Thank you all who attended our 15th Annual Taste of River North

Our 15th Annual Taste of River North was a little stormy this year, but we thank all the thousands who braved the heat and weather to celebrate River North.  Thank  you to all the restaurants, merchants and bands that made this year’s ToRN so very special.

Going into our 19th year, we are looking for more volunteers to help our wonderful neighborhood association. If interested, contact us at info@rnrachicago.org.

Already planning for ToRN 2017!
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RNRA Announces our 15th Annual Taste Of River North Music Lineup

TORN 15th Anniversary logoRNRA is proud to announce our band schedule for the 15th Annual Taste of River North July 22nd-24th.

Band Schedule
Friday 7/22:
8:30pm – 10:00pm – Lucky Boys Confusion
7:00pm – 8:00pm – Sidewalk Chalk
6:00pm – 6:45pm – Sleep On It
5:00pm – 5:45pm – Armitage

Saturday 7/23:
8:00pm – 10:00pm – sixteencandlesband
6:00pm – 7:30pm – Boy Band Review Chicago
4:00pm – 5:30pm – Run Forrest Run
2:00pm – 3:30pm – Nick Lynch
12:00pm – 1:30pm – Band Called Catch

Sunday 7/24:
6:00pm – 8:00pm – Rod Tuffcurls & The Bench Press
4:30pm – 5:30pm – ‘Stache!
3:00pm – 4:00pm – The Funk Crusaders
1:30pm – 2:30pm – Chris Buehrle Band
12:00pm – 1:00pm – Fletcher Rockwell

New Grace Period Rules for Chicago City Vehicle Stickers Effective July 1st

Chicago City Clerk Susana A. Mendoza is urging Chicago motorists to be aware of a change in grace period rules regarding deadlines for purchasing and displaying their Chicago City Vehicle Sticker.
Beginning July 1, 2016, changes to the Chicago Municipal Code regarding the grace period will make motorists eligible to be ticketed immediately following their vehicle sticker’s expiration.
For example, if your vehicle sticker expires on June 30, you are eligible to be ticketed on July 1. The $200.00 ticket can be issued daily.
The grace period for late fees will be extended from 15 to 30 days effective July 1. A motorist with a vehicle sticker expiring June 30 will have until July 30 to purchase a sticker without paying an additional $60.00 late fee.
The Office of the City Clerk wants motorists to avoid tickets and additional fees at all costs. Please purchase and display your vehicle stickers in a timely manner. Also remember that the City Clerk’s office has over 350 community partner vendors, including currency exchanges, which are open on weekends and holidays.
Please visit ChiCityClerk.com to conveniently purchase your Chicago City Vehicle Sticker online via EZ>BUY or to find the nearest location to buy in person.

RNRA Announces Executive Director Opening

RNRA river picRiver North Residents Association, like our neighborhood, has grown since our start in 1997. We are now seeking an Executive Director for our association.  Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director (ED) has overall responsibility for management of RNRA operations including programs, finances, administration, technology and communication. Working with RNRA volunteer leaders, the ED provides continuity and professionalism and enhances organizational efficiency.Please click here for position details. Thank you.

Street Closures – Thru June 13th

Sewer Main Repairs: Intersection of Kinzie and Dearborn
Now through Monday, June 13th, the Chicago Department of Water Management will be preforming sewer main repairs at the intersection of Kinzie and Dearborn.
Traffic Impact:
    • Eastbound Kinzie, at Dearborn will be closed nightly, between the hours of 9pm and 5am, Sunday through Thursday nights only
  • Eastbound Kinzie will remain open on Friday and Saturday nights
  • Westbound Kinzie will remain open throughout the project
Detour Information:
  • Eastbound Kinzie Street traffic will be detoured to Northbound LaSalle Street, to Eastbound Hubbard Street, to Southbound State Street, and back to Eastbound Kinzie Street
  • Westbound Kinzie Street traffic, and northbound Dearborn Street traffic, will remain open at all times
  • Way-finding signage will be posted

RNRA’s 11th Annual Summer Movies in Ward Park Ends Aug. 23rd

Thank you to the hundreds of residents who have come out to our 11th Annual Summer Movies in the Ward Park.  It’s hard to believe we only have one movie left on Tuesday, Aug. 23rd “Minions.” Movies are sponsored by your River North Residents Association (RNRA) and the Chicago Park District.

We value your feedback! Interested in volunteering for our Park Advisory Council, please email us at info@rnrachicago.org. We need residents to help hand out programs and garbage bags before each movie. Have a 1/2 hour to spare, contact Karen TODAY kjones@rnrachicago.org.
Interested in sponsoring a movie, please contact us too, info@rnrachicago.org.

18th District Retail Theft

CPD StarAbout the Crime:
This alert gives notice to businesses (Retail Department Stores) in the 018th District of an increase in retail theft related incidents during the month of July. In these incidents, the offenders entered a retail establishments, took several high-end purses from the shelves and fled the scene. These incidents have occurred in the afternoon hours in the general geographical locations listed below:

 

  • 0-100 Block of E. Grand on June 27, 2016 during the early afternoon hours
  • 100 Block of E. Oak on June 30, 2016 during the afternoon hours
  • 100 Block of E. Oak on July 20, 2016 during the late afternoon hours
  • 0-100 Block of E. Grand on July 31, 2016 during the afternoon hours

Click here for more…

RNRA Families Spring Fling Rescheduled May 15th

RNRA Planting May 2013 077Are you ready to celebrate Spring in River North?
Your RNRA will be hosting another fun free family festival Sunday, May 15th from 2 to 4 pm. Event details and to RSVP.
 
Local businesses will be on hand with fun activities.

Regina Burnett of Burnett Studio will capture one of your first Spring family photos. Stop at her table for a quick snapshot of your whole family (a link to the gallery of photos will be provided 3-days post event).  

Lil’ Kickers  will have fun activities!
Bike safety demos by Luries Children’s Hospital – bring your kid’s bike helmet to check for proper fit!
 
A local non-profit Cradle to Crayons will host an activity to benefit children in need.
 
More activities from our partner businesses at:  Chicago Center for Music Education, Gilda’s Club, British Swim School, Cocoon, Jeff Stogsdill StateFarm Insurance Agency

Refreshments from Peet’s Coffee and Tea

Fun, games and crafts….
 
Of course, this is a weather permitting event. We do cold, but not rain. In case of rain, event will be rescheduled.
We always welcome and appreciate volunteers, even for 1/2 an hour, please contact Kim at kgrady@rnrachicago.org.

 

RNRA Welcomes Executive Director – Mickie Gordon

River North Residents Association (RNRA) is proud to announce the appointment of Mickie Gordon as its first Executive Director. Mickie  joined the executive committee on August 1st.

“We are thrilled to welcome such an accomplished leader a Mickie Gordon announcements Mickie to our organization,” said RNRA President Mike Riordan. “As River North continues to grow and thrive, Mickie will bring our organization to the next level with her extraordinary drive and leadership skills.”

Mickie has proven strengths in corporate leadership, strategic planning, relationship building, communications and operational excellence. Mickie’s organizational skills along with her ability to lead and motivate cross-functional teams to achieve measureable results will be an additional asset to RNRA. Mickie thrives on developing collaborative relationships.

A River North resident since 1994 Mickie adds, “River North is my home and where my family resides. I am dedicated to making a difference in our community.” She is also a volunteer with the Chicago Help Initiative and is currently leading the re-launch of the Adult Literacy Program.

Mickie can be reached at mgordon@rnrachicago.org.

Thank you Officer Cynthia Schumann

... Chicago and eight police detectives and officers for their role in hisOne of Chicago’s finest and great friend to River North, Officer Cynthia Schumann’s final tour of duty will be 15, May 2016.  Dr. Schumann  has been a Chicago Police Officer for twenty-nine years, the 18th District Community Policing Sergeant for more than half of those twenty-nine and have served and helped to protect the citizens of this city for more than half of her life.
Dr. Schumann came to the 18th District at a time of great transition. She is “grateful to have had the opportunity to grow up with the Near North Community and work personally with so many residents on a variety of initiatives. ” In her letter to the community,  she shares our support for the 18th District, the Community Policing Staff, has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for which she couldn’t be more thankful.
In the days ahead, she plans to continue teaching, writing, speaking and collaborating in experiential training opportunities and online educational course development.  She says she has so much more to learn and so much more to share!
We wish you the very best as you start your next chapter.