News from Old Town Merchants & Residents Association

Old Town Merchants & Residents Association

7/30/2010

New Businesses Abound

DEAR OLD TOWN NEIGHBOR,

We're half-way through the summer, but don't let that get you down. There's still a ton of things to do with the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association and in Old Town in general. We've got a networking social coming up in August and another great Night Out event brewing for September. And then of course there's the Wells Street Fall Fest coming the weekend of September 11th and 12th.

We also have a couple new neighbors to welcome to the street. Pasticceria Gelateria Palermo at 1533 N. Wells and Benchmark Tavern at 1510 N. Wells both deserve a hearty welcome from all the neighbors. Stop by Palermo and treat yourself. And keep your eyes peeled -- Benchmark will be open any day now!

Pasticceria Gelateria Palermo Opens!

If you don't know what you're getting when you order a "brioche" at 1533 N. Wells, then you should march over there immediately and try your luck. Precicely what you'll get is a homemade pastry split open and filled with the homemade gelato of your choice -- and you have 16 flavors to choose from. Mix and match -- owner Paula Greco encourages it.

This is the third Chicago location for the family-owned business and they're bringing years of experience and the whole cannoli with them. Literally. Sweets, savories, and gelato. It's all there. And they're open late. And they have espresso. And they're going to have an outdoor cafe. Anything else you need to know, ask Paula!

Welcome the Newest Team Member to Nierman Vision Center!
There seems to be a lot of welcoming going on these days; that only shows the vitality of Old Town and its businesses. Nierman Vision Center has been in the neighborhood for decades, but Dr. Kristie Charles, O.D. hasn't been.  Dr. Charles is the newest addition to the 243 North Avenue location.

Dr. Charles hails from Green Bay, WI. She attended University of Wisonsin, LaCrosse, earning her undergraduate degree in Biology, with a medical emphasis. She then attended the Illinois College of Optometry, earning her Doctorate of Optometry degree. During her clinical rotations, she traveled around the United States including Alaska, Kentucky and Rhode Island completing her training in diagnosis and management of ocular disease (glaucoma, diabetic eye care and cataracts). Upon her completion of studies, she was retained in private practice. Dr. Charles was involved with the VOSH program, as a supporting volunteer for eye missions in Honduras.

Nierman Vision Center has also updated their office hours:

Monday        10am - 8pm
Tuesday       10am - 8pm
Wednesday   9am - 4pm
Thursday      10am - 6pm
Friday           10am - 5pm
Saturday         9am - 2pm
Sunday            Closed

WE HAVE FRIENDS!

The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association facebook page is up and running and we need YOU! If you have a facebook page, find us HERE and LIKE us!

If you are a local business member, send us your information, news, photos, and videos. Send us links to your website. Send us whatever you want the fans of Old Town to know about and the office will post it. We've had a 5-star rating for over a week now, which means people are paying attention. Don't be left in the cyber-dust. Get online and get seen by the masses! Click HERE to check out the OTMRA Facebook page.

Thanks for your continued support of the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association! The Association takes pride in the neighborhood and works tirelessly to support and promote it's member residents and businesses. If you have any questions, would like to learn more about membership, or just get involved in the neighborhood; stop in or give us a call!

Sincerely,

Old Town Merchants & Residents Association

In This Issue

Pasticceria E Gelateria Palermo Opens!

Nieman Vision Center Annouces a New Doctor!

FACEBOOK!

July Night Out

Here Comes Benchmark Tavern!

Wells Street Fall Fest

CAPS Meetings

Documentary Screening

July's Night Out a Complete Success

Thanks go out to the folks at Old Town Social and Zanies for helping to make the Night Out in Old Town a complete and utter success for the attendees. Some of the stand out businesses in attendance were Chicago Smile Design (9 people) and Near North Animal Hospital (6 people). And of course the Sauers, Comers, Palmers, Militos, Brandon and Kate, and on and on.

The real stars were the burgers at Old Town Social and the comics at Zanies. The two teamed up and offered the owners, staff, family, and friends of Old Town Merchants and Residents Association members an outstanding deal: $20 for a burger, beer, & a comedy show with all-inclusive service. The generosity of our business community and the fun spirit of our residents shine during Night Out events. Stay tuned for more information on the next event pairing of O'Briens and A Red Orchid Theatre. Want to pair your business with another in the neighborhood to offer members a "Night Out" experience? Drop the office an email today. More to come soon!