Enrique's Community Updates
The August 11 and August 18 issues of "Enrique's Community Updates" include information about upcoming public hearings on budget, transit, and condominium issues.
Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance Block Party—September 6
You are invited to attend our 2008 PDNA Block Party, The Festival on Prairie Avenue. This year's festivities mark the 30th anniversary of the opening of Prairie Avenue as the first historic district in Chicago. The PDNA and Glessner House will have a short ceremony to honor people who have played a key role in the Prairie District.
The event will take place on Saturday, September 6 from noon to 6:00 p.m. on the 1800 Block of Prairie Avenue (including the Glessner House and Women's Park).
This year's Festival on Prairie Avenue will feature many exciting attractions for all ages, including a main stage with all-day entertainment, the return of the same organ grinder and monkey who appeared at the first festival, a menagerie of exotic animals, a Victorian period fashion show, an art fair, a collection of architectural treasures, a barber-shop quartet, a video presentation on the 1893 Columbian Exposition, a War of 1812 encampment, tours of the Glessner and Clarke Houses, Bertha Palmer's brownies, coordinated children's activities,and much, much more!
Admission (includes food* & activities):
$10 suggested donation for adults (BYOB)
$5 suggested donation for children 2-12 (under 2 are free)
Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.
*Hamburger or hot dog or veggie burger & chips, carbonated drinks/water, and Tootsie Rolls/Pops
Alliance for a Greener South Loop
The Alliance for a Greener South Loop works to make the South Loop a greener place to live, work, and play. We represent individuals, community organizations, businesses, institutions, and city agencies working together so that we all “tread more lightly on this Earth.” Please visit us at www.greenersouthloop.org or e-mail us for more information: greenersouthloop@yahoo.com.
Alliance Activities
The Alliance is working with its partners, the Center for Neighborhood Technology, the Alderman's office and the Chicago Department of Transportation, to transform a small lot in the South Loop to make it more storm-water friendly, as well as people- and pooch-friendly. The lot is located between Dearborn Station and The Oaks senior housing facility (approximately 51 W. Polk). Why this lot? The grass and trees on that lot were planted on top of asphalt, and now the dirt is eroding and washing down a storm sewer at the site.
The Alliance will participate in a focus group to evaluate a Recycling Tool Kit being developed for use by buildings seeking to undertake a recycling program.
Alliance members Gail Merritt and Steve Scott recently participated in a seminar on wind turbines (for electricity generation). If you or your condo board would be interested to hear what we learned about this source of alternative energy, please e-mail us for more information.
Sign Up for Tips for Greener Living
The Union of Concerned Scientists—Sign up for a free monthly newsletter or read past issues in the Greentips section of the UCS website.
Sierra Club—Subscribe to their tip-a-day newsletter and read more about what we can do at The Green Life.
Ideal Bite—Subscribe to their daily update and read past tips.
Also In Our Neighborhood
Greater South Loop Association—Exciting things are happening in our area, and you can become informed and involved by attending GSLA meetings. Volunteer opportunities are also available. Visit their Web site or e-mail gsla@aol.com for more information.
Grant Bark Park, behind the tennis courts at Columbus Dr. & 11th St., is a fenced dog park with water fountains and pools.
Community policing—Come to the next CAPS Beat Meeting at the 1st District Community Room, 1718 S. State. Click here to see the 1st District schedule of events, or call the 1st District CAPS Office at 312-745-4381 for dates and information.
Do you like jazz? Christ the King Lutheran Church (ELCA) has bimonthly jazz religious services. The church meets on the second floor of 1532 S. Michigan Av., which is the education building of Old St. Mary's Catholic Church.
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