Boo-tiful Halloween Fun for Everyone in Downtown Wheaton

September 22nd, 2008

The Downtown Wheaton Association (DWA) will sponsor the Annual Spooktacular Downtown Trick-or-Treat on Friday, October 31st beginning at 3:00 pm. Parents are invited to bring their little ghosts and goblins to downtown on Halloween dressed in their scariest costumes. Downtown Trick-or-Treat is a change for families to visit and enjoy the generosity of Downtown merchants as they open their stores and candy jars for Halloween. Parents and kids should look for the posters displayed in the windows of participating stores throughout Downtown Wheaton. Trick-or-treating will continue until 6:00 p.m. or until the treats run out.

For more information on participating stores please visit our website at www.DowntownWheaton.com or contact the Downtown Wheaton Association at 630-682-0633.

Downtown Wheaton Is In the Pink

September 22nd, 2008

The Downtown Wheaton Association (DWA) will host “Pretty in Pink - Ladies Night Out in Downtown Wheaton” on Thursday evening October 16th from 60 to 9 p.m.  Ten percent of purchases made at over 15 participating Downtown businesses will be donated to the Chicagoland Affiliate of Susan G. Komen for the Cure in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month (individual business exclusions apply).

“Our goal for this event is to have a special night out for the ladies while contributing to an incredibly worthy cause”.

Participating businesses will display a bouquet of pink balloons outside of their business on the night of the event. Visit these Downtown Wheaton businesses on October 16th to support Pretty in Pink: Clarice’s Creating Beautiful Looks, Genghis Grill, Inner Focus Pilates, Its’ Our Earth, JB Winterberry, Paper House, Serenade, Serene Teaz, Suzette’s Creperie, Tasting deVine, The Genuine Article, The Stork’s Cradle, Up Country Home and Garden and Wheaton Religious Gifts.

For further information on Downtown Wheaton events, contact the Downtown Wheaton Association at www.DowntownWheaton.com

Wheaton’s Inner Focus Pilates Stretches to New Lengths With City-Inspired Expanded Studio

August 28th, 2008

Wheaton, IL, June 12, 2008 - Ask famous women like Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna how they strenghten their bodies, find balance in their lives and gain confidence in how they look and feel, and they’d probably tell you bby practicing Pilates! The Pilates Method (or simply Pilates) is a physical fitness system developed in the early 20th century by Joseph Pilates and practiced by millions of fitness focused individuals worldwide. Established in 2005 by instructor and owner Erin Jones o fWheaton, Inner Focus Pilates, a full-service Pilates stuido offering private, semi-private and group sessions, recently moved to an expansive new studio in the heart of downtown Wheaton at 125 W. Front Street. Offering the STOTT Pilates method - which includes modern principles of exercise, science and spinal rehabilitation - Inner Focus Pilates’ newly expanded facility gives off a city vibe with exposed brick walls, hard wood floors and natural sunlight. Jones wanted to offer Pilates enthusiasts of all ages a warm and private studio space offering full line of top quality STOTT pilates equipment, used in spas and fitness facilities worldwide.

Erin Jones discovered Pilates after a struggle with her health. After surgery, she began Pilates sessions and became passionate about its effect, not only physically, but emotionally. Physically, Pilates enabled Erin to participate in activities she had given up on. Emotionally, it provided her the mental focus and engagement of body awareness. Today, Pilates continues to help provide balance for Erin’s busy life with her husband and four children.

“Pilates truly changed my life”, said Erin Jones, founder of Inner Focus Pilates. “Since opening my studio three years ago, I have worked with hundreds of clients who have found new energy, better health and expierenced the many benefits of Pilates training. I’m thrilled that we are in this much bigger space to work with even more people to become stronger, find balance and gain confidence.”

Inner Focus Pilates emphasizes teh close relationship between the mind and body and the importance of keeping both the healthy alignment. Jones notes that finding a balance between the body and the mind can be one of life’s biggest challenges, but can also bring great fulfillment and joy. Inner Focus Pilates studio isntructors are well-trained experts in their field and truly practice what they preach - overall health and well being through through development of stron body awareness, muscle tone and posture.

Looking to finally make a change in your body or the bodies of your children? This summer, Inner Focus Pilates is offering a variety of new classes for adults and children.

Pilates at the Barre

Ballet dancers are known for their litle bodies, graceful movement and posture. This new Inner Focus Pilates class allows students to discover the controlled, rhythmic routines dancers use to strenghten and lengthen their limbs and back while sculpting their bodies. Students will also gain the posture and tone of dance, while developing body awareness and the core connection of Pilates. The class combines ballet barre work, STOTT Pilates, mat work and floor barre. Pilates at the Barre is for everyone and previous dance experience is not necessary. Single sessions begin at $20 and package sessions are also available (5 sessions for $90 and 10 sessions for $175).

Early Childhood Ballet/Beginners Ballet

For the little girl who dreams of becoming a ballerina, this class is perfect. Early Childhood Ballet and Beginners Ballet embodies the spirit of movement and creates strength, balance, determination and confidence to inspire your child to achieve their personal best. Each 55 minute class offers a unique experience for young dancers. Single sessions begin at $15 and a package of 10 sessions is also available for $120.

Yoga for Kids!

Yoga is not for just adults! This fun and innovative class gives children the opportunity to explore the joy of movement and promotes all around helath and well-being. Yoga for Kids! provides healthy activity for mind and body development, helps relieve every day stress and teaches relaxation, focus and strength. The 55 minute class practices fun filled yoga poses and breathing exercises that imitate animals and nature. Creative expression and singing area lso incorporated into the course. The class is non-competitive and the children are grouped by age. Single sessions begin at $15 and a package of 10 sessions is also available for $120.

About Inner Focus Pilates

In addition to Pilates at the Barre/Beginners Ballet, Early Childhood Ballet and Yoga for Kids!, Inner Focus Pilates offers a veriety of specialized sessions customized to fit the needs of individuals. The studio conducts Pilates classes targeted towards rehabilitation needs, pregnancy, athletic and aerobic needs, and is available to men, teens and children as well as women. The daily schedule is comprised of introductory classes, private equipment sessions as well as duet and group equipment sessions. Cost fo rindividual sessions range from $20-$75 dollars, and packages fro these classes range from $275 - $650 for ten sessions.

The Inner Focus Pilates new studio is located at 125 W. Front Street in Wheaton, IL. For more information or to sign up for Inner Focus Pilates classes, please visit www.innerfocuspilates.com or call (630) 871-1714.

JB Winterberry Continues Their JB Gives Program Now Benefitting The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans

August 12th, 2008

JB Winterberry continues to give back to the community through their JB Gives Program. On Friday, August 15, 10% of all sales for the day will be donated to The Midwest Shelter for the Homeless Veterans. The shelter is a non-profit transitional living facility that provides assistance to U.S. veterans. It gives veterans the opportunity to return to a useful and productive life by helping to build the skills needed for independent living. Named in honor of Marine Cpl. Nicholas P. Larson, a 19 year old Wheaton resident who died in Iraq in 2004, it is the only such organization of its kind in DuPage County. Visit JB Winterberry at 124 N. Main St. in downtown Wheaton from 10am-5pm t help raise money for the shelter which is now expanding to a 15 bed facility. If you would like more information regarding the shelter or ways to volunteer, go to www.helpaveteran.org. Or for more information regarding JB Gives, call 630-653-9667.

Public Hearing Notice

August 12th, 2008

You’re invited to a public meeting to discuss the possible financial involvement of the Wheaton Park District in the restoration and operation of the Wheaton Grand Theatre.

The meeting will take place on August 25 at 7 p.m. at the Wheaton Grand Theatre, 123 N. Hale Street.  Presentation at 7 p.m. followed by public input, questions and answers at 7:20 p.m.

If you have questions, please email mbenard@wheatonparks.org.

Downtown Wheaton Fine Art Fair & Opening Night Gala

June 21st, 2008

Dowtnown Wheaton Association to Host 6th Annual Wheaton Fine Art Fair

Downtown Wheaton Association to Host Annual Fundraiser

June 1st, 2008

The Downtown Wheaton Association requests the pleasure of your company atOpening Night Artist Preview Gala, Friday, July 18, 2008 at 7 o’clook in the evening under the Grand Tent on West Liberty Drive at Hale Street in Downtown Wheaton.

Experience a magical evening of Masquerade with friends, neighbors & business associates. Enjoy sumptuous hor d’oeuvres, refreshing cocktails, dancing under the stars and surprise entertainment!

Black tie suggested, Masquerade if you choose, $125.00 per person. For general information please call 630-682-0633 or 630-854-7960.

JB Winterberry Gives to Autism Speaks by Helping to Find a Cause and A Cure

May 13th, 2008

JB Winterberry, an antique and home decor shop, owned by mother/daughter team Barb and Julie announce the second charity to their “JB Gives” Program. On Friday, May 16th from 10am-5pm, JB Winterberry will donate 10% of their sales to the organization, Autism Speaks. Last year, Autism Speaks allocated $30 million to fund a new research to uncover a cause, search for prevention and to find treatments and a cure for autism. Because of their efforts, there has been a 14% increase in autism awareness. Autism Speaks is extremely determined to make people aware of autism and to help the families who are caring for autistic children. Media efforts have been huge including a fantastic public service announcement campaign, an online family services resource guide and even a YouTube video page. JB Winterberry is proud to call attention to this group and help raise funds to continue their research and awareness program. Visit JB Winterberry in downtown Wheaton on May 16th and purchase your teacher gifts, graduation gifts and even a little something for your home. 10% of your purchase will benefit Autism Speaks. For more information, contact JB Winterberry at 630-653-9667.

Downtown Wheaton Association Announces New Board of Directors

April 25th, 2008

The induction ceremony took place on April 23rd at The Bank Restaurant with the introduction of the Downtown Wheaton Association’s newest members to the Board of Directors and new Board positions for some continuing to serve on the Board.

Ron Richardson has taken the helm as the 2008-09 President for the DWA.

Bonnie McLaren former Treasurer to our Board will now be the acting Vice President.

The Position of Treasurer will be held by Bob Bauer of Continental Gifts.

Immediate Past President for the organization is Jan Faris of The Pinnancle Planning Group.

Secretary for the organization is Connie Ross-Reynolds of Community Bank Wheaton/Glen Ellyn

DWA Directors:

New Board Member Derek Bromstead, Genghis Grill

Carol Daywalt, Paper House

Councilman John Prediville, City Representative

Bonnie Rae, The Stork’s Cradle

Jeane Garza, Ex Officio, DWA Manager

James Kozik, Ex Officio, City of Wheaton

Downtown Wheaton Association Announces Annual Award Winners

April 23rd, 2008

The Downtown Wheaton Association announces their 2007 Annual their 2007 Annual Award recipients. Business people and property owners were presented with the prestigious awards today at the organization’s Annual Meeting held at The Bank Restaurant. Winners are chosen by their peers in the Downtown Wheaton business district.

Facade Improvement of the Year was presented to Mike Phillips of The Bank Restaurant for their extensive renovation to the property at 121 W. Front Street.

Spirit of Downtown Wheaton was presented to the Department of Public Works for their continued dedication to the community.

Volunteer of the Year was awarded to Xristina Rahn of It’s Our Earth for her support and commitment towards the DWA.