CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – UPTOWN LAKEVIEW LOOP EDISON PARK NILES
CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – UPTOWN LAKEVIEW LOOP EDISON PARK NILES
A line began to form hours before the The Peoples Church opened their door to offer Christmas dinners to the needy.
"These are hard times . . . and a lot of folks just have nowhere else to go" said Isaac Barrantine the meal coordinator at the church in Uptown neighborhood. Not too long ago four or five shelters in the area fed the homeless but now "we’re the only place serving a meal within 35 blocks" he added.
By 2 p.m. about 200 meals had been served. Along with the ham dressing and cranberries a hefty serving of ecumenical spirit was ladled up as well.
Some 50 volunteers from Temple Sholom have performed a mitzvah or good deed for their Christian neighbors for six years. The volunteers help the church pay for and serve the food.
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LAKEVIEW
Holiday time naturally brings on holiday gatherings. With the times being so tough economically you not have to sacrifice on the adult beverage budget.
One of the best ways to cut alcohol costs is to avoid big names like Grey Goose Vodka and Tanqueray or London Dry Gin. Instead ask a trusted salesperson at a well-stocked independent liquor store what a cost-effective and quality replacement would be and stay within your budget.
Scotches can be very costly. "Speyburn Single Malt Scotch is a medium-bodied single-malt Scotch that is fruity with a warm peaty finish" said Stephen Parnes owner of Armanetti Wine Shoppe and Beverage Marts in Lakeview. "I’ve turned a lot of people on to it" he said.
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LOOP
In the planning stages for years finally in January 2009 the city will restore decorative handrails on the Michigan Avenue bridge to replicate a design reminiscent of the original 1920s Beaux Arts pattern. Sidewalks will be replaced on the bridge with non-skid fiberglass decking.
The project will add a touch of beauty to one of the city great landmarks and address an issue facing one of Chicago’s iciest river crossings.
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EDISON PARK
This holiday season the Salvation Army is struggling to keep up with rising demand for its services.
Lt. Col. David E. Grindle Chicago-area commander of the Salvation Army said that donations are down 20 percent from last year as need has increased between 50 and 130 percent throughout the city.
The Salvation Army raises its entire budget from November to January so fund-raising efforts during the holiday season are so vital.
"The primary focus is to give people help around Christmas time" Grindle said "but the balance has to carry us through to the end of the year."
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NILES
Donations to the U.S. Marines’ annual Toys for Tots campaign may be down this year but you wouldn’t know if from looking at the quantity of toys collected.
The Northwest Suburban Detachment of the Marine Corps League spearheaded a Toys for Tots collection which resulted in over 2500 donations according to estimates. The toys picked up by Marines on December 12 filled up three van loads.
"We had the best year ever" said Jake Gallagher who serves as commandant. "The guys put their hearts and souls into it." While fundraisers benefits and donations from organizations helped to fill the collection boxes many donations came from Gallagher’s own neighbors.
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JENNIFER ARCAND & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
