News from HPKCC's Co-laborers in the Community

Descriptions, News and Announcements from our co-laborers in the Community

A service of Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference and our website www.hydepark.org. Don't forget to join the Conference and support our programs too! Feed us material to strengthen this page.

Visit our comprehensive directories: Community Resources and Non Profits of Hyde Park-Kenwood (includes a section, Nonprofit- and Community-building Resources). Find more directories and resources in Calendars and Directories home. See also Good Neighbors and generosity opportunities and our Help Line page. Services: your information, short piece, and corrections needed

For Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center, Hyde Park Art Center see our Arts News page. Hyde Park Neighborhood Club is in its own page.



Seeking nominations for awards, etc.

Blackstone Branch Library/Friends of the Blackstone Branch Library: 4904 S. Blackstone, 312 747-1105.
Friends of Blackstone Library meet in the Library's lower classroom first Wednesdays, 6 pm- call Dina Weinstein 773 643-6045. See FBBL page for events, benefits, volunteer opportunities.

Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is proud to welcome Friends of Blackstone as its latest affiliate and to participate in the planning by this group for library and after-school program revitalization.

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Blue Gargoyle Youth Service Center: Local youth and adult literacy center. Gargoyle's big fund drive.
Moved to 5638 S. Woodlawn, 60637. 773 955-4108. Fax 773 955-7030
www.bluegargoyle.org, adlit@bluegargoyle.org, volunteer@bluegargoyle.org
Executive Director: Pamela Bozeman-Evans. Program Director Kathy Barrett; Social services/donations/volunteering: Jack Slowriver, Adult Literacy Program Director Marcia Guthridge 773 955-4108.

The Gargoyle had a hugely successful Gargoyle Gallop in the Lakefront parks October 2006 and 2007. in 2006, they raised over $7,000 through fees and a lot of in-kind donations. Participation was up from 42 to 168.

Blue Gargoyle welcomes new director into fold. By Georgia Geis, Hyde Park Herald, November 28, 2007

Pamela Bozeman-Evans is making her list--computers, books, printers, carpenters, paint, painters, art supplies, web-designers and 100 new literacy tutors--but she isn't looking to Santa Claus to come through. Instead, she hopes those living in Hyde Park and the surrounding areas will make her Christmas bright. On Nov. 13, Bozeman-Evans started as the executive director for the longstanding service organization the Blue Gargoyle, 5638 S. Woodlawn Ave.

"I'm so enthusiastic about the possibilities. People sometimes become jaded when working at non-profits," said Bozeman-Evans. "In the three weeks I have worked as executive director, I have talked to the families we serve, and their energy has confirmed my belief of how critical our work is and how much it is appreciated."

Although Bozeman-Evans has only worked at the literacy-focused non-profit for less t han a month, she has known about the Blue Gargoyle for years, starting when her father volunteered as a tutor for t he adult literacy program. "I was familiar with the Blue Gargoyle because of [my father's] passion for literacy and reading...He talked to me a lot about his god experiences he had a the Blue Gargoyle," said Bozeman-Evans who fondly remembers her father teaching her to read by reading the fantasy novel "The Hobbit," which she in turn took two-and-a-half years to read back to him.

Then , during the seven years she worked as the associate dean of Student Affairs and Director of Community Service Center at the University of Chicago (U. of C.), she worked closely finding volunteers and interns to work at the Blue Gargoyle.

Most recently, Bozeman-Evans was the Senior Program Director for the Gary Comer Youth Center in South Chicago, an 80,000-square-foot and $30 million center providing activities to inner-city youths. After working two years for this is fully funded non-profit Bozeman-Evans said she was looking forward to the challenge of working for a traditional non-profit in which fund-raising is a major part of the job.

One way Bozeman-Evans hopes to raise capital is by enlisting what is called a "Counsel [Council?] of Allies," professionals in the neighborhood who are wiling to make a year commitment to meet four times to share networking, help fundraise and provide expert advice for the 39-year-old non-profit created by a group of divinity students at the U. of C.

"The Blue Gargoyle has been around for a very long time and has had a lot of transitions, but at its core its mission of youth and adult literacy has been the driving force behind making it its own success...I think that the Blue Gargoyle must look to diversify its resources. We have a wonderful board and will look to build it more and look to raise resources to provide quality services," said Bozeman-Evans.

Two other ideas Bozeman-Evans brings to the table is to work with publishing companies to provide families with small in-home libraries that have age-appropriate books for all family members and also to have a video gaming class available on the weekend to all the young people in the neighborhood to improve reading, math and science skills.

A venture the Blue Gargoyle started almost a decade ago that Bozeman-Evans said she was very excited about is the Bronzeville Academic Center, 220 W. 45th Pl., the organization's alternative high school that serves students ages 16 to 21. Bozeman-Evans said the school has been bringing the students "up to speed" and graduating tem to go on to college or the work force.

"My first naive question was, how much bigger can [Bronzeville Academic Center] get?" said Bozeman-Evans. To this question the director LaShaun Jackson replied that they are close to size capacity but they can improve on the quality fo field trips, college trips and the diversity of classes offered. "nd I really appreciated that answer from him because the typical administrator just wants the stats," said Bozeman-Evans.

To find out more about the volunteer opportunities and services available at the Blue Gargoyle, call 955-4108 or visit bluegargoyle.org.

New Gargoyle director weighs in- from a Herald feature Feb. 6 2008 by Daschell Phillips.

Pamela Bozeman-Evans shared plans and ideas at Chant Restaurant. She praised the staff as innovated, smart, open and receptive--they will be networking with those around the world who make things work. . She looked back on the founding by divinity students 40 years before and to the next 40 years. What the Gargoyle is about, she said, is giving people "a tool kit to get what they want out of life and create and support citywide readers, thinkers and leaders." The club serves 13,ooo families a year, and we need to "stop using the word dropout and be glad they dropped in." Networking has to set up between clients and the community so the clients can get jobs with benefits.

On the broader stage, "We can't just throw up a few homes and call it a safe neighborhood. Families deserve to live in good neighborhoods with cleaners, fresh fruit grocery stores and other services."

Her aim is to establish sustained, adequate funding.

Some services including tutoring:

Blue Gargoyle Community Services’ mission is to assist children, youth, adults and families in developing the skills and confidence necessary to become independent and self-reliant in today’s increasingly competitive society. Our agency programs include Adult Learning , Youth Tutoring, Counseling, Family Learning, and the Bronzville Alternative High School. We serve approximately 1,500 clients annually from neighborhoods including Englewood, Grand Boulevard, Kenwood-Oakland, South Shore, Washington Park and Woodlawn

The Blue Gargoyle Youth Tutoring Program serves children primarily between the ages of 6-12 who are failing or at risk of failing in school. Our program operates Monday through Thursday from 3 to 6:00pm. We offer group and individual tutoring helping kids with homework and other studies where they are struggling the most.

We are currently accepting children into the program. If parents are interested they can simply set up a one to one intake interview. The intake is about an hour. The child and their parent/legal guardian must come together.

Gargoyle opens job center in South Shore

Blue Gargoyle gives local politicians, business leaders and citizens a chance to IMMERSE themselves in the realities of poverty at Hyde Park Union Church. Participants will assume various roles, followed by discussion. Call 773 955-4108.

Blue Gargoyle is again seeking volunteers and tutors--it uses 85 in morning and evening classes and in one-on-one with students. The next training is June 13, 15, 20, and 22 6-9 pm at headquarters, 773 955-4108. Funding is received from the Illinois State Library of the Secretary of State's office, Community College Board, and Chicago Tribune Charities.

The Gargoyle had a fine, very well attended fundraising gala and auction November 19 2006 at South Shore Cultural Center. Honored Jack Cella manager of Seminary Co-op Bookstores, Ald. Preckwinkle, and Hyde Park educator Sara Spurlark. Watch for the next.

The Blue Gargoyle has announced that thanks to funding, it will open an employment skills office, including for the hard-to-employ at 7141 S. Jeffrey in South Shore December 1. The Gargoyle notes that funds, including for Equal Share, are endangered in Washington.

Bronzeville Academic Center/Blue Gargoyle students won the Alternative Golden Idol competition in May 2004., reciting storied verse in turn or unison. The competition was run by International House and the Alternative Schools Network. Bronzeville is becoming an arts-based learning center with a recording studio.

The Blue Gargoyle has moved to 5638 S. Woodlawn, owned by the Unitarian Church. in April after 36 years at University Church. This will provide more and better sized and arranged space for the Agency to carry out its mission--all the current programs plus a new pilot. The lease is for five years. In November, Gargoyle's gala raised $23,000, 13,000 more than the previous year. The director praised University Church and thanked Hyde Parkers, who provided much of the board and participation for the organization. It has a new director of Development, Kathy Barrett. She hopes to double fundraising take to $50,000, including from the November 19 Gala at South Shore Cultural Center. Paul Sakol, Exec. Dir., says the Gargoyle is doing fine.

Purpose: To serve social and employment needs and provide training, particularly literacy. Child services are at satellites. Free services, year round: finding and keeping quality jobs; literacy and GED; mentoring and tutoring for school kids and adults (esp. reading, math, writing literacy); creating a nurturing environment for small children and teen moms through joint learning; counseling for children, teens, and families toward self-reliance. Skills include Reading and Writing, Math, One-to-One Tutoring, Computers. All classes are free and one-on-one tutoring is emphasized. Also holistic counseling all the way up to getting a job.

The Blue Gargoyle provides comprehensive community-based services, including education, counseling and employment programs. Our mission is to assist children, adults and families in developing the skills and confidence necessary to become independent and self-reliant in today's increasingly competitive society and to break the cycle of lack of education and poverty.
From its beginning in 1964 as a student-run coffee house designed to bring the Hyde Park community together, to its incorporation as a non-profit social service agency in 1974, the Blue Gargoyle has stayed true to its mission. We serve the severely economically depressed areas on Chicago's south side.
Our programs include:

The Blue Gargoyle Adult Learning Program seeks volunteer literacy tutors. Call about Training Daschell Phillips 773 955-4108.

Appeal: "It seems hard to believe that what started out as a counter-culture coffee house has turned into a multi-service community-based organization with six programs that facilitate adult literacy, family learning for teenage parents, youth tutoring, counseling, an employment office and an alternative high school.

"This past year we served over a thousand clients that ranged in age from infant to over 60 years of age. Ninety-eight percent of clients were African-American, and at least eighty-eight percent were low-income. In three of six programs (Counseling, Employment and Family Learning Program), the low income percentage was 99-100%.

"The Blue Gargoyle, like most social service agencies that are funded heavily through city, state and federal dollars, is experiencing dwindling future support to sustain programming. Youth Tutoring, Family Learning and Employment are most at risk. Losing funding for these programs would discontinue after-school tutoring for grammar and high school students in the Chicago Public Schools in 24 schools; employment and job readiness training opportunities as well as family literacy services to teen and adult learners and their small children.

Cuts in public spending had produced these shortfalls:
Youth Tutoring $30,000
Family Learning Program $15,000
Employment Program $10,000...

Together we can make the difference, but we need your support now when it will make the greatest difference. Our long-term viability depends on generous support of friends of the Gargoyle such as you. Your contribution is tax-deductible. We thank you for joining our effort.

Winston Kennedy, President, Paul Z. Sakol, Executive Director.

Recent activities include a Springfield trip to learn about government (there were things the participants didn't like!!) and rally for education, a program on South African history by Prexy Nesbit and the Rochmans who lived it!, Night of a Thousand Stars to recognize Southside Literacy Coalition docents and students, other recognition events, and work with the Family Learning Center at Harmony Village- 78th and Kingston. Their newsletter is noteworthy in that it is all perspectives and reports by the students, tutors, and staff--literacy and self-confidence in action!
To volunteer as a tutor, call 773 955-4108 and ask for Adult Learning Program or email at adlitgargoyle@aol.com. To donate mail check--for literacy donation call Adult Learning Program Director Marcia Guthridge.
Wish list: flatbed scanner, color printer, color copier, paper, printer cartridges for HP Laser Jet 1100, marker boards, children's play rug, new an gently used toys incl. African-American dolls), small children's table w 4 good chairs, children's clothing in good conditions sizes birth age 5.

 

Blue Gargoyle head going strong. HydePark Herald, August 15, 2007. By Georgia Geis

Kathy Barrett knows something about delegation, being the oldest of seven siblings she is used to being a leader. Last February, she was quick to accept the position of interim director for the longstanding social agency Blue Gargoyle, 5638 S. Woodlawn Ave.

"I'm used to running large groups," Barrett laughs. "I always take over. You should see me at Thanksgiving time. It's like running a small non-profit." Barrett said she appreciates the chance to run the 33-year-old non-profit organization that provides counseling, family learning, adult and youth tutoring, and an alternative high school serving the South Side.

"It seemed like a good fit, I have played so many various roles that I have expertise in a lot of areas," said Barrett, ho was hired two years ago as the director of development. "It felt good to have the confidence of the board and staff. "Barrett joined the Blue Gargoyle in 2005 just a month before the non-profit moved to its new home in the historic Fenn House, used in the past for student housing and at one time served as the home of a university chancellor.

As she sits in her stately paneled office with an original framed Blue Gargoyle Coffee House poster hanging above her desk it is clear that Barrett and the veteran organization she is leading is immersed in Hyde Park and University of Chicago history. "Everyone in Hyde Park knows about the Blue Gargoyle, which I didn't get at first but no I get it," Barrett said. "We have been adopted by the whole neighborhood."

Founded in 1963 by University of Chicago divinity students and, by the early 1970s, was attracting people from surrounding communities. The Blue Gargoyle became an independent, not-for-profit social agency in 1974. It currently provides social services to thousands of people every year and is a volunteer site for hundreds.

Mos recently, the ?Blue Gargoyle has reached out to the neighboring South Side communities with the alternative high school Bronzeville Academic Center, 220 W. 45th Pl. "The school has been doing very well. For many students, it is a last chance scenario," said Barrett. ...

The blue Gargoyle Special Search Committee is starting interviews with candidates for the executive director and Barrett has put her name in the hat. She plans to remain at the organization regardless of whether she is chosen to man the helm. ... "I hope I'm making some small difference in somebody's life," said Barrett. Barrett said she is confident in the continuing success of the Blue Gargoyle securing in the last two years several new corporate and foundation donors."It is a matter of building relationships and getting our name and reputation out there," said Barrett. It takes time to build up your donor base."

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Gargoyle thanks Herald, volunteers

Blue Gargoyle literacy student Emma Michele Bowens was honored by IPA foundation for her outstanding achievements.
Tutor Monica Crosby won Outstanding Tutor award at On the Road to Literacy Conference. The award was given by Literacy Volunteers of Illinois and UIC's Center for Literacy.

February 16, 2005: To the Editor of the Herald:

Thank you for playing an active role in helping the members of our community improve their reading, writing, math and technology skills. Due to your printing our announcement of the Adult Learning Program January tutor training in your publication, about 14 volunteers completed the training. We appreciate your help and look forward to working with you again before our next tutor training in June. Daschell M. Phillips, Literacy Coordinator.

 

From the Sept. 1 2000 Hyde Park Herald:

Blue Gargoyle, pillar of Hyde Park editorial

Hyde Park is a neighborhood of pillars. These pillars come in the form of prominent people, established businesses, cultural institutions and social service agencies. One of the measures that define what is and what is not a pillar in Hyde Park is the institution's staying power. The Blue Gargoyle will celebrate its 30th anniversary as a tutoring center for South Side grade-school students and adults beginning with an open house on Sept. 8. But its roots don't begin in 1974, when the independent, non-profit social service agency was formed with its own board of directors and federal government status.

According to Director Paul sakol, a group of University of Chicago students had started a counter-culture coffeehouse in the belly of University Church the 1960s. The Gargoyle's website (www.bluegargoyle.org) mentions that the students invited professors and residents from the neighborhood to coffee and meat loaf sandwiches provided by volunteers. By the 1970s, the Gargoyle expanded its involvement in the community by initiating a number of tutoring programs and offering a crisis intervention hotline without regard to religious beliefs or affiliations. Ninety-nine percent of its clientele were African Americans, Sakol said.

Naming the Blue Gargoyle is a story in itself. Back in its coffeehouse days, volunteers wanted to call themselves the Green Gargoyle after the mythic stone statues that hung all around the university's Gothic buildings. but they could only get a hold of blue paint when they were ready to make a sign. So the Blue Gargoyle was born.

More than 2e years later the agency is providing free services to economically disadvantaged residents of Grand Boulevard, Oakland, Washington Park, Woodlawn, Kenwood, and Hyde Park. Its success has made it a pillar of the South Side.

According to some, this year's state budget crisis left the Blue Gargoyle nearly penniless and wondering if the well of government funds had dried up, including money for its GED and adult literacy programs. while Sakol said that he has been assured of funds for the coming year, out of the confusion came a push for a new fund-raising department and a fund-raising director to join the Gargoyle staff. This is a positive move for an agency that has proved itself in its good work to the South Side.

Blue Gargoyle turns 30 by Nykeya Woods

Hyde Park has a gem. Whether or not it is hidden depends on who is talking about it. For over 30 years the Blue Gargoyle Youth Service Center, 5655 S. University Ave., has been committed to helping the community's well-being. The organization has evolved from a coffeehouse in 1968 to a free comprehensive educational, counseling and employment resource for children and adults.

For a year and a half Paul Sakol, 65, has been the executive director for the Blue Gargoyle. With 25 years of involvement with community-oriented organizations, Sakol wants to make sure that people know about this organization. "We are a very broad agency in terms of services," said Sakol.

The Blue Gargoyle offers six different departments including adult learning program, counseling, family learning program, youth tutoring, employment, and the Bronzeville academic center. Sakol added," One of the main [focuses] is [community] development and getting money to do what we need to do."

On Sept. 8, the Blue Gargoyle will have an open house history celebration between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. The 22nd annual Gargoyle Gallop is Sept. 26. This run/walk event begins at 8 a.m. at Promontory Point. The 30th anniversary gala will be on Nov. 6 at the South Shore Cultural Center, where Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White will be the featured speaker and Hank Webber of the University of Chicago will be honored, Sakol said.

At the main location on University Avenue, the counseling department offers professional counseling. Counseling is also available for individuals or group sessions at Fiske Elementary, Bret Harte..., Ray..., or McCosh Elementary schools. According to Jennifer Cutilleta, Blue Gargoyle child and family therapist, there are eight weeks of counseling offered at these elementary schools that deal with anger management, role models, drugs or general wellness. The counseling department offers an array of different resources for people, according to Gayle McCain, Blue Gargoyle licensed clinical counselor. A resource directory is given out with information on employment services, national runaways and homeless parents with children.

Since 1996, the adult learning program has been helping people ages 16 and up improve literacy and math skills, develop computer skills and preparation for the GED. Volunteers teach classes and offer one-on-one instruction to students. Morning and evening classes are offered. Marcia Guthridge, director of the adult learning program, said that there are several literacy classes. "We have people just learning to read and write in some of ours," said Guthridge.

Hyde Park resident Julianne Davis, 18, has been coming to the Blue Gargoyle since June. Davis said she was in home school and she would have to wait until she was 21 to get her diploma. However, she is taking the GED preparation classes now so she can move on. "Being here is a great thing for me because I am really learning a lot. People put in a good effort to help me," Davis said.

Bernice Jones is one of those people who tutors Davis one-on-one. For two months the Co-op Market employee and grandmother of thee has been volunteering her time. "I got into the program to do my part to help build the community where I can," Jones said.

The employment department, at 4251 W. 45th Pl., provides job training and counseling, job placement, job retention assistance to teenagers and adults. The Bronzeville Academic Center, 230 W. 45th Pl., is an alternative school for students ages 16-21 who no longer attend traditional high school. Her students have a second chance to earn their diploma. "The Blue Gargoyle is about bringing people together and it has been since it started," Sakol said.

For more information on programs, check out www. bluegargoyle.org or call 955-4108.

 

Blue Gargoyle gala nets $25,000 for social service organization

Hyde Park Herald, November 17, 2004. by Brian Wellner, editor

Blue Gargoyle Community Services has been on a fund-raising frenzy for the last two months since announcing its 30th anniversary, the latest effort being a gala at the South Shore Cultural Center that netted roughly $25,000 for the non-profit organization.

Last week the Blue Gargoyle board of directors began discussing the creation of a development department that officials hope will tap private and corporate donors for needed funds next year. "We have a long way to go to get the kinds of donors we would like," Executive Director Paul Sakol said. About 90 percent of organization funds come from the state and federal governments, which has become increasingly risky as a bread and butter source, Sakol said.

The anticipated federal budget for 2006 eliminates community development block grants, which the Blue Gargoyle relies on for employment services and youth tutoring, and the Even Start program, which funds family learning at the Hyde Park-based center. "We're foolish not to expect some diminution of funds from the federal government, Sakol said.

Jackie Pope, who sat on the planning committee for the Nov. 6 gala, remarked of the event's success, "It's different from events in the past. It set a new precedent with new goals," she said.

At $25,000, the gala was the largest fundraising event in the Blue Gargoyle's history. Contributions included $5,000 from the University of Chicago, $2,500 from the Chicago Tribune and $1,500 from the U. of C. Service League. Awards were given to Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and U. of C. Vice President of Community Affairs Hank Webber.

The Blue Gargoyle Youth Center is located at 5655 S. University Ave. For information on programs, visit www.bluegargoyle.org or call [7773] 955-4108.

Gargoyle launches fundraising drive!

The Blue Gargoyle, a key social agency on the South Side based in Hyde Park, in February 2006 launched a 3-year $575,000 fund drive, in light of uncertainties of governmental funding. The near-loss of city funding ($400,000) of the Gargoyle employment agency that serves Oakland-Bronzeville and South Shore and other residents (a stoppage blocked by Ald. Hairston and Preckwinkle and state legislators including Barbara Flynn Currie) was a wake-up call that showed the Gargoyle it needed to go far beyond gala banquets and general and foundation appeals.

The Gargoyle, whose annual budget is $2.3 million (90 percent from government) is a critical, special niche part of the South Side safety net (especially with dispersal and changed rules for former CHA residents), providing services that range from employment/employability training to literacy, family training, and a top-rated alternative high school in Bronzeville. Over 12,000 a year are served by 35-year-old Blue Gargoyle, which started as a student and community coffee house in University Church. A peculiar problem for agencies such as the Gargoyle is that a red flag is raised with the government whenever money has to go to "administrative" costs--and these kinds of services cannot be provided right on the cheap. The Gargoyle needs its 53 part and full time staffers.

Ald. Hairston says, "The Blue Gargoyle has always provided a very valuable service. It is important the community support their work.
Ald. Preckwinkle, whose husband Zeus is on the Gargoyle board and helping diversify the revenue stream, says "The Blue Gargoyle is doing something that other organizations are not offering. They have a special niche.

To learn more or make a donation call 773 955-4108 or visit www.bluegargoyle.org.

Blue Gargoyle opens job center in South Shore in 2006

The center, at 7141 S. Jeffrey, is following the people from the CHA projects on state and other section 8 people who have moved gradually into South Shore. Few services followed them, but the Gargoyle has. The Human Services Service Connector program says it serves hundreds in the area and Workforce Development over a thousand a year, but Gargoyle spokespersons say it's not fast enough and many people fall between cracks.

HPKCC's connection the Gargoyle (except maybe in the late 60s) is new, but our interest and empathy of long standing.

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(Our) Common Threads will hold classes in gardening and cooking with much more this summer in conjunction with St. Paul and the Redeemer and Kenwood Park. This org. is the foundation of Oprah's chef Art Smith. 312 876-1289. More info in Good Neighbor page.

Hyde Park Historical Society:Visit the At and About the Society page.
5529 S. Lake Park Avenue, 773 493-1893.

HPKCC collaborates with the Society for accurate collective memory and its dissemination and on preservation issues, which are a major component of neighborhood quality of life and "community", an in support for ad hoc advocacy groups such as that for the Point. We jointly promote the Hyde Park Preservation Working Group.

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Hyde Park Kiwanis

President Clifford Doyle, vp. Richard Nayer, secretary Gwendolyn Teamer, treasurer Jon Will.
Current contact? 1509 E. 53rd St. Box 120, Chicago, IL 60615. 773 324-8645.
Purpose: To raise money for charitable purposes locally and nationally, including Christmas gifts for local indigent children, supporting the Neighborhood Club, supporting a camp for disabled children, research in medicine related to children, and the 57th Street Children's Book Fair in September. And it fosters sociality and the business community. Watch for the peanut vendors several times a year-next September 24, 2004. Looking for young additions!
"We're a group of men and women in Hyde Park who are members of a world-wide service organization founded in 1916. The Hyde Park Club dates from 1921 and is composed of business and professional leaders; it is non-sectarian, apolitical and non-discriminatory. Our cause: to serve kids!"
Activities:
-Support Hyde Park Neighborhood Club
-Cosponsor 4th on 53rd July community parade
-Support the Blue Gargoyle Youth Center's Tutorial Program
-Underwrite the board and room costs of a physically handicapped child at Kiwanis Twin Lakes summer camp
-Cosponsor the 57th Street Children's Book Fair
-Prepare food and gift baskets for needy families during the holiday
-Mentor a family from St. Martin De Porres battered women's center going off welfare
-Sponsor and actively support the Kenwood Academy and King High School Key Clubs

This year Kiwanis will adopt families from St. Martin de Porres House of Hope, 6423 s. Woodlawn, for food baskets and clothing on December 18. Helping are Kenwood Academy homerooms, Powells Bookstores, 57th St. Books. 773 324-8645.

Kiwanis meets 1st and 3rd Tuesdays, noon, at 4900 S. Lake Shore Drive. 773 324-8645. It holds an annual fundraiser in March at Seven Ten Split.


Peanut days. Watch for the vendors and be generous. You can order a box for minimum contribution of $50- 773 324-8645.

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Hyde Park Neighborhood Club: 5480 S. Kenwood, 773 643-4062. Celebrating 95 years.
New programs! (773) 743-4062. Visit their refurbished website! linked above.
See also more on the club and its offerings, needs in the Neighborhood Club page.

Seniors perspectives, need for a neighborhood center converge in collaborative meeting, effort

Hyde Park Older Women's League, which is focusing on how to make Hyde Park a more senors-friendly community, met in forum with board members, the interim director, and friends of Hyde Park Neighborhood Club at the Club May 3 to brainstorm on ways to improve senior-friendliness in general, and how the Club can serve seniors' needs. The energy was strong, and the conversation, and it's hoped action, will continue. The Club is under financial strain but determined to be truly "a place for everyone."

. HPNC is "Steeped in Tradition, Committed to the Future."

The Neighborhood Club seeks neighbors help to defray rising costs and declining giving. Rising costs include for heating and fuel/repairs for the bus.

Interim Director: Jennifer Bosch. President Karen Freeman.

Hyde Park Neighborhood Club celebrates, looks to future
Hyde Park Herald, April 9, 2008. By Georgia Geis

As the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club readies for its time-honored annual pancake breakfast this Sunday, the club is in the midst of some “soul searching,” according to the interim director Jennifer Bosch. “All non-profits do soul searching,” said Bosch.

Bosch, a former board member and Woodlawn resident, stepped in as lead for the 99-year-old neighborhood institution after Peter Cassel was fired in February. Several board members resigned within days to protest the dismissal of Cassel, who had worked at the club more than two years.

Within days of the controversial termination, the club had a gala fundraising event planned at the Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave. Bosch said the majority of the board decided to go ahead with the event. “It was quite a success—we raised more than $7,000,” said Bosch. “It was great to see such a turnout.”

When Bosch joined the club’s board last October she had no idea what she was getting into, she said. Bosch said prior to joining the board she knew nothing about the organization and knew from the first meeting that there was a lot of turmoil.

Bosch h as put her own business of creative consulting—mainly with museums and cultural institutions—on hold while she tales the reigns at the club. She estimates that the current strategic planning will take between six to eight months to complete, at which time the search for a new executive director will be launched.

Abby Hymen, director of teen programming, started at the club a year ago and she said she is relieved that the club is now looking forward to the future. Hymen said the last year was riddled with inter-office tension. “I wasn’t sure I would stick around,” Hymen. “I’m hoping we are on our way up. I appreciate the leadership Jennifer has brought.”

Bosch said the strategic planning has three phases. The first phase of fiscal analysis has been completed, and the club is now focusing on board development—looking to see what the role of the board should be and to recruit new members. The last and most time consuming phase will be spent gathering information about the neighborhood and how the club can live up to its motto, “A place for everyone.” Bosch said this information would be gathered through town hall-style meetings, opinion polling and historical and census analysis.

“We are under a microscope,” said Bosch. “The neighborhood is asking: What are these pillars of the community, and what are we going to do with them?”

The fate of two programs, Tot Lot and the Adult Day Care, is especially of interest to Hyde Parkers. Tot Lot ran this past year without the worn toys that littered the neighborhood club in previous years. The Adult Day Care Program was recently eliminated altogether. Bosch said they plan to raise funding for all new equipment for the popular Tot Lot, the indoor play area for the winter months. As far as bringing back the Adult Day Care program that closed at the end of January, Bosch said she is uncertain but it definitely being discussed. “It’s going to be in the mix,” said Bosch.

One offering affected by the departure of the Adult Day Care is the daily Golden Diners program, provided by funding from the city’s Department of Aging. Joan Gallagher, who has lived in Hyde Park since 1960, said she misses the people who were enrolled in the Adult Day Care program and is fearful that Golden Diners may not continue if there are not enough participants. “This is a place to meet new friends and to reconnect with old friends,” said Gallagher.

The laughter and conversation can be heard outside the library of the club where the golden diners met to eat a hot meal. Noby Takaki came to Hyde Park in 1945 after she left the U.S. internment camp for Japanese during World War II. She said she has fond memories of the club when her two sons, who are now in their 60s, would come to the after school program. “I used to send them here to keep them out of trouble,” said Takaki. Her two boys, along with three other neighborhood boys, would run up and down 55thStreet- she would call them the “55th Street Gang.” “Hyde Park has been very good to me,” said Takaki.

Other Golden Diners have just recently got acquainted with the club. Jimmy Jenkins, who has lived in Hyde Park for 40 years, has been coming to Golden Diners for the last year and a half. Over the years he has come to the club occasionally for the annual pancake breakfast and various events, such as the meeting about the closing of the Hyde Park Co-Op. Jenkins said he hopes the club can make it. But in general he sees that a lot of charitable organizations are having funding problems.

Bosch said she understands the uphill battle non-profits have when it comes to funding. She said she is planning to reach out to other neighborhood organizations such as the Hyde Park Art Center, Little Black Pearl and the Experimental Station for joint projects and fundraising.

Just as she said this, as if on cure, a young girl came it to her office holding a single dollar bill. “I’m giving a dollar to the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club,” the girl said. Bosch smiled and directed her to the jar behind the front desk.
“I’m tremendously optimistic,” said Bosch. “We have an amazing history, staff and community to draw from. We have a ton of potential.”

Hyde Park Produce to aid pancake fundraiser

Hyde Park Herald, February 20, 2008. By Daschell M. Phillips

It's going to take about 15 cases of pancakes, 15 cases of bacon and several pounds of fruit to feed the masses at the Hyde Prk Neighborhood Club's 45th Annual Pancake Breakfast, but Hyde Park Produce owner Larry Damico said it's not a problem. "When [Peter Cassel] asked me to do it I said yes with no hesitation.," Damico said.

Damico said he knew that the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., was in a bind because the Hyde Park Co-Op Market used to provide the food for the event, a none-day fundraiser held by the club that provides an all-you-can-eat breakfast and a market place featuring local vendors. He was glad that Hyde Park Produce, 1226 E. 53rd St., was able to help.

Cassel, executive director of the Hyde Park Neighborhood ?Club, said that the club used to purchase groceries from the Co-Op for their other events and came to rely on their annual donations of the pancake breakfast, so they were briefly worried about where the food donation would come from this year. The club asked Damico for the donation because they formed a great relationship with Hyde Park Produce last lear.

"In September 2007, we contacted Hyde Park Produce and asked them to supply us with fruit for our after school program," said Cassel. Damico said that he thinks the pancake breakfast is a great fundraiser and he hopes they will continue to ask him to contribute. Cassel said that they will take this new partnership one year at a time but hopes that the club and grocery store have a long relationship together.

Chocolate pancakes, sausage and coffee are some of the food that will be available for breakfast during the event. Damico said fresh fruit might also be served. Others highlights include a live performance by folk musician Lee Murdock and a carnival for children. Approximately 800 people attended this event last year.

The Pancake Breakfast will take place from 8 am to 2 pm on Sunday, April 13 at the club. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for children and can be purchased in advance or at the door. For information call [773] 643-6042.

Holly Leiker, Dir. of Children and Youth Services, thanks businesses for help.

No "Dream" without local support
The Hyde Park Neighborhood Club Drama Program thanks the following businesses for their generous support of our Aug. 17 production of "We Are the Dream": Boyajian's Bazaar, Cedars Mediterranean Kitchen, The Great Frame UP, Hyde Park Car Wash, Hyde Park Produce, Powell's Bookstore, What the Traveler Saw and Wesley's Tae Won Do.

Over 35 summer camp children participated in the production of "We Are the Dream," the story of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The staff and children would like thank state Sen. Kwame Raoul, Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie, Ald. Toni Preckwinkle (4th) and Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th) for their continuing support.

We are indebted to our local supporters and their generous contributions, which allow us to continue to fulfill our mission as a true community center, providing quality services to residents of Hyde Park an the surrounding communities.

The drama program helped to make our Summer Camp a success. During the school year, our Before and After School Program provides a similar variety of interesting activities. The club also provides a wide range of programs for all ages. We encourage community residents to visit our website at hpnclub.org to check out what we have to offer.The Club's rooms in early 2006 were given new coats of paint and some places murals and the logo. Rhyston Mays, 6th grader at Ray School, had a major role. The club has had new furniture donated thanks to Carol Andresen and computers thanks to Catherine Redden and a Microsoft donation. Exterior upgrades have also been made. Other grants include $15,000 from the TCF Bank Quality Awards for youth programs, $8,000 from Action for Children for after school, and major state grants. Sen. Raoul has recommended the Club for a $50,000 grant for gymnasium renovation.

The Neighborhood Club seeks program ideas and proposals (from those willing to run them) for new programs, including for seniors. Send to Jennifer Bosch, acting, Exec. Dir., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood, 60615. The Club is also appealing for funds. They remind of the suite of programs for adolescents that can be a counter to recent community problems. It has a full sized gym, art activity classroom, dance studio and computer-training center. Reach-out to the community over seniors needs and how the Club can help meet these continues May 3 2008, Saturday, 12:30 pm at the Neighborhood Club, about the role of the Club in contributing a senior friendly community. Part of the meeting will be devoted to efforts the community must make to insure the Club will move into its 2nd century of providing a Place for Everyone. HPNC is "Steeped in Tradition, Committed to the Future."

The Club received the 2006 Beyond the Call Community Award ($3,000) from AT&T Illinois. Rep. Currie, instrumental in selecting the award, said "Community groups, like the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, deserve our support and our congratulations on being dedicated every day to making their community the best it possibly can be."

Tip: If you want to keep the Friday classic movies, show up!

Summer camp is coming. Watch for it late June- early August in 4 day blocks- but can include up to 10 weeks (closed July 4). $160 per week, minimum 4 weeks. Sports, cooperative games, educational activities, outdoor/nature walks, field trips, drama, art, swimming, lunch and snacks. Holly Leiker, 773 643-4062 x23. Children 6-12, assigned by age, ratio of 1/10 with counselors from the staff, college students and some junior assistants. Facility 7-6 pm.
Registration started April 4, form available at the Club. You must select weeks, pay the $30 nonrrefundable with $320 deposit $270 addl kids applied to first and last week to be attended) and provide current medical form for each child. Parent orientation Thurs, June 9 5:30-6:30.


Other programs for kids (and some for adults) include Hip Hop Dance, Fun Place for teens, Digital Music Production, Abstract Mixed Media, Beginning Watercolor or Acrylic Painting, Fun Place( Mon-Fri 3-6 for Jr. High incl. computer and digital labs, sports, field trips...), Junior High Camps late Sept. and early Oct. There is a youth baseball camp during holiday vacation.
Also Before and after school daycare for 5-12s, varied fees in $30 per day to $275 per month.

Service League-supported Games day is on first Wednesdays at 10 am. Don't miss beginning bridge, mah jongh, Films on Friday, Drawing from Observation Mondays at 2.....

Jazzercise classes Monday evenings and Tuesday mornings. www.jazzerchic.com.

Jazz, Ballet and Tap with Monica Stevens. Get schedule and fees at Club.

Piano lessons with Michael Williams M-Th 3-6 $50 month for 4 half-hour sessions.

Fitzgerald's Hyde Park Neighborhood Club schedule. Mondays through Wednesdays, youth 5:15-6:15, beginners 6:30-7, adults 7-8:15. Ken Washman at 773 363-8616.

Biddy Basketball ages 5-12. $60 for 8 weeks. Tyrone White.

Adult and senior list: John Psiharis Senior Services Director

 

Appeal for ideas, May 2005.

The Neighborhood Club asks anyone, especially with special skills, with ideas for programs, especially that they would manage or present, to contact Gayle Gamauf McCoy. Recent suggestions include monthly adult dances, poker night, book club, film discussion group and arts and crafts instruction. Those wishing to present have to sign contract and financial agreement. Being renewed in 2008.

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Hyde Park Transitional Housing Project:

Don't miss the Hyde Park affordability forum and workshops "The Changing Nature of Our Neighborhood-Can You Afford to Live Here?" at 1st Unitarian, Saturday April 29, 8:30- noon. Lots of cosponsors incl. HPKCC. Initial panel includes both aldermen, Win Kennedy, and Pat Wilcoxen.


(Affiliated with Hyde Park Cluster of Interfaith Open Communities, above- same with HomeSharing orgs in above listing.)
5655 S. University Avenue, Chicago, IL 6o637
The Rev. Don Coleman, President. 773 363-8142, A. Anne Holcomb, Case Manager, 773 643-8061, Joe Marlin (KAM) Secretary, Mark Granfors (Augustana) Publicity and Resources, Allan Lindrup Treasurer
http://iocillinois.org. hpthp@att.net
Currently houses a family, which it is training for self -sufficiency; expects to have a second in 2005. For more information visit the hydepark.org Ending Homelessness page. A quarterly brochure is available from the org.

Hyde Park and Kenwood Interfaith Council performs a host of services to the community and its ongoing conversation. Services include food pantries. See in Helpline, Nonprofits or Resources.

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Older Women's League (OWL) Illinois and Hyde Park
You can take a survey on seniors neighborhood issues from Hyde Park Older Women's League (OWL) at http://www.surveymethods.com/EndUser.aspx?85A1CDD78DC7D3D3. Closes April 4.

Chicago Tel. no: 312 347-0011 (watch for revision)
http://www.owlillinois.org. Also given to us as http://www.wnkhome.northstarnet.org/owlill/Hyde Park Chapter.
Alison Hartman (Illinois Chair) Lorie Rosenblum. E-mail Alice Brown, alice.brown@ameritech.net. Judy Roothan.
The Hyde Park Chapter meets alternate (even) 1st Saturdays, 2 pm (earlier social) at First Unitarian Church (Chris Moore Parlor), 5650 S. Woodlawn.
Southeast Chapter: Irene Nelson, 773 324-0681, Vera Clark, 773 221-1147. Meets at Atlas Srs. Center, 1767 E. 79th St. 1st Saturdays at 10 am.
Open to anyone of all ages. Presents programs and advocates on issues of interest to midlife and older women, and advocates for policy changes on the state and national level. Areas of interest: personal & financial security, health and prescription drugs, image of midlife and older women, access to housing and housing alternatives, ending discrimination against women and the elderly including in the workplace, caregiving.

Seminary Co-op Bookstores, other bookstores:
Our bookstores are key resources, especially in that they give so much to and for kids, schools, Blue Gargoyle, Neighborhood Club etc. and bring authors into the neighborhood.
Seminary Co-op was founded in 1961 to reduce book costs for University students and staff and grew, buying the old Staver Bookstore in 1983--a mind-boggling phenomenon of room after room, and took over the Newberry Library bookstore in River North in 1995. It offers significant discounts to members and access to larger buying groups. Seminary's goal is to provide the community with bookstores that customers can be pleased to be members of and support with their patronage. Seminary Co-op achieves this through selection and display of feature books, customer-owner service that goes beyond the trade standard, supporting local institutions, and 150 authors brought to the community yearly. The Co-op has actively worked on the local and national scene for literacy and free speech.

Among our for profit bookstores, which have also been generous collaborers in the community, Powell's Bookstore and its manager Brad Jonas deserve special mention.

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Park Advisory Councils:
Programmatic committee affiliate: NPAC/Nichols
HPKCC-hosted website, back office services: JPAC/Jackson

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Co-op raises $21,000 in annual book sale

Hyde Park Herald, October 20, 2004. by Jeremy Adragna. Note: M.L. Rantala is editor of the Co-op's
Evergreen and a member of HPKCC's Board of Directors and core group of the Transit Task Force.

Coop Markets' annual book sale held Oct. 9-11 raised about $21,000, said organizer M.L. Rantala. Money will be distributed to several local charities, yet to be named, in the coming months.

Over three days volunteers sold many of the 40,000 books donated to Co-op Markets by Hyde Parkers beginning in May. A record number of volunteers signed up to help, including many local young people. "I'm very glad the young people in the community are getting involved in this sale and are learning about it," Rantala said. "I hope it becomes a regular part of their fall ritual."

Thousands of books leftover after the sale were given to three separate libraries in Ghana as well as several other organizations near Hyde Park. "I really am happy about that we went so many of those books to Ghana because I think those books are going to be highly valued in West Africa" Rantala said. "I'm sure people who donated books will be surprised to learnt hey are traveling so far, but I'm sure they'll be pleased as well." [...Others given the books were] Friend Center at the University of Chicago Hospitals, Literacy Workshop at Hyde Park Academy, Kenwood Academy library, Illinois Youth Corrections Center for Girls, and the Chicago Concerned Jamaicans.

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News from other participants

The University of Chicago Hospitals Office of Community Affairs has published an annual report on activities in HPK and surrounding neighborhoods. To inquire or receive, contact the Office at 5633 S. Maryland Ave, Chicago, Illinoi9s 60637-1470 or contact Administrative Assistant Detrich Steppes, 773 702-0872, Detrich.Steppes@uchicagohospitals.edu. Their site is in http://www.uchicagohospitals.edu.

See information on the programs of Black Star Project in Help Page and Community Resources.

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