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Musical memorial
Hyde Park’s own Willie Pickens and other members of the “Jim Wagner All Stars,” named in memory of Wagner, who was instrumental in bringing jazz to Hyde Park, perform Thursday afternoon to kick off the Chicago Jazz Festival.
Ray, Murray teachers to return to classes
By Daschell M. Phillips
Staff Writer
Ray and Murray Elementary Schools report that much of their programs and teachers will return to the schools this fall. Both schools faced turbulent times this spring trying to readjust to Chicago Public School budget cut constraints.
In anticipation of $106 million in federal funds that will prevent it from maxing out its reserve funds, CPS approved a $6.4 billion budget at its Aug. 25 board meeting, which means class sizes will not increase and many public schools will keep their teachers and specialty programs.
Bernadette Butler, principal of Ray, 5631 S. Kimbark Ave., said she is very happy that most of her positions would be restored and that her school would keep its World Language Magnet Cluster School status.
“We will keep our fulltime kindergarten and our Spanish classes,” said Butler, who participated in a teacher/student-led march to local legislators’ state Rep. Barbara Flynn Currie (D-25) and state Sen. Kwame Raoul’s (D-13) offices last spring to lobby for funding to keep language programs and teachers at Ray. “But we lost half of our English as a Second Language position so we are still working to get that restored to full time.”
Butler said that Ray is the only school in Hyde Park that offers ESL classes for children and that it is a big draw for University of Chicago professors who move to the neighborhood from different countries that want their children to learn English.
In addition to the excitement of adding 7th grade — and next year 8th grade — to Murray, 5335 S. Kenwood Ave., principal Greg Mason said he was pleased that long-time librarian Eileen Holzhauer and art teacher Duone Brown would be able to come back as full-time teachers.
Tempers flared at Murray’s March meeting when the local school council announced that the then-proposed CPS budget cuts required them to make the librarian and art teacher positions part time. The Murray community was also divided in conflict when a group of concerned parents asked if they could fundraise to keep the librarian position full time. Other parents and a few teachers said that move showed no regard for Brown, whose history at the school is less extensive than Holzhauer’s, whose 15 years at Murray also includes volunteer work and teaching.
Murray LSC member Sheila Wesonga hosted an event on the first day of school honoring Gov. Pat Quinn “for making sure no cuts were made to the elementary school.”
d.phillips@hpherald.com
  Bicycle blaze
 Blackstone Bike Works loses 400 bikes to fire

Blackstone Bicycle Works is open for business, despite a weeknight fire that destroyed their inventory and the trailer it was held in. The fire did not touch Experimental Station, 6100 S. Blackstone Ave., the building in which the bike shop is housed.
“Our immediate needs — I hate to say it — it’s really financial,” said Connie Spreen, “Taking in more bikes right now is problematic just because I can’t get rid of that trailer ... because of insurance issues.”
Ironically, this bad news comes on the heels of news that the shop received a matching grant from an anonymous source, meaning any donations to the shop will double in value.
Tyjuan Edwards, who has been an employee at the bike shop since June, 2008 and volunteered there before that, said the organization’s not-for-profit status means they rely on the support of the community.
“We lost 400 bikes and we are a not-for-profit so we need to work on getting more donations as opposed to dwelling in the past,” Edwards said.
The Blackstone Bicycle works trains young people how to repair bicycles; the youth eventually earn a bike of their own. Edwards said the shop is regularly visited by roughly 150 young people currently, 50 to 60 daily.
Spreen said she discovered the fire damage with a group of young people early Tuesday morning. They were on their way to tour a farm that day and had planned an early start when they saw the charred remains of the trailer.
The officers who were called to the scene told Spreen the Chicago Fire Department had put the blaze out the night before. An arson expert said the fire was not set intentionally.
“The immediate need is truly for finances to help us get through this next month — especially this next month...
“In October, having bike donations will be very good. In September, having bike donations right now is not. It would fill up the whole Experimental Station,” Spreen said.
Supporters can donate online at experimentalstation.org or write a check to Experimental Station, with a note in the memo that the money is for the bike shop. Since a portion of online donations are taken by the online service, mailing checks directly to Experimental Station ensures all of the money gets to them, Spreen said.
  Teamsters close to contract
By Sam Cholke
Staff Writer

After nearly a year of negotiations, Teamsters at the University of Chicago will vote on a new 2-year contract.
Union leadership said they were not thrilled with the terms of the contract, but would recommend the membership vote yes.
“If they’re not going to come up (on raises), we’ve got to reduce the term of the contract and get out of this hole quickly,” said Mary Bonnema, a steward for the union that was in on the contract negotiations.
The last contract expired in January and negotiations have been ongoing since November 2009. The union will go back into contract negotiations in a little over a year.
The new contract offers the more than 1,000 union clerical workers at the university a 2 percent raise in 2010 and 2011 and a $200 bonus next year.
“We were hoping for 3 percent like we’ve been getting,” Bonnema said. “They won’t budge on raises at this point.”
The negotiations were interrupted in May by a leadership change at Teamsters when current union President Larry Davis ousted Richard Berg and his representatives at the university. Bonnema and other stewards were suspicious that the university tried to use the leadership transition to its advantage in negotiations.
“People just didn’t know what was going on and they capitalized on that,” Bonnema said.
Union leadership said the members are now better organized and will push for a better contract next year.
“We’re going to push as hard as is required,” said union President Larry Davis.
The union is working opposite a new negotiating team on the university side. In January, the university brought on John Panico, formerly the director of collective bargaining for New York City Transit, an agency known for worker strikes and fierce battles over contracts.
“Panico is an entirely different breed from what we’ve worked with in the past,” Bonnema said.
Union leadership expected the members to ratify the contract offer.
s.cholke@hpherald.com
HYDE PARK HAPPENINGS
week starting September 8, 2010
Calendar deadline is noon Thursday before Wednesday publication. Submit calendar items to the editor by fax: 643-8542, e-mail: calendar@hpherald.com or mail:  1435 E. Hyde Park Blvd., Chicago, IL  60615

Ongoing
 Auditions. The Hyde Park Youth Symphony is holding auditions for its Senior Symphony, Intermediate Orchestra and Junior Strings sections. E-mail auditions@hpys.org to schedule an appointment on the following days: Thursdays: Sept. 9 or 16 between 4 and 6:30 p.m.; Sept. 23 or 30 at 4 p.m. or 5:30 p.m. There are openings at all levels, for all instruments: winds, strings, brass and percussion. hpys.org for more details and audition requirements

Music class. Marsha’s Music fall semester begins Sept. 20 and lasts 11 weeks through Dec. 12. Joan’s Studio, 1438 E. 57th St. Contact Marsha for more information at 773-288-3815 or visit marshasmusic.com

Wednesday, Sept. 8

Meditation. Soto Zen meditation —instruction at 5 p.m. for those who are new to this practice, followed by 35 minutes of meditation. All welcome, from any tradition or background. Free. 5-6:30 p.m. / Rockefeller Chapel, 1156 E. 59 St. / 773-702-2100

TriYoga classes. Level 2 gently flowing, meditative, transformative. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. / 5124 S. Cornell Ave. / to reserve your space and for more information, call Maretta at 773-643-5460 / or e-mail mjeuland@hotmail.com

Power yoga. Vinyasa Power Yoga at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. Open to all levels. $10 per class and the first class is free. 6-7:15 p.m. / Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. / for more information, visit restyourbrainyoga.com

Jazzercise. Cardio - Strength - Stretch for all ages and fitness levels.  9:30 a.m. / First Baptist Church of Chicago, 935 E. 50 St. / Call Sarah Ball 773-633-7132 or hydeparkjazz@gmail.com

Thursday, Sept. 9

TriYoga classes. Gently flowing, meditative, transformative. 9:15 a.m. (level 1) and 7:30 p.m. (beginner) / 5124 S. Cornell Ave. / To R.S.V.P., call Maretta at 773-643-5460 / or e-mail mjeuland@hotmail.com

Hyde Park Farmers Market. Visit the Hyde Park Farmers Market every Thursday for fresh fruit, vegetables, plants, flowers and more. Free and open to the public / 7 a.m.-1 p.m. / 5200 S. Harper Ave.

Stepping and bid whist. With DJ Roy. $10 general admission, $5 students with ID. / 7:30 p.m. / Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave. / 773-684-1472

Friday, Sept. 10

Public forum. The Hyde Park-headquartered Campaign to End the Death Penalty (CEDP) will host a public forum called “Police Torture ... Burge Convicted! Now What?” Discussion of the upcoming Federal sentencing of former Chicago Police commander Jon Burge. Music by exonerated Death Row prisoner Darby Tillis. Light refreshments will be served. Suggested donation $5. 7-9 p.m. / University Church, 5655 S. University Ave., / for more information, call Mark A. Clements, CEDP administrator at 847-276-1382 / or e-mail mark@nodeathpenalty.org / nodeathpenalty.org

Live blues. $10 general admission, $5 students with ID / 8 p.m.-2 a.m. / Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave. / 773-684-1472

Courtyard jazz. Noon-2 p.m. / Hyde Park Shopping Center at 55th Street and Lake Park Ave.

Weight loss challenge. Weekly nutrition classes and “biggest loser” contest. Receive a personal coach. Contribute $29, and biggest weight losers win first, second and third prizes. The more students, the larger the winnings. To register, call Brenetta Cheeks at 773-441-4391

Jazzercise. Cardio - Strength - Stretch for all ages and fitness levels.  9:30 a.m. / First Baptist Church of Chicago, 935 E. 50 St. / Call Sarah Ball 773-633-7132 or hydeparkjazz@gmail.com

Saturday, Sept. 11

Baby music class. Marsha’s Music is offering a free Music Together demonstration class for children from ages birth to 5 years old. 10 a.m. / Joan’s Studio, 1438 E. 57th St. / 773-288-3815

Free lecture. Public lecture on Egypt. In this lecture, Otto Schaden, who discovered the enigmatic tomb No. 63 in the Valley of the Kings, will bring us up to date on the finds including the coffins, pottery and seal impressions. A light reception follows the program. 5 p.m. / The Oriental Institute, 1155 E. 58th St., in the LaSalle Bank Room / for more information call 773-702-1062 / arcechicago.com

TriYoga classes. Gently flowing, meditative, transformative. 9 a.m. (level 2) and 10:50 a.m. (level 1) / 5124 S. Cornell Ave. / To R.S.V.P., call Maretta at 773-643-5460 / or email mjeuland@hotmail.com.

Live blues. $10 general admission, $5 students with ID. 8 p.m.-2 a.m. / Checkerboard Lounge, 5201 S. Harper Ave. / 773-684-1472

61st Street Farmers Market. With more than 20 vendors, the 61st Street Farmers Market offers locally and sustainably grown, seasonal fruits, vegetables, meats, cheeses, bakery items, eggs and dairy products, prepared foods and flowers. In addition, every market day features educational activities for adults and children at the Market School, as well as demonstrations by Chicago chefs. Free / 9 a.m.-2 p.m. / 61st St. between Dorchester and Blackstone avenues.

Sunday, Sept. 12

Children’s music class. Marsha’s Music is offering a free Music Together demonstration class for children from ages birth to 8 months old. 5 p.m. / Joan’s Studio, 1438 E. 57th St. / 773-288-3815

Audition. Hyde Park Community Players invites you to an organizational meeting for our planned late-October performance of “An Evening of Classic Horror and Suspense in the Old Time Radio tradition.”  They are looking for voices to read, sing or make sound effects, as well as crew. 7 p.m. / 1401 E. Hyde Park Blvd., NO. 302 (ring No. 24) / contact Paul Baker for more information at 773-319-9249

Monday, Sept. 13

Free dancing. Summer Java Jive offers free beginning swing lesson from 8-9 p.m. followed by free dancing until midnight. Free. 8-midnight / Ida Noyes Hall, 1212 East 59th St., in the library

TriYoga class (level 1). Gently flowing, meditative, transformative. 7:30 p.m. / 5124 S. Cornell Ave. / To R.S.V.P., call Maretta at 773-643-5460 / or e-mail mjeuland@hotmail.com

Morning aerobics. Ages 18 and up. 7:50-8:50 a.m. / Hyde Park Jewish Community Center of Chicago, 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd. / call Tammie at 773-966-1065

Children’s gymnastics. Ages 5-12. 3:30-5:30 p.m. / Hyde Park Jewish Community Center of Chicago, 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd. / call Brian at 773-966-1067

Hip Hop adult workout. Ages 18 and up. 11 a.m.-noon and 4-5 p.m. / Hyde Park Jewish Community Center of Chicago, 5200 S. Hyde Park Blvd. / call Brian at 773-966-1067

Weight loss challenge. Weekly nutrition classes and “biggest loser” contest. Receive a personal coach. Contribute $29, and biggest weight losers win first, second and third prizes. The more students, the larger the winnings. To register, call Brenetta Cheeks at 773-441-4391

Informal playgroup. For children 1-3 and their caregivers. $5 drop-in fee or $40 for 10-class pass. 9:30-11:30 a.m. / Baby Ph.D., Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. / phdccn@gmail.com

Jazzercise. Cardio, strength-building and stretching for all ages and fitness levels. 9:30 a.m. / First Baptist Church of Chicago, 935 E. 50th St. / 773-633-7132 / hydeparkjazz@gmail.com

Lotus Living Center classes. All Ball Fitness, 9:30-10 a.m.; EZ Total Body stretching, 10:15-10:45 a.m.; gentle yoga, 12:30-1:30 p.m. First class free / Lotus Living Center, 1715 E. 55th St. / 847-224-0138 or 312-493-9766, lotuslivingcenter.com

Golden Diners. 11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. / Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. / 773-643-4062

Tuesday, Sept. 14

Baby music class. Marsha’s Music is offering a free Music Together demonstration class for children from ages birth to 5 years old. 10 a.m. / Joan’s Studio, 1438 E. 57th St. / 773-288-3815

TriYoga beginner class. Gently flowing, meditative, transformative. 9:15 a.m. / 5124 S. Cornell Ave. / To R.S.V.P., call Maretta at 773-643-5460 / or e-mail mjeuland@hotmail.com

Wednesday, Sept. 15

TriYoga classes (level 2). Gently flowing, meditative, transformative. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. / 5124 S. Cornell Ave. / To R.S.V.P. call Maretta at 773-643-5460 / or e-mail mjeuland@hotmail.com

Jazz duets series. 7 p.m.-9:30 p.m. Park 52, 5201 S. Harper Ave. / 773-241-5200

TriYoga classes. Level 2 Gently flowing, meditative, transformative. 9 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. / 5124 S. Cornell Ave. / to reserve your space and for more information, call Maretta at 773-643-5460 / or e-mail mjeuland@hotmail.com

Meditation. Soto Zen meditation —instruction at 5 p.m. for those who are new to this practice, followed by 35 minutes of meditation. All welcome, from any tradition or background. Free. 5-6:30 p.m. / Rockefeller Chapel, 1156 E. 59 St. / 773-702-2100

Power yoga in Hyde Park. Vinyasa Power Yoga at the Hyde Park Neighborhood Club. Open to all levels. $10 per class and the first class is free. 6-7:15 p.m. / Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave. / for more information, visit restyourbrainyoga.com

Jazzercise. Cardio - strength - stretch for all ages and fitness levels.  9:30 a.m. / First Baptist Church of Chicago, 935 E. 50 St. / Call Sarah Ball 773-633-7132 or hydeparkjazz@gmail.com

Meetings

Wednesday

CAPS Beat 2132 6:30-7:30 p.m. / Treasure Island, 1526 E. 55th St. / 312-747-2930

Thursday

Nichols Park Advisory Council. 7 p.m. / Nichols fieldhouse, 1355 E. 53rd St.

Cafe Society moderated discussion at Valois Cafeteria / 7 p.m. / 1518 E. 53rd St.

Saturday

RainbowPUSH weekly forum. Rev. Jesse Jackson’s live broadcast is heard on CAN-TV Ch. 36 and WGRB-AM radio 1390. 10 a.m. / RainbowPUSH headquarters, 930 E. 50th St. / 773-373-3366

Sunday

HPKCC annual meeting and election. 3 p.m. / Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kenwood Ave.

Monday

53rd Street TIF. 7-8 p.m. / Kenwood High School, 5015 S. Blackstone Ave., in the Little Theater. / For more information contact Ald. Toni Preckwinkle’s (4th) office at tpreckwinkle@cityofchicago.org

Wednesday

CAPS Beat 2131 and 2133. 6:30-7:30 p.m. / Hyde Park Neighborhood Club, 5480 S. Kendwood Ave. / 312 747-2930