Don't
look now, but it's the last weekend of January 2012, which can only mean one
thing - it's time to
"plan, play and/or
celebrate!"
It's
the perfect time to plan your travels
and summer activities with these two trade shows in town -
Chicago
Travel and Adventure Show 2012 at the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center (5555 N. River Road) in Rosemont this
Saturday and Sunday. This event is your chance
to discover authentic travel experiences, snap up the deals and win trips and giveaways. You'll obtain travel tips from the experts,
such as travel legend, Rick Steves and more.
You can experience scuba diving, ride camels and see cultural
performances as well as test your taste buds at the fiery foods challenge. Don't pass up this opportunity to meet the
experts who can help you plan and book your next trip(s) - Bon Voyage!
Strictly Sail Chicago at Navy Pier's Festival Halls A and B (600
E. Grand Avenue) in the Streeterville neighborhood this Saturday and
Sunday. This 17th annual
showcase features boat designs, accessories, gear and equipment as well as 200
seminars, author signings, kids activities and giveaways. It's time to gear-up for a great summer of Chicago sailing on Lake Michigan!
Prefer
to play?
‘Field of
Screams' Scavenger Hunt is this Saturday beginning at 1:30PM (RSVP
required) at the Field Museum (1400
S. Lake Shore Drive). Use clues to solve
an Egyptian-themed murder mystery inside the museum. Each member of the winning team will receive
a prize! Walk like an Egyptian!!
Lakeview Polar
Plunge
is this Saturday at 12:00 p.m. so head-on over to Oak Street
Beach (1000 N. Lake Shore Drive)
in the Magnificent Mile neighborhood.
Take a freezing dip (perhaps a refreshing dip for some) in Lake Michigan during this 11th annual benefit,
which is also known as the "Celebration of Shrinkage!"
Lincoln
Square Winter Brew is this Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00
p.m. at the DANK-Haus, Fifth Floor
Ballroom (4740 N. Western Avenue)
in the Lincoln Square
neighborhood. This inaugural showcase
features reps from local breweries where you can purchase samples of their
offerings along with specially paired bites from The Grafton and Fountainhead!
Winter Music Festival III wraps-up this Saturday
at Uncle Fatty's Rum Resort (2833 N.
Sheffield Avenue) in the Lakeview neighborhood.
During this annual five-day music celebration, which began this past week,
a total of 25 bands and seven DJ's perform on two stages - one at Uncle Fatty's and the other stage at
adjacent bar The Coach House. Also includes rotating drink specials!
And
finally, Sunday brings us a day to celebrate
the Chinese New Year at these following events -
The
Chinese New Year
Parade begins at 1:00 p.m. at Wentworth Avenue and 24th Street heading north
along Wentworth to Cermak Road. Come celebrate
the Year of the Dragon, 4710, at this spectacle featuring a 100-foot long
dragon, marching bands and, of course, the traditional Chinese lion dance!
According
to Metromix, Chinese
New Year Hash kicks-off at 11:00 a.m. at 260 Sports Bar (260 W. 26th Street) in the
Bronzeville/Douglas neighborhood. This 9th
annual four-mile fun run includes a raffle, food and draft beers at the finish
line. Your day will start with a pre-run
beer, a walk to the Chinese New Year Parade and finishing off with the run
starting at 2:00 p.m. Please note that the
fun run includes pitfall twists and turns along the way bringing you back to
the starting point!
What's Your Pleasure? Plan, Play, Celebrate, Or?
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
NORWOOD PARK
Under the federal Computers
For Learning program, the U.S. General Services Administration is
donating about $4 million worth of computers and printers to Chicago schools. The GSA said all of the computers were wiped
clean before they were donated to schools, so no sensitive information would be
compromised. Schools that receive the
equipment will use the computers and printers to supplement existing programs
or create new learning programs.
LINCOLN PARK
In the works since the summer, The Hotel Lincoln,
a boutique concept for the old Park View Hotel building at Lincoln & Clark,
is nearing completion. A good deal of time was devoted to the cafe, bar, and
room service schemes, on account of the symbiosis between neighboring Perennial
Virant and the hotel management. Each room will feature the hotel's calling
card - kitchy Jeff Koons-esque porcelain piggy banks, one a squirrel, the other
a poodle - for the collection of loose change for charitable donation.
LINCOLN SQUARE
Eric
Delli Bovi has been appointed the new Executive Director of Urban
Gateways, effective February 13. Eric comes to us from the Old Town School of
Folk Music, where for the last 12 years he held the positions of Director of
External Affairs, Director of Development, Director of Education Outreach, and
Interim Executive Director. While at the
Old Town School, Eric has been at the helm of some of the school's most
noteworthy accomplishments -- including its capital campaign for the new arts
facility that just opened in January 2012.
LOOP
Alvin
Ailey American Dance Theater is back. There will be five straight days
of six performances with two different programs. They perform thrilling premieres and new
productions plus returning audience favorites.
Alvin Ailey wrote: "It's interesting how my personal relationships
affect my creativity. It seems as though nearly all of my dances have some
basis in an event or a feeling I've had that I can usually trace."
EVANSTON
Evanston Township High School has scheduled their Volunteer
Fair for February 8 from 11 a.m. to 1:15 p.m. This is an opportunity for non-profit
organizations in Evanston to look for volunteers in conjunction with the
school's Community Service Office.
School community service coordinator, Mary Collins says the fair "promotes
volunteerism and it's a terrific service that ETHS provides to our community."
CATHY MALLERS &
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
• 1,580 sq. ft., 2 full baths, 3 bedrooms, updated "Brick Bungalow" - MLS® $267,400
Avondale, Chicago - Charming Avondale Neighborhood -- one of the Hidden Treasures of Chicago! Lovely 3 Bedroom/2 Bath Brick Bungalow on Quiet One-Way Street. Only Two Blocks from CTA Blue Line L and Three Minutes to Kennedy Expressway, this Updated Home Features Sunny Living Room with Bay Window, Formal Dining Room, Just-Redone Eat-In Kitchen with Solid-Surface Counters, Loads of Cabinets, and Premium Stainless Appliances! First-Floor Master Bedroom features Walk-In Closet. Bedrooms Two and Three are ample, with the Second Floor offering Expansion Possibilities if dormered. Recently-Finished Basement with Full Bath, Exercise Area, Family Room, and Office. Three-Season Room off of kitchen, plus large back yard and patio, perfect for your Summer BBQ’s! Zoned Heat and AC. Many New Mechanicals. Big Two Car Garage. You’ve Got To See This Charmer!
Property information
1. Smart Juice.
Blueberries have more antioxidants
than any other fruit. Naturally grown rather than cultivated berries have even
more. Blueberries have anthocyanins
that protect blood vessels from free radicals, improve neuron signals and
increase blood flow to the brain. Wild blueberry juice is available at Walmart
and online.
2. Sprinting
boosts blood levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF).
This is like "miracle grow" for the brain, keeping neural cells growing and
functioning. Mix brief, high intensity sprints into any mild aerobic activity
at least once a week. Two sprints three minutes long is sufficient.
3. Surfing the
web reduces mind decline by stimulating the frontal, temporal and cingulated centers
of the brain. This improves your complex reasoning and decision-making skills. This mental
cross training happens when you're reading and making decisions about where to
look and what to click on next.
4. Meditate
more often. People who meditate more often have frontal cortices that are
larger, making it easier for them to pay attention longer. Plus parts of their
cerebral cortices are thicker, meaning their thoughts and emotions are more in
tune.
5. Take a nap.
Napping causes a chemical reaction in the brain that clears out circuits so new
information can come in. Any nap length, even 10 minutes, will improve focus.
6. Draw the number 8 in the air. This
exercise activates both hemispheres of the brain at the same time, improving
communication between them. It's especially effective during times of stress,
because it helps the brain send signals along new circuits. This creates and
reinforces new neural connections. Extend one arm in front of you and use your
finger to draw a figure 8 starting in the middle. Do 3 times with each hand,
then with both hands clasped together. Repeat until you feel a shift in your
thinking.
KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'T TEAM
CHICAGO
Bikn,(pronounced bee-Kin) an iPhone-based tracking system for your phone and all your other important
stuff, available soon.
You've got three elements here: an app, an iPhone case with a mind of its own and a bunch of little tags to put on the other things in life you couldn't stand losing. You can even choose your base and highlight colors for more personalization.
You'll download the app and slip your phone into the case. The case
sends out a signal even if the phone is dead. Then you'll attach the tags to
other valuable stuff like your keys, the dog or even the kids.
If any of it goes missing, the app'll tell you the direction and how many feet away it is on a sort of digital treasure map (maybe you can get the distance in paces). If the phone itself goes missing, the tags will send out a signal that makes it beep until you find it.
No more worrying about dropping your phone when you ride those roller coasters.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
DESPITE FALLING HOME PRICES, MORTGAGE INTEREST RATES AT HISTORIC LOWS, SELLERS HESITATION TO "GET REAL" MAY BE PART OF THE REASON FOR CONTINUED DOLDRUMS.
Have you read all the news?
The U.S. Economy is improving. Indicators are positive. Unemployment Rates, both across the U.S. and here in Chicago, are down. Optimism is building.
So why is the Housing Market in Chicago still floundering? According to some, the attitude of Home Sellers may hold the key!
Last week, in an article posted by Chicago Tribune Real Estate Columnist Mary Umberger, Mary interviewed Syracuse University Professor Gary Engelhardt. Mr. Engelhardt seemed confounded by the continued negative attitude of today's home sellers, as well as those homeowners contemplating whether or not they should sell.
According to a study recently completed by the Research Institute for Housing America, and the Mortgage Bankers Association, 80 percent of those surveyed felt now is a good time to buy a home.
Polling home sellers, however, provided a far different answer. Today, only an estimated seven percent feel now is a good time to put their home on the market to sell! During better days in the real estate market, as recently as 2005, as many as 60% of home sellers harbored positive feelings about selling their homes.
Across the U.S., the inventory of homes for resale by individuals (not by banks who foreclosed on them) is down more than 20% over the past year. Perhaps, Engelhardt says, many prospective home sellers don't believe it is in their best interest to sell at this time.
Many, of course, are underwater, owing more on their outstanding mortgage balance than their homes are worth today. (Depending on which Chicago Neighborhood or Suburb you are looking at, as many as 42% of homeowners may now be under water, according to National Association of Realtors estimates). Most homeowners do not have the funds to bring to closing to pay the deficit - even those who can bridge the mortgage gap are unwilling to do so.
Others may still have not gotten realistic as to the value of their home in today's market. Indeed, several Dean's Team clients refuse to realize that their home's value may be far lower than what they originally paid perhaps over a decade ago. Comparable property pricing from even a year ago still is higher than the market bears today.
Many say they are waiting for price levels to improve, according to Engelhardt. But that wait will likely be a long one, as many project. The Mortgage Bankers Association sees essentially flat pricing over the next couple of years, as a "shadow inventory" of low-priced, distressed and bank-owned homes lay in wait to hit the market.
But when the market eventually sees higher pricing, or when sellers are forced into selling by family or financial circumstances, will the number of potential buyers still be as strong? Hard to predict, he says.
What might turn things around? Engelhardt points to the obvious - the number of underwater sellers has to decline, the employment picture has to improve, along with salary levels. So does the general level of optimism that better times lie ahead.
It seems, however, that these changes are likely to come slowly. Here in the Chicago Neighborhoods and Suburbs our Real Estate Team serves, we're seeing a pick up of homes and condos under contract. But those selling are doing so at low prices, and many of these sellers have Short Sales - often the only way out when you owe more on the mortgage than your home is likely to sell for.
DEAN MOSS, DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Rogers Park - Announcing a Price Reduction on 1401 West Sherwin Avenue, #2E, a 1,500 sq. ft., 2 full baths, 2 bedrooms - open floor plan. NOW MLS® $184,000 - FHA-Approved As Well!
Property information
There
may be quite a few inches of snow on the ground this weekend, but that doesn't
keep Chicagoans home bound. In fact,
we're still on the go with both indoor and outdoor choices for our weekend pleasure!
The
Auditorium Theatre (50 E. Congress
Parkway) in the South Loop is hosting the Chicago
Bluegrass and Blues Festival on Saturday at 2:00
p.m. This year's line-up includes sets
by David Grisman, Joe Purdy, the Del McCoury Band, The Giving Tree, Majors
Junction and others. However, if you're
snow bound, there's a second date for this event next Saturday (Jan 28th)
but at the Congress Theater!
The
Metro (3730 N. Clark Street) in the
Wrigleyville neighborhood is hosting The Winter Block Party for Chicago's Hip-Hop
Arts on Saturday hosted by WBEZ's Off-Air Series. From 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m., this free expo,
now in its 4th year, will feature breakdancing exhibitions, a film
screening, a visual art and graffiti gallery, literary performances, the
Hip-Hop Barbershop, DJ music and more.
Then at 8:00 p.m. (ticket required) is the "Legends of the BodyRock: An
All-City 3-on-3," which is a breakdance retrospective where the Legendary
Brickheadz host screenings of archival footage, interviews and the semi-final
and final rounds of the live three-on-three dance battle!
The
Irish American Heritage Center (4626
N. Knox Avenue) in the Irving Park/Avondale neighborhood will host the Cash
for Kids Johnny Cash Festival on Saturday from 6:00 p.m.
to 1:00 a.m. Johnny Cash tribute bands,
which include Iron Horse, The Back Forty, PettyCash, Platform 29, Sam I Am the
MC and Tommy Tuesday will be performing at this benefit for the "Gompers Park
Athletic Association."
The
Navy Pier, Crystal Gardens (600 E.
Grand Avenue) in the Streeterville neighborhood will be displaying the Royal White
Tigers through February 12th. Welcome Gita, a Bengal
white tiger and her two cubs, Kozmo and Kumal, as they make their first-ever
appearance at Navy Pier. Watch specially-trained handlers feed the
tigers, ask plenty of questions and learn about the rare white tigers through
educational 90-minute "Tiger Talks."
Plus celebrate Kozmo and Kumal's 1st birthday!
The
Garfield Park Conservatory (300 N.
Central Park Avenue) in the Garfield
Park neighborhood is
celebrating the Chinese
New Year on Sunday from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Join dragon dancers in a procession marking
the reopening of the "Aroid House" and "Desert House" affected by the June 2011
hailstorm. This event features a
reception with fortune cookies, oranges and hot cider, a self-guided scavenger
hunt, plant a little living luck (1-3 p.m.) at the Children's Garden, and enjoy
traditional Chinese music (11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.) by Kerry Leung!
And
finally, for my die-hard, outdoor adventurers, the Polar Adventure Days
takes place Saturday (12-4 p.m.) at Northerly Island
(1400 S. Lynn White Drive). Meet Siberian huskies, birds of prey and
other live animals, watch amazing ice sculptures being created right in front
of you, listen to live music or storytelling, make winter nature crafts, sip
hot cocoa, or even snowshoe, since there'll be well over the required three
inches of snow! And, don't forget to
dress warm!!
Happy Snow Days!! Or, Are You Going To Let The Snowfall Ground
You? Not If You're A True Chicagoan!! Are You?!
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
OAK PARK
Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest announced that it is
participating in the Illinois Housing Development Authority's "Welcome
Home Heroes" mortgage financing program. First-time buyers who are
reservists, military personnel and members of the Illinois National Guard as
well as veterans (do not need to be first-time home buyers) can participate. The program applies to 1-2 unit residential
properties located in Illinois that are purchased as a primary residence.
OLD TOWN
"Having world-class
infrastructure is a key focus for any world-class city," said Mayor
Emanuel. "These targeted and strategic investments in our infrastructure will
allow Chicagoans and visitors to get around the city more easily, to jobs,
businesses, and neighborhoods." This is
one of several statements made as Mayor Emanuel officially re-opened the Grand
Avenue Red Line Station. Chicago plans
to create a new Green Line station at Cermak, to serve McCormick Place and the
near South Side. The City will also rehabilitate the Clark/Division Red Line
Station and will combine two stations to create a Wabash/Washington station on
the Brown/Pink/Green/Orange lines.
PORTAGE PARK
Napervillians Jack M. Cohen and Loretta J. Hamilton (husband
and wife) are local residents who enjoy the arts. They hosted two
film premieres on January 14, 2012 at the historic Portage Theater in
Chicago; Cohen served as executive producer, Hamilton as set designer. "Spades" was filmed primarily in the couple's
Naperville home and took six days to film. Larry Thomas, whose most notable
role is the famed "Soup Nazi" is in both films that were featured.
LINCOLN PARK
The grand opening party for Heritage
Bicycles General Store, Chicago's first bike shop café, is on Saturday,
January 28, 6-11 pm at 2959 N. Lincoln. The
former florist shop has been beautifully refurbished and painted in a striking
black-and-white color scheme. Theater-style spotlights and old-timey exposed
light bulbs hang from the ceiling. There's a long communal table made of
reclaimed wood, plus banquettes upholstered with coffee sacks.
WEST LOOP
Welcome to Urban Union, a new
farmhouse, opening next week for intimate dates and sprawling dinner parties-or
basically any occasion where whole lobsters, oysters, a glass of good wine and
Manhattans gilded with leather-infused bitters are seriously needed. Linger
inches in front of the brick oven sipping champagne, nibbling wood-roasted
head-on shrimp as you wait for your seating at the chef's table in the center
of the room.
CATHY MALLERS &
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
It
appears that winter has arrived here in Chicago,
albeit late, whether we like it or not.
Remember, at some point, good things do come to an end, but that doesn't
mean we have to give in to them either!
So, here's what's going on this wintery weekend -
Start
planning for your 2012 summer at the Chicago Boat, Sports and RV Show
at McCormick Place (2301 S. Lake
Shore Drive, North Building) in the Near South Side neighborhood this Saturday
and Sunday. Get the latest on boats, fishing
gear, marine accessories, RVs, camping equipment and travel destinations at
this 82nd annual extravaganza.
Also featured is an indoor wakeboarding competition, camp cooking
seminars, DIY boating instruction and much more!
Perhaps
you need a good laugh right about now -
The Chicago Sketch
Comedy Festival at Stage 773
(1225 W. Belmont Avenue) in the Lakeview neighborhood features four stages of
138 groups from Chicago and beyond performing 163 shows during this 11th
annual funny festival this Saturday and Sunday!
Or --
The
Laugh Out Loud Tour
at The Second City (1616 N. Wells
Street) in the Lincoln Park
neighborhood features humorous performances by The Second City Touring Company
with highlights from The Second City's most popular revues Saturdays at 4:00
p.m.! Or --
Keep
this winter in perspective by attending the dark comedy production of Blizzard '67
at Chicago Dramatists (1105 W.
Chicago Avenue) in the River West neighborhood Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and
Sundays at 3:00 p.m. Four confident, carpooling
businessmen devolve into their worst selves during this infamous Chicago snowstorm!
Calling
all literature enthusiasts -
The
Chicago Writers Association will
honor local authors Christine Sneed, Krista August, James Finn Garner, Pamela
Ferdinand, Carey Goldberg and Beth Jones at this year's Book of the Year Awards
in the Lincoln Square neighborhood this Saturday from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00
p.m.! Or -
Come
Home Chicago to the Near North Side neighborhood this Sunday from
6:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. as Chicago's
literary traditions are celebrated with readings and performances by authors
Christine Sneed, Stuart Dybek, columnist and radio personality Rick Kogan,
First Ward alderman Joe Moreno and others!
For
your shopping pleasure, head on over to the Empty
Bottle (1035 N. Western Avenue) in the East Village/Ukrainian Village
neighborhood for the Handmade Market this
Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
More than 30 local crafters will be displaying for sale their handmade
clothing, handbags, jewelry, scarves, greeting cards, journals and more!
And
finally, if one of your New Year's resolutions involves a tattoo, well you're
in luck as The Chicago Tattooing and
Piercing Company (1017 W. Belmont Avenue) in the Lakeview neighborhood will
be hosting the Sailor
Jerry free tattoo party Saturday from 12:00 p.m. to
12:00 a.m. Come celebrate the 1930s
tattoo artist Norman "Sailor Jerry" Collins - the rum brand's namesake - in
what would have been his 101st birthday. The first 101 attendees will receive a complimentary
tattoo and can choose from several of Collins' original designs. Stick around for the after-party at a nearby
establishment - location revealed at the tattoo shop - serving up, none other
than, Sailor Jerry rum drinks!
Enjoy Your Wintery Weekend, Or, Are
You Going To Give In To Chicago's Winter?
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
PORTAGE PARK
Time to catch up on your Batman movies. The Portage Theater's next free
movie screening series is a double feature of Batman Begins and The
Dark Knight on Jan. 20. The managements
also teased that they would be screening the prologue to The Dark Knight Rises
before each movie. Batman fans be sure
to get there early.
LINCOLN PARK
The next public hearing on citywide redistricting
will be TODAY, Wednesday, January 11, at 6:00 p.m. The location has changed to the DePaul
Student Center at 2250 N. Sheffield. Metered parking is generally available on
Halsted, Sheffield or Fullerton. You can also park in the Sheffield Parking
Garage, 2331 N. Sheffield. There is limited parking available on side streets,
and much of the area is residential permit parking only so please read all the
signs when parking.
WEST LOOP
President
Obama joins a fundraiser at 3 p.m. today at the UIC Forum. The cheaper
$45 general admission tickets have long been sold out, but there are still
$100, $250 and $1,000 tickets available. CSI:NY Hill Harper and Janelle Monae will
also be in attendance.
GOLD COAST
Ald. Edward Burke and Ald. Brendan Reilly sent a letter to
the American Federation of State, County and Municipal employees Council 31
executive director Henry Bayer suggesting forgoing a proposing a solution to restore
120 of the 176 jobs that were cut when the Chicago
Public Library made the decision last week to shut down on Mondays
while the city and AFSCME continue negotiations.
NAPERVILLE
Naperville's Smart Grid Initiative
represents a $22 million taxpayer investment in upgrading the city's electric
system, half of which is funded by an $11 million matching grant from the U.S.
Department of Energy. Project Manager Jeff Kelnosky doesn't live in Naperville,
but said he envied the energy technology becoming available to its residents. The
Elster EnergyAxis meter, the key component of the Smart Grid Initiative,
promises to bring the city's electric grid into the future and reduce the
amount of energy needed to keep Naperville running.
CATHY MALLERS &
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
We all have
problems with too much stuff in our house. Sometimes the papers on my desk are
literally falling off the edge. Even if you don't have a business in your home
we all have a huge amount of paper to deal with. First we need to analyze where
the papers come from. Start by making a list of what types of papers you handle,
and then figure out what available space you have.
Sort and purge.
Set up two bins: a keep pile and one for recycling or shredding. Make sure you
shred anything that has any personal information and or account numbers. It's
best to use a crosscut
shredder instead of the kind that simply shreds into strips. Ask yourself
if you really need the documents you
keep. Receipts and such can be kept in file folders, labeled and kept in file
cubes available at office supply stores.
I keep bills
and items needing immediate attention in a wooden hold all with different sections.
I put the due date on the corner of the bills so I know at a glance when I need
to send them in. Many companies and utilities are urging us to go paperless.
It's a good idea for the environment outside and inside. Online banking can
relieve you of much paper and stress.
Create a
de-cluttering routine. Maintain the paper flow by sorting mail daily. Be
ruthless when going through the mail. Get rid of all those holiday catalogs,
they are just more clutter. Are you really going to order from that catalog? If
not throw it out! Go through your catalogs and other papers once a week and
file or discard as necessary. With a little effort you can keep clutter under
control.
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KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN'S TEAM
CHICAGO
Now I know that the weather outside in Chicago has been
rather unusual for this time of year. We
also know that there are times when it can be 40 degrees out one day and the
next week the city is snowed in with a blizzard.
I came across this new website that the City of Chicago just
started to help neighbors for when the snow arrives. It's called Chicago
Shovels and according to the site, is a tool to help connect the public
with City winter resources and empower neighbors to come together to help
Chicago navigate winter.
What's pretty amazing about this site is that there are four
facets to the site. The first is the
Plow Tracker. Chicago already has bus
tracker and train tracker for its public transportation system and now you can
view the same for plows that are out on city streets.
The second is the Adopt-a-Sidewalk section. Here you can put in your address and claim
the sidewalk in front of your house.
It's a way to further your involvement as a member of the
neighborhood. By adopting you can share
shovels, salt and other neighborhood resources.
The third is the Snow Corp.
This is groups and volunteers to work with the City to help seniors and
people with disabilities who have requested assistance with keeping their
sidewalks clear.
The final aspect of the site are Winter Apps. One app, 2inch.es, shows what streets have
2" snow route and overnight parking restrictions. Another app, Was My
Car Towed, will help if your car has been towed
or relocated due to weather restrictions.
To see a full list of recent Applications for the City of Chicago, go
the Apps for Metro Chicago, which
I'll be reviewing in an upcoming blog.
CATHY MALLERS &
DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
Jefferson Park, Chicago - Announcing a Price Reduction on 5476 West Higgins Avenue, #2E, a 1,350 sq. ft., 2 full bath, 3 bedroom, luxurious condo. NOW MLS® $167,400 - COME SEE FOR YOURSELF!
Property information
WELCOME
TO 2012! Whether you plan on keeping
your New Year's resolution(s) or not, at least start the New Year off right by
doing something for "yourself" because "it's
time for some post-holiday fun" here in Chicago!
Let's
start with a fun physical activity that can be enjoyed by one or many - ice
skating. You won't even know you're
getting a workout! Here's a few to
choose from --
The
McCormick Tribune Ice
Rink at Millennium Park located at 55 N. Michigan Avenue
in the Grant Park Museums neighborhood offers an outdoor rink daily (times
vary) through March 11th.
There's a $10 skate rental fee for those who don't own a pair of ice
skates!
Ice
Skating at John Hancock Building and Observatory located at 875 N.
Michigan Avenue on the Magnificent Mile offers an indoor rink daily (9:00
a.m.-11:00 p.m.) through April 8th.
This rink is located on the 94th floor and is the world's
highest skating rink offering 360-degree views of the city, Lake Michigan and
four states (on clear days, of course). Admission
is $5 which includes a 25-minute skating session and a $1 skate rental fee!
Rink at
Wrigley
located at the corners of Clark Street and Waveland Avenue in the Wrigleyville
neighborhood offers an outdoor rink in the parking lot next to the Friendly
Confines daily (times vary) through February 26th. Admission is $10, $6 for kids 12 and under
with a skate rental fee of $5-$10; however, admission and skate rental is
half-off Monday through Thursday!
Ice
Skating at McFetridge Sports Center located at 3843 N.
California Avenue in the Irving Park/Avondale neighborhood offers an indoor
rink daily (times vary) through February 26th. Admission is $2-$5 with a skate rental fee of
$3. There's also food available for
purchase so you can re-energize for more skating!
Lastly,
for the true outdoor adventurist, Sunday brings the Shelter Shiver to
North Avenue Beach (1600 N. Lake Shore Drive) in the Lincoln Park neighborhood from 11:00 a.m. to
1:00 p.m. It's your choice at this 3rd
annual benefit - plunge into Lake Michigan or
just get your ankles wet! Admission of
$25 includes a gift bag, an after party at Old
Town Ale House and prizes for best costume, best team theme and top
fundraisers for ALIVE Rescue!
Need
to take a break from the physical activity?
Well, maybe one of the following is more up your alley -
‘Murder
at the Art Museum' Scavenger Hunt takes place at the Art Institute of Chicago (111 S.
Michigan Avenue) in the Grant Park Museums neighborhood on Saturday at 2:00
p.m. In an effort to solve a murder
mystery, teams will examine works of art for hidden clues. A prize will be awarded to each member of the
winning team! Admission is $36 and RSVP
is required!!
Johnny Boy's
Graduation takes place at Boni
Vino (111 W. Van Buren Street) in the Loop
on Saturdays at 6:30 p.m. This
interactive dinner show, from the co-creator of "Tony ‘n' Tina's Wedding," in
which the title character, who is a convicted jewel thief just released from
prison, joins his family and friends for dinner. However, everyone wants to get their hands on
his diamond stash! Admission of $60 also
includes a post-show dance party with the cast!
And
finally, this Sunday brings Elvis
Fest to The
Original Mother's (26 W. Division Street) in the Near North Side
neighborhood from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.
Join Dick Biondi from WZZN-FM 94.7, who will be broadcasting live from
the party, celebrating what would have been the King's 77th
birthday. Featured at the fest will be
non-stop performances by Elvis impersonators including free peanut butter and
banana sandwiches, birthday cake, prizes for Elvis karaoke and a trip for two
to Vegas for the top winner of the Elvis look-alike contest!
Will You Be Having Some Post-Holiday
Fun, Or Starting Your Year Off On The Wrong Foot?
SUE MOSS & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO
