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Old Town Merchants & Residents Association11/30/2010
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Early Nights, Twinkling Lights on Wells Street.

DEAR OLD TOWN NEIGHBOR, 
It's that time of year again.  The flower beds have been vacated, the tulip bulbs have been planted, and the poles up and down our unique commercial and residential strip, Wells Street, are decked out in true holiday fashion (thanks Old Town Gardens!)
The businesses on Wells Street -- whether they are entertainment venues (Second City, Zanies, Red Orchid) specialty boutiques, or world-class dining establishments -- are ready to handle the holiday business.  Our salons and spas are ready to primp and preen you to your holiday best.  Old Town really does have it all.
Happy Hanukkah to those who are celebrating soon and Merry Christmas to those who are celebrating later in the month.  We'll check in with you again at the end of December!
A Red Orchid Has Another Hit on Their Hands
A Red Orchid Theatre, the storefront space located at 1531 N. Wells for over fifteen years, has another hit on their hands.  Known for their intense, often funny productions; this winter's adaptation of The Iliad penned by Emmy-nominated Craig Wright has received rave reviews including
this one by Tribune critic Chris Jones
iliad poster
This particular production of The Iliad was adapted especially for A Red Orchid Theatre's young, all-female cast, most of whom are members of A Red Orchid Theatre's youth ensemble.  

The production has gained well deserved publicity, so you should get your tickets as soon as possible.  The show closes on December 19th.  Tickets are available at 
www.aredorchidtheatre.org 

iliad press shot
photo: Chicago Tribune
Holiday Shopping Abounds in Old Town

The Shop Local movement has been building steam and there is no better place to stay local than in Old Town. 
Take a stroll from Eugenie to Division on both sides of Wells and you're sure to find something for everyone on your list. 
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Old Town Gardens and Chicagoblooms have the trees and flowers down pat -- whether you're celebrating Hanukkah or Christmas,  you'll find all your gift needs on Wells Street. 
otg employees!
And don't forget about the possibilities for entertaining your friends, family, co-workers and visiting guests.  Old Town has it all -- from world-class theatre and comedy to an incredible array of restaurants.  There's art galleries, salons, spas. . . go to
to see what's up or visit us on facebook!

Update! 
This just in from cityblue apparel and denim!
Every Friday from 5pm - 7pm, cityblue will be having a happy hour with refreshments and some holiday treats while you shop

Every Saturday from 12pm-2pm cityblue will be promoting "shop local" with other old town merchant; setting up shop with samples or discount cards to their stores.

All month long cityblue is doing a canned food drive that benefits the Chicago Food Depository.  If you bring in one can, you will receive 10% off.  Two cans gets you a 15% discount.  3 or more canned food items will take a full 20% off your bill. 
www.citybluedenim.com

What's been going on at Franklin?!
Franklin Fine Arts is holding an open house for interested parents on Tuesday, December 7th at 10:00am.  Parents can stop by the CPS Fine Arts Magnet School for a personal tour.  For more information including contact info, check out www.franklinfineartscenter.org.
On Wednesday, December 1st Franklin Fine Arts 6th, 7th, and 8th graders will be competing in the annual Science Fair. 
CPS Schools are on break from December 20th through January 3rd. 


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
The Iliad At Red Orchid Theatre
Holiday Shopping
Franklin News
Annual Dinner -- Save the Date!
Welcome Kooky & A Bag Habit
CAPS Meetings
A New Face for Cobbler Square
FACEBOOK!
Save the Date: OTMRA Annual Dinner
The Annual Dinner Committee is working hard to put together another fabulous event for all the friends, family, colleagues, and residents in Old Town.  Whether you're a business or a residential member, SAVE THE DATE: Thursday, January 27th, 2011
preston bradley hall
The location for the 2011 Annual Dinner has been set at the Preston Bradley Hall in the Chicago Cultural Center.  The Preston Bradley Hall features one of the largest Tiffany stained glass domes in the world and looks out over Millennium Park. 

Mark your calendars for a great way to kick off the year -- and the 40th anniversary of the Old Town Merchants and Residents Association!
Welcome to Kooky Kids Store and A Bag Habit!
a bag habit
We have two more retailers on the street just in the nick of time for holiday shoppers.  Stop in and check out the bags and accessories at A Bag Habit located in Gaslight Court at 1407 N. Wells. 

If you're looking for that perfect gift for the kids on your list, look no further tahn newly arrived Kooky Kids at 1551 N. Wells.  Kooky has everything for kids from clothes to toys and more.  And you can guarantee it's unique and a lot of fun.  Visit Kooky online
 
Please take a moment to stop in and welcome our new neighbors.
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CAPS MEETINGS
Wednesday, December 1st, 6:30pm:  Beat 1821 at the Near North Library, 330 W Division for 43rd Ward residents between North Avenue and Division from LaSalle to Larrabee. 
 
Wednesday, December 1st, 3:00pm: Hospitality Sub-Committee at Shenanigans, 16 W. Division.  Attendance Required for all late-night liquor licensees.  All interested parties encouraged to attend.  
 
Feel free to contact the OTMRA office with any questions!
Cobbler Square Reveals New Courtyard!
If you haven't already noticed, the good people over at Cobbler Square have removed the scaffolding and revealed their sleek and modern entry way and lobby.  Congrats to the building and its residents and thanks to the neighbors who have patiently waited for the construction to complete.  When buildings and businesses take care of their facades -- whether it be cosmetic or structural -- the whole neighborhood wins.   cobbler square










Area Merchants:  Cobbler Square is starting a monthly resident appreciation day.  You can sponsor one of these days and get your products in front of the 400+ local clients who live in the award-winning complex. 
For more information contact Brittany or Laura at Cobbler Square: cob@villagegreen.com

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 almost got 130 friends, 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.
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