Shalom Klein’s Blog

I Want To Make A Difference On Devon – Shabbat Message from JCCWRP President, Howard M. Rieger

Posted on by Shalom Klein

When people ask me how things are going in West Rogers Park, I naturally focus upon the good news:  the new Magenta Sister Stores on Pratt & California; the just-announced plan for a new North Town Branch of the Chicago Public Library on Pratt & Western; the new park that will transform and beautify the corner of Devon & McCormick, and the new signage at Kol Tuv and Tel Aviv Bakery.  Other things are in the pipeline.  All real.  All good.

 

Then the conversation usually defaults to what can be done about Devon between California & Kedzie, which is not yet good enough.

 

With the Streetscape upgrade of the lighting and sidewalks and the addition of benches and other beautifying elements to the avenue, thanks to the effort of Alderman Debra Silverstein, the time to leverage those changes is now.

 

 

What can we do about the boarded-up former cleaners at 3024 W. Devon that has become a dismal symbol of abandonment?  What about the vacant double store just west of Citibank at Devon & California, with dirty and torn paper covering the windows, one of which is shattered?  What about the stores for rent whose owners are not actively marketing their shabby-looking properties and in some cases obstructing progress?  And what can be done to find new businesses willing to relocate to Devon?

 

The answer to the challenges we face on Devon is to redouble our efforts by broadening input and involvement from the community.   And that is just what we will do in the days and months ahead.

 

Do you want to be part of a  constructive movement to make a difference?  Join us in a sustained effort to work with Alderman Silverstein and other like-minded officials and residents to transform this section of Devon once and for all.

 

YES, COUNT ME IN.  I WANT TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE ON DEVON!

 

Shabbat Shalom

Howard

412-303-4942

New Veterans Park wall installed to honor Skokie military men, women

Posted on by Shalom Klein

Francisco Gonzalez of Ruffolo Inc. Design Construction Maintenance works Nov. 22, 2016, on installing a wall in the Skokie Park District's Veterans Park. The wall is now complete and will include the names of those from Skokie who have served in the military. (Mike Isaacs / Pioneer Press)

Veterans Park, near the heart of downtown Skokie, is adding one more way to honor past and current service men and women enlisted in the military.

Workers recently completed installation of a new wall in the park that will eventually include bricks engraved with veterans’ names, said Skokie Park District Executive Director John Ohrlund.

Ohrlund said the idea for the wall was raised by park leaders about a year ago during the park district’s budgeting cycle. Veterans Park was created as a venue to honor U.S. military men and women and includes several monuments and benches surrounded by landscaping. One of the town’s smaller parks, it has always been a setting for quiet and contemplation rather than sports and loud activity, park leaders have said.

“Some of the commissioners thought this was a really good idea,” Ohrlund said about constructing a tribute wall. “A memorial wall is probably the wrong word for it because it’s intended for both living service people and those who have already passed away too.”

“That seems to be the best time,” he said. “We want to celebrate those who have served their country in the military — both those living and those who have died. The concept is that friends and family of servicemen and women will pay for engraved paver bricks that will be added to the wall.”

According to park district officials, the wall measures about 150 square feet. The park district spent about $6,000 on it, Ohrlund said, which does not include some landscaping that will surround the wall.

The park district expects to publicize the wall and the sale of the bricks at least a month or two before Memorial Day, Ohrlund said. Since the park opened nearly a dozen years ago, it has been home to the village’s annual Memorial Day commemorations.

“A park with this name, and with already having a memorial to other service organizations in the park, we just thought this was a very appropriate way to further honor our military families in Skokie,” Ohrlund said.

misaacs@pioneerlocal.com

Twitter: @SKReview_Mike

 

Support my run in the Vegas Marathon on behalf of Chicago Yachad

Posted on by Shalom Klein
Friends and Family:
For the first time, I have decided to run a half marathon on behalf of Chicago Yachad. The marathon is taking place in January in Las Vegas and all of the funds will go to support this AMAZING organization’s work planning social and recreational programming for special needs young adults in Chicago.
I’ve set a goal of raising $6,000 for this cause (as well as training for the race, of course!) and would certainly be incredibly appreciative if you would commit to a small contribution which can be made at the following link:
Thanks in advance! I will keep you posted on my progress!
Regards,
Shalom

Expanding Our Reach at JCCWRP

Posted on by Shalom Klein

We have been working hard at expanding the reach of JCCWRP.

In the last month I have met with over a dozen lay leaders involved in the various organizations that call West Rogers Park home and who believe in the power of joint action. I would encourage you to look at the attached snapshot of the massive investment that our Jewish community, thanks to support from the Jewish Federation, has made in our neighborhood. 

The volunteer board members and professionals in these organizations all have a specific agenda relating to their respective missions, facilities and challenges, but a major common denominator for all of them is that JCCWRP in many instances has been a key partner in helping them with advocacy, relationship building and strategic outreach to relevant government agencies. They recognize the power of partnering with us and the strength in numbers represented by the Jewish Community Council of West Rogers Park.

I have also been meeting with potential developers interested in both residential and commercial revitalization in the Devon and Touhy corridors. Stay tuned for what could be an exciting development in that regard.

We have continued to focus on fundraising and new connections to enable us to continue to advance our important work on behalf of the community. Howard Rieger is helping to bring us the focus that is needed for us to be successful.  I join with him in thanking you for your involvement.  Together we are making a difference.

Wishing you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving and Shabbat Shalom.

 

Sincerely,

 
Shalom Klein
Executive Director, JCCWRPJCCWRP (1)

All Politics Is Local; The Time To Act Is Now

Posted on by Shalom Klein

ALL POLITICS IS LOCAL;  THE TIME TO ACT IS NOW – Shabbat Message from JCCWRP President, Howard M. Rieger

Late U.S. House Speaker Tip O’Neill could have been looking at the opportunity for impact we currently have in West Rogers Park when he coined the now-famous dictum: “All politics is local.”

 

Just this past Monday, Alderman Debra Silverstein convened a well-attended community meeting to introduce plans for the new state-of-the-art public library with 30 senior housing apartments to be built on the northwest corner of Pratt and Western.  West Rogers Park is one of three city neighborhoods slated to receive a new library through a Chicago Public Library-Chicago Housing Authority co-venture, and WRP is the first of the three slated for actual development.

 

Ald. Silverstein acknowledged the important role played by the members of the community who collected more than 2000 signatures on a petition in support of a new library.  JCCWRP is proud to be a founding member of the LEARN coalition that coordinated this effort.

 

As the project moves forward, many issues need to be resolved: provision for adequate parking; criteria for resident selection; nearby commercial development to accommodate residents; design, safety and environmental concerns for the new structure, and design and programming for the library itself.

 

We will  remain an active member of LEARN to ensure that the needs of our community are met.

 

Can one voice affect such an outcome?  Doubtful.  Can many speaking out collectively make an impact?  Undeniable.

 

Ald. Silverstein emphasized that future community meetings will be called to solicit input. Your attendance is crucial.  Bring your friends, relatives and colleagues with you.

 

In the long run, becoming activists on behalf of our community is the most important voter turnout all.

 

Shabbat Shalom,

 

Howard