Hyde Park Herald, Chicago's oldest Community Newspaper, since 1882

Norm’s back
“This is my third run. I feel exceptional about this time,” says Norman Bolden as he commences his campaign for 4th Ward alderman with a meeting at Room 43, his place of business on 43rd Street, Tuesday evening. Speaking to a group of about 40 supporters, Bolden listed affordable housing, education, local business development, and access by local businesses and job seekers to major developments in the ward (specifically Michael Reese, Lake Meadows and Harper Court projects) as focuses of his campaign. Referring to his experience as a small businessman in the neighborhood, he said to a round of applause "We must cut the red tape; under the Bolden administration there will be no red tape."

Report: University police need to retool
By Sam Cholke
Staff Writer

The University of Chicago Police Department is rethinking how officers use force in making arrests and review accusations of misconduct after the department’s Independent Review Committee issued a critical report last month.
“The UCPD must make improving its investigative procedures a priority going forward,” the report says.
The report was issued in response to an incident in February when a student was arrested and charged with trespassing and resisting arrest at Regenstein Library on the university campus after making a comment a library clerk deemed disrespectful.
The incident illuminates how officers and suspects can get caught in a domino effect where an arrest and bringing charges becomes unavoidable — and the student in this situation now has a criminal record.
“It can deeply affect anyone’s life,” said Craig Futterman, a faculty member in the law school who sits on the police review committee and participated in drafting the report. Even a minor arrest can affect one’s ability to secure a home or student loan, get a job or secure housing, he said.
Futterman said “bad decisions” were made on everyone’s part in the incident.
Marlon Lynch, head of the UCPD, declined to be interviewed for this story. In a written response to the report, Lynch told the committee he has “already begun addressing a number of elements you cite in the review.”
The report details how the university police’s policy is to charge someone if an officer “put hands on” the person during the course of the arrest.
“In his interview with the IRC, the captain said that the student by resisting (arrest) left the responding officer with ‘no choice.’ By extension, the responding officer’s use of force to arrest the student left the UCPD with ‘no choice’ but to charge,” the report says. “Again, we confront the fundamental question of how best to handle challenges to the authority of the police.”
The student’s interaction with the university police in this situation was much like that of an average community member.
“The student was lost in the legal system and felt very vulnerable and so would non-students,” Futterman said.
A representative from the university’s Dean of Students Office should have intervened before charges were filed, the report recommends. The dean cannot trump decisions made by university police, but can suggest alternative disciplinary measures. The dean cannot intercede if city police arrest a student.
“There’s another layer of protection for students that doesn’t exist for the community,” Futterman said. “There are dangers of setting up a two-tiered policing system,” where students and non-students are treated differently.
The UCPD is one of only a handful of private police forces in the country with full police powers and has authority to make arrests in Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland and Douglas.
Offering an officer who has used force to make an arrest the option to release a suspect without charges would help alleviate perceptions of bias or favoritism, Futterman said. “These points are not just pertinent to the UCPD, but policing in general,” he said.
Though Lynch declined to comment on policy changes at UCPD, Futterman and a spokesman for the university, Steve Kloehn, confirmed that policies concerning use of force and complaints about officers are currently being reconsidered.
Complaints against the officer involved in the February incident outline how little of the department’s internal review of officer conduct was formalized.
“The interviews were not recorded. No transcripts were produced. Rather, the interviews were reported in summary form. This is a departure from past practice. And it significantly limited the ability of the IRC to ascertain the quality of the interviews and assess credibility,” the report says.
Former chief of the UCPD Rudy Nimocks in 2008 said he personally reviewed and resolved complaints, which would occasionally result in an officer being fired.
“I just call them in and say, ‘Get your stuff together, you don’t fit in here,’” Nimocks said. “I don’t tolerate any nonsense from our officers.”
The department is currently formalizing Nimocks’ unwritten expectations of conduct from officers.
“Rudy (Nimocks’) practice was to try to record and/or at least type up the question and answer so you would actually have a good record of what people said,” Futterman said. “The need to update written policies and put it to paper is sorely needed and that is what UCPD is in the process of doing.”
Futterman said recording interviews during complaint reviews would put the university police inline with the review process of the city police.
“There aren’t many complaints, which I take to be a good sign,” Futterman said. But most complaints come from African American students and community members, he added. “Fixing these things can do a lot to fixing issues surrounding race. These are things that apply equally well to the Chicago Police Department that should be rethought.”
s.cholke@hpherald.com

Club groups OK?
Hyde Parkers scramble to save senior programs

Churches and at least one local nonprofit organization are stepping up to assist the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., after reading in the Herald about plans to relocate their senior programs.
Ronald McDonald House Director Mardelle Gubdlach called the Neighborhood Club last week to discuss what of the club’s many programs might be relocated to their building, according to Beth Parker, director of institutional advancement for the club. In a phone interview Monday, Gubdlach confirmed that some of the regular bridge groups that met at the club would be received with open arms at the house, 5444 S. Drexel Ave.
Other representatives of the club said conversations were underway with some local churches to relocate other senior programs. Parker said multiple offers of assistance needed to be sorted through before the club knew which programs would go where.
“Actually, at this point, we have duplicate offers — we have some options, so we need to work out the best set of circumstances,” Parker said. Parker said staff at the club was concerned that the participants in the programs understand how seriously they are taking the relocation.
“It’s been really great to see how people are ready to step up and find a place. We really, really want all the elders who have been coming to our programs to know that we care about them and we really care about making sure that they can keep their group together,” Parker said, adding that the outpouring of support was a welcome sign.
“Its really gratifying to see that a lot of other people care as well and we are going to be able to work this out,” Parker said.

Blue Gargoyle family literacy revived
By Daschell M. Phillips
Staff Writer

One of the literacy programs that was shuttered under the Blue Gargoyle Community Services topple has been resurrected under the Chicago Child Care Society due to a $65,000 grant from the Barbara Bush Foundation.
Since the Blue Gargoyle’s untimely closing in 2009, Jane Hough, who was the program director of its Family Learning Program, said she has been looking for funding, space and other resources to restart the program.
“It just broke my heart to say goodbye to those moms,” Hough said. “ I tried to get them set up in other programs, but they said they didn’t trust their babies with other childcare programs.”
While out recruiting for the new CCCS Family Learning Program, which will start on Oct. 1., Hough said she has dropped off fliers at all of the same clinics, Women, Infants and Children offices and teen parent centers she used to visit when she worked at the Blue Gargoyle. She welcomes new parents but hopes some of her old parents also return if they still need the services.
The program, which was one of nine programs nationwide to receive the grant, is primarily for parents — with children between the ages of 0-3 years old — who have not completed high school. Because this is the program’s first grant, the program is only able to accommodate about 10 families. The parents will receive GED instruction four days a week — two of those class sessions will be taught by Hough herself until she can afford a second teacher — and the child learning center will have two teachers who will also help with parenting classes. Without the Blue Gargoyle Adult Learning Program that helped students prepare for GED-level instruction this program can only accept those who are at the GED learning level and are preparing for the exam.
Deb Hagman-Shannon, co-director of the agency, said she is thrilled that they received the Barbara Bush grant because “It will enable us to get started and make it easier to find more funding.”
Hagman-Shannon said CCCS also has a new Early Head Start program and an expanded HIV program starting Sept. 3.
“We are very grateful and excited about these programs and that we get to reach more people with our services,” Hagman-Shannon said.
CCCS received $370,000 for its Early Head Start program where home visitors visit each family for 90 minutes for infant and parent and child development.
The program will have four home visitors who will each visit 12 families in Hyde Park, Woodlawn and other South Side communities.
The agency’s HIV Prevention Program is one of two programs that were chosen for increased funding from the Illinois Department of Public Health. The program, aimed at African American youth, received $175,000, which is $115,000 more that its normal allocation of $60,000.
According to IDPH data, 50 percent of HIV/AIDS cases nationally and in Illinois are among African Americans. The funding will allow CCCS to teach its HIV education presentations to more schools and youth programs on the South Side and provide rapid testing and counseling at events. It will also allow the agency to implement a small group orientation series that is aimed at promoting lifestyle changes.
For more information, call 773-643-0452 or visit cccsociety.org.
d.phillips@hpherald.com

HYDE PARK HAPPENINGS
week starting September 1, 2010
Calendar deadline is noon Thursday before Wednesday publication. Submit calendar items to the editor by fax: 643-8542, e-mail: calendar@hpherald.com or mail: 1435 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, IL 60615

Ongoing
Auditions. The Hyde Park Youth Symphony is holding auditions for its Senior Symphony, Intermediate Orchestra and Junior Strings sections. Email auditions@hpys.org to schedule an appointment on the following days: Thursdays: Sept. 9 or 16 between 4 and 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 23 or 30 at 4 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. There are openings at all levels, for all instruments: winds, strings, brass and percussion. Visit hpys.org for more details and audition requirements

Wednesday, Sept. 1

Ask a curator. “Ask a Curator” with Geoff Emberling, chief curator of the Oriental Institute is a one-day event that will bring together museums and their audiences for a unique worldwide question and answer session using Twitter. To ask a question you simply need to post a tweet on Sept. 1 using the event hashtag #askacurator. Free. Midnight-11:59 a.m. / for more information, visit askacurator.com / 773-702-9520

Knit and crochet circle. Bring your current project. Meet other knitters and crocheters in the community. Get inspired to finish those projects! Enjoy great conversation. Share tips and resources. 6:30-7:45 p.m. / Blackstone Branch Public Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave. / 312-747-0511

Jazz duets series. Frieda Lee (vocals) Charlie Johnson (piano) / 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Park 52, 5201 S. Harper Ave. / 773-241-5200

Meditation. Soto Zen meditation - instruction at 5 p.m. for those who are new to this practice, followed by 35 minutes of meditation. All welcome, from any tradition or background. Free. 5-6:30 p.m. / Rockefeller Chapel, 1156 E. 59 St. / 773-702-2100

TriYoga classes. Level 2, Gently flowing, meditative, transformative. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. / 5124 S. Cornell Ave. / to reserve your space and for more information, call Maretta at 773-643-5460 / or e-mail mjeuland@hotmail.com

Power yoga in Hyde Park. Vinyasa Power Yoga at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. Open to all levels. $10 per class and the first class is free. 6-7:15 p.m. / Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. / for more information, visit restyourbrainyoga.com

Jazzercise. Cardio - Strength - Stretch for all ages and fitness levels. 9:30 a.m. / First Baptist Church of Chicago, 935 E. 50 St. / Call Sarah Ball 773-633-7132 or hydeparkjazz@gmail.com

Thursday, Sept. 2

Hyde Park Farmers Market. Visit the Hyde Park Farmers Market every Thursday for fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers and more. Free and open to the public / 7 a.m.-1 p.m. / 5200 S. Harper Ave.

Stepping and bid whist. With DJ Roy. $10 general admission, $5 students with ID. / 7:30 p.m. / Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave. / 773-684-1472

Friday, Sept. 3

Free dancing. Summer Java Jive offers free beginning swing lesson from 8-9 p.m. followed by free dancing until midnight. Free. 8-midnight / Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th St., in the library

Live blues. $10 general admission, $5 students with ID / 8 p.m.-2 a.m. / Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave. / 773-684-1472

Courtyard jazz. Noon-2 p.m. / Hyde Park Shopping Center at 55th Street and Lake Park Ave.

Weight loss challenge. Weekly nutrition classes and “biggest loser” contest. Receive a personal coach. Contribute $29, and biggest weight losers win first, second and third prizes. The more students, the larger the winnings. To register, call Brenetta Cheeks at 773-441-4391

Jazzercise. Cardio - Strength - Stretch for all ages and fitness levels. 9:30 a.m. / First Baptist Church of Chicago, 935 E. 50 St. / Call Sarah Ball 773-633-7132 or hydeparkjazz@gmail.com

Saturday, Sept. 4

Live blues. $10 general admission, $5 students with ID. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. / Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave. / 773-684-1472

61st Street farmers market. With more than 20 vendors, the 61st St. Farmers Market offers locally and sustainably grown, seasonal fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, bakery items, eggs and dairy products, prepared foods and flowers. In addition, every market day features educational activities for adults and children at the Market School, as well as demonstrations by Chicago chefs. Free / 9 a.m.-2 p.m. / 61st St. between Dorchester and Blackstone avenues.

Sunday, Sept. 5

Volunteer workday. Volunteers needed to help transplant native plants and weed the invasives. 4-6 p.m. / Nichols Park Meadow, 1322 E. 54th St. / For more information, call Carol Schneider at 773-684-2619

Monday, Sept. 6

Morning aerobics. Ages 18 and up. 7:50-8:50 a.m. / Hyde Park Jewish Community Center of Chicago, 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd. / call Tammie at 773-966-1065

Children’s gymnastics. Ages 5-12. 3:30-5:30 p.m. / Hyde Park Jewish Community Center of Chicago, 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd. / call Brian at 773-966-1067

Hip Hop adult workout. Ages 18 and up. 11 a.m.-noon and 4-5 p.m. / Hyde Park Jewish Community Center of Chicago, 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd. / call Brian at 773-966-1067

Informal playgroup. For children 1-3 and their caregivers. $5 drop-in fee or $40 for 10-class pass. 9:30-11:30 a.m. / Baby Ph.D., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. / phdccn@gmail.com

Jazzercise. Cardio, strength-building and stretching for all ages and fitness levels. 9:30 a.m. / First Baptist Church of Chicago, 935 E. 50th St. / 773-633-7132 / hydeparkjazz@gmail.com

Lotus Living Center classes. All Ball Fitness, 9:30-10 a.m.; EZ Total Body stretching, 10:15-10:45 a.m.; gentle yoga, 12:30-1:30 p.m. First class free / Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. / 847-224-0138 or 312-493-9766, lotuslivingcenter.com

Golden Diners. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. / Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. / 773-643-4062

Wednesday, Sept. 8

Jazz duets series. Peter Lerner (guitar) Larry Gray (bass). 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Park 52, 5201 S. Harper Ave. / 773-241-5200

Jazzercise. Cardio - strength - stretch for all ages and fitness levels. 9:30 a.m. / First Baptist Church of Chicago, 935 E. 50 St. / Call Sarah Ball 773-633-7132 or hydeparkjazz@gmail.com

Meetings

Thursday

CAPS Beat 234. 6:30 p.m. / Washington Park Field House 5531 S. King Dr. / 312-747-5109

Cafe Society moderated discussion at Valois Cafeteria / 7 p.m. / 1518 E. 53rd St.

Saturday

RainbowPUSH weekly forum. Rev. Jesse Jackson’s live broadcast is heard on CAN-TV Ch. 36 and WGRB-AM radio 1390. 10 a.m. / RainbowPUSH headquarters, 930 E. 50th St. / 773-373-3366

Wednesday

CAPS Beat 2132. 6:30-7:30 p.m. / Treasure Island, 1526 E. 55th St., on the lower level / 312 747-2930