Archive page 3-090109

Archive Page 3-090109

Newsletter Articles & Photo/Video Gallery

Some of the visitors  and exhibitors at the event.   (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

A classic MG product lived up to its name, "Mini."  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Wolf Lake, from Eggers Woods Forest Preserve.

(Photo by Joann Podkul © 2006)

CSI WEBSITE GALLERY SECTION:

Included below is a photographic and videographic sampling of recent activities performed by CSI Member Organizations who work at cleaning up, restoring and maintaining Calumet Region environmental treasures, preserving, recording and transmitting the culture of the region, and developing its economy in environmentally responsible ways.   [Please note that the newest entries are closest to the bottom of this page.]

Articles from the CSI Summer 2009 Newsletter:

A Call to Action

By Rebecca Moss, Sand Ridge Nature Center, and Laurel Ross, The Field Museum

President Obama’s call for a national day of service to be held January 19 in honor of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did not fall upon deaf ears on the South Side of Chicago. Led by John Kidd of Fishin’Buddies, families came together to answer the President’s call to make the holiday a “dayon” rather than a “dayoff”.

Approximately fifty people of all ages gathered at Sand Ridge Nature Center (SRNC) to learn how to help improve the environment in their community. SRNC is one of six nature centers in the Cook County Forest Preserve District system charged with educating the public about the need for and benefit of preserving our public greenways. While at SRNC everyone enjoyed the indoor exhibits, and even met the 6 foot long resident bull snake up close and personal.

After going on a hike to learn about the different types of habitats found at SRNC, everyone got down to work. Participants were first taught about European Buckthorn, an invasive shrub species that is slowly taking over our forests and excluding native trees that belong there, as well as encroaching on our prairies. They learned that in order for our forests and prairies to continue supporting our local flora and fauna, the buckthorn must be removed; and with that their task was defined.

After a brief training on tool safety, Rebecca Moss, a SRNC naturalist armed the group with loppers and bow saws and headed towards the work area. Despite the extreme cold, everyone worked very hard, and within an hour’s time cleared the work area of all the buckthorn. Just think, if everyone in the community gave one hour on one day, what a difference we could make.  For information on how you can help visit www.calumetstewardshipinitiative.com

Participants at Sand Ridge Nature Center’s MLK Work Day on a hike in search of animal tracks.  (Photo by John Elliott)

Calumet Mighty Acorns – Students Protecting Nature

By Rebecca Moss, Sand Ridge Nature Center and Christy Page, The Field Museum

    All across the Calumet region, school kids are gearing up to head out in the spring rain to learn about nature and work with invasive species. That’s right, it’s Mighty Acorns time. The Field Museum and the Forest Preserve of Cook County have brought over 2,200 4th – 6th graders out to natural areas in southeast Cook County to participate in stewardship, education, and exploration activities. In northwest Indiana, the Dunes Learning Center is working with Gary schools to get 300 students outside and interacting with their local environment.

Working with students across the Chicago region, the Mighty Acorns partnership strives to help students make a personal connection to nature.  Mighty Acorns is a place-based program, in which teachers and students adopt a local natural area and visit it three times during the year for three consecutive years.  This approach allows students to form a sense of ownership for the land and take responsibility for stewardship activities. On each visit to their site, they spend time exploring, participate in an educational activity, and do perform different restoration tasks depending upon the season. In the fall they collect seed from native plants, in the winter they cut brush, and in the spring they pull garlic mustard. The result is that Mighty Acorns students understand invasive species control and how to take care of their local natural areas. The difference that they make is incredible, and their enthusiasm is contagious.

    For many Mighty Acorns students, participating in this program introduces them to nature for the first time.  Whether hiking through woodlands, exploring prairie landscapes, or looking under boardwalks for wetland critters, Mighty Acorns students are getting to know the habitats around their homes – and having fun at the same time

If you would like further information about becoming involved with the program as a partner, teacher, or volunteer please visit www.mightyacorns.org.

Mighty Acorns students from Jane Addams Elementary diligently work to remove a honeysuckle shrub from Eggers Woods.  (Photo by Rebecca Moss)

Calumet Stewardship Initiative & the Burnham Centennial

By Joann Podkul, Calumet Stewardship Initiative Chair

    At the end of the day, we all probably have a bit of "unfinished business" we put off until some more convenient time in the future.  Typically, it takes the form of dealing with clutter in the house, or of mind or soul – manageable tasks if we can only get to them.  Imagine if that something were the quality of life of residents in an entire four state area, clustered around the gem of our natural inheritance, Lake Michigan?  Such is the Burnham Plan, currently celebrating its Centennial Year.

    The basics of the plan touch everyday life: public access to the Lake Front, transportation systems – rail, highways, and parkways--a city whose economic engine would be tempered by beauty, inspiring civic pride.  Parkland and forest preserves would provide an adequate respite for the population's recreational needs.  Schools and libraries would do the same for intellectual needs.  (Considering both the body and mind focus of the plan, is it any wonder that the first library on the East Side was located in the Calumet Park Field House, itself a stunning example of Beaux Arts design?)

    Both the Burnham Plan and the Calumet Stewardship Initiative envision vibrant communities.  Both are works in progress.  This year, along with organizations throughout the four-state region, CSI members will participate in the Burnham Plan Centennial celebration and highlight its "unfinished business" in a variety of ways.  "South Chicago - Steel to Green," a tour developed together with Claretian Associates, will take visitors to sites that tell the industrial and cultural history of the area, as well as to those sites which feature the green elements that might make the community the first with LEEDTM certification in the Midwest.   Member organizations will paddle the lake front, provide exhibits and presentations of both hypothetical and real plans for the area at local libraries and meeting sites, and engage students in the region in speculation on what the next 50 years will hold for its development.  Chicago Public Schools will reinforce the process through specially prepared curricula for various grade levels.

    The current economic climate, which simultaneously urges caution in action, and boldness in thought, presents us with an ideal opportunity to address our collective "unfinished business."  Please join us for the various Burnham Centennial events listed in our calendar and become part of this exciting conversation.

On May 8, 2009, students from several Chicago Public Schools that participate in the Mighty Acorns and Earth Force environmental programs went to Chicago Park District’s Rainbow Park to work with naturalists and other experts from the Calumet Stewardship Initiative, Chicago Department of Environment, Dunes Learning Center, Field Museum, Forest Preserve District of Cook County, National Park Service, and the Southeast Environmental Task Force.   The Following video and photographs are from that event.

Naturalist, Rebecca Moss, from the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, discusses the nature of warm-bloodedness with students, in an open-air classroom on Chicago’s lakeshore.  (Photo and Video by Kevin Murphy)

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Calumet Stewardship Initiative Chairperson, Joann Podkul, discusses the scope of the Calumet Region with students.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

CDOE staff member, Jerry Attere, explains about the Restoration of Hegewisch Marsh, the role of the marsh as a natural water purifier and home for numerous wetland species.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Southeast Environmental Task Force Education Coordinator, Jessica Cañas, demonstrates composting for students.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Dunes Learning Center’s Lead Naturalist, Chauncre (“Cre”) McCrowley (in “Bee” outfit), works with students in open air classroom at Rainbow Park Beach.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Rainbow Park Field House, site of both the indoor and outdoor Calumet Environmental Education Program events on May 8, 2009.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Field Museum Collections Assistant, Jim Louderman, takes the fear out of “Scary, Creepy Crawlies.”   (Photo by Joann Podkul.)

Field Museum’s Christy Page, welcomes and orients attendees to the Calumet Environmental Educational Program  event at Rainbow Park Field House.  (Photo by Joann Podkul.)

Gallistel School student (pointing)  explains his display about Recycling to other students.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Gallistel School student (in blue sweatshirt) explains her Alternate Energy display to visiting students. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

On Saturday, May 9, 2009, South Chicago’s Claretian Associates, and the Calumet Stewardship Initiative teamed to present the “Second 10th Ward Green Summit,” in which community service and environmental organizations presented a wide variety of events to engage community residents, institutions, and businesses in learning the latest information about moving into a greener way of life.   The following photos and videos are from that series of events.

Keynote Speaker, Naomi Davis, Founder and CEO of B.I.G.:Blacks in Green, opens the Second Annual 10th Ward Green Summit on the lawn in front of Villa Guadalupe, in South Chicago.  (Video by Kevin Murphy)

CDOE’s Kimberly Worthington talks about the environmental promise of improved public transportation.  (Video by Kevin Murphy)

South Chicago Chamber of Commerce Executive Director, Neil Bosanko, reveals how South Chicago got its first new streetcar in decades.  (Video by Kevin Murphy)

Naomi Davis, Angela Hurlock, Kimberly Worthington, Alderman John Pope, Marilyn Engwall, and Raya Lopez, assemble for the cutting of ‘Steel Millie’s” dedication ribbon.   (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

On May 15 and 16, 2009, National Geographic and the National Park Service co-sponsored their first-ever BioBlitz, a 24-hour inventory of species in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.   Teams of scientists and naturalists, and volunteers from the general public, as well as students from regional schools, combed the park's 15 miles of shoreline and more than 15,000 acres of dunes, oak savannas, marshes, bogs, prairies, rivers, and forests to observe and record as many species as possible.

The goal for this event was to add as many taxonomic groups as possible to species lists, to increase awareness about biodiversity in an urban environment, and to pair the public with professional scientists and other experts in the field. This event also aimed to engage youth for future stewardship.

The following video and photos show samples of activity from that comprehensive event.

Prof. Stuart L. Pimm, of Duke University, urges volunteers to enjoy their work with nature, as they attempt to identify species in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore. 

Following Dr. Pimm, ABC-TV Chicago’s Roz Varon starts the volunteers on their way.

(Video by Kevin Murphy)

National Geographic Society’s Vice President for research, conservation, and exploration, Dr. John Francis, welcomes participants to the first-ever National Geographic/National Park Service BioBLitz. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

The Field Museum brought its environmentally responsible van-based mobile demonstrator to the event.  Powered by vegetable oil, the van also features a roof-mounted photovoltaic panel that is capable of powering Field staff cell phones while they are out in the wilds.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

The Calumet Stewardship Initiative Chairperson, Joann Podkul, displays a copy of the Chicago Wilderness Magazine map insert for the Calumet Region, which was being distributed by CSi during the BioBlitz.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

"Green E--The Environmental Elvis," emphasizes positive environmental values with student volunteers at the BioBlitz.

(Photo by Joann Podkul)

CSI member organization, Shirley Heinze Land Trust, was busy on Saturday.   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

So, too, was CSI member organization, Taltree Arboretum and Gardens.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Chicago Wilderness, whose current magazine edition featured the Calumet Region--and  provided the excellent regional map  being distributed at the BioBLitz by CSI, and others, was also represented among the exhibitors.

(Photo by Joann Podkul)

Cassandra Cannon, President and Founder of CSI member organization, United Urban Network, visits Northwest Indiana Sierra Club's tent. (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Teams search the dunes area for species in a 24-hour project that eventually identified 890 species in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Following the 5/24/09 closing of the Wolf Lake Wetlands Festival, community resident, Linda Ruxton described her experiences during the 2009 BioBlitz at Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore.  (Video by Kevin Murphy)

On Thursday, May 21, 2009, the Chicago State University Department of Chemistry and Physics hosted the Calumet Grand Challenges Symposium, intended to develop a vision for research initiatives at Chicago State University.  Attendees and/or presenters at the program, in addition to CSU faculty and students, included representatives of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD), the United States Department of the Interior Forest Service (USDA-FS), FIeld Museum (FM), the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS), Calumet Stewardship Initiative (CSI) staff, and the following CSI member organizations: Chicago Department of Environment (CDOE), the Calumet Heritage Partnership (CHP), and the Southeast Environmental Task Force (SETF).

The following topics were presented at the symposium:

1. ❖"A brief Geography lesson," by Mark Bouman (CSU and CHP)
   

2. ❖"Calumet Open Space Reserve -- Research Ideas," by Nicole Kamins (CDOE)
   

3. ❖"Biosolids Use in the Calumet Area Restoration -- A Cost-Effective and Sensible Solution," by Lakhwinder Hundal (MWRD)
   

4. ❖"The People Side of Natural Resource Issues: Social Science Needs in Calumet," by Cherie Leblanc Fisher (USDA-FS)
   

5. ❖"Why environmental scientists will never leave Calumet," by George Roadcap (ISWS)
   

6. ❖"Bird conservation issues in the Calumet region," by Douglas Stotz (FM)
   

7. ❖"Water: Meeting the Needs of Humans & Nature," by Eleanor Kane (MWRD)
   

Held at CSU's New Academic Library 4th floor auditorium, the symposium was a lively, informative event.  Exciting possibilities that were immediately suggested during the event were the possibility of a CSU Campus Bioblitz that would take theory out of the classroom and into practice on the 120-acre CSU campus, and the possibility of lining CSU faculty to Calumet region environmental organizations.

CDOE's Nicole Kamins presented a number of research ideas for faculty and student consideration.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

MWRD's Lakhwinder Hundal discussed the value of biosolids.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Cherie Leblanc Fisher, of USDA-FS, talked about the human dimension of environmental research and action.   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Field Museum's Doug Stotz, answering a question from the audience.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

George Roadcap, of ISWS, answering  questions from faculty and students.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Kite-flying was one of the events that captivated children--and more than one adult . . .

The kite.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

The kid.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Fishing instructor, Jerry Carter, was ready to start the class.  Illinois side, morning.

(Photo by Joann Podkul)

Kayaking and canoeing were key events on the Indiana side of Wolf Lake, in the afternoon.

Canoes were the predominant vehicle of choice.   These three girls were waiting for their canoe. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

And they got "their" canoe.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

A flight of geese arrived for the Sunday morning Sunrise Service at the William Powers Conservation Area of Wolf Lake. (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Rev. Dr. Z. L. Zaki, Pastor of East Side United Methodist Church, presided over the Sunrise Service.   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

At Powers Shelter #2, AWLI member, Cheryl Gould, prepared pancakes over a wood fire for hungry Sunrise Service participants.   What better way to end a Wetlands festival?  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

On May 31, 2009, Taltree Arboretum and Gardens held its first "Art in the Garden" event.    Thirty-one artists' tents were set up along the pathways at Taltree, with patrons visiting from at least as far as Chicago's north side, if not farther.  It was the first weekend this Spring in which Nature favored the event.

The main display area.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

The works of art evoked nature in the easiest possible setting.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Display demonstrates that art and nature education can blend very well.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

More than visual arts were present at Taltree.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Enjoyment took many forms during the day.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Testifying to the intertwining of art, nature and technology, a visitor to the art fair uses his iPhone to take--and instantly send--a photo of a flower to a relative in Atlanta, Georgia.   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

On Tuesday, June 2nd, the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce held a reception for Chicago Public Schools' CEO Ron Huberman at the House of Bing Restaurant.

Chamber members heard CEO Huberman's CPS priorities, including his focus on supporting neighborhood schools.  Other public officials, State Representative Barbara Flynn Currie (25th), State Representative Marlow Colvin (33rd), and 10th Ward Alderman John Pope shared their views on issues such as school and other funding in these difficult economic times.

In the South Shore community's House of Bing Restaurant,  Chicago Public Schools Chief Executive Officer, Ron Huberman, answers questions from members of the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Representative Currie discusses budgetary matters that affect the Chicago Public Schools, among other things.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Representative Colvin reports about key issues currently facing members of the Illinois State Legislature.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

10th Ward Alderman, John Pope tells SCCC members about city issues affecting South Chicago Schools, and the community in general.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

On Tuesday, June 2nd, representatives from various organizations met at the Solar Verde lots at 97th and Marquette, in the Vets' Parks community, to form a consortium to develop the space into a model for urban gardening and a springboard for related educational projects.  Led by Dinah Ramirez and Gregory Bratton from Healthy Southeast Chicago, the group included SETF, CSI, Angelic Organics, Urban Gardening and others.

The garden will be used as a site for several student summer programs and hopes to involve community residents in creating a model to be replicated in other urban areas across the country.

Invited participants gather around Dinah Ramirez and Gregory Bratton to define ways in which the new gardening space, contributed by Solar Verde Estates, may be maximized for educating community youth in the art, science and skills of gardening for community enrichment.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

A pilot section of the new garden is already in bloom, thanks to the efforts of Master Gardener Bratton and a few volunteers.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

On June 6, 2009, Southeast Environmental Task Force sponsored its first “Sweet Home Chicago Bike Tour,” an event for cyclists and, especially cyclists who are movie buffs.  The tour, which started at the Calumet Park Field House, focused on Southeast Side community sites that had been used as movie locations, including the neighborhoods of South Chicago, the East Side, and Pullman.    Leading the educational and entertaining tour for SETF were Blues Brothers, Elroy (Tony Arduino), and Jake (John  Pastirik). 

Also on June 6, Illinois Department of Natural Resources, in conjunction with the Hegewisch Chamber of Commerce and the Illinois Conservation Foundation, sponsored its 6th Fishing Rodeo for People with Special Needs at the William W. Powers Conservation Area of Wolf Lake.   Open to people with special needs and their families, more than 500 visitors participated in the event, which included fishing training, competition in catching fish that had been stocked for the event, educational environmental displays, and free lunch for all participants. 

At Calumet Park Field House, "Cal Park Elroy" (Tony Arduino), and "East Side Jake" (John  Pastirik)  welcome participating cyclists in SETF's First Sweet Home Chicago Bike Tour.  (Video by Kevin Murphy)

Wolf Lake's William W. Powers Conservation Area played host to a larger-than-expected turnout of soon-to-be-dedicated fisherman.  (Video by Kevin Murphy)

Happy new-bie displays winning entry in largest catch by an adult category.   (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Notable catch by a child, proudly displayed by the new fisher-person.   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

"So I said to Jake, 'It's dark, we're wearing sunglasses, and it's . . . '  Oops, wrong intro!   Thank you all for joining us today, and here's what's about to happen."

[Tony Arduino orients the cyclists to the tour route and area history related to the tour.]   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Marquette to Burnham Water Trail Expedition

As we watched the kayakers, with their polyglot assembly of kayaks, and support craft, preparing to depart after a brief respite at Chicago's Calumet Park, the gray sky above the lake, and the choppy waves on the lake awakened my memory of the 1955 motion picture, "The Cockleshell Heroes," in which a small crew of British kayakers set out to destroy a well-hidden Nazi harbor in the vicinity of Cherbourg.   As portrayed in the movie, it was a harrowing experience, obviously because of the wartime dangers associated with such a mission, but also because of the fragile and temperamental nature of the craft.  Thus, as we watched the departure of the plucky kayakers, I felt unease--almost guilt--for not trying to stop them from going out on a long stretch of unexpectedly difficult lake, thanks to a near-arctic twist in the weather.   It was June 13, and we were not worrying about their getting heat exhaustion but, rather, hypothermia!

And what was the point of this adventure? Why were they risking health, and even life, on such a rigorous activity?  

In the spirit of the voyageurs who brought the first European influence to our region, these modern-day adventurers gave substance to the "Marquette to Burnham Sea Kayak Expedition," a one-of-a-kind, region-wide event that permitted participants to take an active part in a historic weekend-long journey from the downtown Chicago lakefront to Michigan City, Indiana.  The paddlers were following the new Indiana Lake Michigan Water Trail that was dedicated at the outset of the event.

Following are photos of the paddlers' visit to Calumet Park.

Support craft are prepared for the next leg of the journey, into Indiana waters.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Kayaker and team helper haul large-size kayak to launch site.

(Photo by Joann Podkul)

Craft and crews came in varied sizes.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Event organizer, Dan Plath, President and Founder of Northwest Indiana Paddlers Association, checks two-way gear that will be vital to the coordination and safety of kayakers while they are on the lake.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Time to go.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Kayakers and their support teams found time to catch up, "fuel"up, and warm up, in the Calumet Park Field House, where they also had an opportunity to visit the Southeast Chicago Historical Society's James Fitzgibbons Historical Museum. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

For some, the trip will end 50 miles east of this point and another day in the future.  Photo by Kevin Murphy)

THE CALUMET REGION CELEBRATES THE BURNHAM PLAN

On Thursday, June 18, 2009, The Calumet Ecological Park Association (CEPA), in conjunction with the Chicago Department of Environment (CDOE), Friends of the Parks (FOTP), and the Southeast Chicago Historical Society (SECHS), hosted a special evening of presentations--open to the pubic--to celebrate the Burnham Plan Centennial, in which guest speakers discussed varied aspects of planning--past, present, and future--in reference to the Calumet Region.  

With CEPA President, Judith Lihota, serving as the Emcee, the evening's events commenced at the Knights of Columbus Hall, 112th Street and Ewing Ave., Chicago, at  6:30 P.M. with a wine and cheese reception.  The presentations began at 7:00 P.M.

Beginning with a Burnham Centennial-relevant skit that was presented by members of the Shaw Chicago Theatre Company, the program included the following presenters:

Rod Sellers, Southeast Chicago Historical Society--"The Burnham Plan: Impetus for Change on Chicago's Southeast Side."

Nicole Kamins, Chicago Department of Environment--"The Calumet Initiative."

Eleanor Roemer, Friends of the Parks--"The Last Four Miles: Completing Chicago's Lakefront."

Attendance was strong, with many community residents, as well as representatives of such CSI member organizations as the Calumet Heritage Partnership, Calumet Ecological Park Association, Field Museum's Calumet Environmental Education Program, Knowledge Hookup, Southeast Chicago Historical Society, Southeast Environmental Task Force, and the 10th Ward Alderman's Office, among others.

Burnham-Calumet Video 1 of 3

(Video by Kevin Murphy)

Burnham-Calumet Video 2 of 3

(Video by Kevin Murphy)

Burnham-Calumet Video 3 of 3

(Video by Kevin Murphy)

CEPA President, Judy Lihota, introduces guest speaker, Nicole Kamins, of Chicago Department of Environment. (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Shaw Chicago Theatre Company actors, with CEPA Treasurer, Grace Sowa (striped jacket).   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Audience arriving at Knights of Columbus Hall, 112th Street and Ewing Avenue, Chicago.

(Photo by Joann Podkul)

Judy Lihota and guest speaker, Eleanor Roemer, of Friends of the Parks.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Judy Lihota welcoming 10th Ward Alderman, John Pope.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

United Urban Network Planning Meeting in Gary

CSI member organization, The United Urban Network, Inc., held a planning meeting on Saturday, June 27, 209, at Bennigan's, in the Rail Cats Complex of downtown Gary, Indiana.   The focus of the planning meeting, which included members from Hammond, Griffith, Gary, Dyer, and Chicago, was on the upcoming "Steel City Renaissance-Pardi Gras," an event intended to highlight the often-overlooked resources available to Gary, in the form of grass-roots skills and talents, for the purpose of energizing revitalization within--and by--the community.   Cassandra A. Cannon, C.E.O./Founder of United Urban Network, Inc., served as hostess and Emcee of the meeting, which was intensely focused enough to be completely oblivious to what was apparently a lively Rail Cats game, being played just a few feet beyond the window wall.

Cassandra Cannon (standing, far end of table), welcomes guests to the dinner meeting.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

The South Chicago Chamber of Commerce participated in the 2009 "Relay for Life" in Calumet Park, on Friday, July 10 and Saturday, July 11, from 5:00 P.M. to 5:00 A.M. (it actually was suspended at 3:00 A.M., when thunderstorms came into the area). The Chamber participates in the event because one in three people will be diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, and the funds that are raised via the "Relay For Life" events "save lives by funding cutting edge cancer research, early detection and prevention education, advocacy efforts and life affirming patient services."

Part of South Chicago Chamber team with Alderman John Pope as opening ceremonies begin.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

After welcoming all participants, and commending the many cancer survivors participating in the event, Alderman Pope returns the microphone to program Emcee, Julia Lopez, Executive Director of South Chicago's Villa Guadalupe Senior Center.   (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

South Chicago Chamber team follows the cancer survivors in the opening moments of the walkathon.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

On Tuesday, July 21, more than 100 young volunteers, and their adult supervisors from the Green Heals organization, participated in the preparation  and planting of the new community garden at Solar Verde Estates, in the Vets Park neighborhood of Southeast Chicago.  The gardening work and related training, co-sponsored by CSI member, Southeast Environmental Task Force, and Healthy Southeast Chicago, was arranged by Master Gardener, Gregory Bratton, with several assistants from the New Millennium Small High School on the Bowen Campus, and several medical students.

Newly arrived volunteers await orientation and assignment to work teams. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Work teams begin to prepare the soil for planting.

(Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Gregory Bratton (red shirt) instructs work team. while his assistant, Walter Boothé (orange shirt), prepares to photograph the activity.   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Neighbor/volunteer, Joe Mulak (left), confers with Solar Verde staff member. (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Walter Boothé instructs an earth-moving team.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

While volunteers arrive at the site, and are distributed into work teams, New Millennium Small High School student volunteer, Shannon Moss, works as interviewer during the work session.    One of his interviews is presented in this video. (Video by Kevin Murphy)

Green Thumb Gardening Workshop at SETF

Southeast Environmental Task Force (SETF) conducted an introductory workshop on native plant gardening on Thursday, August 6, 2009, at the SETF offices, 13300 S. Baltimore, with presentations by SETF representative, Norman Young, Carmeuse Lime, Inc.'s Barbara Hodgson, Faith in Place Congregational Outreach Specialist, Veronica Kyle, and Stewardship Coordinator, Laura Milkert, of the Field Museum.

SETF's Norman Young explains the value of, and procedures for, using native plants in our gardens.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Barbara Hodgson, of Carmeuse Lime, describes her experience of creating a native plant garden at the plant's entrance on 106th Street. (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Field Museum's Laura Milkert, tells SETF guests about stewardship events at Beaubien Woods.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Veronica Kyle, of Faith in Place, explains how church groups of various faiths collaborate to improve their communities, with gardening as a key factor. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

National Night Out against Violence

On Tuesday, August 4, 2009, the City of Chicago participated in the 26th annual event, sponsored by the Chicago Police Department and CAPS.  Dignitaries participating in the event, Emcee'd by 10th Ward Alderman, John Pope, at Calumet Park, included guest speakers, Mayor Richard M. Daley, Chicago Police Superintendent, Jody P. Weiss, 004th Police District Commander, Eric Carter, and other community leaders.  Several community service organizations were present, including those providing health information and testing for people attending the event, and representatives of CSI and some CSI member organizations.

Mayor Daley, Alderman Pope, Superintendent Weiss, Commander Carter, CAPS Coordinator, Antonio Salazar, and others, assemble with young CAPS marchers to start the walk against violence.   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Alderman John Pope opens the evening's events.  (Video by Kevin Murphy)

BIG Hosts its First Annnual Renewable Energy Series Event

Blacks In Green (BIG) hosted its First Annual Renewable Energy Series, which involved a two bus trip to the Illinois Renewable Energy Association's "Eighth Annual Illinois Renewable Energy and Sustainable Lifestyle Fair," held at the Ogle County Fairgrounds, in Oregon, Illinois.    Included among the BIG attendees was a substantial group of young people from Chicago's Altgeld Gardens community, students whose summer focus is on environmental learning.

BIG Founder and President, Naomi Davis, talks with Altgeld Garden students during lunch break at Ogle County Fairgrounds.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

PowerShed portable photovoltaic power source for homeowners.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Solatube Solar-powered  Attic Exhaust Fan.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Green Tour for Uhlich Children's Advantage Network (UCAN) Students

CSI Chairperson, Joann Podkul, conducted a bus tour for 40+ participants in a UCAN Summer program held at Altgeld Gardens.  The tour, a condensed version of the 2009 10th Ward Green Summit Tour, included 12 sites in Hegewisch, East Side and South Chicago that exemplified aspects of environmental innovation at a community level.

A major stop on the tour was at the Veteran markers in Wm Powers State Park, on Wolf Lake. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

CSI Chairperson, Joann Podkul (back to camera), briefs UCAN group prior to embarking on bus.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Students locate a veterans' group marker.   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Still spunky at tour's end.  (Photo by kevin Murphy)

CSI Bids "Farewell," & "Welcome," to SETF Environmental Educators

On Thursday, August 13, the Southeast Environmental Task Force hosted a Farewell Party for SETF's Environmental Educator, Jessica Cañas, who is leaving to further her education.    Members of various CSI--and other community--organizations attended the gathering, held at the Southeast Sportsmen's Club, to thank Jessica for her abundant contributions to environmental education during her time with SETF.  Those of us who have worked with Jessica will miss her dearly. 

At the same time, we are consoled that Jessica's replacement, Danielle Diaz, has already joined SETF, has worked closely with Jessica during the past month, and is well-versed, both in environmental, and in arts matters.

SETF President, Peggy Salazar, gives farewell hug to departing Environmental Educator, Jessica Cañas. (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Jessica Cañas expresses her mixed emotions about departing from SETF and advancing her professional education. (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Flying WILD Bird Festival

On Saturday, August 15, 2009 the Southeast Environmental Task Force, in conjunction with the Germano-Millgate Community Center, conducted a Flying WILD Bird Festival at Germano-Millgate, in South Chicago. The festival featured fun activities that taught participants, including Germano-Millgate Day Campers about birds, such as "Bird Bingo," "Jeop-Birdy," "Bird Olympics," and much more.  Participants had the opportunity to paint a bird house to take home, have birds painted on their faces, made bird wings, and to go on a bird walk.  The Festival was free and open to the public.

At the "Become a Bird" station (left foreground), participants were helped to make bird wings for themselves.   Station to the right of that hosted the "Bird Bingo" learning game. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Staff volunteer, Beatriz Cañas, operated the registration table.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Germano-Millgate resident volunteers operated the "Bird Bingo" station.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Young bird-man tests the wings that he acquired from the  "Become a Bird" station.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

New SETF Environmental Education Coordinator, Danielle Diaz, explains about "Becoming a Bird" to Germano-Millgate day-campers.   (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Flying WILD Bird Festival Event Director, Jessica Cañas, modeled CSI tee shirt for photographer.  This event was Jessica's last before she departed SETF to return to graduate school and a tour of duty with the Peace Corps.   CSI benefitted richly from Jessica's contributions during her tenure with SETF. (Photo by Joann Podkul)

KHU's First Annual Car & Bike Show

The First Annual Car & Bike Show Fundraiser for Knowledge HookUp Technology Learning Center was held on Saturday, August 15, 2009, at 106th and Avenue N, in Chicago.  First, Second, and Third Place trophies were awarded for both autos and bikes (motorcycles).  Experienced auto/bike show competitors were positively impressed with the event's turnout.

(Photo by Joann Podkul)

Knowledge HookUp Founder and Executive Director, Patty Fisher, presents trophy to one of the winners.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Trophies that were awarded  to category winners. (Photo by Kevin Murphy

Some of the contenders

Cars and their owners lined up along 106th Street.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

A noteworthy voice from the 1930s, the Auburn Speedster drew photographers like iron filings to a magnet.  Photo by Kevin Murphy)

"Bikes" were also well represented at the event.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

"Bike" trophy winner is captured by KHU photographer, Rita Alvarez.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

CMAP staff member answers questions of a discussion group.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Residents and members of various community organizations participated in the planning discussion.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

The "10th Ward Back to School Fest," sponsored by 10th Ward Alderman, John A. Pope and Chicago Public Schools, was held in Calumet Park on Saturday, August 29, 2009, from Noon to 3:00 P.M.    The hundreds of children, parents and grandparents were rewarded with free school supplies, medical, eye and dental examinations, contact with numerous social service agencies, refreshments, music, clowns and games, on a cool, but beautiful, late summer afternoon.

Music was an important part of the event.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Chicago Park District's "Kid Mobile" was a welcome feature. (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Alderman Pope and 4th Police District Commander Carter distributed school supplies.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

South Chicago's "el Valor" was among the social service agencies participating in the back to school event.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

A representative of the Walgreens "take care clinic" talks with interested parents.  (Photo by Joann Podkul)

Parents visit Newton Learning's "Free Tutoring" exhibit.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

CSI member organization, Blacks in Green™, presented the  4th part of its "First Annual Renewable Energy Series" in conjunction with Olive-Harvey College, at the college's main campus on Saturday, August 29, 2009.   Session 4, "Hot or Not? Energy Enterprise in Illinois," featured speakers from the Nuclear Energy Information Service,  Chicagoland Green Jobs Initiative, the AFL-CIO Center For Green Jobs, the Wilbur Wright College Environmental Technology Programs, the South Suburban Renewable Energy Association, with a special presentation, "Waste-To-Energy 101," by representatives of Plasmarrc LLC of Ohio, with questions from the mayor of Riverdale, Illinois, and representatives of South Suburban Mayors & Managers Association and the South Suburban Renewable Energy Association.   Attendees were also presented with Renewable Energy Kits that included Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs, faucet aerators, a list of all Chicago Recycling Centers, a Personal Energy Guide & Notebook, provided by CEDA (Community and Economic Development Association of Illinois, Inc.), and copies of the June/July issue of "Home Power" magazine, among other energy conservation items.

BIG™ Founder and CEO, Naomi Davis, welcomes participants to Renewable Energy Series, part 4, at Olive-Harvey College . (Video by Kevin Murphy)

Audience and presenters arriving at Olive Harvey College auditorium.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)

Douglas Taylor School Principal, William Truesdale, talks with exhibitor.  (Photo by Kevin Murphy)