A Community That Leads By Example--The 43rd Annual Sheffield Garden Walk

By R. A. Monaco
July 24, 2011

Despite the Sunday morning rain that brought with it even more rain to "The Summer's Best Festival," the 43rd Annual Sheffield Garden Walk and Festival continued its traditions and commitment to the Sheffield community.

Following Friday night's storm that dumped between 5 and 7 inches of rain on the Chicago area and forced the closure of several flooded expressways, and blacked out nearly 90,000 Com Ed customers, the Sheffield Neighborhood Association and their dedicated volunteers saved the day and kept the day long activities on schedule.

On Saturday afternoon, the Revivalists band kicked off the Festival's music to the survivalists who ventured into the unpredictable Chicago weather to support the annual community effort and enjoy the traditions which have continued since 1969.

The rain surpassed the previous record high single-day rainfall total of 6.64 as recorded by the Chicago Weather Service while flooding countless basements including that at Kelly's Pub directly across the street from the event, whose owners Polly and John Kelly are long time patrons of the Garden Walk.

After discovering that the flooding had short circuited the buildings air conditioning at Kelly's Pub, long time relationships prevailed. An early Saturday A.M. call to their trusted heating and air conditioning vendor, Bob McCann Heating and Cooling came to the rescue, so that festival patrons seeking air conditioned relief nearby would be available if needed. It seems the perfect example of the type of community spirit which says more about what has made this festival an enduring part of Chicago's heritage.

For the third day in a row, showers and thunderstorms were unable to discourage the Sheffield Neighborhood Association and their patrons commitment to the event. The non-profit community volunteer-managed festival provides support for neighborhood schools, local institutions, and community projects. Event proceeds are critically important to SNA's Award-Winning Beautification Program, a plan that has continued to give recognition to the Sheffield neighborhood as the Garden District of Chicago.

Garden and Architecture tours went on as scheduled, as did the food, music and good times. Little more needs to be said about a community that leads by example.

New Era in Chicago and Sheffield Community

By: R.A.Monaco
May 16, 2011


Today, after six terms of Daley tradition and for the first time in 22 years, Chicago will have a new mayor.

The winds of change and Emanuel's aspirations to succeed Mayor Daley were made public about a year ago on the Charlie Rose PBS talk show when he exclaimed, "it's no secret." Certainly, it was no secret that Emanuel would not have considered challenging Mayor Richard M. Daley had he decided to seek re-election, however, the proverbial cat was out of the bag at that point about Mayor Daley having a new horizon.

Significantly, in this city of tradition, today's swearing in of Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel will also give Chicago its first Jewish mayor.

Over the past year, Chicagoans have heard plenty about Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel's high profile legal battle over residence eligibility in his quest to become the 55th mayor of Chicago. Following an appellate court ruling that he was not eligible to run for the City's top job because of time he'd spent out of the city, the Illinois Supreme Court ended the controversy reversing the decision.

Having served as a top aide to President Obama, the former Chief of Staff and our newest mayor is not without friends in other high places, which include Vice President Joseph Biden who is expected to attend today's Millennium Park inauguration ceremony, Chinese President Hu Jintao and former President Bill Clinton each of whom made a stop to the city during Emanuel's mayoral campaign.

Determined to meet the challenges of Chicago's future head on, Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel has tapped Jean-Claude Brizard, Rochester, N.Y. schools superintendent to run our city's massive school system and Garry McCarthy, Newark, N.J. police director as the city's new police superintendent. Chicago Fire Commissioner Robert Hoff, has been given the nod to remain at his post.

So, as we begin this new direction in Chicago's history, the Sheffield community is invited to share their thoughts, ideas, concerns and optimism here on the Sheffield Gazette and Digital Fish Wrap. It would be great to hear about the ceremony at Millennium Park and downtown from anyone attending.

Finally, our City's newest mayor has many challenges that we must now face together, let's let the city know that the Sheffield community wants to (((Be Part Of The Fix, Not The Fight)))!

Sheffield Gazette and Digital Fish Wrap

The Sheffield Gazette and Digital Fish Wrap is aimed at a wide community audience. You are welcome to contribute as a volunteer enthusiast interested in the Sheffield Community.

While gossip, trivia,unofficial news of neighborhood interests, supposed miracles, witchcraft and the like are appropriate content we ask that volunteers be mindful that our community is also of likely interest to the children of the Oscar Mayer School, T-Baller's at Trebes Park and the Little Sisters of the Poor.

With that said, please choose language appropriate to the broadest sensitivity of the community.

Mark your July calendars this year for the 23rd and 24th which will commemorate the 43rd Annual Sheffield Garden Walk and Festival!

In the weeks to come don't forget to let everyone know how much you've enjoyed this event in the past thanks to the considerable efforts of the Sheffield Neighborhood Association