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Chicago Community Land Trust 
Newsletter
  November    2014
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Living the Simple Life
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2014 Board of Directors

Bruce Gottschall,
President 
 
Patricia Abrams,  
Vice-President 
 
Ofelia Navarro, 
Secretary 
 
Lawrence Grisham,
Ex-officio Director
 
Calvin Holmes,
Treasurer
 
Joy Aruguete 
Joel Bookman 
Pamela Gecan
Timothy Hughes 
Edward H. Jacob
Brenda Palms-Barber 
Rosanna Marquez 
Robert McGhee 
Guacolda Reyes
William W. Towns  
Marva Williams 
 Jeffrey Wright
 
Staff

Kara Breems, 
Executive Director 
 
Teresa Lambarry, 
Outreach Director



Dear CCLT Homeowners and Friends, 

 

Day in day and day out we rush, we don't even stop to smell the roses!  Well at this time of year let's slow down and enjoy the upcoming Holiday season.


You don't have to spend a lot of money to do so - I find that being surrounded by friends and family members during this time of year makes it special for me. Others may find other parts meaningful - and still others might have a hard time with the holidays, and just want them to be over! 

 

For all of you - I hope you find it helpful to read this issue, and get some tips on creating hassle-free Holidays.

 

Also in this month's issue we wanted to share some favorite recipes from CCLT homeowners: we hope you try them out, they have been tested in the CCLT Kitchens! 

 

Until next month, may you and your family have a Happy Thanksgiving!


 

Teresa Lambarry
Recap of Weatherization/Energy Efficiency Workshop
A group of about 15 of us met on Wednesday, November 5, 2014, for our now-annual Weatherization/Energy Efficiency workshop. 

This year we had an extra bonus: we made our own nature-friendly and cost effective cleaning products! 

For those of you who couldn't attend - here is a link to the recipes we used - and also other cleaning recipes you might find helpful. 

Kara reported that she gave her house a good cleaning this week using the lemongrass-scented cleaner - and it's never looked better! 

The evening started with our usual Potbelly-sandwich dinner (with cookies!).  

We then heard from a wonderful speaker, Mike Harrington, who works with Chicago nonprofit Elevate Energy. He spoke of different programs that are available for people to use in order to not only conserve energy but also save money.

The home energy jumpstart program is here: 
They provide a lot of free things such as programmable thermostats, pipe insulation and light bulbs.

Learn about the Real Time Pricing Program also through Com Ed using the following link.  If you would like to join the program you can enroll here.

I also have signed up for the Cycling Your Central AC in addition to the Real Time Pricing program and find that I am saving on my Com Ed bill.

At the end of the workshop, everyone made their own weatherization kit - including the usual insulating strips, weatherstripping, and weather tape - but this year we also added a few extras to promote reduced energy costs, including LED bulbs and powerstrips. We also took time to practise installing caulking on a test window - always a good idea before you start in on the real thing! 

I think it's safe to say that a good time was had by all - and everyone left with over $50 of weatherization supplies! 

We hope to see you next year!
Featured Article:  Hassle Free Hosting!
By following the recommendations given, you will have a hassle free dinner party with your family and friends.

1.  Give yourself time:  Make a schedule for yourself so that you don't forget to do anything and also so you can plan on how much time you need to do everything. Remember to make the focus - being with family and friends and enjoying each other and don't fret about last minute details.

2.  Streamline your menu:  Don't make a lot of dishes that maybe your guest won't even get to. Remember that in dinner planning - less is better. Make dishes that can be prepared in a short amount of time and not hours so that you don't spend your holiday in the kitchen instead of with your guests. Make a few magnificent dishes that your guest/family will talk about until next year.

3. Set up hosting stations:  In order to keep your guests from the main preparation place which is your kitchen set up appetizers and drinks in the living room. Ask your guests to help themselves, after all you cannot be in two places at one time.

People generally like to contribute so if someone asks you if you need help with anything, say yes please, finish this up for me.  You can also suggest that they bring their own special dish to share. Make your guest feel like part of the celebration. Enjoy!

Courtesy of:  Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices
Programs to Assist with Food - Toys During the Holidays
You may know a family in need of food over the holidays, a Turkey for Thanksgiving, or toys to give their children at Christmas.  

Here are some places that will help fill those needs.

Chicago IL Food Pantries has a coupon for a free turkey on their website.  This website also gives you information about the differen food pantries thoughout Chicago.

Turnaround Toys this site helps get toys to children whose parents don't have enough to get them toys. The toys are recycled but in good condition.

Chicago Salvation Army offer a great deal of assistance to people in need, clothing, food pantry, short term housing assitance and many more services.

Chicago free Christmas and holiday assistance.  Organizations that help those in need especially during the Holiday Season.
CCLT Homeowner Tip of the Month

Be careful during this time of year. If money is tight, pay your mortgage and utilities before buying gifts: Never put paying your mortgage in jeopardy!

 

Get Involved in Your Community: Thanksgiving edition
Here are a few places were you can make a difference by donating food to a food depository or volunteering your time to serve Thanksgiving Dinner to the less fortunate.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository you can make food donations here at several locations listed on website.

Donate Toys to Charity make a child's Christmas a wonderful event.  Organize a toy drive at work, your parish and go to the site they will pick up at your location.

Holiday - Hope Ministries sign up to help serve dinner for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Monthly Calendar of Events

Holidays of Light

November 13, 2014 - Jan. 4, 2015

See trees decorated to represent many cultures plus weekend ethnic song-and-dance performances during Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science & Industry. Cost.

 

Playful Fashion Show

November 20, 2014

PlayCHIC is a toy-and-game inspired fashion show of haute couture at River East Arts Center. Cost.

French Soir�e

November 20, 2014

Passport to France celebrates fine gastronomy, French chefs, wines and spirits, culture, and entertainment at the Union League Club. Tickets on sale Oct. 1.

Food and Film Festival

November 20 - 22, 2014

With a ticket to Food Film Fest, you get to see films about the world's favorite foods and eat them at the same time, at Kendall College. Cost.

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival

November 22, 2014

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival begins midday with family events at Lights Festival Lane in Pioneer Court. The 5:30 p.m. Tree-Lighting Parade starts at Oak Street and runs down Michigan Avenue to the Chicago River, ending in fireworks. All free.

Toy and Game Fair

November 22 - 23, 2014

The Chicago Toy & Game Fair features new toys and games, tournaments, stage entertainment, and costumed characters at Navy Pier. Cost.

Holiday Market

Nov. 22 - 23 and Dec. 13 - 14, 2014

Randolph Street's Holiday Market offers a mix of affordable antique, vintage, and modern goods in an indoor market at W Randolph & Washington. Cost
.

Christmas Tree Lighting

November 25, 2014

Watch the mayor and tree donor flip the switch at Chicago's Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony, which includes a music program on Daley Plaza.

Christmas Market

November 25 - Dec. 24, 2014

Christkindlmarket is an open-air European holiday market on Daley Plaza featuring traditional art, handmade gifts, German foods, choirs, carolers, and an opening ceremony. Free.

Thanksgiving Parade

November 27, 2014

The morning Thanksgiving Parade includes giant balloons, floats, and marching bands that go north on State Street from Congress to Washington. Free.

Turkey Day Run/Walk

November 27, 2014 

Turkey Day Chicago 5K  begins and ends in Lincoln Park, with shorter courses for kids. Cost. 

 

Free Day at the Arboretum

November 27, 2014

Enjoy Free Admission on Thanksgiving Day at the Morton Arboretum in Lisle. (Buildings are closed.)

Gaming Convention

November 28 - 30, 2014

Wolfcon is for players of board games, computer games, and role-playing games at SpringHill Suites Chicago O'Hare. Cost.

ZooLights

Nov. 28, 2014 - Jan. 4, 2015 (dates below)

ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo features millions of holiday lights, ice carvings, music, carousel and train rides, food and gift shopping, plus photos with Santa (some days). Open Nov. 28 - 30. Dec 5 - 7, 12 - 23, 26 - 31. Jan 1 - 4. Free entry.

Wood-aged Beer Festival

November 2014 (undated)

Enjoy beer with exotic flavors at the Festival of Wood and Barrel Aged Beer, billed as the country's largest celebration of wood-and-barrel-aged beer at the Bridgeport Art Center, afternoon or evening. Cost.

Flower and Train Show

November 2014 (undated)

Model trains wind their way through a miniature village among Poinsettias during the  Winter Flower & Train Show at Lincoln Park Conservatory. Free.

Christmas Market

Dec. 1 - 24, 2014 (begins Nov. 25)

Christkindlmarket is an open-air European holiday market on Daley Plaza featuring traditional art, handmade gifts, German foods, choirs, carolers, and an opening ceremony. Free.

Holidays of Light

December 1 - 31, 2014 (Nov. 13 - Jan. 4)

See trees decorated to represent many cultures plus weekend ethnic song-and-dance performances during  Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light  at the Museum of Science & Industry. Cost.

Holiday Music

December 4, 2014

Student musicians & singers perform secular seasonal hits and jazz variations at Joyola! at Loyola University.

Gift Show

December 4 - 7, 2014

One of a Kind Show and Sale has 600 juried artists selling handmade gifts at Merchandise Mart. Cost.

Nutcracker Ballet

December 5 - 28, 2014

Joffrey Ballet's production of The Nutcracker is a holiday tradition that features brilliant costumes, fanciful scenery, entrancing storytelling and Tchaikovsky's famous score played by the Chicago Philharmonic at the Auditorium Theatre. Cost.

 

Christmas Lights - Lincoln Park Zoo

December 5 - 31, 2014 (dates below)

ZooLights at the Lincoln Park Zoo features millions of holiday lights, ice carvings, music, carousel and train rides, food and gift shopping, plus photos with Santa (some days). Open Nov. 28 - 30. Dec. 5 - 7, 12 - 23, 26 - 31. Jan. 1 - 4. Free entry.

Christmas Liturgy

December 6, 2014

Lessons and Carols tells a story in nine short Bible readings and adds Christmas carols, hymns, and choral music in the chapel at Loyola University. Cost.

Cookie Walk

December 6, 2014

Collect a cookie, treat, or hot drink from 40 shops and see entertainment at Winterfest in Oak Park. Cost.

Craft Fair

December 6 - 7, 2014

Shop from independent artisans and chefs at the Renegade Craft Fair at Bridgeport Arts Center. Free.

Swedish Bazaar

December 6 - 7, 2014

Julmarknad is a Christmas bazaar of Scandinavian food and gift items plus traditional entertainment at the Swedish American Museum. Cost.

Christmas Lights - Brookfield Zoo

December 6 - 31, 2014 (dates below)

Holiday Magic is a million twinkling lights, a laser light show, a magic show, animal visits, and songs at the Brookfield Zoo. December 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31. Cost.

Family Treasure Hunt

December 7, 2014

Kids make four activity stops then have a tea party with entertainment and party favors at Treasure Hunt and Tea Party at the Art Institute. Cost.

Motorcycle Parade

December 7, 2014

Bring a toy to donate (except a stuffed animal), then watch or join the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade led by Santa at W 83rd St. and Western. Free.

 

Wine & Beer Tasting

December 10, 2014 (6 to 8 p.m.)

Holiday Cheers! is a seasonal tasting of local spirits, wines, and winter brews at Chicago Botanic Garden.
CCLT 
Homeowner 
Corner
This month we asked you all to share your recipes, funny Holiday happenings or other Holiday experiences that you would like to share. 
 
I was elated to receive favorite recipes from both Emmanuel Bellegarde and Emerson Ruiz. I know I for one will be making these over the Holiday!

Just as I was ready to send out the November newsletter I pleasantly surprised by a late submission from Glenn Wheeler of a funny turkey story.  Hope you all enjoy it as much as I did.

And...the winner of this month's November Home Depot gift card is Emerson Ruiz.  Congratulations Emerson!

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Next month we will be talking about New Year's Resolutions.  We all make them - do you keep them - were you successful in 2014?  Help inspire your fellow CCLT Homeowners by sharing your resolutions (and successes OR failures!) from years past or future! 

Remember that everyone who contributes something is entered into a drawing for a $25 Home Depot gift card.

All entries should be sent to [email protected] no later than Tuesday, December 9, 2014.
 
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Lemon Coconut Snowballs
contributed by Emmanuel Bellegarde

 

Lemon Coconut Snowballs - if you are really feeling creative you can make it into a snowman.


 

Ingredients

1 cup unsalted butter, softened 

1/2 cup powdered sugar 

1 teaspoon coconut extract

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

1 1/2 tablespoons grated lemon rind

1/2 teaspoon salt 

1 cup sweetened flaked coconut, lightly toasted

1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 

 

Preparation

Beat butter at medium speed with an electric mixer until creamy; gradually add 1/2 cup powdered sugar and extracts, beating well. Add flour, lemon rind, and salt, beating until combined. Stir in coconut. Cover and chill dough 30 minutes.

Shape dough into generous 1" balls; place 1" apart on parchment paper-lined baking sheets. Bake at 350� for 15 to 20 minutes or until golden on bottom, but pale on top. Transfer cookies to wire racks to cool 5 minutes.

Place 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar in a bowl, and roll warm cookies in powdered sugar, coating well. Cool cookies completely on wire racks. Roll cooled cookies in powdered sugar again, coating well.

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Coquito

contributed by Emerson Ruiz 

 

 

 

Ingredients:

  • 1 15-ounce cans cream of coconut
  • 1 14-ounce cans sweetened condensed milk
  • 1 12-ounce can evaporated milk
  • 6 ounces white rum (use less if you like)
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon coconut (or vanilla) extract

Preparation:

1. Mix all ingredients in a blender.

2. Refrigerate for about an hour before serving. Serve cold. 

 

Note from Emerson: It tastes better when it sits overnight!

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Funny Turkey Story
By Glenn Wheeler

 

This happened last year. I am not a cook nor do I profess to be, however, I do know some basics. A friend of mine asked me and my roommate over to her and her lover's house for Thanksgiving last year. 

My roommate Charles, is an excellent cook, and my friend Judy, is not. He quickly found this out when she had asked him to accompany her to the grocery to help her shop for the Thanksgiving meal, she had no idea what or how much to buy. He obliged her request. Next came the question, "can you come over the day before and help me do the prep work." Again he obliged.

Suffice it to say he spent the better part of Wednesday before Thanksgiving helping her prepare stuffing, candied yams and so forth. He even showed her how to soak the turkey in brine or whatever it is you chefs do to prepare the turkey for roasting. All that was left for her do do was actually put the turkey in the oven. He even gave her specific instructions about how long to cook it and at what temperature.

When Thanksgiving day arrived, we, Charles and I, went to Judy's house about 1:00. Everything looks great, the table was set beautifully the smells of Thanksgiving food wafted through the house. 

After a little wine and conversation it was time to take the turkey out of the oven. Judy pulls the turkey out and it is beautifully browned. I looked at it and said this looks funny, something is not right about this turkey. After we all stared at it for a minute.....

Then my roommate said it is upside down! She actually cooked the turkey the entire time upside down. I said Judy even I know a turkey has its legs pointing up! We all roared with laughter. Judy turned the turkey right side up and it looked like an anemic bird that had never seen the light of day.

As it turns out,  by having been cooked upside down, all of the juices had settled into the breast meat and it was the most moist turkey I had ever eaten. I think they call that serendipity.

Having said all of this, we had a great time, a very funny memory, and a wonderful meal. The thing is, this turkey would certainly never grace the cover of any cookbook.

I hope everyone has a Great Thanksgiving and a laugh or two at my story, and at my friend Judy's expense.
CCLT Spotlight: Board Member

 

Marva
Williams
 

Dr. Marva Williams is a seasoned urban economic development researcher and practitioner recognized for commitment to innovation and collaboration.  She is currently an Economic Development Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.  There she is responsible for promoting a better understanding of community development and consumer finance by engaging in applied research and providing outreach to financial institutions, community-based organizations, and government agencies.  Dr. Williams designed and implemented the Great Neighborhoods Program, a comprehensive community development initiative of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation of Chicago.  She was the Vice President of the Woodstock Institute for over 10 years, where she published research reports and led a coalition of community and non-profit organizations.   Dr. Williams has a Masters and a Ph.D. in urban planning.

 

CCLT Interview with Ms. Williams:

 

Q.  Since when have you been involved with the CCLT?

A.  I became involved with the CCLT in 2008.  As a director at the Federal Loan Bank of Chicago, I appreciate that the CCLT is one of the few tools that sustain affordable housing over the long-term. 

 

Q.  What motivates you to continue to work with the CCLT?

A.  The Board and committees of CCLT are integrally involved in policy development and establishing new program rules.  Working with a relatively new and innovative organization is exciting.

 

Q.  Any recommendation for our CCLT homeowners?

A.  Promote the CCLT! There are many misperceptions about the CCLT and we need to inform people of all the advantages. 

 

Community and Ward Information
CCLT homeowners live in the 2nd, 3rd, 26th, 28th, 35th, 46th, 47th, and 49th Wards.  Click the links below for information regarding your Alderman, your Ward, and your Community, including links to City events in your Ward!  If you are in a different Ward or do not know what Ward you are in, please give me a call or shoot me an email and I will let you know.
Ward 2   -   Ward 3  -   Ward 26   -   Ward 28   
 
Ward 35  -  Ward 46   -  Ward 47  -   Ward 49 
Event Calendar 
Genesis Housing Development Corporation Presents:  Homebuyer Education Training Program
Saturday, November 15, 2014
Mercy Hospital
2525 S. Michigan Ave
Chicago, IL 60616
8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
In room # 252 on 2nd floor across from Medical Records
Free Parking
Register online at:
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Visit the CCLT's google calendar for the latest information on Post Purchase CCLT homeowner classes and workshops sponsored by us and our partners, all of which are offered at no cost.
CCLT Homes for Sale

 
1756 N. Kedzie, Unit F

Let your family and friends know!
CCLT RESALE UNIT LARGE TOWNHOME LOCATED AT 1756 N. Kedzie (Logan Square) $181,000
4 bedroom - 2.1 baths, located in Logan Square! Open floor plan with hardwood floors, washer and dryer in main level, maple kitchen cabinets, 9' ceilings, space on 2nd level for a sitting/office room, large unfinished basement.
  

Your total household income

must be equal or less than 80% AMI

1 person                                        $40,550

2 persons                                      $46,350

3 persons                                      $52,150

4 persons                                      $57,900

5 persons                                      $62,550

6 persons                                      $67,200

7 persons                                      $71,800

8 persons                                      $76,450

  
Must meet income requirements and have a bank pre-approval in order to view.  Please call Nadia Stewart at 773. 909.6384 to make an appointment.
 
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Single Family Home - Humboldt Park
1632 North Sawyer
$165,000 - Area Median Income must be at or below 80% to purchase (income chart above.
3 bedrooms, 11/2 bath, unfinished basement
Energy efficient constructions.

Please call Jose Luis Rodriguez if interested in property at 773 858 5199 or email him at: .
And remember...
You can visit us online for information on the CCLT.