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Hi! One Chicago Park District Park has the chance to win $25,000 for park improvements. There are 14 parks competing for this prize. To vote, please go to http://www.staplesdreampark.com/.
I have worked with several of the parks competing for this awesome opportunity and I would ask that, unless you already have a strong preference for a particular park, you consider voting for KELVYN PARK. The staff at Kelvyn is very responsible and dedicated and makes sure children and their parents are actively engaged in programs. They have been a joy to work with and would no doubt do great things for their community if awarded this prize .
26 October 2007
23 October 2007
More Payton Raine
Science Boy and I went to meet Payton Raine last night. She is super tiny and *way* cute!
22 October 2007
In loving Memory: Susan K. Roberts
In 2003, I applied for a job as the Director of Youth Services at the Grande Prairie Public library. In many ways, it was a dream job. This was my library as a little girl! I remember when they were building it, how excited we were. I remember working on a giant latch hook rug in the children's room and looking for books with my friend, Sonal.
On October 6, 2003 Susan K. Roberts, the Library Director, called to offer me the job. I was thrilled and accepted immediately.
For the next two years, I was very happy there. (I left after Science Boy and I moved to the City and I found work closer to our new home.) The staff of that library was amazing. (And one of those staff members became my beloved Science Boy!) The camaraderie and love shared there was extended to patrons. The circulation department at the library remains the best I have encountered anywhere in the world. All of that was nutured under Susan's leadership.
Susan was a wonderful Director, especially in the way she was always looking forward to what possibilities might be explored. She always supported any new ideas I (or anyone else) wanted to try out, whether that meant remaining open for 24-hours on the first anniversary of 9-11, staying open to register voters until midnight on the last day to regster before the 2004 Presidential elections, or writing a huge, mulit-library grant for a Library-Palooza! celebration. (We didn't get that grant, but Susan still went ahead a few years later and put on her own Library-Palooza program.)
Susan was also a whiz at writing grants and seeking out new opportunities for library support and funding. She truly loved the communities we served and did her best to provide the very best for them.
Personally, Susan could be a lot of fun. She loved her staff, her family, her pets. She had a grea capacity for empathy and listened when you spoke. She had an opinion on everything. She told great stories and argued passionaltely against Bush and the war. (She may be the only person I knew who hated him more than I do and we spent a lot of time agreeing on why he sucks.)
Susan died this morning after a short battle with lung cancer. She was only 60 years old. She had only recently decided to leave Grande Prairie after many, many years as the Director after being offered a poition in a library that would offer new challenges.
Susan touched the lives of all who knew her. We shall all be a bit poorer for her passing.
Edited to add: The Library will be closed on Sunday in memory of Susan.
On October 6, 2003 Susan K. Roberts, the Library Director, called to offer me the job. I was thrilled and accepted immediately.
For the next two years, I was very happy there. (I left after Science Boy and I moved to the City and I found work closer to our new home.) The staff of that library was amazing. (And one of those staff members became my beloved Science Boy!) The camaraderie and love shared there was extended to patrons. The circulation department at the library remains the best I have encountered anywhere in the world. All of that was nutured under Susan's leadership.
Susan was a wonderful Director, especially in the way she was always looking forward to what possibilities might be explored. She always supported any new ideas I (or anyone else) wanted to try out, whether that meant remaining open for 24-hours on the first anniversary of 9-11, staying open to register voters until midnight on the last day to regster before the 2004 Presidential elections, or writing a huge, mulit-library grant for a Library-Palooza! celebration. (We didn't get that grant, but Susan still went ahead a few years later and put on her own Library-Palooza program.)
Susan was also a whiz at writing grants and seeking out new opportunities for library support and funding. She truly loved the communities we served and did her best to provide the very best for them.
Personally, Susan could be a lot of fun. She loved her staff, her family, her pets. She had a grea capacity for empathy and listened when you spoke. She had an opinion on everything. She told great stories and argued passionaltely against Bush and the war. (She may be the only person I knew who hated him more than I do and we spent a lot of time agreeing on why he sucks.)
Susan died this morning after a short battle with lung cancer. She was only 60 years old. She had only recently decided to leave Grande Prairie after many, many years as the Director after being offered a poition in a library that would offer new challenges.
Susan touched the lives of all who knew her. We shall all be a bit poorer for her passing.
Edited to add: The Library will be closed on Sunday in memory of Susan.
It's a girl!
It's a girl!
My brother, Will, and his wife, Darcie, welcomed Miss Payton Raine Kalweit to the family last night at 6:05 p.m. I told my brother, Jim, that the Bears would win and that Payton would be born during a spectacular, last-second, game-winning touchdown...
Did I call that or what?
Payton weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces and is 19.75" long. Her big brother, Anthony, is enchanted by her. I am looking forward to heading to Munster Community Hospital tonight to meet the child and to assure her that I will *not* let her Uncle Jim call her Moose (after Muhsin Muhammad, who caught the TD). Yay!
Our beloved Grandpa Kalweit died 19 years ago yesterday. Having Payton join us on the same date gives us something to celebrate on October 21st! Huzzah!
(And, Bonus: Jim is probably coming to town next week. It's nice to have good stuff goin' on!)
This is Payton less than an hour after she arrived:
My brother, Will, and his wife, Darcie, welcomed Miss Payton Raine Kalweit to the family last night at 6:05 p.m. I told my brother, Jim, that the Bears would win and that Payton would be born during a spectacular, last-second, game-winning touchdown...
Did I call that or what?
Payton weighed in at 6 pounds, 15 ounces and is 19.75" long. Her big brother, Anthony, is enchanted by her. I am looking forward to heading to Munster Community Hospital tonight to meet the child and to assure her that I will *not* let her Uncle Jim call her Moose (after Muhsin Muhammad, who caught the TD). Yay!
Our beloved Grandpa Kalweit died 19 years ago yesterday. Having Payton join us on the same date gives us something to celebrate on October 21st! Huzzah!
(And, Bonus: Jim is probably coming to town next week. It's nice to have good stuff goin' on!)
This is Payton less than an hour after she arrived:
12 October 2007
I need to vent
Tonight, on my way home from the train, I was mugged.
A guy ran up behind me, grabbed my collar, and stuck something in my neck and told me to give him my money. I told him to hold on and opened my tote bag to get my wallet. He told me to get it quick or "I'll blow your fucking head off, Bitch." I told him hold on and he told me just give him the purse, so I did.
He ran across the street and started to look through the purse. (It looked like he didn't have a gun at all and was using his fingers; not that it was worth taking a chance over.) THEN, like, 3 seconds later, another guy came and told me to give him my money. I said, "I just gave your friend all my money, dumbass!" (In retrospect, probably not the smartest thing to say.) He stuck his hand in my jeans pocket (ick!) and said "What do you got in here?" I grabbed my lighter out and said, "I Have a lighter. Do you want that?" Guess not.
He reached for the other pocket. I said, "Those are just my car keys and my boyfriend has the car at work, so it won't do you any good." He took off, joined his friend, and ran down the street. They turned down my street. Those punks probably live on my block! Luckily, my phone was in my back pocket, so I called 911.
A man and woman came from across another block and waited with me until the police came. I am just so angry! This is my neighborhood, too, and I don't want to be scared walking home!
They got my license, credit card (already cancelled), debit card, checkbook, a check my Ma gave me for my birthday, makeup bag, hand lotion, $16, some receipts, and a John Legend iTunes card from Starbucks. Our new address is on the checks, but we have ADT security, so I think we'll be fine. Science Boy works nights and isn't home until close to midnight most nights.I am still shaking. (This happened at 7:52pm CST.)
And, while a part of me is scared, the overwhelming emotion is anger. Our neighborhood is considered kind of "bad," but that is mostly because it is fairly poor and predominently Black. (Racism is alive and well in Chicago.) People have been friendly and kind. My experiences have been overwhelmingly good. (For example, the man and woman who came and waited with me until the police came were kind.)
I don't want to revise that opinion because of two teenage punks. And I am angry at them for perpetuating the stereotype of young Black men being thugs. I have met many, many young Black men in much poorer neighborhoods than this who have been decent. My hope is that they are caught (I was able to give the police a decent description of height and what they were wearing) and get in huge trouble and that it is worth the damned $16 to them. And, now... I don't get home until dark most nights. There is no other way to get home. I will have to continue to walk in the dark. I walk down a main, well-lit street, but clearly that didn't do me any good tonight. What do I do? How do I make myself safer?
DAMN IT! What is wrong with people?!? How do you rob your neighbors?
A guy ran up behind me, grabbed my collar, and stuck something in my neck and told me to give him my money. I told him to hold on and opened my tote bag to get my wallet. He told me to get it quick or "I'll blow your fucking head off, Bitch." I told him hold on and he told me just give him the purse, so I did.
He ran across the street and started to look through the purse. (It looked like he didn't have a gun at all and was using his fingers; not that it was worth taking a chance over.) THEN, like, 3 seconds later, another guy came and told me to give him my money. I said, "I just gave your friend all my money, dumbass!" (In retrospect, probably not the smartest thing to say.) He stuck his hand in my jeans pocket (ick!) and said "What do you got in here?" I grabbed my lighter out and said, "I Have a lighter. Do you want that?" Guess not.
He reached for the other pocket. I said, "Those are just my car keys and my boyfriend has the car at work, so it won't do you any good." He took off, joined his friend, and ran down the street. They turned down my street. Those punks probably live on my block! Luckily, my phone was in my back pocket, so I called 911.
A man and woman came from across another block and waited with me until the police came. I am just so angry! This is my neighborhood, too, and I don't want to be scared walking home!
They got my license, credit card (already cancelled), debit card, checkbook, a check my Ma gave me for my birthday, makeup bag, hand lotion, $16, some receipts, and a John Legend iTunes card from Starbucks. Our new address is on the checks, but we have ADT security, so I think we'll be fine. Science Boy works nights and isn't home until close to midnight most nights.I am still shaking. (This happened at 7:52pm CST.)
And, while a part of me is scared, the overwhelming emotion is anger. Our neighborhood is considered kind of "bad," but that is mostly because it is fairly poor and predominently Black. (Racism is alive and well in Chicago.) People have been friendly and kind. My experiences have been overwhelmingly good. (For example, the man and woman who came and waited with me until the police came were kind.)
I don't want to revise that opinion because of two teenage punks. And I am angry at them for perpetuating the stereotype of young Black men being thugs. I have met many, many young Black men in much poorer neighborhoods than this who have been decent. My hope is that they are caught (I was able to give the police a decent description of height and what they were wearing) and get in huge trouble and that it is worth the damned $16 to them. And, now... I don't get home until dark most nights. There is no other way to get home. I will have to continue to walk in the dark. I walk down a main, well-lit street, but clearly that didn't do me any good tonight. What do I do? How do I make myself safer?
DAMN IT! What is wrong with people?!? How do you rob your neighbors?
07 September 2007
In Memoriam: Madeleine L'Engle
Obituaries of the amazing Madeleine L'Engle, who died last night, are beginning to appear on-line. The Associated Press obituary reports:Although L'Engle was often labeled a children's author, she disliked that classification. In a 1993 Associated Press interview, she said she did not write down to children.
"In my dreams, I never have an age," she said. "I never write for any age group in mind. When people do, they tend to be tolerant and condescending and they don't write as well as they can write.
"When you underestimate your audience, you're cutting yourself off from your best work."
I, like so many others, was riveted by A Wrinkle in Time as a child. When I re-read it to The Boy many years later, I found that it had held up well. I still rate it high on the list of books I love and that have stayed with me all my life. Thankfully, though she has left us, her wonderful works will remain to touch each new generation that encounters them.
One of my favorite L'Engle quotes:
"It is not clever to underestimate yourself."
edited to add: The New York Times now has an obituary on-line.
breaking (sad) news
Madeleine L’Engle died last night in Connecticut, at the age of 88. Best known for her 1963 Newbery Award winner A Wrinkle in Time and its sequels, L’Engle was the author of more than 60 books for adults and young readers.
I will update this soon, just wanted to post this news. I am going to try to e-mail The Boy in Germany, as she is a special favorite of his...
I will update this soon, just wanted to post this news. I am going to try to e-mail The Boy in Germany, as she is a special favorite of his...
23 August 2007
In Memoriam: Grace Paley
Grace Paley, amazing author and social activist died yesterday. She was 84 years old. There is a good obituary at The New York Times and a good piece at NPR, complete with links to audio files.
I especially like the end of the NPR piece: Grace Paley's voice was ardent, delicious, idealistic and funny... whenever people told Paley they loved one of her stories, she would say, "So, what's wrong with the rest?"
Nothing at all, Grace. Rest in Peace.
I especially like the end of the NPR piece: Grace Paley's voice was ardent, delicious, idealistic and funny... whenever people told Paley they loved one of her stories, she would say, "So, what's wrong with the rest?"
Nothing at all, Grace. Rest in Peace.
Congratulations, Gary Paulsen!
The Chicago Tribune reports: "The Chicago Tribune Young Adult Literary Prize -- to Gary Paulsen for a distinguished career during which he has authored more than 175 books for children and adults, including Hatchet, Dogsong and The Winter Room, all Newberry Honor Books."
Not only is the award well deserved, but -even better! - the article goes on to say: "Paulsen will be given his prize at the Harold Washington Library Center at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, during the Children's Humanities Festival."
Huzzah! Read the whole story here.
Not only is the award well deserved, but -even better! - the article goes on to say: "Paulsen will be given his prize at the Harold Washington Library Center at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, during the Children's Humanities Festival."
Huzzah! Read the whole story here.
21 August 2007
Maybe this shouldn't surprise me...
... but this story from Yahoo made me very, very sad:
"One in four adults say they read no books at all in the past year, according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll released Tuesday. Of those who did read, women and seniors were most avid, and religious works and popular fiction were the top choices."
I am going to try to take some small crumb of comfort from the fact that there are avid readers I know who read magazines and newspapers constantly, so their not reading books doesn't mean they aren't readers.
But, even so...
Damn.
"One in four adults say they read no books at all in the past year, according to an Associated Press-Ipsos poll released Tuesday. Of those who did read, women and seniors were most avid, and religious works and popular fiction were the top choices."
I am going to try to take some small crumb of comfort from the fact that there are avid readers I know who read magazines and newspapers constantly, so their not reading books doesn't mean they aren't readers.
But, even so...
Damn.
13 August 2007
A Time for Love
Huzzah! We got tickets to see Stevie on September 10th! The concert sold out pretty quick, so we're feeling pretty lucky. Yay, yay, YAY! I feel like we got the golden ticket!
03 August 2007
Richton Perk - coupon and official Grand Opening info
As many of you know, my parents' coffee shop, Richton Perk, opened quietly a few weeks ago. Now, they're getting ready to celebrate!
They'll have an official Grand Opening on Monday, August 6, beginning at 1pm. Richton Park Mayor, Richard Reinbold, will preside over the festivities. They'll be be offering specials and samples all afternoon, so if you're n the area, stop by and say hi!
Also, they will be open Saturdays, 7am to noon beginning on Saturday, August 11.
Below, please find a coupon good for $1 off any purchase, good for next week, 8/06 through 8/11. (The coupon is also at http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/book-kitten/Richton%20Perk/?action=view¤t=coupon.jpg)
If you have a myspace page, you can add them as a friend -- or even just check out their page, at http://www.myspace.com/richtonperk.
Thanks to everyone who has already stopped by. I hope you've had good experiences and can honestly recommend them to friends.
Peace and love to all,
Katharine
They'll have an official Grand Opening on Monday, August 6, beginning at 1pm. Richton Park Mayor, Richard Reinbold, will preside over the festivities. They'll be be offering specials and samples all afternoon, so if you're n the area, stop by and say hi!
Also, they will be open Saturdays, 7am to noon beginning on Saturday, August 11.
Below, please find a coupon good for $1 off any purchase, good for next week, 8/06 through 8/11. (The coupon is also at http://s94.photobucket.com/albums/l95/book-kitten/Richton%20Perk/?action=view¤t=coupon.jpg)
If you have a myspace page, you can add them as a friend -- or even just check out their page, at http://www.myspace.com/richtonperk.
Thanks to everyone who has already stopped by. I hope you've had good experiences and can honestly recommend them to friends.
Peace and love to all,
Katharine
02 August 2007
Woo-hoo!
Seriously excited to learn that the incomparable Stevie Wonder is coming to Chicago in September. He is one of my Favorite. Musicians. EVAH. I plan to be there!
10 July 2007
worth a look...
I'm not sure how I happened upon it, but I found I have bookmarked Trevor's Blog, which features absolutely lovely original artwork. If you have a chance, take a peek.
Get a cuppa Joe!
This morning, my parents opened a new coffee shop: Richton Perk. It is located right next to the Richton Park Metra stop. Woo-hoo!
I haven't been there since they first bought the building, but I can tell you that a lot of thought and planning and care and stress has gone into this. They have opened quietly, with no fanfare except a "now open" sign. They're planning to have a Grand Opening toward the end of the month, once they've had a chance to work any first-days bugs out.
Right now, they are offering coffee (iced and hot), tea (iced and hot), smoothies, frapuccino, as well as homemade sandwiches and salads. (I can tell you from past experience that Ma makes *great* sandwiches!)
The hours are limited to Monday-Friday, 5am - 3pm for now. They're looking to extend those hours in the future, but for now, I think Ma will have a nervous breakdown if she doesn't get some rest!
If you're in the area, please consider stopping by for a cuppa. And let me know how it is! (We're hoping to get down there soon.)
Richton Perk
3812 Sauk Trail
Richton Park, IL
708.481.3700
update: Richton Perk now has a myspace page: www.myspace.com/richtonperk. Check it out!
I haven't been there since they first bought the building, but I can tell you that a lot of thought and planning and care and stress has gone into this. They have opened quietly, with no fanfare except a "now open" sign. They're planning to have a Grand Opening toward the end of the month, once they've had a chance to work any first-days bugs out.
Right now, they are offering coffee (iced and hot), tea (iced and hot), smoothies, frapuccino, as well as homemade sandwiches and salads. (I can tell you from past experience that Ma makes *great* sandwiches!)
The hours are limited to Monday-Friday, 5am - 3pm for now. They're looking to extend those hours in the future, but for now, I think Ma will have a nervous breakdown if she doesn't get some rest!
If you're in the area, please consider stopping by for a cuppa. And let me know how it is! (We're hoping to get down there soon.)
Richton Perk
3812 Sauk Trail
Richton Park, IL
708.481.3700
update: Richton Perk now has a myspace page: www.myspace.com/richtonperk. Check it out!
22 June 2007
Quote o' the Day
"Ring the bells that still can ring. Forget your perfect offering. There is a crack in everything. That's how the light gets in." (Leonard Cohen)
01 June 2007
I hope I don't die in a plane crash!
Thanks, Erinello!
Your Score: Carole Lombard
You scored 19% grit, 9% wit, 47% flair, and 40% class!
You're a little bit of a fruitcake, but you always act out in style. You have a good sense of humor, are game for almost anything, but you like to have nice things about you and are attracted to the high life. You're stylish and modern, but you've got a few rough edges that keep you from attaining true sophistication. Your leading men include William Powell, Fredric March, and Clark Gable. Watch out for small planes.
The Classic Dames Test written by gidgetgoes on OkCupid Free Online Dating
31 May 2007
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