February 17 - 23, 2020

February 17 - 23, 2020 Vol. 28 No. 7

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$1.10 goes to vendor

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Calendar

Beat the cold with these hot events!

SportsWise

Celebrating Black History Month.

Cover Story: Food Justice

Communities are using urban farming, integrated service chains and other new programs to feed and empower the 630,000 hungry people living in Illinois’ Cook County.

Editor’s note: This story was produced in partnership with Law@ the Margins, which uses social media as a dynamic platform to highlight the ways our laws and legal institutions expand or limit the rights and social justice aspirations of people and communities. It is part of “The Right to a Home,” a Community Based News Room (CBNR) series that examines homelessness issues across the United States.

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From the Streets

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The Playground

Lyric Opera of Chicago surveys parents as part of a community project prior to its upcoming opera, "Blue." Also, the Honorable Lori Lightfoot appoints new members to the Cultural Advisory Council of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE), and Sean Hayes of NBC-TV's "Will & Grace" tells why theatre education is important at the Goodman Theatre's education and engagement luncheon.

inside streetwise

StreetWise celebrates the International Network of Street Papers (INSP)'s annual #VendorWeek, which was February 3-9.

THIS PAGE: Growing Home, Inc. photo by Alexandria Jacobson.

Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher

dhamilton@streetwise.org

StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI

Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief

suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

Julie Youngquist, Executive Director

jyoungquist@streetwise.org

Amanda Jones, Director of programs

ajones@streetwise.org

LEARN MORE AT streetwise.org

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courtesy photo

Bomba con Buya: See February 26

FEBRUARY 17

Chicago Actors’ Call to Action benefit When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Uncommon Ground Edgewater, 1401 W. Devon Ave. What: An evening of acoustic blues featuring Lynne Jordan and friends. Proceeds benefit Step Up for Mental Health. $20 in advance at chicagoactorscta. org, $30 at the door.

FEBRUARY 20

Chicago and Afrofuturism: Dr. Eve L. Ewing When: 6 p.m.

Where: Harold Washington Library, Cindy Pritzker Auditorium, 400 S. State St. What: Dr. Eve L. Ewing discusses Chicago and Afrofuturism with librarian and archivist Stacie Williams. Ewing is a writer and sociologist from Chicago. Her books include “Electric Arches” (2017), “Ghosts in the Schoolyard: Racism and School Closings on Chicago's South Side” (2018) and “1919” (2019). She also writes for Marvel Comics. Seating is first come, first served and limited to 385 attendees at chipublib. org. FREE. Adler After Dark: A Night in the Afrofuture 2.0 When: 6 p.m.

Where: Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive What: Afrofuturism is a cultural and artistic movement celebrating the black experience. The

Adler has partnered with the cofounders of Wakandacon and other notable Afrofuturists in the Chicago area to help explore Afrofuturism in the city where it was born. $25 at adlerplanetarium.org or $30 at the door.

FEBRUARY 20 - 21

Ethos of Elements When: 7:30 p.m.

Where: Hamlin Park Fieldhouse Theatre, 3035 N. Hoyne Ave. What: Audiences will experience a number of independent dance films, featuring Chicagobased choreographers and filmmakers, alongside a freshly reimagined interpretation of the company’s signature improvised ballet, "Soaked." $30 at elementsballet.org.

Pancakes & Booze Art Show When: 8 p.m.

Where: Reggies, 2105 S. State St. What: One of the largest popup art movements to hit North America over the past decade.

Celebrate the 10th year of serving free pancakes and introducing some of the nation's leading emerging artists. The event features 100+ local artists and vendors with over 500 works on exhibit; FREE all-u-can-eat pancakes; live DJs; live body painting and more! 21+. $10 at the door or $15 for line-jumper tickets at pancakesandbooze. com/chicago.

FEBRUARY 20 - 23

Chicago International Salsa Congress When: Various Where: Westin O’Hare, 6100 N. River Road, Rosemont What: The mission of the Chicago International Salsa Congress is to unite cultures and generations, engender leadership through empowerment opportunities in its showcase and to keep alive the history of the many cultures collaborating in the creation and evolution of Latin and Afro-Caribbean music and dance. The schedule includes lessons, workshops and performances. Tickets can be purchased for individual events or by 4-, 3- or 1- day passes.

For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit chicagosalsacongress.com.

FEB 21 - MARCH 15

Charley’s Aunt When: Fri & Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sun 2 p.m.

Where: St. Bonaventure, 1625 W. Diversey What: The Saint Sebastian Players are staging this late 19th century British farce by Brandon Thomas. In the play, characters Jack and Charley invite their young ladies to meet Charley’s wealthy aunt from Brazil, who will serve as their chaperone. But when she cancels her visit at the last minute, the millionaire aunt sends the boys into confusion. They try to solve their problem by putting

their Oxford friend into a black satin skirt, bloomers, and a wig. $25 at saintsebastianplayers.org.

FEBRUARY 22

Being a Stronger Ally: a Trans/GNC Affirming Symposium When: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Where: Chicago Waldorf School, 5200 N. Ashland What: The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) is committing itself to making the Andersonville community a safe and welcoming place for transgender/gender non-conforming individuals. This symposium will include a keynote address and three break-out sessions that will reflect the diversity of trans/GNC communities, and highlight issues impacting the individuals. More information at andersonville. org. $15.

Midwest Film Festival: Comedy Shorts Night When: 2 p.m.

Where: Chicago Cultural Center, 78 W. Washington St. What: Three events in one day, including the FREE season opener event, featuring panels, vendor booths, networking and more. At 6 p.m. the screening of the comedy shorts package begins for $10.

The day concludes with the $10 after party at 9 p.m. For tickets and more information, visit midwestfilm.com

Karneval 2020 When: 7 - 11 p.m.

Where: Dank Haus, 4740 N. Western Ave. What: Karneval is a German holiday tradition, so come dressed to impress and enjoy a night of dancing, food, entertainment and all around fun!

Child care service is available for children 5 years and older.

Tickets include food from Funkenhausen, brew from Dovetail, spirits from Koval, and entertainment from Lakeside Pride Music Ensemble.

Proceeds to benefit Dank Haus. 21+. $75 / $125 per couple at dankhaus.com Mystick Krewe of Laff 28th Annual Mardi Gras Bash When: 8 p.m.

Where: City Winery, 1200 W. Randolph St. What: Experience an authentic Mardi Gras gala right here in Chicago, complete with music, NOLA-themed food buffet and drink, beads, and second line parade! Attendees can expect to dance the night away to two lively bands: New Orleans’ favorite trombone powerhouse Bonerama, and Chicago’s own Big Shoulders Brass Band. $45 at citywinery.com.

FEBRUARY 23

Chicago Volunteer Expo When: 10 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Where: Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum, 2430 N. Cannon Drive

What: Visit over 75 nonprofit organizations from all over the city to learn how you can lend a hand. Whether your passion is the environment, the arts, or social justice, there’s a volunteer opportunity waiting for you. Come ready to start conversations, be inspired, and give back. You can have an immediate impact by participating in free, hands-on speed volunteering opportunities, too.

FREE. Registration appreciated at chicagovolunteerexpo.org.

Global Connections: International Carnivale Celebration When: 1 - 5 p.m.

Where: Navy Pier, Aon Ballroom, 600 E. Grand Ave. What: The tradition of Carnivale is celebrated throughout the world in a wide variety of ways.

The event features an afternoon of art, music and dance from across the globe. FREE.

FEB 24 - APRIL 5

'Middle Passage' When: Thurs & Fri 7:30 p.m.; Sat 4 & 8 p.m.; Sun 4 p.m.

Where: Lifeline Theatre, 6912 N. Glenwood Ave. What: This play is about Rutherford Calhoun, a newly freed slave in 1830 New Orleans, who stows away on a ship to evade debtors enforcing marriage.

However, his escape backfires as the boat turns out to be a slaveship bound for Africa.

Building on a tradition of African

American storytelling, this tale challenges perceptions of American identity and shares a tale of personal growth within a dark phase of American history. $45 at lifelinetheatre.com.

FEB 25 - MARCH 29

'Hedda Gabler: A Play with Live Music' When: Thurs - Sat 7:30 p.m.; Sun 3 p.m.

Where: Strawdog Theatre Company, 1802 W. Berenice Ave. What: In this world premiere adaption by TUTA Theatre, the past and the present collide, and modern music and classical text intersect. In a time of rapidly shifting social and sexual paradigms, no work rings with more unflinching insight than that of the great Norwegian writer Henrik Ibsen. This reinvented play brings into conversation our own era of secrets, corruption, and the fight for freedom without compromise. Tickets start at $25 on tutatheatre.org.

FEBRUARY 26

Music Under Glass: Bomba con Buya When: 6 - 7 p.m.

Where: Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave. What: Bomba con Buya is a Chicago-based ensemble that aims to preserve and advance bomba. Developed during the 18th century among the island’s African descendants, bomba is Puerto Rico’s oldest surviving

music and dance form. Buya means “good spirit” in Taino, and the group strives to embody this idea. RSVP at garfieldconservatory.org. FREE.

FEBRUARY 26

Fair Trade Evanston Meetup When: 6 - 8 p.m.

Where: Temperance Beer Co., 2000 Dempster St., Evanston What: Join Fair Trade Evanston for a beer, some snacks, and an update on plans for 2020.

Lynn Pollack from Canaan Palestine will be offering fairtrade olive oil samples. There will be other complimentary fair-trade snacks, as well as a cash bar. Updates will be given on accomplishments and goals.

More info at chicagofairtrade. org. FREE.

THROUGH MARCH 8

'Madama Butterfly' When: Various Where: Lyric Opera, 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. What: Lyric Opera of Chicago's production follows the love, excitement, and heartbreak of the character Cio-Cio-San, a geisha who marries a U.S. navel officer in the early 1900s in Japan. It will be sung in Italian, with English translations projected. Tickets start at $50 at lyricopera.org.

-compiled by Dave Hamilton & Rachel Koertner

Eve L. Ewing: See Fevruary 20

Global Connections: International Carnivale Celebration: See February 23

courtesy photo

Navy Pier photo

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Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards about the world of sports.

SPORTSWISE

Celebrating Black History Month Donald: Looking back, we have Wilt Chamberlain, who scored 100 points in a game; looking forward: Kobe Bryant. Legends of the game.

Being great has a lot that goes with it. For Kobe, being his daughter Gigi's best friend-who died with him--the two of them loved one another.

Fortunately, they were able to express this to one another before the helicopter they traveled in crashed. Kobe was a man to be commended and remembered not just because of Black History Month, but because he exemplified what a legend should be commended and remembered for: love for family.

John: Speaking of old-school legends: Dr. Julius Erving.

Known for his awesome dunk over Bill Walton, he believed a little guy who rose above bigger men meant he was of the elite. One of the best. Also, Dr. J did a lot off the court to help people. He became the first NBA player that blacks, as well as whites, looked up to. Even with his off-the-field issues with his family, he was focused on the business. This was why we loved him.

Patrick: Well, that and the afro!

John: Of course!

John: Kobe Bryant, also, was able to maintain focus. Both these guys made it a point to give the fans what they paid for: The Doc, a house call; Kobe, a Lake show.

Patrick: Kenny Washington was to the NFL as Jackie Robinson was to baseball—

almost! The difference in regard to breaking down the barriers is that Kenny Washington was one of two players who re-integrated the NFL. In the midst of a 12year unofficial ban on blacks, 1946 brought a change to the NFL. Change was forced… but it worked. Kenny, finally drafted, was successful during his three years.

Russ: Despite social and racial barriers, African-Americans have shattered expectations.

A few of them: Jesse Owens, a five-time record holder in track/field; Jack Johnson: first black heavyweight champion; Charlie Sifford: first black golfer—no, it wasn’t Tiger!

He opened the doors for golfers such as Calvin Peete and Tiger Woods. Althea Gibson: first African-American tennis player to play internationally.

Also, Bill Russell: the first black coach in the NBA. Patrick: Didn’t know that.

Russ: I know, right. Also, Russell was the first black NBA MVP. Yep, somebody did his homework!

Patrick: Right!

Russ: Wilma Rudolph, the first African-American woman to win three gold medals in one Olympics. Give it up, also, to Arthur Ashe (tennis) and Gabby Douglas (gymnastics).

Donald: One thing I’m learning is that we must make sure to give it up to our legends— and anyone for that matter— while we have the chance to do it. Shout-out to Serena and Venus Williams!

John: Acknowledging the 1966 NCAA champions Texas Western (aka UTEP). 28-1 and the first all-black-starting-five NCAA team to win a championship. This helped open the doors for other black athletes.

Patrick: I wish I knew offhand the people who were

in sports

behind the scenes—whatever race—who helped to make integration real. Also, piggybacking on Donald’s mention, a shout-out to the Williams sisters. Not only talented on the court, they’ve utilized their beauty—Venus, I see you—to set up their futures. They’re both into fashion and modeling. Kudos to them and their parents for achieving. Also, Sugar Ray Leonard!

Russ: Alabama and USC, 1970—look it up, people!

Satchel Paige! Ali! Jim Brown!

John: Larry Holmes!

Donald: Legends of the Midway! “Legends” represent anyone in sports who inspires others to be like him or her.

Patrick: ESPN SportCenter's Stuart Scott—Boo-Yah!

W

hen StreetWise vendor Lee A. Holmes moved out of a friend’s home and onto the street, he quickly downloaded a list of regular meal programs from the Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) website.

As a StreetWise participant, he was welcome to have breakfast at Inspiration Corporation, which offers career services – including a 12-week culinary training program – as well as employer outreach and retention at its headquarters downstairs from the StreetWise offices in Uptown.

The GCFD list helped Holmes find meal programs across the city – although most were not within walking distance. As a magazine vendor, however, he could at least afford transportation.

“I like it when they don’t just feed you food but feed you other resources to help you be sustainable,” said Holmes, whose StreetWise connections again allowed him to register ahead of time for the annual Homeless Outreach Luncheon at Marillac St. Vincent Family Services, 2145 N. Halsted St. The event provided him with not only a meal, but a sleeping bag, underwear, socks, gloves and a coat. There was also a doctor, podiatrist, HIV testing and 12 lawyers to provide legal aid, according to Mike “Santa Mike” Sturch. A volunteer and Marillac St. Vincent board member, Sturch has coordinated the event, which serves 440 people, for the last 50 years.

For dinner, Holmes went to Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago, which hosts 130 guests in its dining room and 70 more with takeaway bags on weeknights at its 721 N. LaSalle St. headquarters.

While Catholic Charities itself provides the meal on Tuesdays, it relies on multiple partners (churches and others) to provide food and volunteer servers on the other days.

Chicago Leads the Fight for Food Justice

by Building Innovative Local Food Ecosystems

by Alexandria Jacobson

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Holmes’ Wednesday night dinner was served by The Chicago Help Initiative (CHI), a consortium of business, residential, religious, social service, institutional and volunteer leaders. Because CHI founder Jacqueline Hayes wants to serve all 130 guests the same entree, CHI has looked to partner businesses, restaurants and hotels such as the Hyatt Centric, Gene and Georgetti, Texas de Brazil, Greek Kitchen, Ocean Prime, Eli’s the Place for Steak and more.

Again, Holmes said the ability to plan ahead for the dinner and the resources there, such as learning how to sign up for the Chicago Housing Authority, was important. Before every meal, CHI provides yoga and literacy help. Afterwards, there are speakers on topics ranging from record expungement to job training. Always, there was a medical health professional – a doctor, nurse or student – to check blood pressure, blood sugar and feet, provide wound care or HIV/Hep C testing.

“All of our programs help guests build up their own selfesteem and treat them with dignity, which motivates them to get off the street,” said CHI founder Jacqueline Hayes. “Sometimes when people have hard times, they make one effort and just don’t try anymore."

Scope of Food Insecurity Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hungerrelief organization with a network of more than 200 food banks and 60,000 food pantries, cites United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 2018 statistics that more than 37 million Americans (11.1 percent) are food insecure, which refers to limited or uncertain access to food for an active, healthy life. In Cook County, Feeding America estimates there are 630,000 hungry people.

The Greater Chicago Food Depository (GCFD) is Feeding America’s Chicago food bank, and Greg Trotter, GCFD’s manager of public relations and content, says food insecurity affects not only people who are homeless, but folks with mental illness and chronic health conditions, people who were recently laid off or released from prison, or working families who are struggling to make ends meet.

“It’s not just low-income neighborhoods. If you go to different food pantries and talk to people, you’ll see people from every race and cultural background, different ages,” Trotter said. “It’s college students. It’s their families. They need access to food. They need food assistance, so we’re in those schools helping them out.” The food depository operates market-style food distributions called Healthy Student Markets in Chicago Public Schools and all of the City Colleges of Chicago.

The GCFD also facilitates food rescue partnerships with some businesses, such as Starbucks, Pret a Manger and Farmer’s Fridge, along with nearly every major grocery store in the city, to pick up food that might otherwise be tossed out. It's quickly distributed to homeless shelters.

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“We address the immediate need of hunger when people come in, and we pair it with social services and mental health counseling to address whatever might be going on beneath the hunger — what’s bringing them in,” - Kellie O’Connell, CEO, Lakeview Pantry

Beyond the Pantry Lakeview Pantry, one of Chicago’s largest and longest-operating food pantries, serves about 9,000 unique individuals annually through its client-choice pantry model that offers a grocery store-like experience where clients can pick up two weeks’ worth of their choices of wide-ranging nutritious foods, with the opportunity to come back weekly for fresh fruits, vegetables and bread.

“Oftentimes our clients have to make really tough trade-off choices,” says Kellie O’Connell, CEO of Lakeview Pantry, “Do I pay for rent and utilities this month, or do I buy food? Do I purchase the medication I need, or do I put food on the table for my family?”

In order to reach more community members, Lakeview Pantry launched in September an online market, the first of its kind in Chicago, where clients can order food available at the physical pantry and pick up at their convenience.

“It really cuts down on the time spent coming in, and it amps up the dignity factor for folks that might feel embarrassed or nervous about coming into a food pantry,” O’Connell says.

Those experiencing food insecurity usually are dealing with other life issues that make access to food all the more challenging, such as unemployment, unstable housing and health struggles.

At Lakeview Pantry, the nonprofit offers counseling for clients dealing with anxiety, depression and generalized grief, serving 2,500 people annually.

“We address the immediate need of hunger when people come in, and we pair it with social services and mental health counseling to address whatever might be going on beneath the hunger — what’s bringing them in,” O’Connell says.

At Heartland Alliance Health, the leading healthcare provider for the lowest income people in Chicago, Elizabeth Murphy, a community dietitian, provides dietary evaluations to clients at federally qualified health centers, many of whom are experiencing homelessness. She frequently consults with lowincome patients experiencing diabetes, high cholesterol and high blood pressure.

“It makes it a little more challenging when you are unstably housed to be able to prepare foods or know where your next meal is coming from – what you’re going to be able to get at the soup kitchen or what you’re going to be able to get at the food pantry,” Murphy said.

V.W., a 49-year-old StreetWise vendor living in an Uptown SRO, or single room occupancy housing, worked with Murphy for eight months through a weekly program focused on behaviors for healthy lifestyles for people dealing with dietary and mental illnesses. From exercise classes to tours of local grocery stores, V.W. learned about portion control and nutritious eating tips, in addition to developing fitness habits.

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“I was getting food from the food pantry, or I would shop on my own,” V.W. says. “[Now] when I go to the food pantry, I pick out healthy things like fruit … I focus on healthy eggs and a healthier milk like skim or 2 percent, which really helped me cut down on the fat.”

One of the challenges food-insecure people might face is lack of employment after incarceration for a crime.

For 20 years, the GCFD has hosted Chicago’s Community Kitchens, a 14-week culinary job training program for people who need a boost into the workforce.

“They’re people with pretty significant obstacles.

About a third of our students are formerly incarcerated. Many of them are unstably housed or low-income,” Trotter says. “It teaches them the basics of being in a kitchen, everything from food sanitation to knife skills, to fractions you need for scaling recipes up and down, to kitchen culture.”

Feeding Communities Through Urban Farming Growing Home, an organic urban farm, also offers transitional job programming, including farm-based training for people with employment barriers in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood. Growing Home’s 14week job training program utilizes a social-emotional learning curriculum called TIP (Transforming Impossible to Possible). Trainees participate in intensive selfreflection before diving into skill building while working on the farm and professional development training like interviewing and resume creation.

“Our goal is to help folks eliminate their barriers while they’re in the program,” says Danielle Perry, executive director of Growing Home. “We’re a firm believer that we’ll help you get a job, but how you stay in that job is if we help you to eliminate some barriers, so that can be housing insecurity - which is a huge barrier for our folks - healthcare challenges, and childcare assistance.”

The only USDA-certified organic high production farm in Chicago, Growing Home produces 30,000 pounds of produce annually. Through a $100,000 award from Impact Grants Chicago, the urban farm will expand to another location on its property with the capacity to produce another 8,000 pounds of food each year, all of which will feed residents in the Englewood community.

Perry notes the lack of healthy food options in Englewood, where grocery stores are sparse and corner stores, which often do not offer abundant fresh and healthy foods, are the pervasive source of food for the community. She is working to find new ways to reach the food-insecure residents of Englewood and inform them of the locations across the city where the farm sells its produce, which is sold at a 50 percent discounted rate to Englewood community members at its weekly farmstand. Using benefits from the Supple-

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mental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly A Vision for a Closed Food Network known as food stamps, a bunch of fresh kale or collard greens would only cost 75 cents for Englewood residents. The Little Village Environmental Justice Organization (LVEJO) on the Southwest Side envisions a potential closed Another large urban farm in Chicago is the Farm on Og- food system where local farmers can supply produce to den, serving the North Lawndale neighborhood. The neighborhood restaurants and local youth can transport Farm on Ogden hosts Windy City Harvest, the urban the produce while picking up restaurant scraps for comagriculture and community engagement arm of the Chi- posting to reduce carbon emissions from food deliveries. cago Botanic Garden, which was on track to grow over 120,000 pounds of produce in 2019.

Kim Wasserman, LVEJO executive director, notes that 60 percent of the city’s street vendors come from Little Village, Thirty years ago, Windy City Harvest started supporting often selling food like corn, mangoes and raspas. She also school and neighborhood community gardens through- says many residents have backgrounds in agriculture, but out the city. However, in order to better engage with are unable to put their skills to use in the community. youth, the Chicago Botanic Garden launched the Windy City Youth Farm, teaching 80-90 students annually at “We very much use food as an organizing tool and bethree farms in Chicago and one in Lake County how to cause of how culturally representative it is in a community grow food responsibly, to work as a team, to advocate for like ours,” Wasserman says. “Many folks in our community food justice and to eat in healthy ways. are just trying to come out of poverty by selling food, and the system is really not set up to help empower them.”

Windy City Harvest also offers training programs for adults, including the Windy City Harvest Corps, which employs 30 “This should become a space with massive indoor growto 40 justice-involved individuals and veterans in paid transi- ing,” says Wasserman. “This should become a space with tional jobs and supports them in finding full-time, long-term a massive commercial kitchen. This should become a employment each year. space with an indoor market where folks can buy culturally relevant food and maintain the culture of the community.”

“Through food access, job creation and helping place people in full time employment, we’re helping recreate The main problem LVEJO organizers face is the inability to the local food system,” says Angie Mason, associate vice secure land in Little Village for the project. president of community engagement for Windy City Harvest. “It’s a really blended group of people working to- In November 2019, the Greater Chicago Food Depository gether toward this mission of building a local food system made an announcement that could further the city’s creand a community of practice.” ative solutions to feed food-insecure residents by creating a comprehensive food preparation and distribution system In order to support socially disadvantaged farmers, that also supports job creation for people with barriers to Windy City Harvest hosts the Farm Incubator Program, employment. Amid US Census Bureau projections that the developed with assistance from the Beginning Farmer number of adults over 65 on fixed incomes in Cook County and Rancher Development Program directed by the US- may increase 48 percent by 2030, the GCFD announced it DA’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The pro- will break ground next summer on a 40,000-square-foot, gram works to reduce the risks related to starting one’s $50 million building in which to prepare nutritious, highown farming-related enterprise with support through an quality meals for older adults and people with disabilities. apprenticeship program and completion of a business The meal preparation kitchen is projected to serve four course. million meals a year when fully operational.

To help food-insecure community members obtain nutritious foods, the Farm on Ogden also hosts a program called Veggie Rx, aimed at increasing vegetable consumption for individuals with diet-related illnesses who are enrolled in SNAP. Patients can visit a partner clinic to obtain a prescription for 10 visits to the Farm on Ogden and receive free produce grown there. For a refill, they can check back in with a clinic doctor for a health assessment and a new prescription.

“We have seen an increase in Veggie Rx participation — it’s doubled from last year to this year, so the need for fresh produce and the desire to find something healthier than what you can find at a corner store or a fast food restaurant is high,” Mason says. “People are realizing that they need to eat better.”

The food depository will partner with other organizations for home delivery and with an urban gardening nonprofit for the food itself. Some anticipated jobs at the new facility would support transitional employment for participants in the Chicago’s Community Kitchens program. A nutrition education center housed in a connecting building linking the GCFD’s existing headquarters to the new meal kitchen would feature a demonstration kitchen for classes on preparing healthy food for students, healthcare professionals and other community members.

Lee A. Holmes contributed reporting and writing to this story.

Alexandria Jacobson is a Chicago-based freelance reporter, whose multimedia work has been published by outlets such as ABC News, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Reporter, Social Justice News Nexus, and The Lens. She earned her master’s and bachelor’s degrees in journalism from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism.

All photos by Alexandria Jacobson.

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Lyric opera surveys Lightfoot appoints parents for 'Blue' diverse members coming in june to culture council An entirely new Cultural Advisory Council of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) appointed by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and approved by the Chicago City Council is a diverse group representing practicing artists of various genres and representatives from major cultural organizations and neighborhood organizations.

Photo provided by Lyric.

What are the greatest wishes, biggest needs and proudest moments of parents across Chicagoland?

FROM THE STREETS

Lyric Opera of Chicago is asking parents to take a short survey on those questions in order to spotlight the nuanced experiences of parents across the city. “Thoughts on Parenthood” is an interactive arts project in conjunction with Lyric’s upcoming Midwest premiere of “Blue,” assisted by activist/photographer Tonika Johnson. (See also "Lightfoot appoints" on this page.)

The survey can be found on the Lyric website (https://www. lyricopera.org/lyric-unlimited/community-programs/publicprograms/thoughts-on-parenthood/). “Parent” is defined as anyone who has the legal or social responsibility for children. No personal information will be disclosed publicly without permission, although anonymous summary information may be shared with Lyric’s community partners on the project, which include Center on Halsted, Erikson Institute, Inner Voice, the Chicago Urban League and more.

The deadline for participation is February 28. In May, 15 to 20 respondents will be profiled on Lyric’s website with interview and portrait by Johnson. An Englewood native, she originated the Folded Map Project, which graphically depicts Chicago segregation through the use of “map twins” who live at the same street number on opposite (North and South) Sides of the city.

“Blue” centers on an African American couple in Harlem who must seek help from their church and their community when their deepest fears for their firstborn, a son, come true. It is inspired by Ta-Nehisi Coates’ “Between the World and Me,” the 2016 Pulitzer Prize winner, and James Baldwin’s “The Fire Next Time.”

Composed by Tony Award winner Jeanine Tesori, its libretto is

by Tazewell Thompson, who will also direct the Lyric production June 19-28 at the Yard at Chicago Shakespeare on Navy Pier.

–Suzanne Hanney, from online and email sources

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“A robust Chicago arts community inspires us, engages us, questions the status quo, and has the power to bring our diverse city together in conversation around the critical challenges of our day,” Mayor Lightfoot said.

“I am grateful to the outgoing members of the Council and excited to bring these new voices to the table, who will work with us to ensure that Chicago remains a vibrant and innovative cultural hub – and that all Chicagoans have equitable access to the arts.”

The new Cultural Advisory Council will be comprised of the following individuals: Paola Aguirre Serrano, founding principal, Borderless Studio Alison Cuddy, artistic director, Chicago Humanities Festival Sandra Delgado, theatre artist, writer, actor and producer Amina J. Dickerson, president, Dickerson Global Advisors Juan Díes, co-founder & executive director, Sones de México Ensemble Bob Faust, owner, Faust and Special Projects Director, Nick Cave Studio Robert Gomez, owner, Subterranean/Beat Kitchen/Underbar Esther Grisham Grimm, executive director, 3Arts Tracie D. Hall, director, culture program, Joyce Foundation Akilah S. Halley, executive director, Marwen Tempestt Hazel, arts program officer, Field Foundation of Illinois Kevin Iega Jeff, creative director, Deeply Rooted Productions Ginger Lane, arts & culture project director, Access Living Josephine Lee, president & artistic director, Chicago Children’s Choir Tonika Lewis Johnson, artist, Folded Map Project Bill Michel, associate vice president and executive director of UChicago Arts and the Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, University of Chicago Heather A. Miller, executive director, American Indian Center Cesáreo J. Moreno, chief curator & visual arts director, National Museum of Mexican Art Margaret C. Murphy-Webb, executive director & co-founder, South Side Jazz Coalition Coya Paz, artistic director, Free Street Theater Claire C. Rice, executive director, Arts Alliance Illinois Silvia Rivera, managing director, Vocalo Myrna Salazar, co-founder & executive director, Chicago Latino Theater Alliance David Schmitz, executive director, Steppenwolf Theatre Company Jennifer A. Scott, director & chief curator, Jane Addams Hull-House Museum, University of Illinois at Chicago Paul J. Sznewajs, executive director, Ingenuity Vivian Teng, managing director, Cinema/Chicago and the Chicago International Film Festival Omar Torres-Kortright, executive director, Segundo Ruiz Belvis Cultural Center Tanner Woodford, founder & executive director, Design Museum of Chicago One additional member to be named later

Goodman Theatre's Education fundraiser features Sean Hayes of 'Will & Grace' Sean Hayes and StreetWise editor Suzanne Hanney take a selfie after the Goodman Theatre luncheon on February 5.

After hearing about Goodman Theatre nonprofit work such as introducing a high school curriculum on the plays of August Wilson and bringing tiny libraries to far south suburban Ford Heights, “Will & Grace” star Sean Hayes said he was “very impressed.

“It makes me want to get involved,” Hayes said in a featured conversation with NBC5 News Today co-anchor Zoraida Sambolin at Goodman’s “Legacy & Promise” luncheon February 5 to support its free education and engagement programs.

Goodman’s school matinee series trains Chicago teachers to use arts in every subject. Goodman serves 4,000 students and 100 teachers at 45 mostly Chicago Public Schools; 85 percent of participants are low-income. There are opportunities to do Disney musicals in schools; hands-on STEM learning through technical theater; the Cindy Bandle Young Critics program; summer programs in play-building and in acting, singing, dancing, storytelling and ensemble. For adults age 55+, there is the GeNarrations storytelling performance workshop.

Theatre education “is building people’s muscle to choose a different path,” the Goodman’s Walter Director of Education and Engagement Willa J. Taylor said. “Our legacy must be GoodWork to nurture the promise of a shining city.”

Raised in Glen Ellyn, Hayes would cut class and hang out at the theatre department of Glenbard West High School. “I felt safe there, safe from judgment. That’s what theatre does for kids.”

Hayes advises friends with kids to put their children through improv, which he learned at Second City. “It builds confidence in kids and makes them fearless.”

Comedy began for him, Hayes said, when he was 5 and his Irish Catholic father left the family. His late mother, Mary Hayes, raised him and his four siblings alone. She also helped start the Bethlehem Center, which is now the Northern Illinois Food Bank, based in Geneva.

Was he anything like his campy gay character Jack McFarland on “Will & Grace,” Sambolin asked.

“I’m type A, business-minded, driven, ambitious,” he responded. Hayes won a Primetime Emmy Award, four SAG Awards and six Golden Globe nominations as Jack during the 1998-2006 run of “Will & Grace.” The show did a 12-episode revival in 2017.

Since he was in his late 20s when the show began, did he feel the burden of trying to change attitudes?

“I never allowed myself to,” responded Hayes, who came out to his family at age 18. “I felt there were people who were better suited to do that. We would get death threats on the show. But I should have pushed aside my own fears to help the community that needed my help.” Hayes is now married to Scott Icenogle, who composed the music for “Will & Grace.”

He said later, “If you love what you do, you have already won. Nothing else matters if you can contribute to society.”

Goodman Artistic Director Robert Halls announced at the luncheon that Hayes will portray composer/raconteur Oscar Levant in “Good Night, Oscar,” a world premiere next year.

Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Doug Wright (“I Am My Own Wife,” “War Paint,”) and directed by Tony nominated Leigh Silverman, the plot will center on Levant’s four-hour pass from a mental ward to appear on the Jack Paar Show in 1958.

www.streetwise.org

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Streetwise 1/6/20 Crossword To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

Sudoku

Copyright ©2020 PuzzleJunction.com

©PuzzleJunction.com

Sudoku Solution Last Week’s Puzzle Answers

Solution

Solution

Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at www.streetwise.org

THE PLAYGROUND 14

1 Renown 5 Golden rule word 9 Con game 13 Log home 14 Page 15 Cherish 16 Teenager 18 Domain 19 Benefit 20 Kennedy and Turner, for two 21 Tangle 22 Time zone 23 Breakers 24 Beer barrel 25 Kipling’s Gunga ___ 26 Condo, e.g.

28 Hubbub 31 Discover 34 Current 35 Sluggish 36 Criminal 38 Wildcatter’s concern 40 Deli side dish 41 Legume 43 Kilns 44 Your (Fr.) 45 Toe holders 46 Bunk 47 Bounder 48 Not this 50 Amigo 53 Music group, at time 56 Old autos 57 East of Eden director Kazan 58 Golf club

59 Carnival attraction 61 Bunsen burner 62 Ready for picking 63 Zodiac sign 64 Clairvoyant 65 Social insects 66 Grubstake Down 1 2 3 4 5 6

Withers Cancel Cow juice Compass pt.

Gastric woe Stephen King’s ___ Things 7 Sunburns

How StreetWise Works

Our Mission To empower the entrepreneurial spirit through the dignity of self-employment by providing Chicagoans facing homelessness with a combination of supportive social services, workforce development resources and immediate access to gainful employment.

Crossword Across

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35 Snooze 7 Trickster 8 Boot camp 38 Marries boss 40 Wise one 9 Concept 41 Give it a go 10 ___ to riches 43 Cut short 44 Irish river 11 Air mile 13 Compass pt.

47 Speeder’s 14 Devil ray bane 20 Whip mark 50 Dutch cheese 22 Clothes basket 52 Bowling 23 Fill up a gun score again 53 Stride 24 Express 54 Story Down 26 Type of golfer 55 Condo, e.g.

1 Bounder 28 Medical 57 Young newt 2 “___ you advice, often 60 Bar stock sure?”

29 Cone bearer 61 Romaine 30 Drill part lettuce 3 18-wheeler 4 Bakery supply 32 Showy 63 Wine color 5 Distress letters 33 Sarajevo 64 Joke 6 Behave locale 65 Lyric poem Copyright ©2019 PuzzleJunction.com 59 City on the Mohawk 62 Red River city 66 Biblical high priest 67 Designer’s concern 68 Tire pattern 69 Favorite 70 Cool drinks 71 Brink

Pu

Orientation Participants complete a monthlong orientation, focusing on customer service skills, financial literacy and time management to become a badged vendor.

Financial Literacy Vendors buy StreetWise for $0.90, and sell it for $2. The profit of $1.10 goes directly to the licensed vendor for them to earn a living.

Supportive Services StreetWise provides referrals, advocacy and other support to assist participants in meeting their basic needs and getting out of crisis.

S.T.E.P. Program StreetWise’s S.T.E.P. Program provides job readiness training and ongoing direct service support to ensure participants’ success in entering the traditional workforce.

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8 Frequently, in verse 9 Language type 10 Actress Witherspoon 11 Profess 12 Repast 13 Fear or Horn 17 Bowl over 21 Arrange 23 Harmonize 24 Fuzzy fruit 25 Sketched 27 Midday 28 Brews 29 Buffoon 30 Night fliers 31 Enumerate 32 Model Macpherson 33 Wistful word

34 Take to the hills 35 Kill a fly 37 Retired 39 Booty 42 Try 45 Blubber 46 Attache ___ 47 Fragrant storage material 49 Aspirations 50 Garden-variety 51 Broadcast 52 Colleen 53 Has debts 54 Pigeon’s home 55 Sound quality 56 Destroy 57 Beige 59 Lingerie item 60 Brit. fliers

Celebrating #VendorWeek Photos by Dave Hamilton

From top: A suprise pink box is delivered; Vendor Lady David adds some flare to our photos; The group in the office gathers for a special treat.

The International Network of Street Papers (INSP)’s #VendorWeek is an annual celebration of the 9,000+ vendors around the world selling street papers at any one time. Each one of these men and women – in 35 countries – is using their local street paper as a way to work themselves out of poverty.

During the first week of February (February 3-9), our events, activities and social media pay tribute to their hard work, and challenge perceptions of poverty and homelessness. February is often the coldest time of year, and celebrating #VendorWeek during this time illustrates the hard work and dedication it takes to sell street papers.

Street papers around the world celebrate in many different ways. At StreetWise, we spent #VendorWeek treating vendors to Academy Award-nominated films. As a special treat on Thursday, February 6, we celebrated with a cake to show StreetWise vendors how inspiring they are!

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