Last year I helped clean up the Chicago River at Bubbly Creek, and this year they needed a site captain for the Riverside Shopping Center so I volunteered for that.

The site is on the west bank of the Chicago River south of Archer Avenue, behind the shopping center at Ashland Avenue. It was a stretch about 1,300 feet long or just under 1/4 mile, and nearly all of it was a sheer drop-off into the river.

My neighbor agreed to be my co-captain and this morning we drove to the Riverside Shopping Center for the Chicago River Day Clean Up. We stopped for some coffee, arrived about 8:40 and waited for other volunteers to show up. It started raining just as we were leaving, but stopped about the time we were getting out of the car.

There were 27 people registered for the site, but I guess the weather dampened their spirits and only 9 showed up. Once I collected all the waivers and gave the safety speech we split up into two groups. After three hours picked up enough trash to fill up thirty-one trash bags. Everything was wet and slippery, but I’m thankful no one went in the water or got hurt.

Last weekend Green America and Global Exchange held their Green Festival at Navy Pier. I volunteered again this year and worked the box office area as a greeter. People who attended either bought their tickets online, had complimentary passes, or needed to buy tickets. My role was to direct them to the correct line.

This year’s speakers included Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr, Amy Goodman, and Reed Alexander. There were scores of exhibitors and lots of free samples. The volunteers and guests were all very friendly, and everybody seemed to be having a good time.

My shift started at 10 AM and I was off by 2:30 PM so I was able to catch more of the show. There was even a blues band on the community stage that started as my shift was ending. Exhibitors included everything from eco-friendly soaps and cookware, to used clothes & cellphone collection drives and products from recycled plastics. Except for some aching feet I had a great time.

This year the Friends of the Chicago River are celebrating 20 years of Chicago River Day with 20 days of events (sounds suspiciously close to my 50 for Fifty idea). Celebrate this amazing milestone with us through Chicago River Day 20/20, 20 days of events and activities that commemorate this milestone and get people involved. Click their logo on the right for more information about 20/20.

The good news is that The Friends of the Chicago River promoted me to site captain this year, and now I need help from my friends.

My location is on the west side of the Chicago River behind the Riverside shopping center at Archer & Ashland Avenues. We recently did a site visit and there is plenty of litter to pick up.

Use this link to sign up, read the disclaimers, print out & sign the waiver and bring it with you on May 12th.

Bring your grungiest shoes and outer wear, and get your hands dirty. Rain or shine!

P.S. If you can not make it to my location there 65 sites throughout Chicago, Cook County & Lake County that still need your help. Click here to find a site near you!

Fighting Cancer, One Joke at a Time!

Miles Austrevich is 19 and currently being treated for Cancer. This is his third bout since he was 16 years old. To help Miles during this latest round of treatments, his dad Len, a former comedian, created Jokes4Miles a website for posting video jokes to cheer up Miles and let him know he is not alone in his battle.

For those of you who visited my site before may have noticed a blogroll entry for “The Second Time Around” a blog Miles started during his second fight with brain tumors. Miles documented his treatment, progress, and a special visit from Kanye West.

Len and I met during the eighties at a comedy club he owned in the River North area, and my sister worked with him for many years. Recently, I worked with Len, and met Miles shortly after he became ill the first time. Miles is a bright young man who was attending Yale last fall (currently on leave), and loves comedy of all types.

Last month, Len asked me to help them with tracking the video demographics, and I converted a spreadsheet into a database. It allows them to track and tabulate the location, age, gender of the joker, and details about the video.

The Jokes 4 Miles Project is trying to collect 5,000 jokes, and has over 500 to date. They have a long way to go and could really use our help. If you know any jokes that you could share with Miles and the World Wide Web, then please visit their site and up load a video, or look for live videotaping events in your community. Your support is greatly appreciated and much needed.

Let Miles know that he is not alone

Visit Jokes4Miles.com and learn more about how you can help.

Last week, I asked a neighbor far a ride to Blackstone Bicycle Works to deliver a used bicycle abandoned nearby. The Blackstone Bicycle Works was featured on a local news show, and I emailed them last month. After clearing their spam box I spoke with Chris, and set up a time to drop off the bike. When I arrived they gladly accepted my donation and offered a receipt for tax deduction.

Blackstone Bicycle Works is a youth education program of the Experimental Station. In the context of a full-service bike shop dedicated to promoting ecological practices and empowering youth, Blackstone teaches mechanical skills, job skills, and business literacy to boys and girls from the under-served Woodlawn neighborhood and Chicago’s broader south side.

Read the rest of this entry »

This morning I left home about 3:35 AM to volunteer for the McDonald’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. This past Tuesday was my birthday, but I registered for the parade in August, and accepted the delay completing my goal because I wanted to help out this event. Read the rest of this entry »

I was recently contacted by David Haas a blogger at the Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Blog about guest posts on my website. This is from David and I hope that it helps someone.

Fitness and the Benefits When Battling Cancer

There are many benefits to being fit and exercising regularly, no matter what the circumstances of your life may be. Exercise is particularly beneficial to cancer patients in a variety of ways. Whether they are battling breast cancer, mesothelioma or skin cancer, almost every cancer patient can receive the benefits that exercise offers such as increased lean muscle mass, release of endorphins and increased energy. Cancer patients are especially likely to feel like they are battling against their body and exercise allows them to use their body in a way improves their health and makes them feel good.

Increased Survival Rates

Several studies referenced by the National Cancer Institute have shown that patients who have undergone treatment for cancer and exercised regularly were more likely to survive cancer and not relapse than patients who didn’t exercise regularly during and after their cancer diagnosis. This is especially true for patients who have been treated for breast cancer and colon cancer. Each patient should talk to their doctor about the benefits and risks of different types of exercise to determine the exercise routine that is most beneficial to their health.

Physical Appearance

Patients who fight cancer and undergo cancer treatments such as chemotherapy often lose weight as well as muscle mass. Exercising for about 150 minutes per week helps these patients build up some of the muscle mass they have lost and tone their remaining muscles for a stronger body and healthier appearance.

Improved Mood

Researchers from the Mayo Clinic and other major research centers have found that regular exercise offers many benefits that are physical, psychological and social. The psychological benefits of exercise include the release of neurotransmitters and endorphins in brain that improves the patient’s mood naturally. Exercise also increases the temperature in the body, which has a calming affect on most patients. People who exercise are more likely to interact with other people than people who are sedentary, which also improves their mood.

Risks of Exercise During Cancer Treatments

Cancer patients who are undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy, often have their immune system weakened. It can be dangerous for these patients to exercise in a normal gym environment because of the amount of people and germs that may collect in that environment. These patients may choose to buy their own treadmill or other exercise equipment that they can use at home so they can get most of the benefits of exercise without risking further damage to their health.

David Haas
Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance Guest Blogger –
http://www.mesothelioma.com/blog/

This weekend I volunteered for the Hot Chocolate 15K/5k Chicago. This is just one of several runs and triathlons organized by RAM Racing annually. It is called, “Chicago’s Sweetest Race” because the after party offers hot cocoa and chocolate fondue provided by race sponsor Ghiradelli. Read the rest of this entry »

This morning the American Cancer Society held it’s Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Walk at Montrose Harbor. It was a non-competitive 3 mile walk that unites communities to celebrate people who have battled breast cancer, educate people about ways to reduce their risk, and empower communities to join the fight. Read the rest of this entry »

Last Spring Donate Life Illinois started a campaign to raise awareness for the organ/tissue donor registry. After visiting their website I learned that they were preparing for an Autumn face to face campaign in Drivers License Facilities here in Illinois and registered to be an organ donor and a volunteer. Read the rest of this entry »