February 2012 Neighborhood News & Announcements
Resolve to make our neighborhood a better place
Here are some great tips adapted from the “green news” website Grist at http://grist.org/.
- Plant something. Studies show a tree or a flower can boost both your spirits and those passing by. No yard? Try planting a window box or the parkway.
- Pick up litter. This is probably the single easiest good deed to perform any place in the world. And who knows? You might inspire someone else to do it.
- Get to know your neighbors. You don’t have to be friends, just friendly. Knowing and keeping an eye out for each other makes for a stronger, safer neighborhood.
- Find out who your government representatives are. All of them—state, federal, city. Let them know what you think. These people work for you—the taxpayer.
- If you see something, say something. If you see a broken streetlight or dangerous building site or suspicious activity of any type, call 311 to report it.
- Shop locally. Local stores can cost a little more than the big boxes, but think about what you’re paying for: human interaction, real customer service, and retailers who care about the community they serve, because they are part of it.
- Go for a walk. Say hi to the folks you meet. Pick up some litter. Make note of any needed repairs. Most of all, enjoy and appreciate that you are living in one of the friendliest, safest, most beautiful neighborhoods in our city.
- Join ASNA or recruit your neighbors to join. One of the reasons our neighborhood is great is because of all the residents who contribute their time, energy and money.
Friendly reminders
To dog owners. . .Just because it’s winter is no time to leave the scoop at home. Dog feces runs off into the water system and can spread diseases such as salmonella and roundworm caused by bacteria or parasites to humans and other pets. Some of these contaminants can survive outside the body and in the environment for long periods of time. The City of Chicago has a law mandating cleanup with a $500 fine if you’re caught leaving a mess. But the best reason to do it is to be considerate of your neighbors, other pets and the environment.
And to the rest of us. . .Should you have need for winter de-icing products (hopefully, not much longer), please consider purchasing dog friendly and environment friendly de-icing products. The dog walkers and gardeners among us will be most grateful. Chemical de-icers are painful to dog paws and kill many plants. Most pet stores and gardening centers carry pet/environment friendly products as do some hardware and grocery stores. Check the label, and be sure to read and follow the instructions.
Mark your calendars!
Wednesday nights—Check out the food truck (different one each week) parked outside the Koval distillery, corner of Ravenswood and Winona, in conjunction with its plant tours.
Sunday, Feb. 26, Beat the Winter Blahs! Party, 4 to 7 p.m. Hamburger Mary’s Attic, 5400 N. Clark, 2nd floor. See reverse side.
Monday, March 12—ASNA board meeting. Social hour: 6:30 p.m., Meeting 7 p.m., 1748 W. Carmen. Send concerns/agenda items to ASNA President Mark Rosenberg at 773-942-7050 or mark@home123furniture.com/. Everyone welcome!
Wednesday, March 28—Beat 2032 Meeting, Ravenswood Evangelical Church , 4900 North Damen Avenue, 7-8 p.m. Speak up at this forum for neighborhood safety concerns.