Chris, a pro­fes­sional chef, suc­cess­fully lob­bied for an aero­ponic tower roof gar­den to grow fresh veg­eta­bles and fruits for the com­mu­nity he serves.

Salvaged electrical cables, conduit, and rebar from a demolition site with ground concrete in the distance.

New curb as part of a road improvement project.

New Orleans’ Preservation Hall Jazz Band includes third and fourth generation members. The Lumineers are one of the most exciting, new young groups on the music scene.

Mark Stephan stands ready to thank supporters of his 3,129 mile bicycle ride across the US.

In 2007, something went terribly wrong with Mark Stephan’s bike during a weekend bike ride.  His front wheel unexpectedly disengaged from the bicycle, catapulting Mark over the handlebars and onto the ground.  His head hit the pavement at full force.  That moment changed Mark’s life forever: he became paralyzed from the neck down.

Being a quadriplegic hasn’t stopped him for a moment.  Just two years after his accident — shattering all expectations — he climbed 103 flights of stairs to the top of the tallest building in North America.

Now Mark is training for his biggest physical challenge yet: a 3,129-mile bike ride across the United States to support the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago’s new Research Hospital. Learn more and join the ride…

Tony Galvez, dynamic fundraiser for the Muscular Dystrophy Association.

Jose Antonio “Tony” Galvez took it upon himself to start fundraisers for the Muscular Dystrophy Association  for research, cures, and clinics for people with neuromuscular dystrophy. He started with a car show in Oswego, Illinois last year and raised $3500.00. He and his family then joined the Muscular Dystrophy walk in December and raised $2,000.00. Tony is wheelchair bound, but that doesn’t get in his way. He says that he has been underestimated by many people in his life so his quote is “Go Big or Go Home.”

Tony’s last fundraiser was a dance for the Muscular Dystrophy Association to raise funds in Aurora, IL. He raised $9,339.00. He started by calling several Spanish bands. Six bands were inspired by his story and played for free. La Sierra Banquet Hall offered their venue for free. 600 people attended. Tony is already planning more events for this year.

Graduating seniors at Urban Prep Charter Academy Englewood Campus adjusting the ties that signify they were accepted to colleges. This is the third year Urban Prep has sent 100% of the graduating class to colleges.

Every day the entire student body at Urban Prep Charter Academy in Chicago starts the day reciting together the Creed.

Cityscapes Portfolio Show by Harvey & Joy Tillis

This Friday — “Cityscapes.” Oil paintings by Dana Toft, photography by Harvey and Joy Tillis. Stop by if you are in the neighborhood. Art, music, smiles. Wine, beer, chocolate, cheese, conversation. Tommi Zender provides ambient guitar music. Free parking. Should be fun!
March 23, 2012 • 1012 W. Diversey Parkway • Chicago, 6:00–10:00 PM

Officials signing Certificates of Approval for the Illinois Coastal Management Program.

Officials signing an agreement making Illinois one of 34 states and U.S. territories providing management of coastal resources for sustainable development and protection of natural resources on more than 95,000 miles of ocean and Great Lakes shorelines.

Heavy auto and truck tollway traffic flowing around a curve on a rainy Chicago night.

To paraphrase the US Postal Service creed, “Neither snow nor rain nor (wind, cold, or) heat nor gloom of night stays…” photography for annual reports. ‘Tis the season.

A tollway utility truck stands ready for work.