From the Alderman
Vol. 9, No. 4
January 2014
5th Ward Alderman
(847) 373-2965
[email protected]
CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS MOST
FIRST & THIRD MONDAYS
City Chambers second floor –
8:30pm. Meetings are aired live
on Cable T.V. Channel 16.
5TH WARD MEETINGS 3RD
THURSDAYS OF EVERY MONTH
Fleetwood Jourdain Community
Center. Meetings start at 7pm.
CITY’S MISSION STATEMENT
“The City of Evanston is committed to
promoting the highest quality of life for
all residents by providing fiscally sound,
responsive municipal services and
delivering those services equitably,
professionally with the highest degree
of integrity.”
VISION STATEMENT
“Creating the most livable City in America.”
We in the FIFTH WARD will do our best
to help fulfill both of these.
The December Ward meeting always means
good food, lots of fun and a great fellowship.
The 2013 meeting had all of that, and more! I
believe we had chicken in every possible way it
can be prepared and Mr. Louis Weathers made
a pot roast that was out of this world; I think we
all had seconds. Desserts were beyond
descriptions and I for one tasted too many.
There was a wonderful fellowship as we all exchanged views about
current issues in the ward. Although we don’t normally have presentations,
we did have Mr. Bobby Burns as a guest and he wanted to share some
data about the proposed street cameras. He expanded on some information that we had already received from the Mayor at last month’s meeting
and suggested we look deeper into the data that ETHS has shared about
student safety. There was a great exchange of ideas and views about
cameras between Mr. Burns and residents.
The fun came with the fellowship as some got better acquainted with
newer residents and first time attendees and the sharing of what we hope
to have happen in the coming year. I think we all wondered ‘Just where
did 2013 disappear to so fast?!’ I know that’s a question for me.
To all, we wish you a Happy, Healthy and Productive 2014.
Want to help with the Newsletter?
We welcome submissions and your assistance in creating a
vibrant and engaging monthly newsletter. Please feel free to
contact us at [email protected].
THE ANONYMOUS VOLUNTEER
By Janet Alexander Davis, with a little help from some friends…
Community Services
for extensive list, visit:
www.cityofevanston.org
City Staff Contact
847-866-2700
Services
Fleetwood-Jourdain Center
847.448-8254
Hispanic / Latino Outreach
847.866.2959
Landlord Tenant Ordinance
847.866.2925
Legal Assistance
847.475.3703
Minority Bus. Asst./MBE Coord.
847.448.8078
Permits / Block Party
847.866.2922
Youth Engagement Coordinator
847.448.8049
___________________________________
5th Ward Committees
5th Ward Meeting Organizing
Carolyn Murray
Hospitality/Volunteerism
Dorothy Headd
Lois Wedlow
Patricia Poster
Muffy McCauly
Gwen White
Beverly Dyer
Newsletter/PR
Editors: Anna Renée Ross,
Bernie Bates, Barbara Blades,
Cheryl Brown
Submissions: Janet Alexander Davis
Layout: Dino Robinson
Photos: James Davis
Printer: Generation Copy
Some time ago, one of my neighbors started shoveling snow for other
neighbors. I thought how thoughtful of them to help another neighbor
who now has reached an age where removing snow from their walkway
is a real chore. It brings to mind the idea of me being conscious of others in this New Year by intentionally looking for ways in my neighborhood
to be of service. There are those who live alone with no additional help
to navigate life's issues. Those who are widowed. Those whose health
and lack of wealth prohibits them from paying for the help they need.
There are those who may not be friendly so you look past them and miss
the signal that help is needed.
I grew up on Leland Avenue where neighbors looked out for one
another as an every day duty. Our basements used to routinely flood, so
using our neighbor’s tools, an extra hand and showing concern was a
way of life for us. When snow blowers became available, you just didn't
do your property, you cleared your neighbors’ property too. The sharing
of baked goods and fruit was one of the ways my Mother gave back to
the neighborhood. We have a neighbor now who will cross the street to
use his snow blower to remove the snow from others’ main walkways. I
am sure he doesn't know each neighbors’ name, but when he clears
snow for himself, he does it for all.
In this new year of 2014, it might be nice to look for ways to do for others just because we can; even if it‘s just to go out of out of our way to say
Hello to those we may not know. Finally, to acknowledge we are all in this
together and that as you exceed expectations, you may bring me (and
hopefully others too) along with you.
Barbara Blades offered these memories, “This article reminds me of
when we moved into our house and Mrs. Burge (a retired school teacher
who raised her family on Maple) sent over a loaf of homemade bread.
She used to invite neighborhood children to do art projects or to look at
a “Charlotte’s Web” on her bushes, or she would have ladies’ lunches.
Her example for us younger women was carried on after she passed.”
Anna Renee Ross remembers being organized by her mother to
walk the neighborhood delivering homemade holiday treats or to collect
well-wishes and monies for families in need.
Some of what we may have been lost not being connected to our
neighbors is the stories that we’d share. Perhaps you have a fond memory of a friend or you see a kind act on your street - if you’re comfortable,
please share your thoughts and maybe doing so will help knit our community together more closely. Feel free to send your memories or observations to: [email protected]
Have a wonderful New Year!
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TRANSITIONS
Ethel (Nesbitt) Bowie, leaves to
mourn her husband of 57 years, Albert
F. Bowie Sr.; a daughter, Sharon; her
son, Albert Bowie Jr.; two grandchildren
Alyneisha and Finnis Bowie of Peoria,
IL; a sister, Mamie Thomas of Elmira
NY; three brothers, Roy James (Mary)
Nesbitt of Stone Mountain GA, Rufus
(Donna) Nesbitt of Jackson, LA and
Calvin Nesbitt of Dublin, GA; seven sisters-in-law, Pauline Hemphill of
Evanston, IL, with whom she shared a
sisterly bond and often referred to as
her best friend, Virginia Nesbitt of
Dublin, GA, Barbara Nesbitt Of
Warner-Robins, GA, Linnie V. Kennedy
of Weir MS, Ann Miller and Lillian
Peake, both of Akron OH, and Darlene
Bowie of Skokie, IL. One special brother-in-law, Adolfis Bowie of Detroit,
MI; a very special nephew/son,
James (Lucy) Nesbitt of Evanston,
IL; two adopted daughters, Julie Katz
and Irma Alvarez; a god-daughter,
Rosemary Martin; a host of nieces,
nephews, cousins, extended family,
cherished friends and the Springfield
Missionary Baptist Church family.
Pecola Ann Hall, leaves to mourn her
loving husband and soul mate, Charlie
C. Hall; three loving children, Jerome
(Wanda) Hall, Michelle (Benson) Saintil
and Roland Hall; seven sisters, Linda
(preceded) Jay, Johnnie (preceded)
Perrin, Janie Pruitt, Donna Palmore,
Helen (James) Moore, Gloria (Bobby)
Lowden and Denise Conley; one brother, Henry Thorton; ten loving grandchildren, NaTasha, Michael (ShaRita),
Kimbrince, Trasee, Tenisha, Brandan,
Trae, Shaquille and Maia; two greatgrandchildren, Corde and Serenity. In
addition, Pecola has a host of family
and friends including specials sister
friends, Rose Patterson, Ellen Lackey,
Lillie McCray, Rachel Hall (sister-in-
law), Hattie Jennings, Ernestine
McCray, Faye Priester, Linda Wilson,
Pearl Howard and Claudia Paden.
Floyd D. Gibert, leaves to cherish his
memories, his mother, Nadine Cokley;
his father, Floyd D. Gibert Sr. and stepmother, Dawanna Gibert; his children,
Demyjah, Floyd III, Demarion, Damone,
Dezire and Nevaeh; step-fathers, Greg
Hardin(Vanita) and Arthur Davis; brothers, Antwane Cokley, Lintrel Gibert
and Lorelle Gibert; sisters, Nataysha
Seaton (Eric), and Lorissa Gibert;
adopted siblings, DeMarcus and
Dasharra Cokley; step-brother,
Martelle Davis; grandmother Elizabeth
Wilson Cokley; aunts, Donna Wilson,
Mary Cokley, Beth Wilson, Marilyn
McBride, Rev. Brenda Gibert-Miller
(Ken), Carolyn Gibert, Julie GibertGray and Evette Gibert; uncles,
George Wilson, Michael Gibert
(Gertrude), and Kevin Gibert; special
lady for many years, Deangela
Bamberg; special friends, Kevin Miller,
Anthony Sayles, Danielle Dean and
Latia Phelps; special cousin, Kevin
Houston; and a host of cousins, family
and friends.
Josie Heard, leaves to mourn her
passing her son, Dan Harris Sr., grandchildren, Evangelist Loleeta McBride,
Dan Harris Jr., Lamont Harris, Margaret
Fisher, Albert Harris; great-grandchildren, Katherine McBride, Tammy Carter,
Effie McBride, Nefretiri McBride,
Kashan Harris, Wesley Harris; greatgreat grandchildren, Dishon McBride,
Anthony Williams, Lisette McBride,
Gabrielle McBride, Isaiah Bradley,
Miracle McBride, Gabriel McBride,
Paris Harris, Amara Woods; and a host
of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Gregory “Gentle Giant” Kennedy,
leaves behind to cherish his loving
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memory his wife, Jeanette Kennedy;
mother, Helen O. Kennedy, three siblings, Clifford Kennedy, Darryl Kennedy
and Terrance (Annie) Kennedy; a
mother-in-law; three sisters-in law; two
brothers-in-law; five children, 11 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; a special nephew, Nicholas Chanting; aunts,
uncles, nieces, cousins and a host of
other family and friends. With a special
love and adoration for Aunt Flozelle
(Jimmy) Young and cousin, Rooselvelt
(Beverly) Buck. Gregory was preceded
in death by his father, Otis Kennedy Jr.
and his grandmothers, Mary Kennedy
and Elnora Gray.
Robert E. “Gene” Sanders, his
beloved mother, Mary Jane preceded him in death. He leaves behind to
cherish his memory his father,
Robert (Helen) Sanders of Evanston,
IL; a son, Antwuan (Rebecca)
Sanders of Chicago, IL; a daughter,
Raquelle Sanders of Romeoville, IL;
a brother, Richard (Tina) Coleman of
Baltimore, MD; two sisters, Pauletta
Coleman and Charlette Sanders of
Evanston, IL; and a host of nieces,
nephews, aunts, uncles, cousins and
friends.
John C. Woolridge, leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife,
Gwen; his caring children, Joni
Charalambous, John C. Woolridge, Jr.
and Brianna Woolridge; three grandchildren, Alexandra, Stelios and
Christian Charalambous; his siblings,
Anniebelle Woolridge, Barbara Flippen
and Joseph Woolridge, all of Richmond
VA; his in-laws, Rebecca and Mildred;
three godchildren, Raven Burkes,
Kylan Dennie, and Elijah Perkins; special friends, Bill Artley and Will McNair;
devoted neighbors, J.R., Mitch and
Ken; and a host of many special nieces,
nephew, cousins and friends.
BLOCK CLUBS
BROWN NEIGHBORS
Lynne Greene, [email protected]
CHURCH STREET VILLAGERS
Cindy Levitt, 847-491-9765
COMMUNITY ALLIANCE
Carlis Sutton,
Second Tuesdays, 6:30 p.m.,
at Bethel A.M.E. Church
COMMUNITY AWARENESS
Mrs. Theola Murphy, 847 -864-2857
DARROW NEIGHBORS
Meagan Novara, [email protected]
FIREMAN’S PARK NEIGHBORS
Barbara Blades, [email protected]
Matt Doherty,
[email protected]
GARNETT PLACE NEIGHBORS
Robert Taylor, [email protected]
GREY NEIGHBORS
Eleanor Lord, 847-475-1456,
[email protected]
HOVLAND NEIGHBORS
Pat Smith, 847-408-8398,
First Saturdays, 3:00 p.m. Mt. Carmel
HARTREY BLOCK CLUB
Charlene Payne,
847-866-8119, Monthly meetings
LAUREL BLOCK CLUB
Samuel Headd, 847-866-8578
LEMAR BLOCK CLUB
Russell Dumas
MAYFAIR NEIGHBORS
Todd Smith, 847-309-5630,
Meet as needed
THE HILL GROUP
Muffy McAuley, 847-475-5120,
[email protected], Meet as needed
SMITH PARK NEIGHBORS
Patricia Widmayer, [email protected]
Meets monthly
WEST END AREA BLOCK CLUB
Sandra McZier, 813-503-1192
Meet 2nd Tuesdays
A LITTLE DAB
By: Ina Sherman, CADC, Chapman Center, NorthShore University Healthsystem
Unfortunately for parents, there seems to be no end of new drugs that
can endanger their teenagers. While most are familiar with the prevalence of marijuana in our high schools, there is reason for additional concern about a new form of the drug. It is a waxy or oil-like version made
by cooking it down with butane, that increases the concentration of THC
(marijuana’s active ingredient) from 25% to over 80%. Not only is the
cooking method dangerous due to the toxicity of traces of butane remaining, but the extremely high level of THC can bring an unexpectedly
strong and addictive high.
Once the oil is extracted from the marijuana, one “dabs” it on a heated metal surface, like the head of a nail, and inhales. This method is the
origin of the process’ nickname - “dabbing.” And because the method of
preparation bears an uncanny resemblance to making meth - it is sometimes referred to as the “crack of pot” - with an increasing number of
resulting accidental explosions. During this era of the popularization of
medical marijuana, and the recent law enacted in Colorado making the
sale of recreational marijuana legal, it has become harder to convince
teens that there is danger in trying and using the drug.
Yet there are new studies that conclude that there is a significant negative impact on the brain development in adolescents. Awareness of
“dabbing” gives parents another opportunity to have “that conversation”
with their children. If you need additional information about this or any
other drug, please call the recently opened facility for adolescent treatment at the Deerfield Chapman Center at 847-400-8484.
REFLECTIONS/OBSERVATIONS
By Iris Bolden
This time of year is twofold, on the one hand,
it is for some a joyous season, a time for family,
friends, a reflection of the past year and promises for the coming year. But for some, it is a time
of sadness and memories that are painful to
recall. Those of us that are able can make a visit
or perhaps a phone call to provide a little cheer.
My sincerest wish for us all in 2014 is that God
continues to wrap his loving arms around us,
that we continue to show our love for our fellow
human beings, and that we express kindest and love to all.
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NEIGHBORHOOD SCENES
COMMUNITY PHOTOGRAPHIC ESSAYS
This new section is devoted to sharing images of our lovely 5th Ward. Anyone can submit photos, but please
include the photographer’s name, the location of the image(s), and, whenever possible, the people in the photograph – that’s always helpful! We will do our best to share your pictures, as space allows. Please send submissions to [email protected].
FIREMEN’S PARK, LOCATED AT MAPLE AND SIMPSON WINTER, LATE AFTERNOON
Submitted by Barbara Blades
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EVANSTON GAS MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT
Phase 1
January 6, 2014 – February 6, 2014
arrange an appointment.
All United Meters personnel will be displaying a badge
authorizing them as a Nicor Gas subcontractor.
Location and Limits of Affected Area:
Darrow Ave between Simpson St and Church St
Ashland between Emerson St and Lyons St
Wesley Ave between Emerson St and Simpson St
Green Bay Rd between Foster St and Emerson St
Ridge Ave between Emerson St and Clark St
Lyons St between Dodge Ave and Darrow Ave
Payne St between Ashland St and Darrow Ave
Emerson St between Dodge Ave and Green Bay Rd
Jackson Ave between Simpson St and Payne St
Project Contacts:
Dan Kellogg, Project Supervisor, (630) 816-5645
Email: [email protected]
United Meters Incorporated
800-603-8964
Description of Work:
In preparation of Nicor Gas 2014 Main Replacement
Program, a Nicor Gas contractor (UMI – United
Meters Incorporated), will begin spotting services to
identify where the new meter(s) will be placed on
your property beginning in January. At the same time,
they will locate the position of your existing gas service line. Our personnel will need access to your property to accomplish these tasks, because the location
of the meter outside is typically dictated by the placement of your home or business’ indoor piping. If UMI
is unable to obtain access to your property, a notice
will be posted with their phone number to call and
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