CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – OAK PARK LINCOLN SQUARE NORWOOD PARK LINCOLN PARK LOOP

CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – OAK PARK LINCOLN SQUARE NORWOOD PARK LINCOLN PARK LOOP

OAK PARK

Chicagoland firefighters have been very busy these past couple months with fires that affected Second City in Old Town and Lincoln Square Lanes Bowling Alley. This week there was a fire that destroyed a 22-unit apartment building on the 200th block of Washington Blvd. in Oak Park that started around 9:30pm Tuesday 10/20 night. Firefighters from no less than 11 nearby fire departments assisted in extinguishing the fire that took until 3:40am of the following morning to get under control. Authorities were thoughtful to use a Pace bus to keep the 29 adults and 11 children warm and safe while the firefighters toiled through the late hours. Nineteen families have been displaced however we’re happy to report that no one was harmed.

LINCOLN SQUARE

It’s time again for the landmark Giddings Fountain to go into hibernation signifying that it’s time to start hunkering down for the winter seasons. Many Chicagoans refer to the plaza that’s been housing the fountain since 1999 as "Giddings Plaza" however it’s official name is Kempf Plaza after the proprietors of the prominent restaurant Chicago Brauhaus who have helped turn the square into the lively communal area that it is today. Giddings Fountain will remain covered until April 2016 but this does not at all affect the popularity of this commercial scene.

NORWOOD PARK

Last week fellow Dean’s Team blog Kathy’s Home & Garden Tips focused on preparing your home and garden for the fall and winter seasons. If you’d like more information and guidance Norwood Park Senior Center (5801 N. Natoma Ave.) is hosting a free informative presentation called "It’s Time to Get Your Garden Ready for Winter!" Gardeners of all ages are welcome to attend this coming Monday 10/26 at 6:30pm. RSVP by calling 773-775-6071.

LINCOLN PARK

Despite our luck with relatively warm weather lately we all know that winter’s freezing temperatures are looming. It’s important to keep those less fortunate in mind so The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks will be collecting donations of men’s winter gear such as coats hats gloves socks and hand warmers at the architecturally impressive Elks National Memorial and Headquarters (2750 N. Lakeview Ave.) on Saturday Nov. 7 from noon to 4:00pm. Donations will benefit homeless veterans. Start searching for and laundering your donations now and email vets@elks.org with any questions.

LOOP

Be aware of City Hall’s change to the sidewalk snow shoveling ordinance this winter. The fine for property and business owners neglecting to clear sidewalks has increased to a range of $50 – $500! If snow falls during the day sidewalks are to be cleared by 10:00pm. If snow falls overnight be prepared to wake up early to make sure your sidewalks are cleared by 10:00am and be sure not to cover any Divvy stations or bike racks while you’re at it. The topic was discussed at the City Council meeting last week. Budget Director Alexandra Holt claims the ordinance change is "really intended to address the people who don’t ever clear the snow from a sidewalk." Consider yourself informed and forewarned.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO