More than 100 neighbors came to the Logan Square Auditorium on a bitterly cold night last Wednesday to hear the three candidates running for 35th Ward Alderman at the Chamber’s Aldermanic Forum. Many thanks to Columbia College journalism professor Barbara Iverson, the moderator, for keeping the hour and a half long event on track.

Logan Square resident Chris Lackner recorded the Forum and has graciously posted several of the candidate responses to questions posed by Dr. Iverson on his YouTube blog. Click
here to see the Forum!

Dr. Iverson oversees ChicagoTalks.org, the Columbia College community news web site, which also helped provide coverage of the Forum. Chris Lackner is a partner in the firm Lackner/Andrews, which provides comprehensive communications and advocacy campaign strategies to clients throughout the Midwest.

Hats off to the Chamber for coordinating an excellent event. Also, thank you to Dr. Barbara Iverson for moderating.

And remember, early voting at the Logan Square Public Library (3030 W. Fullerton Ave.) ends February 17.

Robert Kenner speaks at State of the Plate – Chicago from Natropolis on Vimeo.

Fedele Baucio, CEO of Bon Appetit Management Co. from Natropolis on Vimeo.

Sponsored by the Green Chicago Restaurant Co-Op, FamilyFarmed.org, Green City Market, Kendall College, and dozens of chefs and advocacy groups, the conference helped link together both sides of the sustainable meat supply chain. Attendees included chefs, caterers, culinary students, restaurant professionals and others who wanted to better understand the current model of meat production and help develop solutions for healthier, safer, more sustainable food.

“As a restaurateur, sustainable meat needs to be good for the bottom line as well as for the environment,” said Dan Rosenthal, cofounder, Green Chicago Restaurant Co-op. “When I was first approached about buying more sustainable meats for my seven restaurants, not only did I find that prices were prohibitive, I found that there was tremendous confusion and misunderstanding about what the definition of a sustainable meat product really was. The more I got into it, the more confusing terms like ‘natural’ ‘free range’ and ‘grass-fed’ became.

“Our goals for the State of the Plate are simple: Educate chefs and farmers about the issue. Teach chefs the different taste and preparation needs of sustainable meat. And introduce them to producers who can get them the sustainable products they want.”

Robert Kenner, writer/director of the documentary, Food, Inc., provided the opening keynote speech, highlighting the differences between industrial and sustainable farming practices.  Fedele Baucio, CEO of Bon Appetit Management Co. gave the afternoon address, which focused on consumer and corporate responsibility.

The event featured a morning “sustainable meat roundtable” that highlighted the methods, challenges and opportunities surrounding the U.S. production of sustainable meat, the public health and environmental concerns, and emphasized ways to combat food safety issues at the production level. Michelin star awardee Paul Virant, chef/owner of Vie, talked about taste and cooking nuances of sustainable meat.

“Consumers want it. It’s good for the restaurant and it’s good for the environment. That’s the bottom line for me,” said Chef Virant. “Beef is something every restaurant has to have on the menu but at some point, chefs have to choose how they’re going to address these issues. We’re at a fork in the road and we have to choose which way do you go. Sustainable beef is the better path,” said Virant.

The afternoon session featured a panel of sustainable farmers to discuss products and methods and distribution strategies. The event culminated in a reception with sustainable food prepared by chefs and culinary students and a special viewing of Food, Inc.

The State of the Plate enjoyed the support of the City of Chicago. Mayor Richard Daley issued a proclamation in support of the conference, while Department of Environment Commissioner Suzanne Malec McKenna spoke to the audience before the morning sessions.

“The city of Chicago is a leader in environmental stewardship, and sustainable food is a critical element in creating a fully sustainable community,” said Commissioner McKenna. “The city is thrilled to be a part of this conference. We look forward to strengthening our relationship with the farmers, chefs, distributors, and organizations who are working to ensure safe food and create a healthy environment.”

The State of the Plate steering committee was led by Dan Rosenthal of the Green Chicago Restaurant Co-op and included Christ Koetke, Kendall College; David Rand of Farmers Market Coalition and Green City Market; Bruce Sherman of Chefs Collaborative and North Pond restaurant; Jim Slama, FamilyFarmed.org, and Kerri McClimen, Pew Campaign on Human Health and Industrial Farming.

Chef supporters included Rick Bayless, Frontera Grill, Topolobampo, Xoco; Marc Bernard, Big Bowl; John Coletta, Quartino; Cleetus Friedman, City Provisions; Rob Levitt, Butcher & Larder; Carrie Nahabedian, Naha; Ina Pinkney, Ina’s; Bruce Sherman, North Pond; Sarah Stegner, Prairie Grass, Prairie Fire; Paul Virant, Vie; and Randy Zweiban, Province.

More information can be found at http://stateoftheplate2010.com.

ABOUT GCRC:

The Green Chicago Restaurant Co-op is an organization dedicated to greening the Chicago restaurant community through green purchasing assistance, educational programs, and the Guaranteed Green restaurant certification program. More at buygreenchicago.org.

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We don’t work for these folks but personally I’m a big fan of small batch bourbon. Hoping this will be a successful endeavor.

During his run for Congress last year, Tom spoke with Bazer about filibusters, ancient Mesopotamian usury laws, and the merits of beer on the campaign trail. This time around, Tom will talk about his new book, the success of countries with bigger social safety nets, and how a stronger social democracy might be the key to increased competitiveness in the international marketplace.

Other guests include Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist Rhymefest and Chicago folk musicians Sones de Mexico Ensemble.

WHAT: “The Interview Show”  at The Hideout

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 5. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., Chicago.

TICKETS: $5 at the door.

SUSTAINABLE MEAT: WHAT IS IT? WHY BUY IT? WHO PRODUCES IT?
HOW DO WE MAKE IT MORE AVAILABLE?
Chefs, ranchers, culinary students seek to increase and improve
sustainable meat production in the Midwest

WHAT:
State of the Plate, a forum where chefs, farmers, and other food professionals can help create a healthy, accessible and affordable supply of sustainable meat products in the Midwest.

• Keynote address by Robert Kenner, writer/director of documentary Food, Inc.
• Event includes panel discussions with ranchers, chefs and restaurant industry experts; sampling of sustainable and local products

WHY:
The business of food has changed dramatically in recent years. More choices, faster processes, and cheaper methods of production have made our lives easier but at a cost to the environment, public health, and food quality. We need to rethink food production and find solutions for healthier, safer, more sustainable food.

WHEN:
Wednesday, November 17, 9:00 – 6:30

WHERE:

• 9:00a – 3:00p – Harold Washington Library, 401 S. Plymouth Court, Chicago
• 3:00p – 6:00p – Robert Morris University, 401 S. State Street

WHO:
Chefs, ranchers, distributors, farmers, policy experts, culinary students from around the region expected to attend.
Speakers include:

• Robert Kenner, writer/director of Food, Inc.
• Chef Chris Koetke, Kendall College
• Dan Rosenthal, Green Chicago Restaurant Co-op
• Jim Slama, FamilyFarmed.org
• Fedele Bauccio, Bon Appetit Management Co.

Visit stateoftheplate2010.com for a list of supporting chefs and sponsor organizations.

TICKETS:
$50, discounts available. Registration required via stateofheplate2010.com.

State of the Plate is for chefs, caterers, culinary students, restaurant professionals and others who want to better understand the current model of meat production and help develop solutions for healthier, safer, more sustainable food.

ABOUT GCRC:
The Green Chicago Restaurant Co-op is committed to providing professional procurement services in support of increasing the type and volume of sustainable products and services purchased by restaurants and other businesses in the Chicago area. More at buygreenchicago.org.

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Other guests include Grammy award-winning hip-hop artist Rhymefest and Chicago folk musicians Sones de Mexico Ensemble. Rhymefest is running for alderman. Check out his announcement video:

WHAT: “The Interview Show”  at The Hideout

WHEN: Friday, Nov. 5. 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m.

WHERE: 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., Chicago.

TICKETS: $5 at the door.

(CHICAGO) – Mercy Housing Lakefront and the City of Chicago today celebrated the grand opening of Englewood Apartments, a 99-unit building that utilizes state-of-the-art design and technology to provide safe, supportive and environmentally-friendly homes for previously homeless citizens of Chicago.

Chicago Mayor Richard Daley presided over the morning ribbon cutting, and was joined by Alderman JoAnn Thompson, Mercy Board Chair John Powell, Mercy President Cindy Holler, Englewood Apartments resident Dan Taylor and a representative from the Illinois Housing Development Authority (IHDA).

Englewood Apartments is the latest development in Mercy Housing Lakefront’s expanding portfolio of affordable, supportive, and senior housing in northeastern Illinois and southeastern Wisconsin. Englewood Apartments provides permanent housing for 99 Chicagoans who were previously homeless or are facing housing instability. Residents have access to a full compliment of services including on site property management, case management, leadership training and educational/employment services.

“Mercy Housing Lakefront’s mission is to create vibrant, stable, healthy communities,” said Cindy Holler, president, Mercy Housing Lakefront. “We do that by developing quality affordable housing. We’re especially pleased that Englewood Apartments is an important part of Chicago’s Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness and an important part of the revitalization of Englewood.”

The six-story project, located at 901 West 63rd Street, is the result of the strong partnership formed by Mercy Housing Lakefront, the City of Chicago, IHDA and the Englewood community. The $17 million project is financed by a blend of public and private partners including US Bank, the City of Chicago, State of Illinois, IHDA, USG, Corporation for Supportive Housing, Illinois Clean Energy Community Foundation and the Federal Home Loan Bank.

“Developments such as Englewood Apartments are tremendously important to IHDA because they support our mission to provide secure and quality affordable homes to help homeless persons,” said Gloria L. Materre, IHDA Executive Director.

Additional funding was made possible through a $2.5 million loan from Mercy Loan Fund, a subsidiary of Mercy Housing. Mercy Loan Fund provides financing to hundreds of local nonprofit organizations, enabling them to build or preserve affordable housing in their
communities.

“Mercy Housing Lakefront listened to the community and responded with a project that addressed our needs,” said 16th ward Alderman JoAnn Thompson. “Even in the face of today’s economic uncertainty, Mercy Housing found a way to make this happen. It’s a testament to what can happen when people work together toward a common goal.”

Englewood Apartments includes the latest advancements in green technology. The building has a hybrid geothermal heating and cooling system. Solar panels heat water for use throughout the building. A green roof helps control cooling costs. A run-off containment pond conserves water after heavy rains to keep sewers from overflowing.

Internally, all units will have ENERGY STAR kitchen appliances; low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads; and windows that help keep rooms warm in the winter and cool in the summer.

“Energy efficiency and the pursuit of a smaller carbon footprint are good for the planet, the health of our residents and also for our bottom line,” said Ms. Holler. “This lets us invest more in maintenance and support services, which are at the heart of Mercy Housing Lakefront’s mission.”
Mercy Housing Lakefront will apply for Gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (L.E.E.D.) status for the building later this year.

The project received generous philanthropic support from Bank of America Charitable Foundation, Charter One Foundation, Citi Foundation, Equity Residential, Fannie Mae Foundation, Northern Trust Charitable Trust, Pierce and Associates, US Bank, and the Searle Funds at the Chicago Community Trust.

About us
Mercy Housing Lakefront, a regional business center of Mercy Housing, Inc., is a non-profit affordable housing organization providing innovative housing solutions in response to community needs. Mercy Housing Lakefront has developed and currently manages 16 properties serving more than 2,000 residents.

Mercy Housing Lakefront is working with various partners to leverage $1 billion over seven years to address the housing crisis in the Chicago and Milwaukee regions by building or preserving 5,000 apartments; facilitating the acquisition, rehabilitation and reoccupation of 2,250 foreclosed homes; boarding-up and protecting 4,500 vacant homes; and creating 8,000 jobs.

Mercy Housing Lakefront is the Great Lakes region business center of Mercy Housing, Inc.