• LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT •

November 17, 2023

Dear LCA Friends and Neighbors,

Next week we will celebrate Thanksgiving, my family’s favorite holiday. The Fall colors and crisp, cool November air provide a perfect setting for getting together with our loved ones and expressing gratitude for the many blessings that were received throughout the year.

This year, I am thankful for the opportunity to serve as President of Lincoln Central Association and work with such a wonderful team of LCA Directors and volunteers. I am always amazed by their love for the neighborhood. I cannot thank the Board of Directors enough for everything they do.

Unfortunately, for many people in our community it will be difficult to celebrate this year and the same sights and scenes that help herald in the holiday season may weigh heavy on their hearts.

While there is much to celebrate this year, our community also mourns the loss of Chicago Firefighter Andrew “Drew” Price, who lost his life while serving our City.

To Drew’s family and the brave men and women he served with, on behalf of the Lincoln Central Association, I want to express my sincerest condolences for your loss. This year you have my deepest gratitude and unwavering support for the sacrifices you’ve all made to keep our community safe.

Please know that we will not look forward to the future without first reflecting on and giving thanks for your service.

From the Heart,

Erik Heitman

President, Lincoln Central Association

• Recent LCA News •

Join Us for the Oz Park Holiday Tree Lighting on December 2

You are invited to join the Oz Park Advisory Council and Lincoln Central Association as we light up the neighborhood at the annual holiday tree lighting ceremony in Oz Park. Enjoy this magical moment surrounded by the sounds of the holidays provided by the Lincoln Park High School choir.

Oz Park’s 7th Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony is on Saturday, December 2 at 5 p.m. in Oz Park (just south of the Tin Man).

The event is free and open to the public. We hope to see you there!

18th Police District Council Meeting on November 28

The November community meeting of the 18th Police District Council is at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, November 28 at the Northwestern BioMedical Building, Simpson Querrey Auditorium, 303 E Superior.

We strongly encourage you to attend to hear from our newly elected Council and to share your own public safety concerns and questions.

Why? Because our best path to measurably improved public safety is though more effective police-community partnership and communication. In other words, in addition to asking CPD to do a better job of protecting us, we should be asking ourselves how can we help CPD make a difference? And our new District Council offers a new way to do just that!

RSVPs are encouraged but not required. Register here.

How to Help Local Asylum Seekers

With an increased number of Asylum seekers at the 18th District police station, more community assistance is needed! Organizers are asking for help with volunteers and helping to feed these new community members.

Here are three ways that you can help:

1. Meal Delivery: A District 18 Meal Delivery website has been set up to help provide meals to the people at the police station. Learn more and sign up to provide a meal here.
2. Donations: Please do not drip clothing off at the 18th District police station. Clothing donations and donations of personal care items for asylum seekers can be arranged with the Church of the Ascension at 1133 N LaSalle. The Church has a Refugee Free Store for the area. Call Liz to Schedule a drop off time at 920-254-4735. Park Community Church at 1001 N Crosby is collecting clothing for Refugee Free Stores in Rogers Park. Call Ruth for more information about how to donate at Park at 312-833-2569.
3. Help with Tutoring: Project Education Plus has regular after school tutoring and now English Language Learning tutoring. Call Vince Carter at 312-520-0905 if you want to volunteer to tutor. Spanish speaking is not necessary but helpful.

Thank You LCA Sponsors!

LCA is dedicated to inspiring people to join together for the social, cultural, and physical enrichment of our neighborhood, and our local businesses are a critical part of that! LCA is honored to work with local businesses to improve our neighborhood and promote their business.

Thank You to Our Sponsors:

• Neighborhood News •

Cedar Palace Offers Thanksgiving Take-Out

As the holiday season approaches, our partner and LCA supporter Cedar Palace will be offering a pickup meal for Thanksgiving Day. Note that their Thanksgiving offerings are in high demand, and orders are limited.

Cedar Palace’s Mediterranean Thanksgiving Dinner is designed to serve 4-6 people, making it the perfect choice for your family gathering or an intimate get-together with friends. Please be aware that orders are limited. It's a first-come, first-serve basis. To secure your Mediterranean Thanksgiving Dinner, call Cedar Palace at (312) 643-0933 or walk-in to reserve your meal and arrange for convenient pickup. The deadline to order is tonight, November 17 at 9 p.m.

Please be aware that Cedar Palace will be closed for dine-in on Thanksgiving Day, and their regular menu will not be available. They are exclusively offering our special Mediterranean Thanksgiving Dinner for pickup orders.

The Mediterranean Thanksgiving Dinner features a delightful selection of dishes that blend Mediterranean flavors with classic Thanksgiving fare:

• **Turkey:** Juicy and perfectly roasted, our Mediterranean-seasoned turkey takes center stage on your table.
• **Ruz B'hashweh:** Enjoy the aromatic flavors of our herb-infused rice, and ground beef, the ideal companion to the turkey.
• **Cabbage Salad:** Our vibrant Mediterranean salad adds a burst of freshness and flavor to your Thanksgiving feast.
• **Kanafeh:** For dessert, savor the sweetness of our Kanafeh, a true Mediterranean delight.

The deadline to order is 9 p.m. TONIGHT, November 17. Learn more at CedarPalaceResto.com.

Don't Forget Thanksgiving Dessert with Vanille!

Upcoming Events at Lincoln Common - Holiday Lighting and Black Friday

Join Lincoln Common for their annual holiday lighting on the plaza with special guest appearance by Santa on Thursday, December 7 starting at 5:30 p.m.

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Plus, kick-off your holiday shopping (and dining) with your Lincoln Common Holiday Yuletide Stampede Card! Details coming soon! Get the details and learn more here.

Lincoln Common is SALE-ing into Black Friday! Ready, Set, Shop! For a list of participating retailers and offerings, check out the map and details on Monday, November 20th here!

FREE Turkey Trot on November 23

Clark Street Cookie Crawl!

Kick off the holidays at the Clark Street Cookie Crawl! Put on your coziest holiday pajamas or favorite holiday sweater and get set for a day filled with festive fun.

Visit businesses along Clark Street to collect a variety of delicious holiday cookies. Enjoy surprises along the way including carolers, hot chocolate, and the chance to snap photos with Santa.

Sunday, December 10, 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Clark Street between Fullerton and Diversey

Tickets $25 - $75

Learn more here.

Sponsored by Clark Street Special Service Area #23.

From the Heart is an award-winning newsletter published by Lincoln Central Association.

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