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Old Town Merchants & Residents Association 3/31/09
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We're no fools!
DEAR OLD TOWN NEIGHBOR, 
We've not been given much respite from winter, what with this weekend's snow and all -- but we'll get through it.  Soon enough the planters on Wells, in Burton Place, and the boxes and gardens of all the neighbors in Old Town will be sprouting.  The nights will last longer and we'll turn off the heaters and open up the windows.  Just you wait. . . it'll happen!
 
It's also the season to keep your eye on the ball!  Along with nice weather comes tons of activities and programming in the neighborhood.  Read on to find out how you can get involved and what there is to do in Old Town in the weeks ahead!

VOLUNTEER IN OLD TOWN!!

Ever find yourself looking for something to do?  Remember the feeling you get when you help someone who really needs it?  If you've got some free time on your hands and you want to give back to the community, consider giving one of these non-profits a call!
Deborah's Place is looking for volunteers in groups no larger than five or six to serve lunch and dinner to the 25 women who live there.  Lunch is served at noon and dinner is served at seven.  Volunteer orientation is scheduled once a month.  For more information check out www.deborahsplace.org or email Laura Swanton at lgarrett@deborahsplace.org.
Minds Matter Chicago is a non-profit group that provides mentorship to at-risk teens during their last three years of high school.  The program pairs the students with volunteer professionals.  The volunteers must have college degrees as the program focuses on preparing the students for university education.  100% of the students who have completed the program have gone on to college.  Volunteers are paired up in groups of two and assigned as a mentor team to one of the 20 participating students.  This is a three year commitment and mentors should plan on being available roughly every Saturday from October to May.  For more information visit www.mindsmatter.org
Near North Branch - Chicago Public Library is looking for volunteers to participate in their 8-week summer reading program.  Volunteers will help register kids for the program, listen to book reports, and help organize and run the weekly craft and story programs.  All activities are located at 310 W. Division.  If you are interested, contact Anne Ayers at annayers@chipublib.org
Project Education Plus focuses on helping youth and elderly in the Near North section of Chicago.  Their space is located in the old Cabrini Green area and serves as a community center for students.  After school the kids roll in and volunteers read to the younger ones and help out with the older kids' homework.   If you are interested in volunteering with the elderly, you can participate in bingo or lunch trips.  Project Education Plus also has a basketball /mentoring program.  If you are interested in volunteering, email Vince Carter at pepdemons@aol.com or call volunteer coordinator Lynette Smith at 312-642-4191
A Red Orchid Theatre is always looking for an extra set of hands to lift, nail, paint, or promote.  If you have an interest in theatre, theatre administration, or public relations and want to volunteer at one the best storefront theatres in Chicago, contact Cristofre Kayser atcrisk@aredorchidtheatre.com
Upcoming Events In Old Town
**CAPS Meeting at She-Nannigan's HOB 16 W. Division
Thursday, April 2nd 3pm
Meeting of the Hospitality Sub-Commitee
**CAPS Meeting at the Near North Branch of the Chicago Public Library 310 W. Division
Tuesday, April 7th, 6:30pm
1821 Beat Meeting
**Community Planting at the 18th District Community Room 1160 N. Larrabee -- ample parking!
April 10th, 10:00am-12:00pm
Celebrate community police partnerships by planting a bulb and taking it home for your house or garden!
** Old Town Merchants and Residents Spring Social at EIvissa Restaurant 1531 N. Wells
April 23rd, 6pm-8pm
Call the office for reservations - free for members!
**Book Sale at the Near North Branch of the Chicago Public Library 310 N. Division
Saturday April 25th 10am-4pm - quantities limited the first 3 hours
Monday, April 27th 1pm-7pm - fill a bag for $5.00
 Hardbound, Paperback, Fiction, Non-Fiction, Recent Best Sellers
**Small Business Green Forum at the Near North Branch of teh Chicago Public Library 310 W. Division
April 30th 9:15am - 10:30am
Near North Branch of the Chicago Public Library
Residents and Merchants all welcome - come hear about the ways to green up your  business and home.  Learn how to conserve energy AND money!
No cost - register with the office at 312-951-6106
**Street Intelligence and Self Defense Demonstration at teh 18th District Near North Station 1160 N. Larrabee -- ample parking!
April 30th, 6:30pm-7:30pm
In the Community Room 
**OTMRA Board of Directors Meeting, location TBA
 May 20th 6pm
**Wells Street Art Fest 
Saturday June 13th and Sunday June 12th 
Wells St. from North Avenue to Division
We've got a lot to look forward to this spring -- socials, festivals, new businesses, finishing up with school, and getting back to the beach.  The lucky have it all here in Old Town! 
If you aren't currently a member do yourself a favor and contact the office to find out what opportunities are available!  If you are a member, let those around you know the benefits of membership.  The more we work together the more progress we can make together in Old Town!
 
Sincerely,
 

Old Town Merchants & Residents Association
In This Issue
Volunteer in Old Town
Upcoming Events
Bacci Pizzeria Arrives on North Avenue!
Small Business Green Forum
BACCI PIZZERIA COMES TO OLD TOWN!
 
The newest restaurant in Old Town should be open by mid-April and is located at 163 West North Avenue! 
 
Bacci Pizzeria, family owned and operated, was established by the DiDiana family in 1996. The original location resides in Chicago's Little Italy, on Taylor Street.  They have now expanded to nineteen locations with their newest location in Old Town. Please stop in for the original "Jumbo Slice" and free pop! Don't forget check them out at www.baccipizza.com.
SMALL BUSINESS GREEN FORUM
On April 30th at the Near North Branch of the Chicago Public Library (at 310 W. Division) Old Town Merchants and Residents Association in conjunction with the LEED Council of Chicago will host an open discussion between any interested residents and small business leaders on the subject of environmental responsibility and sustainable practices for the small business and home. 
 
Representatives from the LEED Council, The City's Department of the Environment, Local First Chicago, and Chicago Green Office Company will be present to share information on their organizations and answer any questions that may come up.
 
If you are interested in attending, please RSVP to the OTMRA office by emailing otmra@oldtownchicago.org or call 312-951-6106.  The presentation is scheduled to last until 10:30 -- at which time attendees are free to network and ask additional questions.  As parking is limited at the Near North Branch of the Chicago Public Library, public transportation is encouraged!