 Let's Get Physical!
This year we've been walking on sunshine, walking for autism and walking for peace. Stay tuned as we may start walking on water, or at least in the neighborhood.
With summer comes hot fun in the summertime and in keeping in line with that we've started the Chicago Commons Fitness Club.
That's right folks, we are taking it to the streets and participating in walks in support of various causes. Currently we are recruiting leaders at various sites in our respective neighborhoods to coordinate weekly walk schedules. Monthly everyone will meet up and run or walk together.
We invite you to come join the fun as we get physical!
For more information email Erin Cross at crosse@chicagocommons.org or call 773.826.3771.
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Global Classrooms: Model UN Conference
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Keonte Griggs and Jazmine McGarry. |
On Friday, April 29, 2011 Chicago Commons in conjunction with the Educational Pathways became the first non-profit organization to participate
in the Chicago Global Classrooms Model UN conference.
Global Classrooms serves as a Model United Nations and prepares students for leadership positions and encourages students to develop civic awareness and informed perspectives on issues affecting all nations. 14 students represented various countries and topics on different committees.
Jazmine McGarry and Keonte Griggs received honorable mention at this year's Global Classroom Model UN conference for representation of Lebanon's position on the issue of Separate State Movements. They were presented the official Model UN Global Classrooms Security Council Placard signed by all the members of the High School Security Council Committee for the outstanding representation of Lebanon. |
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Raising Individual Success through Empowerment!
This past school year R.I.S.E. participants visited three colleges of their choice in the Illinois area. Participants were also responsible for assembling the annual "Spring Break Out of State" college tour where they spent four days visiting five colleges and universities in the Tennessee region. Below are a few comments from the 2011 tour:
"Being at a college that is diverse is very important to me because there are many ideas being shared. I have learned about different cultures, and it helps students get introduce to the real world. I really feel as though this trip helped a lot of the RISE students get closer. Southside kids and Westside kids started to become as one. People learned how to respect one another. During the tornado, students were so encouraging and thoughtful of one another." - Chantel Johnson
"Before this trip I was telling people I was going to go to trade school when that is a certificate to work on automobiles when I could be the man that creates them ... which is the major Mechanical Engineering. Without this trip I would have been settling for less, when I could see and learn more. ...I thank you Ms. Cassandra for the start you have had with us, the effort you put into this trip for us and the risk you have taken for me." - Lamar Lee
"Before the college tour I felt I wanted to enlist in the military, but Fisk University and MSU changed me whole prospect on what I'm going to do after high school. Not saying that I was going to regret my original plan, but now I will have a chance to experience both things I want in life if I attend Memphis University." - Darryl Barnett
R.I.S.E. is based on four main components which include academic enrichment, mentoring, leadership development, and parental involvement. Chicago Commons' intent is to develop the internal and external assets of our youth while partnering with neighborhood high schools to enhance their educational opportunities. Our youth program also seeks to leverage existing neighborhood assets in our target neighborhoods to complement the standard program components of our work. R.I.S.E. currently serves 31 Humboldt Park youth.
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Commons' Cure: Mango Madness
by Coretta Garner
 Who doesn't love summertime in Chicago? Our city comes alive with a myriad of wonderful sights, sounds and plenty of good eating. Unfortunately, the hustle and bustle of summer also means eating on the run more than we'd like to. But who says you can't live an active lifestyle and eat nutritious at the same time? After the long, harsh, Chicago winter, the time has finally come to shed the stews and chilis and go for more fun, light, and filling fare! Summer brings along with it colorful fruits and vegetables that are not only delicious, but packed with vitamins and nutrients the body needs.
The MANGO for example is a hearty summer fruit chocked full of good things our bodies thrive. The Mango originated in Southeast Asia and has grown there for over 4,000 years! Most of the mangos sold in the U.S. are imported from Mexico, Haiti, South America and the Caribbean. There are over 1,000 varieties of mangos grown throughout the world. Mangos are loaded with vitamins A and C and a rich anti-oxidant. Mangos aid the body in a number of ways. Having plumbing problems? Reach for a mango!
Mangos are the answer for any irregularity problems. Mangos provide the necessary dietary fiber the body needs to curb issues such as constipation, piles and spastic colon. An average sized mango provides up to 40% of your daily fiber requirement! Do you enjoy a good workout? Mangos are also a wonderful way to replenish any lost potassium. There are a ton of wonderful meals you can enhance with mangos such as salsas and fruit salads. Mangos also taste terrific in smoothies! The next time you're in your local grocery store, take a walk on the wild side and reach for a couple of tasty mangos. I guarantee, you won't be disappointed in this "super fruit"!
Coretta Garner is currently works for Chicago Commons
in Human Resources. For more questions on health and wellness contact Coretta at info@chicagocommons.org. |
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FY 2012 BOARD OF DIRECTORS SLATE | |
Chicago Commons as an organization would not be where it is today without the leadership and support of our Board of Directors. We would like to acknowledge and thank the following individuals for the legacy that is Chicago Commons. In addition, we introduce to you the officers who were elected during the Chicago Commons' Annnual Meeting on June 21, 2011.
Slate of Officers
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2011 Golf Invitational Sponsors
Where would we be without our wonderful sponsors who demonstrate their love and commitment to the work we do at Chicago Commons? Because of these companies and individuals the Chicago Commons 2011 Golf Invitational was a SOLD OUT event. An enormous thank you goes to the following sponsors for ensuring this years event will be a huge success:
Click here to view pictures of this years 2011 Golf Invitational. |
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Pour Out Your Heart
Join us on
November 4th at
Mercedes-Benz
of Chicago
for Pour Out Your Heart
for Commons!
Bid on silent auction
items amid Mercedes'
sexy, sleek luxury cars.
For more information
contact Sue G'Sell at
773.826.4256. |
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Kegger Roll to Disco Bowl!
Hitch a ride on the
Chicago Trolley to
Wilmette Bowling Center
on August 27th at
7PM for the
Kegger Roll to
Disco Bowl!
For more information
contact Erin Cross at 773.826.3771.
Must be 21+ year of age
to attend this event. I.D.
cards required for entry. |
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Fast Facts
 Did you know that 93% of every dollar we
receive goes directly
to our programs?
It's true! Every donation,
no matter how small,
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Quiz Question | |
Can you identify
this man?
The first person
to email us with
the name of the individual in the image above will
win a tote bag
full of goodies.
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Humboldt Park Portal 
This new website is filled with news about events and activities in Humboldt Park, including stories by the residents themselves! The portal uses modern technology to build connections and a sense of community |
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