FROM THE HEART
How Do We Look?

We're all heart with Lincon Central Association's new logo featuring the tagline "the heart of the neighborhood." While the Lincoln Central neighborhood is in the center of Lincoln Park, the heart symbolizes something far more important. LCA's heart is evident in what we do in and for the community--organizing and staffing parties for kids and forums for adults; keeping our parks clean and beautiful; making sure our streets are safe; providing a unified voice for members on vital community issues, and working with government and local groups to find solutions to neighborhood problems. Not already an LCA member? Have a heart and join today!

Please tell us what you think about our new look at our website and blog , Facebook page, and on Twitter .

            Wednesday, March 25,  2015

In This Issue

Upcoming Events

Tuesday, April 7
Mayor and 43rd Ward Alderman Run-Off Election

Get your voice heard in the run-off election for our ward! It is sure to be a tight race so be sure to stay updated. ( More Info )

Thursday, April 9
Chef Tasting at Limelight Catering  

The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce invites neighbors a special Chef Tasting event at Lincoln Park's own Limelight Catering. 

For more than 20 years, the team at Limelight Catering has set themselves apart by offering healthy, customized dining experiences executed by the best in customer service.  Now, Lincoln Park residents have an opportunity to join the culinary minds behind this leading business for a special chef-driven demo and tasting event. ( More Info )

Saturday, May 30
2nd Annual Spring Zing

After the success of last year's event, LCA's second Spring Zing event is sure to be a must-attend event! Join us on May 30 for an afternoon of family fun. ( More Info)

Ongoing
Fire Station Park garden prep and planting

Garden preparation and cleanup has already begun at Fire Station Park. If you are looking for an opportunity to welcome spring and get your hands dirty, contact Sally Drucker about volunteer opportunities in our beautiful gardens. ( More Info)


Visit Our New Blog
LCA now has a blog! Check our website regularly for updates about important neighborhood information, community updates, and upcoming events.

Leave a comment and let us know what you think!

Meet Lincoln Central!
Lincoln Central's board meetings are held on the 4th Thursday of each month. These meetings are an excellent opportunity to discuss issues of public interest and share upcoming community events. 

The Lincoln Central Zoning & Planning Committee meets on the 2nd Tuesday of each month with the goal of ensuring open and fair processes for developers and homeowners.

These meetings are open to the public and held at:

The Marquee Lounge
1973 N. Halsted Street
6:30 P.M. In the Back Room

We look forward to seeing you there!
A Note From Our President
I was honored to be elected President of Lincoln Central Association in January of this year. I assumed this role grateful to those who preceded me and fully aware that it will be difficult to ever match their contributions to LCA and to our neighborhood. In particular, I owe a debt of gratitude to Rodger Owen, Immediate Past President of LCA and Deirdre Graziano, Immediate Past Vice-President, for their inspiration and their guidance in helping me prepare for my new role. As Rodger said in his departing message, training the next generation of leaders is the greatest legacy an LCA Board member can give to the community. I am also blessed to work with a Board of Directors all of whom are supportive and dedicated to serving our community. I rely upon their wisdom. 

If you are not already an LCA member, I encourage you to learn more about our organization and the benefits we offer to our members and the contributions we make to your neighborhood neighborhood. If you are a member but have not been recently active in LCA's activities, I encourage you to again become involved. Active participation in LCA is a truly rewarding experience. If you would like to learn more about LCA or provide suggestions as to how we can better serve the neighborhood, contact me at any time at [email protected].

From the Heart,

Kenneth
Your Vote Needed
43rd ward run-off debate
Run-off elections for the important offices of Chicago Mayor, 43rd Ward Alderman, and 2nd Ward Alderman are being held on April 7. Early voting has started and will continue until April 4 from 9 am to 4 pm. We urge you to vote for your candidates of choice.

Prior to the city elections on February 27, Lincoln Central, along with Ranch Triangle and Sheffield Neighbors associations, hosted a debate at St. Vincent Depaul for the four 43rd Ward aldermanic candidates in the race at that time--Jen Kramer, Jerry Quandt, Alderman Michele Smith, and Caroline Vickrey. The debate was moderated by Ted Wrobleski, First Vice President of Sheffield Neighbors. No candidate achieved 50% of the vote and Alderman Smith now faces Caroline Vickrey in the run-off. The same three neighborhood associations, this time joined by Wrightwood Neighbors, held a second debate on March 16 for the two run-off candidates.

Moderated by Lincoln Central President Kenneth Dotson and televised by CAN TV, the debate provided a lively discussion of issues from taxes and ethics to community projects and pension funding. Two recurring topics were Lincoln Elementary School construction and the proposed re-development of the vacant Children's Memorial Hospital property. While the Lincoln Elementary School construction is well underway, the CMH development has been held up by a lawsuit brought by two neighborhood organizations that did not join the four neighborhood associations who supported the project. Candidate Vickrey argues that Alderman Smith's community process was lacking in both projects and say she will bring the neighborhood groups back to the table with the developer to seek further compromise on the project. Alderman Smith, backed by a letter from the developer, Dan McCaffery, countered, "The decision has been made. The compromises have been reached...and it is going to go forward." If you missed the debate you can watch the CAN TV broadcast here. The four neighborhood associations thank Steppenwolf Theatre for their generous hospitality in hosting this event. Please visit Steppenwolf.org to learn more about their exciting schedule of upcoming entertainment.

Go to LinconCentral.org for more pre-election and election updates.
The Heart Welcomes You...
Spring Zing 2014
to join us at these exciting Lincoln Central events in 2015. The second annual SPRING ZING, Saturday, May 30, beginning at 10 pm, will be a festival of family fun you won't want to miss.  SUMMER TEA IN THE GARDEN, Sunday, June 28, 3 to 5 pm, is an opportunity for you and your family to enjoy the Fire Station Park Gardens, while sipping iced tea and lemonade, and tasting tea sandwiches and cakes. Enjoy hors d'oevres and wine, as well as good conversation with neighbords, at the second annual Fire Station Park GARDEN PARTY, Thursday, September 10, 6 to 9 pm. Then it's the annual HOWLER AT BAULER, Saturday, October 24, noon to 3 pm, when families of all ages put on their Halloween best for games, raffles, balloon animals, a DJ, dancing and other spooky happenings.
Experience Spring at LCA Gardens
Fire Station Park
"The garden is coming back to life.  Every day there are changes." So says LCA Director--and Head Gardner--Sally Drucker about the Fire Station Park Gardens, one of three parks that are LCA projects.

Sally invites all neighbors to "come and experience the daily changes or just sit in the sun and feel spring arrive." Why not get involved in garden activities, starting in April, when vegetable beds are prepared with compost and paths, then seeded with lettuces, radishes, spinach and peas. 

Not a gardener? Stop by to enjoy the garden's peace and beauty, then harvest some vegetables and herbs, including sage, thyme, rosemary, basil, chives, mint, and oregano, to add zest to a meal. It's all free of charge. For more garden news, visit us at LincolnCentral.org.