http://elginite.org/forum Elgin forum, message board, bulletin board - Elgin, Illinois - Elginite.org en http://backend.userland.com/rss http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=588#588 588@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Train whistles / quiet zone Message: I dont know what to say about it all. However Ill tell you whats happeneing to me with the trains. I moved into the Fountain Square Condos there by the casino just across the river from all the train tracks, Thinking I was suppossed to be moving into a so called 'luxury condo's' boy was I wrong! I feel like I live in a box next to a train station! Trains coming and going all night long! Some are decent in the middle of night, they will sort of 'chirp' the horn quickly and thats it, others will lay down on the horn like its an addiction! I know this, I moving out, and Im sure the genious who decided to build a luxury condo next to a train track will soon realize it was a bad idea to build here especially since a majority of units are STILL empty! Sun, 06 Jul 2008 13:09:17 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=587#587 587@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Supporting Restaurants Downtown Message: The Great American Diner had too small of a menu. Rather limited. The service was OK although I didn't like the Kmart feel with the candles and arts and crafts stuff on the stage etc. We went there quite a few times but quit going there when we felt the food quality kind of going downhill. Kind of sad another Elgin establishment bites the dust, but they could have done better.  Jalopenos is an all right place. The first time, shortly after the new owner took over a couple of years ago, I was impressed with him. He was pleasant and sociable. The last time my wife and I were in he was curt, cold, and somewhat detached. Didn't really care whether we were there or not. I think he might have become kind of hardened to the fact of no business. When we go there often we are the only diners in there. Can't pay the bills that way. Hang on to your purse to and from the car.   I still like J.J.'s (the one directly on National St.) I've never been to the one in the shopping center.   Kendall's on Walnut near State is one of my favorites. Kind of like a place you might see Ernest Hemingway in. Very plain, countrified, not real pretty, just a diner. My wife hates it, but I love it. Just down home. No pretty tablecloths, no carpeting on the floor, old tables and benches. Even the walls are old ceramic blocks. Kind of a retro place. But I like it. Cheap!! Might see people you know in there.   We used to go in the restaurant on Highland Ave. el Puesta del Sol. It is clean, the food is good and the people are nice. It doesn't take much for us to get turned off by a restaurant. We went in there, (my wife likes sour cream on Mexican food), and the sour cream on the plate was, she felt, too sparse. She asked for more sour cream and they brought it. It was also on the bill. We felt that is a condiment and should have just been brought complimentary. They knew us and we had been in there lots of times. I think, as I remember it, they charged us .50c for the extra sour cream. I did leave a note on the placemat about it and we haven't been in there since. .50c is not going to break me nor is it going to break the restaurant. Places trying to extract as much money as they can. I understand they must watch the overhead, but my word.    If you are upset about something, I feel you should let the management know about it. I don't mean to obtain an adjustment, just let them kmow about it. By the same token, if you are exceptionally happy leave a note about that as well.   I did leave a very nice note on a placement about the food, the waitress and the fair price at a restaurant. The manager came to us and was so elated. That day, a waitress quit, a cook quit, the owner blamed the manager, and then the walk-in cooler went on the fritz. My note to her made her day. She said she was going to frame it and hang it in her office so she could reread once in a while when she had another difficult day. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 23:24:03 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=586#586 586@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Train whistles / quiet zone Message: I reside out in Valley Creek near the Walmart, so I am several blocks from a train crossing, the nearest, I believe on McLean and Big Timer. I hear the train whistles from that crossing and the one downtown, believe it or not. The horn is that loud for me to hear it all the way out here. If I lived closer to downtown I might have a different view on the irritability of the noise. If I did live there, I would get used to the noise and just accept it as bit of life I have to endure. Lately, I believe a year ago or so a lady trying to drive around the gates on Highland Ave. & State St. with passengers in the car was hit by a train. A baby was killed. Now she is trying to say that the warning signs were not in her native language so she is not responsible. If there was a "No Blow" reguirement at that crossing I am sure that would be used as well. Until railroad crossing are elevated, or the roadway is below the railroad, we had better persevere the horns. Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:20:17 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=585#585 585@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: When is downtown Elgin getting a Starbucks? Message: And to think, here in L.A., there's a Starbucks' about every 200 yards.And, I think, Britney's banned from every single one of 'em.Dale Fri, 30 May 2008 14:57:04 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=584#584 584@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Al's Cafe in Downtown Elgin Message: IIRC, Al's is an offshoot of a place that opened up in St. Charles...Al's Cafe and Creamery.The St. Charles location had a soda fountain and malt recipe from an old pharmacy on the Southeast side of Elgin...was it Burns Pharmacy? On Bluff City Blvd. @ St. Charles St.?(I've been living in L.A. so long, I probably have forgotten how to get around in Elgin.) Fri, 30 May 2008 14:42:52 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=583#583 583@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Mad Maggies - food & music Message: St. Ed's class of '76.Boy howdy, do I feel old now!:S Fri, 30 May 2008 14:36:53 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=582#582 582@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: In The Neighborhood Deli & Cafe Message: In The Neighborhood Deli & Cafe is located on the West side of Elgin and has been open for a little over a month. It is at 185 N. Edison located between Larkin Ave and Highland Ave next to Joseph's salon.  Great sandwiches, soups, coffee and more.....The decor is in honor of the history of ELgin with old black and white pictures, several books to enjoy while you are dining about the historical homes and stories of Elgin, and a place to enjoy great food with your friends, family, and neighbors.  There is also a kids area for them to keep busy with toys, books, coloring, and a movie.  The service is very personal as the Chef/Owner, Jeff Turner gets to know each of his guests. In The Neighborhhod Deli & Cafe serves signature sandwiches which are named after landmarks on the West side such as, The Larkin Center, The Judson, The LHS, The Washington, The Lowrie, and The Kimball, etc.They are contributing to the Going Green initiative with recycling efforts, using recycled materials, their Fair Trade Certified Coffee, and more.It gets busier everyday and seems to be filling with a lot of people who know each other and enjoy visiting. There are so many reasons to give this place a try. Great food, great neighborhood, friendly people, and a place to enjoy the history of Elgin.In The Neighborhood Deli & Cafe is now open 7am to 7pm Monday through Saturday 8am to 3pm SundayI am interested in other people's experiences as they visit this new place in Elgin.. It seems to be what the Neighborhood needs................. Fri, 23 May 2008 20:29:44 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=581#581 581@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: FoxFireFest Message: Yeah it would be cool if they booked the Smoking Popes for this. Wed, 21 May 2008 19:51:40 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=580#580 580@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: FoxFireFest Message: In addition, the FoxFireFest if advertised properly can bring LARGE exposure to the up and coming businesses to downtown Elgin as well as bring in new businesses...  Naperville does an outstanding job at this.  I have GREAT hope for ELGIN!!  Plus, we can show Chicagoland how tasty Elgin ribs are! Tue, 20 May 2008 09:51:22 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=579#579 579@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: FoxFireFest Message: This is Elgin's version of Naperville's RibFest.  I am impressed with the work done to bring in Big Name bands to this fest this year.  The fest is from August 1st-3rd.  Verbatim from Elgin's 2008 Special Events website "Don't Miss this event focused around the glow of fire on the water, including a night-time fire and light show on the river accompanied by theatre, art and musical performers"Performers include: The Elgin Symphony Orchestra on Friday, Aug 1st; Starship and Blues Traveler on Saturday, Aug 2nd; and Sister Hazel on Sunday, Aug 3rd!!!  For those of you unfamiliar with Blues Traveler <http://www.bluestraveler.com> and Sister Hazel <www.sisterhazel.com> go ahead and check out their websites.  You will find that Blues Traveler, in particular, is planning on performing for Lollapalooza in downtown Chicago on the 3rd (ticket prices are $175-205 for the full 3 days).HOWEVER, ALL ELGIN CONCERTS ARE FREE!!!!  Check it out <http://conceptmill.com/events/>.  The website will also direct to all summer events for the months of May-September 2008.I cannot wait until FoxFireFest can beat out Naperville RibFest.  A start will be to have a website devoted directly to FoxFireFest...  FYI, Naperville has the following website <www.ribfest.net>.  NO ONE owns the rights to <www.foxfirefest.com>!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tue, 20 May 2008 09:44:09 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=578#578 578@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration at the Hemmen Message: The Asian American Community of Elgin (AACE) will be hosting its third annual Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Celebration on May 31 2008. "Simply Asia" The "Cultural Avenue" Performances promises to be one of Elgin's premiere cultural and community bonding events of the year. This is a cultural event within the greater Kane and Cook County community. Over 1,000 people will enjoy an enticing experience with cultural singing and dance performance "Simply Asia" at The Hemmens Center. Bring the families around 3pm to enjoy the bazaar of businesses and food and then stay for the evening performances.  The Bazaar part is FREE for all to enjoy.  The evening performances begins around 7:30pm will need the ticket to enjoy.  See website for more information: www.aacelgin.org Mon, 19 May 2008 18:30:27 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=577#577 577@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Thinking of moving to Elgin, your thoughts? Message: I agree that Elgin has many wonderful assets.  It is a city undergoing a renaissance. It is about beautiful buildings.  It is also a city of people with great spirit, a lot of good folks working together toward an exciting future.I work for the library and if you would like a tour when you are in the building, we'd love to show you.  You could actually ask anyone on staff, but I am in administration on the second floor and would be glad to give you a personalized tour and all the written materials you'd like to read.  If you are thinking of moving here, I know that the city of Elgin is hosting a June 8 event (because the library is participating).  Here is what the city has planned:"On Sunday, June 8, 2008, the City of Elgin Parks and Recreation Department will host an "Elgin Sampler" from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at Westpoint Gardens, located at Rt 20 and Nesler Road. The purpose of this event is to familiarize new residents to our community through a sampling of Elgin's civic and cultural organizations, business community and city services. Eleven model homes will be used to house displays from participating organizations, with additional activities going on at the grand opening of Meier Park, located within the Westpoint Gardens subdivision. The event will be publicized and open to the entire public."By the way, Elginite, great blog. Your photos of the library are beautiful. Fri, 16 May 2008 22:36:38 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=576#576 576@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Thinking of moving to Elgin, your thoughts? Message: Thanks for those responses. My wife and I actually just came back from a visit yesterday and was very impressed. The neighborhoods seemed very quaint and the library was especially nice. We were both definitely impressed with the town. Thu, 15 May 2008 13:33:24 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=575#575 575@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Thinking of moving to Elgin, your thoughts? Message: Oh yeah, if you golf, Elgin has great municipal golf options. The Highlands, a municipal course off of Rte 20 just got a new club house, and the driving range is awesome. Wed, 14 May 2008 22:53:59 -0700 http://elginite.org/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=574#574 574@http://elginite.org/forum Topic: Thinking of moving to Elgin, your thoughts? Message: Welcome to the forum.Elgin is a great place to live. There's plenty of shopping nearby in Schaumburg and Randall Road and Spring Hill Mall (do you really need to live next to Woodfield Mall?). There are some great restaurants in Elgin, and I frequently hear from Chicagoans that it's easier to get good Mexican food in Elgin than it is in Chicago. Elgin is a diverse city so you will have an easy time finding ethnic ingredients and food that you would not find elsewhere. The cost of living is probably not significantly different from any other Chicago suburb. Elgin has an attractive downtown with many historic buildings, and Elgin generally has a large inventory of historic buildings. There's also a large concentration of churches, which manage to coexist with a growing downtown nightlife scene.Elgin has three stops on the Metra, which is I think more than any other city outside of Chicago. Downtown Elgin has two stops, making it very convenient to get to downtown Chicago, just an hour commute.Cultural attractions? There's a symphony orchestra, opera, choral union, various theatre groups, etc. And I guess we are still working on the art museum :)What I like about Elgin is that it sort of straddles the countryside and the city. The western edge of Elgin is still farmland, and it's nice to get out there sometimes (especially if you have a motorcycle). There are also some great forest preserves around here, extensive bike trails, etc.The downtown library (they're building a branch on the west side now) is a really fantastic resource. It's probably one of the two or three largest public library buildings outside of Chicago. The collection is huge and has just about anything you need, including movies and music. Whatever they don't have, you can request and it takes probably a couple of weeks for them to add it to the collection or get it for you via Interlibrary Loan. In my experience, Elgin's Gail Borden Public Library is better than a university library.The recreation center downtown is also one of the largest in the country. It was built recently so still feels nice and new. You can work out there, play basketball, racquetball, jog, or swim (and probably a ton of other stuff). Being a resident means you pay less for membership. But you can also pay per visit. If you just want to do laps in the pool it's $3, which works well for me.The city is one of the larger cities in Illinois, but still small enough that you can keep tab of what's going on. The city council is very accessible, etc. And people are active. The National Civic League designated Elgin an All-America city, not once but twice. Few cities in the country bear such distinction.Elgin is also a very safe city. Only Naperville is safer. See Elgin's Wikipedia article for more statistics.So short answer to your question is: Yes, it's worth moving to Elgin! Wed, 14 May 2008 22:44:23 -0700