The Park Magazine Fall 2014 by Angel D'Amico-Bauer

FALL 2014

CHICAGO

Dreezy:

The New Face of Hip-Hop

Also:

Parents vs Teens: How to Create a Balance Powered By

JOAKIM NOAH

Helps Fight Violence In Chicago

Back to School

FASHION

Summer 2014

DISTRICT FUN:

F R

PARK

WELCOME LETTER

OFFICE OF THE MAYOR CITY OF CHICAGO RAHM EMANUEL MAYOR August 2014 Dear Friends: I am excited to welcome you to The Park, a Chicago teen magazine devoted to creating unique spaces and open forums for teenage writing, art, and ideas. This magazine is designed to explore life and highlight activities and events while giving voice to the issues teens face. The Park offers teens the opportunity to publish their creative work and voice their opinions on issues that affect their lives – everything from love and family to education and current events to fashion and self-esteem. The Chicago Park District has always been a great source for teens offering a variety of educational, athletic, cultural, and community activities. The Park, distributed through the Chicago Park District and partnered with True Star Media, offers some of the most thoughtful and creative work generated by teens today. Together they are dedicated to helping teens share their own voices and providing a platform where teens can genuinely express themselves and be heard. The Park is an important resource. Every Chicagoan’s voice – especially those of teenagers – is critical to the discussion on how to improve the quality of life for teens around Chicagoland. Whether offering fun and safe events like Night Out in the Park or initiatives like One Summer Chicago and City of Learning, I am devoted to supporting talented youth people committed to their education, building their job skills, and battering their communities. I look forward to helping Chicago’s teens reach their full potential. Sincerely,

Mayor

CONTENTS SOUND OFF

6: Does Injustice Give Us Justice?, by J’Nae Williams 7: Middle Child Chicago by Na’Je Williams 8: Color of Crime by Temia Ivy 9: A Bullet To The Heart by Briana Wilson 10: Cultures of Abuse by Kiara Austin 11: Agree or Disagree by Jamila Jenkins 12: Parents vs Teens by Naja Harrington 13: Growing Pains by Ariel Godinez

CODE SWITCH – PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT 14: Back & Forth by Da’Quan Hampton 15: Making It Your Own by Jailyn Green

STATUS UPDATE – ENTERTAINMENT

16: Could Dreezy Be The New Face of Hip-Hop by Mina Waight 17: Showing Some Skin by Taylor Thigpen 18 & 19: Joakim Noah Encourages Chicago To Stand Up by Da’Quan Hampton

THE LOCKER ROOM – SPORTS 20: Stress In Sports by Antonio Jones 21: Water Polo, Anyone? by Ni’Ja Bradford & Taylor Thigpen

FASHION MADNESS – FASHION 22-25: Fashion Pages 26: New Year, New You by Jennifer Johnson

WELL-SPOKEN - CREATIVE WRITING 27: Melanie Brown: Her Spoken Word by Patches Blanton 28: R.A.G.E. by Na’Ja Bradford

THE PARK – PARK PROGRAMS

29: Free Street Theater by Patches Blanton 30: Kids That Rock by Jailyn Green 30: Fishing and Sailing for Fun at Garfield Park by Ariel Godinez & Jennifer Johnson 31: Campers Turned Leaders by Ni’Ja Bradford & Taylor Thigpen 32: Teen X-Stream by Jamila Jenkins & Kiara Austin 33, 34 & 35: Park Calendar of Events

PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE PARK MAGAZINE CONTACT US: INFO@TRUESTARMAGAZINE.COM CHICAGOPARKDISTRICT.COM

TRUE STAR STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS DEANNA MCLEARY & NA-TAE’ THOMPSON MANAGING EDITOR MARTI PARHAM EDITORIAL COORDINATORS JESSICA VACCO AND VERONICA ADKINS ART DIRECTION DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION ANGEL D’AMICO-BAUER PHOTOGRAPHER DESHAUN “TRIG” ADAMS

CONTRIBUTORS

Ariel Godinez

J’Nae Williams 15 years old , Thornridge High School Skill Most Improved: How to write an article the right way.

16, Al Raby Favorite Memory: Sharing my poetry with Miss Jessica and Miss Vee and getting feedback.

Jamila Jenkins

Jennifer Johnson

Kiara Austin

14, Queen of Peace Skill Most Improved: Confidence + Social Skills.

15, North Lawndale Prep Skill Most Improved: My reporting skills improved a lot. I learned a lot and I believe that it’ll help me for future jobs.

Patches Blanton

16, St. Patrick High School Favorite Memory of the Summer: When I would yell random noises like HIAAAAHHH while thinking about the power that holds on the general norm that we’ve been taught to accept.

Na’je Williams

14, Westinghouse College Prep 15, North Lawndale Prep Skill Most Improved: I learned Skill Most Improved: Learning leadership skills as well as social how to speak and say what I skills, but the best part was getting needed during an interview to my first paycheck, especially for get the things I needed to know. doing something I love!

Naja Harrington

16, George Westinghouse College Prep Favorite Memory of the Summer: Being able to participate in a photoshoot; one skill I learned was to learn to be more humble and sophisticated.

Jailyn Green

15, Walter Payton College Prep Favorite Memory of the Summer: Having conversations with my co-workers because they’re hilarious. Meeting our bosses because they are just as funny as us. When Miss Jessica became a ninja and saved my rough draft after it blew away.

Ni’ja Bradford

16, University of North Texas Favorite Memory of the Summer: Playing the musical chair game. I like that we got to help each other out and hold interesting conversations.

not pictured:

Temia Ivy

16, Westinghouse College Prep Skill Most Improved: I learned how to better communicate with people and I learned how to be more open.

Taylor Thigpen

16, Linblom Math & Science Academy Skill Most Improved: My social and communication skills really improved because of the interviews and also being a part of True Star helped me realize that we are a team and I need to be a team player.

Da’Quan Hampton

Farragut Career Academy Favorite Memory of the Summer: My first day here. We did work but we also played games and chilled. I felt so welcome here.

Briana Wilson 15, Von Steuben Skills Most Improved: Communicating with others, writing better, and interviewing without getting nervous.

Antonio Jones 16, Al Raby High School Skill Most Improved: I improved on talking in front of a group.

Special Thanks Mayor Rahm Emanuel Superintendent Michael Kelly Board President Bryan Traubert Board of Commissioners Chicago Park District Teen Committee Michael Scott Jr. Vaughn Bryant Sabrina Stewart

SOUND OFF

DOES INJUSTICE

Give Us Justice? BY J’NAE WILLIAMS, THORNRIDGE HIGH SCHOOL

ome people believe that for a very long time, law enforcement and the justice system have been attacking the surface of society’s problem instead of getting to the root of it. There are laws against murder, yet people are still murdering each other every day. While there are some aspects of our legal system that could be improved, such as getting rid of the Young Offenders Act, most attempts to attack the surface of gang violence have been considered failures. Chicago Police Officer Janice McKnight, says, “The justice system as a whole is legally blind. It is imbalanced because the rich get away with certain crimes the poor cannot get away with.” McKnight feels there’s injustice because those with more money can afford more attorneys and this is why the justice system appears to be unfair, but in reality it is fair. Many argue that we need more social programs, which address poverty and problem children early on in the school system. There must be social programs to get people off welfare and working, or at least working for the welfare they get. Many know how to milk the system and don’t really care enough to take responsibility for their lives when they know that someone will always provide for them. Some people say it’s even “the times” we live in today. Media condones violence and gang life on TV, the Internet, and in our music. These things are glorified and trivialized, so we are 6 THE PARK

desensitized and sweep it all under the umbrella of free speech and human rights, yet we reap the consequences of this mentality. McKnight also said to prevent and get rid of gang violence “you would have to sit down and talk to the gang leaders and get them to agree and to modify their turfs.” Gang violence usually centers on drugs and the drugs are brought in by the rich. I think to truly and honestly get rid of gang violence it is important to acknowledge that most gang members don’t do what they do because they like it. Some do it because they have been forced into poverty or had no other choice but to make money through crime. As the saying goes, life is what you make it. The purpose and meaning of life is the purpose and meaning that you give it.

Middle Child CHICAGO BY NA’JE WILLIAMS, AL RABY HIGH SCHOOL

“...THINK OF THE SOUTH SIDE AS THE MIDDLE CHILD WITH A HIGH POVERTY LEVEL.”

ave you heard the saying “the middle child is always the worst”? Compare the favoritism role of the first child to the favoritism role with certain Chicago neighborhoods. With that in mind, think of the South Side as the middle child with a high poverty level. Some people have the assumption that the state of Illinois gives more funds towards the “upper class’’ Chicago residents than towards the lower or middle class, which are considered the main hubs for violence and gang activity. “Even though nowadays the media will tell you a lot of the violence is gang related, I don’t really think it is. I think the violence, in the area like the one I’m from on the West Side, is usually tied to money,’’ says Lamar Jorden, a 25-year-old youth poetry coach from the Austin area. Truth is, Chicago can be uniquely different and still be beautiful. Some believe that in certain communities, residents take things for granted. When damages occur residents expect the state to constantly spend funds on repairs. “Sooner or later we – as in the poor people – are going to hopefully realize folks aren’t going to look out and provide for us in the way that we see other parts of the city being provided for,’’ says Jorden. Many believe that a lack of everyday resources shows imbalance and may be a cause to the violence in many of the city’s neighborhoods. For example, the lack of basketball rims. “I grew up across the street from a park. It’s a basketball court in the park and there were certain times in

my childhood and young adulthood in which that basketball court had no rims on it; just had back boards and all the rims had been torn down,” says Jorden. “There were [times when] we’d have to wait years before they replaced some of those rims.’’ Chicago, the third largest city in the country, can unfortunately show its segregation from community to community. With the help of the city and its citizens, we may be able to find a way to end this segregation once and for all. Despite its segregation and lack of state funding in particular neighborhoods, it is a city of cultural differences. No matter what neighborhood, each deserves to be treated equally, and finally get the school systems and police response that the rest of the city has. THE PARK 7

The COLOR of Crime BY TEMIA IVY, GARFIELD PARK WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

e all know that gang violence is one of the biggest crimes in Chicago. Crime is committed by all races, but often the media emphasizes that African-Americans and other minorities are the only ones who are gang affiliated. The following people and situations of racial profiling are just a small amount of Chicagoans from the streets of Ohio and Fernand. Hopefully these situations help bring awareness to people jumping to judge. Minorities are used to racial profiling, but that doesn’t make it okay. Being racially profiled is a culture that our society has created and it goes beyond generations. It’s time to change. Name: Anthony Minter Age: 46 Race: African-American Gang Affiliation: Ex Vice Lord The Vice Lords is one of the biggest Chicago West Side gangs and has been around since the 60’s. Minter has been racially profiled many times. “I see how cops have targeted certain people. One of my friends, a white guy, [and I] were standing together on Ohio and they assumed that I was selling the drugs when he was selling the drugs the whole time. I got slammed to the ground and a knee in my back and all they did was pat him down and let him go on his way.” Name: Veronica Fobbs

Age: 25 Race: African-American Fobbs shared her opinion on racial profiling and gang violence. “It’s all about where you come from and where you live and the area you’re in, so it’s not really about race because there can be 8 THE PARK

Blacks, Latinos – either or. I haven’t been racially profiled myself, but I know people that have – for example – my brother. He has dreads in his hair so a lot of times he’s racially profiled. Dreads mean you’re a drug dealer, gang banger or committing some act of crime, which is not true.” Name: Kendall Green Age: 26 Race: African-American Gang affiliation: Former 4 Corner Hustler Green was 14 when he joined a gang. “I just wanted to do something. I didn’t know what I was doing, I just wanted to be like everybody else. I was peer pressured. Once you get deep into it, once you go to jail, you will find the real meaning behind it. Having different races being involved in gang violence, it’s a part of their culture, too. Gang violence was about unity. It’s supposed to be about unity and brotherhood... Somewhere we got lost. My thoughts on racial profiling... I mean that’s life, that’s how we view people based off stereotypes. When you look at the statistics [mostly Blacks and Latinos are in the gangs]. People always target the Blacks for gang violence, so what else is new?” As a community, we need to change the way people look at others and don’t be so quick to judge.

A Bullet

To The Heart BY BRIANA WILSON, VON STEUBEN MSC

“A

16-year-old female was shot and killed. On her way home from school, gunshots rang out causing everyone to run for shelter. Unfortunately, the young female was hit by a bullet, instantly killing her.” Hearing that a young adult life has been taken away is heart breaking, especially knowing that they may have had a bright future. Living life in Chicago isn’t easy. Sadly, it isn’t new to hear something like this. Throughout the past years, violence in Chicago has risen, especially with the youth. The website redlineproject.org reported that teenagers represent nearly 30 percent of Chicago homicide victims, according to city crime statistics. There are several factors of teen violence that go unspoken. It is often blamed on gang activity, but factors like bullying can cause teens to kill others and even themselves. “You know if you’re bullying a person and you corner them and they can’t get away, that’s the most dangerous thing because that person you’re cornering is going to come out fighting…” says Priscilla Jones, teacher and mentor. Another factor of teen violence in Illinois can be the disappearance of youth programs and

“... THE YOUNG FEMALE WAS HIT BY A BULLET, INSTANTLY KILLING HER.”

activities across the city of Chicago. There has been a shortage of programs in the city due to low funding. Youth are struggling for things to do and this can cause them to turn to negative behaviors. According to afterschoolalliance.org, in Illinois, 28 percent (641,975) of K-12 youth are responsible for taking care of themselves after school. Some young people who do not participate in extracurricular programs have idle time to get into trouble. “I strongly believe that if you don’t have enough activities and places for young people to go, the environment will hinder them or help them,” says Jones. According to the National Criminal Justice Reference Service, many adolescents will do risky, dangerous or illegal things when in the company of their peers that they would not do when on their own. Teenagers today often get caught up in peer pressure, leading to a life of violent crimes. In order to escape that, you should live your life how you would want to, not how others choose to. Never move too fast with your actions and decisions, for they may make a major impact onto your future. THE PARK 9

Cultures of Abuse BY KIARA AUSTIN, NORTH LAWNDALE COLLEGE PREP

busive relationships are a common thing that several teens around the world deal with. Some people grow up in these negative circumstances or have seen someone in their family get abused. “Maybe the young person grew up getting abused and started to thinking they could abuse their own children,” said Tiffany Fairehild, a Youth Development Coach. “Some parents get overwhelmed, and don’t know what to do, so they abuse their children.” Some people face this challenge alone and have no one to talk to because they are scared that the abuser is going to find out and the issue will worsen. The various types of abuse in life include verbal abuse, mental abuse and physical abuse. Common situations are females getting abused because their boyfriends are on drugs or grew up getting abused. Some kids get verbally abused because they get picked on in school or outside because of how they dress or how they look. Some kids may abuse other kids because they experienced abuse when they were younger. Abuse is a bad situation that any person could be faced with. Abuse could hurt a lot and cause a lot of people to commit suicide at an early age because of the situations they go through. Teenagers should become educated about abuse and should never let anybody abuse them in any type of way, even if it’s family or friends. Abuse is something nobody in this world should have to go through. 10 THE PARK

Statistics on Abusive Relationships According to the teen dating site, www.loveisrespect.org, these are some recent statistics based on teens in abusive relationships. • Nearly 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner in a single year. • One in three adolescents in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. • One in 10 high school students has been purposefully hit, slapped or physically hurt by a boyfriend or girlfriend. • One quarter of high school girls have been victims of physical or sexual abuse. • Approximately 70 percent of college students say they have been sexually coerced.

TO AGREE OR

DISAGREE? BY JAMILA JENKINS, NORTH LAWNDALE COLLEGE PREP

onsent is defined by Google Dictionary as, “the permission for something; acceptance of or agreement to something proposed or desired by another.” This definition is important, especially to teenagers, because they involve themselves in situations that they may not be familiar with, such as sex, peer pressure and relationships. Experimenting in these situations is normal for teens, so bringing awareness to consent can help keep them out of trouble.

Consent in Different Situations Sexual Assault: In cases where teens get raped or sexually harassed they may not confirm for the situation to happen to them. The person who’s doing the assaulting agrees to do it but the person who’s being assaulted may not. Therefore, there is no consent between the two people. Peer Pressure: On occasion, teens don’t approve certain situations on their own; they get pressured into doing it. For example, today many teens are in gangs or squads. Some teens get pressured to smoke, drink, fight, etc., and sometimes the ones who are supposed to be your

“friends” encourage you to make bad decisions. For example, if all your friends are smoking and you’re the only one who’s not, they may try to pressure you to smoke with them by putting you down. You feel that you have to do it to satisfy them but you really don’t want to do it. That’s peer pressure. Relationships: In a relationship having consent is really important. You and your partner have to agree on many things such as having sex. If you both don’t agree on “making love” then it can be considered rape even though you both are in a relationship. According to Skylar Cole, an education therapist/ social worker for Foster Care, having consent for situations involving teens is important because it complies that not having consent can hurt the teen physically, mentally and verbally. She states, “The older you get, the more you’ll need consent for things.” What do teens need to know about the importance of having consent? “Your actions are more powerful than words; go with what’s more comfortable and better for you,” advises Cole. THE PARK 11

Parents vs. Teens:

WHEN NO RIGHT IS WRONG BY NAJA HARRINGTON, WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

hen you’re a child, it’s as though you and your parents have the best relationship. They’re your role model, friend, and sometimes your hero. Unfortunately, as a child gets older the relationships between parents and teens begin to take a different path, and conflicts between the two begin to arise from different angles. The main source of these conflicts is the fact that teens don’t understand the views of their parents and parents don’t understand the views of their teens. When you enter into your teenage years, your social life beings to change. You want to hang out with your friends instead of always being around your parents. Although parents have been in situations like these, it is hard for them to cope with this change. Rebecca VaccoGiudice, a licensed clinical social worker, says, “This conflict is typically created by one main reason – a healthy teenager is pushing for more independence while trying to discover their own identity, and a healthy parent is restraining that push for independence in order to maintain safety and responsibility.” 12 THE PARK

As a parent, you only want to make sure that your child is safe, secure, and out of harm’s way. Sometimes teens see this as a restriction to their freedom. When a teen begins to spend less time with their parents, the adult may feel they are losing authority over their child. Another source of parent-teen conflict is individuality. Everyone has their own source of identity and their own way of showing it. Your teenage years are when you start to sense who you are as a person. This can be very troubling for parents. “Parents and teens may have disagreements over what expression of individuality is okay, versus what expression is not okay,” says Vacco-Giudice. This consists of piercings, tattoos, certain clothing, and relationships. In many households this causes disagreements. Everyone is their own person, and as hard as it is for a parent, they have to allow their teen to find themselves. Teens also have to understand that there are certain limits and restrictions that they have to follow. Although it might seem hard to find balance in a parent-teen relationship, it’s really all about having an understanding of each other.

Growing Pains BY ARIEL GODINEZ, QUEEN OF PEACE

“ THE FIVE MOST COMMON STRESSORS ARE SCHOOL WORK, PARENTS, ROMANTIC RELATIONSHIPS, FRIEND PROBLEMS, AND YOUNGER SIBLINGS.“

here’s a time in our lives when we transition from being a little kid to becoming a young adult; these are our teenage years. Throughout our teen years a lot changes. We’re going to high school, making new friends, having boyfriends/girlfriends, finding out what we want to make of ourselves, and the list goes on and

Some teens have trouble coping with their stress. A study conducted by teenhelp.com showed how teen boys and teen girls coped under pressure. For boys, 25 percent avoided or refused to deal with their stress, 23 percent tried finding ways to distract themselves away from their stress, 17 percent tried finding support, and 35 percent

on. Change can be good, but it can also be stressful.

actively tried to reduce their stress. As for girls, 19 percent avoided or refused to deal with their stress, 14 percent tried finding ways to distract themselves away from their stress, 22 percent tried finding support, and 42 percent actively tried to remove or reduce their stress.

Many things can cause stress for teens. According to a survey conducted by teenhelp. com, the five most common stressors are school work, parents, romantic relationships, friend problems, and younger siblings. It is important to pinpoint stress factors because stress may lead to things like depression, eating disorders, self-harm or in a worse case scenario - suicide. These conditions are also often invisible but there are visible effects such as grade drops, mood changes, and appearance changes. From intense to mild stress effects, each one should be treated equally, as these stress effects can shape decisions that will impact the rest of our lives.

Mentalhealthscreening.org says, “When we perceive a situation as difficult or painful, changes occur in our minds and bodies to prepare us to respond to danger. This fight, flight, or freeze response includes faster heart and harder rate, increased blood to muscles of arms and legs, cold or clammy hands and feet, upset stomach and/or a sense of dread.” All in all, teen stress may be looked upon as teens exaggerating, but teen stress may actually lead to serious problems. It is important that teens find a healthy way to deal with their stress. THE PARK 13

CODE SWITCH - PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Back & Forth:

THE PRESSURES OF LIVING WITH SEPARATED PARENTS BY DA’QUAN HAMPTON, FARRAGUT CAREER ACADEMY

ransferring schools is rough enough without dealing with the pressures of separated parents. All at once, you’re angry with your parents for making you transfer and leave your old friends, and you are nervous about making new friends. A lot of teenagers experience transition with separated parents, and struggle to deal with it. Parents don’t always understand how stressful it can be. Your grades start to decline and the problems at home aren’t helping the situation. When parents split you’re moving back and forth from house to house, the parents are always arguing, and you just want your old life back. These things can start to make you depressed. Here are five tips to try and make your life easier, better, and more relaxing. Tip 1: Do afterschool activities. Even if you are bouncing from mom’s to dad’s, you’ll barely be there. Try sports, book club or some activities at your school. This can make it easier to meet new people and make friends. Tip 2: Make your room your safe haven. You can make it a place where you can get away from everything. Decorate it how you want and just make it your peaceful place. 14 THE PARK

Tip 3: When you’re at school, point out things that you have in common with people. For example, does the girl sitting next to you listen to the same music as you? Introduce yourself, say that you’re new, ask them about themselves and that thing that you both have in common. Tip 4: Be a good listener. This can work both at home and school. When people at school are talking to you, don’t always try and take command and rule the conversation. Listen, laugh when it’s appropriate, and show that you care about what they’re saying and not just trying to get “the talk” over. Listening is the key to communication. Tip 5: Be yourself! If you be yourself at school, people will start to like you. Some people may hate on you, but people are going to hate till the day you die. Don’t let that affect you. Same thing at home; don’t be what your parents want you to be. Be what YOU want to be, because it’s your future that you’re working on. Not theirs.

MAKING IT Your Own BY JAILYN GREEN, WALTER PAYTON COLLEGE PREP

here comes a time when every teen wants a place to escape from parents, from school or just from life in general. What if I told you that with just a few design tips, your bedroom could be your own personal paradise? Picking a color for your room is the most important detail to think about. Katherine Cherne, a Chicago interior designer, says, “When it comes to colors, each of them express a different type of mood. When choosing colors, base them off of how you want your room to feel.”

Colors & Moods Guide: • Red - Creates an exciting environment and is one of the most stimulating colors. • Orange - Is an enthusiastic and energetic color and makes a fun environment. • Yellow - Expresses joy but in large amounts it can began to frustrate people. • Green - Is the most restful color and very comforting; it also encourages unwinding. • Pastel Blues - Are calming but can make a room feel cold if shown as a main color. • Warm Blues - Are considered calming, relaxing, and serene. • Lighter Purples - Can also make a room feel calm without the risk of feeling cold. • Darker Purples - Can make a room look elegant.

Besides choosing colors, another important thing is learning to maximize your space. If your room is small, there are tips and tricks that can be used to make your room seem bigger. Maximizing space can involve the layout of your furniture or tasks as simple as keeping the room clean. To make the most of you bedroom space Cherne suggests: • “Build up!”- Make room on your walls for shelves which you can fill up with whatever you want, but be sure to keep things neat and not cluttered. • “Use the space under your bed!”- You can use storage boxes or even shoe boxes to store items out of the way. • “Clean up your closet!”- Organize your clothes and throw out what you don’t need for maximum space. There are many components when dealing with the decorating process of your room; just remember that colors and knowing how to use your space wisely can be a large base for creating your personal paradise. THE PARK 15

STATUS UPDATE – ENTERTAINMENT

Could Dreezy

BE THE NEW FACE OF HIP-HOP? BY MINA WAIGHT, SENIOR, KENWOOD ACADEMY

ictionary.com defines rap as a style of music developed in the late 1970s, which contains recurring beat patterns that provide the background for rapid, slangy, spoken or chanted “rhymes” or “lyrics” done by a vocalist(s). Now, add a female straight out of Chicago and what do you get? The femcee known as Dreezy with a talent that she is ready to show to the world. “Around my junior year, I started taking [rapping] seriously and that’s because I was really on punishment for a long time; like no TV, no phone, no computer [and] I couldn’t go anywhere. I was just stuck in my room,” says Dreezy, a.k.a. Seandrea Sledge, about her start in the game. “I had to go to school and come straight home and that was for like three whole months, so within that time I was really just enhancing my writing… I was just thinking about my life and what I wanted to do. I only had a CD of beats, so I would pop that in the radio; then I said I was going to put out my first mixtape and take this seriously, and I’ve been taking it seriously ever since.” Dreezy has seen much success in the industry so far with her growing fanbase, however, she stays focused on her goal while remaining humble. “I stay true to myself. I’ll never lose myself and I’m not even where I want to be yet… I appreciate anybody that helps me because [honestly] these people that come out to the shows, they don’t 16 THE PARK

know me... but they’ll pay $10 to see my show and that’s amazing to me, and I’m appreciative.” In the future Dreezy says she wants to work with artists like Migos, J. Cole, Jhene Aiko, Drake and Kendrick Lamar, but she realizes there is still work to be done. “[When people think about me or hear my song or name] I just want them to think I’m the best female rapper period. That’s why I go hard on every verse I put out. [If] that’s their first time hearing me I want them to be like, ‘Dang, she cold!’…so I just keep going hard. I just want people to really appreciate my lyrics because I really do take my time and write, and hopefully I can be the new face of hip-hop in the future.”

SHOWING

SOME SKIN BY TAYLOR THIGPEN, LINDBLOM MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY

hat do Angelina Jolie, Anne Hathaway, Katerina Marquez, Paula Patton, and Halle Berry all have in common? These actresses all have taken part in a nude scene in a movie. However, have these actresses ever thought about how they are showing their

Anne Hathaway in Love, and Other Drugs showed an equal amount of nudity. It leads to the realization that when people made this acceptable, it started to spread, and it all started with showing some skin. Carol Ash, Kennedy King College film director, said, “In my opinion,

bodies but the men they are co-staring with generally never show much in these scenes? There seems to be a double-standard in this area when it comes to R-rated movies. When did the double-standard come in effect in this area? It’s a double-standard that is highly ignored.

you know we live in a hyper-sexualized society… I don’t necessarily think that the role they’re playing has anything to do with real life… it’s acting, all make believe and pretend… There’s this old advertising adage that sex sells…” Ash continued on about the film industry and how people are creating a societal norm and the film industry is trying to keep up with this new norm that some people have become accustomed to it. Ash has a great point here, that it’s not just the film industry creating these films, but they are just keeping up with the norm that we have created and they are trying to meet our demands of showing some more skin.

According to the movie blog, Click the City, Patton had this to say about a nudity scene: “It actually was my idea and they didn’t really know I was going to do it. I kept thinking about this scene, and thinking ‘Gosh, these two have been lovers for a long time, they’ve just made love’…So I actually called my husband and said, ‘I think that I shouldn’t wear anything on top for this scene’, and he said, ‘Go for it. It’s all about the art.’” Patton coming up with this idea was a huge shocker to a lot of people, but she thought it was fine.

Do you think this is about the art, or the exposure of the female body?

THE PARK 17

JOAKIM NOAH

ENCOURAGES CHICAGO TO

“STAND UP” BY DA’QUAN HAMPTON, FARRAGUT CAREER ACADEMY

n Friday, July 25th, at the Major Adams Community Center, Joakim Noah, Chicago Bulls’ star center, held a press conference to address ways to combat and stop gun violence in Chicago. Noah unveiled his new effort “Chicago Stand Up,” and he spoke on behalf of his foundation, Noah’s Arc, with his mother, Cecilia Rodhe, who is the president of the foundation. The purpose for Noah’s Arc is simple: to help young people discover their abilities in these troubled times. Over recent years, Chicago has had a very bad reputation for gun violence and violence in general. During this year’s July 4th weekend, 17 people were killed and 53 people were shot.

a difference. We’re hoping that to bring awareness to our foundation, we’ll raise funds for programs and initiatives to help kids,” said Noah about the 60-second commercial spot.

At the press conference, Noah spoke out on the violence inside of the city. “It’s very important that we understand that this is not (just) a problem that’s going on [on] the South Side. The violence is not a problem that’s going on [on] the West Side. This is a Chicago problem,” said Noah.

What Noah is doing is simple. He is challenging us, as a city, to stand up and fight for OUR city. His mother sees the Bulls players as key figures in our great city. “All these guys — Derrick, Taj, Joakim — they’re role models,” said Rodhe.

He also introduced a new PSA campaign and commercial that encourages all Chicagoans to “take a stand.” The 60-second PSA includes Noah, his mother Rodhe, rapper Common, and Chicago Bulls star Derrick Rose. “Obviously it’s not a commercial that’s going to make 18 THE PARK

At the end of the PSA, there is a link that directs viewers to the Noah’s Arc website, which offers sports and art programs to help kids stay off the street and out of trouble. “The summer months bring a lot of violence, and we felt it was urgent to get out now in order to bring some hope, change and support to the community,” said Noah. After the press conference Noah and Common played a few games of basketball with the kids and also told a few stories.

The day after the press conference Noah held his Third Annual Peace Tournament at the United Center. This is just the first step in many to help stop the violence in Chicago and bring us together as one city. We hope to see Noah carry out his message and dream of combating violence. Remember, it starts with you – with all of us.

“IT’S VERY IMPORTANT THAT WE UNDERSTAND THAT THIS IS NOT (JUST) A PROBLEM THAT’S GOING ON [ON] THE SOUTH SIDE. THE VIOLENCE IS NOT A PROBLEM THAT’S GOING ON [ON] THE WEST SIDE. THIS IS A CHICAGO PROBLEM.”

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THE LOCKER ROOM – SPORTS

Stress in Sports:

THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY BY ANTONIO JONES, AL RABY HIGH SCHOOL

ost teens play on sport teams to get away from stress and to have fun. Sports can be a great outlet for teens, but can also add stress to a teenager’s life.

when the coach yells at them. “When they yell at me it lets me know that they care about me,” says Jamal Milan, defensive lineman for Al Raby High School.

Have you ever been under so much pressure trying to be the best on the team that it puts a lot of weight on your shoulders? Add to that the pressure of school work and chores at home and the stress could ultimately affect your performance.

There are teenagers who like being the one who has to shoot that winning shot in a championship game or want to make that last play to send the game into overtime. Some kids like the thrill of being a leader. If you are not one of those kids and feel that it’s too much pressure, there are different ways to handle stress. You should take a deep breath. If you tighten up your muscles for five seconds, then relax, that is also said to relieve stress.

“You really want to be successful, you really enjoy playing and you put in a lot of time and effort, so you put way too much stress on yourself,” says Marty Coyle, a children’s baseball instructor. Stress, however, can also be a good thing. “It goes both ways,” says Coyle. “Sports put a lot of stress on teens, but I also think it relieves stress.” For some teens, stress helps them rise to the challenge. Many teens thrive on the demanding “weight on their shoulders,” and some even like 20 THE PARK

Sports bring a lot of good into teenagers’ lives including determination, structure, friendships, and a feeling of being a part of something bigger than yourself. Don’t let the stress in sports get to you so bad that it makes you quit. There are always people to talk to and exercises to do to relieve the stress.

WATER POLO, ANYONE?

BY NI’ JA BRADFORD, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS & TAYLOR THIGPEN LINDBLOM MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY

veryone knows the common school sports: basketball, volleyball, baseball, and football, but have you ever heard of water polo? Water polo is an intense, full contact sport. The goal of the game is to try and get the ball in the opposite team’s goal, without touching the ground of the pool. Whether in the shallow end or deep, players must stay treading the entire game. There are five to six players, including the goalie, from each team playing at a time. Players often come out the water bleeding or bruised from going one-on-one with their opponent. Water polo starts off when the ref throws the ball in the middle of the pool. Each team must race to get to the ball first and then throw it into the goal. “I normally describe water polo as a combination between soccer and basketball in the water,” said Coach Namowicz, a girls water polo coach. Like basketball, water polo has a shot clock and the ball can be turned over, however, the goals look like the ones seen on soccer fields.

Acts such as hitting, biting, scratching, or pulling someone under water are considered illegal and may result in a player landing in the penalty box, where he or she must stay until someone makes a shot or there is a turnover. Precautions are taken to try and ensure every player’s safety. The ref checks finger nails before each game to make sure they aren’t long enough to scratch anyone. Also, the water polo suits are extra tight so that it would be hard for another player to grab on and pull someone back or hold him or her under water. Although water polo can be violent, it also has many benefits for the player. Coach Namowicz says the players need incredible endurance because participants are moving the entire time, whether it’s treading or swimming. Along with the benefits of just being on a team and having a great support system, water polo is a great stress reliever. Players get to put all their energy into the game and work off any worries that may have occurred throughout the day. Finally, water polo is just a fun sport that gathers kids to swim and have fun in the water. THE PARK 21

FASHION MADNESS – FASHION

BACK TO SCHOOL 2014:

Forever Fly

NEUTRAL COLORS FOR THE FALL SEASON Hair & Make Up by Beauty Boulevard

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FALL TIME FOR the Fellas

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SCHOOL OF THE Hardknocks

DENIM ON DENIM IS HOT FOR THE FALL!

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MUSIC CLASS 101: Symphonic Style

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New Year, New You BY JENNIFER JOHNSON, WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

s a new school year begins, everyone wants a fresh look to impress their fellow classmates. If that’s your scenario, keep reading for step-by-step tips to achieve that natural, fresh look that you can rock everywhere. According to local makeup artist Caress Williams, “Having a pretty face for high school days doesn’t take a lot of work.” Williams sells high end cosmetics that enhance your natural appearance. “Young teen girls should value their inner and natural beauty. However, every pretty girl loves makeup,” says Williams. Here are a few steps offered by Williams.

Jennifer Johnson (left) and Caress Williams (right) during their interview before the demo makeup tutorial.

Johnson getting the first step of the makeup demo done. Step one getting the face cleaned and prepped for foundation and concealer.

Step 1 Prepping the Skin: You want to prep your skin and face before putting on makeup. Moisturize your face with your favorite moisturizer to hydrate the skin.

Step 2 Foundation & Concealer: Apply a generous amount of

Williams applying moisturizer to Johnson’s face.

foundation and concealer to hide any blemishes and to even out your skin tone.

Step 3 Brows: The eyebrows

are the most important thing on your face to pay attention to. You want to keep your brows clean and defined because the brows frame the face. By using a clear brow gel and a brow brush you can lay your brows down.

Johnson getting her brows cleaned up.

Step 4 Eyes: For a natural

everyday look that you can wear anywhere, you do not need a strong eye look. If you are planning to wear this look to school, use neutral tone eyeshadows or nothing at all. If you want extra length for the lashes apply your favorite mascara. Comb through the lashes to avoid getting clumps. 26 THE PARK

Step 5 Lips: If it’s not a special

occasion, leave the bold lip at the door. Apply a tinted lip gloss or lip balm to give moisture as well as shine. Chapped lips are not an option.

WELL-SPOKEN - CREATIVE WRITING

Melanie Brown: HER SPOKEN WORD BY PATCHES BLANTON, ST. PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL

elanie L. Brown is a spoken word artist, actress, and executive producer from the South Side of Chicago. She’s been performing since the day she could talk. Brown started off in plays at church and school. “I used to recite other people’s poems for a bit and eventually grew out of that and made my own stuff,” says Brown.

“YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT YOU CAN DO. EVERY DAY YOU LEARN SOMETHING NEW, AND SOMETHING NEW ABOUT YOURSELF.”

Brown, a fan of Pharcyde, Drake, and Rick Ross, began crafting and creating her own poems and raps during high school and she also performed in college. Her first original piece was showcased at the Rainbow PUSH headquarters for a MLK celebration. Brown noticed at an early age, when she was in some master classes, that she was really into media. She said, “I noticed a certain pattern, that I keep leaving school for this, and so this must be where my passion lies.” So, she left to pursue her career and was featured in films. From then on, media has been something she has continuously been involved in. Brown is a huge inspiration and motivational speaker for today’s youth and adults. She’s not shy to the world when it comes to making a difference. She said, “You never know what you can do. Every day you learn something new, and something new about yourself.”

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R.A.G.E.

IS CHANGING ENGLEWOOD BY NI’ JA BRADFORD, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS & TAYLOR THIGPEN LINDBLOM MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY

s one of the many programs trying to invoke change in Chicago, the mission of R.A.G.E. (Resident Association of Greater Englewood) is to create a positive change in the Englewood community through the combined efforts of different people and resources. Asiaha Butler, the president and co-founder of R.A.G.E., gave The Park more insight on the organization. TP: How did R.A.G.E. come about? Butler: Basically, it was a call to action to residents to get more involved within the Englewood community, and so we thought we should all fight due to what block and what ward we were living in; that we should have one voice and one voice only as greater Englewood residents. We also wanted to make sure that we highlighted the assets and the good parts about Englewood and all the work that we do.

I think most adults are fighting for their safety and their lives and they’re also on the frontline; I think it should give them a better perspective on how community works. So, I definitely think they add a great addition to any movement in any community.

TP: Are many teens involved in R.A.G.E.?

Butler: Basically there are a couple of ways. One, some teens are just genuinely interested in doing something within the community, and so we usually find something that they would love to do, and then they do very well. Usually that’s a really easy way to get them engaged. Our interns are paid for their services, so that’s another way to get them engaged. One thing that they’ve taught me is that to get more teens involved you have to get them talking, so usually they’re the ones talking to other young people and getting them involved.

Butler: We have many teens; teens that are in street teams, teens that work on the events that we have, and teens that work with the schools. TP: Why should teens become involved with R.A.G.E.? Butler: I think that their voices are just as important as residents who live here. They’re also residents here. We think that young people are usually the ones that are at the forefront of any great movement, and so it really starts with them. 28 THE PARK

TP: How would you get teens involved?

For more information visit www.RAGEnglewood.org.

PARK PROGRAMS

Free Street:

FOR THE PUBLIC, BY THE PUBLIC BY PATCHES BLANTON, ST. PATRICK HIGH SCHOOL

re you looking for groundbreaking acts ranging from silent gestures to challenging power-structures? Well, Free Street Theater (FST) is here! This year marks their 45th year of taking theater into public spaces, with “The Park is The Place,” a project where FST creates and performs original work from the people in park stories. Elijah Ruiz, ensemble member, stated, “Entertaining the kids is my favorite part about this project. [At] the parks we are going to, the kids don’t get a chance to see theater like this. This is their first time seeing a mime performance or movement base pieces. These kids usually wouldn’t have the opportunity to see or know about this art.” Known for being one of the first racially integrated groups in Chicago consisting of both youth and adults, Free Street displays how dynamic they are being predominately run by youth. Ricardo Gambao, artist in residence, said, “Youth in theater are underestimated.” Free Street teens, engage in critical thinking that often gets stamped out of young people by other influences and pressures. They analyze critical lenses like race or gender in ways that most would not expect of them. The young people at Free Street can remind us that nothing is destined and certain, which is why it’s important to look at everything for the first time every time. Ruiz said, “The thing that makes FST different from other companies is that you get to throw your ideas out there, make what you want, and it’s

“FREE STREET TEENS, ENGAGE IN CRITICAL THINKING THAT OFTEN GETS STAMPED OUT OF YOUNG PEOPLE BY OTHER INFLUENCES AND PRESSURES.”

a medium you can use to either get a social message across, or to make people laugh, or to make people sad.” The unique thing about Free Street is that it’s a community theater company. Starting in 1969, FST was founded by Patrick Henry to make free theater accessible to a larger range of Chicago’s residents. Years later, it’s still taking theater out to the communities and does not charge admission. Gambao added, “Free Street is one of the most inventive spaces for theater. …It has been bringing people of different ethnic and racial backgrounds together, has been taking theater out of traditional spaces and into public places, and has been one of the only theater companies in the city that doesn’t make theater for artistic conceit, but really understands the intertwined realities and potentials of art, politics, and our social world.” THE PARK 29

Kids That Rock JAILYN GREEN, WALTER PAYTON COLLEGE PREP

n July 25, 2014, Wicker Park summer camp hosted a Kids That Rock concert for their campers. The kids loved it and most of them participated willingly; they got to practice choreography, singing and belted their hearts out along with the song playing during their acts. The concert got the kids of all ages who go to the camp involved, along with their friends. Even the recreation leaders assembled as a rock band and performed two songs, one of them being “I Love Rock & Roll.” The rec leaders pumped up the crowd in preparation for the kids’ acts. The performances consisted of a group of kids from the same age

groups. They sang and danced along with the song playing while they performed on their rock band instruments. One of the performances was by the self-named group Chi-Town Boys. The band consisted of five boys and they performed “When I was Your Man” by Bruno Mars. The judge panel raved over their performance saying, “This is the performance that you all need to beat.” Another of the performances was by the Purple Munchkins, which consisted of four girls and they performed Britney Spears’ “Scream & Shout.” One of the girls said, “I had so much fun on stage, I want to go again!” Another cool aspect of this event was that it brought parents together to support their kids. One campers’ sibling, Alex, who is a 4-year-old, said, “I can’t wait ‘til it’s my turn to have camp!” Overall this concert was a big hit with the campers of all age groups and it’s a program that the park should definitely continue.

Fishing and Sailing for Fun at Garfield Park BY ARIEL GODINEZ, QUEEN OF PEACE & JENNIFER JOHNSON, WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

ummer at Garfield Park is one of the best. Thanks to the Garfield Lagoon, the teen campers participated in fun activities like fishing and sailing. Campers loved this activity as it differed from most of the normal things teens do. One camper, Krishauna King said, “Fishing is like a new beginning.” Most of the campers seemed to have really enjoyed the fishing, like Tarani Todd who said, “We tried to make the best of it. We learned how to catch fish, how to release the fish, what to look 30 THE PARK

for when you catch the fish, and it was a pretty cool experience.” The participants went fishing every week so the campers became accustomed to it. Some campers consider themselves experts such as camper, Envann Merritt. “I enjoyed fishing so much that I’m considering it as a career.” Some campers only attended fishing once, but their experience was no less enjoyable. Twins Lorente and Lorenzano said, “It was relaxing and fun to learn. We saw how fishing was a great way to learn about nature while having fun.”

Campers

TURNED LEADERS BY NI’ JA BRADFORD, UNIVERSITY OF NORTH TEXAS & TAYLOR THIGPEN, LINDBLOM MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY

t age 16, Kendra Gujral, Ronald Seals, Zedulun Freeman Walker, and Luke Roeber have gone from campers to junior counselors, and are now seasonal rec leaders in their Chicago Park Districts. Here, each share their Park District experience. Kendra Gujral attended Daley Bicentennial Park as a camper for two years before becoming a junior counselor for four years. Now she is serving her first year as a seasonal rec leader. She teaches her kids that no matter where they go, they should treat others with respect. “It doesn’t matter if you’ve been to camp for long or you’ve never been to a camp, in a Chicago Park District you’ll grow so much. I encourage everybody to at least spend one summer, or one evening, somewhere in a Chicago Park District.” Ronald Seals spent three years each as a camper and a junior counselor at Daley Bicentennial Park before becoming a seasonal rec leader. His kids inspire him to be a good role model. Seals said he loved going to camp growing up. “It’s a great community to be a part of. The staff here is very welcoming and I wanted to be part of the staff that welcomes people. I wanted to make it a fun summer for everybody.” Zedulun Freeman Walker was a camper for six years at Harrison Park and a junior counselor for three years before becoming a seasonal rec leader at Daley Bicentennial Park. He teaches his kids games and to have fun, but he also tells them to listen so that they can have a more

enjoyable summer. “Since I grew up in a camp, I actually knew how fun it was and how it was as a kid, and how to make the camp better for the kids.” Luke Roeber was a camper for six years and a junior counselor for three before becoming a seasonal rec leader at Daley Bicentennial Park. He tries to teach his kids to treat others the way they would want to be treated. “I come to camp every day and I’m excited to come and play with the kids. My favorite part is being active all day and just always being outside, rather than doing nothing.” THE PARK 31

Teen X-STREAM BRINGS NEW EXPERIENCES TO CAMP BY JAMILA JENKINS & KIARA AUSTIN, NORTH LAWNDALE COLLEGE PREP

een Campers from all over Chicago had fun participating in activities at their home park district all summer, but it was Teen X-STREAM that brought them all together to compete, learn and experience something new. “Sometimes doing something fun and learning can help you gain more knowledge,” said Maya, who participated for the first time this year. Teens competed in different categories including a PUSH Kart race and a talent portion. On top of winning prizes, Teen X-STREAM’s project manager Sonica Ruiz gave us her insight into what she believes is important about the summer program, which involved a robot-building competition, a sand castle contest and a pushkart derby. Ruiz worked with 23 parks, located in the heart of Chicago, and over 250 teens, and her expectations for participating students were for all teens to learn team-building skills and advocacy through technology, arts, fitness and engineering. Ruiz feels that the summer program will help create future leaders because they learned something bigger than themselves, which will inspire them to become local and international citizens that contribute to their communities. Teens were paired with instructors at their local parks to 32 THE PARK

learn from each other. “The instructors motivated and inspired teens as well as embraced the project to help them complete the tasks and get their message across,” said Ruiz. “As a part of the We Day Campaign, the theme this year was human trafficking of youth, so that youth learn about some of the issues other [young people] from around the world are going through, and are being active to help make a change in the world,” said Monique, Teen Camp Director at Garfield Park. The theme also carried over to the talent portion of the activities. Taking home the trophy was the dance troop from Garfield Park who practiced every day to perfect their performance. Their skit was set to the song, “They Don’t Really Care About Us,” by Michael Jackson. The troop performed a strong and moving skit raising awareness about human trafficking by holding up signs at the end that said, “Children are not for sale,” and “Take action until everyone is free.” We Act is an educational program that empowers young people to discover causes that they care about and take action on those causes. Participating in the program is completely free of charge. For more information on the global and local aspects of We Act, visit www.freethechildren.com/domestic-programming/we-act/

Central Region FALL 2014 Events

Chicago Women’s Park Apple Fest

Sheridan Park Haunted House

Sat. 10/04/2014 10:00AM - 2:00PM 1801 S. Indiana (312) 328-0821 $5.00 Come celebrate all things apple! Make your own applesauce, cheer on a worm at the worm race, learn about the Women’s Park and Gardens apple trees, make apple art, find out your favorite type of apple, and much more!

10/24/2014 & 10/25/214 6:00-8:00 PM 910 S. Aberdeen (312) 746-5369 $2 Have fun at this year’s Haunted House.

Armour Square Park Fall Fest Sat. 10/18/2014 10:30AM - 12:30PM 3309 S. Shields (312)747-6012 $10 Pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, inflatables and more. At least 3y 6m but less than 12y.

Skinner Park Pumpkin Patch Sat. 10/18/2014 10:00AM - 1:00PM 1331 W. Monroe St. (312) 746-5560 Free Arts & crafts, pumpkin patch, inflatable, costume contest, games, music, food and more!

Sheridan Park Halloween Extravaganza 10/24/2014 4:00 -8:00 PM 910 S. Aberdeen (312) 746-5369 $2 Join us for Halloween family fun, crafts, treats and more.

Smith Park Spooky Skate Party 10/24/2014 6:00 -8:00 pm 2526 W. Grand (312) 742-7534 Free Come enjoy an evening at Smith Park in your costume. Bring your skates or scooter to skate around our spooky gym while enjoying music and fun with your friends.

Taylor-Lauridsen Playground Park Pumpkin Patch 10/25/2014 11:00AM - 3:00PM 704 W. 42nd St. (312) 747-6729 $5 Pumpkin patch, arts and crafts, inflatables and more. At least 3y 6m but less than 12y.

Austin Town Hall Park Halloween Fest 10/29/2014 4:00 - 7:00 pm 5610 W. Lake St. (773) 287-7658 $2 A Halloween party with inflatables, arts & craft, face painting, creepy dance workshop, entertainment, snacks and more.

Austin Town Hall Park Austin Town Hall Haunted House 10/30/2014 5:00-8:00 pm 5610 W. Lake St. 773) 287-7658 $3 Have fun at this year’s Haunted House.

Columbus Park Hauntings at Columbus 10/30/2014 3:00 -8:00 pm 500 S. Central Ave. (773) 287-7641 Free Haunted house and dance with goody bags, jump n’ jacks and games.

Donovan Park Halloween Party Thurs. 10/30/2014 6:00PM - 8:00PM 3620 S. Lituanica Ave.

(312) 747-6111 $3.00 Celebrating the most beloved holiday for candy-lovers and costume designers with music and contests.

Piotrowski Park Halloween Party 10/30/2014 4:30-6:00 pm 4247 W. 31st 312) 745-4801 Free Halloween celebration: Games, raffles, and costume contest

Skinner Park Tots Halloween Party Fri. 10/31/2014 5:30PM - 7:30PM 1331 W. Monroe St. (312) 746-5560 Free Costume contest, games inflatables and popcorn. Located at 211 S Loomis at Whitney Young Gym C. Ages: At least 3 but less than 6

McKinley Park Halloween at McKinley 10/31/2014 6:30-8:00 PM 2210 W. Pershing Rd. (312) 747-6527 Free Join us for Halloween family fun, crafts, treats and more.

Piotrowski Park Holiday Celebration 12/4/2014 4:30-6:00 pm 4247 W. 31st (312) 745-4801 Free Holiday celebration: games, raffles, and visit from Santa.

Skinner Park Holiday Party Sat. 12/06/2014 10:00AM - 1:00PM 1331 W. Monroe St. (312) 746-5560 Free Games, inflatables, music and visit from Santa. Location is 211 S. Loomis, Whitney Young Gym C.

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South Region FALL 2014 Events

Hermitage Park Teen Dance Workshop 9/12/14 6:00pm Hermitage 5839 S. Wood St. (312) 747-6179 Hamilton Park Teen Theater Workshop 9/25/14 5:30pm 7:30pm 513 W. 72nd St. (312) 747-6174 Rainey Park Teen Game Night Every 2nd Tuesday of the month 6:00pm 4350 W. 79th St. (773) 284-0696 Dooley Park Teen Movie Night Every 3rd Wednesday of the month 6:00 pm Dooley Park 3402 W. 77th St. (312) 745-1412

Hermitage Park Teen Recycle Art Challenge contest

Brainerd Park Creepy Halloween Haunted House

10/17/14 6:00 pm 5839 S. Wood St. (312) 747-6179

10/31/2014 6pm-7:30 Brainerd Park, 1246 W. 92nd Street 312-747-6027

Sherwood Park Horrific Dance Explosion

Foster Park Haunted House

10/24/14 6:30pm 8:30pm Sherwood Park 5701 S. Shields (773) 256-0926

10/31/2014 6pm-8pm Foster Park, 1400 W. 84th Street 312.747.6135

Grand Crossing Park Halloween Haunted House 10/30/14 4:30pm 6:00pm Grand Crossing 7655 S. Ingleside (312) 747-6158 Tuley Park Teen Movie Night 10/31/14 7:00pm 9:00pm Tuley Park 501 E. 90th Pl. (312) 747-6763

Robichaux Park “Real Men Dance” Sponsored by TLC 12/6/14 4:00pm 6:00pm Robichaux Park 9247 S. Eggleston (312) 747-6648 South Region Teen Field Trip- Give back day: Feed the Hungry 12/27/14 9:00am Greater Chicago Food Depository (312) 747-6763

* Dates and time are subject to change

North Region FALL 2014 Events

Day of the Dead -Mask Painting at Eugene Field Includes 1 plaster mask per person. Ages 8 and Up. Sponsored by the Advisory Council. Eugene Field Park 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave. (773) 478-9744 10/20/2014 5:00PM – 8:00 PM $15

Day of the Dead Frida Kahlo Tote Bag at Eugene Field Day of the Day: Frida Kahlo Tote Bags Workshop includes 1 canvas tote bag per person. Ages 8 and Up. Sponsored by the Advisory Council. Eugene Field Park 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave. (773) 478-9744 10/21/2014 5:30-7:30 PM $20

Day of The Dead Workshop: Sugar Skull Canvas Mayfair Park 4550 W. Sunnyside Ave. (773) 685-3361 10/23/14 5:00PM – 8:00PM $15

Day of the Dead-Jewelry Making at Eugene Field During this workshop, participants will learn about the history of Day of the Dead and how to make and design their own Day of the Dead jewelry sets that include one (1) pair of earrings, one (1) necklace and one (1) bracelet. There will be

a variation of beads to choose from that reflect Day of the Dead themes. Participants will also enjoy Traditional Day of the Dead treats such as Champurrado (a chocolate based drink) and Pan de Muerto (a sweet bread roll). Ages 9 and Up. Sponsored by the Park Advisory Council. Eugene Field Park 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave. (773) 478-9744 10/24/2014 5:30- 8:00 PM $20

Day of the Dead -Sugar Skulls at Eugene Field During this workshop, participants will learn about the history of Day of the Dead, learn to make sugar skulls from scratch and enjoy some traditional Day of the Dead treats such as Champurrado (a chocolate based drink) and Pan de Muerto (a sweet bread roll). Ages 6 and Up. (Ages 6-9 must have parent present during the workshop) Sponsored by the Advisory Council. Eugene Field Park 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave. (773) 478-9744 10/25/2014 10:30AM - 12:30PM and 1:30PM – 3:30PM $20

Indoor Haunted Drive-In Haunted Movie Margate Park Fieldhouse 4921 N. Marine Drive (312) 742-7522 10/24/14 & 10/25/14 6:30PM - 8:30 PM $5

Turkey Trot at Portage Join us for this one-mile family fun run/walk! Open to all ages, patrons can pre-register online or in-person at the Portage Park Fieldhouse. FREE! The race begins at 9:30 a.m. in front of the Portage Park Cultural Center. Portage Park 4100 N. Long Ave. (773) 685-7235 11/22/2014 9:30AM-11:00AM free

Chocolate House Making at Eugene Field Make an edible Christmas cottage out of chocolate! Plastic molds are filled with chocolate, cooled and put together and decorated with icing by you! Finished houses are brought home in a cake box. No more than 4 people recommended to work on one house. Eugene Field Park 5100 N. Ridgeway Ave. (773) 478-9744 12/13/2014 10:00AM-12:00PM $20

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