Come try -

• Oysters on the half shell
• Fried Oysters
• Oysters Rockefeller
• Oysters Bienville
• Chargrilled Oysters
• Sautéed Oysters
• Buffalo Oysters
• Fried Oysters
• Oyster Stew

Or experience our Fried Oyster Platters adding coleslaw and fresh cut French fries for lunch or house salad, cup of soup and choice of potato for dinner.

And during our Oyster Festival, come try our many beers specials (starting at $2.75) and wines by the glass specials (starting at $4.50).

We will be offering our Traditional Thanksgiving Grand Buffet on Nov. 24th from 10:30am until 3pm. Leave the cooking, cleaning and carving to us and come enjoy an amazing array of food with your family. Our buffet will feature a triple carving station with roast whole turkey, Certified Angus roast prime rib of beef and roast bone-in ham. Enjoy sage-mushroom and Andouille and pecan stuffing, grilled Atlantic Salmon, sweet potatoes with dried cranberries, pecans and bourbon and many more sides, salads, soups, appetizers and various desserts including pumpkin pie.

Sunday – we have made some hour changes. We have extended our brunch buffet hours to 11am until 2pm. But we have decided to close for dinner on Sunday night. We will always open for any private group wanting to book a Sunday night. The rest of the days, Monday through Saturday, we are open 11am until 9pm.

We have some very good holiday party times still available in our private rooms that hold 30, 40, 50 or 90 people respectively. We would love to host your very special party.

Hope to see you soon!
Luke, Jane and the Staff of Kennedy’s at Stone Creek

That same $100 spent on line, leaves your community completely. None remains. It’s a bit better if you buy from a national chain. In that case $43 of the $100 remains.

The extra $25 you invest in your community when you support local businesses over chains, does big things for you and your neighbors. Did you k now that local businesses invest in local charities at more than twice the rate of national chains? That’s because they are your neighbors and they care about your community just as much as you do.

Are you sure you enjoy getting up at 2 a.m. to stand in line in the cold for several hours just so you can push through the crowds to get Uncle Joe that flannel shirt at a discount? Consider instead spending a leisurely Friday recovering from your turkey hangover. You could watch some college football, tackle a craft project, put up your holiday decorations, read or simply get some extra rest so you can enjoy Shop Local Saturday.

Champaign’s Campustown, Midtown and Downtown have planned a family-friendly, festive day to kick off the holiday season with your neighbors. On Saturday, November 26 you can sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast, brunch or lunch at one of the many local restaurants. Wander the streets where you will be treated to holiday caroling, festive decorations and window displays highlighting this year’s theme: Jingle Bell Rock!

Enjoy holiday treats while you browse the unique offerings of local retailers. Special discounts and contests await. Children of all ages will enjoy visiting with Santa and his elves throughout the afternoon. Visit him at 106 South Neil in the new offices for the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau. They are across the street from Christie Clinic in the Precision Graphics building. By the way, don’t stress because parking throughout Campustown, Midtown and Downtown will be free.

If your children would rather play than shop, that is no problem. Simply drop them at Class Act for some holiday fun while you shop. How convenient that Class Act is right next door to Santa! Another convenience is the gift wrapping station in the lobby of M2 at the corner of Neil and Main.

Round out your day with the fabulous Parade of Lights at 6:00 PM followed by the Tree Lighting Ceremony and the Orpheum’s Snow Globe event. What fun way to enjoy your family and friends! After all, isn’t that what the holidays are about?

Given the gentle Fall we’ve had, you may need to be nudged to actually remember or believe that the holidays are fast approaching. Allow us to help you populate your calendar.

Remember that the Internet is the go-to for most of your residents. Therefore, consider providing information about local websites. Here is a list of links your tenants might appreciate:

• Smile Politely <www.smilepolitely.com> An independent online magazine
• Champaign Center Partnership <ChampaignCenter.com> The place to go to find out what’s happening in Campustown, Downtown and Midtown
• Urbana Business Association <www.urbanabusiness.com> The place to go to find out what’s happening in Urbana
• Eat CU <http://www.eatcu.com> Delivery from a huge variety of local restaurants
• Delivery 4U <http://www.delivery4uonline.com/> Delivery to Champaign, Urbana and Savoy from a variety of restaurants that don’t offer their own delivery service
• Movie Times.com <http://www.mrmovietimes.com/> Local movie times
• Illinois Homepage.net<http://illinoishomepage.net/> WCIA-TV’s homepage offering news, weather, instant updates and access to half-off deals
• My Half Priced Deals <http://wrsp.gocommediadeals.com/> Offers half-off deals from Fox Illinois
• C What’s 1/2 Price <http://wbui.gocommediadeals.com/> Offers half-off deals every Thursday at 10 from the CW
• Half Price Haven <http://www.news-gazette.com/store/deal-day> Offers half-off deals from the News-Gazette

Remember, the more welcome and at home your residents feel, the better they’ll treat you and your property.

Again, we have the Champaign Park District to thank for a great party where friends, neighbors and strangers become a community. The party starts at 7 with The Brat Pack, an 80′s Cover Band. They are followed by Autumn Zero, a Rock and Southern Rock band from Sullivan.

Of course the fabulous Downtown Champaign restaurants and bars will be extending their hospitality as well!

Mark August 20th on your calendar and head for Downtown Champaign for some end of the summer fun for all ages. The annual Festival of the Arts is filled with one of a kind art work covering many genres.

Do you want something unique for your garden or home? No problem!

Perhaps you’re determined to present unique holiday gifts this year from local artists. This is the place to shop!

Would you like to gather ideas and inspiration from others? Inspiration abounds!

Even better, all this creativity is set to the backdrop of Downtown Champaign’s unique shopping and dining destination with a musical score provided by a distinctive group of performers. Everything about this free event says Fun! Fun! Fun!

Do you need a massage, a haircut or a tanning session? Check out the deals on these services. Perhaps you need a new pair of glasses, some new Illini garb, tech support or printing. No problem, there are specials on these as well. Of course, there are plenty of deals on eating and drinking. In fact, there are already 20 merchants participating in this neighborly event. You can download the 13 Thursdays Discount Flyer at http://www.champaigncenter.com

Circle Thursdays on your summer calendar and join your neighbors in Campustown.

• A tenant may file a written complaint for the purpose of attempting resolution of a dispute or for the purpose of informing other tenants about problems or experiences he/she has had with a landlord.
• A valid complaint must be related to the landlord’s contractual or legal obligations.
• Tenant Union staff will encourage tenants to attempt resolution of a dispute on their own prior to filing a complaint.
• When a written complaint is filed, a copy of the complaint and a Reply To Complaint Form, along with a cover letter will be sent to the landlord against whom the complaint is made. A response within seven days is requested. Landlords are encouraged to respond in writing if they wish to have their side of the story reflected in the complaint file.
• Any person requesting information about the complaint history of a landlord will be provided the following information which is recorded in writing on Complaint Record forms:
  • • The number of complaints filed against the landlord each year for the past five years;
    • The nature of each complaint filed;
    • The landlord’s response, if any, to the complaint;
    • The ultimate resolution of the dispute, if known.
• After a complaint is sent to a landlord and a reply is requested, whether or not a reply is received, the complaint will not be placed in the public file of complaints against landlords until seven days after written notice is sent to the landlord informing him/her that the complaint will be summarized and placed in the file.
• A written complaint will NOT be placed in the file if the Tenant Union finds that the nature of the complaint is not related to the contractual or legal obligations of the landlord or the complaint has not factual basis.
• A complaint cannot be withdrawn or removed from the record unless:
  • • All issues of the complaint are resolved to the tenant’s satisfaction within 48 hours after the complaint was sent to the landlord and the tenant appears in person at the Tenant Union office to verify that: 1) all matters were resolved within that time period, 2) the tenant’s request is made of his or her own free will, without coercion or threats from the landlord and 3) the landlord did not require withdrawal of the complaint as a condition for resolution of the complaint; or,
    • The tenant who filed the complaint contacts the Tenant Union after the lease has ended, the deposit has been refunded and all other matters between the landlord and the tenant have been resolved and verifies that the request to withdraw the complaint is made of his or her own free will without coercion or threats from the landlord and that the landlord did not require agreement to withdraw the complaint as a condition for resolution of the complaint.
• The purpose of providing this complaint information to the public is to provide tenants with a method for communicating with each other from year to year about their rental housing problems and experiences.

♡ An engagement ring and two wedding bands from Christopher’s Fine Jewelry Design.

♡ A Reception for up to 220 people from Events at Refinery..

♡ A two entree buffet dinner for 150 guests from Chef Benjamin.

♡ A lighting package from Elite Entertainment.

♡ Tuxedos for the Groom & Groomsmen from Seno Formal Wear.

♡ A certificate towards your Wedding Dress from Lindsey Lane.

♡ A Gift Certificate for Limo Service from Starr Limo.

♡ A 6-hour wedding photography package from Holly Birch Photography.

♡ The bride’s bouquet and grooms boutonniere from a House of Flowers.

Are any of your clients entered? Read the 22 Love Stories at <http://happilyeveraftercontest.com/vote.php> and vote for your favorites – especially if they’re a client. The stories are sweet!

Anyone can vote for one couple per day until May 28. Votes count toward the couples point total. The winning couple with the most points will be announced at a party at The Refinery on June 10 at 6 pm.

The film makers are joined by an eclectic group of film critics, Roger’s Far-Flung Correspondents, the festival director Nate Kohn, Mary Susan Britt, and Roger and Chaz Ebert. Keep your eyes open as you travel throughout the community as local hosts escort the VIP guests to festival events, local hot spots and even a late night visit to Roger’s favorite restaurant – Steak and Shake.

Festival passes sell out months before the movies are even announced. However, tickets to individual films are available. Visit the EbertFest website <http://www.ebertfest.com/index.html> for a complete list of films and events.

When not in the theater, our special guests may choose to enjoy the 19th annual Artists Against Aids Art Exhibition and Sale. Over 200 artists featuring a wide variety of techniques will fill the Blue Line Station at 804 N. Neil (north of the Post Office). Admission is free except for Thursday evening’s First Look Opening Reception. To learn more about the exhibition, visit the website. <http://www.artistsagainstaids.info/>

On Saturday, art and film enthusiasts will need to build in extra travel time as they’ll be sharing the streets with Christie Clinic’s 3rd annual Illinois Marathon. Over 20,000 runners competing in various events will begin at Assembly Hall and travel throughout Champaign-Urbana. Throughout each race, runners will be treated to entertainment from musicians, performers and cheerleaders. To view the routes for the marathon, half marathon, 10 k and 5 k races, visit the website <http://www.illinoismarathon.com/index.php>.

April comes to a rousing finish this year in Champaign-Urbana. Hopefully, Roger will give us a Two Thumbs Up!

On May 15 thousands of students will walk the stage as they make the transition from student to “the real world.” Our community will be filled with their friends and families who will come to celebrate the students’ accomplishments.

A number of celebrations will be held on campus that day including the President’s and Chancellor’s breakfast reception from 8-9:30 on Sunday morning at the President’s house and GradFest from 11:30-2:30 at the Alice Campbell Alumni Center. Graduation ceremonies will be held at 10:30 and 2:00 at the Assembly Hall. Here is a complete list of 2011 campus wide ceremonies.

Of course the celebration will be community wide with visitors filling the hotels, restaurants and local stores. To be good hosts to these celebrating visitors, remember to congratulate your residents and employees who are graduating. In advance of graduation weekend, you might also provide your residents and customers with this list of handy websites:

Graduation Weekend Hotel Planner

Area Restaurants

Champaign County Visitors Guide

Graduation 2011 Campuswide Ceremonies

Finally, smile and be patient. This year’s graduates are next year’s alumni.

Art is not a thing; it is a way. ~Elbert Hubbard
 

Champaign County continues to embrace art as a way to share, celebrate, learn and discuss. We are home to an incredible variety of talented artists using every available media and they are encouraged and supported by galleries, festivals, and organizations. Just as Spring brings rebirth for the landscape, it is also a time of growth for the arts.

February 19 was the Burlesque Gala, a fundraiser for 40 North 88 West whose mission is to cultivate the cultural life of Champaign County by promoting the area’s diverse, vibrant arts scene and providing a multitude of opportunities for the arts to flourish in our community. And what a wide variety of opportunities we have. Local eateries, bars and coffee shops often serve as wall space for visual arts. Galleries range from large like the Krannert Art Museum and Spurlock to the more intimate settings of IndiGo Gallery in Downtown Champaign and the Cinema Gallery in Urbana.

If you’re interested in seeing diverse collections of art forms, mark the following festivals on your calendar:

• Boneyard Arts Festival April 7-10
• Artists Against Aids April 28-May 2
• Taste of Champaign June 17-19
• Downtown Festival of the Arts August 20

The work of local artists can be seen and purchased at Wind, Water and Light in Urbana. U of I students from the College of Fine and Applied Arts are now displaying their work at the Figure One gallery in Downtown Champaign.

Public Art

There’s a plethora of public art available to view and enjoy. The Urbana Arts Grants Program supports artists practicing in visual arts, performing arts, literary arts, design, multidisciplinary arts, and new media that enrich the lives of Urbana residents and visitors. Grant applications are available now and the performances and installations will begin April 1. Public art can also be seen as you take a stroll through Meadowbrook Park in Urbana or as you walk through Downtown Champaign. The Public Art League installed eight sculptures in Downtown Champaign this past August.

Music

Champaign County is also home to a range of musical offerings. Classical, musical theater, jazz, rock – you name it. Visit the 217.com calendar for updated listings of live music throughout the area. Also, keep your eye on Kranner and Assembly Hall web sites for their schedules.

As the weather improves, you’ll likely feel the need to dance in the streets. No problem. Join the crowd in Downtown Champaign on June 4 for the first StreetFest of the season. For a more low key outdoor music experience, check out Alto Vineyards schedule and the Champaign Park District’s Summer Concert Series which begins June 5.

Theater

Live theater is alive and well in our community. We can choose from offerings by local talent such as the Champaign-Urbana Theater Company and the Station Theater, as well as visiting artists to the community. This Spring you might choose to enjoy:

• A Midsummers Night’s Dream at the Krannert Theater March 3-5 and March 10-13
• Betrayal at the Station Theater from March 10-26
• Misalliance at the Krannert Theater March 31-April 2 and April 6-9
• The Light in the Piazza at the Station Theater from April 7-30
• Into the Woods presented by the Champaign-Urbana Theater Company at the Parkland Theater from April 21-30

Film

If film is your fancy, consider visiting the ART Theater. It’s a beautifully restored independent theater offering a wide variety of films for the true movie lover. The ART Theater also offers unique snacks as well as alcoholic beverages.

The Harvest Moon Drive-In in Gibson City begins its season in April. The Harvest Moon shows first run movies on two screens beginning at dusk. They offer an extensive concession stand and are the area’s only wind powered movie theater.

Last, but certainly not least, is Champaign-Urbana’s celebration of the art of film. Film critic Roger Ebert will once again host EbertFest at the Virginia Theater this Spring. This popular event will be held April 27-May 1. Tickets can be purchased for the entire festival or for individual films in the beautiful Virginia Theater which is a work of art unto itself.

Art is a way of life in Champaign County. Bravo!

This year, students at the U of I will celebrate both Unofficial and Official St. Patrick’s Day in town. Unofficial was originally introduced as a way to recoup lost liquor revenues as a result of students being on Spring Break during St. Patrick’s Day. This year, however, Spring Break falls on March 21-25 which means the students will be in town on March 14, the official St. Patrick’s Day.

Unofficial has become a public safety nightmare resulting in restrictions on alcohol sales, limiting visitor access to dormitories, etc. More information on restrictions can be found here.

As a landlord, what can you do to protect the safety of your residents and prevent property damage? The first suggestion is to observe your properties. In particular look for doors propped open, furniture being placed on porches, residents gathering on roofs and/or unauthorized vehicles in your parking lots. A tour of the public areas might also be useful. Depending upon the language in your leases, you have the right to re-mediate those situations before they get out of hand.

Stepping up trash containment activities may also be useful. Large outdoor gatherings result in increased litter. Sending maintenance staff to check the dumpsters and grounds will send a signal to your residents that you are interested in maintaining the safety and cleanliness of the property for all residents.

Beginning at dusk, check to be sure that outdoor lights are on and, again, that doors are not propped open.

The day after the event, you will also want to send maintenance staff out to check the grounds. Sorry, it could be ugly.

Drawings

Decorate a drop box for Valentines Day. Ask your customers to drop in their business card or a card with their name and contact info. On Valentines Day, treat everyone to heart shaped cookies and draw a name from the drop box. Provide the winner or winners with gift certificates, sweet treats or even a heart shaped pizza.

Newsletters

If you publish a newsletter for customers or tenants, include an image of a candy heart. Ask them to decorate it or write a Valentines saying on it and send it in to your office. You might choose winners, draw for winners or give each entry a treat.

Movie Night

Host a movie night in your commons area and serve popcorn. Invite your residents and their friends to be your guests. Romantic comedies will bring in the ladies!

A Token of Your Affection

If your laundry facility uses tokens, consider providing your tenants with a “token of your affection” in the form of some free laundry tokens.

Use your imagination and have fun. Your tenants and customers will enjoy knowing that you want to be their valentine.

Eastland Suites has a huge indoor heated pool suitable for swimming laps or participating in water aerobics. Swimming is a low impact, high benefit sport that works nearly all the muscles of the body. Through swimming you can develop strength, cardiovascular fitness and endurance. While easy on your knees, swimming does not help with bone density. For that you need weight training. No problem! Adjacent to the pool is a 13 station workout facility featuring cycles, treadmills, elliptical machines and weight equipment. After your workout, reward yourself with a dry sauna.

Eastland Suites’ affordable rates will help you keep that other resolution – to shore up your finances. Individuals can join for $40/month after a $100 initiation fee. That rate is reduced to $35/month and the initiation fee waived if you provide them a letter from your doctor or chiropractor saying that exercise would be beneficial to you. Family rates are also available. So dive into 2011 and get fit!

Your wallet will appreciate the low, all inclusive price with single rooms available for $79 and suites priced at $99. The suites include a full kitchen, living room with fireplace, two bedrooms, two bathrooms and a sleeper sofa. Once you’ve checked in, all you need to do is kick back and have fun.

Eastland Suites will host a youth and adult bags and boards tournament. There will be a Wii Play Zone, games and crafts. And of course their huge pool is available for everyone to enjoy.

Your children can get their groove on while a DJ spins tunes at the kids dance ending with a Cider Toast at Midnight. Adults will enjoy a Champagne Toast and there will be drink specials at the bar. A special New Years Eve menu is available in the restaurant.

On New Years morning you can enjoy the complimentary hot buffet breakfast as you begin 2011 refreshed from a night of fun.

C.I.A.A. members raised $412.00 to give to Friends of Santa – Tom Cain to help needy families for Christmas this year.

Congratulations to Melvin Stevens of Stevens Properties for winning the I Pad! He was very surprised and happy!

A special thank you to our wonderful sponsors for the I Pad.

University Group – Chris Hamelberg
Tuscany Partners – Bryan Snyder
First Community Title – Terry Prillaman
Marine Bank – Anh To

Thank you to all C.I.A.A. members who participated by opening your hearts and wallets to make the I Pad raffle even more fun!

To all of C.I.A.A. members and your families we wish you a warm, happy, safe holiday season!

In addition to helping your community’s economy, you can find some unique gifts at great prices. Let’s take a tour of some of our local highlights:

Jewelry is always sure to please. Our communities are home to a number of local jewelers, some of whom create their own masterpieces. One is Christopher’s Fine Jewelry in Downtown Champaign. They’re celebrating their 32nd Anniversary this season with discounts of up to 60%.

Clothing is on everyone’s list. For the men, visit Joseph Kuhn’s in Downtown Champaign. The women have even more boutiques to choose from including The Wooden Hanger in Downtown Urbana, Bella Mia on South Neil and Circles in Downtown Champaign. There are also some great consignment stores where you can find tremendous bargains. Just a hint, boots are very popular this year!

Pampering is another welcome gift. Massages, facials, pedicures and nail services are offered at most local salons. Ruth’s Salon in Champaign is offering a nail shellacking that guarantees nails will not chip for at least 14 days. Elements of Design in Urbana is offering a 45 minute facial for $30 and $5 of that will be donated to the Mills Breast Cancer Institute.

The children on your list are sure to enjoy a gift from Art Mart; Wind, Water & Light; Dallas & Co.; or any of the locally owned hobby stores.

Books and art can be really personal option that celebrates the special interests of the receiver. Visit Jane Addams Bookstore for a tremendous selection of used, out of print and collectible books.

Gift certificates are nice if you’re not sure about sizes or styles. Visit C What’s Half Price, Half Price Haven, My Half Priced Deals, or the half off deals at illinoishomepage.net.

Don’t forget the local options when you’re decking your halls. Prairie Gardens is a great local option as are all of our tremendous florists.

Santa shops local, so should you!

Another summer is whirling by and I hope you’ve all had the opportunity to enjoy it in some way, whether through vacationing, warm-weather activities, or simply relaxing!

As we’re nearing the end of July, one thing to keep in mind is that you have until September 10th to appeal your property tax assessment here in Champaign County. If you own a home here, you’ve likely noticed that those assessed values just keep going up! Your assessment may or may not be accurate, and if it’s not, you could be paying more in taxes than necessary. In other words, you could have more money in your pocket for next summer’s vacation:-)

Here’s a link to an article I put together on how to appeal your property taxes, as a starting point. If anyone needs comparable sales information to take to the Board of Appeals, let me know and I’d be happy to help out. And, of course, if you have questions, please do get in touch with me.

Wishing you a fun-filled summer!

All my best,
Shannon

–

Shannon Lewis

Prudential Landmark Real Estate
100 Trade Centre Dr., Suite 102
Champaign, IL 61820
217.552.8059
Your Champaign Home Blog
Search Homes for Sale

Property rights and privacy are two concerns cited when discussing property inspections. CIAA President Andrew Timms says: “Common area inspection programs like Champaign’s are fair, but interior inspections oppose the Fourth Amendment. Landlords respect the right to privacy for their clients.”

Urbana’s program allows for the systematic inspection of the interior of all rental units.

Champaign inspectors do not enter individual apartments during a routine common-areas inspection. This is in step with leases that protect privacy by requiring 24 hours notice before the property owner or their employees can enter a unit. However, an inspector may enter an apartment if the tenant invites them in. A grey area has appeared as tenants are reporting that inspectors are “suggesting” they be invited in to inspect units. In these cases, tenants believe they’re supposed to allow the inspection even if they’re uncomfortable with the intrusion.

The consistency in which inspections are conducted is another concern. There have been reports of inspectors looking beyond the established list of inspection criteria to include more esoteric issues such as peeling exterior paint. Of great concern is the application of codes to our historic building stock. Older buildings with their stately porches, brick construction and established trees contribute to the character of our communities. In many cases, however, they do not and can not meet some of the new building codes. One option is to grandfather certain elements that do not pose health or safety threats to the tenants. Consider the ramifications of enforcing a ceiling height code in a historic home’s stairwell. Even though the difference may just be a few inches, the cost to mitigate the issue would be enormous, in some cases exceeding the value of the building. This economic hardship must be considered and applied consistently.

These are some of the reasons your Association is working to require that language for ordinances be extremely clear and specific. Again, all responsible property owners want their tenants to be safe and their buildings to be healthy. They also want the privacy of their tenants respected and the implementation of ordinances to be fair, logical and consistent. What has been your experience?