Editorial

On the day before deadline in RoundTable land,
We worried that things might just get out of hand.
All creatures are stirring inside of the office -
Printers, phones, faxes, computers and and mice.
The features reporters were casing the City
In search of good stories, both nitty and gritty.
The resident architect casts his keen eye
On condos and high-rises filling our sky,
While back down on earth our student of trees
Sniffs out bark, leaves and branches for spec'mens that please.
Our Sicilian reporter feeds on stories of edibles;
Chocolate pasta, admit it, is both odd and incredible.
For old Evanston lore whether plain or embroidered,
"Once Upon a Time" is just what the history buff ordered.
The City reporter is roaming the halls
Of the Civic Center with its now-crumbling walls;
One at D65, one at ETHS is;
With notebooks in hand they make sense of these messes.
The chess challenger sits in his home now relaxed;
His question is set and has finally been faxed.
The cruciverbalist paces, changing clues here and there,
Her puzzle'll make solvers tear out their hair.
Books and movies reviewed. Did we like them or not?
Who wrote? Who directed? Was there even a plot?
The columnists have taken their time to opine,
And too many people have dropped us a line.
The word comes from layout: "We're already too full.
Cut down on those words so you'll make it less dull."
The sales reps sit on the edge of their chairs,
Putting last-minute adverts on pages by pairs.
The classified man stands next to his phone.
It will ring any second - someone selling a home.
All these items of news that to readers are prime
Must be placed with perfection by morning in time.
Will we make it? We worry, now checking the clock.
The head editor looks, taking quick stock.
The proofreader's the last of the staff to be able
To check on the final look of the RoundTable.
Then off to the printer, then off to delivery -
In cars, not in sleds - though the weather is shivery.
Then off to you, readers, we hope it isn't so late;
We've finished our search for truth and fine chocolate.
Happy Christmas and Hannukka and Happy Kwanzaa,
May peace be on earth - and to all, abondanza.

After Unwrapping the Present

By Charles Wilkinson

For many, especially shoppers, probably 90 percent of holiday frenzy is about trying to find just the right gift for everyone on their list. Only the shoppers themselves know what they go through in pursuit of pleasing those they care about and love.

From finding a parking space at the mall, to jostling through crowds, to waiting at the check-out, to settling on just the right kind of wrapping paper, the process of gift-giving is weighted with expectation. Even navigating the Internet in this day and age does not diminish the stress gift-givers inflict upon themselves to make certain that what they see in the eyes of those they love when the gifts are unwrapped is a soft, "How did you know?" or a chiding, "You shouldn't have!"

The pleasures of gift-giving are quite simple compared to the stresses of the process. Many times the gift itself is the smallest part of what is really being given. Unfortunately, the recipient too often is unaware of that.

Much has been written, especially this time of year, on finding the perfect gift; but very little, it seems, on how to accept what is given. Rightly so, one might think, since the gift itself should elicit the proper response. But that may not happen, especially if what is given is more, much more, than the gift itself.

Children are not expected to realize that; but those old enough to do so need to see beyond their gifts to what they really mean and, hopefully, respond accordingly. Adolescents in this day and age of entitlement might be super cool while unwrapping what they had been expecting all along, air-balling a "Gee, thanks" that falls far short of the giver's need. Others may miss the meaning altogether of what is given, and their eyes squint question instead of widen with appreciation. Sometimes, with adults, the big gift is too big and its recipient uncomfortable and confused, leaving the giver feeling the same.

There are always two sides to gifting: giving and receiving. The latter does not require the energies of the former, but if the gift is to find its true meaning, the recipient's response, initially and even later on, is crucial to the pleasure of the giver. Obviously we are not talking about stocking-stuffers.

What needs to be remembered is that receiving with sensitivity and graciousness is also a gift.

"...A Child Is Given!"

By Peggy Tarr

I ran into a friend the other day whom I hadn't seen for a couple of years. She's officially retired from teaching now, but said she's still is the classroom almost every day as a substitute teacher. Kudos to her for her continued work with children. She likes them. (The best to you, Pat.)

One of my sisters and I were talking recently about the adults we knew as children, and how great it was to feel that they liked us.

We laughed about some of the idiosyncrasies of these adults, but we felt safe in their love for us. These adults often took time to play children's games with us. Our mom loved to sing little ditties to us. One of them was this: "Christmas is a ‘comin', and the goose is getting fat. Please put a penny in the old man's hat.

"If you haven't got a penny, then a half-penny will do. If you haven't got a half-penny, then God bless you. God bless you, gentleman, God bless you. If you haven't got a half-penny, then God bless you."

Four-year-old Cleara was visiting her grandparents. When she and her grandmom walked down the street while shopping, Cleara spied a man sitting on a plastic crate holding out a paper cup. "Who's that, Grandma?" Cleara asked. "Oh, just a man." "Why's he sitting there?" Cleara continued. "He doesn't have anything else to do," Cleara's grandmother replied. "What's in his cup?" Cleara asked.

"Money from people that pass," Cleara's grandmother explained.

"Doesn't he have a job?" Cleara asked. "Probably not," Cleara's grandmother replied. "Can we put some money in his cup?" Cleara asked. Cleara's grandmother stopped and looked down into Cleara's face. "We probably can." Cleara took the change from her grandmother and ran to drop it in the man's cup. "Thank you, little girl, thank you," the man said. "You're welcome," Cleara said. "My grandmother gave it to you."

"Seek the wisdom of the ages, but look at the world through the eyes of a child." - Ron Wild

Happy Holidays! Share the spirit of giving!

Postscript: I am well aware of the City of Evanston's efforts to curb "aggressive begging," as did Scrooge.

Letters

Save the Branch Libraries

The following letters were written by Kingsley School children concerned about the possible closing of the North Branch Library:

Editor:
Do not close the branch libraries. Libraries are very useful, plus they are in neighborhoods where a lot of people live. I am an Evanston resident, and I live right near the North Branch Library, and I use it a lot. And now I will use it even more to keep it open.

The branch libraries are especially good for kids, because they are smaller; librarians are friendly, and it is easier to find books.

Walking by my library gives me inspiration to read even more.

One of the things I love most is not having to go all the way downtown, because if you check a book out of the main library you can return it to the branch library. And this part goes for adults: If you have a kid, you are not the one who is going to return the book . Ask your kid to walk over and return it. "WHEW!! I am not the one who is walking."

I also love the main library, but the branch has the same exact resources, but all the resources are on one floor. It has less commotion, so it easier if you go there to study. The branch library is one of the things I love most about my neighborhood.

If the City of Evanston even thinks about closing the branch libraries, my friend and I will get our sleeping bags and stay there until you change your mind so change your mind.
When I walk my dog past the library even if it is closed, I still love looking through the window.

-- Mae Mae De Vuono, Fifth-Grade Student at Kingsley School

Editor:
I am a concerned Evanston citizen who lives near the North Branch library and I wouldn't want to see the branch libraries closed. The library is a special, quiet, calming place. The library is fun and enjoyable.

Some of the people at my school go to the library after school to do homework and not to be alone, because their parents work. The North Branch library is in walking distance and there are less strangers. You also get to know the librarians more and you trust them.

In the smaller libraries it is easier to find books you need for reports or for pleasure reading.

Think of how many people would then be unemployed or with one les job. That means they would be paid less money.

Whether I am in the library or out of it, it's always nice to have a book you can afford. And going to the library is a lot cheaper than buying books. I need to read for myself, for my homework and for my imagination.

Keep the branch libraries open.
-- Mamie Tabet, Fifth-Grader at Kingsley School

Editor:
I think that the Evanston branch libraries should stay open. I am a 10-year old boy who has been living in Evanston since I have been born.
The library has always been a place I could walk down to without driving all the way to downtown Evanston.

Taking that away would mean wasting gas just to get a book. The libraries have always been a place where kids could hang out if their parents worked or were busy. Also you get to know the librarians better at the branch library than the main library, because people use the branch library more.

If you close the branch library all the librarians would lose their jobs.
Why would you close the library, if people used it? Evanston people use branch libraries, so please don't close them.
-- Marcus Trautmann
Evanston Fifth Grader at Kingsley School

Editor:
I am 10 years old and a proud Evanston resident. For the past eight years I have been going to the North Branch Library to pick out books. If the North Branch Library goes away I will feel like something is missing in my neighborhood. Some people may not care if it closes, but I do.

The main reason why I want the neighborhood libraries to stay open is because they are more convenient. Instead of having to my mom to drive me all the way to downtown Evanston for the main library, all I have to do is walk down the street to check out or return books.

Now that I'm getting older, I can do it by myself and that's a great feeling.

I like the vibe in the North Branch library. It's very calming and the smaller size makes it easier for kids.

The neighborhood libraries have been of service for generations. My mom enjoyed going to the North Branch when she was a little girl, and I have been fortunate enough to experience it as well.

The North Branch Library is so handy. It is easy to get the books I wanted. I hope the City of Evanston will decide to keep the Branches open so that kids after me will still be able to use it.
-- Fifth-Grade Student at Kingsley School

Editor:
Please do not close the branch library. For kids it is very close to school. and they can go there after school when parents work. It is also a way to go to the library with out having to use transportation. I am a citizen of Evanston and I would be one of the many citizens to be greatly disappointed if the branch library closed, so please listen to my concerns.

The branch libraries are very close to schools, so if you need books for homework or for school projects the North and South branch libraries are just a walk away - which brings me to the next point: When parents work the branch library is the perfect place to study, research on the computers or do homework without a lot of noise. There are also no distractions.

Finally people who don't have away of transportation can go to the branch library and get there easily. That goes for adults and kids.

I hope you understand that the North and South branch libraries are important to not just me, but the whole City of Evanston. Please think about my ideas.

Thank you.
-- Sam Baum
Kingsley Elementary School, Fifth-Grade Student

Editor:
My class and I have been thinking: Why would the City of Evanston ever want to close down a library in the first place? I'm Lauren Jones, and I love to read. I would be hesitant if I were the City of Evanston.

Libraries are on of the prized keys to learning.

I am going to tell you a few things that are wrong with what the City is considering. First a library is a place close to home. I have a few friends that go to the library every day after school. The library holds information for reports and the internet, if you don't have it at home.

Most importantly the library has books you can use for information and for reading. I think that anything that can give a kid information should not be shut down.

Please help save our branch libraries and you will be known as a hero.

Your Friend,
Lauren Jones

Alderman Clarifies Statement On Community Input
Editor:

In your article about kids and loud music dated Nov. 29, I am quoted as saying "I would say ‘no' to [community input]." I want to take this opportunity to clarify this quote.

In the Human Services Committee discussion about a loud car music ordinance, the idea of holding the ordinance until the students at Evanston Township High School could weigh in on it was discussed. In responding to holding the ordinance for this type of discussion, I said that I did not think this was a good idea, especially if it meant basing a decision on what ETHS students would say about the ordinance, because my guess is that 99 percent of them would say they would not favor it. I would never say no to community input.

Rather, I welcome community input on any topic of discussion. Holding the consideration of such an ordinance in order for ETHS students to discuss the possibility of an ordinance is unnecessary. The students can come to the committee to weigh in on the discussion as all residents are welcome to do. I encourage anyone who is interested in this ordinance, be it for or against, to let the committee know where you stand.
-Anjana Hansen, Alderman, 9th Ward

Evmark Thanks Colleagues for Holiday Festivities
Editor:

On behalf of Evmark, we wish to thank our sponsors and partners for the most successful tree lighting and holiday reception ever.

So many individuals contribute to the success of both events each year. Their hard work has made the tree lighting and reception an event that reflects what makes Evanston and its downtown truly special.

Rotary International organizes and dedicates staff efforts to publicizing the event. Most importantly, Rotary sponsors the reception after the tree lighting. Their work is crucial to making the tree lighting a true community event. Local Rotary clubs assist with this effort.

Mayor Morton and the many City of Evanston staff help with everything from obtaining the tree and helping with electricity to arranging the fire truck to directing traffic. These efforts are appreciated as always.

The Music Institute of Chicago and their children's chorus, directed by RolloDillworth and Peg Cleveland, perform for the enjoyment of the kids and the parents and other attendees.

Light Opera Works and its performers from their annual holiday show help to make the reception fun. Again, our thanks to all, including Santa. Your work is greatly appreciated.
--Diane Williams, Executive Director, Evmark

Kreiman House Dedicated
Editor:

On behalf of the thousands of people who have supported and been served by Housing Options, we'd like to make you aware of a change in name for one of our buildings, from Bell House to the Kreiman House.

One of the six apartment buildings owned by Housing Options, Kreiman House provides affordable housing to six adults recovering from chronic mental illnesses like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. The new name was established to honor Alice Kreiman, a respected Evanston resident, well known for her volunteerism, leadership and advocacy.

The Kreiman House name was announced on Nov. 26 at a special event honoring Ms. Kreiman, and attended by Housing Options board members, along with more than 50 friends and family. Mrs. Kreiman has been a passionate advocate for Housing Options and instrumental to our growth and success. She served on the Housing Options board of directors from 1993 to 2002, including a term as board secretary.

Since leaving the board, she has continued to volunteer for the advisory council and the benefit committee. Her association with and advocacy for the agency and residents we serve has been invaluable.

Her contribution to Evanston, however, goes far beyond Housing Options; she has been involved in nearly every facet of our community for decades. She worked closely with School District 65, the YMCA, the Evanston Art Center, the Evanston Children's Clothing Association, and was very involved in school desegregation initiatives years ago.

She is knowledgeable, organized, tenacious, imaginative, artistic and astute. We're honored to announce the Kreiman House name and to highlight the fact that Alice Kreiman is an amazing individual.

--Alexander S. Brown, Ph.D., L.C.S.W.
Executive Director, Housing Options

South Branch Library a Neighborhood Treasure
Editor:

We moved to Evanston over 40 years ago for many reasons — its schools, its diversity, its beauty, its sense of community, and its thriving and friendly neighborhoods. We live near the South Branch Library and consider it one of the neighborhood treasures that bind us together.

We know that budgeting and measuring the value of Evanston services is difficult, but we urge the City Council to consider everything that goes on in the South Branch in its budget consideration.

In addition to its excellent basic library services, the branch has wonderful programming for children, a stimulating book group for adults, access to the Internet with links to multiple data bases, summer reading games and most importantly, a wonderful community meeting place, a real drop-in center for the neighborhood.

There is also a significant collection of Spanish language books, no small asset in our neighborhood that includes a Spanish-speaking population.

The South Branch Library has served this community for almost 90 years. Its easy accessibility and friendliness make it a magnet for people with special needs. It is not often that a government institution receives gifts, but South Branch has received wonderful gifts from its patrons, including a new Internet station and a daily subscription to the New York Times. The library has gifted the community by setting up two outposts where donated books are available for the taking at the Main Street Metra Station and the Brothers K Coffee Shop.

The library board has voted to keep South Branch open two evenings a week next year. This vote of confidence in the branch and extended hours will enable new condominium residents with 9-5 jobs to take advantage of this wonderful neighborhood resource. The South Branch Library is a much valued treasure and we want to keep it right where it is.
--Maxine and Chuck Lange

Branch Libraries Know Their Patrons
Editor:

Here we go again. The City needs more money. Let's close the branch libraries.

When my children were young, we lived in southeast Evanston and spent many happy times at the South Branch. Their children's activities were wonderful. I credit them with my sons, now grown up, are both avid readers.

I frequent the north branch every couple of weeks. I know Connie and Nancy by name, and they know me. Nancy knows that I read mostly non-fiction and has steered me to some books I would otherwise have missed. Today I returned the best book I have ever read, a biography of J. Robert Oppenheimer. I told Nancy how much I enjoyed the book, and she offered to look for a documentary on him, which I would love to see.

I have been in the Main Library twice and would go to the Skokie library before I'd go back. Driving around Construction City, as downtown Evanston is known, is not what I choose to do. Traffic signage is a big pain. Andbesides, Skokie library doesn't have meters in their spacious parking lot.

The City of Evanston always needs money. I suggest that the City ask residents what services they are aware of that could be cut. There are a lot of them.
--Joanne Benge

Volunteer for First Night
Editor:

I would like to invite all Evanstonians to volunteer to work a 2-3 hour shift at First Night Evanston and receive free admission to the largest family-friendly festival of the arts in Illinois: First Night Evanston 2007.

For the 14 year, your friends and neighbors on the committees of First Night have arranged to light up downtown Evanston with "Starlight and Stagelights," but we need 250 volunteers on Dec. 31 for First Night to run smoothly and safely. Entertainment for every age and taste under the stars will be put under stagelight - local artists like classical guitarist Will Simmons, folk musicians Eric Lugosch and Mark Dvorak, and Dave Herzog's Marionettes (in a larger venue with four shows) and the delightful puppetry and storytelling of Marilyn Price. Artists new to First Night will also perform, including Chicago a cappella, Live Band Karaoke, organist Steven Alltop and Tiempo Tango. There are returning favorites as well: Second City, Aaron Weinstein, Maxwell Street Klezmer Band and the Evanston North Shore Community Mass Choir.

Dance the night away with the ‘60s tribute band "The New Invaders" and, from the roaring 20s, the "Prohibition Orchestra," or watch a demonstration and then put your toes to the test with square, line or Sc
ottish country dancing.

There will be face painting and Tony's balloons, buskers and juggling for the kids, as well as storytellers Nelli Yellin and Joel Frankel, art projects with Sharon Hyson, Jeannie B and the Jelly Beans and, of course, what would First Night be without PEER Family Services running bingo?

There's so much more I haven't mentioned (like opera, a mindreader, sound effects, tap dancing, a jazz quartet, theater improv and a cabaret) - but you can get all the details about the entertainment, time, place and cost on our website. There's only one thing that could top all of this, and that's when we turn up the heat at midnight on the Church Street beach with huge fireworks - they're truly a blast!

First Night, however, can't do any of this without lots of volunteers.

Think of it - if you volunteer for First Night, you can celebrate the New Year in one of the most exciting and safest ways possible for free and give service to your community at the same time! Consult our website for details about First Night events and to volunteer at www.firstnightevanston.org.
-- Mary Beth Roth, Volunteer Chair
First Night Evanston

Green Party Alive in Evanston
Editor:

Evanston, this November you accomplished something truly historic. You cast your vote, your single most important tool for change, to fundamentally change Illinois politics. Fed up with the empty promises of the Democrats and disgusted with the behavior of the Republicans, you voted Green. Rich Whitney polled 18 percent in Evanston, coming within three points of beating Judy Baar Topinka for second place; seven points higher than his statewide average of 11 percent.

Many in the press have dismissed your decision to vote Green as a "protest vote." We should thank them for the compliment. The Illinois Green Party protests the dynastic two- party rule so evident in Cook County and the state at large.

We protest the lack of political will in Springfield and the lackluster solutions that solve nothing. We protest the inadequate funding of our schools, the roads and rails crumbling around us, the birds falling silent, the colors of mother nature fading to corporate gray.

In 2008 and again in 2010 the Green Party will have a place on the ballot. Evanston, you put us there. With your contribution to the 39,000 voices heard across the state you said loud and clear, "We will no longer accept business as usual, and we're gonna do something about it."

That place on the ballot is empty, for now. Help us to fill it. Log onto to www.ILGP.org for information on the Evanston Greens. Consider our values, many of them your own. And help us with your feedback, participation and assistance to make those values the change you want to see in Illinois politics. Let's work together for a real choice in 2008.

In Praise of Washington School
Editor:

There has been much rhetoric during recent School Board meetings about the general education program at Washington School and the so-called need to "make it more attractive."

This demeans my children, is a disservice to the excellent general education teachers they have at Washington School and is an affront to me as a parent.

Repeatedly, various members of the School Board have talked about "middle class flight" out of the school either through NCLB or magnet-school applications. This year not a single child opted to transfer out under NCLB.

According to the Opening of School Report, 19 children from the Washington attendance area are enrolled at Bessie Rhodes. Those who attend from the other attendance-area schools range from 11 up to 50 kids.

Twenty-four are at King Lab from Washington. This number ranges from nine up to as many as 60 from the other schools. Is the Board aware that there are children who request a permissive transfer to attend Washington School?

District 65 has a unified curriculum, and to suggest that the classrooms that my children are in are educationally any less than those in different attendance-area schools is just plain offensive.

Instead of looking at the District Report Card for the breakdown of race or economic status to draw a conclusion, why not take a closer look at the number of teachers who have master's degrees? Why not take a look at the number of years teaching experience? Or even the amount of time they volunteer to oversee a club, activity or sport?

Not a day goes by that I am not dazzled by the wealth of information my kids are being exposed to. Not a day goes by that I am not thankful for the wonderful educators my kids have at Washington Elementary School.

It is those members of the Board who repeatedly make such harmful, erroneous general statements, without any actual facts, who malign my children's school and erode public confidence. Washington does not need a publicity campaign; it needs certain Board members to stop making negative, incorrect remarks about the school's general education program.
-Dina Berne

Know How to Evacuate Home in an Emergency
Editor:

In the event of actual or impending disaster, all of us - every homeowner and tenant - should know how to evacuate his or her residence immediately. Aging or disabled persons, to whatever extent possible, should know how they can

rgencybe evacuated without any delay.

Under catastrophic circumstances, such knowledge and prompt action are best achieved by having an evacuation plan in place beforehand. Tenants, especiallyin high-rise buildings, need to check with their landlords as to whether those plans exist and, if they do not, to press strongly for them.

-- Franklin H. Streitfeld, M.D.

Diplomacy Is the Answer
Editor:

As the Iraq Study Group has recommended, diplomacy holds the key to ending America's ill-conceived involvement in Iraq. Let no one forget that the attack on Iraq was "pre-emptive," that is, unprovoked, and that thousands of American and Iraqi lives have been lost due to our current Administration's ignorance and lust for oil.

If President Bush doesn't act to establish diplomatic communication with Iran, Syria and other neighboring countries, the new Congress needs to take drastic measures to rein in this man's recklessness. In November, Democrats were elected with a mandate to stop the pointless killing in Iraq. The message is loud and clear: No more war for oil.
-- Karen Daughtry