oakwood shores september newsletter

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Children and Youth 2

Neighborhood News 4

Resident Programming 6

In the Community 7

Community Calendar 8

Boys of SummerWe are proud to report the great success of Oakwood Shores’ first community sports program, the Oakwood Shores Barons little league baseball team. The team has had such a great time that plans for next season’s sports are already in progress. Opportunities for winter baseball training and other sports activities may become available and interested players should check-in with Barons coaches and community center staff regularly for updates. We congratulate the Oakwood Shores Barons on a well-played inaugural season. For a first-hand account of being an Oakwood Shores Baron read, “Around the Horn,” an interview with catcher Shagari Montgomery on page two. Shagari shares why he enjoys being a Baron and his opinions of community sports.

Studies show that community sports empower youth to make smart and safe choices by providing positive role models and strengthening self-esteem. Keeping youth engaged in positive physical activity significantly decreases the likelihood of drug use, school dropout, and gang involvement. If your child would like to partcipate in community sports, please contact Rachel Faulkner at 773-967-9201 or [email protected].

Left to right: Toriano Watson, Jr., Jajuan Hall, Kimmon Watson, Tavares Parron, Christopher Maybry

Reminders• For information about this newsletter contact

Cristina Gomez at [email protected] or 773-967-9201

• For work orders call: 773-967-9207

• For emergency maintenance after hours call: 708-237-6153

• Parking permits are required to park in building parking lots. Unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner’s expense

• Cable or phone installation service is done between 9am and 4pm, Monday through Friday

• Maintenance hours are Monday through Friday 8:30am to 4:30pm

•Inflatable swimming pools, even small ones, pose a hazard to small children (your own as well as other residents’) and shouldn’t be used.

• Fireworks are never permissible at Oakwood Shores. Thousands of people visit the emergency room every year for burns resulting from firework injuries. And the debris left behind is very unsightly for everyone.

• If your kids need something to do during after school time, contact Rachel Faulkner at 773-967-9201 at our Community Center for ideas and referrals.

• Children are everywhere. Please drive slowly, obey all stop and yield signs, and watch for children playing in or near the street!

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Splash!COMMUNITY NEWS | SEPTEMBER 2010

2 The Oakwood Shores Newsletter

Children and Youth

Shagari Montgomery is the 12 year-old catcher for The Oakwood Shores Barons. Coach Angelo Grayer says, “ Shagari is an excellent player. He is always participating and gives 110%.”

So Shagari, what do you like about playing for the Barons? Shagari: It’s fun. I play with my friends. We do our best to win and get to meet different people and play against different teams.

The summer can be a dangerous time if kids don’t have places to be or things to do. Why do you think it’s important for kids to play sports? Shagari: Sports are great for staying out of trouble. It also gives you time to think about what you want to be when you grow up. I want to be an athlete. I’ve been playing football for a little bit longer than baseball, but I want to play both professionally. I could be a role model.

Shagari Montgomery, 12 years old

Around the Hornwith Oakwood Shores Baron Shagari Montgomery

And what about your coaches? Shagari: They are fun and they’re cool. Other coaches can be mean.

Shagari, you make it sound so easy. What are some of the challenges of playing baseball? Shagari: Sometimes you have to get up early. we practice a lot, Tuesday through Friday. We’ve had three games back to back and sometimes we have games at night. When the games are done, though, parents are nice enough to bring us something to eat. We eat sandwiches and Lunchables. They’re good. We also get chips and a drink. That is really nice of the parents.

That sounds like a really great community. Shagari: I like Oakwood. At Oakwood we get computers, a community center, and a baseball team. I think all kids should be able to get that. We’re lucky here at Oakwood.

Graduates From Digital Connectors Receive Personal LaptopsOn July 17, 16 high school aged youth graduated from the Digital Connectors program. The Digital Connectors program, in partnership with One Economy, taught participants internet safety, writing skills, blog creation, web design, financial literacy, and exposed them to a variety of new forms of media. During class, youth discussed current events and how to make positive social change in the community through interviewing residents about their concerns and then hosting the Urban League’s “I Am Empowered” event which encourages youth around the country to stand up against the youth violence in our communities. Each Digital Connector participated in at least two community service events, including putting computers together for senior citizens and park clean ups in Bronzeville.

The course took place in two afternoon sessions per week from January to July and was offered to any Oakwood Shores resident who age qualified. At the graduation ceremony each participant received a brand new laptop loaded with all of the necessary software to use in their homes and at school.

Digital Connectors II will launch this fall and will be a stipend-based program for teens particu-larly interested in digital literacy and advertising. For more information contact Rachel Faulkner at [email protected].

Marquis Hudson receives his diploma from The Community Builders, Inc. Vice President of Community Programs, Grace Moreno

photo by Cristina G

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photo by Rachel Faulkner

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School Spotlight:Ariel Community AcademyStill interested in enrolling your student in a new school this fall? Oakwood Shores recommends Ariel Community Academy, a neighborhood school located on 1119 East 46th Street. Kim Cumbo, parent of an Ariel Community 1st grade student says, “Ariel’s curriculum is at the forefront of math and science, my kids have been able to participate in all sorts of enriching programs. I would recommend Ariel to any parent looking to get their child a quality education in a supportive environment.” For more information call Ariel Community Academy at 773-535-1996.

Children and Youth

This year, six Oakwood Shores residents, ages 8 -13 attended overnight camp in Oregon, IL for three weeks. The opportunity to send Oakwood Shores youth to camp is a result of a partnership with Camp of Dreams, a nonprofit which serves children who would not normally get to go to overnight camp. Every other Saturday throughout the school year, all six residents attended Community Days at the LEARN Charter School in order to meet fellow campers, participate in fun ‘learning outside of the classroom’ events, and prepare for their three week trip. On Saturdays, campers were able to choose from activities like advertising through production, dance, learning Spanish through song, jewelry making, and drama. They also participated in camp-wide dodge ball tournaments and jeopardy games. On Sunday June 25, Kiana, Jervon, Alexis, Tatanisha, Deja, and Archie departed for camp. Each was placed in a small group with other campers in their age group and were

assigned to cabins with a counselor. Each day campers cleaned their cabins, ate meals with the rest of the camp community, had free time in the swimming pool, and participated in activities of their choosing. On visiting day, Deja reported that her favorite activity was the drill team and that she was most looking forward to performing in the Talent Show at the end of the summer. Kiana said that her favorite activity was swimming and that the pool was always her favorite place to be. Now that the Oakwood Shores campers have returned from camp they are well rested, well fed, and excited for their next year at camp. If this is a program you are interested in please call Rachel Faulkner, Youth Engagement Team Lead, at 773-967-9201. The program begins with Saturday activities in September. Spots are limited and are assigned on a first come, first served basis.

Dreams Come True:Youth Return from Camp of Dreams

The family of Tatanisha Robinson was happy to visit on Family Day.

More than 100 Youth Finish Summer InternshipsThis summer, Oakwood Shores students were placed in programs with Earn and Learn, NEXT STEP: College, Chicago Public Schools Internship, Urban Art Retreat, St. Joseph’s Summer Camp, Center for New Horizons, Neighborhood Police Department Youth Corps. Youth gained valuable experience and had insightful things to report.

“I like my summer job because I get to go on all sorts of field trips and I’m also learning how to work with youth and I will be able to use that in the future.” – LaTaisha Carothers, St. Joseph’s Summer Camp

“I like NEXT STEP: College because I am getting paid to learn things that will help me in school, and I have started to think about going to college.” – Paul Boss, NEXT STEP: College

“I’m working on improving the way kids see the police and the way police see kids, I think it’s a really important thing to do so I’m spending my summer doing something positive for us all.” – Orlando Potts, Chicago Neighborhood Police Youth Corps

Deja Thomas welcomes guests to her cabin.

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Neighborhood NewsKaBoom!Playlot Build is a Huge SuccessOn July 15, more than 250 Oakwood Shores residents and volunteers from The Home Depot Foundation and KaBoom!, a national non-profit, joined forces to build a state of the art playlot in just one day! Alderman Preckwinkle, Chicago Housing Authority Commissioner Sandra Young, and The Community Builders, Inc. CEO Pat Clancy helped kick-off the opening ceremony and day’s events. Planning for the playlot build began with a Design Day in May. Oakwood Shores residents and children came together to dream up the perfect play space. KaBoom! and Home Depot staff based the playlot’s design on the children’s ideas and worked with Oakwood Shores staff to make the children’s dreams a reality. The playlot, located at 627 E. 38th Street, will provide a safe and fun place for Oakwood Shores kids to play and grow for years to come.

Playlot Rules and RemindersOakwood Shores is excited to announce that the new playlot, located at 627 E. 38th Street, has officially opened. Please be advised of the rules below. If a member of your household or one of your household’s guests fails to uphold these rules it will result in a lease violation.

1) All children must be supervised by an adult at all times 2) The playlot is for Oakwood Shores residents and their supervised guests only 3) Food is not allowed on the playlot 4) Foul language is not permitted on the playlot 5) Pets are not allowed on the playlot 6) No alcohol or drugs are permitted on or near the playlot 7) No smoking is permitted on or near the playlot 8) You must be between the ages of two and 12 years old to play on the playlot equipment 9) Absolutely no vandalism or damaging of playlot equipment is allowed 10) No one is permitted on the playlot after hours 11) No trespassing 12) Lease violations will be issued to households who fail to uphold these rules 13) Have fun!

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Oakwood Shores welcomes residents to pursue their passions and interests by starting a group of their own or particpating in an existing group. If you are interested in joining in an established adult program or would like to start your own neighborhood group, please

Form Your Own Groupcontact Emily Vaughan at [email protected] or 773-967-9210. Oakwood Shores is always excited to host new community events and groups.

Neighborhood News

It has been a hot summer! These tips on staying cool during these last few days of summer will ensure Oakwood Shores residents stay safe and comfortable.

• Avoid running in and out of the apartment so cold air stays inside.

• Keeping your mini-blinds closed during sunlight hours can keep your apartment cool.

Keep Your Cool This Summer• Keeping your thermostat at a consistent

temperature can help keep your apartment consistently cooler.

• Avoid letting the apartment get too warm before turning on your air conditioner because it can take longer to reach a cooler temperature.

• Drink plenty of water and avoid caffeine drinks.

• Turn off lights that are not being used.

Oakwood Shores is currently in the process of building relationships with several community organizations looking for volunteers. If you are a resident with a little free time every week and would like to give back to the area, please give us a call so that we can connect you to a volunteer opportunity.

Volunteer for the Community Organizations like the Bronzeville Visitors Information Center, CYC-Elliott Donnelley Center, and many more are looking for your help. Thank you for your dedication to growing our local community! Please call Aaron Beswick at 773-967-9213 to get connected to volunteer opportunities in the area.

Cooling Centers Near Oakwood ShoresKing Community Services CenterOpen from 9am–5pm 4314 S Cottage Grove Avenue312-747-2300

Lower North Cooling CenterOpen 9am–5pm 2650 W. Fulton Street800-843-6154

Michigan Cooling CenterOpen 9am–5pm 70 E. 21st Street800-843-6154

Ain’t It Sweet!Founded in August 2006, Ain’t She Sweet Café is located in the Bronzeville neighborhood and prides itself on friendly service, fresh ingredients, and casual comfort. Artwork from local artists adorn the walls and all are available for purchase. Ain’t She Sweet Café invites you to come and experience the extensive menu and enjoy a calming and sophisticated atmosphere. For more information about Ain’t She Sweet Café or to book your next big event call 773-373-3530 or visit the website at www.aintshesweetcafe.com.

Present this coupon for 10% off your next purchase at Ain’t She Sweet Café.

4532 S. Cottage Grove Avenue

Chicago, IL 60653 773-373-3530

http://www.aintshesweetcafe.com/

Expires September 30, 2010 Approved by Margo Strotter


Resident Programming

Oakwood Shores Senior Apartments is a new 76 unit construction, independent living facility for the elderly (residents age 62 years and above) to be located at 3750 S. Cottage Grove Avenue. Look for updates about this unit in the coming newsletters.

Book ClubThe Community Center is excited to announce the start of its first Book Club. Fifteen residents have already signed-up to take part in this neighbor group under the leadership of Deborah Thigpen. The first book the group read was A Virtuous Woman by Kaye Gibbons. In August, the group will read Sula by Toni Morrison. Book Club meets every three weeks on a Thursday evening to discuss that month’s book and enjoy a potluck dinner.

Yoga ClassesOakwood Shores is offering a regular yoga class in the Community Center at 3711 S. Vincennes. The class will be taught by Shlise Nichols from Blissfolds Children and Family Yoga. This will be the first initiative in a larger effort to increase the health and wellness of Oakwood Shores residents.

Book Club and YogaNew Opportunities for Oakwood Shores Residents

Sophisticated SeniorsA community group founded in the 1970s in Ida B. Wells, the Sophisticated Seniors group is still running strong under the leadership of Ms. Lee Esther Peebles. Ms. Peebles was named president of the Sophisticated Seniors in 1995 and represents leadership and dedication to the neighborhood. The Sophisticated Seniors meet monthly in the Oakwood Shores Community Center at 3711 S. Vincennes Avenue on the second floor. The group has a strong passion to keep seniors active and involved in the area.

If you would like more information on becoming involved with these groups call Emily Vaughan at 773-967-9210 or e-mail [email protected].

Resident Security Working Group The Resident Security Working Group was established in May to address community safety and security concerns at Oakwood Shores. The first meetings have been focused on improving street lighting, increasing security officers on-site, and increasing communication to the community about the new security initiatives. The group has also been a strong presence at the CAPS meetings in an effort to voice community concerns to beat officers. Members of the Resident Security Working Group have also been involved in the formation of both a Mandrake Park Advisory Board and an Ellis Park Advisory Board. Both of these groups aim to address specific issues in their respective parks. The Park Advisory Boards are focused on holding the park district, the police, and the community responsible for enforcing park rules. Several Oakwood Shores residents have taken leadership roles in the formation of these groups. Oakwood Shores resident Kimberlyn McMorris is serving as treasurer of the Mandrake Park Advisory Board. The Mandrake Park Advisory Board has its meetings the third Thursday of every month at 6:30 pm in the Oakwood Shores Community Center at 3711 S. Vincennes on the second floor.

The Resident Security Working

Group meets on the last Wednesday

of every month at 6:30 pm at the

Community Center at

3711 S. Vincennes

on the second floor.

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In the CommunityC-YA Peace and Virtues RallyQuad Communities Youth Take a Stand

by Katie Ibara, C-YA facilitator

When the Saturday students of C-YA, the Chicago Youth Animators, were asked what the biggest problem in their community was, they all said violence. After talking about solutions to this problem and ways to serve the community at large, they came up with the idea of holding an anti-violence rally for Friday, April 16, 2010. The students decided to take some of the virtues they discuss and exhibit on a regular basis at C-YA and teach them to their peers. It was their idea to use this kind of character building in an effort to end violence, rather than just avoid it. They conceived the idea, planned out the details, and lead the group of students who attended in a successful and exciting Virtues Rally. The C-YA students gave an introduction and taught their audience of classmates the

C-YA theme song that they wrote. They also led breakout groups sessions including drumming, spoken word, acting, and dance. Each activity was used to express a virtue. Many of the attending students could not believe that their peers would be teaching them and leading these groups, but they were excited and surprised to see how well they were able to achieve both. The groups reconvened and gave four dynamic and creative virtue-based presentations. Invited guest speaker, Alderman Toni Preckwinkle, spoke about violence in the community and praised the students, especially the C-YA kids who organized the rally, for their efforts. To close-out the rally, the C-YA students gave a closing speech and sang the C-YA song once again. The pride and sense of accomplishment was apparent on the students’ faces.

Gallery Guichard and Oakwood Shores Partner for Art Openingby Ann Paul

The Gallery at Oakwood Shores opened this May with Changing Seasons: Spring curated by Andre Guichard of Bronzeville’s Gallery Guichard. First in a series of four quarterly fine art exhibits exploring seasonal elements of change, this inaugural show features established Chicago artists as well as youth artists from the Oakwood Shores community. Artists focused on themes of spring and its elements of anticipation, birth, and renewal. Oakwood Shores youth artists exhibiting artwork in the show are Abrille Dodd, Desiree Tellis, Martanisha Robinson, John Wallace, Erin Gardner, Alexis Ledford, Shakyra Dunn, and Raven Eulingbourgh. Youth Engagement Team Lead Rachel Faulkner facilitated the youth artists’ work and summarized their efforts, “The Oakwood Shores youth art show focuses on the things in and around the Oakwood Shores community that inspire our artists about spring: having barbecues in the park, riding bikes, playing pick up basketball and catching a glimpse of the White Sox fireworks from their balconies.” The community is encouraged to visit the Network Center on the corner of South Vincennes and Pershing to enjoy the works displayed in the gallery.

All artwork is available for purchase. The Gallery at Oakwood Shores, located at the Network Center on 3859 South Vincennes, is open Monday through Friday 9am to 5pm and on Saturdays 10am to 2pm.

Chicago Youth Animators celebrate a successful rally planned and led by youth.

Members of the Chicago Youth Animators beautify the city with inspirational murals.


September 2010

For information about this newsletter or to add events to the calendar e-mail Cristina Gomez at [email protected] or call 773-967-9211. All events are free. FD= Free Day BCM = Bronzeville Community Market

Oakwood Shores 3711 S. Vincennes Avenue Chicago, IL 60653

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday18pm Movies in the Park: Pretty in Pink History Museum

2Book Club 6-9pm

3Community Center Summer Hours End

4Community Center Fall/Winter Hours Begin

5Cinima Minima 2338 N. Milwaukee 8pm

6Yoga 6:30pm

7CAPS 6:30pm

8FD Museum of Science & Industry

9Sophisticated Seniors 12-2pm


11BCM 8am-1pm 4400 Cottage Grove Ave.


13Yoga 6:30pm

14FD Shedd Aquarium

15FD Field Museum

16Mandrake Park Mtg. 6:30pm

17VIVA! Latin Music Festival Mich.&Randolph

18BCM 8am-1pm 4400 Cottage Grove Ave.

19Concert for Chicago Millenium Park

20Yoga 6:30pm

21Jazz at Museum of Contemporary Art

22FD Field Museum

23 24 25BCM 8am-1pm 4400 Cottage Grove Ave.

26FD Chicago History Museum

27Yoga 6:30pm

28Jazz at Museum of Contemporary Art

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oakwood shores september newsletter

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