Your Guide to Living in Lockport, Illinois

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Your Guide to Living in Lockport, Illinois Welcome to LOCKPORT YOUR GUIDE TO LIVING IN LOCKPORT, ILLINOIS 1 Welcome to LOCKPORT On behalf of the City of Lockport and the City Council, we are pleased that you have decided to call our community home. Our town is rich in history; in fact, our slogan is the City of Historic Pride. I invite you to explore our downtown, visit our museums, galleries, and local restaurants, spend time in our parks and hit the canal trails, in order to truly experience all that our City has to offer . While we have prepared this guide to include key services for new residents, existing residents may also find it contains useful information. Thank you for taking time to learn more about the City and our community. Mayor Steven Streit Agenda Center Notify Me View agendas, packets, minutes, live meetings, and recorded Receive notices about City videos of the Committee of the Whole, City Council, and services, meetings, and news Plan & Zoning Commission. From the homepage, under by email and text through Government select Agenda Center. customized subscriptions. Signing up is easy, select Email Newsletter Notify Me on the homepage. Receive a brief weekly summary of recent updates. Sign up for the City’s email newsletter on the City’s website by Print Newsletter clicking on the Notify Me icon from the homepage. The City’s Our Town newsletter is delivered by mail Lockport Community Television to all residential addresses. LCTV provides public access television to our community including meetings of the City Council, Committee of the Service Requests Whole, and Plan & Zoning Commission. Watch LCTV on Submit your service request online by selecting the Submit a Comcast Channel 6, AT&T U-Verse 99, and YouTube. Request icon, or visiting https://cityoflockport.net/request. Nixle Alerts Social Receive important alerts from the Lockport Police Stay connected with us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter Department and Public Works & Engineering Department @cityoflockport and the Police Department on Facebook. STAY CONNECTED STAY delivered straight to you via text message and email. To subscribe, visit nixle.com or text area code "60441" to Website Visit our website for information about programs, services, phone number "888777". applications, and more at https://cityoflockport.net. 2 CITY COUNCIL & COMMITTEES Meetings Committee of the Whole COTW meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 7 p.m. in City Hall, Council Chambers. City Council City Council Regular meetings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of The City Council includes the Mayor, Treasurer, City Clerk, and eight each month at 7 p.m. or at the conclusion of the Committee of Alderpersons; two representing each of the four wards. Contact the Whole meeting in City Hall, Council Chambers. information, biographies, and the ward map are available online. Plan & Zoning Commission Steven Streit Larry Schreiber Mayor Councilman, Ward 2 Regular meetings are held on the second Tuesday of the month beginning at 7 p.m. in City Hall, Council Chambers. Kathy Gentile Christina Bergbower City Clerk Councilwoman, Ward 3 Permanent Committees The Board of Police Commissioners meets the third Wednesday Karen Kostecki Joanne Bartelsen Councilwoman, Ward 4 of the month. The Heritage & Architecture Commission meets the Councilwoman, Ward 1 third Thursday of the month. Both are held at 6 p.m. in City Hall. Matt Kairis Renee Saban Councilman, Ward 1 Councilwoman, Ward 4 Agenda Center Meeting materials are posted on the City’s website in the Agenda JR Gillogly Mark Lobes Councilman, At-Large Center. You can sign up to receive notices when agendas/packets Councilman, Ward 2 are published through Notify Me. CITY FACILITIES Public Works City Hall & Engineering Police Department 222 E. 9th Street 17112 S. Prime Boulevard 1212 S. Farrell Road (815) 838-0549 (815) 838-0549 Emergency: Dial 911 Non-Emergency: (815) 838-2131 Hours Hours Administration: (815) 838-2132 Monday - Friday Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Administration Hours Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m. 3 IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW (from A-Z) If you encounter a stray/wild dog, cat, racoon, skunk or possum, please contact the City's contracted animal control service through the Police Department at (815) 838-4406. ANIMAL CONTROL By Ordinance, children under the age of 16 have a curfew of 10:00 p.m. The curfew for those ages 16-17 years old is 11:00 p.m. The curfew hours are the same on weekends and holidays. CURFEW Lockport Township Fire Protection District provides fire, rescue, EMS, and related services to residents. Homer Township Fire Protection District provides service to a portion of the City’s east side, and Northwest Homer Fire Protection District provides service to a portion of the City's FIRE SERVICES northeast side. More information is available on page 10. Lockport residents are served by the White Oak Library District, Lockport Branch, located at 121 E. 8th Street. Visit the library to register for a library card and learn more. Information about services and programs, and an application for a library card (which can be downloaded and LIBRARY completed in advance of your visit) are available at whiteoaklibrary.org. Overnight Street Parking is not allowed on any public street with a curb between the hours of 3:00 a.m. and 6:00 a.m. or any time there is more than two inches of snow. A request for an PARKING overnight parking permit can be submitted online to the Lockport Police Department. Public parking is available downtown on-street and in parking lots. Dog licenses are available at the Water Department in City Hall or at the Police Department. No more than (including a combination of) four dogs and/or cats, and no more than three dogs or three cats are allowed in any residence. No more than two rabbits, ferrets, or guinea pigs are PETS allowed in a residential unit. The Lockport Township Park District maintains park areas and provides recreational programs including annual events to enrich the quality of life of the community. For more information RECREATION about LTPD please visit lockportpark.org. The Lockport Sister City Program, established in 2014, works to embody the goals of Sister City International and promote cultural, educational and economic exchanges with our Sister City, Asiago Italy. Lockport is home to many Italian families, some of which have lived in the City for SISTER CITY generations. You can follow the Lockport-Asiago Sister City Program on Facebook. The City provides several options for residents to stay connected with information about news, events, and more. Communications activities include social media presence, email and print newsletters, and text message notifications. More information is available in the Stay Connected STAY CONNECTED section of this guide. The City of Lockport does not require vehicle stickers. Voluntary stickers can be purchased. VEHICLE STICKERS 4 UTILITIES CABLE & INTERNET Comcast and AT&T provide service in our area. To set up Comcast service, please call (866) 594-1234 or visit xfinity.com. AT&T provides internet which can be set up by calling (888) 611-4466 or visiting att.com. WATER & SEWER ELECTRICITY Water and sewer services are provided by the ComEd is the City's electric service provider. City of Lockport to residents within incorporated City To set up new service with Commonwealth Edison, please limits. Water and sewer services are billed monthly. contact ComEd at (800) EDISON-1 or visit comed.com. To set up a new account please call the Water Constellation is the City’s electric supplier through Department at (815) 838-0549, option 3, or stop in at October 2021. The City participates through the Will City Hall, 2nd Floor. County Government League (WCGL) electric aggregation program. The rate is 7.517¢ per kWh through October 2021. Online and phone payment options are available through BS&A. To access the online payment portal, Eff ective November 2021, the City is returning to visit the City website and click on View or Pay My Bill. ComEd as its electric supplier. The ComEd rate will be Water rates are set to increase by 5% each year through 6.725¢ per kWh in the summer and 7.216¢ per kWh during 2022. Sewer rates are adjusted annually based on the non-summer (estimated, may be adjusted slightly). Consumer Price Index (CPI). GARBAGE, RECYCLING & YARD WASTE Waste Management provides weekly garbage, The City also participates in Waste Management's recycling, and seasonal yard waste services. At Your Door Special Collection® Service to help residents discard potentially hazardous and hard-to-recycle To set-up new residential service please call the City at items which are not permitted for disposal in regular refuse (815) 838-0549, option 3. All garbage should be placed in the collection service. For more details and to schedule an appropriate container set by the curb no later than 6 a.m. on appointment, please visit wmatyourdoor.com. your designated pickup day. In the event of a missed pickup, please call Waste Management at (800) 964-8988. Additional resources include the Refuse, Recycling & Yard Waste Program Guide, Waste Management Service Area Yard waste collection begins the last full week in March Schedule Map and website, home.wm.com/lockport. through the first full week of December. Yard waste should be placed in a cart available to rent through the City for The City provides branch pick up twice a year during $2 per month for one year or in brown paper bags which can the spring beginning the first Monday in May and again in the be purchased from a local retailer.
Recommended publications
  • Chicago Southland Economic Development Index
    Chicago Southland Economic Development Index Planning, Economic, and Community Development Organizations and Agencies for the Chicago Southland Region and the State of Illinois January 2004 Prepared by: Kristi DeLaurentiis, South Suburban Coordinator Metropolitan Planning Council Ellen Shubart, Campaign Manager Campaign for Sensible Growth and Maureen Wright, Economic Development Coordinator Village of Orland Park JAN 2004 This database originally prepared for the Economic Development Roundtable. Economic Development Roundtable members include: · Campaign for Sensible Growth · Chicago Southland Alliance · Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce · Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau · Chicago Southland Development, Inc. · EnterprizCook County · Metropolitan Planning Council · Metro Southwest Alliance · Southwest Council of Mayors · South Suburban Mayors and Managers Association JAN 2004 GOVERNMENT / ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT / PLANNING ORGANIZATIONS Organization Contact Leading Efforts: Objectives, Programs & Initiatives Accion Chicago Leroy Pacheco · ACCION Chicago is dedicated to strengthening the economies of President & CEO Chicago's neighborhoods by providing "micro" loans and business- 3245 W. 26th Street, 2nd Floor related services to low and moderate-income individuals who are Chicago, IL 60623 striving to support themselves and their families through self- PH: (773) 376-9004 x101 employment. FAX: (773) 376-9048 · ACCION Chicago provides this credit and helps small business [email protected] owners to increase their
    [Show full text]
  • A FEW of WILL COUNTY's HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS! We Would Like to Extend a Warm Invitation for You to Visit the Places That Showcase Will County's Rich Heritage
    Will County’s Historic ATTRACTIONS along the I-355 Extension WELCOME TO A FEW OF WILL COUNTY'S HISTORIC ATTRACTIONS! We would like to extend a warm invitation for you to visit the places that showcase Will County's rich heritage. By visiting our attractions, you will gain an appreciation as to why communities within Will County are committed to preserving the places that make them unique and provide a sense of place. The identified sites are in close proximity to the I-355 South Extension. We hope you return again to visit not just these historic attractions but other landmarks throughout the entire Heritage Corridor region. 1 12 BOLINGBROOK 53 LEMONT . d R er t Riv ie es t. l in in S o Pla Ma J Des Illinois & Michigan Canal Gaylord Building Heritage Corridor 200 West Eighth St. ROMEOVILLE Lockport, IL 60441 127th St. 2 . 11 e v 135th St. Romeo Rd. A r e h rc A N 2 HOMER GLEN PLAINFIELD 3 Airport Rd. 151st St. Renwick Rd. 4 7 Isle a la Cache Museum 12 Schmuhl School 501 E. Romeo Rd. 20733 S. Schoolhouse Rd. t d S LOCKPORT R y 1 r a New Lenox, IL 60451 Romeoville, IL 60446 CREST HILL a w d il d e ra a C T n o l r o a 5 t B n 175th St. g a min C Bloo . go M a 53 d hic & . C I R S 3 30 r 10 a g u 6 o 7 G Theodore St. t 6 S s n i l l o 7 C JOLIET NEW LENOX .
    [Show full text]
  • Affected Environment 4
    Section 4 AFFECTED ENVIRONMENT 4. Affected Environment 4.0 Affected Environment The study corridor used to identify various resources within the program’s affected environment is comprised of the seven sections described in Chapter 3, Section 3.3.7.1 and illustrated in Exhibit 3.3‐10. Depending on the resource and the available information collected, the width of the study corridor ranges from 100 feet to the counties in which the study corridor traversed. The study corridors are described in each of the resource sections. 4.1 Existing Land Use 4.1.1 Development Patterns Historically, Chicago and St. Louis have served as major continental transportation centers, both tracing their origins to water and rail transportation routes. Chicago prospered from its strategic location on Lake Michigan and access to eastern markets through the Erie Canal and the Great Lakes. St. Louis originally developed from its role as a port on the Mississippi River that provided access to domestic and foreign markets. During the 19th Century, the addition of railroads linking these cities forged an economic lifeline between Chicago and St. Louis. Construction of the rail network spawned the growth of numerous communities that served as regional centers for the collection and distribution of goods for a rich agricultural region. The influence of the railroad remained strong until interstate highways joined the transportation system in the 1950s and 1960s. In contrast to the railroads, which created new communities along their length to maintain and support the railroads, interstate highways were constructed around, and often bypassed some communities. Because the interstates had limited points of access, county roads that connected with or crossed over them linking existing communities, became particularly important to the rural areas.
    [Show full text]
  • Project Description
    Chicago-St. Louis Environmental Assessment 6.0 Distribution List 6.0 DISTRIBUTION LIST 6.1 Agency Coordination 6.1.1 Federal Agencies Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Federal Emergency Management Agency Federal Highway Administration, Illinois Division Federal Transit Administration, Region 5 National Park Service U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rock Island District U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District U.S. Coast Guard, Eighth District U.S. Coast Guard, Ninth District U.S. Department of Agriculture U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish & Wildlife, Chicago Field Office U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish & Wildlife, Rock Island Field Office U.S. Department of the Interior, Fish & Wildlife, Marion Illinois Suboffice U.S. Department of the Interior, Illinois & Michigan Canal U.S. Department of the Interior, Office of Environmental Policy and Compliance U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 5 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7 U.S. Senator Richard Durbin U.S. Senator Roland Burris U.S. Senator Kit Bond U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill U.S. Representative, Bobby Rush, District No. 1 U.S. Representative, Jessie Jackson, Jr., District No. 2 U.S. Representative, Daniel Lipinski, District No. 3 U.S. Representative, Luis Gutierrez, District No. 4 U.S. Representative, Danny Davis, District No. 7 U.S. Representative, Debbie Halvorsen, District No. 11 U.S. Representative, Jerry Costello, District No. 12 U.S. Representative, Judy Biggert, District No. 13 U.S. Representative, Timothy Johnson, District No. 15 U.S. Representative, Aaron Schock, District No.
    [Show full text]
  • Section 2: Open Space & Trails
    Open Space & Trails Section 2: Open Space & Trails Landscape Lockport’s original landscape features -- rivers, streams, creeks, limestone outcroppings, prairies, wooded groves, marshes, and fens -- have all contributed to the shape of the City. Today, these features play an important role in creating the character of Lockport. Refer to page 11 for open space and trail systems within and around the downtown study area. Lockport is a valley town set above and to the east of the Des Plaines River. The heights were formed by glaciers that left behind moraines deposited in an east-west direction and composed of boulders, sand, and gravel. When the ancient lake that these moraines held back was breached, the torrential out-fl ow created the river valley. The amount and quality of open space in Lockport make it one of the City’s greatest physical assets. Open space within the project area consists of the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor, the Milne Creek Corridor, West Side Park, the Deep Run Creek Corridor, and the east bank of the Sanitary & Ship Canal. Lockport’s natural resources are plentiful and relatively underdeveloped. They present a number of opportunities to enhance or expand upon these resources. I & M Canal National Heritage Corridor August 2008 Lockport Downtown Master Plan 23 Open Space & Trails I & M Canal National Heritage Corridor The Illinois & Michigan Canal, set here in the Des Plaines River Valley, is a major asset to the character and cultural history of Lockport. Building of the I & M Canal began in 1836 and was completed in 1848.
    [Show full text]
  • I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Interpretive Plan 2005
    I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Interpretive Plan 2005 Prepared by: Canal Corridor Association Primary Author: Ron Vasile, Historian Contributors: Diane Banta Ana B. Koval Laurie Scott Acknowledgements Funding for this report has been provided by the I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission through the Department of Interior. The views and conclusions contained in this document are those of the authors and should not be interpreted as representing the opinions or policies of the U. S. Government. Mention of trade names and commercial products does not constitute their endorsement by the U. S. Government. The staff of the former I&M Canal National Heritage Corridor Commission (Phyllis Ellin, Mary Tano, Roger Gasa, Connie Piazza) were helpful in gathering materials for this report. A draft of the corridor themes was produced by Canal Corridor Association and Barbara Levy and Associates. People throughout the corridor sent information on their sites and or programs as noted on the site inventory forms. These include: The Canallers in the Corridor; Lake Katherine Nature Preserve; Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie; Isle a la Cache Museum; Joliet Iron Works Historic Site; Hogan Grain Elevator; Illinois Waterway Visitor Center; Slovenian Heritage Museum; Worth Park District Historical Museum; Hegeler Carus Mansion; Little Red Schoolhouse Nature Center and others. I&M Canal NHC Interpretive Plan, Canal Corridor Association, 2005 Table of Contents Part I: Status of Interpretation.........................................................................................1
    [Show full text]
  • Writing a Twhp Lesson Plan: a View from the Gaylord Building
    Dennis H. Cremin Sourcebook provided pragmatic steps for moving ahead. I work at the Gaylord Building, located 32 miles southwest of Chicago in Lockport, Illinois. Writing a TwHP The Gaylord Building (1838) played a vital role in one of the great enterprises of the 19th cen- tury: the digging of the 96-mile-long Illinois & Lesson Plan Michigan Canal. The handsome limestone warehouse was the A View from the construction depot for the canal, which linked Lake Michigan and the Illinois River, opening the Gaylord Building Midwest to commerce and industry. The canal was also responsible for making Chicago grow into the most important city in the Midwest. In e have all heard this kind of 1848, the canal was completed and the Gaylord talk from someone just won Building was modified for grain storage. Over its over to something new. long history, the building has been adaptively “You know this bee pollen used as a dry goods store, a site for the manufac- really Wgives me more energy. You should put some ture of lock fixtures, and a storehouse for plumb- on your cereal every morning.” We roll our eyes ing fixtures. and say, “You know, I really should,” but with no By the 1970s, however, the building stood intention of doing so. Well, at the risk of sound- boarded up, while major industries in the area, ing like that someone, I’m saying, “every site such as U.S. Steel and the Texaco Refinery, closed. should do a Teaching with Historic Places lesson In 1987 the Gaylord Building reopened after a plan.” The program allows you to see other lesson four-year rehabilitation and features Public plans and stimulates your thinking about your Landing Restaurant, the Illinois State Museum site.
    [Show full text]
  • Select Preservation Priorities for FY 2020 Appropriations
    THE PRESERVATION BUDGET Select Preservation Priorities for FY 2020 Appropriations February 2019 The National Trust for Historic Preservation is a privately funded nonprofit organization that works to save America’s historic places. From our headquarters in Washington, D.C. and our field offices, we take direct, on-the-ground action when historic sites are threatened. Our work helps build vibrant, sustainable communities. We facilitate public participation in the presevation of sites, buildings, and objects of national significance or interest. We advocate with governments to save America’s heritage and we strive to create a cultural legacy that is as diverse as the nation itself so that all of us can take pride in our part of the American story. For more information, visit SavingPlaces.org. ON THE COVER: GETTYSBURG NATIONAL MILITARY PARK BY ISTOCK; MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. AT THE A.G. GASTON MOTEL, COURTESY CITY OF BIRMINGHAM ARCHIVES; THE JEFFERSON MEMORIAL AT THE TIDAL BASIN BY SAM KITTNER THE NATIONAL TRUST FOR HISTORIC PRESERVATION is pleased to publish this report recommending funding levels for select federal preservation programs. Each of these programs has a significant impact on the stewardship of our nation’s remarkable historic resources in every state and congressional district throughout our country. Preservationists have long advocated for the Historic Preservation Fund (HPF), including funding for state and tribal historic preservation officers. These offices implement preservation programs on the ground, including evaluating the impacts of federal projects, reviews of tax credit projects, and other essential activities. In FY 2018 and FY 2019, we have seen historically high levels of funding for the HPF.
    [Show full text]
  • Artspace Report
    Preliminary Feasibility Study Lockport, Illinois Prepared for: City of Lockport June 2014 ARTSPACE PROJECTS, INC. 250 Third Avenue N., Suite 400 Minneapolis, MN 55401 612.333.9012 www.artspace.org Introduction he City of Lockport is 30 miles south and slightly west of Chicago – a historic city in Will County founded on the now defunct Illinois and Michigan Canal, a National Heritage T Corridor. The old canal runs through Lockport’s historic downtown and is part of a lovely biking and pedestrian path, connecting Dellwood Park to Isle A La Cache. While Lockport is not a large city (the 2012 census counted 25,000 residents), it has grown from 15,000 to its current population base in just ten years. It is expected that Lockport will continue to increase in population over the next decade. Coupled with the growing population is a dynamic, young Mayor, himself an artist, who has great aspirations for the city and has taken great ownership of Lockport’s future. The city is beginning to see some of the fruits of his labor when combined with an improved economy and a growing population. Lockport is primarily a commuter city from Chicago. Hence, real estate values are escalating. Though by comparison to the “Windy City,” Lockport is still relatively affordable. The city also has the beginnings of what could become an Arts District or Creative Enterprise Zone. Creative businesses are peppered throughout the historic 4-5 block downtown main street area. These include an organic grocer, a vegan café, a gallery and frame shop, a five State Street, Lockport, Illinois star French restaurant, a tattoo shop with a gallery, a chocolate shop, two graphic design firms, a florist, spa and the list goes on.
    [Show full text]
  • Collection Management Systems
    COLLECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS Annamaria Poma Swank Report settembre 2008 REPORT: COLLECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS COLLECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS è distribuito sotto licenza: Creative Commons 2.5 (Attribuzione - Non commerciale - Non opere derivate 2.5 Italia) una licenza di tipo copyleft scelta per consentirne la libera diffusione. Si riporta il testo in linguaggio accessibile, copia del testo integrale della licenza in: <http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/it/legalcode> Tu sei libero: di riprodurre, distribuire, comunicare al pubblico, esporre in pubblico, rappresentare, eseguire e recitare quest'opera. Alle seguenti condizioni: Attribuzione. Devi attribuire la paternità dell'opera nei modi indicati dall'autore o da chi ti ha dato l'opera in licenza. Non commerciale. Non puoi usare quest'opera per fini commerciali. Non opere derivate. Non puoi alterare o trasformare quest'opera, nÈ usarla per crearne un'altra. Ogni volta che usi o distribuisci quest'opera, devi farlo secondo i termini di questa licenza, che va comunicata con chiarezza. In ogni caso, puoi concordare col titolare dei diritti d'autore utilizzi di quest'opera non consentiti da questa licenza. Le utilizzazioni consentite dalla legge sul diritto d'autore e gli altri diritti non sono in alcun modo limitati da quanto sopra. REPORT: COLLECTION MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ABSTRACT Collection Management software are computer based systems created to fulfill the need of museums to better manage all the museum’s information about their collections, avoid duplications, and improve communication between the various departments. The evolution of museums automation goes back to the 60s when the possibility of using technology for museums was explored at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and IBM 1968 conference.
    [Show full text]
  • The Gaylord Building to Launch an Artist in Residence Program with Red Clay Dance Company
    March 27, 2019 RE: Outreach to Area Schools Contact: Pam Owens, Executive Director The Gaylord Building Phone: (815) 838-9400 Email: [email protected] The Gaylord Building to launch an Artist in Residence Program with Red Clay Dance Company Greetings, The Gaylord Building and the National Trust for Historic Preservation are pleased to announce an artist in residence program with Red Clay Dance Company beginning in June 2019 and continuing throughout the summer. This program, partially funded through a grant from the Illinois Arts Council Agency, is rooted with the underlying goal of preserving African American culture throughout the I & M Canal National Heritage Corridor. Red Clay Dance will conduct a series of FREE workshops and classes in the Gaylord Building’s third-floor gallery, 200 W 8th St., Lockport, beginning on Wednesday, June 5th. Participants can contact the Gaylord Building at (815) 838-9400 for more information or to register for classes. Detailed information is available on the Gaylord Building website www.gaylordbuilding.org. All workshops and classes are free and open to the public. Making the Artivist Workshops The Making the ArtivistTM workshop series helps community minded individuals ages 10 and up build their Artivist Toolkit. Previous dance experience is not required. Workshops provide training in discovering, developing and using your artistic voice to become change agent in your community. As a part of the Making the ArtivistTM participants engage in movement-based activities designed to help individuals activate personal agency, analyze systems within a community, and identify possible solutions to social challenges through art making. Activities include Artivists challenges, structured reflections, and small group discussions.
    [Show full text]
  • Architecture of the Grain Trade on the Illinois and Michigan Canal
    “The Architecture of the Grain Trade and the Illinois and Michigan Canal.” A paper read at the annual meeting of the Pioneer of America Society, 2002. The Architecture of the Grain Trade on the Illinois and Michigan Canal by John M. Lamb In the 1830s settlers poured into the prairies of Illinois acquiring cheap land for farming. This cheap land ($1.25 an acre) was rich, unbroken prairie soil. Once it was turned over by a sod breaker plow, no cleaning was necessary for lush grain production. The problem these few farmers faced was getting their grain to market. Grain was transported in sacks which were difficult to handle and transport in large quantities. In the 1840s in Chicago entrepreneurs were beginning to develop ways of handling grain in bulk by using conveyor belts and gravity to move it. Work began on the Illinois and Michigan Canal on July 4, 1836. This waterway would connect Lake Michigan to the Illinois River, and thus provide a water connection between the East and the Mississippi, as the Illinois flows into the Mississippi. Amongst those who came to Illinois lured by the canal and its construction was Hiram Norton. Norton was born in New York, but orphaned; he moved to Canada at a young age. Although he would return to New York for schooling, he settled in Canada at Prescott, Ontario. He soon became a leading businessman. He was a partner in a stagecoach line to Montreal. Prescott is located on the Saint Lawrence, and Norton was involved in water transportation, first of all in the manufacture of a steamboat that could safely and swiftly breast the Saint Lawrence rapids.
    [Show full text]