Welcome to Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference information and doings
Return to home. hydepark.org contents navigator. General Meetings. HPKCC meetings (this page, below)
NEW! Hot Topics and Community Issues home. Members' home and information pageContact us at hpkcc@aol.com
or phone 773 288-8343.
1525 E. 53rd St. #907, Chicago, IL 60615
Website www.hydepark.org.
Sign up to "find out about it": hpkcc.chicago@gmail.com. FACEBOOK. A 501c3 Illinois not for profit. Officers
NEW! Ask to join our e-alert list: hpkcc.chicago@gmail.com. Committees/Committee Contacts
HPKCC MEETINGS AND EVENTS. Used Book Sale preview/updates.
Announcement of Annual Meeting Sept. 12, 3 pm Neighborhood Club.HPKCC PRESS RELEASES: Fall Garden Sale, Used Book Sale
MEMBERSHIP FORM: Join, support our work. (note). Deductible as per law. 2010 MEMBERSHIP LETTER.
Becoming a member, member services, chairs, updated dues scheduleMEMBERSHIP FORM (printable)
USED BOOK SALE news- here, detail page.
ABOUT HPKCC . MORE About HPKCC. Mission. Early HISTORY and involvement in Urban Renewal
Informational brochure (printable in pdf)Committees/Programs. Details...HPKCC news and members homepage
THE CONFERENCE REPORTER index/navigator to issues. NEW! Visit the May 2010 Reporter FLASH issue. AUGUST 2010 ISSUE just out- view in pdf. (Note- Annual mtg changed after to 3 pm.)
CURRENT FOCUS.
HPKCC HELPS NEIGHBORHOOD CLUB TEENS LEARN THE CITY VIA TRANSIT
See letter/releaseGo 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]
Internet Safety Seminar held, next planned for October 16
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.
Garden Fair holding fall sale;Used Book Sale being organized
SPAF takes on documentation of Woodlawn District after overseeing Harper Theater structural study
NEW! See a report from our urgent update seminar for condo associations. And in the FLASH
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 Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is a
501(c)3 not for profitNeighborhood Association since 1949- 60 years!
The Conference publishes the quarterly Conference Reporter for members and friends, and maintains hydepark.org.
Access Reporter issues. Join the Conference to get Reporters at your door first class mail.
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. NOTE THAT THE ONLINE FORM'S "NONPROFIT" CATEGORY REFERS TO 501c3s. 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 January 2010 Reporter and May Reporter Flash are out and worthy of your dues support. See January in pdf. Features includeHPKCC 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 for a Taste of SpringFollow up with the May 2010 "Reporter Flash" for members
Ready to be mailed to members and be posted in this site in pdf: The August issue featuring
Hyde Park Used book Sale Is ON!
Dreams of Spring--The Fall Garden Fair
From the President's Desk... Harper Court Redevelopment--Boon or Boondoggle?
HPKCC Helps Club's Teens Learn City via Transit
Elm Playlot Advisory Council members review historical drawings and plan projects.
HPKCC Schools Committee Plans Upcoming Activities
Toward a Hyde Park Village
Summertime at Blackstone Library
HPKCC Annual Meeting coming September 12, Board Nominees
Qumbya and Co-operative Living
How to get on our email list and friend us on Facebook!
Membership form and committee/program sign up
Vitae- our officers, board, programs, and how to reach usAugust 2010 Conference Reporter. Features:
Hyde Park Used Book Sale is ON!
Dreams of Spring--The Fall Garden Fair,
President- Harper Court- Boon or Boondoggle?
HPKCC Helps Club's Teens Learn City via Transit,
Elm Park Playlot...,
HPKCC Schools Committee Plans Upcoming Activities,
Toward a Hyde Park Village,
Summertime at Blackstone Library,
Save the Date-Annual Meeting and Election,
Qumbya and Co-operative Living,
Join the email list and fan us on facebook,
Board-programs-contacts.
The HPKCC board of directors holds open monthly meetings in first Thursdays, 7 pm, 1525 E. 53rd St. 4th floor conference room. Next: June 3.
Our busy committees meet regularly.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.
Officers (Executive Committee) elected October 1, 2009
President Jay Ammerman
Vice Presidents (1st) Jane Ciacci,
(2nd) Brenda Sawyer
Secretary Trish Morse
Treasurer Mark GranforsBoard including officers
Jay N. Ammerman, Lenora Austin, Nancy Baum, Amy Becker, Gwendolyn Bonds, Richard Buchner, Peter Cassel, Jane Ciacci, Michael Doss, Judy Dupont, Irene Freelain,Amy Girst, Mark Granfors, Camille Hamilton-Doyle, Anita R. Hollins,Trish Morse, David Nekimken, Brenda Sawyer, Jack Snapper, jack Spicer, Ismail Turay, James W. Withrow.
Emeritus: George CooleyNominating Committee chair Jane Ciacci (pro tem)
Membership cochairs: Jane Ciacci, Irene Freelain
Finance chair: Mark Granfors
Editorial chair: Jay Ammerman
Coming HPKCC MEETNGS & EVENTS- informational seminars!! Details in Meetings...
Annual meeting and nominees
Monthly board meetings- are open to the public. 1st Thursdays at 7, 1525 E. 53rd 4th floor
September 2, October 7, November 4, December 2
Watch for the next in the Friends of Blackstone Library Despres Family Lecture Series- last Wednesdays, Next in the fall. 4904 S. Lake Park.
Blackstone Library lectures and panels- see in Friends of Blackstone, Culture and Arts CalendarSchools Committee meets August 30, Monday, 7 pm, place tba. Nancy Baum
Annual meeting and election- September 12, Sunday, Neighborhood Club 3 pm (changed)
Nominees for a 3-year term: Lenora Austin*, Peter Cassel*, Jane Comiskey, Darryl Crawford, Mike Doss*, Mark Granfors*, Timika Hoffman-Zoller, Gary Ossewaarde (* running for a second allowable 3-year term).
Bios will be available at the sign in table from ahead of the meeting.The HPKCC Annual Meeting has been scheduled for Sunday afternoon, September 12, at 3 p.m. [time change] the meeting will take place at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood (corner of 55th and Kenwood). This event is always important for the membership to attend. It gives you a chance to hear from local leaders about what has happened during the past year, and what is going to be forthcoming. it also reviews the state of the Conference and community.
Most important is the memberships' need to elect one-third of the board of directors of the Conference. This years eight nominees are expected to include Lenora Austin, Peter Cassel, Jane Comiskey, Darryl Crawford, Mike Doss, Mark Granfors, Timika Hoffman-Zoller, Gary Ossewaarde
Leaving the board this year will be Nancy Baum, Richard Buchner, and Trish Morse. Join the rest of the conference in electing the new board and thanking the current directors.
(From Aug. 2010 Reporter)Fall Garden Fair Mum and Bulb Sale- In 2010 October 2, Saturday, 9-6. HP Shopping Center Courtyard. PRESS RELEASE
Used Book Sale (detail page)- October 9, 10, 11, co-sp. Treasure Island, in Hyde park Shopping Center Courtyard 55th & Lake Park Avenue.
Note: BOOK COLLECTION STARTS AUGUST 15, lower level of Treasure Island.
Book pickup if necessary does not start until September 1- Call Jane Comiskey 773 324-0750- VOLUNTEERS ARE NEEDED- ALSO CALL JANE COMISKEY.
General questions- Jane Ciacci- kjc2@uchicago.edu or 773 419-1384.
PRESS RELEASEInternet Safety- Child/Teen Parent focus. October 16 afternoon. Kenwood Academy. Details tba.
We strongly encourage members and residents to attend the presentation and review meetings on the Harper Court/53rd-Lake Park 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.
Current focus. 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.
And we DO THINGS- like 2 garden fairs, and a used book fair 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.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.
Grant: June 3, 2010- to Hyde Park Neighborhood Club for its Summer Teen Program.
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
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.
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
Chair Gary OssewaardeVisit Hot Development specific and Hot Development general discussions and links pages
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.
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 LibraryFOBL 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!June 23, Wednesday, 6 pm. Rebecca Janowitz reads from and talks about her book Culture of Opportunity: Obama's Chicago, The People, Politics and Ideas of Hyde Park
Kids- Sign up to read books and get cool prizes this summer "Reading is Art Rageous." Artists- sign up to talk to the kids about your life as an artist- elcarter@chipublib.org.
Lots of other programs also.
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.
Next October 16- internet safety for parents and children.
51 years!! A wonderful celebration was held May 31, 2009.
Learn about its 1st 50 years in the April 2009 Reporter (in pdf).Fall Bulb and Mum Sale takes place unusually late, October 2.
HP Shpg Ctr Courtyard. PRESS RELEASE
Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference is thankful for the work of the Committee and for its major contribution to the funds of the Conference.Visit the Garden Fair website for details. Committee page. Liaison and information about: rumsey@aol.com.
Volunteer with Sue Purrington, 773 363-4368.Watch for next February's three-part Winter Lecture Series (see their site.)
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.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 WebsiteParks 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.
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 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 2010 tba
Schools Committee Prospectus for an Asset-building coalition for our youth.
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 August 30, Monday, 7 pm, place tba.
Learn about the most recent HPKCC Schools Committee public event, 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.Chairman James Withrow has a large blog on all these matters: http://alwaysintransit.typepad.com/hyde_park_urbanist/2008/11/gray-gold.html
Hyde Park
Hyde Park Used Book Sale. Columbus weekend (2nd weekend in October) yearly, Saturday-Sunday 1-6. Monday 9-4. Presented and managed by HPKCC as a fund-raiser for our programs; 2010 PRESS RELEASE
Sponsor: Treasure Island Foods, Inc. See in the linked page the "thank you letter."
Co-chairs Jane Ciacci and Jane Comiskey.Book collection starts August 15 in Treasure Island Lower Level (Hyde Park Shopping Center, 55th and Lake Park). Book pickup is not a regular service but can be done starting September 1- call (or to volunteer) Jane Comiskey, 773 324-0750.
Sale Fri. and Sat. October 9 and 10 9 am-6 pm, Mon. October 12 9 am-4 pm. Prices reduced 2nd day, Monday by box or bag and afternoon free. Also Call Jane Comiskey to arrange for free bulk pickup by nonprofits Monday.
and Safety
Learn about HPKCC's WhistleSTOP and community safety action program. 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.
Chair Camille Hamilton-Doyle
