Meet Illinois State Rep. Lou Lang February 19

BizPics: Headshots for Business, Sunday, May 21

If you need a new headshot for social media, a website, media relations or other purposes, I'd love to make it for you. My next BizPics shoot is at Creative Coworking in Evanston Sunday, May 21, 2017.

If you find the prospect of getting your portrait made daunting, but you know you need one, this is the shoot for you. These shoots are fun, a cross between a fashion shoot and a party. If you come, you'll get some smart pictures made of yourself while having a good time. In fact, consider bringing a friend or loved one.

Skokie's Dr. Susan Becker Doroshow
 

This in from Skokie dentist, Dr. Susan Becker Doroshow, about BizPics: The business portrait that Karen made was literally the springboard for a revitalized practice image, new marketing materials, and a clear brand that truly resonates with my patients and staff. I never knew that a photograph could accomplish so much. Karen is an artist and creative genius!

From non-profit executive Thomas Applegate: I finally took advantage of the opportunity with...BizPics to get new photos for use online at Linkedin, Facebook and all of the rest. A great current photo is essential for my professional and social image online.

Karen and her crew are great to work with at the shoot. Even though I wasn't nervous about having my picture taken, I was pleasantly surprised at how much fun it was. Karen...made it fun and easy. I met other professionals while we waited for our turn and that casual conversation helped my photos look relaxed and natural. The process from sign up to selection of my favorite shots was quick and easy.

My only regret is that I waited so long to sign up for a shoot.

Registration and details for the May 21 shoot are up at https://bizpicsmay21.eventbrite.com.

Tuvya Miller's Yamakas

Oh, the people and things one sees at Starbucks.

I met Tuvya Miller while coworking at Starbucks (the one on Dempster just west of Crawford). What a coincidence! He was wearing his Starbucks yamaka.

He mentioned he has many with brands on them. Some favorites include the watermelon-patterned one and the one with the Google Chrome symbol on it.

I appreciate his observance of religious tradition with a nod to secular contemporary culture and his personal style.

Nice to meet you, Tuvya. Thanks for the conversation.

My Ultimate Dinner Party

as of December 20, 2014

My ultimate dinner party would include, in no particular order:

John Patrick Shanley, Steve Edwards, Maria Shriver, Jan Schakowsky, Gwen Moore, David Isay (and maybe his mom, Jane), Terry Gross, Tavis Smiley, Stephen Colbert, Jon Stewart, George Clooney, Frances Willard, Jane Addams, Einstein, Eleanor Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter, Sara Paretsky, Malcolm Gladwell, Tara Brach, Jesus, Pope Francis, Buddah, Muhammed Yunus, Al Gore, Dick Peach, David Putrus, Tricia Egan, Hillary Johnson, Kitty Kurth, Kevin Lampe, Barak and Hilary.

Maybe I'd include some of my kids, like Amber Gibson, Eldridge Shannon, Lilian Odish and Dr. Mohammed Nayyef.

I believe everyone would have a good time at this dinner. (If Barak and Hillary don't want to talk to each other, that is okay. All these people have great things to offer.)

Yes, I know. A few of these folks are quite unavailable.

Yes, I've left some loved ones and really cool people off the list.

An ultimate wish is that I'd have a good time at this party. I'm not always comfortable with crowds. Also I wish, if this even happened that I'd not act like an idiot like the time I met Muhammed Yunus.  (I can tell you more about it in person.) I like to think I don't get starstruck, but I do.

First we'd have cocktails (and just see what Frances Willard has to say about that) and passed appetizers.

I'd have no assigned seating for dinner, as I'd be interested in who ends up sitting by whom. I'd hope that Jon Stewart and Stephen Colbert don't just huddle in a corner cracking up each other.

I think there would be no "plus-ones", but I'm on the fence about that right now. I think Tipper Gore (who I hear is not with Al these days) and Rosalynn Carter would have a lot to talk about.

All these folks intrigue me.

Some I've met, some I've not.

Some of them have influenced me greatly.

Who would be at your ultimate dinner party?

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Photos (from top): Amber Gibson, Gwen Moore and Jan Schakowsky and Muhammed Yunus.

Photos by © Karen Kring

Skokie native Sharon Karp's A Song for You screens at Illinois Holocaust Museum Sunday

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This just in...

The Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center hosts a public screening of the film A Song for You on Sunday, July 13 at 1:30 p.m.  The filmmaker Sharon Karp and co-director Silvia Malagrino will be on hand for discussion after the screening.

Throughout the film, Skokie native Sharon Karp comes to grips with her family history and weaves interviews with her mother, fragments of a book her father wrote, home movies and historical footage. The film tells the story of how Karp’s parents, George and Gisela Karp, with their infant daughter escaped the Nazis by crossing the Pyrenees with the help of the French Resistance. Sometimes only steps ahead of Hitler’s troops, the Karp family was on the run for five harrowing years.

“It has taken seven long years to make this film,” said Karp. “During the process, I was forced to confront my own trauma as a child of survivors. I also discovered that the miracle of my family’s survival was achieved through strength of will, courage and the help of other people who risked their own lives.”

Karp is a founding member of the Chicago-based film collective Kartemquin Films. In 1995 she formed her own video and post-production house, Media Monster.

Silvia Malagrino is an international award-winning artist, filmmaker and native of Buenos Aires, Argentina. Malagrino is a recipient of numerous grants and awards. Recently, she was awarded with the State of Illinois Distinguished Artist award for her contributions to Art and Society.

This program is free with Museum admission and free for Museum members.

For reservation information, go to www.ilholocaustmuseum.org/events.

Located at 9603 Woods Dr, in Skokie, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the Holocaust by honoring the memories of those who were lost and by teaching universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice and indifference. The Museum fulfills its mission through the exhibition, preservation and interpretation of its collections and through education programs and initiatives that foster the promotion of human rights and the elimination of genocide.

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Kristin Lems at Starbucks

updated July 22, 2013
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Had a great time on Saturday/June 15 with the crowd at Starbucks (on Dempster by Karlov) as we listened to Evanston's own singer-songwriter Kristin Lems tell stories and sing in French, Persian and English--her own songs and others--about spirit and challenge.

To be clear, while Kristin is a neighbor, she's known worldwide.
Learn more about her from this piece by Skokie-based Myrna Petlicki for the Evanston Review and another piece published by the Illinois Times.

Kristin plays that Skokie Starbucks again on August 17, 7-9 p.m.
Freewill donation is being asked for, so bring some cash, some gift cards or...hmm, whatever.

Before she comes back to Skokie, she'll be at the Evanston Lakeshore Arts Festival on August 4, 11 a.m. - noon, on the stage at Dawes Park at Sheridan Rd. and Church St. The festival and free and open to the public.

Volunteers needed for Food Pantry drive September 8

This in from Illinois Democratic Network's Niles Township DemNet...

Collected during the June collection at Jewel.

Hi Everyone,

We've planned ahead for the September food drive for the Niles Township Food Pantry, knowing that everyone's schedule gets filled quickly that month.

Our September drive is set for Saturday, September 8th, at the Jewel near Old Orchard, 9949 N. Skokie Boulevard in Skokie.

On Saturdays, the Jewel is busiest from 9:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., so we will be covering those hours. We like to have four volunteers for each shift so we can cover both entrances.

Can you help? Please let me know your availability for one or more of the shifts and indicate your first, second, and third choice. I'll confirm your scheduled time after I receive responses.
The shifts are:
9:30 – 11:00
11:00 – 12:30
12:30 – 2:00
2:00 – 3:30

Cathy Struzynski can still use volunteers for the drive on Sunday, August 19th. Please let her know if you can help and what times you're available at cathystruzynski@yahoo.com.

Thanks so much for all you do!

Leah Yarrow
lkyarrow@yahoo.com

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To receive news about the Niles Township Food Pantry and other opportunities to volunteer, you can subscribe to Illinois Democratic Network's Niles Township DemNet, go to http://groups.yahoo.com/group/IDN_NilesTownshipDemNet/ .

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Get out your party hats: Rocky Horror Picture Show's coming back to Skokie

Screening to help fight against ALS

Pillars of the Skokie community invite the whole North Shore and Chicago area to this rare event: On Friday, August 24, after the Backlot Bash, the Skokie Theatre will show Rocky Horror Picture Show.

Proceeds from the screening will benefit the Les Turner ALS Foundation. Pat Hanley, corporation counsel for the Village of Skokie, was diagnosed with ALS (also known as Lou Gehrig's disease) in March. 

Helping Pat has inspired this encore showing. Some might remember the last Rocky Horror screening in Skokie was two years ago.

Downtown Skokie's Scott Holtz fills us in on the screening's details.

LFS:  Looking forward to seeing Rocky Horror Picture Show again. Last time I saw it was when you screened it during Skokie's Backlot Bash 2010. What inspires this encore?

Scott: I have been asked to make that night happen again at the Skokie Theatre over and over...I found a good cause, so now is the time. The uncertain future of the Skokie Theatre also slowed my efforts.
LFS: Will Pat Hanley be able to join us at the show?

Scott: My best sources tell me Pat will be attending.
LFS: Black tie optional?

Scott: No, of course not. Now, you can wear your best corset or tighty whities.

LFS: You're heading up organization of this event. Who else is supporting this benefit?

Scott: There is a lot of people really behind this, but Randy Miles and IMODS are the producers. North Shore Community Bank printed the posters. The list goes on and on. The offers of support have been great.
LFS: Tickets at the door?  Online?  How are tickets being sold?

Scott: There are 140 seats and we sold out last time. We're selling tickets online and at the door the night of the show.

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Tickets cost $25.

Two years ago, the Rocky Horror screening caught some nice attention from the Sun-Times.

Joel Lerner's take from that eventing for the Skokie Review is still online.

To see who's expecting to be at this year's screening, check out Facebook.

Standby for list of props Scott will allow into the theatre.

Rocky Horror Picture Show participants at the Skokie Theatre, August 2010.
I made this photo and hope to make another one of participants on August 24 this year.

Skokie's 4th of July Parade 2012

updated July 11, 2012

Here's Scott Holtz', Joel Lerner's and my take on from this year's Skokie 4th of July parade.

More of Scott's image can be found on Facebook via Downtown Skokie.

More of Joel's take can be seen online via Skokie Review.

 

Niles Township Assessor Scott Bagnall. 

 

Temple Judah Mizpah's Maddy Foler.

 

 

Dance Troupe Aenacer Boliviano dances down Oakton St. during Skokie's 4th of July Parade.

 

John Haber and Jeff Gould atop the Haben Funeral Home's antique hearse. 

Mike Reid.

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White holds a banner as one of the Jesse White Tumblers flips over it.

 

U.S. Representative Jan Schakowsky.

 

 

 

  

  

  

Illinois Representative Lou Lang (in blue cap) poses with neighbors for a picture.

 

 

Joel Lerner takes a break from covering the parade for the Skokie Review. 

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Volunteers needed for Niles Township Food Pantry Food Drive June 25

This in from Cathy Struzynski...

I'm sorry for the late notice, but we just finalized the arrangements for the June food drive. The upcoming food drive is set for June 25, 2011 at the Jewel in Skokie, located at 9449 N. Skokie Boulevard.

Volunteers are needed from 9:30 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. and we would like four volunteers for each shift. Please let me know your availability for one or more of the shifts and indicate your first, second and third choice for each possible shift. Once I receive responses, I will confirm your scheduled time. The shifts are:

9:30 – 11:00
11:00 – 12:30
12:30 – 2:00
2:00 – 3:30
3:30 – 4:30
The last shift includes assisting in unloading the food at the Food Pantry.

Significantly more people are using the Food Pantry and our contributions are invaluable. Cynthia Carranza, the Food Pantry Director, is very grateful for our efforts and the food we collect is distributed in just a few days. Volunteering for at least one shift is an easy way to help our less fortunate neighbors.

Please respond with your availability, indicating the number of shifts you can cover and your first, second and third choice for each shift.

Thanks for your help and I look forward to hearing from you.

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Skokie Green Business Network

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Skokie resident Greenout Cleanout's Fran Horvath has started a new LinkedIn group for Skokie businesses: Skokie Green Business Network.

Says Fran: This is a place to share ideas, ask questions, or bring up challenges you face trying to make your business more sustainable (green). Every business owner can do something large or small to make a difference.

Niles North Class of '80, Fran is one of the founders of BASE, Business Alliance for a Sustainable Evanston, and former owner of Ethical Planet, a vegan general store.

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Hazardous To Your Health: Radiation, Oil Spills, and Coal Mine Collapses

Join a lively discussion on May 10 in Chicago

This just in from journalist Laura Washington...

From oil spills to coal mine collapses, disasters have, unfortunately, become commonplace. And now, after being struck by earthquakes and tsunamis, Japan is facing a nuclear crisis. Closer to home, Chicago is only 60 miles from its own nuclear power plant and Illinois has more of these facilities than any other state in the U.S.

Join us for a panel discussion about how we get our energy, measure the pros and cons, and discuss how the aftermath of recent disasters affect life in our city today.

When: Tuesday, May 10, 6:30 p.m.
Where: Chicago History Museum

Laura will moderate this discussion. Panelists include Henry Henderson, Director, Midwest Program-National Resources Defense Council, WBEZ’s Michael Puente, a bureau reporter who has covered a range of topics related to energy use in the community and Kennette Benedict, the Executive Director and Publisher of the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, a magazine established by Manhattan Project scientists in 1945 to inform the public about the dangers of nuclear weapons and other catastrophic threats to humanity.

The event is free, but we request you make a reservation on our website http://chicagohistory.org/planavisit/upcomingevents/special-events/in-the-k-now.

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Scott Holtz named Skokie Chamber of Commerce Member of the Year

Why me? Why not you?

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This in from Scott Holtz...

I never set out with the goal in mind of being member of the year. Frankly, it came as a total surprise. I am truly honored. After I was presented the award I did some research and found myself in the company of some big hitters in the community where previous recipients include the Doubletree and Holiday Inn. I thought to myself those businesses contribute so much to the success of the Chamber what did I do to deserve this recognition?

What I do for the Chamber is what I hope the Chamber and every member of the Chamber will do for me. I talk about the Chamber and actively promote it. I find members for the Chamber or find business for members of the Chamber. I get involved in the Chambers business so I can better understand what it does and why they do it so I can help where I can. The Chamber is a part of the community and more people outside the Chamber need to discover what it offers and I am doing my part to help promote that.

My association with the Chamber has presented me with many opportunities to build relationships with local businesses and given me the chance to meet and work with many community leaders from IMODS to my friends at the Park District and Village Hall. My association with the Chamber has given me countless business leads and quite a few signed contracts not to mention a bunch of new friends I value highly.

The Chamber has allowed me to start the Economic Development Task Force and to work on bringing together the leaders of business in the Chamber and Village government. Recently, I have been given the chance to evolve the Wednesday Car Shows into a full summer series of entertainment events from movies to concerts we are calling “Wednesdays on the Green”. Every Wednesday from mid May building up to the Backlot Bash at the end of August please join us on the Village Green in Downtown Skokie for some real fun.

I hope that by reading this you will now be inspired to get involved. There is a chance for everyone to be Member of the Year. What can you do to make a difference?
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Scott prepared these remarks for the Skokie Chamber of Commerce's newletter. President and lead designer for 5207 Inc., Scott and his family live in downtown Skokie. 

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