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The Uptown ExchangeStudentS Lobby In SprIngfIeLdLegislators not in session that dayby Lauren VandermarEditor-In-Chief

Truman sent a bus load 39 of stu-dents to Springfield on April 23 for the official “lobby day” for Illinois

community colleges. Part of the Brown Bag Lunch series, a program designed to engage students in their community, the trip gave participants the opportunity to directly ad-dress their state representative about the subject of their choice. It also included a tour of the State Capitol Building, stops at historical monuments and a free lunch.

The event was coordinated by Truman Student Services employee Nancy Sullivan, who believes “one of the most important parts of the lobbying process is to show inter-est.” She says legislators need to be reminded

of the citizens they represent, and a lobbying effort is one of the ways in which to do so.

Students were encouraged to find a topic or current bill and express their opinions by writing to their representative. The college encouraged students to ask for more funding, but many chose their own issues. According to Sullivan, “we did not impose an agenda.” She says students picked subjects including a woman’s right to choose, more funding for mental health and proper needle disposal.

Sullivan worked with “about half ” of

the students that went, teaching them how to look up state bills on a public database. She also coached student lobbyists with let-ter samples and telephone call scripts. The other half, she says, never returned her calls.

While in Springfield, the letters were de-livered, and students were to have the oppor-tunity to approach their legislator According to Sullivan, Truman students did not witness congress in action. They arrived shortly

uptown dIScuSSeS prISon SyStemCenter offers unique classes to promote discussionby Mauricio Pineda Staff Writer

At the Center for New Possibilities, located at 1505 W. Morse Ave., classes called

Resistance through the Arts, Then and Now: Moments of change in the U.S. prison sys-tem were held every Saturday until May 16.

Resistance through the Arts is an open space to learn and talk about the history of the U.S. prison system. The instruc-tors, Donna Kiser and Erin Moore, guide participants through a series of videos, music, writing and visual arts surround-ing past resistance, reform and anti-prison movements. Participants are encouraged to artistically express and deliver views to their communities as a way to ex-plore the role of arts in cultural changes and social movements affecting prisons.

“What is important is that the com-munity becomes aware of what is hap-pening beyond their eyes,” said Moore.

The instructional methods are mostly dis-cussions and interactive group activities. Each

session includes 30-40 minutes for making art where students respond to the material and tell their stories in their medium of choice.

On April 12, at the beginning of the class on women in prison, Moore described some of the ground rules. She said the most impor-tant ones are “step up (to the discussion), then step back,” and “avoid using the word we.” These rules were set to improve the flow of dis-cussion, the only formal moment of the class.

“I believe that these kinds of spaces are im-portant,” said Moore at the end of the work-shop. “Everything is connected in our society; therefore, every little change affects us all.”

Further information can be obtained by contacting the instructors at donnakiser@rcn.com or via phone at 773-505-2637. ■

StudentS Learn to teachTruman’s program preps students to become future teachersby Linus Pagusara Staff Writer

Are you interested in becoming a teacher and want to know how you are going to prepare for it? Truman

has partnered with the Organization of the Northeast, Northeastern University (NEIU) and several North side elementary schools to help candidates become teachers. Thirty-one Truman students are involved in the program.

According to Karen Sandler, director of school partnerships, Grow Your Own (GYO) is funded through the Illinois State Board of Education to promote the im-provement of teaching. Sandler writes in an e-mail, “The program was created by a network of community organizations who recognized the need for more pub-lic school teachers in their communities.”

Hina Mahmood, a GYO coordinator, writes in an e-mail, “The goals of Grow Your Own are to create a pipeline of highly

“One of the most important

parts of the lobbying process is to show interest.”

Nancy Sullivan, Truman Student Services

employee

“The program was created by a network of community organizations who recog-

nized the need for more pub-lic school teachers in their

communities.”

Karen Sandler, director of school college

partnerships

see >> teaching page 2

Photograph by Chirag Patel

Excited Truman students pose for a photo while riding to Springfield to tour the capital and meet political leaders.

PAGE 2 UPTOWN EXCHANGE - NEWs MAy 2009

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French club holds ToileTry driveClub donates to African immigrants and refugeesby Heather Henderson News Editor

Truman’s French club, Le Coins De Bohémiens, held its second annual toiletry drive from mid-March to

the end of April to benefit the Pan-African Association, located at 6163 N. Broadway St.

The Pan-African Association pro-vides programs to immigrants and refu-gees from Africa in job training, health care, mentoring, citizenship and computer training to help promote self-sufficiency. They also host cultural events in African music, art, dance, cuisine and literature.

“We’re all very fortunate,” says Mary-am Damghani, French instructor and club adviser. “Poor is different in America than in other countries. Food supply in Africa is nothing; they have no health in-

surance. If we do regular drives, it will help, and it will also help to teach our students.”

The French club collected toiletry items, which the Pan-African Associa-tion recommended when Damghani and a former French club presi-dent visited four semesters ago.

D a m g h a n i says, “In Africa, there are a lot of French-speaking people; they’re part of the Fran-cophone culture.”

This semes-ter, the club collected soap, shampoo, conditioner, toothpaste, toothbrushes, dental floss, deodorant, combs and brushes, hand sanitizer, Kleenex, toilet paper, razors, shaving cream and diapers. There were three donation spots: one outside of the foreign language lab by room 2100, one by room 2230 and one in the library.

Damghani says that there were fewer

donations this year. No donations were collected from the library, but last year, the club held the toiletry drive during the holidays when Damghani thinks people

were feeling more generous. They were able to donate nearly a trunk-full of toi-letry items this year.

“They (Pan-Afri-can Association) were pleasantly surprised,” says Damghani. She says they didn’t tell the Pan-African Association that the club was holding the toiletry drive last month. “Most stu-

dents have school and jobs, so we can’t com-mit to volunteering.” Instead, Damghani says the club holds the toiletry drive to help.

Damghani says that during the sum-mer, the French club will try to vis-it the Pan-African Association and give a presentation about Truman and its programs including free tax preparation, ESL and drivers licensing.

The French club meets on Mondays at 1 p.m. in room 2100. They watch movies and converse in French, and Damghani says that anyone can attend the meetings. ■

naTive americans seek recogniTionNew club forms to bring awarenessby Fernando Gasca Staff Writer

Truman’s 2007-2008 Annual Report shows the reported ethnicity numbers with “Unknown” listed as the small-

est group of students. Unknown consists of many small ethnic minorities, with Native Americans represent-ing one of them. Now, Native Americans have formed a new club at Truman, expressing a desire to be recognized like any other ethnicity.

The new Native American Club is trying to mobilize at Truman, and Vern Fuller, who works in the president’s office as support staff, said their message is, “We are here, and we want to be represented.”

The club held a social event at the Student Services Center on May 7 to showcase short subject videos on Native American life. The club hopes that the event helped bolster its numbers.

Fuller tried to form the club last semes-ter, but was unsuccessful. When she sent word out for recruitment, no one came. Fuller tried again this semester, only this

time around five students and two faculty members stepped forward to join. A small group, but Fuller’s said her expectations for the new club had reached a higher level.

The new club will conduct fund raisers and plans to represent Truman at the annual Pow Wow held at UIC in September. Over 200 people attend the yearly event, and a va-riety of different tribal nations get together to sing and dance. The general public attends the event in order to learn more about Native American culture and exchange ideas and in-formation. The Native American club hopes

to attract enough at-tention to its cause in order to hold its own Pow Wow event at Truman.

Fuller said they feel as if all the other minorities are represented well by their clubs, and the Native American Club wants to be

as successful as those. “We want Truman to know that we are here,” said Fuller. “They (Native American students) might be sit-ting next to you in a class, and you wouldn’t even know it. We will always be here.” Eventually, the club will be operated by the students with Fuller serving as an adviser.

For further information, contact the group at (773) 907-4455 or at nativeroute@yahoo.com. ■

qualified teachers of color; to im-prove teacher retention in low-income schools; to recruit for hard-to-staff schools and hard-to-fill positions and to increase cultural competence and community connections of teachers.”

Potential teacher candidates are al-ready working in schools, some as teacher assistants and school clerks. Others are active parents or com-munity members in the schools and members and leaders of the commu-nity who are active on education issues.

Participating colleges help candidates get financial aid to become a teacher. If students incur additional costs result-ing in a loan, GYO will completely for-give a candidate’s loan after he or she works in an eligible school for five years.

GROW Your Own Math Seminars are held every Saturday until June 20 at Truman to provide support to students enrolled in Grow Your Own. Mahmood writes in an e-mail, “It is a cohort style program, which means that all of the students who are enrolled work to-gether to receive the teacher certifica-tion. It is kind of like a support group.”

The seminar is not open to all Truman students. However, if you want learn more about it, Sandler recommends visiting http://www.growyourownteachers.org. ■

>> teaching(continued from page 1)

“If we do regular drives, it will help, and it will also

help to teach our students.”

Maryam Damghani, Truman instructor and

club adviser

“We are here, and we want to be represented.”

Vern Fuller,

support staff, Truman’s office of the President

“This is a proactive approach

to the community.”

Richard Valencia, Truman adviser and

professor

May 2009 UPTOWN EXCHaNGE - NEWs PaGE 3

New GI BIllNew bill affects Truman veteransby Fernando Gasca Staff Writer

The new Veterans United Advocacy Club at Truman will try to help the nearly 200 veterans attending the

school by providing them with informa-tion on benefits and other services they may be entitled to. The club lso wants to reach out to veterans outside of Truman.

Rob Young, from the Illinois De-partment of Veterans Affairs, spoke at Truman on May 1 to discuss the new post Sept. 11 GI Bill and its benefits for City Colleges of Chicago, University of Chicago and UIC veterans. Young says the Illinois Veteran Grant Program (IVG), pro-vided by the state of Illinois, allows some veterans from the state up to 20 college credit hours at any of these institutions.

By using the Montgomery GI Bill, a full-time student can receive $1,321 when using both the IVG and GI Bill be-cause the IVG Program covers tuition and costs. The current GI Bill for ac-tive duty members is Chapter 30, and the new bill will be known as Chapter 33.

Under Chapter 33, tuition and costs are covered, but a full-time student may also receive Basic Allowance Housing (BAH) based on E-5 military pay rate. Students can receive up to $1,742 at a col-lege located within Chicago without using up their individual IVG. There is also an added bonus of $1,000 per year for books.

One downside of the program could be if students decide to attend a college lo-cated outside Chicago. Students planning to transfer to a four-year university may find it a shock when their BAH has been cut in half. There are also a few programs in which the new Chapter 33 may not cover things such as flight school, correspon-dence course and preparatory course, just to name a few. Only those veterans attend-ing these programs under any Chapter will still be covered with a grandfather effect.

There are also different programs for different service members such as National Guard, Reserve and active duty members. Veterans may also qualify for other financial aid along with what they may already have.

For more information regarding the pro-grams visit www.GIBILL.va.gov. or email Robert Young at Robert.w.young@illinois.gov. For more information on financial aid contact Dolores Withers at the Financial Aid Office in room 1935 or at dwithers@ccc.edu. For more information regarding the new club, contact Bianca Clayborne at veteransunitedadvocacyclub@gmail.com. ■

Class DoNates ChIlDreN’s BooksTheir aim is to increase imagination and literacyby Johanna Granobles Staff Writer

Truman adviser and Professor Richard Valencia’s College Success Seminar class held a children’s book

drive for a class project from April 6 to May 3 on the first floor. Books were collected in dec-orated boxes, each representing a class team.

Valencia explains that the class was divided into three teams. Each group mar-keted the book drive and researched infor-mation on homeless people, the Christopher House and child literacy in Uptown. One of the teams, Book Brigade, hosted a table dis-play on April 23 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. in

the cafeteria. The flyers stated, “A world with-out books is a world without imagination.”

Valencia feels that the book drive is a way for his students to be involved in the Uptown community. “It’s important for students to understand the process, not only the result,” says Valencia. “This is a proactive approach to the community.”

Overall, the class collected 75 books, which were donated to the Christopher House located at 2507 N. Greenview Ave. From there, the books are distributed to five oth-er Christopher House locations in Chicago.

Christopher House is an organization that provides programs for low-income families, especially children, to ensure edu-cational success. According to Christopher House, programs like literacy services, youth

development and family support services strengthen families and the community.

Valencia feels that if students know more about Uptown, it will enhance their college experience. “The students will have an understanding of what Truman is to Uptown,” says Valencia. ■

after the general legislative session had be-gun to find an empty chamber. Sullivan thinks they ended the session early that day. “That was a real disappointment,” she says.

Yanitza Salgado, 22, a Truman stu-dent who is interested in immigration rights, chose to focus her energy on re-questing student IDs for undocumented college students. She was not aware that students were scheduled to witness a con-gressional session. “I thought it was a great trip anyway, and that would have been the icing on the cake,” she says.

For Salgado, “it was more about the overall experience, the ins and outs of every-thing.” She also appreciated the networking opportunity. Jared Desecki, an employee of State Representative Harry Osterman (14th), the district just north of Uptown, accom-panied Truman students on the bus and told participants about internship opportu-nities through Osterman’s office, something Salgado was excited about. Osterman’s of-fice also provided lunch for the students.

Another student, Nikko Di, ad-mits he “wasn’t really interested” in the political aspect of the trip. “I didn’t do letters. I didn’t have anything in mind (to lobby about). I had never been to Springfield and wanted the educational trip.”

Di appreciated visiting the Old State Capitol building and Lincoln’s tomb. Other

>> lobby(continued from page 1)

One of Chicago’s oldest and busi-est outdoor spaces is right here in Uptown. The beach and sur-

rounding green space is home to a bird sanctuary, has a bait shop, a dog park, and also has volleyball posts on the beach.

Pickup and league soccer games can be seen on the park’s seven fields practically every day during warmer weather. Excit-ing to watch and even more fun to play, some teams allow newcomers to join in.

Montrose Beach is located at 4400 N. Lake Shore Dr.

summer at moNtrose BeaChby Lauren VandermarEditor-In-Chief

highlights for him included viewing Presi-dent Obama’s seat when he was a state senator.

Sullivan hopes to plan another trip for next year using feedback from those who participated. “I was learning along with the students,” she says. Her “revelation,” as she put it, is that “our presence as citizens is crucial for a well-working government.” ■

Photographs by Alberto Martinez

PAGE 4 UPTOWN EXCHANGE - OPiNiON mAy 2009

RemembeRing Fallen HeRoesThis memorial Day, look beyond barbecuesby Fernando Gasca Staff Writer

Memorial Day will be celebrated on May 25 this year, and unfortunately the traditions in which the holi-

day should be remembered no longer exist. Memorial Day’s true meaning has been lost among the beaches, parks and smoky grills that the majority of people will enjoy from that day off work, but we should reflect upon why we enjoy those freedoms. The citizens of this country need to pay hom-age to those who have paid the ultimate sacrifice and to those who keep sacrificing.

Memorial Day was originally called Deco-ration Day, and it was recognized as a day of remembrance for those who died in our na-tion’s service. At first, the holiday was a ges-ture to heal wounds brought forth by the Civil War. Families of those who were lost in the war would get together and decorate the graves of their fallen loved one. It was a tradition that would eventually recognize those who fought and died in all the wars this nation has fought.

Boston Red Sox legend Ted Williams served proudly during WWII, along with Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash, to name a few. Our own Secretary of State Jesse White was a pitcher ready to report to the Chicago Cubs. Then he received orders to report for duty and instead of throwing baseballs; he jumped out of airplanes when he served for two years in the United States Army in the elite 101st Airborne Division.

Today, one does not hear about many high profile celebrities in a hurry to join the Armed Forces. An exception was Patrick Tillman, a strong safety for the Arizona Cardinals foot-ball team who decided to give up a promising football career and the millions of dollars at-tached to it in order to serve this nation. He was killed in Afghanistan serving his country.

These individuals are merely a decimal point compared to millions of everyday Joes and Janes who serve proudly. The only difference is that back then it was consid-ered a duty to serve. It wasn’t until 1973 when the draft ended and the US con-

verted to an all-volunteer military that sac-rifice took on a whole new meaning. Now a person enlists because he or she wants to.

When teachers ask a room full of stu-dents for a volunteer, they are lucky if they see a hand or two being raised. This is the same scenario that the country fac-es when trying to build its military forces.

Someone may tell you he or she joined to get government assistance to pay for an education. Others say they joined be-cause they want to travel, but the harsh re-ality is that the government might send a person somewhere they do not want to go.

Bianca Clayborne, President of the newly formed Veterans United Advocacy Club at Truman, knows the reasons why she joined. “I joined to get away from my family, and to pay for college. But along the way I received discipline and the strength to lead others.” The new club is geared to-ward helping the veterans at Truman.

Many students at Truman act shocked and amazed when one of their class-mates served in the Armed Forces. Some want to hear all the details thinking they might hear something cool. Others sim-ply say ‘wow’ or give you their thanks.

Sadly, there are thousands of individuals serving this country without a thank you. I know because I was one of the many who served proudly without ever thinking twice about it. There is no movie, song or television show that could capture the essence or spirit of serving our country. History has proven that politicians and issues like unemployment and economic crisis come and go, but the lives sacrificed by those in uniform are gone forever.

Congress put forth a law that on Memorial Day a moment of silence should be conducted at 3 p.m. for everyone’s pro-spective time zones. Unless you find your-self at a sporting event, chances are that you will forget what to do at that hour.

In the past, many people would plant a flag on the graves of those who made the ul-timate sacrifice. There wasn’t much celebrat-ing, just a somber tone for the entire day.

Let us observe Memorial Day for what it truly is, not just the official start to summer. People should be able to enjoy their time with family and friends, but always keep in mind why this day is a holiday. This does not mean you have to support the current war, just sup-port the troops. Enjoy life and all the crazy stuff in between, but don’t sweat the small things. There are plenty of soldiers six feet under that would gladly trade places with you, and they deserve to be remembered. ■

Time To geT involvedParticipation pays in school and beyondby Lacy Simons Student

As a working mother, the choice to continue my education in college was not an easy one. I struggled with the

idea of balancing my life at home with my education. I also felt reservations about enter-ing college as a non-traditional student. I was no longer 18 and fresh out of high school, I had taken several years off of school be-fore deciding to return; I wondered if I would be able to connect with other students and if I could thrive in a college environment.

I knew I was interested in science, but I was unsure of any plans beyond that. For my first semester at Truman I decided to only enroll in one class. I took biology 121 with Dr. Harris, and I immediately hit panic mode. I felt completely overwhelmed hav-ing been out of school for some time. The first few weeks I was in shock and I knew I would have to stop hiding in the back row and get involved if I was going to survive.

I approached the instructor about my reservations and she suggested setting up a weekly appointment during her office hours. Our first few meetings were spent going over class material. Throughout the semester we got to know each other and our one-hour ap-pointments became two-hour appointments as we began to discuss life in general. I had found a mentor, not only to help me with my biology but also to guide me through my education and offer advice when I needed it.

My second semester at Truman I mus-tered up enough courage to take four cours-es. Due to my interest in science, my men-tor also suggested that I join a group called the Center for Undergraduate Research and the Advancement of Technological Educa-tion (CURATE). I thought to myself that I barely was managing to juggle school, work and home, how would it ever be possible to become involved in an organization or club?

After joining CURATE I was offered the opportunity to participate in a funded un-dergraduate research fellowship at the City Colleges. Although this required a larger commitment, I determined that it would be worth the effort I put into it. Often times I sacrificed my social life to be in the lab, this forced me to reevaluate my life and re-vealed who in my life really supported me.

Finding a babysitter was not always easy, and my son, now five, is very familiar with laboratory settings. I have had to sacrifice many of the things I enjoy doing, like read-ing novels. Most days end in exhaustion due to my rigorous schedule but it felt worth-while because I have found something I love.

During my first semester in CURATE I

was invited to present a journal article as part of the Undergraduate Research Collaborative (URC). I had no idea how to make a Power-Point or how to deliver a scientific talk prop-erly. I sat in the front row and tried to calm my nerves. When it was my turn to speak, here were over 100 people, standing room only.

I can only describe my first presentation as everything you could do wrong when giving a presentation, a definite learning experience. I now host workshops on giving presentations and can look back and laugh and use myself as an example of how time and practice pays off.

Through CURATE I was able to attend a paid summer internship at a major four-year institution in Michigan. I honestly did not think that there would be a way I could go, because I would never leave my son.

Instead, I gained permission to take him to Michigan. He attended pre-school there while I conducted research. My expenses were fully paid for, I was supplied with an apartment and the college paid for my son’s school. I never thought I would have been able to take part in such an opportunity. The experience taught me that hard work and commitment is recognized and rewarded.

During the semesters that followed I worked on several research projects and at-tend national research meetings due to my involvement in CURATE and URC. I joined the American Chemical Society, a profes-sional organization for chemists. When the program organizer of CURATE moved to another job, the position became avail-able and due to my dedication, the di-rector of the program offered it to me.

Through CURATE I believe students cultivate skills and are given opportuni-ties that make them attractive to univer-sities and employers. In addition to sci-ence-specific training, we have also held several professional development workshops including how to read and write scientific articles and how to create presentations.

As I prepared for graduation this semester, I reflected back on the path I took. Students should realize that what may seem impossible at first can be achieved through hard work and dedication. If you are un-decided about your future goals, attend as many workshops and seminars as you can to gain exposure to many different areas.

Truman offers a wide variety of oppor-tunities for students beyond the classroom. Step out of your comfort zone and attend a workshop or seminar on a topic you are not familiar with, you may be surprised at how new experiences change you. Student run clubs, academic organizations, and pro-fessional organizations will impact your life and expose to different people and valu-able experiences. Embrace these opportu-nities. We all have the power to take charge of our lives and control our future. Success is not something that falls into your lap; it is something you have to strive for everyday. ■

-Guest Editorial-

What is truman art? The Uptown Exchange is looking for student photogra-

phers and artists to feature in upcoming issues. To submit your work or nominate someone else please email:

uptownexchange@gmail.com

may 2009 UPTOWN EXCHaNGE - OPiNiON PaGE 5

Donate BlooD, Win PrizesBut not if you’re gayby Johanna Granobles Staff Writer

Student and Vice President of the Veterans United Advocacy Club Lee Reinhart has always felt wel-

comed by Truman being gay. “I do not feel discriminated as a gay student or as a gay veteran at Truman,” says Reinhart.

However, on March 18 Truman held a blood drive where he and other gay males were left out because of their sexual orien-tation. The blood drive promoted a raffle to get more people to donate, but Food and Drug Administration (FDA) policy states gay males are not allowed to donate blood.

Medical history shows that health risks like HIV increased in the 1980s among gay males. Since 1977, men that have same sex intercourse are not allowed to donate due to high HIV prevalence among males of their orientation according to the FDA.

“I think it’s funny how here in Illinois when I renew my driver’s license they al-ways ask me if I want to have my organs donated and never once ask me if I’m gay,” says Reinhart, “why should my or-gans be good enough for someone to take to save another’s life, but not my blood?”

The Heartland Blood Center offered the chance to win $1,200 toward tuition to blood donors. The Truman College Student Activi-ties Office also held a raffle at the blood drive offering three $25 Visa gift cards. Student winners of the gift cards were Reginah Atha-la, Ha Phan and Nicole Winslate. The grand prize tuition winners are yet to be posted.

Although these prizes seem like a help-ful incentive, the blood drive seemed

more like a bribe. Advertising located all around campus focused more on the raf-fle than the necessity of blood donors.

“I believe all institutions should have blood drives, but I don’t think ads or brochures should single anyone out,” says a gay male stu-dent who wished not to be identified. “This is because technically everyone who is sexually active or (abuses) prescription or recreational drugs is at risk, so that should be the main cri-teria, not your sexual orientation,” he added.

The Truman website states that 59 people donated blood during the blood drive, making it the highest number of do-nors on record. If that’s a record, one could only imagine the outcome if ev-eryone were welcomed to donate blood.

“Even in my anger over this law I also realize that giving one’s blood to save an-other is the greatest gift one can give to help another human being,” adds Reinhart.

Only people 18 years old can donate blood; therefore, adults should not need an incen-tive. What makes this raffle wrong is that it was not an equal opportunity for everyone.

“The Truman administration, by al-lowing this raffle, has shown discrimina-tion on all counts,” says Reinhart. “Presi-dent Walker and the administration should not have allowed the drawing unless all Truman students were allowed to enter the drawing whether they gave blood or not.”

Donating blood is an act of free will. An incentive should not be the focus of a blood drive or required. Although Truman must follow the FDA regulations, it can not continue to host blood drives that have raf-fles that exclude a certain group. As a pub-lic institution, the school should welcome its students and embrace their differences. Truman can not change health policy, but it can provide equal opportunity for its students.■

Student journalists from the Uptown Ex-change won awards at the Spring 2009 Illinois Community College Journalism Association (ICCJA) conference.

The Uptown Ex-change competed against junior college publica-tions from around the state. Congratulations to our winners in the following categories:

• 2nd place, Feature Article (written by for-mer staff writer Nandika Doobay)

• 2nd place, Overall Lay-out/Design (to current design manager Phillip Romanello)

• 1st place, Arts Article (written by former staff writer and current Truman Advising staffer Maasai Amewa)

Congratulations!

This is the Uptown Exchange’s last issue for the semester, but we will return in the fall.

Our publication is always in need of talented, dedicated staff to bring the news of Truman College and Uptown to our readers.

Do you have an idea for a monthly column? are you an artist who would like to see your work published? are you a natural leader with good time-management skills, or would you like to learn those skills?

Positions are available in the following areas:

Editorial Staff•Writers•Photographers•Business/Public Relations•artists/Graphic Designers•Layout and Production•

Contact our newspaper adviser at bortiz@ccc.edu for more information.

We also encourage readers to give feedback in the form of letters and guest editorials. if you have something to say, contact us at: uptownexchange@gmail.com

WE NEED YOU!!

PAGE 6 UPTOWN EXCHANGE - ArTs & ENTErTAiNmENT mAy 2009

This monTh in...What I’m readIng...

What I’m lIstenIng to…

The Perks of Being a Wallflower

Eminem - He’s back and bringing his old ways

by Anastasia LucasArts & Entertainment Editor

I thought I was too old for coming of age stories, but I was wrong. “The Perks of Being a Wallflower” is not your typi-

cal teen angst saga; this is not a Judy Blume novel. Unable to put it down, I was quickly drawn into the world of Charlie, the emo-tionally fragile and eminently relatable lead character. As Charlie begins his freshman year of high school, he is faced with a crip-pling shyness and the residual trauma from his best friend’s suicide the previous year. Friendless, Charlie begins writing letters to someone unknown to the reader wonder-ing why people thought he was so strange for crying, for being too quiet and too blunt.

It is easy to become attached to Char-lie, to remember whatever pain you expe-rienced during your teenage years and to desperately want him to make friends. I don’t think I’m ruining anything by telling you that he does, and that these friends do more than socialize him, they change his life.

Author Stephen Chbosky uses a combina-tion of language and nuance to tell a pow-erful tale of passivity vs. passion, about hu-man choices and the difference between life on the sidelines and life on the dance floor.

“The Perks of Being a Wallflower” by Stephen Chbosky, Simon & Schuster $14. ■

by Johanna Granobles Staff Writer

Notorious controversy-creating rap-per, Eminem, has the latest jams on my Zune. He currently has three

songs out, “Crack a Bottle” featuring Dr. Dre and 50 Cent, “We Made You” and “3 a.m.”

I especially like Eminem’s music because he’s realistic and usually hilarious, which brings his personality through the music. He’s one of the few artists whose songs like “Stan” have become classics. His music is unique be-cause he has the skills to voice out his family issues like “Cleanin’ Out My Closet,” politics and just about anything he disagrees with. His lyrics can be powerful too, songs like “Mockingbird” and “Mosh” show his ability.

He tends to stir up some arguments be-cause he freely speaks his mind, usually in a comical way. For a good laugh, check out the “We Made You” video where he makes fun of Sarah Palin, Star Trek and others.

After three years, since his last album “Eminem Presents: The Re-Up,” he’s bring-ing back his signature style in soon to be released CD “Relapsed” (May 19). Look out Eminem fans, Ken Kaniff is mak-ing an appearance on Relapsed. It will also have a Part II that will come out later this year, according to www.sohh.com. ■

What’s Worth the PrIce of admIssIon...

star Trekby Erin McCann HeintzStaff Writer

“Star Trek,” released on May 8, provides nonstop action with-out compromising the intelligent

spirit of the original franchise. Filmmakers have achieved both a successful origin story and a gateway for future adventures aboard the Starship Enterprise that needn’t be con-stricted to the confines of its original world.

The film has breathed new life into a franchise that was becoming threatened by the passage of time. J.J. Abrams (Lost, Cloverfield), the director of the film, has combined modern, state-of-the-art, ef-fects techniques and a quick pace with the highly intellectual story telling and beloved characters for which the series is known.

With a perfectly cast handful of at-tractive new faces, “Start Trek” appeals to more than just its pre- established follow-ing. Zachary Quinto (Heroes) masterfully fills the role of Mr. Spock, with the blessing of Leonard Nimoy who has portrayed the character for decades. While Quinto and his fellow cast members maintain characteris-tics of the originals and utilize many of the lines for which the characters are famous, they in no way impersonate or mock the original portrayals. Each character is handled with great respect in this updated homage.

Many “Star Trek” purists have expressed displeasure that William Shatner, the original Captain Kirk, had not been cast for so much as a cameo in the film. These concerns can be set aside, however, as the film successfully stands alone, not needing to rely on multi-ple original cast appearances to maintain an amused audience. Shatner’s presence in the film would have been superfluous because this film is independent in nature as much as it it is a part of the franchise, especially con-sidering that the actor did not grow into the same bold, strong willed man that most fans would imagine Captain James Kirk became.

If there was any reason to criticize the film, and one would have to dig deep to do so, it would be the pseudo-science of sev-eral scenarios that propel the plot. Black holes are referred to several times through-out the film as mysterious vortexes through which anything is possible. While the science of actual black holes is not completely writ-ten into law at this time, much about them is common knowledge, especially to the audience for which “Star Trek” is designed. Many of the scenarios directly contradict actual science, and in this way, it could be said, the film talks down to its audience.

Overall, the film is well acted, won-derfully directed and generally a great movie watching experience. Experienced “Trekkies” as well as filmgoers new to the genre of science fiction in general will fiend the movie both fun and thought provoking. ■

lIllstreetA Different Kind of summer schoolby Anastasia LucasArts & Entertainment Editor

On the corner of Montrose and Ravenswood lies a building that houses a community of artists

dedicated to creating and teaching. Lill-Street Art Center was founded in 1975 for the sole purpose of providing a place where artists can work side-by-side in a friendly and encouraging environment.

Though located in Uptown, LillStreet still bears the name of its original space, a converted horse barn on Lill St. in Lincoln Park. The Art Center has expanded more than its space since moving to Uptown; it has expanded its purpose. LillStreet is more than a place for artists to create their work; it is a state of the art facility offering class-es and workshops to adults and students.

LillStreet’s summer offerings include adult classes in ceramics, printmaking, glass blowing, painting and drawing, and jewelry making and metal work. If you are looking for something a little more basic, the adult program features a class entitled “First Time Artist.” The Art Center also offers an array of children’s classes as well as a camp. Avail-able classes include clay work for toddlers, kindergarteners and 8-10 year olds, as well as drawing and cartooning. Another great children’s option is the “Mini Monet” class which is for younger children and uses paints and collage materials. For the more advanced child, there are classes in hand building with clay, printmaking and multimedia art.

The classes at LillStreet during the summer have abbreviated lengths to ac-commodate the season, as well as special prices for the classes. This year, LillStreet is also offering a camp for children in ev-erything from wheelthrowing (ceramics) and sewing to glass beading and painting.

If you want to explore your creativ-ity, learn something new or just have some fun, LillStreet might be the per-fect place to spend your summer vacation.

Summer Session I at LillStreet begins on June 1 and Session II begins July 6. All camps and workshops begin on June 8.

Not interested in taking a class? Lill-Street also runs a café where you can grab a snack and a cup of coffee and en-joy the art created by your neighbors.

LillStreet is located at 4401 N Ravenswood. ■

Photographs by Alberto Martinez

LillStreet students learn to knit (left) create glass objects (center) and screen print (right) in a rotating selection of classes offered by the school.

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National Pastime Theater’s cre-ative force Laurence Bryan is not here to comfort you with

safe, vanilla theater. National Pastime has called its storefront at Broadway and Buena home for over a decade, turning out aggressive productions labeled with a “not for children of any age” disclaimer.

“We talk about desperation, of the struggle of life,” says Bryan. “These are hyper-real situations, but we won’t shock just to shock. It’s not about showing one person with a tortured soul, but the arche-type.” He believes his brand of theater has the potential to resonate emotionally with the audience, “You can’t deny the seedier side of life—embrace it, learn from it.”

The theater itself carries fascinat-

ing mix of prohibition-era history and legend. Once a secret ballroom in the Buena Park Hotel, the space functioned as a speakeasy that held nightly dance parties.

The storefront was originally a sign shop. Bryan knew its owner and the two, suspecting the room’s existence, decid-ed to tear down a wall to reveal the hid-den area. It is a relic, airy and trimmed in marble and high crown moldings. Ele-ments of the room are often incorporat-ed into set pieces, adding dramatic unity.

It has been said that ghosts also make their home in the ballroom, including a fe-male jazz singer whose songs echo through the theater late at night. Bryan, in his Birmingham, AL drawl says the spirits ap-prove of the work his company does, “it enhances things, the creative energy here.”

That energy attracts a “young, pro-fessional, educated” crowd, according to Bryan. “They are very hungry for experi-ence, to escape the way times are,” Bryan ex-plains of an increased interest among locals. “I like to think of the audience as our willing victims,” he says with a sly grin. “We don’t wish them time to think. We fill the mind with images and provocation.” The rest, he insinuates, is open to interpretation. ■

In a sea of “beer boutiques,” pubs that seek to bring craft beer to the masses, The Bar on Buena holds its

own. Its brew list is extensive, the food is a solid mix of higher-end pub fare, and Sunday evening jazz performances elevate the establishment once a week.

Sure, high ceilings and garage door-like windows make the place a bit drafty during the colder months, but those doors open when things warm up to create something of a covered patio. Here patrons can enjoy the breeze while shaded from the sun, creating a chilled-out atmosphere that has made it a go-to neighborhood joint for many locals.

The Bar is at the same intersection as both National Pastime and Profiles, con-venient for pre or post theater bite. Its menu focuses on sandwiches with a few

decent appetizers. Sweet potato fries were crispier and saltier than many places, but were served with two mustard-based dip-ping sauces that clashed with the fries’ natural sweetness. For a Mediterra-nean starter, choose the creamy hum-mus over a too chunky olive tapenade.

Decent entrée salads include spin-ach with bleu cheese and a Mediterra-nean yellowfin filet served over mixed greens, cucumber, tomato and kalamata olives. Sandwiches like the marinated han-gar steak and a rosemary chicken breast with apple, prosciutto and swiss serve as hearty companions to a good beer. The tacos, disappointingly, skimped on beef in favor of fillers like rice and lettuce.

Mercurial service can be a buzz kill, so allow a little extra time if eating be-fore a show. Generally though, The Bar on Buena embodies an ideal sum-mer spot: relaxing, easy and slightly elevated in atmosphere, yet it man-ages to retain a hint of Uptown grit.

The Bar on Buena is located at 910 W. Buena. Call (773) 525-8665 for hours and nightly specials. ■

may 2009 UPTOWN EXCHaNGE - arTs & ENTErTaiNmENT PaGE 7

Summer in uptownExplore your neighborhoodby Anastasia LucasArts & Entertainment Editor

American Indian CenterLocated at 1630 W Wilson, the AIC has

been the primary American Indian cultural resource in Chicago for over 50 years. As the oldest Urban Native American Center, it serves as a meeting place for potlucks, pow-wows and birthday parties and has launched several successful cultural educational pro-grams. Home to art displays, gift shops and a theater, the AIC is currently transforming their space into a museum and cultural center.

Currently, you can tour their Trickster exhibit, a gallery that features contemporary American Indian art, holds panels and lec-tures and film screenings. A great thing to do at AIC is to tour the photo exhibit of 50 years of pow-wows, but do it soon because the Field Museum is going to be sponsor-ing an international tour of this exhibit.

Profiles TheaterThis year marks the 20th Anniversary

of the Uptown located Profiles Theater. To conclude their festivities, they are premier-ing a new play by local playwright Ellen Fairey about local landmark Graceland Cem-etery. Taking place in Chicago, Graceland is a comedic-drama that tells the story of four Chicagoans whose lives intertwine over the course of the Air Show weekend. This show opens on May 28 and runs through June 28. Profiles Theater is located at 4147 N Broadway.

ArtworksArtworks was founded in 2007 by a group

of artists who believe art can truly bring change to a community. Their hope is that through workshops and community projects, social

dynamics can change and people can come to understand each other better. This organiza-tion works with Heartland Alliance and the School of the Art Institute, but the need and welcome volunteers from the neighborhood!

This summer they are reassessing their workshop programs but you can still head over to 4654 N Racine on Wednesday nights for Open Studio or Sunday afternoons for crochet and knitting circles. Both are free, fun ways to spend your time this summer.

Art-TeezLocated in the same building as AIC, the

mission of this organization is to bring the diversity and creativity of the Uptown neigh-borhood together. With a strong humanitar-ian message, Art-Teez brings artists of vari-ous backgrounds together to create exhibits and workshops. One of the most interesting things Art-Teez does is feature the work of local artists screened on t-shirts. You can view and buy these t-shirts on the website, www.art-teez.org. If you want to learn how to screen your own shirts, there are work-shops every Sunday from 3 p.m. - 6 p.m. There is also a summer design tour contest focusing on art that expresses anti-racism sentiments. You’re welcome to stop by the third floor of the AIC building anytime to view the founding artists’ work as well as the current experimental exhibit, “No Walls.”

The Chicago History MuseumYou can combine a summer stroll with

a neighborhood history lesson on Sundays this summer when The Chicago History Museum leads walking tours through Grace-land Cemetery. The cemetery is one of the oldest and most prominent in the city, with famous Chicagoans such as Marshall Field, Louis Sullivan and George Pullman. If you prefer to tour the cemetery on your time and at your own pace, free self-guided tours are offered every day from 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. ■

Alice, iS thAt You?a helter-skelter redux of Carroll’s classicby Lauren VandermarEditor-In-Chief

“Alice of the House of C a r r o l l ”

does not bear a close resemblance to Alice’s original adventures in Wonderland. The play pays homage to the characters and the frenetic pace of Lewis Carroll’s 1865 novel but often abandons these constructs to become its own entity. “Alice,” written by Keely Haddad-Null and Laurence Bryan who also directs, presents Alice as a tattered ur-chin in a loopy 19th century Chicago.

The premise revolves around two ver-sions of Alice who appear to be time-travel-ling through past events. The elder version physically and verbally abuses her counter-part throughout the story, a theme said to be inspired by an old painting discovered in National Pastime’s basement. The rea-son for Alice’s decision to delve into her past and the relationship between events that follow is never entirely explained.

In spite of allusions toward an introspec-tive journey, the show functioned less as an allegory and more as a surrealist spectacle.

The creative re-working of many original characters is a bright spot. The Mad Hatter and cohorts are transformed into a band of ghoulish bums, the Cheshire cat is at times a slick suitor for Alice and other times the pet of Queen stand-in Mrs. Heart. Amus-ingly, the White Rabbit is a pompous nun.

Deeper aspects are touched on in Bryan’s dark, mucky Chicago including class struggle, the burden of dealing with one’s

past and fate versus free will, but an exploration of such ideas is marginalized in favor of cease-less action and visual effects. In-deed, staging is terrific. Players are costumed in filth so thick you can practically smell the charac-ters. Excellent use of the theatre space and heavy-handed violence set a gritty mood of suspense.

Unfortunately, a disjointed plot fails to fully capitalize on the atmospheric momentum. The Great Chicago Fire is wo-ven in with shark-jumping gusto. While not every element should require an explanation some de-tails do not work toward the greater good of the piece. Cer-tain exchanges, sometimes en-tire scenes, seem haphazard.

Still, the production makes good on National Pastime’s promise to aggressively hold a theatergoer’s attention. Actors’ performanc-es are fearless and solid. While the picture they paint is an odd one, its details are clearly left to the interpretation of the observer. As in a strange dream or an examination of life expe-riences, at times events are random and many do not make sense. Nor are they meant to.

“Alice of the House of Carroll” runs through May 30 at National Pastime Theater, 4139 N. Broadway. Contact the box office at (773) 327-7077 for more information. ■

uptown Gem:National Pastime Theaterby Lauren VandermarEditor-In-Chief

by Lauren VandermarEditor-In-Chief

GreAt niGhtTheater, Bar, Buena

Socks appeal: Claire Kander as a precocious Alice.

Photograph by Warren Winter courtesy of National Pastime Theater

Aragon Ballroom: 1106 W Lawrence•Big Chicks: 5024 N Sheridan•Black Ensemble Theater: 4520 N Beacon•Fat Cat: 4840 N Broadway•National Pastime: 4139 N Broadway•Pegasus Players: Profiles Theatre: 4147 •N BroadwayRiviera Theatre: 4746 N Racine•

The Annoyance Theatre: 4830 N •BroadwayThe Green Mill: 4802 N Broadway•The Kinetic Playground: 1113 W •LawrenceThe Spot: 4437 N Broadway•

May calendarMonday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday

• “Scientology! The Unauthorized Musical,” 8PM @ The Annoyance Theater, Fridays through May 22 • “Co-Ed Prison Sluts,”10PM @ The Annoyance Theater, Fridays

• “Daredevilfy,” 8PM @ The An-noyance Theater, Saturdays• “Late Night Tit-Bits,”10PM @ The Annoyance Theater, Saturdays• “Skinprov,”11:59PM @ The Annoyance Theater, Saturdays

• I Never? 8PM @ The Spot, Mondays• Patricia Barber Quar-tet9PM @ The Green Mill, Mondays

• “Chicagoland and FishNuts,” 8PM @The Annoyance, Tuesdays• Deep Blue Organ Trio, 9PM @ The Green Mill, Tuesdays

• CINCO DE MAYO!

• Alfonso Ponticelli and Swing Gitan, 9PM @ The Green Mill, Wednesdays• “The Fuggit Show: Oh Yes We Did,” 8PM @The Holiday Club, Wednesdays• “Live Game Show.”8PM @ Wild Pug, Wednesdays• Triple Feature, 8PM @ The Annoyance, Wednesdays

• “Alice of the House of Carroll,” 8PM @ National Pastime Theater, Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays• Alan Gresik’s Swing Shift Orchestra, 9PM @ The Green Mill, Thursdays• Messing with a Friend Every Thursday 10:30PM The Annoy-ance

• “White Jazz,” 9:30PM @ The Annoyance

• Bellator Fighting Championship VII, 7PM @ The Ara-gon Ballroom• “CircEsteem’s 8th An-nual Circus,” 7:30PM @The O’Rourke Center• Family Order, 9PM @ The Kinetic Playground

• ”CircEsteem’s 8th Annual Cir-cus,”4PM @ The O’Rourke Center• Keane, 6:30PM @The Aragon Ballroom

• Memorial Day• Death Roast, 9PM @ The Annoyance

• Yeah Yeah Yeahs,7PM @ The Aragon Ballroom

• Early Weekend Show, 8PM @ The Holiday Club

• Graceland, 8PM @ Profiles Theater Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays & Sundays thru June 28

Sunday

• Diva Brunch, 11AM & 1PM @ The Spot, Sundays• “The Wonderful World of Dissocia,” 7PM @ Profiles Theater, Sundays• “Your Friends and Enemies,” 8PM @The Annoyance, Sundays

• Mothers Day • “Words that Kill: Celebrating Nerdiness,” 8PM @The Spot

• Dating for Nerds, 7PM-10PM @ The Holiday Club

• “Homolatte,” 7:30PM @ Big Chicks

• Chilango Fest 2009, 5PM @ The Aragon Ballroom

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• “A Tribute to the Black Crooner,” 3PM @ Black Ensemble Theater

• Third Eye Blind,7:30PM @ The Riviera• Tony Monico Trio, 9PM @ The Green Door

• Tony Monico Trio, 8PM @ The Green Mill•A Tribute to the Black Crooner, 8PM @ Black Ensemble Theater•Bass Odyssey 9PM The Kinetic Play-ground

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