Into The Retrospect in 22

By: Jonathan Salamanca

It was one night of retrospect and street photography on Berwyn’s Cermak Road.

Berwyn’s 22 owners Jessica Calek and Dan Streeting hosted Unreported—a one-night only photo exhibit open on April 27 from 7 to 10pm. Unreported displayed the work of Dan Streeting and Anthony Calek. With a comparatively unique approach both photographers relied on a documentary and street style of photography to display their works of art.

“I like to play with people and their daily lives. I like to look and let things happen—and they do,” Anthony Calek said, “most of my images feature people or shadows of people so there is generally some human contact involved. Most of my work is candid as well. I don’t stage anything.”

Calek’s images were taken in sites all across Europe in places he has either visited or lived. For Unreported Calek drew from some reflection photographic images to show his documented collection of his life and travels. His work captures the life of others on a daily basis through some mirror reflection pieces.
Streeting’s Unreported images come from a collection of photos he’s taken over a span of 10 years documenting the his friends, strangers, and environments.

“It’s almost something I do on site and on the side—aside from my graphic designer. It’s really a dairy for me. So looking over these photo’s I’ve taken over the past ten year are a look into my own diary.” Streeting said.

Streeting’s collection was taken on a film camera while Calek’s works were all digital. This was Calek’s last gallery exhibit in America for at least a year. Calek is moving to Sweden next week.

Cermak Plaza Collision of Two

By: Jonathan Salamanca

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At about 11:30 p.m. a woman driving a Honda Civic LX southbound on Harlem Avenue was hit by a driver in a Toyota 4runner driving eastbound on 23rd, from the North Riverside shopping center.

The two drivers met at the intersection of Harlem and 23rd after the eastbound car passed a red light crossing Harlem. The driver in the Honda was making a left turn onto 23rd road.  Both were turning into the Cermak Plaza and injured on impact. The woman driving the Honda Civic LX was hospitalized.

“I didn’t even know until I saw all the motion and ambulances outside. I was just out to shop. It was bad, really bad–windows shattered. People just don’t stop.” Pedro Garcia, a witness at the incident, said.

The condition of both drivers is unknown. Berwyn police did not comment on the accident.

Lights Out For Twenty Two

Next Saturday, December 22 will be the last day to see Modular 22. Jessica Calek, director of 22, will host a closing reception. The reception will include musical performances from Cantilever.

Calek recently spoke at SMALL Symposium at teh Chicago Cultural Center this past week where Calek mention her success in Berwyn with the attraction, Modular 22.

The next exhibition at 22 will be Night Lights out feature canvas art from local and chicagoland artist of the night. These piece will all share a common theme–a feeling of the night. Opening reception will be Jan. 19th 7-10pm

 

What Would It Take (WWIT)?

What Would It Take (WWI)?

Seeking to identify the needs of a falling educational system in Berwyn, WWIT is a group that aids to find and support the most appropriate candidate to hold a seat on the school district’s 201 board of education.

WWIT is currently seeking donations. This past Saturday, WWIT hosted a Christmas Wrapping Party. Supplying unlimited gift-wrapping items for those able to donate $20. All donations will be used to support community reach-outs and host

Berwyn bank robber ‘Bully Bandit’ connected to other robberies

Photo Courtesy of the FBI

By Rene Howard-Paez

The same man who recently held up a PNC bank on Cermak, is believed to be connected to at least three other bank robberies, according to the FBI.

The robber has been named the Bully Bandit because of his aggressive demeanor in his encounters with bank employees and customers, according to an FBI press release.

According to the FBI, The same individual is believed to have hit a Chase Bank branch twice in the same week.

Every time, the robber has worn a black jacket with a black hoodie underneath. Witnesses also reported that he kept the string that tighen the hood in his mouth.

The Bully Bandit is described as a Hispanic male, in his late 20s, with black hair, brown eyes and a mustache.

The case is being investigated by the FBI in coordination with local authorities.

Anyone who might have information should call the Chicago office of the FBI at 312-421-6700

The FBI is offering a $10,000 award for anyone with information leading to an arrest.

Berwyn to receive housing funding

By Rene Howard-Paez

Berwyn is slated to receive housing grant money soon, due to a new housing grant.

According to the Chicago Tribune, U.S Senator Dick Durbin recently made the announcement.

More than $21 million in grants for housing will be shared by Berwyn, Bolingbrook, Cicero, Hoffman Estates, Des Plaines, Cook County and St. Clair County. Each will receive funding ranging from $259,000 to $9.3 million.

It is unknown how Berwyn will use these grants.

Berwyn Mayor Lovero and city council members were unavailable for comment, after multiple interview requests.

In separate housing news, the Illinois Housing Development recently released and updated reported that showed Berwyn initiating twenty two new residential mortgages.  The Illinois Building Pilot Program was created and managed through the IHDA.

This program was designed to address foreclosed homes with five target communities: Maywood, Park Forest, Chicago Heights, South Holland and Berwyn. The Illinois Building Pilot Program includes a 30-year, fixed-rate mortgage featuring an affordable interest rate and a $10,000 forgivable loan over two years for down payment and closing cost assistance.

To see the qualifications for the program visit:

http://www.ihda.org/homeowner/ilbuildingblocksprogram.htm

Berwyn reports Santa-napping

By Nicole Foley

The children don’t have to watch out; they can cry and pout as much as they want because after Santa and his reindeer were stolen off a lawn in Berwyn, this Santa may not be visiting with presents this year.

This past Monday at 5:50 p.m. Christmas lawn ornaments were reported stolen from the 3500 block of South Grove Avenue home in Berwyn.  The family had a 3-foot Santa in a 10-foot long sleigh with two reindeer attached.

“The decorations were not small and must have taken some time to take away,” said Chief Jim Ritz of the Berwyn Police Dept.  “We asked the neighbors but no one seemed to see anything unusual that day.”

No one has been charged with the theft yet, but police are keeping watch for anything similar that may happen in the neighborhood.

“Since there’s no cameras around there we have no leads about who did it, for all we know it was a prank by some teenage kids, but we’re keeping our eyes out just in case it happens again,” said Ritz.

Brand new sportsplex “Bounces” into Berwyn

By Jackie Glosniak

The professional baseball players at Wrigley Field and “The Cell” have long struck-out for the season, but in the heart of Berwyn’s Depot District, young local athletes continue to perfect their swings during the cold winter months at Bounce Sports.

At the new sports complex, at 3310 Grove Ave., the smell of fresh paint, the crack of baseballs on bats and the swoosh of soccer balls into nets greets patrons at the front door.

Bounce Sports is a new indoor sports facility catering specifically to youth active in travel sports.  The location features over 17,000 square feet of batting cages, pitching tunnels, a turf practicing field, and a basketball court. The business is centrally located for youth club baseball, softball, soccer, and basketball teams in nearby suburbs.

Berwyn biker on life support

By: Anthony Garcia

After being involved in a biking accident on Dec. 3 around 5 p.m., a Berwyn bike rider remains in critical condition and is on life

Berwyn police investigate the scene of a serious bicyclist accident at the intersection of 26st., and East Ave., in Berwyn, Monday, Dec. 3, 2012. (Courtesy of Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune)

support at Loyola University Life Hospital. Justin Carver was struck by a truck at the intersection of 26th and East Ave. as he attempted to cross 26th while the truck

simultaneously made a left turn off of East Ave. Carver was brought into Loyola’s Trauma Center unconscious according to Berwyn fire officials.

Flipping to the top

By Nicole Foley

After the 2012 London Summer Olympics gymnastics has taken off in popular sports and Berwyn is up to speed with this latest exercise craze.

Girls gymnastics in Berwyn is held at PAV YMCA.  The girls range in age from 2 to 12, and since the Olympics more girls have been joining.

Maddison Zarbock, 8,  is one of them.

“I watched Gabby Douglas all summer and I want to be good like her,” she said.  “I think I can win a gold medal by the time I’m 16 years old — for America.”

Her mother, Debbie Zarbock, explained that Maddison’s cousin is a gymnast and made Maddison watch the Olympics to interest her in the sport.  It worked.  This past fall Maddison joined the Berwyn YMCA’s gymnastics team for the first time and loves it.

Young girls of all ages are learning how to keep themselves in shape while having fun at the same time.  It also teaches them discipline and pride.

“I love showing off my new skills to my friends.  It’s fun and they want to do it, too, now,” said Maddison.

Shhhh!… No more noise

By Nicole Foley

Living in a city most people expect there to be a lot of noise, but Berwyn has put an end to this assumption with a noise ordinance, banning unnecessary and unusual noises from vehicles.

The Berwyn police started enforcing the ordinance recently.

“The ordinance was put into effect because of the number of people that would drive the street blasting their stereos,” said Police Chief Jim Ritz. ”They would do it at all times of the day, including late at night when people are trying to sleep.”

“I thought maybe we could make ginger bread houses, and eat cookie dough…”

By Nicole Foley

Twenty five youngsters started a sugar-filled construction project when they visited Berwyn’s library this past Monday afternoon.

The library was hosting a “Create Your Own Gingerbread House” day.  The children visited the library after school Monday to take part in building their own gingerbread houses. 

Dominican Alumna and her Fashion Business in Berwyn

By Nancy Reyes

Modas Inc.

From studded peplum dresses, to gorgeous crochet-detailed blouses and ivory-chiffon minis who wouldn’t want to get into the spirit of winter fashion? With trend-setting items at a reasonable price Modas Inc. is a dream come true for those of us with expensive taste but not much money to spend.  Located on 6502 Cermak Road, Modas Inc. is known for its cocktail dresses and club apparel; and has currently become very popular among fashion-conscious students in the area.

Gabriela Lopez, local business owner of Modas Inc. and proud alumni of Rosary College (now known as Dominican University) shares with us her story of how she overcame some of the struggles of being a young entrepreneur in the 90’s and how she has grown to become a successful Latina business owner in the town of Berwyn today.

Lopez was raised in the south side of Chicago and attended Curie Metropolitan High School from 1983-1987. After high school she and her family moved to the suburbs. She says that her decision to go to college was influenced by her surroundings.

After moving to the suburbs, which according to Lopez were predominantly white communities, she would hear a lot about families sending their children off to college.

Lightin’ Up in Mzar Park

Families came out to see the trees and enjoy the carolers at Mzar Park last Saturday night. The trees were lit up at 4:30  and will be lighted through New Years.

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‘Svengoolie’ comes home to Berwyn

By Lavell Garner

Rich Koz, better known as his TV persona “Svengoolie” returned to his Berwyn home earlier this month after suffering a heart attack.

Koz spoke with Robert Fender of Timeout Chicago about how surprised he was to see how many of his fans actually took the time to send get-well cards and letters.

“’It’s pretty overwhelming to think about that. I haven’t had a chance to go online, but some of the guys from work brought printouts of things and a lot of the snail-mail letters and such that I’ve gotten. It’s really sweet of people. It’s very nice’,” Koz said.

It is unknown at this time when Koz will return to work.

The entire interview can be read at:

http://timeoutchicago.com/arts-culture/chicago-media-blog/15900641/home-for-the-holidays-koz-finds-support-‘pretty-overwhelminhttp%3A

Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. Learns From Finland

By Jonathan Salamanca

Finland’s education system offers hope to some seeking reform in Berwyn’s school districts.

Berwyn C.A.R.E.S and Prairie Oak School recently hosted a screening of the movie Finland Phenomenon: Inside the World’s Most Surprising School System followed by a discussion.  C.A.R.E.S’s President Robert Pauly spoke about Berwyn’s divided community and new hopes for change.

“As a community we need to be unified to achieve the goals that we’re trying to achieve, and Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. can help in that regard, whether you’re from North Berwyn or South Berwyn,” he said.

In the 1970s Finland’s educational system ranked low, according to Stanford scholar, Linda Darling-Hammond. But nation-wide changes in social support for students, standardized testing, and teaching certifications have brought Finland to rank among the top in international rankings.

According to Pauly, Berwyn’s elementary school district 98 and 100 rank in the 40 percentile and its high school ranks even lower — in the 15 percentile — in the state.

“Berwyn is in much of the same position that Finland was 40 years ago, when they decided to take a different look at the way they were educating their children,” he said.

Some of the educational steps and reforms that the film pointed out are not all tangible, as a parent commented, but the idea is to spread the word and motivate the professionals and parent to become active in the education system.

At the screening Pauly urged parents to join Berwyn C.A.R.E.S. or at least become a Facebook follower or committee member.  Pauly stressed the importance of active participation in the group.

These are just a few of the changes Finland has made since the 1970s:

• Students addressing of teachers on a first name basis to promote familiarity and comfort
• Students remaining in the same class group with the same teacher for several years to individualize and build on student-teacher relationships so that each student receives the appropriate attention
• Requiring teachers to have a master’s degree to teach

The film discusses the teacher’s certification in depth, stating how the profession in Finland is viewed a profession equivalent to law or medicine. According to the film more applicants apply than can be accepted. Only 10 percent of applicants pull through final certifications.

Youth organizations help the needy

 

By Anthony Garcia

Young people in Berwyn are taking the lead in bringing the holiday spirit to the less fortunate in Berwyn through organizations like Youth Crossroads and CIACO.

The non-profit Youth Crossroads is dedicated to helping the troubled or at-risk youth of Berwyn through any means necessary, providing free counseling and leadership programs and hosting events for the children and their families.

During the holiday season however, the young people helped by the organization look to give back to Berwyn, said Programs Director Joel Wallen.

“Throughout the year, they participated in dozens of volunteer opportunities in partnership with local governments, park districts and other social service agencies. When we presented the opportunity to help distribute food on Thanksgiving Day, it just seemed natural for them to volunteer,” Wallen said.

Czech, Please

Czech Plaza on Cermak

By Rene Howard-Paez

Long-standing Berwyn restaurant Czech Plaza is set to be featured in the hit WTTW-TV show “Check, Please.”

The show sends its reporters out to restaurants to try out their food and give it a review.

The Bohemian-style restaurant had the show’s cast and crew come out about a month ago according to Zdenka Menetti, daughter of the restaurant’s owners and currently the restaurant manager.

“They spent about four hours here, filming their person eating and one of our regulars eating as well,” she said.

Some of the dishes to be featured in the program include roast pork, roast duck tenderloin and beef goulash.

The program is set to air mid-January on WTTW-TV.

Czech Plaza is at 7016 W. Cermak Rd.

Galli Lucha Libre invades Berwyn

By Lavell Garner

Masked men are creating mayhem in Berwyn with flying armbars, suplexes, and powerbombs.

But have no fear, these men are luchadors – traditional Mexican wrestlers – and they keep the action inside the wrestling ring.

Galli Lucha Libre has been promoting this traditional Mexican sport in Berwyn in recent years.

Galli’s wrestlers are known for their fast-paced, flying through the air, in your face action.

Galli owner and promoter Carlos Robles took a round-about way to the wrestling ring.

“I basically went from being a Realtor to becoming Gym owner and Lucha Libre Promoter,” Robles said. “I handle hiring the wrestlers, finding sponsors and promoting the shows.”

Galli is actually an acronym for “Gladiadores Aztecas Lucha Libre Internacional,” which translates to Aztec Gladiators of International Lucha Libre. Robles said the organization came together almost accidentally.

Berwyn Vehicle Sticker Contest

By Lavell Garner

It’s that time of the year again, and it’s not because it’s the holiday season. Berwyn is kicking off its annual city-wide competition for the design of the 2013-2014 city vehicle stickers.

Entrants must be enrolled in 5^th through 8^th grades and must live within the city of Berwyn.

Creativity is key in this competition.

The subject matter of the design can be pretty much what the individual desires. The design being presented must be the individual’s own creation.

Entries must be sent to Ruth Volbre, Berwyn City Hall, 6700 W. 26^th St., Berwyn, IL 60402 by 3 p.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 9, 2013.

More information and submission form for the competition visit,

http://berwyn-il.gov/Portals/0/PDFs/Community/2013-2014CityStickerCompetition.pdf