Dear Association Members,

It is our duty to inform you about proposed changes to our bylaws that will be presented and voted on at our upcoming Spring General Meeting on Tuesday, May 6, 2025 at 7:00 PM.

This may be our final Spring General Meeting, as one of the proposed changes would consolidate our general meetings to once per year in September.

The Board has carefully reviewed our current bylaws and is recommending the following changes:

1. Consolidating to One Annual General Meeting

Current language (2022): “General meetings shall be held on the first Tuesday of May and the third Tuesday of September at 7:00 PM unless otherwise specified.”

Proposed change (2025): “A general meeting shall be held on the third Tuesday of September at 7:00 PM unless otherwise specified.”

2. Reverting Board Meeting Schedule

Current language (2022): “The Board of Director’s meeting shall be held on the second Tuesday of January, April, June, September, and November at 7:00 PM unless otherwise specified.”

Proposed change (2025): “The Board of Directors meetings shall be held on the second Tuesday of January, March, May, September, and November at 7:00 PM unless otherwise specified.”

3. Moving Officer Elections to the Fall General Meeting

Current language (2022): “The nominating Committee shall consist of members of the Board of Directors. At the general meeting in May, they shall present a slate of officers to serve the following year. Members present shall have the right to nominate persons to compete for election at the same time and be placed on the same ticket with the nominees of the Nominating Committee.”

Proposed change (2025): “The nominating Committee shall consist of members of the Board of Directors. At the general meeting in September, they shall present a slate of officers to serve. Members present shall have the right to nominate persons to compete for election at the same time and be placed on the same ticket with the nominees of the Nominating Committee.”

Current language (2022): “The election and installation of new officers shall take place at the May general meeting.”

Proposed change (2025): “The election and installation of new officers shall take place at the general meeting.”

4. Board Member Attendance Requirement

New section being added (2025): “Board members will attend at least one board meeting per year. Board member participation at Association events is expected.”

5. Enhanced Secretary Role Description

Current language (2022): “The Secretary shall keep an accurate and permanent record of all meetings of the Association. A copy of the minutes of each Board meeting shall be distributed to Board members.”

Proposed change (2025): “The Secretary shall keep an accurate and permanent record, including attendance and motions, of all meetings of the Association. A copy of the minutes of each Board meeting shall be distributed to Board members.”

We encourage all members to review these proposed changes carefully. Your participation in the voting process is essential to our Association’s governance. If you have any questions or concerns about these proposed changes before the meeting, please contact us.

Spring General Meeting This Tuesday

The May General Meeting will be held at the Sauganash Fieldhouse from 7:00 PM to approximately 8:30 PM on Tuesday, May 6, 2025.

In addition to discussing and voting on the proposed bylaw changes, we are pleased to welcome several elected officials and their representatives who will address our membership:

• Alder Nugent
• Representative from Congressman Quigley’s office
• Representative from Senator Villivalam’s office
• Katie El-Ali, Chief of Staff for Representative Kelly

Each speaker will provide brief updates relevant to our community. Following the presentations, we will conduct our bylaw vote and other association business.

Date: Tuesday, May 6th
Time: 7:00 – 8:30 PM
What: Updates from the city, state, and nation – and an important vote
Where: Sauganash Park Fieldhouse

We hope to see you there!

Don Morton
SPCA Chairperson

We are thrilled to announce that the nominations for the 2024 Sauganash Park Holiday Decorating Contest are in! Here are the top 20 homes that exemplify the festive spirit and creative flair of our community.

Now, it’s up to you to decide which decorations capture the essence of the season best.

Voting Period: Now through December 25th, 2024 Vote Here

Your votes will determine which homes will take home the top honors in our community’s holiday celebration. Winners will be announced on December 26th, so be sure to cast your vote for your favorite festive displays!

We encourage everyone in the community to participate in the voting process. It’s a wonderful way to engage with your neighbors and celebrate the creativity and holiday spirit that make Sauganash Park such a special place to live.

Thank you to all the participants and the community members who took the time to nominate these spectacular displays. Let’s make this holiday season one to remember!

Alder Nugent’s office is thrilled to invite 39th Warders (55+) for a FREE visit to explore the Art Institute’s Modern Art galleries, see special exhibition Paula Modersohn-Becker: I Am Me, and make art.

Tuesday, December 10th
9:15am – 1:00pm

Transportation and light refreshments will be provided.

Meet at either Mayfair Commons or North Park Village Apartments at 9:15am for pickup.

Please note that this program is intended for 39th Ward residents. Registration is available on a first-come, first-served basis and will close once the program reaches capacity.

This visit is for adults 55+

Call Alder Nugent’s office at: (773) 736-5594

Or use the following link to sign-up: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLScd7VLwOvDQovhprjp2_z93OVI9zQxoCw9zzR-YQQfaXqyYaw/viewform

Click the “Next” button after opening the web form.

2024 Annual SPCA Holiday Decorating Contest Nomination Now Open!

Our annual Holiday Decorating Contest is open for nominations. Nominate your home or a neighbor’s home that represents the festive spirit of the season. Our contest is following these stages:

Nomination Period: Now until Sunday, December 15th. Submit the addresses of well-decorated homes to this form. Please, also, include a photo for our voting gallery.

Voting Period: The top 20 homes that receive the most nominations will be featured on our online voting ballot. The voting period begins on Monday, December 16th. During this time community members may submit votes to determine the best decorated homes. The voting period will close on December 25th. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter, and photos of the winning homes will be featured in the Sauganash Sounds.

Keep those nominations coming!

Thank you for your continued involvement in our community events. We look forward to seeing your festive decorations light up Sauganash Park!

Happy Holidays,

SPCA Communications Team

Dear Sauganash Park Community,

We have a couple of exciting announcements to share with you as we head into the holiday season!

Special Screening Tonight: “The Negotiator: Billy Caldwell”

Tonight, November 18th at 6:30 PM at Sauganash Park Fieldhouse, you are invited to a unique event featuring the documentary film about Billy Caldwell. Known as Chief Sauganash, Caldwell played a pivotal role in the history of Chicago and the founding of our community. His story is a compelling chapter in our city’s rich history, and you can learn more about it tonight.

Date: Tonight! – Monday, November 18th

Time: 6:30 PM

Location: Sauganash Park Fieldhouse (5861 N. Kostner Ave.)

Features: Susan L. Kelsey (Author and Documentary Filmmaker)

Seating is limited, so please RSVP at [email protected]

Announcing the 2024 Annual SPCA Holiday Decorating Contest

It’s that time of the year again! Our annual Holiday Decorating Contest is now open for nominations. You may now nominate your home or a neighbor’s home that represents the festive spirit of the season. Once again our contest will follow these stages:

Nomination Period: Now until Sunday, December 15th. Submit the addresses of well-decorated homes to this form. Please, also, include a photo for our voting gallery.

Voting Period: The top 20 homes that receive the most nominations will be featured on our online voting ballot. The voting period begins on Monday, December 16th. During this time community members may submit votes to determine the best decorated homes. The voting period will close on December 25th. Winners will be announced shortly thereafter, and photos of the winning homes will be featured in the Sauganash Sounds.

This contest is a fantastic way to show off your creativity and to brighten up our community during the holiday season. We can’t wait to see all the wonderful decorations!

Thank you for your continued involvement in our community events. We hope you can make it to the movie screening tonight, and we look forward to seeing your festive decorations light up Sauganash Park!

Best Wishes!

Donald Morton
SPCA Chairperson

Our much-anticipated annual Halloween Party begins TOMORROW at 2 PM!  Join us at the corner of Granville and Tripp for an afternoon filled with fun, festivities, and community spirit.  Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you have a fantastic time:

Event Highlights

Date: Sunday, October 22nd

Time: 2:00 PM – 4:00 PM

Location: Granville and Tripp

Features: Live DJ, Balloon Twister, Face Painter, and plenty of treats!

Fantastic Weather on the Horizon

Good news—the forecast predicts a sunny day with highs around 73°F and gentle southwest winds. It’s the perfect setting for outdoor fun, so don’t forget your costumes and dancing shoes!

Thanks To Our Sponsors!

A Huge Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all the sponsors who have made this event possible. Special recognition goes to:

Our friend, State Senator Ram Villivalam

The Learning Experience – Sauganash – Providing high-quality early education right in our neighborhood. 

Everyone’s Favorite Alderman, Samantha Nugent

Minty Dental Boutique

Located in the Forum, Minty Dental Boutique is dedicated to brightening smiles in our community. Thank you, Dr. Tamara Marjan, for your generous support.

State House Representative Mike Kelly: A big thank you to Rep. Kelly!

Raffle Donations

We’ve also received generous raffle donations from the following business. You’ll have the opportunity to win these great prizes if you enter in the contest tomorrow! 

Alarmist Brewing Gift Card

Backyard Grill Gift Cards

See You Tomorrow!

We can’t wait to see you there! Let’s make this Halloween party a memorable one for everyone.

Two weeks from today the SPCA will host our annual Halloween event. Join us on Sunday, October 20th, from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM, at the corner of Granville and Tripp right here in Sauganash Park. Get ready for an afternoon filled with fun, dancing, treats, and community spirit!

Event Highlights

Live DJ Entertainment: We’ve booked an amazing kid focused DJ to host our spooky dance party. Expect interactive music, games, and a whole lot of fun. Don’t forget your dancing shoes!

Games and Activities: Enjoy a variety of spooky games and activities suitable for all ages. 

Costume Parade: Dress up in your favorite Halloween costumes and join our parade. Let’s see who can be the spookiest, funniest, or most creative!

Treats and Refreshments: We will distribute delicious treats and beverages to our attendees. Representative Mike Kelly has sponsored the candy. Thanks to our generous sponsors, we’ll have plenty of candy and snacks for everyone.

Volunteers Needed

We need your help to make this event a success! If you’re interested in volunteering, please sign up on our SignUp Genius page.

Your time and effort are greatly appreciated.

Thank You to Our Sponsors

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our wonderful sponsors who have made this event possible:

Minty Dental Boutique: Located in the Forum, Minty Dental Boutique is dedicated to brightening smiles in our community. Thank you, Dr. Tamara Marjan, for your generous support.

State House Representative Mike Kelly: A big thank you to Rep. Kelly for sponsoring the candy for our event. Your contribution ensures a sweet time for all!

Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available

We’re still seeking additional sponsors to help make this event even more spectacular. This is a fantastic opportunity to support the community and gain visibility for your business. If you’re interested in sponsoring or setting up a booth, please go to sauganashpark.org/sponsor or email us at [email protected].

Raffle Donations

We’re planning a raffle and are seeking donations for raffle items. If you have items to contribute or can connect us with local businesses willing to donate gift cards or merchandise, please contact us at [email protected]. Every contribution helps enhance the event and supports our community.

Looking Forward to the Event

Let’s come together to celebrate Halloween as a community. We look forward to seeing you and your family in your best costumes!

General Meeting Recap

Thank you to everyone who attended our General Meeting last Tuesday.

We’re pleased to declare the meeting a great success, thanks to your active participation and engagement. A special thank you to State Senator Ram Villivalam for enlightening us with insights about the ongoing challenges and successes in Springfield.

We are also grateful to the representatives from US Congressman Quigley and State Representative Kelly’s office who provided valuable updates and extended their services to our community.

Thank you also to our neighbor Robert Szczesniak who provided us with an overview of the LSC’s hunt for a new Sauganash School Principal. 

Upcoming Candidate Meet and Greet

As we approach the election for the new Chicago Public School Board on November 5th, it’s important to be informed about who is running for office. We invite you to a meet and greet event to get to know Michelle Pierre, a nonpartisan candidate for District #1. With over 20 years of experience in education, from classroom teacher to administrator, Michelle is eager to bring her expertise to the school board.

Date: Thursday, September 26
Time: 7:00 to 8:00 PM
Location: 5932 N. Kilbourn Ave
Hosts: Kathleen Praznowski and Kitty Vorisek

Please RSVP using the email links above.

Halloween Event: Dancing, Treats, and Fun!

Mark your calendars for our upcoming Halloween event from 2-4 PM on Sunday, October 20th. We have booked a fun and entertaining DJ to help host our spooky dance party. The party will feature games, treats, opportunities to socialize with friends and neighbors, and of course costumes.

Sponsorship Opportunities

We are thrilled to announce Minty Dental Boutique, located in the Forum, as one of our sponsors for the Halloween event. We are still seeking additional sponsors to help make this event spectacular. If you are interested in sponsoring or setting up a booth, please email us at [email protected]. This is a wonderful opportunity to support the community and gain visibility for your business.

Thank you, Dr. Tamara Marjan from Minty Dental Boutique, for your support and eagerness to get involved with our community.

Looking Forward

We appreciate your continued involvement and support for making Sauganash Park a vibrant and close-knit community. We look forward to seeing you soon!