u/thoracic-jon

Hey everyone, I have a 2007/8 Burton Vapor that I have rode well since I bought it. I love this board to death and its been all I have known - may have rented once or twice during that time. However, I am moving to the Midwest and with my life now, it is unlikely I will have the opportunity to ride much, if at all, for the foreseeable future. My wife brought up the option of selling on marketplace. It is still rideable and a board I would take out confidently, albeit with some scratches and dinks that have accumulated over the years. I would keep it but it just collect dust/space (per my wife) which we cant really afford as the kids start to take over. Is it worth to sell this board or should I toss it? It hurts to say "toss it" cause I love the board, but not sure if people would buy a near 20-year-old board.

Edit: picture added

2007/8 Burton Vapor

Hello everyone,

I am moving from Boston and I'm planning to get a new bike for commuting and riding around Chicago—does anyone have any recommendations or advice on what to look for given our city's road conditions and weather?

My thought was getting a single speed belt drive bike like the Priority Ace of Spades.

I will be in the Lincoln Park area and would be using it as a daily commute bike going downtown.

Also is it possible to ride in the winter in Chicago?

Looking for swim lesson recommendations near Lincoln Park or Lakeview for my 3-year-old son. He has taken parent-assisted YMCA classes from ages 1–3 and is comfortable in the water, but the classes were not focused on independent swimming.

We are looking for a program that teaches water safety, floating, and gradually swimming independently without a parent in the pool. Any recommendations or firsthand experiences?

I am moving from Boston to Chicago and had to apply late in June for a PK3 placement through Chicago Early Learning/CPS. Applications opened early April (April 7th this year), but vary year to year.

We will be living in Lincoln Park, and I was surprised that only two PK3 programs in the neighborhood appeared available through Chicago Early Learning: Fisher and Marillac St. Vincent. There are more options for PK4.

School search:
https://www.cps.edu/ChicagoEarlyLearning/school-search-page/

We applied to several programs but were waitlisted at all of them. The Montessori programs had waitlists in the hundreds, so I assume those are effectively unavailable. We are currently ranked 28th at Fisher, which is our second choice and would be very happy attending.

I called the Chicago Early Learning hotline twice and received very different information. The first representative gave several instructions that I later learned were incorrect, while the second representative was very knowledgeable and clarified the process.

Things I learned:

• Chicago Early Learning is separate from the regular GoCPS application and includes both CPS Pre-K and participating community-based programs
• One application per child and may rank up to five programs
• The initial April application period is not first-come, first-served (there are application periods though which I could not fully flesh out so it still may be beneficial to apply early)
• CPS Pre-K waitlist numbers may change daily
• A program showing “seats available” does not guarantee an offer and can even still end up on a waitlist position
• After submitting an application, changes to the five program choices should be made through the Chicago Early Learning Hotline but doing so can affect the waitlist number at every program because the application is resubmitted to all programs on the list
• CPS recommends accepting a backup offer even while waiting for a higher-ranked program. Accepting the backup does not remove the child from waitlists for programs ranked above it, and the family can switch if a preferred offer later becomes available
• CPS Pre-K is free, however, some community-based within CPS may still require a copayment

As I understand it, our current options are:

1. Stay on the existing waitlists and hope a spot opens at Fisher after families move, decline offers, or finalize other plans.
2. Call the hotline and submit a revised ranking that includes programs currently showing available seats, although this still does not guarantee admission.
3. Apply to private or other non-CPS preschool programs.

For parents familiar with Chicago Early Learning:

• How much movement typically occurs on PK3 waitlists during the summer or after the school year begins?
• Is a Fisher waitlist position of 28 reasonably hopeful, or should we assume it is unlikely?
• Would you revise the ranking now or remain on the Fisher waitlist?
• Are there strong private, community-based, or other preschool programs outside of CPS in or near Lincoln Park that you would recommend?

I would appreciate any advice and guidance, thanks!