Roger Ebert, a 1964 Journalism graduate of the University of Illinois and a Pulitzer winning acclaimed film critic, comes to Champaign-Urbana each spring for a week to host the festival. He selects twelve films that represent a cross-section of important cinematic works “Overlooked” by audiences, critics and distributors. The films are screened in the 1,500-seat Virginia Theatre, a restored movie palace built in 1921. Mr. Ebert brings together film producers, writers, actors and directors to help showcase these films. Following each screening, Mr. Ebert leads an on-stage Q&A sessions with guests for general audiences and critics. In addition to the screenings, the festival host a number of academic panel discussions (held on the University of Illinois Campus) featuring Mr. Ebert, festival guest and academic scholars. The festival if a non-profit event of the College of Media at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.

For more information on the 2009 line-up visit www.ebertfest.com

For ticket information contact the Virginia Theatre Box Office at (217) 356-9063.

PARKING INFORMATION

*All day parking for this event is available in the city’s New Hill Street Parking Deck located at the corner of Hill and Randolph Street (just 1.5 blocks from the Virginia). This deck offers over 300 daytime and 500 nightime parking spaces with no time limit and convenient payment methods (accepts credit and debit card). The hourly rate is $0.75/hour with the first hour free! All day parking max is $7.50.

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B. Lime Partners with City of Champaign to Offer $25.00 off Rain Barrels for Champaign Residents

March 20, 2009 by CDAdirector
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Since opening in November, B. Lime’s mission has been to increase awareness of climate change and provide a comfortable shopping environment where consumers can make earth-friendly purchasing decisions when buying items such as gifts, everyday essentials and eco-must-haves. Some of the most popular items have been conservation-type items such as compost pails and bins, and the Prairie Rain Harvester, a locally-made recycled plastic rain barrel that captures rain water that falls onto a home. That water can then be used for landscaping needs, to control drainage issues and in turn help with stormwater run-off.

In late February, the City of Champaign announced a limited-time program to help with the cost of residential rain barrels. That program offers a $25 rebate on the purchase of one rain barrel by Champaign residents. To qualify, the rain barrel must be placed on a Champaign property. To receive the rebate, simply stop into B. Lime or other rain barrel retailer, provide your home address and phone number, and $25 will be discounted from the price.

“The city has made it a very simple process and the consumer is not required to submit paperwork. Just stop in and we will help you determine if you qualify,” commented Wendi Lindsay, owner of B. Lime. “It is not clear when this program will end as it depends on the demand, but we may have two or three months before funds run out.”

Currently, the Prairie Rain Harvester is available in blue and black, although the black style is only for a limited time and is only available at B. Lime. For more information on the Prairie Rain Harvester, please visit http://www.prairierainharvester.com/ or contact B. Lime at 217-359-5741 or http://www.blimegreen.com/.

Catch B.Lime on WCIA Morning Show talking about their ecofriendly products (video)

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First Hour of Parking Free in Hill Street Deck!

March 5, 2009 by CDAdirector
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Never worry about finding a space in Downtown again!

The Hill Street Parking deck offers a wide variety of parking options including all day parking, hourly parking, and multiple leasing options. With no time limit on parking and payment on exit, you never have to worry about parking tickets again! This deck will be the central point for all Downtown parking with over 600 new spaces created. An added benefit of this lot will be acceptance of credit and debit cards which will free customers from carrying pockets full of change.

As a special promotion, the first hour of Parking will be free for the first three months (March, April & May)

The deck also includes more than 20 covered bicycle and motorcycle parking spaces.

The City is now leasing spaces in the Hill Street Deck. Rates start at $60.00 per month for secure, covered parking. To get your space or inquire about services please contact the City of Champaign Parking Division at (217) 403-7050.

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Illinois Marathon Coming to C-U April 11, 2009

March 3, 2009 by CDAdirector
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The Illinois Marathon is coming to Champaign-Urbana and there will be no better place to watch the excitement than in Downtown Champaign. Runners will be completing a 5K, Half Marathon and Full Marathon on April 11, 2009. The race starts just south of Assembly Hall and ends at the 50 yard line of historic Memorial Stadium. The race winds through both Champaign and Urbana traveling through both Downtown Champaign, Campustown, Meadowbrook Park, and Centennial Park. Don’t miss out on this great sight. Visit illinoismarathon.com for more information.

2009 Marathon Map (updated 1/26/2009)

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Join the Downtown Champaign facebook Fan Page Today!

March 2, 2009 by CDAdirector
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Along with having a this website, the Champaign Downtown Association has made it easier to stay in touch with all that is happening Downtown. We have created a facebook fan page showcasing member’s events, websites, and other activities. Check it out at:

http://www.facebook.com/home.php?ref=home#/pages/Champaign/Champaign-Downtown-Association/53145097317

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