THE END OF AN ERA NORTH OF HOWARD......

In the fall of 1987,  Sister Cecilia Fandel of the Servants of Mary Order (founded in 1233 in Florence, Italy) arrived at the Howard Area Community Center to begin her service to the residents of the North of Howard community.  It would be the beginning of a 24 year commitment that officially ended with her retirement at the end of June 2011.  Over the years, Sister Cecilia has been a dedicated 'community activist' providing leadership, direction and spiritual guidance to thousands of residents.  Our neighborhood would be a far different place were it not for her work and commitment over the years. 

It's impossible to list all the specific contributions she has made in this limited space but some of the highlights are: she was instrumental in creating, supervising and managing the Community Garden at Juneway and Hermitage; she played a key role in initiating and organizing the community in establishing and overseeing Triangle Park and is responsible for the amenities now in Triangle Park, i.e., benches, water fountain, the recently built Fitness Course and the Peace Pole; she was instrumental in the planning and building of the Harold Washington Memorial Playlot on Paulina, as well as the Willye White Recreation Center and Park at Marshfield and Howard; she established, organized and lead the HACC Seniors Club; she taught at the Howard Area Alternative High School; she spent countless hours in organizing and leading community meetings dealing with untold issues of concern and importance to the neighborhood and it's residents.

 

In recognition of outstanding achievements and contributions to the City of Chicago, Mayor Richard M. Daley and the Chicago Department of Aging  presented Sister Cecilia with the 2009 Luminary Senior Citizens Award, which is the highest award of the Chicago Senior Citizens Hall of Fame into which she was also inducted. 

In nominating Sr. Cecilia for the award, Pamela Barnet, executive director of Howard Area Community Center, wrote: "Sr. Cecilia's dedication to the Rogers Park community is truly inspiring. Her actions and words are a guiding light to neighborhood residents. Above all, she leads community members to take action together and realize their own strength. I cannot think of any single individual who has had a greater impact on our community, and I truly believe there is no one more deserving of induction into the Chicago Senior Citizens Hall of Fame."

This was not the first time Sr. Cecilia was recognized for her service. She received the Spirit of Rogers Park Award from the Rogers Park Community Council (1999), the Friends of the Parks Individual Award, "For organizing and mobilizing community groups for park protection and improvement in North Rogers Park" (2003), and the Unsung Hero Award from Howard Area Alternative High School, "In honor of your spirit, your dedication, and your devotion to the students here over the past five years" (2005).

Her years of community commitment, dedication and service are unparalleled. She has made our North of Howard (Germania) neighborhood a better place for all and made those of us whose lives she touched, better human beings.  Words alone can not do justice in expressing our gratitude. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, Sister Cecilia! We wish you God speed in your retirement and future endeavors.

(On Friday Sister Cecilia will be moving to Ladysmith, Wisconsin.)

NoH PARKS ADVISORY COUNCILS MEETING TONIGHT....

Willye White, Washington Playlot & Triangle

PARKS ADVISORY COUNCILS MEETING

Tuesday, July 20th, 7:00 P.M.

Willye White Community Center

1610 Howard Street

Everyone is invited to attend and become involved

in the programing, operation and use

of YOUR neighborhood parks!

ONE WEEK AGO...........

Photos from the 1st Annual "Rogers Park Men Can Cook" competition..... (better late than never) !

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1st Place Winner, Michael Cain, accepting his Award and  prize from Willye White Park Advisory Council members Michael Harrington and Eva McCann.  Congratulations to Michael and thanks to all the participants and volunteers who made this event a success.  See you next year! 

NEWS FROM NORTH OF HOWARD

Join your friends and neighbors at the Friday night neighborhood walks:

http://howardwatchers.blogspot.com/2010/05/noh-walks-and-neighborhood-nights.html

NEWS FROM THE WILLYE B. WHITE RECREATION CENTER: FRIDAY NIGHT HOOPS

Willye B. White Park

 

Youth between ages 13-15 are participating in 'Inner City Hoops' basketball tournaments every Friday at the Willye B. White Park Community Center. The first event was Friday, March 12th and will be held every Friday, with the last event being April 23rd. The event begins at 5:00 pm and lasts until approximately 7:30 pm.


Throughout the duration of the 'Inner City Hoops' tournament, the Park Advisory Council will be operating a concession stand, selling hot dogs, chips, cookies, bottled water to raise funds.  All proceeds will go to help fund after school programs and summer camp for underprivileged children.  Stop in, catch a tournament, and enjoy a hot dog or just donate to the kids fund.


Through it's fund raising efforts the Council offered 80% discount stocking stuffers for the Winter Holiday so kids could attend park activities while on break.  The 80% discount was carried into the winter Park District program session and will continue with the spring program session.  Program sessions are 10 weeks and the Spring 2010 session runs from March 29th  thru June 6th.


Willye B. White Park & Recreation Center
1610 W. Howard St.
1-773-262-5051


For additional information visit
www.willyebwhitepark.org

NOH PARKS ADVISORY COUNCILS MEETING

The 3 NOH PARKS ADVISORY COUNCILS

WBW Park, HWM Playground & Triangle Park

Invite YOU to their

Monthly Meeting

7:00 P.M. on Tuesday, March 16th at

WBWhite Park Community Center

1610 W. Howard

Contribute your thoughts & ideas for Parks programing, management and security issues.

Please Join Us and Get Involved!

COMMUNITY REMINDER!

The 'Renaming Triangle Park' poll is online @http://www.renamingtrianglepark.blogspot.com/

Who should Triangle Park be named after?

3 days left to vote!

Note: Paper ballots are available at

The Willye B. White Recreation Center, 1610 W. Howard!

OFFICIAL DEDICATION CEREMONY AND CELEBRATION!

(click to enlarge)

Read Fred Mitchell's coverage in today's Tribune!

PARK WATCH WORKSHOP AND ORIENTATION TONIGHT

Hi Neighbors:

TONIGHT, Aug. 26, at Willye White Rec Center, from 7-8pm, there will be a PARK WATCH orientation from Mayra Gomez, who does this sort of thing for 2 police districts, 24 and 20. So she knows her stuff.

This will operate similar to a BLOCK WATCH, only the focus will be our three parks North of Howard. We will be registered as an official entity with the Chicago Police Department, and when we call for assistance, we are better equipped to know what/how to talk to 911 and get police action. You will also learn more about the city ordinances that cover the regulations and use of the city parks & playlots and the responsibilities of the police (since 1958), and the Park District. BE INFORMED and INVOLVED.

In addition, I know some of you may have novel ways of getting cooperation from the youth in our neighborhood and building a raporie with them which will go a long way to making our neighborhood and it's parks and the playlot safe and enjoyable places to be.

The goal is to get at least 2-3 dozen people involved in PARK WATCH, so that no one person or group has to carry the burden alone. AND it can be fun. It CAN be a good way for you to take that first step in getting involved in the community and taking responsibility to help it develop and grow to be an REAL community, not just a community where groups live side by side, but never interact with each other.

Thank you,
Sr. Cecilia Fandel,Chairperson
NoH Park's Safety Committee

DON'T MISS THIS END OF SUMMER FESTIVAL: CELEBERATE JAMAICA!

(click poster to enlarge)

IRIE, Mon!

For a map showing the location of Triangle Park go to the OFFICIAL

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Web Site!

MUST READ

To the community:

We need your help.


We all want our playgrounds and parks to be a safe place for children and adults. Wishing for it won’t make it happen.

There has been ongoing disregard for play equipment, property, and other rules of Harold Washington Playground. Many times there are no adults supervising. Sometimes there are adults there, but they allow their children to disregard the rules posted. Some adults are there but do not get actively involved in reminding children of the rules or their behavior. Police have had to be called to restore order.

The Parks advisory councils and safety committee asked for a meeting with the Park District and Police which took place on July 30.

The Park District and Police strongly advised that there be active neighborhood involvement in watching the playground/parks. The Police said they would back us up with appropriate action, including arrests, or other process if it involves a minor. The Park District said it would levy fines and press for restitution of property damages.

But the community must do its part by organizing a strong Neighborhood group to be Park Watchers, especially from 5pm – closing time.

Tomorrow, Tuesday night: National Night Out Look for the table next to the CAPS table in Willye White Park. Please stop by and sign up to be a Park Watcher. Thank you.

Safety Committee for the Willye White, Harold Washington, and Triangle Park Advisory Councils – 773-973-4812.

NATIONAL NIGHT OUT TOMORROW

National Night Out 2009

We are working very closely with the 24th District Police Department for this year's National Night Out because Beat 2422 is the only beat that is holding an event due to police department budget cuts. So it is especially important to pull our resources together to make this an especially fun, and informative event for the 24th District.

Again I am asking for your participation in this wonderful event that brings families and neighbors together for an evening of solidarity, safety and community fun.

To take part in the Community Information & Resource Fair all you have to do is gather some information about your organization, bring a table and a chair or two to sit in. You may want to bring an umbrella for some shade too if it is really sunny and come out and enjoy the summer evening in Willye White Park. Get to know the neighbors, commune with nature and enjoy the festivities.

- There will be a small petting zoo and ponies for the children to ride from 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
- A children’s choir
- We will have an aerobics demonstration
- There will be a police roll call
- There will be lots of games for the kids
- Community Information and Resource Fair

Date: Tuesday, August 4, 2009
Time: 5:00 – 8:00
Where: Willye White Park, 1610 W. Howard Street, Chicago
Cost: Free of charge to set up a table

The event will culminate with dancing in the park from 8:00 – 9:00

Set-up time begins; at 4:00

Clean-up & pack up will happen from 8:00 – 9:00 while others are dancing.

Please let me know if you will join us again this year so we can reserve a space for you.

Thanks, We look forward to seeing you.

Eva McCann
CAPS Facilitator, Beat 2422
24th District Police Department
National Night Out, Committee Chair
elm@clstoons.com
h: 773-761-8206
c: 773-495-8725

PHOTOS FROM SATURDAY'S FATHER'S DAY FEST FUNDRAISER

(click photos to enlarge)

For more photos and coverage go to:

24/7 North of Howard Watchers!

CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY: PARTICIPATE IN THE FAMILY WALKATHON FUNDRAISER

(click poster image to enlarge

AN INFREQUENT SIGHT AT THE CHILDREN'S PLAYLOT

Age appropriate children, with responsible adult supervision, having a wonderful outing at the Harold Washington Memorial Playlot.

(click photos to enlarge)

This is why so many of us worked for over 10 years to get the HWM Playlot built. I am currently serving as the President of the Park Advisory Council for the Playlot and urge and encourage residents of the community to join us at our monthly meetings, the 3rd Tuesday of each month, 7PM, at the Willye B. White Park Recreation Center, 1610 W. Howard Street. We need your input, ideas, support and involvment. If you have questions please contact me at luckenbach@rcn.com or 773-465-2433.

Mike luckenbach

CELEBRATE FATHER'S DAY

This year, celebrate Father's day by supporting our neighborhood youth! Here's how!

UP DATE: A MEETING REMINDER FROM SISTER CECILIA

Hi everyone:

Because of the threat of bad rain, we WILL meet at

Willye White Recreational Center on 1610 Howard street

Still 7-8pm.

spread the word.

See you there.

Cecilia

Original Meeting Announcement

Hi everyone:

Triangle Park council meeting on Tues at 7pm in Triangle Park.

Triangle Park Advisory Council Meeting – June 2, 2009 7:00-8:00

Held at Triangle Park Picnic Area – Bring a chair or campstool.

Here is the Agenda:

1. Welcome and Introductions

2. Meeting with Derek Martin, North Region Area Supervisor

3. Peace Pole Project – where to put it, a peace garden also?

4. Cultural Festival – Jamaican community members will explore ideas on celebrating Jamaican Independence Day (Aug. 6) some weekend near that date.

5. What other event could Triangle Park hold before November?

6. Information on Grant Proposal to obtain exercise stations.

7. By- law changes will be noted for discussion. Approval in July.

8. Other events coming up at Willye White Park.

9. Next meeting date: July 7.

Cecilia

NOH (GERMANIA) COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENT

A reminder........

Meet With The Triangle Park Advisory Council

Neighbors:

Please mark your calendars: May 5, 7-8pm.

Triangle Park is at the intersection of Juneway and Hermitage. Currently I serve as President of the Triangle Park Advisory Council. Ralph Johnson is Vice-President. We have two other members.

There is also a Triangle Park Garden Group to care for the “Rock Garden” or any additional gardens that may occur.

This is a call for neighbors to learn more about Triangle Park, and to consider becoming a member of the Council so that it will be a top-notch exciting leisure park for all our neighbors.

I will be hosting an information meeting about TRIANGLE PARK, e.g. What is its purpose? What is the vision for it?

It will be held Tuesday evening, May 5th, 7pm – 8 pm. It will be held in the picnic area of the Park. Bring a lawn chair if you have one.

We will also be recruiting new members to serve on the council, and sharing what that might mean in terms of your time and talent.

Thank you. See you there.

Sister Cecilia Fandel
773-973-4812
crf1229@sbcglobal.net

NOH PARKS CLEAN-UP PHOTOS

(click photos to enlarge)

'Snowflake', Supervisor of the HWM Playlot

'clean-up crew'.






The shadow is the 'clean-up crew' and photographer, mcl.
Break time after a job well done.


Meanwhile, at Willye B. White Park

Another job well done! Thanks to, Toni, Paula, Eva & Tim!

JOIN THE NOH PARKS CLEAN-UP: SPREAD THE WORD!

A message from Eva McCann:

Hello Friends of our Parks,

Come on out and celebrate the beauty of our Parks and help pick up garbage on Saturday morning, April 18th from 9:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.

Join a group in Dubkin Park at Fargo and Ashland, Triangle Park, Harold Washington Playlot, and Willye White Park. I personally will be at Willye White Park.

Come with plastic bags for garbage, grocery bags will do just fine, some gloves and a smile on your face to greet others who will be there to help make our parks cleaner and more beautiful.
Let our parks know that we care about how they look. Parks are living things too you know.

Hope someone brings a camera to take pictures to share and we can send them to Friends of the Parks and the Chicago Park District to let them know we are out there doing our part to keep our parks attractive, and welcoming for all.

We can meet up at Charmers at Jarvis & Greenview and talk about the interesting items we found in the parks, then go on our merry ways to celebrate the rest of the day and enjoy the long anticipated spring weather.

By the way there is another city wide Clean and Green on Saturday, April 25th. The Alderman's office will provide, brooms, shovels, gloves, really big bags and refreshments, 9:00 - 12:00. Folks will be gathering to clean the streets and parkways. For more information about the city's clean & green call 338-5796.

Hope to see you in the Parks on April 18th and many thanks for all of your help.

Eva McCann
CAPS Facilitator, Beat 2422
Willye White Park Advisory Council

h: 773-761-8206
c: 773-495-8725
elm@clstoons.com

Parents, Grandparents and other Adult mentors are encouraged to bring their 'young people' to participate. It's a great opportunity to educate them about the importance of taking responsibility for and care of our neighborhood and it's parks.