Cary Weisgram of York Township Democrats will be offering his four-week course in map-making once again. This time around, participants will not have to juggle the holidays with figuring out census tables. If you fell off last time, you’re welcome to come back and join. The class will be conducted on Zoom Wednesday nights at 8pm from February 9th through March 2nd.

If you attended this class last time and enjoyed the content, please help spread the word. Cary is looking for all data nerds everywhere, but especially those who are volunteering with progressive organizations and other cool local causes who would benefit from doing spatial analysis.

Cary is a precinct committeeperson, and newly elected School District 44 board member. He helped organize the voter file, provide logistical maps and targeted voter metrics for seven candidates in the last municipal election. He wants to share as much of what he knows about data analysis and visualization with as many local progressive activists as possible.

Here’s the registration link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZwsduqrrz8rGtcHkCks2o4upW0A_x8N_pZN

When LTDO throws a Holiday Party, it does not fool around! The festivities at Meson Sabika featured an elegant setting, great food, and lots of quality schmoozing. Thanks to our Events Chair Urzula Urzua for conceiving and planning this (and coping with late responses and no-shows)!

Heads up — next year, the Holiday Party will be a fundraiser via advance ticket sales only Start saving your pennies!

The Chili Cookoff Fundraiser is returning!  We hope to hold the event sometime this Spring, but we don’t know yet when it will be safe to do so. Admission will be $30 per individual, $60 per family, and $5 off if you bring a dish.

We’ll hold four competitions:
1. Chili – any kind     2. Chili – vegetarian     3. Cornbread     4. Dessert

We are still seeking a site for this event, so if you have any ideas or connections, PLEASE let us know at urzula@gmail.com.

The best gift of all is the gift of your time in meaningful presence with others.
These personal actions will combine toward making a restored, healthy planet. Supporting local businesses is better for the earth and the economy. Consider buying locally produced goods to help our small local businesses.

Toys: In a recent study at the University of Toledo, Ohio, researchers hypothesized that “an abundance of toys reduced the quality of toddlers’ play”, and that fewer toys will benefit children in the long-term.”

There is a significant advertising push for us to buy Christmas gifts early, due to supply chain issues. This is a perfect opportunity to re-consider our holiday traditions for gift giving. Consider buying gift cards for services, such as a massage or a restaurant meal.  When giving gifts, think about what the recipients need or something unexpected.  Perhaps a coupon for a night of babysitting, a coupon for yard work help, or maybe they need money to help pay bills.  A card with a note telling someone how important they are to you could be the best gift they receive. Orake a contribution to a charity and let your recipient know you made this as their Christmas gift.

SCARCE, located at 800 S. Rohlwing Rd. (Rt. 53) (Unit D) in Addison, has a vast selection of donated LPs for collectors of vinyl records-and at a significantly lower price than vinyl record stores. They also carry a large selection of donated DVDs and books curated by a volunteer librarian.

Start a tradition of playing gift bingo: Each person brings a wrapped gift (many in re-usable gift bags) and takes turns selecting them. These gifts could be anything from a jar of pickles or some grapefruits, to a book previously read. It is a fun way to spend the holiday and to give away things that you no longer wish to keep but that someone else could enjoy.