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Navigating the Switch: Transitioning to the New I-PASS Sticker Tags in Illinois

Issue #044

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In This Issue Of New Trier Thrive…

🌤️ New Trier Township Weather

📆 Local Events & Things To Do… Check Them Out! 🎞️🍽️🛎️

🔦 Local Business Spotlight

📰 Local News… Illinois News … National News

🏈🏀 High School Sports Schedules

🏈🏀🏒 Professional Sports Schedules

 💓 Community Service & Charitable Shopping 🤝

Events & Things To Do For Kids & Family

Cross Country Skiing - For ungroomed cross country skiing trails locally visit Skokie Lagoons. Located at Willow Road and Linder Avenue in New Trier Township *Note groomed trails are easier for younger kids and beginners.

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding without leaving the state. Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, is just under a 3 hour drive from New Trier Township. Chestnut has runs ranging from bunny hill to black diamond over its 475-foot vertical drop. The 19 runs cover 3,500 feet of skiable terrain. Check conditions online for up-to-date info on hours, snow, temperatures and open trails.

Cascade Mountain in Portage, Wisconsin is a 2.5 hour drive from New Trier Township. Cascade has runs for all skill levels - from bunny slopes to black diamond runs - plus a terrain park. There is even night skiing on lit trails and a tubing hill. Weather-permitting, Cascade is open 10am-8pm Monday-Thursday, 9am-10pm Friday-Saturday, and 9am-8pm Sundays. Ski, snowboard, and tube rentals are available.

Sky Zone Trampoline Park- Just Opened! Hours 9am - 9pm Everyday

Wilmette Bowl Come and experience their lively and energizing atmosphere. A fun place for gatherings for kids of all ages! Real Wood Lanes & Delicious Thin Crust Pizza

Classes for Kindergarten through Adults! Winter Classes at The Laughing Academy in Glenview- Now - February 24 Join us in studio for games, improv, scene work, and tons more! Pro-rated classes. We also promise lots of laughs!

Tinker Time: Plow That Snow! at the Glencoe Public Library on Feb. 1st, 2024 from 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Book Club to Go: Pete the Cat's Groovy Book Club Kit at The Glencoe Public Library on Feb. 2nd, 2024 all day long!

Winter Scavenger Hunt: The Great Snowflake Search Wilmette Historical Museum Now - thru Feb 15, 2024

Events For Adults

Visit The New Trier Jazz Festival on Feb. 3rd at 7 p.m in Gaggney Auditorium at New Trier’s Winnetka Campus. Tickets are $40. 

Cine’Club Join a group of 12 to 15 online for a discussion in French of a French film with English subtitles. 1:30 -3:30 p.m. Every 2nd Thursday of the month until April 10, 2024 .

Game On! Board Gaming for Adults. Drop-in. Meets monthly on the Third Tuesday of Every month. Glenview Public Library

Wednesday & Thursday Drop-in Pickleball - Winnetka Community House - Wednesdays: January 17 - March 20 from 8-10:30 am Thursdays: January 18 - March 21 from 11:15 am-1:15 pm  Drop-in fee is $8

Sit & Knit Program Thursday, January 18, 25, Feb 1 2:30 - 3:30 pm Northfield Library Community Room. Come hang out with fellow knitters in the Northfield Community Room. All levels of experience are welcome. Basic supplies will be available, and a library staff member will be available to help beginners.1785 Orchard Lane Northfield 847-446-5990

Up Next At The Hall Presents REAL PRETENDERS live Music at Kenilworth Assembly Hall on Friday, February 2nd at 7:30pm

The Rich and Romantic History of Valentines Sunday, February 4, 2:00 pm - 3:00 pm Part exhibit, part historical talk, part workshop, join Ellie as she celebrates her very favorite holiday! Northfield Library 1785 Orchard Ln 847- 446-5990

IN LIBRARY Bring Your Own Craft - Meets Monthly next session is Friday, February 9, 1-3pm Glencoe Public Library. Calling all crafters! BYOC is our new monthly meet-and-make series for adults in the Johnson Room. Drop by with your own knitting, crochet, cross-stitch, embroidery, hand-sewing, or other portable project and socialize with other creatives in the community. All levels of experience are welcome. Residents and non-residents invited. Register to receive a text or email reminder prior to the program; walk-ins welcome!

Titanic The Exhibition Starts Friday, February 16, The visit will take around 1 hour - Location: Westfield Old Orchard, Skokie All ages are welcome! Children under 4 enter free of charge Price: Adult tickets starting at $29.50

Have an upcoming event you want us to share?

Attention Local Business Owners!

There's real power in choosing local. Every time we walk into your stores or use your services, it strengthens the community. And behind every service, product, or daily special, we know there’s an owner with a vision and a story worth hearing.🌟Spotlight on You – The Heart of Our Neighborhood🌟

"New Trier Thrive" is all about celebrating the businesses that make our area unique. We're looking for the innovators, the neighborhood favorites, the hard workers making our daily lives better and brighter.

If that sounds like you, let's connect! Drop us a line, tell us what you’re all about, and let's introduce your business to the neighbors who are excited to support you. Join us in showcasing the best of local. Send a message – let’s get the conversation rolling!

 Do you own a Business in New Trier Township?

*Application Submissions just re-opened for 2024*

 

Come In from The Cold!

Visit Melody Spa A Tranquil Oasis In Downtown Wilmette

Woman getting a hot stone massage at spa salon

Owner, Kathy Liu, will greet you with warm hospitality at her welcoming spa, melt your aches and pains away this Winter Season with a relaxing massage by skilled therapists.

Escape to Melody Spa In Downtown Wilmette - Book a Stress Relieving Reflexology Treatment or Therapeutic Massage On Our Heated Massage Tables Deep Tissue & Hot Stones Available 💆🏻‍♀️ Gift Certificates For Valentine’s Day

(847) 906-4484

1109 Central Avenue Mon-Sat 10 - 9 p.m. Sun 11-8 p.m.

Glencoe Welcomes Honey Butter Fried Chicken: A Fresh Culinary Venture with Community at its Core

Honey Butter Fried Chicken has brought its successful dining concept to the heart of Glencoe's village downtown. Co-owners Josh Kulp and Christine Cikowski, who launched their flagship eatery in Chicago's Avondale in 2013, humorously note their decennial pattern of opening new venues. Their "fast casual" approach is characterized by delectable fried chicken served with signature honey butter, and an eclectic mix of "front porch cocktails" and soft drinks cater to a diverse crowd. The new establishment offers a communal and relaxed atmosphere, where meals average between $15-20 per person, and features multi-seating options including private party accommodations and a forthcoming patio for warmer days. Occupying the space of the former Poppy Social, Honey Butter Fried Chicken is now a culinary hotspot for Glencoe residents with both the local community and Village Manager Phil Kiraly showing a fervent interest in its long-term presence and growth.

Hubbard Woods Streetscape Revitalization Awaits Community Input and Next Steps

The challenge of transforming Green Bay Road's streetscape in Winnetka is mounted by the pending question of jurisdiction. The road's northern stretch in Glencoe already falls within village purview, but the segment running through Winnetka's Hubbard Woods district remains under the state's control through IDOT. Information from Winnetka villagers suggests serious consideration of a jurisdictional transfer which, if enacted, would grant the community increased authority to cultivate the road's design to their preference. Schoon of the village has indicated that these preliminary discussions are precursors to more structured dialogues with IDOT regarding the potential reshaping of Green Bay Road, based on who ultimately governs the road.

Fiscal considerations are paramount in the streetscape project, with Schoon emphasizing the search for grant opportunities to support the venture. However, such financial aid is contingent upon a solidified plan—something that remains in flux dependent on the direction the Village Council elects to pursue. Schoon alludes to the intricacies of grant eligibility, which necessitates a mature project plan informed by a clear strategic trajectory. The community's efforts now focus on consolidating information and refining the plan in concert with the Village Council's guidance, who will eventually face a pivotal decision on the streetscape's future direction.

Honoring Leadership: Winnetka Park District's Executive Director Bids Farewell

Shannon Nazzal is poised to take over as the new executive director of the Winnetka Park District, stepping into large shoes left by the departing executive director, who concluded his commendable service on January 26. The outgoing director, who transitioned from a role as a commissioner to vice president before becoming the executive director, is celebrated for steering the Park District through numerous accomplishments and particularly challenging times during the pandemic. His tenure is marked by a litany of successes, including investment in local amenities such as Lloyd Beach and new platform tennis courts, alongside achieving budgetary efficiency annually. As he transitions to a role in risk management, he leaves behind a legacy of dedication to community service and the ongoing Elder Lane and Centennial beach project, where he continues to contribute his expertise. With a knack for leadership and a rich background in park district administration, Nazzal is anticipated to not only meet but surpass the high expectations set by her predecessor, as she inherits a wealth of opportunities starting February 1.

Navigating the Switch: Transitioning to the New I-PASS Sticker Tags in Illinois

The landscape of Illinois' roadways is set to undergo a significant transformation, as the old I-PASS transponders will soon be obsolete. The Illinois Tollway Authority is shifting to a high-tech system using radio frequency identification (RFID) by introducing new sticker tags that adhere directly to vehicle windshields. Eager customers gained their first access to the sticker tags on January 26 through various outlets, including oasis stops, select Jewel-Osco stores, and the Tollway's main office. Enthusiasm is building, as motorists anticipate the convenience of online orders starting in February. Illinois Tollway Executive Director Cassaundra Rouse touts this innovative step as a move towards a seamless, reliable travel experience, joining many toll agencies nationwide in embracing these sticker tags.

For those who still possess active transponders, the Illinois Tollway has affirmed their functionality until expiration. Once a driver obtains a sticker tag, it is immediately ready for use throughout the state's toll roads. However, travelers should anticipate a short waiting period, typically 24 hours, before the tag will be operable on the Chicago Skyway or in other states part of the expansive E-ZPass network. As for the obsolete transponders, the Tollway is advocating for eco-friendly disposal. They recommend returning them to their facilities or visiting the Earth911 website to locate proper recycling centers geared towards handling lithium-ion batteries. Regarding proper placement, the I-PASS Sticker Tags should nestle close to the rearview mirror on the windshield to ensure they function correctly, and once installed, they are meant to remain there for the lifespan of the vehicle.

Please Support Our Local Community Businesses
👇👇Click Their Images To Visit Their Websites

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SCOOP🏀🏈🏒 

NEW TRIER TREVIANS Schedule/Tickets

LOYOLA ACADEMY RAMBLERS Schedule

REGINA DOMINICAN 🏀Schedule/Tickets

NORTH SHORE COUNTRY DAY RAIDERS Schedule/Tickets

PRO SPORTS SCHEDULES

CHICAGO BLACKHAWKS 🏒 

CHICAGO BULLS 🏀 

   

Charitable Donations & Shopping

| North Shore Exchange | 1100 Central Ave, Wilmette | www.northshoreexchange.org | DESIGNER SALE HAPPENING NOW AT BOTH LOCATIONS

| North Shore Exchange | 372 Hazel Ave, Glencoe | http://northshoreexchange.org/collections/glencoe-collection |

| YWCA Shop for Good | 1107 Central Ave, Wilmette | www.ywca-ens.org SALE HAPPENING NOW #30% Off Upscale resale boutique. 💯% profits benefit programs at @ywca_ens

| Winnetka Thrift Shop | 992 Green Bay Rd Winnetka, | https://www.winnetkathriftshop.org/ |

| Village Treasure House | 1460 Paddock Drive Northbrook | https://www.villagetreasurehouse.org/

| Wright-Way Rescue's Seniors for Seniors Adoption Program | 5915 Lincoln Avenue Morton Grove | Matches senior pets with senior citizens at reduced rates, helping both find joy and purpose in their golden years. This innovative Illinois program provides senior dogs and cats (aged 6+) loving homes, while seniors (62+) rediscover the cherished bonds of animal companionship. https://wright-wayrescue.org/seniors 

We could use your help…we’ve got big plans as we get up to speed! But we need your help! One huge way that you can help us is to spread the word for us. Know somebody who lives in the Wilmette, Kenilworth, Winnetka, Glencoe, Northfield, and East Glenview areas and would benefit from being kept in the know? Please share New Trier Thrive with them! It’s simple! 👇👇👇