‘Cover Stories’ Archives
“The story is our escort”
By Harvey Winje The headline above, from The Alley Newspaper, April 1984, is still relevant in April 2013 because the 40-year saga of the Phillips Pool continues. The next chapter is being written as you read this. You are welcomed to be a part of this chapter. Wendell Phillips Junior High School The Pool is empty again! The story intensifies as the characters”' levels of passion and available time move between those who are deeply involved to the casual observer and some in between. The hundreds of activists who have been involved in the Pool through its 40- year history are amazing. Read the article from April 1984 on Page 5 for just one example. A few activists from the beginning are still involved. Some activists are new. Nonetheless, all are working to keep the playing field level as they pursue their various plans to fill the pool. The various plan details and their possible impacts are obvious and important; more pool possibilities vs. less greenery and [...]
100th Tale: From Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery
Thank You Sue Hunter Weir Alley Communications, on behalf of hundreds of families and thousands of individuals express our tremendous appreciation to Sue Hunter Weir, local resident historian and writer of 100 “Tales from Pioneers and Soldiers Cemetery.” The lives of many people have been enriched by her extensive research, honoring of personal stories and legacies, anecdotes, statistics, and personal quotations woven into 100 narratives . Each of the 100 Tales has its own engaging stories so it is remarkable that she can end each “Tale”; the secret of anticipation that keeps readers awaiting the next Tale. Readers need not fear the end of the Series because about 28,000 people (7,000 were moved, but their stories remain) have been buried at this place formerly Layman”'s Cemetery at Lake Street and Cedar Avenue. These stories live on in family photo albums and scrapbooks, websites and oral storytelling traditions. Alley Communications is honored [...]
Phillips West Winter Social Honored Muriel Simmons
By Robert Lilligren The Phillips West 16th Annual Winter Social was celebrated Thursday evening February 7th. The Winter Social was started by legendary Phillips West activist Muriel Simmons and her family in 1997. The first Winter Socials were held in her home on the corner of 27th Street & Park Avenue. Muriel”'s intent for starting the Winter Social was to give neighbors an opportunity to “come together and enjoy each other”'s company away from the daily fight” of reclaiming and improving our neighborhood. The Social grew from a few dozen people in the Simmons”' home to several hundred today. It has changed venues several times before landing at the Lutheran Social Service Center for Changing Lives, 2400 Park Avenue four years ago. Sadly, we missed Muriel this year because she died on January 15th this year; but the Winter Social lives on in her honor. Neighbors young and old, of all colors, shapes, sizes and [...]
