their own special tax break: 20% off drinks on Thursday, April 14. For the calorie conscious, be sure to check out Martini Room's new SKINNY DRINKS, made with their own, sugar-free simple syrup, freshly made sweet and sour, and muddled with fresh fruits and herbs.

Red Bar Winery and Bistro
74 S. Grove Avenue
847.695.1659
http://www.redbarwinery.com/

On Thursday, April 14 beginning at 9PM enjoy Red Bar's Thursday Night Salsa with all the hottest salsa music and dancing to set your night on fire. Fridays are now Plush Fridays at Red Bar with the best Hip-Hop, House, R&B and Reggae plus ladies get in free before 11PM.

Douglas Street Sports Pub
231 Douglas Avenue
847.695.5659
http://www.douglasstreetsportsbar.com/

Enjoy blazing hot Blackhawks & Bulls playoff action with DSSP and 35 cent wings during all playoff games. Don't forget Karaoke Wednesdays, U-Call It Thursdays and Fantastic Fridays including DSSP's signature Friday Fish Fry starting at 4PM every Friday for only $8.

Gasthaus
15 N. Grove Avenue
847.695.8828

Come party like a rockstar this Thursday, April 14 as DJ Seth K is mixing all your favorite Old School, Dance and Top 40 every Thirsty Thursday featuring great food and drink specials.

Elgin OPERA
Kimball Street Theatre Rider Center at Elgin Academy
350 Park Street
847.695.5014
http://www.elginopera.org/

The Final Round of Elgin OPERA's 5th Annual Vocal Competition will be held on Sunday, April 17 at 1:30PM. The competition attracted singers from the Fox Valley area, the Chicagoland area and across the midwest. This event is open to the public. Entrance fee at the door is $10.

Fourth of July Parade Applications Now Available

The Downtown Neighborhood Association (DNA) of Elgin is now accepting applications for the City of Elgin’s 2011 Fourth of July Parade - Presented by Sherman Health, which steps off at 9am at the corner of Slade and Douglas Avenues on Monday, July 4.

Parade and sponsor pplications are now available through the DNA’s website at www.DowntownElgin.com or at the DNA Office at 2 Douglas Avenue in Elgin. Completed participant and/or sponsor applications along with any applicable fees must be submitted to the DNA by 5pm on Friday, May 27 to secure a spot in this year's parade.

Every year the DNA and the City of Elgin try to make the parade more entertaining and visually appealing, so if you plan to participate, please make every effort to submit a high quality entry! The parade entry fee is $100 for businesses and political groups. There is no fee for not-for-profit organizations.

The theme of this year’s Fourth of July Parade is "Toys on Parade". Groups, organizations and businesses are encouraged to participate by decorating floats or parade vehicles in the finest toy-themed regalia or dressing up in toy-inspired costumes.

In addition to the regular parade float judging, which includes a first, second and third place prize in the Open, Business and Childrens categories, a special "Eco-Elgin Award" will be given to the float that best tells the story of a "Green" Elgin - utilizing eco-friendly materials and processes for their parade entry.

This year's Fourth of July Parade will also include a "People's Choice" award, voted on by the general public for the entire week following the parade, for the parade unit that best exemplifies the "Toys on Parade" theme. Photos of every parade unit and the online voting form will be available on the DNA's website at www.downtownelgin.com beginning July 6 and "People's Choice" award voting concludes Monday, July 11.

To select our 2011 Parade Grand Marshal, this year we are inviting local students, classrooms and schools to nominate a deserving teacher as our 2011 Parade Grand Marshal. Nomination forms will be sent to all public and private Elgin schools and will also be available on the DNA website beginning Wednesday, April 20. The parade committee will choose three candidates from all of the nominations to serve as Grand Marshals.

Groups, organizations or businesses can also help to present the parade for our community while gaining valuable promotion and premiere exposure by becoming a parade sponsor. Sponsors are included on all marketing and promotions prior to the parade and given special recognition on parade day, depending on their level of investment. Parade sponsors may also be parade participants, and must complete both the parade application and the sponsor commitment form - available now at the DNA's website. Sponsorship is available at levels of $250, $500, $1,000, $2,500 or more. Contact Jason Pawlowski, DNA Promotions Coordinator, at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail jpawlowski@elginil.org for more information.

Over 16,000 spectators annually attend this summertime tradition. Last year's parade featured over 110 units, 25 floats, 150 different parade vehicles, 2,600 participants and took over 50 volunteers to coordinate. As such the Parade Committee is also seeking additional volunteers to work this year’s parade. The time commitment is approximately 6am to 12pm, depending on what duty you are assigned. Volunteers are treated to a free breakfast at orientation before the parade and each receives a free parade t-shirt. Please contact Suzan Shipyor at the DNA Office at (847) 488-1456 or e-mail downtownelgin@gmail.com to learn more about parade volunteer opportunities.