In This Issue

Welcome to Soleil's To-Dos!

Featured To-Do:  'Master Harold' . . . and the Boys

Resolution Solutions!

Winter In and Around Chicago

Soleil's Picks!

Seasonal/holiday To-Dos!

Welcome to Soleil's To-Dos!

Celebrating Black History and Black History in the Making - Every Day!!!

At Soleil's To-Dos we don't wait 'til February to celebrate Black History Month - we revel in African-American history every day!  We do so through music, dance, theatrical and even culinary reminders.  Nonetheless, this month provides ample opportunity for us to acknowledge our historical contributions, assess our historical issues and celebrate our history in the making!  Whether you're looking for an educational, family, entertainment or singles event - we've got some ideas for you.

Let's start with the birthplace of Black History Month - The Wabash YMCA, (now known as the Renaissance Apartments and Fitness for Life Center and owned by The Renaissance Collaborative ("TRC")). Located in the heart of "Bronzeville," this historic building has had close ties to the community from its inception. The former Wabash Y was the birth place for the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History, founded by Dr. Carter G. Woodson and three friends, and was thereafter known as the birth place of Black History Month. Each year, in recognition of the historic role that the "Wabash Y" has played in the Bronzeville community, TRC engages the community in a topic of timely significance at its "Friendraiser" breakfast - only $10 per ticket! This year, the breakfast will be held on Friday, February 26th from 8-10am with the theme "Developing Bronzeville from the Inside Out."

You'll also find a couple of interesting weekly film festivals taking place this month.  The Black Romance Film Festival kicked off last night with Nothing But a Man.  Future films include Love Jones (at which I will be a panelist), Sprung and Making of a Black Sex Symbol.  Each film screening is free and includes a post-film discussion.  Ice Theater's "Truth be Told - A Celebration of Black Heritage" begins tonight with Skin also includes a post-film discussion.  Enjoy this series every Thursday for only $5 during the month of February!

Next week:  More To-Dos in recognition of Black History Month and Valentines Day Ideas!

Featured To-Do - "master harold" . . . and the Boys

Be on the lookout for a ticket giveaway next week - for subscriber's only!!

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Resolution Solutions!
 

soleil's picks

Yesterday, Tomorrow was Today

Every year we make resolutions that we can't or don't keep.  We set ourselves up for failure by setting unrealistic goals or by not establishing a plan of action to reach those goals.  When we fall off the wagon we say - I'll start again on Monday or on the first or, the infamous, "tomorrow."  Well, keep in mind that the "tomorrow" that we talked about yesterday is now TODAY - so let's get 2010 off to a good start with a few tips for maintaining your resolutions and solutions for common resolutions!

·               Put your resolutions in writing.  Nothing beats the accountability you'll feel when you re-read the promises you've made to yourself.  Post them on your computer as a screen saver or on sticky notes on your computer, desk phone, bulletin board, dashboard or all of the above!  Let them serve as ever-present reminders of your goals.

·               Develop an action plan.  What are the steps to reach your goals?  Plot those steps on your calendar, setting reminders and breaking your resolution into manageable chunks so that you don't feel overwhelmed by your ultimate objective.

·               Chart your progress.  For those long term goals, be sure to monitor your progress.  Give yourself a pat on the back (or massage, purse, Wii game or a lite beer!) for those first five pounds, five new customers or five stacks of unopened bills that you've finally gone through!

·               Be realistic.  Be sure that your goals are set high enough that you really have something strive for, but not so high that they are unattainable.  Stretch yourself - your mind, body and spirit! 

·               Yesterday, Tomorrow was Today! If you fall off the wagon or get a little off your path, “now” is always a good time to self-correct! You don’t have to wait until tomorrow, or think Monday morning is a magical start date. Acknowledge the slip, determine the reason (if you can), adjust your game plan (if necessary), dust yourself off, forgive yourself and make it happen, baby! Be ambitious and realistic.

Now that we've got a game plan in order, here are a few common resolutions and some things To-Do in connection with them!  [more]

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Hand-Picked To-Dos!!

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Winter In and Around Chicago

Polar Adventure Days

The Chicago Park District presents the fifth annual Polar Adventure Days from 12-4 p.m. on three Saturdays, Dec. 12, Jan. 23 and Feb. 20, at Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn White Dr., on the Museum Campus.  The program is admission free.

 Polar Adventure Days offer families the opportunity to explore Northerly Island and come face-to-face with live animals, engage in winter activities, watch ice sculpture carvings, and create nature-inspired crafts.

 The following features and activities will be available at Polar Adventure Days:

• The first 500 visitors receive a complimentary Polar Adventure Day mug filled with hot chocolate.  Limit one per person. 

• Nadeau’s Ice Sculpture transforms blocks of ice into magical creations on site.

• Various live animals will be on site to discover such as birds of prey.

• An arctic camping demo.

• Siberian huskies will be present and adventurers will talk about their Iditarod dog sled race experiences.

• Live entertainment including storytelling centered around winter tales.

• Arts and craft tables for making nature-inspired creations.

• Free snowshoe rental for exploration of the island (if there is snow).

 Please call to confirm scheduled activities for Polar Adventure Days as activities are subject to change.  For more information, call 312-742-PLAY.

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CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT ICE SKATING RINKS OPEN

NOVEMBER 28 FOR 2009-'10 SEASON

Skating Season Runs Through February 28

The Chicago Park District's ice skating rinks open for the 2009-'10 season Saturday, Nov. 28.  Skating season runs through Feb. 28, weather permitting.  Click here to watch a video on ice skating at Chicago Park District rinks.

Bring your own skates, and ice skating at all outdoor Chicago Park District ice rinks is free.  Skate rentals are $5 at all outdoor rinks except for Daley Bicentennial, which has an additional $1 surcharge.  Concessions are available at select rinks.  Please note there is an admission fee at McFetridge Sports Center in California Park, an indoor rink that is open year round except August.

Please note that schedules and fees are subject to change.  Contact the individual ice rinks or the Chicago Park District at 312-742-PLAY or visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

 (A Couple of Popular Parks - visit the CPD website for a park near you!) 

Daley Bicentennial Park, Grant Park, 337 E. Randolph St.

312-742-7648

Open skate hours:

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday, 11:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. and 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Tuesday, 2 - 5 p.m. and 7:30 - 9 p.m.
Saturday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 5 - 9 p.m.
Sunday, 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. and 8 - 9 p.m.

$6 skate rental; admission free.  Group reservations are available during open skate hours.  Call the park for further details.  There is no concession stand, but hot chocolate is offered in a vending machine.

Midway Plaisance Park, 1130 Midway Plaisance North (east 59^th Street at Woodlawn), 312-745-2470

Open skate hours:

Monday - Thursday, 12-7 p.m.

Friday, 12-4:30 p.m., 5-7 p.m.

Saturday, 1-9 p.m.

Sunday, 12-7 p.m.

$5 skate rental; admission free.  Food concessions are available.

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Seasonal To-Dos!!

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