General Information
Mark your calendars for October. As in years past, the fall meeting will take place in Chicago and enjoy the continuing hospitality of National-Louis University. This year, however, because of intense competition from the Chicago Marathon – especially for hotel space – we will convene the meeting NLU’s North Shore campus, 17 miles north of the Chicago Loop at 5202 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, Illinois. Thanks go to local arrangements chair, Elinor Olin, for the quick problem solving to make this fall's meeting possible.

Registration
As always, registration for Chapter meetings is free to members in good standing--just fill out a registration form and pick up a nametag at the registration table outside the meeting room. You may pay your dues to the Chapter treasurer at this time, as well. To check your current membership status, visit our dues pages.

Program
The meeting program will be available soon.

Accommodations
Directly across the street from the National-Louis University North Shore campus, there is a Hampton Inn (5201 Old Orchard Road, Skokie, IL  847.583.1111) with double rooms from $179/night.  Within driving distance to the south is a Days Inn (6450 W. Touhy, Niles, IL  800.804.6835) with rooms from $80/night and to the north a Red Roof Inn (340 Waukegan Road, Northbrook, IL  800.804.6835) with rooms at $72/night as well as an Econo Motel in Niles at $45.00.

Travel
O'Hare International is one of the busiest airports in the world and as a hub for many commuter flights, reasonable tickets should be available-even at the last minute. Midway Airport is (this year) more distant from the meeting site and is a much smaller airport where the flights are less frequent.  Flat fee taxi service is the most efficient way to get to the North Suburbs, but DO NOT TAKE A TAXI UNLESS YOU HAVE CALLED AHEAD FOR A RESERVATION.  Reservations can be made when you arrive at the airport with American Taxi from either O’Hare or Midway airport at 847.255.9600.  The flat fee from O’Hare to Skokie is $25 (+ $2 for each additional passenger);  from Midway Airport the flat fee is $48 (+ $2 for each additional passenger).  Public transportation is available, but somewhat complicated.  Contact the local arrangements committee for more information.

Relatively inexpensive train and bus service is available to Chicago from most cities in the Midwest. Check with your local station for times and fares or visit Amtrak online. Chicago's Union Station is downtown next to the Sears Tower. You'll need to take a subway train toward the north suburbs and probably a taxi from there.

Driving Directions

FROM THE SOUTH OR FROM THE NORTH
If driving from the south on I-90/94 (Dan Ryan Expressway), follow directions toward Milwaukee on the Edens Expressway (I-94 West). From either north or south on I-94, take the Old Orchard Exit.  Go west on Old Orchard Road, then immediately (after crossing over the expressway if coming from the south) take a right turn onto Lockwood Avenue and into the parking facility. NLU is located in the north tower.

FROM THE WEST
From points west, you may take I-290 (the Eisenhower Expressway), then I-90/94 West (toward Milwaukee) and follow the directions from the south, as above.  Another option is to take I-294 north, exiting at Dempster Street (Hwy 14).  Drive east on Dempster St. to I-94 West (going toward Milwaukee), then take the Old Orchard exit (the next exit) and follow directions above.

Click here for maps

Parking
Parking is FREE!!! at the NLU North Shore campus.

Cultural Events

• Art Institute (http://www.artic.edu/aic/ or 312/443-3600)
• Chicago Symphony (http://www.chicagosymphony.org or 1-800-223-7114)
• Lyric Opera (http://www.lyricopera.com/Tickets/index.html or 312/332-2244)
• Millenium Park (http://www.milenniumpark.org)
• Harris Theater for Music and Dance (http://www.harristheaterchicago.org/ or 312/334-7777)

A more comprehensive listing of cultural events in Chicago can be found at http://www.networkchicago.com.

Food
Across the street from the NLU North Shore campus – in the Hampton Inn – is a Ruby Tuesday Restaurant (847-967-8292).  A very short drive (or a long walk) away from the NLU North Shore campus is the Old Orchard Shopping Center (Old Orchard Road and Skokie Highway) with several restaurant choices, including The Bagel Restaurant and Deli (847.677.0100, open 9am-10pm), California Pizza Kitchen (847.673.1144), Maggiano’s Little Italy (847.933.9555) and the ubiquitous Starbucks.  Another short drive or long walk will take you to Hackney’s on Harms (1241 Harms Rd. 847.724.5577) for the best burgers this side of the Mississippi.

Shopping
In addition to the Old Orchard Shopping Center mentioned above, there are several smaller shopping malls nearby.  Downtown Evanston is also a short drive away, with a number of bookstores (both new and used) and non-chain restaurants and coffee houses. 

Links
For a complete index to restaurants, shopping, and other events,visit Yahoo's Chicago page or check the Centerstage Chicago site.

Weather
Fall in Chicago is generally mild (at least compared to winter). Be prepared from everything between 70 degrees and sunny to 50 degrees and rainy.

Local Arrangements
Dr. Elinor Olin is handling local arrangements.

Further details about the fall meeting will be added as they become available.