Turning Talk Into ‘Conversations'

By Victoria Scott

Citizen input will inspire the symbols Indira Johnson carves into the chairs of her sculpture "Conversations, Here and Now," which will be installed in Raymond Park. Rendering courtesy of Indira Johnson.

Indira Freitas Johnson is making talk into a work of art.

During the month of May the Evanston artist invited the public to meetings, at which she listened to what the attendees had to say about their hometown.

Indira Johnson wants her Raymond Park installation, "Conversations," to become "a place of living memory that will raise awareness of the diverse racial and cultural histories that have influenced Evanston."

Now, like the guardian of a baby's first shoes, she plans to preserve in bronze some of their thoughts and dreams for Evanston.

Her sculpture, "Conversations; Here and Now," will incorporate shared memories and stories from the meetings, "giving community members a stake in [the] work," she says. She wants her sculpture to be "a place of living memory and raising awareness of the diverse racial and cultural histories that have influenced Evanston." Ms. Johnson, who emigrated from India, brings the cultures of her birthplace and her adopted homeland to her work in many mediums.

"Conversations," scheduled for installation in Raymond Park by the end of 2008, will be composed of a circle of seven chairs gathered around "a central space that is empty, yet full of possibility," says the artist.

She will carve symbols and words derived from the public conversations into the surfaces of the chairs and the spiraling bronze inlay embedded in the platform that holds the work. Thus chairs, "objects that we are intimately familiar with, become vehicles of communication," she says.

Just as she had hoped, the meetings she purposely located in south, west and central downtown Evanston elicited a diversity of viewpoints.

The first, in the Levy Center, drew a small group of senior citizens interested in the arts in Evanston. At Family Focus, the setting for the second, participating African-American seniors did "a lot of reminiscing," especially recalling the contributions of black Evanstonians, says Ms. Johnson.

The RoundTable went to the largest and last meeting, held at Lake Street Church. Among the more than 15 participants were a retired professor of art from Columbia College; two teenage moms attending with the founder of their support group, Literature for All of Us; a freelance nature and garden writer; a blind senior citizen; the president of Evanston's Public Art Committee; and several members of Ms. Johnson's family.

Ms. Johnson posed three questions: "What do we like most about Evanston?" "What are the challenges of living in Evanston?" And, "What do we want for the future in Evanston?" Supplied with markers, attendees composed - and even illustrated - their responses in color before sharing them aloud.

They mentioned diversity first and often. Citing the YMCA and YWCA and the movie theaters as Evanston pluses, one of the teens said, "You won't be bored." The other teen said, "I like the Library; I'm a reader."

Others saw Evanston as "committed to inclusion" and to "spirituality" ("All the churches are socially active," they said), as a "place of learning" (especially Northwestern University and District 65 and 202 schools; Ms. Freitas noted, "Parent involvement is what makes the schools so dynamic"). They regarded Evanston as a "cultural hub" and praised its "architecture," "support services," and the "openness to volunteering" by residents who seem both "passionate about community service" and "open to dialogue."

Evanston's "natural beauty," especially the Lake, drew much praise. Beth Hart said, "It accommodates our need to be together." Lee Randhava added, "[The Lake] affords us another way of looking - another vista."

Ms. Hart summed up the positive by quoting her daughter, who now lives in New York City but refers to her hometown as "Heavenston."

But participants mentioned as drawbacks the "need to reorganize" City government, buses that run too far apart and stop too early and "parking meters that cost more money than in the city of Chicago." Preservation of open spaces and old houses, as well as ensuring that arts, sports and recreation are "open to families of whatever means" figured in the group's hopes for the future.

It remains for the artist to transform the conversation into compelling symbols that invite the public to take notice, talk and even sit awhile.

The sculpture was originally proposed for the corner of Davis Street and Sherman Avenue, in front of the Sherman Plaza development. "Conversations" was one of three finalists in a juried competition that attracted artists from around the globe.

Though that commission went to a Japanese artist from New York, "Conversations" was among the three finalists. And in the end "Conversations" found a place of its own.

An anonymous Evanston resident is donating the work to the City. The donor has an "affinity with Raymond Park," says Ms. Johnson, and the Chicago Avenue/Grove Street location pleased City officials as well. The artist says of the busy pedestrian corner and park, "I think it [my sculpture] fits this place better than Sherman Plaza."

Ms. Johnson has completed Styrofoam models of the chairs, which are alive with feet and hands, roots and wings that "depict the vast array of connections that exist between us," she says.

Her next step is to craft the chairs in wax, a process she has never used. Her challenge will be keeping her un-air-conditioned studio cool enough that the wax does not melt.

Then she will load the wax models onto a refrigerated truck for their trip to Washington State, where a foundry will cast them in bronze. Before November the concrete platform will be poured. Plans are are to dedicate the sculpture before the new year.

Blue and Yellow … the New Green: Rotary Plants Native Bur Oak Tree in Raymond Park.

As an extension of their Earth Day activities, staff from Evanston-based Rotary International planted a bur oak tree earlier this month in Raymond Park at Chicago Avenue and Lake Street - showing that blue and yellow (Rotary's official colors) truly make green.

The indigenous shade tree was selected for its strength, beautiful dark green foliage, and longevity of 200 to 300 years. The tree was planted on behalf of Rotary staff - sponsored by Rotary's Environmental Committee, a cross-divisional group committed to promoting environmental awareness and nature conservancy in a cost-effective manner.

"As neighbors, it is important for Rotary to give back to the community of Evanston. By planting this tree, Rotary hopes to lessen our organization's environmental footprint and to encourage other Evanston organizations and businesses to join us," said Mr. Futa.

BOOK REVIEWS

‘Olive Kitteridge'

A Book Review By Sue Brooke

"Olive Kitteridge," by Elizabeth Strout, is a collection of short stories revolving around a character called Olive.

Set in a small town in Maine, the stories also feature Olive's husband, Henry, a pharmacy owner bought out by a large chain. Henry, beloved by the town, listened to everyone's problems as he dispensed medicine and advice. Olive, on the other hand, was a fifth-grade math teacher who was feared by most of her students. With her a matter-of-fact manner, she had no time for foolishness. For example, though her father committed suicide when she was young, Olive never saw any reason for grief counseling or talk therapy. Her attitude was, "Things happen. You go on."

Henry and Olive are still companionable after many years of marriage, but they have their issues. Henry goes to church every Sunday; Olive stays home, judging church to be a silly way to spend a day off. Their much-loved only child, Christopher, is a podiatrist. They have built him a house not far from theirs in anticipation of living close to all the grandchildren he is sure to produce. But in the course of the book, Christopher breaks their hearts.

Each vignette presents a different side of Olive. Readers meet the children she has taught over the years as well as her friends and neighbors in this small town. Irascible and outspoken, Olive is often referred to as "that woman kind Henry has to put up with." But Olive has a kindness and vulnerability, too, that endear her to the reader more with each story.

This is a brilliant book about family relationships - especially the one between a very strong mother and her only son.
It follows Elizabeth Strout's critically acclaimed first novel, "Amy and Isabelle," which dealt with the trials of a mother
and daughter.

‘A Gift from Brittany'

A Book Review By Mary Mumbrue

How does an Evanston Township High School graduate, lifeguard and synchronized swimmer find herself living in Brittany, France?

Studying first at the Chicago Art Institute and then the Grand Chaumiere in Paris, as well as the San Francisco Art League, Marjorie Price honed her skills as a painter and acted in regional theater before moving to France. Living at times in Paris and other times in half a tiny hamlet, La Salle, in a remote part of Brittany, Marjorie eventually restored and renovat-ed seven of its old stone buildings. These dilapidated structures become both her home and an art center where painters, sculptors and ceramists came to exhibit their work.

Ms. Price's remarkable journey to France in the 1960s allows the reader to gravitate to the authentic experiences she writes about, perhaps reawakening or triggering their own memories. Acting upon her dream of becoming an artist, Ms. Price not only painted but fell in love, eventually marrying Yves, a French painter who was a handsome, persuasive and unpredictable man. Her husband had a darker side, and his support of her painting disappeared as their marriage disintegrated. Leaving Paris, she moved to the country to a small, remote village with Danielle, their young daughter. A place in the French countryside had been a dream early in her relationship with Yves and later was the place where Ms. Price sought solace and tried to rebuild her life.

Ms. Price found herself surrounded by neighbors whose farming methods and customs were centuries old. The locals, dressed in black and speaking a patois Ms. Price could not initially understand, emphasized their staggering differences and how alone and ill-equipped she was for this new life.

An elderly, illiterate peasant woman, Jeanne Montrelay, was the person whose life became inseparable from Marjorie Price's. What made this memoir so riveting was reading about how Ms. Price's relationship with Jeanne transformed her and taught her how to face a life she was not prepared to handle. The essence of Jeanne is a constant presence in Ms. Price's life, even to this day. The author confirmed this in a conversation after her presentation on May 5 at the Evanston Public Library.

A woman who never left her village until Ms. Price became her friend, Jeanne worked harder than most people could ever imagine. Although she faced adversity and grief, she was able to share her optimism with the young American.

Jeanne gave the author a legacy: the acceptance of life, of whatever may happen, and a determination to be in the present, to live each moment. Readers who are fortunate enough and open enough to unusual experiences may find the relationship that developed between these women stirs images of memories and friendships they have experienced and carried with them throughout their lives.

After living for many years in Rome with her daughter, Ms. Price returned to the United States and is now a resident of New York City.

But a lifelong connection with water and swimming - especially her early memories of Lake Michigan and the Lee Street beach in Evanston and, later, the Atlantic Coast of Brittany - are reflected in her paintings.

To see the work of this artist visit www.marjorieprice.com

Opening Day at The Farmers' Market

Fresh flowers and spring vegetables were on display bright and early on May 17 for opening day at the Farmers' Market, Oak Avenue at University Place. This was also Parks/Forestry and Recreation Day, a "get to know us" day with sports contests, art activities, a display of watercraft, face painting, hockey puck shooting and tennis instruction.

The Evanston Farmers' Market will be held every Saturday from 7:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. continuing through Nov. 1. A change this year is that Jean Speyer-Scruggs, who oversaw the market for several years, will retire; Alisa Dean will be the new supervisor.

For more than 30 years, the Evanston Farmers' Market has pleased crowds with more than 30 vendors of fruit, vegetables, meats, flowers, cheeses, bakery items and more.

Free parking is available in the Maple Avenue parking garage.

Photos by Mary Mumbrue.

Head Start Students Perform With Help of ESO

The Evanston Symphony Orchestra's Head Start program for this year ended with a rousing performance of 120 3- to 5-year old students performing for School District 65 administrators and parents. Teacher Charles Taylor demonstrated what the students had learned: loud and soft (piano and forte); different rhythms and tempos; and a number of songs. The students even learned how to sing "Kookaburra" in a round, an accomplishment for young children.

The children were exposed to different orchestral instruments - percussion, winds and strings. During the string session each child had the opportunity to play a violin just their size.

In addition to the Head Start students, the ESO will now also provide musical educations sessions for all of the state pre-K students in District 65, about 240 students in all. The program was funded this year by the City of Evanston and the Kiwanis.

"Inside|Out" Exhibition Features Artworks by NU Undergraduates

The digital collage, copper sculpture, film still and mixed media artwork of undergraduate students in the Class of 2008 enrolled in Northwestern University's department of art theory and practice will be on display on the Evanston campus through June 20.

The works will be among those featured in the Northwestern University Senior Undergraduate Art Majors Exhibition, "Inside | Out: Art Theory and Practice Senior Exhibition" at the Dittmar Memorial Gallery, located on the first floor of Norris University Center, 1999 Campus Drive. The exhibition is free and open to the public.

"Inside | Out" will feature art reflecting the common focus of this year's seniors: bridging the realms of the public and private. Each artist has explored how the two issues contrast and complement each other in cultural, societal and personal connotations. The annual spring exhibition also exemplifies the diverse ideas and styles
of the artists in multiple media - drawing, painting, photography and sculpture.

This year's exhibition includes artwork by 14 students. The Dittmar Gallery is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. seven days a week. Admission is free.

A Midsummer Night's Dream at ETHS

Evanston Township High School will present Shakespeare's classic comedy "A Midsummer Night's Dream" at 7:30 p.m. on June 5, 6 and 7 in the school's Upstairs Theatre.

Come enjoy the "rude mechanicals," enchanted folk, and the romantic love story.

Tickets at $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors citizens are available through the ETHS Fine Arts Hotline, 847-424-7848.

Teen Nights Planned

Teens aged 13 through 18 are invited to attend Teen Nights, held monthly at the Evanston Public Library, 1703 Orrington Ave. The next events are scheduled from 6:30 to 9 p.m. on Fridays, May 30, June 27 and Aug. 29. The Teen Night in July will be a special Battle of the Bands in James Park on July 25.

As always, teens will be offered snacks and free bus rides home.

Youth can offer suggestions for the types of events they would like to experience on Teen Nights. Contact Sol Anderson, youth coordinator, 847-448-8049 or youth@cityofevanston.org; or Christie Chandler-Stahl, young adult librarian, 847-448-8623 for dates and times. Information will also be posted on www.evanstonteens.com and eplteen.wordpress.com.

Interview With a Founder of Evanston's Preservation Movement

By Mary Brugliera

The preservation movement in Evanston was a grassroots effort, says Mary McWilliams, one of its founders.

In addition to having served on the Evanston Preservation Commission, various state of Illinois preservation bodies and as a board member and interim director of the Evanston History Center, Mary McWilliams is currently the site manager for the Frances Willard House and the WCTU headquarters on Chicago Avenue. The RoundTable interviewed Ms. McWilliams in her 1899 landmark house in the Ridge Historic District. Ms. McWilliams and her husband, Jim, have owned the home, designed by Evanston Prairie School architect Myron Hunt, since 1976.

Ms. B.: How and when did preservation get started in Evanston?

Ms. McW.: Midge Perkins, wife of Evanston architect Larry Perkins, started a group in 1974-75 that became the first Preservation Commission to survey the City, identify all potential landmarks and then designate them. There was a full-time preservation coordinator on City staff. There was a massive City-wide citizen survey in several months of 1976. Three hundred people participated after three training sessions on architectural styles. There were ten intensive study areas. My husband and I were chairs of the survey of Area 2, which ultimately became the Ridge Historic District. The most important part of the survey effort was that it got people interested and involved in preservation. Remember, the National Historic Preservation Act had been passed by Congress only 10 years before.

Ms. B.: How long did that first Preservation Commission last, and what was its mission?

Ms. McW.: [The Commission] was supposed to sunset in 1978, thinking its work of surveying and designating would be done. The original Preservation Ordinance that established this Commission was advisory to homeowners; it had no binding power, and its purpose was to survey and identify potential landmarks. As the Commission reviewed the surveys, I learned architectural history and preservation principles on the job, as it were, although I had always been interested in architectural history since my college days at William and Mary (in Williamsburg, Va.). The original Commission's work continued until 1980, when the Ordinance was revised without a sunset provision.

Ms. B.:Tell me about the Tallmadge streetlight battle.

Ms. Mc.W.:The City wanted to replace the historic streetlights (named for Thomas E. Tallmadge, the Evanston architect who designed them) with cobra-headed davit-arm fixtures. Another citizen's group formed to fight against the plan. It ultimately became the Preservation League. The Preservation Commission at that time could only speak on intensive study areas. The City retreated ultimately, due to massive citizen support.

The replicas currently on our streets were finally installed.

Ms. B.: What was the attitude of City staff and the City Council toward preservation in the 1980s?

Ms. McW.: I feel preservation was tolerated by the City departments because we had the ear of the people. We held house walks, published a regular newsletter and had parties when an area survey was completed. The City Council was supportive, however.

Ms. B.: What was the first designated Evanston historic district, and who prepared the nomination?

Ms. McW.: The Lakeshore Historic District was designated in 1980. The survey group had done much of the documentation work and asked the State of Illinois Historic Preservation Agency (IHPA) for a preliminary review. They suggested a historic district, rather than just lots of individual landmarks. The state agency said they were "the only group capable of writing the nomination," so a state employee came up to do it. It was a nomination to the National Register of Historic Places and then became an Evanston historic district later.

Ms. B.: How did the Ridge Historic District nomination process go?

Ms. McW.: There were lots of neighborhood meetings in 1982-83; there were some homeowners who objected, but since the Preservation Ordinance at that time was still advisory to owners, most residents were encouraging. The City Council saw the nomination as an honor. Shortly after, the chair of the Preservation Commission suggested to the city manager that the City nominate a "thematic apartment house district," and the City then paid a consultant to write that nomination.

Ms. B.: Why were some of the significant buildings in town, such as the Georgian Hotel and current City Hall, not nominated back then, when so much preservation activity was going forward?

Ms. McW.: There was a great division of opinion on the Preservation Commission during that time between those who wanted to nominate some commercial and retail buildings and those who wanted to concentrate solely on residential. That's why the Georgian, for example, was excluded from the Lakeshore District.

Ms. B.: What was the opinion of the Preservation Commission on having a binding Preservation Ordinance?

Ms. McW.: We tried for years to get a binding ordinance, but several commissioners said the City wasn't ready for one. It would have been nice to have binding review earlier, but during that period the commissioners learned how to negotiate and compromise with homeowners. We couldn't save any buildings from demolition, unfortunately, which was a source of real frustration for us. Then there was a large-scale rewrite of the zoning ordinance in 1992, and that led to the current ordinance's being adopted. A couple of aldermen at the time were pushing for binding review. The ordinance was adopted by a unanimous vote in 1994.

Ms. B.: In 1997, the nomination of the Northeast Evanston Historic District seemed to cause a sea-change in attitudes toward preservation among citizens, the University and the City Council. What happened?

Ms. McW.: There was a great upwelling of neighborhood opposition. The leaders of the opposition group, Evanstonians for Responsible Preservation, were closely tied to Northwestern. There were acrimonious hearings on the nomination which were costly to the City (hiring of court reporters and legal counsel for each meeting). The City Council became leery of the whole process. Then after the designation and the exemption of the northeast corner from the local district, Northwestern sued the City. That lawsuit went on for several years before it was finally settled. Preservation is in a very tenuous state in Evanston now.

Ms. B.: What are your thoughts on the Downtown Plan and the 708 Church Street project?

Ms. McW.: The Downtown Plan has some good aspects, although the City's exemption of the 708 project from the plan was not a good idea. I am opposed to the 708 Church project, however. It will add to the glut of condos; the design is boring and uncreative and I have serious concerns about overloading our infrastructure: street congestion, sewers, refuse collection, fire protection. Keeping up with increasing condos is a problem, not to mention the project's potentially changing the character of downtown.

Ms. B.: Any final thoughts on preservation in 2008?

Ms. McW.: It would be great to revive the Preservation League as a citizen outreach

The Piven Theatre Workshop Is a Class Act

By Anne Bodine

The Piven Theatre Workshop, located in the Noyes Cultural Arts Center at 927 Noyes St., is one of Evanston's most renowned institutions. Founded 35 years ago by husband-and-wife team Byrne and Joyce Piven, it has remained a nationally acclaimed actors' training center for both children and adults. Best known for its famous alumni, including John, Joan and Ann Cusack, Kate Walsh, Aidan Quinn and the Pivens' two children, Jeremy and Shira, the Piven Theatre Workshop's greatest value may be in its ability to enrich the lives of its students by instilling an understanding of the human exchange.

... the Piven Theatre Workshop's greatest value may be its ability to enrich the lives of its students by instilling an understanding of the human exchange.

Both Joyce and Byrne (who died in 2002) acted and taught in New York before settling in Evanston with their two young children. Founding members of the Playwrights Theatre Club from which The Second City emerged, they started the Piven Theatre Workshop in 1972.

The Workshop's first company included the Pivens' then 9-year old daughter, Shira, and a few of her friends. Today, the Workshop accommodates all levels of experience and offers a unique approach to teaching acting by celebrating each individual's creative voice through improvisation and theatre games.

"Theater games allow students to explore their inner truth in a spontaneous way," says Joyce Piven. "Our teaching technique is a generous one of give and take. The actor is able to focus on the other person or the task at hand."

Located in Evanston's Noyes Cultural Arts Center, the workshop serves approximately 1,000 students each year. The students are placed in classes in order to ensure the environment is most conducive to each student's ability to learn and grow. Upon completion of the term, students receive written evaluations and recommendations prepared by the faculty. Almost all the Workshop faculty are former students who have gone out into the community, earned their degrees, worked in the professional field and returned to the Workshop.

"When the first group of students graduated high school and I said good-bye, I was astonished when, upon graduating from college, they all started to come back," says Ms. Piven. "I realized then that we had created a safe haven for artists to create and not compete."

The Pivens began teaching with the intention of opening a theater. "We hoped to evolve into a very special kind of theater," says Ms. Piven, "a theater that would allow for creativity and wouldn't be governed by commercial demands."

Today the professionally equipped 70-seat theatre welcomes approximately 3,000 audience members a year. Producing highly acclaimed productions throughout its history, the Piven Theatre has evolved into an Equity house, offering a full subscription season. The theatre has received five recommendations for Joseph Jefferson Awards, an After Dark Award for Outstanding Ensemble, a Joseph Jefferson Award for Best New Adaptation and a nomination for Best Original Score.

The Piven Theatre Workshop has a history of community outreach. It has consistently provided aid through its scholarship program, offering training at little or no cost to under-served and disadvantaged students. The Workshop grants approximately $30,000 worth of scholarships to students each year.

"We make an effort to help kids who want to act but can't afford it" says Jennifer Green, Piven's artistic director since 2006. "We do our best to offer economically disadvantaged children not just one class, but the opportunity to go all the way with us."

The Workshop maintains outreach programs with Chicago's Off the Street Club located on the far west side and works directly with many local schools. The Workshop also offers a class (free to Evanston residents) for young adults with developmental disabilities.

"Evanston has a gem in its midst," says Ms. Green. "Our work is fun, fulfilling and about trusting your own voice."

Through June 15, Piven Theatre will run "Because They Have No Words," the true story of one man's journey into the heart of Hurricane Katrina and the chaos of animal rescue efforts in the wake of the storm.

See some YEA 2008 photos (PDF)

GREEN NEWS

Ask Eco-Gal: Green Ideas for father's Day

By Mayre Press

Last month's suggestions were for moms; now dads can be the recipients of green gifts for Father's Day. For something he will use every day, how about a green razor? Much safer than the straight razors used decades ago, yet not as wasteful as today's disposables, the Preserve Razor shaves clean and close and comes in an environment-friendly package. Its titanium-coated blades are polished, and the ergonomic handle is made from 100-percent recycled plastic made from products like yogurt cups.

The man with a sensitive side would appreciate Aveda Men's Shave Cream for a comfortable close, smooth shave. Its rich conditioners -- including peppermint, lavender and aloe -- pamper skin and provide easy razor glide. The cream also helps prevent nicks, dryness and irritations. Aveda After-Shave Balm is cooling and aromatic. Its soothing lavender, aloe and chamomile extracts respond to skin irritations such as razor burn and dryness. Get details on both products at aveda.com.

The HYmini personal wind turbine, a hand-held, universal charger/adapter device, should please gadget-lovers. The energy stored in its internal battery can be used to recharge a cell phone, MP3 player, iPod, PDA, digital camera or other 5V device. Dad can attach the HYmini to his bike with the HYmini bicycle attachment kit and charge a mobile power supply while on the road at wind speeds above 9 m.p.h.

Dad will also get a charge out of the Solio Classic Charger, available in white, black or silver. With one hour of sun, he can harness enough juice to play his iPod for about an hour or get up to 25 minutes of additional talk time on most cell phones. Solio's compact lightweight design makes it convenient for travel or emergency use. Both devices are available at TerraPass.com.

For a father who quenches his thirst with a brew, there is organic beer -- a sampler package of India Pale Ale microbrews from various certified-organic award-winning breweries. The Organic IPA Beer Sampler, now available in a 6- or 8-pack, features two 12-ounce bottles each of Wolovers India Pale Ale, Bison IPA, Eel River IPA, and Fish Tale Organic IPA.

Does dad get a thrill from working the grill? Buy him a Stainless Steel Master Grill Set that features stainless steel tools with brushed stainless steel handles. The 20-piece set has a multi-function spatula, three-prong fork, marinating brush, four shish-kabob skewers, eight corn-on-the-cob holders, gripping tongs, barbecue knife, grill-cleaning brush and two extra grill-cleaning brush heads. It comes in an aluminum case that securely holds each tool in place.

Whether dad serves burgers or brats, a Gourmet Mustard Set will spice things up. The fat-free mustards come in these tantalizing flavors: Green Olive and Lemon Mustard, Chipotle and Lime Mustard, Ginger and Honey Mustard, Roasted Tomato and Balsamic Mustard. Each set includes four 8-ounce jars. Order the beer sampler, grill set and gourmet mustards online at ecoexpress.com.

For do-it-yourself dads, a bottle of Amazing EcoGlue has many applications. This water-based adhesive has less than 1 percent VOCs (volatile organic compounds), no animal derivatives, excellent water resistance and 100 percent recyclable packaging. EcoGlue bonds to a wide variety of substrates, including wood, stone, metal, tile, glass and cloth. For more information, go to eclecticproducts.com/ecoglue.

Now in its ninth season at the Chicago Botanic Garden, the Model Railroad Garden would make a great Father's Day outing. This year the outdoor exhibit features the West, with model trains, miniature representations of America's best-loved landmarks and colorful small-scale gardens. Check the garden's website for details: chicagobotanic.org/railroad.

Contact Eco Gal at info@evanstonroundtable.com or ecogal247@yahoo.com.

Tour the ETHS Nature Center

ETHS teacher Craig Smith oversees the nature center

Save the afternoon of June 7 for Evanston Township High School's open house at its on-site nature center. The center will be open 1-3 p.m., and the community is invited to tour the facilty.

Located just west of the ETHS football stadium off of Church Street, the ETHS Nature Center encompasses several habitats - prairie, savannah, ponds, wetland, forest, and a horticulture study plot.
The center was installed over two years and had its grand opening in October 2004. Since then, science students from ETHS and District 65 have studied and conducted research year-round in this unique, award-winning outdoor science classroom.

Special activities have been planned for the community open house. Students taking environmental science will lead visitors on tours and will supervise and direct science-related activities, such as dipping for plankton, invertebrates, tadpoles and other pond-loving creatures. Participants will learn to use field-science equipment such as dip nets, plankton nets, and microscopes as well as basic water-chemistry test kits and meters. They will also collect and study insects, and learn tips and strategies for water and energy conservation.

The Nature Center open house is free of charge. Families are encouraged to attend. Parking is available on the north side of Church Street near the football field and in the lots at the rear of the school.