ASNA Chicago

Andersonville South Neighborhood Association News and Events

Category: News and Announcements

Want to be on HGTV?

Hi Neighbors,

If you’d like to be on TV, check out the message below! Here’s the HGTV Press Release.

From: Holly Schwartz [mailto:holly_schwartz@pietown.tv]

Subject: HGTV Needs Fun Chicago Homeowners Who’ve Remodeled – Press Release

I am a producer on HGTV’s show ‘My House is Worth What?’  I was wondering if your organization could help me spread the word to help find homeowners that we need to shoot in December.  Andersonville has a lot of beautiful homes and I’m sure some of the homes have been remodeled.  Please see the info below and if you have any questions please e-mail me or call me at 818-255-9288:

HGTV’s show ‘My House is Worth What?’ is looking for homeowners who’ve got spunk, personality & fun!

Also – you need to have a house that’s been remodeled or updated or changed in some way!

We’re going to be shooting in early December and want you and your house to be on our show.

If you’ve got a great house that has been changed in some way, you’ve lived there for more than a year, you WON’T HAVE IT FOR SALE BEFORE EARLY DECEMBER 2007, and you want to find out the value of your home, please e-mail Holly ASAP with the following info:

  1. Your name and contact info. (please include city)
  2. When you bought the house and the purchase price
  3. How you’ve changed your home and how much you’ve spent
  4. Why you want to find out the current value? (Do you want to trade up? Did you have a kid and need more space? Do you want to pull out equity to start a business? Etc.)

Thanks – we need at least 5 homes so spread the word!

Holly

holly_schwartz@pietown.tv

ASNA Meeting for November 2007

ASNA’s next meeting will be held at the home of Noel Suarez at 1706 W. Carmen Ave.

When: Monday, November 12, 7 p.m.

Where: 1706 W. Carmen Ave.

Everyone welcome!

ASNA 10-9-07 Meeting Minutes

ASNA Meeting Minutes, 10-09-07

Meeting location:   Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 West Foster Avenue

Present:                               Chris Bayard, Alaina Carroll, Laurie Daley, Jennifer Felker (Buchko), Gary Forell, John Gavin, Melissa Goldenman, Art Gregg, Doug Jackson, June Kinard, Frances Krueger-Jackson, Camilla Krueger, Kathleen Leszczynski, Jennifer Owen-O’Quill, Lisa Ragucci, Katie Robinson, Lisa Spiegler, Noel Suarez, Linda Wallace, Sara Wetzel                

                                                                                                                                                                                             

                              The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Chris Bayard.  

Treasurer’s Report

Gary presented the updated treasurer’s report, which indicated $595 in additions to the General Fund ($120 in memberships, $475 in donations), as well as $260 in expenditures ($25 for Starbuck’s cards to welcome new residents, $235 for insurance for Howl-o-Ween).   These amounts brought the new balances to $2,889.12 for the General Fund and $1,726.30 for the Landscaping Fund.

311 Representatives

Two City of Chicago 311 representatives attended the meeting.   Phillip Hampton, Director of 311 City Services, provided background on the 311 program, as well as answered questions from those in attendance regarding the program.  Mr. Hampton indicated that the 311 program is a 24/7 call center handling police non-emergency situations and providing access to City information.   It is an automated system with the shortest wait time between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays (off-peak times) for service requests.   The 311 system is also used to evaluate around forty city departments with the data collected from service requests.

 

Jeff Singer from 311 City Services added that the Internet is an alternate way to make service requests such as those for pothole repair, tree trimming, and burnt out street lights.   Use the City website, www.cityofchicago.org, and click on the – request City services  link.   The database, according to Mr. Singer, is linked between departments, i.e. 311-alderman’s office-ward streets and sanitation office.   Call 311 regarding street issues such as bumps and patches, as well as trees blocking street signs or lights (even if it is not on your property).   In addition, one can access geocoded information such as determining their ward, police district, and school information, by giving their address to an operator.  

Linda Wallace commented that whenever she used the 311 system, there was virtually no wait, and the operators were courteous and efficient.   Questions from meeting attendees included the following:

Q.                       When do I call 311 or someone else?

A.                       Whenever it is a non-emergency (non-threatening) situation, call 311; otherwise, if it requires a police officer, call 911.

Q.                       If there is a non-emergency vehicular accident and I called 311, would I be routed to the appropriate department?

A.                       Yes, a 311 operator would be able to do that.

Q.                       Are there any services that we might not be aware of that 311 provides?

A.                       311 deals with other services such as building code violations; the Department of Public Health issues (if you get sick at a restaurant); the Department of Business Affairs/Licensing; youth services; and job training, just to name a few.  

CAPS Representative

                              Marty Cook, the 20th District (5400 North Lincoln Avenue) CAPS representative, indicated that CAPS first and foremost stands for community, and that maintaining an open line of communication with CAPS will make one’s community a better and safer place.   Mr. Cook indicated that CAPS provides such services as dog ID chipping; greening/gardening assistance; and weekly senior meetings to address crime trend awareness topics.  Most importantly, attending CAPS meetings (held every other month) provides direct access to one’s beat cops.   To determine when and where one’s CAPS meeting will be held, use the City of Chicago website (above) and click on the appropriate link, then plug in your address.   A call to 311 can also provide one with their beat number, as well as information regarding their CAPS meetings.   Questions from meeting attendees included the following:

Q.                       Are CAPS minutes posted?  

A.                       No, but any issue brought up at a meeting will be addressed at the next meeting with an update on any action that the Chicago Police Department has taken with regard to that issue.

Q.                       Can you call to report graffiti on someone else’s property, or does the owner of that property have to call?

A.                       Anyone can call, even if the problem is not on their own property.

Q.                       Can we have an update as to the stop signs ASNA had previously requested?

A.                       The alderman’s office will address that.

Q.                       Is it possible to get a phone tree with City, ward, and community numbers?

A.                       CAPS can provide ASNA with packets regarding communication.

Q.                       Are you suggesting that we keep our porch lights on all night?   (This was in response to a comment Mr. Cook made about dispensing low-wattage bulbs throughout one’s neighborhood if worried about crime after dark.)

A.                       Yes, they are low-wattage bulbs and burn for a long time.

Aldermanic Representative

                              Lisa from Alderman Schulter’s office indicated that she is the supervisor of Winnemac Park and is overseeing the playlot renovation there, which she hopes will be done by the end of this year.   She indicated that the alderman asked for our ward to receive the blue cart program due to it being the highest recycling ward in the City.   A few residents indicated that the blue cart fills up quickly so perhaps we could get weekly, rather than bi-weekly, pick-ups.   Kathy Leszczynski indicated that one can call 311 to request an additional blue cart.   Questions from meeting attendees included the following:

Q.                       If one’s blue cart is full, can we put recyclables in a blue bag and put the bag in our garbage can?

A.                       No, put the blue bag next to your blue cart.

Q.                       Can you provide a status as to the stop signs ASNA has requested?

A.                       I’ll check on it.

Q.                 Could you provide the outcome of the survey conducted regarding the Winona-Paulina stop sign versus speed bumps?

A.                       I’ll check on it.

Q.                       Have you found that permit parking south of Lawrence Avenue pushes Metra parkers into our neighborhood?

A.                       I’ll check on it.

Q.                       What about the stop sign requested at Winnemac and Damen Avenues?

A.                       I’ll check on it.

Q.                       What if there is a tree in the alley that is bending into the power lines?

A.                       311 will put in a service request to have it trimmed.

Q.                       Could you also check on the status of the Ravenswood-Carmen stop sign?

A.                       I’ll check on it.

Q.                       What about the speed bumps scheduled for the north-south alley between Winona and Carmen just east of Ravenswood.

A.                       I’ll check on it.

                              Lisa indicated that she will send responses to questions requiring further investigation to Chris Bayard who will post them on the ASNA website and e-mail them to those on the ASNA members list.

Other Business

                              Chris suggested that we do the lightbulb – walk  before Halloween.   Linda indicated that Howl-o-Ween will take place on Saturday, October 27, and that she could use some volunteers to help set up that day.        

 

                              The meeting was adjourned at 8:15 p.m..  The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 5, 2007, at 7:00 p.m. at Pat and Laurie Daley’s home, 1716 West Winnemac Avenue.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            –Laurie Daley

ASNA Newsletter Fall 2007

The Fall 2007 issue of ASNA’s newsletter, Neighbor to Neighbor is now available for download. Click to download the ASNA Fall 2007 Newsletter as a PDF.

ASNA Meeting for October 2007

ASNA’s next meeting will be an informational session with representatives of the CAPS (Chicago Area Police Service) Council, 311 and Alderman Gene Schulter’s office.

When: Tuesday, October 9, 7 p.m.

Where: Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 West Foster Avenue.

There will be time for questions and time to chat.

Refreshments will be provided.

Everyone welcome!

Bark, if you love Halloween!

Howl-o-Ween Costume Contest & Parade for Dogs

For a howling good time, plan on attending this 3rd annual event sponsored by the Andersonville South Neighborhood Association (ASNA).

When: Saturday, October 27

Registration: 12:30

Parade and judging: 1:30-2:30 p.m.

Where: Corner of Carmen and Ravenswood, between Lawrence & Foster

Entry fee: $5 per dog (owners free).

Grand Prize: $75 Gift certificate

Prizes also will be awarded for:

  • Scariest
  • Funniest
  • Most original
  • Best pet/owner costume combo
  • Best entry from owner age 12 and under

Emcee: Ben Hollis, former host of WTTW’s Wild Chicago

Free admission. Tell your friends, bring a chair and enjoy no dog required!

Refreshments for dogs & people

Volunteers welcome!

Proceeds help us keep the Ravenswood Parkway clean and green.

ASNA Meeting for September 2007

Our  next meeting will be Monday, Sept. 10, at 7 p.m. at the home of Gary Forell and Linda Wallace, 5109 N. Ravenswood.

Agenda  items include:

  • Status on stop signs, speed bumps, etc.
  • CAPS/311 meeting in October
  • Howl-o-ween
  • New Social Committee Chair needed
  • New Membership
  • Newsletter

Hope to see you there!

ASNA 6-11-07 Meeting Minutes

ASNA Meeting Minutes, 6-11-07

Meeting location:   John & Trudi Gavin’s home, 1714 West Winona Avenue

Present:                   Chris Bayard, Laurie Daley, Maggie Finnegan, Gary Forell, John Gavin, Genji & Steve Leclair, Vereen Nordstrom, Kate Robinson, Sylvia & Harold Roman, Linda Wallace                  

                                                                                                                                             

                      The meeting was called to order at 7:15 p.m. by Chris Bayard.  

Approval of Minutes

                      Minutes from the May 14, 2007 meeting were reviewed.   John moved to approve the minutes, and the motion was seconded by Gary.

Treasurer’s Report

                      Gary presented the updated treasurer’s report, which remained basically the same as last month’s except for the deposit of a $400 check from Union Pacific Railroad for damages to the embankment as a result of their construction of same.   This brought the balance of the Landscaping Fund to $1,726.30.  

CAPS Meeting

                      Chris stated that CAPS and a 311 representative will be available on Tuesday, September 11, 2007 for a meeting.   There may be a couple of additional reps at the meeting as well.   We are still looking for a venue for this meeting.   Suggestions and questions for the reps may be deposited into the ASNA suggestion box at our upcoming ASNA block party.   There will be no regular ASNA meeting in August.

Speed Bumps/Stop Signs

                      Chris indicated that he met with Alderman Schulter regarding speed bumps and stop signs and was informed that the Carmen-Ravenswood stop sign would be installed this summer.   Additionally, speed bumps will be installed both on Winona Avenue, as well as in the alley between Winona and Carmen Avenues.   A petition may be initiated by Winona Avenue residents to cancel the speed bump installation on the street only; however, it is possible that the order cannot be stopped at this time.

Committee Reports

Social : Chairperson Kate had nothing new to report but indicated that the July 14 block party is on schedule and will now take place on Carmen rather than Ravenswood Avenue, from 3:00 p.m. until dusk.   Hamburgers, hotdogs, water and soft drinks will be supplied.   Block party attendees will be asked to bring a side dish.   ASNA would welcome any additional block party volunteers and ideas which may be submitted to Kate.

Greening : No chairperson was present; however, it was noted that mulching of the Ravenswood parkway took place on June 9, 2007.

Membership/Communications : No chairperson was present; however, it was noted that there will be an ASNA table at the upcoming block party with membership application flyers in an effort to increase our membership.

Community Development : ASNA is looking for someone to fill this position to act as liaison with the alderman’s office.

Old Business/New Business

                      ASNA is wondering what will be done with the other half of the Sinkus property.   Laurie indicated a crow problem on Winnemac Avenue that was not previously present.   Concerns were voiced over traffic and speeding on Ravenswood Avenue.   Laurie indicated a grossly uneven cement patch (that filled in a sinkhole) directly in front of her home on Winnemac Avenue that needs to be evened out to lessen the noise as motorists speed over it.   Maggie voiced concern over possible increased traffic and parking issues with greater development of the neighborhood, specifically condo conversion buildings.  

                      John moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:50 p.m., and Vereen seconded the motion.  The next meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 11, 2007, location and time to be determined.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    –Laurie Daley

 

ASNA Annual Block Party

Saturday, July 14, 2007. Carmen Ave. (instead of Ravenswood).

The July 14 block party is on schedule and will now take place on Carmen rather than Ravenswood Avenue, from 3:00 p.m. until dusk. Hamburgers, hotdogs, water and soft drinks will be supplied. Block party attendees will be asked to bring a side dish. ASNA would welcome any additional block party volunteers and ideas which may be submitted to Kate.

ASNA Meeting for June 2007

Our next ASNA meeting will be on Monday, June 11th at the home of John & Trudy Gavin, 1714 W. Winona. We hope to see you there!