LATEST MEETING INFO (UPDATED 12/1/11)
 
We experienced greater than average attendance from our community for our Fall General Meeting, which was very nice to see! For the first time, our meeting was held in the beautiful new cafeteria of Sauganash Elementary School. Attendees even got a personal guided tour of the entire new addition. Our slated speakers included Alderman Margaret Laurino, North Shore Community Bank president Dennis Hammer, and Sauganash Elementary School principal Christine Munns. 17th District Police Commander Melissa Staples had hoped to join us but sent one of her lieutenants in her stead. We also had a brief introduction from the new owner of Hart Liquors, who will be soon closing the store for renovations. Once reopened, the store will be transformed into more of a convenience mart, offering alcohol as well as groceries.

By now, you've surely noticed the new streetlights that have been installed. The process will resume in 2012 whereby the installation will continue westbound to Lowell. The alderman believes the brightly lit streets will offer greater security and ease of navigation through our neighborhood. To answer a question proposed at our last general meeting: no, the lights cannot be dimmed.

We've also noticed that most potholes have been filled and our streets have been resurfaced.

The SPCA Board continues communication with the alderman as well as the Swedish/Alden partners regarding the proposed senior housing and urgent care center on the vacant Skil property. Board members have visited one of the existing Alden senior housing sites (Drexel Horizon), and plans another visit to one of their newer properties in the near future. The alderman will soon ask that we establish a meeting for the community at large by which individuals may ask questions, voice concerns, etc. We will announce that date via our Web site, our local papers, and mailers.

The 17th District police report that theft--particularly auto theft regarding Honda and Toyota vehicles--has climbed this year. Please leave no valuables in your car and keep your doors locked. If possible, store your car in your garage and lock everything possible (i.e. garage doors, car doors, arm car and garage alarms). We've also heard reports of late involving suspicious persons posing as utility workers to gain access to homes. Please do not let anyone in your home and call 911 immediately.

In a few weeks, we will be judging our Holiday Home contest. Details are on the Home page. Of course, you must be an SPCA member to participate. We encourage all who have not become members to please do so.

We can't stress enough how much we need board members and other volunteers. For instance, we could use a "street team" of people who like to exercise just for flier distribution now and then. Even if you just do your own block, it's a huge help. We need people to volunteer for the 4th of July event. We also need a Media Coordinator, someone who can manage our Web site, create e-mail blasts to the community, get us on Facebook and Twitter, and keep everyone informed. That's perfect for a tech-savvy stay-at-home mom, college student, or anyone who wants to contribute without leaving home. To volunteer, just call Kathy Bedrio at (773) 930-3252, or come to our next board meeting on Wednesday, January 11th, 6:30 at North Shore Community Bank. We'll be happy to have you there!