CHICAGO

Why You Should Know What an Alderman Does

2010-02-18T18:26:40Z

If you live in Chicago, you may have heard that the Mayor has an open call for two new Aldermen. The gig pays a salary of just over $100,000. You may tell yourself, ‘Heck, I can apply’! Before you do, I wanted to remind you of just what an Alderman does and exactly why it’s important for you to know who they are. I’ve been scouring the ‘net for the exact specifics behind the job requirements, but alas, haven’t found anything written in black and white.

Good for you, I’ve been in Chicago since 1998 and can give you a good sense of what an alderman does and how it can benefit you AND you do NOT need to OWN a home to take advantage of how an alderman can service your local needs. So, let’s get to brass tacks, shall we?

The city of Chicago is broken up into 50 wards. Wards are basically boundaries that split up the city in a manageable fashion. Each ward is ‘managed’ by an alderman. These aldermen make up the City Council and report up to the Mayor. Following so far? Ok, cool.

Now, the alderman handles everything from reviewing a new developer’s proposal, new business license to installing a stoplight if the neighbors demand one. An alderman also deals with neighborhood issues like parking meters, garbage and safety.

Each alderman has an office (historically, ‘donated’ by a real estate developer, which saves some aldermen rent) with a small staff. What continues to be a mystery to some is how the staff gets paid in some wards. With a salary of over $100,000, I’m not sure if the alderman has to pay their staff from this budget OR if the city provides separate salaries to these folks.

YOU, the citizen of the ward have the right to contact your alderman at ANY time. Most folks don’t do this because they don’t know. At the same time, if certain wards aren’t equipped to handle all of the requests ofthe residents, things fall off the map (I’ve seen this first hand). If a certain ward doesn’t have the support staff to answer your emails, things won’t get done.

Whether you want to contact your alderman’s office or not, it’s very handy to get to know who they are, where they are located and how to reach someone. Here is a link to all Chicago aldermen, by ward.

Ugly Christmas Sweater Party in Chicago!

2009-12-04T16:10:42Z

In Chicago next Thursday? Come on over to the Black Rock for some Chicago hometown love! Gals' Guide is partnering up with some fabulous community sites to bring you a fun time - complete with some snazzy sweaters. Join us!

7 pm

Black Rock

3614 N. Damen

Other Hosts:

Windy Citizen - http://windycitizen.com
Outside the Loop Radio - http://outsidetheloopradio.com

Chicago Carless - http://www.ChicagoCarless.com
Lake Effect News - http://lakeeffectnews.com
Chicago Foodies - http://www.Chicagofoodies.com
The Urbanophile - http://theurbanophile.com

Backgarage - http://www.backgarage.com
Driftglass - http://driftglass.blogspot.com
Windy City Wine Guy - http://windycitywineguy.com/
Fun Sherpa - http://blog.funsherpa.com
Chicago Bar Project - http://chibarproject.com
Making Chicago Home - http://makingchicagohome.com
Sound Citizen - http://www.soundcitizen.com
Loud Loop Press - http://loudlooppress.com
Chicago Tumbls Too - http://windycity.tumblr.com/
Chicago Dining Examiner - http://www.examiner.com/x-396-Chicago-Dining-Examiner
Windy City Watch - http://windycitywatch.com
ChiTown Tattler - http://www.chitowntattler.com/?page_id=6

Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet Holds First Costume Sale in 53 Years

2009-10-22T15:28:39Z

Photo by Jodola

If you love sequins, lace, spandex, and feathers then you do not want to miss out on this special event. Also, if you’re still searching for the perfect Halloween costume, then set your calendar for this event. This month, for the first time in 53 years, Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet Dance Troupe will open its costume vault to the public. There will be over 200 costumes, for men and women, with prices starting at just $25.

The preview sale reception and silent auction will start at 5:30pm on Tuesday, October 27^th (A $20 donation is suggested). Set reservations by going to www.Joffrey.org or calling (312)-386-8979.

The public sale begins the next day at 8am, on October 28^th. I will be attending this bright and early. If you see me, say “Hi” and I’ll give you a high-five. You better get there early, or else someone else (ie. me) will David Blain all the good pieces. You don’t want to miss out!

If you happen to miss out on this awesome event, but you would still like to learn more about this company, then take a free tour! On the second and fourth Wednesday of every month, the Joffrey will host a tour at noon. For reservations, simply call 312-386-8912. If you happen to like what you see, then take a FREE dance class! The Official School of Joffrey offers a free dance class on the third Sunday of every month. To reserve your place, call 312-386-8910.

Do you Groupon?

2009-10-20T04:22:08Z

For you Chicago ladies that are looking to save some big bucks on spa services, restaurants, plays or anything under the sun, be sure to check out the daily deals at Groupon. Launched in Chicago, Groupon is available in different cities, too.

I'm a big fan of the site and its business model, which started out from the founder's initial site, The Point.

New Shops Opening on Mag Mile

2009-10-13T01:48:15Z

Many businesses have called it quits during that past year, but the next few weeks will see the opening of two new storefronts on Michigan Avenue: one old favorite and one highly anticipated newcomer.

Landmark enterprise Garrett Popcorn had to close down their old Mag Mile shop to make way for construction on the still unfinished Ritz-Carlton Residences. On October 15th, they'll open shop on E. Ontario, just east of the Coach boutique off Michigan Avenue. This location was formerly home to the China Palace resturant; considering Garrett's reputation, lines for popcorn promise to be considerably longer than those for Dim Sum ever were.

The other newcomer to N. Michigan Ave. is Zara, a Spanish clothing megastore that feels like an upscale version of H&M. An absolute staple all across Europe, Zara is considerably rarer in the States and is likely to be a hot spot for tourists and shoppers from all over the globe. The Chicago store is finally opening on October 30th (according to signs on the windows), at the corner of Michigan and Huron in the mysterious Chicago Place building that also houses Saks, a food court, and pretty much nothing else.

I snapped a few pictures with my spycam, aka iPhone. Enjoy!

Garrett Popcorn - final stages

2 Workers put the "R" in "Zara"

Lyric Opera's 2009-2010 Season Opens with "Tosca"

2009-10-07T00:11:05Z

This is the first of several reviews you'll see this year of something many of us have never experienced: opera! I've somehow managed to luck my way into becoming kind of an opera buff, and I hope these reviews will encourage you to check out some of Chicago's world-class stuff. If you're still a college student, it is possible to get $20 tickets to any opera by becoming a member of NExT. Those no longer in school might consider purchasing a 4-ticket package, which saves you at least 20% over separate ticket purchases. It's not cheap, but the experiences are astounding. Check out the season as a whole by visiting Lyric Opera's site.

Tosca, currently playing at Chicago's Lyric Opera, is one of the most conic operas of all times. The celebrity of Puccini's masterpiece is something of a mixed blessing – many opera-lovers will expect a raditional and familiar staging, while others would prefer to see something new and unconventional. This time, Lyric opted for the former and stuck to a tried-and-true rendition, right down to the Franco Zefferelli sets, originally designed in the mid-eighties.

Goodman's "Stoop Stories" Dark But Uplifting

2009-09-21T20:01:23Z

Orlandersmith in action. Photo by Eric Y. Exit.The fall theater season, for me at least, has begun with a quiet burst of genius. With Stoop Stories, writer and performer Dael Orlandersmith has produced one of those rare theater evenings that enrapture you effortlessly before disappearing into the night. It's something that only a great one-woman (or one-man) show can do. You find yourself in disbelief before curtain, wondering how one person will captivate you for over an hour with nothing but a little background music, a simple and unchanging set, and her own words. And then the show starts, and you're completely absorbed.

In fact, Orlandersmith's show, which is about different characters she knew (or knew of) during her childhood in Harlem, seemed over in a moment, and that wasn't the only magic it contained. Against all odds, this series of characters and stories of despair, addiction, and poverty left me feeling geniunely happy and uplifted. The only possible reason for this is the ultimate real-world outcome of all this hardship: it created a strong, colorful genius in Orlandersmith, who was able to free herself from a life of stagnation without losing a sentimentality for the place that birthed her.

Stoop Stories kicks off the Goodman's season for their smaller Owen Theater. In a few weeks, I'll be seeing Animal Crackers in their main Albert Theater, and I can only imagine that it will be a vastly different kind of entertaining. I am thrilled to be able to see the productions in both theaters this year, as the Owen typically showcases small gems and local premieres. If the other shows offer the same quiet, unique counterpoint to the Goodman's shiny mainstage spectacle, it will be a very lovely season indeed. Stoop Stories runs through October 11.

If you're interested in seeing shows at the Goodman, but aren't rolling in dough, the Owen offers another treat: balcony tickets start at just $15.00

GG Ladies and Maya Angelou!

2009-09-14T17:44:24Z

We are so very excited for this Thursday. Yours truly will be attending the Annual Chicago Women's Foundation Luncheon. Also in attendance will be our very own Tammie (did you know that she joined Cheryle Jackson's campaign for Senate?). Did you ALSO know that Jamie, our fearless GG Editor, is a volunteer for the CFW?

The room is going to be full of inspiring and interesting gals and we aim to introduce as many of them to Gals' Guide as possible. Maya Angelou is the guest speaker and we are hoping to get within feet of her just to have some of her fabulous words roll off on us:).

If you are there, let us know. Tickets are still available!

About the Chicago Foundation for Women

Mission Statement
Chicago Foundation for Women is a grantmaking organization dedicated to increasing resources and opportunities for women and girls in the greater Chicago area. To support our philanthropy, the Foundation promotes increased investment in women and girls, raises awareness about their issues and potential, and develops them as leaders and philanthropists.

Vision Statement
Chicago Foundation for Women envisions a community and world in which all women and girls have the opportunity to achieve their full potential and live in safe, just, and healthy communities.

Welcome Back, Theatre

2009-09-14T03:41:47Z

Guides have already weighed in on various reasons why the coming of Autumn is not the end of the world. Football, pumpkins, pumpkin spice lattes...these are all fine things. But what's pulling me through as the leaves start to change (a lovely sight if it weren't for the promise of impending winter) is the start of the theater season. Seasons at Chicago's big theaters - the Goodman, Steppenwolf, and my favorite, the Civic Opera House - start up later this month, and I'll be there to see it. I'll also be letting you guys know how things are shaping up and the best ways to score tickets to the city's big productions.

The fall also means great movies in that other type of theater. I'm eager to hear what you guys want to see (read: what you want me to see and tell you about before you spend $11 to see it). The storied "chick flick?" Sci-fi, fan-boy material? New Moon? Let me know, and I'll happily scope thngs out; I want to see every movie. Ah, to dream the impossible dream.

Fall, I'm ready for you. Please make yourself as long as possible. Maybe this year, you can last until March? Thanks.

A Quiet Spot in the Middle of It All

2009-09-05T15:33:09Z

I'm honestly a bit reluctant to share this particular tip with you, ladies of Chicago. But some things are too good to keep a secret, and as summer draws to a close (and for Chicagoans, there are only 2 seasons, summer and winter) I think sharing a few moments of blissful peace is the least I can do.

The Chicago River is one of my favorite things on earth. I love the newly renovated River Walk, I love the blue-green of the water, I love the gorgeous French-style bridges and the incredible architecture. I spend as much time as possible walking near the Chicago River. Several weeks ago, I made a very welcome discovery: on the south bank of the river, east of Michigan Avenue, you can sit right down and dangle your legs over the edge. One late afternoon, I took a book down to the river and sat down to read. It was absolutely quiet and extremely relaxing, despite the fact that I was surrounded by the city (or maybe because of it).

I figured I'd found a slow time to head down to the river's edge, but since that first trip, I've returned for lunch breaks (despite the fact that it takes about 30 minutes of my hour to walk to the river and back, it's totally worth it) and weekends and evenings…no matter when I go, there is hardly a soul on either side of me. Sure, people walk along the path and ride by on river cruises and speedboats, but no one stops to sit and stare at the water. Which is fine by me.

If you live or work near city center, hike down to the Chicago River, south bank, between Fairbanks (Columbus) and Lake Shore Drive. Once you're there, just have a seat and take it all in. If you see a girl staring longingly into the water, swinging her legs back and forth like a baby in a high-chair, come say hi. (Free hugs if you mention this story!) For the next 3 days, if you go near the top of the hour, you might even get to see the Centennial Fountain shoot an arc of water over the river – I think of it as an alarm telling me it's time to head back to the office. The fountain commemorates the all-important decision to reverse the flow of the river so that it no longer dumped sewage into Lake Michigan, where drinking water comes from. Hooray!!