No Small Matter documentary screening November 20

This in from the Evanston Community Foundation and Evanston Cradle to Career...

Seven Reasons To Try Square Dancing in 2019

By Janice Cha

In a time when people find connecting with others a challenge, square dance could be the answer. It has made a comeback in a more vital format than ever.

Here's seven reasons why learning to square dance might be the an unexpected path to new friends and adventures.


✿ Brings people together: Square dance (SD) is social networking IRL (in real life). Beginning SD lessons -- given on Tuesday evenings -- offer the time to get to know fellow dancers and become friends.


✿ Brain-building: Teamwork with other dancers in your square will keep your mind sharp, focused and challenged – no matter your age.


✿ Like a game: SD is Simon Says for adults. It’s Sudoku for your feet. It’s puzzle-solving on the fly with a team of people working together.


✿ Good for step-counters: In one evening of square dancing, you might walk three to five miles. Moderate, low-impact heart-healthy movement.


✿ Fine for “two left feet” folks: It’s walking in time to music. As long as you know your right from your left, you don’t need to be a fancy stepper to win at square dance.


✿ All kinds of music: You will dance to just about any song with a good beat and brisk pace, including tunes by the Beatles, Adele, Garth Brooks, Lady Gaga, Pink, Pit Bull, and more.


✿ Inclusive: No need for a partner in today’s square dance. You’ll find plenty of experienced dancers ready to dance with you.


As mentioned, Glenview Squares is offering Beginning SD lessons on Tuesday evenings. There is still time to join in, but hurry!

Come Tuesday, Sept 10, at 7 pm, on the second floor of the Glenview Park Center, 2400 Chestnut, Glenview. Look for the Square Dance check-in table at the top of the stairs.

Questions? Contact Janice, janice@glenviewsquares.org.

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Janice Cha is the president of the Glenview Square Dance Club.

Dance, Poetry, Music, Storytelling Performance in Morton Grove October 26

Apply to join in the fun by September 20.

 

This in from Identity Performing Arts' Ginny Ching Yin Lo...

North Shore area performing artist of all kinds are invited to submit a bit about themselves online, by September 20, to be added to the roster of performers participating in the Morton Grove Community Artists Performance happening at the Morton Grove Civic Center on October 26.

The hallmark of this show is open-mindedness and inclusivity. It will celebrate diversity and uniqueness.

This show typically attracts an audience of 450 people and includes more than 50 performers.

Learn more on Identity Performing Arts’ website.

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Ginny Ching Yin Lo is a member of the Morton Grove Community Relations Commission. She’s curated this event since 2016.

"In general we DO NOT turn people away unless their works are racist, violence & profanity," says Ginny.

Thank you, Gene Servillo

My friend, fellow Rotarian Gene Servillo is to be honored by The Harbour with its Champion of Youth Award for his more than 30 years of service to the agency, providing advocacy, stewardship, and support of youth and youth programming.

Gene will be feted at The Harbour’s Lives in Bloom Gala, Friday April 26 at the Metropolis Ballroom in Arlington Heights.

The Champion for Youth Award is presented annually by the agency to someone who has demonstrated dedication to the community and youth, and who strives for equity and opportunity for everyone.

Tickets for the gala are $200 per person for an evening of drinks, dinner and entertainment that celebrates our community's supporters and raises critical funds needed to maintain the agency's vital programs serving youth facing emergency housing crises.

For more information about The Harbour, which serves girls experiencing homelessness, to buy tickets to the gala or make a donation, see https://theharbour.org/lib19.html.

I'll be at the gala. It would be lovely to have you join us.

Janet Sutherland pens memoir of grit and humor

One day former radio reporter Janet Sutherland left work to walk her dog. Without warning she was struck with the worst headache of her life. She was experiencing a ruptured brain aneurysm.

In March 2004, Janet was given a three-percent chance to survive. For weeks her co-workers raised money for her family, joined her battle, and prayed she would live. And she did.

Fifteen years later, Sutherland has miraculously recovered.

Janet’s memoir, Nose Over Toes, tells the story of her recovery and includes research from the Brain Aneurysm Foundation.

~*~

Janet invites the public to celebrate life and the launch of her book on Tuesday, March 19 from 5-8 p.m. at Ditka’s 100 E Chestnut St, Chicago. There will be food and drink. She’s expected to do a reading and sign books.

~*~

Yes. I made the photos for the book covers.

Meet Semari Moore, Miss Teen Globe Illinois

Semari Moore's vision board

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

I believe the children are our are future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside*

This I believe.
I'm just one of the villagers helping raise our children. I'm doing my best to support all the kids within my influence.

Semari Moore, the current
Miss Teen Globe Illinois

This week Semari Moore is on my mind. 

She's a high achiever. A sophomore at Evanston Township High School, Semari has received numerous academic honors. She has played on ETHS' soccer, basketball and volleyball teams. Currently she is a cheerleader. 

She has been recognized by her teachers and coaches as a leader who helps other students in need. 

Her current goals include improving healthcare delivery, as well as to attend Howard University and become a neurosurgeon, besides being crown Miss Teen Globe USA in October 2019.

Semari is the current Miss Teen Globe Illinois.

In the meantime, here's a bit more about her.

Q: Congratulations on becoming Miss Teen Globe Illinois. Have you been having a good time representing Illinois?
 
SM: Yes. It has been a lot of fun. It has brought new experiences. What I’ve enjoyed the most is not only giving back to my community, but putting a smile on strangers faces.

Q: What have you learned since winning your Teen Globe titles?

SM: I learned how to communicate better. I am still working on it. I’m definitely better at the way I present myself. The first meeting with someone is everything, so me looking my best and behaving best is the way to go.

Q: You tend to be shy. Has speaking to crowds become easier for you?

SM: Over time speaking to crowds has become easier for me. There’s just little things that I continue to work on. 

Q: What, or who, inspired you to get involved in the Miss Teen Globe competitions? 

SM: My mother inspired me to do pageants. I wasn’t really a pageant person until she introduced me to it.

Q: What happens during the competitions? What do the judges judge you on?

SM: During a pageant you are judged on your appearance, the way you carry yourself, evening gown, swimsuit, speech and platform. For the local pageant it consist of interview, workout outfit and evening gown.

Q: What are your prescribed duties?

SM: Duties of a queen varies. For the most part it includes public appearances, fulfillment of your platform and community service. Oh, and lots of pictures!

Q: How do you balance all that you have going on: Cheerleading, sports and scoring straight A's?

SM: I balance academics and sports all through time management. If I know I need to get something done, I’m gonna plan out my day/week accordingly. My mom helps me with a lot of the planning and prioritizing. I always make sure everything gets done to the best of my ability.

Q: What do you hope to accomplish with the platform the Miss Teen Globe movement provides? What kind of impact do you want to have on the community? How are you using your celebrity? 

SM: I want my community to know that I am here to help when help is needed and I represent them. I hope to help the world develop a better healthcare system. I will be a neurosurgeon soon. I’ll also get involved in politics, if I have to be in order to make change.

Q: How has your family, friends and classmates reacted to you winning Miss Teen Globe Evanston ad Miss Teen Globe Illinois? 

SM: Family and friends has reacted positively they push me to do my best. At first some girls at the high school didn’t understand why I was doing a pageant and thought it was stupid. I ignored the negative comments and moved along with the friends and family that supports me.

Q: Beauty pageants have been around for a long time. What would you tell people who think we should be done with them? What do you think makes them relevant these days?

SM: Pageant are not just based on physical beauty these days. Judging is also the person that you are. I don’t know why anyone would think we should be done with pageants. You would be taking away an amazing experience for thousands of girls. Pageants help your self-esteem. They give college scholarships. They give you a platform and a voice to express matters that are important to young girls and women.

Q: What tips do you have for other girls who are thinking about getting involved in beauty pageant competitions?

SM: Be your own person. Yes, you might be tempted to follow someone who is famous, but, hey, the best person is you. Make sure your platform is something that YOU truly care about. Take advantage of every opportunity during your reign.  Show off your best qualities and you got it. 

Semari Moore dons her Miss Teen Globe Evanston crown last summer.

If you'd like to contribute to Semari Moore's pageant fund, you can donate online.

Semari is available for public appearances at Illinois events. To book her, contact her mom.

* With a wink and a nod to songwriters Linda Creed and Michael Masser and a tear in my eye for Whitney Houston.

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As some friends and neighbors know, despite not birthed any children, I claim many as my own. One of then is Kemone Hendricks. I've known her since she was a student at Evanston Township High School when I was one of her photo coaches during a summer youth program. Now she's raising her own ETHS student, Semari Moore. I think of them as the Gilmore Girls of Evanston.

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