The Beman Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization
Meeting Minutes – January 24, 2012
In Attendance: JC, RC, LB, GH, JM, DN, AP, KT, AA, MW

Projects Underway
a. Pullman Homeowner’s Façade Reimbursement Program

1. 2010 cycle

1. RB Residence – extension/underway
2. EG Residence – extension
3. DK Residence – completed!

2. 2011 cycle

1. AB  project
a. RB to e-mail extension information
2. PB project
a. RB to e-mail extension information

3. 2012 cycle

1. Applications now available

4. RB to meet with MP, current PCO treasurer, to reconcile the façade reimbursement totals

b. Façade Element Documentation Project

1. Report from AP

1. AP will set up a meeting with the co-committee once he has gone through all of MW markups

Outreach
a. New Homeowner Contact Program

1. Report from DN

1. Corrections to Homeowner Guide – RB still to do
2. DN brought up pre foreclosures in the neighborhood and concern for how that may affect the façade reimbursement program, committee deemed it not to effect the current façade reimbursements

Old Business
a. New web page for Beman Committee on PCO site, RB and DN
b. Opportunity of establishing Pullman as an Historic Preservation Hub / Art Space

1. February 6, Monday at PCO building on 113th Street: Art Space meeting with Consultants, Q&A session, to bring together the many different groups in Pullman

New Business
a. Fundraising for Façade Reimbursement Program

1. Possible book published by the Driehaus Foundation
2. Possibly sell prints of the facades at this year’s house tour or at the unveiling of the new website
3. JM to start the research on this project

b. List of best examples of each façade type (volunteers)

1. JD should have this list

c. Commission on Chicago Landmarks Pre-Permit and Permit Review

1. For the year 2012 the rules for properties going in front of the landmark commission review board have changed. RB to forward change information to all of the Beman
Committee members.

d. 11257 S. St. Lawrence – door

1. GlennCo questioned existing door at 11257 S. St. Lawrence because there is an existing transom in place. The committee consulted the new study and the transom is not original, therefore we recommend it be removed and the taller, historically accurate, door installed.

e. RB to take new paint color to Sherwin Williams on Stoney Island so they have all of the Pullman Paint colors on hand.

f. March PCO meeting

1. Beman Committee to supply refreshments
2. RB to prepare power point presentation (including before and after photos)
3. Preservation awards to be given out again

1. RB to bring example of previous/template for review at the February meeting.
2. Everyone to bring nominations to the February Beman Meeting.

February meeting, February 21, 7:30pm at the home of JM (it is fat Tuesday! Mardi Gras!)

The Beman Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization
Meeting Minutes – October 25, 2011

In attendance:  JC, RB, JM, DN, AP, AA, MW

Projects Underway

a. Pullman Homeowner’s Façade Reimbursement Program

1. 2008 cycle

1. W. Residence door, GW to contact TW when he is available to attach correct trim

2. 2009 cycle

1. DC – paid contractor in full – have not received invoice
2. P & HW – completed!

3. 2010 cycle

1. RB – extension
2. EG – extension
3. DK – underway
4. SS – underway

4. 2011 cycle

1. AB
2. LF -underway
3. DM
4. BO -completed
5. PB

b. Façade Element Documentation Project

1. Report from AP

1. MW has turned in his review of documentation
2.  AP to take the next couple months to review all mark-ups
3. Once complete JD will update drawings
4. AB will start populating the website

Outreach

a. New Homeowner Contact Program

1. Report from DN

1. a. New paint color to be added to paint chips

2. Corrections to Homeowner Guide – RB still to do
3. Paint Chips to WT – 533 E. 112th Street

1. a. RB to forward e-mail address to DN

Violations Log
a. Door violation – 11333 S. St. Lawrence

Old Business
a. Beman Committee facebook page

1. JM needs July meeting minutes

b. New web page for Beman Committee on PCO site, RB and DN
c. Outreach to Preservation Chicago – AP report

1. Jonathan Fine spoke highly of the Pullman Neighborhood being a preservation hub for Chicago

d. Opportunity of establishing Pullman as an Historic Preservation Hub

1. Meeting of Pullman stakeholders beginning of December

e. Letter to Family Health Center – 115th Street and St. Lawrence

1. JC to forward contact information to RB

New Business
a. Door at 11257 S. St. Lawrence can be stained if they would like, Landmarks does not require paint or stain

November meeting, November 22, 7:30pm at the home of AP.

The Beman Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization
Meeting Minutes – November 22, 2011

In Attendance:
JC, RB, GH, JM, DN, AP, MW

Projects Underway
a. Pullman Homeowner’s Façade Reimbursement Program
1. 2008 cycle
1. W. Residence door – completed
2. 2009 cycle
1. DC – paid contractor in full, have not received paid in full invoice,
RB to send final notice for reimbursement
2. P & H W – completed, check requested from PCO treasurer
3. 2010 cycle
1. RB – extension/underway
2. EG – extension
3. DK – underway
4. SS – underway
4. 2011 cycle
1. AB
2. LF -completed
3. DM
4. BO – completed – check delivered
5. PB
5. Make Applications available – Applications and guidelines reviewed for distribution at the December PCO meeting
b. Façade Element Documentation Project
1. Report from AP
1. AP to final review the documentation project this weekend.
2. Then the database will be given to AB to create the website
3. There will then be a beta launch of the site to test
4. Official launch to be at February or April PCO meeting
5. Test photos for the website have been taken by WC; RB will send the link to the photos to the Beman Committee members for comment
2. Report from JD

Outreach
a. New Homeowner Contact Program
1. Report from DN
1. Corrections to Homeowner Guide – RB still to do

Violations Log
a. 11252-54 S. Langley – metal flashing installed covering door trim, window trim, cornice molding

Old Business
a. New web page for Beman Committee on PCO site, RB and DN
1. RB to contact AB
b. Opportunity of establishing Pullman as an Historic Preservation Hub / Art Space
1. Sharon from the Campbell Center is still interested, and there will possibly be a meeting mid December
c. Letter to Family Health Center – 115th Street and St. Lawrence Ave
1. Draft has been written and was passed out to Beman Committee members for comment

New Business
a. BR – 11226 S. Champlain
1. RB to write a letter to BR in support of her historic restoration work on her home on Forrestville
b. JB – 11128-30 S. Champlain
1. The JB property is not on our violation log, it was not called in to the city by the Beman Committee. Co-chairs to contact JB to explain this.
c. Home fire – 11266 S. Langley – RA
1. RB to write a letter to the window company to make sure they understand the requirements of the Pullman National Historic District, pointing out the front and side façade both apply.

January meeting, January 24, 7:30pm at the home of GH.

The Beman Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization 
Meeting Minutes – September 24, 2011 

In Attendance: JC, RB, JD, AE, GH, DN, AP, AA 

1. Projects Underway 

A) Pullman Homeowner’s Façade Reimbursement Program 

1. 2008 cycle
  1. W. door, GH to contact TW when he is available to attach correct trim 

2. 2009 cycle
  1. DC – completed and paid contractor in full, need signed agreement
  2. PW & HW – completed!
  3. JW – completed and paid in full 

3. 2010 cycle
  1. RB – e-mail from contractor
  2. MD – forfeited reimbursement
  3. EG – e-mail from contractor
  4. DK – underway
  5. SS – underway
  6. DM – completed! Check requested
  7. Motion was made and passed to extend the reimbursement terms for the RB and EG projects. Due to a medical condition
of the contractor. An extension of 12 months from today, til Sept. 2012 if the awardees produce a copy of their
attained permit, the letter from the contractor stating the situation and proof
of investment already in the project. – Note that RB was
asked to leave the room when this motion was discussed and made. 

4. 2011 cycle
  1. All agreements were returned and a couple projects have been started 

B) Façade Element Documentation Project 

1. Report from AP
  1. MW has reviewed the façade bible for corrections and will drop off to AP. AP must put everything together and review and get to AB for
the website.
  2. Driehaus Foundation has stated that they would be interested in supporting a book of the Façade Documentation Project. 

2. Report from JD
  1. 8 facades outstanding 

2. Outreach 

A) New Homeowner Contact Program
  1. Report from DN
   Inquiries from North Pullman have been coming in and some of them have not been for Pullman houses. RB and JC will qualify the inquiries for homeowners
guide and paint chips in the future. 

3. Violation Log 

4. Requests for Information 

A) EV – 11146 S. Langley
1. Windows – options for elderly parents on a budget
2. Bricks – have lost their glazed coating 

B) CR – 543 E. 112 Street
1. Replacing a side porch, side/back door on St. Lawrence
2. Was not an original entrance
3. Beman committee suggests existing porch is sympathetic to Pullman and reconstructing a similar porch in style would be appropriate. If a larger size is
needed that must be discussed with Landmarks and the zoning department. 

5. Old Business 

A) Beman Committee facebook page
B) New web page for Beman Committee on PCO site, RB and DN
C) Outreach to Preservation Chicago – AP report 

6. New Business 

A) Opportunity of establishing Pullman as an Historic Preservation Hub
  1. Campbell Center is having their own capital issues
B) October PCO meeting – Beman Committee presentation
  1. 10 minutes, 10 images
  2. Will bring images of Façade Doc project with easels
  3. What we do
C) Building at 115th St. and St. Lawrence to be demolished
  1. RB to talk to Beth from Landmarks about project and whether it is in the landmark district or not
D) A new paint chip will be phased into the Pullman paint chips
E) House tour coming up
  1. Drawings of JC house to be displayed at house tour
F) RB to reach out to CG about the RecycleTech wall.
G) When do 2012 façade reimbursement applications become available?
  1. To be announced in December Flyer, avail Jan 1 

7. October meeting, October 25, 7:30pm at the home of DN.

The Beman Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization     Meeting Minutes – July 26, 2011
In attendance: JC, RB, LB, JD, GH, DN, AP, KT, AA, MW
1. Projects Underway
•a. Pullman Homeowner’s Façade Reimbursement Program
••1. 2008 cycle
•••1. W Res. door, GH to contact TWe when he is available to attach correct trim
••2. 2009 cycle
•••1. DC – has not paid contractor
••••a. Letter has been sent – deadline July 31st
••••b. We will send one more letter – to give one more month before we officially forfeit the reimbursement
•••2. P & HW – completed!
•••3. JW – completed!
••3. 2010 cycle
•••1. RB – permit and letter from contractor received
•••2. MD – forfeited reimbursement
•••3. EG – e-mail sent; letter from contractor received
•••4. DK – underway, almost finished
•••5. SS – underway, 60% complete
•••6. DM – permit in window, project started, scaffolding up
••4. 2011 cycle
•••1. All agreements returned
•b. Façade Element Documentation Project
••1. Report from AP (we’re getting close)
•••1. MW to finish reviewing the façade bible by Aug. 1st
•••2. Basement windows need to be reviewed with a confirmed rational
•••3. Meeting to review JD’s final drawings Aug. 7th from 2-4 at JC’s house
••2. Report from JD
•••1. Drawings will be completed by Aug. 1st per grant deadline
2. Outreach
•a. New Homeowner Contact Program
••1. Report from DN
•••1. Corrections to Homeowner Guide – RB still to do
•••2. New homeowner letter and paint chips delivered to MF at 11339 S. Champlain
3. Violations Log
•a. 605 E. 111th street, garage building started without a permit
4. Old Business
•a. Alderman Beale re: community letter from the Alderman
•b. Beman Committee facebook page
••1. May meeting minutes have been posted
•c. New web page for Beman Committee on PCO site, RB and DN
•d. Outreach to Preservation Chicago
••1. AP will be meeting with JC at Preservation Chicago and will discuss collaboration
•e. PCO meeting / MS garage follow-up
••1. JC and RB will be attending the August Executive Board meeting to discuss with the PCO board what the Beman Committee is authorized to do on behalf of the PCO
••2. RB will send out a reminder for meeting Wed. Aug 10th for other members to attend
5. New Business
•a. Opportunity of establishing Pullman as an Historic Preservation Hub
••1. Campbell – satellite program here Pullman – Art Space Committee is working on this and the Beman Committee would like to help in any way possible
•b. August PCO meeting – Beman Committee door prizes, presentation & refreshments
••1. Presentation – 10 minutes, 10 images – JC to put together with previous power points AP has created
••2. Door Prizes – JC DVD – RB to get
••3. Refreshments to be supplied by – DN, AA, RB, JC
•c. Matt Cole from NHS has been requesting drawings – 3 doors and 2 porches
•d. Roof permits – state requires roofing permit
••1. However, the City of Chicago does not require a permit for mansard roofs
••2. Homeowners guide to be revised to reflect this by RB
•e. RL and GH to draw 3 gutter options
•f. Letter to be sent to Eleanor Gorski congratulating her on her new position with the City of Chicago
6. No August meeting, please attend PCO meeting August 17, 2011 at 7:30 p.m.
September meeting, September 27th, 7:30pm at the home of RB.

The Beman Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization
Meeting Minutes – May 24, 2011
In Attendance: JC, RB LB, GH JM, DN, AP, AA, MW

1. Projects Underway

a. Pullman Homeowner’s Façade Reimbursement Program

1. 2008 cycle

1. TW Residence door, affidavit/paid invoice has been sent to MD
2. GH to contact TW when he is available to attach correct trim

2. 2009 cycle

1. DC – has not paid contractor
a. Send a letter to DC finding out about his intentions
2. P & HW – completed!
3. JW – completed!

3. 2010 cycle

a. Calls to be made to each 2010 cycle awardee reminding them they must be done with their project by June 30th, if not they must provide a letter from their contractor stating when it will be completed along with a copy of the permit, also note that they cannot reapply next year if they forfeit

2. RB Residence– received fee waiver – extension requested
3. MD – extension requested
4. EG – received fee waiver – extension requested
5. DK – extension requested
6. SS – extension requested
7. DM – extension requested

4. 2011 cycle
1. All agreements returned

b. Façade Element Documentation Project

1. Report from AP

1. Date will be set to meet with CG – June 26th
2. We will present assumptions to CG for his input and expertise

2. Outreach

a. New Homeowner Contact Program

1. Report from DN

1. RB to get Homeowner Guide corrections to DN as soon as possible

b. Spring Presentation

1. Well received by all that attended
2. The drawing showed well
3. AP’s presentation was interactive and very effective

3. Violation Log

a. Tuckpointing job on the 11400 block of Champlain
b. Painting of front porch on 11300 block of Forrestville
c. In fairness to everyone in the neighborhood, any work to the façade being done without a permit will be called into 311 whether they are doing historically correct restoration or not

4. Old Business

a. Alderman Beale re: community letter from the alderman
b. Beman Committee facebook page
c. New web page for Beman Committee on PCO site, RB and DN
d. Report on Historic Presentation Spring Workshop, RB & JD

1. It was a presentation about the permit process and, unfortunately, not very tailored to historic neighborhoods

e. Graham Foundation Exhibition

5. New Business

a. Outreach to Preservation Chicago

1. Landmark District alliance – violation log – 50/50 follow up by landmarks
2. New director at Landmarks, may be opportunity for better advocacy

b. House Tour volunteers
c. August PCO meeting – Beman Committee door prizes, presentation & refreshments
d. Committee members

1. RB to contact JK and TP about being kept on the invitee list

6. Next Meeting is scheduled for June 21, 2011, 7:30 p.m. at the home of KT.

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The Beman Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization

Meeting Minutes – April 26, 2011

Members: JC, RB, LB, JD, DN, AP, KT, AA, MW

1. Projects Underway

a. Pullman Homeowner’s Façade Reimbursement Program

1. 2008 cycle

1. W. Residence door, affidavit/paid invoice has been sent to MD

2. GH to contact TW when he is available to attach correct trim

2. 2009 cycle

1. DC – has not paid contractor

2. P & HW – scheduled for completion Spring 2011

3. JW – scheduled for completion Spring 2011

3. 2010 cycle

1. RB – received fee waiver – extension requested

2. MD – extension requested

3. EG – received fee waiver – extension requested

4. DK – scheduled for completion Spring 2011

5. SS – extension requested

6. DM – extension requested

4. 2011 cycle

1. Report from JC

a. 4 out of 5 have been returned

b. JC to send e-mail reminder to 5th applicant

b. Façade Element Documentation Project

1. Report from AP

1. AP to complete database

2. AP will forward the database to JD once complete so he can use for the facade drawings

3. AP will schedule meeting with CG to review database

4. Grant reports are due August 1st

2. Report from JD

1. JD to schedule meeting with GH and RL

2. Progressing on schedule

2. Graham Foundation Exhibition

1. RB to get sketches to AP to send with his proposal for the exhibition of the Documentation Project

3. Outreach

a. New Homeowner Contact Program

1. Report from DN

2. DN to contact BL to collaborate with Neighbor to Neighbor committee

1. DN will talk to BL but will proceed as she has been with the homeowner guides

b. Block Captain outreach

1. Spring Presentation of Documentation Project – May 21st

2. Refreshments simple and placed on the various tables people are sitting at

3. RB to create and send out invitations to Zone Directors and Block Captains

4. Print out large map of neighborhood to display

5. Print out display of facade with elements coming out of it

6. Time 10:30 to noon

7. AP to give Power Point Presentation about Facade Documentation Project

4. Violation Log

a. GB Residence windows and incorrect grout color

1. Letter to architect from City of Chicago

1. Contact Preservation Chicago about this first-time activity of the Landmarks Department regarding a violation

2. Also contact CNI, Angie or David

5. Old Business

a. Alderman Beale re: community letter from the alderman

b. Beman Committee facebook page JM

c. New web page for Beman Committee on PCO site, RB and DN

6. New Business

a. Review Pullman paint colors from Homeowners Guide

b. Historic Preservation Spring Workshop, Thursday, May 19th

1. JD and RB to attend

c. Sessions house has been obtained by MS – possible garage to be built

1. Write e-mail to Beth at Landmarks to ask her to keep the Beman Committee in the loop

2. Talk to MS about his intentions

d. MW may have documentation information to help the documentation project. He will provide this information to JD

7. Next Meeting is scheduled for May 24, 2011, 7:30 p.m. at the home of RB, KT to host in June.

The Beman Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization
Meeting Minutes – February 22, 2011

In attendance: JC, RB, LB, CC, JD, AE, GH, JM, DN, AP, AA

1. Projects Underway
a. Pullman Homeowner’s Façade Reimbursement Program
1. 2008 cycle
1. W. Residence door; check has been issued
2. RB to send Mr. W paid invoice affidavit to [PCO Treasurer] MD
2. 2009 cycle
1. DC – has not paid contractor
2. P & HW – scheduled for completion Spring 2011
3. JW – scheduled for completion Spring 2011
3. 2010 cycle
1. B. Residence – received fee waiver – 90 day extension approved
2. D. Residence – GH to follow-up to see if door is going to be done
3. G. Residence – received fee waiver – 90 day extension approved
4. DK – to be completed in spring
5. SS – to be completed in spring
6. DM – RB to send extension reminder
4. Application and Guidelines for the 2011 cycle should all be turned in by this upcoming Monday [Feb] 28
1. Money available for the 2011 cycle is $5901.00
2. RB to verify against MD, PCO treasurer
3. RB, JC and GH to review applications on behalf of entire Beman Committee
b. Façade Element Documentation Project
1. $500 “payment for services rendered” request to house tour fund for RL
1. Check returned, voided
2. Committee agreed to revisit compensation with RL at future date
2. $500 “payment for services rendered” request to Kirchner fund for AB
1. AB cashed check
3. Report from AP
1. Next façade documentation meeting scheduled for March 6 from 1-5pm
2. Once database is complete AP suggests that CG review the database
3. AP to work with AB on front end of website
4. Grant report due to National Trust on March 5
5. Completion of project still slated for June of 2011
4. Report from JD
1. Saturday Feb 26 at 10am Historic Preservation students from the Art Institute to help field measure porches
2. Outreach
a. New Homeowner Contact Program
1. Report from DN
1. No sales or title transfers this month
2. Homeowners Guide has been updated on the PCO website
1. Everyone to review the painting recommendations in the homeowners guide for discussion at the next meeting.
b. Block Captain outreach
1. Spring Presentation idea (North Pullman) – JC to discuss
1. RB to ask Landmarks for dates in May that work for them
2. To be held at Florence Hotel
3. Invite North Pullman groups
4. Invite CNI to do update
5. Invite PCO Vision Committee
c. Real Estate Agent Contact Program
1. One page sheet – not done yet
2. Neighbor to neighbor? Vision Committee?
3. Violations Log
a. 11241-43 – GB/AR, windows and incorrect grout color
1. Windows and tuckpointing are not on the permit
2. No update or response from E-mail RB sent GB/AR
4. Old Business
a. Alderman Beale re: community letter from the alderman
b. Beman Committee FaceBook page
c. Paint colors for the Greenstone Church
1. RB to draft letter to Greenstone Church suggesting they conduct their own paint study
5. New Business
a. New web-page for Beman Committee on PCO site
1. RB to work on
b. Beman library space
1. MW has asked if this request can be tabled for a few months
c. CC to present documentary proposal
d. Vision Committee – conditions report
1. RB to report that this is outside of our mission
6. Next Meeting is scheduled for March 22, 2011, 7:30 p.m. at the home of GH.

The Beman Committee of the Pullman Civic Organization
Minutes – November 23, 2010
In Attendance: JC, RB, JD, GH, JM, DN, AP
1. Projects Underway
a. Pullman Homeowner’s Façade Reimbursement Program
1. 2008 cycle
a. W residence door, TW still has trim and is happy to schedule installation
of the trim in the spring. RB to request check from PCO to be written
2. 2009 cycle
1. DC has not paid contractor
2. P & H W residence – porch underway
3. JW residence – porch underway
3. 2010 cycle
1. RB residence – applied for fee waiver – extension requested
2. MD residence
3. EG residence – applied for fee waiver
4. DK residence – in progress
5. SS residence – in progress
6. DM residence
4. Report was made to the House Tour Fund Committee
1. Changes to guidelines include requiring proof that the applicant has either
applied for the permit fee waiver or the permit before submitting their
application to the Beman Committee
2. Application and guidelines included in report to House Tour Fund Committee
5. December 2010 Flyer article about the Façade Reimbursement Program
1. Year to date update with announcement of application and guidelines
available by contacting RB or AE
b. Façade Element Documentation Project
1. $500 “payment for services rendered” request to house tour fund for RL
1. Check was issued and given to RL; returned to the PCO
2. RB to request that MD void this returned check
3. JC to speak to RL to reconsider
2. $500 “payment for services rendered” request to Kirchner fund for AB
1. Check was issued and given to AB
2. JC to call and speak to AB and explain
3. Report from AP
1. Façade Doc. Meeting scheduled for 1-4 on Dec. 19th at Hotel Florence
a. Finish punch list items by this date
4. Report from JD
1. Payout from grants to happen before end of year, DN, AP and JD to coordinate
2. Outreach
a. New Homeowner Contact Program
1. Update from DN
2. Homeowner Guide updated with new Co-chair and member information, new
window information and the grout composition correction.
b. Block Captains outreach
1. Comments about Landmarks presentation all positive
2. Spring Presentation idea (North Pullman) – JC to discuss
a. Committee to bring ideas to brainstorm at January meeting
c. Real Estate Agent Contact Program
1. One page info for real estate agents = not done yet
3. Violations Log
a. 11241-43 – GB and AR residence: windows and incorrect grout color
1. Windows on permit but tuckpointing not
2. RB called Beth at Landmarks to inquire about the approval of 1 over 1 configuration
4. Old Business
a. Alderman Beale re: community letter from the alderman
1. JC and RB to visit Alderman Beale again
b. Stables Wall
1. Letter to RecycleTech to be reviewed and sent
5. New Business
a. New Beman Committee facebook page!
1. Thanks to JM
2. No comments or concerns at this time
b. New web-page for Beman Committee on PCO site
1. RB to work on redesign of this page
c. Beman library space
1. RB to contact MW regarding securing 2 rooms in the Hotel Florence to hold Beman
Committee files and a library of millwork pieces
2. RB to ask LB about shelves, etc. that were donated to the state site by DN company,
is any left for Beman Committee use?
6. Next Meeting is scheduled for January 25, 2011 at 7:30 p.m. at the home of GH.

Thank you to all of our good neighbors who spread the word about the Youth Group activities which took place in July. We had record turnouts for all of our events. Play Camp, for example: average daily attendance was 18 kids, and there were days that 26 kids attended! Blanca and I attempted to fill Packy’s very large shoes this year, and we relied upon lots of good help: Stephanie Bassett, Karen Carlassare, Grace DeLlano, Glenn Murtagh, Micaela Sanchez, Esther Rivera, Harriette Watson, and our teen helpers Liz Garcia, Alex Honkoski, Luke Malmquist, Phoebe Murtagh and Elida Ortiz. Thanks also to those who donated snacks and craft supplies, and to Blanca for providing prizes for our Last Day Magic Bean Contest – won by Xavier Villaseñor! Those kids who didn’t pick up their Magic Bean plants can come visit them in the Pullman Urban Gardens, where they are growing happily.
On July 29th we took a bus trip to Valporaiso, Indiana to attend the Porter County Fair – what fun! Not only were there all kinds of fair foods and carnival rides, we watched the horse show and the pig races, too. We got to talk with some farm kids and learned about showing the animals, and saw all sorts of prize-winning 4-H projects.
On August 6th we took a bus to Brookfield Zoo, thanks to Ms. Sherry Williams and the Bronzeville Black Chicagoan Historical Society, who provided free admission tickets. We were joined by Simon Wrosek, an exchange student visiting from France. C’est tout bon!
On August 11th we got on another school bus, this time to Deep River Water Park in Merrillville, Indiana. We really look forward to our water park trips, and this year’s was exceptionally welcome in the stifling heat. The sunburns were totally worth it!
The Back-to-School Picnic held at Langley Playlot on August 16th was another memorable affair; the traditional wrap party for summer. The kids all had a great time! Thank you, Jeff Stein and the PCO, for big fun right here at home.
And now we’ve run out of summer! The kids will all be back in school very soon, and our whirlwind of events will have settled down a bit. We’re looking forward to a lovely autumn – our Pumpkin Farm bus trip, our Halloween Party – and we still have time for some fundraising activities, or a field trip or two. Be sure to check in with our FaceBook page at www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/Pullman-Youth-Group, and by all means get yourselves signed up to receive our email updates, too. Our success depends upon communication – pass the word! Contact me at jillmurtagh@wowway.com or call Blanca for more info at 773.785.0599 and help us reach all the kids in Pullman.
Jill Murtagh,
Pullman Youth Group