By Neal McKnight We received a question about our expenditures on the recent aldermanic debates and why we would spend money to use Wells Community Academy High School's auditorium. A total of $1,400 was spent on the two debates. Some of these expenditures will be reimbursed by our neighboring community groups and co-sponsors. The amount of reimbursements depends on what their budgets can afford. All funds were paid to Wells Community Academy High School to defray costs for custodial and security staff and building and parking operations. There were no other debate expenses. The audio equipment and setup was donated by www.zzounds.com at no cost to the organization. We had invited both CAN-TV and DNAinfo to stream the debates but they were unable to dedicate the resources. Portions of the debate were recorded and posted on Facebook and youtube. This video was provided by volunteers. Wells High School was selected based on a number of factors. First, the venue was within ou...

Closing statements from Bita Buenrostro, Brian Hopkins, Steve Niketopoulos, Alyx Pattison, Stacey Pfingston and Cornell Wilson, Feb. 5, 2015 at Wells Community Academy High School. The ward debates were sponsored by Chicago Grand Neighbors Association, East Village Association, Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association and West Town Neighbors Association.

The Rauner administration has approved a medical marijuana dispensary at 1368 N. Milwaukee Ave. in Wicker Park, and held for further review an application at 1105 W. Fulton Market on the Near West Side. The actions suggest a West Town site with city zoning approval at 744 N. Damen Ave. has been turned down. Applicants may appeal disqualification. The Tribune notes the extended review of the Fulton Market application submitted by Perry Mandera, owner of the VIP's Gentleman's Club.

East Village Association board minutes for Jan. 12, 2015, submitted by Catherine Garypie Aldermanic debate planning At Wells High School, on Jan. 29 (1st Ward) and Feb. 5 (2nd Ward), both 7-9pm. Better Government Association will moderate. Waiting for confirmation from Andy Shaw; he'll likely do at least one of the debates. Partnership: CGNA , UVNA , EVA , new group south of Chicago Avenue and west of Damen Avenue. Format: opening remarks (including: “be civil, respectful, etc., and ask your supporters to do the same"), Q&A, close. Volunteers needed for setup and breakdown. Equipment being planned includes podiums, tables, microphones (hopefully lapel mics), possible digital timer. Approval to spend $560 to rent auditorium? Board votes Yes. Planning conference call with other neighborhood associations will be on Thursday. No one on EVA board cares if there is campaigning going on at the event. Can people park in high school parking lot? NM will find out. Will...

East Village Association minutes for Jan. 5, 2015, submitted by Catherine Garypie CANDIDATE ALYX PATTISON (2nd Ward) Alyx Pattison lives in Ukrainian Village and serves on the local school council at José de Diego school. Raised in a working class Utah family, her grandfather founded a local miners union. Everyone in family was laid off at some point. Growing up, "Mom was on and off food stamps. Government helped my family" with food stamps, Medicare and Medicaid. Pattison went to Northwestern law school. She moved here 17 years ago to work for U.S. Rep. Jan Schakowsky. Raised in working class family, "I believe in the power of government to do right by society. Government can offer a hand up not a hand out. Block by block we can build communities." Pattison works for a law firm as a securities litigator. Priorities for 2nd Ward & City as a whole? Schools Crime Lack of faith citizens have in city government Budget issues and continued borrowing

2nd Ward candidates (clockwise, from left) Steve Niketopolous, Bita Buenrostro, Brian Hopkins, Stacey Pfingsten, Cornell Wilson, Alyx Pattison. SIX CANDIDATES MEET IN 2ND WARD DEBATE Candidates for alderman in Chicago’s 2nd Ward will answer questions submitted by residents at a 7 p.m. Feb 5 debate in the Wells Community Academy High School auditorium, 936 W. Ashland Ave. The forum will be moderated by representatives from four West Town community organizations. Ward boundaries stretch from Lake Shore Drive to Oakley Boulevard and Huron Street to Wrightwood Avenue. Mayoral candidate Robert W. “Bob” Fioretti is the incumbent. All six candidates in the ward confirm they will attend: Steve Niketopoulos - educational TV producer, local school council representative. Bita Buenrostro - executive with corporation that manages three Chicago area restaurants. Brian Hopkins - former aide to Cook County Commissioner John Daley. Alyx Pattison - lawyer, local school council repr...

1st Ward candidates Andrew Hamilton, Ronda Locke, Proco "Joe" Moreno, Anne Shaw answered questions Jan. 29 in Wells Community Academy High School auditorium. Here's the first part of the 90-minute event moderated by Alden Loury of the Better Government Association. The introduction is by East Village Association president Neal McKnight. The event was sponsored by Chicago Grand Neighbors Association, Ukrainian Village Neighborhood Association and West Town Neighbors Association. Find DNAinfo coverage of the event here .

By Heather MacLeish , Mortar + Pestle Events For one week, Chicago’s connoisseurs of cured meat, including Tete Charcuterie and The Butcher & Larder, will feature house-made charcuterie on their menus. On Feb. 26, each participant will serve their signature Charcuterie creations at Charc Bites, a cocktail party at The Dawson. Special beverages will include the “Salumi Back,” a spirit and salami combo from CH Distillery and West Loop Salumi and a Steeped Emperor's Lemon Saison beer pairing from Moody Tongue brewery. The Butcher & Larder, The Dawson, La Sardine, Perennial Virant, The Radler, Table, Donkey, & Stick, Tete, West Loop Salumi, and Chop Shop will be serving Charc Week menus from Feb. 23-27, 2015. On Feb. 26, all of the participants will be gathered at The Dawson for Charc Week Party, where each chef will serve Charcuterie, as guests sip cocktails by the fireplace. Tickets are $75. Fireplace Lounge tables of 6, $625, include early access to the event, champ...