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, IL, November 24,2009 – Ask famous women like Jennifer Aniston, Courtney Cox, Gwyneth Paltrow and Madonna how they strengthen their bodies, find balance in their lives and gain confidence in how they look.  They’d probably tell you by 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 of Wheaton, Inner Focus Pilates, a full-service Pilates studio 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 emotes 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 including a 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 also emotionally. Physically, Pilates enabled Erin to participate in activities on which she had given up. 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 four years ago, I have worked with hundreds of clients who have found new energy, better health and experienced 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 the close relationship between both 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 is excited to announce the addition of four new instructors to the staff.  These new instructors bring a variety of experience and knowledge to the studio.  Inner Focus Pilates Studio instructors are well-trained experts in their field and truly practice what they preach – overall health and well being through development of strong body awareness, muscle tone and posture.
Looking to finally make a change in your body?  This season, Inner Focus Pilates is offering a variety of new classes.
Ballet Fit
Ballet dancers are known for their lithe bodies, graceful movement and posture. This Inner Focus Pilates class allows students to discover the controlled, rhythmic routines dancers use to strengthen and lengthen their limbs and back while sculpting their bodies. The class combines ballet barre work, STOTT Pilates, mat work and floor barre. Gain the posture and tone of a dancer, while developing body awareness and the core connection of Pilates. This workout is FOR EVERYONE! No previous dance experience is necessary. Ballet fits an exceptional workout to balance the abdominals and improve dynamic stability of the pelvis and hips. Weighted balls and bands add resistance to develop strength. Single sessions begin at $20 and package sessions are also available. (5 sessions for $90 and 10 sessions for $175).

Pilates: Mat Plus
A Pilates mat repertoire class, with a twist. We focus our planning/ programming around the mat repertoire adding new elements to challenge and keep the body progressing!!
On the schedule under Pilates: Mat Plus you will see options such as:
Cardio Pilates
Fun, high-energy workout that alternates cardio and resistance segments for maximum calorie burn. Your upper and lower body along with your abs will be challenged in true pilates style. Equipment will include any combination of Step, weighted toning balls, BOSU, stability balls and bands. Simple and effective moves make this ideal for all fitness levels.
Pilates Sculpt
Intermediate-level exercises to challenge core and peripheral strength add variety and multi-dimensional joint movements to the basic Flex-Band® exerciser routine. Emphasis is on the upper and lower body working together while maintaining correct alignment and form. Cues and corrections for safety and effectiveness are also covered.
Pilates Unilateral Challenge
From walking to reaching to writing, unilateral control of movement is just as important as bilateral. Day-to-day functional movements are unilateral, using one side of the body at a time. In order to perform a proper unilateral action one needs to strengthen and balance each side of the body independently of the opposite side. Working unilaterally challenges the neuromuscular system while maintaining equilibrium. This insures that the proper muscles are recruited and adjusted on each side of the body for support and balance.

Turbo Flex
Torch calories and sculpt muscle with this no impact, rocking work out. Moving through a series of postures every few breaths, students work all parts of the body. This unique class increases strength, stamina, balance and flexibility. The tempo is quick and the fitness requirements are high. Come ready to sweat.

Boot Camp
Incorporate all aspects of the stability, fluidity and control of Pilates, challenged balance, high intensity cardio/plyometrics and challenged strength training in timed intervals.  This quick paced and challenging hour and a half class will be offered at the same rate as our GES due to the class max of 8 – 10.

About Inner Focus Pilates
In addition to Ballet Fit, Pilates: Mat Plus, Turbo Flex, and Boot Camp, Inner Focus Pilates offers a variety of specialized sessions customized to fit the needs of individuals. The studio conducts Pilates classes targeted towards rehabilitation needs, pregnancy, athletic and aerobic needs.  The daily schedule is comprised of introductory classes, private equipment sessions as well as duet and group equipment sessions. Cost of individual sessions range from $20-$75 dollars, and packages from 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 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.

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.

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, 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.

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.

Mothers make the world go round.  Being a mother/daughter shop we know the unique bond that is motherhood.  We want to hear about your mom this year.  Why is she so special this year?  Has she completed a life long goal?  Given countless volunteer hours?  Or taken care of your family with every fiber of her being?  We want to hear your stories.  Please submit a short essay about your “Mother of the Year”  Only one winner will be chosen and your mom will receive an afternoon in Wheaton with all of the following prizes.

• $100 Gift Certificates to JB Winterberry, 124 N. Main St., Wheaton
  
• $25 for Tea or Lunch at Suzette’s Creperie, 211 W. Front St., Wheaton
• Free Haircut, Color and Facial at Zazu Salon & Day Spa, 133 N. Main St., Wheaton

Entries can be mailed or dropped off at JB Winterberry, 124 N. Main St. Wheaton, IL  60187 beginning May 1.  Please include your name and phone number.  For further questions, call JB Winterberry at 630-653-9667.

JB Winterberry in downtown Wheaton begins a new charity program entitled “JB Gives”. Every third Friday of the month, JB Winterberry will donate 10% of their sales to a specified organization. While JB Winterberry continues to give to area schools and churches, this monthly event is being held to benefit larger charities. The premier “JB Gives” event will be held on Friday, April 18th from 10am-5pm. The first organization which is close to their heart is the American Brain Tumor Association. This non-profit organization founded in 1973 exists to eliminate brain tumors and to meet the needs of brain tumor survivor. The American Brain Tumor Association’s annual walk called “Path to Progress” is being held on Saturday, April 26 in Chicago. 100% of the proceeds raised through this event support brain tumor research. JB Winterberry takes a stand to help raise money for this organization. They will continue to give through “JB Gives” on the third Friday of each month. Upcoming charities include The Humanitarian Service Project, The Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans and the 3-Day Walk for the Susan G. Komen Foundation. Please visit JB Winterberry on these days to help the community around you. Extra envelopes will be available for donations if a particular charity is close to your heart. For more information, contact JB Winterberry at 630-653-9667.

Elizabeth Knight noted tea authority and author will be at Suzette’s Creperie in Historic Downtown Wheaton for tea and a book signing.  Elizabeth has authored bestselling books, Tea with Friends and Tea in the City New York.  She was Tea Sommelier for historic St. Regis Hotel a worldwide speaker and host for tea tours.  She has just released her charming, beautifully illustrated book evoking the traditions, recipes and hospitality of the Irish, Scots, Welsh and people of Cornwall.

Suzette’s will be serving a three-course English Afternoon Tea on Sunday, May 4 from 12-4 p.m. and from 4-6 p.m. High Tea will be served.  Recipes from Celtic Tea with Friends will be served at both teas.  Afternoon Tea cost is $35 per person plus tax and gratuity.  High Tea is $50 per person plus tax and gratuity.  Both prices include Elizabeth’s new book and the opportunity for her to sign and personalize books.  Extra books will be available for purchase.  Dan Roberts from The Tea House will also be available to answer any questions you may have regarding the art of serving tea.  Space is limited and reservations are required.  Suzette’s is located at 211 West Front Street in Historic Downtown Wheaton.  For further information and reservations call 630/462-0898.