Yes, 2021 was definitely better than 2020, but we are not yet “back to normal.”  Maybe 2022 will be the year.  We remain ever hopeful.  

Planning for the 2022 Mundelein Craft Beer Fest began on January 7th.  Our Business Partner for the Beer Fest, Tighthead Brewery, 161 N. Archer Street, just finished an extended two-week, 10th Anniversary celebration on December 23rd.  On December 13th Tighthead was presented Special Recognition by the GLMV Chamber of Commerce in honor of the 10th Anniversary milestone.  Congratulations Tighthead!  Cheers to the next 10 years!

The Winter is not a slow time for MCC.  On January 21st we host our annual “Thank You Pizza Lunch” for Mundelein Public Works, an essential manpower supporter of all our events.  

Our Annual Recognition Dinner is planned for February 8th at Dover Straits, at which we introduce the MCC Board for 2022, and present awards for the Volunteer of the Year; Organization of the Year; and Business of the Year.

Our Fiscal Year ends January 31st, which means we are actively preparing our budget for 2022, as well as event planning, contacting farmers market vendors, soliciting event sponsors, renewing MCC memberships, monthly Bingo Nights at Tighthead, and, for the first time in 20 years, finding new office space.  See article below.

Part of the planning for 2022 includes consideration of expanding the Tree Lighting weekend into a Winter Festival and continuing our partnership with the Village on the Mundelein Classic Bike Race.

 

The MCC Office has been located in the lower level of PNC Bank, 469 N. Seymour Ave., at the corner of Seymour and Park Streets for over 14 years.  MCC was incorporated in 1998 as “Mundelein Mainstreet”.  Our first office was in the former Dupont Jewelry store, 14 E. Park Street.   In early 2007 we moved to our current location when Dupont’s was remodeled into the Park Street Restaurant.  First National Bank of Mundelein, which occupied 469 N. Seymour at that time, came to our aide, and provided the entire lower level of the Bank for our offices rent-free.  We have been fortunate to remain in this location ever since.   Over the years the bank changed owners several times.  It became First of America Bank in 2007, National City in 2008, and PNC in 2010.

Unfortunately, times change.  PNC has decided to close their Mundelein location.   We must be out by the end of February.  The search for a new home has begun. We are working with the Village and other landowners to find suitable office space in downtown Mundelein.   PNC has been a great landlord and MCC partner over the years.    In addition to providing our spacious office-space, complete with meeting room, storage etc.  rent free, PNC has supported all our events including provided much needed parking for the Park on Park Car Shows and Farmers Market.  At this time, it is our understanding that PNC has not announced plans for re-use of building or development of the site.

 

It takes help from a lot of people and donations from many businesses and members to put on all our events.  Thanks to all those individuals who volunteered at an MCC event in 2021.  There are too many to list here, but you know who you are.  We are grateful for your support.

Likewise, sponsorships and other financial contributors are also a critical element for the success of any community event.  Again, there is not enough space to list every business sponsor, but would like to recognize all the businesses that contributed over $500 to MCC in 2021:

    Armor Cares ($2,500)
    McDonald’s of Mundelein ($1,500)
    Consumers Cooperative Association ($1,500)
    Mundelein Community Bank ($1,000)
    Mundelein Automotive ($1,000)
    The UPS Store of Libertyville ($1,000)
    Area Coffee ($500)
    Great Lakes Credit Union ($500)
    RISE Recreational Dispensary ($500)

Finally, MCC is also grateful for the financial support and manpower contributions provided by the Village of Mundelein.

 

What started as a limited trial of four Bingo events in 2021 has proved so popular it has been extended for another 9 dates in 2022.  MCC and the GLMV Chamber of Commerce will continue to host Bingo at Tighthead Brewery on the 4th Monday of the month February thru October 2022.   The Bingo night planned for January 24th has been cancelled.

At our four events in 2021 participation averaged about 40 players per night” explained GLMV President, and part-time bingo caller, Scott Adams.  “The atmosphere is casual and fun.  We have a core of regulars, with a nice group of new additions each month,” he added.  

The next bingo night is February 24th at Tighthead Brewery from 5:00 pm (Registration) until 7:30. Circle the date; bring a snack; have a beer; join the fun.