COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Thursday, November 5, 2020
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Greetings!
The monthly Glen Ellyn Chamber Community Newsletter is your resource to local news from the Chamber, civic partners, village and county for your family and our Glen Ellyn businesses.
This year the holidays may look a little different due to COVID-19, but the Chamber is dedicated to be a resource and an advocate to our members. With our civic partners we have been planning on programs to help our businesses. Please remember to keep shopping and spending local to keep our storefronts open.
Stay Safe,
Dawn Smith
Glen Ellyn Chamber Executive Director
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Glen Ellyn Holiday Happenings
Mark you calendars for all the Holiday FUN!
- Wine, Dine & Win! - "Glen Ellyn to Go" Facebook Page
- Need a Gift for the Holidays? - Chamber Gift Checks
- Pumpkin Smash - November 7
- Christmas in the Movies - November 7
- Downtown Valet Parking - Begins November 14
- Ladies Night Out - November 17 & 19
- B.R. Ryall YMCA Christmas Tree Lot - Opens November 23
- Holiday Storefront Window Decorating Contest - November 25
- Virtual Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony - November 27
- Shop Local - Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday, Cyber Monday & Giving Tuesday
- Free Horse & Carriage Rides - Selective dates starting November 27th
- Spread Holiday Cheer - Starting December 1
- Holiday Treats- December 3
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Wine, Dine & Win!
Provided by Village of Glen Ellyn
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Given the new restrictions, our restaurants need us now more than ever! Post a photo with hashtag #winedineandwin on the Facebook "Glen Ellyn to Go" page of your meal or cocktail (must be new, not an old photo), and you will be entered to win a $50 Chamber gift card! Winners will be randomly chosen weekly on Fridays. Please help share and spread the word! Thank you for supporting Glen Ellyn Restaurants.
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Need a Gift for the Holidays?
Glen Ellyn Chamber Member Gift Checks
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Shopping in Glen Ellyn fosters a thriving, vibrant community for everyone to enjoy. Glen Ellyn Chamber Gift Checks are perfect for the holidays for those who live, work and volunteer in our community.
The Chamber sells approximately $60K in gift checks annually which all goes back to our Chamber Members for a free service. Gift Checks come in the following denominations $10, $15, $20, $25, $30, $50. With limited office hours, please "pre-order" your gift checks by phone or email and we will arrange a pick up time/date. Provide the quantity amount, payment method (Cash or Check made out to Glen Ellyn Chamber) and phone number. Gift Checks are not available at the Glen Ellyn Public Library until further notice.
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Pumpkin Smash
Don't trash your pumpkins, smash them! Have fun smashing your jack-o-lantern and turning it into compost that will help nourish vegetable gardens next season. All pumpkins will be weighed prior to smashing. Please no painted pumpkins and all decorations and candles must be removed. Attendees are asked to wear a face covering and maintain proper social distancing. Free and open to the public, no registration required.
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Christmas in the Movies
Saturday, November 7 2 p.m.
Glen Ellyn Historical Society
What are the best and most beloved holiday films of all time? Join historian Leslie Goddard for an illustrated lecture and review of the book Christmas in the Movies by Jeremy Arnold. We’ll look back at some Hollywood classics -- including Holiday Inn, Miracle on 34th Street, A Christmas Story, Elf, White Christmas, and others -- to explore what makes each one a “Christmas movie”. Learn behind-the-scenes stories about each movie’s production, reception and legacy. It’s a glorious salute to why we love it when Hollywood does the holidays. Online using Zoom. Free
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Downtown Valet Parking: Begins November 14
To promote shopping and dining, The Village will be offering seasonal valet parking, available in the downtown beginning November 14. This free valet parking service is available to all visitors of the downtown. Hours, which are subject to change, will include Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Access to the valet parking will be located on Main Street with two locations, on both the north and south side of the tracks. Look for the yellow valet stands.
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Ladies Night Out
November 17 & 19
Downtown Alliance
The Alliance of Downtown Glen Ellyn, an association whose mission is to encourage sales in the downtown, will be hosting the 13th Annual Ladies Night Out on Tuesday, November 17 and Thursday, November 19th, 5-9pm!
Ticket sales are extended through Friday, November 6th! There are NO tickets for sale after this time. Please reserve your tickets today. It is going to be an amazing night filled with friendship, amazing deals and holiday cheer!
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B.R. Ryall YMCA Christmas Tree Lot
Opens Monday, November 23
A COMMUNITY TRADITION- The history of the B.R. Ryall YMCA Christmas Tree Lot dates back to 1961. Through the years, it has become much more than a place to buy a tree, wreath or garland. It is where family memories are made—and where the community comes together to give back and help their neighbors.
IN THE SPIRIT OF GIVING- Proceeds from the sales of all trees and wreaths go directly to support our financial assistance fund. Financial assistance is provided to children, adults and families in greatest need—making spirits bright not just at the holiday season, but throughout the year.
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Holiday Window Decorating Contest |
Who has the most decorated windows? Come and view the Holiday Windows in Downtown Glen Ellyn. The 2020 Window Theme is "Tree of Hope".
Attention Storefronts
Windows will be judged on Wednesday, November 25.
The categories:
- Best Overall
- Best Interpretation of Theme
- Best Representation of Business
- Best Children's Theme
- 3 X Honorable Mention
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Virtual Holiday Walk & Tree Lighting Ceremony
November 27
Unfortunately we will not be able to see the tree lit in person, but the tradition will live on with Santa himself, coming down from the North Pole to light up all of Glen Ellyn with holiday cheer and make the Christmas Tree in the downtown light up so bright. All will be able to see the video through a YouTube link provided by the collaboration of the Chamber, the Village and the Glen Ellyn Public Library.
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Shop Local - Shop Glen Ellyn
- Black Friday - November 27
- Shop Small Saturday-November 28
- Cyber Monday - November 30
- Giving Tuesday - December 1
(donate to those who help us)
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Free Horse and Carriage Rides
Explore the charming streets of downtown Glen Ellyn this holiday season with a horse and carriage ride. Together with Canterbury Carriages, the Village is offering free horse and carriage rides on the following dates: Friday, November 27, December 11 & 12, December 18 & 19
Rides will be offered from 6 to 8 p.m. and depart from the southwest corner of Main and Crescent. There is a limit of one family per ride (max 4 people) and riders are encouraged to bring their own blankets.
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Spreading Holiday Cheer
Shop local and be rewarded this holiday season. Beginning December 1 through December 14, enter your name at participating businesses throughout Glen Ellyn for a chance to win a $25 gift check. Four $25 gift checks will be awarded from each participating location for a return shopping or dining experience.
Remember to Shop Where Your Heart Is this holiday season and support the many merchants who help preserve our Village.
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Holiday Treats,
December 3
Downtown Alliance
Back for the third year, The Downtown Alliance presents Holiday Treats delivering the same holiday spirit and experience with your child, however, packaged a bit differently. In partnership with the Glen Ellyn Public Library, participation in this event provides a treat box containing two custom-made holiday cookies with a drink, along with a QR code to participate in a virtual age-appropriate escape room. Proceeds from this event benefit Metropolitan Family Services.
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Chamber Business Events
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Annual Election of Officers & Presentation on The Change to Stay - (Virtual-FREE) November 10
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Multi-Chamber Employer Obligations During COVID - (Virtual - FREE to Members) November 12
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Multi-Chamber Meeting When the crisis passes, will your small business still be standing? - (Virtual) November 17
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Non-Profit Connection - (Virtual FREE) November 18
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Presenter
Ute Westphal, MBA
Director and Program Manager, Illinois Small Business Development Center
(630) 942-2630
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Annual Election of Officers & Presentation on The Change to Stay |
The presentation will explain the services of the Business Development Center, the seven elementary changes derived from the recent pandemic experience in starting and managing a business. Long lasting market and industry changes, capital support initiatives, getting through the pandemic winter of 20/21. There will be time for questions, comments, lively discussion to learn from each other.
Ute Westphal has been an entrepreneur in two different countries and brings a solid understanding of today's world of entrepreneurs. She advises business owners in all questions concerning incorporating, operations, financials/capitalization, marketing and organizational structures. Under her leadership the team has helped over 150 startups and created a solid training and advising program for our area.
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Tuesday, November 10
11:45 AM Zoom Link Opens
Noon - 1:00pm Annual Election of Officers & Presentation
Free to All Chamber Members
& Prospective Members
Virtual Meeting via Zoom. A link to join will be emailed prior the meeting.
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Virtual Multi-Chamber
Employer Obligations During COVID
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Presenter:
Mehwish Javed, CSP
Industrial Services Consultant II
Illinois Department of Labor
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Thursday, November 12
10:00- 11:00 AM
Chamber Member - Free
Non-Member - $15
Virtual Meeting. A link to join will be emailed prior the meeting.
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Virtual Multi-Chamber
When the crisis passes, will your small business still be standing?
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Presenter: Jim Paglia, President Brand that Stands
Today’s economic climate is nothing short of harrowing. Some businesses are hanging on by sheer will. Help your business' brand weather the unprecedented combination of COVID- 19, a struggling marketplace, social unrest, and natural disasters.
As a small business owner himself, Jim Paglia, noted Brand Strategist , will share insights he applies to keep his businesses strong in these challenging times and the counsel he offers to clients ranging from entrepreneurs to Fortune 500® firms in a variety of industries, professions and settings.
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Tuesday, November 17
3:00- 4:30 PM
$15 / member $30 / non-member
Virtual Meeting via Zoom. A link to join will be emailed prior the meeting.
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Melissa Lagowski
Founder/CEO/Queen Bee
Melissa created Big Buzz Idea Group in November 2004 so Chicagoland nonprofits would have an honest outsourcing partner to bring their largest projects to life.
With 26 years of corporate and nonprofit experience, she has launched and executed large fundraisers, conceived several innovative and lucrative new programs, coordinated a variety of dinners/awards functions and organized numerous conferences/workshops. Her largest project to date is Ribfest Chicago, where she is responsible for every facet of the event including festival promotion, sponsorship development, entertainment booking and vendor management. Having begun with 5,000 attendees, the event now draws 70,000 people annually and was featured on Food Network’s “Eating America” with Anthony Anderson (2014).
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Glen Ellyn Non-Profit Connection
Virtual Meeting
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Presenter: Melissa M. Lagowski CEO/Founder/Queen Bee, Big Buzz Idea Group
The Glen Ellyn Non-Profit Connection is a resource to connect non-profits through networking and education. Non-Profits have similar issues and struggles. Together we can make each other stronger.
At these meetings, each organization will:
- Introduce themselves, their organization and share upcoming news, events and services. We will also discuss any struggles at our round-table at the meeting.
- A 30-minute Professional Speaker will be provided on an issue directed specifically to help non-profits.
- A Round Table of Discussion & Best Practices will follow as we will discuss the topics of struggles listed previously. Example topics: fundraising, volunteer recruitment, telling your story, grant writing, transitioning of the Board or staff, etc. There will be years of experience and people with many talents. Together we can support each other, foster and collaborate ideas and improve our community.
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Wednesday, November 18
10:00 - 11:30 AM
Free to All Non-Profit Chamber Members
Virtual Meeting via Zoom. A link to join will be emailed prior the meeting.
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Community Partner Events & News
- Glen Ellyn Public Library - Our Library is Open
- College of DuPage - Community Newsletter
- Glenbard Parent Series - Mindfulness and Self Compassion Tools For Your Mental Health
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Glen Ellyn Park District - Turkey Burn & Food Drive
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Glen Ellyn Public Library
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Our library is open! Visit gepl.org for current hours and services |
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College of DuPage
Community Newsletter
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Don’t miss out on getting up-to-date news and events from College of DuPage. Click here to register and receive the new COD NOW community newsletter.
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Mindfulness and Self-Compassion Tools For Your Mental Health |
Thursday, November 5
7:00 p.m.
Free Virtual Event
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Glen Ellyn Park District
Turkey Burn & Food Drive
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Thursday, November 26
7am-11am
Ackerman Sports & Fitness Center
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Local County & Village News
- Civic Betterment Party: 2020 Town Meeting and Voting Procedures
- Early Voting and Town Meeting Information
- Downtown Streetscape Materials Test Site at Main and Crescent
- Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Glenwood Station Project
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Civic Betterment Party: 2020 Town Meeting and Voting Procedures
Due to the uncertainty caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Civic Betterment Party (CBP) will be making several changes to its Town Meeting and voting procedures during the upcoming election cycle.
The CBP’s 2020 election process and final voting will be held on Saturday, November 14. In lieu of the typical Town Meeting format, the CBP is encouraging residents to visit their website to view candidate videos, bios and contact information.
Voting information including in-person voting, early voting and drive-thru voting is listed below. Voters must be residents of incorporated Glen Ellyn and be at least 18 years of age. It is not necessary to be a registered voter. Voters are reminded to bring proof of residency in the form of a valid driver’s license or state issued ID card with their current address.
The individuals with the most votes will be on the ballot for the spring 2021 Consolidated General Election with Civic Betterment Party endorsement. Residents are encouraged to take part in local elections by casting their vote in November, as well as in April when the slate of candidates comes up for formal election. For more information, please visit civicbetterment.com.
Slate of Candidates
The Nominating Committee of the Civic Betterment Party has announced its slate of candidates for the open positions on the Glen Ellyn Village and Library Boards
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Village President
Village Trustee (3 openings)
- Gary Fasules
- Anne Gould
- Kelley Kalinich
- Steve Neurauter
- Steve Ruffalo
- Stephen Szymanski
Village Clerk
Library Trustee (3 openings)
- Mary Anne Deaton
- Richard Jones
- Erin Micklo
- Susan Stott
- Joel Riley
The individuals with the most votes will be on the ballot for the spring 2021 Consolidated General Election with Civic Betterment Party endorsement.
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Early Voting and Town Meeting Information
Early Voting
Socially distanced early voting for the 2020 Town Meeting will take place at the Glen Ellyn Civic Center, 535 Duane Street, in the second floor gymnasium. Dates and times are:
- Saturday, November 7 from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Monday, November 9 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Tuesday, November 10 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Wednesday, November 11 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
- Thursday, November 12 from 3 p.m. - 7 p.m.
Town Meeting
Details on the presentation of the Town Meeting on Saturday November 14 are still being planned. Socially distanced IN PERSON VOTING that day will be from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. in the Civic Center gymnasium.
Drive Thru Voting (NEW this year)
Drive thru voting will occur at two locations in town. Stay in your car to vote.
- Village Links Golf Course parking lot, 485 Winchell Way, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
- Glen Ellyn Municipal Lot at Duane and Lorraine, west of the GE Public Library, from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Voters must be residents of incorporated Glen Ellyn and be at least 18 years of age. It is not necessary to be a registered voter. Voters are reminded to bring proof of residency in the form of a valid driver’s license or state issued ID card with current address.
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Downtown Streetscape Materials Test Site at Main and Crescent
Several materials being considered for the new Downtown Streetscape have been installed on the northwest corner of Main Street and Crescent Boulevard. Residents, visitors and business owners can visit the test site to view the materials and vote for their preferred choices. Visit downtownge.com to take the survey online or complete a hard copy at the test site Saturday, November 7 from 11 am – 1 pm. For those who cannot attend on Saturday, November 7 and prefer a hard copy, printed surveys will be available at the Civic Center (535 Duane Street) and M & Em’s (460 N. Main Street). When selecting the final materials for the new streetscape, the Village staff and board will consider several important factors such as aesthetic, cost, durability, maintenance and public opinion.
In addition to testing materials, the Village board and staff are working on the overall streetscape design. The Capital Improvements Commission (CIC) and the Village Board met recently to evaluate several important streetscape design elements. In addition to reviewing sidewalk width and parking layouts, the project team is exploring possible flex street designs at key locations. A flex street prioritizes pedestrians and allows for more space for events and outdoor dining, when needed.
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Public Hearing Scheduled for Proposed Glenwood Station Project
Holladay Properties has submitted plans to the Village for a mixed-use development located at the northwest corner of Crescent Boulevard and Glenwood Avenue. The property, formerly owned and occupied by the McChesney & Miller grocery store, has been vacant since the closing of the store in 2014.
The proposed development, to be called Glenwood Station, would consist of a 5-story (+/- 67 feet), 6-level mixed-use building with 86 apartment units; 1,490 square-feet of commercial space; and 102 parking stalls.
The Plan Commission will conduct a public hearing to review the project on Thursday, November 12, 2020 at 7 p.m. via Zoom, with the public invited to participate. Zoom details are provided at https://www.glenellyn.org/717/Glenwood-Station
Additional Information
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Starry Night Dream Travel - CruisePlanners |
Glen Ellyn, IL
(630) 742-6017
They are an American Express Travel Representative, has a tremendous reputation for quality, service, and very competitive pricing for ALL of your travel needs.
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College Nannies+Sitters+Tutors |
102 W Illinois Street
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 474-4256
Whether your family needs the quality care that comes from one of our role model nannies or the one-on-one attention from one of our College Tutors, we are committed to helping you build a stronger family.
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Abundant Children & Family Services Agency |
416 East Roosevelt, Suite 101B
Wheaton, IL 60187
(630) 765-7059
Food Pantry, clothes closet, emergency financial assistance for housing, car repairs, etc. Everything we do is to end hunger and homelessness.
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Participate in our GLEN ELLYN
DINE AT HOME
Curbside Pickup / Delivery / Carryout / Drive Through / Outdoor Dining
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Participate in our KEEP SHOPPING
LOCAL program
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Curbside Pickup / Online / Shipping / In Store |
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Glen Ellyn Essential Services |
These Business are critical to our community. Please contact these companies via phone or email as many of these companies are working remotely.
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Volunteers are needed. If you are an able and willing to volunteer, please visit DuPage County’s Volunteer Portal, Giving DuPage, who links volunteers with non-profit organizations within DuPage. Contact the Chamber if your Non-Profit would like more information, and to be connected. |
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Glen Ellyn Business Resource During COVID-19 |
The Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to be a resource during this difficult time. Please click the link to view:
- Emails shared with Glen Ellyn Chamber members regarding COVID-19 on their website
- COVID19 Links to Village, County & State.
- Additional ways to help in the pandemic.
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Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce Members
Thank you to our Members. Because of your paid membership, the Chamber is able to continue to connect business with the greater Glen Ellyn community.
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Glen Ellyn Chamber of Commerce
810 N. Main Street
Glen Ellyn, IL 60137
630.469.0907
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