2022 Holiday Decorating Contest Winners

First our neighbors selected 20 well-decorated homes for our contest. Then we received around 50 online votes after a week of voting. Now the results are in and here are the winners of our contest:

4th Place – 6322 Keystone

 

 

3rd Place – 6200 Tripp

 

 

2nd Place – 6311 Kildare

 

 

1st Place – 6236 Lowell

 

This year’s contest winners will be awarded small trophies. I hope to deliver them this weekend. Our contest winners will also be announced in the next issue the Sauganash Sounds.

We appreciate everyone who participated in our contest by voting and nominating homes. And thank you to everyone who decorated this year. You make our neighborhood a brighter place.
 

Attend the 2023 Aldermanic Forum in the 39th Ward

The SPCA is cosponsoring the 2023 Aldermanic Forum for the 39th Ward along with 9 other civic associations in the Ward. Our current Alderman Sam Nugent, who has sponsored and participated in many of our events, is up for reelection. She will be running against Denali Dasgupta. 

All are welcome to hear both candidates have a civil discussion about issues facing the Ward. It will be moderated by David Schaper of NPR News. The forum will take place on Thursday, January 19th at the Irish American Heritage Center at 7 PM. Doors open at 6:30. This event is free.

Additionally, if you have a question that you’d like our moderator to ask, you may submit it here

 

What: 39th Ward Aldermanic Forum
Where: Irish American Heritage Center
When: Thursday, January 19th – Doors open at 6:30
 

Join or Renew Your SPCA Now

Our community association is the SPCA. We are a volunteer organization. We rely on membership dues from our neighbors. Though it is a new year soon, we are still in our 2022-23 cycle. Our membership cycle runs from July 1st to June 30th.

If you haven’t joined or renewed yet for this year, please do so as soon as you canWe need your membership to support our snow removal efforts this winter

SPCA May 2022 Updates

Pizza Party at Alarmist Brewing

Please join us this coming Thursday at Alarmist Brewing as we honor and thank our neighbors Carrie and Bill Morrissey, who are leaving Sauganash Park.

Carrie and Bill have been active members of the SPCA board since they arrived in our neighborhood a decade ago. Carrie has planned and executed several successful Halloween events, movie nights, and summer parties. And Bill served as President and Chairman of the SPCA. He led our annual hot dog purchases for the July 4th picnic, and he handled many critical administrative functions for our Association.

Your SPCA is organizing, but not sponsoring, this farewell party to express our deep appreciation for all Carrie and Bill have done over the years to put the unity in community. Please come if you can and help us thank them.

At around 5:30, a variety of pizzas will be delivered from Lou Malnati’s. We will have soft drinks for the kids. We will also have a voluntary contribution jar to help cover the cost of the pizzas and soft drinks.

Please R.S.V.P. so we know how many pizzas to order.

We look forward to seeing you there!

WHAT: Pizza Party in Honor of the Morrisseys
WHEN: Thursday, May 19th, 5:30 – 9:30ish
WHERE: Alarmist Brewing and Taproom
WHO: All ages and interested parties are welcome

R.S.V.P.s Requested


 

Praying Mantis Egg Sign-Up

The SPCA intends on distributing praying mantis eggs after Memorial Day to dues-paying members on our distribution list. Praying mantis are voracious predators. They provide natural mosquito and pest control to our community. If you are an SPCA member and would like to receive praying mantis eggs, sign up here if you have not already done so. This is our last call for sign-ups!

 

Shirt Sale to Fundraise for 2022-23 DC Trip

Each year the 8th Grade class from Sauganash School takes a trip to Washington DC. The class of 2022-23 is selling special Sauganash t-shirts to raise funds for this trip. You must place your order by May 22nd to support this worthy cause. Sauganash School parents will be pleased to know that these shirts CAN be worn as part of the PE uniform.

April Updates

Principal Munns To Discuss Sauganash School Expansion

 

The SPCA is excited to host Principal Munns at our Spring General Meeting She will discuss the expansion at Sauganash School and let us know how things are going. We invite all interested community members to attend. 

Also, US Congressional Representative Mike Quigley will lead the meeting with some remarks. We look forward to hearing how things are going at the Capital. 

WHERE: Sauganash Park Field House (5861 N. Kostner)
WHEN: Tuesday, 4/19 at 7:00 PM
WHO: Principal Munns and Congressman Quigley


 

SUPPORT UKRAINIAN REFUGEES   

 

The SPCA will be collecting items to donate to refugees of Ukraine at our Spring General Meeting.  Supplies needed/recommended:
 

  • Medical Supplies (Tylenol, Band-Aids, Antiseptic Wipes, Gauze, Adhesive Tape & More)
  • Food (Ready-to-eat pre packaged food, Coffee, Tea)
  • Clothing (Hats, Socks, Undergarments, Tactical Gloves/Pants- new items please)
  • Hygiene Products (Diapers, Toothbrushes, Toothpaste, Feminine Hygiene Products, Baby Formula)
  • Other: Flashlights, Baby Bottles, Sleeping Bags, UV Lamps, Knee Pads, Blankets)

Updating Our Bylaws

The SPCA also intends to update its bylaws for the first time since 2003 at our Spring General Meeting. In accordance with the existing bylaws, we need to inform dues-paying members of our intentions.You may review the proposed amendments and revisions here if you are interested. Also, please come to our meeting and vote ‘yes’ as we believe the amendments are good.

 

Holding an Election for Officers

The SPCA also intends to elect officers for our 2022-23 membership cycle at our Spring General MeetingOur board has a Chairperson, a President, a Vice President, a Treasurer, and a Secretary. If you are interested in serving in any of these roles, or just working with our board, please contact us. We could use your help.

 

Praying Mantis Egg Sign-Up

 

Each spring the SPCA delivers praying mantis eggs to members on our distribution list. These eggs provide natural mosquito and pest control. If you are an SPCA member and would like us to deliver praying mantis eggs to your home for spring of 2022, sign up hereIt is required that you sign up for the 2022 delivery, even if you have already signed up in the past. The reason for this is so that people do not receive unwanted deliveries.


 

Earth Day Cleanup Event

 

The SPCA and our friend Alderman Nugent are organizing an Earth Day Cleanup Event on April 23rd. We plan to clean on Saturday morning from 9 AM until noon. Alderman Nugent’s Office will provide supplies but you are welcome to bring your own! 

Volunteers can join one of two teams. One team will meet near the underpass by the west trail on Lowell. One team will meet near the east trail by Glenlake and Keystone. 

This will be a fun community-building event. When you are done you will feel good about helping our environment. But also remember: you can pick up litter anywhere and at anytime. It is appreciated.

 

 
We hope that you choose to become involved!

Here are photos from the event!

Thank you to all who participated!

Spring General Meeting on 4/19

The SPCA Spring General Meeting will be at the Sauganash Park Fieldhouse at 5861 N Kostner.

 

The meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, April 19th at 7 PM.

 

Scheduled speakers include US Congressional Representative Mike Quigley and Principal Munns from Sauganash School.

 

 

 

Updating Our Bylaws

We plan on updating the bylaws of our Association. You can read the proposed updates here.

There will be vote on our proposed changes. You may vote “YES” or “NO” if you are a dues-paying member.

Election

We will also host an election for our officers. You may vote for us or even run against us if you want.

 

Hope to see you there!

2021 SPCA Holiday Decorating Contest – Voting Now Open

Last week our neighbors nominated the best decorated homes in Sauganash Park. We created a gallery of 21 homes. Now it’s time to vote for the winner!

The voting period begins now. The last day that you may submit a vote is Sunday, 12/26.

I recommend that you browse the gallery of homes. Click the photos to enlarge them and see the addresses. Choose your three favorites and submit them on this voting form

Your first place vote is worth 3 points. Your second place vote is worth 2 points. And your third place vote is worth 1 point. The homes that receive the most points will win the contest.

Winners Will Be Awarded Gift Cards


Winners will be awarded a gift card to one of our partner restaurants 
in the following increments: $100 (1st), $50 (2nd), and $25 (3rd and 4th). Runners up will also receive a special prize.

 

We are looking forward to announcing our community-selected winners one week from today, on Monday 12/27.

Don’t forget to vote!

November Updates from the SPCA | News from Your Neighborhood

Vote for Our Partners in the North River Commission’s Best Business Awards

This summer we partnered with six local businesses to provide discounts to our members. We nominated all these businesses as selections for the North River Commission’s Best Business Awards. They have been giving our members generous discounts. Now we can show them our gratitude by voting for them in this contest. VOTE FOR OUR PARTNERS NOW UNTIL NOVEMBER 16th.

We Need Your Help with Participatory Budgeting

Since her election Alderman Nugent has divided the menu money (discretionary spending) with communities in our ward. This process is known as participatory budgeting. Two years ago we helped to win repairs for the underpass at Lowell and Granville (pictured below). We’ve won some other great projects too.

Do you have an idea or suggestion to make capital improvements to our community? The participatory budgeting process is beginning again for 2021-2022. We are looking for volunteers from Sauganash Park who can help represent us in this process.  Contact me if you think that you can help or just sign up here.

Community Conversation About Policing the 17th District

A community conversation about crime and law enforcement in the 17th District will take place on the evening of November 16th via Zoom. If you would like to attend this meeting, you can RSVP with 17th District Community Organizer, John Campos.

November is a great month to get involved with your community.
I hope that you answer the call.
We need your help.

Don Morton
SPCA President

SPCA October Updates

SPCA Halloween Movie Night on October 23rd

Please save the date for our Halloween Movie Night. The event is scheduled for dusk on October 23rd. We will provide popcorn and treats. We will also play a family-friendly Halloween movie on an outdoor screen. More information about this event will follow.

SPCA Fall General Meeting Was Successful

The SPCA held our Fall General Meeting at the Sauganash Park Fieldhouse on September 21st, 2021.

We were joined by Alderman NugentPolice Commander Pontecore, and Kevin Kuhn from the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Our friend Dana Fritz from Congressman Quigley’s office also shared some messages with our audience.

Brian Nadig from Nadig Newspapers wrote about the event here and in our local paper.

We attempted to live-stream the event. Some listeners reported audio problems. If we continue hosting hybrid-meetings, we may acquire a microphone to improve our audio quality. Thank you to all who participated and attended!   Also, if Kevin Kuhn from the Forest Preserves of Cook County inspired you to volunteer, you can sign up here.

Coat Drive for Afghan Refugees

The Coat Drive for Afghan Refugees ends this week. Officials expect that over 500 Afghan refugees will re-settle in the Chicagoloand area. Senator Rahm VillivalamRepresentative Denyse Stoneback, and Representative John D’Amico have organized a coat drive to help them.

Date: Monday, September 20 – Friday, October 8.
Accepted Items: New or clean, gently used coats (coats only – no other clothing)
Drop-off Locations: Donations can be dropped off at their offices (Or visit bit.ly/DriveDropOff)
Details: Donate new or clean, gently used, coats for the RefugeeOne “Share The Warmth Drive” for incoming refugee families. Donations can be dropped off from 9AM-5PM, Monday-Friday at any collection location.

We hope to see you at our Halloween Movie Night on October 23rd.
Thank you for being our neighbor!

Fall General Meeting is TONIGHT

SPCA Fall General Meeting TONIGHT at 7 PM

Please join us in-person tonight at the Sauganash Park Fieldhouse at 7 PM.

Masks are required per city, county, and state health mandates. We will distribute masks at the door.

We will be joined by Alderman NugentPolice Commander Pontecore, and Kevin Kuhn from the Forest Preserves of Cook County.

If you cannot make it in-person, we will offer a live-stream of the event at this link. Members who join us online will NOT be able to interact with our speakers at this time. I hope that you can join us in-person and show our community leaders that we care about our neighborhood! 

Where: 5861 N. Kostner Ave.
When: TONIGHT, Tuesday, September 21st at 7 PM
What: Neighborhood General Meeting with Civic Leaders

 

Coat Drive for Afghan Refugees

Over the coming months, officials expect that over 500 Afghan refugees will re-settle in the Chicagoloand area. Senator Rahm VillivalamRepresentative Denyse Stoneback, and Representative John D’Amico have organized a coat drive to help them.

Date: Monday, September 20 – Friday, October 8.
Accepted Items: New or clean, gently used coats (coats only – no other clothing)
Drop-off Locations: Donations can be dropped off at their offices (Or visit bit.ly/DriveDropOff)
Details: Donate new or clean, gently used, coats for the RefugeeOne “Share The Warmth Drive” for incoming refugee families. Donations can be dropped off from 9AM-5PM, Monday-Friday at any collection location.

 

We hope to see you at the General Meeting tonight at 7 PM.
Thank you for being our neighbor!

Don Morton
SPCA President

1 2