Click photo to enlarge The Park District denies that swimming was ever allowed at Promontory Point.

Swimmer ticketed at Promontory Point By Kate Hawley, Staff Writer Judith Trytten was swimming off the north end of Promontory Point at about 6:30 Friday evening when a voice blared over a police megaphone, telling her to get out of the water. She swam to the shore and climbed up the stone revetment, where four officers were waiting for her. One of them handed her a ticket for “swimming in an unauthorized area.” Though it’s technically not allowed under Chicago Park District rules, swimming off the Point is has been a tradition in Hyde Park for decades. But while police sometimes shoo swimmers out of the water, ticketing is rare. Trytten, a 63-year-old psychologist who lives and works in the neighborhood, wasn’t sure why she wound up with a ticket instead of the customary slap on the wrist. She described herself as a strong swimmer who has been taking regular dips off Promontory Point since 1988. She was angry that before she could get out of the water, police emptied out her swim bag that had been sitting near the shore — a precaution they told her was necessary in case she was carrying a gun, she said. (See letters, page four, for Trytten’s detailed account of the incident.) She has a court date in August at the city’s Department of Administrative Hearings. The amount of her fine will be determined then, according to Ivy Blanton, a spokesperson for the Park District. Trytten claimed she wasn’t sure if she was breaking a rule by swimming off the Point. “It’s pretty clear that it’s ambiguously prohibited,” she said. Signs painted on the rocks show red slash marks through stick-figure diagrams of swimmers and divers. While additional signage may be needed, the no-swimming rule is not likely to change, according to Rosalind Moore, an assistant to Ald. Leslie Hairston (5th). “Every year, we get complaints for the alderman to overrule the Park District,” she said “We cannot do that because there are liability issues.” “We don’t approve of anyone swimming at that location,” said Blanton, the Park District spokesperson, citing the rocky terrain and the fact that no lifeguards are on duty. Fabio Grego, who witnessed Trytten getting ticketed, said he plans to keep swimming at the Point even if the rules forbid it. “It should be ‘swim at your own risk,’” he said. “Everybody that goes there uses common sense. As far as I know, there never really has been any problem.” Swimming at the Point is a tradition that “ought to be embraced by the city and celebrated by the city,” said Greg Lane, a member of the Promontory Point Community Task Force, which is working on a plan to rebuild the limestone revetment that leads down to the water. “It’s appalling that the city responds to that with hostility.” In other Point news, the Herald last week published an article about Promontory Point updating the progress toward restoring the limestone revetment. Sen. Barack Obama is one of the local leaders who support the initiative to restore this historic structure in Hyde Park. The senator’s office responded by saying he “is pleased to have authorized $450,00 in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 to conduct a third party review —based on historic standards — for plans to restore Promontory Point, and looks forward to continued work with Congressman Jackson on behalf of this important initiative.” k.hawley@hpherald.com

Click photo to enlarge A splash of color Artist Slang Tyrue Jones works on a section of "Instinctive Movements," a mural commissioned by the 4th Ward under the auspices of the Chicago Public Art Group for the south side of the 47th Street and Southshore Metra tracks viaduct.

U. of C. to have most diverse freshman class yet By Sam Cholke, Staff Writer The University of Chicago’s incoming class of 2012 will be the most diverse group of students ever, which the dean of enrollment attributed to the Odyssey Scholarship program. Michael Behnke, vice president and dean of college enrollment, said the scholarship program, established last year through an anonymous $100-million gift, helped many low — and moderate — income students replace loans with scholarships. “This is the best admissions year I have experienced in my 26 years at the University of Chicago,” said Ted O’Neill, dean of college admissions. “We have had many very good years as our admissions profile has improved in almost every one of those years.” The class will be about 51 percent female and 49 percent male. It marks an 8 percent increase in minority students attending the university over last year. Attendance by international students shows a slight increase but remains largely consistent with last year. Last year’s class was the most diverse in the history of the university until admissions were completed for the class of 2012. “We have made a real breakthrough. I have no doubt that we will have one of the best classes in the nation, and one particularly suited to this kind of education and community,” O’Neill said. Behnke said the Odyssey scholarship opened attending the University of Chicago to students who could not otherwise afford it. “We expected Odyssey to draw in even more talented students, and it most certainly did,” Behnke said. “I’m extremely pleased that we’ve had another incredible year for diversity, and I’m especially pleased that in this first year of the Odyssey Scholarship program, the number of students from low-income families has shot up. These are extremely bright students, and Odyssey is allowing them to enroll exactly where they are meant to be.” The scholarship can cut loans in half for students from families making between $60,000 and $75,000, and replace loans entirely for students from families making less than $60,000 a year. The scholarship is awarded based on financial need. s.cholke@hpherald.com

Click photo to enlarge Restoration is well underway at Rockefeller Memorial Chapel, 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave..

Rockefeller Chapel restoration on track By Daschell M. Phillips, Staff Writer The $20-million restoration of the Rockefeller Chapel is on schedule, according to Lorraine Brochu, assistant to the dean for external affairs at the University of Chicago. Over the past three years, work on the electrical system, Cinquefoil window, pipe organ and carillon have been completed. Over the next two-and-a-half years, work will continue on the lance windows, masonry, tuck-pointing, drainage system and tower. Indicators that the chapel is under repairs, such as scaffolding, have not deterred many people — or the chapel staff - from holding events there. “A few people decided not to have their weddings here because of the scaffolding but most didn’t mind,” said Brochu. “ We put black cloth over scaffolding at ground level so you don’t see it in photos.” The chapel also celebrated the return of its rebuilt E.M. Skinner pipe organ and Laura Spelman Rockefeller carillon with an outdoor concert in early June. Brochu said the rain that upset the free outdoor concert — forcing many visitors to listen through speakers inside the chapel — was actually a blessing in disguise. “The carillon sounds better outside, but listening from the inside was arguably good,” said Brochu. “Now we can have concerts in the winter...Caroling with Carillon.” Knowing that the weather would be “iffy,” Wiley Crawford, the chapel’s carilloneur, came up with the idea to have speakers on stand-by in case of rain. While the staff considered the use of speakers a success, Brochu said there were some technical difficulties. “We used wireless speakers, so once people got on their cell phones to let people know where they were, the signals obstructed the system,” said Brochu. “Next time we will use hardwire.” On Sundays at 6 p.m. from June 26 through August 24, the chapel will host Carillonathan, a regular performance of the carillon. “We are so happy [the carillon] is back. It will sound better than ever,” said Brochu. For more information, call 702-2100. d.phillips@hpherald.com

Mysore yoga, 6:15-8 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Bird walks, 7 a.m., Darrow Bridge. Call Doug Anderson at 493-7058.

Led primary yoga, 9:10-10:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Iyengar yoga, 9:15-10:45 a.m., Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. For a reservation, call Randa 857-1081.

Knitting, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Diners, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Beginner’s bridge, 1-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Tap dance class, 6-7 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Hyde Park Farmers’ Market, through Oct. 30, 7 a.m.-2 p.m., 52nd Place and Harper Avenue, on the cul-de-sac.

Pilates class legs, 10-10:30 a.m. (upper body), 10:45-11:15 a.m.; EZ Total Body Stretch class 1:05-1:35 p.m., Lotus Living Center. 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. To reserve your spot, call Bill at 312-493-9766.

Led primary yoga, 7:15-8:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Right at Home: Parent-Baby Drop In, 10:30 a.m.-noon, Chicago Childcare Society Townhouse, 5459 S. University Ave. $5 per family or as able. Contact Katie Cadell at 256-2426.

Men’s group, 8-10 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Intermediate bridge group, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Exercise class, 10:40-11:25 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Computer class, 11 a.m.-noon, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

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

Intermediate French class, 5:15-6:15 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Salsa classes, 7:10 p.m., Say Salsa, United Church of Hyde Park, 1448 E. 53rd St., 551-0022.

Kids Story Time, 11 a.m., Borders Books, 1539 E. 53rd St., 752-8663.

Mysore yoga, 6:15-8 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Led primary yoga, 9:10-10:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Iyengar Yoga, 9:15-10:30 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Asthma education program, 10-11 a.m., Provident Hospital, 500 E. 51st St. Admission is free. Contact Ms. L. Walker at 312-572-2309.

Walking Group, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Tai Chi, 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Diners, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Friday Film, 1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Bird walks, 8 a.m., Darrow Bridge. Call Doug Anderson at 773-493-7058.

Upper-body toning class, 9:15-9:45 a.m., 10:45-11:15 a.m.; leg toning class, 10-10:30 a.m. Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. To reserve your spot, call Bill at 312-493-9766.

61st Street Farmers’ Market, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., through October 25, Experimental Station, 61st Street between Dorchester and Blackstone avenues.

“Covetousness,” David W. Pickens, deputy director of Chicago Public Schools, speaks, 10 a.m. Part of The Ten Sayings summer workshop series at Hyde Park Union Church, 5600 S. Woodlawn Ave. Free and open to the public. Childcare is provided. For more information, call 363-6063 or visit www.hpuc.org.

Blu 47 Gospel Brunch, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Blu 47, 4655 S. King Dr., 536-6000.

Pain free knees/back, workshop to increase range of motion and minimize pain. 12-1 p.m., Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. The cost is $25 (10 percent discount for Hyde Park residents). To reserve your spot, contact Bill at 312-493-9766.

Iyengar yoga class 9:15-10:45 a.m., Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. To reserve your spot, call Randa at 857-1081.

Walking group, 9 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Advanced bridge, 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

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

Live jazz, 7-11 p.m., Hidden Pearl Art CafÈ, 1060 E. 47th St., 285-1211. This event is sponsored by Little Black Pearl and the Musicians Network Mecca. Musicians are always welcome. For more information about the network, call Larry Hanks at 312-808-0005.

Live rhythm and blues and jazz music, 8 p.m.-1 a.m., Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave., 684-1472. Tickets are $10 with a two-drink minimum.

Led primary yoga, 7:15-8:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Pilates class (legs), 10-10:30 a.m., (upper body), 10:45-11:15 a.m.; EZ Total Body Stretch class, 1:05-1:35 p.m., Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. Free of charge. To reserve your spot, call Bill at 312-493-9766.

Exercise class, 10:40-11:25 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Computer class, 11 a.m.-noon, Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Mah Jongg group, 12:30-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Diners, 1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Troubadours Sing, 1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Nature’s Own, games and activities, 3:30 p.m., Blackstone Library, 4904 S. Lake Park Ave., 312-747-0511. Open to children 3 years and older.

Soccer, 6-9:45 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062. Admission is $7.

Salsa classes, 6 p.m., 7 p.m. and 8 p.m., Say Salsa, United Church of Hyde Park, 1448 E. 53rd St., 551-0022.

Mysore yoga, 6:15 a.m.-8 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Bird walks, 7 a.m., Darrow Bridge. Call Doug Anderson at 493-7058.

Led primary yoga, 9:10-10:45 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Children’s story time, 10:30 a.m., 57th Street Books, 1301 E. 57th St., 684-1300.

Knitting, 10:30-11:30 a.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Golden Diners, 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Beginner’s bridge, 1-3 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Tap dance class, 6-7 p.m., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave., 643-4062.

Exhibit “Seeing the City”: John Sloan’s art of New York, 10 a.m.-7:30 p.m. until Sept. 14, Smart Museum of Art, 5550 S. Greenwood Ave., 773-702-0200.

Exhibit “Faster Cheaper Bolder,” an exhibition of highlights from the Hyde Park Art Center’s silkscreen classes, through July 20. Regular hours are Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m., and Sunday, noon-5 p.m., 5020 S. Cornell Ave. For more information, call 773-324-5520.

Bret Harte Elementary School LSC, 6 p.m., 1556 E. 56th St., 535-0870.

CAPS police beat 2133, 6:30 p.m., Kennicott Park, 4434 S. Lake Park Ave.

Charles Kosminski C.A. LSC, 6:30 p.m., 936 E. 54th St., 535-0970.