gate watercolor
Old Town Merchants & Residents Association 11/30/09
old town decorations 2nierman interior 1scientology cast

The Holidays Are Here!

DEAR OLD TOWN NEIGHBOR, 
That time of year is upon us once more. . . . the busy bustle of the early days of winter.  As we slide into December it's worth mentioning that Old Town is continuously welcoming new businesses and celebrating our tried and true -- from eateries to services to fashion and beyond.  Look no further than our little corner of the City when shopping for your holiday gifts and goodies!
 

Holiday Decorations Abound on Wells Street!

 old town decorations 1Each year the Old Town Merchants and
Residents Association teams up with Old Town Gardens to kick off the holiday season on the right foot: by making sure Wells Street looks great for all the residents, businesses, and visitors to the neighborhood
.
 
In a neighbrohood where stately planters usually hold the aesthetic touches, the crews from Old Town Gardens turn to ladders rather than knee pads in the month of December.
old town decorations 3
 
As you walk down Wells Street you'll see wreaths, ribbons, and lights on all of the light posts from Eugenie to Division.  OTMRA stepped up the game this year.  New to the street are snowflakes on each of the streetscape gates.  Now all we need is some snow to make the beautification efforts really pop! 
 old town decorations 4
 
 

 
 
 
 
 

 
 
 
NIERMAN VISION CENTER CELEBRATES THEIR GRAND RE-OPENING!
 
Join the staff, family, and neighbors of Nierman Vision Center at the their Grand Re-Opening at 243 W. North Avenue on Thursday, December 17th from 4:00pm to 9:00pm
 nierman interior 2
 
The first fifty guests will receive a free gift bag.  Additionally Jimmy Johns will be providing sandwiches and guests will have an opportunity to tour the offices, win door prizes, and take advantage of unique store specials. 
 
Founded by Dr. Cyril Nierman, Nierman Vision Center (NVC) has been caring for Chicagoland families for more than 50 years. Today, the tradition of personal care and service continues under the direction of his sons, Optometric Physicians Larry & David Nierman.
nierman door
State-of-the-art diagnostics, preventative eye healthcare, comprehensive routine exams, and ocular emergency services, along with an optical boutique of today's hottest fashion and designer eyewear are hallmarks of this family-owned practice.
 
If you have any questions, please call John McInteer, Optician and Manager, at 312-337-1126.  See you on the 17th!
 
nierman logo
As Winter approaches, remind yourself that you live in or visit Old Town for a reason.  That reason is the plethora of convenient and beautiful places to shop, live, and enjoy.  So this holiday season, take a stroll through the area -- you'll be thrilled you did.  Life is always good in Old Town!
 
Sincerely,
 

Old Town Merchants & Residents Association
In This Issue
Nierman Grand Re-Opening
IC Snowflakes are Coming!
A Red Orchid's Newest Show!
Holiday Hours
Events in Old Town
The Kids from Immaculate Conception offer up Snowflakes to Old Town Businesses

The artistic spirit is alive and well at Immaculate Conception!  To get involved in their neighborhood, the kids at Immaculate Conception are making snowflakes for any interested businesses in the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association.  If you would like a snowflake or two for your windows, please let the office know by the end of this week: Friday, December 4th. 

 kids snowflakes
 
 Each year the OTMRA Retail Committee choses a unifying theme for the stores' who choose to decorate for the holidays.  This year the theme is "snowflakes," so the students art work will fit in perfectly!
old town snowflakes
 
Thanks to the student body and faculty at Immaculate Conception for getting involved in the neighborhood and for adding that artistic spark to the neighborhood's festive spirit!
 
A RED ORCHID THEATRE'S HOLIDAY HIT IS BACK! 
 
A Red Orchid Theatre, on the heels of their critical and commercial success with Craig Wright's MISTAKES WERE MADE, is currently running their 2008 smash hit A VERY MERRY UNAUTHORIZED CHILDREN'S SCIENTOLOGY PAGEANT.
 
Don't miss this holiday comic gem!   With many of the original cast members, as well as new faces on stage, this year's production promises to be "hugely entertaining, surprisingly enlightening and just a bit disturbing".
 
An anonymous company of merry children gather on a cold winter night to rejoice in telling the story of Scientology founder and hero L. Ron Hubbard. This satirical musical explores the magic of Dianetics, the fascinating E-meter, the immortal Thetans, and the entrancing story of Xenu - all with the straightest of faces.
 
For tickets and times, visit www.aredorchidtheatre.org today!  The show runs through the new year at the theatre at 1531 N. Wells Street. 
OTMRA Holiday Hours
The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association will be closed for the holidays on December 24th, December 25th, December 31st, and January 1st. 

old town sign 
In the meantime, stop by or call if you have any questions about the Assoication's activities, membership, or a concern within the City or neighborhood.  We're here Monday through Friday, 9-5, and are available before and after business hours by appointment.  We'd love to talk to you about joining the Association or about how you can maximize your membership benefits! 
Call 312-951-6106, visit www.oldtownchicago.org, or email otmra@oldtownchicago.org
Events in and Around Old Town
  

**CAPS Meeting at the Near North Library
Tuesday, December 1st, 6:30pm
310 W. Division
Beat Meeting for 1821/1823
 
**CAPS Meeting at Shenanigans HOB
Thursday, November 3rd, 3:00pm
16 W. Division
Meeting of the Hospitality Sub-Committee
 
**NIERMAN VISION CENTER Grand Re-Opening Celebration!
Thursday, December 17th, 4:00pm-9:00pm
243 W. North Avenue
Join the staff and family of Nierman Vision Centers for a night of FUN at their new office!