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FROM THE HEART
The Award Winning LCA Newsletter
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Special Note: If you use Gmail, Yahoo mail or other another webmail program, please
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April 25, 2017
Dear Neighbors,
For longer than any of us have been alive, the triangle bounded by Lincoln and Fullerton Avenues and Orchard Street was known as Children's Memorial Hospital.
When the hospital relocated to Streeterville and took a new a new name, the triangle became commonly referred to as "the former Children's Memorial Hospital property."
A moment of transition for our neighborhood is now upon us and we look to the future. With the May 4
ground breaking of the new
Hines/McCaffery Interests' development, the property will begin assuming its new identity, The Lincoln Common, and ultimately become one of the most vibrant mixed use developments in the country.
Nevertheless, Children's legacy will always be part of our neighborhood as evidenced by the emotional
stories
shared with us this month by former patients and their families. This legacy wasn't established overnight, of course. "Brick by brick" p
atients, families, physicians, nurses, staff, volunteers and donors, together with the miracle of advanced medicine, created an ecosystem that intertwined to change lives.
Individually, no one of us will ever be able to leave a legacy like Children's. We all can and should, however, try to leave our neighborhood better than we found it. There are abundant opportunities to do so and it's never to early to start. Why not
become involved with LCA or another neighborhood organization today and leave your mark?
From the heart,
P. S. Feel free to email or call me at any time to learn more about LCA or if you have neighborhood concerns.
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By Kathy Jordan
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More than just a brick
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It began very simply. Someone called the construction office and asked for a brick from the old Children's Memorial Hospital building that was being demolished to make way for a new development. The request was honored. That simple act began a unique way for the project development manager, Hines/McCaffery Interests, and W.E. O'Neil Construction, which handled the demolition, to pay homage to the many lives touched by the old hospital.
"We never set out to distribute bricks," said Mark Bussey, senior superintendent for W.E. O'Neil. "But once the work started, we saw an outpouring of emotion from people," he said. "We saw families standing together on the day the demolition began--just watching." Mark remembers a father of two sons, one who passed away at Children's and the other who drove the father to say goodbye to the building where the first son had been cared for before passing away. With tears in his eyes, the father took a brick with him when he left.
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CMH Gone but not forgotten
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In all, hundreds of bricks were distributed. "Once we realized that the physical bricks helped connect people to the hospital and their memories, we carefully preserved bricks to make available to families. We were even able to accommodate specific requests, like for bricks that held some of the iconic blue paint," said Mark.
Martha Onkka, whose daughter has spina bifida, received one. "Children's was such an important part of our life," she said. "Our daughter was flown there by helicopter the day she was born by and landed in Oz Park. Continued
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FOOD FOR THE HEART
Aquitaine is a romantic French-with-a-Midwestern twist restaurant located at 2221 N. Lincoln Avenue, just steps from
Greenhouse Theater, a performance space for off-Loop theater groups such as
Remy Bumppo. Patrons of one are patrons of the other. "We meet each others needs," says Aquitaine chef and owner Holly Willoughby, an LCA member, who offers a 5:30 seating that makes it easy for theatergoers to have a relaxing meal and stroll to a 7 pm show. The chic black-walled restaurant seats 40, with four seats at the bar, and is open for dinner daily. Dinner for two, with drinks, runs about $100.
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Neighborhood gem |
Theatre mavens Michelle and Steve Cucchiaro became regulars at Aquitaine within the past five years. Michelleloves the seared foie gras; that and salad can be dinner. The warm service, their table, the dependably good French fare and two steps to the theatre created a loyalty that extends throughout the year for the Lakeview couple. The Cucchiaros even dined at Aquitaine for Thanksgiving. "We feel at home," said Michelle. 
Willoughby has always been in the food business, beginning with a high school culinary program in her EastLansing, Michigan hometown. Visits to France inspired her to master the cuisine; she studied at
Le Cordon Bleu
in Chicago and later worked for restaurant impresario David Burke, who taught her to cook with whimsy. When it came time to open her own place, the Lincoln Park resident looked no farther than her own backyard. Continued
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CONGRATULATIONS FROM THE HEART
A Dream Comes True For Alcott Student and Family
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A joyous occasion
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Balloons were ready when she walked through the door. Texts and notes were
pouring in, thanks to sister Chloe contacting her own class with the news. People were stopping by to congratulate her. Well wishes are still coming in.
The occasion that sparked the excitement was Isabelle Ketchum's acceptance into college. Isabelle is the daughter of LCA members, John & Kelly Ketchum. You may remember Isabelle from the profile in "From the Heart" last June. If you do, you know that Isabelle is one amazing young woman who is differently abled. She has Down Syndrome.
But that hasn't stopped Isabelle from achieving her goals of raising funds and taking leadership roles in the many organizations to which she lends her talents--from Gigi's Playhouse to Best Buddies to the Polar Plunge for Special Olympics Chicago. Now, Isabelle is starting on a new challenge: she's graduating from Alcott High School on June 15 and this fall will be going to Elmhurst College entering their Learning and Success Academy program.
In what area will she specialize? "Special education teaching," she says proudly. "I want to help children with special needs like me. They often are picked on or teased. I want to help them through this." Isabelle had her own experience with bullying early in her school life.
Continued
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Important Note
:
ATT recently had a technical issue that inadvertently deleted LCA's voicemail box and at least one unheard message. The voicemail has been restored but if you left a message and did not receive a response, please call 773.531.5515.
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 Art in the Heart
Thursday, July 27
Bob Segal, an LCA Board director and
professional photographer, is one of three local artists featured at Bridgeview Bank's 9th Annual Art in the Park.
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Bob Segal |
Photo History of Lincoln Central
Monday June 6
In association with Lincoln Central Association, the
Lincoln Park Community Research Initiative
at DePaul University will host their Spring Program on
June 6 from 5:30-7:30 PM
featuring a fascinating photographic history of the Lincoln Central neighborhood curated and presented by LCA Board member Bob Segal. Bob accessed numerous sources including online databases, libraries, museum collections and even private photo archives to amass a large number of photos of our neighborhood 50 - 100+ years ago.
Using the old photos as a guide Bob then photographed those same locations
today.
The presentation will include
juxtapositions of the old scenes with the new, providing a historical context for each. The event will be held at the DePaul Student Center with a reception beginning
at 5:30pm.
Register for this free event now. Learn more about the Lincoln Park Community Research Initiative.
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North Branch Framework Open House
Neighborhood residents are invited to an open house to provide feedback and the North Branch Works
draft framework plan. to be held at St. John Cantius Church (825 N. Carpenter) from
4 to 6:00 PM.
Wednesday, April 26th
LCA Monthly Board Meeting
LCA Board meetings are normally held the fourth
Thursday
of each month at
6:30 PM
in the back room of the Marquee Lounge (Halsted & Armitage). Board meetings are open to the public. PLEASE NOTE: To avoid conflicting with Art in the Park, the April meeting will be held on Wednesday night, the 26th.
Thursday, April 27th
Bridgeview Bank's Art in the Park
J9 Wine Bar Six Month
Anniversary
LCA member, J9 Wine Bar (1961 N. Halsted Street) invites LCA members to join them for a 6th Anniversary party. Complimentary wines and small bites will be served from 5 - 8:00 PM.
Tuesday, May 2nd
Neighborhood Open House at Chez Moi
Chez Moi (2100 N. Halsted) will host a free neighborhood open house from
5 to 7:00 PM to welcome old friends and meet new ones. Wine and appetizers will be served.
Wednesday, May 3rd
Oz Park Advisory Council Meeting
The spring meeting of the
Oz Park Advisory Council will be held at
7:00 PM in Room 103 in Lincoln Park High School. All are welcome to attend.
Projects to be discussed include: the tennis court project, play lot repairs, tree planting, submitting a grant application to re-sod the field, etc.
Wednesday, May 3rd, 2017
Peace & Violence in Chicago
Learn more about what's being done in Chicago to combat the growing problem of violence, and where you can plug into the effort at 6:30 PM at St. Teresa of Avila (1950 N. Kenmore Avenue).
Read more.
Tuesday, May 9th, 2017
LCA Zoning Committee Mtg.
Zoning Committee meetings are held the second
Tuesday of each month at
6:00 PM
in the back room of the Marquee Lounge (Halsted & Armitage). Zoning Committee meetings are open to the public.
Thursday, May 11th
Lincoln Park Uncorked: An Armitage-Halsted Wine Stroll
Saturday & Sunday, May 20th & 21st
Lincoln Park Wine Fest
LCA Monthly Board Meeting
LCA Board meetings, held the fourth Thursday of the month,
at
6:30 PM
in the back room of the Marquee Lounge (Halsted & Armitage) are open to the public.
Photographic History of Lincoln Central
Saturday & Sunday, June 10th & 11th
Thursday, June 14th
4th Annual
Cravings on Clark
Sample the best of Lincoln Park cuisine at the Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce's 4th Annual Cravings on Clark from 6-9:00 pm. Stay tuned for additional details!
Friday, June 23rd
Chicago Sculpture Exhibit Kickoff
The Chicago Sculpture Exhibit
invites you to celebrate their 16th anniversary from 6-9:00 PM at 1544 N. Sedgwick. Enjoy food, drinks and fun and meet the 2017 artists and sponsors!
Sunday, June 25th
3rd Annual Summer Sipper
Saturday & Sunday, July 21st-23rd
Saturday & Sunday, July 29th & 30th
Thursday, September 25th
4th Annual Evening in the Garden
Saturday, October 28th
10th Annual Howler at Bauler
The 10th edition of LCA's most established and well attended event, Howler at Bauler will be held at Bauler Park on
Saturday, October 28th at 3:00 PM. Stay tuned for additional details.
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| THE MAGIC OF
SPRING ZING RETURNS
Saturday, June 3 at 1:00 PM
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The 4th Annual Spring Zing, to be held on Saturday, June 3rd at Lincoln Central Park, will be the biggest and best ever with magic, delicious food, diverse entertainment, education, great raffle prizes and more. (Read about Spring Zing 2016.)
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Sean Masterson
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Back by popular demand will be noted magician, Sean Masterson. TV journalist Bill Kurtis says of Masterson: His magic does more than puzzle the mind; it creates a sense of wonder and excitement. A profile in North Shore Magazine called Sean: Chicago's most thought provoking wizard. Masterson's appearance will again be sponsored by our friends at Bridgeview Bank. Other featured entertainment include the always popular balloon art and face painting duo, A Real Mad Hatter, are returning for their 4th year.
LCA's events provide affordable sponsorship opportunities and extensive visibility for local businesses. LCA's most recent family friendly event, Howler at Bauler held last October, drew a neighborhood crowd of more than 1,100. Sponsors already confirmed for Spring Zing 2017 include the partnership of
Kohl's Cares for Kids and
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago,
Bridgeview Bank and
Geja's Cafe. All are participating in Spring Zing for their third consecutive year. Additional sponsors will be announced soon.
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LCA's last family friendly event, Howler at Bauler, drew a neighborhood crowd of more than 1,100.
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LCA is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit community organization. Our events are only made possible by the extraordinary generosity of our sponsors and our raffle donors. Please support LCA sponsors and donors whenever you have the opportunity and let them know you appreciate their generosity.
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Bricks, Cont'd
Onkka also remembers a day when, with her tenuously ill daughter in the back seat, she tried to navigate Fullerton Avenue during a film shoot. "I wondered if we would make it on time. "But when I saw the tower's blue and white bricks, I felt safe. It's where our children 'grew up.' It was a refuge."
"My husband says that suffering is a great equalizer," she said. "It was true at the old hospital. It was small and cramped, but there was a sense of community. Such joys, such sorrows happened there. It was palpable."
Martha's daughter is now treated at the new
Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital. "The people at Lurie today are loving, and we feel blessed to receive care there," she said. But her blue brick reminds her of the experiences of another lifetime.
Kathleen McMahon Manning, whose son
was treated for brain cancer at Children's Memorial from December 2009 to July 2010, when he passed away, also received a brick. "We didn't have a traditional course of care," she said. "We arrived on December 20, 2009, and didn't leave until St. Patrick's Day. It was our home, where we lived. I could tell you where the best shower was, the best cup of coffee--we were live-ins.
"Having a brick was like taking a plant from an old house to a new one," said Kathleen
, who, with her family started a foundation in honor of her son to support brain cancer research. "All of the money goes to help the doctors at Lurie's. They are professional heroes."
Another recipient, Kelly Schultz said, "Children's Memorial was such a big part of my life. My first surgery there was when I was less than 24 hours old. I saw doctors my whole life until I was 23 or 24," said Kelly, who has spina bifida.
"I have many good memories," she said, "more good than not. I was 16 or 17 during most of the bad periods, and while there, the nurses became my family. They looked at me as a person. I'd been a patient since I was little, when parents do all the talking. The nurses and social workers helped me learn how to speak for myself."
"It can be very emotional for families who spend time at our hospital. We understand and share the deep sense of connection. In fact, we cherish our own brick and our roots in Lincoln Park that are the foundation for work we continue and the families we still serve," said Mary Kate Daly, Executive Director, Lurie Children's Healthy Communities.
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Click to learn more
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"The hospital was there for 1o4 years. An area resident referred to the property as 'sacred ground' which was 'home to the souls of a thousand angels,' said Denice Bocek, Project Manager with
McCaffery Interests Inc., for the new development, The Lincoln Common. "So many people have a strong emotional connection to the property. It meant a lot to us to be able to preserve the bricks for families. They seemed to provide comfort and a way of remembering,
" she added.
"The quick recognition by Denice and Mark of how meaningful these bricks were to families and the compassion they exhibited by salvaging and preserving the bricks illustrates the thoughtful and respectful way Hines/McCaffery and W.E. O'Neil are approaching this project," said Kenneth Dotson, President of Lincoln Central Association. He added. "It doesn't always happen that way."
Editor's Note: With the tower now demolished, additional requests for bricks can, unfortunately, no longer be accommodated.
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Aquitiane, Cont'd.
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Pan-seared duck
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"I thought Lincoln Avenue could use a romantic place," said Willoughby. Neighbors flocked to her right away; its only in the past few years that the theatre crowd has discovered Willoughby's cooking and hospitality.
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Salmon Florentine Crepes
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Regional American ingredients find their way into Willoughby's creations: her cassoulet, for example, features a spicy Cajun-style andouille sausage. Rabbit ravioli and duck every which way are among her favorite meals to serve, and her goal is satiation. "I want you to leave feeling full," said Willoughby. Starting in the spring she sources ingredients from Green City Market and during the summer she makes a beeline for a non-GMO corn sold only at Andersonville Farmers Market and Pulaski Meat Market.
In the past year, the chef has been hosting five-
 course dinners themed, typically, to wine thats paired with a meal. A feminist, she looks for women-owned or-operated wineries and has worked with vintners from New Zealand, Italy, and Oregon to create such meals. (The restaurant is named for
Eleanor of Aquitaine, the powerful 12th century queen of France and England.) Those communal dinners, for 30, sell out quickly in part because chef and vintner mix with diners and explain the pairings. "Its interactive," notes Willoughby. "Theres a sense of community."
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Congratulations, cont'd.
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Riding the waves in Exuma
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Isabelle had her own experience with bullying early in her school life. "Surprisingly, it was another child with Down Syndrome," says her mother Kelly Ketchum. "We talked to Isabelle about self-doubt, pointing out that not everyone has her abilities or sees things in the same way. Isabelle understood where the girl was coming from, and things were eventually settled."
Her abilities are what shine at every moment for Isabelle. She's recognized as a wonderful speaker at Best Buddies, which supports people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDO). In April, Isabelle will become an ambassador for Best Buddies, which will include giving speeches to various groups.
At Elmhurst, speaking and writing will be priorities, as will academics and internships at the Elmhurst Learning and Success Academy, which aims at increasing math and computer skills, as well as writing.
Independent living is also on the agenda. For the first time since camp experiences, Isabelle will live away from home during the week, though she would prefer even more independence. "I wanted to go to SIU or Ohio or Michigan State. I tried it on them but it was too far for Mom and Dad. I wanted to go somewhere where I can be a typical student, where people see something more than a girl with Down Syndrome."
Even so, "Going away is a little scary," Isabelle says. "But I'll be back on weekends."
Kelly adds, "I'm excited for Isabelle, but it's a big year of change for the Ketchum family. We wanted what would benefit her the most, and there aren't many options in Illinois. So I'm excited, but also a little nervous and scared."
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Isabelle with sister Chole
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As for younger sister Chloe, whose friendship with her sister is evident, "I'm proud of her, but I'm not happy to lose her. Ten minutes ago we were playing on the playground. Now she's going--it's scary."
Isabelle responds, "I love my sister a lot. She has helped me through ups and downs. Having her means a lot." She turns to Chloe and says, "Thank you for everything."
"It will be sad when Isabelle moves out," says her father John. "It's a big step, moving to Elmhurst. But she's excited and we're excited for her." Read below how the Alcott School helped prepare Isabelle for her new adventure.
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Isabelle's journey through Alcott
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| Grace Moody |
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Isabelle Ketchum has many supporters, and one of them is
Grace Moody, the Assistant Principal at
Alcott School, from which Isabelle will graduate in June.
According to Moody, "When Isabelle was in the 8th grade, she
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Grace Moody and Isabelle |
met and shadowed some students at Alcott, where the
elementary school feeds into the high school. She had other options but chose
Alcott because it's small and has a reputation for helping students with different abilities to flourish.
"
Isabelle and I have developed a relationship. Her sense of humor is dry and a little bit sarcastic. So we communicated well that way. She's very funny and I will miss that exchange. The other part I will miss is her spirit. She walks into a room and has a presence.
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| A deservedly proud family |
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"When I heard of her acceptance at
Elmhurst College, my heart was full. She worked very hard and takes academics seriously. She has fierce advocates in Kelly, John and Chloe. With their support, Isabelle has been an excellent student.
I never doubted that she would go to college. The only decision was which one. To see her flourish is heart- warming.
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Growth for every student
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"Over the four years I have known her, Isabelle has become more mature and confident--even as a teen girl, when there is some level of insecurity. She really blossomed here. She knows how to advocate for herself
and for
others. She is a leader and her classmates look up to her."
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GARDENS ARE GOOD FOR THE HEART
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Join the fun at Fire Station Park & Gardens
See the schedule of currently planned activities in Fire Station Park & Gardens for 2017. Stay tuned for additional details on in the newsletter, on
Facebook and our
website. For questions about how to participate in LCA's activities at the Park, please email our Parks Chair,
Sally Drucker.
Special Note
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LINCOLN COMMON GROUNDBREAKING SET
Mayor Emmanuel to Speak
The groundbreaking ceremony for the Lincoln Common development is set for
Thursday, May 4 at 10:00 AM
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The invitation only event event hosted by Hines-McCaffery will be held
on top of the old CMH garage. In addition to Masters of Ceremony Dan McCaffery of McCaffery Interests and Kevin Shannahan of Hines,
scheduled to speak are Chicago Mayor, Rahm Emanuel; 43rd Ward Alderman, Michele Smith;
Pat Magoon, CEO of Lurie Children's Hospital and LCA President, Kenneth Dotson.
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Become a Lurie Children's Volunteer
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Made possible by generous funding from Kohl's Cares,
Lurie Children's Community Volunteer Corps
is an opportunity for you to serve as an advocates for childhood health and safety throughout Chicago. During the summer months, volunteers attend community events and festivals around the city, bringing interactive games and educational material to share with children and families.
Individuals interested in the Community Volunteer Corps 2017 are invited to attend a kick-off rally to learn more about the program and meet fellow volunteers on
May 17th at 5:30 p.m or May 25th at 1:30 p.m.
- Complete an online questionnaire
- Attend a
kick off
meeting to receive training on health and safety topics
- Complete a phone screening and background check
- Serve at one or more events during Summer 2017
Volunteers must be 18 years of age or older.
Learn more.
Editors Note: The Community Volunteer Corps be on hand to provide bike and pedestrian safety lessons at LCA's
4th Annual Spring Zing.
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THANKS TO OUR INITIAL
2017 SPRING ZING SPONSORS FOR THEIR GENEROSITY
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See LCA's recent
letter
in support of Oz Park's grant application.
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From the Heart
is an award winning newsletter published monthly by Lincoln Central Association. Please email story ideas to c
o-editors,
Kenneth Dotson
and
Kathy Jordan.
From the Heart
r
eceived a 2016
Additionally, From the Heart was named a
Constant Contact All-Star in both 2016 and 2017
based on the open
rates and other metrics associated with this
newsletter in comparison to other Constant Contact clients. Learn more. Visit our archive to catch up on past issues.
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