As you can see, the North Lawndale Arts Festival has something for everyone! Visit https://us13.admin.mailchimp.com/campaigns/show?id=383141 for a full preview. We hope to see you there!
North Lawndale Arts Festival Lineup
Media Alert: Using the Arts to Build Bridges and Restore Community
North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council Accomplishments and Work in Progress
The North Lawndale Coordinating Council (NLCCC) is a group of North Lawndale stakeholders, including community-based organizations, business owners, elected officials and individuals, that guide comprehensive planning and implementation in North Lawndale. We started in April, 2015, with a goal of developing an authentic community-driven process that engages stakeholders “early and often”. As we prepare to take our efforts to the next level, we thought that we would take stock of what we have been able to accomplish to date. We thank everyone who has had anything to do with our success. This includes working on a committee, participating in events, making cash and in-kind donations, spreading the word about us, et cetera.
To date, we have achieved, or are currently working on the following:
- Developed a successful application for CMAP technical assistance resulting in an award valued in excess of $100,000
- Initiated relationships with Cinespace, Sinai Health System and Top Box
- Held NLCCC kickoff event that attracted over 150 people when we’d hoped to get 50
- Increased membership from 50 people in October, 2015 to 265 in August 2016
- Developed website, Twitter page, Facebook page and private Facebook group with over 4,200 views, over 1,700 visits and over 50 followers within 5 months of being launched in March, 2016
- Developed an occasional newsletter whose circulation has increased from about 143 to 268 between October, 2015 and July 1, 2016
- Held the first annual community development conference, which attracted over 300 people
- Developed 9 preliminary program logic models that will be used to inform our agenda and increase the capacity of North Lawndale residents, businesses and institutions to take advantage of the opportunities the planning process will bring
- Participated in several On the Table conversations in North Lawndale and with LISC to discuss ways of bringing about commuity unity
- Completed a preliminary North Lawndale Snapshot Survey to begin to assess the capacity of our member organizations individually and collectively
- Held an informational meeting with the Chicago Community Trust to get an overview of their programs as well as the Benefit Chicago Initiative.
- Applied for LISC Quality of Life Funding and hosted a very successful site visit and tour for LISC representatives
- Initiated relationship with the North Lawndale Kinship Initiative to foster job creation, economic development and capacity buildingWill be hosting the first annual North Lawndale Arts Festival in August
- Assessed potential for creating employment pathways leading to industry recognized credentials
- Hosted a transportation town hall meeting
- Attracted over $15,000 to this work. Proceeds were used for the conference, arts festival, copies and collateral materials. The vast majority of the funds came from our members and North Lawndale based organizations
- Will be hosting a town hall meeting on the health status of North Lawndale this fall
- Will be hosting a TIF town hall meeting in September
- In the process of replicating the Promise Neighborhoods model in North Lawndale Hosted a transportation town hall meeting
- Will be hosting a town hall meeting on Alderman Scott’s proposal for a music venue in Douglas Park on August 23, 2016
- Will be hosting a two-part workshop on Robert’s Rules of Order in October
- In the process of developing programs to improve local business and customer service, including a local flash mob to descend upon selected North Lawndale businesses, targeted for November or December
We will keep you posted on our progress from time to time.
There is Still Time to Sponsor the North Lawndale Arts Festival!
Thank you for your ongoing support of the North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council. Because of your generous support, we have been able to successfully produce our first annual North Lawndale Community Planning Conference back in April. We are now winding down the planning and fundraising efforts for our next big event–our First Annual North Lawndale Arts Festival, to be held on August 6, 2016, from 10 am – 7 pm at Douglas Park Cultural Center, located at 1401 South Sacramento.
We need your support as we enter the final stretch. If you, or a local artist, small business or representative of a public or nonprofit agency are interested in showcasing your artwork, business or organization, please contact Shiela McNary, our Arts and Culture Subcommittee Chair, at sjmcnary1@aol.com and she will forward you a registration packet that outlines the fees and requirements. I have attached sponsorship packets for individuals and organizations wishing to sponsor the festival, as well as a jpeg file of the promotional flyer. A copy of a message from Sheila is found below.
Please, share this email widely. We still need to cover costs for equipment and furnishing rentals and light refreshment.
In closing, we thank the following North Lawndale stakeholders for their generous cash and in-kind contributions:
Alderman Michael Scott-Cash donation and technical assistance with event planning, marketing and outreach
Country Financial-Cash donation
Foundation for Homan Square-Cash donation and strategic partnerships with the School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Mia Gamble-Cash donation
Corry Williams-Cash donation
Mary Ellen Dragon-Cash donation
Kevin Sutton, Vice President, The Foundation for Homan Square-Technical assistance for event planning
Alysia Slusser,Graphic Artist-Logo deign and assistance with collateral material/social media design
Alexie Young, Visual Artist-Community Canvass (workshop in which participants will all have an opportunity to complete a painting during the event) and assistance with collateral material design
Reneau Diallo, Quilt Artist-Facilitation of quilt workshop in which participants will have an opportunity to design and complete a quilt block, to be fashioned into a community quilt
Dear Friend of North Lawndale:
The North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council (NLCCC) cordially invites you to be a sponsor of our first annual North Lawndale Arts Festival. The Arts Festival will be held at Douglas Park Cultural Center, 1401 S. Sacramento Ave., on Saturday, August 6, 2016 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. There will be no charge to patrons of the Festival and sponsorship proceeds will be used to offset the cost of the event.
The Arts Festival will showcase the works of local artists and talents of local entertainment including blues musician Larry Taylor, jazz musician Ronnie G. and tap dance group M.A.D.D. Rhythms. The NLCCC plans to use the Festival to bring the already rich culture of North Lawndale to a broader audience. We expect over 1,000 people to attend including elected officials, heads of public agencies, leaders of community-based organizations and local residents.
Your investment in the Arts Festival is a win-win for you and the community. Your organization will have the opportunity to establish and nurture relationships with a broad base of influential North Lawndale stakeholders that have access to even broader networks that would be beneficial in strengthening your brand. The Arts Festival will unify the community around arts and culture, attract more arts and cultural activities, encourage economic development and help make the case for improving the entire community.
In closing, we invite you to review our sponsorship packet and respond with your tax deductible donation and print ready logo no later than July 15, 2016. If you have any questions feel free to contact me at 312.907.7701 or sjmcnary1@aol.com. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
Sincerely,
Sheila McNarry,
Chairman, NLCCC – Arts and Culture committee
Do You Know How Valuable Your Service Is?
NLCCC has been in existence since April, 2015. As a result of your support, we have hit the ground running, and have covered more ground in a shorter period of time than we would have ever imagined from a purely volunteer effort. We would like to estimate the value of your contributions. Please, complete the form below so that we may begin to quantify your impact. We will share the results once we get a critical mass of responses. Your individual data will not be made pubic.Your assistance, as always, is appreciated. Any questions you have may be directed to
Valerie F. Leonard, consulting@valeriefleonard.com
Rodney Brown, rodney@new-covenantcdc.org
Dennis Deer, drdeer@deerehabservices.com
Complete the survey at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/M3G7PB2
Help Us Engage North Lawndale in the Planning Process
Help us the word out to the North Lawndale community about our planning process and to survey community members. This will include making presentations at community meetings; distributing and collecting surveys at the meetings; going door-to-door with surveys and brochures, and surveying people in public spaces. We also want to make presentations throughout the community. If you can help in anyway, please let us know.
Please complete this form so we can follow up with you with an assignment that matches your preferences. Your assistance, as always, is appreciated. Any questions you have may be directed to
Valerie F. Leonard, consulting@valeriefleonard.com
Rodney Brown, rodney@new-covenantcdc.org
Dennis Deer, drdeer@deerehabservices.com
Complete the survey here. https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Y3ZFJ6Q
Funeral Arrangements for Laura Lode
We regret to inform you of the sudden passing of Laura Lode (nee Ackerman). Her obituary appears in the Chicago Tribune as follows.
Beloved wife of Lawrence Lode. Cherished sister of Robert G. (Cindy) Ackerman, and Linda Data. Devoted daughter of the late Robert and Joan Ackerman. Loving daughter-in-law of Cornelius and the late Mary Lode. Beloved sister-in-law, aunt and great-aunt of many. Dedicated her life to the people of the Homan Square community. Visitation Sunday 2-8 p.m. Funeral Monday 9:15 a.m. from the Robert J. Sheehy & Sons Funeral Home, 9000 W. 151st Street, Orland Park, IL to St. Stephen Deacon & Martyr Church, 17500 S. 84th Ave., Tinley Park, Mass 10:00 a.m. Entombment Holy Sepulchre Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donations to the Foundation for Homan Square, 3517 W. Arthington Street, Chicago, IL 60624 would be appreciated. http://www.sheehyfh.com 708-857-7878 – See more at: http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/chicagotribune/obituary.aspx?n=laura-lode&pid=180441889&fhid=2156#sthash.uHz5qNRP.VAGR6V9T.dpuf
NLCCC Submits Letter of Intent to LISC in Hopes of Facilitating Quality of Life Planning in North Lawndale
Exactly a year ago today, (June 24, 2015) NLCCC submitted an application to CMAP for technical assistance to complete a comprehensive plan for the North Lawndale community. On June 15, 2016, we submitted our letter to LISC, expressing interest in becoming the lead agency to facilitate continued Quality of Life Planning (QLP) in North Lawndale. If we are successful, the QLP process will be done in tandem with our comprehensive planning process. This will allow us to focus on developing the physical environment while strengthening our ability to improve the capacity of local residents, organizations and businesses to take advantage of the changes the plan will bring. The QLP process will highlight those areas that are not currently emphasized in the CMAP comprehensive community planning process, including education, public safety, arts and culture, technology and health care.
We are very fortunate to have received 36 letters of support from various stakeholders to back up our letter, including: Alderman Michael Scott Jr., New Covenant CDC, Lawndale Christian Development Corporation, Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning, Valerie F. Leonard, Chicago Youth Centers, Congressman Danny K Davis, Commissioner Robert Steele, Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, Frank Bass, BBF, Celestial Ministries, CCA Academy, Jane Addams Hull House Museum, Deer Rehabilitation Services, Inc., DRW College Prep, Free Spirit Media, Foundation for Homan Square, HSI, JPA, Kathy Powers, Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, K-Town Historic District Association, Chicago LAMP, New Age Services Corporation, The Night Ministry, NLEN, State Senator Patricia Van Pelt, Sankofa Safe Child Initiative,Sinai Health System, St. Agatha Family Empowerment, The Learning Center, Theresia Thurman, UCAN, WestCare, St. Anthony Hospital.
We thank you for your support to date, and the support you will provide. Because of your efforts, and those of people who have laid the foundation for this work, North Lawndale has hit the “reset button”, and is turning the corner. The work is not easy, but every effort is valued and moves us closer to realizing our vision of North Lawndale as a healthy, vibrant community with a diversified and innovative economy, competitive work force, engaged citizens and infrastructure that supports long term, sustainable growth. A copy of our packet has been embedded below.
What Can We Do to Reduce Crime and Violence in North Lawndale?
There are 77 community areas in Chicago. According to the Chicago Tribune Crime in Chicagoland page, as of June 13, 2016, North Lawndale ranked #7 in violent crime, #29 in property crime and #4 in quality of life crime, according to the Chicago Tribune Crime in Chicago page.
What strategies do you know of that have been proven to reduce crime and violence? Can any of those strategies be replicated in North Lawndale? We posted these questions on Facebook, and got the following responses so far.
“I don’t know if it’s been proven but giving people in the community jobs, that benefit the community. For instance, jobs that clean up the vacant lots, by build playgrounds and gardens; or opening more centers for the kids to play and provide young adults/teenagers with jobs. Having accessible mental health facilities, to break the stigma and help people cope with the community violence.”
“For as much as I’m not a fan of Pastor Corey Brooks, I admire how he has brought the rival gangs together and called a truce. We need our churches to become more involved, get out in the community and befriend the gangbanger. In the neighborhoods, there is a church on almost every corner. I think it’s time the pastors to start getting together stratigizing. It’s time for the churches to give back to the communities by showing they care. It might take bringing in others like the Alderman and talking to the police chief but it has to start somewhere.”
Some people shared links to useful articles.
Police spend £5,000 on flowers to deter criminals
The display in Bristol, used as a deterrent to miscreants and petty criminals, is believed to be the first time flowers have been used to combat crime.
Flower Power Thwarts Burglars in Japan
Healthy Communities May Make Safe Communities: Public Health Approaches to Violence Prevention
http://nij.gov/journals/273/Pages/violence-prevention.aspx
What say you? Feel free to post in the comment section. We would love to hear from you.
NLCCC in the News
We thank the Austin Weekly News for their continued coverage of the NLCCC Comprehensive Community planning process. The following articles have recently run in the newspaper.
CTA’s Blue Line plans include new West Side stations
The proposal, still in the preliminary phase, will be open to public scrutiny at June 29 meeting
By Robert Felton
The Chicago Transit Authority is working on a plan to renovate Blue Line train tracks and stations between the Forest Park and Clinton stops, and is seeking feedback from residents of the North Lawndale community on the details of the ambitious proposal. More
North Lawndale seeking artists, artisans for August festival
The North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council sets July 22 date for participants to register for Aug. 6 event
By Igor Studenov
Over the past few years, Douglas Park has hosted numerous events devoted to music. Each year, the West Side Music Festival takes up the southern half of the park and last year Riot Fest moved there from Humboldt Park. But there was never anything devoted primarily to art — until now. More
N. Lawndale’s grand plan rolls on
A comprehensive plan, formed from the grassroots up, is still in motion for the community
By Igor Studenov
Earlier this year, a group of North Lawndale residents, businesses, community organizations and elected officials united to create a detailed plan to improve their entire community. More
North Lawndale Community Coordinating Council 