Green Construction Coming to Rogers Park 24Th District Youthnet Celebrates Five Years of Commitment to Area Youth

HIGHLIGHTS THIS ISSUE

Local AIDS Research ...... 2 Technology for Seniors ...... 5 TIF Community Meetings . . . .13 Spirit of Rogers Park ...... 16 Co-op Housing ...... 19 Volume 8, Issue 2 June, 2003 Published by the Rogers Park Community Council (circulation: 10,000) Programas Para la 24th District YouthNet Comunidad Hispana de Rogers Park Celebrates Five Years of

os servicios y programas a la comunidad hispana de Rogers Park Community Council (RPCC) son ahora Commitment to Area Youth L mas abundantes que nunca, ya que RPCC esta muy interesado de las necesidades particularess de nuestra By Natasha Smith and Cathie Bazzon comunidad hispana. El programa "VASP" de RPCC -- para victimas de violencia domestica -- ofrece ayuda con tramites legales para t is a Wednesday, early evening. Adriana Lopez, a junior Participating in educational workshops, planning local personas enfrentando una situacion de violencia domestica. at Roger C. Sullivan High School, sits with a dozen of her events and performing community service represent just a Contamos con Ivette Ayala, quien habla español y puede I peers at a large conference table in the front office of few of the scores of opportunities available to Rogers Park ayudar a la comunidad latina. Si necesita hablar con Ivette, Rogers Park Community Council (RPCC). Led by Sam youth through YouthNet. As 2003 marks the fifth anniver- puede llamar al numero 773.338.7722 ext 28. Morgan, outreach coordinator for Mayor Daley’s KidStart El programa (RPCDC) cuenta con Lupe Holguin, YouthNet 24th District (Rogers Park Youth Network), the quien ofrece ayuda a personas hispanas interesadas en ser teenagers brainstorm ideas to land a youth initiatives grant propietarios de casa o condominios. Se ofrecen talleres from the Chicago Department of Human Services (CDHS), completamente gratis en como comprar una casa, como ser which will enable them to organize an open-mic competi- un propietario de un edificio, ayuda para prevenir una eje- tion for Rogers Park youth Ð complete with refreshments cucion hipotecaria, entrenamiento en refinanciar y hipote- and trophies. cas para personas avansada de edad. Las clases o consultas Meetings take place twice weekly in this eight-week se ofrecen gratis en el RPCC, 1530 W. Morse, tenemos los CDHS program whereby participants learn first-hand about talleres en estos dias: the grant writing process Ð from devising an initial project strategy to creating a persuasive final proposal. As part of Viernes, el 29 Junio, 6:30p.m a 8:30p.m. the program, Lopez and fellow committee member Danielle Sabado, el 12 de Julio, 10a.m a 12p.m. Nelson were formally trained in grant writing. "The kids do Miercoles, el 30 de Julio, 6:30p.m. a 8:30p.m. it all themselves," says Morgan. "I’m just here to guide Sabado, el 23 Agosto, 10a.m. a 12p.m. them." A bright, thoughtful girl, Lopez plans to attend college Ashley Nunn completes a "mock" interview with YouthNet-24 Ademas se ofrecera otra clase para obtener un condo- after high school and perhaps become a social worker. "I director, Natasha Smith. minio atraves de la ciudad. Esta clase se dara en el Truman learn things through YouthNet that will help me later on in College (1145 W. Wilson). Para mas informacion, puede my career," she says. Lopez initially contacted YouthNet llamar a Lupe al 773.338.7732 ext 21. staff for assistance fulfilling her community-service require- sary of the 24th District YouthNet -- headquartered in A los niños y estudiantes de primaria y secundaria el ment. In order to graduate, all Chicago public high-school RPCC offices at 1530 W. Morse -- director Natasha Smith "Rogers Park Youth Network" prove servicios de conectar- students are required to complete 40 hours of community reflects on the program’s remarkable expansion since its los con diferentes agencias en el area de Rogers Park para service; 24th District YouthNet has found service opportu- inception. "So far this year, we’ve helped more than 600 diferentes actividades y servicios sociales. Si quiere que su nities for over 40 youth since the beginning of the year. youth," she says. "It’s a record." hijo(a) participe con nosotros puede llamar a Natasha Smith Lopez was recently hired as the YouthNet Peer The following Monday afternoon, RPCC’s front office is al 773.338.7722 ext 13. Outreach Worker. She works 15 hours a week at RPCC once again occupied -- this time to near capacity -- as youth El programa RPCC para personas de 60 años o mas se making outreach calls, attending meetings and planning attend orientation for the KidStart YouthNet Summer llama "Iniciativas para gente avansada de edad". Cathie events such as youth forums and the recent 24th District Employment initiative. The meeting is in full swing as ado- Bazzon puede ayudarle a encontrar programas gratis de la YouthNet community walk. "Right now, we’re organizing an ciudad. Puede tambien ayudar con disputas con el dueno de expo for kids from all the different YouthNet districts," she su edificios y otras situaciones dificiles. Llame a explains. continued on page 15 773.338.7722 ext 11 para mas informacion.

How Well Do You Green Construction Coming Know Rogers Park? This rooftop ornamentation appears on the to Rogers Park façade of what 1926 building? By Seth Schwartz (Hint: The same façade is pictured elsewhere in this issue.)

lderman Joe Moore (49th Ward) welcomed more than 100 neighbors and city officials at a May 17 A community meeting in the auditorium of Gale Academy (1631 W. Jonquil Terrace). Neighbors assembled for a first-time opportunity to view architectural draw- ings of the Gale School Park Community Center. Construction is anticipated to begin in September and scheduled for completion in June of 2004. As Chicago-based, international architects Perkins and Will detailed plans to an expectant and curious audience, it became clear that the new 16,000 square-foot field house will be striking in appearance. Project manager Crandon Gustafson launched the presentation with an outline of the building’s construction, noting that this is the first "environmentally sustainable" new public construction Gale School Community Center - Ariel: Green roof reduces Send your correct response by July 15 to RPCC, 1530 W. in the city of Chicago. The facility will feature "solar ori- operating costs, improves roof life, while helping the environ- Morse Ave., Chicago IL 60626, or email your response to entation" Ð an east/west configuration with a gentle slope ment. [email protected]. Be sure to include your name, in the roof -- allowing for maximum daylight and ventila- address and phone number with your answer. The winner of a tion, thereby requiring less lighting. It will be highly ener- gift certificate for $25 at Taste of Peru will be selected by lot- gy-efficient, with photovoltaic panels (made from recycled plants act as natural insulation and will reduce air-condi- tery from the correct responses. Good luck! The answer will materials) situated on the roof to convert sunlight into tioning demands. To illustrate the effectiveness of "green" be printed in the June issue of Rogers Park 2000. electricity. The center will feature central air-conditioning roofs, Gustafson noted that on a hot day, pavement out- and to increase natural ventilation, windows will open on side the Cook County Building was recorded at 165 Rogers Park 2000 – March issue winner was Bud Casanova. two sides of the building to circulate air freely throughout. degrees, as compared to 110 degrees on the City Hall Congratulations! Question: What business sits beneath this terra The "green" will have vegetative plantings of sedum cotta? Answer: Clark-Devon Hardware (6401 N. Clark St.). (tiny jade-like plants that stay green year- round). The continued on page 25 2 ROGERS PARK 2000 Howard Area Community Center’s New Family Center Campus to Offer Host of Children and Family Services By Stuart Iseminger

onstruction of a state-of-the-art Family Center Campus of Howard Area Community Center is well C underway. The project involves renovating two buildings at 7500 and 7510 N. Ashland Ave. When completed, the Family Center will provide high-quality, affordable child care (up to age five), plus parent education and support services. The agency expects about 1,000 individuals to benefit from services each year. The 7500 building -- already renovated -- houses offices of the agency’s home visiting project and home day care network. Together, these projects serve over 100 families with infants and toddlers. The building also features a large, bright family room where parenting classes and parent-child activities take place. Extensive renovations of the adjacent two-story building began in March and is slated for completion by this fall. The site will contain the agency’s accredited Early Childhood Center and a new infant-toddler child care program, which serve a total of 128 children and their families. The facility should be operational by year-end. The majority of funding for the Family Center Campus comes from the Chicago Children’s Capital Fund, a joint initiative of the Chicago Department of Human Services and the Illinois Facilities Fund. Additional funding comes from the agency’s board of directors, government sources, foundations and corpora- tions, parent-sponsored fundraising events, civic groups and individuals.

Stuart Iseminger is director of social services at Rogers The Howard Area Community Center Family Center Campus is now under construction. Shown here is a computerized architec- Park-based Family Matters. For information, call tural drawing of the building at 7510 N. Ashland, which should be completed this fall. 773.262.6622. HIV Vaccine Research of Special Relevance to Local Community By Sri Bandhakavi

lthough reports of new cases of people infected with ducting an analysis of a subgroup within a larger group prevent infection, but delays disease progression in ani- HIV/AIDS have been decreasing nationwide, an can lead to erroneous interpretations. "Subgroup analy- mals pre-infected with SHIV, the simian variant of HIV that A emerging pattern is a surge in new HIV infections in sis often enhances the probability that a result arrived at affects humans. Preliminary analysis has shown that it women and African-American populations, according to is statistically insignificant, and occurs due to chance triggers the same immune responses in humans that it the latest HIV/AIDS surveillance report released by the rather than a meaningful relationship," says Dr. John K. does in immunized monkeys. Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH). African- Rose, professor of cell biology at Yale University. Rose is Vaccine development for infectious diseases has Americans represent nearly two-thirds of all new infec- widely recognized for his research on the development of always been a slow, laborious process. For example, tions, while women represent almost one-third. The therapeutic strategies against HIV. "Therefore, to achieve polio and mumps vaccines spent more than 30 years in Edgewater and Rogers Park communities rank 3rd and a degree of certainty, statisticians assess a statistical development. The ability of the HIV virus to mutate rapid- 6th respectively in cumulative reported AIDS cases of all penalty for each subgroup," he says. Vaxgen scientists ly makes this effort only harder. However, several promis- 77 Chicago communities. It is under such sobering con- found that they had reported their results prior to assessing vaccine candidates are in testing, and might be avail- ditions that the city and residents of Rogers Park marked ing the statistical penalties required for their subgroup able within the decade. To reduce new infections in the fifth annual HIV Vaccine Awareness Day on May 18. analysis. Chicago (and worldwide), there is an urgent need to fight According to the website of the National Institutes of HIV has remained a wily foe and it has been particu- complacency and strengthen HIV prevention efforts. Health (NIH), which is the premier federal agency for bio- larly frustrating to develop vaccines against HIV. Failures medical research, HIV Vaccine Awareness Day aims to such as the Vaxgen vaccine, while disappointing, will lead Sri Bandhakavi is a post-doctoral fellow at the department promote awareness of HIV prevention and treatment and to improvements in future studies involving several candi- of biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology at current HIV vaccine research, and to recognize volun- date vaccines that remain under investigation. Rose Northwestern University, Evanston. He has lived in Rogers teers from communities around the world who have par- says, "The first few vaccines tested in large-scale trials Park for just over a year. ticipated in HIV vaccine trials. will probably not be completely effective in preventing HIV No effective vaccine for preventing HIV infection cur- infection, and several more potential vaccines are moving rently exists, but several promising ones are being tested rapidly from the laboratory to clinical trials." The Vaxgen worldwide. "We are still in the initial years of HIV vaccine vaccine represents one of the earliest steps in what is testing, and there will be failures in the beginning," says expected to be a lengthy process of HIV vaccine evolution Carina Holmberg, a molecular biologist at Northwestern and clinical trials. Over the next two years, more than a University. "But failures notwithstanding, a great deal of dozen new potential vaccines will be tested in large trials. information is being acquired about the body’s immune Rose continues, "Several vaccine candidates moving system and the strategies employed by HIV to evade it. along the pipeline have shown remarkable potential in This will enable us to design smarter and more effective tests under laboratory conditions or in primates." vaccines against HIV," she says. Both preventative as well as therapeutic vaccines are Rogers Park 2000 Early this year, results from the first large trial of an rapidly being moved into human trials in the United States Committee: Cathie Bazzon, Lorraine Dostal, Cary Steinbuck experimental HIV vaccine produced by Vaxgen Inc. were and abroad, according to the website of the National and Elizabeth Vitell. released. The 5000-volunteer trial showed definitively Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), Writers: Sri Bandhakavi, Cathie Bazzon, Rose Both, Tenley Clemente, that the vaccine did not prevent HIV infection. However, which is spearheading federal efforts for an effective HIV Charles Daas, Mike Glasser, Kevin Gutteron, Stuart Iseminger, company scientists created controversy by claiming that vaccine. While preventative vaccines will offer protection David Jones, Mark Joseph, Emily Klehm, Susan Kogan, their analysis showed that the vaccine had an efficacy against infection upon exposure to the virus, therapeutic Nancy Komessar, Eva McCann, Naomi Nakayama, Eavon Ngo, Bill Paige, Sandi Price, Donald Rankins, Victoria Rubin, rate of nearly 80% for the subgroups of blacks, Asians vaccines will slow progressof the disease in people Seth Schwartz, Mary Skyles, Natasha Smith, Cary Steinbuck, and persons of mixed race. In other words, the vaccine already infected. Evelyn J. Thompson, Cathy Vates, Elizabeth Vitell, was effective for blacks, Asians and those of mixed racial A small percentage (5-8%) of HIV patients belong to S. Patricia Welsh and Edwin Wittenstein. background, the company claimed. Major newspapers a class known as long term nonprogressors; they do not Designer: Pon Angara carried enthusiastic reports prematurely, even while sev- develop immune deficiencies for more than 10-15 years Photos: Sam Morgan, Cary Steinbuck. eral scientists questioned the data analysis performed by after HIV infection. Therapeutic vaccines aim to delay dis- Business Manager: Cathie Bazzon Vaxgen. ease progression in patients who are not long-term non- Executive Director: Cary Steinbuck Vaxgen scientists subsequently recanted their claims progressors. Leading the pack among such vaccines is in a scientific conference after a more thorough statistical the adenovector-based vaccine of Merck Inc. that is cur- To advertise, call (773) 338-RPCC x22, e-mail us at [email protected] analysis of their results. Statisticians recognize that con- rently in phase I trials. In monkeys, the vaccine does not or send snail mail to 1530 W. Morse, Chicago, IL 60626. ROGERS PARK 2000 3 Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society Celebrates Vibrant Local History By Victoria Rubin

Franklin H. Doland, an early builder, purchased 39 Here’s a pop quiz. acres, put up his own house and promptly began subdi- How would you describe yourself? Open House, Tours and viding the area around Kenilworth (Touhy) Avenue. A. I majored in history. Doland was a pioneer of cement and stone sidewalks -- B. I occasionally watch the History Channel. More at the Rogers over four miles of sidewalk cover his subdivisions. He C. History was my least favorite subject in school. also planted over 4,000 trees, ensuring a future of well- D. I avoid the past altogether. Park/West Ridge Historical shaded homes and streets by lovely, mature trees. Perhaps it was the over-emphasis on memorizing According to Book of the North Shore published in dates for history tests that made you cringe -- and ulti- Society 1910, Charles Thompson, a Birchwood builder, was "the mately lose interest in -- the fascinating subject of history. magician under whose wand have arisen many very artis- Maybe it’s the memory of trying out for those loud, tic and individual residences, none of which awaits longer The public is invited to join staff and friends of the earnest "historical" plays your high-school drama teacher than the getting rid of the workmen for the coming of the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society (RPWRHS) chose to mount. Still, how much do you know about the occupant and owner." However, lest we think Victorian for its Founders Day Open House on Sunday, July 27, history of our community? Rogers Park was all genteel 1-4 pm. Hundreds of photos, historical records and artistry, take a look at this other artifacts from the Society and Museum will be on editorial from the old weekly display. newspaper "North Shore In addition to publishing a quarterly newsletter, Suburban," dated October "The Historian," RPWRHS recently published two cof- 4, 1895: "It is evident that fee table books: Chicago’s Far North Side: An Rogers Park is in need of a Illustrated History of Rogers Park and West Ridge and Committee on Improve- Neighborhoods Within Neighborhoods: Twentieth ments. We should not remain in a sort of jaytown Century Life on Chicago’s Far North Side. Both contain condition. Our representa- black and white photos and reminiscences of many tives live too far from us, and individuals who grew up in Rogers Park or once lived we are too far away from the in our community. Copies of Neighborhoods are avail- rest of the city fathers for able at the Museum. Orders are currently being taken them to keep a watchful for Chicago’s Far North Side, which has sold over care of our interests. A com- 5,000 copies and is scheduled for a third printing this mittee whose business it fall. would be to look after all RPWRHS will also conduct its annual fall house vexations, and annoyances, tour on Sunday, Sept. 14. This year’s tour will focus such as uneven sidewalks, on the Wallen subdivision with stops in West Ridge. ploughed up instead of paved streets; the extermi- For more information or to suggest that your home be nation of the all-too-friendly part of the tour, call 773.764.4078. Visit bur that sticketh closer than www.rpwrhs.org for information, membership oppor- a brother (sic); the destruc- tunities and activities. tion of the festive ragweed The regal home of famed Birchwood builder Charles Thompson once stood at 7405 N. Sheridan and others that obstruct the

pathway, removal of garbage; You may know that Rogers Park is named after the littering of the streets, etc., Phillip Rogers, who in the 1830s purchased 1,600 acres together with many more nui- from the government for a mere $1.25 per acre. A plaque sances than we are able to enu- at Indian Boundary Park commemorates his home site. merate…" Perhaps, though, you didn’t know that the Loyola dis- Litter, potholes and rag- trict was once referred to as Cape Hayes -- a vista of weed run amok are nothing scrub, dunes and oaks covering the east side of Sheridan new, of course. The players and Road. Or that the woodlands were once spectacularly dialogue of community problem- endowed with groves of birch trees, so many that the solving have always constituted northern part of the village was called Birchwood. (Back a rich, textured history. The in 1900, the intersection of Lunt and Ashland was still Rogers Park/West Ridge forestland.) What if the name had stuck? Would our poly- Historical Society and Museum glot corner of Chicago (ah, Devon Avenue!) be the same is dedicated to preserving the if we all lived in Birchwood? story of Rogers Park, West A few poetic souls must surely have watched with Ridge and those who have con- dismay as the village built up and the woodlands disap- tributed to our area’s develop- peared. Rogers Park News Herald lamented the demise ment. of the birches in the June 29, 1900 issue, reporting that "at the rate the native birch trees are dying where such Victoria Rubin, a resident of fine groves existed, it will not be a great while before all West Ridge, is publications director will be gone." for the RP/WR Historical Society Rogers Park was actually platted and recorded as a (6424 N. Western Ave.). Museum village in 1878. Starting at around 1871, a few ambitious hours are Wed. and Fri., 10 am-5 The North Shore School at 1217 W. Chase Ave. was formerly known as the Birchwood builders began erecting the structures and elegant homes pm; Thurs., 7-9 pm; or by appoint- Country Club. Membership in the club began to dwindle in the late 1920s, leading to its sale that flavor East Rogers Park in particular. ment, 773.764.4078. to North Shore School in 1941. 4 ROGERS PARK 2000 Keep Beach Water Pollution in Mind and Swim Safely this Summer! By Cathie Bazzon

ave you ever wondered why swimming bans are In the event of excessive rainfall, when stormwater sampling to final result -- may take from 24 to 48 hours, occasionally authorized by the city for certain and sewer systems are combined to handle the extra which means that high levels of bacteria and other pollu- H beaches? Most of the time, it is perfectly safe to water, wastewater treatment systems may not be able to tants may already exist before the public is alerted. swim in the lake, but it is always a good idea to take pre- process water quickly enough. Therefore, heavy rains Research is currently underway to find faster sampling cautions before you jump in the water. may lead to combined sewer overflows (CSOs) and sani- methods and to determine the health effects of swimming Like most shorelines near urban areas, Lake tary sewer overflows (SSOs). EPA is currently working in contaminated areas. Michigan beaches that lie within or near Chicago are par- with state and local agencies to develop a solution to While beachgoers should be mindful of the reality of ticularly prone to pollution. Trash (such as plastic bags, these problems. pollution, remember that there is no need to become bottles and cigarette butts) is easy to see, but the things When rainwater hits the ground, it "runs" for the low- overly alarmed. Enjoy swimming at the beach Ð safely! we can’t see often pose a greater risk. est point, hence the term "runoff." Rainwater flows to our The Chicago Park District offers updated beach safety Children, the elderly and those with weakened beaches after running off lawns, streets, construction information at 312.742.PLAY. immune systems have a greater chance of getting sick sites and other urban areas, picking up animal waste, when they come in contact with contaminated water. If trash and many other pollutants which can end up in the you are exposed to disease-causing microorganisms, you lake. (This is one reason why it’s important to clean up Cathie Bazzon serves as associate director of the Rogers may contract gastroenteritis and skin or eye infections. after your pets!) Rainfall does indeed cleanse the land, Park Community Council. Material also adapted from "Before Symptoms may include sore throat, vomiting, fever and but water runoff that finds its way into Lake Michigan is You Go To the Beach" and United States Environmental diarrhea. brimming with bacteria and other contaminants. Protection Agency (EPA) publications. Information provided Disease-causing microorganisms present in sewage The most common sources of disease-causing by Judy Beck, EPA Lake Michigan manager, and by Holiday are bacteria (including E-Coli), viruses, worms and proto- microorganisms are sewage overflow, storm water runoff, Wirick, EPA Region 5 beach program coordinator. Visit the zoa. E-Coli -- an "indicator organism" -- points to the malfunctions at sewage treatment plants, boating waste EPA’s website at www.epa.gov/ost/beaches or potential presence of human pathogens, which is why this and malfunctioning septic systems. Other factors that www.epa.gov/glnpo/michigan.html for more information. For bacteria is the focus of so much attention. directly and indirectly affect bacteria levels are shape of tips on reducing UV-related health risks this summer, visit As a general rule, do not go swimming for 48 hours coastline, wind direction, high temperatures and the pres- EPA’s SunWise Program website at www.epa.gov/sunwise. after a rainstorm. Pollution in beach water is often much ence of water fowl. In October of 2000, Congress passed the Beaches Environmental Assessment & Coastal Health (BEACH) Act as an amendment to the Clean Water Act to include 2002 Rogers Park new beach protection provisions. The BEACH Act autho- Swimming rizes appropriations of up to $30 million annually through Swimming Bans the year 2005. As part of the Act, all of the eligible 30 coastal states that apply for a grant receive funding, which is used to develop and implement beachwater Dos & Don’ts Date Beach Hours of Ban quality monitoring and public notification programs at coastal beaches. Don’t swim near trash, storm drains or oil slicks 7/22-24 Entire Lakefront 24 In the state of Illinois, the Department of Public Health is the designated recipient of that funding. Do wash your hands regularly after swimming 7/25 Hartigan/Albion 8 Chicago is unique in that the Chicago Park District conducts beachwater monitoring and public notification pro- Don’t go swimming if you are ill 8/17 Howard Street 12 grams along Lake Michigan. Since an exemplary monitoring and notification program was already in place prior 8/17 Juneway Terrace 12 Do make sure infants and toddlers wear plastic to the BEACH Act, funding will be used to develop a 8/29 North Shore 12 model by which to predict when bacteria levels are too swimming pants over diapers high for safe swimming. For Lake Michigan beaches further north, funds go to the Cook County Department of Don’t swim for 48 hours after a rainstorm higher during and immediately after rainstorms as water Public Health (various offices). draining into the beach may be carrying sewage from Beach water quality monitoring procedures are effec- Do call the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY overflowing sewage treatment systems. It is also a good tive and accurate, but a considerable challenge facing for current safety reports! idea to avoid swimming near storm drains, trash or oil local officials and researchers is timeliness of safety advi- slicks. sories or swimming bans. The testing process -- from

Chicago Park District 2003 Water Testing Program Now in Progress

hicago Park District has begun to conduct daily Chicago Park District is notified by Midwest Water water testing (Monday through Friday) to determine Reclamation District (MWRD) when the locks are opened C water quality at our swimming beaches. Annual at Calumet, Chicago River and Wilmette due to a storm testing begins on Friday of Memorial Day weekend and event. As a precaution, Park District automatically bans Hooray for ends Labor Day weekend. Saturday and Sunday testing swimming for 48 hours if locks have been opened. occurs if levels are unacceptable. Water samples collect- For information on swimming bans this summer, call ed at 23 lakefront beaches and one inland beach are sent the Chicago Park District at 312.742.PLAY, or visit the to the Illinois Department of Public Health lab in Chicago Swim Report at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com. Summer! to be analyzed for E-Coli bacteria. In accordance with Environmental Protection Agency Did you know Rogers Park is home to 10 of the (EPA) guidelines, swimming bans are issued when testing Material adapted from Chicago Park District 2002 Final city’s approximately 30 total beaches? That’s shows unacceptable levels of bacteria (over 235.0 per Beach Report. Figures for "2002 Rogers Park Swimming one-third of all public beaches in Chicago! 100 milliliters) for two consecutive days. When a swim- Bans" and "Swimming Bans 2002 vs. 2001" also provided by ming ban occurs, swimmers are not allowed in the water Park District. Beach season runs from Memorial Day to Labor until further tests show acceptable levels. Day. Hours are 9 am to 9:30 pm, seven days a week.

Swimming Bans 2002 vs. 2001 Rogers Park Beaches (north to south): Juneway Terrace (7800 North) 2002 Bans Due to Locks Opening 552 Hours 44.16 Days Rogers (7705 N. Eastlake Terrace) Howard (7600 North) Bans Due to High Bacteria 702 Hours 56.10 Days Fargo (7432 North) Total Swimming Bans 1254 Hours 100.26 Days Jarvis (7400 North) Loyola/Leone (7032 North) Hartigan/Albion (6800 North) 2001 Bans Due to Locks Opening 1495.00 Hours 119.60 Days Pratt (1050 W. Pratt Ave.) Bans Due to High Bacteria 372.75 Hours 29.82 Days Columbia (6726 North) North Shore (6700 North) Total Swimming Bans 1867.75 Hours 149.42 Days ROGERS PARK 2000 5 Local West Nile Virus Alert Senior Techno- By Sri Bandhakavi logy Resource ith warm weather fast approaching, city officials inflammation of the spinal cord. Those experiencing a are working at a furious pace to prevent a repeat high fever, neck pain, stupor/convulsions or difficulty W of last summer. In 2002, the state of Illinois had swallowing are urged to consult local health officials Center Debuts the dubious distinction of harboring the most human immediately. No cure for the virus currently exists, cases of West Nile Virus infections at 877, resulting in 63 although a vaccine is under testing. deaths. The City of Chicago reported 277 cases (83% of Because mosquitoes breed in standing water. which resulted in hospitalization) and 17 deaths. The Therefore, residents should make every effort to elimi- at RPCC majority of these were in northern Cook County. nate or drain areas of standing water. This is particularly The virus is transmitted to humans by mosquitoes important in months when frequent rains can be expect- that feed on infected birds, and then bite humans. The ed. In areas where draining may not be feasible or desir- fter nearly six months in development, Rogers Park virus cannot be transmitted between humans -- even if a able -- such as lagoons and catch basins -- city officials Community Council (RPCC) Senior Technology mosquito that bites an infected patient subsequently bites will use larvicides to kill mosquito larvae. Larvae are A Resource Center (STRC) officially opened its doors a healthy individual. Dead bird sightings near Thorndale early developmental stages of mosquitoes prior to their on Monday, June 9. The Center’s education and training and Sheridan have been reported by residents to city offi- becoming adults. Efforts to control adult mosquito popu- lab at 1530 W. Morse currently features three state-of-the- cials who are currently testing samples for the presence lations will also be undertaken. According to an interim art computer stations, with another scheduled to be oper- of West Nile Virus. Residents need not panic at the sight report on the West Nile Virus released by the CDPH, "If ational by month’s end. of a dead bird, since West Nile is not the only way a bird application of adulticides becomes necessary, CDPH will STRC is part of RPCC’s senior initiatives program, can die. However, dead bird sightings should not go provide advance notice to the public and to health care which is funded by a grant from the Chicago Department unreported. providers, and the Department of Streets and Sanitation on Aging. The program provides assistance and referral "Birds infected with the virus die, and so serve as will help manage the spray operation to ensure adequate services to Rogers Park seniors and sponsors workshops, efficient indicators of the prevalence of the virus in a coverage of targeted areas." Silver Stars Book Club and other activities. given area at any time," says Aaron Solomon, a Rogers Currently, there is no effective treatment for the West Over 30 seniors are pre-registered for computer and Park resident and molecular biologist at Northwestern Nile Virus. Since the virus is transmitted to humans only internet training at the Center, which will rely on students University. The greater the number of dead birds in a by mosquitoes, avoid being around mosquitoes by follow- of computer science and other volunteers to provide region, the higher the likelihood that mosquitoes in that ing some of these common sense precautions. Stay away instruction. While RPCC offers guidance and support area are infected, thus posing a threat to the health and from areas of standing water, keep as much of your skin well being of local residents. The Chicago Department of covered with loose clothing as possible, and apply an Public Health (CDPH) is urging people of all areas, insect repellent to exposed skin. This is especially true including Rogers Park, to report dead bird sightings by during dusk and dawn, since mosquitoes are active dur- calling 311. ing these times. Finally, screen your windows and doors The majority of people who are infected show no if you haven’t already. And enjoy the summer! symptoms at all, while some experience mild flu-like symptoms within two weeks of infection (fever, headache, Sri Bandhakavi is a post-doctoral fellow at the depart- rash, swollen glands and body aches). In elderly or those ment of biochemistry, molecular biology and cell biology at with weakened immune systems, the disease can Northwestern University in Evanston. Material also provided become fatal because of viral encephalitis and meningi- by Chicago Department of Public Health’s Interim Report on tis. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain; meningitis is West Nile Virus. Medicare Seminar for Seniors Pictured (left to right) are Joanne Walls and Cloteria "Coop" Cooperwood, both enrolled for computer training at STRC, lue Cross/Blue Shield of Illinois’ "Service in the Approach," the seminar will include information about the along with RPCC staff member Cathie Bazzon of the senior ini- Neighborhood for Seniors" program will host a free latest benefits and regulations, different Medicare pro- tiatives program. B Medicare seminar Monday, July 14, 10 am, at grams and such procedures as assignment and Rogers Park Community Council (1530 W. Morse Ave.). crossover. To register, call Cathie Bazzon at Entitled "Understanding Medicare 2003: A Practical 773.338.7722 ext 11. continued on page 25 6 ROGERS PARK 2000 Artists of the Wall Festival Celebrates 10 Years of Unity, Diversity By Bill Paige

“Ten Years . . . Side by Side” is the offi- to experiment with a variety cial theme of the 2003 Artists of the Wall Festival. One of of techniques and applica- the most unique Ð and fun Ð neighborhood events of tion methods to achieve Chicago’s far-too-short summer will be held June 14 and their vision. 15 in Loyola Park. Artists of all ages and abilities will "If you’ve painted on gather to celebrate the fest’s 10th anniversary by painting the wall once, you will more than 100 creative and colorful beachfront murals always have a desire to along Chicago’s lakefront, between Pratt Boulevard and repeat the experience," Morse Avenue in Rogers Park. says Hogan. "This year’s theme reflects the peaceful diversity of For an idea of the festi- Rogers Park, as symbolized by the paintings that stretch val’s origins, flashback to ‘side by side’ along the lakefront each year," said Katy 1993, when a group of Hogan, a principal festival organizer. "The festival’s main neighbors whose homes priority is to bring together artists and ideas, to make a border Loyola Park gath- statement about our appreciation for and commitment to ered to discuss solutions to the community." the rampant graffiti that cov- The combination bench and seawall that extends ered parts of the bench. In uninterrupted for 600 feet along the lakefront creates a due course, the Loyola challenging canvas for artists. While most of the 100-plus Beach Neighbors Associa- available spaces are sold to individual painters, many tion was formed and plans murals are created by "group effort," whether a tightly were developed for a week- As the day winds down,... organized group of students working in concert, or a pas- end festival featuring not only artists working their creative magic on the seawall, but also live entertainment, food and craft vendors, activities for children and seniors, raffle prizes and more. Senior Painting City of Chicago provided some initial funding and later added Artists of the Wall to its official publication of Tent Returns neighborhood festivals. Year by year the festival grew, with available spaces usually being to Artists of "sold out" before the festival itself begins. As the fest always falls in mid-June, during Father’s Day weekend, many families have established the Wall an annual summer tradition of painting on the wall. Previous themes This is the second year that a senior painting have included exploration, wildlife tent will be erected at the Artists of the Wall protection, inspirational vistas, world peace and Lake Michigan. "Rogers Festival. The tent presents senior visitors to the Park is the only Chicago neighbor- festival with a unique opportunity to paint for free hood with unmediated access to the and take their finished artwork home. Paints, lake," notes writer Ted Kleine in an professional canvases and easels are provided artists at last year’s festival ... article from the June 22, 2001 issue for no charge. of Chicago Reader. "There's no Lake The tent is a great place for accomplished sel of toddlers whose primary goal is to cover themselves Shore Drive, no clifflike condos hogging the best beaches. The water is right at the end of the block." artists and dabblers alike to engage in creative with more paint than they manage to apply to their activity together. "Most of the people who impressionistic endeavor. The bench’s concrete curves While only a limited number of artists can participate, and weather-ravaged surface further challenge the artists every visitor can enjoy watching the artists create their showed up last year were very inexperienced murals. Joggers, rollerbladers, bicycle riders, kite-flyers, painters," says Steven Schada, who is helping his dog-walkers and all who use the park frequently stop to wife Karen plan this year’s event. "Karen sug- admire the art or ponder occasionally ambiguous images and messages. gested that everyone simply pick up a brush and "While we each hold our own views on certain topics begin," he notes. and may debate others with passionate discourse, art is Because people felt free to express them- truly in the eye of the beholder," says Hogan. selves in the casual, supportive atmosphere of "Considering the atmosphere of the community and the tent, results were astonishing. "Many people recent events around the world, it seems more important were amazed by their own creations," Schada than ever to promote tolerance and understanding, and the ability of many cultures to coexist side-by-side in this continues. "Karen’s painting turned out so well community and on this wall for the last decade." that we display it above the mantel in our home!" Because the nonprofit event is organized by volun- The tent also provides a perfect introduction teers (under the guidance of the Loyola Park Advisory to painting for people who have never picked up Council), Artists of the Wall essentially remains an artistic a paintbrush. Aspiring artists of all levels are neighborhood celebration of creativity. Two years ago, the fest joined forces with the Rogers Park Community Council encouraged to join in the fun. to help plan and expand outreach throughout the commu- The tent will be located in the grass behind nity. the seawall, just north of the Farwell Avenue pier. For more information about Artists of the Wall, call For more information, call 847.635.1874. 773.250.3378. Applications for artists and vendors are available at the Loyola Park Field House (1230 W. Greenleaf). Applications may also be downloaded from Bill Paige, a Rogers Park-based writer and musician, www.xnet.com/~paigeone. serves as music coordinator for the Artists of the Wall Festival.

complete their creations. Research Study Targets Family Caregivers

ouncil for Jewish Elderly is currently participating in E-Care, a six-month research research team. Others receive two phone calls from a CJE professional during the study that tests the most effective ways to provide support services to people car- study. E-Care tests how technology may be used to ultimately increase the quality of life C ing for a relative with memory loss. The program offers the latest information on for both caregivers and care recipients. community resources, caregiving, memory loss, managing behavior issues and strate- To qualify, participants must take care of a relative suffering from memory loss, have gies for coping with stress. Volunteers are needed for the study, which is based on the a telephone, plan to live in the Chicago area for six months and be at least 21 years of REACH project funded by National Institute on Aging. age. CJE pays a small stipend to participants once the study is completed. To volunteer E-Care participants receive caregiving support. Some receive two visits from a CJE or learn more, call Carol Harris, project manager, at 773.508.1168 or email carol.har- professional and an easy-to-use touch-tone screen phone that conveys messages to the [email protected]. ROGERS PARK 2000 7 8 ROGERS PARK 2000 Simple Guidlines for Improving Tenant/Landlord Relations By Mary Skyles

landlord has many responsibilities: to provide ten- ner all electrical, plumbing, sanitary, heating, ventilating, Landlords should always screen tenants. Check ref- ants with written notice of the building owner’s or air conditioning and other facilities and appliances; and erences to verify that prospective tenants have paid rent A manager’s name, address and telephone number; conducting themselves in a manner that will not disturb regularly in the past, and to make sure that they have not to give new and renewing tenants written notice of build- neighbors’ peaceful enjoyment of the premises. created problems or disturbances. Landlords should ing code citations issued by the city in the past 12 months Tenants should always create a checklist before never discriminate against any individual with a housing and notice of pending housing court appearances; to moving into a new building, in order to know what to assistance voucher. By law, a landlord must accept all maintain property in compliance with all applicable provi- expect. For example, was there trash in the hallways applications regardless of an applicant’s source of sions of the Municipal Code; and to provide tenants with when you first viewed the apartment? Were people loi- income. at least 30 days written notice of intention not to renew a tering in front of the building? Taking photographs of an If both parties follow these guidelines faithfully, things rental agreement. If landlords keep buildings up to par, apartment before you move in is also a good way to arm will go more smoothly for landlords, tenants and neigh- they should be able to enjoy a good relationship with ten- yourself with evidence of pre-existing conditions in case bors. ants. of future landlord disputes. With pictures, you can show Tenants have a big role to play as well by complying a judge or attorney what an apartment looked like before with all obligations imposed specifically by provisions of you moved in! Finally, always write a letter to your land- the municipal code applicable to dwelling units: keeping lord if you have complaints about your apartment or build- Mary Skyles serves as Rogers Park Community Council’s premises as safe as conditions permit, disposing of waste ing. Letters are evidence of your attempts to contact community development specialist. She may be reached at in a clean and safe manner; using in a reasonable man- management regarding problems. 773.338.7722 ext 26. Home and Condo Owners Receive Property Reassessment Notices By Edwin M. Wittenstein

roperty reassessment notices for Rogers Park The appeal process is initiated by filing a complaint the neighborhood provide an important measure of should be arriving in the mail very soon. The Cook at the Assessor’s office within 45 days from the date the whether the assessment is a fair valuation. The P County Assessor’s office will be reassessing all City reassessment notice is mailed to you. Appeals may also Assessor’s website at www.cookcountyassessor.com of Chicago properties during 2003. This reassessment be filed at the Cook County Board of Review and Property offers guidelines in making this comparison. will impact real-estate taxes to be paid in 2004, and in Tax Appeal Board if efforts at the Assessor’s Office are Condominium unit owners will find it most beneficial most cases, will set the property assessment for a three- unsuccessful. to be included in a collective appeal filed on behalf of the year period. Single-family homeowners should review the condo association. A single collective appeal is likely to In the process of reassessing hundreds of thousands reassessment notice and check for errors. For example, result in equitable assessments throughout the building of properties, it is inevitable that errors will be made by the area marked "your property characteristics" should and a greater chance of tax relief for all unit owners. the Assessor. These errors can be corrected through an include accurate information, such as building square appeal process available to all property owners, and suc- footage, exterior construction, number of bathrooms, cessful appeals can generate significant tax savings. garage size, etc. Also, assessments of similar homes in continued on page 25 ROGERS PARK 2000 9 Rogers Park Builders Group Notes Recent Honors and Accomplishments By Mike Glasser

t the Chicago Association of Realtors (CAR) annual (single-family development). Zaransky is a sponsor of mittee, has been overseeing the writing and publication of gala on May 7, four members of the Rogers Park RPBG. a multi-page brochure promoting the Rogers Park com- A Builders Group (RPBG) received "Good Neighbor" At its May 17 Spirit of Rogers Park awards banquet, munity. Volunteers on the project include Allan Price, awards for excellence in real-estate and community Rogers Park Community Council (RPCC) acknowledged Sharon Kozak (Coldwell Banker, Evanston), Alan development. Nearly one quarter of all CAR awards went two RPBG founding members: Goldberg (Hallmark & Johnson) and Kevin Richards (at to RPBG members, whose projects are located through- ¥Carla Price (Community Building Award) for her the time, Howard Street SSA Manager/DevCorp North), out the city. dedication to Rogers Park through diligent property own- all of whom worked zealously until the project was com- ¥Mark Kruse of Hispanic Housing Development ership and management, generosity (including funding pleted in March. RPBG applauds all of its committee Corporation for 7732-42 N. Paulina, condo conversion scholarships to Rogers Park youth) and service. members, companies and organizations that contributed project in conjunction with the city’s "New Homes for ¥Tim Flentye (Spirit of Business Award) for his con- to the project, with special thanks to DevCorp. The Chicago" program. Kruse is an RPBG director. version of a 1920s three-flat at 7730 North Sheridan Rd., brochure was launched with an initial printing of 10,000 ¥Rich Aronson of Camelot Development; one award and for years of committed ownership and management. copies. For a complimentary copy, call Mary Jane Sacks for 1633-35 W. Estes (condo conversion) and another for At its March 25 meeting, RPBG heard from volun- at 773.743.7433, or email your request to 1807 W. Morse (single-family renovation). Aronson also teers at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church who are assisting [email protected]. received an honorable mention (condo-multi unit/rental young Sudanese men ("Lost Boys of Sudan") acclimate category) for his development at 1538-1544 W. to life in Chicago. RPBG was honored to meet two of Thorndale. Aronson is an RPBG director. these young men and hear their stories. The St. Paul vol- ¥Michael Wallk of Lakeside Real Estate & unteers requested RPBG assistance rehabbing a portion Mike Glasser serves as president of Rogers Park Builders Development received an honorable mention for 7046 S. of the church into a computer lab to service the young Group, which seeks to promote responsible management, own- Euclid and 7045 S. Bennett (multi-unit rental). Wallk is men, as well as other members of our community. Marty ership and development of real estate in Rogers Park. Visit former board president of RPBG and a current director. Max of MLC Properties (RPBG vice president) took on RPBG’s website at: www.rpbg.org. Glasser is also owner of ¥Michael H. Zaransky of Prime Property Investors, this extensive project, which is currently near completion. Magellen Properties, which owns and manages multifamily Ltd. received an honorable mention for 2172 W. Giddings Carla Price, chairperson of the RPBG brochure com- properties in Chicago and in the western suburbs. Block Club Workshop Taller de Club de

ogers Park Block Organization Network (RPBON), a function of Bloque (“Block Club”) Rogers Park Community Council (RPCC), will host a workshop R Friday, June 13 at 7 pm. Attendees will learn how to organize block clubs, generate community interest, maximize participation and ogers Park Block Organization Network (RPBON), una funcion del Rogers Park Community Council (RPCC), tendra un taller el viernes, plan block events. R Junio 13, a las 7 pm. Usted aprendera como organizar clubs de Lorna Clucas, community service representative with the CAPS bloque (block clubs), incluyendo como generar mas interes y participacion program, will lead the workshop at RPCC offices (1530 W. Morse de la comunidad. Ave.). For more information, contact Mary Skyles or Cathie Bazzon Conduciendo el taller estara Lorna Clucas representante del programa at 773.338.7722. CAPS. El taller sera en el edificio RPCC a 1530 W. Morse. Para mas informacion, llame a Mary Skyles o Cathie Bazzon at 773.338.7722. 10 ROGERS PARK 2000 New and Ongoing Senior Outreach at RPCC

NEW! BASIC COMPUTER AND INTERNET TRAINING. All weekly low-impact exercise classes designed to help you our training is conducted one-on-one to facilitate learning. be at your best. These yoga-based breathing and stretch- “Senior Day at the Taste” We provide a relaxed, positive environment for you to ing exercises are guaranteed to improve your circulation, develop your computer skills. Learn to use email, browse strength, flexibility and overall fitness level, as well as help Monday, June 30 the internet or create letters and documents Ð all at your you manage stress and pain. Visit the "Taste" worry-free! Don’t miss this special trip to own pace! Scheduling is flexible, and your lesson plan is REFERRAL AND SUPPORT SERVICES. The Rogers Park Taste of Chicago for people aged 55 and over. This trip is tailored to your goals. Community Council can hook you up with any kind of ser- sponsored by the 24th District Senior Citizen Advisory HOUSING ACTION PROGRAM. Do you rent? Housing vice -- from in-home care to meal delivery to free legal Council. The bus leaves at 9 am sharp from the police sta- Action works with tenants and landlords to develop solu- assistance -- and everything in between. RPCC can also tion at 6464 N. Clark St. Passengers are deposited near the tions to all types of problems in single-family, multi-family help you apply for assistance and rebate programs bene- seniors tent. Return is scheduled for approximately 1 pm. and mixed-use buildings alike. We will work to protect fiting your age group. No matter what your problems or An advance deposit of $3 is refunded the day of trip. For your rights as a tenant, and advocate on your behalf. concerns, RPCC will listen and help you live as well as information, call Officer Nanninga or Officer Fontanetta at COMMUNITY AWARENESS & PRIDE PROGRAM (CAPP). possible. 312.744.1136. This program publishes Rogers Park 2000. Home deliv- NEW! SILVER STARS BOOK CLUB. Join us for an evening ery is available as part of our $10 senior membership of refreshments and lively, thought-provoking discussion package. CAPP initiates community organizing cam- every other month. Our first book was Chicagoan Lorraine mined. All books provided on loan. paigns and neighborhood improvement efforts. Hansberry’s powerful drama, A Raisin in the Sun (a selec- The Senior Initiatives Program is funded through a NEW! EXERCISE AND WELLNESS. Coming this month! tion of the "One Book, One Chicago" program sponsored grant from the City of Chicago Department on Aging. For Yoga and fitness instructor Gloria McCartney will lead by Chicago Public Library. Our next title is to be deter- more information, call 773.338.7722 ext 11. Guidelines for Hiring Live-in Care By Susan Swartz

he magnitude of caregiving touches almost Live-in caregivers provide assistance and care on a other benefits. Worker’s Compensation Insurance is paid everyone’s lives today," says Anna Fallon, man- short or long-term basis to older adults who need some- on the worker to cover on-the-job injuries. If an indepen- “T ager of personal care services at Council for one in the home 24 hours a day. Workers can help with dent worker is hired, the family may be expected to Jewish Elderly, "with nearly one out of every four personal care tasks of daily living such as bathing, dress- assume these responsibilities. American households involved in providing care to older ing, grooming, cooking, shopping and light housekeeping. A sofa or rollaway bed should be provided for work- adults. Job and family responsibilities coupled with living Workers can also help with medication reminders. er. For long-term arrangements, the worker will need a longer and farther away from one another are all chang- A person has two options when hiring a live-in care- private room. Regardless of the time frame, the worker ing how families provide care." giver -- either hire someone self-employed, or work with will need closet space and at least two drawers for cloth- The vast majority of older adults want to stay in their an agency that employs caregiver workers. There are ing. Food is another responsibility of the family, which own home. More families are choosing to hire live-in benefits to working through an agency. At CJE, for exam- should at least provide basics such as cereal, milk, bread, caregivers to relieve some demands of caregiving, allow- ple, all staff members are carefully screened and inter- etc. ing for more quality time to be spent with the older person. viewed, and references checked. Only experienced staff Many long-term care insurance policies cover live-in However, choosing a live-in care worker for an older are hired for live-in care. CJE also conducts criminal caregivers. CJE can assist with documentation for insur- person and deciding what tasks need to be done are very background checks on staff and bonds all employees. ance and provide a certified caregiver. CJE also arranges difficult decisions. According to National Association for Live-in caregivers receive two days of training after they for short and long-term care. Workers "live in" for five-day Home Care, more than 20,000 providers deliver home are hired to ensure that their skills meet CJE standards. periods only; seven-day service includes a team of two care services to some 7 million Americans, most of whom All employees must have legal work status in the U.S. workers. Should additional coverage be needed, CJE are age 65 and older. They must speak and read enough English to safely care staff are on-call to provide back-up. The first step in hiring a caregiver is determining for someone at home. what kind of help is needed. Does the older person need Live-in caregivers hired through an agency are Susan Swartz is manager of media and public relations for assistance with ordinary activities such as shopping, employees of that agency, so the agency handles taxes CJE. For more information about CJE’s live-in caregiver ser- bathing, paying bills, etc? and social security, and provides health insurance and vice, call 773.508.1000. ROGERS PARK 2000 11 Mental Health Center Serves Latino Community By Susan Kogan

atinos have traditionally tended to underutilize men- accessible by public transportation, and provides clients Counseling is the most essential component in treat- tal health services, primarily due to language barri- with a welcoming ambiance that includes Spanish-speak- ment of mental and emotional disorders. Bilingual treat- L ers and differences in Hispanic and American cultur- ing clinicians and office staff. Clients often remark that ment for Latinos seems to work best when it is brief, prob- al norms. In response to growing need within the com- the "door-to-door" services in Spanish help to make them lem-focused and deals with present issues. Group ser- munity, the multicultural, multilingual adult services of feel welcome and comfortable with the treatment process. vices, including support groups, are of primary benefit to Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) relocat- Multicultural, multilingual service is also culturally Latinos. Since groups provide a dynamic semblance to ed to West Rogers Park from the Edgewater-Uptown area sensitive, and considers a client’s social and cultural val- the family and support system left behind after immigra- in 1999. ues, beliefs and customs. C4’s culturally sensitive modes tion to the U.S., they can offer a familiar and effective The current site at 2525 W. Peterson Ave. offers a of treatment involve making basic assumptions consistent healing experience. wide spectrum of outpatient services to adults struggling with an individual’s values. Language and cultural back- Cognitive-behavioral therapy for treatment of depres- with emotional, behavioral and cultural difficulties. Health ground are essential considerations in the formulation of sion has been found extremely effective with Latinos. The services target primarily Latino residents of Rogers Park, a service plan. technique is increasingly utilized in individual and group Edgewater and Uptown. According to the last U.S. cen- An Anglo-American frame of reference is often inef- counseling. C4 continues to expand services to the sus taken in 2000, the Latino community in Rogers Park fectual in evaluating behaviors of Latinos, who are sub- Rogers Park Latino population. has grown approximately 47 percent in the last 10 years, stantially affected by the challenge of trying to communi- the largest percentage growth of any neighborhood in the cate across cultural and language barriers. For example, city of Chicago. a Latino might attach a different meaning to symptoms Susan Kogan serves as director of Community Counseling Since language is a vital means of transmitting cul- and express them in a way that might be misinterpreted Centers of Chicago’s adult outpatient program in West Rogers tural beliefs and traditions, sharing struggles in one’s by non-Latinos. These types of cultural misunderstand- Park. Established in 1972, C4 has nine Chicago locations. native tongue allows for deeper and richer self-expres- ings can lead to misdiagnosis and/or inappropriate treat- Service is provided on a referral basis. For more information, sion. The West Rogers Park location of C4 is easily ment. call 773.506.2525.

“Although it may seem as tural backgrounds in the neighborhood an opportunity to though many houses of worship are gather together." New Church to Open spread around the community (repre- At the end of June, a team of more than 35 high senting Christianity and a host of other school students and their leaders from a sister church in religious and spiritual groups), the fact Glenwood, CO will work with the church to clean the Doors in September is that with a population as large as streets, help plan a children’s program and take on a Rogers Park, there are relatively few number of small projects throughout the area. "We hope churches,” says Beavis. Many people that through these and other activities, we will have the who have not thought about spiritual opportunity to meet local residents and serve them in a he Rogers Park Community Church will open its matters in a long time are concerned about what is cur- significant way," Beavis explains. "We’ll also be hosting a doors at the former B’Nai Zion synagogue located at rently taking place in the world. As more people seek women’s brunch to give women from the community an T 1447 West Pratt Ave. this September 14. Tim Beavis answers and solace through the church and other reli- opportunity to get to know one another in a fun social set- will serve as pastor. gious institutions, the need is perhaps greater than ever ting, and we’re hoping to plan discussion forums and "As a church, we’re committed to serving the Rogers for a new church. "We want the Rogers Park Community workshops on issues of interest to our friends and neigh- Park community, and being a place where genuine rela- Church to be a place where people can find answers to bors." tionships can be found and fostered," says Beavis, who the questions that matter to them," notes Beavis. He Last but not least, the new Rogers Park Community will continue to serve as interim pastor of the Calvary adds that the church plans to be very active in the com- Church intends to offer a warm welcome to everyone. For Baptist Church in Evanston until July. Originally from the munity. "Even before we open our doors this September, more information about the church or to get involved, call southwest region of England, Beavis has been a resident we will be working on service projects and planning 773.401.3233, or visit the church’s website at of Rogers Park for two years. events which will give people from the many diverse cul- www.rogersparkchurch.com 12 ROGERS PARK 2000 ROGERS PARK 2000 13 on Real Estate LEARN AND eyeeye PARTICIPATE

Morseland Returns Proposed Sheridan- The Morseland Building (1218 W. Morse) will return In 2004, Wellington Realty Group (of which Altman to life later this summer as simply "Morseland", billed by and Bowker are also principals) plan to finance a mixed- Devon TIF Community proprietors Gregory Altman and Matthew Bowker as use development on Morseland’s adjoining parking lot. Rogers Park’s first swank supper club. Built in 1926, the Morseland Building has a varied It Takes a Village… Meetings past. Original tenants were Piggly Wiggly (a grocery- The former Bethesda Hospital (2851 West Howard) store chain still in existence in southern states), Purity also re-opens later this year as "Park Village" -- a 58-unit earn about what a TIF (Tax Increment Financing) Pastry Shoppe, and on the second floor, a branch of the condominium development boasting five penthouse units District is and how it can benefit redevelopment in famed Sherwood School of Music -- known today as the and great city views from the third floor up. L Rogers Park and Edgewater. You may attend either Sherwood Conservatory of Music. Most recently, the Units at Park Village will feature separate heat and or both community meetings. building was home for eight years to the Morseland Music air, Jacuzzis, contemporary appliances and outdoor parking; most units will also have balconies. For informa- 40th Ward Community Meeting tion, call Connie Abels, RE/MAX NorthCoast, at When: Thursday - June 12, 7-9 pm 773.764.PARK. Where: St. Ignatius Church, 6559 N. Glenwood What: An opportunity for 40th ward residents, property Sweet Stuff and business owners to learn about the proposed Scheduled to open at 1622 W. Morse Ave. before the Sheridan-Devon TIF and communicate ideas for redevel- end of June is store No. 2 for Chicago-based confections opment in the proposed area. retailer Sweet Occasions. Andy Singer, vice president, describes the store’s specialty as custom-made gift bas- 49th Ward Community Meeting kets of "candy flowers" and other goodies. Sweet When: Wednesday - June 18, 7-9 pm Occasions also offers ice cream creations (30 flavors Where: Loyola University Chicago, Centennial Forum, daily, 110 every month) and other frozen delights, as well Bremner Lounge as 19 varieties of Hawaiian Kona coffee. What: An opportunity for 49th ward residents, property and business owners to learn about the proposed Gate Opens to Gateway Sheridan-Devon TIF and communicate ideas for redevel- The first tenants moved this April into the new opment in the proposed area. Gateway Centre Apartments (7450 N. Rogers). The 10- story, 120-unit housing development geared toward the Meetings are hosted by Alderman Patrick O’Connor "near elderly" market (age 55-plus) marks Hispanic (40th Ward), Alderman Joe Moore (49th Ward), DevCorp The long-standing Morseland Building at 1218 West Morse Housing Development Corporation’s first construction in North, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Avenue will soon be home to Morseland supper club. Rogers Park. The firm operates four additional "senior Development Corporation, Edgewater North Neighbors, housing" properties (age 62-plus) in Chicago, as well as Loyola Area Neighbors Association, Loyola University a host of multi-family dwellings and commercial proper- Chicago, PACT Block Club, Rogers Park Community Room, whose operating license was revoked by the city ties throughout Illinois. Council and TIF Task Force. For more information, of Chicago in the year 2000. Financing for Gateway came from a total of five contact DevCorp North at 773.508.5885. Information With 3,500 square feet of space, the new Morseland sources, including the Illinois Housing Development is also available at the City of Chicago website: will feature seating capacity of approximately 120 (restau- Authority, Chicago Department of Housing and private www.cityofchicago.org. rant and lounge). The menu will offer contemporary banks. One and two-bedroom rentals range from $350 to American cuisine with entrees priced between $9 and $850, with remaining units available from $650 and up. $16. An eclectic mix of live bands and DJ music will play Call 773.743.3699 for more information. Thursday through Sunday. 14 ROGERS PARK 2000 International Week a Big Hit at Sullivan By Eavon Ngo

oger C. Sullivan High School’s tribute to its international community included performances and exhibitions highlighting the numer- R ous and diverse cultures represented at the school. This 11-year- old festival tradition was once again a great success, taking place this year during the first week of May. Students, teachers and other faculty were welcomed into the school gymnasium Thursday, May 8, where informational displays of artifacts showcased traditional garb, artwork and food from 20 different nations! Two day-time performances were held for the student body, as well as one in the evening for parents and community members. The twelve- act show incorporated music and dance from around the world, including Pakistan, Jamaica, Mexico and the United States.

Eavon Ngo is a Sullivan English teacher and sponsor of the Asian Club.

Local Students Fight to Pass Tuition Bill for Undocumented Youth By Mark Joseph

ationwide, undocumented students must pay about Cultural Youth Project -- has helped make voices heard in while state representatives voted on the bill. On March 5, three times more for college tuition than does a cit- Springfield and throughout the media. HB60 was passed in the House of Representatives; the N izen. This issue affects 432,000 people in the state Supporters of HB60 have been working to influence next goal is to get it passed in the Senate. of Illinois alone, and many people in our diverse commu- politicians in Springfield and gain their votes for this bill. Concerned students in Rogers Park ask for community. Adults and youth alike are speaking out. They have also met with community representatives, nity support in the battle to pass House Bill 60. A group of concerned residents and students have many of whom have helped in the struggle to pass the bill. led a push to introduce House Bill 60 (or HB60), which A meeting with Congressman Larry McKeon (13th dis- would allow undocumented students under the age of 21 trict), enabled supporters to ask about his views on the Mark Joseph, a junior-year Sullivan student in the to pay in-state college tuition rates rather than out-of-state bill, and seek advice on how to promote the bill in the Medical Careers Academy program, is the student spokesper- rates. This campaign -- led by Coalition of Asian, African, future. son for the campaign to pass HB60. For information or to get European and Latino Immigrants of Illinois and by Multi- Youth and adults from Polish, Latino and Korean involved, email Multi-Cultural Youth Project at communities have also given testimonies in Springfield [email protected]. ROGERS PARK 2000 15 “Rites of Passage” Ceremony Recognizes High School Juniors of the Medical Careers Academy Program By Chadra Lang

he Medical Careers Academy program, a magnet articulate what they learned and hoped to gain from Elementary School and Roosevelt High School health option of Chicago Public Schools, is offered to stu- future internships. Students were asked to light a candle centers, Uptown Chicago Department of Public Health T dents of Roger C. Sullivan High School and a hand- while stating their goals. Clinic, Evanston-Rogers Park Clinic (Access branch) and ful of schools citywide. On February 4, junior-year Family members, friends and Chicago Public Swedish Covenant Hospital. Sullivan students enrolled in the Academy began a six- Schools system administrators were in attendance for this Students reported to internship sites two days a week workplace readiness workshop sponsored by wonderful event. Notable guest speakers included Dr. week, for two hours a day, receiving a midterm and final Healthcare Consortium of Illinois (an Academy partner). Tariq Butt (member, Chicago Board of Education) and grade/evaluation on performance. Juniors in the Medical Trainer Victoria Ballard, youth health services coordinator, Salim Al Nurridin (executive director, Healthcare Academy left school at the end of sixth period to travel to visited Sullivan two days a week, two hours a day for the Consortium). They offered students words of encourage- respective sites. The internship is mandatory for all six-week period. Ballard covered topics such as conflict ment, while recognizing their great accomplishments. Academy students, with any work time over four hours management, work place professionalism, patient confi- Students then had opportunities to intern at clinics, weekly qualifying as volunteerism. dentiality and work ethics. school-based health centers and pharmacies, demon- The Medical Careers Academy is an example of a Students created presentations to show what they strating skills learned in the medical and health profes- hands-on, career-focused education program that gives learned in the workshop. The purpose of the workshop sions course taught by Sandra Johns. students a head start in planning for the future. Sullivan was to prepare students for eight-week internships that Students learned how to measure vital signs, chart looks forward to future success with the program. began March 31. patient symptoms, apply first-aid techniques and bandag- After completion of the workshop, a "Rites of ing -- and even phlebotomy. All students are CPR-trained Chadra Lang is program coordinator for the Medical Passage" ceremony was held at Sullivan on March 15. and certified. Those students who received Pharmacy Careers Academy program at Sullivan High School. For The ceremony allowed students to be recognized for par- Technician Licenses completed internships at Walgreen’s details about internships or academy admission policies, con- ticipating in and completing the workshop, as well as to pharmacies. Other internship sites included Arai tact Lang at 773.534.2000 ext 143.

Alternatives Inc., Howard Area Community Center (which runs three distinct after-school YouthNet Celebrates Five Years programs), Chicago Park District and High Ridge YMCA. continued from first page YouthNet also refers youth for counseling assessments and organizes field trips, lescent employees and their adult employers flush out final speaking skills, computer skills, writing skills … and that’s visits to nursing homes and soup kitchens, neighborhood details of this community-focused program. The 24th just the tangible stuff. They will be reaching out to the com- clean-up initiatives and other activities. "It’s impossible to District YouthNet has succeeded in placing more than 45 munity and working on issues that affect them directly." list everything we do," says Morgan. "The kids tell us what grade-school and high-school students in summer jobs at Last summer, Friends of Battered Women conducted they need and want, and we make it happen." day care centers, camps and service organizations. The a two-week Peace Camp during which high-school girls "Basically, the 24th District YouthNet serves as a com- program is divided into four areas of concentration: Head and boys talked about community issues and solutions to munity collaborator, linking youth and their families with Start Early Literacy, Summer Nutrition, Youth Mapping, crime and gang-related problems. The initiative was sup- schools, parks, libraries, community-based organizations community mapping and community research. ported by a small development grant from YouthNet. and private businesses," says Smith. "We strive to build In the early literacy program, youth receive advance "These kids are the voice of tomorrow and today!" Wallace self-esteem, develop skills and empower youth to achieve. training in literacy and early childhood development, then exclaims. "They learn lifelong lessons from these pro- We also promote activism and volunteerism in our youth," work with pre-school children in an art-focused, education- grams that help them be their best." she concludes. al environment. The program’s goal is to enhance chil- The 24th District YouthNet has supported youth Not to mention the performing arts! Most recently, the dren’s literacy skills while providing youth with valuable, employment in a host of other ways. A Summer Jobs 24th District YouthNet worked in conjunction with Live Bait hands-on experience. Forum held early in spring was attended by 50 youth, who Theatre to stage two live improvisational shows at Lifeline As community mappers, youth will perform analyses learned of job opportunities with Chicago Park District, City Theatre (6912 N. Glenwood). The shows, starring local of local summer programs -- interviewing participants, Year, Shedd Aquarium, Gallery 37, Brookfield Zoo, Lincoln youth and officers of the Chicago Police Department 24th facilitators and parents and evaluating activities through Park Zoo, Museum of Contemporary Art and BOLD District, were a tremendous hit. According to Lifeline man- surveys, photography or video. The program connects Chicago. aging director Melissa Bareford, performances effectively youth with the community, teaching them communication broke down facades and stereotypes on both sides. and organizational skills as they articulate their experi- Ultimately, such collaborations serve to build positive rela- ences and present findings. tions between youth and police, which have tended histor- The youth mapping program has concentrated on ically to be troubled in urban neighborhoods such as data collection in previous years, but this summer, students Rogers Park. move into data analysis and research. Mappers will devel- YouthNet and Live Bait also participated in the sixth op a community project around one key issue. An editori- annual Chicago Improv Festival, which took place at the al staff will compose a report on the issue, including statis- Chicago Cultural Center the weekend prior to the shows. tics, justification, project outline and other points. Lastly, Eight youth and two police officers performed before a community planners will execute the project. Kevin Brown, large crowd. an 8th-grader at Daniel Boone Elementary School, served Perhaps the most fundamental purpose of YouthNet is as a Chicago Park District day camp junior counselor last simply that of giving kids something to do and somewhere summer. This is Brown’s first year of involvement with to go. Frequently during the week, students who would YouthNet, and he expects the next eight weeks as a youth otherwise roam the streets after school or end up at home mapper will prove most rewarding. "I want to better under- alone opt instead to meet at RPCC, where they can safely stand our community and our problems," he says, "and to spend time with friends in a constructive, caring environ- help make life better." ment. Teens meet with Sam Morgan to discuss employment goals. Sullivan freshman Willie Alexander, also new to Samantha Griffin, a police officer in the 24th District’s YouthNet this year, voices his agreement: "I like the idea community policing office, has partnered with YouthNet for of getting out there and helping the community." Alexander As a follow-up, YouthNet conducted employment two years. "We’re looking forward to a productive sum- describes himself as somewhat shy. "I think that working workshops in properly completing employment applica- mer," she says. "The 24th District YouthNet is very strong. this summer will improve my social skills," he notes. "I tions, writing cover letters and creating resumes. Mock They really try and reach out to different families from dif- would like to be more outgoing." interviews were conducted so that youth could practice ferent schools in different areas of the neighborhood." The community researchers -- a tour de force of eight interviewing skills. Griffin also applauds YouthNet’s efforts to keep kids off the female Sullivan students -- are led by YouthNet joined forces with administrators and teach- streets. "Thanks to YouthNet, these kids have a sense of Friends of Battered Women and Their Children, a ers of Daniel Boone Elementary School, Stephen F. Gale structure, of belonging," she adds. "Especially kids whose Rogers Park-based referral and counseling center for sur- Community Academy, Eugene Field Elementary School, adult guardians work all day." vivors of domestic abuse and their children. Mia Wallace George Armstrong Elementary School, Jordan Community Sullivan student Alexander readily agrees. "YouthNet and Kelly Found, prevention and education specialists for School, Philip Rogers Elementary School and Roger C. keeps kids from getting into trouble Ð from doing things the agency are in attendance at Monday’s orientation. Sullivan High School. A whopping 550 students took we’re not supposed to do." Age 13 through 15 is general- Under the supervision of Mariame Kaba, prevention advantage of the opportunity to complete job applications ly considered a time when kids are susceptible to gang and education manager, Wallace and Found will oversee with the assistance of YouthNet staff. recruitment. "If I’m busy at YouthNet, at least I’m safe," he the Young Women’s Action Team Project Ð to collect and Sullivan principal Kathy Ruffalo has worked closely notes. compile information through focus groups and interviews with the 24th District YouthNet for three years. "The on the subject of street harassment and violence against Rogers Park YouthNet is an excellent example of how suc- Safe Ð and forever enriched in the deal. girls in Rogers Park. The project’s ultimate goal is to craft cessful this program can be," she says. "If it weren’t for a solution to this problem. YouthNet, students might not have access to certain Under the program, teen girls will be trained in opportunities." Natasha Smith is director of Mayor Daley’s KidStart researching and interviewing methods. They will coordi- Understandably, Ruffalo’s priority is to provide the YouthNet 24th District. She may be reached at 773.761.5483 ext nate focus groups and conduct interviews as needed, and best possible education for her students, and she credits 13. Cathie Bazzon serves as RPCC associate director. Many create a final report. Lastly, all members of the team will 24th District YouthNet’s homework assistance and tutoring supplies are needed for this summer’s working teens. To donate collaborate on a presentation for local officials "It’s impos- referral program with helping her do so. YouthNet regular- money or items, call 773.338.7722 ext 13. YouthNet thanks all sible to measure the benefits of an experience like this," ly refers youth of all ages to approximately 25 different donors for caring enough to contribute to the betterment of our says Wallace. "These girls will come away with public- resources in tutoring and after-school programs, including community 16 ROGERS PARK 2000 2003 • SPIRIT OF

Rogers Park Community Council They believe in our community, believe in its people Rogers Park Community Council would like to thank P RESIDENT’ S M ESSAGE and are willing to put their time and heart into making Congregation Emanuel for opening their doors for our Rogers Park a better place for us all to live. Our spirit is celebration. We thank the many businesses and communi- On behalf of the Rogers Park Community Council one of caring for each other and caring about our neigh- ty leaders who contributed to our event – including our board of directors, staff and all of our community volun- borhood. Platinum, Gold and Silver Sponsors, raffle and silent auc- teers and supporters, I wish to congratulate the recipients tion contributors, as well as contributors to the evening’s of the 2003 Spirit of Rogers Park Awards. Each of us may come from different backgrounds – we feast and spirits -- including Aramark Catering, Around may work in different ways – but ultimately it is the differ- the Clock, A Taste of Peru, Caribbean Bakery, Dominick’s, What is the Spirit of Rogers Park? ences that make us a stronger, more vibrant community. Gordon Food Services and Swedish Bakery. It’s enthusiasm for our neighborhood; Each year, Rogers Park Community Council has the It’s the best and purest part of our state of mind; opportunity to organize the Spirit of Rogers Park awards We hope that you will join us next year for the Spirit It’s the attitude and ability to make positive change; celebration. As you read the description of the works of of Rogers Park Awards. (Better yet, send us information It’s exemplified by acts of integrity; this year’s award recipients, I believe you will agree that about all the good work that you’re doing in the commu- It’s the vital essence of life in a unique geographic area; we all share in the pride of our community. nity for the awards selection committee!) It’s redefined by Rogers Park every day! From being a great neighbor and listening to a child’s Best wishes, The Spirit Awards theme this year was "One concern to taking a vintage building and returning it to its Community – One Spirit" (based on a beautiful piece of historical presence in our community to bringing the visu- handcrafted stained glass donated by Rogers Park artisan, al arts to the forefront -- everyone makes a difference! Emily Carlson). As we presented the Spirit of Rogers Park Everyone from the smallest child to the more mature adult Awards on May 17th, a common theme tied was evident – makes Rogers Park a great place to live, work and raise a 13 community leaders truly have the spirit. family! Donald Rankins President

Karen Kain involved with the Howard Street storefront art project, and the neighborhood with an extensive remodeling of this Spirit of the Arts strives to bring together economic vitality with community storefront business. New sandwich and refrigeration equip- beautification efforts. ment, lighting and extensive decorating (including a drop Karen Kain is a painter There are many ways in which to build community. ceiling and tiled floor) has resulted in a $50,000 investment and former foster parent who One is utilization of the arts to inspire and reach out to com- in Rogers Park. brought the community munity residents. Rogers Park Community Council recog- With a staff of six, Paul Hernandez has a clear business together last December to nizes Amy Westgard for her Spirit of Rogers Park and philosophy: "Don’t sell anything you wouldn’t want to eat raise a glass to the holidays, efforts to make our community more vibrant. yourself! The quality of our product is important – we want raise awareness for youth to sell good food in order to ensure that our customers come crime and raise financial back." He is committed to staying in Rogers Park and serv- support for two youth devel- Tim Flentye ing good food for many years to come. opment agencies – Family Spirit of Business We honor Paul Hernandez with the Spirit of Rogers Matters and Rogers Park Park Award for his efforts to strengthen Rogers Park’s busi- Youth Network. Tim Flentye was born in ness community. Kain worked as a foster parent for troubled adolescents Rogers Park and is commit- and has seen how kids can turn their lives around when ted to the future here. His given the opportunity. Her project, "Koans for Kids," is an family moved into the neigh- Kulsum Poonja extension of that experience. A firm believer in communi- borhood in the 1940s when Spirit of Community ty, Kain took the tragedy of a murdered child and turned it they bought their first build- Building into neighborhood action. Kain took to the streets, distrib- ing. The Flentyes have been uting leaflets with notes to kids telling them where to go for providing residential hous- Kulsum Poonja is an help to get out of gangs. Each flyer featured one of Kain’s ing at affordable rents for example of what one woman paintings combined with Zen koans. Koans are simple sen- over 60 years. Following in can do when she puts her tences given as tools for contemplation to encourage break- the footsteps of his parents, Flentye is the owner/manager of mind and heart to it! A vol- throughs. A traditional koan included is: "We stand in our 86 units of rental housing. unteer with the Social own shadow and wonder why it is dark." Last year, Flentye worked to convert a three-story, Welfare Board of the Ismaili Kain is a founder of Rogers Park Arts Council and 1920s building at 7730 N. Eastlake Terrace into four beau- Council for the Midwestern Rogers Park Artists' Salon, where she brought her history of tiful, large condominiums with granite countertops, marble United States at the Ismaili working with art and social change. The December cabaret baths with steam rooms and Jacuzzis, fireplaces and other Center, Poonja has worked to brought community artists together to create a holiday party amenities including a rooftop deck with lake views. The build a supportive environ- celebrating our power as a community and supporting youth units sold quickly and brought wonderful new neighbors to ment for her community and coordinates a safety net for development agencies. It was a tremendous success – more the area. youth and adults. than 100 guests had a wonderful evening and raised over This may be one of the finest vintage rehabs on the Poonja is a full-time nurse by profession and spends $3,000 for Rogers Park kids. north side. Quality construction methods and materials most of her free time helping members of the community Kain’s most recent project is work with DevCorp North were used at every step – top-of-the-line products down to who have recently moved to Chicago from other parts of the to create a visual arts presence in Howard Street storefronts. the faucets and locks. Face brick was used on the new U.S. and the world. She volunteers her time helping senior Empty storefronts were inventoried, and outreach made to garage. The conversion was more than a financial invest- citizens, organizing prevention initiatives and can be seen in property owners. Banner reproductions are currently being ment – it was an investment in the history and quality of fine action at sporting events and the annual Ismaili youth camp. installed in empty storefronts. Each artist has a storefront in vintage housing in Rogers Park. A soft-spoken, noble woman, Poonja is an excellent lis- which to display banners with the theme: "What is commu- Flentye’s neighbors on Eastlake are rejoicing with him tener and an outstanding counselor for those who want sup- nity?" A grand opening was held May 28 and new windows on the huge success of this project. Flentye -- a hands-on port and advice. Members of her community are grateful will be displayed throughout the coming months. developer with an eye for quality -- had the vision to create knowing that no matter what time of the day or season of the Rogers Park Community Council recognizes Karen high quality, luxury condominiums and believed that "if you year, she is only a phone call away. Kain for her efforts to bring community involvement build them, they will come." Come they did and the We thank Kelsum Poonja for her Spirit of Community together through the arts and we honor her "Spirit of Rogers Eastlake block is all the stronger. Development and her efforts to make our neighborhood a Park". Tim Flentye’s "Spirit of Rogers Park" is honored for his great place to live. investment in Rogers Park and his efforts to protect the history of its housing. Amy Westgard John Schermerhorn Spirit of the Arts Spirit of Community Safety Paul Hernandez While looking at apart- Spirit of Business John Schermerhorn is a ments throughout Chicago role model for any communi- five years ago, Amy Paul Hernandez moved ty volunteer in a leadership Westgard and husband Tom to Chicago from Cuba in position. He has acted as saw an apartment in RP and 1966. A CTA train operator PHOTO NOT civilian beat team leader for fell in love with the commu- for 28 years, he continues to AVAILABLE CAPS Beat 2423 for the past nity. drive the Ravenswood brown four years. His patience and Westgard is a visual line. perseverance in dealing with artist -- focusing on digital He and wife Sonia both serious and trivial issues photography with a back- wanted to invest in the are remarkable. ground in printmaking. She future. Saving their money, Community policing concerns run the full range -- brought her passion for art to the community and quickly they decided to purchase a from outrage about drug dealers, gangs, assaults, robbery became a member of Business and Artists Networking franchise and investigated and theft to complaints about boom-boxes, barking dogs, Group, Rogers Park Arts Council and Arts Steering the hundreds of business opportunities available. Their tree trimming and litter. Schermerhorn conducts monthly Committee. research showed Subway to be highly rated and in 1989, the beat meetings with concern for all issues raised by commu- Westgard is a strong believer in the need to act on ideas family became proud owners of a new shop at 6555 N. nity members – and treats each participant with respect and from networking meetings. Last year, she worked with Alan Clark St. Hernandez says they selected Rogers Park consideration. He gives guidance on "who to call" and Goldberg to create a neighborhood festival in the newly des- because the community was underserved. "what to do" about concerns that are not necessarily police ignated Glenwood Avenue Arts District. She also was During the last year, Hernandez continued to invest in matters and follows up with officers on issues requiring ROGERS PARK 2000 17 ROGERS PARK police attention. Schermerhorn keeps informed on reported who may not know him, abilities were noticed. She was elected to the Board of crime and pays attention to neighborhood "hot spots". He Boggs has commanded the Deacons where she was instrumental in providing spiritual, understands the police department and the CAPS system 24th Police District since financial and other forms of assistance to members and and works to build partnerships within the organization. coming to us in July of 1998. neighbors. Chief among her outreach work was coordinat- He has also organized summer walking programs and He is responsible for over ing the church’s support of Good News Community worked with block clubs on landlord and building concerns 300 sworn officers, a dozen Kitchen. Her warmth and willingness to help shines in the in Beat 2423. He reaches out to businesses at Jarvis and civilian employees and many fellowship events she has hosted. Greenview and recognizes shared concerns with "neighbors 100% of the daily operations Essie is a long-time resident of Rogers Park and has to the north" in Beat 2422. of the police district. Since accomplished all of this as a single parent of three. "How can Participation in community policing and CAPS dies his appointment in August of I help?" is truly the motto she lives by. Tonight we recog- down if people don’t see immediate remedies. If a problem 1968, his career with the nize Essie Jones for her unselfish service to our community. develops, people want "rapid response" and a quick fix -- Chicago Police Department expecting that "somebody else" will work on the problem. has included command of the Often, CAPS volunteers have limited support from neigh- 19th District and the nar- Andrea Lewis bors. John Schermerhorn has been a steady, reliable partic- cotics division as well as Spirit of Youth Development ipant and leader throughout, working to address public safe- administrative experience with a former superintendent. ty concerns in Beat 2423. And tonight we say "thank you" Boggs has also served as a detective and has supervised a Andrea Lewis has for your Spirit of Rogers Park and working to bring com- tactical unit. worked at the Eugene Field munity safety to our neighborhood. Boggs has been a loyal supporter of the CAPS pro- Elementary School as a gram. He is too modest to mention it, but he helped design counselor assistant for more and create the program ten years ago. More recently, he was than 10 years. She loves the Illinois Humanities instrumental in bringing to fruition the 24th District strate- community and became one Council gic planning community forum held in November, 2002. of our neighbors when she Spirit of Education This was the first initiative of its kind in the city of Chicago, purchased a home in Rogers and Commander Boggs worked with the community com- Park. Illinois Humanities mittee to develop goals and strategies for the next ten years Lewis is a local Girl Council (IHC) is a non-profit of CAPS in our neighborhood. Scout troop leader and for educational organization Those who have worked with him can attest to the fact many years has volunteered as a coach with the Field cheer- dedicated to fostering a cul- that Boggs prefers action to words. When something needs leading squad. She spends a tremendous amount of time ture in which the humanities to be done, he always seems to find a way to cut through the with the girls -- and it is they who nominated her for this are a vital part of the lives of red tape and get it accomplished. Those who have worked award! Not only have the girls had a wonderful outlet for individuals and communities. with him also can attest to the fact that he has a very low tol- recreation – the 6th and 8th graders have brought home Through its programs, it pro- erance for what we might politely call "bologna" – but he is first-place awards. motes greater understanding, always willing to listen to problems, ideas and suggestions Andrea has six children of her own – ranging from age appreciation and involve- that are brought to him and he is quick to identify simple 1 to age 22. Her oldest daughter is completing her fourth ment in the humanities. and effective solutions. year in the Air Force. In 2001, IHC developed a new partnership with We recognize Commander David Boggs for his Spirit There are many stories about ways Lewis has given to Howard Area Community Center in bringing The Odyssey of Leadership and thank him for his commitment to Rogers the children of Rogers Park -- helping an abused child who Project to Rogers Park. This initiative seeks to make the Park. had no one to turn to, providing shelter to a homeless fami- humanities accessible to economically disadvantaged stu- ly of five and paying fees so that seven neighborhood kids dents and has two goals – to support "the personal growth, could go to summer camp. development and enrichment of participants, preparing Carla Price The children want to say "thank you" to Andrea Lewis. them for fuller participation in the economic and political Spirit of Partnership "We love this lady and hope we get to smile because she life of our society" and "to create a bridge to enrollment in always smiles for us." Congratulations to Lewis for her all forms of higher education for low-income residents . . . A couple of years ago, Spirit of Rogers Park. for whom higher education would not normally be an Carla Price was asked by the option." leadership of Rogers Park IHC invests approximately $60,000 per year into Builders Group to chair a Nancy Vasquez Rogers Park Odyssey Project, covering the costs of profes- committee overseeing the Spirit of Youth Development sor salaries, books and transportation, as well as childcare writing and publication of a and dinner for children of students. The first-year course brochure that marketed Nancy Vasquez is a life provides a broad introduction to the humanities. Students Rogers Park. She assembled long Rogers Parker. She study literature, philosophy, U.S. history, art history, writing a talented group of volun- completed elementary edu- and critical thinking. The project enrolled 24 students in its teers, including husband cation at Gale Community first year with half of the class graduating and obtaining six Alan. The committee Academy and is a graduating college credits from Bard College. This year, 34 students worked zealously and passionately under her guidance until senior at St. Scholastica High are enrolled and it is anticipated that 70% will graduate! the project was completed. In February of this year, the School. Nancy has a long The Odyssey Project follows the belief that "the best educa- brochure was presented to the neighborhood for distribu- history of service – both to tion for the best -- is the best education for us all." tion. her school and to her com- Education is a lifelong road and Odyssey Project pro- Price is an enthusiastic proponent of responsible munity. vides an opportunity for Rogers Park residents to explore growth and development in Rogers Park. As an owner of At St. Scholastica, new paths to personal growth and development. Tonight we several quality apartment buildings in East Rogers Park, she Nancy is a member of the recognize IHC for its "Spirit of Rogers Park". has developed a reputation as a responsible caretaker. Price Ambassador’s Club, going to grammar schools to recruit is a founding member of Rogers Park Builders Group and future Scholastica students. She is a member of Rotary has been active as its Arts committee chairman. She has International Club and serves on the service project com- Lillian Burton organized numerous events to support Rogers Park theatre mittee securing donations for the people of Kenya (particu- Spirit of a Good Neighbor and individual artists. larly women and children suffering from AIDS). She is a Price’s latest achievement is the creation of the new member of the Spanish Club and of the Ninos Club – work- Lillian Burton is a lady Builders Group brochure which welcomes visitors to ing to help children from around the world by becoming who should be recognized "Rogers Park: The Global Village on Chicago’s North educated on youth issues such as child labor. She partici- for her compassionate spirit PHOTO NOT Shore". Price and committee members Sharon Kozak, Alan pates in Campus Ministry and Lenten Drive outreach to the and the care she takes in AVAILABLE Goldberg and Kevin Richards worked with graphic artists, Scholastica community. sharing it with others. As photographers, historians and neighbors to show the beauty She is a member of the South East Asian Club and its one neighbor said, "she’s and rich resources of our neighborhood. Price prefers to efforts to become better educated about the Asian commu- precious to me because she’s work quietly -- behind the scenes -- keeping the image high nity and to complete service projects. In her spare time, she always there for me". in Rogers Park and maintaining the beauty of this wonder- is a member of the St. Scholastica track and field team, run- A mother, grandmother ful neighborhood. ning 100 and 200-meter races. and great-grandmother, she We honor Carla Price for her Spirit of Rogers Park and In her neighborhood, Vasquez is a volunteer with is guardian of three grandchildren, but still has time for her efforts to build community through partnerships. CAPS and works with neighbors to make the community young people who come to the door. "I just can’t turn them safer. She became interested in public safety because she away," she says. "Other people have helped me – I just want saw a lot of crime and wanted a safer neighborhood for the to give back." Burton still takes the time to care for her Essie Jones children. Once, she even went to criminal court after she neighbors, whether it means helping with a financial prob- Spirit of Volunteerism was threatened by a neighbor because of the work she had lem, spiritual crisis, or a meal. Lillian Burton takes time to done. It was then that she decided, "We need to work notice people, be a good neighbor and a good friend. Essie Jones is relentless- together as a community to stop all the crime". She has Rogers Park Community Council salutes Lillian ly involved in bettering the been an active part of the neighborhood ever since. Burton for being a great neighbor and for her Spirit of lives of those around her. As In the fall, Vasquez will attend St. Benedictine College Rogers Park. a school librarian, Jones is a in Atchison Kansas on a full scholarship (one of the two that caring professional. As a they offer) majoring in business administration and political community leader, she repre- science. Her goal is to obtain an MBA and maybe one day Commander sents the things that make run for government office or maybe own her own business. David V. Boggs Rogers Park work – caring Vasquez’s motto: "Never give up your dream. Always Spirit of Leadership for our neighbors. hope for the best. We always have to be ready for tomor- Jones is a leader in the row!" Rogers Park Community Council honors Nancy We honor Commander David Boggs with the Spirit of Rogers Park Presbyterian Church. Soon after joining the Vasquez and her "Spirit" -- she truly represents the best that Rogers Park Leadership Award. For the one or two of you congregation, her care and concern for others and leadership Rogers Park has to offer -- its children! 18 ROGERS PARK 2000 Spirit of Rogers Park Sponsors and Friends Thank you to the neighbors, businesses, organizations Pratt-Ashland Co-op Chicago Blackhawks JR Dessert Bakery and elected representatives who support Rogers Hispanic Housing Chicago Historical Society Kendall College Park’s Spirit! Remember – SHOP ROGERS PARK and Cook County Commissioner Larry Suffredin Chicago White Sox Lifeline Theatre all those who support your Community Council! mb Financial Commissioner Mike Quigley Little People Daycare Senator Jeffrey Schoenberg Designs by Valerry Live Bait Theatre Platinum Sponsors Vranas & Chioros Realty Group Drury Lane Theatre Monastero’s Ristorante Devon Bank East Bank Club Museum of Science & Industry 1st Commercial Bank Lakefront Guardians Eli’s Cheesecake World Northwestern University Athletics & Recreation Loyola University Chicago A Taste of Peru – Cesar Izquierdo Emily Carlson Northwestern University School of Music Melody Thomas eta Creative Arts Foundation Performing Arts Chicago Gold Sponsors Donald Rankins Evanston Athletic Club Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum Baird & Warner – Linda England & Frank Maguire Evanston School of Ballet Raven Theatre Eyes on the Future Daycare – Azieb Gebrehiiwet Raffle and Silent Auction Fantasy Hills Ranch Rogers Park Center for Massage Therapy Lorraine Dostal Adler Planetarium Field Museum John G. Shedd Aquarium Markle Development LLC – Bill Markle Alderman Joe Moore Fireside Restaurant Terra Museum of American Art Re/Max NorthCoast Realty – Connie Abels Amber Automotive Fitzpatrick Chicago Hotel Theatre Building Rogers Park Builders Group Ann Sathers Gateway Bar & Grill Tommy Nevin’s Pub Auditorium Theatre Council Giordano’s Uptown National Bank Silver Sponsors Café Luciano Good’s of Evanston Unan Imports Alderman Bernard Stone Captain Nemo’s Griffin Theatre Company Wishbone Gulliver’s Restaurant Chicago Architecture Foundation Gulliver’s Zanies Five Years of Hot Jazz in Rogers Park By Tenley Clemente

he annual Rogers Park Jazz Series celebrates its The festival itself is an artsy, classy, low-key, high fifth anniversary this summer. Each year, the festival energy, all jazz, eclectic, professional music festival that Sunday, August 3 T strives to showcase the best jazz Chicago has to relies on Rogers Park for sponsorship, showmanship and 2-3 pm. Zach Brock Ð contemporary (Jazz Violin) offer in the best neighborhood Chicago has to offer. volunteer efforts. Some of the biggest names in jazz 3-4 pm. Aesop Quartet Ð Free Jazz (with spoken work) The RP Jazz Series (RPJS) was conceived by Tenley have participated, including Randy Brecker, Paulinho 4-6 pm. Dave Gordon Ð Jazz Clemente and Kathy Sprattling, co-owners of Ennui Café Garcia, The AACM, Chevere, Kick the Cat, Rich Fudoli, 6-8 pm. Kirsten Gustafson Ð Jazz Vocalist (6981 N. Sheridan Rd.). While Clemente and Sprattling Fareed Haque, Barry Winograd, Jose Valdes, Brad 8-10 pm. Orbert Davis Ð Jazz Trumpet have only owned the café since 1995, it was established Goode, Frank Catalano, Chuchito Valdes, Mike Finnerty, in about 1982, making it one of the oldest continuously Grazyna Auguscik, Johnny Frigo and John McClean. RPJS lets you kick back under the stars on a summer running cafés in the city of Chicago. Clemente and This year will bring back old favorites and include day by the lake, enjoying a nice beverage under an Sprattling support neighborhood cleanups, anti-gang new faces. The festival is a mix of jazz flavors -- tradi- umbrella with some hot jazz in the summer time. activity programs, police organizations, neighborhood tional, fusion, free, acid, Latin, afro-Cuban, Brazilian and Clemente and Sprattling invite you to participate in school programs and the local arts scene. A key member experimental. This year’s schedule is as follows: the success and recognition of RPJS by helping to fund of DevCorp North, Ennui was awarded the Community an aggressive advertising and public relations effort Partner Award by DevCorp in 2001. Saturday, August 2 focused on Rogers Park. Clemente and Sprattling conceived RPJS in 1999 as 2-3 pm. BS Brass Band Ð Dixieland Jazz Two years ago, the Fest became an official Chicago a unique event that would promote our neighborhood and 3-4 pm. Andy Kapsalis Ð Contemporary Jazz Neighborhood Festival. Event supporters include bring revenue to local businesses. As a neighborhood 4-6 pm. Diane Deline Ð Jazz Violin (Represented by DevCorp North (Chamber of Commerce), Alderman Joe festival, RPJS is also an opportunity for businesses to BluJazz Label) Moore (49th ward), First Commercial Bank, MB Financial, present their wares. Advertising opportunities for Rogers 6-8 pm. Steve Million with special Guest Mark O’Conner Loyola University, Rogers Park Builders Group, and the Park businesses range from the festival program to booth (Represented by BluJazz Label) Chicago Park District (Loyola Park). presence. 8-10 pm. Paulinho Garcia Ð Brazilian Jazz continued on page 27 ROGERS PARK 2000 19 Cooperative Housing in Rogers Park Seeks to Remedy Housing Woes By Charles Daas

ondominium conversions, escalating rents and Of course, cooper- changing demographics are just a few factors con- ative residents like Dale C tributing to Rogers Park’s affordable housing are vested in their coop- crunch. A growing chorus of community residents have erative and their com- joined local housing advocates in their concern about a munity, gaining control community that is increasingly resembling Lincoln Park, over their housing on rather than the comfortable mix of families, students, ex- terms they can afford, hippies and minority and immigrant groups that Rogers especially those house- Park has always been known for. A racially diverse com- holds that are often munity in a city known for its racial balkanization, three denied that opportunity. out of four Rogers Park residents are tenants -- yet a Jeri Bell, a founding spate of recent condominium conversions has pushed member of Pratt- real-estate prices up during the past year as much as Ashland, concurs: 18%, according to a January 24, 2003 Money/CNN arti- "Converting to a coop- cle on discovering ‘undiscovered’ neighborhoods. erative has allowed me Moreover, recent census figures depict a community to gain tremendous that has lost nearly 20% of its African-American popula- leadership skills. tion since 1990, as well as rental housing north of Ultimately, this will keep Howard, where developers have focused attention on the cooperative on a condominium conversions. One longstanding effort to path to success -- and preserve affordable housing in the north of Howard area instill in others the con- The 22-unit co-op at 6805-6811 N. Ashland Ave. is one of seven limited-equity co-operative build- has been spearheaded by Good News Partners (GNP), a fidence to carry on." ings in Rogers Park. Several market-rate co-ops (not accessible to low-income households) also non-profit concern dedicated to ending homelessness Cooperative ownership exist in the area. and helplessness in this community. Over the past helps to ensure the decade, GNP has lead an effort to expand homeowner- long-term health of the Charles Daas is executive director of the Chicago Mutual ship options in Rogers Park by developing a total of five affordable housing, as residents provide encouragement Housing Network (CMHN), a non-profit that supports, devel- affordable housing cooperatives, the six-unit Hope and practical assistance to one another out of an interest ops and advocates for resident-controlled and managed hous- House, the 17-unit Esperanza, the five-unit Fargo, the six- in ‘mutual self-help’ that can lead to improved education- ing (primarily affordable housing cooperatives) for Chicago’s unit Bos Cooperative and the 21-unit Phoenix al, social and employment opportunities. low and moderate income families. Daas is a resident of West Cooperative. Proof positive of this is the annual back-to-school Rogers Park. For information about housing cooperatives, call According to Julie Young, GNP’s chief operating offi- event held each September at Pratt-Ashland. CMHN at 773.278.9210, or visit www.chicagomutual.org. cer, "we have built housing cooperatives in an effort to Cooperative residents hold a potluck and purchase bring people out of poverty. We believe that this home- school supplies for children to prepare them for the school ownership model is a strategy to help low-income house- year. A Halloween party at the cooperative attracts chil- holds earn equity while ending their cycle of dependen- dren from the surrounding neighborhood who vie for cy." In fact, GNP’s effort in cooperative homeownership is candy and trick-or-treat bags through games and con- Rogers Park part of a longstanding history of cooperatives in Rogers tests. Recent research by City University of New York Park dating to the 1920s. The cooperative concept is sim- professors Susan Saegert and Lymari Benitez found that ple, where households form a non-profit corporation to "residents of limited-equity cooperatives are more likely to Garden Walk purchase apartment-style dwellings through shared own- participate in neighborhood organizations, live in their ership. Typically, members in affordable-housing cooper- neighborhoods longer and experience feelings of belong- atives are responsible for paying monthly occupancy ing to a larger community." (Source: "Limited-Equity o you have a beautiful garden that you’d love to charges (their portion of the mortgage, insurance and Housing Cooperatives: An Attractive Alternative to Rental have friends and neighbors admire? You may qual- taxes) as well as a one-time fee to purchase a share Housing in the United States", City University of New York D ify to be a participant in the 9th Annual Rogers Park (averaging $1,000 to $5,000), reflecting their investment Graduate Center, 2002.) Garden Walk. in the cooperative development. During the past decade, the disappearance of a The Garden Walk Committee is seeking gardeners Since residents of housing cooperatives do not have whopping 50,000 affordable housing units should be traditional, contemporary and futuristic for this year’s to individually qualify for a mortgage, this translates into cause for concern not only for households seeking afford- event. The best and most beautiful gardens will be select- less financial risk for the family and a reduction in fees able housing options, but for our elected officials who ed for the community tour and will be open for viewing on and costs associated with traditional mortgages. have not adequately dealt with this problem. Bud Ogle, Sunday, July 13 from 1 to 5 pm. Moreover, cooperatives have lower operating and mainte- director of Good News Partners (GNP), has successfully If you would like to become a participant in this year’s nance costs and co-op monthly charges often are as reached households shut out of the traditional housing walk, complete the following information (by June 14) and much as one-third lower (on average) than charges for market. Confronted with the daily task of housing people email it to [email protected] or fax to 773.337.7774. comparable rental apartments. Mildred Dale, an original who earn $10,000 in annual income, Ogle embraced the For more information call 773.338.RPCC x 22. resident of the 22-unit Pratt-Ashland Cooperative in cooperative concept "so that our families can end pover- If you’re not a gardener but love to look at the fruits Rogers Park was attracted to the co-op because she ty and build equity with a limited income." of others’ labor, join us on July 13. The Garden Walk "liked the idea of being in control of my own building." To date, 52 families have used GNP’s cooperatives begins at 1418 W. Touhy. Tickets are $8. (All proceeds Vacancies are rare in the Pratt-Ashland, where a large as a springboard for greater economic success and are tax deductible as allowed by law and benefit Rogers two- bedroom co-op unit costs $685 per month, consider- homeownership. According to Ogle, "our system works Park Community Council.) ably less than market rate rentals in Rogers Park. This is for many families who came into our cooperatives earning due to many factors, including the incentives member- $10,000, but have moved up the economic ladder to earn owners have in ownership and controlling costs, lower $25,000 because they are spending less of their income annual turnover rates and no absentee landlord profits. to house themselves." In order to help low-income Dale, who works with Southeastern Illinois households achieve success, GNP pro-rates each resi- University’s Hospital Accountability Project, now serves dent’s contribution toward the mortgage. When the coop- as president of the cooperative and enjoys working with erative owner chooses to sell his or her share, the appre- fellow board members to tackle tough issues. A testa- ciated value is split between GNP and the co-op owner. ment to the long-term tenancy of cooperative members is This enables GNP to reach a future generation of people the fact that more than half of cooperative members have without enough income to purchase on their own. lived in the building since its inception in 1995. Pratt- Concludes Ogle: "housing cooperatives not only get peo- Ashland residents have made continuous improvements - ple more involved in taking care of property, it is the best - replacing the roof and central furnace and purchasing strategy to get them into a home." new washers and dryers that "paid for themselves in a year."

Rogers Park Community Development Corporation First-time Homebuyer Training First-time Homebuyer Training (Spanish) (RPCDC) offers free summer workshops on the fol- Wed., July 16 Fri., June 27, 6:30 to 8:30 pm lowing topics and dates through the Continuing (English and Spanish) Sat., July 12, 10 am to 12 pm Education Department of Truman College (1145 W. Wed., July 30, 6:30 to 8:30 pm Wilson). All classes are conducted from 7 to 9 pm. Sat., Aug. 23, 10 am to 12 pm Call 773.338.7722 ext 19 for complete program infor- RPCDC also conducts classes at Rogers Park mation. Community Council (RPCC), 1530 W. Morse. All Landlord Training (English) classes are free; registration is required. Sat., June 28, 10 am to 12 pm Landlord Training (English and Spanish) Sat., July 19, 10 am to 12 pm Wed., June 25 First-time Homebuyer Training (English) Sat., Aug. 16, 10 am to 12 pm Sat., June 21, 10 am to 12 pm Condo Training (English) Sat., July 26, 10 am to 12 pm Condo Training Wed., July 9 Sat., Aug. 9, 10 am to 12 pm Tues., June 17, 6:30 to 8:30 pm Sat., Aug. 2, 10 am to 12 pm 20 ROGERS PARK 2000 Craftmobile Chicago Park District Offers Returns to Camp Chicago and Camp 3-D

Local Parks! ecognizing that summer camp is a place where chil- --Emmerson Park, 1820 W. Granville, 312.742.7877. dren learn, discover, relax and explore, the Chicago --Paschen Park, 1932 W. Lunt, 312.742.7865. raftmobile is a traveling workshop packed with inter- R Park District’s summer day camp program -- CAMP --Rogers Park, 7345 N. Washtenaw, 312.742.7859. active visual arts & recreational activities for children Chicago -- focuses on traditional camp activities --Schreiber Park, 1552 W. Schreiber, 312.742.7876. C at playlots throughout the city. Preschool children such as swimming, sports and arts & crafts. Youth ages --Touhy Park, 7348 N. Paulina, 312.742.7870. are welcome to create an arts & crafts project and to 11 and 12 will have the opportunity to camp overnight at experience new and interesting toys and games through- Indian Boundary Park on August 1. The campout will When the Camp Chicago program ends, Camp 3-D out the summer months with Craftmobile. This free drop- include storytelling, stargazing, pitching a tent, making a will begin. Camp 3-D is a specialized, instructional camp in program is scheduled to stop at 15 local playlots, begin- campfire and cooking S’Mores. which introduces youth to a variety of sports and arts. ning the week of June 23 and running through August 1. Additionally, the Park District has purchased two Activities include theater, baseball, art, football, music, In Rogers Park, Craftmobile visits Gale School Campus climbing walls, which will travel to parks throughout the soccer, adventure, basketball, dance and tumbling. Park, 1631 W. Jonquil Terrace every Thursday, from 2:30- city this summer. Area campers will be able to enjoy Groups are kept small for personal instruction by special- 4 pm (or in case of rain, Touhy Park, 7348 N. Paulina, climbing one of these walls when they travel to Warren ists in each area. Camp 3-D runs from August 11 through 312.742.7870). For information about parks citywide Park on July 9 and Pottawattomie Park on July 16. Camp August 22 at two locations: Broadway Armory Park, 5917 where Craftmobile will visit, call 312.742.PLAY Chicago registration continues to the first day of camp. N. Broadway, 312.742.7502; 9 am-12 pm for ages 8-12; The following north-side parks may still have camp open- $35 fee. Pottawattomie Park, 7340 N. Rogers, ings: 312.742.7878; 10 am-3 pm for ages 6-12; $40 fee. Touhy Park They’re Shooting Again! Offers Cubs Student Photo Project in Third Care Baseball Year at Field School t’s not too late to register for the free Cubs Care Rookie Baseball instructional league at Touhy Park By Nancy Komessar I (7348 N. Paulina St.). Cubs Care is open to boys and girls ages 6-12 and will be held on Mondays and Wednesdays, 3:30-5:30 pm, from June 30 to August 8. t’s those kids again Ð armed Chicago Cubs sponsor this park program with sports with cameras! Taking pictures equipment. Participants receive a hat, T-shirt, awards and I of your garden, your new end-of-season cook-out. For further information, call the antique-style front door, the trash park at 312.742.7870. you missed in the gutter and anything else that strikes their fancy. From May 29 until the end of the school year, approximately sixty- five children will scour the neigh- Australian- borhood in search of "photo opps" -- Janelle Lim’s third- graders, and Anita Merriman’s Rules Football and Neil Schwartzberg’s fourth- graders -- all from Eugene Field Elementary School. Pictures taken by these chil- Comes to dren end up in photo journals that they create as part of a classroom project, with captions explaining why they took certain Warren Park pictures and bios about themselves. It’s all part of a communi- Say "cheese"! These participants of the Field School Photo Project can’t wait to get out ager to play--or watch--an unusual sport? Warren ty-sponsored project that there and start shooting. Park, located at 6601 N. Western Avenue, is now the includes observation, writing, E home field of the Chicago Swans Australian-rules creativity and fun. The project football club. Nicknamed "football, Aussie style," this is a was first organized by Nancy Komessar in 1999, and this Rogers Park BizArts, who were critical in recruiting help. fast-moving, action-packed game requiring many of the is her third year working with Field School students. At Thanks to Field School and their teachers for volun- skills found in rugby (tackling), soccer (running), basket- the end of the project, children will share their work with teering their classes and their time -- giving us all an ball (passing and jumping), hockey (checking) and foot- family and friends at a special party for student photogra- opportunity to see through the eyes of some of our ball (catching and punting). phers. youngest and keenest observers. The Chicago Swans are always looking for new play- Financial sponsors include Rogers Park Builders Watch for exhibits of the completed project at the ers, supporters and sponsors. The team will play at Group, Wisdom Bridge Arts Project, Carl Steward, October Glenwood Arts Festival and other local events. Warren Park on the following dates: July 19, August 16 Michael James of Heartland Cafe, Jim and Ann Kepler, You might see something that looks familiar! and September 13. For further information, check out the Andy Goodman, Sid Rockin (of Rocky’s Deli fame on Chicago Swans’ website at www.chicagoswans.com or Morse Avenue) and others. Volunteer chaperones for Nancy Komessar is an eight-year resident of Rogers Park. call Warren Park at 312.742.7888. photo field trips include Michael Glasser and members of She is actively involved in the community ROGERS PARK 2000 21

June 28, 7 pm: A Night of Improv Comedy at Indian music by Joel Frankel at Indian Boundary Park Cultural Chicago Park Boundary Park Cultural Center, 2500 W. Lunt, Center, 2500 W. Lunt, 312.742.7887. 312.742.7887. Teens and adults make up comedy on the spot, using audience suggestions. All ages; $5 fee. District Summer AUGUST______JULY______August 5, 5:30-8:30 pm: National Night Out at Schreiber Calendar 2003 Park, 1552 W. Schreiber, 312.742.7876. All ages; free. July 9, dusk (about 8:30 pm): Free movie; all ages. "The Prince of Egypt," Warren Park, 6601 N. Western, August 6, dusk (about 8:30 pm): Free movie; all ages. JUNE______312.742.7888. "Stuart Little 2" at Chippewa Park, 6748 N. Sacramento, 312.742.7867. June 14, 1-6 pm: Family Fun Fest for all ages includes July 16, 7 pm: Free concert; all ages. Big band music by Youth Grand Prix racecar contest at Schreiber Park, 1552 Bill Porter Orchestra at Indian Boundary Park Cultural August 10, 2 pm: Free concert; all ages. Jazz music at W. Schreiber, 312.742.7876. Free. Center, 2500 W. Lunt, 312.742.7887. Indian Boundary Park Cultural Center, 2500 W. Lunt, 312.742.7887. June 22, 2 pm: Free concert, all ages. Blues music by July 18, 6:30 pm: Free concert; all ages. Blues music by DogBone at Schreiber Park, 1552 W. Schreiber, Marty Sammon Band at Paschen Park, 1932 W. Lunt August 14, dusk: Free movie; all ages. "Spy Kids 2" at 312.742.7876. Avenue, 312.742.7865. Touhy Park, 7348 N. Paulina, 312.742.7870.

June 26, 9 am-3 pm: Free Immunizations at Schreiber July 22, dusk (about 8:30 pm): Free movie; all ages. August 28, 9 am-3 pm: Free Immunizations. Co-spon- Park, 1552 W. Schreiber, 312.742.7876. Co-sponsored "Spirit: Stallion of the Cimarron" at Warren Park , 6601 N. sored by Alderman Patrick O’Connor (40th Ward), by Alderman Patrick O’Connor (40th Ward), Chicago Western, 312.742.7888. Chicago Dept. of Public Health and Blue Cross/Blue Dept. of Public Health and Blue Cross/Blue Shield of Shield of Illinois. Schreiber Park, 1552 W. Schreiber, Illinois. Bring immunization records. July 30, 6:30 pm: Free concert; all ages. Children’s 312.742.7876. Bring immunization records. 22 ROGERS PARK 2000 “Friends of Beth Sholom” to Revitalize East Rogers Park Jewish Community By Nancy Komessar

part of the Torah or Jewish law -- also known as the Intrigued by the idea of bringing this once active responsibilities. Barbara Robertson has set up a website Pentateuch or Five Books of Moses -- is read for Jewish community back to life, Michael Glasser of Rogers at www.bethsholomfriends.org. Other members include A every Sabbath service. The portion of the Torah Park Builders Group formed a focus group to consider the long-time resident Sid Rockin (of former Morse Avenue read a few months for a Saturday morning service at feasibility of restoring the synagogue and to gage interest eatery Rocky’s Deli), past members of Beth Sholom and Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation (Evanston) in reviving a Jewish community around it. As word got current board members, and residents seeking a Jewish described requirements for building the Tabernacle. At around, Friends of Beth Sholom was formed with a vision cultural connection. this point, formal service was halted so that the congre- of creating not just a Jewish religious community, but a Friends of Beth Sholom is currently exploring finan- gation could discuss why this issue appears where it does community center that could serve the broader needs of cial and other commitments necessary to restore and in the Torah. The consensus was that at that particular Rogers Park residents. maintain the synagogue, as well as alternatives if restora- point in history, the need to create a cohesive community The first meeting was held in March at the Rogers tion proves unrealistic. (Probably only the shell and foun- became especially important to the Jewish people. Park branch of the Chicago Public Library. People setting dation would remain.) On the positive side, the property Coming together to build something of common value is up the room wondered if anyone would show up, as the is mortgage-free and tax exempt, so any funds allocated what creates a community. meeting was scheduled for 7 pm -- the exact time that could go directly toward restoration or replacement. One Perhaps this anecdote best illustrates the coming President Bush had chosen as Saddam Hussein’s dead- option is to establish a multi-use partnership with other together of (mostly) Jewish residents and other interested line to surrender all weapons of mass destruction. It was groups. parties with the goal of rebuilding the Jewish community an ironic beginning to the group. But people did come -- Although the idea of restoring the synagogue is in East Rogers Park -- rebuilding in both a literal and spir- from both inside and outside the neighborhood -- with daunting and perhaps impractical, those participating in itual sense. Not recapturing the past Ð that’s never really interest in reestablishing Jewish life where it had been an the focus group have made new friends with common possible Ð rather, creating anew. integral part of the community’s identity only 30 years interests and new discoveries about themselves. A con- The idea was born when a few people considered the prior. gregation isn’t about a building Ð it’s about people and possibility of saving Congregation Beth Sholom of Rogers Since then, a core group formed to share activities community. Park synagogue (1233 W. Pratt Ave.) built in 1949-50. such as Rabbi Hershy Worch’s Sunday evening class on If you are interested in the project or related group Once a thriving congregation, Beth Sholom is the last Jewish mysticism and the Kabbalah, which meets in Al activities, contact Al Goldberg at [email protected], synagogue in East Rogers Park, although it is no longer Goldberg’s art gallery space on Glenwood. Other Nancy Komessar at [email protected] active, and most of its former members have moved away. planned events include a retreat (at Glasser’s Michigan (312.822.6128) or Michael Glasser at [email protected]. Extensive water damage due to badly leaking roofs over home) and a Shabbat dinner sponsored by local residents The focus group meets weekly at Trilogy (1400 West the years have rendered the two connected buildings David and Ronnie Garber. Greenleaf). unusable. Services were last held there for the high holy Friends of Beth Sholom members include Goldberg Nancy Komessar is an eight-year resident of Rogers Park days of Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur in 1998. as facilitator and Nancy Komessar with administrative and a community activist. Free State-Certified Nursing Assistant Training Program to Begin in July

ouncil for Jewish Elderly, in conjunction with I&G Geriatric Health Centre, 9700 Gross Point Rd., Skokie. recommended for those seeking employment in hospitals, Charitable Foundation and Department of Included are lectures and labs, job preparation and nursing facilities and in-home health care. Orientation C Commerce and Community Affairs, offers free train- placement assistance. All tuition costs are covered, as and skills testing is Monday, June 30, 9 am. To register, ing to become a state-certified nursing assistant (CNA). well as the state licensing exam. Requirements to enroll call Myra Herbstman at 773.508.1063. Starting Monday, July 14, the eight-week course runs include reading comprehension, good physical health, Monday through Friday, 9 am to 3 pm, at Lieberman legal work status and 100% attendance. The course is ROGERS PARK 2000 23 Parent Room Invites Collaboration, Sponsors Celebration at Gale By Rose Both and Emily Klehm

he large corner classroom in the Gale Academy Academy cross the streets safely. Annex is tidy and welcoming. Two pink armchairs Hayes is also available to hear par- T and a couch form a comfortable sitting area where ent concerns about their children’s the coffee table displays the latest issues of Ebony, education, and to act as a liaison Essence, Family Circle and Vibe. Beneath the windows when communication between that line an entire wall, a set of encyclopedias and a globe parent and teacher breaks down. rest on shelves filled with children’s books and supplies The Parent Room is the place for stored in clear plastic containers. A big metal teacher’s parents to voice their concerns desk and computer workstation indicate that this is also and take steps to making their an office, the headquarters of new Parent Room coordi- voices heard in order to create nator, Clara Hayes. Family Matters has staffed the Parent positive change at Gale. Room at Gale for two years. This is Hayes’ first year in the "Sometimes teachers try to tell the position and momentum is building. parent something in teacher’s lan- In the center of the room, cloth-covered tables guage, and the parent doesn’t topped with vases of potpourri are pushed together. The speak teacher’s language. I trans- conference-room effect is offset by dark blue and white late teacher language into parent tablecloths. The Parent Room’s guiding principles are language," laughs Hayes. readily apparent on one of the bulletin boards: "For we, Hayes also works with teach- being many, are one," it reads. Underneath, in Spanish, ers. She is currently meeting one- are the words: Amor Nunca Fracasa. ("Love never fails.") on-one with every teacher at Gale This bulletin board sits near the children’s corner of the to discuss their interests and invite room, with its kid-sized desk, blocks and games suitable their involvement in the Parent for pre-schoolers. The goal of the Parent Room is to Room. The goal is to support col- make it as easy and comfortable as possible for parents Parent Room participants celebrate Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday with a "Melting laboration between parents and to be involved with their children’s education at Gale. Pot" luncheon. teachers as they work to better the Beginning with the well-attended, joyful holiday cele- school and create a positive learn- bration, participating parents have suggested many activ- ing atmosphere. ities for the Parent Room. Their ideas include a book The Parent Room welcomes club, yoga classes and Family Fun nights in Gale’s audi- the Sun by Chicagoan Lorraine Hansberry (the first play and encourages parents to drop in and find out more torium, where kids and parents get together to play by a black American to premier on Broadway). "It’s really about activities. It is located in room 150 in the Gale Twister, Uno, Crazy Eights and Trivial Pursuit. In addition, cool," says Hayes. "Everybody seems to be getting into Annex (7650 N. Marshfield Ave.). Hayes may be reached the parents gather each month to celebrate birthdays. it." Members met in the Parent Room once a week to dis- at 773.465.6011 ext 120. Recently, the celebration including a bowling trip where cuss the book and then viewed the movie together at the community was built and strengthened among the core end of the month. In April, parents read Terry McMillan’s group of parents. The Parent Room has also held work- A Day Late and a Dollar Short. They plan to continue with shops regarding entrepreneurship, alternatives to gang a new book each month. membership, and special education issues and rights. The Parent Room is the resource and location of Rose Both serves as development manager, Emily Klehm The Book Club started strong in March with the important initiatives, including Parent Patrol, which as community organizer, for Family Matters, a Rogers Park- selection of the powerful and influential play A Raisin in ensures that students arriving at and leaving Gale based organization serving families. 24 ROGERS PARK 2000

access other community resources for themselves and their children. HOW's newest initiative -- HomeFirst -- HOW Celebrates 20 Years of provides permanent housing, intensive employment and support services to low-income working women, enabling them to exit the shelter system and achieve indepen- Service to Homeless Women dence within three years. HOW's residential programs, comprehensive support services and leadership have made it a leading advocate for progressive solutions to ending homelessness. To find ince its inception in 1983, Housing Opportunities for port services to homeless women and children. The pro- out more about Permanent Supportive Housing and other Women, Inc. (HOW) has been working in Rogers gram focuses on a "housing first" strategy emphasizing programs, call 773.465.5770. S Park to provide permanent solutions to the problems placement of homeless people in stable, permanent of homelessness and poverty for women and children. housing as quickly as possible and then providing case HOW helps over 300 women and children annually to management and linkages to community resources. achieve and retain housing and economic stability, to inte- The Permanent Housing Program started with 10 grate into our community and to work on personal goals households. By the end of 2004, HOW will serve 94 Housing Opportunities for Women by providing transitional and permanent housing coupled households through a combination of scattered-site and is currently interviewing homeless women with employment and support services. building-based projects. HOW has just completed reno- with children for subsidized two-bedroom Initially established as Chicago’s first transitional vation of a newly purchased six-flat that will provide per- housing program for single women, HOW has grown to manent supportive housing for six homeless families. apartments in Rogers Park. Women must meet the changing needs of homeless women and chil- Renovation of an additional building to provide permanent participate in the social-service program to dren. Through the years, HOW has come to recognize housing for 6 more homeless families is now in progress. that the most persistent barrier to helping homeless HOW provides housing subsidies (women contribute qualify. Call Tami Martin at 773.381.7576 women is the lack of affordable housing. To address this 30% of their income) and support in locating and secur- for information. need, in 1998 HOW began its Permanent Supportive ing housing. HOW's case management team helps Housing Program to provide permanent housing and sup- women retain housing, secure jobs, return to school and ROGERS PARK 2000 25 Walk with the Green Construction Community! continued from first page side of the building, where a green roof was installed. extensive modifications to surrounding areas. The price Heating-cost savings are anticipated at $5,000 a year. tag was sky-high. To make matters worse, visitors to the By Emily Klehm He further noted that a typical roof carries a 10-year warranty, while a n order to enhance the safety of the North of Howard green roof is expected to have a 25- neighborhood and build a stronger sense of communi- year life. The green roof will also I ty, area organizations are coming together this sum- reduce the amount of storm water mer. Community Walks are an initiative of the North of flowing into the sewer system, as Howard Leadership Forum, a coalition of area organiza- water will be absorbed by the plants. tions. Commander David Boggs of the 24th District Ten-inch-thick, sound-proof cin- Chicago Police Department has provided four police offi- der block walls will be fire-resistant. cers to participate in each weekly walk. Exterior lobby walls will be made of Ten area organizations have signed up as sponsors. glass, allowing the public to look into Each week, the lead organization will gather walkers the building at night while also pro- together at 7 pm in Gale Park, where they will meet up viding illumination of outdoor areas. with assigned officers. All those interested in meeting "The lighting will be like a beacon in their neighbors and making our community safer are invit- the night!" comments Earl Manesky, ed to attend. Make it a regular outing for yourself and a forty-year resident of Rogers Park your family! Walkers will traverse the neighborhood until and member of the field house com- 8:15 pm, at which time they will gather in Gale Park for a mittee. celebration of community. Celebrations will vary and may At the community’s request, the Gale Community Center Plans: Gale School Community Center offers high school include food, music, sports, singing, dancing and poetry. building design will make it possible sized basketball courts. Architects: Perkins and Will. For information or to volunteer, call Emily Klehm at for a second-floor addition to be con- 773.465.6011 ext114. structed, should the need arise for additional space and construction funds secured. Plans center would be expected to use the Gale annex gym Ð a Community Walks Summer Schedule for the new field house were met with widespread concept that seemed unrealistic, considering the school’s Mon., June 9 Gale Local School Council approval, but the project has seen several modifications limited hours of operation, just for starters. Tues., June 17 Family Matters and more than its share of controversy. In light of obstacles that at times seemed insur- Mon., June 23 DevCorp North The idea was first conceived by Sister Cecilia of mountable, Moore is glad that the project came to fruition Wed., July 2 Good News Community Kitchen Howard Area Community Center and members of the and that construction will finally begin. "We’ve wanted this Thurs., July 10 Family Matters Triangle Park community who saw the need for a commu- for 10 years," he says. "Everyone is so excited." Tues., July 15 Alderman Joe Moore’s 49th Ward Office nity center complete with gymnasium, computer The new center’s multi-purpose gym will feature six Wed., July 23 Howard Area Community Center resources, stage area, art rooms, exercise rooms and basketball hoops and bleachers to comfortably seat 100, Thurs., July 31 DevCorp North other facilities. Support from the community gained with floor seating for 350. Other amenities include an Tues., August 5 Good News Community Church momentum. Moore received a $500,000 commitment to auditorium, fitness room, kitchen, club room (with divider) Wed., Aug 13 Howard Area Community Center the project from Gateway Shopping Center developer and locker rooms with showers. Cost of the building is Tues., Aug 19 Rogers Park Builders Group Rudy Mulder and subsequent financial support from the estimated at between $4.5 and $5 million, with $1 million Thurs., Aug 28 Good News Community Church City of Chicago. Illinois Senator Carol Ronen and of funding to come from private investors. The building Representative Julie Hamos worked to bring $950,000 of will have the same hours as other Chicago Park District Emily Klehm serves as community organizer for Family Illinois First funds to the center. The project was now offi- facilities. Matters, a Rogers Park service organization. cial, with initial plans calling for demolition of local busi- "We will have a number of programs at the center for nesses and of the Kiwanis Park field house. kids, teens, adults and seniors," says Emily Klehm, com- In 1998, however, Chicago Park District (CPD) pre- munity organizer for Family Matters. Local resident sented an alternate plan, proposing that a $4 million, Manesky is certain that the new facility will be the high- Property 20,000 square-foot field house be built at Howard and light of an area that has undergone significant change in Marshfield (site of the old Kentucky Fried Chicken). This the last five years. "The community center will be a show- community center would house a gym, meeting rooms place," he says. "It will create a sense of ownership in the and classrooms. CPD intended to operate the center and community." Reassessment provide recreational programs for residents of all ages, Mike Luckenbach, a realtor for Kassis Realty Group continued from page 8 and the plan was formally approved by all parties and long-time resident of the area north of Howard, involved. echoes Manesky’s sentiment, adding that the center will This method is also preferred by assessing officials, Between the years 1997 and 2001, CPD was head- boost the community. "It’s long overdue," he says. as it is less burdensome to consider one appeal instead ed by three different superintendents, each of whom had The firm of Perkins and Wills is reputed for innovation of hundreds of separate appeals. A condominium asso- differences of opinion regarding the project, which was in in design of schools. In Chicago, the firm built Jones ciation is authorized by state statute to file an assessment fact nixed entirely by Caroline Meza, who occupied the College Prep still trying to get complete name of school appeal for all unit owners. post of superintendent for under a year. Finally, in 2001, and Whitney Young High School. Crow Island Elementary For owners of apartment buildings, commercial and then-new superintendent David Doig brought the project School in north suburban Winnetka -- another Perkins industrial properties, it is recommended that an attorney back to life. Hoping to increase collaboration between and Will design -- features landmark L-shaped class- familiar with the assessment process be contacted to CPD and the Board of Education, he proposed that a rooms. evaluate the proposed valuation. Many attorneys practic- 9,000 square-foot building be erected on the south park- Manesky, all smiles, is not surprised. "They did a ing in real-estate taxation will review the assessment for ing lot of the Gale annex. Moving the project to the park- superb job," he says. no charge, unless an appeal is filed and tax savings are ing lot -- he argued -- would save green space, reduce obtained. costs and speed up construction. Seth Schwartz is a freelance writer and Rogers Park resi- Through the Cook County Treasurer’s website at dent. www.cookcountytreasurer.com, property owners can ver- Plans were altered yet again. ify that reassessment notices and tax bills are being mailed to the correct address. The website also allows At this point, several community organi- you to check payment status of tax bills. zations were clearly against the plan, includ- Don’t miss the chance to lower your property taxes ing Family Matters, Howard Area Community for the next three years. A small window of opportunity is Center, Rogers Park Community Council, available immediately after reassessment notices are Gale Community Leadership in Action, mailed. Once your tax bill arrives, it is too late to take DevCorp North and Alderman Moore him- action. self. Groups and individual residents opposed to the plan combined forces as Edwin M. Wittenstein is a partner in the Chicago law firm "Friends of Gale School Park". The new plan of Worsek & Vihon, P.C. He concentrates his practice in real- called for relocation of basketball courts, estate taxation, and may be reached at 312.368.0091. expansion of the annex parking lot and Technology for Seniors continued from page 5 materials, instructors are encouraged to structure Walls agrees, adding that she hopes to learn training according to individual needs. The Center to use email more effectively. "I have used com- will focus on one-on-one training and small group puters in the workplace and had training in the classes (four people maximum) to ensure that all past," she says, "but it’s been a while. If you don’t students receive adequate attention. Training use something, you forget." In addition to formal schedules will be flexible. training, STRC computers will be available Local residents Cloteria "Coop" Cooperwood Monday through Friday, 10 am to 3 pm, for seniors and Joanne Walls both plan to visit the Center for to practice on. training. "It seems as if everyone knows how to use The Center is actively recruiting volunteer a computer these days!" says Cooperwood, who instructors. For more information, or to register for looks forward to browsing the internet for the first training, contact RPCC senior initiatives at time. "It’s important to keep learning new skills in 773.338.7722 ext 11. life." 26 ROGERS PARK 2000 ROGERS PARK 2000 27

They go on to recall their second encounter in Africa, years later, when both are married. Their spouses are with Cathy Vates each involved in projects that have brought them to vil- corner lages a short distance apart. Thomas and Linda meet at a market and realize that they still love each other. They make plans to leave their spouses and begin a life togeth- literaryliterary The story is set in a small southern town, and the er, but Thomas discovers his wife is pregnant and he writing is so descriptive that you can feel the heat and stays with her. Linda leaves her husband to begin a new smell the jasmine. The character development makes all life in the states. the local folk (both major and minor players) very believ- The Guardian She meets and marries Vincent, a good man who able and great additions to a strong plot. by Nicholas Sparks makes her very happy, and Linda bears him a son and I highly recommend The Guardian Ð I found it so daughter. Vincent dies suddenly and Linda turns to her compelling that it was hard to put down. I suggest you Being a real fan of Nicholas Sparks, I most recently writing for solace. Her children are now grown and she begin reading it when you have a lazy day to devote to a read his novel The Notebook and could not wait for more feels she can make plans for the rest of her life. good book. You won’t be disappointed! from this gifted author. I was not disappointed! Message Thomas begins to tell her about his feelings since the in a Bottle, A Walk to Remember and The Rescue were all loss of his daughter, and he seems to be healing. The powerful stories involving characters who became more arts festival comes to a close -- they agree to see each real as each page turned. The Last Time They Met other and let their love grow -- and then the book ends There is a new twist in this book Ð strong characters, by Anita Shreve with a surprise. good story line and a bit of suspense! Sparks has written The character development is superb, the settings a real page-turner by very successfully creating an aura Anita Shreve, the award winning author of The Pilot’s unusual and well described, and the conversations of tension for the reader. Wife, The Weight of Water and other novels, has created detailed and lively. All in all, this book is an intriguing I personally identified with the main character, Julie, a tale around the two characters of Linda and Thomas read. You will find yourself hoping these two find a way to a young recent widow attempting to put her life back that spans many years and three separate encounters. make a life together Ð their encounters are so passionate together after losing her husband to a terminal illness. Linda -- a twice-married mother of two -- is the author and hopeful. You will enjoy The Last Time They Met, After his death, she receives a gift that he arranged for of a book of poetry being featured at a local arts festival. whether or not you have read The Weight of Water. her in life -- a puppy to help her through the lonely times She has been invited to participate by giving a reading. Shreve is a gifted storyteller. ahead. The dog (which she names Singer) becomes a She is not very pleased to be there, rather frustrated with constant companion. Julie has no family nearby, but a the hotel and arranged group meals with attendees. Cathy Vates, an avid reader, serves as director of the small group of supportive friends who help her to heal in Although she doesn’t enjoy giving readings, she has been Rogers Park Community Development Corporation. the months after her loss. They encourage her to make a encouraged to participate to boost the sale of her book. new life for herself. Thomas -- an award winning author and poet who Julie meets a new man in town, Richard, when he happens to be Linda’s old high-school sweetheart -- sees comes to the beauty shop where she works for a haircut. Linda’s name on the program and volunteers to partici- He is immediately smitten with her and invites her out for pate. Linda does not know that he is participating and is Hot Jazz in dinner. Because he is so handsome and charming, she very surprised to see him. eventually accepts. They have several wonderful dates, Thomas is also twice-married and has lost his young but Julie realizes there is no "magic" in this relationship. daughter in a tragic accident at sea (described in The Rogers Park She shares that with the best friend of her late husband, Weight of Water). He has been a recluse since her death continued from page 18 Mike, realizing that she enjoys his company and trusts his and since divorced. But Thomas still feels a real connec- advice. tion to Linda and wants to re-connect. In honor of the Jazz Series, Ennui will feature a spe- Julie recognizes that her feelings for Mike are strong During their first meeting, Linda and Thomas are cial thematic art show by Chicago artist Peggy and real, and she tries to break off the relationship with cautious with each other. They each have memories from Mainwaring. The show’s working title is "Wardrobe Richard. Here begins the suspense, as Richard stalks former meetings and unresolved issues with each other. 501c3." A portion of proceeds from artwork sold will ben- Julie and Mike. Richard is very skillful in drawing Mike Together, they slip away from the group. efit local organizations such as Vital Bridges and Family into conflict and away from Julie, and the police do not They recall their first meeting, when both were in Matters, as well as Salvation Army, Audubon Society, believe the validity of the stalking charge Julie makes high school and their families did not approve of their Alzheimers Association, Doctors Without Borders, Sierra against Richard. The climax of the book comes when the spending time together because of their different back- Club, Amnesty International and Humane Society. For stalker becomes violent, nearly killing Julie’s workmate at grounds. Thomas was very wealthy, while Linda lived with more festival information, call 773.491.4600. the beauty shop. In a violent attempt to take Julie away her aunt and cousins in near poverty. Linda and Thomas with him, Richard is attacked by her dog Singer, who are involved in an accident and Linda’s aunt sends her Tenley Clemente is co-owner of Ennui Café and co- gives his life to save Julie. away. Thomas recovers and goes off to college. founder of the Rogers Park Jazz Series. 28 ROGERS PARK 2000 Rogers Park Farmers Market Neighborhood Returns to Gale School Campus By Eva McCann Freida G. chatchat Birthday: October 29 his is the second year for the Rogers Park Farmers Ten-year resident of Rogers Park Market, which will again be held at the Gale School T Campus at Howard and Marshfield. An expanded RP2000: Tell us about your childhood. weekly Saturday morning market -- with farmers and FG: I grew up in Bamboo, a small town located in cen- venders bringing fresh produce, meats, cheeses and tral Jamaica. Everybody was considered family in my other delectable delights -- promises to tempt more than community. We all trusted each other, and took care a few palates. of each other’s children. Starting Saturday, June 21 (10 am to 2 pm) and continuing through Saturday, Oct. 18, the market will host RP2000: Childhood dreams? Illinois growers as well as vendors from neighboring FG: I had dreams for a little while of becoming a states such as Wisconsin, Indiana and Michigan. Last year’s series of five markets and festivals famous singer, but I always wanted to be a nurse. All received such high accolades from the community that my life, I’ve wanted to help people. And even as a DevCorp North decided again to partner with City of Farmers Market vendors carry every product from summer child, I behaved like a grownup. I never caused mis- Chicago, Access Community Health Network, Wisdom squash and taffy apples to fresh herbs and flowers. chief, lied or gossiped about other people. Bridge Arts Project and Rogers Park Builders Group to put together another series of summer and fall events. RP2000: What gives you enjoyment in life? The Farmers Market created a positive environment FG: Even though I gave up hope of becoming famous, along Howard Street, bringing neighbors together and I still enjoy singing. It inspires me. But what really boosting neighborhood morale, as well as featuring great gives me a sense of fulfillment is taking care of others, produce, music and fun. being kind to them. People appreciate that. I’m unem- Three separate festivals this year will include music, ployed now -- looking for work in companion care, art exhibits by local artisans, health fairs, a children’s corner for arts and crafts, a story-telling booth (sponsored in elderly care. I was in that field for about six years part by The St. Ignatius Sing-a-long Messiah) and a com- before I got laid off. munity booth. Festivals include: - Nambi Festival (Women of Creation) July 19 RP2000: Being unemployed is so difficult. How do you - World Music Festival Sept. 20 keep positive? - All Hallows Eve/Day of the Dead Festival Oct. 18 FG: I have a good outlook, a good attitude. I try to be Rogers Park residents can look forward to another upbeat. There’s a lot to be grateful for. I’m not in debt, year of food, fun and fulfillment as part of Howard Alive. At the Rogers Park Community Table, visitors to the Farmers for example. A lot of people are worse off than myself. Market can collect information about local service organiza- And I have friends. Eva McCann is DevCorp North’s Farmers Market coordi- tions and programs. To prevent literature from blowing away nator. A long-time resident of Rogers Park, McCann also on this blustery morning, staffers use rocks as paperweights. RP2000: Tell us about them. serves as beat facilitator for CAPS Beat 2422. FG: Well, one of my dearest friends is Doreen. I met Doreen at the bus stop, of all places. I was reading a biography of Eleanor Roosevelt. And Doreen just struck up a conversation with me. That was back in 1996.

RP2000: So what makes Doreen special? FG: Oh, Doreen is like a daughter to me -- she calls me Mom, in fact. Doreen is very optimistic about life, very charismatic. We support each other. Doreen is from Belize, but we have a lot in common culturally. Doreen never forgets a birthday. Even my own kids forget sometimes!

RP2000: Tell us a little about your kids. FG: I have four – two sons and two daughters. The eldest, Frank, is a teacher and minister back in Visitors enjoy a leisurely stroll through the Farmers Market on a crisp October day. Jamaica. The second eldest is a male nurse. Michael lives in Tampa. And then my two daughters are Jennifer and Gloria. I have five grandchildren – all boys! I’m proud of them.

RP2000: What else are you proud of? FG: At the age of 40, I bought my own house near Kingston, Jamaica. I was divorced back then, and it was not easy. The boys were on their own, but I still had my daughters with me.

RP2000: What’s your favorite thing about living in Rogers Park? FG: I like the sense of community. It’s close-knit. In some ways, Rogers Park feels like a small town. I’d have to say I feel pretty safe here.

RP2000: Conversely, what would you like to see change in our community? FG: All the drug activity.

RP2000: How about yourself? Just for fun, name one thing you would change about yourself. FG: I could be a little more outgoing. I really like my peace and quiet – I’m a homebody!

RP2000: What do you enjoy doing at home? FG: Well, I like educational TV programs. The last one I saw documented American history from Harry Truman on up to the present. I’ve become a bit of a history buff in my later years.

RP2000: Name one thing you’d like to do this year. FG: Number one on the list is to find employment, of course. But I wouldn’t mind taking a trip. Maybe to the Cayman Islands! ROGERS PARK 2000 29 FOOD FUN B and M Bakery By Evelyn J. Thompson

1443 W. Devon Ave. 773.381.1321 Open 7 days a week 7 am to 8 pm

Rogers Park has hit the jackpot again! This storefront Bosnian bakery, just recently opened, is a work in progress. B and M features fantastic Bosnian breads that are mixed and baked on-premise. You know they mean business by the size of the huge floor-model mixer toward the back of the room. The blades mix the dough on an angle while the baker turns a huge mixing bowl (which is a good three feet across) to facilitate mixing of the dough. All breads are baked the same day they are sold, and any leftover bread is ground into bread crumbs to be sold in plastic containers. Trust me, homemade bread crumbs taste much better than processed. All breads baked at B and M have a fantastic chewy quality because of the special flour used. One bread variety is an elongated loaf shaped like an Italian or Greek bread. The crust is chewy but not hard or crusty Ð and the inner dough is very resilient. I can just taste this loaf made into garlic bread or sliced for a hearty sandwich. This type of bread is perfect for mopping up soup or stew from the bottom of your bowl. The most popular bread is "lepina", a round loaf used to make plate-sized sandwiches filled with ground seasoned beef or lamb that is shaped around skewers and grilled. These sandwiches -- a traditional Bosnian treat -- are served with a generous portion of homemade yogurt. The display case at B&M Bakery shows off scrumptious Bosnian breads and other goodies. "Kifla" is bread dough shaped like a good-sized crois- sant with a slightly salty crust. These are marvelous warmed and eaten with butter for a morning treat. "Pletemea" is a thinly braided loaf with a shiny, hard crust jarred vegetable spread made with red peppers (hot or Evelyn J. Thompson has been studying Chicago’s ethnic sprinkled with black poppy seeds. I was told that this is a mild), onions and eggplant. Ajvar is usually eaten with markets and cuisines for 20 years, giving ethnic grocery store traditional breakfast bread, but at our house, it was a din- sandwiches and breads. tours for the last 7 of those 20. During tours, such topics as ner bread. The pleasure you get from chewing a real Future offerings will include pizza made with chewy food history, use of ingredients, cuisines and their taste princi- bread with substance is quite marvelous. dough, spitted lamb and cevapcici (ground, seasoned ples, origins of fruits and vegetables, influences of invasions, Pita at this store means dough stretched very thin, and grilled beef). Coming soon in the dessert arena are neighborhood history and recipes are discussed. Tours, which filled with meat and onions, spinach or cheese, then baklava, a cream-filled delight called krempita, and tulum- are conducted on an individual basis, may be arranged by call- rolled, coiled and baked. Almost every culture has a vari- ba, a heavenly fried dough drenched in simple syrup that ing Thompson at 773.465.8065 ext 2. Visit her website at www- ation of meat and vegetables wrapped in dough and this puts any donut to shame. If you are a bread aficionado, be computersandfood.com, or email her at evelyn@ethnic-gro- is the Bosnian version. Another item for sale is "ajvar", a sure to visit this bakery soon. cery-tours.com. 30 ROGERS PARK 2000 St. Scholastica’s SpringFest 2003 Raises Record Amount

t. Scholastic Academy’s annual SpringFest original art, gift certificates and passes to restau- fundraiser on April 12 raised over $75,000 for rants, retailers and services in Rogers Park and S the school’s operating fund Ð the most money citywide. Local contributors include Unan Imports, raised to date. SpringFest calls on students, par- Loyola University, Devon Bank, Ed & Erv’s ents, alumni and members of the business com- Centrella Food Mart, Lifeline Theatre, Amber munity to support the school through an ad book, Automotive, Cheesecakes by JR, Gulliver’s cash raffle, silent auction and night of entertain- Pizzeria and Linnette’s Jamaican Kitchen. ment. The gala is nearly a 30-year tradition. St. Scholastica Academy is a Benedictine col- Over 400 guests attended the gala to enjoy lege preparatory academy for young women. The international appetizers prepared by the academy has been located in Rogers Park (7416 Academy’s parents association and the world- N. Ridge Blvd.) for 97 of its 137 years. SpringFest famous comedy of Second City Touring Company. 2004 is slated for Saturday, April 3. For informa- The silent auction featured such specialty items as tion, call 773.764.5715.

Odyssey Adult Education Program Shines

nder the Odyssey Project of the Illinois Other HACC programs and services include Humanities Council (IHC), courses in the support for women and children of families experi- U humanities have been offered twice a week encing domestic violence, home screening for since September, 2002 at Howard Area environmental hazards, utility assistance to reduce Community Center (HACC). Classes are taught by heating bills, health education and disease preven- professors from DePaul University, Northwestern tion. University and Shimer College. On May 31, a graduation ceremony for 23 Rogers Park resi- Ongoing HACC Services dents took place at the Alliance Francaise (810 N. Dearborn St.). ¥ Free HIV and STD testing every second Six college credits from Bard College are Wednesday (afternoon) of the month; upcoming awarded to each participant. "We continue to see dates are June 11 and July 9. more and more interest in the Odyssey Project ¥ Legal Clinic every first and third Tuesday of the from the Rogers Park community," said Angel month; upcoming dates are June 17, July 1 and Ysaquirre, director of community programs at IHC. July 15. Tom Balazs, project coordinator, reports that 25 adults have already signed up for the next set of For more information on services, contact HACC at courses to begin this fall. 773.262.6622.

RPCC to Sponsor Red Tape Cutters Workshop

he Chicago Department on Aging will conduct Some of the benefits and entitlement pro- a Red Tape Cutters workshop at the Rogers grams for which participants are screened include T Park Community Council (1530 W. Morse energy assistance, health care, financial assis- Ave.) on Thursday, June 19 at 10 am. The work- tance, in-home services, legal services, nutrition shop is open to anyone aged 60-plus. services, prescription drug assistance and employ- Workshop participants will have an opportuni- ment programs. The questionnaire may also be ty to talk to Department on Aging representatives, accessed and completed on-line at www.bene- and to complete a "Benefits CheckUp" question- fitscheckup.org. naire, which screens for over 1,000 federal, state The workshop is free of charge. To register, and local benefits and assistance programs. All call Cathie Bazzon at RPCC senior initiatives, reports are custom-tailored to fit individual profiles. 773.338.7722 ext 11. The senior initiatives pro- Red Tape Cutters also assists older adults to gram is sponsored by a grant from the Chicago obtain benefits and services for which they qualify. Department on Aging.

“Street Keepers” Program Beautifies Neighborhood, Benefits Youth

ark Miller of Rogers Park-based Mark A. common sight of litter on his daily walks to and Miller Architects/Builders has established from work. M Street Keepers, a new community group The group hopes to work with local officials to that organizes youth to clean up neighborhood acquire additional public garbage cans for Rogers parks and streets in exchange for social activities Park and to coordinate efforts among youth to and outings such as movies, picnics and canoe maintain cleanliness in our neighborhoods. trips. Miller describes Street Keepers as a grass- Students of Eugene Field Elementary School are roots effort to beautify the neighborhood, foster currently involved; Street Keepers is now recruiting community interaction and create mentoring rela- sponsors and volunteers of all ages. For informa- tionships between youth volunteers and adult coor- tion, contact Miller at 773.764.3569. dinators. He developed the idea in response to the ROGERS PARK 2000 31 The with jokes also aimed at adults. "Finding Nemo" stands well in suit. Ellen DeGeneres gives one of the best performances of her career, but where else besides Pixar Popcorn would you have Ellen DeGeneres, Albert Brooks and Dame Edna (Bruce the Shark) playing off each other? Or paring up Willem Dafoe with "Beth" from Papers NewsRadio? Or, better, Dafoe and Brad Garrett (Everyone Loves Raymond) in "Platoon". A MOVIE REVIEW Silly little animators. The acting is top shelf by every- By Kevin A. Gutteron & David D. Jones one, but DeGeneres really does stand out; she really “brothers separated by gene splicing” delved into the inner workings and motivations of Dory, a Regal Blue Tang with short-term memory loss. Albert Brooks’ very singular style of humor as never worked better than in this medium. His comedy, while brilliant, is often too self deprecating into his foibles to generally touch today’s audience. (See, ‘cause we only like happy things that take place in a really short period of time, like a little blue fish that forgets…. never mind). He kills me. Albert has spent a career playing off of Julie Haggerty, Meryl Streep and Sharon Stone. Yet he comes alive as a clown fish riffing with Ellen.

K: There are two journeys taken in the film. Nemo's, Finding Nemo where the youngster must learn self-confidence and self-reliance, is no stranger to many animated films. But the other journey, that taken by Marlin, concerns David: Finding Nemo is a heartwarming tale of a father how living in fear not only offers no protection from the who never stops searching for his lost son. But it's in the random trials of life, but also saps the enjoyment out of ocean ... and the characters are mostly fish. living. Ironically, this echoes the theme of another very good Albert Brooks film, "Defending Your Life", in Kevin: The story begins with Marlin (Albert Brooks) which we are judged in the hereafter based upon how and Coral (Elizabeth Perkins), two clownfish who are we overcame our fears on Earth. proud, new parents of 400 eggs. They are deciding how to name them, when out of the ocean depths cruises a D: Yea, yea, whatever. Sorry, Kevin and I are stumped. barracuda. Marlin tries valiantly to fight it off but is This is a really good film. Period. knocked, unconscious, into a sea anemone. When he comes to, he discovers that all that is left of his family is K: Oh, on a side note, the "outtakes" that Pixar is one lone egg, which he gives the name Nemo, which he famous for were conspicuously absent. Expect to see was discussing with Coral before the huge fish with the them not on the DVD release, but the "extended ver- razor-sharp teeth showed up. (What is this sickness that sion" DVD release. Instead, the characters from the causes animators to wipe out their characters’ mothers? movie cavort around the credits as they creep up the Snow White's mom: dead. Bambi's mom: murdered. screen. Dumbo's mom: imprisoned for life.) At least in "Nemo", it happens in the first five minutes and then it’s Look for a cameo at the end from another Pixar star in over with. "Boy, what a funny movie this is shaping up scuba gear. to be," is what I was thinking at the time. D: Yes, but, the film starts with one of the original Flash-forward to Nemo's first day of school. Marlin, shorts that Pixar did in the 80s when it was getting this whose trauma has convinced him that nothing in the whole CGA thing down to the multi-billion industry it is ocean is truly safe, coddles and embarrasses Nemo so today. Go to their web page to see why the Pixar logo badly that Nemo takes a dare to swim out and touch a always has a little lamp at the beginning of their films. boat. He is caught by a diver, eventually ending up in http://www.pixar.com/shorts/index.html an Australian dentist's aquarium, where he meets Gill (Willem Dafoe), a fish with dreams of escape, and his K: Now for the short blurbs. "BEAUTIFUL AND slightly neurotic companions. Meanwhile, Marlin FUNNY, THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL LOVE IT!" meets Dory (Ellen DeGeneres), a bubbly fish with short- term memory loss, and together they travel through the D: Don’t forget. "It’s An Astounding Computer ocean to find his son. Along the way, they have such Masterpiece That’s Hip and Sophisticated." oddball encounters as a Sharks Anonymous group ("Fish are Friends, Not Food"), some totally cool sea turtle dudes and one helpful but hard-to-understand Top 5 Popcorn Pyramid whale. One of the Main Characters is Blue * INPO D: Yeah, one tends to forget Disney's favoritism towards matricide. Beyond that, this is a really good 1. Batman Forever -- Mr. Freeze movie. The writing is fast paced and well done. The 2. X-2 -- Nightcrawler/Mystique direction is tight and focused. The actors give great per- 3. Farscape -- Zhaan formances (I'll get more into this later). The graphics 4. Doug -- That kid in Doug who's blue.... are so superior to what Pixar has previously put out – 5. Blues Clues -- Blue (the Dog) films such as "Shrek", "Harry Potter" or "Toy Story", 6. Pinocchio -- The Blue Fairy where the viewer is very aware of watching a computer- animated movie. * In No Particular Order AYMWK** Also, there was very little "dumbing down" of oceano- ** As You May Well Know graphic science. In fact, a lot of kids are becoming interested in marine biology to a greater or lesser extent, and the Disney web page really backs this up. It's a standard David D. Jones is helping all the new fishies find Disney formula/family plot that has easily stood the test homes at RE/MAX NorthCoast Realty and is an avid of time. This is a really good movie and it's a treat to scuba diver looking for orphaned fish to give to his den- watch no matter what age you are. tist. Kevin A. Gutteron is on assignment in Hollywood and is on the directors "A" list for all the new animated K: Speaking of that, I went to the opening night show fish movies. at 9:45 pm, due to my hectic work schedule and not because I wanted to avoid sitting in an audience full of little kids (although this was an added bonus). When my roommate and I arrived, the first thing we saw was FOR RENT a line of 15 to 30-year-olds snaking around the theater. We were so sure that the line was for "Matrix: Senior Apartments Reloaded" or "X-Men 2" that we actually strolled around the mall doing some window shopping, before 6928 N. Wayne returning to find that the monster line, which was for For Persons aged 62+, Rents based on income "Nemo", of course, now led to the parking garage. Subsidized Studio: $233 / Market rate: $ 415 Subsidized 1-bedroom: $275 / Market rate: $515 This movie really is for everyone, and I find it hard to believe that a child-dominated audience could enjoy it 1528 W. Morse any more than the one I sat in. There is a scene in which For Persons Aged 55+ Dory attempts to speak "whale-talk" and, honestly, if it Studios: $465 had lasted two minutes longer, I would have required 1-Bedroom: $565 - $590 medical attention from laughing so hard. Cornerstone Management D: Ever since "FernGully" (actually a lot earlier, but we have to aim for target demographs), Hollywood has 773.274.0177 learned the draw of writing children's animated movies 32 ROGERS PARK 2000

THE arketplace Carl Occhipinti, Masseur mm 1447 W. Jarvis Avenue, 773.965.8479 By Elizabeth Vitell

he sweet, earthy smell of burning sage fills the soft- and has continued throughout the years at various insti- hours during the day and evening, including weekends. T ly lit room. Bits of glitter twinkle from the deep pink tutions including the Esalen Institute in Big Sur, CA and The full 1 1/2-hour session is a true bargain at $70. walls and the soothing sounds of Gregorian chant the International Institute of Reflexology in St. Petersburg, Occhipinti’s approach to his work is reverent. Over waft through the air. FL. Esalen massage employs the method of direct the years, he says, he has come to realize that massage Sinking into a soft recliner, you surrender to the kneading of muscles to release tension. Reflexology is an is sacred work. His philosophy? "When the body is hon- absolute luxury of an incredible foot massage. Is it par- Eastern technique used primarily on the feet that stimu- ored spiritually, physically, mentally and emotionally, then adise? Well, yes -- but it has a local address right here in lates internal organs through points on the foot that cor- the wholeness of who the person is can truly unfold and Rogers Park. respond with different areas of the body. Occhipinti com- you feel centered. As the saying goes, ‘As above, so Carl Occhipinti, masseur, was born and raised in the bines Swedish and Esalen techniques with reflexology in below’. We are more than these bodies and when we Chicago area. He first became interested in massage order to balance and align physical and spiritual energies. allow spirit to come through, we can reach our fullness." when he received massage therapy for his own neck pain. All of his techniques can be summed up in one word: You can reach your own fullness by calling Carl Intrigued, he took a class in massage and says that the heavenly! Occhipinti at 773.965.8479. minute he laid his hands on the first person, he knew that Massage sessions consist of two parts for a total of he had found his calling. As he describes it, "It was like a 1 1/2 hours. First, the lucky client gets 1/2 hour of reflex- duck to water experience." Occhipinti now has more than ology (that’s the fabulous foot massage, for all of us lay- 20 years of experience as a masseur. people). Reflexology is followed by a full hour on the Elizabeth Vitell, a newly converted massage enthusiast, is Occhipinti began his training at the Body Mind table, which defies description and must be personally an attorney. She also serves as 1st vice president to the Rogers Center (now the Chicago School of Massage Therapy) experienced to be believed. Occhipinti offers flexible Park Community Council’s board of directors.

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