Inside the Theatre School on the Lincoln Park campus, the Costume Shop, a place that is almost a secret to most students, is an excellent find.

Walking into the Costume Shop you will find many students, student workers and faculty at work mastering and practicing their craft of sewing and making clothes for the school’s theater productions.

Everything that is in the Costume Shop has either been thrifted, made or bought and remade by the people who have spent time there. The collection of clothing has built up over the years and has become an excellent closet and source for clothing from all decades.

“We don’t build as little as we can because we don’t like to do it, we enjoy the work,” said Costume Shop Manager Myron Elliott.

At the beginning of a production, the Costume Shop team lays out all of the sketches and separates them into piles: things they have in costume storage or things that they can rent. The team will then decide what they need to make. They start a process of pulling materials for the costumes and the creating begins.

“We buy what we can and we make what we can’t because if we make what we can buy, we are kind of spinning our wheels,” said Elliott.

They like to “beg, borrow and steal what they can so that leaves them the time and resources to make more of the showier costumes,” said Elliott.

From start to finish, the seamsters and seamstresses only get about four to six weeks to put together all of the costumes for a production. Workers in the shop will put together a “fake version” of an outfit as a test fit with cheaper fabric and, after the first fitting, will jump right into making the final product.

Coming into the Costume Shop, students and student workers are assigned one production for the whole quarter.

Student worker and Costume Shop employee Elise Petrucci is also a costume tech student. Costume tech students are stitchers, first hands or draper cutters.

“Typically if you are a draper/cutter you will have one or two major projects on a production,” said Petrucci. “I am currently making an 18th century men’s suit for our upcoming production ‘The Rivals.’”

As a Costume Shop employee, Petrucci manages the costume storage area where they organize and maintain all costume stock. “We also pull costumes for the Theatre School’s studio productions, which are performed in the school’s studio spaces,” said Petrucci.

Costume storage is the giant multi-aisled closet where all the made, bought, borrowed or thrifted clothing is kept. Everything is organized and has its own designated place.

“People always know where to find something and everything seems to work pretty well,” said Elliott.

Men’s clothing is stocked by size and women’s clothing is organized by period. Many gray boxes line the front of aisles. This is where pieces are kept for reference. They may be donation or vintage pieces that cannot be worn but are often looked at.

When the Theatre School moves to the new building in 2013, all of the items will be transported on rolling racks and kept as orderly as possible. The new costume storage area will be much bigger and will be reorganized to keep things together and make them easier to find.

The new Costume Shop will be much larger and will “allow for teachers and students to coexist happily,” said Elliott.

“Costume karma” is also something that Elliott believes leads to happy and well-functioning theater schools.

“If someone else did the show last month that you’re doing this month and they have exactly what you want sitting in their stock, they will usually rent or loan it to you,” said Elliott. “It’s all about being resourceful.”

If the shop is not going to make a particular piece, networking and keeping in touch with people from old schools and jobs helps because you can ask around to find sources for certain costumes.

“Many schools make good business in renting out their stock, especially the ones with good reputations because you know they won’t send something not up to par,” said Elliott.

Unfortunately for DePaul students, you cannot just walk into the shop like any other store. The clothing gets raked through yearly and a small sale happens, but on a normal day the antique and hand-crafted items are not for sale.

“I’m sure the students would love if they could buy things, but quite frankly it would deplete us of our best stuff,” said Elliott.

While the Costume Shop seems like it is lots of fun and games, the opportunity for growth and learning is huge.

“We have this awesome opportunity to put on a show that we get to create from just a script and we build it together with the Costume Shop and they help us create that vision by making our garments,” said costume design student Holly Haupeot.

“It is great collaborating with other designers and a great place to learn sewing techniques,” she said.

With the way that the Costume Shop operates, many of the students get to really experience what it is like to design and create clothing for a big production.

“I can bring students into more of a real life application and give more of an industry perspective,” said Elliott. “They really get to put their hand in there and do stuff, which makes for a very professional level of training.”

As a student worker, Pertucci gets to work with and create costumes. “Being a student in the shop is great because I come in to work and when I leave, I’ve physically created something that I can be proud of.”

DePaul’s best-kept secret will continue to build their closet as they build productions and teach students the theater way of life.

“You come in everyday and chip away at a project and within a few weeks it appears on stage and becomes a part of something so much bigger,” said Pertucci. “In the end, I think what we create within the shop and the rest of the Theatre School departments is pretty special.”

That is the essence of the South Side Irish Parade, held March 11, the Sunday prior to St. Patrick’s Day. It is a tradition that lived on throughout the city’s South side neighborhood of Beverly dating back to 1979.

In 2009 the decision was made to cancel all future parades due to an abundance of complaints, around 50 arrests and many reports of public intoxication and disobedience.

After three years and much debate, the parade is returning but with stricter rules and an excessive amount of police, private security and volunteers keeping drinking under control and Western Avenue on lockdown.

O' Briens Pub on 109th and Western shows support for SSI Parade Photo by Tabitha Hurley

Many bars and local businesses on Beverly’s main road are strongly supporting the parade’s triumphant return. Signs decorate windows and captions on bar storefronts say, “Tradition marches on” and “Support local business, support the Parade.”

The parade committee also held a fundraiser at the famous South side restaurant and bar Bourbon Street Feb. 18 in hopes of raising around $60 thousand. The event attracted nearly 2,000 supporters, according to myfoxchicago.com.

“As a bar owner we are very thankful for the return of the parade,” said John Mulchrone, longtime Beverly resident and owner of Sean’s Rhino bar on 103rd and Western.” Aside from the revenue generated, which we appreciate, we have a blast every year, everyone seems to be in such a great mood and seeing everyone dressed in their finest knot sweaters and Donegal tweed hats sure makes you proud to be Irish,”Muchrone said.

Many of the bars along the parade route seem to share the same feelings as Mulchrone. Most know that the issue never was the bars. The parade problems extended far beyond what happened inside the local hangouts.

Cork & Kerry on 106th and Western Ave. Photo by Tabitha Hurley

“Along with most of the bars, we are selling flags for $1,” said Justin Hooker a DePaul alumnus and bartender at the End Zone, 100th and Western. “You can donate the dollar and the proceeds go to extra security that the Chicago Police Department cannot supply.”

“It’s great for business, but this is definitely one of the neighborhood taps that is all tradition, and it’s definitely good to bring it back and keep the tradition going,” said Hooker.

Since the parade route has been shortened this year, once starting at 99th and Western and now beginning at 103rd, Cork and Kerry, one of the more popular bars is right in the middle of the mix.

“It is a giant moneymaker,” said Nick Guide, a bartender at Cork and Kerry for three years. “The owners like to promote and respect the Irish heritage of the neighborhood. It’s not just the money, it’s a giant tradition they’d like to bring back.”

Unlike many of the bars, restaurants and other businesses along the parade’s route on Western Avenue, the residents in the surrounding neighborhoods have mixed feelings about the return of the South Side Irish Parade. Despite promises by the parade’s committee to bring the event back to its family-friendly and alcohol-free state, residents remain skeptical.

“I certainly won’t be going or making a big homecoming out of the parade’s return,” said Laura Foley, a Beverly resident. “It seems to get worse every year with the drinking and fighting. It’s just not appealing for me as a parent or someone who has to live near the parade.”

Although it may be normal for parents to oppose the parade, it seems that even some of the Southwest Side’s younger residents don’t see anything special about having the parade back in town.

“I’ve been to the parade more times than I can count and when they took it away, I wasn’t really upset. Basically the people who want to celebrate and drink that weekend will find a way to do so, and whether it’s at the parade or at the bars along Western, it doesn’t really matter,” said Ed Carone, a Mt. Greenwood resident.

But just like the many businesses that will benefit from the parade’s return, some South Side residents are already welcoming the parade back with open arms. While the parade’s reputation will forever remain negative to some residents, still others enjoy the parade and see it as a tribute to their heritage.

“I moved here from Ireland 12 years ago and the music and Irish dance at the parade reminds me of home,” said Liam Griffin, a Mt. Greenwood resident. “Plus I like bringing my kids, so they can see some of their heritage. The Irish are a proud group of people.”

While opinions of the parade’s return continue to differ and while people may never agree, the South Side’s claim to fame is making a comeback.

This year is the parade’s time to shine and they have a chance to prove to Beverly residents and disputers that the once family-friendly event can return to its true roots.

“I hope that this parade showcases the pride, enthusiasm and spirit of the awesome people who live in our neighborhood,” said Mulchrone. “If we can pull together and be vigilant about not allowing some to ruin it all, I predict the parade will be a huge success and continue for many years.”

The mildness of the season should motivate Chicagoans to get up, go out and have fun on the town.  And with a city that is constantly moving, there are many places to get the full winter experience, with or without the flurries.

Luminous Field by Luftwork Photo by Tabitha Hurley

For city goers looking to stay warm and enjoy endless lake and skyline views, the John Hancock building offers an inexpensive way to have a day of fun with Skating in the Sky. Skating in the Sky leaves skaters of any level feeling like they may skate right off the edge with floor to ceiling windows surrounding them.  Not only can you enjoy all that the Hancock has to offer but with a snowless ground and unfrozen lake, viewers and skaters get to look at the skyscrapers and bright blue waters of the lake as far as the eye can see.  The exhibit, on the buildings 96^th floor, goes on from January through April and renting skates is only $1.  The rink, made of synthetic ice, makes for a different kind of skating experience and, according to employee Jake Smiley, is a “great way to learn if you have never skated before.”  The rink is not only popular among Chicagoans and tourists but has been set up for commercials and is used by the Blackhawks coach to give lessons to kids once a week.  With 25 minutes to skate around the rink, when visitors are done, lunch can be enjoyed in the building’s café and a photographer is on site to take scenic photos to continue enjoying the skyline even after you have left.

Skating in the Sky at the John Hancock building in Chicago Photo by Tabitha Hurley

For the full winter effect and for those afraid of heights, another popular skating rink is the one on Michigan Avenue in Millennium Park.  Open from November through March, skaters can get the chance to go earlier or later in the season when the weather may be a little warmer.  The city lights and decorated trees make for a magical ambiance just an added plus to already great attraction that is right in front of the Bean.  Bringing in more than 100,000 people yearly, according to explorechicago.com, the rink is in its 11th season and gives winter lovers a chilly but fun evening for only $10 and all of the skating and hot chocolate one could possibly want.

If you are not too cold after skating, Millennium Park has a newer addition called Luminous Field by Luftwork.  It is a highly enjoyable light and music show that is displayed around Cloud Gate for a colorful winter evening.  Only offered for the 10 days, from Feb. 10-20, Luminous Field makes an already bright skyline fun for anyone.  Free to the public and complete with a warming tent that includes performances and concerts, Luminous Field reminds Chicagoans that not everything is dark and gloomy during the winter season.  Lauren Rosenberg, program manager at the Chicago Office of Tourism and Culture, says, “The idea was to create something light and bright that would bring people to Millennium Park in Chicago in an off peak tourism season and letting people know that there are fun things to do all year round.”  Luminous Field is a fun and quick activity for anyone who is looking to take an evening stroll through the park.

People who can really handle the cold can support a good cause by stripping down and jumping into Lake Michigan, which is “34 degrees at this time of year, one degree above solid ice,” says president of Special Children’s Charities, Jim Sheahan. The Polar Plunge, an annual event which takes place at North Avenue Beach, raises money for Special Olympics, is a fun way to be a little risky during the winter and get involved in something enjoyed by 2,000 Chicagoans.  “The Special Olympics started in Chicago in 1968 and now takes place in over 170 countries around the world with 5 thousand athletes,” says Sheahan.  Forming teams of at least three and with awards for best costume, people are encouraged to get creative and have fun with the plunge and possible prizes are at stake for things like best team costume and top fundraisers.  Held on March 4^th, plungers jump into waves and go completely under or just go knee deep and come out to a free t-shirt and warm towel.  Teams are asked to raise a $125 minimum.  The Polar Plunge is an extreme way to indulge in the winter season but is all in good fun.

Whether Chicagoans decide to skate inside atop a building or take a quick dip in the Lake, the fun in the city does not subside when winter takes over, or in this case, when winter takes a vacation from itself.  Activities are sprouting up anywhere people go and seems like lots will venture out to take part in the good times and make some good memories along the way.

People either love or hate the Hallmark holiday—Valentine’s Day. It seems that with chocolates and candies everywhere you turn, an extra couple of pounds are inevitable. This may be one reason to hate it.

Whether you are sharing the holiday with a significant other or not, the possibility of eating your way through the love-filled day always seems high. Loved ones are sending each other chocolates, and people are using the treats as a way to get past the holiday pressure.

What most sweethearts may not know is that there are other ways to show you care. And these ways don’t necessarily involve turtles, Pixies and candy hearts.

“Choosing things like chocolate-covered pretzels or chocolate-covered orange peels instead of choosing things like cream filled candies, which contain more fat, can be the best advice for making it show less on your hips,” said certified Master Sugar Chef Mark Seaman.

Valentine’s Day and chocolate go together like two peas in pod. According to deseretnews.com, American manufacturers dish out $12.2 billion worth of chocolate products throughout the month of February and $7.1 billion of other kinds of candy.

“It means about 188 Snickers bars per person each year,” according to the website.

James Vince, who has been the store manager of Fannie May in Midlothian for four years, said there is “an incredible difference between the rest of the days of the year and Valentine’s Day.”

“The days leading up to Valentine’s Day are the busiest of the year for us, even busier than December or any other holidays,” Vince said.

Although Seaman is aware that there are healthy modifications that can be made to any recipe, he chooses not to alter his.

His suggestion would be to “pick a dark chocolate over a milk or white chocolate,” noting that “white chocolate comprises essentially 50 percent fat and 50 percent sugar, which the body can turn into fat.”

Vince mentioned that dark chocolate sales were up because the “media has given lots of attention to the fact that it is better for you and better for your heart.”

“Making healthier pastries would involve creating something including wonderful fruits, fluffy egg whites, flavorful nuts and, of course, the best chocolate,” said pastry chef Violette Orellana.

Although there is no such thing as a healthy pastry or chocolate, all chocolatiers know that dark is better for you. While modifications are not suggested, they are doable.

Seaman, Orellana and Vince came to consensus: the difference between the classic Fannie May or homemade candies and most standard candy bars is all in the chocolate.

“As chocolate is concerned, something that you pick up at a gas station is going to be a lot less expensive but the quality is not going to be as great,” Vince said. “But real chocolate lovers, they hold out for premiumbrands.”

Most people are getting the good stuff from places like Fannie May and other chains or bakeries. Despite the state of the economy, most sales have not been affected and guilty pleasures are still highly enjoyed.

Under the impression that Valentine’s Day can be used as an excuse to take in copious amounts of chocolate, whether it is being used as a gift or for comfort food, people of all ages know what they like, and they do not hesitate to buy it.

“Older customers are extremely familiar with the candies, and they are the ones who come in and will make their own boxes of different chocolates and they already know their favorites. They will often get the lesser known candies,” Vince said.

As for the younger demographic, Vince said that the twenty and thirty-somethings usually come in and get more well-known candies, such as bestsellers Pixies, Trinidads, Mint Meltaways and Vanilla Buttercreams.

Allison Brock, a DePaul undergraduate, said that since she does not have a Valentine she will “usually wait until the day after Valentine’s Day and buy what is on sale.”

Brock will buy the heart-shaped box of chocolates and pick through what she likes best.

DePaul graduate student Monica Macellari has a somewhat similar plan of attack. Macellari, who does not believe in the Hallmark holiday, will check out the sale candy and usually go for the Hershey Kisses. Although she does have a long distance Valentine, they are not into the “standard cheesy stuff.”

“I do get that women want to feel that sense of an admirer and a relationship, but it should not be a one-day-a-year type of event,” Macellari said.

If that were the case, and Valentines were an all-year thing, chocolate lovers might be in trouble.

Whether couples are celebrating their first or fortieth Valentine’s Day together, people love their chocolate and they love getting it as a gift, too. The alternatives to choosing healthier options do not seem to outweigh the desire to indulge in a good quality piece of chocolate.

So Valentines, beware. That extra weight you’re carrying around after the holiday might not be Cupid’s love arrow but the Pixies and pastries that were consumed.

But never fear. As the candy and chocolate supplies dwindle, so too will those extra pounds.

Few reports of sex crimes on college campuses show up in media reports, however, and even fewer are prosecuted by the law. Despite the high number of women who are sexually assaulted while in college, studies estimate that 60 percent of rape and sexual assault cases are never reported to police or campus authorities. Even more alarming is the fact that of those sex crimes that are reported, RAINN has shown that there is only a 50.8 percent chance that an arrest will be made.

DePaul has a “no gray-area” policy regarding sexual assault, meaning sex that involves any amount of coercion, intimidation, force or anything that renders a victim unable to give consent is considered sexual assault, according to the Office of Sexual Violence Support Services.

However, because of the rising statistics, DePaul and other Chicagoland universities have recognized that something more needs to be done on campus to protect the students. With the help of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office, DePaul and other universities, including UIC and Northwestern, have built the Chicagoland Consortium for Safety on College Campuses, which is focused on getting students to report sex crimes and making sure the crimes are prosecuted.

“The goal of the State’s Attorney’s Office is to assist in the education of the entire campus body on the prevention of sex offenses,” said Jennifer Gonzalez, chief of the State’s Attorney’s Sex Crimes Division. “And where that is not possible, to increase the reporting of such cases to allow us the opportunity to prosecute those individuals who have violated the law and hold them accountable for their actions.”

Aside from teaming up with the State’s Attorney’s Office, DePaul offers a number of resources for students with regard to education and prevention of sexual violence.

While officers at DePaul’s Public Safety office encourage all students to report crimes of sexual assault to the Chicago Police Department, not all victims choose to do so and sometimes turn to Public Safety first. In this event, the Public Safety office has a female officer who is available and trained “to provide a secure and sensitive environment to gather information from victims and counsel them to report crimes to the Chicago Police,” John Holden of DePaul’s Office of Public Relations said.

Student Affairs also works with Public Safety to offer different awareness programs “including a quarterly CAPS (Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy) session with Chicago Police Department,” Holden said.

Holden also discussed IMPACT, which is offered to students quarterly and provides self-defense tactics, shows students different ways to recognize possible attacks and teaches them how to be more aware of their surroundings. DePaul’s Student Health Advocates (SHA), a student-run organization, also helps raise awareness about sex-related topics, including sex crimes with workshops and demonstrations. Holden estimates that each month school is in session, between one and two dozen students attend sexual violence workshops and programs.

Despite the resources that are available across DePaul’s campuses, some feel that not enough is being done to educate students or give them support if they become a victim.

“As a student, I feel that DePaul’s sexual assault and harassment education is fairly limited. During orientation, freshmen receive little information on sexual assault and the resources that are available to them on campus,” said Erin Freund, president of DePaul’s Student Health Advocates. “But DePaul is in the process of creating the Sexual Health and Violence Prevention office which will consist of one full time employee. While I think this is a step in the right direction, the university still has a long way to go in terms of providing enough sex education resources to its students.”

While resources designed for the education and prevention of sexual violence give students some of the tools they need to be safer, Gonzalez reminds victims that reporting sex crimes are essential.

“If you have been a victim, tell someone—the sooner the better. Get law enforcement involved as soon as possible and go to the hospital,” Gonzalez said. “This is the age of CSI. Give us the chance to collect all the evidence we can, and time is of the essence with this kind of evidence. We want to help you, but you have to give us the chance to help.”

By Tabitha Hurley and Ashley Huntington

COLLEGIATE WEAR

College gear is a must-have for the stereotypical man on campus. DePaul sweats are quick to throw on and multitask as a nod to the university. Whether boys are wearing hoodies, t-shirts, sweats or hats, the ensemble is comfortable, affordable and easy to find. Boys can be spotted anywhere sporting clothes from their favorite teams or colleges they have visited. The get-up does not necessarily have to have any meaning, just a popular kind of clothing with college guys. College gear can range from expensive to cheap, with the more expensive sweatshirts and sweatpants ranging around $60.

College gear is always going to be hip around campuses because students are forever rooting for some team, usually their own. Students everywhere buy university related clothing for tailgates, game days and parties.

HEADPHONES

It is hard to come across a student walking around campus who can actually hear anything besides what is streaming through the iPod and into their ears. The ever-growing popularity of Apple products and iPods leaves those little ear buds a must-have accessory.

As the iTunes library grows, students’ attention spans shrink while the ear buds are in and volume is up. Heads down and phone in hand, students these days are not just listening to music. They are talking, walking, texting and communicating at all different wavelengths.

THE NORTH FACE JACKET

Not just your standard winter jacket, anymore, The North Face clothes are fashion forward, multi-functional and all over colleges near you. The North Face trend is not one that will die soon.

The North Face company makes not just jackets, but also fleeces, zip-ups, light jackets that can be worn in fall or spring, t-shirts, sweatpants, gloves, hats and mittens. A trend for both men and women walking campuses, The North Face functions as both style and purpose. Why wouldn’t a student want to look fashionable while they are trying to stay warm?

UGGS

A staple in many college girl’s wardrobe, Ugg boots reign supreme for stereotypical college students. UGGs typically cost $160 and function as a casual and comfortable shoe that can be worn any season, although this is not recommended. For something that is worn as a multi-seasonal boot, they usually only last about a year if worn frequently. The fur on the inside wears way and they do not hold up properly in snow or rain.

Krista Sifuentez, an information desk employee at the Student Center, said, “College girls, mostly around this time of year, I see them in either leggings or yoga pants with boots on like Ugg boots or snow boots.”

Oddly, despite their popularity, most people do not seem to like them. Designers call them a fashion disaster, boys think they are hideous, and in honesty, even many girls know they are not that cute, even when wearing them on their own two feet. But they are functional: Uggs serve as a shoe that can be thrown on easily and will give a solid attempt to keeping the busy college girl warm. They can be worn with almost anything and serve as a pant protector, as well. Most college girls tuck their jeans, sweats or leggings into them, keeping the bottoms of their pants from getting wet, snowy or dirty.

PLAID

These days plaid does not just come in the form of a flannel button-down.; it is worn as coats, scarves, hats, skirts and more. Carrying over from the ‘90s grunge fashion, plaid has now taken over as the quick and comfy way to dress for class. Although it began as fall fashion several years ago, the variety and options are now available year round. The checkered shirts are not just limited to flannel but come in a variety of fabric materials. Plaid is the standard dress code for retail stores like Abercrombie & Fitch and Hollister Co.Longtime employee and assistant manager at Hollister in Orland Park, Kim Majchrzak, has watched plaid rise in popularity.

“I think one reason why plaid is so popular is because it is versatile,” Majchrzak said. “The most recent plaid fad began around 2009 with more of a preppy look to it and the college kids are definitely the ones who wear it the most.”

LEGGINGS

This trend replaced yoga pants and sweats on college campuses. The tight stretch pants that now serve college girls as both workout gear and dress pants, come in many different sizes, lengths, materials and colors making them seem appropriate for almost any situation.

Kristin Brooks and Kristen Busing, DePaul students, said when picking out a female college student, it is always the “black pants, boots and hoodies—like leggings and Ugg boots,” that give her away. Leggings, which started being worn as cropped pants for longer tank tops, now are worn with anything from sweatshirts to collared shirts. The college girl can basically live in them, and some do, owning many pairs; alternating different kinds through the week.

Mayor Emanuel’s choice to cut the food fest in half is a blessing in disguise. For many of us, it has been years since we’ve attended the Taste anyway. Is it worth compromising your safety just for ribs and corn on the cob?

An event geared toward family fun in a secure and welcoming atmosphere has grown to be an overcrowded, rambunctious playground where anything can happen. Many people were shaken when a 19-year-old girl was shot and killed after the fireworks show in 2008, a contributing factor to the event’s downfall.

DePaul graduate student, Avery Connelly is not sad to see the Taste be trimmed down.

“The Taste always seems like a good idea in theory, but then you hear these horror stories of stabbings and shootings. Why would families want to bring their children there?” Connelly said.

While safety has been a primary concern, it was not the main reason Mayor Emanuel decided to make the cut. Although 2010 brought a much calmer and more family-friendly Taste, there was still a large decline in attendance, and the city wasn’t making enough money to cover the costs of putting on the whole production. With the city’s economy what it is, any chance we have to buckle down and conserve resources is just good leadership.

While you Chicago foodies may enjoy days of gluttony in the hot sun, the Taste isn’t cutting it for the city. As a result, it will be cut. And rightfully so. With Chicago’s current economy, we simply can’t afford to waste taxpayers’ dollars and it’s the Mayor’s responsibility to ensure that we don’t.

So this year, the Taste of Chicago will be serving up the best of the city’s eats from July 11 to July 15, a five-day celebration as opposed to the ten-day extravaganza the city provided in 2011.

The cuts may leave a bad taste in the mouths of some Chicagoans, but if it means cutting the economic strain and safety concerns in half too, then rock on, Rahm.

George Clooney, ‘The Descendants’ and ‘The Artist’ stole the show while many other excellent actors and actresses won for their wonderful performances in 2011′s best films and television.

‘Bridesmaids’ and ‘Moneyball’ seemed to be the most dissed films at the show with many nominations and no wins.

2011 proved to be a show-stealing year for women, film and television included. Tina Fey made for a couple laughs sticking her head in behind Amy Poehler while she was being announced. Jessica Lange won best supporting actress for her work in ‘American Horror Story,’ playing a chilling character in the show. The ever so timeless Meryl Streep won for her performance in ‘The Iron Lady.’ Michelle Williams, Octavia Spencer and Kate Winslet were also among some of the female winners of the evening.

Keeping most material pretty clean with only a couple slip-ups, most stars were on their best behavior and seemed to be having a good time poking some fun at one another.

Helen Mirran gave Morgan Freeman, who won the Cecil B. DeMille Golden Globe for career achievement, flack for only having the opportunity to star in one of his films. George Clooney walked on stage to present, using a cane and teasing Brad Pitt who tore his ACL earlier in the month. Madonna wittily came back at Ricky Gervais’ “Like a Virgin” play on words, keeping him on his toes and the crowd laughing.

But let’s not forget about the second most important reason most of America is tuned into the show: the fashion.

While this year there seemed to be less fouls and more stunning gowns as most celebs wowed on the carpet and on stage.

Sofia Vergara looked amazing in a navy mermaid dress, while other ladies ran the red carpet, as well. Charlize Theron shined in a peach number with sparkling headband. Reese Witherspoon showed of her figure in a body hugging mermaid red dress, and Claire Danes, winner of a Golden Globe for Homeland, looked beautiful in a flattering backless black and white number.

Although, not everyone can dazzle. Sarah Michelle Gellar may get a worst dressed nomination with a prom like Cinderella dress that was obnoxiously tie-dyed bright blues. Some other fashion busts, Lea Michele, Julianne Moore and Zooey Deschanel, in an interesting green and black gown and sporting some serious sideburns in her doo.

While excitement and nervousness ruled most of the stage, actors still can’t get the timing right on their acceptance speeches. That ever so delicate music that cuts them off and keeps the ball rolling cued in on many of the stars shining moments.

With many great wins and nominations, most celebs went home winners tonight, or at least to a great after party.

From movies to television to some great fashion, whatever the reason America watched the Golden Globes, even when Hollywood’s finest are not performing they can still manage to captivate us and catch our attention for some good Sunday night TV.

The Institute of Cultural Affairs of Chicago, in Uptown, contributes not only building space to help people within the community but is also beginning something that will unite all 77 communities of Chicago, according to Terry Bergdall, the Institute’s CEO.

Bergdall not only leads the largest nonprofit organization in the Midwest but also has been with the company since 1969. He started off as an intern because he felt very passionate about sustainability.

Outside of the Institute of Cultural Affairs building, the Uptown mural is largely displayed in the parking lot. Photo by Tabitha Hurley

Bergdall listed three important things that people should know about the Institute:

• The Institute has been around for 50 years beginning with the Civil Rights Movement; which embodied the Institutes concern for social justice.

• The Institute “has always addressed human issues from a cultural perspective that enables people to see the significance of their situation and build practical plans of action or responsible plan of action.”

• The Institute’s plan of action has always been to “think globally, and act locally.” Bergdall said this was “true in how we manage and work with this building.”

Bergdall talked about being a co-director in Kenya for the Institute of Cultural Affairs for 20 years and how they followed “how the ICA has always been about social justice, enabling people to see cultural perspectives, and maintaining a global perspective by acting locally. “

After starting as an intern, in 1969, and working as a staff member for 20 years, Bergdall began his career as a sophomore while attending Oklahoma City University, according Bergdall’s LinkedIn page.

Bergdall and his wife, Pamela, reside on the eighth floor of the Institute.

The eighth floor provides an affordable living space for students with up to 18 bedrooms, some which are dorm style holding around nine people. There are common bathrooms on each end of the floor and a shared living room and kitchen for all residents.

In 1989, the Institute began restructuring in Kenya, where Bergdall was appointed regional program officer. That “involved working myself out of a job so ICA Kenya became an independent reliant organization,” he said.

Returning to the Institute in the United States in 2009, Bergdall was asked to come back and be the executive director.

Bergdall is the leader of three major programs that have been developed at the Institute over the past two years. He said he strongly believes that all three programs “are interdependent and reinforce one another.”

The Institute has three programs. There is a Service Learning program for college students, which lasts three weeks. Resilient Communities, which involves uniting all communities in sustainability across Chicago. Last, Transition Chicago, a program that takes notice to all other Chicago neighborhoods who are making sustainable efforts.

One of the display boards in the conference room shows plans and goals for Service Learning program. Photo by Tabitha Hurley

“Our work as community developers and community organizers over the years, we’ve always been committed to empowering and enabling people to take responsibility themselves for developing,” he said. ‘This is what I call an asset based approach, enabling people to deal with their own resources and own gifts.”

The Institute offers a nationwide program, Technology of Participation, where training and facilitation methods are taught for people to develop a profession of green initiatives within their workplace. Bergdall explains that with all of the programs, the Institute is “among the most prolific and proficient trainers of facilitation.”

“Given that kind of background, how we live and work in this building is really important.” The building located on the corner Sheridan and Lawrence, was donated by Kemper Insurance Company in 1972.

“The first five floors of this building are all tenants of nonprofit organizations that provide some kind of service,” Bergdall said.

”Some of the nonprofits are medical and dental clinics for homeless and low income people, a drop in center for troubled women, support activities for new immigrants, and job placement training services,” according to the Institute for Cultural Affairs website.

Bergdall shared how the building wants to create a “greener culture,” asking, “How do we live in a more sustainable way?”

Bergdall and staff have taken many steps to improve the building and make it more eco-friendly. They have finished retrofitting for all of the building’s lights, just signed a contract to install six wind turbines on the roof, which will take advantage of the Lake and account for ten percent of building’s energy and have also built a vegetable and wind garden to apply permaculture examples.

A program that the Institute offered was Service Learning, Bergdall and staff connected with Chicago based universities, such as DePaul where over 60 graduate students came in and did various forms of work such as a website for social networking within 77 communities.

Another Service Learning program that was offered for out of state students was an intensive three-week civic engagement that tied into Resilient Communities. Students lived on the Institute’s eighth floor and received three credit hours from their school.

The out of state student were sent to research what green initiatives communities were taking around Chicago.
“It was very interesting to have those students work as a part of our Service Learning,” Bergdall said.

Resilient Communities, which is a way of “addressing and creating local communities in a sustainable way. There’s a lot happening in neighborhoods on grass root initiatives and sustainability,” said Nina Winn
Resilient Communities looks at all 77 neighborhoods in Chicago and hopes to bring them together in September of 2012 for what the Institute will introduce as Share Fair.

Share Fair is meant to bring together all people, businesses and community members to display what they do with their own neighborhoods in terms of sustainability and ongoing green efforts.

Nina Winn, Institute program officer, leads the community level work and development to build relationships from community to community across Chicago in order to promote Resilient Communities.

Nina Winn, program officer, stands at one of the Institutes' garden areas. Photo by Tabitha Hurley

Winn, who has been with the Institute for 2 ½ years, called the Institute as a “participatory effort.”

Winn described the Institute as “completely interconnected, as far as what we have going on with the building, our service learning program, and Resilient Communities, they each have a role to play as far as sustainable community needs goes and they just compliment each other in a way that just shares each others resources.”

Winn said phase one is really about “doing community research which is largely listening and learning.”

Phase one involves the Institute staff to “go into a community not knowing anything at all…letting the people that are there tell what is actually happening because that story is really the authenticity of the community and you just learn a lot as far as what they’re doing.”

Share Fair, which will be held in September 2012, is the second phase. How Share Fair impacts Chicago communities will determine what is done in phase three.

The Institute staff plans to spread the word via the web and by going into communities, finding the people who want to be involved in the projects and people who share a passion for sustainability, just like Bergdall and Winn.

After the Share Fair, Bergdall hopes to see more Chicago communities willing to initiate sustainability and willingness to go green.

Bergdall said he couldn’t help but look to future and what that holds for the Institute and for the Earth, envisioning a lifestyle of sustainability “through a localization strategy.”

Bergdall thinks there is a “whole movement of focusing on local community, recovering local food production, and movement on what we could do in terms of voluntary simplicity and in terms of how we live.”

By Tabitha Hurley and Avery Connelly

Manson and Cortez, chose to walk in Making Strides for two years in a row so they could “be involved in anything.” Cortez, whose Mom is a survivor and Manson who was walking for her Aunt and Grandma, explained how this year it appeared that there was a lot more people.

Approximately 3,500 people volunteered, walked and participated in raising a total of $307,417.09, according to Making Strides Against Breast Cancer Chicago.  The walk was held at Montrose Harbor.

Making Strides even sets up Port-o-Janes to show their Breast Cancer support. Photo by Tabitha Hurley

People gathered to support their loved ones and each other, Rachel Agee, a volunteer, agrees, “It is incredible to see how many people come out and form teams, especially with the weather, even if it doesn’t affect you directly, everyone knows someone.”

Agee and her two-sorority sisters are students at DePaul University who have volunteered through Delta Gamma to work the event this morning.  Agee, Elena Cohn, and Kaelyn Dodd, all got up at 5:30 a.m. to travel from DePaul’s Student Center and set up to “give time to good causes, because you never know what could happen to you,” says Cohn.

DePaul University Delta Gamma students volunteer at registration area. Photo by Tabitha Hurley

Dawn Alfred was a vendor at the walk who was selling her makeup line, Vivid Makeup by Dawn.  She launched the makeup line two weeks ago and created an eye shadow called Pink Diamond which will send a portion of its proceeds to breast cancer.

Alfred, who was inspired by her mother who suffered from breast cancer, said that she named her eye shadow Pink Diamond because “every survivor is a pink diamond in the rough.”

Tiffany Stewart was there helping Alfred.  Both are involved in the All About Pink Breast Cancer Foundation, which was founded three years ago.

The All About Pink Breast Cancer Foundation had a team of about 20 members participating today.

Dawn Alberts and Tiffany Stewart display Alberts makeup line launched in September. Photo by Tabitha Hurley

The Making Strides walk is unlike other walks since participants do not have the pressure of a fundraising minimum or registration fees.  All walkers can raise money at their own pace.

Adam Gilt, walk manager for the Chicago Division of the walk, said, “we also have many walkers who will raise only a small amount of money in their first years and then come back to raise amazing amounts in following years.”

Elyse Siwinski, a field associate for Making Strides Chicago, says, “social media has given participants and those interested in Making Strides an outlet to share their stories, fundraising successes, and has given the walk a more personal feeling.”

Event officials said social media played a large part in promoting this year’s walk and getting people more engaged and connected with Making Strides in different ways.

Siwinski goes on to say, “I truly believe that social media has engaged participants in a way that has never been done before.”

Making Strides has set up a Twitter, Facebook Fan Page, and blog that are all updated daily and has large fan followings, with their Facebook page at 269 friends.  The participants can use the media outlets to connect with other teams and really get their own stories out there.  Making Strides also has a “Boundless Fundraising” app that allows participant to raise money, too.

The organization’s blog, updated frequently by Siwinski, shares people’s stories, YouTube videos made by Making Strides, and gives participants creative ideas on how they can raise money quickly by ‘pinking differently.’

‘Pink Differently’ has become the motto for the walk, demonstrating to participants that in doing this more women can become survivors and beat breast cancer.

Monica Cortez and Jolee Manson out supporting loved ones at MSABC walk. Photo by Tabitha Hurley

Since the walk caters to all different kinds of people, Making Strides also holds many other opportunities to connect with participants that are not involved in social media.

Making Strides holds meetings, open houses, which include Pink Cafes, which are fundraising events held at public cafes and restaurants, Committee Meetings, Strides Breakfasts, and Phone Calls.  Both Wilt and Siwinski agree that with the diverse group of participants, reaching out to people in as many ways possible is what got the word out so well.

The walk that began at Montrose Harbor runs about two hours in length and is three miles long; it begins in the park and starts at Montrose and Simonds Drive.

On the morning of the event, there were very many tents and activities set up for participants to do before walking at 9 a.m.

A stage was set up where speakers, some survivors, could share their story with the crowd. A Tribute Wall where people could fill out pink hearts with the name of their loved ones on it and post it to the wall was also displayed for participants.

The walk allows people who want to participate to create teams, volunteer, walk individually, or just simply donate.  The Making Strides staff had not only had Tribute Walls and speakers but also set up a Survivors Tent and creatively provided pink Port-o-Jane’s with the Breast Cancer logo on them.

Also, many people and businesses came out and set up vendor booths to show their dedication to Making Strides and had vendors like Corner Bakery who were providing food and another tent giving bananas and bottled water to participants.

Some businesses that are just starting join Making Strides and show how much they really care for breast cancer.  Pink Taxi service is a non-for profit company who donate 50 percent of their profit to breast cancer research.

Tracey Lee who is a second year volunteer and working the Tribute Wall learned about Making Strides and the Tribute Wall from her mother, Phyllis Lee, who suffered from breast cancer.  Lee went out there today, just like last year, in support of her mother and sister-in-law who were also diagnosed with breast cancer.

Volunteering to work at the Tribute Wall for Lee was how she wanted to “give back in some form and this is a way of giving back, an awesome way of giving back.”

In 2010, there were more than 800,000 walkers throughout the country and just through Making Strides raised $60 million dollars. The walk originated in 1993 and since then over seven million walkers have raised over $400 million dollars. The money has been donated to the American Cancer Society, who is the originator of the Making Strides walk.

Siwinski notes that Making Strides was, “a huge success, despite the cold/rainy weather,” and “participants really seemed to enjoy themselves and it didn’t seem to stop too many people from coming. “

As for improvements, Siwinski is not quite sure yet but the Montrose Harbor location will probably stay because it provides the open space for vendors and makes for a beautiful walk.