Friday, April 29, 2016
Friday, April 22, 2016
Wednesday, April 20, 2016
save the date: Beverly criterium race Friday 7/15
This year's criterium race (start of the 2016 Prairie State Cycling Series) is happening on Friday 7/15. The festival at this year's event will feature local craft brews and food trucks. Stay tuned for more info.
Friends of the Major Taylor Trail meeting TONIGHT Wed. 4/20
Friends of the Major Taylor Trail will meet on TONIGHT - Wed. 4/20 - at Ridge Park fieldhouse (1817 W 96th St.), 6:30 to 8:00 pm.
For those who aren't familiar with our group and what we do, we are a non-profit advocacy group working to improve and maintain the Major Taylor Trail and promote its use. We have an active working relationship with the Chicago Park District, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Openlands and other non-profits and government agencies. We organize volunteer workdays, bike rides and other events.
We'd love to have your ideas and help with future events and projects, including this Saturday's trail workday and our ride on Sat. 5/21. Please join us! Everyone is welcome.
For those who aren't familiar with our group and what we do, we are a non-profit advocacy group working to improve and maintain the Major Taylor Trail and promote its use. We have an active working relationship with the Chicago Park District, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, Openlands and other non-profits and government agencies. We organize volunteer workdays, bike rides and other events.
We'd love to have your ideas and help with future events and projects, including this Saturday's trail workday and our ride on Sat. 5/21. Please join us! Everyone is welcome.
Riverdale community bike ride TODAY Wed. 4/20
News from a friend in our nearby Riverdale neighborhood about a positive community event:
Let's get physical...during CPS Spring Break...Wednesday April 20th.
This is a free, fun, family event.
We will be riding "slowly" around Golden Gate and some parts of Altgeld to promote Wellness!
It's a great time for all area groups, schools, and community partners to be represented!
** LOANER BIKES available, limited supply, Must sign up early **
**Must wear a bike helmet during ride (we've got some for you) ...it's the law!
Free Raffle Giveaways--Air Pumps, Lights, Locks, Horns, Helmets & more.
ALL BIKE GROUPS and COMMUNITIES INVITED TO ATTEND
Please RSVP asap, BINYT (because I need you to) ![*:) happy]( "*:) happy")
Ms. Deloris 773-468-7941
Monday, April 18, 2016
Major Taylor Trail workday on Sat. 4/23
Friends of the Major Taylor Trail will be having an Earth Day workday on Saturday 4/23 from 9 a.m. to noon. We will meet along the trail between 127th St. and the bridge across the Calumet River. The easiest parking location is in Whistler Woods, south of the river.
We will be cutting back brush along the edge of the trail. Hiking boots, work boots or good supportive shoes are recommended. If you have work gloves you like, please bring them. Tools and work gloves will be available for use.
There will be an Earth Day festival at Whistler Woods coinciding with our workday.
How to get there: Whistler Woods is just east of 13400 S Halsted in Riverdale.
By bike: if you're coming from the north, ride the Major Taylor Trail south until you cross 127th St., then look for the volunteers.
By car: take Halsted to Forestview (13400S) - parking lot is the first left turn after you turn east onto Forestview. Go to the far end of the parking lot, then follow the trail across the river.
From I-57, exit at eastbound 127th, then turn right on Halsted, then continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
From I-94, exit at westbound 130th. Continue past the viaduct, right (northbound) on Indiana, then continue left on 127th to Halsted. Continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
By transit: Pace 352 Halsted bus to Forestview/134th, then follow directions above.
We will be cutting back brush along the edge of the trail. Hiking boots, work boots or good supportive shoes are recommended. If you have work gloves you like, please bring them. Tools and work gloves will be available for use.
There will be an Earth Day festival at Whistler Woods coinciding with our workday.
How to get there: Whistler Woods is just east of 13400 S Halsted in Riverdale.
By bike: if you're coming from the north, ride the Major Taylor Trail south until you cross 127th St., then look for the volunteers.
By car: take Halsted to Forestview (13400S) - parking lot is the first left turn after you turn east onto Forestview. Go to the far end of the parking lot, then follow the trail across the river.
From I-57, exit at eastbound 127th, then turn right on Halsted, then continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
From I-94, exit at westbound 130th. Continue past the viaduct, right (northbound) on Indiana, then continue left on 127th to Halsted. Continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
By transit: Pace 352 Halsted bus to Forestview/134th, then follow directions above.
save the date: Beverly Home Tour Sunday 5/15
Save the date: this year's Beverly/Morgan Park home tour will feature homes in North Beverly and the Ridge historic district. Sunday May 15, noon to 5 p.m. Get tickets here. For more info or to volunteer or become a sponsor, contact Grace Kuikman.
Sunday, April 17, 2016
farmers markets - coming soon
Our Beverly farmers market will start up again on Sunday May 8.
Here's the full schedule for the city.
Here's the full schedule for the city.
Friday, April 15, 2016
Wednesday, April 13, 2016
adopt a tree
Have you heard of the Openlands adopt a tree program? This local environmental non-profit has worked with volunteers in many Chicago neighborhoods, including ours, to plant new trees.
They are asking for our help to monitor the health of these young trees. It's not a big time commitment. You sign up online (via the link above) to adopt one of more trees, then visit them occasionally and send an email reporting their condition.
A few years ago I volunteered to plant some trees along the Major Taylor Trail near 91st St. station. I have adopted several of those trees and went to visit them recently.
It's an easy way to help make a difference in our neighborhood.
They are asking for our help to monitor the health of these young trees. It's not a big time commitment. You sign up online (via the link above) to adopt one of more trees, then visit them occasionally and send an email reporting their condition.
 |
| Visiting my trees |
It's an easy way to help make a difference in our neighborhood.
Tuesday, April 12, 2016
Straight from the Go Peace Fest on Wed. 4/13
Morgan Park High School student Raven Smith is working to promote constructive dialogue to promote peace in our communities. She and several classmates have organized a PeaceFest, happening tomorrow afternoon, 3-5 p.m. at Morgan Park High School.
Click here for more info on her work and tomorrow's event.
Click here for more info on her work and tomorrow's event.
Sunday, April 10, 2016
Friday, April 8, 2016
Thursday, April 7, 2016
Dan Ryan Woods workday Sat. 4/9
Join Friends of the Forest Preserves at Dan Ryan Woods this Saturday, April 9 from 9:00 am-noon for their monthly volunteer workday. Tools, gloves, and training provided. Wearing boots or sneakers is recommended, as conditions may be muddy.
Meet at the Dan Ryan Woods East parking lot (2 blocks west of Damen on the north side of 87th Street). Please contact Benjamin Cox at 773-398-1178 or benjamin@fotfp.org for more information.
Meet at the Dan Ryan Woods East parking lot (2 blocks west of Damen on the north side of 87th Street). Please contact Benjamin Cox at 773-398-1178 or benjamin@fotfp.org for more information.
Whistler Woods workday Fri. 4/8
It's great to get outdoors on the weekend. Volunteers are needed this Friday 4/8 from 10 am to noon for a habitat restoration workday.
How to get there: Whistler Woods is just east of 13400 S Halsted in Riverdale.
By bike: if you're coming from the north, ride the Major Taylor Trail south until it ends in Whistler Woods and continue to the parking lot to find the volunteers.
By car: take Halsted to Forestview (13400S) - parking lot is the first left turn after you turn east onto Forestview.
From I-57, exit at eastbound 127th, then turn right on Halsted, then continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
From I-94, exit at westbound 130th. Continue past the viaduct, right (northbound) on Indiana, then continue left on 127th to Halsted. Continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
By transit: Pace 352 Halsted bus
Questions? Call Chris, 773-746-5223.
Hiking boots or other boots or shoes that offer good support and traction are a good idea. When you arrive, look for volunteers along the lefthand side of the main parking lot, near the end of the parking lot. If you have work gloves, bring them, otherwise gloves will be available.
How to get there: Whistler Woods is just east of 13400 S Halsted in Riverdale.
By bike: if you're coming from the north, ride the Major Taylor Trail south until it ends in Whistler Woods and continue to the parking lot to find the volunteers.
By car: take Halsted to Forestview (13400S) - parking lot is the first left turn after you turn east onto Forestview.
From I-57, exit at eastbound 127th, then turn right on Halsted, then continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
From I-94, exit at westbound 130th. Continue past the viaduct, right (northbound) on Indiana, then continue left on 127th to Halsted. Continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
By transit: Pace 352 Halsted bus
Questions? Call Chris, 773-746-5223.
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
Saturday, April 2, 2016
one step forward, one step back
It's good to see visible signs of construction progress at Wild Blossom Meadery. I look forward to the opening of this tasting room, just off the Major Taylor Trail and close to 91st St. Metra station. This is a welcome development at a long-quiet location.
The ongoing 95th St. demolition is an unwelcome step backward. This block of 1920s storefronts has been mostly vacant for a while now. From what I've observed over the years and what I've heard from people who contemplated opening a small business on our stretch of 95th St., it seems that either buildings were not well maintained, rents were high for the size and/or quality of the space, or both. The recurring problem of the clogged drain in front of the storefront at 1800 W 95th, with flooding in heavy rains, hasn't helped. With a bit of fix-up, this could have been an attractive block again. Instead, we are getting an unneeded auto parts store with a parking lot.
More car traffic in a location next to a Metra station where many people are walking - brilliant! Replace a vintage building with a generic single-purpose box that will probably be a vacant white elephant in five years - brilliant!
I've heard rumors of someone opening a coffeehouse a few blocks further west on 95th. That would be a welcome change. Stay tuned...
The ongoing 95th St. demolition is an unwelcome step backward. This block of 1920s storefronts has been mostly vacant for a while now. From what I've observed over the years and what I've heard from people who contemplated opening a small business on our stretch of 95th St., it seems that either buildings were not well maintained, rents were high for the size and/or quality of the space, or both. The recurring problem of the clogged drain in front of the storefront at 1800 W 95th, with flooding in heavy rains, hasn't helped. With a bit of fix-up, this could have been an attractive block again. Instead, we are getting an unneeded auto parts store with a parking lot.
More car traffic in a location next to a Metra station where many people are walking - brilliant! Replace a vintage building with a generic single-purpose box that will probably be a vacant white elephant in five years - brilliant!
 |
| Not much left of old 95th St. storefronts |
Friday, April 1, 2016
Whistler Woods workday TOMORROW Sat. 4/2
It's great to get outdoors on the weekend. Volunteers are needed this Saturday 4/2 from 10 am to 1 pm for a habitat restoration workday.
How to get there: Whistler Woods is just east of 13400 S Halsted in Riverdale.
By bike: if you're coming from the north, ride the Major Taylor Trail south until it ends in Whistler Woods and continue to the parking lot to find the volunteers.
By car: take Halsted to Forestview (13400S) - parking lot is the first left turn after you turn east onto Forestview.
From I-57, exit at eastbound 127th, then turn right on Halsted, then continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
From I-94, exit at westbound 130th. Continue past the viaduct, right (northbound) on Indiana, then continue left on 127th to Halsted. Continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
By transit: Pace 352 Halsted bus
Questions? Call Chris, 773-746-5223.
Hiking boots or other boots or shoes that offer good support and traction are a good idea. When you arrive, look for volunteers along the lefthand side of the main parking lot, near the end of the parking lot. If you have work gloves, bring them, otherwise gloves will be available.
How to get there: Whistler Woods is just east of 13400 S Halsted in Riverdale.
By bike: if you're coming from the north, ride the Major Taylor Trail south until it ends in Whistler Woods and continue to the parking lot to find the volunteers.
By car: take Halsted to Forestview (13400S) - parking lot is the first left turn after you turn east onto Forestview.
From I-57, exit at eastbound 127th, then turn right on Halsted, then continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
From I-94, exit at westbound 130th. Continue past the viaduct, right (northbound) on Indiana, then continue left on 127th to Halsted. Continue to 13400S and follow the directions above.
By transit: Pace 352 Halsted bus
Questions? Call Chris, 773-746-5223.
non sequitur Friday
Three from an emerging local blues talent. I've seen him live and he plays a great show. If the name sounds familiar, Chicago Tonight did a feature on him recently.
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