Ravinia Neighbors Association IN-PERSON Board Meeting @ Jeff Cohen Photography, 485 Roger Williams Avenue, Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
Call to Order 4:35pm. Roll Call (Noah Plotkin): Attendees: Mike Babian, Noah Plotkin, Ed Kugler, Beth Grey, Norm Byster, Israel Bonds, Jeff Stern, Stan Miller, Audra Pickard, Jeff Cohen, Doug Purington, Ilyse Strongin, Ripple
II. President’s Report (Noah Plotkin): Enjoyed Yana’s Speakeasy. The first night for Food Truck Thursdays is June 5th, and the first day of Ravinia Farmer’s Market is June 4th.
III. Discussion of Opportunities for the Ravinia District (Jeff Hoobler, Co-Owner of Steep Ravine Brewing Company). Jeff couldn’t make it.
IV. Presentation on Israel Bonds (Norm Byster, Israel Bonds Registered Representative) Norm is a Highland Park resident who lives near the Ravinia area. The Israel Bonds Midwest Office is nearby in the Wilmette/Old Orchard area. Israel Bonds can be purchased online. Here is some of the additional information shared by Norm:
Israel has never defaulted on a payment since Israel Bonds inception in 1951 and they understand the reputational risk from a default would destroy the program. They are not defaulting. Israel Bonds are not rated but are backed by the full faith and credit of Israel which has an investment grade credit rating which includes an A rating from Standard & Poor’s. There are laws that rate Israel Bonds as good as cash equivalents in Illinois and therefore are held by insurance companies as part of their reserves. Historically and currently, Israel Bonds pay rates that are higher than US Treasurys. There is no guarantee that they will always be higher, but that is the current situation, and it has been the case in the past. Israel Bonds rates currently are higher than most CD rates. The State of Illinois currently holds Israel Bonds. So do Palm Beach County, other governmental entities, and non-profits. Palm Beach County said the extra interest they received on Israel Bonds versus a Treasury investment helped to lower property taxes a bit. Also, many of the smaller, local banks hold or have held Israel Bonds.
V. Residents’ Time: Open for discussion. Ilyse Strongin (Ripple) wants to be active with RNA to encourage businesses to collaborate more. She works with SSA so she can do PR. Doug mentioned the HP Chamber is interested in doing welcome basket through the Chamber. Andrea from the Chamber might come to the next meeting if we let her know when it is. Ripple is hosting a meeting for businesses which RNA may want to attend.
VI. Treasurer’s Report (Michael Babian): RNA Treasurers Report as of February 11th, 2025
Checking Balance $6236.00
CD Balance $6500.52
Total Balance $12,736.52
Payments issued over $50: $84.96 Doug reimburse out of pocket expenses.
VII. Publicity/Membership/Ravinia District Report (Doug Purington)
• Annual Membership Update
▪ Ways to gain new members?
• Publicity Update
• Ravinia District Update
• Newsletter Update
• ACTION ITEM: APPLY FOR FTT FOR RNA TO BE NPO. NEED PEOPLE TO WORK THE TABLE. FREE PR
Membership Update:
• 1 new member
Publicity Update:
• Continuing to do Mailchimp emails and RNA Facebook postings on behalf of merchants as follows:
▪ Abigail’s
▪ Yana’s Speakeasy
▪ Jeff Cohen Photography
▪ Mill Colibris
▪ Maddie’s Market
▪ Winter Farmers Market
▪ Happi Sushi
Ravinia District Update:
• Fluffy Bunny has finally received their building permit! Will follow up for details on construction and possible opening date.
• New restaurant @ 565 Roger Williams, former site of cleaners, received HP City Council approval
▪ Have touched base with the developers with no response yet for more details.
• Owners of Braehouse have gone in a slightly different direction as opposed to Dollop Diner
▪ They will be opening "Braeside Market" at 55 St. Johns in late March / early April.
▪ Braeside Market is your all-day café and market located in Highland Park, IL, across from the iconic Ravinia venue. Braeside Market offers coffee, breakfast, lunch, and curated retail offerings, including snacks, grab-and- go meals, and beverages. Its inviting outdoor space will feature live music and events, creating a dynamic hub for the community and visitors alike. With its convenient location and focus on quality, Braeside Market is the perfect spot to refuel before an event or enjoy a quick bite in a welcoming setting. Whether you're a Highland Park local or a Ravinia guest, Braeside offers a seamless blend of flavor and hospitality.
▪
Newsletter Update:
• Spring 2025 Newsletter to be published in April
▪ Content & Ads due March 31st
• Need interviewers for:
• Kris & Jeff re: Rebranding of RBC to Steep Ravine
• Yana Khernberg re: her Speakeasy (Yana did not make it to the meeting).
• Piero’s: New owners, Frank retired
• Noah said he would include a music lineup for newsletter
VIII. Previous Action Items:
• Update on RNA T-Shirt Project. Audra Pickard: Audra shared a mocked-up T-shirt design with us. Steve would charge approximately $10-$12. Another option would be $6.50-$8.50 for a one-color print on T-shirts from Howard Wolf. There is no minimum print quantity but printing lots come in 144 t-shirts and that can include various sub-quantities in multiple sizes. As a donation they would pay shipping fees. There is an additional charge including a design on a sleeve. Doug said the T-shirt shouldn’t be flimsy. It will be Gildan. Mike B suggested that the RNA asks businesses to pay $200 to co-sponsor the T-shirts, and those payments should cover the T-shirt costs. Mike B can make calls with Ilyse Strongin to present this option to businesses. They will need the shirts by the first week of June. We must get sponsorships confirmed by May and get checks from sponsors made out to the RNA. The RNA should decide what fee to add to the membership--$6? No year will be mentioned on the t-shirt except for the year the RNA was established, so the RNA can use them every year. There was a discussion about whether the T-shirt should be green with white print or vice versa.
IX. New Business:
• Goals for 2025
▪ Ways to encourage more participation in Board Meetings by current board members as well as the full membership? Discussed previously
▪ Survey to HP City Council candidates? Too late for this upcoming election. Voters have access to information from the City and perhaps news publications so there is no need to direct membership to other organizations.
▪ Amendment to liquor control act passed but no one can run this time.
X. Other Business/Additional Comments or Concerns from Board Members: --
XI. Adjournment 6:30pm (Next Board Meeting: March 11, 2025)
