April 2021 Newsletter
Tribute to Rudy Nimocks Sr., 1929-2021
HPKCC Board members shared heartfelt reflections about their former Board colleague.
HPKCC and its Board of Directors were deeply saddened by the passing of Rudy Nimocks Sr. on March 16, 2021 at the age of 91. During the April 1st Board meeting, HPKCC's Board honored his life. Current and former Board members shared their reflections about Nimocks, a leader in the Hyde Park-Kenwood community who was a longtime member of HPKCC's Board and previously served as the University of Chicago police chief.

Click on the image or button below to read these reflections.
The University of Chicago's My Very Own Library Program Featured at Recent HPKCC Schools Committee Meeting
The program fosters students' love of reading by providing access to books and learning resources.
At a recent Schools Committee meeting on March 25th, Duane Davis, Executive Director, K12 Education Initiatives at the University of Chicago, spoke about the university's My Very Own Library Program, which according to its website "is a literacy initiative that provides access to books and learning resources for students in public elementary schools."

The program "partner[s] with Scholastic, a publishing, education and media company, as well as local nonprofits to provide students with educational programming and book fairs at no cost to the students or the schools."

My Very Own Library also has a YouTube channel with videos of authors reading children's books, including Spanish-language books.

Financial donations from the community are gratefully accepted. Please visit the website below to learn more about the program.
Board Member Spotlights - Gino Betts and Stephanie Franklin
We continue our series featuring members of HPKCC's Board of Directors.
This month's newsletter highlights Board members Gino Betts and Stephanie Franklin. Thank you for your service to HPKCC.

What is your current professional position?

Cook County Assistant State's Attorney.

Why did you join the HPKCC board?

I joined the HPKCC board to meet and build with Hyde Park-Kenwood neighbors interested in the social and political development of our community. 

What community issues are most important to you in the Hyde Park-Kenwood area?

Public safety and civic engagement are my top priorities. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

Hang out with family and friends. 

What is a Chicago tradition or activity you would like to do again when the pandemic is over?

I have yet to take the Chicago Pizza Tour. That would be great. 

What is your current professional position?
 
I am retired now and previously held two major occupations. I was co-owner of S&G Franklin Remodeling and did that for more than 30 years, specializing in kitchen and bath design. I was also a high school English teacher.
 
Why did you join the HPKCC board?
 
I have been on the Board several different times in my life because I believe in it. HPKCC was an activist organization in the community and was responsible for a lot of things over time. We need a citizen-responsive activist organization in the community.
 
What community issues are most important to you in the Hyde Park-Kenwood area?
 
Safety is certainly one. I believe 100% in the value of the WhistleSTOP program. It is the easiest and cheapest safety measure we can all take as a community, because it depends on everyone knowing about the program. Diversity of people and diversity of shopping, including stores on 53rd Street, is another important issue. We have so many of the same things and not enough diversity.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
 
Read, walk, knit, rewire lamps, refinish furniture, re-cane chairs.
 
What is a Chicago tradition or activity you would like to do again when the pandemic is over?
 
Celebrating the Fourth of July as it has been celebrated in the past and other group activities and gathering together.
Want to learn more about serving on HPKCC's Board? Contact Ali Ammoura at president@hydepark.org.
Hyde Park Garden Fair Canceled, Fall Sale to be Expanded
The spring fair was canceled due to the pandemic.
In March, the Hyde Park Herald reported that the Hyde Park Garden Fair, Chicago's oldest community garden sale and a committee of the Hyde Park-Kenwood Community Conference, decided to cancel its spring fair with plans to have an expanded Bulb and Mum Sale on September 18, 2021. Both the spring fair and fall sale were canceled in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Community Announcements
SECC's 2021 Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program
The South East Chicago Commission (SECC) recently announced a Request for Proposal for the 2021 Neighborhood Enhancement Grant Program. Below is information from the SECC about its grantmaking and links to learn more about the Program:

"The SECC offers grants to neighborhood organizations  and  community  groups to support beautification projects, enhance the quality of life, and improve local neighborhoods. The program is designed to enhance the physical attractiveness and walkability of the Hyde Park, Kenwood, Oakland, Woodlawn, and Washington Park communities.  

In 2020, the SECC received special funds to implement two special projects within a half mine Greenline CTA stations 51st Street, Garfield Blvd. or 63rd Street and Cottage Grove. If special funds become available, the SECC will offer two special projects near the above Greenline CTA stations an additional $1,000 to conduct a walkability assessment near their project site.

Since 1999, SECC has granted over $1,000,000 collectively to neighborhood schools, faith-based and community organizations, park advisory councils, and block groups to support neighborhood beautification projects!" 
Cook County COVID-19 Recovery Emergency Rental Assistance
Make a difference in your community. Join us.