stroll the hill

glt jazz fest 2011

2011-06-15T11:27:00.006-05:00

anthonysaluto@me.com

BY MAGGIE BORKHOLDER

It was the quintessential summer evening. WGLT’s Jazz fest in Downtown Bloomington this past Saturday was the perfect place to be. Our quaint downtown square became home to families picnicking on the lawn, babies snoozing to the sweet jazz-y sway of the live ‘open-air’ concert, and lovers dancing the sun behind the centuries old buildings towering over our little piece of this place. It was a night to see old friends, an evening to greet neighbors, a special afternoon to dance the weight of the world right off your shoulders. The air was fresh, almost crisp, and the strum of the live music was intoxicating enough to soothe anyone’s soul. Folks snuggled up under the sun-setting sky Saturday to the tune of local favorites Hip Pocket and Carle’s ice cream, upbeat Texan visitors Hot Club of Cow Town, and the blues-y soul-filled crows of Carolyn Wonderland. Top that off with iconic favorite, Budweiser, and the 11th installment of the WGLT Summer Concert was sure to be a hit. And a hit it turned out to be with a reported 8,000 in attendance.

all images copyright maggie borkholder

t shirt offer

2010-01-04T14:01:00.004-06:00

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saluto moves gallery studio back to loft

2009-10-21T16:55:00.000-05:00

Copyright Anthony Saluto Productions p.o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702 ph 309 824 9176 em gosaluto@bellsouth.net sites, www.strollthehill.blogspot.com , www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com www.bnstyle.blogspot.comn follow me on twitter, www.twitter.com/anthonysaluto coming soon, a new business edition.

gallery/retail space for rent. contact redbird management 454 4888

anthony saluto gallery/studio move

as before, i am moving the gallery and studio back to my loft on the fifth floor above elroys in the livingston building. take the elevator and call first for full service portraits, from children to groups and everything in between. commercial has been dominating my shooting schedule. more often than not jobs are booked from callers viewing my blog.www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com , i consider lack of customer convenient parking to have played a major role in limited traffic i would hoped to have experienced. yet commercial and portrait calls kept coming. i may have been more booked than i really want to be. the gallery was much like a long art or trade show, and with so many rotating through downtown over the course of an average year i consider it successful venture. the feed back and appreciation from gallery and studio customers was over whelming at times. i have been doing this 35 years, and still feel like i am practicing. i have many new products and prints i hope to be working on. i have about 45 head shots on the books along with some food photography for a restaurant chain. i completed my aerials for the shopping center on rabb road. and since going digital 4 years ago, i have an opportunity to produce the widest variety of subjects from personal to commercial than i could ever hope for. my gallery, was designed to be a giant portfolio showing my range of work. the range seems to hold my interest and challenge me. as for all the 35 artists living upstairs downtown, i highly recommend the experience of a solo gallery to develop new client work. if i had to rely on print sales off the wall it wouldn't have worked as well. what worked well for me was the range of assignments that i was able to discuss and or do.

stroll the hill will continue soon, bnstyle as well.

sthma, i am so invested now in digging up the truth and offering my own experiences opinions, i doubt if i will go long without new writings. a revenue stream would have to exist and being off the street and as available as i have been to comments will surely alter my story content. because as long as this plan is unfolding there will be situations that i wont think are making since. i will want to generate stories to support such a reconsideration. stay tuned.

interstae rich, slavery stopped here campaign

2009-07-13T18:28:00.002-05:00

billboard proposal, slavery stopped here

www.bnstyle.blogspot.com

billboard proposal by anthony saluto productions

2009-07-13T18:09:00.002-05:00

www.bnstyle.blogspot.com

2009-03-20T10:52:00.003-05:00

Friday, March 20, 2009

traffic expert tells a room full that parking is vital to stores survival, and you need meters downtown
Copyright Anthony Saluto Productions p.o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702 ph 309 824 9176 em gosaluto@bellsouth.net sites, http://www.strollthehill.blogspot.com/ , http://www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com/ coming soon, a new business edition.
By Anthony Saluto
boutiques are the future of downtown, parking is vital for there survival, you need meters and need to price them high enough so you have a 15% vacancy to make them work for customers. this told to a room full of elected officials and business people in a meeting atop state farm, by a traffic expert from fl, in conjunction with farr associates a few weeks ago.

read the story ...

www.bnstyle.blogspot.com

art auction 412 n main downtown bloomington il

2009-03-05T17:07:00.001-06:00

bnstyle.blogspot.com launch

2008-09-05T12:47:00.003-05:00

bnstyle twincities online magazine ... out and about

www.bnstyle.blogspot.com

we have the best of uptown normal
wollrab speaks on the castle condos.
art books review
coffee culture
first friday art walk
late knight bar food
the trail
the vet

go sloppy

2008-03-18T22:38:00.003-05:00

That’s sloppy! As in those cool borders framing your shots ..

They resemble negative edges but different .. I love them .. always have.

On pearl, as in, luminous paper.. giving your portraits that extra pop of luster.

Black and white, as in its classic and will never go out of style.

Preserving your favorite faces for the generations … these fine art prints will surely be cherished.

So get sloppy for an hour … and call 824 9176, that’s 824 9176, Call anthony saluto photography today and just ask about the sloppy special,

first and ten ... farmers market says so long until spring.

2007-11-19T09:35:00.000-06:00

weekender pictorial .. by ... anthony saluto....... indoor farmers market downtown bloomington close up and personal!

a summer flower offered by farmers market exhibitor's, i picked up this on one of my many summer morning treks to coffee hound.

melissa ash, public relations for u.s. cellular coliseum is exhibiting the facility use features near the 50 yard line. i asked melissa how things are progressing for the coliseum. "i think the facility should be considered a major compliment to the twin cities overall quality of life, and nationally on a show by show basis we are tacking above average ticket sales" ash says.
melissaash@uscellularcolisuem.com

upcoming event posters on display showcase the promising entertainment options the twin cities has coming and many thousands will be glad they could partake. www.uscellularcoliseum.com should have plenty of information on upcoming events.

EXTRA EXTRA fun paul dunn goes where the people are to fill the gaps in home delivery for the the pantagraph

still more talent than we know what to do with

local jewelry designers take to market

summer craig, a state farm employee by day, a jewelry designer by otherwise. I'm starting to think a prerequisite in h.r. must be a desire to multi task. quite coincidentally i keep running into art and design people at events where when i ask if they have a day job, the answer is state farm. its great to know you really can have it both ways.

summer craig and her partner designer sister-in law kristie craig have been launching their jewelry line for abut 18 months. summer tells me they do mostly art shows, home shows, and has a home party system. www.bbellissimo.com what could be an interesting twist to the marketing endeavor is the very well known mark shale chain located in many major markets including mag mile in chicago is carrying their line. so accessorize in bn style. summer attended b.h.s. and isu.

decototive wreaths were a hot seller for trailside gardens. owners jeff and kim thomas wrap up a solid year of harvesting freshness for the twin cities. trailsdiegarden1@verizon.net

turkey cookies go by the sheet for those stocking up for thanksgiving, exhibted by kellys bakery.

a renee' samples chocalate covered sesame seeds along with communicating their wide ranges of products and services like catering. a renee' table trim, while in between greeting visitors to the booth, planning a layout for an upcoming catered event is underway.
did we mention paul dunn has a special subscription for anyone not currently subscribing to the pantagraph. free online vs. the centuries old tradition of a hard copy, times they are a changing. amazon announced a new reader wireless reader that will handle publications form newspapers to books and will utilize technology similar to cell phone connections, but with no fees or contracts. whether your into hard copy or soft copy the Internet gets better every day, i for one am thrilled to be around for the transition. after selling some 100 million magazines, papers, books, etc. its fascinating to monitor the magazine people adapt their content and features in various web presentations.

heads up on bloomington country club area car theft

thursday oct 25 late late or early early

auto theft ring hits b.c.c. area, 2 cars ransacked on northcrest, also on northcrest, e p martins Mercedes was stolen from in front of his home. which he later found and retrieved. reports indicate others were stolen around the bhs bcc area and at least 75 vandalism's.

be a stroll the hill sponsor

ads like this are currently $75 per month, and will appear on every post for the month. month to month, payable in advance. i have no numbers at the present time for traffic. you will have a hyperlink to your website. no contract. your best bet is to make a unique offer and test ads for response then keep doing those that work best. its one size fits all at the current time. e mailing your jpeg with instructions on a few lines of copy including your web address is all it takes.

portrait packages from $950 home or studio

head shots from $450 commercial $250/hour

http://www.worldsbestphotos.blogspot.com/

photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
Subscribe to this blog at the bottom.

corporate creative storms twin cities

2007-11-02T15:59:00.000-05:00

art walk nov. 2, more talent than we know what to do with

darin dawdy poses in front of one of his pieces on display in tonight's art walk
works like this are acrylic on stucco on wood by darin dawdy

BY ANTHONY SALUTO

gosaluto@bellsouth.net

The Twin Cities, via State Farm Insurance, has brought us Darin Dawdy since 1998. Darin works full time at State Farm in the creative services graphic design department.

Darin has had his gallery up and running for almost a year at 101 W. Monroe St. and is able to work in exhibitions as his schedule permits. Recently at the Sugar Creek Arts Festival in uptown Normal, he proved to be a winner having received a special award.

Al Bowman, ISU President, purchased one his works for his home at this summer’s S.C.A.F. It was a large piece and added a star to an artist’s universe.

Darin works with acrylics on stucco and wood. Friday night’s show is expected to bring 400 to 500 gallery goers. I caught Darin prepping for friday night’s event and took some shots to share with my readers. For more information and get connected even further with Darin’s art, visit http://www.darindawdy.com/.

There is also a symphony performance at Bloomington’s Center for Performing Arts friday night. That tied in with dinner and a gallery walk could be a magical evening combination.

what is fall without one these from chocolatier on Main st. downtown Bloomington

TAFFY APPLES HAVE COME A LONG WAY

BY JENI NUSSBAUM

The Chocolatier Inc., downtown’s premier chocolate shop, is prepared for fall with their delectable seasonal treats. Caramel apples with various toppings are always a hit and this time of year is never the same without one. Popular toppings include milk and semi-sweet chocolate, white chocolate, caramel and different types of nuts. Once you sink your teeth into one of these scrumptious treats, it’s impossible to stop until it’s entirely devoured. Other seasonal candies from The Chocolatier include delicious, solid chocolate in foiled cups or chocolate covered Oreos with seasonal decorations on them with royal icing. The Chocolatier is located at 514 N. Main St. and can be visited online at http://www.chocolatier.ws/.

marcfirst supporters jam the loft on front st.
christie roberts, left teresa thomas, center thursday geruais right out on the town for a good cause ,
marcfirst staff ring up 25k in fund raising at the loft thursday night
dawn hanslow, left christy aosharek, right marcfirst staff during the 6th annual fund raiser

mix stir pour 25k

BY ANTHONY SALUTO
The marcfirst 6th Annual Martinis for marcfirst took place Thursday night at the Loft martini bar atop Central Station Café, formerly known as Bogies.

One part loft bar, two parts loaded buffet line, one part live music by Adam Larson Trio, shake and stir and you have the perfect evening martini.

I have heard martini art glasses were selling for upwards of $250. Mary Pat Frugo-Spellman, Vice President of marcfirst says, “We are expecting on raising around $25,000 during tonight’s event”.

A silent auction was held, meaning you walk around the items with a card placed in front of each them and write down your offer. As the night progresses you can walk around and up your bid until a cut off time where the highest bidder wins the item.

These are a few titles of works that were auctioned off: “Wish” by Melanie Scott-Dockery, “Time waits for no martini” by Mari Rose Minyo, “old school reggie white” by Michael Wille, “tree” by Jonah Ortiz, “martini critter cup” by Devyn Baron, and the list goes on to describe 75 very unique works. I was expecting painted glass almost 100%, but was taken by the works that blended glass art writing on the glass and coming out of the rim. Many basket themes contributed to the evenings fund raising as well.

There was attendance by civic and community leaders, from politicians, mayors, and CEO’s among a packed house all evening in both the banquet hall as well as the bar.

intersection, by angel ambrose

BY JENI NUSSBAUM

Angel Ambrose, a local artist, is someone with more than one style; she enjoys experimenting with her talent to find new variations of her expertise. Ambrose is a landscape painter located in downtown Bloomington. She is a graduate of Illinois State University and recipient of the school’s “Best Undergraduate Painter” award, according to her website at http://www.angelambrose.com/.
“I have been exploring how minimal I can go with a landscape and still have it read as a landscape and be a successful piece of art. For example, I painted a painting with one line. I believe it easily reads as landscape. It is called, “Intersection”. My landscapes are symbolic. An intersection can be a place or an event.”
Ambrose has been showing her art at exhibits in the area and other locations for about 17 years. She continues to attend shows and other events. “I will be showing at Cozi, in Uptown Normal before the year end. Also, I will be showing at the Bank of Illinois with the art group. I was involved in the “Landscape and Beyond” alumni show at ISU for their 150 year anniversary. It was a great show. Also, I have work at the McLean Co Arts Center in the “…and I am blue…” show and the up and coming Holiday Treasures show. “Intersection” will be debuted there as well as three other minimalistic landscapes.”
When it comes to Ambrose’s preferred time to work she says she works best in the afternoon and at night when she feels more creative and does the more administrative aspects in the morning.
Among other events, the more anticipated one is the Around the Corner Art Group’s Seventh Annual Art Walk. “This event began seven years ago. It wasn’t even an event, only a desire to connect people with art and make people aware that there is great art in THIS community. It has been fun partnering with the Eatons, Seefelds, Littles, Dawdys, and Joann Goetzinger. Each artist and spouse is a major contributor. We could not make it happen without friends and family. We believe we can accomplish more together than independently.”
The Art Walk is November 2nd from 4:00 to 9:00 pm on Monroe and Center Streets in Downtown Bloomington.
“I believe we have stretched as a group, and individually because of the group. We are learning and I believe people in the community are understanding more about the art community as a whole. It is a fun adventure.”

editing Jeni Nussbaum
photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
Subscribe to this blog at the bottom.

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BRAS BUSTING RECORDS

2007-10-31T19:31:00.001-05:00

many venues call for one of these

on madison street across from the downtown bloomington garage

downtown business wardrobes niche market

local retailers are loading in the goods for holiday

BRAS BUSTING RECORDS

BY ANTHONY SALUTO

Bedtime Boutique’s sexy nature may feel threatening, but their sales prove otherwise. In the last year the lingerie store has increased its inventory by 30% which assisted in a 35% increase in sales. In addition to the expanding inventory, the actual store was remodeled and now features 3000 sq. ft. of floor space. Also, unlike many downtown businesses, private parking is available for the convenience of customers. Bedtime Boutique opened their doors in 1985 and continues to offer a wide variety of products including plus sizes and bras with 17 different cup sizes up to size 54L. While their customers may be a broad range of ages, the oldest customer is 95 years old and the youngest is 10 years old. In May 2005, Oprah Winfrey spoke on her talk show of many women wearing the wrong bra size. Oprah’s worldwide influence, and millions of viewers each day, prompted women to immediately purchase new bras after being fitted for the correct size. This inadvertent publicity helped Bedtime Boutique move from selling 20 bras a week to 20 bras a day.

tunes they are a changing

2007-10-27T07:28:00.000-05:00

Kevin Larson, left, marc zion, center, vince donohue, right

stock up on some brew for a fun evening at the bob dylan concert

arena magic evenings pack the house

lined up for caps, t shirts, and anything dylan

Bob Dylan concert

BY ANTHONY SALUTO
The atmosphere was calm much of the time and when the harmonica kicked in, often the crowd took to cheer. I arrived by just after 7 and found a guy who had an extra ticket and bought it for $20. going over for a few shots with my camera I was told I could take my camera in by the guy at the front door. So about a half hour into it I then was asked to remove my camera. Which I did. Having tried to reach the promoter, jamusa for a press pass I was notified Dylan doesn’t allow photography.

There were many empty seats through out the arena, which is great too, you can spread out some or even relocate easily into an area you prefer. Not being a music expert I thought the sound was awesome. For the first time I didn’t have pounding ear drums for two hours after the concert like I did with Reo Speedwagon and a few others. It was so peaceful I almost nodded off in my chair at 10:30 and decided to take off before the stampede for the exits started.

After a long afternoon doing a photo shoot I'm ready for a sandwich. The pulled pork was top notch. I had it with a plastic bottle beer. i don’t like the plastic bottle beers, but see their practicality.

One thing I noticed sitting a few rows from the front on a far curved area in the layout. Many people were loosing their step next too my row of seats. It seemed to be very dark and though the usher was often shinning a light on the area in anticipation of repeat slips, many still did almost have serious falls in the dark. I felt like a spotter and was conscious of protecting myself from a faller at the same time.
I think some of black slip proofing was laid out different on the step most people were slipping on. So watch your step.

By the time I returned my camera to the studio and got some dinner, I was basically just seeing Dylan. The guys I photographed with the beer cases tell me some of them had seen 42 Dylan concerts. They were total fans. Offering some very highly recommended Dylan web sites for those that want to know everything Dylan. Try, www.boblinks.com , or www.expectingrain.com . If you had brain freeze and forgot to go, or otherwise were preoccupied, Dylan will be playing in Chicago for three nights. The Chicago Theatre will be hosting his act, whether tickets are available I haven’t heard. Looks like the November and December calendars are empty for performances, and I haven’t seen a schedule for 08. The Chicago Theatre looks like your last chance to be a live performance fan.

The shirt and cap concessions were packed before the concert and I opted for a t shirt and cap, that cost me $65. I figured I saved a few bucks on the ticket so having a few mementos of the occasion wouldn’t be a bad idea at all. Everyone seemed to love the concert and downtown bloomington was a lively and accommodating as can be.

Don and Connie Taylor enjoyed the concert up close. Don says, "we made direct eye contact through binoculars, and he almost waved at us." Connie adds, "making out the words on just a few, was the mumbling we've all grown to expect." Connie adds, "we love how Dylan keeps reinventing his own music". "Like Tangled up in Blue" adds Don.

DAN SLAGELL OF REMAX CHOICE

2007-10-17T19:38:00.001-05:00

DAN SLAGELL HEADS UP REMAX CHOICE ... BILL BRADY IS FOCUSED ON GOV. IN 2010

Dan Slagell of Remax Choice, danslagell@realtorschoice.net

This house is on the market currently around 440k ... sweet family home

what mortgage crisis

By Anthony Saluto
Industry experts are monitoring 1 million homes headed for foreclosure. A great deal of which are tied into securities and are bought and sold by investors.
Dan Slagell, of Remax Choice has been realigning his duties. Dan will be assuming the running of the real-estate company as Bill Brady is solidly focused on running for governor in 2010. Dan has been a spark on the real-estate scene since leaving his banking career many years ago. http://www.realtorschoice.net/
Although the real estate game has become increasingly advanced, Dan is still a traditional business man working with what he knows well, simplicity.

For road trips Dan likes to check out the CDs at Circuit City and stock up on some new tunes for the drive. “I bought Bruce Springsteen’s new one, I bought Dave Matthews Band, and I bought Paul McCartney,” says Dan, and adding his selections are a good sign of his age.
When traveling, Dan often checks weather websites for destination conditions before packing. However, he is not dependant on the web for most resources. “I don’t use the internet a whole lot,” says Dan. Dan still reads the paper the old fashioned way foremost to internet options. He mostly uses the internet for directional reasons such as Mapquest.com.
Using Google some and with a few transactions with Amazon and eBay, Dan mostly uses the computer for real-estate related web sites and business matters such as e-mailing and keeping track of investments on various financial sites.
Dan graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in Business Economics Agricultural.
Tony: Dan, what do you think of the Marriott project in uptown Normal?

Dan: What I know, or think I understand is that it is private money. Private money has a way of making things work better in general, historically, than public money. I think it’s going to be a good thing.

Tony: How is the so-called mortgage crisis affecting the average resident in the twin cities market with all this news on Countrywide and the likes?

Dan: It has very little effect so far. Countrywide has been in the national spotlight because they’re huge. They have scaled back on making marginal loans because of too many defaults. . If someone defaults here in Bloomington, and we’re getting people because of the overall scheme of things a bit more, not catastrophic or anything, but we’re getting more people to say I can’t make my mortgage, or I want to sell my house but I’m upside down…upside down for any kind of correction. And our correction has been very minimal…less than 10% marketwise from last year. Last year we had an increase, this year it will go down.

Tony: So we had little effect on our mortgages here?

Dan: If anyone has a problem we say call your lender and talk to them and see if you can get any kind of concession, being even to a point where we had a discussion or 2 about a short sale. Which just means you’re my banker, I’m your customer, I say I have a $212,000 mortgage and my place is worth 200 and by the time I get done selling, I’m going to have 185 for you. And the bank would say we would clear your mortgage if you get the 185 even though you owe me 212. That’s what’s happening in Florida and Las Vegas and Arizona.

Tony: So the banks are entering a lets make a deal phase?

Dan: If your bank is no longer in existence, there is no one to deal with. That is the problem. The federal government can’t solve the immediate problem. People get their mortgages from all over, you could have a mortgage that was done and then sold to someone else.

Tony: What percentages of mortgages are sold online?

Dan: Hopefully, none. You can get mortgages from most any place in the past. I would say that your standard lending originators are hurting because there isn’t as much volume. So a lot of people are out looking for new jobs. Some people are brokering mortgages out of their house, the problem is they get to the closing and there’s no money; that is not a good thing. So I try to encourage people not to use that kind of business, because that kind of operation is like a shadow in my opinion.

Tony: So using your local banker in face to face meetings is the best way to shop for a mortgage in these conditions?

Dan: Everything’s negotiable. If online can give you a better rate there is usually a reason for that. We can negotiate with the local guys and local lenders and get you just about as good a rate and we know there’s going to be money at the closing. Because you do want to close on this or we wouldn’t be sitting here.

Tony: Do you see that changing?

Dan: I would say that it has an effect indirectly on people in Bloomington-Normal because we are such an economic universe that we live in. The only direct impact that we have…I read somewhere that over 200 financial institutions have closed, shut down. Some of those weren’t the huge names, but recognizable names.

Tony: What kinds of problems are happening with new construction?

Dan: They are priced too high. And supply and demand as you well know is a factor in pricing. We have just less the 50 home builders and most of them are in trouble. Some of them are in very deep problems, but not all of them. Nationally there is a crisis problem; locally it is not a crisis. New construction is down 37% in the last 2 years.

Tony: Would you include subcontractors in the plight locally?

Dan: If builders are down, then subcontractors are down as well. Most subcontractors can go out and do some remodeling work. They can adapt by becoming a little more diverse.

Tony: In quality new construction, what are homes costing on a price per square foot basis?

Dan: It is so diverse with finishing and lot costs it is really hard to peg that number. It is a moving target, but it is coming down. $150 and even less would be a figure. If you have a ton of money and you want to hire all the best guys in town the price could go to $185 per square foot. Right now pre-owned homes have an advantage because they are already landscaped, have drapes, etc. Existing homes are selling better than new construction.

Tony: where is some of the most expensive land in the twin cities?

Dan: Veterans Parkway is what we call the ‘lake front’. Basically you’re talking $20 - $25 per square foot land on Veterans. There was a big push for an auto mall. They needed 6 out of the 8 or 9 to move into it, but they couldn’t get 6th one to go in on the deal. If that would have happened there would have been a lot more Veterans property on the market.

After graduating from U of I, Dan went into management for Stokley-Van Camp, which along with beans, processed many other vegetables, but mostly sweet corn, peas, lima beans, and kidney beans. With 3 years under his belt at Stokley-Van Camp, he joined Busey Bank in Urbana, IL, specializing in asset management within the trust department primarily focusing on farming. Dan then bought and flipped a bank in Heyworth within a two year period. At the time, he was on the same golf team with Dave Weaver in an event that could be a career-changing experience. “I got to know Dave and he said what are you doing and I said nothing and he said why don’t you come work for me, because I had a brokers license from the banking days,” Dan explains. From there, Dan was running things within 3 years. Dan can be reached via danslagell@realtorschoice.net

editing, jeni nussbaum

a beautiful time to learn

2007-10-13T11:47:00.000-05:00

students embrace fall at isu campus

isu campus quad

by jeni nussbaum

In the middle of the sprawling uptown Normal area, there’s a school often passed with little appreciation. Illinois State University is known for its well kept buildings and beautiful quad, which is only magnified by the fall season. ISU’s lush campus is beginning to transform with the changing weather, and for many it is a time to look forward to.

isu campus quad

Leslie Ringger, a former ISU student reflects on her experiences on campus during the fall. “As an art major, I spent many hours in the studio and when it turned fall outside it became more bearable to constantly be on campus. It was nice to be able to take breaks outside in the crisp, refreshing weather…and our campus is beautiful in the fall.” Each sidewalk and path is quickly being covered by falling leaves and the familiar throngs of squirrels are busier than usual. Students willingly take advantage of the campuses vast, outside areas by playing sports, which is mostly Frisbee, studying and simply sunbathing.

isu quad

With summer’s heat becoming a distant memory, students and professors alike can only hope the cooler weather lasts. Although the fall season does mean winter’s wrath is nearing, the colorful, year-round beauty of ISU’s campus is worth the drop in temperature

photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
news tips,
downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising
information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il.
61702
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hit the mall, grab a pile of resort wear, 1 800 airtran

2007-10-11T09:23:00.000-05:00

winter spectaculars

soon watching your step may be your best survival plan

downtown looking east from my 5th floor studio

salt shelter stock pile to bail us out of our mobility problems we seem to encounter periodically

anthony saluto productions re-launches trivia tees

2007-10-08T14:04:00.000-05:00

each bag has 115 tees .. each with trivia questions and answers, printed directly on them. in promotion quantity branding is available on one side.

http://www.golfteetrivia.com/ debuts in 6 million catalogs

I dusted off an old friend this summer. Golf tee trivia, a product I had sold to 10 thousand stores 20 years ago. Over the past few years I started to scout for a new package concept. Deciding on the burlap bag sample with a few friends as a focus group.

With the help of 2 of my assistants over the summer we tracked down numerous old customers, internet e-tailers, a few giant chains, and some media outlets. Then we sent out some fresh samples of the new package.

A large mail-order house is featuring the new package in six million catalogs this holiday. I have no idea how many they can sell.

I would welcome any local retailers that would like to stock the product, please contact me at, gosaluto@bellsouth.net

photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
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i'm not telling the secret

2007-10-04T19:21:00.000-05:00

http://www.commongroundgrocery.com/

by anthony saluto

the sandwich i heard so much about from don, inspired me to track one down for a photo shoot. around 7 pm i do some shots, and decide i am ready for a bite and was absolutely amazed. the sandwich may be the most perfect level of moist that a sandwich could possibly be. the bread was delicious in in texture and taste. this particular version was without tomato's.

if you've been looking for reason to stop in common grounds, this is a good one.

I’m not telling the secret!

dvd review ...by anthony saluto

I am doing a DVD review on “The Secret”. I see it everywhere. In book form, CD form, abridged editions probably, online as a download maybe, but it’s a book and seeing it presented as a DVD was one more level of packaging I normally don’t see. On the flip side, the descriptions reads, “You’re holding in your hand a great secret of the universe”, in big bold letters. The cast is represented, in this documentary-style film, through continual commentary and consisting of leading scientists, authors, and philosophers. These experts all claim to agree on the theory covered in the work. They discuss the slam-dunk for achieving anything from money, home, spouse, life, and all the dreams you could possibly want your life to be. I related personally to much of the presentation and have seen the theory used in my day to day business and personal relations. This is a feel-good and motivational DVD. I’m glad I popped $35 for it at our local Barnes and Noble, and i may pass it on.

editing, maggie saluto borkholder

By Anthony Saluto

With the historic walls of downtown boasting vibrant works of art, more colorful displays of talent are expected to be done. A wall painting was done in the alley on the side of Studio 222 by Marty Klopfenstein two summers ago with a poem provided by John Firefly, a local street poet, to add to its unique style. Alley art, as it is being referred to by downtowns Jeff Woodard, will most likely become more popular amongst regular visitors of the downtown area.
“The whole thing is that it was just an idea to bring attention to these older buildings…we focus on the facade and keeping up the front of the buildings, but it’s also, I think, important to keep up and take care of the backsides of the buildings too,” said Jeff Woodard, Director of Marketing and Public Affairs at the McLean County Museum of History.
This particular mural took about two days to complete and is the first of its kind downtown by Marty Klopfenstein. Other murals will be done in the future with the permission of building owners.
“The idea is that we would have four or five around the downtown area; not a great deal of them,” said Woodard.
Klopfenstein has done several murals in the area and recently finished one at a residence, featuring a cornfield. He has been a downtowner for about 4 years and is also a musician.
“I would love to do more exterior murals, commercial too, the work at South Beach Tanning in Normal was done by me as well,” said Klopfenstein. If I may suggest his cell phone is the best way to each this artist, phone, 287-8872 Other recognizable murals downtown include the wall of faces done by Mark Blumenshine along Monroe St. Some of the faces include Abraham Lincoln, Adlai Stevenson and others who were influential to Illinois history

editing, jeni nussbaum

photography, by anthony saluto, prints or usage, gosaluto@bellsouth.net

editing, maggie saluto borkholder

way past ordinary

2007-10-02T18:49:00.000-05:00

healthy is in

By anthony saluto

For healthy alternatives to your routine lunch, Common Ground, a natural food grocery store in downtown Bloomington, offers sandwiches, side dishes and drinks. According to Don, a local downtowner, they have “the best sandwiches for lunch.”
Other sandwiches featured at Common Ground include the chick peas sandwich and the tofu egg salad sandwich, which are all “totally organic food”. A favorite of Don’s however is the avocado, tomato and sprout sandwich. “These things are fantastic,” says Don. This natural food store also has drinks and sides to complete your lunch. Don pairs his favorite sandwich with soy yogurt and a pomegranate blueberry juice.
Common Ground, located at 516 N. Main St, has a wide range of products other than organic food such as household cleaning products, nutritional supplements and books. They are dedicated to providing minimally-processed food with no preservatives or artificial coloring.

Editing, Jeni Nussbaum

downtown bloomington horse drawn carriage during special event. anthony saluto file photo

start new traditions

by jeni nussbaum

Trick or treating, horse drawn carriages, and festive window displays are all anticipated this holiday season in Downtown Bloomington. With Halloween nearing, the Downtown Bloomington Association has been busy planning their annual Trick or Treat event. Participating businesses in the area open their doors to costumed children and families. These businesses will be identified by colorful balloons as a friendly place to stop, explore and of course load up on candy. The event will be Friday, October 26 from 5-7 pm.
The “Once Upon A Time” winter festival is also approaching quickly and will be held Friday, November 30 and Saturday, December 1. The features this year will include horse drawn carriages, the Jaycees parade, St. Nicholas at the museum and live window vignettes. The “Once Upon A Holiday” winter festival has become an annual tradition for many local families and draws in thousands of visitors each year. The event is also a great way to get downtown businesses recognized with most offering special deals and discounts. The Downtown Bloomington Association is dedicated to drawing attention to the historic heart of the city. The Trick or Treat event and “Once Upon A Holiday” winter festival are sure to attract new and experienced visitors to the unique area and provide fun, entertainment and plenty of excitement

winnies takes the stroll ..

2007-09-28T17:31:00.000-05:00

winnies takes a stroll down memory lane

by anthony saluto

bill fike has been suiting up the twin cities for more than 3 decades downtown bloomington. working his retail sales floor comes second nature as he puts out some of the best fittings and customer service only an independent could do. winding down on at least some days of the week and working in some golf games and travel. its no secret the store has been for sale. recently the real estate listing has been terminated and acquiring the long clientele business can be done directly with bill. bills an active guy, he loves to travel, golf, partake in aviation, and who knows what he would get into if time permitted. selling is one thing, if not, i am going to reduce the days i work and start enjoying life.

Tony, bill tell me about some of the issues of the downtown associations from years past back in the 70’s

Bill, the owner of sorgs jewelers in the mid 7o's and discount den, another gentlemen and I all got together every morning and played basketball at the ymca. The first meeting I remember was at the pantagraph. It was about the corn festival. Bill from sorgs, kind of took it on in those days.

Tony, did it have a name

Bill, bloomington unlimited, Sharon mc ginnis was an early director.

Tony, I remember al holzman,

Bill, yes that was one of the first I remember, back in the mid 70’s. you remember fitness plus. That business did so well, at 4 in the afternoon, everybody came down here and parked up and down. I told al holzman at the time, we have to do something about this parking, my wife cant even come down and park, they have sold so many memberships. Al claimed there wasn’t any problem, but after they closed up it was paradise we had so much parking.

Tony, so we were combating the eastland factor.

Tony, do you remember going to some meetings.

Bill, I wasn’t much of a meeting participant, because I was so busy down here at the store. Earl that managed leaths was opposed to the island curbs
That they wanted to do because of snow removal problems.

Tony, hours were they a big issue, I remember most stores were open on Monday nights for a long time.

Bill, I was open Monday nights and Friday nights for many many years. it was one advantage of being a downtown retailer, that we could operate by our own hours. then I closed on Friday nights, and 10 years ago when I started the tuxedo business I started being open on Thursday nights, so I was open Monday nights and Thursday nights.

Tony, where did you first open

Bill, I opened at 103 w Monroe, I had a silent partner at that time a guy named fred clark.

Tony, was it opened as winnies

Bill, yes it was called little winnies to begin with, and the reason is because of winnie smith of Decatur. We asked a lot of people from bloomington and they were going there to buy their suits. So we asked his permission, if we could call it little winnies, and he said o.k.

Then I bought my partner out in 1977. and I called up winnie smith and asked if it was o.k. to call it winnies of bloomington, and he said it was o.k. to do so.

tony, did you use an open to buy system for purchasing budgets

bill, my open to buy according to earl from leaths at the time, was my square footage, because if I had room to fit it in here, I bought. I would pack this place and if we ran out of room, I would have a sale and we would get rid of it.

tony, what about peak inventory vs. peak sales, did they coincide.

Bill, the most I ever bought at one time was 500 suits. I had a sales rep call and tell me his credit manager was coming to town to visit my store. I could not have hired actors to come in and do what happened when he was here, I was selling 3-5 suits in the half hour he was here.
The next day the sales rep called me and said what happened, you just got unlimited credit and 6 months dating on invoices. That was the late 70’s when that happened.

Tony, so you could just order whatever you wanted

Bill, that’s right and they didn’t even charge me interest. One check was $74,000.

Tony, how are we going to be buying our suits 10 years from now.

Bill, the recent incident at isu makes me hope dressing up will be back in mainstream.

Tony, what about the internet, whose the big player in suits.

Bill, I don’t think there is one, its fragmented so much, they really have to be fitted, its not really internet friendly.

Tony, what are some of your favorite websites, personally, professionally?

Bill, my home page is cnbc, then I look at cnn, and then my e mail. Mostly news related.

Tony, what about the sourcing in the 70’s vs. right now, how is it different.

Bill, everything was American made in the 70’s, i have two lines still American made but soon they will be in china. Back in the early days a person would see a suit that’s not in stock in their size. You could call up and get it brought right in. as offshore shipments took over you cant do that like you used to be able to

The custom made hart schaffner marx suits are still made in des plaines.

Bill, it was good ride all those years, I just wish state farm would of waited five more years before going casual. That was my best year, then they went casual, they went casual june 14 1997 at 1:16 in the afternoon. The total company, corporate south went casual slightly earlier.

Tony, Are you using the internet for the business

Bill, www.winniesontheweb.com , they can order, I find people use it more in the winter time than they do in the summer just because its cold and people seem to be on their computers more than in the summer.

photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints,gosaluto@bellsouth.net

news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net

advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net

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uptown normal by air / schnucks open / a day at the airport

2007-09-25T17:18:00.000-05:00

uptown normal reinvents itself

click the photo to enlarge

uptown normal under renovation

veterans parkway looking north from washington st., looks smooth over the noon hour
in fields around bloomington fall colors are transforming our environment.
schnucks in north normal is open for business and the development continues on other out buildings. photographed monday on a beautiful day with an 18 mph wind. the project was completed by brinkmann constructors based out st. louis

a day at the airport

huey helicopter draws crowds

mold used to cast chuck yagers bronze statue

a4 sky hawk fighter jet on display at prairie aviation museum

Bloomington F15 STRIKE EAGLE IN 08 IS IN THE WORKS

John Ohler (Restoration Project Manager) and Frank Thompson (Curator) had a smash success this past weekend on a gorgeous day.

A Pancake and Sausage Kickoff Breakfast, preceded by ads and a media blitz, pulled in 1000 eager new and seasoned aviation fans. EAA Young Eagles (experimental aircraft association) flew 100 young aviators ages 8 to 17 in a variety of planes on Saturday Sept. 22 at the event held by Prairie Aviation Museum.

The first annual Day at the Airport event featured open cockpit day, an event often repeated throughout the year. Go to http://www.prairieaviationmuseum.org/ to view hours, event schedules, pricing, and more for the museum located on E. Empire near Image Air.

“We had a steady stream of people all day and the helicopter rides at $20 a head was busy all day as well” said Thompson. The Huey Helicopter, on site with open cockpit, is always a big attraction. The A4 Sky Hawk fighter jet, showcased by pilots David Wilson and Chuck Spreitsma was one of the day’s busiest attractions.

Charles Lindbergh, a man famous for his fearless dedication to aviation, during a storm in November of 1926, bailed out of his plane before a crash near Covell, IL. Artifacts of that plane are on display within the museum.

Due to residential developments around the airport, high speed jet teams no longer fit the safety criteria for the area. The air show, featuring displays such as the Blue Angels, can now be enjoyed in the Peoria area. The air show moved to Peoria in 2002.

The Bloomington museum features many interesting exhibits such as the mold used to cast Chuck Yagers bronze bust statue. This is great way to introduce your children to aviation’ exciting history and spark their interest in becoming future aviation enthusiasts. Group tours are welcome. Visit their website for details.

business update .. waller scoops up cvs building

ward waller tells me his company has acquired the cvs pharmacy building on the other side of the alley just south of the ensenberger condo project. " the cvs is in on a long lease" waller says.

the ensenberger renovation includes two retail spaces flanking the grand entrance. as far as the space on the left, with acquisition of the cvs building the wallers now have control of the alley use. "lawyers have been asking about the space but with control of the alley, we could put in a drive up window for a possible drive through operation." ward explains. "we wouldn't want an office in what should be a retail space." waller says. the wallers are planning on moving their sales center into the retail space on the right hand side of the grand entry, in the near future.

photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
editing, Maggie Saluto Borkholder
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
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forward links to all your contacts, thanks

friday night shot on site weekender pictorial .. by anthony saluto

2007-09-22T20:22:00.000-05:00

champagne on center shot on site friday night

kellys bakery & cafe, from left, jerica etheridge, melanie shellito, kelly mathy, laura sanseverino.

www.kellysbakeryandcafe.com

steve sharp guitarist / vocalist, performs at specs around town www.specsaroundtown.com

addison elble plays violin by moon light in front of a. renee'

need a violinist, addi@fracturedimage.com

drum beats pumps up the energy at specs around town

steve sharp working the strings at specs around town, (ph. 815 434 9424)

fox & hounds a downtown anchor hosts guest by twilight , www.fox-n-hounds.com

doug & kathy johnson at eaton studio gallery

www.eatonstudiogallery.com

dr. carl cortese goes for the specs at specs around town

a. rene'e trio, from left, kim mixer, amy calhoun, cindy beier www.arenee.com

micheal coons and annie rix, at a rene'e

jazz fills the air at fox & hounds as brian choban jazz quintet performs, www.brianchoban.com

drink wine in moderation, but invest nonstop

2007-09-21T09:16:00.000-05:00

Investment Insights For The Weekend

By Anthony Saluto

There is a new stock fund, called the vice fund, which specializes in companies, like tobacco, alcohol, based out of Dallas they are investing in so called sin stocks. When asked about such an investment vehicle, Doug Rosenbaum of Conquest Financial services at 121 n. main st. downtown Bloomington, il. Doug says, “Those companies are always going to make money, year after year, long term they will do well”. Doug went on to explain he has noticed some of the beer stocks are doing less than expected, because wine stocks have been growing so much with baby boomers drinking more and more wine. The baby boomers age brackets have long dictated trends.

Tony: Doug we are all poking around the internet in all our various areas of interests, what sites do you like from an investor point of view?

Doug: I like yahoo, usa today, Morningstar, they are all great linkage to all sorts of great information.

Tony: so the majors are covering the situation as well as most.

Doug absolutely, there is one more called www.ishares.com , they have fantastic ways to research and stay abreast.

Tony: what other websites do you like, Doug.

Doug: I also like www.nfl.com ,

As mentioned in a previous article Doug has a long had a second career as an NFL referee in games all around the country.

farmers market pulls in tour

2007-09-18T17:54:00.000-05:00

The Book That Reveals Hidden Racism…

By Anthony Saluto

James w. Loewen spoke at the Mclean County Museum of History on Thursday September 13. His book, Sundown Towns covers the subject of towns, many right here in Illinois, where hidden racism still exists and how we can eliminate it. Loewen is well versed on the subject, having taught race relations at the University of Vermont for 20 years. After the downtown presentation, Loewen presented at Milner library and Capen Auditorium he also spoke on other subjects.

At the Mclean County Museum of History, Loewen had a nice audience of about 53. His audience consisted of a wide array of people, many differences in personal backgrounds and ages, including students and even Mayors.

Loewen Talked about ‘white forced communities’. One member of the audience said 90% of the lecture was sad and shameful.

One question was, “what can we do about this?” Loewen’s reply was a simple one. He instructed people not to move to communities where there is blatant racism and to notify people like himself or others.

Loewen’s has numerous books in print. People were walking out having bought piles of his books.

FARMERS MARKET PULLS IN TOUR

By Anthony Saluto

The big red bus was something I didn’t normally see on my walk through Downtown Bloomington’s Farmer’s Market and Artist Alley. With my large lens in tow I hadn’t decided yet to take photos of the event. I was just looking around for something interesting. But once you start looking with photos in mind, at the square on Saturday morning, there is no escaping the ambiance that the event seems to spread. The Peoria charter Coach Co, http://www.peoriacharter.com/, was pulled up to the event and was empty. So, I started asking around. I spoke with farmers markets own Elaine Sebald about the tour which is headed by Sally Davis. Sebald has been a volunteer coordinator of the event for last 8 years. “Mike McNeil recruited me back in 2000 when it was at the parking lot by Lincoln garage”, Sebald says. In asking about attendance, “in peek weeks we estimate attendance at 3-5,000 people”, Sebald adds, “There are about 45 booths total and 37 of those are farmers. The market will go through October 27. Then we’ll have a market inside the US Cellular Coliseum on November 17th, which should enable the town’s people to stock up on Thanksgiving Day ingredients, pies, decorations, and much more.”

When I spoke with Sally Davis, she was excited about her Bloomington trip. “We had such a great time here” Davis said. Normally they go to the St. Louis area or the Chicago area on 3-4 tours a year. After spending time on the downtown streets the tour was scheduled for lunch at the Garlic Press in Uptown Normal. “We were welcomed with snacks and the owners at the Garlic Press, everyone was so nice” Davis told me. Along with a stop at the Bronze Frog and World Gourmet, the charter toured several organic farms in the area. “All together we had 28 people on the bus”, explained Davis. The tours go for $63 through Peoria Coach Charters. Among the farms they visited were, Ropp Jersey Cheese Farm (http://www.roppcheese.com/ ) off of Rabb Road. Davis elaborated,” We got a tour of cheese making that was wonderful”. Others included Wettstein Organic Farms. Here they spent about 45 minutes sampling beef, lamb, and chicken. “We basically sampled food all day long” Davis says, “Tasting 6-8 varieties of tomatoes.” at the Blue School House Farm was part of the tour. Ms. Davis explained, “The whole trip raises awareness of organics, and new methods which we all learn from”. Henrys farm had 500 varieties of vegetables and lots of methods. While there, they took a walking tour. (This) “Downtown Farmers Market had many special samples for tasting when we arrived and we felt so welcome here” she added. I guess we get her vote!

circulation, you, please send a link to everyone you can. thanks

photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
editing, maggie saluto borkholder

news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
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third sunday market weekender pictorial by anthony saluto

2007-09-16T15:58:00.000-05:00

snowmen art brings in 150k

BY ANTHONY SALUTO

gosaluto@bellsouth.net

as a pin made by the artist cindy sampson of le roy, sampson, has 200 agents that market her work to manufactures of all kinds. the art of the snowpeople, brought in $150,000 in a royalty deal with a firm that that featured the art on a candle ensemble and featured it in catalogs which they then utilized the school fund raising distribution channel. sampson also has a cat piece that is in walmart currently, the work has been added to coasters, place matts, door matts, many products throughout the gift industry. sampson says the Internet revealed many knockoffs of her work showing up on other products. sampson says she would walk in major trade shows and find things with her work on them that were not authorized. ms. smpson also is doing glass pieces and knitting outerwear. a talented artist with such marketing savvy is rare, when i asked cindy if you would be receptive to calls from my readers eager to get some advice on marketing their work, she said, "sure that would fine, i help others now".

cindy sampson poses before some of her work today at the third sunday market at interstate center

retro is showing up more than years past
collectibles are plentiful

treasure huning, and memory lane every step of the way

the stroll was a preview of what awaits us in some crisp fall days ahead.

quilts to fans

4 everlookin, from indiana, does 35 shows a year.
blind justice sells for $1600, "we sell high quality" says mel fisher of 4 everlookin antiques out of, rensselaer, indiana.
summer kitchen antiques of glasford, il. had brisk sales early and said all the materials are u.s. made.

photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
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catching some tunes one gig at a time

2007-09-13T08:25:00.000-05:00

backyard tire fire's tim kramp shakes the sticks

By Maggie Saluto Borkholder

Tim Kramp is an impressive guy. And believe me, despite the fact that I’ve known him personally for 17 years; it’s a truth no one can possibly deny. He is a beautiful musician, a dedicated artist, and a willing friend. Tim has been working with the band Backyard Tire Fire over the last six years. He and front man Ed Anderson started the band in North Carolina during 2001. After moving to Athens, Georgia for a short time they eventually decided on the good old Midwest as a resting place. Ed’s brother Matt later joined and the rest, well, is history.

Tim was born in Chicago’s Cook County, then moved with his parents to their hometown of Springfield, and finally settled here in Bloomington during third grade. He lovingly calls himself a native of this beautiful place. Home is where the heart is, and his heart is definitely here. He attended Washington grade school for a short semester, Holy Trinity through eight grade, U-high, and Central Catholic, graduating in 2000. Tim’s the type of person who has music in his soul. I recently was able to spend a long evening with my old friend. This is what became of it.

Maggie: Have you always wanted to be in a band?

Tim: Ever since I started being in bands, I always enjoyed making music with other people and as time went on it was what I spent my time doing. I enjoyed it and I continue to enjoy it. So I guess I’m doing the right thing with my time.

Maggie: When did you start you first band?

Tim: It was an eighth grade music project; I had been taking drum lessons for a few years. We had a music teacher who wanted us to get into groups with a few people and write a song, perform it, and record it. That was the first band…it was called Spoiled Meat. We had great band names…such as Crazy Connie. It’s still a fun thing to do,
come up with band names.

Maggie: How old were you when you started playing the drums?

Tim: About twelve…I guess I got serious and really wanted to get good. My parents wanted me to learn a musical instrument. I never latched onto piano at that age. So, I took drum lessons because I bugged my parents enough about it that they let me take drum lessons. But I’m interested in other instruments too.

Maggie: So, you play other instruments?

Tim: No, I just like to mess around with other instruments. I’m a drummer!

Maggie: When/How did your current band develop?

Tim: This band began in 2001 and we had a few different players for the first year and a half of the bands existence. At that time we were living in North Carolina for, I guess, the first year and then Athens Georgia for 6 months after that. It was a great experience the whole time, we really had some good things going but when we moved back to Illinois, the Midwest, things just got a whole lot better and we got a whole lot more interest. When we were living down south we would come back up here to play gigs and it seemed we had a much better response up here. Then we traveled down south…and now we go down there and kill, but this is years later.

It was tough being a local band…those two areas in particular are big national music scenes that have large national bands coming through, so as a local band, if you don’t know the right people, which of course we didn’t because we were new in all of these towns, you’re not able to get in front of the right crowds…your struggling to get gigs for like a dollar at the door, just struggling, working bad jobs. Now everything has been great since we came back to the Midwest. At that point in time also, matt Anderson joined the band as our bass player and became our background vocalist. Ed and I started the band.

Maggie: You’ve been playing all over the Unites States, what are some of your most memorable gigs?

Tim: And recently into Canada.

Maggie: And recently into Canada!

Tim: We just returned from a 5 week stint. We played 5 gigs up in Canada. It was so good. It was so fun, it was something new for me to be up there with this band playing these towns in a place I had never been to. And we really had a good response too.
We went out with a wonderful band called Clutch. It was a unique thing for us.

We’ve been from coast to coast, into Canada, and all across the United States; from Portland Oregon to Portland Maine in a week.

Maggie: Do you have a favorite place to play?

Tim: The Denver area is always good to us. Illinois, Chicago. We’re coming back to Chicago this October. For a complete list of all of our dates you can visit our website at backyardtirefire.com

Maggie: Who are your musical heroes?

Tim: The Black Crowes, Art Blakey and the Jazz Messengers, Tom Waits, Ike and Tina, Tom petty, Jimi Hendrix, and Morphine-great band that more people should be into.

I just like everybody who you can tell they mean it.

Maggie: How often are you touring?

Tim: These past two years we’ve done about 200 dates per year. It’s really a lot of fun, so we take it very seriously, and luckily we all enjoy doing it very much.

At the end of our interview I thanked my friend for his time and stayed seated comfortably on his couch listening to an array of music and smoking too many cigarettes. I was sitting next to the boy next door, my dear friend, and one of the nicest people I have ever known. He is, to me, Timmy, the reliable guy who came to my house every Sunday for years. However, instead of Sundays the days are fewer and far between. After all, he’s in this very successful band touring our country and Canada. But, at the root of it all, he’s Tim Kramp, he grew up strolling our hill, and as far as he’s concerned coming back to this place after sometimes months on the road is the luckiest part of all.

Tim’s parents are Mark and Mary Kramp of Bloomington. He has three brothers; Joe, John, and Phil. Tim currently resides in Bloomington with his girlfriend Rachael and their cat Charlie.

For more information on tour dates, pictures, music from the band, and much more visit their website at http://www.backyardtirefire.com/

photography, by maggie saluto borkholder, anthony saluto productions , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net

writing, editing, Maggie Saluto Borkholder

news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net

Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions p.o. box 3425 bloomington il. 61702

advertising, gosaluto@bellsouth.net

suddenly east college feels like miami

2007-09-12T12:59:00.000-05:00

$8 haircuts $15 facials at the paul mitchell campus

Its more than a school, it’s a culture

by anthony saluto

A 20,000 square foot, 2.4 million dollar, PAUL MITCHELL , and it is incredible. The town of normal scored big with paul mitchell the campus partner school. When I walked in the door I thought I was in Miami.

The facility will be handling 250 future professional cosmologist and or estheticians, the cosmologists will complete a 1500 hour program in 52 weeks, and the estheticians, a 750 hour 22 week program.

A good haircut will be $8, and a facial will set you back, $15. By the first week of October hair service will begin and skin service shortly afterwards. Owner John Kanski, says “ this space was vacant for 2 years before we decide to sign a 10 year lease” .

"With 72 chairs, the public will be coming in by thousands, area salons will benefit by the talent pool that graduates our program” john said. "The presentation is no different than if you were in Sherman Oaks Ca. John says, "the architects are out of Laguna Beach Ca." , as we are turning the corner on one of many corridors.

Its not hard to see how the investment was 2.4 million dollars, the floors are the original concrete that was used by the Jewell store for years, but buffed up and what looks to be some 4x4 timbers inset in various areas.

The photos are worth a thousand words, with 91 franchises in the system the design and equipment are all first class custom work.

Paul mitchelle was well known for innovating the elimination of evening curlers and making blow drying the new standard.

The brand of paul mitchell products, is in 100,000 stores in 47 countries. “The power of the brand offers our future professionals (graduates) strong reconition, when shopping their resume, it gives them instant recognition of a premiere program anywhere they may go to practice the trade” john explains. “Our future professionals will have business skills as well as an expanded ability to rebook clients” says john.

Paul mithcell acquired 100 acres in Hawaii long ago, embracing the awapui plant, which is an ingredient in many of the companies products.

John will be directing operations here. When I asked about the district management system, john says, “ we operate on the basis of franchise owners visiting franchise owners, to preview operations a to z and discuss areas that may be need tweaking for the system overall” . john compares the system to that of what school systems do amongst themselves. John says, “ the whole franchise system is managed by what we call the pal system” . the web site and johns email are, www.pmthecampus.com , and, johnk@pmthecampus.com .

digital hair dryer to more control temps.

haircut on isle 12

staff poses in one of the many rooms of professional equipment.

"its more than a school, its a culture" says john kanski dierctor owner of the new normal il. franchise. story forthcoming.

the reception desk at the campus paul mitchell partner school in normal

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photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
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fred wollrab recovered drug store documents in rehab

ed burleson works on the brick wall at 320 n. main st. downtown bloomington il.

this tin ceiling will be restored during a 6 week project.

by anthony saluto

Fred wollrab, wollrab properties, is well underway in rehabbing the original brick walls and tin ceiling on the corners of main and monroe streets downtown bloomington il.. the one thing we all seem to zero in on are the bricks themselves. It seems amongst all of wollrabs properties most bricks will have individual characteristics.

After the existing walls and ceilings have been removed, 320 n. main st. downtown bloomington is ready for some fine tuning. Ed Burleson is at work on the brick walls. The bricks were scrubbed first. Then ed seals the bricks with crete waterproofing. The next step ed says, is a coat of polyurethane. Along the process at the end will be some tuck pointing. The tin ceiling will be repaired and finished as well, completely.

Speaking with fred wollrab, fred tells me, “ the great fires of 1900 took the previous building”. The building being worked on was constructed as a Pillsbury design, a prominent architect of the period. Adali Stevenson I, a former u.s. vice president owned the building and business in 1901 operating mclean county coal co’s. general offices. We presume this was a prime energy resource of the period.

Fred tells me “it was a drug store at one point”, and that he has recovered a wide variety of drug store ads and other documents.

Upstairs of 320 n main was once occupied by an eye doctors office. Currently it is occupied as a large townhouse residence.

The work will continue for about six weeks. Multiple tenant discussions have been in progress along the way.

photography, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net

writing, editing, Maggie Saluto Borkholder

news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net

Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions p.o. box 3425 bloomington il. 61702

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advertising information ... gosaluto@bellsouth.net

dba time to chill, so much art ... such little time !

2007-09-10T13:00:00.000-05:00

be chillin with the dba

q&a http://www.downtownbloomington.org/ come thursday night

Downtown Network Social

The Downtown Business Association will be hosting a gathering at Timothy Kent Gallery & Framing this week. The gallery is located at 236 E. Front St. in Bloomington just east of Central Station restaurant. The event will take place from 5 30 -7 pm on Thursday, this week, the 13th. This meeting is open to the public. Ideally, anyone interested in Downtown Business should attend.

Currently showing at the Timothy Kent Gallery is artist James Pratt. James is a native of New Zealand.

Our Anthony Saluto spoke with Mr. Kent this week.

Tony: Tim, are you having food brought in?

Tim: I haven’t finalized things quite yet.

Tony: Will you be serving alcohol?

Tim: Wine for sure.

Tony: I didn’t realize you had an an upstairs gallery.

Tim: Oh, it’s really nice; it has a roof top deck which has just been expanded.

Tony: Have you hosted one of these before?

Tim: This will be my first. Others have been at The Pantagraph and The Monroe
Center.

Tony: What are your Gallery hours?

Tim: Monday-Friday 10am-5pm, Saturday 10am-2pm, and closed on Sunday

This event is a very positive way to become involved in our community. Information is power. This is also a very good networking opportunity.

For more information call 309-828-0611 or contact the gallery via e-mail at http://www.timothykentgallery.com/.

several rooms adorned with originals.

timothy kents roof top deck nears completion for the event

timothy kent is located a few doors east of central station on front st.

works from artist, james pratt

the artist uses photos to stroke his magic from, often working on cruise ships which then auctions his work on board.
timothy kent, says welcome to my rooftop deck and gallery. thursday night the 13th at 5:30 - 7

Gumby has been spotted in downtown Bloomington

by maggie saluto borkholder

remember gumby? He was the lovable clay character adored by children and adult's beginning in the 1950s and spanning over a thirty-five year period. Well, he's back! In a very small way Gumby is once again gracing our lives right here in Bloomington. On W. Market St. near the corner store of Crossroads there's Gumby etched in the stone wall.

Why there is a tiny Gumby etched into the brick wall remains a mystery. Even more interesting is his coloring. This particular Gumby is bright yellow. Miniature in size, Gumby was originally green. What is his significance in our downtown? I am open to theories, or maybe some of you know the real reason Gumby is there.

Please send me your ideas at maggieborkholder@yahoo.com and I will update you next week as to why Bloomington thinks we have a Gumby.

photography, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net

writing, editing, Maggie Saluto Borkholder

news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsouth.net

Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions p o box 3425 bloomington il. 61702

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weekender pictorial THE BUS STOPS HERE! by anthony saluto

2007-09-09T07:21:00.000-05:00

a tour bus full! starts right here, downtowns farmers market, before lunching at the garlic press, uptown, and then visiting organic farms.

however you say it, delicious is what it really is.

the amazing buildings on jefferson street, backdrops farmers market to an eager crowd of 3-5,000 in peak weeks. the farmers market will run thur october 27

buggs bunny was chased off the square to clear the way for towns people, many with furry friends, on one of the best downtown bloomington il. strolls the week has to offer.

the signs are very small as are the pumpkins, farmers market has the goods to jump start your outdoor fall decorating

the kids are on auto pilot for the grounds of the mclean county museum of history.

nothing much has changed in our natural desire to want to climb a tree. as demonstrated by these young ladies enjoying their surroundings.

the old men boys bust a move at yesterdays farmers market and artist alley. next saturday, sept. 15, austin found will be performing.

can i have the basket too !

if the vegetables aren't colorful enough for you, our India residents are a cultural fashion show.

farmers market is sponsored by ciy of bloomington downtown bloomington association, the market is on the square, it is open 6:45 to 11:00 every saturday morning through the end of october. http://www.downtownbloomington.org/ or 309-829-9599 , should have answers if you need some.

coming soon, an expanded story on the bus will follow.

photography, anthony saluto, usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net

gallery walk just got longer ...

2007-09-06T21:40:00.000-05:00

rotating artist showings coming

above slightly used gone ..1 day
this new set will fill the room at under $1500

http://www.cityconsignments.com/ has them coming state wide !

When you’re walking down Main Street and you come to a shop with the most inviting furniture in town displayed quaintly in the window, you’ve made it to City Consignments. It’s a really nice store and we’re not the only ones who think so. Since May when they began updating their inventory listing weekly online, their website has had 25,000 visits. Add that to their newest undertaking, a wall share where they will use wall space to promote local artists, and you’ve got local charm mixed with brand name, quality furniture and accessories.

The Lazy Boy couch (pictured) sold in one day for under five hundred dollars. Up next? Available Friday will be a brand new set couch and love seat with matching chair and ottoman.

So, stop in and try comfortable living on for size. Owners Thom Delforge Mary Munson, and their staff will greet you in style.

attorney don hammer has record golf round of 82

attorney don hammer, of hayes hammer attorney firm, has achieved some leisure time success on the golf course. don recorded his personal best round of golf. shooting an 82 at prairie vista golf course this week. don has been practicing law in all areas for many years at the corner of center and washington st. when asked what area of law he likes to keep on the front burner going forward, " don says, mediation is one area that i always want to stay focused on.

Loft alert

2 lofts will be available soon

213 e front st lots of exposed brick , Townhouse They go fast, @750 mo.

315 e front st
Soon.

Redbird management 454 4888

wollrab hits brick jackpot in new rehab space.

the wollrab masterpiece is a work in progress, the space at the corner of main and monroe st. downtown bloomington is fred wollrabs latest rehab project. wollrab has a knack of seeing past the new and uncovering the old. once stripping the walls clean, wollrab hits the downtown jackpot of floor to ceiling brick walls. and the tin ceiling yet one more glimpse to the past that one lucky tenant will cherish merchandising around. the process which wollrab has repeated time and time again in rehabbing downtown bloomington should take another 45 days or so. at this moment the space is still available. redbird management leases freds spaces, they can be reached at the normal office at 454 4888

news tips ... gosaluto@bellsouth.net

contributors .. maggie saluto borkholder writing, editing

photography ... anthony saluto , image usage and or prints gosaluto@bellsouth.net

coming soon , take a peek at what bed time boutique thinks may be one its hottest Halloween costumes this year is.

under the dome

2007-09-05T16:45:00.000-05:00

Jeff Woodard, in studio

McLean County Museum of History

a building with purpose .. a man with a vision

Jeff Woodard is the Director of Marketing and Public Affairs at the McLean County Museum of History. He took a few minutes out of his busy schedule to talk with us about upcoming exhibits underway this season and the many changes happening right in the heart of downtown.

Tony Saluto interviews Jeff Woodward:

Tony: Woody, how’s traffic?

Woody: Steady. We had 755 people during the Festival of India in one
day.

Tony: That’s great. What shows do you have coming up in the
future?

Woody: The Vietnam exhibit is coming up January 28, 2008.

Tony: How long do you work on that kind of exhibit.

Woody: Oh, many of our major exhibits are eighteen months in the
planning stage.

Tony: Is anything of particular interest?

Woody: We have a soap carving that was made by a transient that is
so detailed, it is really something.

Tony: What’s going on now?

Woody: Blacks started to settle in McLean County as early as the
1840s. (up next is) Presence, Pride, and Passions: It is a
history of African Americans in McLean County dating back to
the mid 1800’s. We have also extended the Depression
exhibit, Journey Through The Great Depression.

He urges people to view the calendar for details on shows.

Also, bestselling author Jim Loewen will be speaking September 13th at 10 am, about his book, Sundown Towns. The book explores towns, many that are in Illinois, that don’t accept African Americans.

To learn more about times and dates you can visit the Museum’s web site at http://www.mchistory.org/. Look for the events calendar.

Children are free and adults are $5.

Hours: Monday 10am-5pm
Tuesday 10am-9pm
Wednesday-Saturday 10am-5pm
Sundays September-May 1pm-5pm

To reach Jeff Woodard directly via e-mail: marketing@mchistory.org

Parking update... Incognito interview with a downtown food service employee

Tony, where do you park?

Server, the parking deck is free for 4 hours. If I don’t work longer than 4 hours I park there. If I work longer I run and move my car from one block to the other. Otherwise in the garage on center, I would get a $25 ticket if my car stays over 4 hours.

Tony, can you park further out?

Server, I can park 3 blocks east of main st. for free on the street.

Tony, what about co-workers?

Server, they pretty much do the same thing. Some live downtown so it isn’t a problem for them to walk. Some also ride their bikes so they don’t have to deal with parking. Some get dropped off so they don’t the move the car hassle or pay for parking.

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based on my available parking space counts from one end of downtown to the other i continue to see a surplus of parking, with a few bottle necks here and there. miamis coconut grove had recently installed parking vending units one per block that accepted credit cards as well as money and disbursed a receipt that the parker then placed on their dash. there are lots of solution options, as well as accepting it as good enough. ward waller is heading up a parking committee to further explore causes and effects of downtown bloomington urban parking. meters, sounds worse than a 4 letter word, and could make the average person cringe. but they may serve as deterrent in aiding in preventing parking space abuse. as long as meters were much more costly than our garages, so that the incentive to park and walk is there to choose.

photography & interviews, anthony saluto ... image usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
writing, editing, maggie saluto borkholder

news tips .. gosaluto@bellsouth.net

routines resume

2007-09-04T17:22:00.000-05:00

first and ten works for here.

Doug Rosenbaum owns his Conquest Financial office downtown Bloomington and provides investment services to his clients. While most of us enjoyed a much needed three day weekend Doug spent time traveling to Philadelphia. Once in Philadelphia he was the referee in a professional NFL game, something he does on a regular basis. Most weekends Doug’s free time is MIA. Doug is a Bloomington Normal native. He can be reached via e-mail at: doug.rosenbaum@conquestfinancial.com .

Tony: Doug, you were off refereeing a game this weekend weren’t you?

Doug: Yes, I was in Philadelphia.

Tony: Who won?

Doug: The Jets won.

Tony: What was interesting on the trip?

Doug: The Philadelphia steak sandwich was amazing. We had it catered in the locker
rooms.

Tony: So back to your office downtown Bloomington, what are working on today?

Doug: Well, first I will be studying the markets.

isu girls take a break today .. in style !

It’s Tuesday afternoon on the Reality Bites patio just around lunch time. Michelle Blaskovich and Amanda Bus sit and soak up the beautiful mid-day breeze. Both students at ISU, the girls have been enjoying their afternoon away from classes and a busy campus. They’ve ordered a Margarita, a Fuzzy Leprechaun, and lunch. Today’s heat will swiftly be followed by crisp autumn air and floating leaves. There is nothing like enjoying the last days of summer with good friends, fun drinks, and fabulous food.
They’ve been out enjoying the artistic side to our downtown landscape. Michelle raves about The MusiCenter. “We just bought an electric guitar with a hard case for $200!” she beams, “It was such a fantastic deal.” She goes onto say that the staff was extremely knowledgeable. “Plus”, she adds, “We got to check out the grand pianos.”
The girls are also really excited about the pottery store with plans to decorate their own Margarita glasses. If the day could last forever they might check out a gallery or two, visit the McLean County Arts Center, or tour the architectural genius that is the old court house. Just further proof that downtown has something for the artist and something for everyone.

michelle, left and amanda, right, toast the day

back to work n shops

Nancy McClarty has been strolling this particular hill for the last twenty-eight years. Working for our local McLean County Court System, she has enjoyed countless mornings stepping out into the glimmering downtown sun. If you’ve lived here for any time at all I’m sure you’re plenty familiar with the unusually rare warmth that comes through the trees and over the buildings most mornings in our friendly little city.
Nancy too will be a first to tell you about the beauty in this place. When asked what she thinks about Downtown Bloomington, her warm response came with a subtle smile. “Oh, I love it.”, she exclaimed, “I shop around here all the time. I love A. Renee’s shop and I’ve been using the tailor around the corner for years.” It certainly is a wonderful place to stroll the hill.

photography & interviews, anthony saluto ... image usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net

writing, maggie saluto borkholder

downtown bloomington il labor day parade 2007

2007-09-03T19:09:00.000-05:00

happy labor day from stroll the hill .. downtown bloomington il 2007
labor day pictorial ...

all images were captured from the same location, at the corner of main st and front st.

out of the gate.

downtown was a beautiful sunny 85 degree day good enough for a parade.

normal community high school

bill brady

photo alert .. all images are copyrighted anthony saluto, for usage and or prints contact gosaluto@bellsouth.net

coming soon ... why gumby

sidewalk chess anyone !

2007-09-02T10:42:00.000-05:00

with 10,000 chess lessons, open evenings, a new entertainment / learning option

welcomes visitors Wednesday sept 5 th , downtown bloomington. 409 n main st

colleykitson@gmail.com

kitson chess academy opens downtown bloomingotn next door to the coffee hound.

tony .. what hours are you going with

colley .. i work full time at sf as a tech analysis, and will be open 5-9 plus weekends.

colley is a fide instructor one of only three in the country. currently colley teaches chess at 6 area schools, such as metcalf.

reachable at 824-5701

colley will offer classes for groups or individuals, 90 minute classes are $10 per student for group lessons.

many fine wood chess boards are on display signed by some of the most famous chess players of our time. colley tells me, bloomington normal has a huge chess player base, and he considers the market to have a very high per ca pita player ratio, even rivaling new york.

million dollar condo downtown bloomington il.

2007-09-01T10:41:00.000-05:00

Saturday morning downtown bloomington is coffee club heaven

harry dunham .. heartland college .. reflects on registration.

tony ... harry tell me about heartland, whats going on.

harry .. well we have his and her soccer teams playing games

tony... have they got a locker room.

harry... no, they wont have a locker room for two years.

harry is a regular downtowner on Saturday mornings with a great table full of people that i refer to as the coffee club. meeting on a regular basis at the the coffee hound is a good way to ease into the weekend after a good weeks work. one member comments, computers and credit cards are the worst thing that ever happened to this country, another is enthused with her flower purchase, now a center piece, at our table. harry has his eye on his planned entertainment for later in the day at Peoria's blues fest. and then there is me who shows up asking questions.

tony .. harry what happened at heartland during back to school that was memorable.

harry .. well we did have a super smooth enrollment process this year. we used mentoring assistants to walk around with them that made data and numbers quicker and the whole thing ran more efficiently.

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downtown bloomington's million dollar penthouse ... vip tour planned for 9/15

public open houses soon after. surely to be announced, stay posted.

Today ward waller is busy showing foot traffic from a very busy farmers market some of the floor plans for condos for sale. with 4 families living in the property, and 3 more in 30 days, ensenberger condos wont be available long. run don't walk, there are still 19 of 28 units available.

tony... how many sq. ft. are in the penthouse.

ward... the million dollar unit is 3200 square feet, and the other one is 1800 s.f., and it is $750k.

tony.. is that finished.

ward ... yes that is turn key ready to live in.

http://www.wallerhomes.com/ , ward@wallerhomes.com, ph. 829-7979. ward is showing by appointment to maintain his showroom hours and coordinate accordingly.

as ward shows floor plans to condo shoppers, some refer to Sarasota's condos that are experiencing prices from $500 to $1,000 per sq. ft. . ward explains parking options to the condo shoppers. ward says they will have 20 spaces next to the building, it is gated i notice. the other parking space needs will be in either of the nearby parking garages.

tony ... didn't you have plans for parking in the basement?

ward ... yes and after support systems were designed the basement roof height was not lending its self to be the best options.

they have a 1450 sf unit priced at 350k and a 800 s.f. unit priced at 180k.

tony ... so your at about $200 per square foot on these units.

ward ... yes that is right.

i will be taking some interior photos of model units hopefully next week. i would think that many other building property owners are holding their breath for the sell out of the wallers condos and calculating their new net worth.

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harold gregor, long an art world superstar. has a store front gallery now for all to enjoy. harold has had national galleries representing his work in Chicago and other major markets for many years. open by appointment or during random openings, wrapping into special events. the community can view many of his works ranging in prices from $2500 to over $30,000 for originals.

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farmers market goes off bright and early.

downtown barely rests 4 hours, from friday night bar parties to farmers setting up at 5 a.m.

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artist alley leg of farmers market lets the talent out.

amreen khan shows works from her collection as well as representing other artists at many farmers market and artist alley events.

tony ... what is your technique. amreen ..

amreen ... acrylic abstracts.

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loft alert .. front street, contact kellys bakery and cafe

business f/sale .. winnies mens wear is for sale

help wanted .. photographer ... do you have a digital camera and would like to freelance taking some location shots, posed, candid, images reflecting the energy of downtown into the wee hours. let me know. gosaluto@bellsouth.net

coming soon .. a normal resident will be featured on hgtv in october

visualize highland park golf course as homesites.

party patrol , shot on site images, at some of
downtowns high energy late nite hot spots.

your news wanted , e mail info and or pictures to gosaluto@bellsouth.net

your events, dinner specials, music line up, if you got a fresh shipment of glassware i pretty much want to know about it ... gosaluto@bellsouth.net

parking update lofts store fronts sold out !!

2007-08-30T12:37:00.000-05:00

speaking with fred wollrab, he tells me he is 100% leased. lofts and store fronts. i called redbird management looking for a loft for a friend that had asked me if i knew of one, they said they didn't have any except another owner across from central station. fred has arouund 30 buildings with well appointed lofts and about 30 store fronts.

parking update

over the noon hour 62 empty street spaces, plus 500 empty in the front st. garage.

street spaces around rhinos main and center, 24 spaces empty

street spaces around 3-400 block, 29 spaces empty

street spaces around the square, 7 spaces empty

street spaces on front, 2 spaces empty

front street garage at .65 an hour, around 500 spaces empty

food fest goes off like a rocket.

2007-08-29T11:04:00.000-05:00

food fest turns main st downtown into "great party"

by anthony saluto

I sat sipping my coffee hound latte, the town’s best, as well the best I’ve had anywhere, ever. While reading my New York Times I watched the Tent Company erecting a rather large tent spanning a good part of the 400 block of North Main Street downtown Bloomington, Saturday morning. It was in fact a beautiful morning. It’s about 8 am. Watching the tent going up inspired me to want to come back and check it out around start time.

So, I decided to take a swing by uptown to check out the Corn Fest. I can’t find parking, and a little hip pain suggests I blow off the shuttle routine and all that. So I am back at downtown and things are ready. Saving my appetite I go directly to Lancaster's for duck wrapped with bacon, I think they were 2 bucks. I love duck. Then a few crab rangoons hit the spot and I head for the tent for a draft.

Not bad, some music, food, familiar faces, I really like the cocktail height black draped stand up tables spread all over under the big tent. I sip a beer with Doug Hanson, can’t wander too far as the beer can’t leave the tent. I guess I can focus on the beer and then the food, and then some more beer. Sounds great.

I pop in on a friend to find myself on beer garden at show time. Now it’s four girls and me. More live music there. Great time of day and the weather was perfect. Ok, back to the tent, with four girls comes a few guys I hadn't seen for awhile. Lots of boomers are giving the food fest a shot. Surely they know all too well, hey let’s go and they will keep doing it. Maybe the timing was right for many who had just situated kids back in classes and felt well deserving of some relaxation and entertainment. And hey you've got to eat. I pretty much closed the place down at 11 pm. Having drank way more beer than I normally would I managed to stumble home my block and half.

The India folks had their own activities going on too at city square. In brightly colored flowing dress, they had music on another stage and some food too. From what I hear, the organizers are scrambling with ideas on its success to apply to next year’s food fest. That is good news for you, if you missed it. Perhaps by reading about it, you’ll check it out next time.

Next time, or next year, hmm Farmer’s Market is nice but I don't cook. Some would say do this every month or week. Well there are many events in the pipeline, I can’t keep up with them and that's a good thing. Talented hard-working people catching a break is good stuff. So I strolled the hill pretty much from 8 am to 11 pm in downtown Bloomington. Imagine that. Nothing new really I have been doing it since 1995. Live and work downtown, a great lifestyle for singles and families alike.

More people, more money, more revenue flowing all around, is what makes it all go round. for more on participating in downtown events, you should contact: http://www.downtownbloomington.org/

photography copyrighted, anthony saluto , usage and or prints, gosaluto@bellsouth.net
news tips, downtown trivia, gosaluto@bellsoth.net
advertising information: gosaluto@bellsouth.net
Copyright 2007 Anthony Saluto Productions P.O. Box 3425 Bloomington il. 61702
Subscribe to this blog at the bottom.

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