Fitness Clubs are among the few businesses that are not experiencing a downturn during the recession, club owners say. If anything, more people are exercising as a means of fighting off the stress that comes with the economic hard times.
Janice Kay Smith, owner of A Women’s Gym in Old Town, said she is seeing an increase in memberships this year. Another gym, X-Sport, was able to expand and open a new health club six months ago, in the middle of the recession.
Smith, like other gym owners in Chicago, said her business offers just about any workout imaginable. Some gyms in Chicago are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and offer exercise classes, free weights, cardio equipment, Pilates and other services.
Gyms in Chicago provide the fast-paced experience in a well-known chain gym like FFC or X-Sport, or a more personal experience like A Women’s Gym. Across Uptown to the South Loop, Gold Coast to Old Town, one can find the type of gym to satisfy any need or preference.
A Women’s Gym, one of the independently owned gyms in Chicago, opened in August 2000. The gym offers weights training to women.
Smith, who has worked as a personal trainer for 28 years, said she wanted to reach out to women in Chicago. She said she wanted to help them realize that lifting weights is an essential part of staying healthy, in addition to cardiovascular fitness.
“We need to realize that we need to lift too,” said Smith, who also wrote the fitness book entitled, “Ate Years as a Weight Loss Counselor and What I Learned."
A Women’s Gym offers a very welcoming and personal environment. Smith said being the only personal trainer at A Women’s Gym has enabled her to be "the only one to tell them what to do since day one.” She has been able to relate to and gets to know members exceptionally well, she said.
"Ninety percent of the women here want to lose weight and about 2 percent want to gain muscle, which increases the metabolic rate,” said Smith. “I find that most want that extra edge.”
From the beginning of each member’s session, Smith makes a personalized plan according to body type, goals, strengths and weaknesses. She also provides therapy sessions and nutrition tips. Realizing that each member is different, Smith said she tries to distill the unhealthy to healthy information inside her members’ heads.
“I want to give them the power,” said Smith. “I teach them what they should do.”
Unlike stereotypical gyms targeted toward women, for only $65 a month this gym offers numerous muscle strengthening equipment for shoulders, hip adduction, overhead presses, leg extensions (catering to the knees), leg curls, lower back, compound rows, vertical chest and abdominal machines.
“Machines are important in regards to how they work particular muscle groups within the body and down your spine, which straightens your body out,” said Smith. “That’s why machines are so good; they work one part of the body.”
Smith recently remodeled her gym.
“I wanted a simple looking, welcoming environment that is personal, acting to work towards particular needs,” said Smith.
A personal gym may be an understatement. Smith explained that not only does A Women’s Gym provide a one-on-one experience, but also all the members there participate in outside activities like dining out together, going to concerts and other events.
For those who do not crave the personalized approach by A Women’s Gym, there is FFC, a chain of health clubs. One of the most popular fitness clubs in Chicago, FFC (Fitness Formula Clubs) offers an immense number of services. With seven locations throughout the city, FFC Halsted Street being one of them, they provide more than just a place to work out.
According to Club Business International Magazine, “Fitness Formula is one of the most dynamic and creative health and fitness companies in the country with a world-class management team.”
Josh Ott, general sales manager of FFC Halsted, said, “We offer our members the alternative. We understand that our members have to work, so we make it so our members aren’t fighting over equipment.”
With the quantity of equipment and room FFC Halsted offers, the thought of a member not being able to get a workout would seem almost impossible. This two-story, multi-room fitness center has hundreds of cardio and strength equipment and 60 exercise classes free with membership. Classes are held in three studios. Also on staff are nutritionists and personal trainers.
The club also has a daycare center, spa, free parking, fitness and nutrition services. A membership also includes discounts of up to 20 percent off at restaurants and stores throughout Chicago.
Open for six years, FFC Halsted has been living by five core values: improvement, safety, integrity, friendliness and superior service. Ott said owner Gale Ambers made this particular gym come together. Ambers has been in the health club business for more than 25 years and is always trying to add up-to-date equipment and services, Ott said.
“He’s in tuned with people,” said Ott. “FFC Halsted is constantly putting money back into our health clubs.”
The price of a membership at FFC Halsted ranges from $61.95 to $82.95 a month. Ott said, “Members really get their money's worth” for the services and discounts included in membership.
“Our personalized service and friendly staff makes for a great experience,” said Ott.
Like FFC, its competitor X-Sport Fitness also is part of a chain and has numerous gyms across Chicagoland. One is the newly opened X-Sport Fitness South Loop. Even though many businesses are struggling to stay open during these harsh fiscal times, opening the gym six months ago was not difficult, according to general manager Jesse Silva.
“The recession really doesn’t affect our gym business at all,” said Silva.
This 24-hour, seven-day-a-week health club provides a number of classes for its members. Pilates, yoga and boot camp are the most popular.
“We also have a 25-meter, junior-sized Olympic pool,” said Silva.
Memberships for X-Sport Fitness vary from $50 to $70 a month.
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Economic Recession Affecting Overall Health
Anna Kryzack of Ravenswood once had a full-time job as a librarian at the Chicago Art Institute. Her full-time job has been reduced to only 20 hours a week. She has taken a big pay cut and has lost benefits.
She spends most of her spare time now looking for a second job to earn money so she can pay the rent on her apartment.
Kryzack, 24, said she’s optimistic about the economy turning around. For three months, Kryzack has been looking for a job that will fit into her schedule.
“It’s just really annoying and tiring,” said Kryzack. “I’m just never really sure when I’m actually going to work and every job interview I’ve been on asks me to work hours I can’t."
Kryzack’s situation is not unusual. Unemployment in Chicago is at 9 percent, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, and, like Kyrzack, many unemployed residents feel depressed and anxious about their financial stability and future.
Since the beginning of the recession, the number of unemployed Americans has increased by 694,000 to 13.2 million, making the national unemployment rate 8.5 percent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the top two categories of unemployed Americans are teenagers (21.7 percent unemployment rate) and African Americans (13.3 percent unemployment rate).
A survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2008 on the views of residents within metropolitan Chicago found that the stress levels of Chicagoans are the same as the rest of the nation. In the survey, 66 percent of those surveyed reported having a high stress level.
The report said Chicagoans are more likely to drink alcohol as a way to manage stress. They are more likely to mention low salaries and say that work interferes with their personal or family time. They also said the lack of job security creates stress at work, the survey found.
APA member and Chicago-based psychologist Nancy Molitor said it is important for people to manage their stress relating to money and the economy.
“It’s tempting to turn to bad habits, but stress and health are so strongly linked that it’s important for people to take care of themselves,” said Molitor. “Engaging in unhealthy behaviors usually makes things worse and then distracts you from making the necessary changes in your financial situation that could ultimately make life better.”
Molitor said people need to identify what causes stress and make a plan to manage it, examine priorities, talk about worries, and recognize how to deal with stress related to money and substitute healthy for unhealthy ways to manage stress. Opening up to others about problems or finding simple solutions to stress like taking a short walk, meditating or talking things out with friends or family can all help reduce stress levels, she added.
Another cause of stress is the belief that the recession will be long term. Many economists and experts like former U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow have said the recession could last two years.
A spokesman for President Barack Obama's administration said it is working toward creating more jobs in the next two years and predicts the jobs will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care. Ninety percent of the jobs will be in the private sector, according to the “Employment Numbers by State” document from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As past recessions in United States during the last century have an average length of two years, most economists have said the recession will end sometime in 2010.
She spends most of her spare time now looking for a second job to earn money so she can pay the rent on her apartment.
Kryzack, 24, said she’s optimistic about the economy turning around. For three months, Kryzack has been looking for a job that will fit into her schedule.
“It’s just really annoying and tiring,” said Kryzack. “I’m just never really sure when I’m actually going to work and every job interview I’ve been on asks me to work hours I can’t."
Kryzack’s situation is not unusual. Unemployment in Chicago is at 9 percent, according to the Illinois Department of Employment Security, and, like Kyrzack, many unemployed residents feel depressed and anxious about their financial stability and future.
Since the beginning of the recession, the number of unemployed Americans has increased by 694,000 to 13.2 million, making the national unemployment rate 8.5 percent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the top two categories of unemployed Americans are teenagers (21.7 percent unemployment rate) and African Americans (13.3 percent unemployment rate).
A survey by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2008 on the views of residents within metropolitan Chicago found that the stress levels of Chicagoans are the same as the rest of the nation. In the survey, 66 percent of those surveyed reported having a high stress level.
The report said Chicagoans are more likely to drink alcohol as a way to manage stress. They are more likely to mention low salaries and say that work interferes with their personal or family time. They also said the lack of job security creates stress at work, the survey found.
APA member and Chicago-based psychologist Nancy Molitor said it is important for people to manage their stress relating to money and the economy.
“It’s tempting to turn to bad habits, but stress and health are so strongly linked that it’s important for people to take care of themselves,” said Molitor. “Engaging in unhealthy behaviors usually makes things worse and then distracts you from making the necessary changes in your financial situation that could ultimately make life better.”
Molitor said people need to identify what causes stress and make a plan to manage it, examine priorities, talk about worries, and recognize how to deal with stress related to money and substitute healthy for unhealthy ways to manage stress. Opening up to others about problems or finding simple solutions to stress like taking a short walk, meditating or talking things out with friends or family can all help reduce stress levels, she added.
Another cause of stress is the belief that the recession will be long term. Many economists and experts like former U.S. Treasury Secretary John W. Snow have said the recession could last two years.
A spokesman for President Barack Obama's administration said it is working toward creating more jobs in the next two years and predicts the jobs will be in a range of industries from clean energy to health care. Ninety percent of the jobs will be in the private sector, according to the “Employment Numbers by State” document from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
As past recessions in United States during the last century have an average length of two years, most economists have said the recession will end sometime in 2010.
AIDS Continuing to Rise
The number of HIV/AIDS positive youths is on the rise in Chicago, particularly among gay black males.
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago said that many people are still very uneducated and unconcerned about contracting the disease and that many people have the attitude “it couldn’t happen to me.” The staggering rise in HIV/AIDS infections has made AIDS a leading cause of death in many places around the world.
As more than 1,000,000 people are living with AIDS in the United States and 22,000 in Chicago, the number is expected to grow globally, according to the World Health Organization. AIDS was first recognized on December 1, 1981 and has since been labeled a pandemic, killing millions annually.
Johnathon Briggs, AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s director of communications said that HIV/AIDS has been seen as a “homosexual disease” for a long period of time, but “people need to realize that heterosexuals contract the disease too.”
“Even though AIDS is effecting men who have sex with men, anyone can contract the disease,” said Briggs. “People just aren’t protecting themselves, either because they don’t know much about AIDS, or that they don’t think they can get it.”
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is contracted through having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an HIV-infected person, sharing drug needles with an HIV-infected person to shoot drugs, passing the virus from an HIV-infected woman to her baby during pregnancy or through breastfeeding. In time, the disease then may develop into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a condition in which the human immune system begins to fail.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, which has offices in Chicago and Springfield, has a toll free, 24 hour, seven day a week hotline that people can call if they have questions concerning their personal risk. They also have Spanish-speaking representatives available, according to Jim Rhodes, a representative for the AIDS hotline.
“We take calls everyday until 10p.m.,” said Rhodes. “From there, CDC (Center for Disease Control) takes over.”
Rhodes said that many of the callers are unaware about AIDS in general, range in age and sex and usually want to see if something that they did in the past could be putting them at risk.
“A lot of the people are young, but it really varies,” said Rhodes. “We might get some 13 or 14 year olds calling us up, 40 year olds, even people in their 80s.”
31-year-old Steve Cantrell, a Chicago man living with AIDS, said “I was shocked and couldn’t believe I had it.”
Like most of the people that are diagnosed with HIV, Cantrell was stunned and unaware that he had contracted the virus. When he found out, the virus was already at a late stage and transitioning into AIDS.
“I was 26 at the time and it was completely unexpected,” said Cantrell. “I felt like a ton of weight was slammed on top of me.”
Symptoms that HIV/AIDS patients may experience are diarrhea, vomiting, soreness of the body, headache, fatigue, sore throat, rash, lesions on the skin, depression and much more. Many patients say that they experience “on and off days,” where one day they may be fine, but the next they are completely bedridden.
“There are days when I feel so completely weak and worthless that I just want to stay in bed, but the medicine I’m taking is really helping,” said Cantrell.
When AIDS was first discovered, many thought of the disease as an automatic death sentence. With new medicine available and continued research, it has made life livable among the infected. Although the medical treatments may be expensive, the Illinois Department of Public Health provides FDA-approved prescription drugs through its AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for HIV-infected patients who meet specific income guidelines. AIDS has now been labeled a disability, so patients can now receive government funding.
Like other major cities, Chicago has many resources connected to AIDS research to further rise funding. The AIDS foundation of Chicago has an annual AIDS run and walk, where millions of dollars are raised. The next AIDS run will take place on October 3 at Grant Park.
As AIDS has and continues to be a leading killer in the United States and across the world, experts in researching HIV/AIDS are hoping to come up with newly developed medication to further enhance patients lives and approach a cure. President Barack Obama is calling for more AIDS funding and research and has recently lifted a ban on stem cell research funding, which many believe will lead towards possible solutions for a cure.
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago said that many people are still very uneducated and unconcerned about contracting the disease and that many people have the attitude “it couldn’t happen to me.” The staggering rise in HIV/AIDS infections has made AIDS a leading cause of death in many places around the world.
As more than 1,000,000 people are living with AIDS in the United States and 22,000 in Chicago, the number is expected to grow globally, according to the World Health Organization. AIDS was first recognized on December 1, 1981 and has since been labeled a pandemic, killing millions annually.
Johnathon Briggs, AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s director of communications said that HIV/AIDS has been seen as a “homosexual disease” for a long period of time, but “people need to realize that heterosexuals contract the disease too.”
“Even though AIDS is effecting men who have sex with men, anyone can contract the disease,” said Briggs. “People just aren’t protecting themselves, either because they don’t know much about AIDS, or that they don’t think they can get it.”
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) is contracted through having vaginal, anal or oral sex with an HIV-infected person, sharing drug needles with an HIV-infected person to shoot drugs, passing the virus from an HIV-infected woman to her baby during pregnancy or through breastfeeding. In time, the disease then may develop into AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome), a condition in which the human immune system begins to fail.
The Illinois Department of Public Health, which has offices in Chicago and Springfield, has a toll free, 24 hour, seven day a week hotline that people can call if they have questions concerning their personal risk. They also have Spanish-speaking representatives available, according to Jim Rhodes, a representative for the AIDS hotline.
“We take calls everyday until 10p.m.,” said Rhodes. “From there, CDC (Center for Disease Control) takes over.”
Rhodes said that many of the callers are unaware about AIDS in general, range in age and sex and usually want to see if something that they did in the past could be putting them at risk.
“A lot of the people are young, but it really varies,” said Rhodes. “We might get some 13 or 14 year olds calling us up, 40 year olds, even people in their 80s.”
31-year-old Steve Cantrell, a Chicago man living with AIDS, said “I was shocked and couldn’t believe I had it.”
Like most of the people that are diagnosed with HIV, Cantrell was stunned and unaware that he had contracted the virus. When he found out, the virus was already at a late stage and transitioning into AIDS.
“I was 26 at the time and it was completely unexpected,” said Cantrell. “I felt like a ton of weight was slammed on top of me.”
Symptoms that HIV/AIDS patients may experience are diarrhea, vomiting, soreness of the body, headache, fatigue, sore throat, rash, lesions on the skin, depression and much more. Many patients say that they experience “on and off days,” where one day they may be fine, but the next they are completely bedridden.
“There are days when I feel so completely weak and worthless that I just want to stay in bed, but the medicine I’m taking is really helping,” said Cantrell.
When AIDS was first discovered, many thought of the disease as an automatic death sentence. With new medicine available and continued research, it has made life livable among the infected. Although the medical treatments may be expensive, the Illinois Department of Public Health provides FDA-approved prescription drugs through its AIDS Drug Assistance Program (ADAP) for HIV-infected patients who meet specific income guidelines. AIDS has now been labeled a disability, so patients can now receive government funding.
Like other major cities, Chicago has many resources connected to AIDS research to further rise funding. The AIDS foundation of Chicago has an annual AIDS run and walk, where millions of dollars are raised. The next AIDS run will take place on October 3 at Grant Park.
As AIDS has and continues to be a leading killer in the United States and across the world, experts in researching HIV/AIDS are hoping to come up with newly developed medication to further enhance patients lives and approach a cure. President Barack Obama is calling for more AIDS funding and research and has recently lifted a ban on stem cell research funding, which many believe will lead towards possible solutions for a cure.
Old Crime-Case Re-Opened
A 44-year-old Chicago man’s DNA was a perfect match to DNA samples taken from a rape victim in 1998, according to a forensic scientist that testified Monday in Cook County criminal court.
Ferrell Cunningham is being charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and sexual penetration with use of force. He could serve up to 120 years in prison if convicted.
Cunningham was arrested over a year ago in connection with the alleged attack. Cunningham was charged after he was arrested on a felony charge in Wisconsin last year, extradited to Illinois and has been held in the Cook County Jail. As DNA testing has become more accurate, it was possible to connect him with the rape victim.
The alleged assault took place in 1998 in an alley at the Chicago’s South Side neighborhood of Beverly during the St. Patrick’s Day parade. The victim had just attended a Black Hawks game and was celebrating her 21st birthday with her parents.
After the assault, the victim has reported the incident. Oral and vaginal swabs were taken and then stored in a national database. The defendant’s DNA was also placed in a national database.
Judge Michael Brown said that this was considered “a cold case” until new DNA technologies were available. Testimony dealt with oral swab testing, which tests skin cells from the victim’s mouth.
According to Judge Brown, the defendant "came up behind the victim and dragged her down."
Three forensic scientists, all from the Illinois State Police crime lab, testified and said they began looking at the DNA in March 2008. Their results connected Cunningham with the assault.
Brian Schoon, a forensic scientist from the Illinois State Police crime lab, said the lab received extracted DNA from oral and vaginal swabs. They also received semen stains from the victim’s blue jeans.
The lab first received the DNA samples in May 1999. Staff then performed a number of tests over several days. The lab the received the semen stains from the blue jeans in July 1999.
During testing, it was found that some of the DNA was degraded, which says that the DNA had been contaminated in some way. Although state’s attorney Mark Ertler, testified that degradation does not case a DNA profile to change.
“The DNA profile would not change into another DNA profile because of degradation,” said Ertler.
Forensic scientist Greg Didomenic verified Ertler’s statement.
“DNA was degraded, but that would not have prevented me from moving forward with those samples,” said Didomenic.
Karri Broddas, another forensic scientist, testified that she performed the scientific testing on the DNA samples. She said she completed a three-year training program to use the DNA test at the state police crime lab. She said that she has been conducting tests since 2003.
Cunningham’s public defender objected and asked that Broddas not be considered an expert witness on this subject and said she has not had enough training and experience. The judge overruled that claim and allowed to seat Broddas as an expert witness.
“The DNA was a match at all location,” said Broddas. “It was a positive identification for Ferrell Cunningham.”
The 12-member jury will make their decision on this case. Cunningham faces six to 120 years in prison if convicted.
Humboldt Park CAPS Meeting
The Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) of the 25th district met on Thursday, March 26 at 1701 N. Tripp Ave in Humboldt Park.
Held by Sgt. Jon Carter, Officer Casey and Community Policing Officer Flores of the 25th district, the meeting addressed many issues including gang and drug violence, theft, house break-ins and prostitution.
Flores said that many addressed issues of the previously held CAPS meeting had been identified and solved. The Humboldt Park neighborhood has been experiencing a “rise in gang loitering and theft,” according to the officers in the area.
Blocks within the neighborhood that are labeled gang and loitering “hot spots” include the 1600 block of Keeler Ave., the 1500 block of Pulaski Ave. and the 1400 block of N. Kildare Ave. Hot Spots are defined by how many arrests police have made on a particular block, how many 911 calls they receive and the amount of people that file police reports for that area. Selling drugs have been a “14-year problem” on these blocks.
“We are on these blocks and continue to be on these blocks,” said Flores.
As many of the people living in Humboldt Park and attending these CAPS meetings are native Spanish speakers and aren’t fluent in English, officer Flores decided to call in an officer that was able to translate their problems throughout the meeting.
Much of the community was expressing a feeling of anxiety within their neighborhood and said that the problems start to arise particularly when the schools are let out for the evening and when the weather becomes warmer. The police said that they are doing all that they can in order to prevent crimes from taking place, but much of the problem is that people are afraid to come forward to them with information.
“The faster you guys call us, the faster we are going to get these guys,” said Casey.
The officers made a point that calls to 911 can be anonymous and people shouldn’t think twice about calling them. Casey said that people within the community should not be afraid to call the police if they feel there is a problem and that people shouldn’t try and solve the problem themselves.
“It’s not worth putting your life in jeopardy,” said Casey. “Call us, take a picture; never let race, age, sex or anything determine how tough someone is.”
Casey said that since October of 2008, there has been a rise in muggings on Pulaski Ave., Kildare Ave. and Division St. during all times of the day and evening and that those robberies are their “strongest problem” at this time. They have found that mostly all of the victims in this area just had got off the bus and were on their cell phones.
“We always ask the people where they were before being robbed,” said Casey. “Mostly all just got off the bus, then were followed.”
Casey said that because of the economic downturn, people have been becoming more reliant on cash money and that you shouldn’t walk around with a lot of money in your pockets.
“People are doing anything because they are so desperate for fast cash,” said Casey. “Be Careful who you see when walking around, being on your cell phone or I pod and avoid using alleys.”
According the Flores, using surveillance cameras has been a somewhat effective solution to preventing small-scale crime, but it criminals are still continuing to commit illegal acts on camera.
“Just the other day a man was stabbed to death,” said Flores. “All of it was caught on tape; people just don’t care about the cameras, so we need your help.”
Problems that will be addressed at the next meeting include talks of creating more programs for children to go to after school and how the police used the information at the last meeting to solve crimes, particularly with gang violence. Every CAPS meeting allows for everyone to have a turn speaking and encourages advice for police on how they can make their neighborhood safer.
CAPS meetings for Humboldt Park are held at the DCF Church at 1701 N. Tripp Ave. The next meeting is April 23 at 7p.m.
Held by Sgt. Jon Carter, Officer Casey and Community Policing Officer Flores of the 25th district, the meeting addressed many issues including gang and drug violence, theft, house break-ins and prostitution.
Flores said that many addressed issues of the previously held CAPS meeting had been identified and solved. The Humboldt Park neighborhood has been experiencing a “rise in gang loitering and theft,” according to the officers in the area.
Blocks within the neighborhood that are labeled gang and loitering “hot spots” include the 1600 block of Keeler Ave., the 1500 block of Pulaski Ave. and the 1400 block of N. Kildare Ave. Hot Spots are defined by how many arrests police have made on a particular block, how many 911 calls they receive and the amount of people that file police reports for that area. Selling drugs have been a “14-year problem” on these blocks.
“We are on these blocks and continue to be on these blocks,” said Flores.
As many of the people living in Humboldt Park and attending these CAPS meetings are native Spanish speakers and aren’t fluent in English, officer Flores decided to call in an officer that was able to translate their problems throughout the meeting.
Much of the community was expressing a feeling of anxiety within their neighborhood and said that the problems start to arise particularly when the schools are let out for the evening and when the weather becomes warmer. The police said that they are doing all that they can in order to prevent crimes from taking place, but much of the problem is that people are afraid to come forward to them with information.
“The faster you guys call us, the faster we are going to get these guys,” said Casey.
The officers made a point that calls to 911 can be anonymous and people shouldn’t think twice about calling them. Casey said that people within the community should not be afraid to call the police if they feel there is a problem and that people shouldn’t try and solve the problem themselves.
“It’s not worth putting your life in jeopardy,” said Casey. “Call us, take a picture; never let race, age, sex or anything determine how tough someone is.”
Casey said that since October of 2008, there has been a rise in muggings on Pulaski Ave., Kildare Ave. and Division St. during all times of the day and evening and that those robberies are their “strongest problem” at this time. They have found that mostly all of the victims in this area just had got off the bus and were on their cell phones.
“We always ask the people where they were before being robbed,” said Casey. “Mostly all just got off the bus, then were followed.”
Casey said that because of the economic downturn, people have been becoming more reliant on cash money and that you shouldn’t walk around with a lot of money in your pockets.
“People are doing anything because they are so desperate for fast cash,” said Casey. “Be Careful who you see when walking around, being on your cell phone or I pod and avoid using alleys.”
According the Flores, using surveillance cameras has been a somewhat effective solution to preventing small-scale crime, but it criminals are still continuing to commit illegal acts on camera.
“Just the other day a man was stabbed to death,” said Flores. “All of it was caught on tape; people just don’t care about the cameras, so we need your help.”
Problems that will be addressed at the next meeting include talks of creating more programs for children to go to after school and how the police used the information at the last meeting to solve crimes, particularly with gang violence. Every CAPS meeting allows for everyone to have a turn speaking and encourages advice for police on how they can make their neighborhood safer.
CAPS meetings for Humboldt Park are held at the DCF Church at 1701 N. Tripp Ave. The next meeting is April 23 at 7p.m.
Chicago City Council on Economic, Capital and Tech Development
The Chicago City Council committee on Economic, Capital and Technology Development met on Monday to discuss a proposed website that would make TIF (Tax Increment Financing) information more accessible on a website.
The website was proposed by Ald. Manual Flores, 1st ward, and Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd ward.
"We want to make the TIF process more transparent and make if more proactive and more accessible to all residents,” said Flores. “We will provide a clearly spelled out protocol of what is included in all the documents."
As Chicago City Council members spoke in support of the proposed website, they continued to express the importance of consistent community participation.
Members said TIF can help build affordable housing, improve parks, schools and infrastructure, put vacant land to productive use, create high-paying jobs and meet other needs.
“Information will be archived on the city's web site,” said Valerie Leonard of North Lawndale, the 24th ward. “The information was previously available only through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) actions.”
Ald. Daniel Solis, a supporter of the website, said it will have many benefits for the city and residents.
“TIFs are offered to commercial, residential and industrial developers,” said Solis. “We can organize better and give the public better access."
The president of Independent Voters of Illinois, Bob Bartell, said, “This is the first opportunity for residents to understand TIFs.”
According to a city website, there are 130 TIF districts in Chicago, covering 30 percent of the city. TIFs are currently valued at $400 million in Chicago.
Chicago taxpayers have the right to know how tax money is being spent,” said Committee Chair Margaret Laurino of the 39th ward.
Rachel Webber, of urban planning for the University of Illinois at Chicago, who has done research on TIFs, said not having information readily available on a website “is counterproductive for the city.” The website will be a “vast improvement," making information available in one spot.
“Let's put information on line and move toward transparency,” said Webber. “More disclosure will ensure that those who apply and use TIFs will be aware that there is more monitoring going on."
The Neighborhood Capital Budget Group, a coalition of more than 200 community-based groups, said in a recent report that the city's TIF program allows the city to reinvest all new property tax dollars in the neighborhood from which they came for a 23-year period. TIFs make it much easier for the city to acquire private property and demolish buildings to make way for new construction.
No final decision was made at the meeting. Laurino said the committee will look at recommendations from the aldermen and hold another hearing on the issue.
The website was proposed by Ald. Manual Flores, 1st ward, and Ald. Scott Waguespack, 32nd ward.
"We want to make the TIF process more transparent and make if more proactive and more accessible to all residents,” said Flores. “We will provide a clearly spelled out protocol of what is included in all the documents."
As Chicago City Council members spoke in support of the proposed website, they continued to express the importance of consistent community participation.
Members said TIF can help build affordable housing, improve parks, schools and infrastructure, put vacant land to productive use, create high-paying jobs and meet other needs.
“Information will be archived on the city's web site,” said Valerie Leonard of North Lawndale, the 24th ward. “The information was previously available only through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) actions.”
Ald. Daniel Solis, a supporter of the website, said it will have many benefits for the city and residents.
“TIFs are offered to commercial, residential and industrial developers,” said Solis. “We can organize better and give the public better access."
The president of Independent Voters of Illinois, Bob Bartell, said, “This is the first opportunity for residents to understand TIFs.”
According to a city website, there are 130 TIF districts in Chicago, covering 30 percent of the city. TIFs are currently valued at $400 million in Chicago.
Chicago taxpayers have the right to know how tax money is being spent,” said Committee Chair Margaret Laurino of the 39th ward.
Rachel Webber, of urban planning for the University of Illinois at Chicago, who has done research on TIFs, said not having information readily available on a website “is counterproductive for the city.” The website will be a “vast improvement," making information available in one spot.
“Let's put information on line and move toward transparency,” said Webber. “More disclosure will ensure that those who apply and use TIFs will be aware that there is more monitoring going on."
The Neighborhood Capital Budget Group, a coalition of more than 200 community-based groups, said in a recent report that the city's TIF program allows the city to reinvest all new property tax dollars in the neighborhood from which they came for a 23-year period. TIFs make it much easier for the city to acquire private property and demolish buildings to make way for new construction.
No final decision was made at the meeting. Laurino said the committee will look at recommendations from the aldermen and hold another hearing on the issue.
"Photodimensional"-art review
The destruction of “acts of nature” has been brought to an art gallery setting by Chicago sculptor and painter Heather Mekkelson. Entitled “Debris Field,” the sculpture shows the aftermath of a disaster, allowing an open interpretation of the act of devastation itself.
“Each element is supposed to represent what the author saw in the disaster image,” said Corinne Rose, Museum of Contemporary Photography education director.
The piece is part of “Photodimensional” the show on display at the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago. The theme of the show is the relationship between two-dimensional photography and the three dimensions of sculpture.
As Mekkelson’s artwork may be controversial in style and may not appear to be a simple photograph, the meaning of her work is not meant to represent beauty. Her is representative of the aftermath, construction and human intervention that have taken place following a hurricane or tornado.
Mekkelson uses photographs taken from the scenes of disasters in newspapers or magazines, and then begins to construct a visual for the viewer. Within her artwork are hints of human activity, suggesting that people may have lived there.
Rose explained that Mekkelson had been asked by the museum to use part of a gallery to set up “Debris Field.” She said, “This was a site-specific installation.”
Among the work of other artists displayed was that of Lorna Simpson, an African-American photographer. Using “conceptually based ideas” and black and white photographs, this artist takes the work of other artists like James Van Der Zee, infamous for his photography, and brings their meaning to a higher level.
“She puts the images to words,” said Rose.
As Simpson has been known for her efforts to raise awareness of the struggles of African Americans in today’s society, she uses very “descriptive words without being emotional” to compose her outlook. She starts out with her chosen object of art, perhaps studying it from sculpture, transfers it to a picture and then puts it into text for a broader explanation.
Perhaps the work entitled “La Ronde,” by German artist Bettina Hoffman, shows the most unique aspect of how humans view different situations from different points of view, literally. The eerie music throughout the film creates a feeling of despair, anxiety and tension.
Situated in the screening room, the work by Hoffman uses “simple settings with domestic objects,” along with people holding very still. On the floor is a camera moving on tracks, circling around the actors. This lets the viewer see every point of view possible in the room and construct his or her own version of what the story is about.
“This allows us to see how we see and how the camera sees,” said Rose. “The viewer completes the story.”
The Museum of Contemporary Photography has numerous displays varying from photography, to sculpture, text and video. The variety of artwork there is featured on purpose, forming a diverse environment.
“We try to be diverse about the artists we show,” said Rose.
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is at 600 S. Michigan Ave. This display is showing until April 19 and is open to the public free of charge. Hours of operation are Monday through Wednesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays noon - 5 p.m.
“Each element is supposed to represent what the author saw in the disaster image,” said Corinne Rose, Museum of Contemporary Photography education director.
The piece is part of “Photodimensional” the show on display at the Museum of Contemporary Photography at Columbia College Chicago. The theme of the show is the relationship between two-dimensional photography and the three dimensions of sculpture.
As Mekkelson’s artwork may be controversial in style and may not appear to be a simple photograph, the meaning of her work is not meant to represent beauty. Her is representative of the aftermath, construction and human intervention that have taken place following a hurricane or tornado.
Mekkelson uses photographs taken from the scenes of disasters in newspapers or magazines, and then begins to construct a visual for the viewer. Within her artwork are hints of human activity, suggesting that people may have lived there.
Rose explained that Mekkelson had been asked by the museum to use part of a gallery to set up “Debris Field.” She said, “This was a site-specific installation.”
Among the work of other artists displayed was that of Lorna Simpson, an African-American photographer. Using “conceptually based ideas” and black and white photographs, this artist takes the work of other artists like James Van Der Zee, infamous for his photography, and brings their meaning to a higher level.
“She puts the images to words,” said Rose.
As Simpson has been known for her efforts to raise awareness of the struggles of African Americans in today’s society, she uses very “descriptive words without being emotional” to compose her outlook. She starts out with her chosen object of art, perhaps studying it from sculpture, transfers it to a picture and then puts it into text for a broader explanation.
Perhaps the work entitled “La Ronde,” by German artist Bettina Hoffman, shows the most unique aspect of how humans view different situations from different points of view, literally. The eerie music throughout the film creates a feeling of despair, anxiety and tension.
Situated in the screening room, the work by Hoffman uses “simple settings with domestic objects,” along with people holding very still. On the floor is a camera moving on tracks, circling around the actors. This lets the viewer see every point of view possible in the room and construct his or her own version of what the story is about.
“This allows us to see how we see and how the camera sees,” said Rose. “The viewer completes the story.”
The Museum of Contemporary Photography has numerous displays varying from photography, to sculpture, text and video. The variety of artwork there is featured on purpose, forming a diverse environment.
“We try to be diverse about the artists we show,” said Rose.
The Museum of Contemporary Photography is at 600 S. Michigan Ave. This display is showing until April 19 and is open to the public free of charge. Hours of operation are Monday through Wednesdays 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursdays 10 a.m.- 8 p.m., Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sundays noon - 5 p.m.
Press Conference-Call for Burris Resignation
Illinois Republican Rep. Peter J. Roskam and Mark Kirk held a press conference Monday morning and called on democrat Sen. Roland Burris to resign. They also said the state legislature should schedule a special election to elect a new senator.
"We live in the most corrupt state government," said Roskam. "It is completely incompetent and extremely corrupt."
Burris is being investigated on charges in connection with the effort by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to sell the senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama. The Illinois Legislature impeached Blagojevich in January on charges that he attempted to sell the senate seat for campaign contributions or a high-paying job.
After Blagojevich named Burris to the seat, Burris admitted talking about fundraising with Blagojevich’s brother.
Gov. Pat Quinn, who took over for Blagojevich last month, also called on Burris to resign.
Burris has refused to give up his seat, saying he broke no laws.
Kirk said Burris had embarrassed the people of Illinois and linked the state with corruption. “I fear for the long-term branding of our state,” he said.
Roskam said, "Springfield Democrats put their party before the state and they put their party before the country."
Roskam and Kirk also discussed major problems within the food industry at the press.
Roskam and Kirk are reintroducing their bill with a goal of preventing contaminated foods, giving the Food and Drug Administration a "tool they are lacking," said Kirk.
The new bill would require all food companies to release their testing data to the FDA if it did not meet federal standards.
They said they had introduced a similar bill to the House of Representatives last April, which did not pass. They said deaths could have been prevented and that there needs to be an “enhanced penalty that says there is a consequence for bad actions.” Said Roskam.
The bill come on the heels of the deaths of nine people from salmonella poisoning linked to contaminated peanut products. Also, 637 people have been reported ill, and 2,000 products have been recalled. It was the largest recall in FDA history.
A plant owned by Peanut Corp. of America in Blakely, Ga., has been linked to the contaminated peanut butter. The president of the company declined to comment and the company has declared bankruptcy.
Roskam said there was direct evidence of criminal activity within the company and that it is "costing huge dollars and lapses in time."
Roskam and Kirk called for the passage of their new bill and said it is “appropriate for government to protect public ground.”
"We live in the most corrupt state government," said Roskam. "It is completely incompetent and extremely corrupt."
Burris is being investigated on charges in connection with the effort by former Gov. Rod Blagojevich to sell the senate seat vacated by President Barack Obama. The Illinois Legislature impeached Blagojevich in January on charges that he attempted to sell the senate seat for campaign contributions or a high-paying job.
After Blagojevich named Burris to the seat, Burris admitted talking about fundraising with Blagojevich’s brother.
Gov. Pat Quinn, who took over for Blagojevich last month, also called on Burris to resign.
Burris has refused to give up his seat, saying he broke no laws.
Kirk said Burris had embarrassed the people of Illinois and linked the state with corruption. “I fear for the long-term branding of our state,” he said.
Roskam said, "Springfield Democrats put their party before the state and they put their party before the country."
Roskam and Kirk also discussed major problems within the food industry at the press.
Roskam and Kirk are reintroducing their bill with a goal of preventing contaminated foods, giving the Food and Drug Administration a "tool they are lacking," said Kirk.
The new bill would require all food companies to release their testing data to the FDA if it did not meet federal standards.
They said they had introduced a similar bill to the House of Representatives last April, which did not pass. They said deaths could have been prevented and that there needs to be an “enhanced penalty that says there is a consequence for bad actions.” Said Roskam.
The bill come on the heels of the deaths of nine people from salmonella poisoning linked to contaminated peanut products. Also, 637 people have been reported ill, and 2,000 products have been recalled. It was the largest recall in FDA history.
A plant owned by Peanut Corp. of America in Blakely, Ga., has been linked to the contaminated peanut butter. The president of the company declined to comment and the company has declared bankruptcy.
Roskam said there was direct evidence of criminal activity within the company and that it is "costing huge dollars and lapses in time."
Roskam and Kirk called for the passage of their new bill and said it is “appropriate for government to protect public ground.”
Crime in Logan Square
Francisca Zumaya, who lives and works in Logan Square, said her car was broken into a second time when two men shattered the car window and took her audio system.
"I would like to move someplace else, but I can't afford it," said Zumaya. "It just isn't safe."
Zumaya said she has to take extra precautions, especially with her young children. She said she takes her children everywhere she goes and does not let them go anywhere alone.
"Another time [burglars] entered my apartment," she said. "The building entrance is always busted open and there is a big drug problem there."
Interviewed Monday in the North Side neighborhood of Logan Square, other residents said they take similar safety measures to stay safe. Residents said they avoid becoming victims by being aware of surroundings, not walking around at night alone and not wandering into areas they are unfamiliar with.
Logan Square does not have the most criminal activity in Chicago, but theft and home invasion has a strong impact on the residents. Nearly everyone said they have been victims of crime, or know people who have been victims, whether the crimes were home invasion, muggings or shootings outside their apartments.
Logan Square is ranked the sixth highest in crime in Chicago among 232 neighborhoods, according to Chicago.everyblock.com, a website that records crime. The website reported that crime has risen 3 percent from Jan. 14 to Feb. 13 of this year, for a total of 793 crimes. During the same time period, South Austin had the most crimes with 1,365 incidents. Englewood ranked second with 1,241 crimes, according to the website.
Many business and homeowners worry about their safety because of residential burglaries.
Chicago Police Officer Ken West of the 14th District patrols businesses from the 2600 block to 2900 block of Milwaukee.
"The biggest crime here is residential burglaries,” said West. “You have people go to work, they stay away for 9-10 hours a day.”
Amanda Hernandez, who has lived in the area for 20 years, has never been attacked, but her brother-in-law was recently mugged. She never goes out after midnight, she said.
“He got jumped when he cut through an alley,” Hernandez said. “They busted a beer bottle over his head and took all of his money.”
To reduce crime, residents should communicate more often with police, said Martha Ramos, chief of staff for Ald. Rey Colon, 35th ward. Ramos also said residents should attend meetings of CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategies), report suspicious activity, identify suspects and give specific addresses so police know exactly where to go.
Logan Square, which is located five miles northwest of the Loop in Chicago, spreads east of the Chicago River, with Milwaukee Avenue bisecting the neighborhood diagonally.
Logan Square is a very diverse area, but predominately Hispanic/Latino, making up 65.1 percent of the population according to the 2000 census. Caucasians make up 48.4 percent of the population. The median income is $36,245.
Once a former prairie lying beyond Chicago, the area began drawing more residents in 1836. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the neighborhood grew extremely fast. The L was added to the area in 1890, allowing even more people to move and be able to travel from the Loop.
"I would like to move someplace else, but I can't afford it," said Zumaya. "It just isn't safe."
Zumaya said she has to take extra precautions, especially with her young children. She said she takes her children everywhere she goes and does not let them go anywhere alone.
"Another time [burglars] entered my apartment," she said. "The building entrance is always busted open and there is a big drug problem there."
Interviewed Monday in the North Side neighborhood of Logan Square, other residents said they take similar safety measures to stay safe. Residents said they avoid becoming victims by being aware of surroundings, not walking around at night alone and not wandering into areas they are unfamiliar with.
Logan Square does not have the most criminal activity in Chicago, but theft and home invasion has a strong impact on the residents. Nearly everyone said they have been victims of crime, or know people who have been victims, whether the crimes were home invasion, muggings or shootings outside their apartments.
Logan Square is ranked the sixth highest in crime in Chicago among 232 neighborhoods, according to Chicago.everyblock.com, a website that records crime. The website reported that crime has risen 3 percent from Jan. 14 to Feb. 13 of this year, for a total of 793 crimes. During the same time period, South Austin had the most crimes with 1,365 incidents. Englewood ranked second with 1,241 crimes, according to the website.
Many business and homeowners worry about their safety because of residential burglaries.
Chicago Police Officer Ken West of the 14th District patrols businesses from the 2600 block to 2900 block of Milwaukee.
"The biggest crime here is residential burglaries,” said West. “You have people go to work, they stay away for 9-10 hours a day.”
Amanda Hernandez, who has lived in the area for 20 years, has never been attacked, but her brother-in-law was recently mugged. She never goes out after midnight, she said.
“He got jumped when he cut through an alley,” Hernandez said. “They busted a beer bottle over his head and took all of his money.”
To reduce crime, residents should communicate more often with police, said Martha Ramos, chief of staff for Ald. Rey Colon, 35th ward. Ramos also said residents should attend meetings of CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategies), report suspicious activity, identify suspects and give specific addresses so police know exactly where to go.
Logan Square, which is located five miles northwest of the Loop in Chicago, spreads east of the Chicago River, with Milwaukee Avenue bisecting the neighborhood diagonally.
Logan Square is a very diverse area, but predominately Hispanic/Latino, making up 65.1 percent of the population according to the 2000 census. Caucasians make up 48.4 percent of the population. The median income is $36,245.
Once a former prairie lying beyond Chicago, the area began drawing more residents in 1836. After the Great Chicago Fire of 1871, the neighborhood grew extremely fast. The L was added to the area in 1890, allowing even more people to move and be able to travel from the Loop.
"World Can't Wait"
Even though George Bush is no longer in office, activists from the anti-war organization World Can't Wait say there is still much to be accomplished to achieve justice for humanity in regards to the Iraq War, ending torture and military recruitment on high school and college campuses.
Kevin Gosztola and Ashley Parada, students at Columbia College Chicago and members of World Can't Wait, spoke to a journalism class at Columbia on Monday. Both are dedicated to raising awareness about the war in Iraq, army recruitment centers and other issues.
World Can't Wait, founded in 2005, is eager to "bring reality to people" by protesting the war and presenting demonstrations of torture techniques used at Guantánamo Bay, Gosztola said.
He said President Barack Obama is going to send 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan and that only 48 percent of Americans believe Obama will make progress there, according to a recent poll in Newsweek magazine.
"We have to act because we know what war means for these innocent women and children," said Gosztola.
The group believes that the war in Iraq is unconstitutional. Members "oppose war for empire," he said. The diverse group, ranging in age and gender, plans to create a society in which people can stand publicly against war.
“We are an independent political action group trying to create a climate to take action without voting or lobbying,” said Gosztola.
World Can't Wait also opposes the Military Commissions Act, which grants the government the legal right to interrogate Guantánamo Bay detainees.
The group believes that speaking out in public about these issues is key to getting people to understand and hear members’ opinions.
Many members of World Can’t Wait are war veterans and often speak of their discomfort with the war in Iraq. Parada and Gosztola showed a video of an army sergeant who refused to return to Iraq to fulfill another term of service.
Chiroux said he supports GI resistance, in which soldiers refuse to fight. A video featuring A demonstration of waterboarding, a torture technique used to interrogate prisoners, was also shown.
World Can’t Wait also believes army recruitment centers on campuses are giving young people the wrong impression. The organization feels as though the recruiters manipulate young people into joining the army, perhaps not telling the “whole truth,” said Parada.
“They are tricking young people to serve in illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Parada.
Not all service members agree with World Can’t Wait.
“If you're obligated to duty then you have to fulfill it,” said Patrick Walker, who serves IN the United States Navy. Walker was interviewed by phone last week.
“It is our strength, technology that keeps us free and keeps our enemies at bay,” said Andrew Michnowski, a 60-year-old Vietnam veteran who was also interviewed by phone.
Michnowski said that even though the organization’s freedom of speech stands, they are standing against something they do not have complete grasp on.
“I do not think what they're doing is right,” said Michnowski. “I also believe based on past experience that some of them are being manipulated by outside interest groups.”
World Can’t Wait went to the Democratic National Convention in August and continues to protest the war in Iraq. They will protest the Iraq war in major cities on March 21, the sixth anniversary of U.S. invasion of Iraq.
Kevin Gosztola and Ashley Parada, students at Columbia College Chicago and members of World Can't Wait, spoke to a journalism class at Columbia on Monday. Both are dedicated to raising awareness about the war in Iraq, army recruitment centers and other issues.
World Can't Wait, founded in 2005, is eager to "bring reality to people" by protesting the war and presenting demonstrations of torture techniques used at Guantánamo Bay, Gosztola said.
He said President Barack Obama is going to send 30,000 additional troops to Afghanistan and that only 48 percent of Americans believe Obama will make progress there, according to a recent poll in Newsweek magazine.
"We have to act because we know what war means for these innocent women and children," said Gosztola.
The group believes that the war in Iraq is unconstitutional. Members "oppose war for empire," he said. The diverse group, ranging in age and gender, plans to create a society in which people can stand publicly against war.
“We are an independent political action group trying to create a climate to take action without voting or lobbying,” said Gosztola.
World Can't Wait also opposes the Military Commissions Act, which grants the government the legal right to interrogate Guantánamo Bay detainees.
The group believes that speaking out in public about these issues is key to getting people to understand and hear members’ opinions.
Many members of World Can’t Wait are war veterans and often speak of their discomfort with the war in Iraq. Parada and Gosztola showed a video of an army sergeant who refused to return to Iraq to fulfill another term of service.
Chiroux said he supports GI resistance, in which soldiers refuse to fight. A video featuring A demonstration of waterboarding, a torture technique used to interrogate prisoners, was also shown.
World Can’t Wait also believes army recruitment centers on campuses are giving young people the wrong impression. The organization feels as though the recruiters manipulate young people into joining the army, perhaps not telling the “whole truth,” said Parada.
“They are tricking young people to serve in illegal wars in Iraq and Afghanistan,” said Parada.
Not all service members agree with World Can’t Wait.
“If you're obligated to duty then you have to fulfill it,” said Patrick Walker, who serves IN the United States Navy. Walker was interviewed by phone last week.
“It is our strength, technology that keeps us free and keeps our enemies at bay,” said Andrew Michnowski, a 60-year-old Vietnam veteran who was also interviewed by phone.
Michnowski said that even though the organization’s freedom of speech stands, they are standing against something they do not have complete grasp on.
“I do not think what they're doing is right,” said Michnowski. “I also believe based on past experience that some of them are being manipulated by outside interest groups.”
World Can’t Wait went to the Democratic National Convention in August and continues to protest the war in Iraq. They will protest the Iraq war in major cities on March 21, the sixth anniversary of U.S. invasion of Iraq.
Kozak's Inaguaration Experience
Laura Kozak stood on the Washington mall with nearly 2 million people as Barack Obama was sworn in to serve as the nation's 44th president. "I just kept thinking that we are all in this together and we are all just fellow Americans," recalls Kozak.
Kozak, 19, said she went to Washington so that she could "witness history." It was one of the chilliest inaugurations ever, with temperatures as low as 13 degrees.
She said the event was surreal. "It wasn't about what Obama was saying, it was about what I was seeing," said Kozak, a sophomore at Columbia College Chicago.
Kozak arrived on the mall at 7 a.m. and waited for the ceremony to begin at 11, she said.
Kozak recalled seeing tears of joy in people's eyes. "There was a very high and happy energy that you could feel," said Kozak.
She listened to numerous people speak before Obama was sworn in, such as Colin Powell and Al Gore. Listening to them seemed to impact everyone making "Barack's dream realized," she said.
ThE moment was so important to people that some would do anything to get as close as possible to Obama, she said. She recalls people pushing; surprisingly, there were no arrests, nor were there any serious injuries.
Kozak pointed to the fact that the United States was recently racially segregated and the idea of separate but equal was still in place. She said she couldn't believe how far the country has come. "Even though I couldn't see [Obama]," she said, "I know he felt very happy.”
While waiting for Obama to be sworn, Kozak met two. Canadian women who were attending school in the United States. Melissa and Amanda Elliot, who are unrelated, expressed sincere happiness about the day’s events.
“It was really empowering to see all of these people together and united for this one moment in history,” said Melissa Elliot. “Everyone knew how momentous that day was.”
Both said they felt they were United States citizens that day.
“I go to school in the states and plan to work in the states, so as a Canadian living in America, I feel President Obama is as much my president as the average American,” said Amanda Elliot.
Not only did they feel as though they were citizens, they both expressed similar political beliefs.
“I just hope that Obama brings the Democratic way of thinking to this country after such a long run of Republicans,” said Melissa Elliot.
Even though they waited in the freezing cold for hours, all three young women said they have no regrets. Melissa Elliot called it “life changing."
Kozak, who graduated from Morton West High School in Berwyn, majoring in journalism at Columbia College Chicago. One of her many hobbies is traveling, so she hopes to land a job in “new media” online print, or perhaps working as a freelancer after graduating.
Kozak, 19, said she went to Washington so that she could "witness history." It was one of the chilliest inaugurations ever, with temperatures as low as 13 degrees.
She said the event was surreal. "It wasn't about what Obama was saying, it was about what I was seeing," said Kozak, a sophomore at Columbia College Chicago.
Kozak arrived on the mall at 7 a.m. and waited for the ceremony to begin at 11, she said.
Kozak recalled seeing tears of joy in people's eyes. "There was a very high and happy energy that you could feel," said Kozak.
She listened to numerous people speak before Obama was sworn in, such as Colin Powell and Al Gore. Listening to them seemed to impact everyone making "Barack's dream realized," she said.
ThE moment was so important to people that some would do anything to get as close as possible to Obama, she said. She recalls people pushing; surprisingly, there were no arrests, nor were there any serious injuries.
Kozak pointed to the fact that the United States was recently racially segregated and the idea of separate but equal was still in place. She said she couldn't believe how far the country has come. "Even though I couldn't see [Obama]," she said, "I know he felt very happy.”
While waiting for Obama to be sworn, Kozak met two. Canadian women who were attending school in the United States. Melissa and Amanda Elliot, who are unrelated, expressed sincere happiness about the day’s events.
“It was really empowering to see all of these people together and united for this one moment in history,” said Melissa Elliot. “Everyone knew how momentous that day was.”
Both said they felt they were United States citizens that day.
“I go to school in the states and plan to work in the states, so as a Canadian living in America, I feel President Obama is as much my president as the average American,” said Amanda Elliot.
Not only did they feel as though they were citizens, they both expressed similar political beliefs.
“I just hope that Obama brings the Democratic way of thinking to this country after such a long run of Republicans,” said Melissa Elliot.
Even though they waited in the freezing cold for hours, all three young women said they have no regrets. Melissa Elliot called it “life changing."
Kozak, who graduated from Morton West High School in Berwyn, majoring in journalism at Columbia College Chicago. One of her many hobbies is traveling, so she hopes to land a job in “new media” online print, or perhaps working as a freelancer after graduating.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
