HPKCC What's Up and Navigator- Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference

HPKCC logo

The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is a
501(c)3 not for profit

Neighborhood Association since 1949- 62 years!

1525 E. 53rd St. #907
Chicago, IL 60615
773 288-8343
hpkcc@aol.com
http://www.hydepark.org
President: Anita Hollins

Officers (Executive Committee) elected October 4, 2012

President Anita Hollins
Vice Presidents (1st) George Davis
(2nd) Timika Hoffman-Zoller
Secretary Gail Isenberg
Treasurer Mark Granfors

Board (additional)

Jay N. Ammerman,
Nancy Baum,
Joy Clendenning,
Jane Comiskey,
Darryl Crawford,
Michael Doss,
Camille Hamilton-Doyle,
Allison H. Hartman,
Patricia A. Martin,
Trish Morse,
Gary Ossewaarde,
Brenda Sawyer,
Jack Snapper,
jack Spicer,
Ismail Turay,

Emeritus: George Cooley

Nominating Committee
(board members Jay Ammerman, Pat Martin, Ismail Turay (chair), (non-board) Jane Ciacci

Welcome to Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference: (HPKCC) information and doings- Our Guide to finding WHAT'S UP WITH AND CHANGING AT HPKCC, HOW WE ARE IMPACTING OUR COMMUNITY

Watch for the USED BOOK SALE October 12-14. Garden Fair Fall Sale prob. Sept. 13 unless holiday.
Link to HPKCC & Schools Committee resolutions on schools, Canter closings and other releases

Get on the list to receive our eNewletters and short notices of meetings and important happenings affecting the community- hpkcc@aol.com.

HPKCC WEBSITE HAS A NEW SETUP:
THE NEW WEBSITE OF THE CONFERENCE IS AT http://www.hydepark.orgwithout extensions. (From here and many pages simply click HOME.) See it first. Return to Record via the Hyde Park Record button. WHOLE-SITE NAVIGATOR. CALS & DIRS.

YOU ARE IN HYDE PARK RECORD (the rest of the site, mostly about the neighborhood and hot topis from HPKCC's perspective). Page addresses remain the same- http://www.hydepark.org/with extension) EXCEPT for the old homepage (links important to finding things in HP Record and also affiliated sites). ACCESS THE OLD HOMEPAGE HERE or from outside via http://www.hydeparkrecord.org),

HERE ARE KEY LINKS TO NAVIGATING HYDE PARK RECORD:
HPKCC Quick Finder (about the Conference and its doings-RECOMMENDED!!!)
Whole Site Navigator (all except the new Conference homepage website)

EXTRA- YOU CAN JOIN THE CONFERENCE, OR DONATE to it or donate to the SUPPLY SUPPLY DRIVE FOR HPK SCHOOLS, AND JOIN FRIENDS OF BLACKSTONE LIBRARY ONLINE or buy whistles-- in the HOMEPAGE- http://www.hydepark.org- Follow buttons or to Membership, form, or in the Programs list CLICK THE LINK TO Friends of Blackstone or Schools Committee or WhistleStop respectively.

Get on the e-Newsletter list! Give us your email at hpkcc@aol.com.

The HPKCC Board of Directors meets in open session 1st Thursdays 7:10 pm in the Hyde Park Bank 4th floor Confernence Room, 1525 E. 53rd St. January 3.

You can stop by the office for whistles- Hyde Park Bank, 1525 E. 53rd St. #907. Please call first at 773 288-8343 or hpkcc@aol.com. Whistles cost $2 each. Call also for contacts to our chairs for buying in bulk or other information. You can also order on line at hydepark.org click into WhistleStop.

And

RECENT RELEASES: MAY 3 2012 SCHOOLS APPRECIATION DINNER
(from Disab Task Force:)WALK AND ROLL: SIDEWALK SURVEY OF 55TH STREET: From the Lakefront to Elllis Avenue: FINAL REPORT (comments: gwrumsey@att.net incl. to participate in the September Walk and Roll 2. More in Disabilities page.
Report on the 2012 HPKCC Annual Meeting
Book Sale thanks 2012
HPKCC RESOLUTON SEEKING DEFERRAL OF SCHOOL CLOSINGS
HPKCC STATEMENT FOR KEEPING CANTER MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN
REPORT ON MAY 6 2013 HPKCC FORUM ON 53RD ST. DEV. AND ZONING

HERE ARE KEY LINKS TO MATERIAL ABOUT THE CONFERENCE, some the same as in the new Conference site, some additional. THEN SCROLL ON FOR MORE INFORMATION AND LINKS. Our archives in Reg. Lib -online finding aid
(Read about this at http://news.lib.uchicago.edu/blog/2012/02/24/hyde-park-kenwood-community-conference-records-available-for-research/)
"ABOUT hpkcc". General Meetings. HPKCC meetings (this page, below)
Hot Topics and Community Issues home (find what we're thinking!)
Members' home and information page with more on what we're doing.

ARE YOU (REALLY) A MEMBER? YOU HAVE TO JOIN OR RENEW YEARLY. Only $15, 20, or $30 dep. on senior, individual, or family category (other categories for businesses, 501s). To join or donate go to http://www.hydepark.org, click Membership on the top bar and go to Membership Form, fill in and submit.
Or contact us at hpkcc@aol.com, or call 773 288-8343.
Consider joining us. Our mission? "to attend to the civic needs of the community; work toward an attractive, 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." We serve as "a watchdog, independent voice, in the community's ongoing conversations and decisions about those matters which affect and define community life." Read about us at www.hydepark.org where you'll find the membership form! .

Over the past few months, the Conference (HPKCC) elected new board members and officers. Held a smashingly successful Used Book Sale. Asked for more protective guarantees (provided) and a landmark district for Woodlawn Ave. Engages schools and is preparing a supplies drive. Held its first and is planning 2nd confab of community organizations. Co-convened a meeting on closure of District 021 police. Revamped its website and HAS LAUNCHED A NEWSLETTER/IN INFORMATIONAL MESSAGING SERVICE: MEMBERS AND FOLLOWERS PLEASE GIVE US YOUR EMAIL ADDRESSES- to hpkcc@aol.com attn: Jane Ciacci.

Recent Releases
OUR RECORDS ARE NOW SEARCHABLE AT UCLIB-ONLINE- our release about
code to online aid (you may have to sign up to use). Library's release about.
HPKCC CONVENES COMMUNITY ORGANIZATIONS Oct. 15 2011. March 10 2012 HPKCC ASKS UC to present "constructive and substantial plan to protect" Woodlawn Ave. HPKCC LETTER ENDORSES LANDMARK DISTRICT
HPKCC was among group convening mtg Nov. 2 on 021 police district closing.
HPKCC gives a word of thanks to Howard Males leaving 53rd TIF Council.
HPKCC joined Friends of Blackstone Library in opposing proposed library cuts in the proposed 2012 budget. See release in pdf & HPKCC longer release (not including response to modifications
Have a Heart School Supply Drive and Frs of HPK Pub. Schools- release, thanks
HPKCC, committee, new Friends of HPK Public Schools letter for Quality Day (fm Disabil Task Force) WALK AND ROLL: SIDEWALK SURVEY OF 55TH STREET: From the Lakefront to Elllis Avenue: FINAL REPORT (comments: gwrumsey@att.net
Report on the 2012 Annual Meeting
Report and Thank You on the 2012 Used Book Sale
HPKCC RESOLUTION SEEKING DEFERRAL OF SCHOOL CLOSINGS
HPKCC STATEMENT FOR KEEPING CANTER MIDDLE SCHOOL OPEN
Ann't of May 6 2013 53rd St. Zoning Forum REPORT ON MAY 6 2013 HPKCC FORUM ON 53RD ST. DEV. AND ZONING

Read about the Schools Committee May 3 2012 Appreciation Dinner and what it tells about our local schools . New subcommitee Friends of HPKPS.

Congratutions to First Unitarian,

2011 Membership appeal letter. Form- we will gladly take memberships for 2012.
Article in June 2011 Reporter on saving Harper Theater shows how preservation and development can work together. Find all articles in June 11 Reporter (and previous).
view June 2011 Reporter issue (Vol. 17, No. 2) in pdf. May 2011 Reporter FLASH,

HPKCC ANNUAL MTG. Sunday. 2nd or 3rd September 2013. Reports on the state of the community and Conference and HPKCC, election of 1/3 of the board.

OFFICERS AND BOARD
Contact us at hpkcc@aol.com
or phone 773 288-8343.
1525 E. 53rd St. #907, Chicago, IL 60615
Website www.hydepark.org. A 501c3 Illinois not for profit.

Sign up to "find out about it": hpkcc.chicago@gmail.com. FACEBOOK.
Committees/Committee Contacts
CURRENT FOCUS AND THE CONFERENCE IN ACTION-latest doings
See also From the Board and the President's desk- ongoing reportage
HPKCC MEETINGS AND EVENTS.
Call for board nominees for September 18 Annual Meeting 2011
2011 Membership appeal letter

JAN. 2011 REPORTER. Feb. 5 forum report.
MAY 2011 FLASH. June 2011 REPORTER.

HPKCC Board meets 1st Thurs 7:10 pm HPBank 4th fl. May 2 2013.

2010 MEMBERSHIP LETTER.
Becoming a member, member services, chairs, updated dues schedule
MEMBERSHIP FORM (printable)

ABOUT HPKCC . MORE About HPKCC. Mission. Early HISTORY and involvement in Urban Renewal
INFORMATIONAL BROCHURE (printable in pdf)
2011 Membership appeal letter

Committees/Programs. Details...HPKCC news and members homepage

CURRENT FOCUS AND THE CONFERENCE IN ACTION.
Article in June 2011 Reporter on HPKCC role in saving Harper Theater shows how preservation and development can work together.
Supporting stronger protections ("transition language") AND landmarking for Woodlawn Avenue
HPKCC HELPS NEIGHBORHOOD CLUB TEENS LEARN THE CITY VIA TRANSIT
See letter/release. Report on the September 12, 2010 Annual Meeting.
Schools- join the Schools Committee- mtg. tba.
About from Jan. 2011 Reporter- see in Schools home.
RESPONSES FROM ALDERMANIC CANDIDATES/ BY HPKCC.
Read about our co-sp'd 4th Ward Ald. candidates forum.
Hosting meeting of community organizations Oct. 15 and in March.
Disabilities needs and sidewalk surveys.

Go to these linked pages for latest committee and Conference reports, actions, news:
HPKCC and its development committee weigh in on opening Harper Avenue, Shoreland project
HPKCC completes commissioned structural study of Harper Theater
Condos Committee holds seminar on important requirements [link to view 2010 law in pdf]
Schools Committee holds and plans networking dinners and principal meetings, investigates school/out of school enrichment, shows intern teachers the neighborhood.
Friends of Blackstone Library hosts lecture series, participates in Art-RAGEOUS summer reading programs.
SPAF takes on documentation of Woodlawn District after overseeing Harper Theater structural study

See a report from our urgent update seminar for condo associations. And in the FLASH (coming 2nd wk of June 2011)
Visit report on HPKCC's April 19, 2010 "Keeping YOU and Your Computer Safe" seminar.

Programs updates/descriptions/page links (below) NEW! Our FACEBOOK fanpage

The Conference publishes the quarterly Conference Reporter for members and friends, and maintains hydepark.org.
Access past Reporter issues. Most recent- click at the bottom of the homepage www.hydepark.org.
Join the Conference to get the annual Reporter at your door first class mail and (if you give email also) regular eNewsletters and announcements.
Join the Conference on line or donate on line (or print membership form
Donate to the fall 2012 Supply Drive for HP-K Schools by going to http://www.hydepark.org and clicking the program Schools Committee. Join Friends of Blackstone Library by clicking into that program's link/

HPKCC is a membership based and supported organization. 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, 501c3 Nonprofit Organization* $75, Business* $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. *THE "NONPROFIT" CATEGORY OFFERS A SPECIAL RATE TO 501c3s.

January 2011 issue, which features responses by aldermanic candidates and features on schools, board news.

May 2011 Reporter FLASH. May 13-14 Garden Fair, Board News to date 2011.

June 2011 Reporter issue.

Role of the HPKCC Board in harper Theater & Harper Court Development
Chicago Theological Seminary Buildings and the Woodlawn Avenue Corridor
From the President's Desk
Development in Hyde Park-South Kenwood
News from the Board
Membership Appeal Letter
Call for Nominations
Hyde Park Used Book Sale 2011

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.

UPCOMING HPKCC MEETNGS & EVENTS- informational seminars!!
Other meetings

Monthly HPKCC board meetings- are open to the public. 1st Thursdays at 7:10 pm, 1525 E. 53rd 4th floor April 4 ...

Annual meeting and election- Sunday, in September- next 2013.

DONATE NOW TO THE SUPPLY DRIVE FOR HYDE PARK AND KENWOOD SCHOOLS- Back to School Supply Drive:
With tighter budgets than ever, many local public schools will be starting the school year with little or no money in their budgets for school supplies. Since many of our schools serve students who are homeless or low income, this places an even greater burden on their families. We raised $2,200 in the fall 2012 installment.

To help meet this need, the HPKCC Schools Committee is organizing a Back To School supply drive. For a $10 donation you can provide pencils, pens, markers, crayons, spiral notebook and filler paper for one child.

The committee will accept monetary donations ongoing,. Supporters can donate online at http://www.hydepark.org/programs/schools.html DONATE button or mail a check made out to the Hyde Park Kenwood Community Conference-Supply Drive to the Conference office at 1525 East 53rd Street, #907, Chicago, IL 60615. All donations will be used to purchase supplies which will be distributed to the participating Hyde Park/Kenwood public schools. Questions? Contact Nancy Baum at HaveAHeart2012@gmail.com.

HPKCC encourages participation in the next (late September) Walk and Roll Sidewalk Survey by the Hyde Park Disabilities Task Force, a coalition of which HPKCC is a member. We'll have maps, disposable cameras, and persons to record findings for ward offices. TBA.

The 2012-13 Despres Family Memorial Lecture Series will begin in October (Wed. Oct. 24 at 6?). This season brings thought-provoking writers and challenging discussions. Our first author, Dmitry Samarov, is a painter and writer. His first novel, Hack (UC Press), debuted in 2011. He is currently working on his second novel.

Now in progress. Schools Committee and its Friends of the Public Schools of Hyde Park and Kenwood next SCHOOLS SUPPLY DRIVE fall- YOU CAN DONATE ON LINE AT http://www.hydepark.org. All the public schools in HPK will share equally in the distribution- information coming.
THE SCHOOLS COMMITTEE NEXT MEETS June 7 at 5221 S. Blackstone.
and held its dinner honoring LSCs, PACs, PTAs May 3.
FRIENDS OF HPK PUBLIC SCHOOLS meets var. Tuesdays 7:30 at 5638 Woodlawn,
and asks a big public turnout May 22, Tuesday, 7:30 at 5638 S. Woodlawn. Read ITS LETTER IN THE HERALD OF APRIL 11.

Friends of Blackstone Library Despres Family Lecture Series- 4904 S. Lake Park. 4th Wednesdays at 6:30. Next in autumn.
Blackstone Library lectures and panels- see in Friends of Blackstone, Culture and Arts Calendar

We strongly encourage members and residents to attend the presentation and review meetings on the Harper Court/53rd-Lake Park and other plans, other development proposals. 53rd TIF meets 2nd Mondays alternate months (Sept., Nov. Jan., Mar., July, 7 pm, Kenwood Academy Little Theater, 5015 S. Blackstone- use flagpole entry. Next is Sept. 10- important.

Current focus and The Conference in Action

Woodlawn Avenue Corridor and U of C Planned Dev. changes and MOU with city.
Statement printed in Herald Oct. 5, 2011: (see on this issue Woodln Cor. page)

"The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference takes the future of the Woodlawn Avenue Corridor very seriously. We hope the university will present at the October 6 meeting some constructive and substantial plan that will protect this community asset." We later said that while improved language is very important, the street also deserves a landmark district.
Ellen Sahli, Dir. UC Civic Engagement visited with the Board in December.

(We are pleased with the outcome of negotiations but continue to support exploration of a historic district.)

HPKCC contributed $500 to the Hyde Park Historical Society Oral History Program for interviewing past community leaders associated with HPKCC.

Public Safety- WhistleStop whistles.

Safe walks and streets- Disabilities Task Force Walk and Roll

Schools Committee supply drive for local schools fall 2012. Now we are gauging and informing the public on schools issues such as quality school day and an action plan for our community. Networking and attention to issues continues.

Our key projects at the moment are nourishing community; the collaborative community concerns impacting development including Harper Court (See Harper Court home and Vermilion presentation) and the future of Harper Theater, school improvement; neighborhood revitalization conditions and priorities; informational programs for residents, underwriting programs at our endangered nonprofit services; the fall Used Book Sale; and building collaborations that further education or focus and drive forward realization of community vision (affordable housing, transit oriented development, openness and transparency in planning and community life, and our mission in general. We also serve as umbrella to worthy organizations and causes. Coordination between community organizations.

Recent: Held a schools networking dinner-- schools electrified with their intiatives, success. Followed by a wonderful dinner May 3 with Dr. Charles Payne. Working with subgroup Friends of the Schools of Hyde Park-Kenwood on a supply drive mid February 2012.

Supported public libraries against cuts.

And we DO THINGS- like 2 garden fairs, and a used book sale each year, forums, collaborations, sell whistles, and attend a lot of meetings and make personal contacts!
Helps the Neighborhood Club do things that also support our mission.
Being set up: a condo and association owners forum on subjects including FHA mortgage certification, assessments, foreclosures.

HPKCC's Development, Preservation, Zoning committee met with Chris Dillion of Vermillion May 2 on plans for Harper Court, which are undergoing refinement and preliminary leasing, nearing signatures for start.

Positions/actions recently adopted: October 2009: Support for the South Lakefront Transportation Corridor Improvement Study; the principles pursued in the Shoreland renovation and Del Prado rezoning projects. Continuing: Principles for Harper Court Area redevelopment, support for reuse of Harper Theater building, support for the Op Shop pop up arts venue.

April 2011 President Jane Ciacci joined Ald. Hairston (5th) and others in a press conference questioning a quicky contract to privatize and take citywide the blue cart recycling pilot with little transparency-- this seems to be a pattern between departments and city council. Concern was also expressed about local jobs.

May 2011. Board guest was Chaz Rasul, director of the U of C Neighborhood Schools Program. News and advice were shared on a host of topics including the Harper Ct. Farmers' Market (with a new home), new options for the Woodlawn Corridor (the board approved suggesting historic district status), letter of congatulations that was sent to 1st Unitarian on its 175th, letter encouraging same to consider renting Fenn House for S.H.o.P., Record of our Kenwood Park Usage Committee went to Special Collections (which is organizing the Conference collections), decision to have a summer party, a Reporter FLASH was sent out on the Garden Fair, to be followed by a full issue on development sites and issues (hot off the press now), we're starting a Constant Contact, we sought involvement in review of a wetlands project in Washington Park, approved a letter of support for naming for Nancy Hays in Jackson Park, Elm and Harold Washington Park news, good news from Treasure Island on space use for the Used Book Sale, South Lakefront Corridor Transit Study, our meeting with Harper Court developers, action on membership.

Grant: June 3, 2010- to Hyde Park Neighborhood Club for its Summer Teen Program.
HPKCC endorses, serves as fiscal agent for SPAF commissioned study of the Woodlawn-University corridor.
HPKCC and its development committee weigh in on opening Harper Avenue, Shoreland project
HPKCC 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

Programs and Committees

	HPKCC is a founding member of the new Coalition for Equitable Community Development. CECD website. About that organization relevant to HPKCC interests.
	The Chicago Academic Games League [CAGL] is a teacher/parent collaboration, a program merging substantive math with athletic models of teams, games, and tournaments. Each year, from October through April, students and teachers from Chicago public schools around the city meet once each month for a Saturday tournament at the Lab School. Schools are self selecting; teachers and parents are volunteers, but CPS underwrites school tuition; students participate of their own volition - not for grades or credit. The program is geared to grades 5 through 8, and the core of the games is pre-algebra. The program is now managed by the University Community Service Center, with c. 8 schools involved and growing. Contact Wallace Goode.
	Condos and Co-ops Governance issues and seminars. Occasional seminars and forums are offered with Atty. John H. Bickley III of Kovitz Shifrin Nesbit. Our page also has helpful information. Chairman- being recruited, for now contact hpkcc@aol.com. Watch for a forum to be announced soon. The Illinois General Assembly passed changes in May 2010- view 2010 law in pdf. April 19, Monday, 7 pm. The Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Condos/Co-ops Plus Committee presented a Public Seminar on issues of importance to Association boards and owners, by Attorney John H. Bickley III. Included registration with FHA, financial management, management of assessments and collections. Extensive handouts by Mr. Bickley and the law firm of Kovitz Shifron Nesbit available to attendees. Report will be posted as available in the Condos Co-ops section. Report from forums of November 6 2007, December 8 2008 in Condos/Co-ops page. Since you need to know: High-rise Life-Safety Ordinance. Taxes and rebates.
(Committee page)	Development, Preservation and Zoning Committee page. Includes July 2009 report on the approach and this year's actions of of our Committee Dev.-Pres.-Zoning homepage- navigate to analyses and positions on several developments Report on May 6 2013 forum on 53rd St. zoning. The committee met with the Vue 53 devloper and UC for details andimput on the project. Visit Hot Development specific and Hot Development general discussions and links pages Article in June 2011 Reporter on saving Harper Theater shows how preservation and development can work together. The HPKCC Development, Preservation, Zoning Committee monitors and seeks proactive community input in neighborhood and localized development and use changes. The committee reported on our highly successful online Harper Court Web Survey at a TIF meeting and subsequently comments on the Harper RFP guidelines. Our records and discussion of the Harper Court-53rd Lake Park site and Harper Theater. We stand for broad, open community planning.
	The Hyde Park Disabilities Task Force remains watchful on several fronts and works collaboratively. It's a multi-organization initiative including with ward offices and the city. Its Business Information Packet for interacting with persons of all abilities. Contact: Lenora Austin. We interface with several active groups in the neighborhood and with the Mayor's Office including on correction of intersections/curb cuts. We seek to ensure respect for and respect for laws regarding persons with disabilities or other abilities (including seniors), whether by residents, businesses, or our infrastructures of physical accessibility, outdoors or in. Visit Accessibility Hot Topics discussion and link page. WE ARE PROUD TO PRESENT THE HYDE PARK DISABILITIES TASK FORCE' first WALK AND ROLL REPORT- 55th St. Sidewalk Inspection Survey. HPDTF chair is Lenora Austin, for HPKCC George Rumsey.
	Sustainable Environment Task Force. Meetings are temporarily suspended while we hone goals and programs the Conference as a whole will promote and develop liaisons and partnerships and encourage what others are doing. Visit Sustainability Committee page and Documents and our Green page and calendar. Visit also Quality of Life Hot Topics for discussion and links. Contact Gary Ossewaarde.
Friends of Blackstone Library	FOBL is the most recent committee of the Conference. It builds support for the Library, provides public programming, and raises support or capital and other needs of the oldest and historic branch of the Chicago Public Library system. Its most recent accomplishments are the restoration of the historic Oliver Dennett Grover murals and initiation of the Despres Lecture Series. Chair Brenda Sawyer. FOBL. Story of Blackstone Branch. Friends of Blackstone website: http://friendsofblackstone.wordpress.com/ JOIN THE FRIENDS AND AUTOMATICALLY BECOME A MEMBER OF THE CONFERENCE! HPKCC SUPPORTS PUBLIC LIBRARIES. Original release against cuts incorporating open letter from Friends of Blackstone Library. The 2012-13 Despres Family Memorial Lecture Series will begin in October (Wed. Oct. 24 at 6?). This season brings thought-provoking writers and challenging discussions. Our first author, Dmitry Samarov, is a painter and writer. His first novel, Hack (UC Press), debuted in 2011. He is currently working on his second novel.
	More information, reports on trends in our community! Planning is starting for the next forum on condo associations. What's Right/Wrong with Hyde Park HPKCC 2005 forum, after which we held many community planning forums. Most recent: Feb. 18 2009 Hyde Park Challenging the Next Decade. More schools forums coming, including our awards ceremony and lecture Feb. 23 2010. For information contact Gary Ossewaarde at hpkcc@aol.com. Past and coming forums.
	53rd year!! A wonderful celebration was held May 31, 2009. Learn about its 1st 50 years in the April 2009 Reporter (in pdf). Bulb and Mum Sale Sept. 13 (prob.) Hyde Park Shopping Center. Spring Garden Sale in May. Visit the Garden Fair website for details. Committee page. Liaison and information about: rumsey@aol.com. Volunteer with Sue Purrington, 773 363-4368. See also in the May 2011 FLASH.
	NPAC is under the fiscal agency of HPKCC, works with the HPKCC Parks Committee, and is a recognized advisory council to the Chicago Park District. (There are several other park councils in the area). Nichols Park Council homepage. Workdays usually mid-late Sunday afternoons spring-fall, in the wildflower meadow or formal garden. Call Carol Schneider, 684-2619. Next May 8 4-6 pm. NPAC meetings 2nd Thursdays 7 pm-Nichols Park Fieldhouse, with Park District. Fieldhouse/gym programs fill fast! and such a bargain! President Stephanie Franklin, 773 955-3622. Sec./minutes/HPKCC liaison Mark Granfors.
(Committee page)	Parks homepage + index-navigator to the parks & gen. pages. Parks Committee. Jackson Park Website Parks council meetings sched./calendar Thanks from Nichols and our committee to everyone who helps make 4th on 53rd a great success. Chair Gary Ossewaarde- hpkcc@aol.com or garyossewaarde@yahoo.com. Visit Park Issues. Chicago's bid for the 2016 Olympics was a matter of major neighborhood concern. The Parks Committee's letter on the Olympics. and about. Kenwood Park controversy, how successfully resolved. About park and council. Rebuilding our parks. (Report in December 2007 Reporter) Park volunteer workdays. Burnham: 1st Sat mornings (but call because of conflicts -gw.davis@ezi.net). Jackson 2nd and 4th Sat through November 10 am-1 pm from Darrow Bridge- 773 486-0505. Washington 3rd Sats (plus 26th Arbor Day) and including April 19 Earth Day) 9-noon- , 773 203-3418. Nichols call.
and the Southside P reservation Action Fund	Preservation operates under the HPKCC development committee and SPAF. HPKCC serves as fiscal agent for new Southside Preservation Action Fund, which has received a generous grant from the Driehaus Foundation- See SPAF. Our first appropriation was for research on the role of Walter Gropius in design of several Michael Reese Hospital (area slated for the Olympic Village and afterwards mixed income housing). More projects are in the pipeline. We endorsed the process and principles for a new plan for restoration and reuse of the Shoreland Hotel and a zoning change for the Del Prado. We continue to support adaptive reuse of the Harper theater, are concerned about impacts of city ordinances and other financial pressures on our large and mid-sized buildings, community planning, parking and more. Ways to apply for national register and city designation, tax advantages. Frequently asked questions See our history, preservation pages for latest happenings and significance. Preservation Beat, Preservation Hot Topics Urban Renewal and Timelines.
	Committee homepage. Chair Nancy Baum. Schools Hot Topics. HPKCC Schools Committee. About, including printable pdf brochure. Shortened. HPKCC RESOLUTION SEEKING DEFERRAL OF SCHOOL CLOSINGS DONATE NOW TO THE SUPPLY DRIVE FOR HYDE PARK AND KENWOOD SCHOOLS- Back to School Supply Drive: With tighter budgets than ever, many local public schools will be starting the school year with little or no money in their budgets for school supplies. Since many of our schools serve students who are homeless or low income, this places an even greater burden on their families. To help meet this need, the HPKCC Schools Committee is organizing a Back To School supply drive. For a $10 donation you can provide pencils, pens, markers, crayons, spiral notebook and filler paper for one child. The committee will accept monetary donations through Wednesday, September 5th. Supporters can donate online at http://www.hydepark.org/programs/schools.html DONATE button or mail a check made out to the Hyde Park Kenwood Community Conference-Supply Drive to the Conference office at 1525 East 53rd Street, #907, Chicago, IL 60615. All donations will be used to purchase supplies which will be distributed to the participating Hyde Park/Kenwood public schools. Questions? Contact Nancy Baum at HaveAHeart2012@gmail.com. HPKCC Youth Programs Database is at http://www.hydepark.org/schools. Download and share this database about afterschool and other activities and opportunities. This was a major project of the committee. We also maintain a larger, topical and continuously-updated resource base in Afterschool. We learned more about it and the CPS initiatives to expand arts and other opportunities in the schools at our Schools Next Networking Dinner late Sept or early Oct 2011 tba Schools Directories. Contacts, in own page. Schools Committee Prospectus for an Asset-building coalition for our youth. The committee will be producing a new simplified schools contact directory and cntinue to act as a resource and issues facilitator for schools in conjunction with Hyde Park Schools. The mission of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference Schools Committee is to provide community support for the schools and to provide a place where Local School Council and other school support group members can get together to share information. We want every to be one to which school parents are willing and proud to send their children and every child has access to programs in and out of school that provide the assets and promises that empower them to be come successful adults. We seek new members. Schools Committee meets tba. Learn about our Biennial Recognition Ceremony with information forum and program (including public drum-up for participation in upcoming LSC elections), speaker Jacqueline Edelberg, neighborhood school renaissance expert, who with Ruth Kurland wrote How to Walk to School about the turnaround of Nettelhorst School in Chicago (http://www.howtowalktoschool.com) and Kenwood Jazz Band. Recent activities include visits to community and other enriched schools, a tour of the neighborhood for intern teachers, promotion of involvement in SIPAA planning and LSC elections, and planning our fall networking dinner for LSCs and principals
and accessibility	TTF: The HPKCC Transit and Mobility Task Force. Visit the Transit Task Force committee homepage Chair James Withrow is willing to meet with individuals with ideas for improvements. Transit web pages home. Accessibility Hot Topics. We occasionally meet or hold public forums Our strongest interests remain the Gold Line Metra upgrade, optimizing CTA and UC-CTA routes for this and nearby communities, strategic access and accessibility including linking to and within retail and throughout the neighborhood for various constituencies/segments of the population needing this, transit-oriented and green/smart development, and regional mobility. We are encouraging bike sharing and other ways to make getting around optimal for all means of getting around and for good interfaces between people using different modes. We are also the folks for parking and infrastructure issues. Metra and pot. CTA fare increases upcoming- extremely worrisome. Chairman James Withrow has a large blog on all these matters: http://alwaysintransit.typepad.com/hyde_park_urbanist/2008/11/gray-gold.html Mr. Withrow is no longer available. Please contact the office.
Hyde Park	Next Columbus weekend 2013. Book collection not before mid-August 2013 Co-chairs Jane Ciacci (773 419-1384) and George Davis.
and Safety	Learn about HPKCC's WhistleSTOP and community safety action program. TO INFORMATIONAL FLYER ON WHISTLES. Visit also HPKCC's concerns and actions in Community Safety. Tips for staying safe and emergency contacts are in Public Safety and CAPS beat. Whistles are starting to be sold again at Treasure Island- details coming. Chair Camille Hamilton-Doyle. Contact us at hpkcc@aol.com. Visit report on HPKCC's April 19, 2010 "Keeping YOU and Your Computer Safe" seminar. Poisonous Houseplants (in pdf, from On the Safe Side -Timika Hoffman Zoller) Note: some dispute the seriousness of exposure to aloe vera and poinsettia. Chair Camille Hamilton-Doyle Safety Chair Timika Hoffman-Zoller