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Building Partnerships for a Safer, More Connected Neighborhood

On September 16, JNDC convened a Community Safety Partners meeting at the South Asian American Chamber of Commerce of Illinois, bringing together civic, faith, and community leaders to strengthen relationships around public safety concerns in West Rogers Park and nearby neighborhoods.

Coming together for our fifth meeting, participants reflected a growing spirit of trust and cooperation among local organizations, police representatives, elected officials, and faith leaders — all working collectively to ensure a safer and more connected community.

State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal joined the discussion, offering updates on safety initiatives and reinforcing the importance of partnership in addressing shared concerns.

This ongoing initiative reflects JNDC’s commitment to fostering relationships, building understanding, and strengthening the networks that help our diverse community thrive.

Summer of 2025: Expanding Nature and Community at Park 538

The summer of 2025 was a milestone season for JNDC at Park 538, as we took programming to the next level — expanding existing activities, adding new ones, and partnering with a wide range of community organizations.

The season kicked off with our new Outreach and Program Coordinator, Adina Mayer, leading a bird and nature walk for Walder Science. Students learned to identify birds by sight and sound and had a blast exploring nature right in Park 538.

Our Summer Butterfly Club returned for its fourth year — and was better than ever! About 50 kids participated throughout the season, learning about the park’s vital role in providing habitat for monarch butterflies and other pollinators. It’s been incredible to see children return year after year, deepening their connection to nature. Thanks to our new sponsors, State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal, participants also enjoyed refreshing snow cones at several sessions.

We continued our popular Bird and Nature Walks in partnership with the Chicago Bird Alliance, offering neighbors a beautiful way to connect while appreciating the abundance of wildlife in our urban gem.

A new addition this year, Mindful Birding for Women, invited participants to practice mindfulness techniques in nature — an experience that resonated deeply with attendees. JNDC also joined West Ridge Nature Park’s 10th anniversary celebration, leading a special bird walk for kids, and partnered with Yachad Chicago for a joyful nature walk at Park 538.

As we look ahead, we’re gearing up for an exciting fall season, including Mindful Birding, Native Planting, Owl Walks, and more.

Park 538 continues to grow as a hub for nature, learning, and community connection — a place where neighbors and visitors of all ages can come together to experience the beauty of the natural world right here in West Rogers Park.

A Fresh New Look for Touhy Avenue Businesses

We’re excited to share two new examples of how Jewish Neighborhood Development Council of Chicago (JNDC) is helping strengthen and beautify our neighborhood business corridors — supporting both economic vitality and community pride.

At North Shore Kosher Bakery, new decorative graphics now cover the “back room” windows facing Touhy Avenue. With JNDC’s encouragement and collaboration — and the trust built through ongoing relationships with the owners — the bakery has transformed what once appeared as a vacant stretch of storefronts into a bright and welcoming display that reflects the energy of the neighborhood.

Eastern Style Pizza has completed a beautifully refurbished sign, partially funded through the Touhy Western TIF program. JNDC supported the process from start to finish, advising on design options, helping identify vendors, and guiding the timely submission of paperwork to ensure the project’s success.

These visible improvements are part of JNDC’s ongoing effort to collaborate with local businesses to boost economic vibrancy, promote local investment, and reinforce the character of West Rogers Park.

Community Safety Partners Meeting Brings Strong Turnout and Reaffirms Shared Priorities

On June 26, JNDC convened a gathering of some 20 community leaders, safety advocates, and local police for a Community Safety Partners meeting, hosted at The Ark on California Avenue. Participants represent a broad range of local faith and cultural organizations and seek to find ways to work together to improve community safety in West Rogers Park/West Ridge.

We were especially grateful to 50th Ward Alderman Debra Silverstein, who joined the meeting as our guest speaker. Alderman Silverstein provided updates on current safety initiatives and reaffirmed that keeping our community safe remains her highest priority. Attendees had the opportunity to share their concerns directly, creating a meaningful exchange and a strong sense of shared purpose.

We were also pleased to welcome CPD Officer Michael Specht, 24th District Place of Worship Safety Advisory Team, and representatives from the offices of State Senator Ram Villivalam and State Representative Kevin Olickal, whose presence reinforced the importance of collaboration between the Chicago Police Department, community members, and elected officials.

We look forward to continuing the conversation and working together to ensure that West Rogers Park/West Ridge remains a safe and welcoming place for all.

Volunteers Improve Park 538 During Chicago River Day Clean-Up

On Sunday, May 11, 2025 Park 538 saw a boost in beauty and accessibility thanks to a dedicated group of volunteers who participated in the 33rd Annual Chicago River Day. Organized by Friends of the Chicago River, the event marked the only Sunday cleanup across the city—accommodating the observant Jewish community and ensuring that West Rogers Park residents could take part.

Twenty-two volunteers joined forces to spread two large piles of wood chips provided by the Chicago Park District, focusing their efforts on enhancing the trail entrances to the park. The improvements have made a visible impact, and visitors are encouraged to explore the refreshed space along the North Shore Channel.

Students Discover Nature Through Play at Park 538

On Sunday, May 4, 2025, Walder Science students joined JNDC for an enjoyable and educational nature walk at Park 538. Activities included plant and pollinator identification, habitat hopscotch, and bird-call recognition using the Merlin app—highlighted by a rare encounter with a migratory Black-and-White Warbler. Programs like these cultivate a love for nature in our neighborhood’s next generation.

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