July 19 - 25, 2021 Vol. 29 No. 28
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Arts & (Home) Entertainment
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SportsWise
We are replacing our usual calendar with virtual events and recommendations from StreetWise vendors, readers and staff to keep you entertained at home! NHL's Columbus Blue Jackets' goalie Matiss Kivlenieks died too young.
Cover Story: Disability Pride
The virtual Disability Pride Parade is July 24 with the theme, "Pandemic Can't Kill Disability Pride." Three officials of the parade tell why the public shouldn't discount the abilities of their community. Illinois is faced with a March 2022 deadline for compliance with federal guidelines to ensure Home and Community Based Services for people with disabilities are provided in the most integrated setting. Disability Pride Parade Marshal Justin Cooper tells why being out in the community is important to his life. A street paper vendor love story begins at a wheelchair touch football game and continues on through joy, devastation and more love. The Big Issue Australia’s editor Amy Hetherington speaks to newlywed vendors Kelly and Greg.
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Inside StreetWise
Vendor A. Allen ensures that StreetWise is for everyone.
The Playground Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher
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Amanda Jones, Director of programs
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Julie Youngquist, Executive director
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ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Dancing Outside!
Chicago Repertory Ballet: 'Rite of Spring' This outdoor ballet performance showcases three world premiere and two company premiere dance pieces against the backdrop of the Chicago skyline. In accordance with the Chicago Repertory Ballet’s mission, this particular series aims to bring unique storytelling and innovative choreography to a traditional art form for a summer show audiences are sure to remember. Shows start at 7:30 p.m. on July 23 - 25 at Cricket Hill in Montrose Harbor (lakefront trail between Montrose and Wilson avenues) with general admission tickets beginning at $25. For a map, seating chart, and other information, visit chicagorepertoryballet.com/riteofspring. For any other questions, email info@chicagorepertoryballet.com.
Sibling Rivalry!
(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT
Oak Park Festival Theatre: 'The Tempest' Oak Park Festival Theatre is thrilled to return to live performances this summer with William Shakespeare’s “The Tempest,” Thursdays - Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 7 p.m., through August 21. Directed by Barbara Zahora, this production tells the story of the sorcerer Prospero who, 12 years after a power struggle with his sister, causes a shipwreck in an act of vengeance against those who have wronged him. Theatre productions are held outdoors in the amphitheater at 167 Forest Avenue in Oak Park, and food and drink are permitted. Tickets for The Tempest are $35 with discounts for seniors, students, and young children and can be reserved at oakparkfestival.com/tempest. In accordance with CDC guidelines, social distancing at the theater is recommended and masks are required for patrons who are not vaccinated. More information about Oak Park Festival Theater’s COVID-19 guidelines is available on their website as well.
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Keep In Tune!
Merit School of Music: Summer Pop-up Events Bring the whole family to these musical events throughout Chicago this month! The Merit School of Music has prepared events and demonstrations that offer a wide variety of ways to engage. This week, from 10 a.m. - noon on July 24, there will be a pop-up in Edward Kelly Park, 2725 W. 41st St., with free instrument tuning and demonstrations. In following weeks, events include performances, musical storytimes, music at Green City Market, and other family-friendly activities. Most of the events are free to enter, and the others range in price from $10-$50. Go to meritmusic.org/special-events/summer-pop-up-events for the list of pop-ups in this summer series and other information on how to participate.
Take it to the Streets!
Wicker Park Fest Named “Chicago’s Best Street Festival of the Summer” by the Chicago Tribune, this family-friendly event highlights the music, nightlife, and restaurants in Chicago’s Wicker Park neighborhood. From 5 - 10 p.m. on July 23, 24, and 25, visitors will enjoy a lineup of live music performances, local arts and crafts, many retail vendors, and a wide variety of local food. Entry to the festival is free and located at Milwaukee and Damen avenues. The music lineup, a list of Wicker Park Fest sponsors, and other information is available at wickerparkbucktown.com under “stuff to do” and “events and festivals.”
Jazz it Up!
Chicago Latin Jazz Festival JazzCity and the Chicago Park District have teamed up to present this two-day drive-in concert series. Chicago’s top Latin Jazz ensembles will be playing live music in Humboldt Park in celebration of Chicago’s rich music history. The shows run from 6 - 8 p.m. on Friday, July 23, and Saturday, July 24, at the Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1301 N. Humboldt Drive. This family-friendly, free event is presented in accordance with Be Safe Chicago Guidelines for Parks and Recreation Activities with no standing pre-registration requirement. For more information, see the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s calendar at jazzinchicago.org/events.
Downtown Market!
Daley Plaza City Market Chicago’s longest running farmers market is back this year with plenty of opportunities to shop local and engage with the community. Presented by Chicago City Markets every Thursday from 7 a.m. - 2 p.m., the Daley Plaza City Market (50 W. Washington St.) proudly offers a wide range of seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, and other goods from local artists and vendors. Chicago City Markets also hosts similar farmers markets in neighborhoods across the city. Admission is free, and a schedule for the Daley Plaza and other similar events is available on the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events page at chicago.gov.
The Sun is in My Eyes!
Hello Helios: The warming suns of Chicago’s Greektown Painted by a diverse group of Chicago artists and named for Helios, the god of the sun in Greek mythology, the exhibit includes 24 vibrant three-dimensional artworks, which line Halsted Street from Monroe to Van Buren streets. Many works in the exhibit draw inspiration from related mythologies, including those in the Greek, Aztec, Yoruba, Japanese and Native American cultures. Hello Helios is sponsored by Greektown SSA #16, the neighborhood’s business improvement district and will be on display through Spring 2022.
High and Mighty!
Movies at Gallagher Way: D-2 The Mighty Ducks The historic Music Box Theater is hosting this free showing of The Mighty Ducks at Gallagher Way as part of a series of summer movie showings. The event is free and open to the public and guests are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks or enjoy what’s available from on-site concession stands. Seating space is available on a first come, first served basis, but if guests wish to reserve seats with a clear view of the screen, they can do so by purchasing the $25 package which also includes snacks and beverages. The gates at 3635 N. Clark St. open at 6 p.m. on July 21, and the movie begins at 7:30 p.m. To reserve premium seating or for more information, navigate to the movie showings section at gallagherway.com/events.
Free Film!
The Chicago International Film Festival presents 'Knuckle City' The Chicago International Film Festival presents this virtual showing of the film "Knuckle City" as part of its free summer screening series. Directed by Jahmil X.T. Qubeka, "Knuckle City" follows Dudu, an aging professional boxer threatened by younger, up-and-coming talent, who works to maintain his footing and relevance. The story expresses the effect of apartheid on South African indigenous communities through the lens of Dudu’s story. Originally in the Xhosa language, the free screening includes translated subtitles. Viewers can claim their free online tickets at chicagofilmfestival.com to gain streaming access. Tickets to view the film will be available starting at 6:30 p.m. on July 21 for 24 hours.
-Compiled by Audrey Champelli
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SPORTSWISE
Patrick: Life is so precious. Often, we, amazingly, forget this…until someone close and dear to our hearts departs this realm. I was reminded of this as I recently read about the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets’ goalie dying due to a fireworks accident on the 4th of July. I had never heard of this man and, yet, I still felt pain when I read about his death. Fellas—and we don’t have to get specific if it's too uncomfortable—do you guys have any thoughts on any of this? Russ: Listen, we all are dealing with death in some form or fashion, whether we’re dealing with it personally or in the broad sense of it, and the thing is, we got to learn and understand the opportunity we have here. In this time we have, we can do so much, learn about so many things; shoot, we can create! Straight-up create something that someone else will have on his or her to-do or bucketlist. John: That is trippy, Russell. I never thought about it like that. I mean, what you said about everyone dealing with death is a fact. I’m getting older, as are all of us, and
NHL photo.
Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.
it’s a fact of life: many of our parents and other older family members, friends—folks are leaving here. I did read about the Columbus Blue Jackets’ goalie, Matiss Kivlenieks, passing from this unfortunate accident, and I was sad. I was. Even though fireworks are dangerous and we know it, we get through many of these shows without anyone dying, so when it happens, it’s shocking and sad. Donald: Feels like a waste of life. Not that he wasted his life; but that this young man’s life was cut short by something as unnecessary as fireworks. Patrick: Don, I’m with you. To think this guy was sitting around having a fun evening—not realizing he was living his final moments— and, then, to get hit with an errant fireworks mortar blast and, just like that, it’s over. At 24 years old.
Donald: Yeah, that hurts.
no. 2 goaltender on the team.
Russ: With the coronavirus pandemic somewhat in our rearview mirror, I believe most of us—even if we don’t know anyone personally who may have died from it—began to appreciate more what life is and what it could be. Y’all know what I mean?
Donald: And many spoke of him in positive termss. Calling him a good kid with a lot of talent, who was going to be an important part of the team in the near future.
Patrick: I do. John: Now, y’all know I wasn’t too deep into the damage of coronavirus, but a lot of people did die—whether from this virus or something else—and it has to take a toll on all of us. All of society, communities, households— whatever. This young man was in the early stages of getting his business going, and this happened. He represented Latvia this past spring at the world hockey championship and, with the Blue Jackets, word was that, next season, he would slide up to the
Russ: You’re right, Patrick, life is precious. That’s why I make it a point to prioritize when it comes to my family or those I consider family. I make it a point never to forget what they mean to me. Donald: Well said, Russell. It is important. I’m going to take that and carry it with me through the rest of my life. Life is precious…and it’s ours for the taking and making. John: Rest in peace, Matiss Kivlenieks. Send an e-mail with your thoughts to: pedwards@streetwise.org
COVERSTORY
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Pandemic can't kill disability pride by Suzanne Hanney
“Pandemic Can’t Kill Disability Pride” is the literal theme of Chicago’s 18th Disability Pride Parade, which will go virtual at 11 a.m., July 24, with a series of videos on its website by participating nonprofits. Chicago’s parade, begun in 2004, is the oldest in the United States. Lia Niederberger, secretary of the parade, said that, post-pandemic, the parade is needed more than ever. “It’s kind of in me both a pride thing and also self-advocacy. There have been underthe-surface stereotypical social norms that, after the pandemic, are more exposed in a certain sense. I’ve personally experienced hardships just in terms of people’s attitudes and social environmental barriers.” At home during the pandemic, she was able to work at her own, slower pace. But when things started to open back up, “I just started experiencing people’s rudeness and impatience.” Niederberger, 26, was diagnosed at a very early age with multiple learning disabilities that can be non-apparent and confusing for people who do not know her well. She also has a neurological disability that connects to her learning disabilities and she does advocacy work for other people with non-apparent disabilities, such as autism and ADHD.
COVERSTORY
What outsiders may not realize, however, is that Niederberger has an IQ that falls within the typical range. A graduate of Hyde Park Day School, Jones College Prep and Lake Forest College, she is self-supporting, helping out with editing and clerical work at a company that does digital healthcare innovation. In terms of assistive technologies, she uses a keyboard for speed and an earpiece to edit out ambient noise in conversations.
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lot for me. It has provided the opportunity to live my life and do the things I want as a disabled person. Doing the work I do is so important to so many people in our community. Being a part of this parade and also doing a lot of actions and protests over the years have shaped things I want to focus on with the disability community: affordable housing, all the things in the past year in terms of racial and social justice, dealing with mental health in people with disabilities – their ability to be out there.” Cooper was diagnosed at birth with cerebral palsy – damage to the prenatal brain that affects movement -- but at age 30 he learned that was incorrect. What he had was Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy, a genetic condition that slowly diminishes the muscles in his body. He uses a wheelchair at home and outside to enable him to work as a filmmaker, photographer, website and social media expert and advocate. The importance of showing disability pride, he said, is that “often in society we are shunned or seen as invisible. For us, the parade is always an opportunity for people with disabilities to be showcased, to say we're out here, whether taking part in a parade or activism. You will notice us.” Entrants so far in this year’s parade include: • the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Disability and Human Development, • Chicago Public Library • Great Lakes ADA Center
“I am a lot more capable than people think,” she said.
• Inclusive Dance Workshops at Access Living
The Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) was signed into law 30 years ago, but was primarily focused on people with physical disabilities, she said, “so it’s really interesting in some ways people with non-physical disabilities are protected and in some ways not. What has happened to me over my personal life, but also during the pandemic, has added a sensibility of personal strength and perseverance that I feel in so many ways has contributed to my pride. It’s more important to have these conversations with people now. The pandemic has added a certain sense of self-awareness to that level of pride.”
• HEART, an Inclusive Arts Community in Charleston, S.C., which hosted that city’s own first disability pride celebration on July 10.
Justin Cooper, who is head marshal of the Disability Pride Parade, in charge of making sure it is running smoothly, was 8 years old when the ADA was passed. As a youngster, he didn’t see how the law applied to him, but as an adult he knows it “has done a whole
HEART describes disability pride on its website in terms of “intersectionality.” Disability is merely part of someone’s identity, in addition to gender, race, religion, ethnic background and more. “Pride is the embracing of these facets beyond simply acceptance, but with full inclusion and full-hearted love.” Bill Thomasson, treasurer of the parade, has been around since its inception in 2004. What’s important to him is that the parade is still happening. “Disability pride is still the same thing it was despite all the pandemic has done to society and individuals; it hasn’t affected disability pride or the fact we are having a parade.”
Thomasson was 63 years old in 2000 when he developed “wet” macular degeneration in his second eye that produced retinal scarring and left him legally blind. Assistive technology – Zoomtext that produced enlargeable yellow words on a black background and special magnifier eyeglasses from Chicago Lighthouse – enabled him to continue working as a freelance science and medical writer. Otherwise, he would have had to stop working and to live on Social Security. Instead, Thomasson supported himself and “retired” in 2019. He has spent the last two years writing his first novel, which is nearly finished. “Assistive technology allowed me to continue doing what I had been doing before,” he said. “It helped my life to not change.” Earlier, Thomasson had worked as a railway clerk, spent two years in the peacetime Army, obtained a Ph.D. in biochemistry, married and had a son. He taught at California State University at Long Beach, at California Institute of Technology and at the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Thomasson marvels that he has always had disability pride. In the earliest days of his disability, he called for assisted transportation for seniors and people with disabilities in Oak Park, where he lived. Someone told him he sounded “proud” of his disability. “Disability was simply a new part of my identity,” he said. “It’s part of who I was, and I am proud of who I am.”
Clockwise from top: Lia Niederberger, secretary of the Disability Pride Parade (courtesy photo); Bill Thomasson, treasurer of the Disability Pride Parade (courtesy photo); participants dance at Access Living's Inclusive Dance Workshops (Access Living Facebook); members of the University of Illinois at Chicago Department of Disability and Human Development (UIC photo).
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Home based community settings: 'The difference between living in -or out- of prison' by Suzanne Hanney
Disability Pride Parade Marshall Justin Cooper, 38, has Becker’s Muscular Dystrophy (BMD), uses a wheelchair and lives with his mother in a two-bedroom apartment in a senior building.
We been constantly waiting for affordable housing. We see all these new condos being built that would be able to house people with disabilities. But they are not.”
Yes, he says, being able to live in the community instead of in an institution is like the difference between living in – or out – of a prison. “That is a constant battle. One of the things we really want to push in our [disability] community is being able to live in the actual community,” Cooper said. “Many people live in nursing homes. Always, the goal is to get people out of those places and into being part of the community. Because they deserve to be part of the community.”
Comparing institutions to prisons might be harsh, says Lore Baker, but “restrictive” could be the right word.
Disability rights are civil rights. “There is a photo of me holding up a sign that says ‘Disability rights are human rights',” Cooper said. “To me, that means we should be able to live in a community, should be able to have the rights everyone else has. It’s about accessibility, to be able to be seen, to be able to be heard.” Living in the community means Cooper is also able to work as a photographer and a filmmaker, as an activist on the Disability Pride committee and behind the scenes on its website and social media. “I don’t think I would have that same opportunity if I were living in an institution and everything was controlled,” he said. “Living in the community I am able to make my own choices, whether I want to go outside, to travel, if I want to go see my friends. It’s determined by me, not by someone else.” The wheelchair is Cooper’s one accommodation to BMD, a muscle-wasting disease that makes it difficult for him to walk. His apartment’s doors are large enough for him to maneuver the wheelchair and he uses a grab bar and shower chair in the bathroom. The building also has two elevators. But besides accessibility, affordability is an issue. Cooper receives $794 in disability each month and works to the allowed pay limit. “Even though I have my own place, I have been living paycheck to paycheck for a very long time. That’s been the case for people with disabilities living on SSI (Supplemental Security Income). They’re actually below the poverty line.” Cooper’s mother pays part of the rent and helps him with some tasks a personal assistant would do. “I was thankfully able to find a place accessible to me and affordable. I also live with my mom. That’s something a lot of people with disabilities continue to look for. It’s been a struggle for a lot of us.
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“Their job is to feed you three times a day and provide you the skilled services you require, not to get you into the community. If a person ever leaves the nursing facility, it’s usually because a friend checks you out and takes you to a church or family event,” said Baker, who is president/CEO of the Association for Individual Development (AID) in Aurora. AID serves over 5,600 children and adults with developmental, intellectual, physical or mental health challenges; it supports over 1,000 individuals living in their own apartments and more than 200 persons in group homes throughout the Fox Valley. The real issue is integration and fairness, she said. “not locking away people with disabilities so the only service they can get is in an institution. It’s much cheaper and also what people want. It is absolutely a civil right, your right as a human being to be able to afford to live someplace safe and decent, to be able to interact, not to be locked away.” Community-based living is also required by the U.S. Supreme Court’s Olmstead decision, which says that people with disabilities should be housed in the “least restrictive environment.” Baker explained it as “having the opportunity to live like anyone else who does not have a disability: to volunteer, work, live, love and laugh rather than in a forced group setting away from everyone else.” According to ADA.gov, the Supreme Court based its decision on two “evident judgments:” • that segregating people with disabilities in institutions perpetuates the falsehood that they are unworthy or incapable of community life • that confinement diminishes disabled people’s lives in terms of family relations, work and education options, economic independence, and more.
Justin Cooper, head marshal of the Disability Pride Parade (Tierra Finley photo).
States that had HCBS programs before March 17, 2014 were required to file statewide transition plans to bring them into federal compliance by March 17, 2022, or risk losing federal Medicaid funding for them. Federal money amounts to half the revenue to support these programs. There are nine programs for which Illinois provides Home Based Community Services under what is called a 1915(c) waiver. They include: • Adults with developmental disabilities • Support for children and young adults with developmental disabilities • Residential programs for children and young adults with developmental disabilities • Medically fragile/technology-dependent children • People who are elderly • People with brain injuries • People with disabilities • People with HIV/AIDS • Supportive living programs
“To me [disability rights are human rights] means we should be able to live in a community, should be able to have the rights everyone else has. It’s about accessibility, to be able to be seen, to be able to be heard.”
Cooper has built a “fairly integrated life,” Baker said, “but precariously balanced on a family member. When his mother does pass away, will he find affordable housing, will it be accessible? How quickly will he be able to access that support for physical assistance that he needs for daily living?” Thousands of disabled Illinoisans who depend on family caregivers are in the same situation, she said. On Jan. 16, 2014, the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services (CMS) issued new federal regulations for state-provided Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS). The intent of the new regulations was to ensure that HCBS programs provide the benefits of community living and the opportunity to receive services in the most appropriate integrated setting.
Since 2017, the transition plan has been in formation via public hearings, surveys and site visits under the domain of the Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Developmental Disabillities and the Department of Aging. In addition, medically fragile, technology-dependent children are under the Division of Special Care for Children at the University of Illinois at Chicago, brain injuries under the IDHS Division of Rehabilitation, and supportive living programs under the Department of Healthcare and Family Services. The Illinois Transition Assessment Tool has 10 categories to determine whether people receiving Medicaid services in the community have the same opportunities to work, to engage in community life and to control personal resources as those not on Medicaid. The questionnaire goes into minute detail, such as whether the person has a lockable door, whether they know how to access public transportation, whether they can furnish their room any way they wish, whether they can dress and cut their hair in their own fashion and whether they can keep food in their rooms in order to eat when they want. It’s all necessary to define “least restrictive environment.” For example, many CILA residents live in eight-person homes with two persons each in four bedrooms, Baker said. If the federal requirements call for more privacy and a lockable door, “does that mean you need to open a second home so they can each have their own bedroom? We don’t know how much it would cost. The money we’ve been trying to get into the state budget doesn’t allow for change.”
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'The Power of Love': a big issue Australia vendor wedding by Amy Hetherington / The Big Issue Australia / courtesy of www.INSP.ngo / photos by Autumn Mooney, www.autumnmooney.com
It’s the first of June in a backyard in western Sydney. A few friends have gathered on this winter’s day to witness a wedding ceremony, organized in haste. And heartache. The courtyard is dappled in sunshine, and the fence has been decorated with two small signs: “love” and “hope.” As a Céline Dion love song starts up, our bride, Kelly, begins her way down the aisle, traversing the long driveway, through the garage, and down the path. There’s a special green carpet laid out for her arrival, bordered by pebbles and potted plants. Kelly is wearing a new blue dress, and carrying a bouquet of red, yellow, and baby pink roses: a gift from her parents in Queensland. The groom, Greg, is at the end of the carpet, waiting. He’s grinning, crying. “With a beautiful bride coming down the pathway, I felt amazing,” says Greg later. “I had tears, I did.” A gold sign reading ‘Mr and Mrs Standen’ glints behind his head, waving from a washing line transformed into a backdrop with purple sheets for this special moment. “Going down the aisle was the best feeling of my life,” says Kelly, “because I already knew we were destined to be together. When I said ‘I do’ I was over the moon! I couldn’t stop smiling. I still can’t stop smiling.” It’s not every day that a wedding is organized in 48 hours. But that’s what Big Issue vendors Greg and Kelly had to do, bringing forward their original plans on doctor’s orders. “We’ve both got spina bifida,” explains Greg. “I was very independent as a child. I was encouraged to do everything. I did swimming and athletics. Then, at 25, my balance became very unsteady.” After a series of operations, Greg collapsed and “they basically said, 'get used to life in a chair'.” That was 20-odd years ago. For Kelly, it’s even more complicated. From a young age, her mobility was compromised. Then seven years ago, at the age of 30, she was diagnosed with syringomyelia, a build-up of fluid on her spinal cord. “My brain is herniating: it’s sucking my brain stem into my spine, and it’s crushing every internal organ in my body.” It’s left her with a host of health issues, including depression, anxiety and breathing difficulties. She says matter of factly: “I am in pain 24/7…and things are just getting worse for me day by day, to the point where eventually it’s going to kill me.” Remember those small signs: “love,” “hope.” Kelly and Greg had originally planned a big white wedding for Octo-
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ber 2022. Their celebrant, Lou Szymkow, was booked to marry them in front of 120 guests in Auburn Botanic Gardens’ sunken rose gardens. The bride was to arrive in a horse-drawn carriage. She’d picked out her dream dress. And they’d planned a honeymoon cruise around Australia. Kelly, being Kelly, wanted to go on a cruise ship to help her get over her fear of heights – and water. But during her monthly appointment with the spina bifida clinic, Kelly was advised to expedite their ceremony. “I told my doctor all the plans for the wedding…and he said, ‘If I was you, I would push your wedding as far forward as possible, because in my opinion you won’t be around in October next year',” she recalls. They called Lou, and their two witnesses: Kelly’s matron of honor Heather, a former caregiver; and best man Flavio, who used to work with Greg in his marketing business. The big white wedding quickly became a simple, intimate ceremony. And it was still overflowing with love. “They are very loving to each other,” says Lou. “Greg is completely and utterly infatuated with Kelly; he’s constantly looking out for her. “The wedding was a very beautiful moment. The sheer joy in her face as they made the announcement, it was very heart-warming. I think they were both overwhelmed…I can feel my own tears welling up now.” They celebrated over lunch at their local bowling club, Dooleys Regents Park Sports Club, who surprised the newlyweds by decorating the table with flowers and a white tablecloth, also providing them with their own personal waiter for the afternoon. While their wedding plans were hatched in an instant, the love story of Kelly and Greg has been over 15 years in the making. They met playing mixed wheelchair football. “One of my friends – she’s a quadriplegic – was on my team as well. One day I told her I like Greg, but not to tell him,” says Kelly. Laughs Greg, “And she tormented me for weeks, ‘I know someone who likes you! I know someone who likes you!’” The fates were listening. Greg moved into a villa in the same independent living community as Kelly, just around the corner. “I was so excited,” Kelly says. “I was single. I had not had much good luck with men before.” Adds Greg, “I was internet dating at the time. Then, we were hanging out one day and one thing led to another…”
“…It was the best thing that’d ever happened to me,” says Kelly, beaming at her new husband. That was December 2004, and they’ve been together since. “I love her smiley face, the fact that she’s so caring,” says Greg.
it didn’t develop into pneumonia. There is still that hope, that love, driving them to have the big wedding they’d originally planned.
Adds Kelly, “He’s always funny, he’s always there for me – he knows when to pick me up when I’m down.”
“It’s just a matter of when we can afford it,” says Greg, who was introduced to selling The Big Issue by Kelly, a long-time vendor. “What we’ve done already wouldn’t have been possible if we weren’t selling The Big Issue,” says Greg. “We’re both in government housing, both on disability pensions, and it just would not have been possible without that little bit of extra income.”
Greg and Kelly have been married almost a month when we all catch up again, after their photo shoot in Circular Quay, the site of their improvised honeymoon celebrations. “I thought, ‘how can I recreate the cruise without leaving Sydney?’” tells Greg. “We got on a ferry to Taronga Zoo to see the tigers – Kelly loves tigers – and I took her up to Centrepoint Tower’s 360 restaurant for dinner. We had a great day.” They’re back in their wedding finery, recreating their big day, as there was no official photographer on hand. Greg is still wearing a red-and-gold ribbon on his ring finger – a memento of the special handfasting ceremony that bound them together as one during their vows. “Red is the color of love, of courage,” Lou told them. “Gold is a symbol of all that is precious.” Kelly’s proudly replaced her ribbon with her heart-shaped engagement ring. She is recovering from the flu; there’s a deep relief that
“Greg is the love of my life,” adds Kelly. “I’ve always wanted to marry him, since the day we met.” Greg reaches out to take her hand, “Love you, wifey.” “Love you, hubby,” she says right back. Kelly and Greg sell The Big Issue in Parramatta, Sydney, Australia. Amy Hetherington is the Editor-in-Chief of The Big Issue Australia.
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Vendor a. Allen: Streetwise is for everyone StreetWise has always catered to those who are disabled in many ways. We are an organization that believes in equal opportunity for all. I am so proud to be part of the people who are disabled who found a refuge at StreetWise. I was unemployable because of my criminal record and mentally challenged due to alcohol and drug addiction. StreetWise has helped me to deal with these challenges one day at a time, one customer at a time, one paper at a time. Not only did it help me personally, but I have seen many people come through the doors with physical and mental disabilities. I have seen them better their lives. One of the most outstanding vendors, Percy Smith, uses a wheelchair, but he’s very active and an inspiration to me when it comes to selling the magazine and for staying sober many years. He is one of our top sellers. I thank StreetWise for being there for me and for many others during Disability Pride Week. If you would like to join our team – our family – feel free to come to our orientation Tuesdays or Thursdays at 10 a.m. Our new offices at 2009 S. State St. are on the first floor and fully accessible. Yours truly will be there on Thursdays at 10 a.m.
INSIDE STREETWISE 14 14
1 to 9.
Streetwise 7/5/21 Crossword
Sudoku
To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.
6 7 8 9 10
own
11 14 15 20 22 24 26 27 28 29 30
Minimum Woodwind Meager Starbucks order Late-night name 65 Guitarist Nugent 66 Cattail, e.g. 67 Yoked pair
1 Anatomical pouch 2 Thick-soled shoe 3 Love god 4 Wine valley 5 Common fraction
31 32 33
Literary olio Cluster Indistinct Biz bigwig Passport endorsement List abbr. Diving gear Fujairah bigwig Book part Scouting outing Slothful Uniform shade Benchley output Wrath Nimble “Sesame Street” Muppet Like some pools Out of control Appear
Crossword Across
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58 60 62 63 64
PuzzleJunct
35 Fruitcake item 38 Panacea 39 Actress Thurman 41 Trevino’s game 42 Coffee holders 46 In a chair 47 Energy source 48 Shade of gray 49 Nuisance 50 Reign 51 Jejune 52 Cordelia’s father 54 Sport with mallets 55 Wild goat 56 Traffic marker 59 ___-Foy, Que. 61 Geologic time
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Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com
©PuzzleJunction.com
lastSudoku week's Puzzle Answers Solution
Solution
Sudoku Solution
Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at
1 Diner’s card 5 “Li’l Abner” cartoonist 9 Cheese in a ball 13 News subject 15 Inkling 16 Heavenly glow 17 Chill-inducing 18 Toxic fungus 20 Red Army founder 22 French vineyard 23 Warmed the bench 24 W.W. II arena 25 Equals 27 Resting places 30 Cellular stuff 32 Velocity 35 Map abbr. 36 Navy group 38 Coat part 40 Tuck’s partner 71 Lymph bump 41 Panorama 72 “Let it stand” 43 It’s bottled in 73 Lacking slack Cannes 44 Ski run Down 46 Some Bosnians 47 Wapiti 1 Convene 48 Fulton’s power 2 ___ and anon 50 Keyboard key 3 Stepson of 51 To be (Lat.) Claudius 52 Secret plans 4 Consolidates 54 Buffoon 5 Type of slicker 56 Salad ingredient or hall 59 “La-la” lead-in 6 Ruckus 60 Inhibited 7 Tranquility 64 Reason to visit 8 Men with a exodontist missions? 67 Coquette 9 “Mangia!” 68 Make eyes at 10 Couples 69 Elsa, for one 11 SA copper 70 Deep-six center
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12 Fountain treat 14 Reason to cram 19 Excess 21 Chemulpo locale 25 Warehouse platforms 26 Type of horse or eagle 27 Prohibits 28 Contents of Pandora’s box 29 Train stop 31 Pinches 33 Foil relatives 34 Bargains 36 Kind of bomber 37 Evening, in Roma
39 Gospel writer 42 Brothers’ keeper? 45 Vigor 49 Aesop’s forte 51 Result 53 Implied 55 River isles 56 Prince William’s school 57 Kind of dancer 58 Olympian’s quest 60 Dispatched 61 Pasternak heroine 62 Son of Rebekah 63 Part of U.S.D.A. (Abbr.) 65 Casual attire 66 Garden tool
www.streetwise.org
How StreetWise Works
Our Mission
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.
THE PLAYGROUND
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.
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