gate watercolor
Old Town Merchants & Residents Association 6/30/09
art fest 1art fest social 1concierge night 3
Summer in Old Town
DEAR OLD TOWN NEIGHBOR, 
It's finally the time of year that reminds us why we put up with winter.  And what better neighborhood is there to celebrate summer in than Old Town?  Whether you choose to go to the Green City Market, North Avenue Beach, or enjoy a sidewalk cafe in the area - get out there and take advantage of all that Old Town has to offer!

ART FEST IS A SUCCESS!

The Wells Street Art Festival, by all accounts, was a success.  Artists and retailers reported sales above and beyond previous years.  If you recall, Saturday started off a little wet, but the crowds showed up the minute the sun came out on Saturday and stayed through the weekend.  Thanks to all the neighbors, restauranteurs, and retailers for welcoming the artists and the visitors to Old Town.art fest 2
 
This year the festival was kicked off in style at the Art Fest Preview
Social. Hosted by the Association in the Carraige Lot just south of Boston Market, the Social is an event for members to get together and chat with neighbors, nosh on local eats, listen to music, and get a sneak peak of some of the weekend's art offerings. 
art fest social 2
 
As guests passed through the gates of the Carriage Lot on a red carpet, they soon forgot where they were.  Red carpeting was rolled out over the surface and Old Town Gardens sent over plenty of palm trees and flowers to finish off the transformation.  From six until nine members were treated to a truly unique evening in Old Town
 
 
CAPS Meetings In Old Town

**CAPS Meeting at She-Nannigan's
HOB 16 W. Division
Thursday, July 2nd, 3pm
Meeting of the Hospitality Sub-Commitee
**CAPS Meeting at the Near North Branch of the
Chicago Public Library 310 W. Division
Tuesday, July 7th, 6:30pm
1821 Beat Meeting
Best Wishes to you and your  families this Fourth of July Weekend.  Don't forget about the City of Chicago's spectacular fireworks display on July 3rd!  Just keep your eyes turned toward the lakefront downtown and you'll be hard pressed to miss it!  Have a safe weekend and keep in touch -- we love to hear from you.
 
Sincerely,
 

Old Town Merchants & Residents Association
In This Issue
Art Fest is a Success!
CAPS Meetings
Cleaning up the Neighborhood
Concierge Night in Old Town
Cleaning up the Neighborhood
Each year the Art Fest helps to pay for improvements in the neighborhood.  This year is no different.  Shortly before the Festival, Old Town Gardens sent their crews out to install brilliant tropical-themed foliage in the planters up and down Wells Street. 
 
The Association also put in a rush order to have the stolen historical markers replaced.  Thanks to OTMRA president Tom Erd, of the Spice House, the plaques were securely in place the Thursday before the festival. 
plaque
And for ten days after the Wells Street Art Fest a clean up crew was on hand to power wash the sidewalks on North Avenue and Wells Street. 
 
The City seemed to have the same thing in mind as they came through to trim trees.  Unfortunately we lost a couple that were deemed too sick to make it, but after a couple phone calls to 311; our newest trees can be found in front of Jumbalia at 1429 North Wells.
 
Thanks to all who help keep the neighborhood looking great!  From the gardens in front of residential buildings, to the private balconies, to the outdoor cafes -- everyone has that Old Town pride.
Concierge Night in Old Town Goes Off Without a Hitch

 The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association owes a huge thank you to Marsha Kaeseberg of Jumbalia for her coordination and dedication to our annual Concierge Night.  What is a Concierge Night, you ask?
concierge night 1
 
On Thursday evening, June 25th, Dinotto Ristorante was host to over 60 concierge from Chicago hotels.  The concierges were able to chat and mingle while tasting some of Dinotto Ristorante's famous fare. They were then whisked away in trolleys and toured the neighborhood; dropping in at whatever spots struck their fancies.
 
A big thanks to all the restaurants, retailers, and service providers who were kind enough to donate to the gift bags and raffle.  You don't know how often we hear that Concierge Night in Old Town is the best in the City!  We couldn't do it without your participation -- not to mention the gracious Chicago concierge community!
concierge night 2