a glass half full

As demolition has progressed on the block of storefronts just west of the 95th St. Metra station, I've noticed something unexpected. It appears that the shell of the easternmost storefront is being reused and not demolished.

While I wish we hadn't lost the remainder of that block, I appreciate the fact that the developer is retaining a facade that fits in with its surroundings rather than plunking down an ugly concrete block structure - what we probably would have gotten otherwise.

Esthetically and environmentally it's a glass half full. This means less material that would have gone into a landfill and fewer emissions from equipment that would have been used in demolishing this structure and constructing a new one. The end result is likely to be more attractive. Bonus - we won't be looking at a parking lot while waiting on the Metra platform.

nature crafts day at Whistler Woods on Sat. 6/4

Join Friends of the Forest Preserves for a fun day of outdoor crafting on Saturday 6/4. Artists and nature lovers of all ages welcome! FREE! 11:00 – 12:30pm at Whistler Woods, 678 W. 134th St., Riverdale.

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 - first stoplight south of river bridge) - 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 past the bridge 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 (13400S)

Questions? Call Chris, 773-746-5223. 

19th ward shredding and electronics recycling Sat. 6/4

The next 19th ward shredding and electronics event happens Sat. 6/4 9 – 11 am at St. John Fisher 10234 S Washtenaw in the parking lot.

non sequitur Friday

how to make the neighborhood less friendly to pedestrians, families, seniors....

non sequitur Friday

Variations on a theme: Going To Chicago.

Major Taylor Trail Roll to the River on Saturday 5/21

Everyone is invited to join Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago and Friends of the Major Taylor Trail for a ride on the trail on Saturday 5/21.  There will be pre-ride social time and bike check.  The event offers 3 ride options:

1 mile (or distance of your choice) on trails in Dan Ryan Woods - something for the little ones and their parents

18 miles (easy pace) - the full length of the Major Taylor Trail, then heading west into Blue Island and back north through Morgan Park and Beverly on neighborhood streets

40+ miles (faster pace) - the full length of the Major Taylor Trail, then continuing through the south suburbs to Major Taylor's grave site and back

We'll meet up at the Dan Ryan Woods parking lot on the north side of 83rd St. between Western and Damen - north end of the trail.  (map link here)  Please arrive by 8:45 a.m. so we're ready to roll by 9:00.  

Friends of the Major Taylor Trail meeting Wed. 5/18

Friends of the Major Taylor Trail will meet on Wed. 5/18 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 our ride on Sat. 5/21. Please join us! Everyone is welcome.

non sequitur Friday

Orbert Davis - local jazz talent - with small combo and large ensemble.

Dan Ryan Woods workday Sat. 5/14

Join Friends of the Forest Preserves at Dan Ryan Woods this Saturday, May 14 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.

Beverly/Morgan Park home tour on Sunday 5/15

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.

non sequitur Friday

farmers markets start this weekend

Our Beverly farmers market will start up again on this Sunday May 8.

Here's the full schedule for the city.

counterfeit money alert

Info from BAPA:

COUNTERFEIT MONEY ALERT. Businesses on 103^rd Street have called BAPA to report counterfeit money was used in their stores. BAPA has information about currency and how to spot authentic bills. Call 773-233-3100, email mholland@bapa.org or stop in during business hours. 

Information is also available at www.newmoney.gov. 

Last fall, BAPA offered a workshop on how to spot counterfeit money. If you are interested in having BAPA offer the workshop again, email mholland@bapa.org.

Whistler Woods workday Friday 5/6

It's great to get outdoors. Volunteers are needed this Friday 5/6 from 10 am to 1 pm for a habitat restoration workday.

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.