FROM THE HEART — NON-MEMBER VERSION
The Newsletter of Lincoln Central Association — March 2020
Winner of APEX Awards for Publication Excellence in 2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019
March 11, 2020

Dear Neighbors:

It was an honor to be elected President of Lincoln Central Association at the organization’s annual meeting and election in January.

To be quite honest, my initial involvement with LCA was accidental, if not reluctant. When my husband was elected LCA’s President in 2015, he immediately dove into the deep end of the pool resurfacing only long enough to drag me in with him. My interest in LCA at that point in time was largely to support his passion for making a difference in the neighborhood rather than doing so myself. It felt like a burden at times.

Along the way, however, the important role LCA plays in enhancing our neighborhood became clear. From nurturing award-winning parks, to protecting historic landmarks, to thoughtful oversight of zoning, LCA was helping to protect and enhance the character of our neighborhood. From hosting family-friendly events, to sponsoring political debates, to keeping neighbors informed with award-winning communications, LCA was connecting the community in various interesting ways. Before long, my initial reluctance was replaced by inspiration at what was being accomplished by a group of involved neighbors.

While we honored and celebrated LCA’s history at January's annual meeting, we also embraced change and began looking optimistically to the future. LCA’s Board is energized by our growing membership, enthusiastic about increasing volunteer engagement, and excited by expanding awareness of the positive impact LCA makes in the community. 

When you look through this newsletter, you'll quickly notice that LCA members are at the "heart" of what's happening in Lincoln Park. You can be too.

If you've ever wanted to become more involved with LCA, now is the perfect time. Committees for 2020 are now being formed and most will have openings for new members. Why not join in?

From the Heart,
Kelly Dotson
President, Lincoln Central Association
If you are receiving this version of the newsletter, our records indicate that you have either not joined LCA or have allowed your membership to lapse at some point (or we have not yet received your recent renewal payment). If you believe our membership records are incorrect, please contact  membership@lincolncentral.org .

PROTESTORS SHUT DOWN CANDIDATE FORUM CO-SPONSORED BY LCA
DISTURBANCE BREAKS OUT DURING THIRD QUESTION
Supporters of Incumbent Claim Responsibility
The candidate forum in the race for Cook County State's Attorney held on February 24th, was brought to an early halt after being disrupted by nearly two dozen organized protesters.

Approximately 150 were in attendance in Cortelyou Commons on the campus of DePaul University to hear directly from candidates (pictured here in alphabetical order.) Bill Conway (D), Bob Fioretti (D), Donna More (D), Pat O'Brien (R) and Christopher Pfannkuche (R). Incumbent Kim Foxx (D) was also invited to participate but declined.

The forum organized as a public service to the community by LCA, Wrightwood Neighbors Association, Park West Community Association, Gold Coast Neighbors, the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce and DePaul University. The forum committee was chaired by Ken Feldbein, Vice-President of Wrightwood Neighbors.) The forum moderator was LCA member Kenneth Dotson.
Video live-streamed on Facebook by protester.
Candidates delivered opening statements and answered two questions each without incident. As forum moderator was preparing to ask the third question, a member of the audience rushed toward the stage demanding that he be allowed question candidate Conway. The forum's published rules did not allow direct audience questions (as the audience was reminded during opening announcements) and the request was denied.

As the moderator tried to proceed with the questions, the protestors rose from their seats and began repeatedly chanting various slogans as reported in The DePaulia .
With on-site security unable to restore order, the forum organizers consulted with the candidates and 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith and decided to cancel the remainder of the forum.

Following the forum, representatives of Southside Organized for Unity and Liberation (SOUL) and The People's Lobby identified themselves to the media and on social media as the organizers of the protest. One protester live-streamed the incident on Facebook.

According to disclosure documents filed will the Illinois State Board of Elections, SOUL and The People's Lobby received a combined total of more than $200,000 between January 11 and March 5th of 2020 from Vote Liberation, a Super PAC formed on January 11, 2020 to re-elect Kim Foxx as Cook County State's Attorney.
Click image to see funding source for protest groups.
Because the forum was halted early, forum organizers sent all of the questions to each of the participating candidates requesting that they answer the questions in writing. Responses received prior to the March 17th election will be published, You can see the questions here.
Read about the duties of the Cook County State's Attorney. The primary election will be help on Tuesday, March 17. Early voting began on March 2nd and runs through March 16th. The Lincoln Park Library Branch (1150 W. Fullerton) is the closest location in our area. Learn more about Chicago's 2020 city elections.
LARGE CROWD ATTENDS LCA'S 2020 ANNUAL MEETING
CONGRESSMAN QUIGLEY AND ALDERMAN SMITH ADDRESS CROWD
Both Discuss Importance of Community Service
Homecoming Lincoln Central, LCA's 2020 Annual Meeting & Election held on the evening of Wednesday, January 22nd at LCA member Belmont Village drew a large crowd.

Among those in attendance was Representative Mike Quigley, who represents Illinois' 5th District in the United States Congress. Quigley, a regular presence at LCA events, mingled with guests before giving a brief address to the crowd during which he encouraged attendees to "be inspired to do just a little bit more because our communities deserve it."
The Congressman spoke of how important it was for individuals to step forward to become involved in the community. "If that model flows out through an entire neighborhood, then through a city and through a region, the world is a much, much better place, added Quigley."

Also in attendance was 43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith who echoed the Congressman's saying: "In this gigantic world of billions and billions of people, what really makes a difference is what we do to make our communities and our cities better."
Congressman Mike Quigley
LCA Member 43rd Alderman Michele Smith
Alderman Smith added: "If you are new to Lincoln Park, I can tell you from being here 40 years, there is not one thing that's been done in our community, and I mean zero, for the public good, without the involvement of neighborhoods organizations and neighbors," specifically noting schools, parks and other public spaces including gardens.

She also thanked LCA and the Oz Park Advisory Council for beginning the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony in Oz Park which she called "one of our most quickly loved neighborhood traditions." The Alderman added: "It will last on in this community for decades and decades to come."
Join LCA to be in the Heart of things in Lincoln Park.
NEW DIRECTORS ELECTED TO LCA'S BOARD
Four new Directors were officially elected to LCA's Board at the Annual Meeting: Kathy Jordan, Eudice Fogel, Erik Heitman, Kathy Jordan and Lee Merovitz. Jordan had previously served several terms on LCA's Board. Fogel, Heitman and Merovitz are all first time LCA Directors.

Re-elected to another two-year term on LCA's Board were: Kelly Dotson, Sally Drucker, David Free, Donna Gallery and Nancy Morris.
Current & Former LCA Board Members Present at Annual Meeting
Currently serving a 2019-2020 term are: Joel Merkin, Anne Moore, Jerry Swarzman and Jill Thompson. Learn me about LCA's Board members here.

We offer our gratitude to LCA's Nominating Committee for their work to nominate the new Directors: Paul Shea (Chair), Joel Merkin, Mimi Duginger, Judy Johanson & Jerry Quandt.
BOARD ELECTS 2020 OFFICERS
Pursuant to LCA's bylaws, the organization's officers are elected each year by LCA's Board of Directors. This year, the Board met after the conclusion off the annual meeting and elected the annual Annual Meeting and elected the following Directors as LCA's 2020 officers:
President — Kelly Dotson
Secretary — Sally Drucker
Vice-President — Kathy Jordan
Treasurer — David Free
Annual Meeting continued below underneath More Upcoming LCA Events.
INTERESTED IN BECOMING ACTIVE WITH LCA?
DIG IN WITH AN AWARD-WINNING GARDENING TEAM
LCA Parks Committee Chair Sally Drucker is now seeking volunteers for Fire Station Park & Gardens for the 2020 season. ( Read more about Fire Station Park & Gardens and its history.)

Drucker will be holding an organizational meeting for the 2020 gardening season on Sunday, March 29th at 5:00 PM in Fire Station Park (1944 N. Larrabee just behind the fire station at Armitage Fire Station). All interested parties are invited to attend. Please RSVP to firestationparkgarden@gmail.com. In the event of inclement weather, the meeting will be relocated to an indoor space.

Home to two of LCA's most popular annual events, Summer Sipper and Evening in the Garden, Fire Station Park & Gardens is the winner of three consecutive Chicago Excellence in Gardening Awards.
LCA 2020 COMMITTEES NOW BEING FORMED
Let Us Know If You Are Interested in Serving on a Committee

Participating on one or more of LCA's committees is a great way to meet new people, have fun and enhance the quality of life in our neighborhood. There are no specific time commitments required; committee members participate in accordance with their interests and availability. Living within LCA's boundaries is not a requirement to serve on a committee, but you must be an LCA member. Committee members are selected by the Chairs of the respective committees. If you are interested in a particular committee, you may email the committee chair by clicking the links below.

If you are interested in becoming involved with LCA but don't know exactly how, perhaps, viewing a representative sample of our recent and on-going initiatives will provide inspiration. Simply click here or on the image below to see a list.
INITIATIVES
COMMITTEE
COMMITTEE CHAIR
Click image above to review recent and on-going LCA initiatives.
Events *
Parks 
Governance 

*Sub-committee of Membership & Communications
Donna Gallery
Kelly Dotson
Nada Riley
Kenneth Dotson
Sally Drucker
Anne Moore
James Borkman
(Bios of LCA Board Members can be found here .)
LCA MEMBERS WITH NEWS
JEFF LAWLER NAMED 2020 LINCOLN PARK NEIGHBORHOOD CHAMPION
Third Consecutive Resident Honoree to Be LCA Member
LCA member Jeff Lawler
LCA member Jeff Lawler, proprietor of sponsor Geja's Cafe was honored as Lincoln Park's 2020 resident Neighborhood Champion by the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce at Lincoln Park 2020, the Chamber's annual meeting held this year on January 30th.

The 2020 Lincoln Park Neighborhood Champion Awards honor one resident and one organization or business within the Lincoln Park neighborhood which has made a positive impact through their actions and involvement with the community. Among many other things, the Chamber cited Lawler's involvement with LCA when announcing his honor. Their statement read in part:
In addition to serving on the Board of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce, Jeff has served on the Lincoln Park Community Services Board of Directors and since 2010, has served breakfast twice a month at their shelter at 600 W. Fullerton with fellow LPCC members. He is a friend to a number of organizations including the Lincoln Central Association and has generously donated cheese and chocolate fondue to countless organizations to help with their fundraising efforts. We are thrilled to have an opportunity to recognize and thank Jeff Lawler for his generosity and dedication to the neighborhood over the past 26 years.
Lawler is the third consecutive resident Neighborhood Champion to be an LCA member. Kenneth Dotson was the inaugural Neighborhood Champion honoree in 2016, followed by Nada Riley in 2017. (The award was not given in 2018 and 2019.)

The business recipient of the 2020 Lincoln Park Neighborhood Champion award was Wintrust Bank Old Town. Accepting the award on Wintrust's behalf was branch President Amy Lemar.

Read more about Lincoln Park's 2020 Neighborhood Champions.
Jeff serving the neighborhood at LCA's Spring Lawler Zing
Be sure and read the feature article on Jeff Lawler in this issue of From the Heart .
A NEW HEARTBEAT IN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD
Congratulations to LCA Members Jill Thompson & Jay Dale
LCA Director Jill Thompson and her husband, Jay Dale, are the proud parents of a new daughter, Jane Justin Dale, who arrived on February 19th weighing in at 6 pounds and 11 ounces.

Jane, who is Jill and Jay's first child, was so anxious to put her heart into the neighborhood, she arrived one month earlier than expected.

Congratulations, Jill & Jay. And, Jane, welcome to the heart of the neighborhood!
Members Jill & Jay pictured in Italy's Amalfi Coast.
LCA MEMBERS ELECTED DIRECTORS OF LINCOLN PARK CHAMBER
Melanie Casati & Susan Nicholl & Melanie Join Board of LPCC
LCA members Casati and Nicholl
Congratulations to LCA members Melanie Casati of Casati's Modern Italian (444 W. Fullerton Avenue) and Susan Nicholl of Theatre on the Lake (2401 N. Lakeshore Drive) on their election to serve as new members of the Board of Directors of the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce.

LCA members Jeff Lawler of Geja's Cafe and John Fitzgerald of Lakeshore Sport & Fitness Lincoln Park also serve on the Chamber's Board. Fitzgerald serves as Vice-Chair of Community Outreach for the Chamber.
Join LCA to be in the Heart of things in Lincoln Park.
MEMBER KENNETH DOTSON RE-ELECTED CHAIR OF LINCOLN AVENUE SSA
LCA Member Edda Coscioni Re-Elected Secretary
LCA member Kenneth Dotson was re-elected as Chair of the Lincoln Avenue Special Services Area at the Commission's January 24th meeting. He was appointed to the SSA Commission in 2012 and was first elected Chair of the Commission in 2016.
Member Edda Coscioni
Edda Coscioni of Salon Edda (2212 N. Lincoln Avenue), also an LCA member, was re-elected Secretary. Coscioni was first appointed to the Commission in 2015 and was elected Secretary in 2016.

The mission of the Lincoln Avenue SSA is to beautify and enhance Lincoln Avenue through efficient use of funds levied to promote the district as a vibrant place to live and do business. The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is the Service provider for the Lincoln Avenue SSA.

SSA commissioners approve the annual budget for the SSA, vendors who provide SSA services, and initiatives and events funded through the SSA. Commissioners are appointed by the Mayor and must own or rent property within the SSA boundaries.
Know of an LCA member or member business who has reached an important milestone? Let us know by emailing  newsletter@lincolncentral.org .
FEATURE ARTICLES
ROMANCE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD
LCA Member Jeff Lawler Brings Heart
by Kathy Jordan
(Editor's Note: This article was first published ih the August 2016 edition of From the Heart .)
He fell in love with the restaurant business while a student at Southern Illinois University. Today, LCA member Jeff Lawler (pictured) is the proprietor of Geja's Cafe, that monument to romantic dining that's been part of Lincoln Park since 1971 after moving from Old Town. "I wandered through the industry 'til I came here," he says, and when he did, he fell in love.
 
His wandering began when he was a high school senior in Frankfort, Ill. He'd been playing football for two years, getting maybe three plays a game. "I said, Coach, will I get more than three plays per game?" The answer was "No," so he quit the team and took a job as a short order cook at a grocery/carry out/catering place. He liked the job.
LCA member Jeff Lawler
At Joliet Junior College, he learned about food service. At SIU for his junior and senior years, he was a waiter at a "white tablecloth" restaurant that did table-side steak Diane and shrimp scampi. Stints at Arby's and Bennigan's, persuaded him that "Fine dining was my way to go. My heart swelled when I served people."
 
Back home in Frankfort he got a waiter/busboy job at Chi-Chi's Mexican restaurant. In three months, he was assistant manager and three years later, a general manager. "I thought I'd made it," Lawler says. But he outlived the job and moved on to Country Buffet. There, he missed customer service and was fired for being "too nice, carrying customers' plates, bringing them a second dessert."
 
On to Chicago, where he was a sous chef for the Old Carolina Crab House at Illinois and Lake Shore Drive. "I worked there for three years. I was not a very good chef." Next it was Christopher's American Bistro in Lincoln Park, where Dave Green played piano every night. 

Geja's owner John Davis had a headhunter looking for an assistant manager for the restaurant. He found Jeff Lawler. "At first I thought I wouldn't be here long," Lawler says. "I had dreamed of going to Florida, but I fell in love with Geja's. By six months I knew I'd be here a long time." Lawler and John Davis worked together for 22 years.
Article continued underneath FEATURE ARTICLES, CONTINUED
A HEART FOR INFORMATION
Lincoln Park Branch of Chicago Public Library Celebrates 25th Anniversary
by Allan Mellis

Editor's Note: The Lincoln Park branch of the Chicago Public Library celebrated its 25th anniversary at its current location (1150 W. Fullerton Avenue) with a reception and other activities on Saturday, February 15th. During the reception, Allan Mellis, who served as Chairman of the Friends of the New Lincoln Park Library, delivered remarks to those assembled. The remarks are reproduced with the permission of Mellis.
Mellis (second from right) helping cut the ribbon at the 1995 grand opening
Good afternoon. My name is Allan Mellis, the former Chairman of the Friends of the New Lincoln Park Library. Over 33 years ago, when the branch was at the corner of Sheffield and Fullerton, my sons, Daniel and David, would have to go to the Sulzer Regional Library if they had to write a school report. In short, the branch was not serving the needs of our community. 

Mayor Harold Washington had a community forum and the panel included the new Library Commissioner John Duff.
To show we were serious, we presented Duff with blueprints drawn by my neighbor, architect Jerry Hamen, for a proposed branch at the then current location. The Commissioner did not have a business card, so he wrote his phone number on his name plate that is now housed in the DePaul University Community Archives.

For the next eight years, there were hundreds of meetings, complete support from DePaul University, especially Vice President Ken McHugh, who had the proposed library included in the university’s Master Plan.

Article continued underneath FEATURE ARTICLES, CONTINUED
HAVE A STORY IDEA FOR THE NEWSLETTER?
UPCOMING LCA EVENTS
CONDO SEMINAR TONIGHT, MARCH 11TH | 6:30 PM
St. Paul's Church | 2335 N. Orchard
Proudly Sponsored By:
43rd Alderman Michele Smith invites you to join her office, Park West Community Association, Lincoln Central Association and Wrightwood Neighbors Association this evening from 6:30 to 8:30 PM for a condo seminar featuring attorney Sima Kirsch.

The focus of the seminar, which is being held at St. Paul's Church (2335 N. Orchard), will be on the individual rights of condo owners.

If you have any questions, please contact the Alderman's office at yourvoice@ward43.org, or 773-348-9500.
Click image above to enlarge
DATES SET FOR LCA'S AWARD-WINNING EVENT SERIES
Spring Zing to Kick-off the Fun on Saturday, June 6th
LCA's 2020 branded event series will kick-off with the 7th annual Spring Zing on Saturday, June 6th followed by the 6th annual Summer Sipper on Sunday, June 28th. The 7th annual Evening in the Garden will be held this year on Sunday evening, September 13th, with the 13th annual Howler at Bauler scheduled for Saturday, October 24th. (Note: The links associated with the event names will take you to the event guide of each of the 2019 events.)

If you are interested in sponsoring one or more of LCA 2020 events to support the neighborhood and/or to take advantage of LCA's award-winning event promotion, please contact us at sponsorship@lincolncentral.org. For other information on LCA events, contact events@lincolncentral.org.
Click here or image above see what sponsors and the APEX Awards judges say about LCA's family-friendly events.
Tuesday, March 26th
LCA Monthly Board Meeting
LCA Board meetings are normally held the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the back room of the Marquee Lounge (Halsted & Armitage). Meetings are open to the public. 

Tuesday,  April 14th
LCA Zoning Committee Meeting
Zoning Committee meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the back room of the Marquee Lounge (Halsted & Armitage). Zoning Committee meetings are open to the public.

Thursday, April 23rd
LCA Monthly Board Meeting
LCA Board meetings are normally held the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the back room of the Marquee Lounge (Halsted & Armitage). Meetings are open to the public. 

Tuesday,  May 12th
LCA Zoning Committee Meeting
Zoning Committee meetings are held the second Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM in the back room of the Marquee Lounge (Halsted & Armitage). Zoning Committee meetings are open to the public.

Thursday, May 28th
LCA Monthly Board Meeting
LCA Board meetings are normally held the fourth Thursday of each month at 6:30 PM in the back room of the Marquee Lounge (Halsted & Armitage). Meetings are open to the public. 
Saturday, June 6th
7th Annual Spring Zing
Join us for an afternoon of family friendly fun at LCA's 7th Annual  Spring Zing  from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at Lincoln Central Park (corner Lincoln & Dickens).

Saturday, June 28th
6th Annual Summer Sipper
Summer Sipper  will return to our beautiful, award-winning Fire Station Park & Gardens on Sunday, June 28th from 5:00 to 7:00 PM.   Summer Sipper  is a neighborhood reception style event featuring dishes from local restaurants and dishes prepared by neighbors using herbs grown in the garden.

Sunday Evening, September 13th
7th Annual Evening in the Garden
Evening in the Garden  is a neighborhood reception from 6:00 to 8:00 PM in our beautiful, award-winning Fire Station Park & Gardens. Hors' d'oeuvres and beverages will be served. Stay tuned for additional details.

Saturday, October 24th
13th Annual Howler at Bauler         
The 13th annual  Howler at Bauler  will be held at Bauler Park on Saturday, October 24th f rom 3:00 to 5:00 PM.

Saturday, December TBD
3rd Annual Tree Lighting in Oz Park

Wednesday, January 20th, 2021
LCA's Annual Meeting & Board Election
ANNUAL MEETING, CONTINUED
ESTABLISHMENTS WITH HEART
A Special Thanks for the Hospitality
A special thanks toLCA member organization  Belmont Village Senior Living (700 W. Fullerton) for hosting LCA's 2020 annual meeting. Thanks also to the following establishments for providing complimentary food and beverage for the event: Tandoor Char House (2652 N. Halsted Street), LCA member J9 Wine Bar (1961 N. Halsted Street), LCA member Geja's Cafe (340 W. Armitage), LCA member Theatre on the Lake (2401 N. Lakeshore Drive), Cedar Palace Chicago (655 W. Armitage Avenue), and LCA member  Belmont Village.
Please support the businesses who support LCA.
GRATITUDE FROM THE HEART
Kenneth Dotson Honored at Annual Meeting
By Kathy Jordan
Although out-going president Kenneth Dotson had planned Lincoln Central Association's January 22nd annual meeting as a tribute to the organization's prior Board members, others felt that Kenneth himself also deserved recognition for his contributions to the neighborhood. Dotson stepped down from a six-year term as a Board member, the last five of which he served as President. LCA Bylaws dictate six-year term limits for Board members.
 
“Your commitment to improving the neighborhood through your service as LCA President is clear,” said Congressman Mike Quigley, from a letter of gratitude for Dotson’s service. “The benefits of your leadership will reverberate for years to come.”

Quigley closed his remarks saying "Kenneth, you've made the world a better place."
43rd Ward Alderman Michele Smith then presented Dotson with a resolution adopted by Chicago’s City Council at its January 15, 2020 meeting, and signed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot, expressing gratitude for Dotson’s contributions to the community. The resolution reads in part: “In 2015, Kenneth was elected as our beloved President of Lincoln Central, bringing with him a deep-rooted appreciation and dedication for the neighborhood, and a vision to keep pushing LCA forward on what it could become and aspire to be.”

The LCA Board also acknowledged Dotson’s contributions. Out-going Board member Paul Shea and returning Board member Anne Moore presenting him with a commissioned painting of the Traveler, the sculpture in award-winning Fire Station Park, which is maintained by LCA, along with a couple of heart-themed gifts.

A member of State Representative Ann Williams staff was also on hand to present Kenneth with a letter of gratitude for his service to community.
Join LCA to be in the Heart of things in Lincoln Park.
FEATURE ARTICLES, CONTINUED
Lawler, continued
LCA members only event on Geja's patio
Geja's was named the " most romantic restaurant" in the United States by USA Today in 2015, 50 years after first opening in on Wells Street as a wine and cheese bar in 1965. It moved to its present location in 1971, when the apartment towers were being built on the corner of Armitage and Clark, and everyone was sure the neighborhood would grow.

Geja's served a variety of dishes including one cheese fondue. It became all fondue within six months of moving to the Lincoln Park location, although gourmet meats, cheeses and fabulous wines remain a cornerstone of the menu.
Flamenco and classical guitar music, a staple of Geja's almost from the beginning, still fill the air. Along with menu and the decor, it contributes to the restaurant's romantic ambience.

And, of course, two or three couples get engaged each week. Having passed its 50th year in 2015, the year Lawler purchased Geja's, a few changes may be on the way—fire places on the patio, maybe with wine service—new silverware and chairs. ( Editor's note: The fireplaces on the patio have been installed.)

One thing remains the same, says Lawler. I'm not just an owner, I'm a proprietor, involved with the people who come in. That's my favorite role, one I've strived to keep alive throughout my life."
Jeff & Darla Lawler
Lawler with former Geja's owner John Davis
"But how do you make it better?" Lawler asks. "It's already wonderful and it's the people who make it so. It can be a girl's night out, a first date, a couple's date. It's all about people, about being part of their experience and making it special." 

His goal? "I want to see the 75th anniversary. I bought it on the 50th. I want to see the 75th."
Lincoln Park Library 25th Anniversary, continued
Government support included: Vice President Al Gore who helped fund the computers; Mayor Daley who gave his full support to this private public partnership; three 43rd Ward Aldermen, Marty Oberman, Edwin Eisendrath, and Chuck Bernardini; State Representative Judy Erwin; and State Senator John Cullerton — who helped get state funding; and Library Deputy Commissioners Carla Hayden (currently the head of the Library of Congress), Bob Remer, and Commissioner Mary Dempsey.
Mellis helping Branch Manager Mary O'Toole cut the anniversary cake
Many people—too numerous to mention them all—helped raise funds including community leaders and neighborhood associations and especially Tom Coffey of the Haymarket Group.

Joe Antunovich and Mike Vasilko designed this beautiful library that looks as good today as it did 25 years ago. DePaul’s Vice President in charge of construction, Bob Janis, made sure the project came in on time and under budget.

In closing, I want to thank everyone who made this Lincoln Park Library Branch possible. I would also like to thank the library staff that continues to serve our community in one of the highest circulating branches in the city. Let’s all put February 11, 2045 on our calendars to celebrate the 50th anniversary.

Allan Mellis • 1115 West Montana St. • Chicago, Illinois 60614-2220 • mellisfamily@rcn.com • 773-327-9123

See Allan Mellis' remarks from the February 11th, 1995 ribbon cutting ceremony.
HAVE A STORY IDEA FOR THE NEWSLETTER?
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR THE NEIGHBORHOOD
18TH DISTRICT UNDER NEW LEADERSHIP
O' Shea Promoted; Stevens Named Commander
Commander Jill Stevens
The Chicago Police Department recently announced new command staff changes for the 18th District. The District Commander is now Captain Jill Stevens.

Stevens has been with CPD for 17 years. She was previously the Executive Officer of the 18th District. She has been a lieutenant in the 24th and 10th Districts and Commanding Officer in the department’s Special Events Section.

Former District Commander Dan O'Shea was promoted to Area 3 Commander which oversees the 18th and 19th District, as well as the lakefront.
NEED TO CONTACT THE 18TH DISTRICT?
Address: 1160 North Larrabee Ave., Chicago, IL 60610
Email: CAPS018District@chicagopolice.org
 Phone: 312-742-5870
 Fax: 312-742-5771
 Twitter: ChicagoCAPS18
WANT TO HELP KEEP OUR NEIGHBORHOOD SAFE?
Learn More About the Court Advocacy Program
Court advocacy is a way to show support for victims and solidarity against crime in your community. The presence of Court Advocacy volunteers sends a strong message to the defendant, the judge and all other interested parties in the criminal justice system: the community cares about the outcome of these cases and is willing to devote its time and energies to monitoring the workings of the judicial system.

For information about Court Advocacy, call 312-747-9973 or contact the Community Policing Office in your district. Or visit here to learn more about the Court Advocacy Program.
NEXT WARD NIGHT SET FOR APRIL 6
Held First Monday of Each Month
Alderman Michele Smith hosts Ward Nights the first Monday of each month allowing constituents to schedule 10 minute appointments.

The next Ward Night is set for Monday, April 6th from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Alderman's office (2523 N. Halsted Street).

There are no remaining appointments available for the April Ward Night but walk-ins will be accepted if time allows.
LSC Elections Deadline Extended
Open Until Friday, March 13 at 3 p.m.
CPS has extended the application deadline due to record high interests in becoming an LSC member. Serving on a Local School Council (LSC) provides a unique opportunity to become engaged in your school community and play an active role in making policy decisions affecting your school. LSCs are critical to ensuring positive student outcomes and a dynamic school environment.

To apply, candidates must download and fill out the application forms and return them with two forms of identification to the Office of Local School Council Relations at the Garfield Park Office on the third floor of 2651 W. Washington Blvd.
MARCH 17TH ELECTION INFORMATION
Early Voting Now Underway
GET YOUR REAL ID
Residents of Illinois can now apply for ID cards that meet strict new federal security requirements.

After October 1, 2020 your Illinois driver's license or state ID card will no longer be accepted as proper forms of identification at airports, military bases and secure federal facilities.

To see what documents you need to apply for a REAL ID, visit the  REAL ID Interactive Checklist.
SAVE THE DATES
NEIGHBORS NIGHT AT THE THEATRE SCHOOL AT DEPAUL UNIVERSITY
Thursday, May 13th | 6:30 Reception | 7:30 Performance
Watts Theatre | 2350 N. Racine Avenue
The Theatre School at DePaul University invites you to Neighbors Night on Thursday evening, May 15th. Cocktails start at 6:30 PM to be followed by a 7:30 performance of The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time. The reception and performance will be held in DePaul's Watts Theatre (2350 N. Racine Avenue).
Mention code "neighbors" to receive $15 tickets for the reception and performance when calling the DePaul Theatre Box Office — 773.325.7900.
The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-time
Based on Mark Haddon novel | Adapted by Simon Stephens​ | Directed by Ben Raanan
Christopher Boone, an inquisitive fifteen-year-old with an exceptional mind, launches an investigation after finding that his neighbor’s dog, Wellington, has been killed. Christopher goes on a journey of self-discovery as he travels alone for the first time and learns about the true nature of his mother’s whereabouts. Winner of Olivier and Tony Awards, The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time explores the complexity and challenges of Christopher’s daily life
 What if the world isn’t just black and white…but sometimes grey?
For more information on the The Theatre School at DePaul, visit theatre.depaul.edu.
LINCOLN PARK WINE FESTIVAL
Friday, May 15th - Sunday, May 15th | Jonquil Park | 1001 W. Wrightwood Avenue
Join our friends at Wrightwood Neighbors Association for their 6th Annual Lincoln Park Wine Festival, scheduled for Friday, May 15th through Sunday, May 17th and Jonquil Park.

Lincoln Park Wine Fest transforms tranquil Jonquil Park into an open-air market featuring wine and food pavilions. The highlight is ticketed wine tastings where scores of varietals will be showcased.

Beyond samplings, wine connoisseurs will appreciate the on-site expertise of brand ambassadors and sommeliers. There will also be food-wine pairings and the products/services of wine-centric vendors.
LINCOLN PARK UNCORKED
2020 Dates
Thursday, May 7th
Lincoln Park Uncorked:
An Armitage Halsted Wine Stroll
Thursday, September 24th
Lincoln Park Uncorked:
A Lincoln Avenue Wine Stroll
Stay tuned for additional details on the two Lincoln Park Uncorked events.
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ABOUT FROM THE HEART
From the Heart  is an award-winning newsletter published by Lincoln Central Association, and co-edited by Kenneth Dotson and Kathy Jordan. We welcome your feedback and story ideas . We look forward to hearing from you at newsletter@lincolncentral.org .

From the Heart  has received APEX Awards for Publication Excellence in 2016, 2018, 2018 and 2019. In total the newsletter has received eight APEX awards since 2016. Additionally,  From the Heart  has been named a  Constant Contact All-Star for 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018 based on the open rates and other metrics associated with this newsletter in comparison to other Constant Contact clients. 

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Winner APEX Awards for Publication Excellence in 2016, 2017, 2018 & 2019 (eight awards total for newsletter)
Winner of Constant Contact All-Star Awards in 2015, 2016, 2017 & 2018