Meeting location: The home of Linda Wallace/Gary Forell, 5109 North Ravenswood Avenue

Present: Chris Bayard, Laurie Daley, Gary Forell, Dace and Harijs Friss, Kathy Leszczynski, Scott Plummer, Noel Suarez, Linda Wallace

The meeting was called to order at 7:10 p.m. by Chris.

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the September 9, 2008 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was brought, and the minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Gary distributed copies of the updated treasurer’s report and indicated that the balances in the general and landscaping funds are $2,119.29 and $2,644.91, respectively. Gary stated that he has received checks for two new memberships, and he is awaiting $160 in incoming funds.

Committee Reports

Social - Howl-o-ween will be held on Saturday, October 25, 2008 at the southeast corner of Ravenswood and Carmen Avenues. We have two sponsors, as well as many raffle prizes. Popcorn, soda, and hot apple cider will be served. In the event of inclement weather, it will take place in the Bow Wow Lounge’s facility on Carmen just east of Ravenswood Avenue. The idea of optional dog portraits was brought up and will be looked into. Volunteers are needed to help set up and work the event. There will be a special Howl-o-ween meeting on Tuesday, October 21, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Linda and Gary’s home.

Greening - Linda reported that 300 bulbs were planted along the Ravenswood parkway this past Saturday. Mulch will be put down the second Saturday in November. Volunteers are welcome to participate.

Membership/Communication - Chairperson Linda indicated that ASNA has 28 paid members thus far.

CAPS Meeting

Chris attended the last CAPS meeting and reported that we are the safest beat in the city! Graffiti will be the next focus of attention.

Old Business/New Business

Newsletter Feedback - Chris reported receiving feedback about the speed bumps issue (as reported in the latest ASNA newsletter) and also about the stop sign at Carmen and Ravenswood Avenues.

Popcorn Popper/Cart - This was recently purchased by ASNA. Not only will this be used at Howl-o-ween and block party events, but a policy will soon be put into place that will enable paid ASNA members to rent it at a minimal expense.

The meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Monday, November 10, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Chris Bayard and Katie Robinson, 1752 West Carmen Avenue.

–Laurie Daley

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

Present:Chris Bayard, Stephen Christy, Laurie Daley, Gary Forell, John Gavin, Trudi Gavin, Frances Krueger-Jackson, Genji Lelair, Steve Leclair, Kathy Leszczynski, Steve Rubel, Rick Sullivan, Rita Sullivan, Linda Wallace

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

Approval of Minutes

Minutes from the June 9, 2008 meeting were reviewed. A motion to approve the minutes was brought, and the minutes were approved.

Treasurer’s Report

Gary distributed copies of the updated treasurer’s report, indicating balances in the general and landscaping funds of $2,305.51 and $2,094.91, respectively. Gary stated that ASNA has received a $500 check from the Bow Wow Lounge, who will be the sole sponsor for this year’s Howl-O-Ween. In addition, there was an expenditure of $71.70 in communication costs to cover the membership flyer.

Committee Reports

Social - The summer neighborhood party was a huge success.

Greening - Chairperson Steven indicated that summer weeding of the Ravenswood parkway went well, and mulching is planned, and budgeted, for the fall. There will be perennial planting on September 20, as well as a bulb planting party sometime in October.

Membership/Communication - Chairperson Linda indicated that ASNA has 20 paid members thus far. ASNA hopes to get more paid members as a result of the flyer being distributed this week, as well as the fall newsletter. Linda is currently taking submissions for the fall newsletter.

Old Business/New Business

Speed Bumps - Rick Sullivan expressed his frustration about four speed humps being installed in the east-west alley running parallel between Carmen and Winona Avenues. Kathy Leszczynski and Steve Rubel indicated that two speed humps have been installed in the north-south alley connecting Carmen and Winona Avenues between Ravenswood and Paulina Avenues, which were installed per petition to the alderman’s office back in the spring of 2006. Kathy and Steve circulated a copy of a letter they wrote regarding issues associated with installation of the speed humps, as not everyone in the neighborhood agrees with their installation. Rick’s frustration stems out of confusion, possibly by Streets and Sanitation workers, wherein speed humps were installed in the east-west alley in addition to those petitioned by Steve and Kathy. Since it appears that no one petitioned for the four speed humps in the east-west alley between Carmen and Winona Avenues (but that they may have been erroneously installed), Rick circulated a new petition to have only those four speed humps removed; the other two speed humps in the north-south alley will remain.

Alley Flooding - This issue was brought up by several attendees at the meeting. There seem to be issues with the alleys flooding so much so that cars cannot enter garages during the winter due to the amount of resultant ice build up. This issue will be looked into by ASNA to see what can be done. Homeowners can also contact 311 either by phone or on their website for matters such as these.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m. The next meeting will be held on Monday, October 13, 2008, at 7:00 p.m. at the home of Linda Wallace and Gary Forell, 5109 North Ravenswood Avenue.

–Laurie Daley

GARDENING SESSION–Saturday, September 20, 2008 Help us keep the Ravenswood Parkway green and beautiful! Meet at 8 a.m. at Carmen. 

HOWL-O-WEEN COSTUME CONTEST & PARADE FOR DOGS  (and their people)–Saturday, October 25, 2008, corner of Carmen & Ravenswood (fenced area).  See www.howl-o-ween.org for info.

UPCOMING ASNA MEETINGS (all 7 p.m. on Monday)

October 13–5109 N. Ravenswood (Gary & Linda)

November 10-1752 W. Carmen (Chris & Katie)

December–TBA