Ravinia Neighbors Association IN-PERSON Board Meeting @ Ravinia Bridal, 729 St. Johns Avenue, Tuesday, April 15, 2025, 4:30 – 5:30 p.m.
MINUTES FOR RNA APRIL 15TH 2025 MEETING
Thank you Bonnie Wegner & Ravinia Bridal for hosting our meeting!
Attendees: Noah Plotkin, Doug Purington, Jeff Stern, Jeff Levin, Bonnie Wegner, Michael Babian, Ed Kugler,
1. Presidents Report: Noah has been in communication with the City Manager’s office to bring Oktoberfest to the Ravinia District. Emails have been sent out back and forth and now we are waiting for approvals / word if the fest will commence or not due to budgets already being allocated to other festivals the city is putting on for this fiscal year. In the event the festival does not happen in September (9/20 was the date) Life Rhythms and Steep Ravine along with the RNA would host this festival in the Ravinia District in 2026.
2. Residents Time: nothing to report.
3. RNA Treasurers Report as of April 15th, 2025
Checking Balance $5852 CD Balance $6500.52 PayPal Transfer $550.03 Total Balance $12,902.55
Payments issued over $50: $210 USPS PO BOX AUTO RENEWAL,
$108 reimburse Doug Purington for Smallpdf subscription/service charge.
4. Doug Purington / Publicity Report
• Membership Update:
o 7 renewals (5 for 3 years, 2 for 2 years)
▪ Once membership fees were approved for an increase, I sent an email to all current members alerting them to the increase and urging them to renew prior to May 1st! So far, a nice response!
• Publicity Update:
o Have sent out emails & Facebook posts on behalf of the new venues, Braeside Market & Fluffy Bunny Coffee Shop
▪ Also provided a complementary RNA membership for the first year for both venues
▪ Both were added to our website business directory
▪ Will provide free coverage in our Spring 2025 Newsletter
o Future coverage will be at a cost
• Ravinia District Update:
o Fluffy Bunny opened April 15th @ 545 Roger Williams for a soft opening. They plan a grand opening in May
▪ The hours of operation will be from 7 am to 3 pm Tuesday through Sunday and closed on Monday
o New restaurant @ 565 Roger Williams, former site of cleaners, received HP City Council approval
▪ Have touched base with the management team and will have a virtual meeting with them soon to gain more insights as to their plans
o Braeside Market opened April 2nd to a good response
o Veterinary Clinic is proposed for 592-594 Roger Williams, the corner building opposite Walgreens that has been empty for over 7 years
▪ It would be run by Dr. Jeff Kordell who has a successful clinic in Highwood
▪ They have applied to the City Council for a zoning variance and were unanimously approved
▪ No further update just now
o Maddie’s Market has closed their venue for retail sales
• Newsletter Update:
o Spring 2025 Newsletter to be published in late April
▪ Content & Ads are almost completed and will submit to our editor shortly
5. Previous Action Items: Update on RNA T-Shirt project has been shelved until later in the summer. This will happen!
6. New Business:
- Discussion on new membership fees: Prices went up
- July 4th parade: Ed Kugler will have a van with the RNA & RFM banners on both sides of the van. He is still looking for a driver and any volunteers to walk and hand out goodies.
7. Next Meeting: Tuesday May 13th, 2025, 4:30pm - 5:30pm Location: Steep Ravine Brewing Company.
