My Kind of Town

The CTA has released this year's Santa Train Schedule.

Take a look at the dates and plan accordingly! Times haven't been established yet but you can mark your calendar at least.

It's been amazing seeing the Santa-meet change over time, getting more streamlined, efficient, and organized. Even waiting can be a fun chance to talk with people from your community who are standing near you. It can be a long wait, so it's a good idea to pack a snack, a drink, and a distraction for little kids. Leave the stroller at home if you can.

My personal recommendation is to get your photo with Santa then head over to the Elf Train for a trip around the loop and back again. Don't wait for the Santa Train to finish up.

Note that riding the Santa Train and the Elf Train can be a sensory overload of lights, music, and "Christmas-y" aerosol scent. Some kids will have a good time, especially if passengers join in on the carols. Others won't be able to handle the excess of Christmas Cheer.

Adam Selzer, a Chicago historian and tour guide, spends his spare time combing through microfiche at the library and unearthing all kinds of fascinating Chicago history... including information about a woman named Frances Carrick.

Check out this fascinating twitter thread:

THis is the story of Frances Carrick, a Chicago transgender woman who was accused of murder in 1923. (The term was about half a century away, but is probably the best to use for her, based on her various comments. And she gave great quotes).

It includes the following detail: "A tipster led them to Frances, who was arrested and brought in for questioning. She was questioned for hours before police noticed she’d grown a five o’clock shadow. Frances called for a shave and a shot of gin."

I mean, who among us HASN'T called for a shave and a shot of gin during a trying time?

Have you heard? The Museum of Science and Industry is doing a Mold-A-Rama exhibit!

Now through Late 2023, Included in Museum Entry (i.e. not ticketed)

Mold-A-Rama™: Molded for the Future features a collection of popular, rare and experimental Mold-A-Rama souvenirs from the past with their quirky colors, designs and—of course—signature smell. Expand your collection by taking home colorful souvenirs made by several machines featured in the exhibit and around the Museum.

I'm vaccinated, boosted, have had the flu vaccine, and consistently wear a mask. Depending on Covid rates I'm going to try to get to this!

Illinois Attorney General Sues Trump Tower

"Trump Tower continues to take millions of gallons of water from the Chicago River every day without a permit and without any regard to how it may be impacting the river’s ecosystem," Madigan said in a news release. "I filed my lawsuit to make sure Trump Tower cannot continue violating the law."

It'll be interesting what, if anything, will come of this.

the 40th anniversary of the Chicago Jazz Festival

Jazz is well over 100 years old, but here's your chance to visit the famous Chicago Jazz Festival on its 40th anniversary. August 24th - September 2nd

The Keith Haring Mural

You have until September 24th to visit the Keith Haring mural.

Chicago Cultural Center Building Tours

Remember that the Chicago Cultural Center has tours of its amazing building every Wednesday through Saturday.

http://www.suntimes.com/21411000-761/cps-calls-teachers-mom-to-tell-him-hes-getting-laid-off.html

Of the 2,000+ veteran teachers and support staff recently fired, many of them apparently will be replaced by Teach For America (TFA) students and interns. Meanwhile, Mayor Emanuel has earmarked $55mil in TIF money for a basketball stadium for a private university. It's clear where his priorities lie, I guess.

Does anyone else follow Chicago Bites? I was very charmed by their most recent post Does Your Breakfast Bite? Here's What To Do About It. in no small part because the place they mention is pretty close to where I live.

Are there any local blogs you read regularly?

What are some of your favorite neighborhood independent businesses?

http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/06/05/albany-park-residents-worried-by-removal-of-sandbags/

I live in Albany Park, so this is potentially worrisome to me. We've been here almost 4 years and I don't remember hearing about flooding like this before.

Any other AP residents want to chime in?

Sprinkles Bakery has unveiled a 24 hour cupcake vending machine at 50 E Walton St. It's credit card only, no cash, and cupcakes are $4 a pop (they're $3.50 in the store). You can see the menu calendar here.

Toddling Around Chicagoland has put out a list of places that have pumpkin patches this year in and around Chicago.

Are there any pumpkin patches she missed that you like to go to?

Where do you like to go to get your Corn Maze (Maize Maze?), Haunted House, Hayride, Face Painting, Pony Ride, Pumpkin Picking, needs fulfilled?

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