Finally caught that little gator

[VIDEO] A long way from the south side, but that alligator that was lurking in the ponds of Humboldt Park on the north side has finally been caught. It was lurking those ponds for a week and caught the attention of the entire city.

Peace in Cole Park August 17 & 18

You might have seen this in a e-mail blast from 6th Ward Ald. Roderick Sawyer earlier this summer. Peace in the Park - After Dark: Overnight Camping Experience. To take place in Cole Park - 361 E. 85th Street from 2:00 PM on August 17, 2018 to 8:00 PM on August 18, 2018.

You may have seen some blurbs on this blog about such an event overtime on this blog.

Movies in the Park "Home" at Abbott Park TONIGHT

One of the last "Movies in the Park" will be showing TONIGHT. Meet us at Abbott Park, 49 E. 95th Street (That's 95th & Michigan).

The movie begins around 8pm (i.e. Dusk). You are welcome to bring blankets, chairs, and food

We hope to see you

there TONIGHT!

Send an e-mail to bloh@thesixthward.us before 7pm today if you'd like to connect with one of the writers of this blog!

This event is sponsored by the Chicago Park District.

Brown Memorial Park dedication

As part of an e-mail blast from the Greater Chatham Alliance we received this page from the Chicago Independent Bulletin regarding the recent dedication of the Brown Memorial Park dedicated to fallen Chicago firefighter Sidney Brown who died in August 1983. Information from e-mail blast:

• See the post event coverage of the Rededication Ceremony of the Sidney Brown Memorial Park.
  
  The mayor’s wife was there! Lots of area firefighters were there! Plus GCA and area neighbors were there too!
  
  Our own community area paper, the “Independent Bulletin,” with courtesy coverage from editor Hurley Green, shows you board members from the Brown Park Advisory Board, who helped to celebrate the life of the first African American firefighter to give his life in the line of duty in Chicago--Sidney Brown,park namesake.
  
  In attendance as Brown Park Advisory Board members were GCA President Craig Thomas, and GCA members Claire Addams and Ora Jackson.
  
  See attached jpeg photo.

Jahmal Cole visits Washington Park #MBMHMC

[VIDEO] Jahmal Cole in his ongoing webseries My Block My Hood My City visits Washington Park. Before he heads to the court for a game of hoops he visits two establishments Currency Exchange Cafe & RTW Veteran's Center. A recurring theme when Cole visits the many Chicago communities is to find an eating establishment. And we also see a very touching story regarding how the veteran's center came into existence.

BTW, we also get some man on the street interview on how the Washington Park community has changed. It has changed for the better, but many still describe the surrounding area at least west of Washington Park as still "the hood".

DNA Info: Ryan Harris' Mom Still Waiting for Field House at Park Named for Slain Girl

Sabrina Harris by DNA Info/Josh McGhee

It seems at times that this blog often visits Ryan Harris Park located at 6781 S. Lowe Ave in Englewood. Ryan Harris was 11 years of age when she was murdered in 1998 not far from this park. Harris' mother is now sounding the alarm of an unmet need at the park named for her daughter:

When Sabrina Harris visits the Englewood park renamed after her 11-year-old daughter, who was brutally raped and murdered just a few blocks away, she sees 16 years of broken promises from the city and local politicians.

Ryan Harris Memorial Park, 6781 S. Lowe Ave., was renamed in 1999, almost a year after her daughter's death. Since then, aldermen and the Chicago Park District promised Harris a field house and a restroom facility that have never been built, even though close to $500,000 has been donated toward it.

"I’m wondering what’s the hold up now?" asked Harris at a news conference at the park Thursday morning.

"You all have the funding for the park and for the facilities you all said the park [needed] and it’s been 16 years and I still don’t see it. And I haven’t been contacted as far as when will the structure be allowed to be put up," she said.

According to Harris, Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th) donated $200,000 to the project and state Sen. Jacqueline Collins (D-Chicago) donated an additional $350,000. Sawyer could not be reached for comment.

Collins did make the donation for bathrooms to be built but has received pushback from the Chicago Park District about building the facilities, a spokeswoman for Collins said.

The Chicago Park District did not immediately return calls about the project.

Before the park was built, Sabrina Harris played around the open lot as a child, but now the park is an emotional journey for her. As she walked around it Thursday she broke down in uncontrollable tears several times. A viaduct, which serves as a backdrop for the park, shields the area where police found her daughter almost 16 years ago in July.

May this park receive the attention it needs and be truly a place for leisure and play with nothing but peace!

Tribune: Artists gather to reclaim Englewood parks during 'So Fresh Saturdays'

Night Out in the Parks

The first event for "So Fresh Saturdays" at an Englewood Park takes place Saturday from 3 to 8 p.m. in Hermitage Park, 5839 S. Wood Street. It's part of the Chicago Park District's Night Out in the Parks. In the meanwhile more info from the Tribune  :

A collective of community-based poets, rappers, musicians, dancers and other artists will gather Saturday in Englewood to kick off a series of free outdoor festivals in the neighborhood, officials said.

“So Fresh Saturdays” is a series of gatherings designed to get residents out into their local parks to claim the spaces for child’s play, said Asiaha Butler, a long-time Englewood resident and president of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood.
The move comes just as school is about to let out for summer and the warm weather will drive more people into the city’s public spaces.

Gathering in the parks to play, entertain and educate young people, the group hopes, will leave little room for gang members and adults committed to wrongdoing to take over the areas.

“We know … we have to blend arts and entertainment with activism in order to engage and address issues we have throughout the neighborhood” Butler said in a released statement.

Chicago Public Schools Spring Break 4/14-18

Reminder: There is no school for all Chicago Public School students Monday 4/14-Friday 4/18. All Chicago Park District parks are open as well as there are other options 
http://chicagocityoflearning.org/spring-break-adventure

Although there are activities that young people can enjoy we will have those who will be in the neighborhood unsupervised. We will have to be on alert this week.

PHOTO: "#Chiberia" in Abbott Park

Click picture for a larger resolution

Before the warmer temps and rain came by on Friday, I took this panorama of Abbott Park on Wednesday just to show the snow that accumulated over the past weekend. Many of our parks could look like a version of "chiberia" I'll bet! Does anyone else have any winter weather pics to share?

CBS Chicago: Chatham Park Event Honors Fallen Police Officer

[VIDEO] CBS Chicago's Mike Parker paid a visit to Cole Park - 361 E. 85th St. - honoring the life of Chicago Police Officer Thomas Wortham IV. He was murdered near the park back in 2010 and since then has been host to a number of events including Peace in the Park after Dark which have been held in his honor.

Chatham Unification Event At Cole Park

The Nat King Cole Park Advisory Council cordially invites you to join them

Saturday
April 27, 2013
1-4pm
Nat King Cole Park
361 E 85th Street (King Drive)

Come out as we recommit to "Save Our Park and Save Our Community". There will be

• Chicago Park District Registration
• Free Food (Children under 18 must be accompanied by adult)
• Raffle
• Free Fitness Classes

Come out and see what Cole Park has to offer. Volunteers and Business Owners who want to donate food or raffle items are welcome.

Cole Park Accepting Used Sports Equipment

The price of sporting equipment continues to rise and is becoming a barrier for some young people to participate in some sports. As part of the Clean and Green effort, please consider donating used sporting equipment to the park so it can continue to be enjoyed by a new generation. Cole Park is accepting the following items:

• Baseballs/Softballs
• Baseball Gloves
• Basketballs
• Baseball Bats
• Soccer Balls
• Tennis Rackets/Balls
• Footballs
• Volleyballs/Nets
• Gently Used Cleats( No Metal)

Items can be brought to the park at anytime. The park cannot accept home gym equipment at this time.

Save the Date: Chatham Unification Day Event at Cole Park

The Nat King Cole Park Advisory Council cordially invites you to join them

Saturday
April 27, 2013
1-4pm
Nat King Cole Park
361 E 85th Street (King Drive)

Come out as we recommit to "Save Our Park and Save Our Community". There will be

• Chicago Park District Registration
• Free Food (Children under 18 must be accompanied by adult)
• Raffle
• Free Fitness Classes

Come out and see what Cole Park has to offer. Volunteers and Business Owners who want to donate food or raffle items are welcome.

What's happening In The 6th Ward April 2013

 There are plenty of events going on in the community that are FREE or nearly free.

Saturday
April 6, 2013
10:30am
6th Ward Meeting
Greater Salem Baptist Church
215 W 71st Street

Saturday
April 6, 2013
10:00am
Chicago State University TIF Seminar
   Chicago State University
    9501 S King Drive

Tuesday
April 8, 2013
Time: TBD
Chatham Business Association Seminar
Legal Aspects of Starting A Business
8441 S Cottage Grove

Saturday
April 13, 2013
9:00 am
Expungement Seminar
Ruggles Elementary
7831 S Prairie

Saturday
April 20, 2013
All Day
6th Ward Clean and Green
Various Locations

 










Saturday
April 20, 2013
10:00 am- 1 pm
Illinois Service Federal Shred O Rama
8700 S King Drive

Saturday
April 20, 2013
10:00 am- 1 pm
Chesterfield Community Council Home Expo 2013
90th S King Drive

Saturday
April 27, 2013
1:00 pm -4 pm
Cole Park Unity Day
Nat King Cole Park
361 E 85th Street


 Movies and Music

Thursday
April 4, 2013
6:30pm
Free Angela Davis
Chatham 14 Theaters
210 W 87th
Free: Must RSVP at Eventbrite

Friday
April 12, 2013
6:30 pm
Black College Dance Exchange Concert
Chicago State University
9501 S King Drive
Admission: $10

Monday
April 22, 2013
Time: TBD
Chicago State University Community Band Concert
Chicago State University
9501 S King Drive

 

The Forgotten Land: 80th Wabash

Most residents of Chatham are aware that the Chicago Park District owns Cole Park, Brown Park and Tuley Park. But, most are not aware that this is not the only land they own in Chatham. The Chicago Park District also owns a parcel at the Northeast corner of 80th Wabash. There were several initiatives under the Daley administration to clear vacant properties that had become a nuisance to the community and transfer them over to the Chicago Park District to be used for recreation of some sort.

This lot has been vacant for some time now and this is the time the Chicago Park District is preparing their Capital Budget for the next 5 years. So what would you like to see happen with this site?

Click here to take survey

NOTE: The above survey is not endorsed by the Chicago Park District nor The 6th Ward Aldermandic office. The survey results are non binding and will be used for research purposes.

Chatham Parks: A Few Good Men and Women Wanted

As we enter into spring and the temperature starts to rise our young people will start to come into the parks in our community. Our Chicago Park District parks supervisor, Gene Morgan, has done a yeoman's task of creating opportunities for our young people to engage in positive activities. He has created tumbling, gymnastics and soccer teams that compete in citywide events and is planning more for the spring and summer. Gene and his staff have gathered young men from 13-18 to play in Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's basketball tournament.

Unfortunately, because of budgetary constraints the current staff cannot accompany the teams to play in the tournament that will be held at Jackson Park on Thursday and Friday evenings. The teams need coaches who can commit to working the entire 47 week schedule. Coaches must be Chicago Park District certified volunteers. Individuals interested can obtain a volunteer form from the Chicago Park District website http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/assets/1/7/Volunteer_Application_for_Adults.pdf  and for information on the basketball program or other volunteer opportunities contact Gene Morgan at 312.747.6063.

Over the last year, many residents have expressed their displeasure with the condition of Brown Memorial Park http://www.chicagonow.com/concerned-citizens-of-chatham/2012/05/the-fight-to-save-brown-memorial-park-is-race-a-factor/ . The park needs an overhaul as the playground equipment, tennis courts and grounds in general are in disrepair. The Friends of the Parks, a non for profit organization that supports the parks is accepting applications from community groups to be selected for one of 35 playgrounds they will build this summer. A copy of the application is below. Any group(block club, community based organization, church, etc.) can apply

Chicago Plays Application by Worlee Glover

Chatham Parks: A Few Good Men and Women wanted

As we enter into spring and the temperature starts to rise our young people will start to come into the parks in our community. Our Chicago Park District parks supervisor, Gene Morgan, has done a yeoman's task of creating opportunities for our young people to engage in positive activities. He has created tumbling, gymnastics and soccer teams that compete in citywide events and is planning more for the spring and summer. Gene and his staff have gathered young men from 13-18 to play in Mayor Rahm Emmanuel's basketball tournament.

Unfortunately, because of budgetary constraints the current staff cannot accompany the teams to play in the tournament that will be held at Jackson Park on Thursday and Friday evenings. The teams need coaches who can commit to working the entire 47 week schedule. Coaches must be Chicago Park District certified volunteers. Individuals interested can obtain a volunteer form from the Chicago Park District website http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/assets/1/7/Volunteer_Application_for_Adults.pdf  and for information on the basketball program or other volunteer opportunities contact Gene Morgan at 312.747.6063.

Over the last year, many residents have expressed their displeasure with the condition of Brown Memorial Park http://www.chicagonow.com/concerned-citizens-of-chatham/2012/05/the-fight-to-save-brown-memorial-park-is-race-a-factor/ . The park needs an overhaul as the playground equipment, tennis courts and grounds in general are in disrepair. The Friends of the Parks, a non for profit organization that supports the parks is accepting applications from community groups to be selected for one of 35 playgrounds they will build this summer. A copy of the application is below. Any group(block club, community based organization, church, etc.) can apply

Chicago Plays Application by Worlee Glover

Ben Wilson: A Dream Unfulfilled

  Basketball fans know the names Marcus Liberty, Nick Anderson, Derrick Rose and the 2012-13 consensus #1 high school basketball player Jabari Parker. Marcus Liberty, from Chicago King was the #1 player in the country in 1985 and the rest attended Simeon High School. Chicago basketball fans know all those names and one more Ben Wilson. Ben Wilson became the first Chicago Public League basketball player to be named the consensus #1 basketball player in the country.

 17-year-old Ben (Benji) Wilson was a symbol of everything promising about Chicago. A sweet-natured youngster from the city's fabled South Side, Chatham community, and America's top high school basketball prospect. Nicknamed "Magic Johnson with a jump shot," Wilson's natural talents and drive assured his best years were yet to come.  Ben Wilson  was tragically killed in November 1984 the day before his senior season ,the outpouring of grief city-wide was unprecedented.

 While I understand this ESPN produced this documentary for television I felt that this documentary needed to be shown on the big screen. I feel that all high school students and athletes especially basketball players need to see this documentary. They need to understand that the senseless violence must stop and the hurt of this violence affects more than the person it is afflicted on but it hurts family,friends, team mates, communities, etc.

 I was present at the memorial put on by his Simeon teammates. The memorial held on the courts he made at Cole Park,was attended by Chicago High School basketball elite. Recently, Cole Park has again become a place where basketball best play as the former #1 college player and the current #1 high school playerhave recently played. Unfortunately, I also saw first hand the pain of his death that still exist.

 The timing of this documentary is amazing as in 1984, the 2012-13 consensus #1 high school basketball player again is a Simeon student Jabari Parker.

  The producers and ESPN thought this documentary needed to be seen as well. The documentary has been shown at film festivals around the country including the Tribeca Film Festival in New York. Last month a special screening took place for the family and close friends on one night and Nike sponsored an invitation only screening the next night at Simeon High School. Now it time for the rest of Chicago to see what so many have talked about.

The Chicago International Film Festival  screened the documentary, three times last week including two screeings with the producers Chike and Coodie.

Finally,  ESPN will air the documentary Tuesday
 October 23,2012
 7pm
 FREE
  

For more information on Ben Wilson, please visit the official website for the Ben Wilson Foundation http://alive-25.com/, Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/178516408948866/?fref=ts or Twitter #neverforgotten

This Week's Important Events In the 6th Ward

There is a lot going on this week in the ward. There are important events where important information will be disseminated and some fun events for both children and adults. Some of you state you never see Alderman  Sawyer, so here is your chance to support your community and speak to the Alderman about your concerns.

Tuesday
July 17, 2012
6:30 pm
Chesterfield Community Council Meeting with CHA Section 8
Tuley Park
90th King Drive
www.chesterfieldcommunitycouncil.org

Tuesday
July 17, 2012
6:00pm
Bi-Monthly Meeting
Kelly Library
 6151 S. Normal Blvd
http://ragenglewood.org/

Wednesday
July 18, 2012
10am-3pm
City of Chicago Resource Fair
Grand Crossing Park
7655 S Ingleside



Wednesday
 July 18 2012
 6:30pm
Hyde Park Township Tax Appeal Forum
South Shore High School
1955 E 75th St
 FREE

Friday 
July 20, 2012
8 pm
Capt. America
Myering Park
7140 S King Drive
Free (Refreshments will be available for sale
Park District Security will be present

Saturday
July 21, 2012
11:00am
Monthly Meeting
St. James Lutheran Church
8001 S. Michigan

Saturday
July 21, 2012
10am
Taste of WVON
Lorraine Dixon Park
87th Dauphin
Free
www.wvon.com

The following events are on-going through the end of July

 
Tuesdays
July 10,17,24,30
Dusk(6:30 pm)
Movies on the Grazz
Chicago State University
9501 S King Drive
  www.csu.edu
FREE
 
Wednesdays
July 11,18,25
5:00 pm
Jazz on the Grazz
Chicago State University
9501 S King Drive
  www.csu.edu
FREE 

Wednesdays 
July 11,18,25 
10:30 am 
Kids Rule Movie Day 
ICE Chatham 14 Theater 
210 W. 87th Street
 http://www.icetheaters.com/images/Kidsrule/KidsRule2012.jpg 
$2.50 (FREE Bag of Popcorn) 
 
Saturdays 
July 7,14,21,28 
8:00 am 
Zumba 
ICE Chatham 14 Theater 
210 W. 87th Street 
http://www.icetheaters.com/

Save The Date: 6th Ward Picnic

Come join the Sixth Ward Democratic Organization and Sixth Ward Alderman/Democratic Committeeman Roderick T. Sawyer for a fun-filled afternoon of food, fun, and games as they host its annual “Picnic in the Park” on Saturday, August 4 at Tuley Park located at 90th and King Dr. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bring your food and barbecue grills while Team Sawyer provides the entertainment and music featuring local guest DJs throughout the day! For more information, call (773) 635-0006 or (773) 516-1871.