March 2021 Newsletter
Tenth Event in HPKCC's Community Dialogue Series Highlights Dementia Friendly Hyde Park Initiative
The event was organized with the Chicago Hyde Park Village.
On February 25, 2021, HPKCC and the Dementia Friendly Hyde Park initiative held a Community Dialogue on the initiative. It featured presentations from members of the initiative, including a postdoctoral scholar from the University of Chicago, a person living with Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, a caregiver, and a social worker with The Memory Center at UChicago Medicine, followed by a question and answer session. The event was the tenth in HPKCC's Community Dialogue series.
For more information about the Dementia Friendly Hyde Park initiative, visit the Chicago Hyde Park Village website.
Board Member Spotlights - Damon Arnold and Eric Thompson
Did you know that HPKCC is a volunteer-led organization?
Beginning this month, HPKCC will be featuring spotlights of its Board members, whose service to HPKCC and the Hyde Park-Kenwood area community is greatly appreciated.

This month's newsletter highlights Board member Damon Arnold and Board Treasurer Eric Thompson.
Board Member

What is your current professional position?

I have been working as a Medical Director for over six years at Health Care Services Corporation (HCSC) - Blue Cross Blue Shield of IL, TX, NM, MT, and OK. I currently serve on the Illinois State Board of Health (SBOH) and as the Chairman of the IL SBOH Policy Subcommittee being appointed by Governor J. B. Pritzker.
 
Why did you join the HPKCC board?
 
I feel it is vitally important to support your local community as well as businesses located there. I also enjoy the social events that occur throughout the year in Hyde Park.
 
What community issues are most important to you in the Hyde Park-Kenwood area?
 
Ensuring the health and safety of the public are very important to me. Also, maintaining a sense of community and supporting the cultural events which bind us together.
 
What do you like to do in your spare time?
 
There is not much of that lately, with helping the State respond to COVID-19 as well as my full-time job. That being noted, I love oil painting and taking long walks along the lakeshore.
 
What is a Chicago tradition or activity you would like to do again when the pandemic is over?
 
Visit the museums, cultural events, and restaurants!
Board Treasurer

What is your current professional position?

Currently, I am Vice President-Regional Manager for Hyde Park Bank and Trust (a Wintrust Community Bank). In addition to the Hyde Park location, I also provide leadership for Pullman Bank and Trust and Brighton Park Community Bank.

Why did you join the HPKCC board?

Professionally, I have aligned myself with a company whose primary focus is not just banking, but also supporting the communities in which we reside. Personally, I have received a great deal of fulfillment and pleasure working with organizations in the community and being involved. That being said, I found out about HPKCC. I felt that volunteering with such a unique, historic organization that addresses so many aspects of our everchanging neighborhood would be a great way to give back to the community.

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

Right now, like a lot of people, I think my main community concern is the health and safety of the community during the pandemic.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

In my spare time, I like to watch movies, preferably science fiction, I am also an amateur photographer and love taking photos at family outings and trips and during non-COVID times, various events. 
 
What is a Chicago tradition or activity you would like to do again when the pandemic is over?

Once the pandemic is over and it is safe to do so I really want to visit the Museum of Science and Industry with my wife and eight (soon to be nine) year old son. I would also love to be able to go downtown to take in a play with my wife.
Want to learn more about serving on HPKCC's Board? Contact Ali Ammoura at president@hydepark.org.
Transit Task Force Update
$33 million rehab of the 59th and 60th St.-University of Chicago Metra Electric Station announced.
Authorized and in design, the current 59th station and its platforms and headhouses will be completely rebuilt. The project includes re-opening the long-closed and partially dismantled 60th station. The expanded station and amenities will conform to ADA and other modern standards (e.g., elevators at each end). It will become a welcoming presence for the communities of Hyde Park and growing Woodlawn, the soon to be built Obama Presidential Center, and to the University of Chicago's South Campus with its new buildings. Metra, University, and the state and federal government are funders of the project.

HPKCC has accepted the invitation to participate as a Consulting Party in the Federal Transit Administration's "Section 106 Review" of potential adverse effects on the historic characteristics that make the Midway, Jackson Park, and the Historic Boulevard District eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Successful completion of this process is required to make the project eligible for federal funding.

The Transit Task Force (TTF) will represent the Conference in this process.

Persons interested in learning more may contact transit@hydepark.org or sign-up to receive e-mailed TTF Updates. The Hyde Park Herald recently published an article on the project.
Community Announcements
CISCO Career Information Session - Wed. March 17th
IMPACT Leadership Development Program Information Session - Thurs. March 11th
IMPACT was created to support the professional and personal development of emerging black leaders in Chicago by preparing them for increasingly responsible leadership roles in private, public and nonprofit organizations and their boards. The University of Chicago Booth School of Business is our educational partner for the program and provides academic leadership training sessions and the meeting space at its downtown campus.

The powerful program also includes modules on Chicago history and current issues, formal individual leadership assessments and connecting with senior leaders who serve as program mentors throughout the nine-month program.

The deadline to submit an application for the Class of 2022 program year is Friday, April 30, 2021.
United Center Vaccination Site - By Appointment Only
The United Center vaccination site is by appointment only. There is no onsite registration at the United Center.

Chicagoans who are seniors or those who qualify under 1b+ can make appointments for the United Center through our multilingual call center at 312.746.4835.

This hotline is open Monday – Saturday 8:00am – 8:00pm and Sunday 8:00am – 4:00pm. High call volume is anticipated. Appointments will also be made available through targeted outreach to vulnerable zip codes and high-risk populations. There is NO ONSITE REGISTRTATION. You must have an appointment. 
To make an appointment, call 312-746-4835.
Make a difference in your community. Join us.