The "Uptown Theatre" is now clear of all traces of the ugly graffiti that has covered its eastern face for quite some time now. Could this be the beginning of the planned rehab or just a routine clean-up by the caretakers?
Friday, September 28, 2007
'Graff Art' Erased
The "Uptown Theatre" is now clear of all traces of the ugly graffiti that has covered its eastern face for quite some time now. Could this be the beginning of the planned rehab or just a routine clean-up by the caretakers?
History Crumbling
Seen today on the northside of the Wilson El station. How the CTA and our elected officials let this station decay to this point is beyond us.Thursday, September 27, 2007
'Vis Vitae' Construction Resumes
We walked past the "Vis Vitae" site today and noticed work has resumed. The underground parking garage has been covered and the large crane at the site was in full swing with workers bustling about. With decent retail, this development could be very good for that stretch of Clark. We look forward to another "Starbucks" in the neighborhood as well.
'Thai Uptown' A Welcome Sight On A Bleak Stretch Of Broadway
Uptown residents may be unaware that there is a "diamond in the rough" near the intersection of Broadway and Wilson. "Thai Uptown" has been serving up traditional thai rice and noodle dishes for some time now at 4621 N. Broadway. We stopped in recently during lunch and were surprised at the welcoming decor and very reasonably priced lunch specials starting at $5.95.We can highly recommend the crag rangoons and mongolian beef.
"Thai Uptown" can be reached at 773-561-9999 for take-out orders and hours of operation. If you haven't checked it out yet, we encourage everyone to do so. There are many vacant storefronts in this area and perhaps if business owners see an area finally thriving, they will be more likely to open new restaurants/businesses in the area.
Be Thankful Smell-O-Vision Hasn't Been Invented
After exiting the train at Wilson, residents and visitors to Uptown are first greeted with a ceiling collapse that has YET to even be repaired yet (what's up with that?) and then when exiting on Broadway they get to pass by a urine and god-knows-what-else soaked entryway to a long vacant CTA storefront. Although its hard to tell in the pic, that gray panel separating the window from the sidewalk is so crusted over with year's old urine that its literally rotting away. We guess that our decrepit ol' Wilson stop is a low priority on the CTA totem pole. Ron Huberman (CTA president and Uptown resident) must plug his nose when he walks by and then covers his head to protect it from falling debris when entering this station. He might even close his eyes so he can pretend it isn't that bad. If you are tired of the constant deterioration of this station, give the CTA a call at 1-888-968-7282.
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
The Answer My Friend, Is Blowing In The Wind
What's going on at Borders lately? We spotted two broken windows on the building and now the Broadway side of the property is covered in trash. We need "CleanSlate" over there pronto!
That Can't Be Safe
These wires lay where a CTA bus stop was removed in front of the long vacant Azusa Building at Broadway and Montrose (the building that was supposed to have its decorative terracotta removed in July). How long before someone is hurt? The wires are simply wrapped in black electrical tape. Yikes.
That Bench Must Not Be Comfortable
Seen today at Broadway and Wilson. The gent on the ground was spotted there for several hours munching potato chips and watching the buses pass by.Tuesday, September 25, 2007
Community Forum On Budget Cuts, Sept. 27 At 7pm, Mundelein Center Auditorium, Loyola University
Dear Readers:As local elected officials, we have an obligation to our constituents to provide them with a voice in Springfield. This year, we spoke with many local groups and organizations about their needs and concerns to help deliver improved services.When crafted a new state budget, we worked to pass a responsible spending plan that serves those most in need, including persons with disabilities, immigrant and refugee families, the homeless and individuals suffering from AIDS. Further, we worked to provide needed funding for local schools, park districts, fire stations, municipalities, economic development and to assist our senior citizens.This funding was secured in order to provide our most needy residents with the services they rely on. However, Gov. Rod Blagojevich disagreed. He not only cut these crucial local projects from the budget, but in doing so he insulted the integrity of many worthy community groups by labeling the funding as 'pork'. Now the ability of these organizations to provide needed programs to the families they serve has been severely damaged.
We are hosting a community forum at 7pm on Thursday, Sept. 27, at the Mundelein Center Auditorium of Loyola University, 1020 W. Sheridan Road to hear from area community organizations and local governments about how the governor's harmful budget cuts may affect their operations and ability to provide services.We encourage anyone who is concerned about the loss of these needed projects to attend this hearing. It is important that we build the necessary support for an override of the governor's vetoes, and your attendance at this forum can help build the necessary momentum. We look forward to seeing you there.
STATE REPS:GREG HARRIS (13TH)TONI BERRIOS (39TH)RICH BRADLEY (40TH)JOHN DaMAMICO (15TH)JOHN FRITCHEY (11TH)SARA FEIGENHOLTZ (12TH)LOU LANG (16TH) JOSEPH LYONS (19TH)& HARRY OSTERMAN (14TH)
Truman College's Unannounced Yard Sale
We apologize for the grainy picture, but you can easily make out the fact that someone was hanging clothes, possibly to sell, on the wall in the Truman College Mall area at Wilson and Racine. We thought the "Sheridan Park Yard Sale" was a few weeks ago?
Not Enough Caffeine?
We spotted this lady napping on the sidewalk outside of Starbucks on the corner of Sheridan and Broadway today. We did call 911 for a wellness check on the woman and she appears to be ok.
Holsten Knows How To Party!
If you get a chance, check out the Wilson Yard site. Looks like the homeless folks who call the site home have been partying it up quite a bit. We spotted a liquor bottle in one of the overflowing trash cans and beer cans all over the site. Uptown residents must be celebrating the fact that this project has been moving along so quickly...or not.
Monday, September 24, 2007
SSA #34 Advisory Commission Terms Expiring
If you are interested in particpating in the Advisory Commission (see map) Uptown United and Special Service Area #34 is taking applications. Please contact Lynn Kardasz at 773-878-1064 with any questions. Application and information documents are located at the Uptown United website. Applicants need only fill out Section 1 of the application at this time and should drop it off at the 46th or 48th Ward office.
50,000 Visits
Wow folks, we hit 50,000 visits today since our meager start back in May. This tells us that our neighborhood is starved for information on local happenings. We also challenge other residents to start up blogs on our neighborhood. Thanks for checking out "Uptown Update" and we look forward to keeping you updated on Uptown in the future.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Thursday, September 20, 2007
'Uptown Historical Society' Link Added
Folks, we added a link to the "Uptown Historical Society" which you will find off on the right. You can sign up on the site for e-mail news. There is a lot of great info on the site pertaining to the history of Uptown and many buildings you may pass by everyday. Let's hope there is a meeting soon so we can all learn more about the history of our neighborhood and maybe get more info on some of the historic restorations taking place.
'Graceland Cemetery' Tours Coming Up
Ghosts and ghouls beware! Experience the history of old Chicago as you venture through one of the country’s most famous cemeteries. Celebrate Halloween as Al Walavich takes you on a fascinating tour through the graves of Graceland Cemetery, including famous Chicagoans Marshall Field, Louis Sullivan, Potter and Bertha Palmer, and George Pullman.Location:All tours begin at the Graceland Cemetery entrance at the corner of Irving Park Road and Clark Street.
Cost:$15; $10 members.
Saturday, October 27, Sunday, October 28, and Wednesday, October 31, 2007
Purchase tickets here:
Wednesday, September 19, 2007
Broken Borders' Windows
We happened to notice that the Borders store on Broadway has windows broken out on both sides and covered in plywood (Broadway and Racine). Anyone know what happened?
Chicago To Unwrap New Olympic Logo (In Uptown)
Uptown Update note: According to CBS2 Chicago, the logo will be unveiled in today in Uptown at the Walt Disney Magnet School at 4140 N. Marine Drive. We also added the "Chicago 2016" applicant video with the new logo from Youtube featuring students from Walt Disney Magnet.
By Kathy Bergen and Gary Washburn
Chicago Tribune
Chicago will take a second stab at hoisting a logo to accompany its bid for the 2016 Olympics, unveiling the fresh image at a sports-star-studded press conference Wednesday.Details were not disclosed Tuesday, but the new logo could make use of a six-point star, evocative of the four stars on the City of Chicago flag. This was one of the ideas considered during the redesign, according to sources close to the bid team.Ald. Edward Burke (14th) has proposed adding a fifth star to the city flag if Chicago wins the right to host the Summer Games. The existing four stars represent Ft. Dearborn, the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the World's Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the Century of Progress Exposition of 1933. The International Olympic Committee will select a host city in 2009.
Chicago must replace its first logo, a torch-based emblem, which ran afoul of IOC rules restricting the use of its Olympic marks. The torch can be used only by host cities.Mayor Richard Daley and Chicago 2016 leader Patrick Ryan are expected to be surrounded by a number of Olympic champions when they unveil the design Wednesday. Track great Jackie Joyner-Kersee, a native of East St. Louis, is expected to be there, as is Paralympian Linda Mastandrea, who is vice president of sport for the Chicago bid team.The torch logo, designed pro bono by VSA Partners, won praise for its elegance. The handle of the torch is green and blue, representative of the city's parks and Lake Michigan. The orange-and-gold flame, tapering to a stylized skyline image, represents the city's reputation for first-rate architecture and its rebirth after the 1871 blaze.The IOC and the U.S. Olympic Committee agreed that the logo could be phased out gradually. As of late Tuesday, it still graced the Chicago 2016 Web site.
Lower Wacker Homeless Coming to Uptown
By Mark Brown The homeless men and women lounging on their bedrolls at mid-morning on Lower Lower Wacker Drive, two levels below the street entrance to the Hyatt Regency Hotel, cast a wary eye on the strangers getting out of a blue minivan.
Then some of them spot Chris Robinson, no stranger at all, and the sidewalk springs to life as they rush to greet him.
"Whatever you can do, man," pleads Jeffery Pams, 45, who pulls down his shirt collar to remind Robinson of the heart defibrillator implanted in his chest.
'We feel left out'"Don't forget about us. We feel left out," says Sherill Linear, 47, a former CHA resident.
"You're on the radar," Robinson responds diplomatically.
Robinson has a job that a lot of people might think impossible.
He's supposed to pluck homeless people off the street and put them directly into their own apartments -- then make sure they succeed so that they don't end up right back out here.
The obstacles are great. These are, after all, individuals who have chosen to avoid even the limited structure of a homeless shelter to sleep on the streets. Many have been out here for years.
But Robinson will tell you that it can work, and that, in fact, it already is working, and the enthusiastic response he is receiving this morning tells you he at least has convinced the homeless people he is for real.
Now the question is whether we'll back him up with the necessary resources to keep it real.
Robinson is a case worker for Heartland Health Outreach, an Uptown-based social service provider with a grant from the city to tackle the homeless situation on Lower Wacker, one of Chicago's most persistent sanctuaries for those without a real roof over their head.
This particular homeless community of about 40 people is located one full street level beneath the stretch of Lower Wacker where Chicagoans once were accustomed to the sight of homeless people sleeping in cardboard shelters on loading docks. That was before the city ran everyone off and then sealed the area with gates and fences.
But neither the homeless nor homelessness was so easily eradicated. Lower Lower Wacker, where they are now ensconced, is more remote and inaccessible, familiar mostly to the people who live or work in the area east of Michigan Avenue, south of the river and north of Randolph -- or occasionally visited by those who get lost while navigating.
One of the first things you notice when you try to hold a conversation down here is the noise. Although there isn't much traffic, what little there is combines with the vibrations from busy Columbus Drive overhead to create a dull roar.
"You get used to it," says Darryl Hill, who used to have a "cozy" sleeping spot beneath the House of Blues before the police ran him off at the commencement of the construction of Trump Tower.
Just the same, they must have had a hard time hearing the soft-spoken Robinson when he first started coming down here in the spring, trying to win the confidence of the homeless with cups of coffee or breakfasts at the fast-food restaurants above. At first, they didn't trust him and let him hear about it.
"I even cursed the man out," Linear remembers. "We don't want to hear all that mess, all those promises again."
But gradually, Robinson found two willing to give it a try -- and just as important, an Uptown landlord willing to accept them as tenants. When they reported to their friends that Robinson had kept his promises, eight more followed.
These 10 have been in their apartments only a few months, so the project still has a ways to go to prove itself.
But Robinson says the former Wacker homeless are quickly reacclimating to society. Some have already found jobs, he says. They meet weekly as a support group to discuss their progress.
Now he's eager for funding to be approved so that he can bring another group off the street.
The project is part of the city's Streets to Homes Initiative, a new approach that aims to steer homeless people to permanent housing with support services rather than into temporary shelters. It's a sound idea, as long as nobody uses it as an excuse to eliminate shelter beds while homelessness is on the rise.
Many of those sleeping on the sidewalk Tuesday morning weren't even living down here when Robinson took out the others.
"I really appreciate what the city is doing," says Robinson, who used to be homeless himself. "Our job is to keep going and to never give up."
Then some of them spot Chris Robinson, no stranger at all, and the sidewalk springs to life as they rush to greet him.
"Whatever you can do, man," pleads Jeffery Pams, 45, who pulls down his shirt collar to remind Robinson of the heart defibrillator implanted in his chest.
'We feel left out'"Don't forget about us. We feel left out," says Sherill Linear, 47, a former CHA resident.
"You're on the radar," Robinson responds diplomatically.
Robinson has a job that a lot of people might think impossible.
He's supposed to pluck homeless people off the street and put them directly into their own apartments -- then make sure they succeed so that they don't end up right back out here.
The obstacles are great. These are, after all, individuals who have chosen to avoid even the limited structure of a homeless shelter to sleep on the streets. Many have been out here for years.
But Robinson will tell you that it can work, and that, in fact, it already is working, and the enthusiastic response he is receiving this morning tells you he at least has convinced the homeless people he is for real.
Now the question is whether we'll back him up with the necessary resources to keep it real.
Robinson is a case worker for Heartland Health Outreach, an Uptown-based social service provider with a grant from the city to tackle the homeless situation on Lower Wacker, one of Chicago's most persistent sanctuaries for those without a real roof over their head.
This particular homeless community of about 40 people is located one full street level beneath the stretch of Lower Wacker where Chicagoans once were accustomed to the sight of homeless people sleeping in cardboard shelters on loading docks. That was before the city ran everyone off and then sealed the area with gates and fences.
But neither the homeless nor homelessness was so easily eradicated. Lower Lower Wacker, where they are now ensconced, is more remote and inaccessible, familiar mostly to the people who live or work in the area east of Michigan Avenue, south of the river and north of Randolph -- or occasionally visited by those who get lost while navigating.
One of the first things you notice when you try to hold a conversation down here is the noise. Although there isn't much traffic, what little there is combines with the vibrations from busy Columbus Drive overhead to create a dull roar.
"You get used to it," says Darryl Hill, who used to have a "cozy" sleeping spot beneath the House of Blues before the police ran him off at the commencement of the construction of Trump Tower.
Just the same, they must have had a hard time hearing the soft-spoken Robinson when he first started coming down here in the spring, trying to win the confidence of the homeless with cups of coffee or breakfasts at the fast-food restaurants above. At first, they didn't trust him and let him hear about it.
"I even cursed the man out," Linear remembers. "We don't want to hear all that mess, all those promises again."
But gradually, Robinson found two willing to give it a try -- and just as important, an Uptown landlord willing to accept them as tenants. When they reported to their friends that Robinson had kept his promises, eight more followed.
These 10 have been in their apartments only a few months, so the project still has a ways to go to prove itself.
But Robinson says the former Wacker homeless are quickly reacclimating to society. Some have already found jobs, he says. They meet weekly as a support group to discuss their progress.
Now he's eager for funding to be approved so that he can bring another group off the street.
The project is part of the city's Streets to Homes Initiative, a new approach that aims to steer homeless people to permanent housing with support services rather than into temporary shelters. It's a sound idea, as long as nobody uses it as an excuse to eliminate shelter beds while homelessness is on the rise.
Many of those sleeping on the sidewalk Tuesday morning weren't even living down here when Robinson took out the others.
"I really appreciate what the city is doing," says Robinson, who used to be homeless himself. "Our job is to keep going and to never give up."
'Graceland Wilson Neighbors Association' Spotlight
We noticed the "Graceland Wilson Neighbors Association" website has been updated recently, so if you fall into the Beacon to Broadway, Montrose to Wilson boundary be sure to email the webmaster for more info on block club happenings. The contact info can be found under the "about" heading of the site. Check it out here:
Tuesday, September 18, 2007
Beacon's Bountiful Bevy Of Condos
If you get a chance, take a walk down Beacon street from Lawrence to Leland and check out the rehab and new construction condos popping up. We feature 3 of the condos above, "Beacon Hill," "Beacon Pointe," and "Beacon Terrace." We discovered recently that the long empty lot in the 4600 block of Beacon where the beautiful victorian home once stood is now set to be replaced with an 8 unit condo building. We, along with many other residents were upset when this historic home was demolished but hope that the new development will blend in with the beautiful condos directly to the south of it.Under The El Tracks, Part Two
How many of you have walked under the El tracks on Broadway near the Wilson stop at night? How many of you have wondered why this seedy location is not well-lit at night? We have wondered for quite some time now. How much would a few well-placed lights under these tracks cost? Why is this not a priority in our ward? To give you an idea of how this area looks at night, check out the day and night comparison above. If you think this area needs more lighting to detract crime and other activities, contact the Alderman's office and let them know how important this is.'Display Boxes' At Aldi Without Arai Artwork
Walking past Aldi today we noticed that the "display boxes" now feature the Uptown banners and not the Arai students artwork as was planned. Only five of the boxes contain the banners since there were only 5 banner designs, so a few boxes on Broadway remain empty and the 3 boxes on the northside of the building remain empty. We can only come to 2 conclusions on this development: One, the artwork is not coming and our elected officials scrambled to fill them with something, or two, like everything with the Wilson Yard project, the artwork is delayed and they needed something to fill them. We personally think the banners don't look half bad, although windows and an entrance in place of these "boxes" would have looked even better. Oh wait, then Aldi would not be able to sell liquor because the entrance would be too close to Grame Stewart school. How soon we forget.Update: We did pass by Aldi last night and the lighted display boxes look ridiculous with the banners since all you see is a black outline. Thanks for pointing that stroke of genius out, IrishPirate.
'Pegasus Players' Signage Added On Wilson
The new "Pegasus Players" sign on Wilson looks nice. We think this will make the theatre a lot more visible to people traveling down Wilson. The sign is not visible when you are heading up Wilson eastbound because of tree growth. We assume this will be trimmed soon.
Body Found Near Montrose Beach
September 16, 2007FROM STNG WIRE REPORTS
An unidentified body was found Sunday morning near Montrose Beach.
The body was found about 7:40 a.m. in the 4800 block of North Simonds Drive, according to police News Affairs Officer JoAnn Taylor.
The Cook County Medical Examiner’s office confirmed the fatality, but said the person has not been identified.
Taylor said police are conducting a death investigation pending autopsy results.
Friday, September 14, 2007
Lawrence House on the Block
The once-beautiful art deco building known as the Lawrence House in the 1000 block of West Lawrence is being put up for sale by its current owners. The current owners indicate that the building is in need of significant renovation.
Read about it in Crain's Chicago Business.
Read about it in Crain's Chicago Business.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Riviera Rehab Makes Major Progress
Workers were seen today putting in windows on the Broadway side of the Riv building today. The Lawrence side is more or less complete. We will be curious to see if the rehab includes adding the decorative ornamentation on the very top of the building. As close as they have been following the old design, we wouldn't be shocked. Its looking great.
Good News! New Broadway Business Coming
We have noticed renovation work being done inside this building on Broadway, just north of the "Family Dollar" store. We stopped and chatted with the workers there who were gutting the interior and found out that an architect is opening an office there. This will be a welcome addition on this blighted stretch of Broadway. Maybe, just maybe, our "Vacant Storefront Showcase" is helping.
Wednesday, September 12, 2007
Cornerstone Shelter's 'Blood Alley' Dumpster
How safe and sanitary is this folks? This dumpster on Clifton Avenue, aka "Blood Alley," belongs to the Cornerstone Shelter. It sits right on the sidewalk across from where the Uptown resident was shot last week and is an electric compact dumpster. Children are often seen playing on top of it which is an accident waiting to happen. There is a one inch thick layer of slime all around it and its overflowing daily. Why is this dumpster allowed to be on the sidewalk and why is it not being supervised by Cornerstone? If you'd like to contact Cornerstone Shelter to inquire about this, they can be reached at 773-271-8163.We are also receiving word of some more interesting activities taking place on this bizarre stretch of street. More to come.
New Vandalism Law Signed
By Mark LawtonPioneer Press News-Star
Conviction rates of vandals might increase under a new state law signed Aug. 30.
The bill, which becomes law on June 1, 2008, removes the requirement that property owners testify in person against alleged vandals.
"The problem in trying to prosecute vandals is that business owners get hurt twice," said State Rep. John Fritchey, D-11th, who sponsored the bill. "Once when they get vandalized and a second time when they have to go downtown and testify. Many businesses are mom and pop operations. Going to court means they might have to close their businesses for half a day or day."
The victim of vandalism would still have to submit a written statement but the onus would change from the victim to the person charged.
"This bill really legislates a common sense presumption that the business owner did not give permission to have their property vandalized," said Fritchey.
The most common type of vandalism in the West Town area is an acid which is normally used by artists to etch glass. Vandals have used it to carve graffiti on storefront windows, said Kara Salgado, executive director of the West Town Chamber of Commerce.
"There are insurance issues," said Salgado. "And the landlord's not going to cover the cost of fixing it. And a lot of people end up living with it. To consumers coming from outside the area, when they see something riddled with graffiti, it makes them think it's unsafe in some way."
Jamie Simone, program manager of Special Service Area 33, says removing acid etching can get rather expensive. Graffiti can be buffed down for $150 to $450 per marking. If extensive enough, it can cost less to replace a window.
The Special Service Area has a rebate program for business owners who want to install anti-graffiti film on their store windows. Such protection, however, ranges in cost from $500 to $1900.
A bit north, the problem involves various types of graffiti including spray paint and picture taped or glued to stores, said Paula Barrington, executive director of the Wicker Park and Bucktown Chamber of Commerce.
"It's a very big issue," said Barrington. "In particular, when you drive on our commercial streets and see volumes of graffiti on storefronts and private homes. It certainly impacts a business owners' pocket book."
Why We Love Uptown
Where else can you get views like this of the lake and skyline? Taken on "Montrose Point."
New Addition To 'Uptown Square'
We spotted this fellow sleeping near the "Golden House Restaurant" on Racine at Broadway this afternoon.
Tuesday, September 11, 2007
CAPS Meeting, September 12, Clarendon Fieldhouse
A CAPS meeting will be held tomorrow night, September 12, at Clarendon Fieldhouse (4501 N. Clarendon) from 7pm-8pm. In the wake of recent violence in the area, it is important for us to show our support and bring our questions for the police. Please take the time to care for your neighborhood.
Do You Know Where 'Blood Alley' Is Located?
From The Chicago Tribune:
Q. "Have you ever heard of `Blood Alley'? It's runs parallel to Broadway between Leland and Wilson. It's home to a homeless shelter and a soup kitchen."-- Fred C. Van Buren, Chicago
A. That one-block-long "alley" in Uptown is actually the 4600 block of North Clifton Avenue. It has had the nickname since at least the 1970s, and it's one of the places where the Chicago Recovery Alliance, one of the largest needle-exchange programs in the U.S., operates each week.
Our thanks to "Anita Mandalay" for coming across this interesting tidbit of Uptown history. Seems all the more ironic with the latest shootings.
Q. "Have you ever heard of `Blood Alley'? It's runs parallel to Broadway between Leland and Wilson. It's home to a homeless shelter and a soup kitchen."-- Fred C. Van Buren, Chicago
A. That one-block-long "alley" in Uptown is actually the 4600 block of North Clifton Avenue. It has had the nickname since at least the 1970s, and it's one of the places where the Chicago Recovery Alliance, one of the largest needle-exchange programs in the U.S., operates each week.
Our thanks to "Anita Mandalay" for coming across this interesting tidbit of Uptown history. Seems all the more ironic with the latest shootings.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Uptown Organization Needs Volunteers
Uptown Update,My name is Annette and I work at the Chinese Mutual Aid Association (CMAA), located at 1016 w. Argyle. I’m sure many uptown residents have walked by and wondered what happens in our building. I just came across this blog and thought I’d both share information about us and beg for volunteers at the same time. First, the information …
We are a community based organization that was founded in 1981 in order to help promote the interests and well being of immigrants and refugees in Chicago and to foster their participation in American society. We offer a lot of different programs meant to provide the language skills and job training needed by a non-English speaker to become an active and productive member of this community and eventually, an American citizen
CMAA offers a variety of services such as job placement and job training, citizenship, family and individual literacy programs, homework help and youth programs that serve the Uptown area and its residents. Our literacy, citizenship and Certified Nurse Assistant classes are all free of charge and serve immigrants and refugees from all over the world including Asia, Africa, the Middle East and the former Soviet Union.
We offer 4 different computer classes for everyone based on availability and are all free except one. The A+ Certification computer repair class costs $70 for 8 weeks, with $20 returned to you after class completion. The Computer Literacy class, Office Application and 2 different Web Design classes are all free and meet for 8 weeks at a time.
Now comes the begging part….
Due to the fact that we a nonprofit agency we are always looking for ways to recruit new volunteers to the ESL and literacy program. It only takes about two hours a week to tutor English as a Second Language (ESL) and we’ll show you how. Helping a person learn how to speak English is a lot of fun (No, really, it is!) and a lot easier than you think. If you have any free time and are the slightest bit interested or even curious, please contact me.
Not to mention we are in your community so you might be able to walk (Yup, don’t want to lose that parking space!) .We currently have a need for tutors to teach students in a one-on-one or small group setting. I match students and tutors based on a variety of factors. One of the most obvious is the availability of time. People typically meet once a week for about one and a half to two hours at a time. Saturday morning and weekday evening tutors are always in demand as a majority of our students work full time however, any availability is valuable.
We have a variety of training avenues for people who have never tutored before. There is a sister organization that runs training programs and we also utilize a hands on approach that includes observation, and one on one lesson planning with an experienced tutor. I am personally available via phone and e-mail, if not in person for any thing you may need.
Please contact me at your earliest convenience with any questions or interest you may have (and I’m hoping there shall be lots), so we can set up a time to meet.
Sincerely,
Annette Joyce
Volunteer Coordinator
Chinese Mutual Aid Association
AnnetteJ@chinesemutualaid.org
(773)784-2900 Ext 140
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