HPKCC and HPKCC News—Serving the Community Since September 21, 1949

HPKCC home and news, membership page
Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference

Hydepark.org is a major project of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference.

Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, a 501(c)3, is an independent civic watchdog, neighborhood association and forum, beholden only to its members and seeking the betterment of the neighborhood and its residents' quality of life. Full mission statement. Join or renew (membership form) . Dues schedule. 2010 Membership Appeal letter.

Page contents/index. Portal to 2009 Jan, April and July issues and 2010 January issue Conference Reporter (what's in these Reporters)
To May 2010 Reporter FLASH
Reach the President, Jay Ammerman. Reach our office or webmaster: hpkcc@aol.com. Join our e-alert list: hpkcc.chicago@gmail.com.
HPKCC on Facebook

Informational brochure (printable pdf) FORUMS.

HPKCC is a membership based and supported organization. PRINTABLE FORM- NOTE THAT "NONPROFIT" MEANS 501c3. Anyone who shares our interests may become a member by paying and remaining in good standing with annual dues payments. Members get the Reporter and other informational services, discounted fees at events that charge, and receive (one) vote at the Annual Meeting in September. See above for links to appeal, membership form, and informational brochure. We have about 150 members at present and would love to include you. Also, most of our work is done in our open committees.
Dues schedule: Individual $20, Family $30, Senior $15, Nonprofit Organization (501c3)* $75, Business, institution etc*. $100. Contributions at any level are welcome. Since HPKCC is a 501c3 nonprofit in good standing, contributions are deductible as per law. Please print and fill in the Membership Form in its entirely (we need current email addresses, also current contacts for condo and coop associations) and mail to HPKCC, 1525 E. 53rd St. #907, Chicago, Illinois, 60615. Questions? hpkcc@aol.com or 773 288-8343. Membership chairs (selected June 2010): Jane Ciacci and Irene Freelain.
*New categories adopted July 2010

Next board meeting Thursday August 5. 7 pm, 1525 E. 53rd st. 4th fl. conf. rm. Board meetings are open to members. Non members- come check us out!

Read a release on HPKCC support (voted for second year in June 2010) of a Hyde Park Neighborhood Club teen city and transit learning program, and how that fits into the HPKCC mission:

See what's New-
Or find out about events or what's happening right away by email: Ask to join our e-alert list: hpkcc.chicago@gmail.com.
More frequent Reporter- the FLASH- see May 2010 issue.

HPKCC grant helps Neighborhood Club teens learn the city via transit
HPKCC and its development committee weigh in on opening Harper Avenue, Shoreland project
HPKCC with SPAF completes commissioned structural study of Harper Theater
Condos Committee holds seminar on important requirements
Internet Safety Seminar held, next planned for October 16
Schools Committee holds networking dinners, investigates school/out of school enrichment, shows intern teachers the neighborhood.
Garden Fair holds successful spring sale, planning fall's; Used Book Sale being organized for Columbus Day weekend

Conference Reporter FLASH, An Experiment
by Jay N. Ammerman, HPKCC President

HPKCC Board and Committee members have been very busy this year and are trying to keep our members and the community informed about Conference programs and events. We use postcard mailings, ads in the Hyde Park Herald, flyers, word-of-mouth, the Conference website (www.hydepark.org), and the Conference Reporter. But we still hear comments like, "Why didn't you tell us about the Spring and Fall Garden Fair, or the Hyde Park Used Book Sale, or the HPKCC Annual Meeting?"

So, we are experimenting with this Conference Reporter Flash. Please note the announcements in this issue and tell your friends and neighbors about them. We invite you to note them on your calendar and join us at our 2010 programs and forums.

[and.....] Virtual HPKCC
The HPKCC Membership Committee is working on ways to reach our members and friends by e-mail. If you'd like to receive e-mail alerts from the Conference about upcoming events, let us know by sending a message to hpkcc.chicago@gmail.com and we'll add you to our developing e-mail list.
And be sure to "fan" us on Facebook!

The offices of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference are at 1525 E. 53rd Street, Ste. 907, Chicago, IL 60737. Telephone 773 288-8343. More urgent messages should be sent via email to hpkcc@aol.com or ammerman@interaccess.com. Our website is http://www.hydepark.org (you're here!)

Next board meeting August 5, 7 pm, 1525 E. 53rd St. 4th floor.

LINK TO VIEW IN PDF ALL RECENT REPORTER ISSUES THAT ARE AVAILABLE.
To this Page's index. To Profiles: People You Should Know. View: Harper Court Survey Results, Harper Court, 53rd and Development actions, Youth Programs Database
 Adopts Co-op Used Book Sale.
On the Boards' Jan. 8 2009 meeting with Ann Marie Lipinski, UC VP for Civic Engagement
Anniversary kick off Forum page. (Feb. 18 2009) About HPKCC at 60th Anniversary page. More About. Committees.
Informational brochure (printable pdf)
Visit the page with some of HPKCC's latest: From the President's Desk and Actions of the Board. July 2009 Reporter.
Who was elected to the Board September 13, 2009 and who was elected officers in October

Reach our president, Jay Ammerman

Visit our fanpage in Facebook! Thanks to Trish Morse, HPKCC Secretary for setting up our Facebook presence.
Ask to join our e-alert list: hpkcc.chicago@gmail.com.
Visit May 2010 Reporter FLASH.

HPKCC is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization: dues/ gifts are tax deductible as permitted by law.
Officers: Jay Ammerman, President; Jane Ciacci (1st) and Brenda Sawyer, Vice Presidents; Trish Morse, Secretary; Mark Granfors, Treasurer.
Board members: Lenora Austin, Nancy Baum, Amy becker, Gwen bonds, Richard Buchner, Peter Cassel, Michael doss, Judy Dupont, Irene Freelain, Amy Girst, Camille Hamilton-Doyle, Anita R. Hollins, Gail Isenberg, David Nekimken, jack Snapper, Jack Spicer, Ismail Turay, James Withrow.

2008 HPKCC Retrospective.

The January 2010 Reporter is out. See it in pdf. Features include

HPKCC Monitors Harper Court Development
Profits from Used Book Sale Help Support HPKCC Programs
From the President's Desk..Did George Rumsey Really Retire from HPKCC?
Development Impact on the53rd Street TIF Budget
Friends of Blackstone Opens New Lecture Series
HPKCC Schools Committee Holds Fourth Annual Networking Dinner and plans Recognition Ceremony
A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Chuck Thurow
Come to the Garden Fair Lectures

FORUMS


April 19 2010, Monday, 7 pm. The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Condos/Co-ops Plus Committee, the law firm Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit, and the offices of Alderman Toni Preckwinkle (4th) and Leslie Hairston (5th) presented a Public Seminar on issues of importance to Association boards and owners, by Attorney John H. Bickley III. CONDOMINIUM AND HOMEOWERS ASSOCIATION LAW- A SPECIALIZED SEMINAR FOR BOARD MEMBERS.
TOPICS INCLUDEd MAJOR CHANGES IN THE LAW FOR 2010 WHICH AFFECT CONDOMINIMUM ASSOCIATIONS, CHANGES IN ILINOIS BANKING/LENDING CRITERIA WHICH AFFECT THE ABILITY TO OBTAIN FINANCING FOR CONDOMINIUM UNITS IN 2010; COLLECTION OF ASSESSMENTS, AND OTHER ISSUES RAISED BY THE PARTICIPANTS. Learn what other association board members are doing to meet the GROWING CHALLENGES OF ASSOCIATION OPERATION. Mr. Bickley can be contacted directly at 847-777-7301 or jbickley@ksnlaw.com, or visit www.ksnlaw.com.
REPORT- LEARN WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

April 24, Saturday, 1 pm- Keeping YOU and Your Computer Safe. On-Line Security, Viruses, Scams, Preventive Measures. For Professionals, Parents, Seniors.
Featured Speaker Charmaine Strong, Chicago Police Department Community Relations. Panel Discussion and Q and A with organizer personnel. Sponsors were HPKCC, OWL Illinois. Organizers Hyde Park Systems (Richard Buchner), Computer Resource (George Rumsey), Wooded Isle Consulting (Charlie Havens), Tektite Group (Jean Pickering), Teffecx Web Design (Rod Sawyer). Our thanks to Kenwood Academy.
Next October 16 will focus on Child-parent internet safety.

Hyde Park Herald, April 14, 2010. HP-K CC announces seminar on security issues

The security committee of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is hosting a free Internet security seminar on April 24 to answer the community's questions about online protection strategies.

"So many people have questions about identity theft, pop ups and what to do if they get scammed," said Camille hamilton Doyle, security committee chairwoman. "They are also interested in learning how to build blogs, tweet, e-mail and text."

The seminar will take place from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. at Kenwood Academy High School, 5015 S. Blackstone Ave., in the little theater. To R.S.V.P email rbuchner@hydeparksystems.com. [Note- it is OK to come without RSVP.]

The January 2009 Reporter looked back and ahead. The April issue featured 50 years of Hyde Park Garden Fair, a committee of the Conference. The July issue looks at actions and ideas from our forum on the future of Hyde Park, development and schools committee, upcoming Used Book Sale, and what's up at Kenwood Academy. The following issue may have a retrospective on our past 60 years.

To bios of 2008 newly elected board members
September (August) 2008 Reporter notice of Annual Meeting and a busy Autumn!
Report on the 2008 Annual Meeting Elected.

Hyde Park Used Book Sale page. We are grateful to all who made the 2009 sale a great success, including our sponsor, Treasure Island Foods.

Hyde Park Garden Fair website- Next sale spring in May 2010, Hyde Park Shopping Center Courtyard, 55th west of Lake Park. Our page about it. Find special anniversary Reporter issue about. Look for our next winter lecture series.

Recent actions:

HPKCC in June granted $2,400 to Hyde Park Neighborhood Club (as in 2009) for the bus pass portion of the Summer Teen Program that introduces youth the various parts of the city and to getting around. HPKCC also passed its next year's budget and advanced various programs. This included co-sponsorship of an internet safety program stressing parent-teen-child safety, to be held October 16.

Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference picks Camille Hamilton-Doyle to head its Schools Committee. Hamilton-Doyle will continue to head the Community Safety Committee. The Schools Committee is one of the most active Conference committees. (Note that this announcement is a little premature and this may be an interim appointment since the HPKCC President elected in October appoints committee chairs, usually at the Board's first meeting of the year in October.)

Hyde Park Herald, April 14, 2010. By Daschell M. Phillips

Camille Hamilton-Doyle will become the new chairwoman of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, or HP-K CC, schools committee starting Oct. 201o. It is HP-K CC policy that board members serve two 3-year terms then take a year off and after the year decide if they want to run for office again. The term of service for current chairwoman, Nancy Baum, will expire, so she has to relinquish her spot on th board and any committees in which she serves as chair. [The latter is not accurate.]

Hamilton-Doyle, who has been a HydePark resident since age of 5, is a retired Illinois Bell employee, and a Hyde Park Neighborhood Club and Kenwood Academy High School staff member. She is currently a local school council member at Kenwood and is a member of several hyde Park organizations including the Hyde Park Kiwanis Club, University of Chicago Service League, 57th Street Children's Book Fair, Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and a 4th Ward Democratic Organization volunteer. She also serves on the security and the 4th of July committees of the conference [4th of July is not a committee of the Conference-- its committee Nichols Park Advisory Council co-directs the 4th on 53rd].

Baum, who recommended Doyle for the position, said she might use her time away from the board to take some courses at the Oriental Institute, where she serves as a docent, and resume her piano lessons. Top


The Conference kicked off it 60th anniversary celebrations with a public forum on February 18. We held a gala thank you party to contributors and friends July 25, and our Annual Meeting and election September 13.
The October 2009 meeting elected a new nominating committee-- if you want to nominate yourself or someone, call us and we will put you in touch with chair Judy Dupont. The meeting elected new officers, in particular Jay Ammerman as president, Jane Ciacci as 1st VP, and Brenda Sawyer as 2nd VP; Trish Morse remains as Secretary and Mark Granfors as Treasurer.
The meeting also supported a South Lakefront Transportation Corridor Study and commended the planning principles of Antheus in the restoration redevelopment of the Shoreland.
The Conference submitted a supportive letter with key questions on Harper Court/53rd-Lake Park
Two new members were elected to the board in February:Gail Isenberg and Jack Spicer. Plans move ahead for an Electronic Security informational forum and a Seminar on foreclosures and other association issues.
The Conference voted to commend the University for its help to the Op Shop pop up art venue.

HPKCC endorses Del Prado top wing zoning change and Shoreland restoration project.

HPKCC letter to Alderman Hairston, October 15, 2009- restated at June 21 2010 public meeting

The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference wishes to voice its support for the principles of development that Antheus Capital presented for the Shoreland Hotel, plans which crucially respect the architectural integrity of Hyde Park. We also support their approach to an open community process in discussing the Shoreland Hotel development with its neighbors and teh community at large.

The Shoreland Hotel deserves historic preservation as the premiere example of Hyde Park's legacy of elegant residential hotels, and it deserves restoration to its former elegance in the hands of a sensitive architect.

Jay N. Ammerman, President

HPKCC supports RTA South Lakefront Corridor Study

Sent October 20, 2009 to RTA Funding Programs Public Comment

The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference wishes to communicate its support for RTA's proposed study of the South Lakefront Corridor:

Whereas public transportation is vital to the residents, businesses and non-profit institutions located in Southeast Chicago, and
Whereas it is important to take advantage of all the existing transit resources in Southeast Chicago, and
Whereas Southeast Chicago enjoys an unusual, for Chicago, combination of Metra and CTA transit operations, AND
Whereas the Regional Transit Authority is best-placed to encourage collaboration among the transit agencies to improve the speed and reliability of public transportation in our region,
the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference hereby resolves that the RTA should be encouraged to commit to the South Lakefront Corridor Transit Study.

Jay N. Ammerman, President

HPKCC's Southside Preservation Action Fund committee, other orgs including HP Historical Society, sponsor a structural study of the Harper Theater-Herald building.

The study, by the same firm that did an earlier study for the current owner, U of C, has completed the study, which is under review by the University. Funding came from a grant by the Driehaus Foundation.

Process advances on Landmarking the Blackstone branch library

According to the Herald of May 12, 201o, the Commission on Chicago Landmarks favorably passed the status May 6, 2010. So it's on to the City Council Landmarks Committee and then full City Council. Congratulations to Friends of Blackstone Library, a committee of the HPKCC.



The Conference continues meeting with community organizations and businesses on meeting community agendas and keeping our services and small nonprofits healthy, and partnering with them. We are working with a team from IIT to develop a HPKCC-specific website, are planning anniversary celebrations and community forums for the Conference and Garden Fair. Jennifer Bosch of the Neighborhood Club reported on progress, and the Conference underwrote parts of a summer program for youth. Olympic benefits agreements and the wisdom of holding the Olympics here in that light were reviewed. We learned of possible intriguing programs promoting youth activities and school progress, sponsorships and research by the Southside Preservation Action Fund committee, and the status of an important community garden that is an intersection between communities and is a food and sustainable neighborhoods precinct. More in the July 2009 Reporter (in pdf). Link to. And see Board Actions and From the President's Desk.

At the 2009 Annual Meeting we heard the state of the Conference (excellent) and imminent issues of ward, city and state from Ald. Hairston and State Sen. Raoul respectively, elected a third of the board members, and celebrated our 60th with cake, punch and champagne.

From the President's desk. From the Board. The Conference is looking for ways to promote (re?) growth of community institutions and involvement and to redefine community principles in action: watch for programs throughout of 60th year.


Read bios of our 2008 elected board members (less one whose bio will be at the Annual Meeting) in September 2008 Reporter pdf (plus Gwen Bonds). Those elected at the Sept. 13 2009

SEE WHAT OUR SCHOOLS COMMITTEE IS PROPOSING-

WELCOME TO OUR NEWEST COMMITTEE, by way of affiliation: FRIENDS OF BLACKSTONE LIBRARY! Joined August 7, 2008. Friends of Blackstone Library meets 1st Thursdays, 6 pm at the library.

WE ALSO HOLD TWO GARDEN FAIRS (2oo9 May 15-16, September 12) AND OUR USED BOOK FAIR (OCT. 10-12- BOOKS NEEDED can be donated starting mid August, TREASURE ISLAND LOWER LEVEL 1526 E. 55th St.

OUR COMMITTEES DO THE BRUNT OF OUR WORK- THEY SEEK NEW HPKCC AND COMMUNITY MEMBERS. Some meetings regularly occurring or announced are: Schools Committee - March 3, 7 pm, United Church, 1448 E.53rd.

Carry that whistle (what's this?). Whistles can be bought at the Co-op Customer Service Desk, or at our table there (or take membership in the Conference) at the Co-op 2nd Saturdays 11:30-1:30.

"What's Wrong/Right with Hyde Park?" October 19 2005 public discussion. Preliminary data and comments from Autumn O5 Reporter--see What's Right What's Wrong page. Forums and Workshops. List of our forums since 1995.
See our first "HPKCC Says" in the Harper Court Sale page. Public Forum and Workshop Announcement

To Links to additional information pages about HPKCC. See also/return to About HPKCC
bios of three new board nominees (elected Sept. 17 2007).

In this page: (Annual Mtg. Announcement is in its own page. )

The purpose of the Conference is to attend to the civic needs of the community; work toward an attractive, secure, diverse, and caring community; and to promote participation of residents, businesses, institutions, and organizations in programs and activities that advance the interests and concerns of the community. It serves the community as a watchdog, independent voice, and clearing house in the community's ongoing conversation and decisions about those matters which affect and define community life.

Special announcements, Meetings

*****Next: The next meeting of the Board of Directors is in the 4th Floor Conference room of the Hyde Park Bank, 1525 E. 53rd St. July 1, 2010, Thursday, 7 pm).

The next Friends of Blackstone Library Despres Family Author Series is tba , 6 pm at the library: Blackstone Library auditorium. http://friendsofblackstone.wordpress.com. 4904 S. Lake Park.

The Hyde Park-Kenwood Disabilities Task Force.

Schools Committee meets at United Church, 1448 E.53rd- Blackstone entry. April 5 , Wednesday, 7 pm at United Church 1448 E. 53rd St.- Blackstone entry.

Transit Task Force meeting - a forum or seminar may be scheduled. Chair James Withrow welcomes one-one-one discussion of transit, alternative, walkability, access and parking issues.

Parks-networking and discussion event likely to be scheduled.

Development, Preservation, and Zoning- Tasks and monitoring in progress

Condos forum April 19- see above.

Safety WhistleStop is planning its next forum on internet and other safety and is gearing up to sell whistles at a local store.

Friends of Blackstone Library meet the first Wednesday of the month in the Library.

Forums: Under consideration

 

 

HPKCC and Harper Court: View Survey results. (HPKCC/TIF 2008 survey on Harper Court Priorities)

View/print the Harper Court HPKCC Letters re: our position, forums on Harper Court and results from workshops. See Harper Court Sale home (including Feb. 2010 letter) and linked pages that together have the whole story! Our comments on the May 2008 Harper Guidelines. See neighbors' ideas and principles for rehab or development, and extended papers sub linked. See the main Conference material together in the special June issue of the Conference Reporter (all on Harper Court). A new subcommittee and larger public voice group, Committee on Future of Harper Court, meets in planning sessions including a web Priority Survey and a public forum February 26.

2009 Board of Directors. We thank those directors leaving in September 2009: Jane Comiskey, George W. Davis, Gary M. Ossewaarde, George W. Rumsey, Vicky Suchovsky. To bios of those elected in 2009. This table is periodically revised as changes occur. Thanks to others who have served and since left the board: Wallace Goode, Tracy Lampkins, Julie Monberg.
Elected replacements February 2010 (* in table below)- Gail Isenberg, Jack Spicer.

 

Term expires Sept. 2010 Term expires Sept. 2011 Term expires Sept. 2012
Lenora Austin Jay Ammerman Jane Ciacci
Nancy Baum Amy Becker Judy Dupont
Richard Buchner Gwen Bonds Irene Freelain
Peter Cassel Amy Girst Camille Hamilton-Doyle
Mike Doss Anita Hollins David Nekimken
Mark Granfors James Withrow Brenda Sawyer
Trish Morse Gail Isenberg* John W. (Jack) Snapper
  Jack Spicer* Ismail Turay

Board Director Emeritus: George S. Cooley.

Elected to the Board September 13, 2009

Bios of elected nominees for 3-year term at the 2009 Annual Meeting

(Leaving the Board were Jane Comiskey, George W. Davis, Gary M. Ossewaarde, George W. Rumsey, and Vicky Suchovsky. Their services were appreciated and lauded.)

Jane Ciacci (re-elected)

Originally from Western Canada, I've lived and worked in Hyde Park for 29 years. I'm the Staff & Organization Development Librarian at the University of Chicago Library, where I direct staff training and development. I hold masters' degrees in library science and human resources management.

I live in the Midway Apartment Building Cooperative, a self-managed building,w here I am currently a m ember of the board, and for many years have worked in teh garden. I have served on the Hyde Park Garden Fair Committee for the past 5 years, and am in my second year as co-chair of the Hyde Park Used Book Sale. My community interests include gardens and parks, security, and the relationship of the University to the Hyde Park-Kenwood community. I am a student of yoga, and an amateur musician, and enjoy traveling to visit parks and gardens around the world.

Judy Dupont (returning)

HPKCC board member 1997 to 2008 and Vice President 2000 to 2003. Member, Garden fair committee.

Hyde park resident for 38 years. Member of Hyde Park Music Club and Hyde Park Piano Seminar for 50 years.

Member of various groups under the auspices of the University of Chicago Service League including Book Group, French group and Chair of the Business Patrons committee.

Good familiarity with computer use; great with the telephone, good managerial and organizational skills. Very persevering.

Irene Freelain (returning)

Irene Freelain is hoping to return to the board of HPKCC. She has previously served two terms on the HPKCC Board of Directors as Treasurer.

Irene has worked as a consultant in her own business for over 20 years, doing small business accounting and computer training. She consults with clients in Hyde Park and throughout the Chicago area.

She has lived in Hyde Park for over 42 years. She attended Roosevelt University and received degrees in Computer Science and Public Administration. She has raised a son that attended the neighborhood schools and went on to the University of Illinois-Champaign and received a masters degree.

She enjoys living in Hyde Park, raising a family, and participating in the community.

Camille Hamilton-Doyle

I was born in Englewood and moved to Hyde Park at the age of 5. I attended Shakespeare grammar school for five years, then Kenwood grammar school (now Canter), where I graduated and then attended Hyde Park High School. After graduating from high school, I attended Chicago Teachers College.

Illinois Bell Telephone company was my employer for 26+ years where I worked various positions in business marketing. After several years of retirement, I entered the workforce again as a Director of Childcare and Development at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club for five years, and just recently retired, for the last time, as an employee at Kenwood Academy for the Chicago Board of Education. Currently I am pursuing leisure time and becoming more involved in community activities (including Hyde Park Kiwanis, university of Chicago Service League, 57th Street Children's Book Fair, St. Thomas, Chamber of Commerce, 4th ward Democratic Ward volunteer, and HPKCC Schools and 4th of July committees).

David Nekimken

I am David Nekimken. I've lived in Hyde Park for three years in the Qumbya Housing Co-op (Bowers House on University). I graduated from Antioch College in 1968; I've been involved in the college's revival. I have been a member of HPKCC for over two years, on the board for a year. I am a participant in the Affordable Housing Advocacy committee of CECD. I am greatly interested in affordable housing and the direction of economic development in Hyde Park. I am glad to see such civic involvement in the issues before Hyde Park. On a larger venue, I am committed to be a cause for creating more peace in the world.

John W. (Jack) Snapper

I have lived in Hyde Park since 1968, coming here for graduate study at the U of C, where I received a Ph.D in Philosophy in 1974. From about 1970 to 1995, I worked as a bartender at Jimmy's Woodlawn Tap. From 1979 to the present, I have been on the faculty at the Illinois Institute of Technology. (I had both jobs for many years, but discovered at about age 50 that I no longer had the strength to seve drinks until 2:00 and be at the academic office by 9:00 the next morning.)

At IIT, I am a tenured Associate Professor. My publications are mostly in the philosophical foundations of intellectual property. I am co-editor of tone o the first books on ethical issues surrounding new computer-based technology. I have a small reputation in that field. Recently, however, I have lost interest in doing further research in that field, and only write articles when asked to do so by academic friends.

I am a popular teacher. I teach courses far removed from my research reputation. I teach a course on recent art theory, starting with Duchamp and continuing through today's theorists. I teach a couple of courses on 19th Century intellectual history. And most recently, I have taught Greek and Latin philosophy, including an emphasis on the later Stoic writers. Most of my courses satisfy undergraduate requirement for general education in the humanities.

For most of my tenure at IIT, I have been a low-level dean, as well as an instructor. My jobs included the review of undergraduate student progress, and the assistance of students in trouble. (Although I wrote the nasty letters, I think that I was generally successful at saving borderline students.) I gave up the dean's position two years ago, and have returned to a regular department position. I remain a member of many academic governance committees, including the faculty council that is the main governance organization at IIT. I am chair of the faculty senate, a title that sounds more impressive than it is.

I have an interest in the fine arts in Chicago. I am in the process of establishing a fine arts coalition on the unified campus of IIT, Shimer College, and VanderCook College of Music. The plan is to encourage performance and presentation of the fine arts at the 33rd St. campus, bringing in as well the near-by fine arts organizations in Bridgeport, Bronzeville, and Armour Square.

My wife, Zoe Spirra, is a fine artist, with a studio in the Fine Arts Building in the Loop. Her work can be seen on the Chicago Arts Coalition site (caconline.org). We have no children. We live with Teddy, a moustache parakeet.

I am a member of the Hyde Park Garden Committee. I am president of my condominium association. I collect both tribal art and contemporary art. I attend some very odd "music" events.

Ismail Turay

My name is Ismail Turay, Sr. I'm a 30-plus year resident of Hyde Park/Kenwood Community. I'm married and a father of five. My children all attended or are attending Hyde Park/Kenwood schools. Presently I'm chair person for Kenwood Academy Local School Council and a Community Representative at Shoesmith Elementary School. I'm also an active member of the Hyde Park Schools committee. I hope to bring a great deal of experience to your organization and contribute positively in all your decision-making endeavors.

Elected to the board at the board's February 4, 2010 meeting, to fill two unexpired terms up in 2011: Gail Isenberg and Jack Spicer.

Gail Isenberg writes: I was raised in Hyde Park, and my mother was involved with many community institutions: the Conference, the Neighborhood Club, teh IVI and the alderman's office. While I could se that she got a lot of satisfaction from her activities, and I was proud of here accomplishments, I didn't really share her enthusiasms. Later, when I returned to Hyde Park as an adult, I never intended to stay. However, I started working for the University and found a position I liked, an when I married a Northsider, we ended up buying an apartment in East Hyde Park. In the last decade or so, life in Hyde Prk has seemed less an unintended circumstance than a positive decision. I have been concerned with the future of the Point, the health of Hyde Park businesses, and the role of the University in the community. In the last few years I was a member of the 61st St. Community Garden, and valued the sense of connection that I found there. Recently, I volunteered to assist in the maintenance of Nora Erickson's flowerbeds in Spruce Park. I am finding that if feels natural and right to seek out more involvement in the Community.

Jack Spicer is a landscape gardener by trade and a preservationist by temperament. He believes that change tot eh community's built environment should be gradual, thoughtful and contextual and should bring increased diversity, density and decentralized decision making (aka "democracy") to our community. He sees the Conference as the community's representative and guide as it navigates change.

The board elected officers and reconstituted Standing Committees at its First Meeting, October 2, 2009
President Jay Ammerman, 1st Vice President Jane Ciacci, 2nd Vice Pres. Brenda Sawyer, Secretary Trish Morse, Treasurer Mark Gransfors.

The Executive Committee consists of the Officers, elected at the October 2009 "First Meeting."
Jay Ammerman, President; Jane Ciacci, First Vice President; Brenda P. Sawyer, Second Vice President; Trish Morse, Secretary; Mark Granfors, Treasurer.

The Nominating Committee now consists of Judy Dupont, Michael Doss, Amy L. Girst, Irene Freelain, George W. Rumsey* (*up to two can be non board members).

The Finance Committee consists of Mark Granfors (chair), Jay N. Ammerman, Irene Freelain.

Membership Committee: (chairs Jane Ciacci, Irene Freelain), Nancy Baum, Jane Ciacci, Irene Freelain, Mark Granfors, Trish Morse, Gary Ossewaarde, Ismail Turay

 

The Board also annually reconstitutes its Program (Working) committees and task forces- in progress. These committee's memberships change throughout the year.

Condos/Co-ops: (chair TPD), Jay N. Ammerman, Lenora Austin Baker

Editorial/Publicity Committee: Jay Ammerman (chair), Jane Ciacci, Trish Morse, Gary Ossewaarde, George W. Rumsey, Brenda P. Sawyer, John Snapper

Hyde Park Used Book Fair: Jane Ciacci (co-chair), Jane Comiskey (co-chair), Camille Hamilton-Doyle, David Nekimken

Nichols Park Advisory Council: Stephanie Franklin (Chair)

Parks: Gary Ossewaarde (chair), Nancy Baum, Jane Ciacci, George Davis, Mark Granfors, David Nekimken

Preservation, Development and Zoning: Gary Ossewaarde (Chair), Jay Ammerman (ex officio), Nancy Baum, Peter Cassel, George Davis, Irene Freelain, Amy L. Girst, Mark Granfors, Irene Freelain, Trish Morse, David Nekimken, Jack Spicer, and James Withrow, (others from community orgs)

Safety Focus- whole

Schools: Nancy Baum (Chair), Irene Freelain, Camille Hamilton-Doyle, Gary Ossewaarde, Ismail Turay, (many others from community)

Transit:, James Withrow (chair), David Nekimken, Gary Ossewaarde, John Snapper (others from the community)

WhistleStop: Camille Hamilton-Doyle (chair), Ismail Turay

 

In addition, affiliations which have the Conference as fiscal agents are committees:

Chicago Academic Games League: Amy Becker (chair), Ismail Turay

Friends of Blackstone Library: Brenda P. Sawyer (chair), Camille hamilton-Doyle

Disabilities Task Force of Hyde Park: Lenora Austin (chair), Amy Becker, Gary Ossewaarde, Sue Purrington George W. Rumsey, (others from the community)

Hyde Park Garden Fair: Leslie Bloch (chair), Jane Ciacci, Judy DuPont, Camille Hamilton-Doyle, Trish Morse, John Snapper

Nichols Park Advisory Council: Stephanie Franklin (chair), Mark Granfors

 

Top

The Conference holds its annual meeting and election each autumn- recently 2nd Sunday in September, IN 2010 SEPTEMBER 12, All members are invited. The meeting is open to the general public. Paid memberships, which convey the right to vote, can be taken at the door, although we prefer members pay dues and participate throughout the year. Top T

 

HPKCC Board of Directors meets 1st Thursdays 7 pm in the 4th Floor Conference Room of the Hyde Park Bank. The meeting is open to HPKCC and community members, but space is very limited. You can inform us you are coming at hpkcc@aol.com.The agenda usually includes HPKCC and community updates and reports and program reports, and sometimes guests from community interests and stakeholders.
*****

Getting the Conference Reporter delivered

How do I get the Conference Reporter delivered quarterly, by 1st class mail?

The April 2009 Conference Reporter is in our members' mailboxes; will the next be in yours? Join HPKCC now; Join and let us know you want a copy of the April issue. Just click the Join Now for form, reply online or print and send it and check to Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, 1513 E. 53rd St., Chicago, IL 60615. Please note that our dues have been revised. $20 for individuals, $30 for families, $15 for seniors. See below for other categories.
The April issue is a 50th anniversary issue for the Hyde Park Garden Fair. The July will catch up on what's been happening and is about to happen in the neighborhood and Conference actions. The August/September will be a retrospective.

 

 

 

HPKCC hosts an ONGOING SERIES OF FORUMS (more in Forums page) designed to inform our members and the public on major issues and directions for the community and to help form a vision for the future of Hyde Park and Kenwood. The range has included parks, transit, neighboring communities, motorcycle noise , zoning reform, candidates and condos/co-ops issues, and What's Right and What's Wrong with Hyde Park." These topic are likely to be revisited and expanded, especially to include collaborations with other organizations. Stand by for fall 2009 Anniversary meeting or forum. And the next on issues of condo governance.
To reports on the February 19, 2009 forum Hyde Park-Challenging the Next Decade.

Next Condos- Coops: April 19, Monday, 7 pm, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood. $20, $10 HPKCC members.

April 24, Saturday, 1 pm- Internet Security, by HPKCC, FBI, Hyde Park Systems, Computer Resource, Wooded Isle Consulting, others. Kenwood Academy Little Theater, 5015 S. Blackstone. Sign up required, contact rbuchner@hydeparksystems.com.

See above for topics, dates, descriptions!

You can depend on the Conference Reporter and www.hydepark.org to bring you timely information about what the Conference and its committees and task forces are doing. The April 2009 Reporter is out and will soon be directly linked. Please contact the editor with your topics, material for the next issue , or to become involved in our committees and task forces. We welcome volunteers. Membership form.

Index to. Note: most recent (2008-2010) are on in PDF in entirety:

Issues of the past few years:

Where to find features from the Summer 2004 Conference Reporter

Kids and Games: CAGL's Natural Combination- Chicago Academic Games index page

Bickley Forum on Co-Ops Set for September 20- Condos_Coops index

From the President's Desk..- (HPKCC News) membership (this page- click here)

Transit Changes (When Will They Stop!)- Transit Task Force page

The Conference at Work: WhistleStop- WhistleStop page

Annual Meeting announcement & nominees- - (HPKCC News) membership (this page- click here)

In the Parks: Jackson Park Advisory Council, Guarding the Park- Jackson: Who We Are

Fall Garden Fair-this article, by Joy Rosner, was topical and so is omitted.

Someone You Should Know: Sara Spurlark- Profiles ...Someone You... page

Also, information on Blackstone Library and Blue Gargoyle specials

Where to find features from the Autumn 2004 Conference Reporter

Transit: Does Hyde Park Have a Parking Problem?- Transit Task Force page

Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust Appeals to HPKCC- Robie House page

From the President's Desk...- here, click

A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Gerda Schild- Profiles/Should Know page

From Obama to Raoul: An Eye on the Process- Senate Selection page

HPKCC at Work: News from the Schools Committee- Schools Committee home

The Garden at 53rd and Lake Park- Garden Fair (HPKCC's page)

Programs at the Neighborhood Club and... pulled due to lack of timeliness.

Actions of the HPKCC Board-Visit in Membership page.

Top


Where to find features from the Winter 2005 Conference Reporter

View Winter 2005 Reporter in pdf

Community Safety Focus Group- Community Safety page

Schools forum of March 14 detailed announcement- was in old Schools Committee page, to be relocated?

City services: Don't curse the darkness, call 311- Government Services page

Condos/Coops plans forums- Condos Coops Committee page

Garden Fair Mourns Loss, Announces spring dates- replaced with Winter 2006 feature in Garden Fair Committee page

The Historic Preservation Process and National Register Nominations- Landmarks Criteria page

Profile-Someone you should know: Ron Grzywinski- Profiles page

HPKCC represented at U of C Civic Knowledge Project Enhancing Assets Conference- Arts News

From the President's Desk, Actions of the Board Dec.-Feb.- this page, as linked- removed for timeliness

Top


Where to find features from the Spring 2005 Conference Reporter

View Spring 2005 Reporter in pdf

Community Safety and Community Relations Update- Community Safety page

From the President's Desk and comments by Joy Nieda on Safety- Community Safety page

HPKCC Promotes Civil Behavior on 53rd Street- Community Safety page

HPKCC Board Members Aid CAGL Rejuvenation- Chicago Academic Games home

Friends of Blackstone Library Update: Reading Around the Globe- Friends of Blackstone page

Around the Parks- Parks Committee page

Harold Washington Park Discusses Framework Plan- Harold Washington Park page

Earth Day Cleanup, New Vision for Spruce Park- Spruce Park home

On the Road with the Garden Fair- Garden Fair Committee page

Transit Update: CTA Funding Woes Continue- Transit Task Force Spring 2005 Update/Report page

Top

 

Where to find features from the Summer 2005 Conference Reporter

Announcement of the September 18, 2005 HPKCC Annual Meeting. Above

Public Safety Still a Major Concern, by Gary Ossewaarde. Community Safety

Bring Color Back to Your Garden at Fall Garden Fair, September 17, by Joy Rosner. Removed for timeliness.

CAPS: What's In It For You? by Joanne Howard. CAPS News

Standing Room Only for Condo/Coops Forum Held April 28, 2005 at South Shore Cultural Center, by Jay Ammerman. Condos/Coop page

Promontory Point Threatened by New Deal, Pressure against Legislative Rescue, by Gary Ossewaarde. August 05 Point

Around the Parks-Wearing the parks down, by Gary Ossewaarde. Parks home, Park Issues

The U of C and "Community Schooling," by Joanne Howard. U of C Schools Initiatives

A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Robert Starks, by Nancy Baum. Profiles-People You Should Know

Tree Crisis in the Neighborhood, by Stephanie Franklin. Drought and Tree Care 2005

Top


Where to find features from the Autumn 2005 Conference Reporter

From the President's Desk, by George Rumsey, and News from the HPKCC Board. Removed for timeliness.

Offensive Campus Party Reason to Re-Engage on Race, Respect, by Gary Ossewaarde. Thuggin'

Safety and Hyde Park, by Joanne Howard. HPKCC Community Safety

Around the Parks: The Point, by Gary Ossewaarde. Point August-September 05

"What's Right and What's Wrong with HPK Public Discussion." What's Right ...Wrong... page

Two Hyde Parkers You Should Know: Mary and Bob Naftzger, by Nancy Baum. Profiles

Top

Where to find features from the Winter (March) 2006 Conference Reporter

Debating the Future of Harper Court. Harper page on voice of HPKCC

From the President's Desk and Recent Actions of the HPKCC Board. Removed for timeliness

Around the Parks: Parks to Keep, Take Back, or Upgrade. by Gary Ossewaarde. Parks home

2006 Award Ceremony for Local School Council Member. Schools Committee

A Hyde Park Tradition for 47 Years: Volunteering at the Garden Fair. by Trish Morse. Garden Fair Committee

A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Nancy Hays. by Nancy Baum. Profiles

Top


Where to find the features from the May (June) 2006 special issue of the Conference Reporter on Harper Court (See also next section for another way to read.)

We expect to have it up in pdf in the website. It was distributed at the May 8 TIF meeting. Some extra copies can be obtained by calling the office 773 288-8343 or emailing at hpkcc@aol.com.

The Conference in Action: Actions of Board Endorse Original Harper Court Mission
and Key Points. HPKCC and Harper Court

Draft Notes from March 28, 2006 Planning Meeting on Harper Court Aimed toward the May 8 TIF. by Trish Morse. HPKCC and Harper Court

April 11: Express Yourself: The Future of Harper Court. by Gary Ossewaarde. HPKCC and Harper Court

What would you like the Harper Court Arts Council to do with assets from the sale of Harper Court? Answers from the April 25 Evaluation. Also: Mission of the Harper Court Arts Council.
HPKCC and Harper Court

April 25, 2006. HPKCC Harper Court Forum: Ideas and Principles. HPKCC and Harper Court (not organized as presented in the Special Issue)

Excerpts from "A Vision for the Hyde Park Retail District" March 2000. This version is not reproduced in the website. See page with near-complete copy of the referenced document in A Vision for the Hyde Park Retail District.

Excerpts from the University of Chicago RFP for "53rd and Harper Properties." Harper Theater RFP Guidelines.

Top

All the features from the special June 2006 issue (all on Harper Court) are in the June 2006 Reporter page.

Where to features from the September 2006 Reporter

Annual Meeting Announcements. September 17 2006. Above. Bios of nominees (both this page).

From the President's Desk (Communications with Harper Court). Below

Affordable Housing Forum draws Hyde Parkers. Affordable Housing Forum page

The New Chicago Academic Games- U-CAGL. CAGL homepage

Bulbs, Mums and Answers at the Fall Garden Fair. By Joy Rosner. Garden Fair Committee page

HP Celebrates 20th Anniversary of 57th St. Children's Book Fair. 57th Ch. Book Fair page

Promontory Point: With park district sign-on to unique arrangement, design work can begin. Point Latest page

Swim ban changes lead park problems, could endanger the public. New Testing and Swim Bans page. (Being repositioned- temporarily removed)

Big changes for UC/CTA routes, bunching on the #6 reappears, poor bike/pedestrian interface continues. Transit Webpages home (index) page

Top

Where to find features from the December 2006 Conference Reporter (Vol. 12, No. 4)

HPKCC Holds Community Forum on the Future of the Co-op. By Gary Ossewaarde. Co-op page

Disabilities Task Force Educates Local Businesses. Also: From the President's Desk and OWL Holds Forum on Disabilities Issues. Disabilities and Disabilities Task Force page.

HPKCC Parks Committee Hosts Small Parks Networking Event. By Gary Ossewaarde. HPKCC Parks Committee page

Theater, 53rd Classic Storefronts Morph into Bold Retail Plan. By Gary Ossewaarde. Theater RFP page

Hyde Park Garden Fair Sponsors Free Winter Lecture Series on Gardening. Garden Fair Winter Lectures 2007

Novel Parking Improvement District Discussed for 53rd Street. By Gary Ossewaarde. Parking District Recommendation page

CleanSlate Coming to 53rd Street. By Jane Comiskey. 53rd TIF Street Cleaning projects page

Year-End Roundup: Transportation and Parks Matters. By Gary Ossewaarde. Community News page

HPKCC Hosts Networking Dinner for School Principals and LSC Chairs. By Nancy B. Baum. Schools Committee page.

Development: New Directions Require a Broader Look--Will Public Input Be Both Sufficient and Wise? By Gary Ossewaarde. Development discussion page.

Neighborhood Club Hires New Director. By Clairan Ferrono. Collaborers in the Community page

Recent Actions of the HPKCC Board. Membership News page (this page)

Top

Where to find features from the April 2007 Conference Reporter

Whole issue (typed text)

The Conference in Action: HPKCC Schools Committee Features "After School Matters." By Nancy Baum

Garden Fair Schedules 48th Annual Plant Sale (and what was learned at the Garden Inspiration lectures. By Trish Morse

From the President's Desk... (retail options). By George Rumsey. This page.

HPKCC Board Discusses Proposed 56th & Cornell Development with Planners, Critics. By Gary Ossewaarde

Don't Leave Home Without Your Whistle! By Joanne Howard

A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Peter Cassel, [then] Executive Director, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. By Joanne E. Howard

Brief update from Disabilities Task Force

Officials Update Lake Issues, Swim Bans at Jackson Park Meeting. By Gary Ossewaarde

Recent Actions of the HPKCC Board (in this page)

Top

Where to find features in the August 2007 Conference Reporter (13 #2)

HPKCC Adopts Co-op Used Book Sale The Conference in Action. By George W. Rumsey. (in Hyde Park Used Book Sale home page)

Fall Bulb & Mum Sale: Green All Year Not Just a Dream. by Joy Rosner. (in our Garden Fair Committee page)

Party in the Parks: "Old Skool Reunion" Rocks the Neighborhood. By Jane Ciacci. (in Quality of Life issues page)

UC Forms Environmental Sustainability Task Force. By Rani Fedson. (in Env. Sust. TF home)

Update from the Schools Committee. By Nancy Baum. (in Schools Committee home page)

From the President's Desk.../Annual Meeting 07. By George W. Rumsey. (deleted as untimely)

Development: Where Is It Gong? Where Would We Like It to Go? By Gary Ossewaarde with contributions of Trish Morse; with an Open Letter from HPKCC on Doctors Hospital. (in Development- look for Op Eds from Reporters- and Doctors Hospital pages)

Olympic Process and Outcome Questioned by HPKCC Committee, Neighborhood. By Gary Ossewaarde. (in Olympics home page)

"Import Substitution" Is a Poor Retail Strategy for Hyde Park. By James Withrow. (in Development Analysis: look for Op Eds from Reporters)

Nominees for Election to the HPKCC Board. (in this page)

Asking for the Parks: Jackson and Nichols. By Gary Ossewaarde. (in Parks Budget)


To December 2007 (Vol. 13 No. 3) Conference Reporter in typed text

What's there:

  • Eli Ungar Discusses Future Plans, Impact of MAC Purchases. By Gary Ossewaarde
  • School Committee, KOCO Meet with Senator Raoul. By Julie Woestehoff
  • Condos/Coops+: Associations Learn Key Financial Priorities, Steps at November Forum. By Gary Ossewaarde
  • Brighten Your Winter with Garden Lectures. By Trish Morse
  • 53rd Street Workshop in December Catches Development at the Crossroads. by Gary Ossewaarde
  • Development, Preservation, Zoning committee Rep0rts on HP Acuities
  • View from the Parks: Gains, Pains, and Olympic Sweat. And HPKCC Meets with Chicago Park District about the Olympics. by Gary Ossewaarde
  • From the President's Desk... And News from the Board. George W. Rumsey


March 2008 (Vol. 14 No. 1) Reporter--readable single put-up being sought. Find articles in context:

HPKCC and 53rd Street TIF Survey Priorities for Harper RFP , by George Rumsey and Community Learns About, Queries RFP Process for Harper Court, by Gary Ossewaarde. Harper Court Sale page

Garden Fair Winter Lectures Ready Members for Spring, by Jane Ciacci and Getting Started with Organic Gardening. Garden Fair Committee page

Kenwood Park and Kenwood Council Dispute Affects Community, by Gary Ossewaarde. In Kenwood page, part in Olympics page.

HPKCC Schools Committee Hosts Second Biannual Local School Council Recognition Ceremony, By Nancy Baum. In Schools Committee page.

From the President's Desk and From the Board. Also: Announcement we will hold the Used Book Sale Oct. 11-13.

 

To September 2008 (Vol. 14, No. 2)


To January 2009 (Vol. 15, No. 1) Whole in pdf. Where to find features by themselves in context:

Hyde Park used Book Sale 2008 a Great Success! By Jane Ciacci and Jane Comiskey. In Used Book Sale page.

Green Thoughts on Snowy Night: Garden Fair Lectures Tuesday Nights in February. By Trish Morse. In Garden Fair page.

From the President's Desk and Conference Adopts Two New Committees. By George Rumsey. In this page- visit index at top.

Condos/Coops Forum Explores Finances and Foreclosures. By Jay Ammerman. In Condos-Coops page.

The Year 2008 in Review: Big Stories in Hyde Park-Kenwood, Chicago. By Gary Ossewaarde. In 2008 Wrap Up page.

Schools Committee holds Networking Dinner. By Nancy Baum. In Schools home page.


The entire April 2009 issue (Vol. 14, No. 2) is on the 50th Anniversary of the Garden Fair.
Whole in pdf.

July 2009. Whole in pdf. Topics include

HPKCC Kicks Off 60th Year with Future of Hyde Park Forum. By Gary Ossewaarde
Get Ready for the Hyde Park Used Book Sale. By Jane Ciacci.
From the President's Desk... By George Rumsey
Staying Involved
Hyde Park Jazz Festival
Development Committee Takes Positions and Leads in a More Collaborative Approach by the Conference. By Gary Ossewaarde
Talking with Our State Representatives. By David Nekimken
Eye on Neighborhood Schools: Developmental Assets Program Outlined by Schools Committee. By Nancy Baum
Kenwood Academy High School Continues to Raise the Bar. By Cynthia Liberty
Actions of the Board (January-May 2009)
Membership and interests form
Exhibit: 50 Years of Garden Fairs July 18.
Fall Bulb and Mum Sale Sept. 12.
Conference vitae, programs and contacts

January 2010. Whole in pdf. Topics include

Profits from Used Book Sale Help Support HPKCC Programs. By Jane Ciacci
HPKCC Monitors Harper Court Development. By Gary Ossewaarde
From the President's Desk... Did George Rumsey Really Retire from HPKCC? By Jay Ammerman
Development Impact on the 53rd Street TIF Budget. By Gary Ossewaarde
Friends of Blackstone Opens New Lecture S. By Brenda Sawyer
HPKCC Schools Committee Holds Fourth Annual Networking Dinner. By Nancy Baum
A Hyde Parker You Should Know: Chuck Thurow. By Jack Snapper
Membership Form with Programs
Come to the Garden Fair Lectures for a Taste of Spring. By Trish Morse
Vitae and contacts


Top

 

From the By-laws:
Purposes of the Conference (Articles II and III)

The Conference serves the interests of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community.

The purpose of the Conference...is to attend to the civic needs of the community; work toward an attractive, secure, diverse, and caring community; and to promote participation of residents, businesses, institutions, and organizations in programs and activities that advance the interests and concerns of the community. It serves the community as a watchdog, independent voice, and clearing house in the community's ongoing conversation and decisions about those matters which affect and define community life.

Conditions for Membership (Article IV)

Any individual, family or organization who subscribes to the purposes of the Conference is qualified to be a member.
A member is in good standing and entitled to vote if their yearly dues have been paid. ...each membership category shall have only one vote.

Dues are set from time to time by the Board. Current levels are:


Highlights of the past year's board meetings:

March 2009 Board meeting. The Conference is in fine financial state; member renewal letters are going out.
Members reported on meetings with Antheus Capital-- a public zoning change hearing on on the Del Prado and an as-interested meeting with Board and Development Committee members. Both were highly informative.
Concerns were aired about the University of Chicago Medical Center policies and whether Hyde Park is becoming a health care desert, which hardly fit the University's commitment to building up Hyde Park. A small meeting with a Hospitals official was suggested.

Evan Miller discussed his Hyde Park online mapping project and collaboration with a IIT class to design a separate website about HPKCC. a color edition of the Reporter for the Garden Fair 50th celebration was approved. In autumn we would like to stress the history of HPKCC and the findings of our forums. Our Annual meeting was scheduled for September 13 at the Neighborhood Club and will feature a special celebration.

Rumsey said he will be attending a meeting of leaders of service and other providers, at the Neighborhood Club, concerning economic difficulties. One way we could help was suggested. Concern was expressed about the city and state holding back and reneging on payments to small organizations.

Gary Ossewaarde and Jane Ciacci reported on the very successful February 18 2009 Anniversary Kickoff Forum on Hyde Park Challenging the Next Decade. What worked and what not were discussed. The Committee will meet to finish evaluation and results and to plan the next steps.

The next board meeting will review limits on lobbying and taking of positions.

Brenda Sawyer showed preliminary designs for the cover for our giant community well-wishes book for President Obama.

Jay Ammerman reported on significant proposed changes to the condominium law re foreclosures.

Announced were meetings and rallies on Olympics impacts and benefits, Schools Committee, 53rd TIF, OWL, and a heads up for Community Service Day September 28.

Highlight of the April 2009 meeting was grant of $2,530 to Hyde Park Neighborhood Club for CTA passes for its Summer Teen program introducing transit and the city to youth. Discussed were help for nonprofits, Olympic outreach and community benefit agreements, Schools Committee move toward a collaborative effort on building youth assets, Community garden at 61st, anniversary initiatives, Southside Preservation Action Find actions.

Highlights of the May 2009 meeting. Proposed Del Prado changes were presented. Endorsement, and other zoning issues were referred to the Development Committee. Several matters were referred to the Anniversary or Finance committees. Latest Garden Fair, SPAF (including Harper Theater), University matters were discussed. An invitation to Rudy Nimocks of Community Partnerships was proposed. A meeting with Ilsa Flanagan , University Sustainability director, was authorized. Our summer party was set for July 23.

Highlights of the June 2009 meeting. Alderman Hairston cc'd to UC will be sent a letter asking for a public meeting on opening 57th to two-way traffic- approved 20-1-4. Discussion was had of the Schools Committee beginning initiative seeking a coalition to promote subsidiary ways to provide kids with skills and assets for life. A joint task force (under aegis of the Parks Committee) with the Historical Society was formed to consider Washington Park and the Olympics. East Hyde Park issues were briefly discussed. Camille Hamilton-Doyle will the new chair of Whistle-Stop. Used Book Sale organization is getting under way. HPKCC will join the Hyde Park Alliance for Arts and Culture at $100 but declined to buy a booth at the Jazz Festival. Our contingent for the 4th on 53rd St. was identified. $100 was donated to a scholarship fund at McCormick Seminary in honor of the work and leadership of Homer Ashby for the Conference during difficult years. Southside Preservation Action Fund is working on a obtaining a structural assessment of the Harper Theater buildings, funding help was in the hands of the Development Committee. Development discussed plight of Harper Court tenants and state of the redevelopment process. The Garden Party and Anniversary Meeting were discussed. Brenda Sawyer of Friends of Blackstone reported the dome murals will be restored with a lecture to be planned; Land of Lincoln Summer Readers will be a gangbuster (even HPKCC President George Rumsey will be reading to kids); a pre Jazz-Fest and an author series named for Leon Despres are being planned; the "Obama Card" was at the binder.

Highlights of the July 2009 meeting. The 2009-10 proposed budget was unanimously adopted as amended. Ossewaarde presented a resolution proposed by the Parks Committee, which in process was framed as a Whereas of concern for preservation of and about Olympic endangerment of Washington Park and a resolved that Chicago and 2016 should choose another venue than Washington Park. The motion resulted in a 5-5 tie, broken in favor of the motion by chair Jay Ammerman. The Conference will host a grand opening for the Chamber of Commerce at the Chamber's new offices July 15, 4-7. Fourth of July was finalized; alert was given for a book sale meeting; garden party and annual meeting were discussed; desire by a foster care provider to host a meeting was discussed in broader context; events at Blackstone Library, Museum of Science and Industry, upcoming TIF and Jackson Park meetings, and the September 28 University student day of service were announced.

At the September 2009 meeting, the Board heard an extensive report from Antheus Capital/Silliman LLC on the Shoreland concepts and difficulties and planned a site visit. The board entered negotiations to provide HPKCC membership as a perk of joining and supporting Friends of Blackstone Library, heard report from the Nominating Committee ahead of the Annual Meeting and report from the Book Sale.

At the October 2009 meeting, the board elected the Nominating Committee (Judy Dupont, chair, Amy Girst, Wallace Goode, Julie Monberg, and new officers (Jay Ammerman, Pres.; Jane Ciacci; 1st VP; Brenda Sawyer, 2nd VP; Trish Morse, Sec.; Mark Granfors, Treas.). Other actions included support for the South Lakefront Transp. Corridor Study, and praise to Antheus using sound community planning and preservation principles in its proposed Shoreland redevelopment.

At the December 2009 meeting, the board reconstituted the Nominating Committee and confirmed standing and working committee rosters. The Editorial Committee reported on plans for the next issue of the Reporter, need for website changes, and our new foray into social media.
Ammerman reported on a small Southside Preservation Action Fund meeting with a University official on Harper Theater future and the future of several campus buildings. Jane Ciacci gave a wrap up report on the Book Sale. Gary Ossewaarde reported and led discussion on Harper Court and other community development issues. Brenda Sawyer updated Blackstone Library hours reduction and on upcoming library programs. Nancy Baum reported on activities and projects of the Schools Committee on several fronts, including Shoesmith School issues. (The committee next meets January 4 and is planning an awards ceremony and forum for February 23.) Lenora Austin reported on Chamber doings, city actions on snow removal re businesses, and request for ideas for relocation of the sculpture in Harper Court.

At the January 2010 meeting President Ammerman reported on a U of C neighborhoods summit and a meeting with UC Real Estate Operations.

At the February 2010 meeting the board learned of or advanced plans of the Schools Committee (Feb. 23 Recognition Ceremony), Friends of Blackstone, investigation of developing a finding aid to our archives (scholars requesting to use our unique information), a condo informational seminar, an informational seminar on electronic security, learned the latest on Shoreland Hotel, Harper Court planning-- we want the developer to come to our meeting, and Lab School plans likely to affect Doctors Hospital. We heard an important report on Harper Theater, took a survey on Kenwood Academy school improvement plan, had a heads up on program support for the Neighborhood Club (director to be invited). And the board elected two new members, has its Reporter ready to mail, and sent membership renewals.

 

Top

 

Conference Adopts Two New Committees. From the January, 2009 Conference Reporter

In two of its last meetings, the JHPKC board of Directors voted to adopt two new committees as parts of the Conference.

In November, at the request of Brenda Sawyer, chair of the Friends of Blackstone Library, the Conference Board made the Friends an official committee of the Conference. Brenda was then elected to the Board to fill a vacancy created when a director recently left Chicago.

At its January meting, the Board voted to serve as the fiscal agent for a new entity to be called the Southside Preservation Action Fund. Funded by a generous grant from The Richard H. Driehaus Foundation, the purpose of this committee is to provide small grants to neighborhood groups around the Southside who are interested in historical preservation.

The committee wil be chaired by Jack Spicer, and committee members will include representatives from the Conference board, the Hyde Park Historical Society, North Kenwood, Woodlawn, and Washington Park neighborhoods.

The fund will make small financial contributions to cover expenses and/or professional service for a variety of preservation project needs, such as:

The intent is to quickly provide small amounts of money, when and where it will really help. For more information, contact the Conference at (733) 288-8343 or email hpkcc@aol.com. Top

_______________________

We have continued to engage on Harper Court redevelopment; we are have gathered information including from the Illinois Attorney General's Office, organized forums and undertaken other ways to have the community's input on the RFP process for Harper Court and the City Parking Lot and on the future for Harper Court. We want the original purpose of nurturing small businesses continued, the current tenants able to stay in business, and a real public process. We have written to the arts council unsuccessfully so far asking a meeting and posing question. We have kept up pressure in the press and worked with other residents. Press coverage of HPKCC views and positions has been extensive.

We set up community forums and events on several fronts, ranging from schools to affordability, disabilities, retail future, development. Two coming up are on the Neighborhood Club and on/with Antheus Capital.

Currently HPKCC is engaged or monitoring in schools, community safety, condos governance issues, University and Hospitals expansion, community development and rezoning , the transit funding crisis and optimization of bus routes and alternatives and continues to work with park improvement councils and groups, Friends of Blackstone Library, the Garden Fair, and Academic Games (which are both affiliate committees). Academic Games and Whistlestop are being revitalized. We are engaged with focus groups considering the future and focus of both the Conference and the community. We're busily improving the services of www.hydepark.org. We held a Public Discussion on What's Right/Wrong with Hyde Park and what the Conference should be doing in late 2005.
The Schools Committee in 2007 held an After school programs forum and a public meeting with the director of After School Matters May 30 and with Child and Youth Services in late June.
Watch for a condominiums governance and finance seminar.
HPKCC is also exploring with other organizations and agencies ways to increase Seniors' and persons with disabilities' options and enhance expression of their perspectives. And we are working with other organizations on affordable housing.

The State of the Conference's finances are good and HPKCC is in good standing and has many financial and other friends and is increasingly turned to for help, advice, and information. The website continues to grow in use and stature. However, the Conference has to grow membership and member participation as well as project involvement and partnership in the community.

Our condos governance seminar in April 2008 in South Shore was attended by nearly 90. A second is being planned. Our School Committee is actively engaged with the local school councils. More were held in subsequent years.

We held a splendid yard party in August 2007 for our donors and friends.\

In February 2009 we held a well attended forum on the next 10 years for Hyde Park, as part of our 60th anniversary celebrations.

Top

Neighbors write their well wishes for the Obamas. Hyde Park Herald, January 14, 2009. By Sam Cholke

The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference (HP-KCC) closed a "best wishes" book for the Obama family recently with more than 10 poster-board-sized pages with notes of congratulations, admiration and encouragement to the neighbor turned president-elect.

Before and even as president-elect, Obama has been a neighbor, and it's been exciting, said Brenda Sawyer of HP-KCC and the Friends of Blackstone Library. "For the people at East View Park, they knew the family when they lived there, so for them it was more personal and they were very excited," she said.

The book made the rounds of Hyde Park institutions over the last weeks collecting signatures from neighbors and living institutions like former 5th Ward Alderman Leon Despres and community activist and historian Timuel Black. The pages ended their circulation through the neighborhood at the Regenstein Library on the University of Chicago campus after making stops at Hyde Park Produce, Blackstone Library, Valois Cafeteria and 57th Street Books among other sites.

"It's a wonderful thing," said Ann Marie Coleman as she signed the book at 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St. "People were just very excited to have the opportunity to participate in something like this," Sawyer said.

On Monday, Sawyer wasn't sure yet how they would get the book to Obama, who isn't accepting packages for security reasons. "The target is to get it there by the inauguration," she said. Top

 

In recent months, the Board of Directors and Officers passed resolutions on:

Top

 

Removed

Removed

From the President's Desk, January 2009 Conference Reporter. George W. Rumsey January 21, 2009

What a momentous year 2009 has been and will be. Now that we can officially call our favorite son "Mr. President," we can start thinking aba out what comes next.

You know retail and development will top the awareness agenda for this year. With Harper Court, the theater building, Village Foods, and other areas facing major re-development, we need to stay informed about how decisions are made and what impact they will have long-term on our neighborhood .

HPKCC's year got off to a great start when we had a visitor at our first board meeting. Ann Marie Lipinski, Vice President for Civic Engagement at the University of Chicago, met with the board for over an hour, and engaged in an open exchange of ideas and concerns about relations between the University and the surrounding communities. I can only express my sincerest hope that Ms. Lipinski (and her staff) will continue to converse openly with groups like the Conference, which makes everyone more knowledgeable about the changes being sought by the University.

Antheus and MAC Properties continue to play a major role in Hyde Park's redevelopment. The HPKCC Development Committee will meet with Eli Ungar in late January, and we appreciate his willingness to interact with us on an on-going basis.

Don't forget the Chicago Olympic Bid will be released in early February. Many of us look forward to seeing what it really says.

And talk about momentous occasions! Hyde Park Garden Fair turns 50 this year. Its free lecture series will be held on Tuesday evening in February at Augustana Lutheran Church. If you like gardening at all, don't miss the chance to meet the renowned Craig Bergmann, guest lecturer on February 17. The Fair itself wil be held May 15 an 16 (the weekend after Mother's Day). We plan to feature the history of the Garden Fair in the next Reporter.

And . . . the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference turns 60 this year. We are working on a series of events to commemorate its history, while exploring its role in the future of Hyde Park-Kenwood. Stay tuned.

From the President's Desk April 2009

It's with a great deal of excitement that I write in this special edition of the Conference Reporter. Our Garden Fair turns 50.

Many years ago, I started volunteering at the Garden Fair on set-up day. I had heard it was a terrific way to learn all about plants, and quickly found that was true. As we unloaded each truck, the volunteers and GF members love to critique each plant. "This did well in my yard." "Never plant that--it's a pest." "Not winter-hardy in my backyard."

So,at some point, I inquired how one "joins" the Garden Fair Committee. that was when I learned that anyone can volunteer for the Committee, but that the organizing group is selected based on how hard you work and a history of volunteering. Someone also mentioned to me that it helps if you join the Conference.

I had been thinking about joining the Conference anyway, as I was interested in the work being done by the Parks Committee. So I sent in my membership. Not too long afterwards, I was attending the Service League Homecoming Luncheon as the guest of Marianne Smigelskis, and was seated next to Judy Dupont. Turns out, Judy was the chair of the nominating committee of the Conference. She and I had an animated conversation over lunch, discussing the ins and outs of Hyde Park (and a lot of gardening).

Next thing I knew, I was back at teh Quad Club for lunch again, this time with Judy and Homer Ashby, then president of the Conference. When they invited me to join the board, I wasn't sure I had anything useful to contribute. But I did know the Conference was lagging in its technology, so I agreed, thinking I could help set up a website, upgrade the office equipment, and maybe help make the Conference more visible.

I had no idea that I would be spending all my free time for the next eight years being the president and trying to re-invigorate this grand old institution. But I did get my small measure of revenge -- Judy is now on the Garden Fair Committee! Hope to see y'all soon at the Garden Fair....

George W. Rumsey, April 17, 2009.

From the President's Desk, July 2009 Reporter, Vol. 15, No. 3

George W. Rumsey, June 22, 2009

Thank heavens, it's over for another year. As much fun as the Garden Fair is, it's a lot of work--especially when it's pouring rain and there's a chill wind a-blowing. And this year was harder than many. We didn't know how many people would show up and spend money (the economy, you know). Plants cost more, delivery charges are up, and frankly, it was a bad winter for a lot of plants.

But, much to our wonderment and pleasure, the customers kept coming, even in the rain on Friday afternoon. Yes, we had a bit fewer plants, and, maybe people didn't buy quite so much, but as usual, it was al gone by 4:00 on Saturday afternoon Thank you, gardeners!

Of course, the special focus this year was on the Garden Fair's 50th anniversary. We were all very pleased at the turnout for the 50th Anniversary Gala, held at Rodfei Zedek on May 31. The wine flowed, the piano played, and we all had a merry time. Although the gala was intended as a way of thanking our many volunteers, it also gave us Garden Fair members a chance to thank Lesley Bloch and Bam Postell (current and past chairs of the Committee.)

And don't forget . . . the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference turns 60 this year. Please join us at our annual meeting on September 13 to celebrate 60 years of community involvement. It will also be my last annual meeting to chair as President, as my term is up. I'm a firm believer in abiding by the bylaws, and board turnover is good for the health of the Conference. So stop by to say "good bye"!

For From the President's Desk in the January 2010 issue (Vol. 16, No. 1)- see in pdf.

 

Appeals, requests, and kudos

 

We're always looking for material, letters, etc. for the Reporter or the website, including suggestions for Profiles, people you should know, to be interviewed.

Mail or e-mail. Print articles can also be e-mailed to rumsey@georgerumsey.com or faxed to George at 773 955-4455. Web materials can also be e-mailed to rumsey@aol.com.

How well to do you know the history of HPKCC? If you know a lot and would like to help our membership committee write it up in a brief, zippy (but honest) brochure , contact us. We could use pics of the past 60 years and the Conference for our late summer retrospective issue.

Top

The Conference: What's It All About?

Adapted from the Spring, 2003, Conference Reporter. By Executive Director Betty Fromm. Updated October, 2003 by Gary Ossewaarde

HPKCC has held a series of Community Forums on the future of the neighborhood and its connections to its neighbors. Winter, 2003, between January 18 and February 12, the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference sponsored or co-sponsored four community forums--one on the proposed new zoning code and three on the aldermanic elections. (Follow ups are expected on zoning issues and applications.) The next is on Condominium law and issues. Future possible topics include the University and the Community, Transit Options...

On January 29, the Conference and the South East Chicago Commission held a forum on the proposed revision of the city's zoning code. Presenting the revision were Tim Barton, Zoning Reform Commission staff, and Peter Skosey, Metropolitan Planning Council.

Earlier in the month, January 18, the Conference partnered with the Hyde Park Chapter o the League of Women Voters to give aldermanic candidates in both the 4th and 5th wards an opportunity to "present the case" for their election to office. This forum was followed up by separate Conference-sponsored forums for 4th and 5the Ward candidates--February 5 and 12. Question-and-answer sessions followed opening statements by candidates in the two wards. (An unexpected question in the 4th Ward--one concerning police brutality--came from a former death row inmate.)

Ongoing Commitments

In collaboration with our aldermen and other individuals and organization in Hyde Park and Kenwood, the Conference has been working hard to bring improvements on many fronts--parks, transit, development, and neighborhood safety, among them.

Transportation. The Conference has spearheaded efforts to improve public transportation for the Hyde Park-Kenwood community, through the Transit Task Force. Members of the task force meet regularly with CTA officials and monitors the #6 bus schedules. It has also surveyed ridership and come up with and developed public support for new transit ideas and changed bus routes.

Community Parks. During the past year, Conference members have worked closely with Jackson Park Advisory Council, the Nichols Park Advisory Council, and the Promontory Point group in efforts to preserve and protect the parks.

Neighborhood Safety. Because of Conference concern over neighborhood safety, The Reporter has included columns written by Sgt. Scott Oberg, 21st District. The Conference supports the CAPS program, through reports to the board on CAPS activities and by publishing a schedule of CAPS meetings and a description of beat boundaries. It also makes WhistleStop whistles available to community residents.

Identifying and monitoring new issues in the community--e.g., new development—is also an important focus of HPKCC. Conference efforts include board review of development proposals, as well as holding community meetings when appropriate. Zoning changes and how they will affect Hyde Park Kenwood brought city planning officials to a Conference-sponsored forum. And we're not necessarily working just in traditionally-bounded Hyde Park and Kenwood any more.

HPKCC has not only organized or supported task forces and committees in Hyde Park-Kenwood, but is has also provided special help to them. The Conference, for example, maintains the database for the Jackson Park Advisory Council.

HPKCC works with individuals, too. A member of the board has worked on a grant proposal and budget development in support of CAGL, the innovative learning program for grade school youngsters.

Special focus

Focusing on special needs is another Conference commitment. Because of the many condos and co-ops in Hyde Park-Kenwood, HPKCC conducted a survey to determine ways in which the Conference can provide services to condo/co-op association boards and resident owners. One result of the survey is the development, by the Conference, of a directory of trades people. (Complete results of the survey appeared in an earlier edition of The Reporter. )

Communicating with the Hyde Park-Kenwood community is another important function of HPKCC. It does this by providing up-to-the-minute information on critical issues through its web site, www.hydepark.org, and by presenting more detailed discussions in The Conference Reporter. Check hydepark.org for continuing updates on the zoning revision. HPKCC also welcomes community input--commentaries, letters to the editor, etc,--for either medium.

If you have any ideas for programs, projects, or issues to address, let us know. Call us, write us, or e-mail us at hpkcc@aol.com.

To sum it all up, the commitment of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is well-encompassing, and continuing. Come on aboard.

Top

The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference would like to thank Hyde Park Bank and Aegis Properties for the use of their conference room for Board meetings, OnShore Communications for web hosting, and the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club use of their meeting room.
We thank the 55th Street Hyde Park Co-op Market for providing our Board with meeting space for many years and Treasure Island and Hyde Park Shopping Center for generous help and space re the Hyde Park Used Book Sale and Hyde Park Garden Fair sales.
We thank the University of Chicago for gifts to our Chicago Academic Games League and WhistleStop programs.
We also thank First Third Bank for its recent gift.

HPKCC thanks the Hyde Park Herald for featuring our website, www.hydepark.org, and three others, on its new homepage, www.hpherald.com.

[Membership Form]

Top

To About HPKCC Mission, history, Today, synopses of Programs/ Committees and contacts
Visit Committee pages from the button on the left. Early HPKCC Records and
To more HPKCC history in Urban Renewal and Urban Renewal and beyond Timelines and History of HPKCC in Urban Renewal
To HPKCC in and cited in the News


Top