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Downtown Auroran Local Culture
Summer 2012 a rt│ p oet r y recipe calendar + more
TO P 1 0 PIZZ A S P OT S DOWNTOWN’S LAST TUNNEL B E AUTY I N VAC ANT W IND OWS W E ST S I DE’S C R AFT Y M AMA
Downtown Auroran www.downtownauroran.com Marissa Amoni Publisher and Editor
W
ho doesn’t like pizza? I’ve met a couple of cool cats who don’t, and it’s their strangeness that attracts me to them. Pizza could arguably be the perfect food: you don’t need utensils, and it is capable of covering all the food groups. In Aurora, pizza is somewhat of an art form and the pizza places that have perfected it have been in business for years. I went to Luigi’s, Rosati’s, and Ach-and-Lou’s when I was a child in the 1980s. I now take my children to a handful of pizza places in the city, and we love them all. To prepare for this issue, I spent the spring trying all sorts of local pizza places in Aurora. I have a good idea of what locals deem to be the best pizzas around, but I had to test them all. I also asked several friends, and put the question on Facebook: What is your favorite local pizza? In the cover story, we list the top pizzas in Aurora as determined by Aurorans. It is not a scientific poll, but the results are pretty conclusive; there are about 10 pizza establishments that people keep patronizing. We are not only lucky to have the crème of the crop in pizza choices, but Aurora also boasts its own unique style of pizza. Maybe you’ve noticed that A-town pizza stands apart from many popular pizza styles with its semi-crispy thin crust and baked-in-cheese toppings – cut in squares, of course. Deep dish just isn’t authentico around here. I welcome you to dive into our first pizza issue and help us celebrate three years of Downtown Auroran magazine by supporting local businesses and ordering up some pizza. Happily, there are now two pizza places in downtown Aurora, and they both make the list.
See you downtown!
Dave Sobotka at Kelmscott Communications Graphic Design Tony Scott Max Balding Amy Roth for the Aurora Public Library Copy Editors Don Picton Amy Perry John Jaros Contributors Advertising and Submissions: E-mail downtownauroran@gmail.com. Fall/Winter issue deadline: Sept. 21, 2012. On the Cover: Pizza screen print by Don Picton Downtown Auroran (DTA) is a local independent operation. We are focused on the downtown and its success – especially the burgeoning arts and culture movement. Opinions are encouraged and expressed, but they are not necessarily those of DTA. Downtown Auroran magazine is published three times a year, and over 2,000 copies are distributed free of charge throughout downtown and select locations in the Aurora area. Share it and recycle it, or add it to your collection. Join us on Facebook! Fall/Winter 2012 issue is available in November. Please support the businesses that support us. Keep it local! Copyrighted 2012
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Downtown Auroran
Summer 2012
New Life in the City of Lights
index
c over st ory
By Katie Dahlstrom
For the Love of Pizza... By Marissa Amoni
page
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features May 20, 2012 By Jon Anderson (630) 896-9861 732 Prairie Street, Aurora
Enlightened Mankind By Ellis Maldonado Haiku By T. J. Jones
Military Monday Unlimited Laser Tag for only $10 25% off food with Military ID
A u ro r a n Wo rd s
$5 Tuesday • 14” 1-topping thin crust pizza (add’l toppings $1.25) dine in or pickup only • 30 min. Laser Tag session • 30 min. all you can play non-redemption games
page
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DTA profile: Lisa Manning
BOGO Wednesday Buy one pizza and get one for equal or lesser value free! Buy one Laser Tag session and get a second for that session free! Tasty Thursday 16” 1-topping pizza for only $11
page
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A r t i s t P ro f i l e
Fried Friday 1 Free small appetizer with the purchase of a 16” pizza.
Downer Place’s tunnels - Q & A with John Jaros
luigispizzaandfuncenter.com
Historical Notes
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Table of Contents 4 auroran words 5 locust report 6 cover story 9 comic 10 downtown voices
Summer 2012
Downtown Auroran
10 book review 11 artist profile 12 recipe 13 culture shock 15 historical notes
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Greg Miller - gregmillerphoto.net
Auroran Words
May 20, 2012
Jon Anderson recently graduated with a Bachelor Degree from DePaul University. He grew up on Aurora’s West Side and joined the Marine Corp after graduating from West High in 2004 and was deployed twice to Iraq, once in 2007 and once between 2008 and 2009. On May 20, he marched with the Iraq Veterans Against the War and returned his NATO medals during the NATO Summit in Chicago.
Enlightened Mankind
By Jon Anderson
I had a lot of thoughts and feelings to sort through as we marched through the streets, and prepared to return our medals. I had struggled with questions about how my former platoon would accept what I was doing, as well as a lot of people in my life. When it came down to it, I was settled that I was doing the right thing according to everything I believe, and that I would always be at home with my brothers and sisters who marched together. I had a lot of confidence in the people that were with us, and the thousands of people who came to support us. It meant a lot to me that so many people understood what we were doing and why, and it made the entire process a positive experience. I feel so relieved to know that all of these people understand our sorrow and grief for what we did. When it came time to throw the medals, all I could feel was anger for the situation that we were in, for being lied to, for being made into tools of a destructive corporate machine, for being made to do harm and cause destruction that was unnecessary, and for being made to defy the very things that make us human as we become part of a highly functioning killing machine. All I could offer the people to restore the harm that we had caused was motivation to move forward into the future. When I had a chance to speak, I told the world that our destruction was unnecessary, and that another world is possible, because I want to both acknowledge what happened, and look to the future. These people know what strength is inside of them, and they know that they can change the world, but sometimes the task seems overwhelmingly impossible, so I hoped that they would find strength in those words. Throwing the medals felt like slow motion, and I can replay every moment of it in my mind. I could feel all of the anger, the hurt, the anxiety, the despair, the longing for understanding all surging through my body, and as I released the medals, all of that faded, and I was left with a new sense of self. I dedicated that moment to all of the people who I helped bring suffering to because I wanted to make a better life for myself using the Marine Corps. I no longer carry the burden of guilt for my work to make a killing machine function as efficiently as possible. I could let go of the hatred that I had developed for the people who pushed me further to act without questioning. I could become a whole person again, an independent agent, acting 4
according to my own beliefs, morals, and understanding of the world. I no longer have to rely on the rhetoric and blindfolded guidance of people who have only their interest in mind. I can finally tell the world what I think and feel, and do what I think is right.
By Ellis Maldonado
Being a child born in ‘73 I missed a turbulent era in history School filled me in, though it made no sense Racism, discrimination gave great offense Why judge a man by the color of his skin? And measure his rights by the pigment within? “All men created equal” was the mother of our nation But when raped by man, America birthed Segregation Who was in charge to dictate this thing? Did this declaration come from God or king? No. It was decided by ordinary man Who simply feared what he didn’t understand My heart weeps for those who know hate A sentiment, I’m glad, for which I cannot relate I’m happy I missed such prejudiced times When black men were punished though they committed no crimes My chest swells with pride, and there’s joy within To know we’ve abolished our forefather’s sin Look at us, Cosmos! We’re Enlightened Mankind! New and improved, never again to be blind To the injustice and bigotry prejudice produces We are wiser than our predecessors, no more excuses A black person can vote, can own land, and can marry All mankind now possesses rights everyone should carry. But then… I realize… As my smile fades away We are repeating the past. Only black is now gay. Ellis Maldonado has lived in Aurora for six years. He enjoys writing poetry and short stories as well as crafting alternate miniature worlds with creative construction and painting. He can usually be found with Gail Chrisse at any of the art or music events around Aurora.
Haiku By T. J. Jones
Wind often blows in the direction that is least accommodating.
Downtown Auroran
Summer 2012
The L o c u st R ep o r t Reporting the News and Gossip in Downtown Aurora • Restaurant Row update: On the surface, there is no update for the New York Street foodie strip. However, quite a lot has happened behind the scenes. Local entrepreneur Vernon LaVia has regained possession of his building at 29 W. New York St. after foreclosures hit the row and the developer flew the coop. LaVia has been actively showing the former Bacci Pizzeria site to interested parties, and it’s still not out of the question that Billy Goat Tavern could occupy the lower level – but we’ve heard that before. On the upside, Chef Amaury at 33 West, Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Restaurant, and Doughballs Pizza Palace are on top of their games with great food, live music, and perfect summer alfresco dining. • Artists and downtown Aurora go together like peanut butter and jelly, but too much bureaucracy might be getting in the way of the former pairing being encouraged to stick together. The city has not jumped on the arts collective bandwagon even after local attorney (and founder of StreetWise magazine) Judd Lofchie led a very successful tour last winter through the historic city-owned Elks building at Benton and Stolp. The city wants a viable business plan, but they might just need to take a leap of faith to turn a vacant building into a cultural arts center with working artists’ studios. It could be a win-win, or the building could go into further disrepair and become genuine Mayan ruins. • They fell, and now they rise again. The Downer Place bridges are on schedule to be complete at the end of October. The weather has been complying, and only a three-week break to abide by IDNR fish spawning regulations slowed the crews down in April. After the bridges are up, additional crews will work on sprucing up Downer Place with curb bump-outs and additional landscaping.
• The city-owned building at 52 E. Galena Blvd., behind Aurora Fastprint and United Way, is coming down to make room for an expanded park. The building was formerly used for storage and will be torn down to serve as an extension to Rotary Park and the river walkway. • If you noticed some construction activity to the west of Miss Lee’s Lounge, don’t get too excited. Construction workers have been reconstructing a failed lintel and the masonry above the entryways at the vacant building next door under an issued permit. The city reports, “It is really just repair work, no new users or tenants were identified in the permit.” • Professional tattoo shops or city meddling? As of this summer, tattoo shops in Aurora are required to be licensed and close their doors at 10 p.m. along with a few other details. According to the city, the new tattoo ordinance is intended “to create required minimum health standards, provide uniform hours of operation, and identify all business operators within these establishments.” After tattoo shops voiced their concerns over the proposed ordinance, the city council eased up a bit and changed the wording on a couple of issues, and it passed with only Alderman Richard Irvin, at-large, and Alderman Allan Lewandowski, 9th Ward, voting against the measure. • A list to like on Facebook: Dot to Dot Collective, Nido, Aurora Arts Directory, Friend Prices, VARA Fine Art
• What is happening with Shodeen’s East Bank Aurora Project? We don’t know, but the city says they are keeping in touch with Shodeen on a regular basis “as the company continues to look for the right time and opportunity to begin construction of a new residential development downtown.” On Shodeen’s website, East Bank is described as a “new development in Aurora (that) will house up to 2,000 residences, a hotel, and retail and commercial space.” However, all of the project links on the site no longer function. • Andrea Dawn released her much-anticipated full-length album, “Theories of How We Can Be Friends,” in April. The downtown songstress does not disappoint. Dawn said she wanted to create a “lush musical background for her piano-driven songs” and she succeeded with help from the amazing talents of drummer Dan Knighten and bassist (and husband) Zach Goforth. Dawn is promoting her album on the road this summer with visits to New York City and other East Coast hot spots in July, and she’ll be on the West Coast in early August. Find out more about the new album and upcoming tour dates at andreadawnmusic.com. • An official parking meter update from City Andrea Dawn Hall: “The city continues its practice of not remains busy replacing meters when they are taken down promoting her new full-length album for projects in the downtown where new with tours to both sidewalks are being constructed. Staff expects coasts this summer; to forward a new downtown parking plan she’ll be back to to the City Council for consideration and perform at Alley Art implementation prior to the reopening of the Festival on Aug. 25. Downer Place bridges.”
Summer 2012
Downtown Auroran
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for the love of
pizza… B y M a r i s s a Am o n i
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e don’t call it pie around here; we’re serious about our pizza. Maybe you’ve noticed that pizza in Aurora is in a class all its own; it’s the food choice that is second to none. Here are 10 local pizza places that make Aurora stand out as a pizza destination.
pizzA-Town … from Ach to Tony ACH-N-LOU’S PIZZA PUB
1592 N. Farnsworth Ave., Aurora; 630-898-2626
If there is a favorite pizza place in the Fox Valley area, it is certainly Ach-N-Lou’s for the taste and family-friendly atmosphere. Located in a small strip mall along busy Farnsworth Avenue, Ach-N-Lou’s has been the place to bring the family after baseball games and for pizza night alike for about 35 years. Since I’ll be 36 this year, it’s safe to say that I grew up on the pizza, pop, and video games at Ach-N-Lou’s – it’s also a safe bet that I still can’t say the name quite right. If you have family in town, take them here. achnlouspizzainc.com
DOUGHBALLS PIZZA PALACE 40 W. New York St., Aurora; 630-844-5205
This newbie to the pizza scene might have only been open for a year, but word-of-mouth is quickly getting around that Doughballs is a welcome change to standard pizza fare. The quirky pizzas make a game of pairing up with American staples such as macaroni and cheese and buffalo wings, and they are winning with the unique taste combinations. The tiny storefront along downtown’s Restaurant Row is the brainchild of Will Cullen, whose dad owns Ballydoyle next door. Doughballs brings a fun attitude and late-night hours to the area; we are a college town after all. doughballspizza.com
GARIO’S PIZZA VILLA
813 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery; 630-898-5300
For some, Gario’s holds the key to their hearts and they have memories of dancing to the juke box songs and playing arcade games in the graffitiembracing establishment. It’s no doubt good, classic-Aurora 6
pizza, although it’s technically in Montgomery. Gario’s is very family-oriented with rows of picnic tables and a big, circular fireplace in the middle of the large, open room. Grab the kids and show them some old-fashioned fun; the memories will make themselves. gariospizza.com
GOURMET PIZZA
9 N. Elmwood Dr., Aurora; 630-897-2242
Gourmet Pizza is pizza for serious pizza eaters. The neighborhood pizza joint makes pizza the way it ought to be made. The crust is perfectly cooked, the sauce is just right, and the toppings are gourmet. When we have guests to the house, we pick up Gourmet Pizza and we are happy to brag about it. The pizza is worthy, and Gourmet Pizza seems to have earned a somewhat underground status as the best pizza in the valley. Any hip party is wise to have square slices of Gourmet Pizza, a bottle of Rooster Sauce, and cans of Pabst Blue Ribbon on hand. gourmetpizzaaurora.com
LUIGI’S PIZZA AND FUN CENTER 732 Prairie St., Aurora; 630-896-9861
Mrs. Duncan probably never dreamed that her pizza would one day be combined with laser tag and arcade games; and when Bill Poss bought the pizza place in 1981, he likely didn’t realize that Luigi’s would grow to become Aurora’s premiere fun center. Since its origins in 1953, Mrs. Duncan’s little sandwich shop has come a long way. Over the years, Luigi’s has moved from New York Street to Galena Boulevard to Prairie Street – where it currently occupies the old Dave’s Super Saver. I order my Luigi’s pizza extra crispy, and their taco pizza is my favorite. luigispizzaandfuncenter.com
Downtown Auroran
Summer 2012
PAPA SAVERIO’S PIZZERIA
1480 N. Orchard Rd., Aurora; 630-907-7272, 2380 S. Eola Rd., Aurora; 630-820-7272, 2933 Kirk Rd., Aurora; 630-898-4858
A franchise pizzeria, Papa Saverio’s gets good marks from locals for their quality toppings and pizza done right. Cheese and sausage is a big hit, and a friend swears by their pineapple and pepperoni pizza. I recommend their thin crust with blue cheese topping. If you want something more unusual, try their caramelized onions on half. papasaverios.com
ROSATI’S PIZZA
310 W. Indian Trail, Aurora; 630-892-2662
Before Domino’s and Little Caesars took over the pizza scene in my youth, we would turn to Rosati’s on Indian Trail for local pizza delivery and carryout. Rosati’s conjures up old-world pizza, and although they have grown to boast locations in 10 states, they still deliver solid, old school pizza. myrosatis.com
SPIZZICO TO-GO
33 N. Lake St., Aurora; 630-844-8100
Spizzico To-Go is kind of like a dream come true. Owner Tito Spizzirri took a longtime vacant building on the traffic-heavy corner of New York and Lake Streets and put a pizza joint there, but that’s not all – he then priced the pizza at only $5.99. Spizzico diverges from Aurora-style with its thin, yet puffy crust that is cut into triangles. It’s more of an East Coast pizza with a gourmet twist. I love the sweet sauce and nicely cut vegetable toppings. We pick up a pizza and fries on a weekly basis from Spizzico. What can I say? The price is right. spizzicotogo.com
TONY WEEDS PIZZA
1039 Oliver Ave., Aurora; 630-892-2772
In business since 1957, Tony Weeds has a loyal fan base who craves the pizza place that gets it right every time. It’s a cheeseand-toppings-heavy pizza with a softer thin crust, but it seems to be their mildly tangy Italian tomato sauce that bowls people over. Tony Weeds is off the beaten path in a no-frills brick building west of River Street and north of Montgomery that is perfect for its pick-up or delivery-only needs. tonyweedspizza.com
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Why squares?
There’s no real pinpointing when pizza wedges turned into pizza squares, but here are five possible reasons as to why squares rule in the Chicagoland area. 1 Not as messy when eaten as finger food – the pros fold their squares 2 Party cut sounds more fun, and there are more pieces to share 3 Stability; wedges are too flimsy when it’s thin crust 4 It’s hip to be square 5 It is our version of Italy’s pizza al taglio, which translates to pizza by the slice
tHE vILLAGE pEOPLE
august 18 the CharliE Daniel S band
2:30pm-Hey Jimmy 4:30pm-ARRA 6:30pm-Chasing the Day 8:45pm-The Village People
2:30pm Red Woody 4:30pm Heartsfield 6:30pm The Georgia Satelites 8:30pm The Charlie Daniels Band
From Wikipedia: There is also a style of thin-crust pizza found in Chicago and throughout the rest of the Midwestern USA. The crust is thin and firm enough to have a noticeable crunch, unlike a New York-style pizza. The crust is topped with a liberal quantity of Italian style tomato sauce, which usually has quite a lot of herbs or is highly spiced, and typically contains no visible chunks of tomato. Next, a layer of toppings is added, and finally a layer of mozzarella cheese. This pizza is cut into squares, also known as party cut or tavern cut, as opposed to a pie cut into wedges.
Summer 2012
Downtown Auroran
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Historic Auto Row Car Show
Sunday, Aug. 19 11 a.m. - 3 p.m. Antique, Specialty Cars and Trucks
FREE to
spectators! 6 3 0 . 8 9 6 . 0 1 8 1 w w w. l a s a l l e - a u t o - ro w. o r g
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Downtown Auroran
Summer 2012
t o h 9 5.9 h s e r f and ! a z z i p large $
Try our
! e c I n Italia
Thank you Aurora for our first successful year!
On the corner of New York and Lake Street in downtown Aurora
Summer 2012
Downtown Auroran
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D ow n t o w n V o ic es Vacant Window Project
Book Review A
handful of windows are spiffing up downtown Aurora’s vacant buildings thanks to a grassroots project started last fall. So far, more than 50 local folks have gotten together to decorate windows that previously sat dark and empty in the otherwise vibrant downtown.
Perry Slade
The all-volunteer project is unfunded and completely draws on the passion that the community has for downtown. The project began with a total of 10 teams, and seven windows have been completed to date with more to follow. Each team created an original window display and was responsible for securing a vacant window in downtown. The windows, from Nido Art Studio’s circle-themed window and The Light of the Heart’s heart-themed window to Triple Threat Mentoring’s super hero comic strip window, all display a recognizable Vacant Window Project logo designed by local artist Joanna Goss. The Vacant Window Project is indefinite and constantly evolving; the goal is to beautify downtown while strengthening community involvement and creating yet another downtown attraction..
The first seven (from north to south):
1 2
Team Green’s window at 29 W. New York St.
3
eam Paper’s window at the NE corner of Stolp T Avenue and Downer Place
4 5 6 7
Team Read’s window at 71 Stolp Ave.
Team Nido’s window at 20 S. Stolp Ave.
Divergent By Veronica Roth Divergent is the first in a trilogy set in a future version of Chicago and will make the reader think about the difference between utopia and dystopia. The city is divided. Five factions encompass the people that live there. Each faction is dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). Once a year, all 16-year-olds, after being tested to see which faction they are best suited for, must choose the faction they are going to join. On the day of choosing they can stay with their families or they can leave them behind. When main character Beatrice (Tris) was tested, her results were inconclusive; she could fit in with three factions. She is divergent. When she makes her choice, everyone is surprised and the adventures that follow are anything but dull. The story is fantastic and I didn't want to put the book down. This is a must-read for anyone who loves future society books of any kind. Insurgent, the second in the series, was published in May. The author, Veronica Roth, will be at the Catch a Bunch of Authors Fair from 1 to 3 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 8 at the Eola Road Branch Library, 555 S. Eola Road. annah Berry, Aurora Public Library —H
Team Cinema’s window at 71 Stolp Ave. Team Heart’s window at 5 E. Downer Pl. Team Triple Threat’s window at 60 S. River St.
More than a cup of coffee...a place for minds to meet! River’s Edge Café
Homemade soups, sandwiches and baked goods OPEN DURING BRIDGE CONSTRUCTION 18 W. Downer Pl. between River and Stolp
630.897.3343 • theriversedgecafe.com 10
Downtown Auroran
Summer 2012
A rt is t P r o file DTA profile: Lisa Manning Interview by Amy Perry
L
isa Manning never stops creating. As an artist, designer, studio-owner, and busy mom, Manning is also always on the go. Nido, her studio on Aurora’s West Side, helps Manning to stay grounded. Nido has become a playground for budding artists and crafty mamas, and is currently home to creative weekly summer art camps that Manning dreamed up. Originally from Aurora, Manning briefly lived out West and soaked in the art culture in California. At 37, she is excited to bring some of the collective art scene to Aurora. She recently joined forces with her sister, Anna Lentz, and local artist Joanna Goss to form Dot to Dot Collective; they’ll have their first art show on July 7. Downtown Auroran: How long have you been an artist? Lisa Manning: As long as I can remember. As a kid, I was quiet and liked drawing and sewing. I took as many art classes as possible in high school (Manning is a 1993 graduate of Rosary), then went on to study art in college and graduate school. I don’t know that I ever made the conscious decision (to be an artist); I think that I just kept taking classes that I was interested in, and here I am. DTA: So you studied art in college? LM: I went to a liberal arts college, where I received my Bachelor of Fine Arts with a minor in anthropology. A few years later, I went on to graduate school for my Master of Fine Arts. DTA: Are any members of your family talented? LM: Yes, of course, I think everyone is creative in their own way; when you put your heart into what you do, it becomes an art. That being said, my mom never did art as a kid or younger woman, and it wasn’t until recently that she has begun working in the visual arts. My sister is very artistic; she paints, weaves, sews, and writes. My younger brother is a writer.
DTA: What would you do if you weren’t an artist? LM: I think I would have pursued archaeology. I wouldn’t mind digging in a hole all day. I did some volunteer work with The British School at Rome; I sorted pot shards, cleaned 15th century skulls, and even went on a month-long archaeological excavation of Roman bath houses. It was great. DTA: Do you have a medium that you prefer? LM: I primarily work in fiber arts, dying fabric, embroidery, and applique. Several years ago, I was incorporating a lot of natural, found materials into my textile pieces. However, after my third child was born, I started a clothing line. So, I was still using my textile techniques but now on functional items. Having three small children around me has made it difficult to do very precise, fine artwork, but I’m hoping to do more in the future when all three kids will be in school all day. DTA: What do you see yourself working on in the future? LM: When I opened my art studio in June of 2010, I had a ceramics kiln installed. It has been great. All of the kids who come through the studio love working in clay. I also find myself being pulled in the clay direction more and more. I guess I’m one of those artists who is not satisfied working in one medium all the time. I have too many ideas and like to change things up - working in watercolors, encaustic paints, vintage glass, quilt-making and clay. I would like to do more printmaking. I really love intaglio printing, but that requires a printing press and acid baths and special studio ventilation; Nido isn’t up for that yet. DTA: Let’s play “Five Favorites.” LM: (Color) Orange. (Band) Beatles. (Year) 2012. (Artist) Giotto. (Website) Pinterest. Lisa Manning lives in Aurora with her husband, Jeff, who owns Aurora Yoga Center next door to Nido. Manning opens up her studio for classes and open studio during the school year. This spring, Manning invited the community to create colorful circles for Nido’s circle-themed window display in downtown Aurora, at one of the many Vacant Window Projects located at the old Waubonsee Community College building on Galena and Stolp. Nido Art Studio is located at 514 Terry Ave. www.nidoartstudio.com.
DTA: Do you think your artistic talent has been passed down to your children? LM: I do think so. I’m not sure if it’s from me, or just who they are. My oldest, Olive, is more interested in the performing arts than the visual arts. She loves acting, singing, dancing, and has recently begun writing poetry. My middle child, Iris, is not afraid to dive into any art material or combine them all together. I think she has a knack for color. And, then Leo, my youngest is a very talented artist whose favorite medium is a black sharpie. He can draw for hours and started drawing figures, animals, and robots when he was two years old.
Summer 2012
Downtown Auroran
420 W. Downer Pl.
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Nikki after Midnight
Qui noa Salad Contributed by Jen Evans – west of downtown
Quinoa, pronounced keen-wah, is treated as a grain but is actually a seed. It is high in protein, fiber, and minerals. Quinoa has to be rinsed of the saponins that protect it from pests while growing; some brands come pre-rinsed.
Ingredients: • • • •
By Desiree’ Franklin
• ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard •¼ cup Craisins (dried, sweetened cranberries) • ¼ cup pistachios • 8 green onions
1 cup quinoa 1 or 2 lemons 2 tablespoons extra virgin oil ½ teaspoon sea salt
Directions:
Rinse the quinoa until it no longer makes bubbles. Throw the rinsed quinoa in a pot with two cups of water and cook on medium high until the water is soaked up. Each seed has a little ring around it that may fall off during cooking. The disc inside wil go from opaque to translucent as it cooks. If your little discs stil have an opaque spot in the middle, add a little water and cook a bit longer. When the quinoa has been cooked, spread it out on a cookie sheet to cool. Meanwhile, squeeze the juice from one of the lemons into a bowl, and add the oil, salt, and Dijon. Cut the greens of the onions and add to the mixture. (I like to cut the onions with scissors and when I get down to the whites, I put the roots in a glass of water. In two weeks, I’ll have a new bunch of green onions.) Add the Craisins, pistachios (for goodness’ sake, remove the shells), and quinoa. Toss. Try it! If it needs a little more punch or moisture, then add a little more lemon juice. The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week.
An Aurora artist and teacher, Jen Evans currently attends nursing school and is self-publishing a book featuring hundreds of free, sugarless activities and healthful recipes for Aurora families. jenevansart.com
Desiree’ Franklin is a self-taught artist from Oswego with a penchant for sea creatures. She is passionate about drawing and Korean dramas.
art * yoga * mind * body
Great things under one roof! at 514 Terry Ave., Aurora 12
Downtown Auroran
Summer 2012
C u lt u r e S h o c k JULY
4TH OF JULY PARADE Wed July 4 at 10 Celebrate the 4th with a grand parade in red, white, and blue. Step off at River and Benton streets. aurora-il.org COPLEY CINEMATHEQUE: WITHNAIL & I Tue July 10 at 6:45 Local film society City Cineastes hosts extraordinary movies that are worth seeing. Withnail & I is a dark and hilarious film set in 1969 London; it is one of Britain’s biggest cult films. $8/general, $5/ members. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. citycineastes@gmail.com. DOWNTOWN ALIVE! RETRO ON THE FOX Sat July 14 from 2 to 10 The Village People headline; bring the kids after you teach them “YMCA.” $5. North River Street Park. downtownaliveaurora.com. STORYTIME AT THE CAFE Mon July 16 at 11 The Aurora Public Library hosts an off-site storytime for children with books, dancing and fun, plus a free treat. Free. River’s Edge Cafe, 18 W. Downer. AURORA PUERTO RICAN FESTIVAL AND PARADE Sat July 28 from 11 to 10 & Sun July 29 from 11 to 9 Celebrate over 40 years of Puerto Rican pride! Parade is Sunday at noon at Benton and Broadway. North River Street Park, north of New York Street. (630) 631-9270. auroraprcc.org.
AUGUST
SWEET AND SALTY SHOW Sun Aug 12 from 3 to 8 It’s the best combination, and a handful of local artists handpicked by Lisa Gloria show off their tasty art treats. Chef Amaury at 33 West, 33 W. New York St. COPLEY CINEMATHEQUE: KES Tue Aug 14 at 6:45 Kes is a film with “heartbreaking humanity” about a boy who’s caught in England’s class-biased educational system. $8/general, $5/members. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. citycineastes@gmail.com. DOWNTOWN ALIVE! JAM ON THE FOX Sat Aug 18 from 2 to 10 The Charlie Daniels Band headlines. $5. North River Street Park. downtownaliveaurora.com. TEEN TALENT SHOW COMPETITION Sat Aug 18 at 2 4th annual teen talent show sponsored by Aurora Public Library. FREE. Copley Theatre, 8 E. Galena Blvd. aurorapubliclibrary.com. AUTO ROW CAR SHOW Sun Aug 19 from 11 to 3 Annual auto show on historic LaSalle Street open to cars 1975 and older. Spectators FREE! LaSalle St. between Benton St. and Downer Pl. lasalle-auto-row.org.
Summer 2012
STORYTIME AT THE CAFE Mon Aug 20 at 11 The Aurora Public Library hosts an off-site storytime for children with books, dancing, and fun, plus a free treat. Free. River’s Edge Cafe, 18 W. Downer. ALLEY (ART) FESTIVAL Sat Aug 25 from noon to 5 Amazing summer art spectacular. Local art, music, performances and more. Open to everyone. FREE! Water St. between Downer Pl. and Galena Blvd. next to City Hall. “Alley Art Festival” on Facebook. SUENOS Y ESPEJOS, ARTISTAS DE AMERICA LATINA Fri Aug 31 from 5 to 7 Translated as “Dreams and Mirrors, Latin American Artists,” the exhibit includes various artists such as renowned Chicago artist Oscar Martinez. Free. Runs thru Nov. 30. Aurora Public Art Commission at the David L. Pierce Center, 20 E. Downer Place. (630) 256-3340. aurora-il.org.
AURORA FARMERS MARKET Saturdays from 7:30 to noon 99 years of eating fresh and buying local. Local farm produce, food demos, live entertainment, knife sharpening, and more. Wilder Promenade, 350 N. River St. (630) 256-3370. ART AT CITY HALL: AURORA IN PICTURES, 175 YEARS Thru Jan 11 More than 120 photographs and other images of Aurora from the 1840s through the present day. Open Mon-Fri, 8-5. City Hall, 44 E. Downer Place. aurora-il.org. RIVERFRONT PLAYHOUSE Call for current schedule. Riverfront Playhouse, 11-13 Water Street Mall, is a 90 seat, not-for-profit theatre located next to City Hall on the Water Street Mall in downtown Aurora. $12-$15. (630) 8979496. Reservations recommended for most shows. riverfrontplayhouse.com.
SEPTEMBER
ONGOING EVENTS
FIESTAS PATRIAS Fri Sept 14, Sat 15, Sun 16. Parade at noon on Sunday A 3-Day music festival recognizing our local Hispanic heritage and culture. Free. North River Street Park along River and Vine Streets in downtown Aurora. Fiestas Patrias Aurora on Facebook.
CLASSIC MOVIE MONDAYS Mondays at 7 Great, classic movies screen every Monday. Only 80 cents. Paramount Theatre, 23 E. Galena Blvd. paramountarts.com.
COPLEY CINEMATHEQUE: GOMORRAH Tue Sept 11 at 6:45 An inside look into Italy’s modern-day crime families. $8/general, $5/ members. Copley Theatre in North Island Center, 8 E. Galena Blvd. citycineastes@gmail.com.
October
Try yoga at Annie’s AURORA ARTWALK Om Towne Fri Oct 5 from 7 to 10 Downtown comes alive with art, music, and culture. Free. auroraartwalk.com.
LIMITED RUNS & SHOWINGS FROM THE GROUND UP, A HISTORY OF ARCHITECTURE IN AURORA Thru Aug 17 The exhibit showcases the city’s premier architects, dwellings and commercial buildings. Open Wed-Sat., noon to 4. Free. Aurora Public Art Commission at the David L. Pierce Center, 20 E. Downer Place. (630) 256-3340. aurora-il.org. THE AURORA STORY Thru Dec 29 The Aurora Historical Society exhibit on the 2nd floor of “The DLP” tells the history of Aurora. Open Wed-Sat., noon to 4. Free. David L. Pierce Art & History Center, 20 E.Downer. (630) 906-0650. www.aurorahistory.net.
DAMES Every Monday from 9:30 to 11 Join other Downtown Aurora Moms Engaged in Society with or without kids. Drink coffee and chat while the kids have fun in the play corner. River’s Edge Cafe, 18 W. Downer.
DAAM! First Thursday evenings at 7:30 Join artists of all kinds at informal Downtown Aurora Arts Mixers. Various locations in downtown Aurora. Everyone is welcome. Find Downtown Auroran on Facebook for more information. LOUCHE PUCE MARKET Second Saturdays thru Sept. from 9 to 4 Find vintage treasures and fun one-of-a-kind items as vendors set up along Water Street Mall ala flea market style. FREE. Water Street between Downer and Galena next to City Hall. Find Louche Puce Market on Facebook. Email louchepuce@gmail.com for vendor information.
MUSEUM ROLL CALL David L. Pierce Art & History Center 20 E. Downer Place Aurora Regional Fire Museum 53 N. Broadway Avenue SciTech Hands On Museum 18 W. Benton Street Grand Army of the Republic Museum 23 E. Downer Place
Need more art and culture?
Visit www.downtownauroran.com and click on the events tab Downtown Auroran
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If you’re reading this magazine, you know as well as we do that a lot is happening in downtown Aurora. Founded in 1975, Aurora Downtown is an association of approximately 250 property owners within the neighborhood. We are a Special Service Area governed by a 24-member board of directors.
Aurora Downtown contributes to the success of the neighborhood through numerous initiatives such as: • Advocacy for the downtown community • Street planters, hanging baskets, trees and landscaping • Sponsorship of events, including Blues on the Fox, Downtown Alive!, Aurora ArtWalk and many others • Holiday street decorations
• Lobbying to remove downtown parking meters • Homeless assistance • Award-winning cell phone tour detailing the history of our neighborhood • Sharing all of the exciting news about our downtown
Contact Bob Reuland for more information at (630) 336-1310 or info@auroradowntown.org. Check us out online at www.auroradowntown.org.
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Downtown Auroran
Summer 2012
H i s t o r ic a l N o t es Downer Place tunnels – built mid-1800s
Q & A with John Jaros, executive director of Aurora Historical Society
What do you know about the tunnels under downtown Aurora? The cool tunnel under River’s Edge Café was a specially made channel for water, sometimes called a flume or mill race. These small channels were made to harness water power, usually to run mills. The island had more than one of these over its lifetime, all are now long gone. Dan Hite’s building (the Metropolitan Business College building at 18 W. Downer) is on the site of the old Aurora Woolen Mills, owned and operated by Aurora pioneer Joseph Stolp. The factory, which employed up to 150 people, produced woolen blankets and sheetings. It ceased operations in 1887 and burned down in 1906, but parts of the building were incorporated into the new Metropolitan Business College building. The line drawing of the Woolen Mills (see photo) from about 1871 shows the race and a double-arch passway through the building. Today, under the replacement building, there is still a double-arch stone passway. Most of the waterway was an open, exposed channel (as shown where it continues on the north side of the street, in the left of the photo), with arched stone tunnels only at the mill and where it passed under the street. At this time, the mill race along the west side of the island ran all the way to the north end of the island. The north portion was filled in with the development of that end of the island in the 1910s. On the south, the tunnel portion remained under the street and some buildings, still accessible via vaults under the sidewalks, which connected to the basements of the buildings on either side of the street. Back in the 1980s, the north side of the single arch tunnel could be seen by going to the basement of Joanne’s Restaurant on West Downer.
How old are the tunnels?
That’s a difficult question to answer because the only information we’re working from is images and maps, along with what we know about the ages of the buildings and the bridges. There is no other good documentation. Summer 2012
The double arches under the Metropolitan Business College building are from the Stolp’s old Aurora Woolen Mills, and the mills began in 1837 in a primitive wooden structure. The grand brick and stone structure that replaced it was built in 1849, with a major addition in 1858. So those arches probably date at least to the 1858 addition, but are likely part of the 1849 building. There are photos as early as 1857 where you can see the building, but they don’t show the correct angle to see whether the arches are there. However, since we know the millrace was there, those arches were probably as well. It’s more difficult to determine the age of the other arched tunnel under the street. We can tell that the raceway was passing under Downer, but we can’t tell the nature of the passage. Was it the arched limestone passage, or something else? The 1871 drawing doesn’t really seem to have anything, and other pictures from the 1850s and 1860s are taken from the west or east, so you see the open raceway to the north of the street, but can’t see how it passes under the street at the north and south. Because it had to go under a street, we can assume some kind of stone structure, but it could have been rebuilt better at any time that the Downer bridges were rebuilt (and that the street subsequently improved) in 1857, 1863, 1869, and 1884. The first time I actually can see (if I look really closely) that arch is in the 1882 aerial view line drawing, which confirms that it’s at least 130 years old, but I’d guess it’s earlier. You probably wouldn’t be too far off if you said they are all in the 150-year-old range.
How do you feel about the city filling in the tunnel?
The tunnel is a great piece of history, and built to last hundreds of years. It’s a shame they have to fill it in. Editor’s note: As part of the Downer Bridge project, the tunnel that runs north-south across West Downer is being filled. Concrete retaining walls are being placed at both ends of the tunnel and the void is being cleaned and filled with a stable material. Tunnel work commenced in mid-June and was slated to take one to two weeks to complete. The city’s response to filling in the historic tunnel: “With heavy equipment needed to be used for the Downer Place bridge reconstruction project, the city feels it is essential to ensure the street is secure enough to accommodate construction crews in a safe environment.”
Downtown Auroran
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