Berwyn's Arts Blog
Saturday, May 30, 2009
 
Children's Concert
Mark your calendars now!

The Berwyn Arts Council proudly presents as part of its 2009 Music Series:

Sunday, June 7, 2009, beginning at noon, for forty five minutes, the Cookie
Cutters Children's Concert
at the 16th Street Theater, located at 6420 16th Street, Berwyn, IL.

$5.00 suggested donation. Perfect for a Sunday to spend with your children.
Kids 2 and under are free!

Go for it! Really. Or not.

Monday, May 25, 2009
 
"Unveiled" Extended
Since Unveiled sold out its run, Rohina, the star and playwright, has graciously decided to do the play for one more week, through June 7, 2009.

Get your tickets now!

http://www.16thstreettheater.org

Friday, May 22, 2009
 
Berwyn's Appeal
Just click the link below to see what the 16th Street Theater Director has to say about Berwyn, and others. This is a very positive piece about Berwyn.


http://www.chicagotribune.com/classified/realestate/communities/chi-berwyn_profile_chomes_0522may22,0,6638713.story

Also, if you waited to get tickets to go see "Unveiled" at the 16th Street Theater, you waited too long. All tickets are sold out for the rest of the performances.

Enjly the Memorial Day weekend!

Wednesday, May 20, 2009
 
Wednesday Evening, 5-20-09
BAC SPONSORS THE 2nd ANNUAL Student Fine Art Showcase

The Arts Education Committee of the BAC announces its 2nd Annual Student Fine Art Showcase to be held on Wednesday, May 20th at the Berwyn Cultural Center, 6420 W. 16th Street.

This annual event features the talent of our elementary and Jr. High School students from South Berwyn School District 100, and North Berwyn School District 98. Beginning at 6:00, come and enjoy student dramatic performances, artwork, and music!

Parents, students and the community are invited to this evening featuring the artists, actors and musicians of the future! Watch for details about our sister event that week that will highlight the work of high school students from Morton West which will take place at the high school.

Friday, May 15, 2009
 
Weekend of May 15, 2009
First, Unveiled is still happening at the 16th Street Theater.

Good stuff. The reviews are in! Rohina's UNVEILED is "provocative", "illuminating", and "riveting!" Don't miss "this powerful solo show" (Chicago Reader) about five Muslim women who wear the veil. Read excerpts from reviews below. So, what are you doing tonight?! We have post-show dialogues after each Thursday and Friday night performance. We would love you to join us tonight. Thursday May 14 is already sold out, so buy your tickets now, so you don't miss out. We look forward to seeing you at 16th Street!
-- Ann Filmer

UNVEILED
Unveiled offers a provocative, insightful and uplifting theater experience. --Tom Witom, Pioneer Press “A compelling 70-minute piece rich with illuminating surprises, drawing the audience into worlds that are both unique and truly universal. Terrifically entertaining.”-- Catey Sullivan, Chicago Examiner This powerful solo show, written and performed by Chicago playwright Rohina, tells five riveting tales of Muslim women. --Jack Helbig, Chicago Reader “I have now seen one of the attractions that might be bringing people to a community only 6 miles from the Loop, the 16th Street Theater where they are hosting a marvelous premiere production of Rohina's Unveiled. Tickets are a mere $16, a great value for an experience this rich and rewarding as well as educational.” -- Alan Bresloff, Steadstyle Chicago Call (708) 795-6704 ext 105 for group sales. BUY NOW

Tea by Todd Holland Tea Merchants
You may have heard we will be serving tea by Todd & Holland before every performance. Yes, it's true! When you come to UNVEILED by Rohina, arrive early and sample tea from across the world compliments of our partner Todd & Holland Tea Merchants of Forest Park.

Buy your seats now to Chicago Reader's Best Emerging Theater (hey - that's 16th Street!) (708) 795-6704.


PHOTOGRAPHY by SADAF SYED
We are honored to present the work of Sadaf Syed in the theater's lobby in the Berwyn Cultural Center. Come early to take in the striking images of Muslim women wearing the veil. A photojournalist and a portrait photographer, Sadaf Syed has been on her own journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she found another perspective on the American Muslim women who cover. Taking the same medium that's being used to misrepresent them, she focused her camera lens on women who graciously sacrificed their privacy in order to show their fellow Americans the commonalities we all share.


16th Street Theater / Berwyn Cultural Center
6420 16th Street Berwyn, IL 60402 info@16thstreettheater.org 708-795-6704

The Mutt Show

The Berwyn Development Corporation (BDC) is teaming up with Comcast and PAWS Chicago to host the Third Annual Great American Mutt Show for the Chicago area on Saturday, May 16, 2009.

The event will be held at Morton West High School, 2400 Home Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402. Chad Lopez of www.theurbanmutt.tv will be our celebrity MC this year. Also included will be a DockDogs agility competition on May 16th & 17th.

Please visit www.dockdogs.com if you would like to sign up your dog for their agility tournament. Participants, vendors, sponsors and volunteers who wish to be a part of the Great American Mutt Show can email info@berwyn.net for more info. You can also download participant and vendor forms from this website or www.berwyn.net. Spectators who wish to bring their dogs may do so as long as their tags have up-to-date vaccine information or a copy of their up-to-date vaccine records is presented at the gate.

The Mutt Show will again feature a variety of entertainment-based competitions for mixed breeds and pure-breds alike. However, only mixed-breeds that have won an individual contest are eligible for the final “Great American Mutt Show Best in Show” title. Ribbons will also be awarded to each contest winner. Contests currently open for registration are listed below (maximum of 2 contests per participant).

Note: the contests below may be subject to change pending registration results. Please return your registration form and payment as soon as possible to reserve your spaces. A maximum of 12 dogs will be allowed per contest on a first-come, first-served basis for those with completed registration forms and payment.

Contest Availability-Spaces Remaining *

+ Best Lap Dog Over 50 Lbs. 8
+ Looks Most Like Owner 9
+ Most Creative Pet Trick 8
+ Best Kisser 1
+ Best Catcher 10
+ Waggiest Tail 4
+ Most Unusual Markings 8
+ Most Unusual Mixture 5
+ Looks Most Like Another Animal 4
+ Best Vocal Performance (howl/bark) 6
+ Best Smile 5
+ Most Obedient 6
+ Favorite Rescue CLOSED
+ "A Face Only A Mother Could Love" 10
+ Crowd Favorite CLOSED
+ Most Energetic 9
+ Friendliest Dog 2
+ Best Dressed 8

* Due to the short time between now and the show, we are requesting that no more entries be mailed. Please drop them off in person at 3322 S. Oak Park Avenue, Berwyn, IL or register the day of the show. Registration closes at 10:00 the day of the show, and contest spaces are limited, so please arrive early to ensure contest availability.

A portion of the fees collected at the event will be donated to PAWS Chicago to help support animal rescue and raise awareness of their programs.

Fees include the following:
+ Individual & Dog: $10
+ Family & Dog: $15
+ $5 for each additional dog

Entry fee for Spectators:
+ Adults: $5
+ Family: $10

Join today! We need show participants and volunteers!!!! 708-788-8100

News articles on Chicagoland's Great American Mutt Show
"No papers? No problem Best-mutt contest gives unpedigreed dogs a chance to shine"

Some great reads about the GAMS NYC event:
"In praise of mutts," by Janine Adams
"Great American Mutt Show"
Who I'd like to meet:
Show participants, Vendors, Visitors, Sponsors... All are invited! (Spring 2009)

 
Weekend of May 15, 2009

 
Weekend of May 15, 2009

Tuesday, May 12, 2009
 
3 Wednesday Events
The Berwyn Arts Countil Music Series at the Berwyn Cultural Center

6420 W. 16th Street

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Typhanie Monique and Neal Alger Jazz Duo, 7 to 9 pm.
$10.00 suggested donation

Stained Glass Lecture and Demonstration

May is National Preservation Month and We’re Celebrating!

Join the Berwyn Historical Society as we partner with the Berwyn Public Library
and celebrate the month with a lecture/demonstration about the history of the
beautiful stained glass found in bungalows throughout Berwyn. We will also show
the correct way to restore and preserve it.

We are especially pleased that guest speakers Sarah King and Cec Hardacker have
agreed to present this lecture. Both artists bring a wealth of knowledge, skill and
expertise on this topic.

DATE: May 13, 2009
Time: 7:00 pm
Location: Berwyn Public Library

Questions? Contact the Berwyn Historical Society at (708) 484-0020 or info@berwynhistoricalsociety.org

We look forward to sharing an informative and enjoyable evening with you and our speakers.

About the speakers…

Sarah King is a stained glass artist from Oak Park, IL. She is the owner of Stained Glass Ltd. as well as AngelGilding.com. Ms. King has produced several stained glass pattern books, one which features designs found throughout Chicago’s Historic Bungalows. Additionally, she has learned the 19th Century technique for chemical or solution gilding on glass, a technique which was thought to be lost and eluded artisans for many years.

Cec Hardacker, a Berwyn resident, is co-owner of Two Fish Art Glass located in Forest Park, IL. Two Fish Art Glass is a well established gallery and studio offering beautiful lighting, art glass, as well as custom work and restoration services. Two Fish offers classes in stained glass, bead making, and mosaic work. Like Sarah, Cec specializes in custom work as well as restoration.

Roosevelt Road Business Association, 4th Annual Meeting

The Roosevelt Road Business Assocation invites you to their 4th annual meeting, Wednesday, May 13, 2009, 5:30 to 7:30 pm at Fitzgerald's Sidebar, 6615 W. Roosevelt.

Cash Bar. Appetizers by Wishbone.

Drawing for PRIZES! Celebrate the completion of the infrastructure project.

RSVP to Paul Zimmerman, RRBA President, 708-763-0987

Friday, May 08, 2009
 
16th Street Theater/Mother's Day
The reviews are in! Rohina's UNVEILED is "provocative", "illuminating", and "riveting!" Don't miss "this powerful solo show" (Chicago Reader) about five Muslim women who wear the veil.

Read excerpts from reviews below. So, what are you doing tonight?! We have post-show dialogues after each Thursday and Friday night performance. We would love you to join us tonight. Thursday May 14 is already sold out, so buy your tickets now, so you don't miss out. We look forward to seeing you at 16th Street!


UNVEILED

Unveiled offers a provocative, insightful and uplifting theater experience. --Tom Witom, Pioneer Press

“A compelling 70-minute piece rich with illuminating surprises, drawing the audience into worlds that are both unique and truly universal. Terrifically entertaining.”-- Catey Sullivan, Chicago Examiner

This powerful solo show, written and performed by Chicago playwright Rohina, tells five riveting tales of Muslim women. --Jack Helbig, Chicago Reader

“I have now seen one of the attractions that might be bringing people to a community only 6 miles from the Loop, the 16th Street Theater where they are hosting a marvelous premiere production of Rohina's Unveiled. Tickets are a mere $16, a great value for an experience this rich and rewarding as well as educational.” -- Alan Bresloff, Steadstyle Chicago

Call (708) 795-6704 ext 105 for group sales. BUY NOW

Tea by Todd Holland Tea Merchants

You may have heard we will be serving tea by Todd & Holland before every performance. Yes, it's true! When you come to UNVEILED by Rohina, arrive early and sample tea from across the world compliments of our partner Todd & Holland Tea Merchants of Forest Park.

Buy your seats now to Chicago Reader's Best Emerging Theater (hey - that's 16th Street!) (708) 795-6704.


PHOTOGRAPHY by SADAF SYED

We are honored to present the work of Sadaf Syed in the theater's lobby in the Berwyn Cultural Center. Come early to take in the striking images of Muslim women wearing the veil. A photojournalist and a portrait photographer, Sadaf Syed has been on her own journey of self-discovery. Along the way, she found another perspective on the American Muslim women who cover. Taking the same medium that's being used to misrepresent them, she focused her camera lens on women who graciously sacrificed their privacy in order to show their fellow Americans the commonalities we all share.

16th Street Theater / Berwyn Cultural Center
6420 16th Street Berwyn, IL 60402 info@16thstreettheater.org 708-795-6704

Saturday, May 9 -- ZOOM Over to:

Serendipity Antiques, Gifts & Home Accents at 6733 Stanley

& Exquisite Revisit, A Vintage Market Place at 6735 Stanley

Both Stores OPEN EARLY at 8:00 a.m.for Mother’s Day gift items!

Also Visit -- Bloom n' Zoom

Nearby at Windsor and Oak Park at Berwyn’s Historic Train Station from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

A truly unique shopping opportunity close to home. Will include a wide variety of beautiful outdoor hanging baskets, herb containers, garden decor and collectibles! Local merchants will also have gift certificates available for non-flowering gift options! Children activities, customized containers, gift baskets and more! Rain or shine, join us for this year's Bloom 'n Zoom.

Thursday, May 07, 2009
 
Police Chief
Correct link below. Sorry.

On May 12 our new mayor and city council members will be sworn in. One of many important decisions the incoming mayor needs to make is whether or not to retain key personnel hired during the former mayor's term. I'm posting today because I believe we need to retain and support Police Chief William Kushner. If you do, too, I want to let you know how you can help. See below for more details about Chief Kushner's accomplishments. And choose from one to four ways you can help keep him in the job.

Background

In just over 3 years on the job, Chief Kushner has done much to make Berwyn a safe community. Under Chief Kushner's leadership, the crime rate has decreased while arrests have increased; graffiti and noise complaints have been addressed in a timely and professional manner, helping to keep more serious crime down; and the Berwyn police department has been recognized for its professionalism by federal agencies. For more information on Chief Kushner's accomplishments, see the list at the end of this post.

Four Ways to Help

(1) Sign an online petition to retain Police Chief Kushner. Sign today or anytime before noon on Tuesday, May 12. To sign, go to:

www.ipetitions.com/petition/keepkushner/

(2) Write a letter/email of support for Chief Kushner to incoming Mayor Lovero. Send letters to: Mayor-Elect Robert J. Lovero, 6536 W. Cermak Road, Berwyn, IL 60402. Send emails to: 7thward@berwyn- il.gov. Copy your council member on the letter/email.

(3) Attend the city council meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 8:00 p.m. at City Hall.

(4) Forward this message on to fellow Berwyn residents asking them to do the things on this list.

Chief Kushner's Accomplishments in the Past 3 Years

Under Chief Kushner's leadership:

*the crime rate has decreased while arrests have increased

*graffiti and noise complaints have been addressed in a timely and professional manner, helping to keep more serious crime down

*WEDGE (the West Suburban Gang Task Force) is up and running

*the police department's lateral officer program has served as a model for departments throughout Illinois and the vehicle impoundment program has been emulated by other agencies

*the police department has been recognized by federal agencies for its professionalism, and now has representation not only on a Drug Enforcement Agency task force but on the US Marshal's Service Great Lakes Regional Task Force, as well

*Berwyn was the first suburban department invited to become a member of the Chicago Police Fusion Center, placing many otherwise unavailable resources within our grasp

*professionalism at the supervisory level has been enhanced through participation in professional development programs conducted by Northwestern University and the FBI

*professional development and competency training has been expanded throughout the ranks; two detectives have successfully completed the Detective Training Program at the Chicago Police Academy

*Department vehicles have been upgraded and new technology purchased to enhance the officer efficiency

*walking patrols by auxiliary officers in areas designated as potential trouble areas or hot spots is expanding, as is the Business Watch Program

*overtime is continuously monitored in an effort to ensure that it is not abused

*Watch Commanders and shift supervisor have been included in the crime reduction strategy efforts, ensuring buy in and accountability

*internship relationships have begun or been renewed with Loyola University, Lewis University, St. Xavier University, Roosevelt University, Western Illinois University, Morton College and Moraine Valley College

*Chief Kushner has successfully completed the requirements necessary in order to be certified as a Chief of Police by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police; less than 100 of 1800 chiefs in Illinois are certified

If you have any questions or would like to become more involved in this effort, please contact me at henrymolly@sbcglobal.net. Thanks much!

Molly

 
Police Chief
On May 12 our new mayor and city council members will be sworn in. One of many important decisions the incoming mayor needs to make is whether or not to retain key personnel hired during the former mayor's term. I'm posting today because I believe we need to retain and support Police Chief William Kushner. If you do, too, I want to let you know how you can help. See below for more details about Chief Kushner's accomplishments. And choose from one to four ways you can help keep him in the job.

Background

In just over 3 years on the job, Chief Kushner has done much to make Berwyn a safe community. Under Chief Kushner's leadership, the crime rate has decreased while arrests have increased; graffiti and noise complaints have been addressed in a timely and professional manner, helping to keep more serious crime down; and the Berwyn police department has been recognized for its professionalism by federal agencies. For more information on Chief Kushner's accomplishments, see the list at the end of this post.

Four Ways to Help

(1) Sign an online petition to retain Police Chief Kushner. Sign today or anytime before noon on Tuesday, May 12. To sign, go to: http://www.ipetitio ns.com/petition/ keepkushner/

(2) Write a letter/email of support for Chief Kushner to incoming Mayor Lovero. Send letters to: Mayor-Elect Robert J. Lovero, 6536 W. Cermak Road, Berwyn, IL 60402. Send emails to: 7thward@berwyn- il.gov. Copy your council member on the letter/email.

(3) Attend the city council meeting on Tuesday, May 12 at 8:00 p.m. at City Hall.

(4) Forward this message on to fellow Berwyn residents asking them to do the things on this list.

Chief Kushner's Accomplishments in the Past 3 Years

Under Chief Kushner's leadership:

*the crime rate has decreased while arrests have increased

*graffiti and noise complaints have been addressed in a timely and professional manner, helping to keep more serious crime down

*WEDGE (the West Suburban Gang Task Force) is up and running

*the police department's lateral officer program has served as a model for departments throughout Illinois and the vehicle impoundment program has been emulated by other agencies

*the police department has been recognized by federal agencies for its professionalism, and now has representation not only on a Drug Enforcement Agency task force but on the US Marshal's Service Great Lakes Regional Task Force, as well

*Berwyn was the first suburban department invited to become a member of the Chicago Police Fusion Center, placing many otherwise unavailable resources within our grasp

*professionalism at the supervisory level has been enhanced through participation in professional development programs conducted by Northwestern University and the FBI

*professional development and competency training has been expanded throughout the ranks; two detectives have successfully completed the Detective Training Program at the Chicago Police Academy

*Department vehicles have been upgraded and new technology purchased to enhance the officer efficiency

*walking patrols by auxiliary officers in areas designated as potential trouble areas or hot spots is expanding, as is the Business Watch Program

*overtime is continuously monitored in an effort to ensure that it is not abused

*Watch Commanders and shift supervisor have been included in the crime reduction strategy efforts, ensuring buy in and accountability

*internship relationships have begun or been renewed with Loyola University, Lewis University, St. Xavier University, Roosevelt University, Western Illinois University, Morton College and Moraine Valley College

*Chief Kushner has successfully completed the requirements necessary in order to be certified as a Chief of Police by the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police; less than 100 of 1800 chiefs in Illinois are certified

If you have any questions or would like to become more involved in this effort, please contact me at henrymolly@sbcglobal.net. Thanks much!

Molly

Tuesday, May 05, 2009
 
Accomplishments as Alderman
While I hesitate to list my accomplishments as 3rd Ward Alderman, I am proud of what I did get or help accomplish, so, humbly, the following:

1) Able to have Alderpeople give up their gas keys/free gas;
2) If the unions ever contribute to their health insurance premiums in the future, the Alderpeople will, too.
3) Found Police Chief
4) Helped get the Zoning Board of Appeals agenda on the City website so there would be no more surprises, a la the Methadone Clinic
5) Moved significantly forward on establishing a railroad quiet zone on the CN tracks;
6) Helped get defibrillators in all City buildings;
7) Communicated with residents via blog, two town hall meetings per year, and a picnic every year;
8) Pushed Century Station to be completed;
9) Helped set up a system so all Alderpeople receive every month all the Freedom of Information Requests;
10) Helped establish the Berwyn Regional Housing Center;
11) Helped establish the Multi-Unit Crime Free Housing Ordinance;
12) Pushed for a Thai restaurant;
13) Helped change the human relations ordinance to include sexual orientation;
14) Helped establish the noise ordinance wherein cars are ticketed and towed if you can hear noise more than 75 feet away;
15) Helped get bike racks and trash cans into the Depot area;
16) Helped get the red light cameras.

Feel free to come to the May 12, 2009 City Council Meeting at 8:00 pm. It will be my last, and Margaret Paul's first. Or not.

Saturday, May 02, 2009
 
Education Fundraiser Tonight, Saturday
The 3rd Annual BerwynCARES Spring Fundraiser
Saturday May 2nd at Tiger O'Stylies, 6300 W. Ogden, 7pm

Local Band Goat Rodeo will rock out for scholarships! Tickets are $15 which includes food and entertainment with a cash bar.

Silent Auction and raffle items include theater and restaurant gift certificates, a 2night stay at a Lake Geneva condo, sporting event tickets, spa services, piano and voice lessons and much more! Something for everyone!

You'll pay at the door, but we strongly recommend that you reserve tickets at info@berwyncares.org. ALL proceeds go to award scholarships for Morton West students headed to college in the Fall. This year especially, THE NEED IS GREAT!

Please support our scholarship fund by: 1. Attending the event. Reserve tickets by emailing info@berwyncares.org.2. Sponsoring a scholarship in honor of someone or making a monetary donation.3. Donate an item or service to our silent auction.4. Spread the word. This will be a fun opportunity to get together for a GREAT cause.

Call your friends and plan a night out. Alumni, plan a reunion with your old classmates! Together we can make a difference! --

Berwyn C.A.R.E.S.
www.berwyncares.org
P.O. Box 397
Berwyn, IL 60402
info@berwyncares.org

Friday, May 01, 2009
 
Mother's Day


Buy local.


free web page hit counter

Powered by Blogger