VOL. 18 NO. 11 M ARCH 10-M ARCH 16, 2010

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STREETWISE STAFF From the Director EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR PUBLISHER / BRUCE CRANE By Bruce Crane Executive Director is to expand those services so [email protected] Executive Director we can assist more individuals, and serve them Like most busi- more fully, increasing both the magnitude and EDITOR-IN-CHIEF nesses, we strive to breadth of the help we can offer. Unfortunately, SUZANNE HANNEY have our public per- the first most important item for me is fundrais- [email protected] ing, for without that, we can do little else. But as ception match our DIRECTOR OF DISTRIBUTION & VENDOR SERVICES reality. Sometimes, our fundraising activities have incremental suc- GREG PRITCHETT cess, so can the services we offer expand in what a business does [email protected] goes beyond the turn. scope of what the Most of our vendors have complex education- PRODUCTION & MARKETING MANAGER public generally knows. This is true with al needs. In order for educational programs to be BEN COOK StreetWise as well. We have long been associat- successful with them, they need experienced [email protected] tutors and understanding mentors to help them ed with the homeless, and rightly so. Though DIRECTOR OF ADVERTISING & most of the people who come to us are home- take advantage of the educational opportunity. CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT less, most of the StreetWise vendors have found We have embarked on creating partnerships GRACE FEDERIGHI with colleges and agencies to expand the educa- stable housing and are not homeless. They could- [email protected] n’t have done this without three ingredients: tional opportunities for our vendors. We have their hard work, your support through purchas- also been forging partnerships with universities ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVES ing StreetWise magazine, and the resources at that can meet the vendors’ ongoing needs for MARY FAITH HILBOLDT StreetWise. The first two are pretty well under- graduate student interns for the assistance they PROOFREADER stood by the public. Most buyers of the maga- need. ROBERT CASS zine recognize the work and determination of We have computer workstations for the ven- the vendors and encourage and assist them by dors to use in their coursework. We supply cloth- BOARD OF DIRECTORS purchasing the publication. Surveys have told us ing not only for everyday life, but for job inter- ROB FEDERIGHI—PRESIDENT JUDD LOFCHIE—FOUNDER that it is the third ingredient—the resources views as well. Coupled together, these ingredi- SOCORE ENERGY LOFCHIE & ASSOCIATES, INC. StreetWise provides—that is less well known. ents will make more of our vendors successful in PETE KADENS—VICE PRESIDENT ADAM MEEK SOCORE ENERGY BROWNFILED MANAGEMENT Much of what we do is to prevent , getting the education and preparation so impor- ASSOCIATES JUDD R. HORWITZ—TREASURER either from happening to an individual, or from tant to today’s employers. When they may obtain JUDD R. HORWITZ & CO. P.C. JASON MERSEY full time employment, they truly become part of J.P. MORGAN reoccurring to an individual. Homelessness RAY GILLETTE—SECRETARY often is a chronic problem that reoccurs for the solution to homelessness. And in the process NONPROFIT CONSULTING TIMOTHY RAY SONNENSCHEIN, NATH & ROSENTHAL impoverished men and women. Using StreetWise we hope you, our public, gain more insight into LEE BARRIE resources, most vendors are able to break that what StreetWise does. We strive to end home- KURMAN COMMUNICATIONS, INC. JONATHAN REINSDORF STONEGATE DEVELOPMENT RICHARD BOYKIN cycle and attain permanent housing. lessness one vendor at a time and one StreetWise PARTNERS, LLC BARNES & THORNBURG LLP The second most important item for me as customer at a time. WHITNEY ST. PIERRE EMILY BRINKMOELLER INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVES EXTENSION, INC PATRICIA TILLMAN DANNY K. DAVIS VENDOR REPRESENTATIVE U.S. CONGRESSMAN, Where the money goes... 7TH DISTRICT, ILLINOIS KEVIN WARD Vendors buy StreetWise for 75 cents, and the remaining $1.25 goes directly to the licensed vendor. THE FORWARD GROUP LATONYA ELLIS ERIC WEINHEIMER VERIZON WIRELESS CARA PROGRAM PAM FRYE IRA WILLIAMS RETIRED Look for the Badge! JOHN J. LEONARD BERNSTEIN GLOBAL WEALTH Please purchase your copy of StreetWise from badged vendors only! MANAGEMENT

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2 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 WorldWise Becoming a Binner Kira describes how she makes a living as a “binner,” someone who sorts through garbage for recyclables, in Victoria, British Columbia. page 5 Spring back into fitness Yoga lessons for change and tension from Nancy Gerstein plus nurtrition tips from the Mayor’s Fitness Council. 11 page Vendor Spotlight Stand up and be counted: Rebuilding his life portfolio Groups are participating all over the Joseph Molnar lost his family city in Count Me In, an effort to reach and his life’s direction. But more minority groups and secure now, he’s using StreetWise and much-needed federal the Salvation Army to earn back funding from the 2010 what once was his. page15 Census. page12

news entertainment volunteer WorldWise page 4-5 FoodWise page 6 The Playground page 14 Volunteer Chicago Wise Questions page 10 DineWise page 6-7 Vendor Spotlight page 15 online at www.streetwise.org Cover Story page 12-13 Theatre page 7 Event Calendar page 8-9

MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG 3 International Network of Street Papers Service WorldWise Unjust laws target youth job

By Rodney Graham Toronto and Canada. John Clarke, head of the system—ended up in jail and in gangs, to a Street Sheet, Winnipeg, MB, Canada OCAP, said that although it is legal technically, great extent because of the system and because the police can decide how to interpret the law of the law! Because of the way the system is s with most cities in Canada, geared to bash you down instead of pulling you Winnipeg has both a panhandling that “regulate” the practice of panhandling— and that it is not being done justly. up. Laws repressing those who beg in various By-law and a “squeegeeing” By-law ways are definitely adding fuel to the fire of as well. Public Interest Law Centre "People are going to jail for second offenses on Bill 8," Clarke said, "there are people sitting poverty. is challenging the law—again. But It was only after I moved to Winnipeg that I theseA things go slowly—the city and PILC have in jail for panhandling here in Toronto." Besides panhandling and squeegeeing, there became an activist and writer. It was because not even exchanged all their documents yet they were planning to outlaw squeegee kids. I after a year. is a no camping law in Toronto as in many American cities. went to meetings at city hall and saw that they In Canada, youth on the street find that were going to push the law through even “squeegeeing” is more rewarding than panhan- "We live within a system that creates poverty and destitution then proceeds to criminalize though the police themselves advised them to dling and more public accepted. (Squeegeeing let them do it but license them—Even social is washing car windows at intersections for them for the things they need to do to survive," said Clarke. agencies advised it not be criminalized. The city change). In Canada there is a great lack of ignored the advice and went with the advice of resources for youth, especially those under 18. the chamber of commerce and passed the law So in an “evolutionary” or rather, “revolutionary” My personal experience as an activist & a former homeless youth: anyway. Overnight a whole beneficial resource way they have come up with their own was taken away from desperate and abandoned When I was 12 my mother was a chronic resourceful way to survive on the street with- youth on the street. alcoholic and I had no support from any other out having to turn to crime or be exploited by The reason why many youth are transient and source. I was made a ward of the court in the criminal element—cleaning car windows wander across Canada from coast to coast is Vancouver BC. The first day I was sent to a for money. because they are hounded and harassed from group home to live I witnessed a girl jump off place to place - instead of being offered a help- The Law the roof of the three-story house in a suicide ing hand - which a true democracy is supposed attempt. The staff there seemed unconcerned. The panhandling laws have been challenged to do to its most unfortunate citizens... It's the The same day I witnessed employees of the in most cities in Canada over the past 10 years law itself that beats them down to such an “business” smoke pot with 14-year-old-kids. The but the only outcome is that they have been extent that they have a hard time finding work, only thing they said to me was - “there's no modified. The law dictates that panhandling accessing resources, and gene rally just trying to balling allowed in the house.” No mention f o laws are not unconstitutional. On the other survive. hand, the law also indicates that panhandling is going to school at all... It was a very depressing not illegal. So there has been a legal waltz going and confusing place actually. on for over ten years with no one winning and I ran away from there and lived for quite “That the desires of the majority of the no one losing the silent battle—a battle that some time panhandling. If I had been able to people are often for injustice and inhumani- activists will say is because of the system's stub- squeegee it would have even a great benefit to born insistence on trying to oppress the beg- me too. I eventually sought out resources ty against the minority, is demonstrated by gars to the best of their ability. Panhandling is where I could get my life turned around. It was every page of the history of the whole world” legal but the laws in cities demand them to a group home—but one I chose myself. —John Adams keep away from banks, bus stops, and to refrain Many of my friends from group homes—from from aggressiveness. Activists argue that estab- lished law already addresses aggressiveness, robbery, and other things pointed out in the panhandling by-law s. Activists say the laws are Our Contributing Writers to appease the merchants and chambers of Ginny Erwin has written nutrition and fitness articles for market for the past 5 years. She received a Bachelor of commerce who would like to see panhandlers several local and national publications, such as the Arts degree in Broadcast Journalism from Northern Illinois boiled in oil if they could. So cities can legally Chicago Tribune and On-Health magazine. She has a University. Just one year later, Beshanda earned a Master “regulate” panhandling while not actually bachelor’s degree in nutrition science and dietetics and a of Arts degree from Columbia College Chicago, also focus- banning it. master’s degree in nutrition communications and ing in Journalism. Outside of working hard to cultivate a marketing. career in media, Beshanda enjoys reading and creative The Law’s application writing. She is excited to help contribute to StreetWise’s Samantha Blauw is senior journalism major at Loyola cause for community awareness While major cities have had to modify their Chicago and is currently an intern at StreetWise. She has panhandling laws—squeegeeing laws have not worked for the Loyola Phoenix for three years with the Nancy Gerstein is a certified hatha yoga teacher with the even been challenged to any great extent in Diversions section, writing reviews for music, theatre, Himalayan Institute of Yoga Philosophy and Science, well- Canada. Calgary, Winnipeg, and Saskatoon, have features, and entertainment. She also has experience in ness workshop facilitator, and author of Guiding Yoga’s Light amended their panhandling by-laws recogniz- broadcast and spent the last semester at Fox Chicago (Human Kinetics, 2008). ing that the laws prohibiting or extremely News. effecting panhandling violate the Charter of Shannon McFarland is a junior at Roosevelt University Rights and Freedoms in Canada. The Charter of Cindy Kurman Barrie and Lee Barrie are the principals majoring in journalism with a minor in political science. She Rights and Freedoms are the equivalent of the of Kurman Communications, Inc., a Chicago-based has also written for the university newspaper The Torch, marketing and public relations agency. Please follow all American Constitution. Toronto, Canada's major blogged, and had a short story published in a college literary StreetWise restaurant features on Twitter @DineWise and journal. city, has a law which is provincial and aims at subscribe to the blog at: http://dinewisechicago.blogspot panhandlers and squeegee kids, called Bill 8. .com. Or visit their blog at gotbuzzatkurman.com Helen Kiernan is chief editor of Elephant 'zine (www.ele- Ontario Coalition Against Pove rty is Toronto's phantzine.weebly.com) and received a bachelor's degree in biggest and most active activist group in Beshanda Spencer has worked in the Chicago news poetry from Columbia College, Chicago.

4 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 International Network of Street Papers Street News Service Becoming a Binner WorldWise

By Kira Reprinted from Victoria Street Newz Victoria, British Colombia decided to try this so-called "Dumpster diving." Ain't it funny—more than a few people were surprised I started this up, so I'd Ilike to tell you why I did it. The basics: I'm poor (that's a common reason). I'm stuck on the disability system (for now). I need more money. I'd seen so many other people doing it and cashing in that I thought, Why can't I do the same? Years back I "dabbled" in the can-collecting gig. Free money's just lying around, and it does add up—I just wanted it to add up some more. I started heavier hauls, cleaning out a few "cash- in" Dumpsters and raiding recycle boxes, though I got tired of carrying a load on my handlebars or running shopping carts back to stores (my policy is to return it where it came from; I am so sick of seeing abandoned carts littering neighborhoods— it looks awful). So, to save time and money, and thinking, "Well, if I'm gonna do it full-on, I better do it proper," I bought a trailer called the "Street Legal Shopping Cart." I was apprehensive at first, wondering if I'd like it. Would I really use it enough to justify the money I spent? Luckily, I got a grant to pay for the cart, and within a week I was loving the convenience and I think it's good to talk to people to see where working hard and have started saving bottles for freedom it provided. I could collect so much more they're coming from and not be "secretive" about me so I don't have to go "on the hunt" as much as so easily, and money wasn't an issue. Plus, it's such it, as if I'm doing something wrong. The biggest I used to. a great workout. Why pay the gym when the gym thing I found that helps is asking people permis- It's not that much, but I don't want to get greedy can pay me? sion. It shows respect. or obsessed and have this activity take over my life. My only regret is that I didn't buy a trailer years I also wanted to prove to a certain group of peo- It can be very time consuming, all this looking and ago! Goes to show how we can be so scared of ple who were giving me a hard time that I was dif- not finding much; it doesn't "balance out" as much change, even good change, that it holds us back ferent, that I could do this same activity while sur- as people would like to think. I'd love to have a from good results. (It's true—you'll never know rounded by negative connotations and impres- higher-paying job and not feel trapped by my dis- unless you try.) Plus, being able to carry other sions and take away the positives from it. I wanted ability allowance. heavy stuff like groceries or stuff I find on the side to prove I could succeed honestly at producing my My Dumpster diving has evolved into more of the road is a huge help. I've only had to ask for profit. opportunities and endeavors. Instead of literally a ride once the whole time I've had my trailer I'd like to think I'm binning for the right rea- nickel-and-diming myself, picking around here and (almost two years now). sons. It's for a good cause, 'cause I like to eat well! there for bottles, I go to places where there's the The second main reason I got into the collecting It's enjoyable to head to the bank with bills and highest chance of bottles being found, and lots of activities was talking to binners and hearing all change and turn that into even more bills and 'em. If I see batteries or metals or bottles on the their "horror stories," recurring complaints, and throw it in the bank. Since I don't smoke, do drugs, side of the road I'll grab them too, but I don't real- the controversy that went along with being or drink, I see 100 percent profit. That makes it ly go out of my way anymore. judged, stereotyped, and viewed a certain way by worthwhile, and I'm grateful I can make money The main reason is that it's not really worth it. society, not to mention hearing about the irrespon- this way. I don't feel so powerless or helpless any- It's discouraging and disappointing that most spots sible binners who ruin it for the rest of us. I want- more. have been picked over so many times that my ed to experience and investigate this for myself, It's very gratifying to see people take notice, like exercise has turned into an exercise in frustration getting both sides of the story and seeing what I hearing a lady say "Thank you for being responsi- as I come up empty-handed time and again. There can do to change people's minds about how ble" when I clean up a mess or leave a Dumpster goes more healthy food out of my mouth. Dumpster divers are viewed. lid the way I found it. People have seen me It wasn't like this even a year ago. I don't want to go to these "poor places" for free food and hand- outs. The extra income I generate from bottles I also wanted to prove to a certain group of people who translates into more food I can buy and less visits to food banks; if I don't have to, I don't want to fre- were giving me a hard time that I was different, that I quent those places. could do this same activity while surrounded by Binning makes me more independent and forces me to help myself, giving me more power negative connotations and impressions and take and control in my life so I don't feel so trapped and limited. It gives me more choices, and helps keep away the positives from it. I wanted to prove I could my dignity intact.

succeed honestly at producing my profit. Courtesy of the Street News Service® “MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG 57 FoodWise with Ginny Erwin Kitchen Cures By Ginny Erwin conditions. Of course, it helps to be aware if StreetWise Contributor, www.ginetics.org you have food allergies; in that case you may Did you know that also want to try an elimination diet to help your kitchen holds with chronic sinus conditions. Wheat and the key to your over- dairy are the two most common forms of food all health and well- allergies, so be sure to eliminate those first. ness? Inside your Tea is another natural, common kitchen cabinets and refrig- cure. Scientists have found that people who erator are some very drink tea have lower blood pressure than simple ingredients those who don’t. The overall effect seems to Sweet Carrot & Beet Salad that can help your be dose dependent: those who drank at least (serves 4) body heal itself six cups per day were found to have the low- without expensive est blood pressure. Also, longtime tea drinkers FoodWise Shopping List: drugs. have lower overall body weight, possibly •½ cup low-fat plain yogurt For instance, ginger root (rhizome) has been because they tend to have healthier lifestyle •4 teaspoons of honey found to help relieve the pain of arthritic habits in general. •2 cups grated carrots inflammation. Ginger root, all gnarly and knob- One kitchen tip is to reuse tea bags when •1 cup grated beets by, almost looks arthritic. Two ways to prepare you wake up with puffy eyes. After using the •¼ cup raisins it so it can help with your symptoms are in tea bag in your teacup, place it in the refrigerator •½ cup mixed and as a compress mixed with a little water for an hour or two until it’s good and cold. greens (optional) NUTRITIONAL INFO and oatmeal so it sticks together. Then take it out, recline in a comfortable posi- Another great root for joint inflammation is tion, and gently place it over your closed eye- Ginny’s Cooking turmeric. Turmeric roots look similar to gin- lids for 10-15 minutes. Your eyes will then be Instructions: ger roots; when you break them open you see refreshed and sparkling. •In a large bowl mix a bright orange color. Thai and Indian restau- Try some of these home remedies before yogurt and honey rants use this natural anti-inflammatory spice you go and buy expensive prescription med- •Add remaining in everyday dishes. Just sprinkle some on your ications or high-end eye creams. Save your ingredients, and toss. food or in your soup. hard-earned money for something you really •Chill for 1 hour. For sinus relief there’s nothing simpler than need. Serve on bed of using a neti pot with a little diluted fine sea mixed greens option- salt. I’ve been using one off and on for years, For more nutrition and fitness tips, go to al. and it really does help with chronic sinus www.ginetics.org. •Enjoy!

In addition to the sandwich board covering both breakfast Romaine lettuce, grilled onions and sweet plantains. The Frita and lunch/dinner items, there is a second chalkboard featur- Cubana is a Cuban version of the hamburger and the ing daily entrée specials that are much more inspiration than Guajirito comes with your choice of meat or tofu, green plan- DineWise improvisation, which is a good thing. What is most apparent tains; the Croqueta features ham, grilled onions and Swiss By Lee Barrie & Cindy Kurman Barrie is that this surprising eatery has an obviously loyal follow- cheese. StreetWise Contributors ing—there isn’t much seating but this place does a great Regular entrées are served with white rice, black beans take-out business. and sweet plantains. Choose from Bistec (steak), Pollo (chick- We also learned that the owners had opened up shop in en), Lechon (roast pork), Ropa Vieja (shredded beef), Tofu or a 90 Miles Cuban Café: Wicker Park with a second, larger location. So take your Veggie. Every day, there are entrée specials, which give you choice. When you’re in the mood for casual Cuban homespun an authentic taste of some Cuban specialties. It’s like going home to your fare at breakfast, lunch or dinnertime, this is a restaurant to The side orders do a great job of giving you a sampling of try. some foods that are common Cuban street fare. There are Cuban neighborhood If you’re up early, a Cuban breakfast sandwich makes a several flavors of empanadas: beef, ground soy, veggie, fine choice. Choose from an omelet sandwich with onion, chorizo, goat cheese or guava and cheese. You might try the We don’t know how many times we had driven by 90 onion and ham, ham and Swiss cheese or an omelet with Yuca con mojo (cassava in garlic sauce, the Yuca frita (fried Miles Cuban Café on Clybourn before we decided to stop in. maduro (sweet plaint ain). Enjoy it with a strong Café Cubano cassava) or the Yuca Rellena (stuffed cassava). If you’re a From the outside it looked like a simple, standalone or a Café Con Leche (with milk). plantain lover, you can choose Maduros (sweet plantains) or makeshift sandwich shop that was hardly worth a second Lunchtime is grilled sandwich time, and there are many to Tostones (green plaintains). A nice side dish with a sandwich look except for the fact that it was so unusual looking. So choose from. We tried the Cubano, made with Cuban ham, is the Mariquitas (plantain chips). when we walked in, the magical décor, featuring myriads of roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard. Good and If you’ve got room for some dessert, the Pastelitos are deli- newspaper and magazine layouts from pre-Castro Havana authentic. cious—choose between guava or guava and cream cheese. pasted on the walls to form a three walled, room sized col- We also liked the Media Noche, a variation made with mid- The bread pudding is rich and filling and, on the lighter side, lage, took us quite by surprise. Our smiles went from ear to night ham, roast pork, Swiss cheese, pickles and mustard on there’s a yummy traditional flan. To round things out, there ear. The other surprise was the culinary-oriented, profes- sweet bread. Other sandwich choices include the Bistec, are some cold Cuban soft drinks and tropical shakes, which sional staff, including chef-owners Alberto and Christine steak with Romaine lettuce, tomato, grilled onions, shoestring we haven’t tried but will likely be a refreshing treat when the Gonzalez, who have an obvious passion for what they are potatoes and a chimicurri; Pollo, chicken with Romaine Chicago weather warms up. doing. lettuce, tomato and grilled onions; Lechon, roast pork with

6 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 Theatre Spotlight

A True History of the Johnstown Flood Goodman Theatre's world premiere of A True History of the Johnstown Flood by Rebecca Gilman, whose work was most recently included in Time maga- zine's "Best Theatre Productions of the Decade." Commissioned by the Goodman and directed by Robert Falls, March 13 & 14 only: A True History of the Johnstown Flood runs March 13 – April 18 in the Ballet Folklorico de Mexico Goodman's Albert Theatre. Five years after Hurricane Katrina and In 1952, dancer and choreographer Amalia Hernandez six years after the Indian Ocean created Fólklorico de México to "share the beauty of the Tsunami comes Rebecca Gilman's world premiere based on another major universe in motion" through Mexican dances from the pre- historical disaster—the Johnstown Columbian era, the Hispanic Viceroy period and the popular Flood of 1889. period of the Revolutionary years. Audiences around the Inspired by the devastation brought world have enjoyed the company's elaborate dances, sup- on by Hurricane Katrina, A True History ported by live traditional music and ornate costumes. A of the Johnstown Flood introduces us sure crowd pleaser, Ravinia Festival partners with the to The Baxter Theatre Troupe—com- Auditorium Theatre of Roosevelt University to bring Ballet prised of siblings James (Stephen Louis Fólklorico de México to Chicago in a celebration of Mexican Grush), Richard (Cliff Chamberlain) and culture. Don't miss the elaborate dances, live traditional Fanny (Heather Wood)—who have been music, and ornate costumes of this unique performance. summoned to perform at an exclusive resort next to a beautiful man-made lake in the “The collaboration with the Auditorium, like our Harris Pennsylvania mountains. Although the troupe's repertoire consists of the romantic trifles typical Theater collaborations, is exciting for both institutions, of the era, James envisions a different kind of play, one that exposes the true struggles of com- especially as we are co-presenting what will no doubt be mon people. When a violent rainstorm compromises the lake's shoddily constructed dam, the resulting disaster lays bare the tragic inequities of the rigid class system- and paves the way for one of the highlights of 2010, a year that celebrates two a seismic change in both theater and society. important anniversaries, the 200th anniversary of independ- Mezztix are half-price mezzanine tickets available at noon at the box office, and at 10 a.m. ence and the 100th anniversary of the Republic of Mexico,” online (promo code MEZZTIX) day of performance; Mezztix are not available by telephone. 10Tix said Ravinia President and CEO Welz Kauffman. Saturday at are $10 mezzanine tickets for students available at noon at the box office, and at 10 a.m. online 7:30 p.m, Sunday at 3 p.m. on the day of performance; 10Tix are not available by telephone. Valid student I.D. must be pre- Tickets: $65, $50, $40, $30 available at 800.982.ARTS or sented when picking up the tickets. Limit four per student with I.D. All tickets are subject to Ticketmaster Groups (10+): 312.431.2357 or box office, 50 availability and handling fees apply. Discounted Group Tickets for 10 persons or more are avail- E. Congress Parkway, Chicago. able at 312.443.3820.

90 Miles Cuban Café 2540 W. Armitage Prices: 3101 N. Clybourn, Chicago Chicago, IL 60618 or sandwiches, $4.25-$6.50; (773) 248-2822; www.90milescubancafe.com 773-227-2822; entrees, $8.95-$9.95; Hours: 8 a.m.-8 p.m., Mon.-Thurs.; 8 a.m.-9 Hours: 10 a.m.-10 p.m., sides, $1.50-$3.00 p.m., Fri.-Sat.; 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Sun. Mon.-Sat.; 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG 7 Calendar Spotlight: Freedom’s Sisters

By Beshanda Spencer At the press of a small black button, StreetWise Contributor the thunderous voice of poet Sonia Sanchez resounds over the music and t first glance "Freedom's rhythms that inspired her. The stuffed Sisters" may look like an dog that almost appears to be standing exhibit full of overblown por- guard for Fannie Lou Hamer startles Atraits. But with only a few steps you when it suddenly barks. You then museum-goers are transported down a stop and read about her life, learning path of African-American women's his- that Hamer didn't discover she had the tory. There are the familiar names: right to vote until she was 44 years old, Harriet Tubman, Mary McLeod in 1962. Bethune, and Coretta Scott King. But Chicago resident Patricia Dickerson it's the little-known facts about these grew up during the civil rights move- women and 17 others that make the ment. "This was a part of my child- exhibit, now on display at the DuSable hood," she said. "This is very emotional Museum of African American History, for me, to see and read about our personal and inspiring to the next gen- struggle for basic things like voting. eration. Some of these things I knew, but I Most people immediately think of didn't know some specifics, like the Coretta Scott King as Martin Luther bubblegum test." King Jr.'s wife. But as a child she A clear container filled with colorful dreamed of being a singer. gumballs sits quietly inside the Ella Jo DUSABLE MUSEUM PHOTO The story of Tubman and the Baker informational, yet it speaks vol- through. This shouldn 't be taken for This simple fact drives home the single Underground Railroad is taught in umes. The stillness in the air is a result granted, things seemingly as simple as thread that ties all 20 women together: classrooms across the world. Yet few of her life's struggle against every sin- sitting where we want on a bus." they are "ordinary people who did people know that Tubman was the first gle color of every single gumball in that The bus seat that Rosa Parks refused extraordinary things." American woman to command a mili- jar. Visitors get a chance to guess the to vacate on December 1, 1955, is dis- The DuSable Museum has received tary raid during the Civil War. number of gumballs; if they guess right, played in the exhibit. A rail and rope applications from exhibit attendees for And before becoming a college pres- they may be allowed to vote. You can surround it. The cushion is worn and local "freedom sisters," Chicago ident, founder of the National Council feel the spirit that drove Baker to bursting at the seams; the green color women who participated in the civil of Negro Women, and a prominent gov- cofou nd the Student Nonviolent of the leather has faded. You can't rights movement and have historically ernment official, Bethune opened a Coordinating Committee (SNCC); its touch or sit in the seat, but you're demonstrated a commitment to the school for girls with just $1.50; the six members participated in the Freedom allowed to touch Parks's fingerprint, struggle for equal rights. students used crates for desks and Rides of 1961, a campaign that pres- taken after her arrest. You're privileged "Freedom's Sisters" continues charcoal for pencils. sured the federal government to to hear Parks herself recount the through Sunday, April 4. Located at 740 Created by the Cincinnati Museum change discriminatory policies. events of that day—in her own words, E. 56th Place in Chicago, the DuSable Center and organized for travel by the "The pain is still moving, for me to in her own voice. Museum is open Mon-Sat 10 a.m.-5 Smithsonia n Institution's Traveling know the things that were done to our Then at some point it hits you—the p.m. and Sun noon-5 p.m. Admission is Exhibition Service, the "Freedom's people," Dickerson said. "I'm sad when rise of a movement that changed the free for children under 6, $1 for chil- Sisters" exhibit surprises you with its I look at today's youth, who are out of world incidentally started with a dren 6-12, $3 for adults, and $2 for use of sound and props. touch with what our forefathers went woman who had dropped out of school. seniors.

8 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 March 10-16 Events

See more Chris Heisinger stained-glass mosaics at Simply Chicago Art Saturday W e d n e s d a y Opera Among the Stars, featuring superstar Walk through more than 25 themed gardens at the soprano Danielle de Niese, has special reduced 16th annual Chicago Flower and Garden Show. admission rates for young professionals, and silent White Chicago's fourth annual Dress Drive Includes a marketplace, classes, gardening semi- auction bidding is available online! provides women with an alternative to letting their nars, hands-on demonstrations, horticulture com- wedding gowns gather dust in their closets. Now in its third year, Opera Underground, Chicago petitions, culinary demos by 36 local chefs, kids' The consignment bridal boutique will be collecting Opera Theater's young professionals club, is seek- activities, and more. This year's theme is dresses, slips, and veils less than seven years old ing to cultivate the spirit of philanthropy in young "Cultivating Great Performances," featuring dis- for donation to be resold, with all proceeds benefit- professionals ages 21-45 by inviting them to the plays inspired by the Broadway musicals Wicked, ing the Making Memories Breast Cancer 2010 Annual Gala. A reduced ticket rate of $75 will Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Foundation. Based in Portland, Oregon, the organi- grant this younger crowd access to de Niese's per- and Miss Saigon. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. (through Sunday), zation's warehouse is home to more than 22,000 formance and the cocktail-and-dancing portion of Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Wednesday's culinary dresses that will be sold during Brides Against the evening. Contact COT at 312-704-8420, ext. demos: 11:30 a.m., Jill Barron, Mana Food Bar; Breast Cancer's (BABC) nationwide traveling gown 214, for specific benefits at different giving levels 1:30 p.m., Chris Curren, Blue 13; 3:30 p.m., Laurel tour. for couples and groups as well as details on the Boger, Eli's Cheesecake Company; 6:30 p.m., Mark Over the past three years White Chicago has $75 Opera Underground tickets. (Black tie option- Grimes, Pinstripes. $15-$17 ($5 for ages 4-12). For donated 200 gowns worth $575,000 to BABC. The al.) more info call 312-595-7437 or visit once-wed dresses bear designer labels such as chicagoflower.com. Proceeds from the Chicago Architecture Badgley Mischka and Vera Wang, but the price tags Foundation 35th Annual Gala benefit the founda- are marked down 30 to 70 percent. White Chicago F r i d a y tion and its youth education programs; each year will be collecting dresses at its store, locate d at 222 these programs reach more than 35,000 students. W. Huron, through March, or interested donors can Expanding upon its visual art theme, the Chicago 6:30 p.m., cocktails and silent auction; 8 p.m., din- consign their dresses online at whitexchange.com. Arts District Second Fridays Gallery Night, a ner; 9:30 p.m., dancing, with music provided by Thrifty brides-to-be can catch the Chicago stop of walking tour of about 30 spots in the Pilsen neigh- the Stanley Paul Orchestra. Individual tickets: the gown tour Friday, April 2, and Saturday, April 3, borhood (second Friday of each month, 6-10 p.m.), $500-$1,000; table for ten: $5,000-$25,000. Black at the Wyndham Chicago hotel (633 N. Saint Clair) adds performance art and shopping opportunities tie. For more info call 312-553-2000. and browse a collection of donated dresses from to its roster of opening receptions at indie gal- designers, manufacturers, individuals, and retailers leries. The participating venues are Artpentry, 1827 S u n d a y like White Chicago. S. Halsted St.; South Halsted Gallery, 1825 S. The BABC charity event will put 100 percent of Halsted; Deliciously Vintage, 1747 S. Halsted; Wear a festive green costume to the St. Paddy's the proceeds into Making Memories, where wishes Temple Gallery, 1749 S. Halsted; Chicago Art 5K Run/Walk on the lakefront for the chance to have been granted to stage IV breast-cancer Department, 1837 S. Halsted; EP Theater, 1820 S. win a prize for best outfit. Includes T-shirts for all patients since 1998. According to BABC's Web site, Halsted; Rooms Productions, 645 W. 18th St.; adult participants and a special kids' dash for Nancy White-Kelly's wish for a family reunion so Logsdon 1909, 1909 S. Halsted; and Vespine those under 10, plus an awards ceremony, a raffle, she could tell each member of her family that she Gallery, 1907 S. Halsted. Maps can be picked up at and a post-race cocktail at Trinity Bar (2721 N. loved them was the first to be fulfilled. In 2000 the Arts District information center located at 1821 Halsted St.). 10 a.m., Diversey Harbor, 2800 N. White-Kelly invited Fran Hansen, the executive S. Halsted St. Free. For more info call 312-738- Lake Shore Drive. $25-$30. For more info call 773- director of Making Memories, onto The Oprah 8000, ext. 108, or visit chicagoartsdistrict.org. 868-3010. W infrey Show, where she was named one of Oprah's Angels. Designers and individuals respond- S a t u r d a y M o n d a y ed generously to the effort with hundreds of dona- tions to the organization, including $250,000 worth Chris Heisinger specializes in stained-glass Local writers Keith Ecker and Alyson Lyon host of brand-new dresses from top bridal designer mosaics for architectural and decorative artworks. humorous, true-life tales by Chicago-area comedi- Demetrios. She studied the Arts and Crafts movement, Native ans, novelists, poets, journalists, bloggers, and Since then, the wishes BABC has granted for American art, and Chinese art history at playwrights at Essay Fiesta. Buy a raffle ticket to women battling breast cancer in its final stages Northwestern University. Meet Chris in person at raise funds for the Howard Brown Health Center. 7 have ranged from family trips to Disney World to Simply Chicago Art, 1318 Oakton St., in Evanston, p.m., the Book Cellar, 4736-38 N. Lincoln Ave. round-trip tick ets for parents to say goodbye. from 3 to 8 p.m. For more info call 847-738-0716 Free. For more info call 773-293-2665. or visit simplychicagoart.com. —Samantha Blauw

MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG 9 Wise Questions Slam Champ Alex Bonner An interview with the winner of this year's Windy City Story Slam

By Helen Kiernan StreetWise Contributor he biggest perk of winning the Windy City Story Slam, says Alex Bonner, is that "next year me and Max [Glaessner, last year's Champ] get to stand up there with our belts andT act ridiculous and no one else gets to." The "belt" Bonner refers to is an oversized, red- PHOTOS SUBMITTED BY ALEX BONNER white-and-blue boxing-champ style belt with the Chicago Skyline on it. In the weeks leading up to the competition, Bonner says, "I was just standing in my grand- mother's basement screaming at myself." His brother Brendon, sitting in the chair across from him, smiles and nods knowingly. "Sometimes I was just punching the paper like g--dammit!" he adds, laughing. He practiced his stories at a friend's band shows and open mics across the city. In typical egalitarian Slam fashion, the winner of the bout is chosen by audience approval; whoever I first met Alex Bonner in a fiction class at you know." Expanding on the Transformers screams the loudest. Columbia College. His stories were a mix of metaphor, Bonner says "If anything, Bailout is The Story Slam was created by Bill Hillman mind-blowing, mystical science fiction and gritty, more like Transformers the TV show than the after visiting the Green Mill, birthplace of the funny true stories involving tweaked-out movie, like the idea that, 'maybe kids will buy Poetry Slam. In a Slam, the audience is encour- pipecutters and time travelers. As a kid, Bonner these toys if there's a super-epic story attached aged to interact with the performer. A Story bounced around between North Carolina and to it'. And it's so dark. I mean the toys are fun Slammer who is boring can be "cut" from the Chicago; but, he says, "Chicago is home." After but...so dark...it's this whole weird thing where competition if the audience begins chanting working a series of mind-numbing jobs, he tells adults wish they were inside the womb, like "Blah Blah Blah!" Throughout the Finals perform- me, he quit. He says he wanted to focus on his 'help me! I can't do anything by myself!" ance, Hillman often squatted at the side of the writing. "I realized I was not a cog, and I don't The solution, as Bonner sees it, is to cultivate stage, sharpening what looked like two giant want to a cog in a big crazy machine, and nobody an intelligent and innovative approach. And bowie knives. should be, it's the worst thing." people are doing that, he says. The Slam can become a popularity contest. "I In 2009, Bonner co-founded (with Felix Bonner continued, "[Stephen] Colbert is the didn't invite anyone to the first Slam, because I Pineiro) Bailout Pictures, an independent film Voltaire of our time. He openly mocks his spon- wanted to prove to myself that I could do it with- company based in Chicago. "With Bailout we sors, 'Verizon Wireless: Now in Wylde out ‘Friend Support,’" Bonner says. wanted to create a production company that Raspberry!" "When I go outside I see people Not so for the finals, he continues, "which I could be an outlet for subversive films, as well as enjoying their lives...taking their pills to be guess I shouldn't say because in America you're making some money, 'cus we gotta eat, too...I just happy and darting in all these different direc- supposta try to hide that you're trying to gain wanna, I dunno, change the sigils that influence tions searching for purpose and meaning or support, it's that typical hypocrisy, like 'I didn't people... our generation is the first that can real- some s--t... and that's capitalism's concession do this, The Friends did it'... I mean a lot of my ly see the tools of control and turn them on the prize, okay so you might hate your life but look friends are artists so I want to go see as much as oppressors and the machine... Bailout is our you can have all these creature comforts like TVs, I can, art shows, bands, plays...and hopefully if attempt to make something. Something of quali- sofas...I dunno, I mean there's gotta be a balance you have something that means a s---load to you ty. Something other than... Transformers...'Buy between crappy hippy dirty and suit clean big people will come out." our fine, heavy product with a serious radio and fast shiny, can't we just like combine the two? It Bonner talks rapidly and energetically, some- cupholders for your McDonald's and Pepsi would be great if...these kids could make some times gesticulating wildly or altering his voice to Products and your 15 million dollar jetfighter!'" lightning fast computers and we were all flying illustrate a point. He often makes exaggerated Bailout produces a variety of commercial around in super awesome spaceships... just to statements, frequently referring to his views on films. The company's mission statement reads, in prove humans are worth a s--t cuz our parents what he jokingly terms "The Dark Side," and the part: "We want to create films...that are a little dropped the ball. They shot everyone who asked need to create positivity in the world to combat more dynamic and, dare we say, hip. However, if those questions; King, Lennon...It would be great it. you have a certain look for your business, we will if the next generation could change the world to He talks at length about his interest in Chaos match it (even if it IS square)." No matter how the positive." Magic; that anything is possible, that you can square the production, Bonner says, they always I ask Bonner if he believes this is possible, and make things happen by concentrating hard try to "mess with" the audience's conceptions. he laughs and says, yes, "The Dark Side can't enough. "I never thought I'd be performing at In a recent commercial for Fantasy Costumes, always win." the Double Door. A lot of people don't get to do Robert Hines, wearing a pimp costume, scolds For an extended interview visit that in their lives. I decided that I would." the camera, "I could have been a doctor in this elephantzine.blogspot.com

10 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 The only constant is change: a Yoga lesson by Nancy Gerstein StreetWise Contributor

Asanas for deepening Your present situation can change Intention: in an instant. The yogi stays tranquil To illustrate the and accepts life's frequent twists and fact that nothing turns while knowing that pleasure and lasts forever. pain—and good and bad—don't last forever. Change is the one thing we Approx. length: National Nutrition Month is a can be sure of, so why not embrace 3 min. it? Here’s a parable that shows how time to focus on nutrition quickly life can turn around. There once was a farmer who had a magnificent prize- from the ground up! winning stallion. The farmer planned to sell him to a wealthy businessman for a large profit. One week before Instead of a complete diet overhaul, focus on two the horse was to be sold, a hurricane swept through the or three changes that you perceive to have the farmer’s land. It tore down the barn where the horse was greatest benefit. Colleen Lammel-Harmon, a regis- kept, and the stallion ran off. "What bad luck!" the tered dietitian and spokesperson for the Mayor's farmer’s wife said. Fitness Council and the Illinois Dietetic Association, "Good luck, bad luck, who knows? We’ll have to see," says, "Making small and gradual changes to your said the farmer. diet typically ensures long-term success." Start The next week, the farmer and his wife saw a herd of with the basics and build a healthy foundation! horses galloping toward the farm. It was their stallion, leading four horses behind him. "What good luck!" said Lammel-Harmon suggests the following: the farmer’s wife. 1. Substitute fruit for sweet desserts. To satisfy a "Good luck, bad luck, who knows? We’ll have to see," sweet tooth, most of us reach for a bag of over- said the farmer. processed, oversweetened, and overpriced sweet Soon the farmer and his son were training the new Yoga lesson to banish body tension treats. Harmon says, "This month get back to your horses. One day the son was thrown by one of the horses Through breath and body aware- roots and choose fruit for dessert." and broke both his legs. The farmer’s wife was very ness, we'll work with and through Intention: 2. Try a new whole-grain food. Aim to try a new upset. "My only son! We never should have let those body tension. To discover the cereal, barley, pasta, brow n rice, bread, or other horses in. This is very bad luck," she said. From the yogic perspective, every roots of tension. "Good luck, bad luck, who knows? We’ll have to see," tension has a cause. Ask yourself whole grain with at least three grams of fiber. Make vegetable barley soup or a tofu, rice, and veggie said the farmer. what's causing you to be tense Approx. length: stir-fry. The next week, soldiers came to the farm. Their king today. Where do you hold this ten- 3-4 min. had declared war, and the soldiers were drafting every sion? young man in the country. After seeing that the farmer’s Tension can originate from any- 3. Aim to have veggies with dinner seven days a son had two broken legs, the soldiers left him at home. thing: relationships, work, anger, fatigue, caffeine, sugar, week. If you have trouble keeping fresh veggies The farmer’s wife was relieved. "Oh, what good luck we or even something that happened many years ago that around, purchase them frozen! (Just skip the frozen have!" she said. As expected, the farmer said, "Good still lingers. Muscle tension blocks the natural flow of veggies that come with sauces.) If prep is a prob- luck, bad luck, let’s wait and see . . ." lymph, hormones, nerve impulses, blood, and pranic lem, keep prewashed greens on hand as well as The story illustrates how the farmer was a yogi in his energy. Eventually, these blockages affect other parts of baby carrots and cherry tomat oes. These ingredi- understanding of change, staying detached from life’s ups the body, creating weaknesses and lowering resistance ents make a great side salad when accompanied and downs. to disease and infections. It's the ripple effect. by a light vinaigrette. Let's accept and be thankful for what is true in our Tension may also be caused by excess. We can over- 4. Make your own convenience items. Instead of bodies and in our minds at this moment on this day. do things like eating, exercise, work—even rest. We purchasing prepackaged snack foods, make your Know that change can be just a breath away. can spend too much time doing something or in the own trail mix with almonds, walnuts, and dried Deliberately take your time with these asanas presence of someone we don't like. The key is to (postures) and notice change in all levels of your being. discover our needs for balance in our lives—or at least cherries, or yogurt parfaits with six ounces of Greek The posture may become much more comfortable for a what balance means to us today. Our yoga practice yogurt and half a cup of fruit. In the mood for grab- while (good luck?), then change again (bad luck?)! Notice teaches us how to use our body tension as a learning and-go snacks? Harmon says, "Make your own how the energy of your body continues to change with tool to guide us into the areas of ourselves that we feel snack bags of baby carrots, whole-grain crackers, every breath. we need to work on. or grapes. These are easy for your kids to transport At the start of asana practice, do the reclining ham- Practice approaching poses with tension. For to school or for you to take to work!" string stretch using a strap under the ball of the extended instance, go into trikonasana (triangle) with exaggerated 5. Schedule a trip to the grocery store once a leg, or, for the more flexible, the big-toe hold. Do it again shoulder tension, then consciously remove the tension. week and put healthy items on your shopping list. at the end of class to feel the difference in the character Naukasana (boat) releases a central acupressure point You might even want to bring your children with of your muscles and your energy. Sit in the over-and- located between the navel and the breastbone; long, you so they can pick out fruits and veggies they'd under pose and invite your hips to melt into the earth. deep breathing in this pose helps free body tension. like to try! Introducing kids to fruit and vegetable Take in the changing sensation. Can you sense softening Shoulder openers release tension in the shoulders and choices will increase their excitement a s well as or resistance? upper back. Excerpted from Gerstein’s book: Guiding Yoga's Light: Lessons for Yoga Teachers, their intake. Navasana (seated boat) will challenge your balance, the published by Human Kinetics (2008) For more information, visit temperament of your hamstrings, and your breath. guidingyogaslight.com.

MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG 11 Cover Story

STAND UP & BE COUNTED

Community Groups Say ‘Count Me In’ on Census

Asian American Institute, Polish American Department of Commerce and Opportunity. By Shannon McFarland Association, Voto Latino, Center for Economic Census data also determine how approxi- StreetWise Contributor Progress, and Metropolitan Tenants mately $400 billion in federal funds is distrib- Organization. uted to state and local governments for schools, he U.S. Census Bureau calls its The nonprofits’ projects collectively target hospitals, services for the elderly, roads, or job upcoming effort to count an esti- areas where 70 percent or fewer households training centers. mated 300 million Americans the mailed back the 2000 census form. Many “largest peacetime mobilization” in Chicago neighborhoods hovered around a 50 Every one counts U.S. history, an effort made more percent return rate, with Lincoln Park at 60 per- Among the Count Me In partners is the challengingT this year because of traditionally cent and the Loop at 48 p ercent. But some Illinois Coalition of Immigrant and Refugee low response rates in urban areas; rapidly areas, such as the Near West Side, achieved only Rights. ICIRR has coordinated the “New growing, hard-to-count populations; and a 37 percent return rate, with Grand Boulevard Americans Count” campaign in an effort to the foreclosure crisis, which has added to at just 32 percent, according to prepared mate- increase immigrant participation in the census. homelessness. rial from Count Me In. “It is a civil rights issue,” ICIRR’s Flavia Millions of people were not counted in the This month census questionnaires will be Jimenez said during the New Americans Count 2000 census, and Illinois could lose $12,000 mailed to households with a requested return kickoff on February 6 near Chinatown. over the next 10 years for each person not date of April 1. Starting in late April, enumera- “We have a huge group of very, very commit- counted. Since the first census in 1790, the tors (census takers) will go door to door to get ted people . . . It has been a few weeks of very once-a-decade count has helped apportion con- responses from households that didn’t re turn a important campaigning,” she added. The kickoff gressional representation; Illinois lost a seat questionnaire. The simplified form has only 10 event drew a standing-room-only crowd, many after the last census and could lose another this questions, in an effort to get more people to of whom wore yellow vests with ICIRR’s logo time around. return it. that identified them as volunteers. Today the census has the opportunity to get New Americans Count volunteers will go it right. Count Me In is the nation’s largest What you need to know about the census door to door with pledge cards to immigrant statewide effort by a group of philanthropic Mandated by the U.S. Constitution, the 10- communities that had low response rates in organizations to help build participation for the year census determines political representation 2000: Asian, south Asian, Latino, Polish, and Arab. 2010 Census. Ten of Illinois’s most notable foun- and distribution of funding. The census data is Immigrants are some of the hardest populations dations, including the Joyce Foundation, used to draw up legislative districts and main- to count, according to Andrew Reamer of the Chicago Community Trust, and Boeing, have tain civil rights laws for employment, housing, Brookings Institution, which says these groups jointly invested over $1 million in Count Me In. voting, lending, and educ ation. In 2000 Illinois have also grown the most in Chicago: a 24 per- The money has been distributed in 26 grants lost a congressional seat it otherwise would cent increase in the Latino population and a 29 shared by 60 nonprofits, including the Illinois have kept if 152,000 more people had been percent increase in the Asian population. Coalition for Im migrant and Refugee Rights, counted, according to a report from the Illinois One reason for new immigrants’ low partici-

12 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 It’s a simplified questionnaire: ten questions, ten minutes. You could just walk in, fill out a blank questionnaire in less than ten minutes, and be counted

pation is that the census can be confusing to audience, such as online social networking, them. “Many are not familiar with what the cen- celebrity-driven activities, and cell phones. The sus is and why it is good for our community,” organization will distribute a census-related “said Young Sun, of the Asian American Institute, iTunes card, tap its Celebrity Coalition (which during the February 6 kicko ff. includes Rosario Dawson, Jennifer Lopez, In addition there are six different languages Enrique Iglesias, Pitbull, and Kinto Sol), and or dialects spoken within the Asian community organize parties and concerts for guests who e- alone, Sun said. The Asian American Institute is mail or text Voto Latino a photo of themselves working to create recognition of the 2010 filling out census forms. Census logo, and the questionnaire will be avail- Nearly all Latino households have mobile able in five languages other than English upon phones with text-messaging capability; Voto request: Spanish, simplified Chinese, Latino will tailor a specific census text-messag- Vietnamese, Korean, and Russian. Language ing initiative, building on its successful Assistance Guides are also available in 5 9 other Text2Represent campaign. languages, according to the 2010 U.S. Census Web site. Tax preparation and Census Another reason for immigrants’ low participa- The Center for Economic Progress, a nonprof- tion is the fear of how their information is being it that helps hardworking, low-income families used, as well as the fear of deportation. “Some with taxes and financial counseling, is another people are scared to fill out the paperwork, but Count Me In grantee. Center representative the census does not hurt anyone—it helps Scott Kane Stukel said, “The Center has been everyone,” state Rep. Maria Antonia “Toni” working for 20 years now. We’ve grown out of Berrios said at the kickoff press conference. “I very modest beginnings. We received this grant am begging everyone to fill out the paperwork so that we would hire staff and devote PAGE 13 PHOTOS BY ICIRR . . . We want to make sure we get the resources resources at 10 of our sites.” we deserve.” He added, “The main thrust is leveraging the Virginia Martinez spoke for the Mexican trust we have with our clientele . . . The census American Legal Defense and Educational Fund staff include 10 outreach specialists; their pri- (MALDEF), stressing the credibility of her group mary charge is engaging people about the cen- as attorneys for the Latino community. “It is, by sus.” The Center requested that a number of its law, confidential,” she said, which prevents the tax assistance sites be certified as government personal information from being shared with Be Counted sites for collecting census question- any government or private organization, includ- naires, which can be filled out and returned at ing immigration officials and credit agencies. each location. She repeated her points a second time, in “It’s a simplified qu estionnaire: 10 questions, Spanish. 10 minutes. You could just walk in, fill out a blank questionnaire in less than 10 minutes, and How campaigns are helping be counted,” Stukel said. The sites are “for what- Many of the nonprofits are community hubs ever reason—whether they didn’t see [the themselves, or are using places like libraries, questionnaire] in the mail or threw it out . . . [or] churches, schools, and community centers to are living in a hotel or have no mailing address.” tenant association and community meetings, help reach people who are at risk of not being The Center’s locations include Grand and educational workshops. counted in the census. Tailored to each commu- Boulevard, Auburn Gresham, Chicago Lawn, “When we go out and meet with tenants, we nity, the individual efforts include some unique North Lawndale, Bronzeville, Rogers Park, remin d them the forms will be going out in and inn ovative ideas to personally connect with Uptown, Harvey, Waukegan, Elgin, and East St. March,” MTO development and communica- people. Louis. “They’ve told me that it’s going to be the tions director Kathy Cheney-Egan said. “We’ve The Polish American Association, a bilingual largest advertiser in the country,” Stukel said been training the hotline counselors to say and bicultural human services agency for the about the government’s effort to spread knowl- something to everyone they speak to about the city’s Polish community, received a Count Me In edge about the census, which included a com- census.” To encourage participation, MTO has grant for $10,000. It will be used to write and mercial that aired during the Super Bowl. created a raffle for renters with proof of com- record announcements and ads for two local Another Count Me In grantee is the pleted census questionnaires, although Cheney- Polish-language radio stations, which has Metropolitan Tenants Organization, which Egan said they hadn’t decided on a prize yet. proved to be the most effective way to reach works to educate, organize, and empower “We are accessing people we already have community members. The grant will also be renters toward decent and safe housing. MTO’s contact with. Most of our renters are low used to translate and distribute Census Bureau $20,000 grant is focused on low-income renters income and in areas that have a low response materials. of color in roughly 16 Chicago neighborhoods, rate,” she said. “We were thinking about the fact With a grant of $48,000, Voto Latino is work- including Grand Boulevard and Humboldt Park. that we have a lot of people who are in the low ing to increase American Latino youth civic par- MTO has included census information and response rate. We felt some responsibility to ticipation. It’s using resources specific to its promotion in its routine activities: hotline calls, help people participate in the census.”

MARCH 10-M ARCH 16, 2010 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG 13 The Playground

Crossword pmaeveryday.com day...? your was How Ask Eugene “ a l l t h e b r i l l i a n c e t h a t w i l l f i t ”

Dear Eugene, Last week you wrote about the Chicago Machine, the professional lacrosse team. Could you tell me a little more about them? —Sportsfan

Positive? Dear Sportsfan: I would be delighted. Major League Lacrosse is celebrating its 10-year anniversary this year. The Chicago Machine have been a part of the league

Real Major since 2006 and hold the League noted distinction of losing Lacrosse Action every single outing their first season, an MLL record that stands to this day. The league has a 12-week season, with some playoffs to wrap everything up. Chicago came in last in 2009 in both attendance (15,414 total, and some of the games were played at Soldier Field, capacity 61,500—can you imagine!? ) and league standings (sixth—they were even beaten by Toronto, who were in their Need to post first season as a team), so you and I need to do what we can a legal notice to give professional lacrosse the recognition it deserves (right or a classified below hockey, just above needlepoint, on the level with ad? Falkland War re-enactors). Contact us at You can send Eugene your questions at 1201 W. Lake, Chicago, advertising@ IL, 60607 or e-mail him at [email protected]. streetwise.org or Sudoku 312.829.2526 Difficulty: Medium Deadline: must submit 3 Mondays prior to desired publication date. StreetWise Last Week’s Answers publishes every Wednesday

14 WWW.STREETWISE.ORG MARCH 10-MARCH 16, 2010 Vendor Spotlight

Vendor rebuilds life portfolio Meet: Joseph Molnar By Ben Cook StreetWise Staff be creative and interact with people. I get what I “I really don’t like the term ‘homeless,’ but if put into it and bring a good attitude to the whole anybody was homeless, I was. Right away there’s thing. a stigma attached to that term, but I work pretty “Right now I work at Canal and Adams by the hard to not look like a bum. It’s not easy.” CVS.” He sells from 6 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Mondays StreetWise newcomer Joseph Molnar explained and Wednesdays through Friday. “It’s gotten bet- what led to his current situation. “What really set ter. When I first started there was a tenant living me off was losing my family…” Joseph’s is a com- nearby who would call the cops on me every day. plicated case, but it boils down to the fact that They show up and see that I’m legitimate and fol- after years of legal struggle his ex-wife was grant- lowing all the rules. Now the police are focusing ed sole custody of their children, and disappeared. on the tenant trying to figure out why they keep That was 12 years ago. calling.” “I lost my direction after that. I used to be a Joseph laughs about the tenant, “That guy needs pretty wealthy guy, but after all that I was asking to get a life… I mean I don’t have much of one, myself what was left: am I a father? Am I a hus- but he’s really got to get one.” band? How do I build a future on this? I main- In addition to his CVS location Joseph also sells tained the best I could, but I eventually crashed near the Walgreens at Monroe and Halsted on and burned. Being an immigrant here, I had no weekends. real clout to get what I needed.” ( Joseph’s original- Joseph has about a year and a half of artistic ly from Hungary, and came to the US as a war training working in pen and ink, pastels, charcoal refugee.) doing portraits. In fact, he has offered to do an Now, Joseph is rebuilding. “Between StreetWise illustrated cover for StreetWise, so be on the look- and the Salvation Army I’m doing great. When out for that in the future. you’re out on the street you can’t find a job—all of Unfortunately for Joseph, his portfolio—which your time is spent trying to feed yourself, stay out contained eight years of work—and hundreds of of trouble or find a way to ease your situation. I dollars worth of art supplies were stolen when he I value my freedom took myself to detox and they recommended was living in the shelters, so he has to start at Salvation Army. They helped give me the stability square one. Joseph admits that he also currently above all. Once and a private room that I needed to improve struggles to channel and cultivate his artistic side myself. StreetWise I had heard about. Being a for- when basic survival is a constant concern. you’re free then mer entrepreneur myself, I saw a lot of promise of To his customers Joesph would like to say, “I’m “ what I could do selling StreetWise. I like the free- a pretty cheerful guy. I’m just happy to be here. I you’re able to dom to be my own boss. I value my freedom count my blessings. I’ve lost just about every- above all. Once you’re free then you’re able to sat- thing, really. I still feel young, and I don’t have any satisfy other goals isfy other goals that are even higher, but that’s the pressing health problems, so I’m just happy to be that are even higher... primary goal. StreetWise will give you the oppor- alive. It’s nice being out saying good morning to tunity to do really what I do best: develop a busi- people, joking around and wishing them a good ness from scratch and it gives the opportunity to day.”

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