CSU Intern, Tiffany, Joins SETF on T2T Tour

On Saturday 3/16 I went a on a CIMBY Tour called Toxics to Treasures. There were two busloads of kids one lead by Rod Sellers and the other by Tom Shepherd. There were students from various high schools that attended. We began the tour at Wolf Lake where Tom and I discussed the Nike Missile and some important facts about the lake and the industrial aspect of the lake and why this was considered to be an important area in the Southeast Region. We then rode the bus around the landfills, the old factories, Harborside Golf Course and the marshes. Along the way we witnessed industry and nature co-existing in a very peculiar way. It was a very unique sight to experience. We were surprised to see a barge that just arrived from New Orleans carrying benzene and two swans swimming alongside each other in the marshland. The students were very bright and inquisitive kids that were a joy to be around. After the tour the kids headed over to the library for an activity. Despite the cold weather it was a very enjoyable day and an amazing experience.

 

Kitchen Spa

Last Friday night the Task Force hosted a Ladies Night In workshop where our members got to make beauty and health products with common, natural, everyday ingredients.  The Chocolate Souffle facial mask made with yogurt, cocoa, honey and oatmeal was a hit and left their skin silky smooth.  They also made a coconut oil based "vapo rub" fragranced with rosemary and eucalyptus essential oils that will do  double duty as both a moisturizer and an aromatic stimulant.  It was a fun way to wind down a long week on a cold, winter Friday.

If You Ever Doubt That theTask Force is Busy

If you ever doubt that the Task Force is busy, just stop in at our office, or visit our blog, or click over to our Facebook page.  We have an activity scheduled for every month not to mention the myriad number of meetings we attend or the advocacy work we do.  Phew!

We than rushed to the station with Below are a few photos from our recent  trip down to Springfield to try to convince our legislators to do the smart thing and vote for a 2 year moratorium on Fracking in Illinois.

Tiny and Inexpensive

Watch this interesting video about downsizing your living space.  It's proof that you can do with less and still be satisfied.

Post Industrial Southeast Chicago

For a glimpse into Southeast Chicago's past, read these two recent books:  Exit Zero by Christine Walley and Fireflies in a Jar by Georgia Kraff .  Both memoirs give an account of what life was like when the steel mills provided a living for the thousands of families that lived and worked on the Southeast side.  Information about the books can be found at:

http://georgiakraff.com/
and
http://www.press.uchicago.edu/ucp/books/book/chicago/E/bo13487662.html

 

 

And if you haven't seen the documentary, Wrapped in Steel you can watch it here:

 

Winter Walk 2012

 

December 1, 2012 we took a winter walk along William H. Powers Lake, formerly known as Wolf Lake.  We met at a central location and walked to different interesting points along the lake. Some of the attractions were the upcoming visitor’s center, the Nike missile, and the damage done to trees caused by beavers. We discussed the wildlife that inhabits the area and some of the new species that are being sighted.  We discussed the millennium reserve project as well as the benefits of connecting with nature. I felt it was an enjoyable walk; the weather was beautiful that day. I enjoyed the participants as well as they all something to share, whether it was about the area itself or the wildlife they have noticed around their homes. It was fun swapping stories and made for interesting conversation.  After the walk some of the participants joined us back at the SETF for hot chocolate and cookies it was the perfect end to an exciting afternoon.

 

 

Hard to Believe It's December 2nd

Perhaps Sunday wasn't unseasonably warm after all, but rather what the weather has in store for us from now on.  Who would have thought it was December 2nd the way the thermometer was  climbing into the lower 60's.  That kind of temperature called for time out of doors in the form of an excursion to Calumet Park.  An opportunity to stroll along the lake with my grand-daughter in tow. 

Few Chicagoans get to experience the lake the way we do on the Southeast side.  While every square inch of lakefront seems to be occupied up North, it's not true down here.  After "beach" season, the park is all but vacant.  You can ride your bike, jog or take a stroll without having to dodge between other pedestrians.  It's the prefect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and at this time of the year, the holiday season too. 

"Here a goose, there a goose, every where a goose goose."

 

 

I was surprised they  let me get this close.

 

 

 

Serenity.

 

Brown fallen leaves against grass that was
 still very green.

 

 

State Line Power Plant closed, but still  rather imposing.

 

 

Looking across the misty water at the beach.

 

Due to the low level of the lake, a part of the bottom I have
never, ever seen exposed.

 

 

 

How low can it go???

 

 

Like age rings on a tree, so telling are the worn
 lines along pier's pylons.

 

 

Enjoying the fall-winter-spring like air.