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South Loop Candidate's Forum
Saturday, February 12, 2011
We are proud to co-sponsor a forum with South Loop Neighbors for aldermanic candidates from the 2nd and 3rd Wards at Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash.
Agenda
9 - 10:30am 3rd Ward Forum
10:30 - 11am Meet & greet
11 - 1pm 2nd Ward Forum

 Candidate Forum Checkmark
Plan to join your neighbors in learning about the candidates and posing questions about the issues that matter to you.  You can submit your questions in advance or at the forum.

Visit our website for more information.
IN THIS ISSUE: FEBRUARY 2011
Candidate's Forum
Daystar Center
Glessner House Lecture
GSLA Business Member Focus
Donna's Cafe Grand Opening
Park 550 Advisory Council Election
Grant Park Advisory Council
South Loop School News
Community Policing
South Loop School News
Daystar Center to Bring Educational & Cultural Benefits to South Loop
DaystarA new educational and cultural hub is opening in the South Loop. The Daystar Center, located at 1550 South State, will provide a variety of activities for people of all ages. Beginning March 7, classes, lessons, and special events will be offered in music, arts, crafts, dance, film, languages and yoga. All are invited to an Open House on February 26th at 10am. During the open house, the music teachers will perform a concert and attendees can try out mini-sample classes.
According to Executive Director Steve Vryhof, the Center is designed to make a difference by making connections - between generations, between people and ideas, between groups and institutions, between needs and resources. The specifics of programming, says Vryhof, will be determined by public interest and participation as the new Center grows and develops.
The Center is also a venue for professional development, offering courses, conferences, lectures, and workshops in areas such as education, business, and counseling. The Center partners with other nonprofit organizations at 1550 South State to make their building an anchor in the neighborhood for the enrichment of community life.
Starting in March, food, drink, and wi-fi will be available in the lobby of the building, provided by Overflow Coffee Bar, a social enterprise that emphasizes fair labor and environmentally-friendly practices.
For more information, visit the website, call the Daystar Center at 312 647-0001, or email the Center. Room rentals are available for groups small or large.
Lecture at Glessner House
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Glessner House Museum, located at 1800 S. Prairie Avenue in Chicago's South Loop neighborhood, will host a lecture by historian Victoria Granacki  entitled "Ignacy Jan Paderewski: Artist, Statesman, Humanitarian - The Chicago Connection" 7:00pm.  Paderewski, who was entertained in the Glessner home in May 1893, was one of the greatest pianists of the 19th century and later served as Prime Minister of Poland.  Of all the places he traveled in the U.S., Paderewski said that Chicago "impressed me more than any other city in America."   
Glessner House Museum is a National Historic Landmark.  Completed in 1887, the museum is recognized nationwide for its groundbreaking architecture as well as its important collection of arts and crafts decorative arts.

South Loop Calendar

We have more information on local events listed on our website.  Calendar 

History Contest
The South Loop Historical Society at East-West University announced its first annual multimedia history competition.  The top prize is $250 for a four to 12 minute audio, visual, video, or combined multimedia history presentation focused on the history of Chicago's South Loop neighborhood.
Need help with a topic? Let us know!
Resources

2nd Ward - Alderman Fioretti
3rd Ward - Alderman Dowell





GSLA Business Member Focus
Ora Dental Studio, 1827 S. Michigan Avenue
Ora Logo
From the moment you walk into ORA Studios it is obvious that this is not your typical dental office. The atmosphere is modern, tranquil, and inviting, designed for the ultimate in comfort. Our team of highly trained professionals delivers "Five Star" customer service and one-on-one personal attention in a relaxed and aesthetically beautiful atmosphere.
We combine state-of-the-art technology, the highest quality restorative materials available today, and advanced procedures through minimally invasive techniques in order to provide you with a naturally beautiful and healthy smile.

Grand Opening at Donna's Cafe
1255 S. State Street 
A new cafe in the South Loop, feeding your body, mind and soul! Soup, salads, sandwiches with a side of Jazz! 
On February 19th a grand opening celebration is being planned and we will share more details as they become available.

Park 550 Advisory Council Election
Tuesday, March 1, 2011
The previously scheduled election on January 25th has been re-scheduled in order to follow Chicago Park District notification guidelines.  The fieldhouse located at 18th & Indiana will hold the advisory council election at the fieldhouse on Tuesday, March 1st and we will share more details as they become available.
An advisory council is a voluntary group of individuals who meet on a regular basis to support the effective functioning of the park. A council works with the park supervisor and other Chicago Park District staff, advising them on the needs and concerns of the community and making recommendations and suggestions regarding its respective park.
More information on the function of the Chicago Park District advisory councils can be found on their website.

Grant Park Advisory Council
Tuesday, February 8, 2011 
A public meeting will be held to view the Chopin Monument proposal for south end of Grant Park. The meeting will be at 7pm, at
Daley Bicentennial Plaza - 337 E. Randolph ( just east of Columbus Drive and down in the park). 
Please contact: Bob O'Neill, 312-927-6795 with questions.
South Loop Elementary School News & Announcements


South Loop School (SLS) is our neighborhood PK-8 public school. While recognized as one of the best elementary schools in Chicago, it is not immune to the current budget crisis. Monies raised from community partnerships and Spring 2011 fundraisers will allow SLS to add additional staff and resources. Currently, the biggest needs are funding foreign language and band programs, neither of which is fully funded by Chicago Public Schools.


A thriving neighborhood school invigorates our community. Please consider attending one/both of the events below, making a tax-deductible donation online, becoming a community partner, or contributing an item/service for the Spring Benefit Silent Auction. Please contact Principal Shelton about ongoing community partnerships or questions related to the Spring Benefit committee.


Reggie's Music Joint Event

February 11th, 7-10PM, 2105 South State St.
This is a music fundraiser featuring South Loop student, parent and community bands. Tickets are $25 (includes one drink and an hour of appetizers). Tickets are available in advance at the SLS Main Building Office (1212 South Plymouth Ct.), Reggie's website, or at the door the night of the event.


8th Annual South Loop School Spring Benefit

May 6th 6-10PM at Pazzo's, 311 South Wacker Dr.
The Benefit Committee is looking for community partners, business sponsorships and donations! Business will receive publicity to our school community.  Please see the 2011 Benefit website for details.


Applications for the 2011-2012 School Year

South Loop Tuition-Based Preschool program is now accepting applications.  Located at the SLS Branch Building (1915 South Federal Street), the preschool program is a full-day literacy-based curriculum in a nurturing atmosphere with individualized instruction. Tours are held the second Tuesday of every month at 9:30AM. Upcoming tours: February 8th and March 8th. For more information or to request a private tour call 773-534-9066. Children must be 3 by September 1, 2011.

1st District Community Policing
CAPS Meetings
Attend your beat meeting to receive policing updates and provide feedback to policing staff.  Locate your beat by visiting the 1st district website.

Next meeting:
Tuesday, February 15th at 7pm located in the Community Room at the 1st District police station (1718 S. State Street).

South Loop School News 
Wednesday, February 9th is the monthly Local School Council meeting at 6:15pm in the Little Theater.  Principal Shelton will present the "State of the South Loop Elementary".

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About Us
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) neighborhood organization comprised of an alliance of residents and businesses in the South Loop.

Contact Us
Greater South Loop Association
P.O. Box 4632
Chicago, Illinois 60680-4632
 
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