February Newsletter

02/13/2024

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"I Love River North" Happy Hour - MARCH 6

River North Bistro and Twenty-Six Chicago

Join RNRA for the first I Love River North Happy Hour of 2024! Hosted by River North Bistro and Twenty-Six Chicago, it's a great way to start the year off right, reconnecting with friends and neighbors and making new connections.

You will be welcomed with a cocktail and light bites at River North Bistro and then head upstairs to Twenty-Six for an open bar with wine, locally crafted beers, delicious appetizers, and a stunning view of the city, courtesy of our generous hosts and sponsors and all included in your ticket price.

When: Wednesday, March 6 - 5:30-7:30 pm

Where: River North Bistro, 660 N State Street/Twenty-Six Chicago

Tickets: $40 in advance $50 at the door - Food & Beverage included

Raffle: $250 Gift Certificate to River North Bistro and one night stay for two at EuroStar Magnificent Mile Hotel. Raffle Tickets available at the event - $10 each or 3 for $20.

Voting Closes February 16

Time to Vote for

Movies in the Park 2024!



It's that time - despite the snow and cold, think summer! Cast your vote for the three films that will be shown this summer at A. Montgomery Ward Park. Voting closes at midnight on February 16! Movies are sponsored by the River North Residents Association and the Chicago Park District.

Chicago Casino Updates

RNRA is in the process of reviewing the information first provided formally at the CAC meeting on January 25. 

The magnitude of the proposed changes merits extensive review and has implications across all of the areas on which RNRA has previously provided recommendations, articulated in detail on our main casino page. 

RNRA continues to advocate for impactful project improvements through the CCAC and direct dialogue with city officials and developers. See recent comments from RNRA on ABC-TV.

Regarding the temporary facility, RNRA has general concerns about the potential impact of measures the operators may take to increase traffic and revenue and will continue to meet with Bally’s to address these concerns.

Volunteer Opportunities with RNRA

Are you looking for ways to get more involved in improving our River North neighborhood? Did you start the new year with a goal of finding a place to share your time and skills as a volunteer? Interested in meeting new people? RNRA would love to find a place for you!

We are actively looking for help producing this newsletter and serving on our Public Safety committee but there are lots of ways to join us!

A recent walk-thru of both the Erie/Larrabee and Ohio Place DFAs showed a significant amount of dog waste in both parks. This is disrespectful to other users and unsightly in our beautiful neighborhood, but also attracts rodents and can be a public health hazard.

Owners who fail to clean up after their dogs are subject to a fine of up to $500 (City of Chicago Ordinance 7-12-420).

Courtesy of Dog.Hotel | Daycare, doggie waste bags are available at both parks. Recently, due to the poor conditions, RNRA reached out to Dog.Hotel, and they generously donated their staff resources to come out and clean up both parks. However, we depend on responsible pet owners to keep the parks clean of dog waste. Please pick up after your dog, and if you see someone forgetting to do so, kindly remind them.

Coffee with the Commander February 15

Come and enjoy coffee and conversations with the 18th District Commander, Michael Barz.

When: Thursday, February 15 at 10:00 a.m.

Where: Marshall Field Garden Apartments, 1450 N. Sedgwick Street

If you have any questions, please call the CAPS office at 312-742-5778.

18th Police District Council

February 27 Meeting

Come and learn about the Chicago Police Board's role and responsibilities.

The guest speakers are Paula Wolff, Vice President, and Max Caproni, Executive Director of the Police Board. The Chicago Police Board is an independent civilian body appointed by the Mayor that decides serious police disciplinary cases. The Police Board (PB) has been in the newspaper recently as a result of an arbitrator decision that may change its role.

When: Tuesday, February 27, 6:00 - 7:30 PM

Where: Wintrust Bank at NW corner of Clark Street and North Avenue - 100 W. North Avenue



RSVPs are appreciated. RSVP Here

March CAPS Beat Meetings

CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) meetings offer an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol our neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which helps the police monitor crime. 

There are several BEATS in River North

Find your Beat and Meeting to Attend

View the March 2024 schedule of CAPS Beat Meeting

Senior Scam Prevention Presentation

When: April 11, 2024, at 11:30 a.m.

Where: Near North Library at 310 W. Division Street.

If you have any questions, please contact P.O. Nomellini at 312-742-5778, 18th District CAPS or The Cook County State’s Attorney's Office Community Justice Centers-Central at 312-325-9700. For more information click here.

Early Voting and Vote by Mail

for March Primary

Early Voting for the March 19 Presidential Primary Election will open at the Loop Supersite (191 N. Clark) on Thursday, February 15 at 9:00 am. Early Voting in all 50 Wards of Chicago will begin March 4 at 9:00 am. Maggie Daley Field House, located at 337 E Randolph Street, will be the 42nd Ward’s early voting location.  A list of Early Voting sites will be posted to the Board of Elections website. 

Please click here if you would like to apply to Vote-by-Mail. Vote By Mail ballots are scheduled to be sent starting on Thursday, February 8, 2024.

Gilda's Club Chicago

Improv Program February 22

We all know how important it is to laugh and smile for our health - but what are the benefits to comedy, laughter, play, and improvisation? Join Gilda's Club Chicago and improvisation facilitators Jay and Kat to talk about the health and social impacts of comedy and improvisation on February 22 at 6:00 PM.

Plan Ahead - April 2

18th District Shred Event

Come shred your personal papers and documents and recycle electronics safely with the help of R4 Services. This service is free of charge but open to 018th District residents only. Prescription Drug Drop-Off will also be available in the lobby of the 18th District station.

When: Tuesday, April 2nd from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Where: 18th District Parking Lot, 1160 N. Larrabee Street.

Please use south entrance off Hobbie Street. Questions, contact 18th District CAPS office at 312-742-5778 or email [email protected]

Register today for the 20th Annual Run to Remember on May 4th, 2024! The Run to Remember is the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation’s annual 5K run/walk that raises funds to support families of fallen and catastrophically injured Chicago Police Officers. Join RNRA on "Team Blue for Bauer", in memory of Commander Paul Bauer.  Let’s take home the trophy for our 18th District! Lets's show our support!

Welcome New Silver Supporter

Hard Rock Cafe Chicago

My River North Mobile App

The more properties that join, the stronger our voice!

RNRA is a not-for-profit community organization established in 1997 to protect and enhance the quality of life in River North. We are proud to represent over 25,000 residents – the highest membership level in RNRA history!

Is your building a member?



Once a property joins, all of its residents become members. If you aren’t a member, talk to your Property Manager or Community Manager about joining.

A Warm Welcome to our Newest Member!

Thank you for joining RNRA. We are stronger together! 

• 920 N. Wells