MacArthur 5th Annual Artist Market

Saturday, June 4 and June 11, 9am to 2pm

Town & Country Shopping Center

Arts, handmade crafts, music, food and fun!   

We're excited to be moving into our fifth year for this event and look forward to seeing you there! 

View artists and artwork on our website...

Government Update

Cory Jobe, Alderman, Ward 6

Joe McMenamin, Alderman, Ward7

Joe mentioned that the owners of the previous Kmart building plan to come to Springfield in June.  He said he conducted a ride around Ward 7 with the new Public Works Directory Mark Mahoney and is researching use of sweepers and water tank trucks to keep streets & sidewalks cleaner.  He intends to keep constituents informed of upcoming ordinance votes and to let MBBA and other neighborhood groups comment on ordinances.  Joe will officially open his constituent's office in South Side Christian Church every Monday night from 7:30 to 9pm and every Saturday morning from 10:30 to noon.  The starting date is to be determined.  Constituents will be  welcome to stop in and talk with Joe.

Guest Speaker, Amber Sabin,
                          CWLP and Springfield Green

Amber mentioned Mayor Houston's intention to continue support of Springfield Green.  Although Amber is a city employee, Springfield Green is supported by private funds.  The organization is responsible for creation and maintenance of gateway beds, downtown planters, the Adopt-A-Street program and other initiatives to beautify Springfield and help make it more welcoming.  Amber discussed the planters, tree wells and trees at MacArthur and South Grand.  She said that, although the new landscaping ordinance was "light", it does make a difference. She said many landscapers, landscape architects and nurseries in the area donate time and materials to public plantings.

MacBac Master Plan Committee

Debbie said the MacBac Committee meets the 3^rd Wednesday of every month; they met May 18 at 5:30 at South Side Christian Church.  Chair Micah Bartlett will attend the June MBBA meeting.

Adopt-A-Street Cleanup - June 4 

MacArthur 5th Annual Artist Market

Laurie Farrell said over 40 artists are signed up to display at the 5^th Annual Artist Market.  The Market will be held 2 Saturdays - June 4 and June 11 from 9am to 2pm at Town & Country Shopping Center.  Yard signs, handouts and window signs were available for display.  Two food vendors and two musicians will provide food and music.  Laurie thanked the IL Times for providing marketing assistance. Volunteers are still needed for 2-hour shifts on 6/11 - please call Laurie to volunteer.    

Artwork is displayed on the MBBA website at www.shoponmacarthur.com. 

• Mike Greenwood from Schnucks in Montvale briefly discussed a major remodeling project soon to start at the store, which will add a community meeting room and various upscale offerings.  The effort will be completed in 3 phases from June 6 to mid-October.
• South Side Christian Church Big Block Bash July 17; sponsors are needed - deadline June 20.  See more info at www.shoponmacarthur.com.
• The Peerless Cleaners renovation project on South Grand will be complete in June.
• The former bank building at the corner of Outer Park & MacArthur has been purchased.
• Springfield in Bloom is focusing on neighborhood or community-focused projects for 2011.  The Illinois Times will feature these projects throughout the spring and summer.  Please send project description, photos and the names of volunteers involved to info@springfieldinbloom.org or to Sharon Whalen, Illinois Times, 1320 S State, Springfield IL 62704
• Willy P's is going into the space vacated by Dublin Pub.
• The restaurant destined for the former Osco building in Town & Country Shopping Center is an International Buffet.
• The owner of the former B&J Coin Shop is obtaining financing to open the store.
• Members were saddened to learn of the death of Gilbert Stein, a visionary business leader, who passed away at age 97, on April 30. He is survived, locally, by his daughter Phyllis ( George) Fairchild. His wife, Frances, died in 2002.  Over a 65 year career Mr. Stein led the development of International Dairy Queen, which he sold in 1998 to Berkshire Hathaway, Inc. At the time of his passing he was actively overseeing a complete renovation of his planned business office at 2900 S. MacArthur.  

Please renew your membership for 2011.  The 2011 Membership Form can be downloaded here and from our website, www.shoponmacarthur.com.

The MBBA supports the welfare of MacArthur Boulevard area businesses and promotes, develops and preserves MacArthur Boulevard as a desirable place to work, shop and live.

Please renew your membership and ask your friends, neighbors and the businesses you patronize to join the MBBA.

Everyone in the area benefits from having a
vibrant, healthy MacArthur Boulevard.