HIGHLIGHTS A Vision for RP in 2040 ...... 3 DV Worsens with Economy ...... 3 Project NIA for Peace ...... 4 New Boarding School for RP? ...... 5 Community Feast at 25 ...... 6 Loyola Student Volunteers ...... 8 Kids Against Violence ...... 11 Ben the Barber ...... 13 Volume 14, Issue 3 Fall 2009 Published by the Rogers Park Community Council (circulation: 8,500) Complete Count 2010 —It’s in Our Hands Citizens and Non-citizens Urged to Participate in Upcoming Census Attention: Residents By Elizabeth Vitell

Identity Theft is n the year 2010, the United States government will America’s Fastest I endeavor to count every person living within our national boundaries by conducting the decennial cen - Growing Crime sus. The notion of taking a head count of people who live in the land has ancient historical roots traceable to the reign of Caesar Augustus. It also appears in the Bible’s JOIN US Old Testament when Moses receives a command to con - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 10am duct a census of the “children of Levi” (Numbers 3:14). Here in the U.S., the first census was mandated by Article The Rogers Park Community Council (1530 W. Morse) distributed 1, Section 2 of our Constitution to determine the appor - For a free information about the 2010 Census—and balloons to the chil - tionment of seats in the House of Representatives. The dren—at the Celebrate Clark Street Festival in July. In some seg - IDENTITY THEFT WORKSHOP census took place in 1790 under the supervision of then ments of Rogers Park, fewer than half of residents mailed back Secretary of State Thomas Jefferson. It yielded a head Rogers Park Community Council their forms in the last census, which resulted in a loss of services count of 3.9 million. As of September 2009, the United and government representation for our commumnity. 1530 W. Morse States Census Bureau estimates the population of the United States at over 307 million. • Types of Identity Theft Since that first count, the government has conducted in scope and intensity. At his swearing-in ceremony, • How to Protect Yourself a census every 10 years using the data gathered, among recently appointed Census Bureau Director Robert M. • Warning Signs other purposes, to allocate over $300 billion to states and Groves said, “In a matter of months, we’ll begin the national operation we call the decennial census. It is a • How to Minimize Risk communities for federal programs like Medicaid. Census time-honored tradition. There is no other federal agency • Question-and-answer Session data also serves to inform funding decisions for trans - portation, infrastructure and other public projects. Today, charged with such a large undertaking. It is awesome in the U.S. Census Bureau bears the responsibility of admin - every bit of its aspects.” Presented by a Certified Identity Risk istering the decennial census as well as a series of An unfortunate but indisputable reality is that in 2000, Management Specialist monthly questionnaires called American Community the Rogers Park and West Ridge communities performed Surveys that sample a smaller segment of the population. badly on the census mail-back. Some local census tracts Registration is Required! Next March, the Bureau will mail out census ques - (geographical segments defined by the Bureau) returned Call Cathie Bazzon at 773.338.7722, x11 tionnaires to all households (identified beforehand by can - fewer than 50 percent of questionnaires distributed. As a to Sign Up or Learn More vass) to be returned on April 1, 2010. The task is massive continued on page 11 How Well Do You Know Rogers Park? Morse Theatre’s Future The International Society for Krishna Consciousness Still in Limbo (ISKCON) at 1716 W. Lunt has served as a hub for worship and social activity for over 20 years. What fraternal organization occupied this beautiful By Paul Marcus building prior to ISKCON? . any residents of Rogers Park felt blessed with the M opening of The Morse Theatre and Century Public House restaurant. The venue premiered last October 9 with a knockout opening music series that featured major acts such as Taj Mahal. But the beautiful - ly renovated facility at 1328 W. Morse remains closed, seven months after its doors were suddenly shuttered March 7. This many-faceted entertainment establishment meant that a business anchor had finally been found for the Morse-Glenwood arts and theatre district. The com - munity hoped that The Morse would set the pace for The Morse Theatre and Century Public House were built last fall establishing a permanent home for the arts within walking at the former site of Cobbler’s Mall (1328 W. Morse). Local resi - distance for neighbors. dents and business owners were delighted with the elegant facility, The plan to bring in national, local and regional acts but their delight turned to dismay when the premises were sudden - seemed too good to be true. Sure enough, storm clouds ly shuttered in March. appeared early on the horizon for the musical startup. On August 10 of 2008, one month before the scheduled sorely needed positive foot traffic to our street,” he adds. Send your correct response by October 31 to RP2000, grand opening, a fire was deliberately set, causing signif - “The impact on our business was felt immediately in c/o RPCC, 1530 W. Morse, Chicago IL 60626, or email icant damage and delay to the project. (The perpetrators terms of increased spending from patrons who may have your response to [email protected]. Be sure to of the crime have not been caught.) Nevertheless, the come from outside the neighborhood. Money stayed in include your name, address and phone number with your management team of Andy McGhee, his son Devin and the area.” answer. The winner of a $25 gift certificate for Taste of their associates all pressed on. When The Morse finally Unfortunately, trouble reared its head yet again as Peru restaurant will be selected by lottery from the cor - did open its doors, it was a beautifully designed LEED Andy McGhee and son Devin bumped up against proper - rect responses. Good luck! Look for the answer in the (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certi - ty owner-investor Jim Pritzker and his partner, Rogers Winter 2009-10 issue of Rogers Park 2000 . fied building with sparkling acoustics, an ambitious calen - Park resident Jane Feerer. Reportedly, both sides dug in, dar and the hopes of Rogers Park riding on its wings. and after only five months in operation, the McGhee team Rogers Park 2000’s Summer 2009 winner is Genevieve “The place was an entertainment crown jewel, not was dismissed and the venue closed, leaving the expen - Colleran. Congratulations! Question: Which Rogers Park only of Rogers Park but of all Chicago,” says local musi - sive project to languish while shock and speculation ran church boasts the longest aisle of any church in the city? cian Pat Hall. “The intimate space and superb sound rife in the community. Answer: St. Jerome’s Church at 1709 W. Lunt. made artists want to play there.” Gregory Altman, co- owner of nearby Morseland, agrees. “The theatre brought continued on page 15 2 ROGERS PARK 2000 One-stop Resource Center Provides “Genuine Care” to Seniors The Rogers Park 2000 is published quarterly by the Rogers Park Community Council, a nonprofit community service organization.

Rogers Park 2000 Editorial Committee: Cathie Bazzon, By Emilie Hennessy Lorraine Dostal, Marolyn Taylor and Elizabeth Vitell.

Writers: Anita Alcantara, Cathie Bazzon, Jennifer Caruso, Julie Colhoff, Lisa DeSantiago, Anabelle Doulas, Sarah Engel, ince opening its doors in May, Genuine Care Adult As part of a new venture, the staff of Genuine Care Peter Fugiel, Sangita Gosalia, Gwen M. Gregory, Emilie Service Center (7313 N. Western) has carried out implemented a new home care service that assists elders Hennessy, Megy Karydes, Bob Koehler, Nancy Jane Lauren, S its mission and energetic approach to aiding the outside the center, providing an alternative to nursing Katherine Lemke, Tom Lisy, Paul Marcus, Lee McQueen, elderly, in turn investing in community members of all home care and relieving caretakers—who are often rela - Seth Schwartz, Melissa Spear, Rather Stanton, Elizabeth Vitell ages in Rogers Park. tives—of a little stress and responsibility. Elderly clients and Emily Wilk. “I feel that seniors and children are the most neglect - receive help with errands, medication reminders, light ROGERS PARK 2000 ed part of our population,” says Marlena Bansa, Genuine housekeeping, meal preparation and companionship. Designer: Pon Angara Care program manager. Bansa also runs Little People Alleviating the guilt associated with caring for elderly Photos: Nancy Jane Lauren and Marolyn Taylor Day Care (7428 N. Rogers) with her husband George, relatives is the cornerstone of both programs. Recently, Executive Director: Elizabeth A. Vitell who serves as operations manager. a woman sought advice from Bansa about her mother, To advertise, call 773.338.7722, x11, It was bringing the Little People children to visit saying, “I have to work and I just need somewhere for her email [email protected] senior homes that propelled her idea for an intergenera - to go during the daytime.” or send snail mail to RP2000, c/o RPCC, tional facility into action. “I wanted our children to learn “Caregivers need some breaks,” Bansa says. 1530 W. Morse Ave., Chicago, IL 60626. about the elderly,” says Bansa, who was overwhelmed by “Normally they can’t even get out to do chores. Our facil - ______the rapport that developed between youth and seniors. ity comes in to fulfill that need.” “The seniors and children all had such joy in their faces, I A broad range of resources benefit the greater com - RPCC SERVICES AND AFFILIATIONS was just wracked with emotion from it,” she comments. munity. Referral services, assistance completing impor - Bansa was also inspired to open the facility after tant forms, and a resident social worker contribute to a Housing Action Program (HAP) experiencing the attitudes of other cultures toward aging. stronger community and healthier residents, Bansa says. Faye Walker, director She and her husband recently traveled to China as “If our clients are taken care of, that helps our communi - 773.338.7722, x26 / [email protected] special delegates to learn about its educational system. ty to be taken care of, and we can continue to grow in a HAP works to maintain and improve the quality of local rental housing, ensuring that safe and affordable housing is continually “We saw how valued the senior population was in their healthy manner.” available. Provides landlord-tenant mediation and advocacy, schooling,” Bansa says. “When parents went to schools The social element of the center proves the hallmark interfaces with other housing organizations to monitor Rogers for parent-teacher conferences, the grandparents also of everything staff works for. “I’ve seen some seniors Park housing stock, assists in bringing delinquent landlords to attended.” justice, educates new and existing landlords about rights and Bansa observed that responsibilities. seniors here aren’t afforded the same deference. “In Victim Advocacy & Support Program (VASP) China, it wasn’t like it is Jennifer Caruso, director here, where seniors are sort 773.338.7733, x15 / [email protected] of lost, shoved over to the VASP works directly with Chicago Police Department 20th and side.” 24th Districts to ensure that all victims of domestic violence are advised of their rights and offered courtroom advocacy and other The center operates services. Provides transportation to and from court, extensive Monday through Friday. A guidance throughout legal process, emotional support, lock ribbon-cutting ceremony changes, housing assistance, referral services. VASP also provides drew key supporters community and youth education through workshops and other Alderman Joe Moore (49th events. ward) and Rev. Michael C. Rann from the First Church Senior Initiatives Program (SIP) of Religious Science. Cathie Bazzon, director Guests enjoyed live music, 773.338.7722, x11 / [email protected] refreshments and great con - SIP serves Rogers Park residents age 60-plus through referral versation. services, assistance applying for benefits, mediation, advocacy, education and social programming. One-on-one computer Genuine Care clients At Genuine Care’s grand opening party last spring, the facility’s proprietor Marlena Bansa honored training, employment assistance and volunteer opportunities are engage in programs aimed Alderman Joe Moore (49th ward) with a special award for community leadership. Pictured here (left also provided. SIP provides ongoing support and strives to build at sustaining an active mind. to right) are Moore with George Bansa, Rev. Michael C. Rann and Marlena Bansa. long-term relationships with clients in order to improve their Bansa and staff have orga - quality of life. nized activities around the arts, exercise, technology, Youth Intervention Program (YIP) field trips and their continued connection with children. come every day, I see them smile more, they’re interact - Norman Polk, director Bingo night, Bansa says, is their most popular activity, ing and starting to become part of a family,” Johnson 773.338.7722, x13 / [email protected] even attracting younger people from the community. says. YIP provides after-school programming, referral and support Genuine Care also offers a platform for seniors to Special discounts are available for first-year appli - services to elementary-school and high-school age youth. YIP reconnect with their peers, allowing them to socialize with cants. Rates run $9.50 per hour, with a three-hour mini - currently partners with Armstrong Elementary School to provide students with homework help, life skills training, and recreational people who share similar experiences. Shavonne mum commitment. opportunities. YIP partners regularly with the Chicago Park Johnson, Genuine Care client consultant, says this type District and local service providers in order to develop sports of interaction is a prime example of the service Genuine For more information, call 773.338.8603. programming and meaningful events. Care provides. “We’re here to … let seniors know that somebody out there really cares about the things they Emilie Hennessy serves as web editor for a non-profit associa - Multi-Cultural Resource Center (MRC) want to do and talk about.” tion. She graduated from Drake University in 2007 with a Victor Valle, director degree in Journalism. 773.338.7722, x20 / [email protected] RPCC’s newest program, the MRC provides bi-lingual, culturally sensitive advocacy and support to members (all ages) of Roger’s Park diverse ethnic community. MRC advises residents on hous - ing, immigration and other legal rights and responsibilities, and assists clients in securing benefits and services as needed. Also partners with other agencies to organize programs and events.

Rogers Park Community Development Corporation (RPCDC) Caleb Sjoblom, director 773.262.2290, x13 / [email protected] RPCDC is a subsidiary organization of RPCC providing first-time homebuyer education, foreclosure counseling and other services to homeowners and prospective homeowners throughout Chicagoland. Eligible residents receive assistance applying for grants and loans, and guidance through the entire purchase process. The RPCDC also administers employer-assisted housing programs for Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago and Loyola University, and organizes educational workshops and events at locations citywide.

Home Repairs for Accessible and Independent Living (H-RAIL) Carol Goldman, consultant 773.743.1752 / [email protected] H-RAIL makes free repairs and modifications in the homes of residents age 60-plus. Maximum income limit for one person is $42,200. Any owner-occupied house, two-flat, co-op or apartment (with four or fewer units in building) is eligible for repairs: grab bars, hand held showers, tub benches, faucets, sinks, vanity bases, I’LL FIGHT FOR YOU! roll-out shelves, doors, locks, weather stripping, smoke alarms and more. Work performed by licensed, bonded contractors. ROGERS PARK 2000 3 The Year 2040: a Vision of Rogers Park Boulevard (aka Sheridan Road) By Tom Lisy

he Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (Residents may view scenarios or even design their own at New developments, however, are required to accom - T (CMAP) attempts to envision the appearance of our www.goto2040.org/scenarios/designworkshops/rogerspark.) modate a 45-foot “setback” (see Figure 3 on page 7), metropolitan area decades into the future in order to which would result in a total sidewalk width of 70 feet. assist local officials and residents in making policy and “PRESERVE” “This extremely wide sidewalk, unusual for any urban investment choices. As part of its "Invest in the Future This scenario begins with simple ideas such as a street world wide, is a new urban public space suitable for with GO TO 2040" campaign, CMAP has joined with the "Community Driven Clean Up" of existing buildings and all kinds of activities," explains Zola. “The commercial Zoka Zola Studio for Architecture and Urban Design to decoration of the Loyola “el” viaduct walls with scenes uses will be positively influenced by the opportunity of the provide possible scenarios for the appearance of certain depicting the diversity and urban areas 30 years into the future. uniqueness of our neighbor - A Croatian-born architect who studied at Zagreb hood. The "Preserve" scenario University in Croatia and at the Architectural School in moves on to street redesign London, Zoka Zola has worked for a number of well and traffic reorganization (see known firms in Europe and the U.S. As head of her own Figure 1). Traffic is reduced to studio here in Chicago, she designed her own house one lane in each direction with (completed in 2002), which Architecture magazine hon - a planted center median pro - ored with its “Home of the Year Award” for best home in viding left turn lanes for both North America. In addition to other professional affilia - directions. Bus stops are tions, Zola is a LEED (Leadership in Energy and recessed to serve passengers Environmental Design) Accredited Professional who has outside of traffic lanes. won first prizes for a social housing complex in Croatia Sidewalks are widened by five and a zero-energy house on Bird Island in Kuala Lumpur, feet, with covered bike paths on Malaysia. both sides of the street. The In Rogers Park, Zola and CMAP regional land use overall objective is to restrict planner Stephen Ostrander worked with the Rogers Park automobile usage and promote Business Alliance (formerly DevCorp North) to identify a public transportation, bicycling specific area for potential future redevelopment. In part and foot traffic (see Figure 2). because of its “gateway” quality, the area chosen was Some of Zola's concepts FIGURE 1 Sheridan Road from the Loyola "el" station to Lunt. are novel and even contro - Zola developed three potential scenarios—"Preserve, versial. She would widen the "Reinvest" and "Innovate"—which build upon each other to sidewalks by eliminating the parkway and its trees. wide sidewalk." offer markedly different views of what Rogers Park Instead, a much narrower strip would be provided on the To compensate for the wide setback and to harmo - Boulevard (Sheridan Road) might look like. All three sce - building side of the walk to plant ivy and flowers. Zola nize buildings' spatial relationship to the wide boulevard, narios have unique sustainability features such as water per - also proposes using "underutilized" parking space new developments would be a minimum of 95 feet tall— meable ground surfaces, solar powered street lights and beneath residential 4 + 1 buildings as public, metered roughly the height of the tallest preserved building, the rainwater collection systems in a covered bike lane. parking to make up for parking lost due to the redesign. Rogers Park Hotel. In addition, all new development Finally, the "Preserve" sce - would have to include a 15-foot high commercial space nario identifies four key build - on the ground level and provide a mix of "affordable units, ings as key in preserving the rental units, live-work spaces and offices for small busi - area’s architectural character: nesses," according to Zola. In addition, the height the new 400 Theatre Building allowance allows for economically feasible future replace - at 6740, the Moorhead ment of the 4 + 1 buildings that Rogers Parkers love to Building at 6751, the Rogers hate. The "Reinvest" scenario also envisions a communi - Park Hotel at 6807 and the ty center near Morse and Sheridan as well as an "errand" 1200 W. Pratt Building. building near the Loyola “el” station to serve the needs of daily commuters and residents. “REINVEST” This scenario considers the “INNOVATE” regulation of building develop - The "Innovate" scenario is the most radical of the ment on Sheridan as capital scenarios as the architect challenges us to re-imagine investment projects and Sheridan Road as the future "Rogers Park Boulevard." In demand for commercial space this scenario, Zola considers the problem of massive increase over time. The same through traffic on Sheridan that currently contributes four key buildings are slated nothing but pollution. While other planners have suggest - for preservation, while the ed—to the terror of local residents—the offshore exten - “Preserve” roadway configu - sion of Lake Shore Drive, Zola proposes a unique and FIGURE 2 ration remains. continued on page 7 Domestic Violence Victims Suffer Greater Abuse During Tough Economic Times By Jennifer Caruso

ith National Domestic Violence Awareness VASP has also noticed an increase in cases acts of domestic violence. Ten years ago, victims found it W Month coming up in October, RPCC’s Victim involving choking of a victim. An offender applies stran - much easier to remove themselves and their children Advocacy & Support Program invites members gulation to silence a victim; the act of strangulation exem - away from an abusive situation. However, it is strikingly of the Rogers Park community to join efforts to eradicate plifies an offender’s power and control over a victim. more difficult these days for a victim to find a means of domestic violence in the 49th Ward and throughout the Many of these brutal attacks occur in front of children. support to allow for an exit from an abusive situation. city. For information about how to assist victims in need Ebony Dill serves as coordinator of research and Moreover, family members, friends and neighbors find and do your part, call 773.338.7733. —Ed. evaluation with Chicago’s Department of Family and themselves less able to help as they too are caught in bad Support Services. “I definitely see an increase in calls to economic situations. As we face one of the most challenging economic our hotline,” notes Dill, referring to the city’s toll-free, mul - VASP has been serving victims of violent crime in environments of recent memory, unemployment rates tilingual, confidential Domestic Violence Help Line which Rogers Park and nearby communities for over 20 years. across the nation are sky high. While the economy does is operated around the clock. Kathy Doherty, executive Victims residing within the 20th District, which includes not directly cause domestic violence, research does indi - director for local nonprofit Between Friends, has also the Edgewater community, have been served by VASP cate that the stress of unemployment puts an enormous noticed a major increase in that agency’s caseload. “The legal advocates for over 10 years. (Due to a unique part - strain on relationships, which contributes to a drastic staff at Between Friends is seeing more women in crisis nership with the Chicago Police Department 20th and increase in domestic violence incidents. The unemploy - experiencing more intensive and prolonged violence,” 24th Districts, VASP receives a referral every time police ment rate in the City of Chicago is currently around 10 explains Doherty. “We suspect one major reason for this make a report involving domestic abuse.) percent. However, as that figure only reflects those reg - is the current state of the economy, which has both dimin - Although the daily tasks of a legal advocate are nei - istered in the unemployment system, the actual rate is ished women’s options and reduced available domestic ther easy nor glamorous, VASP staff members remain much higher. violence services. In 2008, we had to turn away close to extremely passionate and proactive about providing vic - The lethality rate is even higher for domestic violence 30 clients due to the ongoing impact and stress of the tims with a better alternative and breaking the cycle of victims during an economic downturn. When times are economy.” domestic violence. Advocates Rebekah Jones and Sonia good, violence is not as severe. The Rogers Park When a batterer’s life becomes turbulent because of Zuniga help clients reach their number-one goal, which is Community Council’s Victim Advocacy & Support Program severe financial problems, lack of employment, decrease to live free from abuse by a partner and to remain outside (VASP) is receiving more and more referrals of cases in self-esteem and other factors, abusive behavior esca - the cycle of violence. involving female victims who have been physically threat - lates and becomes more deadly. Batterers spend more During the last fiscal year (July 2008 to June 2009), ened or injured by the batterer with a variety of weapons time inside the home while unemployed, which leads to VASP assisted over 450 victims with such services as cri - including knives, guns, chains, hammers and even shovels. an increase in the number of children witnessing horrific continued on page 14 4 ROGERS PARK 2000 Project NIA Partners with Schools to Build Peaceful Communities

By Bob Koehler

any schools are faced with the challenge of creat - Local peace-building work will not be limited to Gale support networks for young people who are at risk or M ing safe and non-violent environments for their Academy. Residents interested in the concept of restora - already caught in the juvenile justice system. Kaba also students. Over the past 15 years, some schools tive justice will have a chance to participate in a commu - founded the Rogers Park Young Women’s Action Team have relied on a combination of overly harsh policies and nity Peace Room initiative that Project NIA plans to (see sidebar), which seeks to empower young women an increased law enforcement presence to assure school launch. The community Peace Room will serve older through activism and education. safety. Unfortunately, these strategies have the effect of teenagers and young adults no longer in school who have For more information about Project NIA initiatives, creating a “schoolhouse-to-jailhouse” track in which puni - been referred by the city’s juvenile court system and law call Clay Chalupa at 773.474.3962, email project - tive measures such as suspensions, expulsions and enforcement officials. These individuals will be able to [email protected] or visit www.project-nia.org (after school-based arrests are used to deal with student mis - participate in a “peacemaking circle” that emphasizes October 15). behavior, and huge numbers of youth are pushed out of healing over punishment. school and into prisons and jails. In Swahili, the word “nia” means “to reflect” as well as Chicago resident Bob Koehler is an award-winning and To counter this increasing reliance on punishment, a “purpose.” Founded by Mariame Kaba, Project NIA also nationally syndicated journalist. number of schools have encouraged a different paradigm works with the North Lawndale community to develop that is focused on restorative practices with respect to school discipline. One of those schools is Stephen F. Gale Academy (1631 W. Jonquil), which established a Peace Room on September 14 with plans to eventually Rogers Park YWAT Also a Peace-Builder create a “Peer Jury” system. Thanks to a partnership with Project NIA—a new Rogers Park-based nonprofit organi - zation—the school will adopt a new approach to the prob - NIA Founder’s Flagship Program lem of youth misbehavior and conflict that seeks to inter - rupt the school-to-jail pipeline. Fights Street Harassment Under direction of Clay Chalupa, Project NIA coordi - nator of community panels, the Peace Room provides an By Annie Slezickey de Sanchez alternative to the blame-and-punishment approach. Programs directly engage (in a neutral environment) both n Rogers Park where street violence is just one of is because they are so used to it in public,” Lockett the person who caused the harm and the person who the problems facing youth daily, there is an ongoing explains. Lillian Matanmi, a member of YWAT since was harmed, seeking to heal wounds rather than slap I movement to increase safety and awareness. The 2005, says her goal is to get more youth active in the wrists. The larger goal is to foster an atmosphere of Rogers Park Young Women’s Action Team (YWAT) is a community and away from the juvenile system. peace and general respect for all people at the school non-profit organization that and, in the process, reduce if not eliminate the need for brings a fresh approach to punitive disciplinary practices. addressing dense social issues At schools where these “restorative justice” tech - like harassment and prejudice. niques have been instituted, such as Dyett High School “We want to empower young on the city’s south side, police visits—once routine— women to not be afraid to tackle have been all but eliminated. issues,” says Ronnett Lockett, a “The way I see it, we humans have preciousness, a founding member of YWAT. YWAT has come a long way. In 2006, it was named gem inside us. But we’ll never find this gem unless we YWAT was formed by Mariame Kaba in 2003 as a the 13th District of Cook County’s “Unsung Heroines.” can peel away the layers; heal the scars that have been social change organization. It has launched effective This past June, it was featured on the front page of the formed from our traumas,” notes Chalupa, a Licensed campaigns such as “RESPECT” to end street harass - Chicago Sun-Times. YWAT has hosted workshops in Professional Counselor. “The major injustice against our ment and worked with the Chicago Transit Authority to Atlanta, New Orleans and Springfield educating youth youth is that they do not get an opportunity to be heard, tighten procedures for reporting harassment and vio - about issues like teen dating violence and harassment, to be listened to, to be valued . So they begin to feel that lence that takes place on buses and trains. and encouraging young people to take action in their the only way to be heard … is to join a gang, anesthetize The RESPECT campaign included passing out fly - own communities. themselves, drop out, tune out, get high. ers to be posted in the windows of homes and busi - “YWAT is a safe place for girls to address issues, We want to connect and engage these youth through lis - nesses. The anti street-harassment flyers also encour - take action and come into their own power,” says tening and valuing.” aged an end to loitering, which Lockett identified as a Daphnee Rene, a founding member who served as By next January, a group of Gale students will be main contributor to harassment. “I’ve noticed a big YWAT director from 2007 to 2009. trained to serve on the peer jury. These student jurors will decrease in harassment around the Howard, Morse and YWAT plans to continue conducting community listen to “cases” of disrespect or injury with all concerned Clark areas largely because people put up our signs research and holding workshops to educate adults and parties allowed to present their side of what happened. and youth stopped loitering there,” Lockett explains. youth on street harassment. These situations would otherwise have been dealt with Most recently, YWAT has been working with CTA To learn more, call 773.627.4394 or visit bureaucratically. By listening respectfully and asking officials to change policy. If harassment occurs on the www.youngwomensactionteam.org. basic yet probing questions—“What happened?” “What buses, the driver is now required to intervene and CTA were you thinking about at the time?” “Who was affected officials must review the video footage if a report is filed by what you did?” —jurors will attempt to get to the heart West Rogers Park-based writer Annie Slezickey de Sanchez is with a description of the aggressor. of an incident and propose a resolution. a recent graduate of Columbia College. Her work may be “A lot of people don’t even know what harassment Chalupa stresses that student participation is volun - found on chicagotalks.org and chicagoexaminer.com. tary in both the Peace Room and the Peer Jury process.

Families Get Ahead Through Free Tax and Financial Guidance Center for Economic Progress Returning to Rogers Park in 2010 By Melissa Spear

sk anyone you know what their favorite time of year $25,000 can receive free tax preparation services at the ing,” says April Friend, assistant director of tax services at A is and you can bet that ‘tax time’ will not be the site, as well as open checking and savings accounts on CEP. “They are so responsive to the needs in the com - answer, unless you know one of the more than 600 site to direct deposit their refunds and save money on munity and really offer services that help people make families in Rogers Park last year whose taxes were pre - check-cashing fees. Tax counseling is also available to ends meet.” From adult literacy and education to youth pared by the Center for Economic Progress (CEP). help families make sense of their tax situation and avoid programs, emergency food and crisis intervention and A Rogers Park fixture for more than 10 years, CEP costly mistakes that lead to tax debt. support, HACC is a linchpin in the safety net that exists in offers free tax preparation services at Howard Area Rogers Park. Clients who visit HACC for help will find the Employment Resource Center (1623 W. Howard), a sister New Services, New Opportunities additional resource of free tax help available to them in organization of the Howard Area Community Center. The With unemployment levels rising and community their neighborhood. site is staffed by trained volunteers and run by seasoned members facing financial hardship, CEP is working to CEP tax preparation and financial services will begin tax professionals. improve and expand local services. at HACC’s Employment Resource Center late January With the economy in a slump, the number of families “These are hard times. We really plan to meet people 2010 and continue through April 15. Hours for CEP ser - in need of free tax services and financial counseling is on where they are and offer them services that can help vices will be Wednesdays from 5:30 to 8pm and the rise. “Our staff sees firsthand that too often many of them start living, not just surviving,” says Rolando Saturdays from 1:30 to 4:30pm. Volunteer tax preparers our neighbors who can least afford it pay high interest rates Palacios, CEP director of tax services. as well as census volunteers and bank partners will be for refunds and fees for filing,” explains Howard Area CEP is already working on the upcoming 2010. In there to help interested clients. Community Center executive director Pamela Barnet, who many communities, low-income workers are underrepre - For more information about programs and services of goes on to say that CEP serves a real need in the com - sented, which leads to a lack of funding from the federal The Center for Economic Progress (29 E. Madison), call munity. In more than 10 years in the neighborhood, CEP government in neighborhoods that most need the sup - 312.252.0280. has served more than 5,000 clients, returning more than port—an issue that CEP will address by helping Rogers $6.5 million in tax refunds to low-income families here. Park clients fill out the census form. On a first-come, first-served basis, families with The Howard Area Community Center (HACC) host Melissa Spear serves as campaign manager for The Center for income under $50,000 and individuals with income under site is itself a key player in the area. “HACC is just amaz - Economic Progress. ROGERS PARK 2000 5 Local Leadership + Community Support = Completed Devon Streetscape Extension

By Peter Fugiel

Join Peter Fugiel in every Rogers Park 2000 for news involved.” about greening initiatives and efforts to beautify our com - Like Baren, Sharon Metzger of neighborhood group munity landscape. —Ed. North Edgewater West (NEW) was involved with the Devon Streetscape. Metzger has also been busy design - ormer Edgewater resident Ellen Baren is now a ing a new neighborhood garden along the Union Pacific F community leader in Rogers Park. “One of the railroad embankment on Ravenswood between Peterson things I really admired about Edgewater is how and Granville. With a grant from the State of Illinois, neighbors come together to get things done,” says Metzger—who serves as NEW president—sketched out a Baren, one of the volunteers who helped extend the garden plan that met railroad requirements. Devon Streetscape from Clark to Ravenswood. This summer, Metzger recruited student help from Baren, an enthusiastic member of the Rogers Park the Board of Education’s After School Matters program. Garden Group, feels that green projects work best when Fifteen work-study students learned the many aspects of local community members add volunteer support. The community greening projects. “The students were amaz - complex Devon Avenue streetscape is a case in point. ing. I am most pleased with the professional attitude they East of Clark, the planter box gardening project has been took towards their summer experience,” notes Metzger. based on active collaboration between the Rogers Park “They brought the kind of work ethic to our project that all Garden Group and the Edgewater Beautiful campaign. This summer, work-study students from organization After School community green projects should try to use.” When it was decided that the Devon Streetscape would be Matters joined in the effort to beautify the Union Pacific railroad The Devon Streetscape extension and the NEW extended to Ravenswood Avenue, it was local leadership embankment on Ravenswood between Peterson and Granville. community garden along Ravenswood are two neighbor - that supported the $3.5 million project; in fact, the project hood improvements that benefit from volunteer commit - originated with Alderman Patrick O’Connor (40th ward). It Edgewater Beautiful co-director Allen Stryczek com - ment. was also actively supported by State Senator Heather ments on completion of the project: “Devon is the border For information on greening projects in our commu - Steans and State Representative Harry Osterman. But it between Edgewater and Rogers Park. Sometimes it is nity, call Peter Fugiel at 773.218.7422. was the Edgewater Community Council and its Edgewater the fringe area of a community that is neglected. But Beautiful campaign that were instrumental in seeing that since Devon is such an important commercial street, both Peter Fugiel is a local realtor working out of Keller Williams the plan was carefully implemented. That meant seeking communities had to draw upon each other’s greening and Lincoln Square. He is also a member of the Devon Avenue community and volunteer cooperation. cleaning strengths. It was a major win for all parties Green Team and of the Rogers Park Garden Group. Donate Your Time and Talents as a “Legacy Leader” or Volunteer

any community service organizations are in need “I found out about a fundraising walk for a local animal example, residents age 60 and older receive free one-on- M of the talents of volunteers to help make life better shelter,” Moy remarks. “I signed up, and to my surprise, I one basic computer training at RPCC, but many names for local residents. was more successful than I ever imagined!” Moy had are on the waiting list due to a shortage of instructors. Individuals 50 and older may participate in the spent most of her career in the corporate world, and was This flexible volunteer program allows the client and tutor Legacy Leadership Institute (LLI), a program of the looking for a way to “give back.” She soon became to virtually set their own schedules for instruction. Chicago Life Opportunities Initiative, which is operated by involved in LLI. “I learned all about nonprofit sustainabili - To learn more about volunteer opportunities with CJE SeniorLife (3003 W. Touhy) and Evanston-based ty, and how I could use my skills to make a real, measur - the Rogers Park Community Council, contact Cathie Mather LifeWays (both nonprofits). LLI is a seven-day able difference in my community,” says Moy. “LLI taught Bazzon, associate director, at 773.338.7722 ext.11 or fund development training program whereby participants me to use the skills I have—and even skills I didn’t know [email protected]. learn specific skills needed to help organizations prosper. I had!” To learn more about the Legacy Leadership Institute, Local resident Mary Moy became involved in com - For volunteers with less time to spare, even one or contact Karen Kolb (Mather LifeWays) at 847.492.7732 or munity service after the death of her beloved cat, Irving. two hours of service a week can go a long way. For [email protected]. CPS Considers Rogers Park for City’s First Public, College Prep Boarding School

By Rather Stanton

hat would happen if more students had a safe, to rise, his confidence grew, and for the first time, he interests. At internship sites, students will be matched W quiet space where they could focus on their determined that college was for him. “Today, Jermaine is with mentors who will serve as both personal college futures instead of the negative distractions on a college-bound path towards greater opportunity and counselors and personal career coaches. Through such around them? How would it affect their life outcomes? purpose,” Marshall explained. “I believe that many young connections to positive role models and opportunities How would it impact their families and their larger com - men share Jermaine’s story and his struggles. The which expand their horizons, Earn Academy will help stu - munity? These are some of the questions which inspired impact Earn Academy’s residential model will have on the dents connect classroom learning to future careers. the idea for Earn Academy, a proposed public, college- lives of its young men and the larger community will be “For many students, college is a dream, but the real - preparatory boarding high school. If approved by broad-reaching and indelible.” ity of what it takes to get there and succeed remains Chicago Public Schools (CPS), Earn Academy will Earn Academy would uniquely offer students the largely a mystery,” explained Jenaeth Markaj, Earn empower the city’s most motivated and most underserved opportunity to learn in a residential setting where like- Academy’s director of development. Students who are young men to graduate from college, enter into meaning - minded, college-bound peers put positive pressure on the first in their families to attend college often have limit - ful careers and drive positive change in our communities. each other to excel. Further, students and teachers could ed exposure to college settings, have limited opportuni - Last month, the team behind Earn Academy shared take advantage of evening hours to reinforce and support ties to develop the habits and skills that college’s self- their bold vision with members of the community through learning, so that students who graduate are prepared for directed environment demands, and lack access to the a public forum hosted at the Rogers Park branch of the the academic rigor of college, and equipped with the life role models and professional experiences so correlated Chicago Public Library (6907 N. Clark). Local residents skills and habits necessary to succeed personally and with success. had an opportunity to ask questions and weigh in on Earn professionally. The addition of a residential school for With its 24/7 capacity to accelerate learning and Academy’s model, which would be the first of its kind underserved students who seek a college-prep residen - equip students with the strategies to succeed in college, nationwide to offer the benefits of college-preparatory, tial education will not only benefit students, but provide Earn Academy has the potential to help students make single-sex residential education to students at no cost to relief to families who are concerned that academic suc - their dreams a reality. families. cess is jeopardized by factors outside of their control. Earn Academy is working with CPS to gain approval “Why residential?” was a common question asked by Another question that arose during the public forum to launch in Rogers Park by fall of 2012. The Earn members of the audience. Founder Leah Marshall was, “Where does the name ‘Earn Academy’ come from, approach to serving students and the larger Rogers Park explained that the vision for Earn Academy’s public, resi - and what does it signify?” The name implies a learning community is one of partnership and collaboration. dential model emerged out of a transformative experience environment that will empower students with the knowl - To learn more about Earn Academy or to voice involving a former high-school student named Jermaine. edge and habits to ‘earn’ the futures that they desire for comments, email [email protected]. During his senior year of high school, Jermaine and his themselves and their families. One way in which students family became homeless. Yet rather than use his person - will have the opportunity to live this mantra is through a al situation to make excuses, Jermaine turned to school unique program called InternshipAdvantage, which helps Rather Stanton serves as development director at Just The and found escape in academics. Every day after class, students connect their efforts in the classroom to oppor - Beginning Foundation, a non-profit pipeline organization Jermaine would come down to Marshall’s office: a safe tunities in the workplace. Through InternshipAdvantage, preparing and inspiring students to enter the legal profession. place where he could concentrate on his schoolwork and students will benefit from mentored internship training in Rather also co-founded Griffith Tutoring, a non-profit organi - focus on his future. As a result, Jermaine’s grades began positions that align with their extracurricular and career zation preparing underprivileged youth for academic success. 6 ROGERS PARK 2000 United Church Community Feast Hits Quarter-Century Mark Weekend Celebration to Shine a Global Spotlight on Food and Hunger By Anita Alcantara

ot many volunteer-based soup kitchens have been feast’s regular guests. People can always find compan - N running long enough to hold a three-day commem - ionship at the feast if they wish to. The atmosphere is oration of their work. friendly and positive. Sometimes guests celebrate their Sometimes it’s hard to believe that so many people birthdays by asking for a particular dessert. In fact, one need help with a basic staple like food. Yet locally, the of the cooks celebrates his birthday by planning the feast reality is that a large percentage of residents participate menu. Guests can also receive help with many needs in community meal and food pantry programs on a regu - such as shelter housing, clothing and warm blankets for lar basis. the winter. The Community Feast at United Church of Rogers The Community Feast 25th anniversary celebration Park (1545 W. Morse) currently serves about 90 guests starts with “What’s on YOUR Plate?” October 10. A num - ber of organizations will have resource/display tables at the church that day, including the Greater Chicago Food Depository (telling its story and helping people sign up for food assistance), Howard Area Community Center (services Guests of the Community Feast include residents of all ages and for low-income residents), Interfaith ethnic backgrounds. Many are long-time participants who look Refugee and Immigration Ministry forward to seeing friends and neighbors every week. (immigrant services), REST (Residents in Effective Transitions), On October 11, the celebration continues with a spe - Connections for the Homeless, cial sermon by Rev. John Auer, who is travelling all the Northside Anti-Hunger Network, the way from Florida with his wife Julie. Auer—a former pas - Social Action Committee of United tor of United Church—was instrumental in establishing Church (fair trade and Bread for the the Community Feast in 1984. That evening, guests will World), and others. enjoy an extra-special Community Feast. Hunger banquets throughout The celebration ends October 12 with a Gala Buffet the day will focus on food for all, and Night at Uncommon Ground (1401 W. Devon) to raise Members of United Church of Rogers Park (1545 W. Morse) and community volunteers all what is affordable on the plate both funds, meet with friends, and recognize people and insti - chip in to serve guests of the Sunday night Community Feast, which the church has been host - locally and around the globe. Films tutions important to sustaining the Community Feast pro - ing for 25 years. A special weekend-long celebration will be held October 10 to 12. and videos highlighting the hunger gram. crisis and encouraging people to get Registration is strongly suggested for the anniver - every Sunday from 5 to 6pm. The meal is served on the involved will include Hunger No More, Feeding the World, sary celebration, especially “What’s on YOUR Plate?” third floor (elevator available) of the church. It is free to Faces of Poverty, Legacy for Efrain: Heifer Project While the event is free, donations are always appreciated. all, and no documentation is required. While open to fam - International, Rise to the Challenge: End World Hunger, For more information, call United Church at ilies with kids, the feast usually draws singles (sometimes The Business of Hunger, and Thirst (is access to water a 773.761.2500, visit www.ucrogerspark.org or email Anita people who are partnered), senior citizens, low-income basic human right?). Alcantara at [email protected]. and homeless individuals, people with special needs and Entertainment in the sanctuary will include live music those without a steady living wage. (many different genres and cultures), dance, drama and Local resident Anita Alcantara is a member of the Community “Everyone needs somebody,” remarks one of the spoken-word performances. Feast Planning Committee. ROGERS PARK 2000 7 RPCC Volunteer of the Month Professional Techie Dan Roe Makes Learning Easy By Lee McQueen

he Rogers Park Community Council October instance, Peters often asks him illuminating questions T “Volunteer of the Month” is Dan Roe, owner of that he can also answer for other clients. Particularly, ComputeRoe Consulting. For nearly a year, Roe trouble-shooting computer repair with patches, software, has provided weekly computer tutoring to local resident and operating systems means he’s always searching for Bob Peters. solutions for his clients. In addition, Roe reads industry Roe attended Northland College in Ashland, literature and interacts with an online network of industry Wisconsin with every intention to eventually teach colleagues, meeting up with those colleagues regularly to English. However, fate—in the form of a lengthy term share information. paper—changed his career course forever. On a type - Roe realizes the benefits of his volunteer work with writer, the term paper took 12 to 14 hours to complete, but RPCC and of maintaining a presence in the community. “I with an Apple 2E, Roe learned he could complete his do it just because I want to,” says Roe, who also enjoys work in two hours. With that discovery, he switched his providing a service that empowers people. “I like to help major from English to Computer Information Systems. people feel confident in what they’re doing.” Roe made two other discoveries while he lived in For information about ComputeRoe Consulting ser - Appleton, Wisconsin. One, he still had the innate talent and vices and rates, contact Dan Roe at 312.238.9392 desire to teach. Two, he held a strong belief in the value of or [email protected]. For information about free volunteer work and community involvement. In Appleton, Dan Roe, owner of ComputeRoe Consulting, works on his latest computer training for residents 60-plus at RPCC, call he participated in Walking Books, a program that brought repair challenge. Cathie Bazzon at 773.338.7722, x11 or email books to homebound clients. One of those clients—an [email protected]. elderly woman and former entrepreneur—told him that she wanted to learn computer skills and get on the Internet. So ition usually takes over.” Roe’s one-on-one training ser - Roe helped her to get up-to-speed on the latest computer vices focus on just about any subject: web browsers, Lee McQueen is a professional researcher and business writer developments. Her willingness to leave her comfort zone email, software applications, hardware and much more. with a Master’s degree in library science. McQueen specializes and learn new technology impressed him. “I’m able to keep up with the latest technology devel - in editing and proofreading, web content, indexes and When Roe relocated to Rogers Park a few years ago, opments because I work with a wide variety of people abstracts, data entry, data analysis and database maintenance. he decided to continue his volunteer service and so came with diverse service requests,” comments Roe. For She may be reached at [email protected], with samples to the Rogers Park Community Council (RPCC) where he of her work available at mcqueenpress.com. began one-on-one tutoring with senior clients. Although Roe has since moved further west, he continues to com - mute to Rogers Park to work with local resident Bob Peters, a retired attorney who enjoys playing fantasy football. Roe recently assisted Peters with his first laptop pur - chase. “We researched laptops a month beforehand,” notes Peters. “I never would have been able to choose the right one without his help.” Roe points out that teaching someone to use his or her own computer means that the knowledge doesn’t get lost in translation when he’s not around. For instance, while Peters has used Windows XP at the public library DDaanncciinn’’ and at RPCC, he also learned to use Vista on his own computer. The strength of ComputeRoe Consulting lies in sev - in the Park eral areas. Services include on-site computer repairs, in the Park hardware and software installation, upgrades, virus removal, data recovery, networking and wireless configu - ration, troubleshooting connection issues, emergency repairs, new PC and laptop consultation, and one-on-one This summer, residents with happy feet and their Canavati, who participated in the first of three dance tutoring. Roe’s flexibility and willingness to travel to client less-adventurous onlookers congregated at Willye B. evenings. “I enjoyed seeing people from all different locations means that he can teach in the comfort of their White Park (1610 W. Howard) for the first annual walks of life dancing together. It really brought a com - own homes with their own equipment. “Dancin’ in the Park” series, sponsored by the Rogers forting sense of community and fun to Rogers Park!” Roe works well with people of various aptitudes, and Park Business Alliance (formerly DevCorp North) and Other sessions focused on Stepping and Cha Cha. training sessions can cover a wide breadth of skill sets. “I the Howard Street Special Service Area (SSA #19). Stay tuned next summer for more Dancin’ in the don’t have a set formula for teaching,” he explains. “I like Free dance lessons were provided by “May I Have This Park. To learn more about fun events taking place in to let people guide me in what they want to learn. It’s all Dance?” on the city’s northwest side. our community, contact Cathie Bazzon (Rogers Park about helping them feel comfortable using technology— “It was so exciting to learn Swing, a dance I had Community Council) at 773.338.7722, x11 or and once people start playing with a computer, their intu - never encountered,” says an enthusiastic Gaby [email protected]. The Year 2040 continued from page 3 elegant suggestion: a tunnel (see Figure 4) underneath the current Sheridan Road from Hollywood to the Evanston border. With the surface free of automobiles, Zola sees the boulevard as "a public space that adds to the identity of the community (and) matches the attrac - tiveness and vitality of the beach." These three scenarios have no financing, no political backing and no plans in the works to put anything in these scenarios into effect. But in the centennial year of the Burnham Plan—as the city commissions public art pro - jects and civic groups such as Friends of the Parks devel - op their agendas in honor of Daniel Burnham—it is appro - priate for residents to think grandly and look well into the FIGURE 3 future of our lakefront neighborhood. The work of CMAP and Zola has given us the ability to do just that. Look for future public presentations of the project from the Rogers Park Business Alliance. Details are available at the following websites:

• Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, www.cmap.illinois.gov./default.aspx • Go To 2040, www.goto2040.org • Zoka Zola Studio for Architecture and Urban Design, www.zokazola.com

Tom Lisy is a long-time Rogers Park resident and Loyola University alumnus. He enjoys being involved with local issues and organizations, and currently serves on the board of direc - tors of the Rogers Park Community Council. FIGURE 4 8 ROGERS PARK 2000 SPOTLIGHT CENTER FOR College Students Connect with Community (and discover themselves in the process) At Center for Experiential Learning, Volunteerism is Lesson Number One By Gwen M. Gregory

he southeastern corner of Rogers Park is a reser - ing the community. Student Janita McElroy volunteered through CEL this T voir of talented young people. For residents living Green began work at Loyola in August of 2007. He summer. Originally from south suburban Markham, near Loyola University’s Lake Shore campus near built the Center for Experiential Learning from the ground McElroy worked in the emergency room at the Jesse Sheridan and Devon, these students represent an annu - up, centralizing various programs from across campus. Brown VA Medical Center (820 S. Damen). She assisted al influx of new neighbors. For others, those students are He hired a staff to support programs, including a service- the nurses, took patient vitals and helped to transport customers in their shops and restaurants. But students learning coordinator (Chris Skrable), an academic intern - patients, learning the importance of the working relation - have much more to contribute to the community—as vol - ship coordinator (Louise Deske), community-based ships between medical personnel. “I witnessed doctors unteers. Leading in the student volunteer effort is Federal Work Study Coordinator (Joanna Buchmeyer) trusting nurses to fulfill their tasks in diagnosing the Loyola’s Center for Experiential Learning (CEL). and undergraduate research assistant (Ashley Kehoe). patient accordingly, nurses relaying messages concern - Headed by Dr. Patrick Green, CEL focuses on con - The entire staff works closely with community non-profit ing how to sufficiently treat the patient with proper care necting Loyola students with community groups for a vari - organizations to create mutually beneficial partnerships. and, most importantly, doctors and nurses presenting vital ety of meaningful volunteer experiences. CEL’s official Students can volunteer with different agencies and information to the patient as a team,” says McElroy, who mission is “to serve students, faculty, staff and communi - initiatives for a single day, a semester, or even longer. values these lessons about trust and teamwork. ty partners of Loyola University Chicago as a resource for They can complete an internship, a pre-professional work CEL currently partners with many groups and institu - experiential learning opportunities and partnerships.” experience where they earn course credit at Loyola tions in Rogers Park and throughout the metro area. Service learning is a hot topic in higher education these through working in a community organization or business. Loyola students work at Jordan Community, Swift days. It integrates real world experience with the class - The Federal Work Study program provides paid employ - Specialty and Hayt Elementary, among other schools. room by using community service and reflection as part of ment for qualifying students with work study opportunities Partner organizations include the Rogers Park the curriculum. Green notes that CEL is unique, integrat - in a variety of settings. This program allows community Community Council, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, ing all campus aspects of experiential learning: service- non-profits to hire Loyola work study students and receive Edgewater Community Council, Good News Community learning, internships, federal work study and undergradu - reimbursement for a portion of their salaries. Kitchen, Lakeside Community Development Corporation ate research. Most colleges have some or all of these Undergraduate students working with faculty members and McGaw YMCA in Evanston. programs, but not together in one campus unit. Having conduct useful and interesting research projects in the Look elsewhere in this section as students share them together helps students to engage with the commu - community as well. their unique volunteer experiences! nity in many ways while at Loyola. Many experiential pro - Loyola senior Julie Colhoff volunteered with the To learn more about the Center for Experiential grams are not so varied. Rogers Park Community Council (1530 W. Morse) earlier Learning, visit www.luc.edu/experiential/index.shtml. As a leader in service learning, Green was elected this year. “Julie was a can-do type of person,” recalls To contact CEL about possible partnerships, call as a member of the State of Illinois Service Learning RPCC’s associate director Cathie Bazzon. During her time 773.508.3366 or email [email protected]. Advisory Board. He is currently researching “the impact at RPCC, Colhoff worked directly with clients of the organi - of experiential education programs on skill development, zation’s Senior Initiatives Program, helping residents like core competencies and career development.” He Peggy Beazley learn to navigate websites and use email. Gwen M. Gregory has lived in Rogers Park since 2007. She is believes that any strong partnership recognizes that ser - “My experience with RPCC was positive in so many ways,” a librarian by profession, and enjoys finding and sharing infor - vice equals learning; students will learn as they are serv - says Colhoff (see separate story). mation. CTA: Community Transforming Art Building Community Piece by Peace By Emily Wilk

y first experience of civic engagement at Loyola actual community member and student handprints which M started with a simple conversation amongst were collected during the last academic year. friends three years ago. On a campus retreat, my Our project was generously funded by the friends and I discussed our thoughts about current soci - McCormick Raise Your Voice Student Grant Program, ety, education, community and need for dialogue. From which assisted in paying for all of our supply needs. For our conversation, we realized we needed to act and build the past three years, we have worked with the Chicago more community on campus and within Rogers Park. Transportation Authority (CTA) Adopt-A-Station program With such vibrant diversity and harmony existing within to officially display the mural in the Loyola El Station. We our neighborhood, we decided to unite with our commu - are currently awaiting approval from CTA to create the nity in transforming our shared public transportation plat - mural. form into an expression of the community through a mural Our CTA project is an act of collaboration, creativity project titled, “Building Community Piece by Peace.” and coffee. Since the beginning, our group has attended Along with myself, project members include Cindy and hosted a number of local events in order to share Cook, Kelsey McManus, Lauren De Veau, Anna Springer, our vision. This project has been a large impetus for Chelsea Spencer, Erin Stanley, Amy Walsh and Molly involvement in other community programs. Through Costello. personal connections made over coffee dates, I have The mural will be displayed in the Loyola “el” station, assisted in aldermanic campaigns, interned for the showcasing the diversity, personality and unity of Rogers Rogers Park Business Alliance (formerly DevCorp North) Park. The artwork is shaped as puzzle pieces, covered in and completed research projects focused on the needs of our community. Through these experiences and my course work at Loyola, I have discovered my energy and passion for life, devel - oping community relation - ships between people of Lauren DeVeau tries the mural on for size and the person painting similar interests or similar is Cindy Cook (both were involved with the CTA project). needs. In the future, I hope to continue to work within higher education to provide ence, conversations and questioning that ideas blossom students with the opportunity into direct action and positive change in our communities. to engage in their communi - ties through interdisciplinary For additional information, contact me at [email protected]. course work, experiential learning experiences, and Emily Wilk is a senior Social Work student at Loyola cur - projects aimed at developing rently interning at Chicago Adventure Therapy. She is actively sustainability. I believe it is involved in strengthening relationships with the local commu - through firsthand experi - nity.

“Building Community Piece by Peace” member Cindy Cook works on a colorful, diversity-themed mural for the Loyola “el” station. ROGERS PARK 2000 9 EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Volunteering On and Off Campus Gives Me a Fresh Perspective By Anabelle Doulas

believe that my volunteer experience with the Rogers family that desires nothing I Park community has been molded by both my volun - more than for her to live an teer work and my on-campus position as a community active life. However, this is site coordinator (CSC) at Loyola’s Center for Experiential not always true within the Learning. As a CSC, I facilitate service-learning, volun - special needs community. teer, internship and Federal Work Study relationships Many individuals with special between Loyola and various non-profit agencies. needs pass their lives indoors I have also contributed to the community by volun - and have limited interaction teering with Best Buddies, a non-profit organization that with the world around them. creates one-on-one friendships with those who have intel - With this perspective in the lectual and/or developmental disabilities. The Best back of my mind, I can under - Buddies Loyola Chapter pairs up students with residents stand how much the residents at Misericordia Heart of Mercy (6300 N. Ridge) to pro - at Misericordia truly appreci - mote that organization’s mission of social inclusion for ate and look forward to a visit participants. from their “best buddies.” It is wonderful to look at the service agencies in This is not to say, howev - Rogers Park through these two different perspectives. I er, that only the Misericordia understand not only how a non-profit agency works, but Buddies are taking something also how the actual volunteer work itself is appreciated. I valuable away from the friend - things my issue is probably not a life or death situation. truly enjoy the work that I do with Best Buddies, because ship. I can honestly say that my relationship with my I plan to remain active in the Rogers Park service I recognize with how lonely life can be for those with spe - “buddy” Karmen has had a significant influence on how I community for the remainder of my time at Loyola, and cial needs. It is unfortunate that those who have intellec - choose to live my life. I savor every moment of my day by hope to continue serving others. tual and/or developmental disabilities are often either cast enjoying the little things that happen. My work with the aside by society or used as the butt of jokes. special needs community has shown me that happiness My younger sister Victoria has moderate mental is not just given to you, and that one must work to achieve retardation as well as some other challenges. She is it. Karmen has a way of putting my petty worries into per - Anabelle Doulas is a Psychology and Sociology major who exceptionally fortunate to have a loving and supportive spective by assuring me that in the grand scheme of plans to graduate from Loyola in 2011. Working with Seniors at RPCC Teaches Vital Lessons By Julie Colhoff

recently had the privilege of volunteering with the their own hobbies and interests but about mine as well, I Senior Initiatives Program at the Rogers Park and showed me firsthand just how far sincerity can take Community Council (RPCC). In my time with the you. They taught me about taking the time to appreciate RPCC my main focus was teaching computer skills by the impact that people can have in each other’s lives, working one on one with senior clients. As a human ser - whether they’re our best friends or complete strangers. vices major at Loyola, this provided a great opportunity to Also, working with these clients showed me another put the lessons I had learned in my classes into practice. side to the Rogers Park community that as a college stu - My role as a computer trainer allowed me to use skills I dent I would not otherwise have seen. Oftentimes the had taken for granted to help enhance the everyday lives seniors of our community become invisible to other gen - of people in my community. I worked with a handful of dif - erations, but if we take even a moment to inquire about ferent clients and together we determined ways in which their experiences and appreciate their wealth of knowl - I could best help them utilize a computer. Throughout my edge we will find ourselves learning vital lessons no time there I helped clients with things like exploring the classroom can teach us. For me, working with clients at internet, converting handwritten poetry to Word docu - RPCC confirmed beyond any doubt that I have chosen ments, searching for new cars online and creating and the right career path. Loyola senior Julie Colhoff recently worked as a computer tutor using e-mail accounts. Although I was the designated with senior clients of the Rogers Park Community Council (1530 “teacher” I often walked away from these sessions having Julie Colhoff is a senior at Loyola University. She also W. Morse). Colhoff says the experience taught her to appreciate learned as many lessons as I taught. Every client I plays center back (defense) on the Loyola Women’s Soccer the impact that people can have in each other’s lives. worked with was genuine and passionate not only about Team.

Student volunteers from Loyola University wear a variety of hats, including Friday afternoon Scrabble player. This summer, recent grad Ibrahim Amusan (second from left) spent many hours helping the Rogers Park Community Council (RPCC) in its mission to improve the quality of life for local residents. Joining Amusan in this round of Scrabble are Cathie Bazzon (RPCC associate director) with local residents Delores Cryer and Bob Peters. The winner of this game was Peters, an RPCC client and a com - munity volunteer. This spring, Peters helped res - idents of Morse Senior Apartments (1528 W. Morse) to set up their TV digital signal converter boxes. He has also donated a number of bingo prizes and office supplies to RPCC’s Senior Initiatives Program. 10 ROGERS PARK 2000 Children and Families Come Together in the Name of Safety and Fun for National Night Out By Seth Schwartz he August 4 CAPS National Night Out celebration at horse named Gypsy and a Shetland pony. There were also T Willye B. White Park (1610 W. Howard) was a big a goat, a couple of geese, sheep and a rabbit in a holding success. Many people donated their time to make it pen for children to pet. Latima Kallon, a first grader at enjoyable for the estimated 250 kids who came out on a nearby Stephen Gale Math & Science Academy (1631 N. beautiful night to have fun and be safe. Bosworth) was one of the children who enjoyed a ride on “This is a very nice turnout,” said Captain Robert Gypsy. “This was my first time on a horse,” said Kallon, Whalen, who served in the 24th District Chicago Police who went back in line for additional rides. “It was fun.” Department (CPD) from 1984 to 1986, returning in 2001. The Target store at 2112 W. Peterson was a big hit Whalen appreciates the positive changes that have taken with free blowup beach balls and identification kits. Evelyn place in the neighborhood. “There are more people Abonce, a medical assistant with ACCESS Evanston- involved in the community and that helps a tremendous Rogers Park Family Health Center (1555 W. Howard), amount,” he said. stayed busy signing up kids for immunization vaccines. Traditionally, National Night Out events have been Volunteers with AARP gave out Aretha Franklin CDs, and sponsored by many of the nine beats within the 24th the Morse Fruit Market distributed free fruit. Amid the District, held in different locations. This year, in part to hubbub, kids painted each others’ faces in the arts and lower costs, the CPD opted to centralize activities. “This crafts area. Cesar Izquierdo, Spanish CAPS beat facilitator for the past 13 is the first year everything is in one location, and that Local activist Jim Ginderske and Marilyn Pagan years, organized yet another successful National Night Out event enables us to focus all our resources in a productive way,” Banks of Good News Community Kitchen (7649 N. in the parking lot at Clark and Albion. Izquierdo serves on the explained Whalen. Paulina) distributed information on that organization. board of the Rogers Park Community Council (RPCC) and What started as a hot, humid evening became quite Open for 26 years, Good News helps feed about 30 peo - donates his time and efforts to a number of initiatives such as pleasant around 7pm thanks to a nice wind off Lake ple a night. RPCC’s Super Seniors Crazy Jazz Bingo series. Michigan. The event got underway with a roll call for the Kenny Patrick, a retired principal from Ralph J. Bunch 60 plus policemen and women at the park. Elementary School, was a big hit as a popcorn vendor Youngsters enjoyed pony rides. Scott Wenninger of with a line that stretched 30 deep. Ruth McMahon of martial arts demonstration from Lincoln Square-based Tinley Park-based Forest View Farms brought in a small Trilogy handed out literature on mental health services. Degerberg Academy, a long-time participant in the event. “This is a good opportunity Two small horses and two ponies thrilled the kids, as did to get our information out,” a petting zoo. One of the youngsters who comes every said McMahon. “We want to year is a quadriplegic. “His eyes just lit up when he saw let people know where we the llama,” said Izquierdo. “He also recognized me from are and that they’re free to past years; that really made my night.” come in any time.” Izquierdo and a number of volunteers gave away 600 Meanwhile, Cesar bags of crayons and books for kids going back to school. Izquierdo, proprietor of “We also gave away 300 used reading books for kids from Taste of Peru restaurant at kindergarten on up,” noted Izquierdo. Fifty bicycles were 6545 N. Clark, sponsored registered with the CPD. his tenth annual Spanish National Night Out has been feted in Rogers Park CAPS National Night Out. since the mid 1980s, when the event was created in order At its peak, the mall parking to promote safety for children and adults, and to give law lot outside the restaurant enforcement officials and community members the oppor - held 450 kids and their fam - tunity to interact in positive ways. ilies. Willye B. White Park (1610 W. Howard) was packed with children and adults for this year’s CAPS As is the custom, the Freelance writer Seth Schwartz is a 20-year resident of National Night Out celebration August 4. evening got rolling with a Rogers Park. ROGERS PARK 2000 11 Kids Stand Up and Fly (Kites and Banners) Against Violence By Lisa DeSantiago

entro Romero’s Kids Against Violence have done it whole world blind” was C again. On August 17, members of Centro Romero’s proudly held up by Ivette youth leadership and learning program held their Carreno and Carlos Pineda. second annual anti-violence march through Rogers Park. Diego Andrade hoisted the The sky was darkening as youth and their guests collect - Dalai Lama’s suggestion to ed their signs and banners. More than 50 people lined up “Practice compassion.” All on Clark, preparing to spread their message of nonvio - of these were words to lence and tolerance throughout a neighborhood which they which the summer discus - learned is one of the most diverse in the country—their sions helped bring meaning own Rogers Park. and understanding. Smaller Centro youth spent the summer discussing great signs promoting the ways of peacemakers of the past and present, learning that they peace such as, “Families cannot control what happens to them but that they can not Gangs,” “Kindness” and control how they react. Learning about peaceful conflict “Unity” were carried by the resolution and expressing it in language and art was their rest of the group. Chants goal, and the air was filled with excitement as they pre - which mirrored the slogans pared to end the summer with one final expression of their rose up into the breeze fol - power, the power of peace. lowed by the words: “Can With rain clouds looming above, the bullhorn cackled we do it?” “Yes, we can.” and the march kicked off. Kids ranging from 6 to 14 and Their route travelled up their adult supporters carried hand-painted banners cele - Clark to Devon, Devon to brating the words of great leaders. Sisters Gabriela and Glenwood, Glenwood to Go fly a kite! Uncooperative weather did not stop Tony Villegas and other Centro Romero youth from Lizbeth Camacho walked side by side, sharing Mother Pratt and Pratt to the beach. flying kites after the peace march. The colorful kites were decorated with quotes and artwork cele - Teresa’s belief that “We can all do small things with great All along the way, the kids brating peace and nonviolence. love.” Mohandas Gandhi’s “An eye for an eye makes the saw people clapping and cel - who needs wind when you’ve got Kid Power? Their legs ebrating the message and started pumping and the kites started flying to giggles and the courage it took to share squeals. The kids were surprised to learn that adults can it. Cars were beeping and giggle and squeal too. peace signs were waving. It According to Carreno, the march was a success. was as if these kids were When asked if she thought they had made a difference, stepping back into the 60s. she responded, “Yeah, because all the people were clap - Once at Pratt Beach, the ping and flying the kites was fun too.” rains began. Though the Artwork for peace—including a wall mural and this adults ran for cover, the kids year’s hand painted banners—is on display at Centro were unaffected. In fact, Romero (6216 N. Clark). Also, a Kids Against Violence Andrade said, “I like the rain anti-violence commercial may be viewed on YouTube. ‘cuz I was getting sweaty.” Type in Centro Romero and scroll down to “Gangsta com - Shana Harvey played her mercial.” (That title was chosen in order to attract more of guitar and a group sang the people who need to see it.) “Blowing in the Wind,” per - For more information about Centro Romero’s youth haps hoping to change the and other programs, call 773.508.5300 or visit weather, or maybe because www.centroromero.org. it’s a darn good song. After lunches were distributed, the kids untan - gled kites which they had Lisa DeSantiago serves as anti-violence project coordinator for In August, community members joined Centro Romero’s Kids Against Violence in a march to promote decorated with quotes and the Kids Against Violence Project. During the school year, she peace. Youth carried banners with powerful messages such as Gandhi’s “An eye for an eye makes the artwork. The rain stopped, but also works as a reading specialist for at-risk kids. With the whole world blind.” an ominous fog lay over the Hispanic high school dropout rate at 36%, her goal is to help beach with still no wind. But kids recognize their own power and make wise choices. Complete Count 2010 continued from first page consequence of state-wide undercounting, Illinois lost a employees take an oath of seat in the House of Representatives. If the 2010 census confidentiality. In other words, fails to produce a more accurate count, the state will like - filling out the form is complete - ly lose another congressional seat in addition to millions ly safe. of potential funding dollars. The 2010 census form is Because of the vital importance of a full and accurate much easier to complete than count in 2010, the Rogers Park Community Council in past decades. It has been (RPCC) has assumed a leadership role in the effort to simplified to consist of only 10 increase returns by serving as chair organization for the questions, available in English, Rogers Park Complete Count Committee. Committee Spanish, Russian, Simplified members disseminated census information and market - Chinese, Vietnamese and ing materials at several events over the summer including Korean. RPCC plans to host a the Celebrate Clark Street Festival July 26 and the St. drop-in service (Questionnaire Margaret Mary “Chuck Wagon” September 12. The com - Assistance Center) to answer mittee will continue to publicize and promote the census questions about the census this fall and in 2010. form and will have access to Although the exact reasons for the poor return rate in translations in other languages our community in 2000 cannot be determined with cer - as well. tainty, apprehension and lack of familiarity with the The center will operate from process clearly contributed to the problem. Residents mid-March to mid-April, 2010. Attendees of the Celebrate Clark Street Festival were able to view an actual 2010 census ques - should know that federal law allows census data to be The census also offers tempo - tionnaire at the Rogers Park Community Council table. The organization is serving as chair of used only for strictly defined and limited purposes. rary employment opportunities the Rogers Park Complete Count Committee in order to help ensure that all residents are Official uses include planning for budgeting and commu - for follow-up workers. More included in the upcoming census. nity development, drawing school district boundaries, information about employment designing facilities for senior citizens and youth, and fore - will be available during the casting housing needs. The Census Bureau does not autumn months at RPCC. questions about the census process. For assistance or share information with law enforcement, immigration The decennial census is an important initiative that more information, call 773.338.7722, x22 or visit RPCC at authorities or the Internal Revenue Service, nor does it directly affects our community and its future funding. As 1530 W. Morse. distinguish between citizens and non-citizens. In fact, vio - filling out the form is simple and safe, every household lation of the confidentiality requirement is prohibited by should be sure to complete and return it on April 1. A full Rogers Park resident Elizabeth Vitell serves as executive direc - Title 13, Section 214 of the United States Code and is and complete count of our neighborhood benefits all of us tor of the Rogers Park Community Council. Vitell, an attorney, punishable by fines of up to $5,000 and five years’ impris - and the results are in our hands. previously oversaw Latin American operations for the onment. Both permanent and temporary Census Bureau Staff members at RPCC are available to answer any Washington D.C.-based International Justice Mission. 12 ROGERS PARK 2000 MMAARRKKEETTPPLLAACCEE Royal Coffee Café By Sangita Gosalia 6764 N. Sheridan 773.761.8100 Dawit (David) Bekele became an active member in the Chicago, Bekele, his wife, other daughter and two sons Rogers Park community only months ago. He brought along moved to Chicago and started another chapter of life as not only his positive spirit, but also his enjoyment for residents of Rogers Park. Soon after strolling through At Royal Coffee Café—which opened in June at 6764 N. Ethiopian coffee to share with others. Rogers Park looking for a place to live, he came across the Sheridan—owner Dawit “David” Bekele prides himself on offering Royal Coffee Café opened in June in the space pre- retail space at the corner of Sheridan and Columbia. 100 percent pure Ethiopian coffee. Photo by Marolyn Taylor. viously occupied by Panini Panini. In this quaint space, Instantly, he had a business idea to bring Ethiopian coffee to Bekele offers pure coffee from Ethiopia. As he explains, cof - the neighborhood. fee available in the U.S. is often a blend, taking away from Royal Coffee Café offers not only pure coffee with an Bekele says that it represents not just a flavor, but also rela - the pure, rich and smooth flavor of a quality coffee bean. added sweet treat, but also sandwiches, salads, breakfast tionships and friends. “Coffee brings people together for dia - Born in Ethiopia, Bekele has been surrounded by the items and soon-to-be-added Ethiopian dishes. The space logue and community,” he explains. coffee bean his entire life. Dating back to his grandparents, provides free Wi-Fi as well as a comfortable outdoor patio for his family worked on coffee bean plantations. At age 15, people to relax on during the warmer months. For more information, visit www.royalcoffeechicago.com. Bekele moved to the U.S., where he entered into the busi - Walking into Royal, one definitely feels the wholesome - ness of exporting Ethiopian coffee beans around the world. ness of a family-owned business. The staff and space is wel - Sangita Gosalia serves in the community relationsdepartment of When his eldest daughter decided to attend college in coming to all. When asked what he loves about coffee, Loyola University. All Eyes Are on the Future at Globetrotting Daycare Center By Sarah Engel

yes on the Future has been serving Rogers Park “Where I am from, childcare is a family deal. Your mother, 2007, it formed an after-school program for children ages E families since 1994 as a daycare and child develop - your grandparents—there is always help,” she explains, 6 to 12 with activities, tutoring and a computer lab. ment center. Since 2004 it has been located at adding that she felt it was time to pay her dues. The center also hosts international dinners for its fam - Ravenswood and Lunt across from the Rogers Park Metra Eyes on the Future employs 21 professional care - ilies and encourages parents to get involved by chaperon - station. givers, watching up to 157 children between the ages of 15 ing field trips. Parents are also invited to come in and Founder and chief executive Azieba Gebrehiiwet months and 12 years. The center is proud of its National share their unique skills, many of which are culture-themed came to the U.S. from the East African country of Eritrea Association of Education for Young Children accreditation, and reflect the diversity of Rogers Park. to continue her education, thanks to a college scholarship a merit very few daycare centers hold. Caregivers speak “Children are the future. We have to respect them as to the University of Chicago where her husband was doing multiple languages and are sensitive to special dietary the future, and our eyes should be on them,” says his doctoral work. Increasingly volatile relations between needs. The curriculum emphasizes a creative and hands- Gebrehiiwet of why she chose the name Eyes on the Eritrea and Ethiopia have kept Gebrehiiwet and her hus - on approach to learning, while different play stations focus Future. Her belief that childcare should incorporate a band in the U.S. on specific areas of child development. strong educational base stems from the idea that educa - Gebrehiiwet’s vision for Eyes on the Future formed The center has partnered with Chicago Public after she became a working mother of two daughters. Schools since 2003 and offers a full pre-K program. In continued on page 13 ROGERS PARK 2000 13 WWOORRDD OOFF MMOOUUTTHH By Paul Marcus Le Conakry were very unique. Nigerian meals often consist of pieces 2049 W. Howard of fish with various types of thick sauces (soups and por - 773.262.6955 (BYOB) ridges), all accompanied by “fufu”— a kind of dough made from mashed yams and cassava, which is broken into Once you have tasted the authentic food in one of pieces and used to scoop the food into your mouth. My Rogers Park’s many African storefront eateries, you may meal was served with a dried “stockfish”—the most expen - be inspired to travel to the Mother continent. Nigeria sive fish item on the menu. There was also a melon soup boasts more immigrants to the U.S. than any African nation and Rogers Park is home to a large share—more than any other African nation. Le Conakry is named for the capital city of the tiny Le Conakry co-owner Al Balde is friendly and welcoming to nation of Guinea in French-speaking West Africa. Co- patrons. owner Andrew Eperi is Nigerian, while is partner Al Balde hails from Guinea. Originally opened last December spe - cializing in food from French West Africa, the owners makes for adventurous eating without traveling farther recently decided to expand the menu (thanks to a new than a few blocks . chef) and emphasize traditional Nigerian food. Reasoning Overall, the spices in the West African menu were that the substantial number of Nigerians in the neighbor - hotter than in the Nigerian food, so I preferred the former. hood would help sustain their fledgling restaurant, the Palm oil and bitter-leaf vegetables help flavor their spe - team wanted to offer them a place to find food from their cialties. Dishes on the menu typical of the national styles are cow leg, chicken, catfish and goat meat pepper soup. homeland as well as a place to gather and socialize. Dishes at Le Conakry often feature meat, poultry and/or fish with Le Conakry has a large meeting room that can serve But the real focus here is the food. For my visit, the plantains atop “jelof” rice. The restaurant specializes in as a hub for weekend “futbol” parties or rented for family original menu was still in effect, but Balde and Chef Rose Nigerian specialties. insisted I try a sampling of all their dishes. Starting off with events. The emphasis here is on community and I found the French West African menu, I was brought a plate brim - a very welcoming atmosphere at le Conakry. On Friday ming with pieces of baked chicken, fried fish (tilapia) and (equisi) and an okra soup (ogbono) served alongside a and Saturday nights, live African music is featured from sweet and tender plantains, all served on top of “jelof” rice, wonderful yam porridge. All of this was served with sim - 11pm to 3am. The restaurant also has a desktop comput - which resembles New Orleans-style or “dirty” rice. It was ple white rice. er for community use and free WIFI access. truly the best rice dish I have ever eaten, with a unique As I traveled to Ethiopia (and Tanzania) a few years In addition to dine-in, Le Conakry offers take-out and spice and flavor all its own—by itself, worth the trip over to back, this style of eating was very reminiscent. The con - delivery to the Rogers Park area. Howard Street. sistency of these stews, soups and porridges can be chal - For the second part of the tasting, Chef Rose pre - lenging for the uninitiated, but there is much pleasure to Filmmaker and foodie Paul Marcus is a 20-year resident of pared some of her Nigerian specialties. The selections be had in sampling these dishes along with the fufu. It all Rogers Park. HHIISSTTOORRYY CCOOMMEESS AALLIIVVEE

AB eWnes t hReid gBea Srubcceers:s Story By Nancy Jane Lauren

Look for “History Comes Alive” with Nancy Jane Lauren downsized to a smaller space around the corner and in every issue of the RP2000. –Ed. when Sid died, the shop was renamed Ben’s Barbershop. In those early years, a guy’s routine usually included ixty years ago the local barbershop was alive and a haircut every two weeks—an opportunity for barber and S well. So was the corner drugstore, the Ed Sullivan client to develop a friendship. Ben’s Barbershop became Show and the Saturday Evening Post—an endear - one of those wonderful old-time establishments where ing portrait of America in the post-war years. Back in people stopped by sometimes just to talk. Some cus - Local resident Greg Brewer enjoys his regular visit to Ben’s those days, West Ridge was still mostly prairie, but not for tomers have been regulars for 50 years. Others are so Barbershop (7204 N. California), where Ben Scheinkopf has been long. Shops began dotting a stretch of Touhy near loyal that they continue as clients even after moving away cutting hair for 60 years. California. A butcher shop here, a grocer there, a toy to places such as Waukegan and Buffalo Grove. Others store, a restaurant and of course, an old-fashioned bar - were just little boys when Scheinkopf first cut their hair, for the next four years he was welcomed into their their bershop. New homes were built and young families with but today those “little boys” have grandsons of their own. group. Good years, Scheinkopf says. This is also where children moved in. Soon their backyards would be filled Some of his clients span three generations: grandfa - he learned to speak English. Then in 1949, he got word with swing sets, sandboxes and inflatable wading pools. ther, father and son. He often hears the question “So, that he was eligible to come to America, and the soldiers By the mid 60s, those same kids would be asking for the was my grandfather a good boy?” Imagine a little boy were very sorry to see him go. car keys and thinking ahead to college. dwarfed by a barber’s chair. There he sits with his little Scheinkopf dwells more on the wonderful life he has The days became years and the years dissolved into feet dangling far above the footrest, never thinking for a created here than he does on his experiences in decades. When time passes, it always leaves behind a minute that one day his own grandchildren would sit in Auschwitz. He has a wife and three grown sons, a liveli - trail of change for better or for worse. Some things that same chair. hood, his health, and a loyal following. He does feel that inevitably disappear along the way. Gone today is the cor - After all these years, Ben’s Barbershop still offers the all future generations should be aware of the Holocaust, ner drugstore. Gone are Sunday nights with Ed Sullivan same kind of experience along with a sense of cama - and that once, when a government tyrannized an entire and gone are the local barbers. Except for Ben. At 89, raderie not often found in salons today. This place is nation, millions of innocent people died. Ben Scheinkopf is still cutting hair five days a week at much more than the sum of its parts, but Scheinkopf is an When all the survivors are gone, there will be no one left Ben’s Barbershop, where he witnessed the evolution of a extraordinary sort. He always sees his glass as half-full. to tell it. neighborhood over the past 60 years from the corner of And his strength has been tested by the worst conditions Ben’s Barbershop is located at 7204 N. California, Touhy and California. imaginable. Ben spent three years in Auschwitz during 773.465.1669. He’s there cutting hair Tuesday through Scheinkopf began his new life in Chicago in World War II and lived through all the horrors of the Friday, 7:30am to 5pm, and Saturday from 7:30am to December of 1949 when he left Germany for America. Holocaust. His life was spared because of his trade; the 3pm. Even if you don’t need a haircut, you may want to Like many others from eastern Europe, he went search - camp needed someone who could give haircuts to the stop by just for the conversation. ing for opportunity and a better life here. After only three other prisoners. Sadly, 7 of Ben’s 8 siblings were not as days, he landed a job at Sid’s Barbershop on Touhy, just fortunate. Of the 6,000 Jews who lived in his home town west of California. In 1949, haircuts were $1 and shaves of Plonsk, Poland, only 30 survived. Freelance writer Nancy Jane Lauren spent her childhood in were 50 cents. The community was growing and Ben was When the war ended, Ben was hired as a barber by West Ridge and moved away, returning in 1996 with her hus - busy giving haircuts and shaves from morning till night. the U.S. soldiers who were stationed at an army base in band to live in a 1920s Chicago bungalow. Lauren sits on the But the 60s brought Beatlemania, long hair and ultimate - Germany (haircuts were 35 cents back then). The army board of the Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society. ly a decline in business. Eventually, Sid’s Barbershop gave him a place to stay, fed him, gave him clothing, and

Globetrotting Daycare Center continued from page 12 tion equalizes people. “You can be from any ethnic back - In June, Eyes on the Future debuted a second loca - ning stages of development in Dubai, one of the seven ground, but education brings you to the same table. It links tion in Lagos, Nigeria. It came about thanks to one of the United Arab Emirates. us together,” she notes. children at the center, whose uncle was visiting from For more information about Eyes on the Future, Plans are in the works for Eyes on the Future in Nigeria. He was so inspired by his niece’s advanced call 773.973.0771 or visit the center at 6969 N Rogers Park and abroad. Gebrehiiwet has expanded her development that he and his wife (a teacher in Nigeria) Ravenswood. vision to include intergenerational learning. She invites asked Gebrehiiwet for permission to open a location there. knowledgeable and enthusiastic Rogers Park residents to In August, Gebrehiiwet attended a ground breaking for that help teach youth various skills and crafts. Gebrehiiwet has school’s second building, serving grades 1 through 11. already acquired a space near the daycare center which “It’s an amazing extension,” Gebrehiiwet says, “and the Rogers Park native Sarah Engel is a recent graduate of she also plans to use for intergenerational, community and quality of service is following the name.” DePaul University with a degree in Culture and children’s programs. Yet another location of Eyes on the Future is in the begin - Communication. 14 ROGERS PARK 2000

By Katherine Lemke AARRTTSSBBEEAATT New Working Studio-Gallery Opens its Doors n May 15, 7013 Studio (7013 N. Sheridan) became an 773.338.2177 or visit www.raventheatre.com. O active member of the Rogers Park community, open - The Bohemian Theatre Ensemble at the Heartland ing its doors with wine, cheese and a jazz combo. The Studio Theatre (7016 N. Glenwood) will host the regional evening featured a collection from 10 artists encompassing premiere of the musical The Glorious Ones , a tale about many different types of media. Works ranged from paintings the life of clowns of 16th century Italy. Directed by Stephen to sculptures created from recycled material to specialty M. Genovese, the musical runs from October 16 to lamps. November 21 and promises bawdy gags and jokes and a 7013 Studio’s mission statement reads, “We strive to good time. For information, call 773.791.2393 or visit create an affordable, supportive and inspiring space for up www.bohotheatre.com. and coming artists and foster community spirit through involvement outreach and programming.” True to its mission, Rogers Park resident Katherine Lemke is a junior at Loyola 7013 hosts events both as an independent studio and in col - University Chicago studying English and Philosophy. laboration with other local businesses. Over the summer, the studio hosted a number of events: Open Art Studio nights where community members are encouraged to bring their art supplies and work freely in the space’s friendly and inspiring environment; ArtTalks, a Domestic Robert Louis Stevenson, the show is adapted by John class highlighting art history and reflection on the creative Hildreth, who also adapted the theatre’s popular production process; and Open Mic Nights for those who create art out - of Around the World in 80 Days . The show runs through side of visual media. November 1. For information, call 773.761.4477 or visit Violence The art studio also recently partnered with nearby well - www.lifelinetheatre.com. ness center Ki Essentials (7007 N. Sheridan) to raise money Theo Ubique at the No Exit Café (6970 N. Glenwood) continued from page 3 to help homeless pets through PAWS. Both businesses sold will open the musical Man of La Mancha October 18 at 7pm. $5 and $10 raffle tickets and also accepted general dona - Based on the masterpiece by Miguel de Cervantes, the tions. It was a great way to bring the community together for musical—directed by David Heimann—promises to present sis counseling (355 victims), assistance obtaining a worthwhile cause. the story of the “mad” knight in exciting fashion. To learn orders of protection (170), criminal justice advocacy Currently on display at 7013 is Amnetic State, an art more, call 773.743.3355 or visit HYPERLINK (314 victims), and direct referrals (376) to resources exhibit highlighting how artists deal with memory in the "http://www.theoubique.org" www.theoubique.org. throughout the city. Thanks to a partnership with process of creating art. Hours vary at the studio, with most After hosting two visiting productions in August— The Collier Lock Service (6142 N. Clark) and the Chicago events beginning at 7pm. For more information, email Tragedy of Jennifer, Brad and Angelina… directed by Police Department’s Community Policing Program HYPERLINK "mailto:[email protected]" 7013stu - Danielle Holtz and the world premiere of Heist Play directed (CAPS), VASP also provided lock and/or door replace - [email protected] or visit www.7013studio.tumblr.com. by Allison Shoemaker—the side project has an exciting ment to 8 victims of Rogers Park and Edgewater. 2009-2010 season planned. Showing from November 17 to For assistance or more information, call Jennifer ON STAGE December 20 is Rewind , a world premiere by Laura Eason. Caruso at 773.338.7733, x15 or email jen - The fall season also finds the Rogers Park theater com - The Side Project is also pleased to present judith lynn: a [email protected]. All services are strictly confi - munity alive, well and armed with an exciting lineup of plays story of the sea in conjunction with Rascal Children’s dential. and musicals. Lifeline Theatre, Raven Theatre, The Side Theatre. Set at the turn of the century, this production is The City of Chicago toll-free, 24-hour Domestic Project and Theo Ubique at the No Exit Café have again based on a short story by Annie Hamilton Donnell. For more Violence Help Line is 877.863.6338 (TTY: joined forces to offer the Season Flex Pass. The pass— information, call the side project (1439 W. Jarvis) at 877.863.6339). a great bargain at $50—is good for a total of four shows 773.973.2150 or visit www.thesideproject.net. (adult or children’s performances) at any of the theaters. The Raven Theatre (6157 N. Clark) will be presenting Season Flex Passes may be purchased at Arthur Miller’s classic Death of a Salesman beginning www.thesideproject.net/tickets.php. October 6. Directed by Michael Menendian, the play tells the Lifeline Theatre (6912 N. Glenwood) debuted Treasure Jennifer Caruso serves as director of the Rogers Park tragic story of Willy Loman and can be experienced in Community Council’s Victim Advocacy & Support Program. Island on September 11. Based on the classic tale by Rogers Park through December 5. For information, call ROGERS PARK 2000 15 Lake Side Café Gearing Up for a Delicious Fall By Megy Karydes

We Rogers Parkers love our seasons and tions such as attention deficit disorder or obesity. autumn is no exception as we get ready to pull out Overall behavior improves tremendously once bet - warm sweaters and fall decorations, and enjoy ter food choices are provided to students,” she hearty meals. Lake Side Café (1418 W. Howard) is adds. For those schools who serve hot lunches, also excited about the new season as it introduces Lake Side offers training to kitchen staff on how to new ventures. prepare healthy and balanced meals in the This fall, Lake Side will extend Sunday hours schools, from basic principles to choosing foods to include lunch. The dining room will be available that children will want to eat. Monday through Thursday for community and busi - Lake Side will celebrate its fourth anniversary ness meetings, celebrations and events. “For October 17 with a buffet, music and dancing. The

Lake Side Café (1418 W. Howard) specializes in organic, vegetarian and vegan dishes. After a meal, diners can step up to the display case and pick from a variety of heavenly desserts. those businesses and individuals who would like restaurant also operates Inner Metamorphosis organic and vegetarian food delivered to their door, University (IMU), with events and classes focused Lake Side Cafe will begin a delivery service on on total wellness. Mondays,” says owner Amona Buechler. “It’s an For information about Lake Side Café, call easy way to enjoy delicious and healthy food.” 773.262.9503 or visit www.Lake-Side-Cafe.com. Another venture debuting this fall is a healthy For information about IMU, call 773.262.1468 or school lunch project. “This project is our way of visit www.Lifesurfing.org. teaching the importance of healthy food choices to children at a young age by providing healthy lunch - Megy Karydes is a professional writer and marketing es to schools daily or, if they prefer, on a specific consultant who enjoys spending time with her husband day of the week,” says Buechler. “Many studies and two toddlers. She is very active in the fair trade have shown that providing more balanced meals to movement and prefers organic and locally grown food school children can positively affect certain situa - over processed food any day. Morse Theatre’s Future Still in Limbo continued from first page

Very little information was made available project. “I miss seeing the senior citizens dressed regarding the abrupt termination. Neither the up on Sunday mornings coming bravely down the Pritzker-Feerer organization nor the McGhee team street to the WFMT shows, despite the perception has come forth with news or plans for the Morse’s that Morse is dangerous,” he comments. Rogers future, fueling rumors and frustrating locals. Park resident Kitty Juda also enjoyed the optimistic Feerer’s office responded “no comment” when feeling of having a world class music venue down asked about developments. the block. “After living here for 13 years, I felt so Likewise, when asked for an update, various proud to see this neighborhood come into its own,” local authorities connected with the club only she says. Morseland’s Altman adds that The raised their eyebrows as if to say, “Don’t go there.” Morse’s presence is vital to business owners along One thing seems clear—the McGhee management the street. “We need that powerhouse anchor to team will not be on board if and when The Morse come back to stay,” he says. reopens. Susan Lannin is another local resident eager Bob Patrick of Rogers Park Vintage Properties to see the venue return. “When The Morse says there are plans to re-open when a new man - opened, I was astonished by its size and hand - agement team is formed, but is vague beyond that. someness,” she says. “And it was such a short Betsy Vandercook, chief of staff for Alderman Joe walk from the Red Line and from my home. I hope Moore’s 49th Ward Service office, confirms that no the owners get their act together… and re-open new information has come into their office. She that remarkable facility again!” points out that if and when the investors opt to re- Clearly there is the fervent hope in the com - open, all public assembly, business and liquor munity that the business will return to serve arts licenses would have to be re-applied for. patrons and support nearby businesses. “After all, According to Rene Camargo of the Rogers says Lannin, “a destination like The Morse brings Park Business Alliance (formerly DevCorp North), more customers into the neighborhood, raises the theatre was a critical addition to Morse revital - awareness and interest in what Rogers Park has to ization plans. “In terms of its profile, jobs provided offer, and helps other businesses succeed.” and diverse community partnerships, the Morse Theatre project served Rogers Park in so many ways,” he notes, adding that neighbors phone his Paul Marcus is a filmmaker and 10-year-plus resident of office regularly to ask what’s happening with the Rogers Park. 16 ROGERS PARK 2000