CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS - LINCOLN SQUARE, LOOP, EDGEWATER, NORWOOD PARK,
LINCOLN SQUARE
The only trouble with uncovering a secret spot to read in peace is of course the secret part. In any case, we wanted to share with you. One such local is the Book Cellar in Lincoln Square (4736 N. Lincoln Ave.). When you enter, turn left.
There are four comfy chairs and a large round table; there is a cafe; and if you haven't brought a book along with you, there are, of course, books. It's often quiet making it a good place for extended reading. So, as the springtime is upon us, go out and enjoy the weather and a good book here. Find other hot reading spots, by clicking here.
LOOP
Shopping can be so much more than just browsing and buying. Invite your friends and make a party out of your next shopping experience. Why not try:
Spring Trunk Shows at Florodora
This Loop boutique celebrates its first anniversary with a series of local designer trunk shows this spring. The event includes wine. The April 4 show features crocheted silver jewelry from Stylish Girl by Laila. Come out and enjoy the day and all it has to offer for your shopping pleasure.
Fridays through May 16, noon-6 p.m. Florodora, 330 S. Dearborn St.; 312-212-8860.
EDGEWATER
Cubano sandwich: La Unica Food Mart 1515 W. Devon Ave.; 773-274-7788
intricately layered no single brick stands out, creating a dense wall of harmony. That's the best way to explain this particular Cuban sandwich ($3.95), is that it is so intricately layered, creating a dense tasty meal. This is what you can enjoy from this nearly 40-year-old Edgewater cornerstone: a slice of pork and slice of ham smashed against a pickle and a slice of Swiss cheese, with just a slight smear of mustard and a dab of mayonnaise. No one ingredient overwhelms any other, with just the right flavor. The eating environment is pleasant too, with the aisles of plantains. Click here to learn more affordable eating spots.
NORWOOD PARK
Norwood Crossing's Thrift Shop could soon be ending its 20-year run if volunteers can't be found to keep it running.
Members of the Norwood Park Home Women's Service League opened the thrift shop about 20 years ago. It was originally called the "Medley Market," at 6019 N. Nina Avenue. The service league disbanded the shop in 2003. Many of its members were not able to continue working there because of their age and/or failing health.
Without volunteers, Norwood Crossing was left with little choice but to hire staff. Those costs have cut into profits. Proceeds go toward the purchase of equipment and other items to assist Norwood Crossing residents.
"We are desperately in need of any individual or group to manage the Thrift Shop the way the Service League did for so many years," said Marcia Mahood, Norwood Life Care Foundation chief executive officer. "As it stands, we have to pay staff which drastically decreases the revenue." Learn more by clicking here.
NAPERVILLE
The Legion of Christ, a lesser-known Catholic religious orders, is preparing to begin construction of a new school in Lemont.
School officials envision a campus with hundreds of students, athletic fields and perhaps even a university one day. Now they're going to begin with a primary school for children in kindergarten through 8th grade.
White Pines Academy is the first school in the Chicago area established by the Legion of Christ. This is a conservative Catholic order founded in 1941 in Mexico. The school has been housed in the Lithuanian World Center located a few miles away since 1996.
School officials held a groundbreaking ceremony Wednesday to launch the project. The school board bought the 32-acre property, at 115th Street and Bell Road in 1999. They have since raised enough money from active families to build the school.
The new academy will serve a need in the southwest suburbs for Catholic schools, officials said. Click here to read the whole story.
JENNIFER GARRITY & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
