ROGERS PARK
How about getting into the holiday spirit this season and come join us this weekend. St Ignatius Parish is celebrating it's 15th annual "Messiah" sing-along concert. It will feature accomplished singers from the Lyric Opera, Grant Park Symphony Chorus, and other well know professionals.
This concert was the idea of two established parishioners, Patricia Skalka and Frank McGuire, who though up this whole idea in 1992, to be held at their church. It was such a huge success that is has been held every year since then.
This year will mark a very special Roger's Park St. Ignatius centennial celebration. All are encouraged to join in and sing along, this Sunday evening December 2nd at 7:30PM. For complete details, click here.
LAKEVIEW
Ken Von Heidecke's new ballet school at the Alphonsus Academy building located at 1439 W. Wellington will be opening early next year. In order to be considered to attend the school you must be strong and determined.
The ballet taught in this school is physically demanding. A study dating back 30 years, titled "The Ultimate Athlete," outlines the rigors of learning and perfomaning ballet.
Proper care and use of one's body is imperative. To learn more about the school and the art of ballet, click here.
EDGEBROOK
Most likely this time around, it will be official. The Caldwell Woods Jensen toboggan slides may well be demolished by springtime according to Cook County Forest Preserve Commissioner Peter Silvestri.
Silvestri would have liked to see the slides privatized, but the Cook County Forest Preserve Board rejected the proposal. After several years of seeking private companies, the county dropped the idea when only two bids were received.
The responses were not ideal uses of the park's resources. Instead the Park District may rehab the hills for better sledding opportunities. To read the related article, click here.
EDISON PARK
A 2008 city budget that passed last week imposed a new record $833 million levy, an $86 million increase over last year. This is definitely not the record Northwest Side homeowners wanted.
Several Aldermen held out voting for this new tax levy with a vote of 29-21. Already increases in water and sewer services, permits, some city stickers, traffic and parking violations are adding to the burden of city residents.
Still other city services are raising their fares and fee structures. City residents say something has got to give. Find out how your Northwest Side Alderman voted, by clicking here.
PARK RIDGE
Holiday greeting cards bring both joy and satisfaction to the sender and the recipient. This year, why not make it even more special by purchasing holiday cards from local charitable causes. Some wonderful charities are listed below.
Misericordia Heart of Mercy supporting and employing adults with special needs. http://www.msericordia.org/
Glenkirk supports people with developmental disabilities and their families. http://www.glenkirk.org/
Have Dreams helping autistic voices emerge. Park Ridge Location - call 847-685-0250
The American Humane Association's mission is to help abused and neglected animals. www.holidaycardcenter.org/aha
