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.
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.
More than 40 local professionals gathered for “Bagels & Business,” which was held at the Ark and presented by JNDC in partnership with the JUF Professionals Network. The event provided opportunities for networking, collaboration, and community building among local professionals and business owners. We look forward to continuing this valuable series.
JNDC recently brought its signature presentation, “Growing Up Jewish in West Rogers Park,” to Temple Beth-El of Northbrook. Attendees viewed a screening of Driving West Rogers Park and explored our photo exhibit Then and Now: 10 Decades of Jewish Community in West Rogers Park, on display through May 5, 2025. The event sparked thoughtful conversations and a sense of shared history.
JNDC convened its second Community Safety Meeting, uniting leaders from diverse faith and cultural organizations within our community to discuss shared concerns. Hosted by Forging Opportunities for Refugees in America (FORA) in their welcoming space at the former Northtown Branch Library on California Avenue, the meeting featured insights from CPD POWSAT Officers Michael Specht and Roger Heath. These gatherings continue to strengthen trust, collaboration, and neighborhood connection.
The second annual EmpowerHer event, co-hosted by Jewish Neighborhood Development Council of Chicago (JNDC) and The Jewish Woman Entrepreneur (JWE), brought together a dynamic group of women professionals and business leaders for an evening of insight, networking, and empowerment.
Held in West Rogers Park at the Ark, and generously sponsored by State Representative Kevin Olickal, the program featured a panel of accomplished speakers who shared their experiences and strategies around goal-setting, leadership, and professional growth.
With strong attendance and enthusiastic engagement from participants, the event built on last year’s success—further establishing EmpowerHer as a valued space for connection and support among female entrepreneurs and executives in our community.
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