August 2021 Newsletter
HPKCC Adopts 5-Year Strategic Plan
The plan includes six strategic pillars to guide where HPKCC will invest its time, energy, and resources over the next five years.
Beginning in the summer of 2020, the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference's Board of Directors reflected on where the organization is today, as the first step in a strategic planning journey that would inform the next five years of work.

HPKCC's strategic planning process focused on driving greater impact in three dimensions:

  • Deepening Impact: Doing what we do now, but better. 
  • Broadening Impact: Expanding our reach. 
  • Enabling Impact: Strengthening our infrastructure to support doing more.

Through an inclusive process that took place through the first quarter of 2021, six strategic pillars emerged to guide where the Conference will invest its time, energy, and resources over the next five years:

  • Diversify Revenue
  • Revise Board & Membership Structure & Expectations
  • Expand Marketing & Communications
  • Strengthen Relevant Committees, Programs, & Services
  • Build Advocacy Strategy
  • Evaluate & Report on Impact

HPKCC's Board will track progress on implementing its Strategic Plan quarterly, using a living dashboard with detailed actions and metrics identified for each pillar.

HPKCC thanks Lyndon Valicenti of Daylight for her terrific work guiding us through this important process for the organization.
Want to learn more about HPKCC's Strategic Plan? Contact communications@hydepark.org.
HPKCC at the Hyde Park Farmer's Market - Sun. 9/12, 9am-1pm
HPKCC Board members and Committee Chairs will be there to answer your questions.
On September 12, 2021 from 9am to 1pm, HPKCC will be at one of the Community Tables at the Hyde Park Farmer's Market to share information about upcoming events, our Committees, and how to become a Member.

Thank you to the South East Commerce Commission for giving us an opportunity to share information with the community.
SAVE THE DATE - Hyde Park Used Book Sale - Sat. 10/9-Mon. 10/11
HPKCC plans to hold the Book Sale this year. The 2020 event was canceled due to the pandemic.
HPKCC is hopeful that the Hyde Park Used Book Sale will be held on October 9-11, 2021 in the Hyde Park Shopping Center Plaza at 55th & Lake Park (near Trader Joe's). More details will be available in the coming weeks.

If you have any questions about the Book Sale, including how to drop off books or volunteer, please contact Betsy Budney at booksale@hydepark.org.
Board Member Spotlights - Betsy Budney & Gary Ossewaarde
We continue our series featuring members of HPKCC's Board of Directors.
This month's newsletter highlights Board members Betsy Budney and Gary Ossewaarde. Betsy serves as Chair of the Hyde Park Used Book Sale and Co-Chair of the Schools Committee. Gary serves on the Executive Committee as Secretary. Both are longtime volunteers in the Hyde Park-Kenwood community.

Thank you both for your service to HPKCC.
Board Member
What is your current or most recent professional position?
 
I'm an administrative assistant with a recycling company.
 
Why did you join the HPKCC board, and how are you involved with HPKCC?
 
I joined the Board after volunteering for many years for the Hyde Park Used Book Sale, I am now Chair of that wonderful community event. I'm also Co-Chair of the Schools Committee. Working with other volunteers who are passionate about volunteering is amazing.
 
What community issues are most important to you in the Hyde Park-Kenwood area?
 
"Save the Point...Again" is a community push back against replacing the limestone with concrete...again. To be added to the mailing list go to https://promontorypoint.us20.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=7673e041ecfa6abbee73845f3&id=db7e1b4638.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
 
Read, small mixed media artworks, puzzles, and go out to the Point to watch the sunrise.
 
What is a Chicago tradition or activity you would like to do again when the pandemic is over?   

Ordinary things, like walk into a grocery store to choose my own produce, and get on a bus.
Board Secretary
What is your current or most recent professional position?

I retired as a building engineer at the University of Chicago Medicine.
 
Why did you join the HPKCC board?

I wanted to make a difference in our community and help a local organization hit its stride and connect with ally organizations.
 
What community issues are most important to you in the Hyde Park-Kenwood area?

Safety, mobility and walkability, diversity of all kinds with affordability, strong institutions such as schools and parks, amenities for people to enjoy and shop at, and the environment.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?

Listen to good music, play bridge, converse with friends, eat out at nice places, and sit in a park.
 
What is a Chicago tradition or activity you would like to do again when the pandemic is over?

Visit the farmer’s market, meet in groups at restaurant or coffee shop, events like the Hyde Park Garden fair, Hyde Park Used Book Sale, and the 4th on 53rd Parade. 
Want to learn more about serving on HPKCC's Board? Contact communications@hydepark.org.
Hyde Park Garden Fair Fall Bulb and Mum Sale Canceled
The sale was canceled due to an increase in COVID cases.
The Hyde Park Garden Fair's 2021 Fall Bulb and Mum Sale has been canceled as a result of the increase in COVID cases over the past few weeks.

Please visit the Garden Fair's website or Facebook Page for more information about upcoming events, including the 2022 spring sale.
Community Announcements
Hyde Park Together Holding Weekly Cleanups on Sundays
As part of its South Burnham Park Cleanup Initiative, Hyde Park Together continues to hold weekly cleanups on Sundays, with the next set of dates listed below.

Please visit Hyde Park Together's website for more information:

  • Sun, August 15 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Sun, August 22 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
  • Sun, August 29 from 10 AM to 11:30 AM
Make a difference in your community. Join us.