A news report from Ivan Villafuerte, Neighborhood Sports Chicago/LISC Chicago’s New Communities Program As the jubilant members of the East Garfield Park basketball team celebrated, straining to touch the trophy they had just claimed, it was clear they had won more than a basketball game and a gold statue. The 2010 Hoops in the...
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A new retail/residential development project in Hyde Park won approval Thursday, Aug. 19,  from the Chicago Plan Commission. The mixed-use property along South Harper Avenue and East Hyde Park Boulevard will contain 179 condominium units in two buildings, a two-level retail center and a 400-spot parking garage. City officials hope developing the area will...
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There’s a place where sinners go to confess their sins; a sanctuary of sorts for those seeking guidance or forgiveness, and once they’re done they expect absolution. Nevertheless, not all confessions are worthy of such forgiveness. Churches can be the landscape for many events, they provide a setting for anxious couples on their wedding...
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A news report from Ed Finkel, New Communities Program Residents of South Chicago and surrounding neighborhoods visited eco-friendly buildings and other environmentally significant sites in their communities during the Green Summit Tour on May 29. Coordinated by NCP lead agency Claretian Associates and narrated by Ald. John Pope (10th), the three-hour-long meandering journey on a bus...
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Violence in Chicago is nothing new, and as the hot summer months are upon us crime has escalated and the Far South Side is the “hot spot” of illegal activity. The Chicago Police Department has said that they cannot alleviate the situation alone, and are looking for assistance from the community. This summer, much like...
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By Ed Finkel, New Communities Program It was almost like Lollapalooza for the elderly. About 400 seniors gathered for free health screenings, and health-related information while enjoying lunch, bingo, a raffle and live music during the 14th annual Cinco de Mayo Senior Health and Resource Fair on Chicago’s South Side. Hosted in the gymnasium...
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Despite heartfelt pleas from students, parents and faculty, Phillips High School, located on Chicago’s South Side, will be closed. The school, after a full turnaround, will reopen next school year with a new principal and staff. Phillips, located at at 244 E. Pershing Road, has been placed in the care of the Academy of Urban...
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On Thursday, May 20, Parker Elementary Community Academy will be performing for the first time “The Wiz that Wuz.” Youth Guidance Resource Coordinator Ben White said he was inspired to create this condensed version based on the popular African-American play “The Wiz” because he wanted to stress the importance of believing in yourself for...
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In comparison to its North Side twin, the South Side of Chicago is lacking when it comes to comic book stores. Its only victor is one small store that’s holding its own. First Aid Comics in Hyde Park reigns supreme as the only comic book store on the South Side of Chicago. Although there...
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Local school councils are out, Renaissance 2010 is in, and the fight against the machine has only begun. Activists and experts have taken a stand to bring back public schools and public involvement in education; they said they are fighting for their voice. Pauline Lipman, policy studies professor at the University of Illinois at...
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