The Renaissance Court Senior Center is offering Free Tax Return Preparation for Seniors from February 5th to April 9th. Appointments only. This is open to all seniors 55 and above.
Check out the full schedule of February events at the Senior Center below and on the RNRA Event Calendar.
Thank you to everyone that voted for the movies to be shown in our upcoming Summer Movies Series.
Movies are presented by RNRA and the Chicago Park District and supported by local sponsors.
Movies will be shown in June, July and August.
Now we wait! We have submitted dates and times to the Chicago Park District. Announcements for movie titles, dates and times will be announced in May once the Park District has confirmed the choices through all of the parks!
Schedule your plans for MLK Day.
The Shedd Aquarium, Chicago History Museum, and The Art Institute of Chicago have released their 2025 free admission days.
All of the institutions will be free on Monday, January 20 — which is Martin Luther King Jr. Day — for Illinois residents. Those interested in visiting will need to bring proof of residency.
Here’s the schedule:
The Shedd Aquarium has released its schedule for every free day it will have in 2025, and the Chicago History Museum has also announced free admission dates for the year. Learn more about Free Winter Weekdays at the Art Institute of Chicago here. Reserve your tickets in advance.
For more things to do in Chicago, subscribe to chicagosouthsider.substack.com.
2025 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program Opens: Monday, January 13
Mark your calendars for the 2025 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. This program enables property owners to share the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. It will be open for applications on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 6:00 am – 10:00 pm.
Please note: Applications will be taken on a first-come, first-served basis. The number of participants is based on availability of funds. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate.
Applications will only be accepted through the City’s 311 system by calling 311, through the City’s 3-1-1 portal, or through the free CHI311 mobile apps.
If you applied for the program in previous years, you must apply again in 2025 if you wish to be considered for the 2025 program.
FREE Smoke Alarms at the 42nd Ward Office
Please call the office at (312) 744-3062 to schedule a pick-up time for a free smoke detector! Pick-ups will be at City Hall, 121 N LaSalle Street, floor 200.
A special thank you to the Chicago Fire Department for the smoke detector! Smoke detectors can be picked up from the 42nd Ward Office between the hours of 9am-4pm, Monday through Friday located in City Hall, Room 200.
For any other questions or to coordinate picking up a smoke alarm, please call Ward 42 office at (312) 744-3062 or send us a note via office@ward42chicago.com.
REMOVAL AND RESTORATION OF STATUE AT FORMER MONTGOMERY WARDS ADMINISTRATION BUILDING
Iconic Spirit of Progress statue, beacon of what is now One River Place Condominium Association in River North, to betemporarily removed for repair and restoration
On Saturday, December 14th, One River Place Condo Community successfully removed the statue of the Spirit of Progress from the roof at their building at 758 N. Larrabee Street, the former Montgomery Ward Administration building at Chicago & Larrabee. Diana (who is named and patterned after Diana, the Goddess of the Hunt) has perched over the building and the Chicago skyline since 1929.
The Board and Homeowners are proud to be preserving this icon of the Chicago skyline, and look forward to reinstalling her with much fanfare in 2025.
The 22.5 foot state is pictured above Larrabee Street with Michael Goldwater, who is a Board Member and Treasurer of River North Residents Association in addition to being President of One River Place Condominium Association
See Full Press Release Below
Chicago, IL December 9, 2024: The Board and Homeowners of One River Place Condominium Association
located at 758 N. Larrabee Street, Chicago Avenue at the east bank of the Chicago River, are performing projects to maintain and restore the building and important elements that contribute to its historic presence in Chicago. As part ofthose projects we are pleased to announce the restoration of the iconic statue crowning our building: Diana The Spirit ofProgress. We are proud to be maintaining this important aspect of the Chicago skyline.
History: The building was originally constructed in 1927, and in 1929 the tower was constructed at the northeast cornerof the building and a statue of Diana, Spirit of Progress (sometimes referred to as the Goddess of the Hunt) was erectedon top of that tower. Standing 22.5 feet tall, this statue is an icon of the Chicago skyline and has been featured in manyart works and images.
The building along with the original Catalog House building across the street were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978. We are presently seeking City of Chicago Landmark status. The Statue was installed in its present location by A. Montgomery Ward. It is a replica of the bronze statue at the former Montgomery Wards office at 2 N. Michigan Avenue, which was created and patterned after the statue on top of the Agriculture Building at the1893 World’s Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
Details on removal: The statue will be removed via crane on December 14, 2024 and sent to the renownedConservations of Sculpture and Objects Studio for restoration, and repair. The statue will be repaired over the winterand reinstalled in Spring of 2025. Crane placement will begin 8:00 AM Saturday December 14th. While Larrabee Streetand the adjoining sidewalks will be closed for safety reasons, it is expected that viewing of the removal will be possibleon the north side of Chicago Avenue. We invite you to visit and document this historic restoration project. After thestatue’s restoration and repair occurs over the winter, we expect to reinstall Diana at her place of honor in Spring 2025.We will also notify you once this reinstallation is scheduled.
Source of history/more information:
Wikipedia article about the Montgomery Ward complex
Chicagology article -good overview Chicagology article with more detail Smithsonian Art Catalog Article
Are you looking for a way to give back to those who selflessly serve our community? Look no further than Ignite The Spirit. As a charity established by the Chicago Fire Department, we provide crucial funding and resources to our brothers and sisters in need, as well as to our community as a whole. Through a variety of fundraising events and donations, we’ve been able to make a real difference in the lives of those we serve. And now, you too can get involved in this impactful effort. Whether you choose to volunteer your time, attend one of our upcoming events, or make a tax-deductible donation, every contribution makes a meaningful impact. Join us in supporting our local heroes and our community today.
Join us in making a real impact in the lives of Chicago Fire Department families. For nearly 20 years, Ignite the Spirit has provided support to over 800 families in need, and with your help, we can continue to make a difference. We understand the importance of giving back to those who sacrifice so much to protect and serve our community. To date, our donors have contributed over 2.0 million dollars to help ease the hardship of these families. With your support, we can ensure that no family is left behind. Join Ignite the Spirit today and be a part of something truly meaningful. None of this would be possible without your generosity.
