2020 July Newsletter

Glenview Adapts

The past couple of weeks have reminded us that while some events have gone away, many have adapted for our unique times. For example, the reverse 4th of July Parade organized by the Glenview Park District was a great success. FDG volunteers enjoyed waving to the many decorated cars that drove past our replica display of Downtown Glenview. Ten Ninety’s beer garden featured an unplugged set by Hoopla, the band that packed Glenview Rd. once the sun set over Blocktoberfest last fall.  And the Glenview Art League’s Summer Art Fair has turned into a Yard Art Challenge and 6″x6″ Art Contest. More info at: glenviewartleague.org.  And read below about Oil Lamp’s drive-in filmed play!

The Village is also adapting to more recent times with the announcement of a review of the Downtown Revitalization plan. More on this and the Bess development here

Enjoy your walks Downtown and support our businesses who continue to bring fresh ideas to our new normal.

FDG Volunteers Create Downtown Replica for Reverse Parade

FDG celebrated its 3rd Anniversary during a Zoom call this Spring. For those of us involved, we are often inspired by the talents of our team. Shawn Eshoo (left) took the lead with the help of Megan McClung (right) in creating a replica of Downtown Glenview for the 4th of July Reverse Parade. Created in a garage with signage donated by many businesses, their vision of Downtown Glenview with the theme of “Distance Socially, Shop Locally” received many compliments and honks from parade participants driving by. Thanks Shawn and Megan!

Oil Lamp Presents A Drive-In Filmed Play in OLPH Parking Lot

Grab your best date for a drive-in viewing of Bad Dates on Friday, August 7 at 6pm and 8:30pm. Oil Lamp Theater is showing the filmed play one night only in the OLPH Parking lot but you can also buy tickets to watch at home Aug. 8-23. Much more information at https://oillamptheater.org.

Coffee & Cars Pop-up Event

Nothing gets your engine revving like a strong cup of coffee or a powerful classic car, so FDG decided to bring these two together in an impromptu Coffee & Cars pop-up event on Saturday, July 18 in the lot across from Glenview Grind. Surprised visitors were delighted by a ’66 Mustang (owned by FDG founder John Hedrick), a vintage Camaro muscle car, a ‘41 Buick and some newer vehicles. What a way to get the day into gear!

FDG Seeking Pop-Up Event Volunteer

FDG is looking for Pop-Up Event volunteer coordinator to help plan and implement a small, informal outdoor gathering. Short–term and limited-time commitment to work with other enthusiastic Steering Committee members.

Personal initiative, energy and communication skills required. Any event planning experience a plus! Please contact newsletter@downtownglenview.org

Get to Know… John Loizzo of Tony’s Shoe Repair

What sets your business apart?

We are not a fly by night business; we use better materials and old-world craftsmanship. Each restoration project is unique in it’s own way and that is the beauty of what we do. When someone comes in I will give a straight answer – if it’s not worth fixing, I will tell you. Honesty drives our business.

Why Glenview?

This business is in my blood. My grandfather was a shoemaker in Italy and then moved to Chicago and opened a shop in Lincoln Park. I spent a lot of time in his shop when I was growing up. When I met my wife, I couldn’t believe that her father – Tony – was also a shoemaker with a shop in Rogers Park. I studied engineering at UIC and then worked for Chase for 30 years as an analyst. My father-in-law saw the building where we are now being built and thought it was a perfect location for his new shop. I joined Tony about 20 years ago in Glenview and the rest as they say is history.

You might be surprised to know … 

People wouldn’t think this would go together, but in addition to being a shoemaker, I’m a gourmet cook. My wife thinks it’s great!

What’s your favorite quote?

“If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.” Sometimes I look at something and think – how can I make this better – but then I tell myself it’s worth a try and sometimes I even surprise myself.