HIGHLIGHTS THIS ISSUE

New School ...... 3 Property Taxes ...... 6 Annual Report ...... 10 To Volunteer ...... 13

Volume 3, Issue 4 December, 1998 Published by the Rogers Park Community Council (circulation: 30,000) Citizen of the Year Loyola University, Chicago

ot so long ago . . . in a place called Rogers Park . . . • A research project between Center for Urban Research • Residential Life has sent student volunteers to help N there was a group of community advocates who and Learning (CURL) and the Howard Area Community clean the yards. wanted to create a place that children from all over Center on the effects of Welfare Reform; • The Psychology Department is organizing a donation the land would come to dance and to learn and to grow. • And Loyola support for many Rogers Park organizations drive for program supplies, and This group of advocates sent a proposal to the King of the through staff volunteerism. • Today, more than 150 youth and their families partici- Land . . . we like to call him Mayor Daley . . . who looked One of the most recent initiatives is the partnership pate in educational, recreational, and social growth pro- favorably upon their plan and granted them a Youth Net. with Loyola University Chicago and the Rogers Park grams at the Rogers Park Youth Network. Well the advocates were thrilled until they realized that Youth Network. Loyola is lending its building at Sheridan Rogers Park is a unique community; Loyola is a they did not have a magical place to build their special and Albion which was formerly known as the Cheers unique University; and working together is a unique new program. They searched the land and found a small, Café to the Network. The 4,000 square foot building is opportunity . . . we thank you. On behalf of the partners unused building located on the road they call Sheridan. perfectly situated for the new afterschool youth program. of the Rogers Park Youth Network and particularly the The group went to the new owner of the small building On the ground level is large restaurant area that can children and families we work with, we award Loyola and asked them if they would like to become a partner in seat 120 people, there’s also a dance floor with fully University Chicago the 1998 Citizen of the Year. creating a special place for the children of the land . . . it equiped DJ booth. Upstairs are four apartments that was kizmet . . . and so began the Rogers Park Youth have been converted into offices, meeting rooms, and a The award was presented by Robert Winston, vice presi- Network. computer lab. dent of the Rogers Park Community Council. Today, we recognize Loyola University Chicago for its Once the Network was notified of the availability of efforts to make Rogers Park a great place to live, the space, members of the staff met with representatives work and raise a family. While many communities are at from Loyola’s property management department. Plans war with their local educational institutions, Loyola were made to get the building University continues to build a unique partnership with its into a condition that was once surrounding neighborhood. again usable. And in The Rogers Park Youth Network is not Loyola’s first September, we were proud to significant contribution to Rogers Park! About 20 years announce the opening of the ago, Rogers Park was financially struggling – people Rogers Park Youth Network. would not buy or invest in our neighborhood. Loyola initi- Soon other Loyola ated the “Walk to Work Program” to encourage faculty Departments heard about the and staff to buy and live in the Rogers Park / Edgewater new youth initiative and communities. Since that time, Loyola has strategically began to offer help: invested in our neighborhood – even purchasing • The School of Social Work criminally managed properties in order to get rid of bad and the CURL are design- neighbors. ing a model for program Many of us have stories of the partnerships devel- evaluation; oped with Loyola University. Some of the most recent • The Career Center is send- projects include: ing us Federal Work/Study • An annual summer school program for educational and Students; athletic enrichment; • The Athletics Department • Science SMARTeam programs at local elementary has opened the Mundelein schools; gym to our basketball • A new educational initiative between the School of league and is enlisting vol- Education and Sullivan High School; unteer tutors and coaches; Loyola University Chicago is named Citizen of the Year. Pictured are Richard P. • Community planning for Sheridan Road, Loyola and • University Ministry is Moran (RPCC president), Reverend John J. Piderit SJ (Loyola University President), Morse Avenues; recruiting mentors & tutors; and Robert Winston (RPCC vice president). Community Investment Award

The Devon Bank 6445 N. Western Avenue

n behalf of the Rogers Park Community at Devon Bank. O Development Corporation (RPCDC), it is our great Presented by Keith honor to present Devon Bank with this year’s award Lord, Acting President of the for Outstanding Community Investment. Rogers Park Community Many of you may know, Devon Bank developed the Development Corporation. H.O.M.E. (Home Ownership Made Easy) program to The RPCDC is a subsidiary assist prospective buyers who may not ordinarily qualify of the Rogers Park for conventional loans. The new program implemented in Community Council. For conjunction with the RPCDC home buyer counseling ser- more information on the vice has helped numerous Rogers Park residents achieve HOME call Jim Michalek at “the American dream” of home ownership. The Devon Bank (773-465- The joint program has been extremely successful. 2500) or John Stamm at the By year-end, the bank will have loaned more than $1.2 RPCDC (773-338-7732). Million and in some cases financed up to 97% of proper- ty values. By lending at this high percentage rate, the bank truly becomes a partner with the buyer. In one case, the bank saved a building north of Howard from foreclosure. They did this by helping finance one of the buildings long-term tenants. This allowed him and other tenants to remain in their homes and to replace the existing non-resident owner with an owner-occupant The Devon Bank receives recognition for their Community Investment initiatives and landlord who is committed to the neighborhood. the H.O.M.E. loan program for first-time buyers. Pictured are Terry McAviney , Jim Most importantly, Devon Bank has taken a true lead- Michalek, Richard Loundy (chairman), and Mary Howard of Devon Bank with John ership role in investing and helping others to invest in our community. This award goes out to all of the people Stamm and Keith Lord of the Rogers Park Community Development Corporation.

2 ROGERS PARK 2000 RPCC Joins the World Wide Web How Well Do You

By Jim Yeaman Know Rogers Park?

he Rogers Park Community Council (RPCC) has as the web site grows and gains in popularity, it will become Where Is This Sculpture Sitting? T joined the World Wide Web with the launch of its own a source of non-dues revenue. RPCC members who wish web site! The site, hosted by RPCC member and to attach their own web page to the RPCC main site will be neighborhood internet service provider Digital Interplay, offered a discounted "siting fee" and RPCC will earn a affords RPCC the opportunity to further communicate its "commission" on all such fees. The Board, in reviewing the mission to an even wider public. In addition to the bene- recommendation from Ms. Steinbuck determined that the fits to RPCC itself, individual members can have their own fee schedule proposed by Digital Interplay was competitive web sites developed and attached to the RPCC main site and would be attractive to the membership. for a nominal annual fee. Marketing of the new web site and its benefits to the The address for the new web site is membership will be handled at no cost to RPCC by Jim http://www.rogerspark.org. The main e-mail address to Yeaman, President of The JOY Group, a Rogers Park reach the staff is [email protected]. As the site based communications and marketing consulting firm. matures and the staff becomes more sophisticated in the Jim, a former member of the RPCC Board of Directors use of the new medium, additional e-mail address may be and a member of the Editorial Committee of RP2000, has established such as one for Rogers Park 2000 (RP2000) an extensive background in the online services industry. Send your correct response by December 31, 1998 to RPCC, and other areas of activity. He will be contacting individual members to set up 1772 W. Lunt Avenue, Chicago, IL 60626. The winner of a Preliminary design of the new web site has been appointments to explain the benefits of working with $25.00 gift certificate to the new Gateway Bar & Grill will be underway for several weeks and it is anticipated that every RPCC's web site. selected by lottery from the correct responses. Good Luck! The aspect of RPCC activity will be featured on the web site. Persons interested in learning more about this new answer will be printed in the next issue of Rogers Park 2000. Special sections of the web site will be devoted to such opportunity to communicate their products and/or ser- activities as Housing Initiatives, Domestic Violence, Youth vices should call Jim at (773) 338-5600 or (773) 338- Last issue's winner was Walid Diab. The Eagle is perched on Net, and RP2000. RPCC. the building at 1556 W. Howard that currently houses the Ace It is anticipated that the RP2000 section will enable Members who already have their own web sites will Hardware. RPCC to more effectively communicate fast breaking be given the opportunity to have their sites "linked" to news and feature items that deserve immediate attention RPCC's site for a nominal annual fee. Links to other web rather than having to wait for the quarterly publication. sites operated by neighborhood organizations, such as Discussions are underway to revise the RP2000 advertis- Loyola University and The Rogers Park Builders Group, How You Can ing rate card to provide additional exposure for advertis- will be offered on RPCC's site. Such links will be recipro- ers via the new web site. cal in nature, so that the new RPCC site will also be The RPCC Board of Directors, at its October meeting accessible from the web sites of other organizations. Help Yourself approved the new web site. Executive Director Cary Digital Interplay, the Internet Service Provider chosen Steinbuck noted that the staff will use the web site as a by RPCC to host the organization's web site, has several By Dana D. Nate reference source for the many inquiries that come to decades of experience in the online environment. In addi- RPCC from students and others doing research on tion to hosting the RPCC site, Digital Interplay also hosts s of November 4, 1998 it is possible for victims of Rogers Park. According to Steinbuck, "We receive a high sites for the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and the A Domestic Violence to change their Social Security number of requests for information from students, busi- Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well number. Abusers can use social security numbers to ness firms and professionals who are trying to learn more as a number of commercial clients. locate and further harass victims. about the history of Chicago and Rogers Park. By having RPCC members are invited to visit the new web site You can apply for a new number in person at any a good 'archive' of information on our new web site, these over the next few weeks and view its development. social security office. Make sure you bring proof of age, inquiries can be handled in a more efficient manner." Feedback from members is encouraged! The site can be identity and US citizenship or alien status. If you have The cost to set up of the web site is within the commu- found by pointing your Netscape or Internet Explorer changed your name you need to bring proof of the change nications budget of RPCC. It is anticipated, however, that browser to this address: http://www.rogerspark.org. with you. You must also bring proof of the abuse. This is where it becomes tricky. You must provide official docu- mentation of the abuse in order for it to be approved. Examples of official documentation would be police Caps In Command reports, doctor's letters or medical proof that clearly shows the history or extent of the abuse. Other docu- By Commander David V. Boggs mentation would include a non-expired Order of Protection or a letter from a shelter counselor. he Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) has further action was needed to address the specific inci- If the violence is still occurring and you have not many different "faces" and can be effective in many dence of disorder. obtained a police report documenting the abuse it is in T your best interest to do so. The first step is to get to a safe different ways. In the past several months, we have To that end, I directed our first "Zero Tolerance" initia- found that CAPS can combine traditional and non-tradi- tive on Howard Street. During a three- week period in late place and call 911. The police will meet with you and com- tional policing to achieve both short- and long-range August and early September, teams of 24th District offi- plete a report. You must get the report number (if you do objectives. cers were directed to the area from Jarvis north to not receive a report number, the report may not have been Shortly after my appointment as Commander of the Juneway and from Clark Street east to Greenview. We set filed). If you are weary of documenting the abuse, please 24th District, I met with community and business repre- up a command post at Howard and Greenview to coordi- be assured that the members of the police do not contact sentatives of the Howard Street area. The biggest con- nate the paperwork associated with this strategy. The offi- your abuser and notify them of your actions. The only time cern expressed by those residents centered on the "qual- cer's directed their efforts towards those very concerns that your abuser would know that you had made a police ity of life" issues we face each day. Concerns such as the community had identified. Almost 300 arrests were report is if you or someone you know lets it slip or when drinking on the public way, disorderly conduct and other made in the three-week period. More importantly, citizens you press criminal or civil charges and complete the court acts which detract from the viability of Howard Street. We residing along Howard Street told our officers that they process. all recognized that both the police and the community actually felt safer; many more residents were using the Protecting yourself and your family is your number have been doing a good job identifying the problems, but street again and therefore, shopping in the stores along one responsibility. Without safety and security you have Howard Street. nothing. If you have any questions regarding how to go Based upon the success we achieved about making a police report or changing your social on Howard Street, we initiated a modified security number call Dana or Dawn at the Victim "Zero Tolerance" strategy on Beat 2424, Advocacy Support Program at (773) 338-7733. We are using Pottowattomie Park as a staging area. here to help you protect yourself and your family from fur- Close to 50 arrests were made in a 14-day ther abuse. period in the area south of Jarvis Avenue and again, people living in this area related that Dana D. Nate is Director of the Rogers Park Community they just felt safer. Council's Victim Advocacy Support Program. This is traditional policing; putting police resources into an area, making arrests and ensuring a large police presence in the area. In some cases, this works very well as our results on Beats 2422 and 2424 have shown. The bigger issue remains though. While we know that arresting individuals engaged in disorderly behavior does have some impact, we also know that arrests are not the long- range solution to the problems that confront Editorial Committee: Lorraine Dostal, CHAIR our community. That's where non-traditional Jim Yeaman, Sandi Price, Cary Steinbuck. policing strategies must be developed and Writers: David Boggs, Larra Clark, Lorraine Dostal, Mark Doyle, Carol Goldman, Mary Jane Haggerty, Bonnie Tipton Long, used to attack these problems. When we Jennifer Long, Keith Lord, Richard P. Moran, analyze a problem as we do at beat meet- Dana Dyan Nate, Sandi Price, Mike and Toni Realmuto, ings, we frequently find that the root cause of Sara Alex Schwartz, Chuck Shubart, John Stamm Cary Steinbuck, Mary Tatro, June Terpstra, the problem has nothing to do with the police; Evelyn J. Thompson, Jack E. Thurston, Mercedes Travis, it's a negligent property owner, or a business Robert Winston, Jim Yeaman. owner who allows disorderly conduct to occur Designer: Pon Angara on his premises, or who fails to call the police when disorderly conduct is observed. Photos: Larra Clark, Carol Goldman, Mary Jane Haggerty, Sandi Price, Cary Steinbuck, Jack E. Thurston Making arrests may be Business Manager: Sandi Price Executive Director: Cary Steinbuck continued on page 3 To Advertise, call (773) 338-RPCC

ROGERS PARK 2000 3 SCHOOLS IN ACTION

Area Schools Get A New Look By Jim Yeaman

ayor Richard M. Daley's commitment to beautify M the physical facilities at Chicago's Public Schools has reached the tangible stage at Rogers Park's Sullivan High School. According to George Kelly, Sullivan's chief engineer, a number of site improvements have been completed. Most noticeable is the erection of a decorative wrought iron fence around the western and southern perimeter of Sullivan's south playlot. In addition to the fencing, land- scaping has been planted inside the fence and within a new curbed planting area adjacent to the asphalt and concrete playlot. Repairs have been made to the concrete and asphalt surfaces and landscaping has been improved throughout the campus. Repairs to the terra cotta facade have been underway for nearly a year and completion is anticipated shortly. Principal Kathryn Ruffalo promises more improve- ments in the near future.

Jim Yeaman is President of The JOY Group and is a Rogers Park based organization services, marketing and com- munications consultant.

A New School Will Be Built, Like It Or Not By Chuck Shubart

ike it or not, the long-overdue construction of a School Board officials have searched for a site to The Board says building a 700-student school will L school to relieve serious overcrowding at Field serve Field's attendance area - (bounded by Chase on require two to three acres of space - a full-sized city block. School, 7019 N. Ashland, is presenting Rogers Park the north, Farwell to the south; the lake on the east, and The LSC, however, believes that locating sites for two residents with a unique opportunity to be midwives to the Ravenswood to the west) - but found no easy answer. schools of about half that size will be significantly less dis- rebirth and revitalization of their community. Instead, the Board is asking Field's LSC to submit rec- ruptive to homes and businesses - and best for our chil- Rogers Park can meet this challenge with sensitive ommendations. Final authority rests with the mayor's dren. eagerness, or with alarm and distaste. If we truly care for School Board. But approval by the LSC, principal and The Board warns that building two small schools will our children's academic growth, this is a test the whole community will be instrumental. be more costly. The LSC and neighbors involved in the community must pass. Field's council is welcoming its responsibility to con- process, however, warn that clearing a 3-acre parcel will Lessons from local history will remind us that, "Not in vene a public conversation. All voices are invited, and the be too costly to our community, and that the cost of con- my back yard," can be local residents' first and most stub- LSC desires no rush to judgment. Citywide, the creation struction at two smaller sites is the wisest investment for born response. In our densely populated area, more than of new schools is the most meaningful opportunity our local children, residents and businesses. a "back yard" is at stake in selecting a site for a new neighborhoods have had in a long, long time to look at Rogers Park is a singular community. The communi- school. Apartments, houses, or commercial sites face dis- community development and form long-term vision. We're ty seeks a balance that ensures it remains diverse and placement to meet the needs of the 700 children who building a school for kids for the next 50 years, so we affordable to renters, while at the same time being an overflow Field's 100-year-old schoolhouse. need to plan ahead 50 years. attractive place for landlords, homeowners and mer- Funds for acquisition of a new site were recently It is fundamental that good schools solidify a com- chants to invest in. Creating the best school possible approved by the Board of Education after years of plead- munity. Without them, you don't have a stable community. requires singular commitment and vision. ing by Field's Local School Council (LSC). In the fiscal Also, good schools attract better businesses. While no History tells us the greatest hurdle is the initial devel- year beginning next July, additional funds are earmarked rush to choose a site is wanted, neither is needless delay opment process. In 1991, a community vegetable garden for construction. because students won't be best served until new school near Pottawattomie Park was proposed as the site for doors swing open. what today is Jordan School. Vocal neighbors rallied in Field's 1,400-plus opposition. Some jealously guarded that site, objecting children currently attend that it was in a "high-crime" area unsuitable for children. far-flung and make-do Foes claimed architects' plans to place a high-pressure facilities. About 500 are boiler near the school library were unsafe; in fact, no high- taught in two annex build- pressure boiler was planned. ings leased from St. Openness and selfless dialogue are needed now. Jerome's Parish, two Planning that places the interests of children foremost blocks from the main cam- and anticipates what's best for our community is required pus. About 200 more are in Field's attendance area. It's a challenge all should wel- taught in five temporary come and all can join. For more information call Chuck classroom units that Shubart at (773) 274-8260. squeeze the limited play area on the campus. Still, Chuck Shubart, a community representative on Field's space is insufficient. Field Local School Council, is a freelance writer and former struggles with where to Education Editor of Lerner Newspapers. have private conferences with parents and students. Nonetheless, Field is an improving school. LSC members are proud of the principal they hired four Caps from page 2 years ago. Achievement test scores have risen one way of attacking a problem, but it's not the only way. In steadily for the "mini- addition, a "Zero Tolerance" approach puts a large drain on United Nations" enroll- our resources and is not a strategy that we can use on a ment, but are far from daily basis. As Commander of the 24th District, I am not where they need to be. concerned with the quantity of arrests; I am concerned with The council already the quality of life for the residents of this district. has offered a vision for the To that end, I am asking all you to join us in continu- new school. Research ing to develop ways to confront these problems, recogniz- confirms small schools ing that only together can we achieve success. In the short are best, and that quality time I have been assigned to the 24th District, the spirit of primary-grade instruction this community and the willingness of the residents in all is most critical. The LSC parts of the district to get involved have tremendously proposes that two 350- impressed me. I assure you that our commitment as police student primary grade officers, to make this community a safe and vibrant place centers be built, rather to live, is as strong as ever. Together, we can make a dif- than a larger 700-student ference and we will. building. Under this plan, Field would become an Commander Boggs is a 30-year veteran of the Chicago intermediate- and upper- Police Department. He has served in the Patrol Division, grade school. Detective Division, Bureau of Technical Services and the Organized Crime Division. Prior to being assigned to the 24th District, Commander Boggs served as Commander of the 19th District and the Narcotics Unit.

4 ROGERS PARK 2000 WHO’S IN CHARGE By Cary Steinbuck

n August, Sara "Alex" Schwartz joined the Rogers Park includes information on how to identify and avoid peer Dawn holds a Bachelor's in sociology and human I Community Council (RPCC) staff as the Prevention pressure, self-esteem, as well as drug and violence pre- relations from the University of Iowa where she special- Coordinator. Rogers Park United Against Violence is a vention programs. Alex is particularly interested in work- ized in criminal justice. community prevention initiative funded through the City of ing with young women. She is organizing a recreation Ms. Schifer wants to "assist victims by making them Chicago's department of public health. and "rap" group for young women in partnership with the aware of their options." She likes service model at the Alex comes to us from Washington DC where she RPCC's Youth Intervention and the Rogers Park Youth Rogers Park Community Council where she has the abil- worked for the US Department of Justice as a paralegal Network programs. ity to work with clients on a one-to-one basis, rather that in the Anti-Trust Division. As a community volunteer, Alex In November, Dawn Schiefer joined the RPCC's in large groups. "It's the ability to be a true advocate that taught citizenship classes and provided tutoring to the Victim Advocacy Support Program staff as the new court is appealing about working here." academically challenged in an inner-city DC elementary advocate. The new position is funded through a Victims For more information on violence prevention and school. of Crime Act (VOCA) grant from the Illinois Criminal crime victim assistance programs, call the Rogers Park Alex graduated with honors and holds a bachelor's in Justice Information Authority. The grant is targeted to pro- Community Council at 773-338-RPCC. International Relations with a specialty in Latin American vide direct services to survivors of violent crime. and the Caribbean from the University of Wisconsin – Dawn comes to the RPCC from Iowa City, where she Madison. She spent two years in Argentina as an worked for the state Department of exchange student where she taught several English lan- Correctional Services (DOCS) providing guage classes. She is tri-lingual, speaking Spanish, counseling and monitoring of persons on Portuguese, and English. probation and parole. While at DOCS, Dawn Alex came to the RPCC's prevention program to facilitated a batterer's program for convicted "make a difference" by providing tools and information domestic violence abusers. As a volunteer, which allow children the opportunity to make good choic- she provided crisis intervention counseling at es. Currently, she is presenting prevention programs at a local battered women's shelter. Kilmer Elementary School. The eight-week curriculum

Meet Sara "Alex" Schwartz and Dawn Schifer the newest RPCC staff members.

Someone You Should Know By Bonnie Tipton Long

udy Stone received her first cello at age 6, right teacher and person," she says. One year later, 10 year J about the time her parents, John and JoAnn Stone, old Judy won the North Shore Music Center Youth moved into her current West Rogers Park residence. Competition, an honor that included a chance to perform In an age when many parents search for ways to find with the orchestra. Six years later, she was performing the quality time for their children, the Stone's found a unique Dvorak Cello Concerto as featured soloist with the way to solve this problem. John Stone, a pianist, and Chicago Symphony Orchestra after placing first in their JoAnn Stone, a violinist, frowned on wasting time. They Youth Auditions. preferred that their three children spend their idle time Although it was a struggle for the Stones, Judy and learning a musical instrument. Judy's sister Susan stud- her siblings were educated at the highly regarded ied violin and now has a Ph.D. in music. Brother John P. Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan, where she plays the viola and earned his law degree from Loyola actually liked the uniform policy, knickers. "They were University. sensible and comfortable," she reports. As headmaster, Today, Judy Stone is a member of the Orion Joe Maddy, put it, "Some look good in pants, some look Chamber Ensemble and performs as an 'extra' for the good in skirts, but all look bad in knickers." Realizing the Chicago Symphony Orchestra and Lyric Opera. Add to financial hardship for her parents, Judy worked to gradu- that her work as a studio musician and her regular ate a year early. She continued her studies at Roosevelt appearances with Music of the Baroque and you begin to University, where she received a full scholarship based on realize the level of talent involved. Not that she hasn't her non-musical academic achievements. Along with a earned her place in the upper echelon of music society Bachelor's degree in music, she received the university's with the usual hard work and diligence. prestigious Howard V. Phalin award to complete her grad- In the early 70's, the Stone family formed a touring uate studies. act. Calling themselves the "Precious Stones," they per- The excitement in Judy's life intensified when she formed at local women's clubs and county fairs. By the began traveling the country competing in as many as time Judy was in high school, they were spending their twelve musical competitions a year. By 1982, she gradu- she and three other players were dressed in 18th century summers performing at resorts, vacationing during the ated to international competitions, which she likens to the costumes and performed on stage as a quartet. "We day and performing every evening. In Canada, they "music Olympics". This level of contest is reserved for the were positioned on a staircase and they just sort of rolled worked at the Totem Lodge, a fishing resort. "They would most highly skilled musicians and the majority are held us in, we played, and then they rolled us off," she says. A take us out in a boat and we would try fishing, but we once every four years. She and her cello have traveled to bit of a contrast to this would be her work in the studio weren't very good at it," she says. At the Alpine Lodge in Germany, Hungary, Finland and three times to Russia, doing TV and radio commercials. "It keeps things inter- Door County, where they also failed as golfers, they where she was awarded a 'Performer's Certificate' in the esting," she says. You can catch Judy Stone in perfor- excelled at playing classics of the 40's and 50's at dinner Tchaikovsky competition. "The experience is invaluable," mance with the Orion Chamber Ensemble for free on and three dances a week. "Working together each sum- she reports. She put that experience to work performing those occasions when they play on radio station WFMT's mer was fun and it gives you a sense of purpose," she as a soloist with a number of orchestras here in the U.S. live studio concerts. Or, you can make reservations for a explains. When pressed to describe what it entails to be an regular season performance by calling (630) 628-9591. Summer was also time to double up on music 'extra' with such world-class organizations as CSO or lessons since studies were not to be ignored during the Lyric Opera, she reveals that it can be much more than Bonnie Tipton Long is a local musician and an Associate regular school year. At the age of 9, she became a pupil filling out the orchestra or covering for absent players. For at the North Lakeside Cultural Center. of distinguished cellist Karl Fruh. "He was an amazing instance, in Lyric's production, "The Ghosts of Versailles",

ROGERS PARK 2000 5

From The Director’s Desk By Cary Steinbuck 1998 Was A Very Good Year!

ecember is a "feel good" kind of month. There are In 1998, Friends of the Rogers Park Library saw a hood. Many six flats were rehabilitated and converted to D always a lot of parties. People seem just a little dream come true and construction began on a new, larg- ownership opportunities. The 1998 housing market in our nicer. And Rogers Parkers can look back on the er facility for our neighborhood. community was extremely hot! year, with a smile, at all our successes! On the educational front, new annex buildings have The Rogers Park Community Council and private Dev Corp North reports that Gateway Shopping been completed for both Gale and Armstrong Elementary developer, Jay Johnson of Cornerstone Investments, Center continues to progress. Phase One – the new Schools. Also, the Chicago Board of Education has allo- received approval from the City of Chicago Department of LaSalle Bank opened for business in November. Phase cated funds to Rogers Park for an additional elementary Housing for redevelopment funding to convert the 57-unit Two – the new Dominick's continues to move forward. It school (in the Field School area). building at 1528 W. Morse to senior housing. is anticipated that the "pad" will be delivered to Speaking of education, the Howard Area Community The Howard Street Special Service Area was Dominick's in the next month and we could be shopping Center initiated a new Teen Reach program at Sullivan approved in the fall of 1997 and the Board of Commi- by late spring. High School. The new program provides additional edu- ssioners was appointed in June, 1998. The first initiative Alderman Patrick O'Connor (40th Ward) can take cation resources for our children. to promote the Howard Street commercial area will be pride in the completion of the Schreiber Park expansion. Loyola University Chicago reports a record freshman seen during the upcoming holiday season. Instead of a deteriorated gang building – today there is class – a 2.1% increase. This is the largest freshman Public safety continues to improve in Rogers Park. open space for our children. class in its history. Our police at the 24th District operate one of the most Speaking of parks . . . let's not forget the announce- Family Matters (FM)has initiated a community successful CAPS programs in the City (maybe even in the ment by Alderman Joseph Moore (49th Ward) for an organization effort. Through an "asset-based approach", country). Commander David Boggs states that reported expanded Kiwanis Park to enhance the lives of children at Family Matters is seeking to enhance the leadership skills crime has dropped another 12+% this year. Rogers Park Gale School and in the north of Howard community. The of community residents. FM received funding from the remains the 3rd safest community in the City! park expansion will convert deteriorated commercial and Mac Arthur, Woods, and Wieboldt Foundations as well as So, as you join family and friends to welcome in the mixed-used residential properties to open space. Could it the Rogers Park Youth Network to promote a "positive" New Year, raise your glass to Rogers Park – a great place be that the boarded KFC means that the project is mov- organizing methodology that builds long-term relation- to live, work and raise a family! ing forward? ships and responds to issues identified by the neighbor- In December, Alderman Bernard Stone (50th Ward) hood. Some of the issues include enhanced educational Cary Steinbuck serves as the Executive Director of the will welcome Mayor Richard M. Daley to the kick-off for and recreational options. Rogers Park Community Council. the opening of the new Warren Park ice skating rink. On the homefront, Rogers Park saw a tremendous There are really some co-o-o-o-l things to do in Rogers burst in home ownership opportunities. Condominium Park! conversions were the news of the year for our neighbor-

Thank you Walgreens Backs Off of Clark St.

to all my he Rogers Park community was recently advised by developers for Walgreens that friends at T they will not be proceeding with their plans to build a new store at the Northeast cor- ner of Pratt and Clark. Rogers Park J. F. Carter, vice president of Dial Properties, stated “the selected site didn’t work out” as they could not reach an agreement with the affected property owners. Dial Properties Community is one of the development companies used by Walgreens. The plan included purchasing the buildings at 1652 through 1670 W. Pratt Avenue. Council We would like to thank Alicia Lopez, CAPS outreach coordinator, and Mary Jane Haggerty, RPCC housing organizer, for providing information and assistance to the ten- for your ants living in the buildings targeted for redevelopment. support.

Jan Schakowsky State Representative 18th District

6 ROGERS PARK 2000 Rogers Park Children Learning Center Expands

By Mercedes Travis

he Rogers Park Children Learning Center (RPCLC) Schools. Staff at the RPCLC pick up the children at Field 0-3, through a network of family childcare home providers T has recently been awarded a grant from the Chicago School after the morning kindergarten session. In the for working parents. Already established since 1991 is a Public Schools for a State Pre-Kindergarten afternoon, staff go and pick up children from Kilmer which half-day Head Start program at 1545 W. Morse. Program. The new initiative has been integrated into the now has a full day kindergarten. Children who attend 1st Information about these programs can be obtained by already established Illinois Department of Human and 2nd grades at Field School are also eligible for after calling 773/262-1390. The agency also receives funding Services subsidized day care program. The program for school programs. When public school is closed, children from the Illinois State Board of Education Child and Adult working parents is currently at 1773 W. Lunt. The funds attend full day at the RPCLC located at 1542-44 W. Care Food Program. RPCLC, strives to provide quality will provide for a Pre-K teacher to develop curriculum, Morse. For more information call 773/262-0677. day care services and is expanding services more each assistant teachers, and a social worker to work closely The Chicago Department of Human Services has day for the Rogers Park community. with parents. For more information call 773/262-0844. selected the Rogers Park Children Learning Center as The RPCLC has offered the families of Rogers Park one of the delegate agencies to participate in a provider Mercedes Travis has been the Executive Director at a subsidized day care program for working parents and network under the Early Head Start Enhanced Family Rogers Park Children Learning Center since 1987. also has an after school program for children who attend Child Care Home Program. This agency will oversee the kindergarten at Joyce Kilmer and Eugene Field Public administration of childcare home slots, for children ages Chicago Park District Announces No New Property Taxes for Sixth Consecutive Year

By Larra Clark

he Chicago Park District recently announced its raising taxes," said Mayor Richard M. Daley at the recent • About $5 million investment into the creation of the Gale T 1999 budget recommendations, with an operating 1999 City Budget Address. School Recreation Center, which will replace the current budget of $314.4 million. This budget builds on the "We will continue to raise the bar at the Chicago Park Kiwanis Playground location. successes of 1998 without raising taxes for the sixth con- District, or what we like to call the Department of Fun," • Bathroom construction at Rogers Park. secutive year. said General Superintendent Carolyn Williams Meza. "In • Building improvements at Indian Boundary Park. The Park District's 1999 capital spending projections 1999, we will continue to focus on quality fun, realizing • Implementation of the new signage program at are about $70 million, contributing to a total of more than that at the core of this is quality property, quality pro- Warren Park. $370 million in capital spending for 1995 through 1999. gramming and quality people. We will continue to invest • The success of specialty camps introduced in 1998 has These funds are the result of strong fiscal management, in our neighborhood parks because Chicago parks bring prompted expansion of this type of recreational pro- not increased taxes. For example, in 1993, one of every neighbors together." gramming in the 1998-99 school year. Recognizing that $3 went to administrative costs. This figure is estimated Highlights of the 1999 budget for the Rogers Park parks offer safe, creative places for kids when school is to be one out of $9 in 1999. Revenues from non-proper- area include: out, the Park District will offer more programming during ty tax resources has also increased dramatically, from 17 • Partnering with the City of Chicago and the Chicago school breaks and on holidays. percent in 1993 to a projected 32 percent in 1999, for a Public Schools to continue the creation of campus • Outdoor and environmental programs will continue to total of $99.5 million. "...the Park District has taken dra- parks, the District continues to expand from its current grow throughout the city. matic steps to improve the quality of our neighborhood 50+ schools to a goal of 100 campus parks in neigh- The Park District's mission is to "enhance the quality parks. Family programs have been added. Ball fields, borhoods throughout Chicago. In 1999, about 25 new of life in Chicago by becoming the leading provider of soccer fields and ice rinks have been built or improved. campus parks will be introduced. recreation and leisure opportunities; to provide safe, invit- Swimming pools and beach houses have been restored • About $1 million investment in the renovation of ing and beautifully maintained parks and facilities; and to ... and all of these improvements have been made without Broadway Armory Park. create a customer-focused and responsive park system." Berger Park Cultural Center's Craft for Kids Segment Seen Nationwide on Channel 9

By Jack Thurston

n its second year on WGN television's "Bozo Show," Sue Nicotera, Berger Park Cultural Center’s Park Supervisor, I the Chicago Park District's Craft for Kids segment has shows off a Crafts for Kids project. become nothing short of a success. Berger Park Cultural Center's own park supervisor, Sue Nicotera, has been leading the program for the past two seasons. "I was really nervous being in front of a camera when I first started the program, but after two years of doing the Bozo Show, my fear of cameras has eased," Nicotera said. Craft for Kids proves that anyone can make fun crafts at home. Projects start with supplies such as empty cans, milk cartons, old hats, string, buttons and pickle jars. These objects are then transformed into craft items like wind chimes, snow men, potpourri jars, face masks and more. "We are making home crafts from your every-day, in-the-garage, under-the-sink objects; there should be no shopping involved," Nicotera said. Each session runs about four minutes. "Even though the audience will not finish the projects in four minutes, it still only takes about an half-hour to an hour to create turned out, the man was a former recreation leader them from scratch," Nicotera said. who worked with Nicotera years ago. "It was a won- One of the most encouraging aspects about doing derful experience. Here was this man who used to the show is running into former park students, she said. work for me when he was a teenager, now in the In one segment, Bozo asked audience members if they audience, with kids of his own. It really gives you a knew who Sue Nicotera was. One man replied, "I know warm feeling inside." Miss Sue." "Miss Sue, who's that?" inquired Bozo. As it As for the future of Craft for Kids, Nicotera said she would be more than happy to keep the show alive. "We have to wait on our contract renewal. I hope we'll be back again next year. The show has been a success, and we all get along really well." *Loyola Copy Center *Avondale Federal Savings Bank The Craft for Kids segment can RE/MAX NorthCoast Realty * Stanley H. Kaplan Center be seen on WGN's "Bozo Show" on December 13, 1998; February 21 and March 7 and 21, 1999. Join Sue and her creative staff at Berger Park Cultural Center, 6205 N. Sheridan, for crafts and other wonderful park programs. Call (312) 742-7871 for more information.

Tune into WGN’s Bozo Show to learn how to make these festive crafts.

ROGERS PARK 2000 7 Check out Kidz Weaving at Loyola Park COMMUNITY By Larra Clark ver the years, Loyola Park has offered a variety of The class is structured so students can come and go CALENDAR O weaving programs for both kids and adults. For the as they need, depending on their parents' schedules. "It last four years, Linda Kelso, a physical instructor at works really well for me because I get to spend a lot of Loyola Park, has been running the program. quality one-on-one time with the students," Kelso said. "First timers start off making scarfs, then progress on Along with its flexibility, the class offers the kids the DECEMBER 12 to bigger and better things." After completing their first opportunity to use their imagination in creating whatever St. Gertrude's Cafeteria project, kids can choose their own projects. The class they choose. "The best part about the class is that I can 6214 N. Glenwood, 773-769-1140 meets three days a week, and project completion may make whatever I want, and I'm going to make a bag next!" 40th Ward Children's Holiday Celebration, 1 to 3 p.m. take anywhere from five to ten weeks per item. said returning student Petal Petgrave. Singing, gifts, magic show, and a visit from Santa "Kids need to focus and put in the time to get quality The winter session for the Kidz Weaving class (ages projects. The class teaches them discipline and patience, 8 - 18) starts January 4, and runs through March 21, DECEMBER 13 along with how to work with others. I love working with 1999. The free class meets Tuesdays, Thursdays and St. Mark's Episcopal Church the kids and their fresh, optimistic attitude about every- Fridays, from 3 to 6 p.m. Loyola Park also offers an Adult 1509 Ridge Avenue, Evanston thing," Kelso said. Weaving class (ages 18 and older), on Tuesdays, Parish Carol Sing and Pot Luck Dinner, 4:00 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, from 2 to 9:30 p.m. and Wednesdays and Saturdays, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The adult class DECEMBER 16 fee is $20 per person. The class is free Emmerson Playground for seniors. 1820 W. Granville, 312-742-7877 For more information on weaving Holiday Party (3-5 yrs), 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. classes or other programs at Loyola Grammar School Holiday Party (6-14 yrs) Park, stop by the park located at 1230 4 to 5:30 p.m. W. Greenleaf or call (312) 742-7857. Games, treats, refreshments

DECEMBER 18 Schreiber Park 1552 W. Schreiber, 312-742-7876 Holiday Party, 4:30 to 6 p.m. Art project and refreshments Loyola Park’s Kidz Weaving class is a big success. DECEMBER 21 TO 31 (excluding 12/25) Broadway Armory Park 5917 N. Broadway, 312-742-7502 Winter Holiday Camp, 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Warren Park Announces New Tutoring Monday thru Friday Field trips, art project, holiday celebrations, Services From Success Lab sports activities DECEMBER 22 By Larra Clark Paschen Playground 1932 W. Lunt, 312-742-7865 tarting in November, Success Lab will begin offering 1993. Based on this record of success, the Park District Youth Christmas Party, 6 to 8 p.m. supplemental learning programs for elementary invited Success Lab to begin offering tutoring and instruc- S Raffle, cookie decorating, games, refreshments through high school students at Warren Park, 6601 tional programs at several of its parks across the city. N. Western, and two other North-Side parks. Success Lab offers programs for students in grades Success Lab of Park Ridge has been improving the 1 through 12. A few of the benefits Success Lab offers to DECEMBER 22-24 academic skills of students in Northwest Chicagoland since Warren Park area residents are: Touhy Park • Learning center with more 7348 N. Paulina, 312-742-7870 than $25,000 worth Holiday Camp, 12 noon to 3 p.m. of instructional materials Ornament workshop, outdoor snow play, games and equipment per and hot chocolate break park location. • Individualized instruction DECEMBER 28-31 designed to fit the Warren Park specific academic needs 6601 N. Western, 312-742-7888 and learning styles of each student. Holiday Basketball Camp • Certified teachers working 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dec. 28-30 in a 3:1 student-to-teacher 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Dec. 31 ratio. Register between November 30 and December 18 • Diagnostic skill assess- for this week-long camp co-sponsored by Warren and ments to identify a Rogers Park. For boys and girls ages 9 to 14 years, student's academic the registration fee is $10. Lunch in provided. strengths and weakness- es. FEBRUARY 19 • Written reports and fre- Pottawattomie Park quent conference 7340 N. Rogers, 312-742-7878 with parents. "Know Your History" • Frequent communication with classroom teachers. African-American History contest, 6 p.m. Jordan and Gale School students compete in this Through this new exciting history contest. Come support them and relationship with the Park learn more about African-American history. District, Success Lab has reduced its regular $35/hour fee to $18/hour for park reg- PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS istrants. For more information Indian Boundary Park on this exciting new service, 2500 W. Lunt, 312-742-7887 please stop by Warren Park or call Success Lab at (773) 973-3178. NEW! Children's choir (ages 7 to 14) "Optimistic Voices" NEW! Swing dance classes for teens and adults HAVE A NEW! Mosaics class for teens and adults Pottawattomie Park 7340 N. Rogers, 312-742-7887 HAPPY NEW! Tap Dance for youth (ages 6 to 12 years)

Warren Park NEW 6601 N. Western, 312-742-7888 Adult Painting Class: YEAR Oil, acrylic and watercolor for all levels

8 ROGERS PARK 2000 There’s Help In Rogers Park From Subsidies By Carol Goldman to Condos???? magine you are 80 years old and you have arthritis, A friend read about the Rogers Park Community I partial sight due to macular degeneration, diabetes Council's (RPCC) Home repair program in Rogers Park By Mary Jane Haggerty and high blood pressure. You have a small Social 2000 and insisted that Ms. X call the RPCC for help. Security check, a small amount of interest income and a RPCC's H-RAIL initiative assists seniors and disabled he Chicago Equity Fund (CEF), a real estate syndi- tiny annuity to live on. You have no living relatives. You individuals by providing minor repairs and installing safe- cator that invests primarily in affordable housing, has own your home free and clear, having inherited it from ty devices. Mrs. X called and found that she was eligible T begun a process to convert a 49-unit subsidized your parents. It is a frame home about 100 years old.You because her income was under $31,700 for a one-person building at 7715-21 N. Hermitage into condominiums. manage to pay your property taxes. You manage to buy household. Investment Management Corporation (IMC) is the gener- groceries and medication. You can manage everything on This story is typical of many households in Chicago. al partner, and has been the operating owner responsible your annual income - everything except "extras". Fortunately, all these problems can be remedied - at no for the building for the last two years. From 1986 to 1995, The wooden porches, front and rear haven't been cost to an owner or renter - by a program of the City of this building was owned by People's Housing. When the painted since you were in your early 70's when you could Chicago - Department of Housing. The program is called building went into financial trouble CEF took control of the still do maintenance work like that. They have started to Home Repairs for Accessible and Independent Living (H- building and hired Holsten management to manage the rot. Your windows need putty, some frames have dry rot, RAIL). building. In February of this year CEF/IMC took over the and some panes are broken. You can't climb a ladder or In this case the RPCC home repair program can: management responsibilities. This building was in even lift the wooden storm windows stored in the garage. • Repair and paint the porches. Housing Court as recently as last year and has been Your house is drafty and your gas bills are high. You • Install new thermal pane windows so there is no need referred for inspection again after tenants' complaints of always have to wear heavy sweaters and keep the ther- for storm windows to seal out drafts. missing doors, broken security systems, and other viola- mostat down low. • Replace the faucets and drains. tions of the building code. IMC states that they have spent The kitchen and bathroom faucets leak. They are so • Provide a bath bench, grab bars and a hand held over $175,000 in repairs, improvements and operating old, that the plumber said he could not get parts to repair shower for secure bathing. costs in the past 24 months. them. You can't afford new ones. The high-footed bathtub • Install handrails in the stairways to all floors. In September of this year, tenants received 30-day (once was a comforting place to soak away the aches of • Install a non-slip tile floor. termination notices, informing them that they had 30 days arthritis) has become a frightening obstacle. "What if I to move. Karen Hoover, civilian community policing chair can't get up or I fall?" you worry. The steep stairway to the For more information, call Carol Goldman at (773) of Beat 2422, began to receive calls from residents of the second floor has no handrails to hold onto. Neither do the 338-7732. Carol Goldman is the Rogers Park Community building asking what was happening. The Rogers Park basement stairs, equally steep. The kitchen floor has old Council Housing Action Initiatives Program Director. Community Council (RPCC) set up a meeting on brittle tiles and many are worn or broken. Slipping or September 21st with tenants and an attorney from the catching a heel in a hole is a real concern. Legal Assistance Foundation (LAF), a not-for-profit legal group that works on housing issues in Chicago. Many of the tenants have lived in the building for 10 or more years. After reviewing the facts with the tenants, the LAF attor- ney assured the tenants that the termination of tenancy notices would not hold up in court and that the October 3rd termination date could be ignored. Two meetings followed with CEF director William Higginson, his associate Brenda Whitman, and IMC prop- erty manager Barbara Harris. These meetings produced some clarification of CEF's plans. After a preliminary cost analysis and market exploration, their plan is to do a com- prehensive study on the feasibility of converting the build- ing. The proposal is to reduce the number of total units to a smaller number of larger family oriented 2-3 bedroom condo units costing approximately $55,000 to $85,000. They have hired an architect and a marketing group and are in the process of obtaining construction estimates for the $1 million+ project. Although CEF never directly acknowledged that the 30-day notices were illegal, IMC did agree that their time frame would allow tenants to remain in the building for another 4-6 months. The Hermitage building has a particular type of sub- sidy known as the Low Income Housing Trust Fund. A percentage of the units have been set aside for tenants who meet income requirements; when tenants in one of these units choose to move, the subsidy stays with the apartment, not the tenants. Therefore, potential tenants for that unit must meet income guidelines as well. Tenants moving out will have no further subsidy (such as Section 8 vouchers). After several meetings between CEF/IMC, 49th Ward Alderman Joseph Moore, and RPCC, an agreement was reached. The agreement indicates that tenants who are current in their rent (or no more than one month behind) living in subsidized apartments will be assisted in moving to other CEF buildings and offered one-year leases at their current rent. IMC has also agreed that tenants who are no more than 2 months delinquent in their rent will be allowed to bring their rent current and will be offered the same option. Tenants who are paying market rate rents will be offered apartments in CEF buildings. If they choose to move elsewhere, they will have their security deposits promptly refunded. The situation is by no means settled. The City of Chicago - Department of Housing must approve any change in use. They have yet to receive a written pro- posal from CEF. The Rogers Park Community Council has proposed to the Department of Housing that at least 20% of potential condominium units be set aside for low- income ownership and that current tenants be given the right of first refusal. The RPCC's goal is to continue to build a mixed income community in Rogers Park.

Mary Jane Haggerty is the Community Housing Organizer for the Rogers Park Community Council. HOLIDAY PARTY Thursday, December 17th 6 – 9 pm Gateway Bar & Grill 7545 N. Clark Street Tickets are $15 and support “The College Experience” 773.338.RPCC for information

ROGERS PARK 2000 9 Bringing College to Life

t the Rogers Park Youth Network a unique serious drive to attend college. College Life is mov- Attention A program initiative is giving life to an unpopu- ing to change this,” adds Anton Miglietta, program lar topic among public high school students. co-coordinator. The topic, attending college, also happens to be Georgette Glenn is a senior at Senn High Artists the most important ticket to higher quality employ- School and was asked if her high schools coun- ment and a decent life. selors prepared her for college. “I don’t really feel “Unfortunately, it seems that many public I’ve been prepared for college. I didn’t take the ACT “ARTSPACE RP” schools don’t expect most students to attend col- test as a junior and they didn’t really influence me lege therefore they do not prepare most students to take the ACT. I don’t actually see my coun- for college. I would guess that only ten to twenty selors.” By not taking the ACT test in her junior I am seeking artists who would like to rent percent of all students attend college,” said Eugene year Georgette finds herself behind. Many who fall quality work space, live/work studios Dunn II, a youth advocate. behind never catch up in the highly competitive In light of this reality, three students from game of college admissions. or gallery space in East Rogers Park. Loyola University, all part-time staff at the Youth What does she think of College Life? “I was Network, established College Life. “We created able to visit Northwestern and Loyola Universities. I hope to have space available for College Life in order to encourage neighborhood I learned a lot about what there was to major in. I youth to take their schooling to a higher level. also met new people and checked out the dorms. It Summer of 1999 Through our trips to colleges and ACT preparation got me more excited about college. I thought col- classes, we give them a positive vision of college,” lege would be boring. Now I know college can be says Yulinda Mabry, a Loyola University freshman. fun.” I am trying to learn, prior to renovation, “I like College Life because it shows me differ- Through the program, Georgette has signed ent colleges at an up-close and personal view. I up for the ACT test and is getting ready. With a lit- if people need artspace or office space. can really talk to students who go there and see tle hard work Georgette and many other students what it’s like from their view. Going on the trips is will have a greater motivation and feel more pre- good for all students because we can see for our- pared for college. Contact: Al Goldberg selves what college is like,” says Desiree Reeder, a As Desiree said, “College is very important to junior at Carl Schurz High School. our future and College Life gives us the vision to 847.328.4203 “Due to a lack of motivation and information, attend.” College Life is available for high school Hallmark & Johnson Properties, Ltd. most students either think of college as being too students. For more information on the College Life expensive, impossible to get in, or more boring program call (773) 761-4980. Or visit the Rogers than high school. Too many students don’t have a Park Youth Network at 6600 N. Sheridan Road. Ask for Anton, Yulinda, or Micaela.

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10 ROGERS PARK 2000 ROGERS PARK COMMUNITY COUNCIL

The State of the HOUSING ACTION INITIATIVES PROGRAM • The average age of individuals assisted by this program is 64 (39 - 88 years old). Community Council A. Mission. To maintain and improve the quality of housing in • Sixty percent of the repairs included enabling devices. The Rogers Park Community Council has been with us now Rogers Park in order to insure that safe and affordable homes Partners Recognized for Work at 1528 W. Morse. for 46 years. It was founded, in 1952, around the issue of pub- are available. On May 5th, RPCC’s Community Housing Organizer, Mary lic access to the lake front; and one enduring monument to its Jane Haggerty, and four neighborhood advocates received the success is the presence of Rogers Park’s thirteen street-end B. Background. Rogers Park’s housing stock is 85% rental. “Police Partnership Award” for their work on the infamous 1528 beaches, a unique and attractive feature of our neighborhood. A Much of our housing was built in the 1920’s. Without constant W. Morse building. few years later, the Community Council helped win the battle attention, the buildings deteriorate; unsafe and hazardous hous- Due to community advocacy, the 1528 building was over the land formerly occupied by Edgewater Country Club, ing results; and eventually, abandonment occurs. Sixty percent vacated by court order. Prior to the closing, crime was high and with the result that today the community has Warren Park. of our housing stock consists of one-bedroom and one-room the street in front of this building was virtually impassable due to Over the years, the Community Council has continued to be studio units. With an average of 2.5 persons living in each unit, the perception and reality of crime. There was literally no hope. actively engaged in issues of importance to the neighborhood housing is crowded. Housing safety is essential for our families. In 1996, there were 198 arrests made on the 1400 and 1500 and has expanded its range of services to the point where it Established in 1967, the RPCC’s housing conservation pro- blocks of Morse Avenue for a variety of narcotic and disorder makes its presence felt in practically every area of community gram was the first of its kind in the City of Chicago. Through violations -- over 30% of the arrests occurred at 1528 W. Morse. concern. Our programs include Housing Action Initiatives, community activism and intervention, problem buildings are In 1997, there were 272 arrest made on these same blocks -- Victim Advocacy Support, Youth Intervention, Community seen as clients and specific plans are developed to improve each almost 50% were made at the 1528 building. Of those arrests, Awareness and Pride. We also initiated the new Rogers Park targeted building. Initiatives range from providing technical 202 were made prior to the building shutdown on July 1st. Only Community Development Corporation and its home ownership assistance to a new owner who doesn’t understand the long 58 arrests were made during the second half of the year -- after assistance center. range consequences of delayed maintenance, to referring a dete- the closing of the building. Street crime dropped 53.3% after this One of our newest and most promising services is the riorated building to the City of Chicago’s building department building closed! Rogers Park Youth Network. In this program, with funding from because the owner is unwilling to meet housing codes. Housing the City of Chicago, RPCC and several partners provide skills Action Initiatives work with community residents to develop A Long-Awaited Victory. training, mentoring, support groups, acting classes, music intervention strategies and provide advocacy services. We A two-year collaborative campaign with Evanston and lessons, computer training, and tutoring in various academic maintain a comprehensive database of housing information. The Edgewater advocates resulted in four of Rogers Park’s most subjects to the young people of our community. RPCC is instrumental in bringing resources into the community problematic buildings Park being sold to new owners. Residents We are proud of the awards won by Community Council to preserve our housing. and staff spent many hours planning, picketing, appearing in people during the year: RPCC staff member Mary Jane Haggerty In 1992, the RPCC initiated a new “hands-on” improvement court, and writing letters to government and bank officials to received the Police Partnership Award for her work connected program. Our home repair program assists senior citizens and make this happen. with the 1528 Morse disabled persons main- The Vakil properties were the target of community action building; and Board of tain their living quarters for several years. Despite repeated verbal and written agree- Directors member, in a safe and accessible ments with the owner, they continued to deteriorate, and poor Cesar Izquierdo, manner. To offer these management created criminal problems that also escalated as received United Way’s improvements to the the years passed. When normal community pressure failed to Rothchild Foundation community, the RPCC see any improvements, we formed a coalition with the Award for his volunteer acts as the general con- Edgewater Community Council and the Evanston Neighborhood services to the com- tractor and hires city- Conference to create strategies to improve four Rogers Park, one munity. approved, licensed Edgewater and one Evanston building. There has been a sub-contractors to per- Several strategies were followed. We contacted mortgage lot of hand-wringing, form the actual repairs. holders and demanded that they hold the owner responsible for and not a little printer’s The program is management and maintenance issues. Because more than half of ink has been spilled, funded, monitored, and the tenants received Section 8 assistance, we demanded that over citizen apathy, inspected by the City of HUD inspect the properties and force the owner to make needed over the supposed fact Chicago’s department repairs, or withhold financial assistance. Failing these inspec- that We the People of housing. The type of tions, the owner lost over $600,000 in government subsidies. don’t participate in work performed under And finally, using a new city ordinance that holds owners respon- elections as much as this program includes installing accessibility sible for repeated criminal activity on the properties, we provided we should and remain Unsafe porches are a concern for the Housing Action Initiatives Program. evidence and testimony at a series of hearings resulting in agree- woefully ignorant of tools such as grab ments for the sale of the properties. One by one (from November and detached from matters related to how we are governed. bars, hand rails, bath of ‘97 through April of ‘98) the properties have been transferred Furthermore, we supposedly behave this way, not because we benches and hand held showers, and making “minor” repairs to new owners who so far appear to be striving to meet commu- are fundamentally satisfied and complaisant, but because we feel such as replacing or repairing damaged ceilings, walls, floors, nity standards for decent and affordable housing. powerless to influence the workings of The System. windows and porches. All candidates for this program meet the Now, I don’t know whether this anguish is warranted or not; low or moderate income guidelines as defined by the U.S. H-RAIL Accessibility Assistance. but I do know that there’s at least a potential problem residing Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A young man, suffering from multiple disabilities called the in the fact that, when government, even at the local level, is RPCC's home repair program (H-RAIL) about repairing the stairs conducted on today’s massive scale, democracy’s goal and C. Highlights leading to his apartment. When we inspected the unit, we found justification, government by the consent of the governed, is, During the year, our housing conservation initiatives: that indeed the stairs had pulled away from the risers and were as a practical matter, very difficult to attain. People can get the • Targeted 43 new buildings with problems of deterioration and very dangerous. Because he and his aide use them on a daily idea, not without reason, that an occasional trip to the polling unsafe housing (51% increase over the previous year). basis, our goal was to fix them as fast place is not going to given them much say-so in the operation • Advocated in housing court on 84 as possible. We also found the flimsy of governmental processes that have come to affect every aspect housing cases (15% increase). rear door barred by an iron folding gate of our lives. • Provided individual technical (very dangerous), broken plaster walls Well, if that’s what’s troubling you, and you live or work in assistance to 23 owners/ and ceiling in the bathroom and bed- Rogers Park, please allow me to propose a modest, partial solu- managers. room, a leaking faucet and drain pipe tion. You can amplify your voice, maybe not enough to make it • Through these activities 17 buildings in the kitchen and a broken window audible in Washington, but at least to the point where it’s loud met City codes and community stan- which allowed air to leak in. enough to be heard in City Hall and in the offices of our various dards; containing 282 units; assist- The Rogers Park Home Repair aldermen. What’s more, you yourself can take an active hand in ing 705 residents. Program was able to provide a remedy dealing with all the issues of importance to your neighborhood. • Met with 300 neighbors through most of the repair needs, but were You can do this by your participation in the Rogers Park community block clubs and beat unable to address all of the repairs. Community Council. If you’re not a member, please join. If you teams. Held various meetings about There are annual financial limits of this are, a) tell your friends; b) contact the Community Council to see housing problems and improvement program. We make every effort to pri- how you can contribute your time and talent to the issues you strategies. oritize repairs and will work with the care about in your community. To all appearances, our neigh- • Referred 8 interested parties to the family until the necessary repairs are borhood is fast approaching a crossroads. Join us, and together Community Investment Corpo- made. At times, it can take several we can help shape the Rogers Park of the future. ration’s “Flex Fund” allowing them to years to meet all the needs of clients, The following is the Annual Report of the Rogers Park purchase deteriorating multi-family Porches are being fixed because of RPCC’s particularly those who are disabled. Community Council. Once you read about all our exciting and buildings at unusually low rates, or Home Repair Program (H-RAIL). The Rogers Park Home Repair pro-active work, I am sure you will want to join us. Look for the allowing creative financing options. Program assists members of our community by making their membership application card in this newspaper or call us at 773- These properties were previously identified by Rogers Park home safe and accessible. Our goal is to allow our community 338-RPCC. Community Council as requiring extensive rehabilitation and improved management. resources remain an important part of our neighborhood. I look forward to working with you in the coming year. • Organized the fourth annual “Home Buyer’s Fair” at St. Scholastica with 25 exhibitors including the City Department of Housing and HUD, realtors, banks and mortgage companies. Carol Goldman Housing Action Initiatives Director During the year, our home repair initiative: Mary Jane Haggerty Community Housing Organizer • Repaired 24 homes of seniors and handicapped residents. • Fifty percent of the repairs were made in homes of low-income families. • On average, clients have lived in their homes for 21 years - with a high of 54 years to a low of 1 year. Richard P. Moran • The average cost of home repair materials and supplies was President $1928 per unit. Rogers Park Community Council • Twenty percent of the repairs were made in homes of disabled persons.

ROGERS PARK 2000 11 1998 ANNUAL REPORT

YOUTH INTERVENTION PROGRAM • VASP presented follow-up information quarterly to 320 police increase in RPCC membership. In two years of publication, officers. membership to the RPCC has doubled! A. Mission. To prevent and reduce juvenile delinquency, youth • VASP trained 15 community policing volunteers on victim crime, and gang affiliation. assistance. Rogers Park Youth Network. Four years ago, the City of Chicago presented a “Blue-Print B. Background. The Youth Intervention Program (YIP) was VASP Success Story. for Change – Chicago for Youth”. The Rogers Park Community established in 1988 and works with the community to develop “Susan” has been living with “Charlie” for the past three Council brought 25 community leaders together to discuss the resources to prevent juvenile delinquency, youth crime, and years. They had been arguing over daytime activities. You see, ways our neighborhood could work together for the future of our gang affiliation. The program works with first-time offenders Charlie has not had a job for the past six months due to his alco- children. In January, 1998, the RPCC was awarded a grant to and at-risk youth through community outreach, short-term inter- holism. organize the Rogers Park / 24th District Youth Network. vention and family counseling, and youth leadership develop- Susan became concerned when Charlie didn’t come home “Open Hearts, Open Minds, and Courageous Spirits” is the ment activities. for more than three days. She tried to discuss her concerns and motto for our new Network. Four years ago, the City of Chicago What is most significant about this program is the number develop a compromise. That was when Charlie became irrational released a report calling for the coordination between communi- of youth we are able to reach -- in spite of the fact that we have and the physical abuse began. Charlie shoved her to the ground, ty agencies for the benefit of our children. The RPYN surveyed not had activity space. Much of our success is due to the part- kicking her and telling 550 community youth nerships we have been able to form with neighborhood organi- her how useless she and inventoried our zations, parks, and schools. was. He reminded her neighborhood that she wasn’t his resources. Our re- C. Youth Intervention Highlights mother and told her to search found that there During the year: “mind (her) own damn were limited programs • YIP assisted 450 youth through our counseling and group business”. Charlie left available for older chil- activities providing 1,500 hours of individual and family coun- in an angry rage and dren / teenagers. The seling and organized 1,000 hours of after-school activities at said that until she RPYN partners went “The Club”. could act like a real to the table and devel- • YIP presented 15 classes in Drug Prevention and Conflict woman he was going oped a plan to coordi- Resolution. to leave. nate services that will • YIP sponsored a “mini-vacation” / weekend retreat for 21 par- Susan was now assist teens in our ticipants to celebrate the achieving their goals. terrified, sad, angry community. • YIP organized a weekly basketball league, sponsored by neigh- and in pain. Within an Adolescence borhood businesses. hour she began to is the bridge between hemorrhage and went childhood and adult- Gametime. to the emergency hood. Like life on all Rogers Park Youth Network opens at 6600 N. Sheridan Road (in the building One hundred and twenty-five young men, ages 14-17, room and the police bridges, it is teeming formerly known as the Cheers Café). joined GAMETIME, a basketball league organized by the RPCC at were called. What with energy and fraught Pottawattomie Park and Kiwanis Park. The league is the essence both Susan and Charlie with dangers. Growth of how community partnerships can be developed to assist the didn’t know is that she was pregnant. Due to her revelation requires courage and hard work on part of the individual, it children of our neighborhood. Pottawattomie Park donated about her pregnancy she agreed to press charges. requires protection and nurturing from the environment. open space for the league, teams were sponsored by communi- VASP assisted Susan with obtaining an Order of Protection. RPYN’s goal is to develop a place that provides the essential ty leaders and coached by neighborhood volunteers. She has pressed charges against Charlie in criminal court. requirements for healthy adolescent development; a place in a During the court proceedings, Susan was advised of Charlie’s constructive group, a feeling of worth as a person, a reliable Case Study. “crack” abuse and infidelity. This information was devastating basis for making informed choices, a place to express construc- The Youth Intervention Program serves a variety of families for Susan. VASP got her to Friends for counseling to deal with tive curiosity and exploratory behavior; a place to find ways to be who have multiple issues. It’s not often that we have a happy the abuse. VASP worked with her to find the resources neces- useful to others; a place to develop skills, respect diversity, learn ending when we receive cases of this nature. sary to raise and support her child. the requirements of responsible citizenship. During the year, we worked with a sixteen-year-old student Susan has applied for Child Support Enforcement and The Rogers Park Youth Network is a true collaboration who was referred to the RPCC because of problems she had in keeps her Order of Protection close at hand. Her daughter is between neighborhood resources. Outreach was made to com- school. Previously, she had been doing well in school, but her now seven months old and the joy of her life. She is thankful munity-based organizations and partnership were developed. parents were having marital problems and were considering that VASP walked her through the steps of taking control of her Loyola University Chicago donated space in a vacant restaurant divorce. “Alicia” was involved with a boy, got pregnant, and life. She and her daughter now spend “safe and peaceful” week- that had four vacant apartments upstairs. wouldn’t talk to her parents. As it turned out, the baby’s father ends with family and friends. was recently arrested and was awaiting court and a jail sentence. Our partners include: She was feeling alone and desperate. We worked with Dana Dyan Nate Director • Arts Reach / Center Theater. Providing acting classes to assist Alicia and encouraged her to talk to her parents about her situa- Dawn Schifer & Kimberly Thiessen Court Advocates students express themselves through drama. tion. We reassured her that we would be there to support her all • Big Brothers / Big Sisters of Rogers Park. Offering on-site the way. As you can imagine her parents were very upset and mentoring training programs. disappointed. After providing services to the family, her parents COMMUNITY AWARENESS • Child and Adolescent Support Program at Trilogy. Organizing were able to see that because they had been so caught up their AND PRIDE PROGRAM a support group for teen girls, male responsibility, violence problems they forgot about their daughter. Counseling sessions prevention and options for young men. helped the parents to start to re-evaluate their marriage and A. Mission. To increase knowledge and participation by com- • ChildServ. Providing skills training, and tutoring programs. focus on their child. (By the way, her boyfriend got six months munity residents in neighborhood issues in order to improve the • Family Matters. Organizing parent and teen leadership train- probation, a new job and is trying to buy a new car. Everyone is quality of life in Rogers Park. ing programs. working together to take care of the new baby.) • Friends of Battered Women & their Children. Presenting dat- B. Background. The Community Awareness and Pride Program ing violence prevention education programs. Norman Polk Director (CAPP) is the organizing arm of the Rogers Park Community • Howard Area Community Center. Providing daily tutoring in Council. We work with neighbors to identify problems, develop science, math, social studies, language, and literature for improvement strategies, and initiate actions that will make Sullivan High School students through their new initiative VICTIM ADVOCACY SUPPORT PROGRAM Rogers Park a great place to live, work and raise a family. “TeenReach”. Partners will coordinate programming. • Ismaili Community Center. Assisting in teens computer lab. A. Mission. To reduce the effects of victimization by providing C. Highlights and Successes • Math Made Easy. “Fun” math education classes. support, advocacy, and education. • Project Jam. Presenting violin and drum lessons. RPCC Leader Named Volunteer of the Year. • 24th District CAPS. Building a bridge between cops and kids. B. Background. The Victim Advocacy Support Program United Way named Cesar Izquierdo the 1998 recipient of (VASP) began in 1985 as a community-based resource for sur- the Hulda B. & Maurice L. Rothschild Foundation Award for vol- Rogers Park United Against Violence. vivors of all violent crimes. VASP provides crisis intervention unteer achievement. Cesar Izquierdo serves on the Rogers Park The prevention initiative organized a school-based curricu- counseling, criminal justice advocacy, assistance with filing Community Council’s board of directors. lum on drug and violence prevention. During the first year of the application for crime victim compensation, transportation to Cesar is a family man who’s been sharing a vision of com- program, prevention education programs were provided to more court proceedings, and referrals to long-term follow-up services. munity pride with his neighbors for the past four years. Serving than 400 elementary aged children. In 1993, VASP developed “Intervention, Information, and as a community activist, Cesar has been making real change Part of the RPUAV initiative was to train “peer leaders” as Advocacy”, a collaborative program to better serve survivors of happen. Gone is an abandoned building that enticed drug deal- prevention advocates. Five highschool aged youth worked to domestic violence. In partnership with the Chicago Police ers and gangs. New is a neighborhood park. Gone is isolation. develop prevention skills in order to provide educational pro- Department - 24th District, Friends of Battered Women New is a neighborhood out reach program where meetings in grams to younger children. The peer leaders also worked on (Friends), and the Council for Jewish Elderly (CJE) Victim/ Spanish link families to services. All this progress is great cause community service projects and provided volunteer services to a Witness Program, domestic violence victims who have needed for celebration which is just what happened last summer at the food pantry and organized a SAFE (Safe Alcohol Free police intervention now receive follow-up services. first “Block Party” ever. It was a huge success. Environment) night dance. Collaboratively, our programs work together and not competi- tively. Rogers Park 2000 –the newspaper. Supporting Neighborhood Organizations Rogers Park 2000 is a community-based newspaper pre- • Rogers Park Block Organization Network. Block Clubs are the C. VASP Highlights pared and distributed by the Rogers Park Community Council. building blocks of community activism for our neighborhood. During the year: RP2000 was designed to discuss neighborhood issues as well The Network organized and presented a “how-to” workshop for • VASP received 680 referrals; 578 from the Chicago Police as market the Community Council, market Rogers Park, and persons interested in starting a new group. The presentation Department – 24th District. market other community organizations. Ten thousand copies of was informative and helpful. • VASP made contact and provided services to 447 victims of the newspaper are published quarterly and are placed in 50 busi- violent crimes (67%). nesses for free pick-up by our neighbors. Additionally, the pub- • VASP provided 1,045 hours of crisis intervention counseling lication is mailed to the homes of RPCC members. The com- and court advocacy. munity newspaper completed its second year in publication. The • VASP advocated in 215 court appearances to obtain Orders of success of this initiative is evident by the volunteerism of our Protection. writers (35), the number of dollars raised for advertising, and the CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

12 ROGERS PARK 2000 The Business Climate DevCorp North

By Jennifer Long

evCorp North, the community development corpora- D tion and chamber of commerce for Rogers Park, is gearing up for 1999 with a new executive director, additional staff and ambitious plans for revitalizing the neighborhood's commercial districts. Ken Govas was recently hired to lead the organiza- tion following a three-month search for a new director. Former head of the Industrial Council of Northwest Chicago, Govas brings a unique blend of business and community organizing experience to Rogers Park. He has a bachelor's degree in political science and a mas- ter's degree in urban planning and policy from the University of Illinois. Under Govas' leadership, DevCorp will increase its chamber of commerce activities to better serve the local business community and attract new businesses to meet the growing needs of this diverse neighborhood. New staff will be added to assist the organization in fulfilling its mis- sion of improving the business climate and quality of life for merchants, shoppers and residents of Rogers Park. In addition to a new director, DevCorp, along with its partner Urban Investment Trust, reports that the $60 mil- lion Gateway Plaza is moving forward after some initial delays. With the opening of the new LaSalle Bank branch on November 16th and upward construction of the Dominicks expected in December, the community will soon see the much-touted retail center taking shape. Construction for other tenants, including Cineplex- Odeon and Hollywood Video, will begin once an agree- ment with the CTA has been finalized, which is expected by year's end. Local tenants Runges Auto Repair and Northshore Optical have temporarily relocated to other sites until their new spaces are complete. Negotiations with a variety of other tenants are progressing. To further ensure the revitalization of this important commercial strip, DevCorp launched another long-term initiative in 1998--the Howard Street Special Service Area (SSA). With a levy approved by City Council in fall 1997, the SSA will raise approximately $120,000 annually to fund services enhancing the business district from Sheridan to Ridge Avenue. DevCorp administers SSA programs under the direction of a mayor-appointed Commission of property owners and merchants. These programs include daily street cleaning, beautification activities, and collective merchant promotions. SSA- sponsored activities for the 1998 holiday season consist of seasonal banners, holiday shopping guides, a store- front decorating contest and strolling carolers. DevCorp works closely with Evanston businesses in coordinating all SSA programs and events through the Howard Street Redevelopment Committee, which is com- prised of stakeholders from Chicago and Evanston. DevCorp will soon hire a Howard Street SSA manag- er, who also will spend 30% of his/her time on merchant organizing and planning along Morse and Clark Streets. DevCorp North cleaning crews sweep sidewalks and gutters five days a week on the business strips of Morse, Jarvis and Howard. They also assist the cleaning crew hired by Friends of Clark Street in keeping Clark free of litter. Other chamber of commerce activities, which DevCorp will build on over the next year, include its tech- nical assistance for local entrepreneurs and merchant promotions. In addition to one-on-one consultations, DevCorp hopes to co-sponsor another "Jump Start Your Business" workshop with the Women's Business Development Center in spring as well as host the Annual Rogers Park Home and Small Business Fair in October. Over 80 business persons have attended this event in each of the past two years. DevCorp's Chamber of Commerce Committee will continue its series of Business-After-Hours Networking Events, Rogers Park Merchant Newsletters and summer sidewalk sales. Preparations are also underway for the Fourth Annual Awards Benefit in April to honor outstanding Rogers Park businesses and community partnerships. For additional information on any of DevCorp North's programs, please call 773-508-5885 or drop by the office at 1448 West Howard Street.

Jennifer Long has been the Business Development Specialist at DevCorp North for the last two years.

BECOME A MEMBER OF YOUR COMMUNITY COUNCIL See the membership card enclosed in Rogers Park 2000.

ROGERS PARK 2000 13 LOYOLA LINE Chicagoserves.org to Link Chicagoans with Volunteer Opportunities

oyola University Chicago, United Way/Crusade of dents, Chicagoserves.org L Mercy and AT&T introduced Chicagoserves.org, the also will help them identify city's most comprehensive, searchable Internet vol- volunteer opportunities that unteer web site at a special launch event on Thursday, fulfill student internship November 12th. The event, which was held at Loyola's requirements. "Students Center for Urban Research and Learning (CURL), 820 N. may earn academic credit Michigan Avenue, marked the culmination of two years' for internships related to work aimed at meeting the year-round demand for the their field of study at Loyola thousands of volunteers needed throughout Chicago. and most other universi- "We have done what other organizations are ties," says Jeff Wilson, attempting to do-efficiently link volunteers with opportuni- manager, office of general ties," said Philip Nyden, director of CURL and the guiding internships. force for the project. "We fully expect this site to serve as "Chicagoserves.org is a model for cities nationwide." This site is distinctive in a wonderful resource for that, while some national service organizations have students seeking to link Internet listings of opportunities in targeted metropolitan service with their future pro- areas, Chicagoserves.org indexes an expansive offering fessions." Wilson ex- of volunteer opportunities with multiple organizations in plained that, while Loyola is the metropolitan Chicago area by type, organization and currently the only school location. According to Nyden, there has been much with access to this feature, national discussion among service and community orga- there are plans to expand nizations on how to more effectively match community the internship listings to Celebrating the launch of Chicagoserves.org, an interactive needs with potential volunteers. other area colleges using the Loyola feature as a proto- web site listing thousands of volunteer opportunities in the "Prior to the availability of this site, there was no pub- type. For more information, visit the web site at greater Chicago area, are: William Ketchum, United lic vehicle for recruiting volunteers," said William http://www.chicagoserves.org. Way/Crusade of Mercy; Philip Nyden, Loyola University Ketchum, president and CEO, United Way/Crusade of Chicago; Ray O’Connell, AT&T, and Rev. John J. Piderit, Mercy. "The web site allows potential volunteers 24-hour Loyola University Chicago. PHOTO: Bruce Powell access to opportunities that fit their interests and avail- ability." Not only does the site streamline the search for people interested in volunteering; it also saves time and money for community organizations. The customized search feature is intended to attract interested and informed volunteers. The result, Ketchum believes, will be increased communication, commitment and dedica- tion between organizations and their volunteers. Chicagoserves.org currently lists 900 non-profit organizations encompassing approximately 1,500 volun- teer opportunities. Any human/community service orga- nization is able to request a posting of volunteer positions on the site. The web site is also an efficient and cost- effective tool for companies that encourage employee vol- unteerism. Easy access and the ability to search specif- ic interest and geographic areas gives employees--and the community at large--opportunities that match their needs. According to Ray O'Connell, vice president of public relations for AT&T, Chicagoserves.org's corporate spon- sor, "It was the site's use of technology to link people with human needs that really appealed to us," he said. "We are proud to be a part of this unique collaboration." The project began in 1994 as a way of bringing stu- dents and volunteer opportunities together. "We wanted to find a better way to connect the massive pool of stu- dent volunteer labor with these organizations," said Nyden. "Typically, community organizations would have to travel a maze of schools, departments and faculty offices to reach interested students. This database will directly connect these two groups." In addition to making volunteer openings more accessible to interested stu-

14 ROGERS PARK 2000

C. Highlights Devon Bank’s New H.O.M.E. Annual Report from page 11 Home Ownership Assistance Center. A local Rogers Park financial institution worked with the The RPCC received a grant from the City of Chicago to offer Rogers Park Community Development Corporation to develop a home ownership counseling to first-time buyers and default loan program targeted for Rogers Park. Home Ownership Made • An Umbrella Agency. The Rogers Park Community Council is counseling to families at-risk of losing their homes. During the Easy (HOME) loans are designed to help first-time buyers with called upon by community volunteer groups to provide fiscal first six months of this new initiative, we provided counseling down payment and closing cost assistance and have more flexi- management for special projects. We are able to act as a and information on the purchasing process to 199 families. ble underwriting. By year end, more than $1 million dollars in resource for smaller organizations by allowing volunteers to • Of the 128 cases closed by year-end, 73 families were able to home purchases have closed. These are families who would actively work in the community rather than spend time han- purchase their first home (66%). likely be unable to purchase a home through traditional lending dling the administrative requirements to solicit donations. • 23% of the families we worked with were single-head programs. The RPCDC’s Home Ownership Assistance Center This year’s projects are: of households with children; 19% were couples; 57% provided counseling to all the HOME participants. were singles. Soccer League. The RPCC was able to support the Touhy • 58% of the singles were females. John Stamm Director Park Advisory Council in their quest to organize a soccer • 39% of the families we worked with were White; 46% Black; tournament for local youth. 11% Latino; 5% Asian. (Note, we use Black to define families of African-American, Native African, Caribbean, and Central MANAGEMENT AND FINANCES Clark Street Cleaning. The RPCC supported a communi- American decent.) ty initiative by the Friends of Clark Street to hire a clean- • We provided counseling to families of all income levels ($9,000 Increase in Revenues. The RPCC’s budget grew by 38% in FY ing crew for one of commercial arteries. Breakthrough in - $69,000). 35% of the families we worked with had incomes 98. The increases in financial support were seen in every cate- Urban Ministries was contracted to clean the street five below $30,000. gory including government funding and local fundraising. The days a week. Breakthrough provides livable wages to the RPCC was able to secure funding to initiate several new programs homeless in an opportunity to develop job skills. 1528 West Morse. including our new Youth Network and violence prevention initia- The fifty-seven unit apartment building at 1528 West Morse tive, as well as the RPCDC’s home ownership assistance center. Bikes for Cops. The RPCC supported another communi- has become the focal point for a community based collaborative • Membership Dues. In two years, memberships with the ty initiative of Friends of Clark Street. The community effort to assist with the revitalization work already under way on Rogers Park Community Council have doubled. The raised more than $5,000 to purchase bikes for increased Morse Avenue. The irresponsible owner of 1528, a suburban increase in membership reflects the community support patrols along our commercial streets. resident, was either unable or unwilling to properly screen ten- for our programming and our community newspaper, ants and manage his building, with the predictable result that Rogers Park 2000. Sandi Price Associate Director most of the responsible tenants were driven out of the property • Advertisements. Local business support for Rogers Park June Terpstra RPYN Director and replaced by persons participating in criminal activities. 2000 increased by 33% during the year. This increase in Vernandez Jones RPYN Coordinator Gangs and drugs flourished in and around the building. support covered the expenses of mailing the December Eugene C. Dunn II Youth Advocate For two and a half years, the building was a problem for the issue to every household in our area. Sarah “Alex” Schwartz Prevention Coordinator community. More than 100 arrests were made in the first half of • Rothschild Award. The RPCC received a $1,000 award 1997. Thirty of those arrests were directly related to drug activ- from the Rothschild Foundation when RPCC board mem- ities. Gas, electric, and water bills were unpaid; repairs, mainte- ber, Cesar Izquierdo, was named United Way volunteer of ROGERS PARK COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT nance, and pest control services were not provided; and illegal the year. CORPORATION activities took control of the building. Finally, the building was abandoned. Corporate, Foundation and United Way Contributors. Thank you A. Mission. To create and preserve affordable housing in The Rogers Park Community Development Corporation, in to the following contributors for your support of our programs. Chicago’s Rogers Park community; to aid individuals and fami- partnership with Jay Johnson of Cornerstone Investment Group, • Bank One lies in obtaining decent, safe, and sanitary housing; to prevent acquired the building and developed a plan to rehabilitate the • Chicago United Way community deterioration; to lessen the federal, state, and local property and provide quality, affordable housing for seniors. • The Devon Bank government’s burden to provide housing and economic develop- Applications were made to various funders to find the monies • Fel-Pro Mecklenburger Foundation ment opportunities; to provide educational, training, and eco- necessary to rehabilitate this property and assure that it once • First Commercial Bank nomic development opportunities for the residents of Rogers again became an asset to the neighborhood. • La Salle Bank Park; as well as to collaborate and network with other non- By year end, we received approval from the City of Chicago • Loyola University Chicago profit organizations to promote the aforementioned purposes. for an allocation of tax credits and home dollars to rehabilitate • Northern Trust Bank the property in order to provide quality, affordable, rental units • S&C Electric Company B. Background. In 1997, the Rogers Park Community Council for seniors. Redevelopment plans are in process. We anticipate • Walgreen’s Foundation formed a new subsidiary corporation in order to develop eco- completion of the $6 million dollar rehabilitation project by the nomic stability in our neighborhood. The Rogers Park end of 1999. Government Funding. The Rogers Park Community Council Community Development Corporation was formed, a board of receives the following government funding: directors was installed, and plans were made to build a mixed Morse Avenue Collaboration. • State of Illinois Attorney General income community in Rogers Park. As part of our efforts to bring economic growth to our com- • Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority munity, the RPCDC brought to the table partners who are plan- • Illinois Dept. of Human Services ning the future of Morse Avenue. The United Way of Chicago has • City of Chicago - Dept of Human Services, Dept of selected the project as a pilot for collaboration and is offering Planning, Dept. of Housing, Dept of Public Health technical support and • Federal Drug Forfeiture resources to the coalition. Our • Federal Work / Study partners are DevCorp North, the Council for Jewish Elderly, resi- Thank you. The successes achieved by the Rogers Park dents of the area, the communi- Community Council would not be possible without support from ty policing beat team, the the community. On behalf of our board of directors, staff, and Chicago Police Department – most importantly the families we serve, I thank the individuals, 24th District and Alderman corporations, foundations and government agencies that made Joseph Moore (49th Ward). this year possible.

Cary Steinbuck Executive Director

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

ROGERS PARK 2000 15 IN MY OPINION Outrage, Ownership, Obligation By Mark Doyle

hese words as defined by Webster's Dictionary First she encountered a group of 6 to 8 youth majority of those business owners lived in the community T should be the foundation for our lives in Rogers engaged in a full-fledged crap game. The sidewalk was and were vested in its' survival. They were proud of the Park. impassible and the language so vulgar that she was products they sold as well as the community. Today, walk- Our community has been blessed with the natural forced into the street in order to continue home. None of ing on Morse Avenue before streets and sanitation work- beauty of the Lakefront. We are the only community in the youths even looked up at her. Just past the alley east ers clean every morning is personally offensive. There is the city with street-end beaches. Rogers Park is home to of Ashland, she encountered a second group of teens. literally half-eaten food on the ground, beer cans in brown more ethnic groups than any other neighborhood in Two of the young women from rival gangs were in a fist- bags, liquor bottles and food wrappers. There are Chicago. As this neighborhood has evolved, a number of fight while the male members cheered their respective garbage cans on every corner. disturbing trends have, in my judgement, impeded the pugilists. The vulgarity was overwhelming, and my moth- A community is simply a macrocosm of the family effort of those who would restore the critical elements of er was once again forced into the street. She passed structure. If a family member becomes obstreperous and a thriving community. miraculously unscathed only to be met by yet another unruly, a parent generally intervenes in an attempt to group loitering in front of a store. Finally, at the Morse El, make him or her abide by the same rules as the rest of OUTRAGE; n., A powerful feeling of resentment or anger she encountered 10 or 12 men and women who were the household: Be respectful, courteous, helpful and aroused by injury, insult or injustice. drinking and pan handling. Did I mention that she is 76 responsible for the general well being of all. The total years old? That is was 90 degrees? That she walks with family/community involvement is absolutely essential to Last spring at around midnight on a Wednesday, two a cane? I have personally witnessed crack being sold as peaceful co-habitation in Rogers Park. young women were shot - one fatally - in front of the well as public drinking and marijuana smoking on Morse Village North Theatre on Sheridan. The assailant was Avenue. OBLIGATION; n., The act of binding oneself by a social, reported to have been romantically involved with the vic- There was a time when the police did not have to be moral, or legal tie. tim prior to the attack. The incident received two minutes ubiquitous. When members of community witnessed ille- on the morning news and one article in the Sun-times. gal, illicit and mischievous behavior, they dealt with it. The mission of our community and elected leaders is Neither of the women, the assailant or the families were Each of us needs to take responsibility for ourselves and to provide the tools for economic prosperity and for safe ever mentioned. Why? Because indifference has perme- for our families. It should not be encumbent upon the affordable living conditions. The difference between com- ated the fabric of the neighborhood. Where was the out- police to monitor our behavior every moment. The munities that rise above the roadblocks and those that do rage?! Rogers Park Community Development Corporation, not is their continued obligation. My mother is 76 years old. She has lived in Rogers DevCorp North, 49th Ward Alderman Moore and the 24th When we are willing to treat every person like a true Park for 50 years. District police have embarked on a myriad of projects on neighbor with respect and dignity; when we live in the The following incidents occurred this summer as she Clark Street, Howard Street and now Morse Avenue. community with a common purpose; when the needs of walked east on Morse Avenue. They have endeavored to create an atmosphere that is those around us count at least as much as our own; then economically advantageous for busi- and only then, will we be able to celebrate our diversity ness, aesthetically pleasing to our and realize the potential that exists here. seniors, and realistically attractive for I challenge all that read this to make Morse Avenue families looking to make Rogers Park the linchpin to the three O's strategy. their home. There are many people working tirelessly to rejuve- nate Morse Avenue. Let us all be outraged by illegal, OWNERSHIP; n., The state or fact of immoral and licentious behavior. Let there be zero toler- being an owner. Legal right to the pos- ance for it regardless of who commits the act. Let us take session of a thing. ownership of our own behavior as well as that of our fam- ily. Every act of indiscretion, no matter how insignificant, Littering, public drinking, loi- should be met with complete disdain. Finally, let us be tering and drug dealing are truly can- obligated to each other, the merchants, the police, the cers that threaten the integrity of every school teachers and all the community leaders in our positive measure taken by the commu- quest for a Morse Avenue, and indeed a Rogers Park, nity. Morse Avenue was once home to that is cleaner, safer and friendlier tomorrow than it is the original Ashkenaz Deli, Morry's today. Men's Wear, the Top Shop, Davidson's Bakery, Kemars Coffee Shop, Mac Mark Doyle was born, raised, and lives in Rogers Park. Turner's Men's Wear, Rocky's Diner and 31 Flavors Ice Cream Shop. The

16 ROGERS PARK 2000

Rogers Park Youth Network: ENROLL IN THIS AFTER-SCHOOL Our First 8 Weeks TEEN PROGRAM NOW! WHERE: By June Terpstra Rogers Park Youth Network at Loyola University id you know that there is a safe place for your teen partner agency staff and our teen council members. 6600 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL D after school that offers tutoring, a computer lab, National trainer, Lillie Allen, from Atlanta, Georgia, gave (773) 761-4413 or (773) 761-4980 counseling, advising, sports and more? Rogers staff and students the time needed to build our relation- Park Youth Network's (RPYN) new after-school program ships with one another and clarify values. for teens (ages 13-19) opened its doors on September Our new space at 6600 N. Sheridan Road has video, WHEN: 14,1998. In just 8 weeks we have enrolled 92 teens. audio, sound, and music equipment. Some of it even Monday-Friday, 2:30pm - 8:00pm Daily average attendance is 26 teens. works! Our goals are to promote the constructive use of Saturday, Quality Time Music School, Our center is full of energy as we juggle ongoing ren- the media. To dismantle the negative stereotypes and 9:00am-3:00pm ovations, new staff and new programs and the teens promote positive images for teens. As young people themselves. Our first month of programming and enroll- become media literate, they can examine the content of ment has been very successful. Our recruitment strate- media and its effects. We intend to provide training and WHAT: gies included partners bringing in groups of teens from work experience to develop health-promoting program- Tutoring, Computer Lab, Math Made Easy, their programs; special events with teens from local pro- ming and media campaigns for youth. grams; recruitment dances; and, street outreach distribut- RPYN is housed at the largest research university in Male Responsibility, Healthy Relationships ing flyers to teens. Our first month of programs included Chicago, Loyola University. We will work to make and Girls, How to Start A Business, Gang daily tutoring in and out of the new computer lab; daily on research and teaching on adolescent health and devel- Awareness, Youth Organizing Institute, site community service opportunities for teens with the opment a priority. We are starting with an evaluation You Go Girl, One on One Counseling, clean up of the new site, the serving of snacks and bev- study by LUC's School of Social Work. We anticipate rec- erages, answering phones and helping register teens at ommendations from the evaluation that will assist us in Dances, Drumming, Piano, Violin, How To the front door. our efforts to strengthen our communities. We intend to DJ, College Life, and, Acting Classes. We provided the following programs for teens this provide safe, attractive, growth-promoting settings for month: Math Made Easy, Male Responsibility, Healthy teens during out-of-school hours and ensure that our pro- Relationships and Girls, How to Start A Business, Gang grams work collaboratively with families, schools, agen- Believe that you are safe in the world and that daily events Awareness, Youth Organizing Institute, "You Go Girl", One cies and teens to meet the essential requirements for are somewhat predictable; Believe that you are "making to One Counseling, dances, drumming, field trips to a healthy development. it" and will succeed in the future; Believe that you are val- CAPS meeting and a Town Hall meeting, and the very The literature on youth development names some of ued by family and community. popular, "How To DJ" class. the following as "Essential Requirements For Healthy No single influence can be responsible for the suc- In October new programs were initiated: College Life Adolescent Development:" Find a place in a constructive cessful transition from adolescence to adulthood. A is a weekly discussion on local colleges and universities, group; Feel a sense of worth as a person; Achieve a reli- reordering of priorities and agendas on every level is nec- what they offer, how to apply, financial aid. The group has able basis for making informed choices; Express con- essary: government, schools, families, the health sector, visited various college fairs and campuses to get a feel for structive curiosity and exploratory behavior; Believe in a and community organizations. We believe after school Universities. The Howard Area Community Center's promising future with real opportunities; Find ways of programs should be focused in such a way that leads to Quality Time Music school offers free piano and violin being useful to others; Master social skills, including the self-knowledge and community well being. RPYN strives lessons to students ages 8-18 on Saturdays. Center ability to manage conflict peacefully; Cultivate the inquir- to achieve this end. Theater is offering acting classes. ing and problem-solving habits for life-long learning; The RPYN organized a two-day training on October Acquire the technical and analytic skills to participate in a June Terpstra is Director of the Rogers Park Youth 12th and 13th, entitled "Youth development across the global economy; Respect diversity in our pluralistic soci- Network. boundaries of age, race, class and sex" for all interested ety; Learn the requirements of responsible citizenship;

Prevention By Sara Alex Schwartz

hen people think of violence prevention they often think of stopping children from pressure is instilling a strong sense of self, so our children are not afraid to say "no" to W joining gangs or staying away from drugs. Although this is part of violence pre- their peers. vention, it is only one piece in the fight against violence. An important part in Here are some suggestions on ways to help your children increase their self-esteem. any prevention is how people feel about themselves. Let your children know that you think they are special and unique. Use examples to In October, RPCC Youth Intervention Director, Norman "Mr. Polk" and I went into emphasize what you like most about them, such as "I am so proud of the good grades Kilmer Elementary School for our first day of classes. We met with 180 seventh and you brought home" or "I like the way you are willing to try something new." It is impor- eighth graders. They were a very knowledgeable and enthusiastic group of young peo- tant to be careful how you criticize your children. Children often internalize what we say, ple who come from a variety of cultures. The first topic that was tackled in our classes especially when what we say comes out more harshly than we intend for it to. Remember was peer pressure and self-esteem. when you were younger and how your parents yelled at you. How did that make you feel? Self-esteem or how a child feels about him/herself is a large part of a successful vio- Bear in mind an important part of prevention is helping our children feel good about lence prevention campaign. Children have many influences including parents, school, themselves, so they can reach for the stars! peers and community. Each one of these factors effects how a child feels about him/her- self and impacts the decisions that he or she makes. For example, if a teacher tells a Sara Alex Schwartz is the drug and violence prevention coordinator for the Rogers Park child that he or she is not smart and capable, the child feels bad and it lowers his/her self- Community Council. The RPCC's prevention interactive is funded through a grant from the City esteem. If this child does not feel good about him/herself, he or she is more likely to be of Chicago - Department of Public Health. influenced by peer pressure and make bad decisions, such as joining gangs. At Kilmer, we discussed the affect of peers on self-esteem. Students were asked to choose their favorite music, sports, clothing style and sneaker brand. We looked at why the students spent so much time picking out the right clothes and shoes to wear at school. The students told us they were concerned about their fellow students talking about them, especially talking about their clothing. Although, this is a normal concern for pre-teens and teens, it is important that they recognize that they are making decisions based on peer pressure. Peer pressure is often subtle and not the obvious one often talked about with the "just say no" drug campaign. An important part of combating peer

Enroll In This Arter-School Teen Program NOW!

WHERE? Rogers Park Youth Network at Loyola University 6600 N. Sheridan Road, Chicago, IL

WHEN? Monday – Friday, 2:30 pm – 8 pm Saturday, Quality Time Music School, 9: am – 3 pm

WHAT? Tutoring, Computer Lab, Math Made Easy, Male Responsibility, Healthy Relationships and Girls, How to Start A Business, Gang Awareness, Youth Organizing Institute, You Go Girl, One on One Counseling, Dances, Drumming, Piano, Violin, How To DJ, College Life, and Acting Classes.

For more info: 773-761-4413 or -4980

ROGERS PARK 2000 17 Art Opportunities Available in Rogers Park

By Sandi Price

new facility is attempting to create community programming in the A through the arts and sciences in West Rogers Park. schools. This program will The Community Arts Center at St. James, which help bridge the gap that opened last spring, has a lot of exciting programs. While exists in elementary and most of the classes are targeted to children and youth, secondary education. the goal is to provide enrichment and educational oppor- The current partners at tunities for people of all ages. the Community Arts Center Located at St. James Presbyterian Church at 6554 N. are the West Rogers Park Rockwell, the Community Arts Center offers a Children's After School Program Choral Workshop, Teen Theater, Children's Recorder (WRPASP), Daniel Boone class, Writing Workshop, Science Club, Elementary School and St. Science/Language Arts and Fine Arts. All classes are James Presbyterian open to the public and require a small fee. Scholarships Church. may become available in the near future. The center is currently The mission of the program is to bridge the gap in winding up their fall session arts education that currently exists in public school cur- of ten classes. The Winter riculum and to expand science activities, offering a safe session will begin on community center where children and young adults may January 11, 1999. For gather, interact and creatively grow. more information, contact The need for this kind of programming became Jan Cameron at (773) 465- St. James Art Center apparent when a survey was conducted at an area school 3973. last spring. Parents and teachers indicated that the arts Sandi Price is the are important in education. School administrators con- Associate Director of the Rogers fess that funding and space problems have limited arts Park Community Council. Ways To Keep Your Winter Sunny

By Bonnie Tipton Long

he winter holidays are upon us, and rumor has it that February 19th through 28th. Admission is $10 (students, Another prominent area gallery is the Martin D'arcy T El Niño has big plans for us. Luckily, the Rogers Park $2). Kathleen Mullady Memorial Theatre is located at Museum of Art at 6525 North Sheridan Road. Their won- arts community has been working overtime planning 1125 West Loyola Avenue. For information call (773) 508- derful lecture series, Kultur und Kaffee (Culture and some great winter events. So take out your calendars and 3847. Coffee), is not only delightful, it's free. In time for the hol- prepare to add some color to those gray days. In March, Actors Equity Theatre brings Pulitzer Prize idays is "The Angel as Image in Art," by Dr. Sally Metzler, New Millennium Theatre Company presents Sidney winning playwright Eugene O'Neil's STRANGE INTER- December 2nd. January 27th sees "The Sistine Chapel Kingsley's gritty cop-drama DETECTIVE STORY LUDE to the North Lakeside Cultural Center. This is Revisited," by Dr. Robert Munman. February 10th, Dr. December 3rd through January 2nd 1999. Set entirely in Chicago's first performance, so don't miss out. The David Posner, Professor of French Language and black & white 'film noir' style, the scene is the squad room Center is located at 6219 N. Sheridan. For information Literature, will lecture. "Surrealism" is the topic in a pre- of a New York City police station it presents a realistic pic- call (773) 743-4477. sentation by Dr. Malynne Sternstein February 24th. All ture of routine cases brought into a metropolitan police Do you like plays? Why not write your own? lectures begin at 3:30 p.m. For information call (773) 508- station in the course of a day. All performances are in the Beginning in January, NLCC will be offering an ongoing 2679. Greenview Arts Center mainstage theatre at 6418 N. workshop, "Performing Women's Lives." Taught by Leslie Music blesses the neighborhood this winter. British Greenview Ave. Tickets are $10 (students and seniors Delmenico, the class is a method of compiling biographi- violinist Drosten Hall will give a recital 3 p.m., January $8). For information call (773) 465-3939. cal material for the creation of performance based on life 24th at NLCC. On February 14th, Chicago pianist Everybody, beware! BUNNICULA arrives at Lifeline stories of Chicago Women. Enrique Arias will perform works of Brahms, Schubert, Theatre January 24th! Chester and Harold, the Monroe Speaking of NLCC, they have a great multi-cultural Clementi, Czerny, and Arizaga. Come over and enjoy the Family's cat and dog, suspect the new bunny is a veg- Christmas exhibit planned. Holiday traditions of African work of two of the finest artists in the city for only $5 etable vampire. Are they just jealous, or, could it be true? America, the Philippines, Greece and Sweden will be cel- (members and seniors, $3). For the price of a $7 ticket, you can find out. And if this ebrated through performance, display and music. An Hear the Loyola Chamber Orchestra conducted by furry Nosferatu doesn't give you the shivers, you may open house Saturday, December 5th and Sunday, Dr. Joseph Mayne in concert on February 14th at 3:30 want to stop by the box office on your way out to reserve December 6th, noon to 5 p.m. will kick off the month-long p.m.. Concerts take place in the Madonna della Strada tickets for DOCTOR JEKYLL AND MR. HYDE, opening exhibits. A bazaar includes handmade arts and crafts, Chapel, 6525 N. Sheridan. Admission is free. February 26th. This new adaptation of Robert Louis music and performance. Are you interested in starting Customers for these events come in all shapes, Stevenson's chilling 1885 story on the potential for good your own Kwansa tradition but don't know enough about sizes, ages, colors and economic levels. Your attendance and evil in every man. Tickets are $18.50 (students and it? Want to find out how to decorate a la Sweden for is welcomed and appreciated. At these prices, who can seniors $10). Lifeline Theatre is located at 6912 N. Christmas? Ask NLCC how you can learn more about afford to stay home? Citizens of Rogers Park, support Glenwood. For information call (773) 761-4477. holiday traditions. Other exhibits include the work of your artists. Amongst the recent spate of Shakespearean Edgewater resident and ceramics artist Fred Wilson in updates, you would be hard pressed to find one as splen- January. The P.T.A. Reflections Show, featuring the art of Bonnie Tipton Long is a local musician and associate at did as WEST SIDE STORY. Loyola University Theatre Illinois school children, opens February 27th. For infor- North Lakeside Cultural Center. presents this modern version of Romeo and Juliet, distin- mation, to receive mailings of all events, or to become a guished by Leonard Bernstein's smashing tunes, NLCC member call (773) 743-4477.

Do you have an apartment building that needs repairs?

Then you need to call COMMUNITY INVESTMENT CORPORATION First.

Ask about our Rogers Park Repairs Program to buy and rehab or refinance and rehab buildings with 6 or more units

Community Investment Corporation 222 South Riverside Plaza, Suite 2200 Chicago, IL 60606 312.258.0070

18 ROGERS PARK 2000 FOOD FUNBy Evelyn J. Thompson Babylon Bakery cialize in cakes baked and decorated for special occa- soups or just cooked in water. 6969 N. Western Avenue, (773) 761-1331 sions. The walls are hung with many photos showing The menu reflects the various cultures of Peru. The Sun. 9a.m. - 7p.m. expertly decorated wedding and birthday cakes. If you basis for the cuisine is Inca. Then there is the Spanish Mon. - Fri. 7a.m. - 9p.m. get caught needing an unexpected or forgotten birthday influence which is illustrated in #37 on the menu, Aji de Sat. 8a.m. - 7p.m. cake, they always have a number of small cakes for just Gallina, chicken with nut cream. A nut cream is a sauce such an emergency. They even have home-baked pies made from ground nuts soaked in milk and then thickened Marcus and Shalem Narsa opened their bakery 9 and home-baked hamburger buns. with bread crumbs. Spanish cuisine uses this culinary years ago on Devon Avenue (east of Western) and just Stop in. The hours are such that your day could device and guess where the Spanish got this idea? From recently moved to this Western and Lunt location. They begin and end with a visit here. This would be an excel- the Moors who were a dominant influence in Spain for have decorated this charming and airy storefront bakery lent stop after visiting Indian Boundary Park. hundreds of years. in delicate pinks and whites. Bakery goods are present- We can also see Chinese and Italian aspects on the ed in two display counters, a dining area is available so Taste Of Peru Sabor Peruano menu. In the 1800's the Chinese and the Italians came customers can enjoy their purchases on the spot along 6546 N. Clark Street, (773) 381-4540 as laborers to Peru and when the Peruvians saw how the with a cup of coffee or a can of soda. Sun. - Th. 11a.m. - 10p.m. Chinese cooked, they adapted some of their own food Shalem is the baker and her output is prodigious. Fri. - Sat. 11a.m. - 11p.m. preferences to this new method of stir frying and the use Even though the bakery is Middle Eastern, European of soy sauce. Loms Saltado (#25) and Pollo Saltado style delicacies and American goodies are equally dis- This pleasantly uncluttered, sunny restaurant is one (#40) use the Chinese method. In Tallarin Saltado con played. The day I visited the display cases were filled with of Rogers Park latest culinary blessings. Chef Abraham Carne (#29), because one noodle looked the same as napoleons, pistachio studded and cream cannoli, almond Coutreras is a renowned Peruvian chef. When Abraham another, the Peruvians used spaghetti instead of Chinese and strawberry strudel slices, muffins, turnovers, delicate left his previous job, Rogers Parker Cesar Izquierdo noodles. Arroz Chaufa de Carne (#34) is none other than looking danish, kolachki, chocolate peanut cookies, butter quickly made a long time dream come true. The space Peruvian Fried Rice. Another country's influence is to be cookies with different toppings, Greek wedding cookies, was available and now we have a taste of Peru. Chef found in the popular soda, Inca Cola, which was invented and pound cake with mixed fruits. Abraham has a loyal following because he has "sazon"--- by an Englishman after he saw the great success Coca In the middle of the room is a circular display that a magical touch with food. And because of his devotees, Cola was having when it was first thrust onto the market holds Middle Eastern delights. Baklava is packaged in this place has not needed to go through a period of build- in the early 1900's. small foil containers for a sedate purchase. But they also ing a clientele. As I stated before, seafood is the showcase item have large trays of baklava as well as fancifully decorated Peruvian food has some things that are familiar to here. Fish deliveries are made every day. For the cus- baskets suitable for gifts. Customers can also buy indi- your taste buds and some very indigenous flavors that will tomers' convenience, the menu has the Peruvian name of vidual pieces of baklava. There are packages of "kolach- be new. One thing is sure, seafood is supreme and the dish followed by an English description of ingredients. ki" which are similar to rugalah (buttery dough rapped seafood is the focus at Taste of Peru. Almost half of the With this description you will not order something that will around a filling of walnuts, fruits or jams). Shalem makes menu is seafood items. The rest of the menu is filled with be totally unknown. The Peruvian tamale is enchanted her kolachi with date and walnut filling. The date kolach- other Peruvian dishes that are served as entrees, appetiz- with the subtle difference in taste associated with ki is made like rugalah but the walnut filled treat is like a ers and soups. Prices are very reasonable and the pre- tamales. The tamales are topped with thinly sliced onions little cookie. The shape of these two is not the same sentation of the food shows the care and artistry of the that have been soaked in salt water which makes them because Marcus said that the walnuts burn easily when chef and the high standard that this restaurant is striving mild and also gives them a slight pickled taste. Then juice baked if they are not encased in dough. Another rack for. of a special tiny lime, that resembles key limes and is holds an unassuming snack called "khada" which is a Some historical notes about Peru and its history add extremely fragrant, is added which gives an extremely great favorite of Middle Eastern customers and is taken to the excitement of the foods that are served. The pota- light aspect to the onion mixture. Finely chopped cilantro with tea or coffee for a pick-me-up or for breakfast. Khada to originated in Peru. There are hundreds of varieties of and red bell pepper pieces are scattered through-out the is made of egg dough that has a texture between bread potatoes, which come in all shapes and colors--red, pink, onion mixture which is then mounded on top of the ruddy and cookies with a filling made of a mixture of butter and purple, yellow, orange, and blue. Peru also is the origi- colored tamale. This combination of colors gives you a flour that is seasoned with either salt or sugar. Marcus nator of the freeze-dry procedure. Because it gets very true feast for the eyes. makes khada in a large oval loaf or in individual triangles. cold at night, the farmers would leave the potatoes out Marcus takes great pride in this bakery because over night and they would freeze. During the day when it Go, enjoy. everything is made here by Shalem and because they warmed up, the farmers would tread on the potatoes and use only butter, vegetable shortening and oil. The pre- extract the water from the potatoes. This process would Evelyn J. Thompson, a Rogers Park resident, is a cooking sentation of the bakery goods is done by Marcus and be repeated until the potatoes were dehydrated and then teacher and writer, who has explored Chicago from top to bot- Shalem with the utmost of care. I was struck with how these freeze-dried spuds could be stored without tom and side to side, ferreting out ethnic grocery stores and particular they are about their bakery items. They spe- spoilage. When they were needed, they were put into street food.

Holiday Greetings and Best Wishes for the New Year to All!

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ROGERS PARK 2000 19 SHE SAYS, HE SAYS A Movie Review By Mike and Toni Realmuto “Meet Joe Black”

He Says: It seems like it was only yesterday when I saw her. My family was on vacation out west, I was probably around 14 at the time. Her image haunted me for days. I just stood there staring at her beneath the glass. She was a young Indian girl mummified by the dry southwestern climate about a thousand years ago. The experience made me think seriously about mor- tality for the first time. I just hope when my time comes, the Grim Reaper looks more like Pamela Anderson rather than Brad Pitt.

She says: Pamela Anderson!?! You mean to tell me that your image of the Grim Reaper is a Bay Watch bimbo, with implants? I'll take Brad Pitt, thank you very much! Obviously, in the movie Meet Joe Black Brad, Pitt plays the role of death incarnate. The movie opens with millionaire, William Parrish (Anthony Hopkins) having symptoms of a heart attack. He is hearing voices in his head saying, "Yes", "Yes". He is nearing his 65th birthday and fears he is dying and going crazy simul- taneously.

He says: You'd think any actor with the smarts to play "Hannibal the Cannibal" would say, " Hey Mr. Director, I'm having a heart attack here. Shouldn't I be calling a doctor?" But no, not the stoic William Parrish, he prefers to negotiate with Mr. Death Pitt. This movie does con- tain a very shocking scene. I have not seen a movie audi- ence jump like that since the Velociraptor scene in "The Lost World".

She says: After two heart attack scares and many voic- es saying "Yes" in his head, William Parrish is finally confronted by Mr. Death in the library of his home. Mr. Parrish is told that his death will be "put off" as long as he keeps showing Mr. Death the wonders of being alive. Another stipulation is that he cannot reveal Mr. Death's true identity; hence he becomes Joe Black, William Parrish's business associate. This is not an easy promise to keep, especially when his daughter, Susan (Claire Forlani), and Joe fall in love.

He says: Then things really get pathetic. Mr. Brad Reaper takes off his shirt (or rather Susan takes it off for him) and all the women in the theater start swooning, drooling and gasping for breath. All because Mr. William Parrish didn't know how to dial 911. The love scene in this movie seems to last for four hours in a three hour movie. And then when they're done, she asks him which is better, sex or peanut butter. And Mr. (experi- encing corporeal pleasures for the first time) Death has to think about it.

She says: Okay, I admit I swooned, but I definitely did not drool and my breathing was very normal. The story line also involves the planning of the Party of the Century (Mr. Parrish's 65th birthday) by his daughter, Allison (Marcia Gay Harden). The Party turns out to be a very lavish affair, held at the Parrish country estate, with U.S. senators and heads of Fortune 500 companies in attendance. The story is also complicated by a corpo- rate takeover of Mr. Parrish's communications company, during which Joe Black plays a pivotal role. Meet Joe Black also deals with other relationship issues - favorite child vs. less favorite child, love and sacrifice and the loss of a spouse. . RECOMMENDATIONS:

He says: OK, I can't explain it, but I liked Meet Joe Black even though it was a female cinematic experience (politically incorrect: chick flick). The father - daughter dance scene almost, I repeat, almost, brought a tear to my eye. This however, does not make me a sensitive man of the nineties.

She says: All of Rogers Park knows that you will never be a sensitive man of any decade, but you cannot say almost. I can't believe it, we have finally agreed on a movie. Besides the pleasure of looking at Brad Pitt for almost three hours, Anthony Hopkins' performance was great.

Mike and Toni have been married for 25 years, have two children, Michael Jr. and Lindsey. They have been safe- ly crossing the busy streets of Rogers Park since 1977.

20 ROGERS PARK 2000

The Marketplace Don’s Odyssey Leads To Rogers Park By Jim Yeaman Don’s Coffee Club (1439 W. Jarvis, 773.274.1228)

hat do the following have in common: video rental store, magazine and book- W store, junk store, and coffee club? They're all associated with Don Selle's odyssey as an entrepreneur that brought him to Rogers Park nearly six years ago and the opening of his highly acclaimed Don's Coffee Club. This eclectic storefront coffeehouse draws customers from the Rogers Park neighborhood, and as far away as Arlington Heights and all along the North Shore. Before coming to Rogers Park and opening Don's Coffee Club, Selle operated one of the city's first video rental stores. Positioned on Southport, near the now restored Music Box Theatre, Selle's video store was ahead of it's time. Don recalls the area being so abandoned and neglected that dogs felt comfortable sleeping in the middle of the street. When that venture went belly up, he started looking around for another business venture, one that he could establish and operate with a minimum of expense and that would afford him the luxury of enjoying the company of like minded friends and neighbors. Residing in Andersonville at this juncture in his life, and recognizing that the neigh- borhood was on the upswing, he thought that a coffee bar might be a good fit. Alas, rents were so high that he expanded his search for a space, and found his current location quite by accident. Without a second thought, he leased the storefront on Jarvis, just a half block east of the Jarvis EL stop and relocated his residence to the apartment above the store. Noted for his collection of tasteful and unusual furnishings gleaned from resale and antique shops, a mural of palm trees on the back wall, and the owner's trademark Hawaiian print shirts, Don's Coffee Club soon found a following among the diverse and artistic Rogers Park community. The ambience of the Club is supported by the wafting sounds of 1930-1940 era swing musicians whose LP's Don plays continuously during his six nights a week. The Club is closed on Thursdays. The presence of Don's Coffee Club in the neighborhood hasn't been a passive one. When neighbor business- man Leon Feldman was attacked and beaten in his shoe repair store around the corner, Don turned his annual "Prom Night" into a fundraiser to bene- ment guide, Metromix.com. Java Journal lists Don's Coffee Club as one of the seven best fit Feldman. The event raised nearly in Chicagoland! In 1997, Don received the Spirit of Rogers Park award from the Rogers $1,000! Don's Prom Night is usually Park Community Council. held the Saturday after Labor Day. Don After trying his hand at a "no smoking" policy, Don found that the majority of his cus- is looking for an East Rogers Park tomers were smokers, and so smoking of cigarettes and pipes is permitted. With this in charity for next year’s event. mind, there are very few things that Don doesn't permit in the Club, but laptop comput- In addition to the two-legged patrons of Don's Coffee Club, three wonderfully friend- ers are verboten! "People come here to relax, to read, to converse, and someone sitting ly cats greet customers and lounge comfortably throughout the Club. Customers enjoy transfixed looking at a computer screen just doesn't work here", noted Don. As evidence petting the cats, Jambo, Squint (who rules the roost) and Max. Noodles, a neighbor's cat of the friendly atmosphere at Don's Coffee Club, at least five couples have met and later wanders in from time to time and Don says he'll probably inherit Noodles if the neighbor married after having met at the Club. It was Don's honor to host the wedding reception ever moves. for one of the couples! Don's love for swing music and the musicians of that era prompted him to host a party So, what's next for Don Selle? "Oh, maybe in another ten years or so I'd like to move on the occasion of Frank Sinatra's 80th birthday. A special card was prepared and signed to Florida. The South Beach area holds a special charm to me, as evidenced my trade- by the many guests. The card, along with a pound of Don's special blend coffee, was sent mark Hawaiian print shirts and the tropical mural on the wall of the Club", noted Don. to Sinatra. A few days later, Don received a signed note from Sinatra, thanking him for "But who knows, I just may stay right here. There is something about the people of the card, the best wishes, and the coffee. The Sinatra note is proudly displayed with other Chicago and Rogers Park that I enjoy being around." swing era memorabilia on a non-functioning piano that often serves as a table for guests Don's Coffee Club is located at 1439 West Jarvis. For more information, call (773) when the Club is especially crowded. 274-1228. Hours are 7:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m., evenings only, closed Thursdays. Speaking of coffee, Don serves a tasty and hearty "special blend" that he has espe- cially roasted, European style. The blend took him seven months to perfect, and it is Jim Yeaman is President of the JOY Group and is a Rogers Park based organization services, made up of several varieties of South American, estate grown, Arabica coffees. In addi- marketing and communications consultant. tion to the coffee, Don offers a variety of ice cream sundaes, pies, cakes and other desserts. While the pastries aren't prepared on the premises, Don's excellent taste in coffee extends to the items that he brings into the Club for the enjoyment of his patrons. The menu also includes Polish Sausages, brats and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. While many coffeehouses are noted for entertainment, Don's experience with singers and poetry readings just didn't "fit" his scheme for Don's Coffee Club. He found that entertainers tend to "take over" the space, something that his loyal patrons didn't PRE-PAY AND SAVE enjoy, since many just come to relax, converse with friends, enjoy the coffee and CONVENIENT desserts, and the swing music. When he first opened, he often would organize swing CHICAGOLAND LOCATIONS dances on Sundays, something that he was told just wouldn't fly. Despite the naysay- ers, the dances were well attended and enjoyed as long as they were offered. (773) 274-1500 While Don's Coffee Club has been a welcome respite from the jangle and bustle of city life, he has used his business to help rally neighbors to confront drug dealing 1529 W. Howard 1762 W. Devon 6119 N. Broadway and gangs that used to infest the area around the Jarvis EL. Don organized a "sit in". Neighbors and customers were asked to take the patio chairs that Don has in front of W Howard “L” Closed Sunday At Ravenswood Walgreens Plaza his business and go sit in the parking lot by the El station during the evening hours that were most favored by drug dealers and gangs. After several of these episodes, the 7003 N. Clark 4837 Oakton drug and gang activity that formerly thrived has diminished significantly. Skokie Don grew up on the southside of Chicago and graduated from Proviso East High School. He attended Augustana College in Rock Island and was a language major. 4937 W. Dempster 2100 Green Bay Rd. 1333 W. Fullerton Because of his language skills, he soon found work in the export business. Later, he Near Skokie Swift Evanston Walgreens Plaza was a social worker and waiter, lived for a while in Houston during its unbridled days before coming home to Chicago. One of his fondest memories of recent past is having located his birth mother. After the Illinois Legislature changed some laws relating to privacy of adoption records, Don engaged a private detective that subsequently determined that his birth mother lived only a few miles away in Evanston of all places. Now 76 years old, his Mother came to his recent birthday party held at the Club and she visits him a couple of times a week. The reunion between Don and his Mother was recently featured in a front- page store in the Chicago Reader. In addition to the exposure that Don's Coffee Club has received in the Reader, his unusual life and business have been featured in the Tribune, Sun-Times, Chicago 79¢ Magazine, New City, Mr. Cheap's Chicago, "Best of Rogers Park" and on WTTW's "Wild Chicago" program. The Club is also profiled on the Tribune's Internet entertain- (Expires Oct. 15, 1998) (Expires Oct. 15, 1998)