Provisions for All

Members of Growing Power Inc. provide employment and attempt to enrich the Chicago community through urban farming techniques.

A few blocks from the Sox 35^th Red Line El Stop, Kendra Hardy, runs her fingers through the warm, rich, black soil of a compost bin.

Erica Hougland, 23, examines the rich soil of her workplace. Photo by Monica Macellari

Hardy, 22, is what you could call an urban farmer. Everyday, she wakes with the sun and heads out to work to tend to her crops. Her farm, however, does not house your typical livestock, nor does it cover vast acres of rural countryside.

Instead, it is located in an old industrial warehouse on South Iron St. in the heart of Chicago’s South Side.

“I make sure the soil we use has been sifted and the worms in it are happy,” Hardy said. “The more worms…the better!”

Hardy works for a large nonprofit organization called Growing Power, a corporation that originated in Milwaukee, Wisconsin by former pro-basketball player, Will Allen.

Allen, the son of a sharecropper, decided that all people, regardless of their economic circumstances, should have access to fresh, safe, and affordable foods. So, in 1993, after his athletic career had ended, he bought land, and began implementing farming techniques that worked in a city atmosphere.

In 2002, Growing Power expanded into Chicago, and other parts of Illinois. Their mission, along with providing nutritious and sustainable food, was also to employ community members like Hardy.

By offering hands-on training, on-the-ground demonstration, and technical assistance through the development of these Community Food Systems, urban dwellers not only were given jobs, but also learned to provide for themselves by means of agriculture.

“My job has taught me a lot of things I didn’t know before,” Hardy said. “–Like how to grow organic vegetables, and just how to eat healthy!”

Kendra Hardy, 22, sifts the soil from compost bins at the Iron Street Farm. Photo by Monica Macellari

Growing Power now controls six farms throughout the city. Though the Iron Street Urban Farm acts as the main headquarters for Chicago operations, there is also work done at:

• Altgeld Gardens in the Riverdale Community Area of the South Side
• The Chicago Lights Urban Farm located on the corner of West Chicago and North Hudson Avenues
• Grant Park “Art on the Farm” Urban Agriculture Potager at the intersection of East Congress Parkway and South Columbus Drive.

After making sure her worms are well fed, Hardy strolls over to the “hoophouses” in the back of the building. There, she checks on the status of the organic kale and spinach.

In order to ensure sustainable food year-round, Growing Power builds large, enclosed structures, similar to greenhouses to grow and house crops. These “hoophouses” essentially trap sunlight, providing a constant, warm climate for vegetables.

“It’s not your standard midwestern way of growing corn!” said Erica Hougland, an agro-enthusiast also employed by Growing Power.

“Using our compost bins, we are able to develop an extremely nutritious soil,” Hougland said. “–This allows us to grow produce that we can eventually sell at market and to restaurants.”

Hougland, 23, is a well-seasoned community servant.

“Some people are able to connect with nature through the physical act of digging, some through artistic expression,” she said. “We want to be able to reach everyone.”

Along with providing technical agriculture training, Growing Power reaches out to the community by way of art. When Iron Street opened its doors in 2010, Chicago residents were asked to paint a mural on the side of the building.

Now, youth art classes are offered in the warehouse along with educational tours of the facility. The corporation is inviting a literal “hands-on” approach to their development.

“I like working at Iron Street”, said Hardy. “It started as a summer job, but later, I was chosen to work here full-time.”

Hoophouses inspected, Hardy makes her way through the massive warehouse.  She observes the stream of water flowing from the “aquaponics” system, that her Growing Power team built just a few months prior.

Although there are no cows on the Iron Street farm…there are fish.  Using an “aquaponic” cycle, water is drained from fish tanks containing tilapia and yellow perch.

Water flows from an "aquaponics" system at the Iron Street Farm. Photo by Monica Macellari

This water is then filtered, and pumped to growing beds, where a variety of specialty greens are raised. Finally, the nutrient rich water is forced back into the fish tank.

“We will eventually be able to hold over 700 fish per tank, Hougland said. “This will be a huge revenue source for us, as well as provide a template for future vertical gardening.”

Plotting out the future of urban farms, are experts like Adam Davis. A Crop Management and Environmental Systems professor in the Department of Crop Sciences at the University of Illinois, Davis is no stranger to the issue of food crisis in cities.

“This issue is not going away,” said Davis. “Our department has even created an area of study pertaining to Urban Food Systems.”

Davis recognizes the need to support urban farms, like Growing Power, as well as provide incentives for city supermarkets to sell fresh and affordable produce.

“As the population continues to grow in urban areas, we will have further problems addressing sustainable food options”, he said.

As of today, Growing Power is able to operate by using the money it raises from selling its products to local restaurants and community members at nearby farmer’s markets. They also are funded by Illinois state grants.

Working in cooperation with organizations such as the Chicago Housing Authority, Growing Power is gaining headway in finding innovative ways to provide food for Chicagoans.

“I get excited to see things grow when I know I planted them,” said Hardy. “I’m sure if I started my own garden, it would be the best in town!”

Chores done for the day, Hardy scrubs the dirt from beneath her fingernails, then steps out of her old, industrial office on Chicago’s South Iron Street. Not your typical farm scene–but Growing Power is working.

Converging with Other Emerging Media

According to the chapter entitled, “Converging with Other Emerging Media” in our Principles of Convergent Journalism textbook, the distribution of news is no longer limited to print, broadcast, and online sources.

New technologies have ushered in different ways to deliver media to the public. Here are a few examples:

 -RSS-

Also known as “rich site summary” or “really simple syndication”, RSS is a format for delivering regularly changing web material. This feed allows users to easily stay informed by retrieving the latest content from sites they are interested in. 

By subscribing to an RSS feed, users are alerted when new information is available. This format is constructive because it drives additional traffic to a website, and creates a “regular” community of consumers.

 -E-mail Notification-

Another way of transmitting media updates is by e-mailing subscribers information. A key strength of this method is that sites can effectively segment their audience…delivering to each person, only the type of news they are interested in (i.e. a huge sports fan might only want to receive stats from their favorite teams).

Though email alerts can be useful, it important that the message contains brief summaries and headlines. Readers are less involved, and tend to respond better with links to a web page with additional information.

 -Text Messaging-

This form of delivering breaking stories tends to be ideal, in that cell phones are widespread and convenient tools. Consumers can maintain a “non-committal” relationship with text messaging, by easily opting-in or out of service. Perfect for traffic and severe weather updates, texts can also strengthen a user’s reliance on a news operation.

 -Billboards-

Used to deliver short messages while individuals are driving, billboard displays are effective because content can be changed as often as desired. It is important the headlines on these signs are short, but also specific enough to keep the audience’s attention.

 -RBDS (Radio Broadcast Data Service)-

Though not widely known to the public, every radio station in the U.S. can transmit digital information along with their regular programming. A data stream is embedded into the radio signal, and news messages, along with song titles and call numbers can be displayed on the radio’s faceplate.

This form of media distribution can be extremely valuable (because info can be transmitted virtually around the clock), however, most radios are not equipped to received updates, therefore stations don’t even bother streaming messages.

 Today, any kind of network has the potential to be a news medium.  It is our job as journalists, however, to identify our audience, and settle on the news we are capable of delivering to them…utilizing the tools we have.

Adding (Multi) Media to the Web

Mabel dusts off her desk and locks the front door of the local library. At 85-years-old, she is finally retiring. She has served as head librarian for over 60 years, knows the correct place of every book on every shelf, and remembers the names of almost everyone in town.

Though “Mabel” is a fictional character… our elderly celebrity’s story serves as a useful example.

In the past, the local newspaper might write up a feature story, honoring the long time resident. The closest news station would probably give Mabel a few minutes of airtime, and even interview some of her close acquaintances.

Times have changed. According to the chapter entitled  “Adding (Multi) Media to the Web” from our Principles of Convergent Journalism textbook, convergence has allowed our industry to combine different forms of media to tell a story.

Now, local events can be transformed into a new level of integrated, interactive journalism that pulls people together.

Using video accounts, interviews, chat rooms, and even social media, a story like Mabel’s can be used to connect a community.

While text remains the primary adhesive that holds every story together, there roughly six categories of media that can be added to the web…to further relay a newsworthy event.

-Still Images-

These photos can range from high quality to simple cell phone shots.  Most newsrooms rely on a photo archive that has been accumulating for years.

If the archive is sparse, they can use subscriptions services like the Associated Press and Wide World Photos.

-Sound-

Often viewed as the forgotten medium because we rely so much on visual information, sound can be broken up into three areas…music, speech, and sound effects.

Music and sound effects are often used for news program themes, while speech is necessary for voice over’s, and whenever natural sound is not available.

-Video-

Unlike the video formatted for TV, footage for the web has some restrictions. Users have a limited attention span, and are often bombarded with pop-ups, ads, and additional information.

Stories must be concise, and grab the viewer’s attention.  Also, lower resolution video, and smaller screens require tighter shots without as much detail.

-Graphics-

A graphic is essentially any visual element that is NOT video or a still image. The biggest rule to follow is “Keep it simple, make it interactive.”

Graphics are often used to condense information for the viewer, making it more comprehendible. For example, a news site might use an interactive map to show where burglaries have taken place in the community.

-Interactives-

This form of media is generally used to solicit feedback from viewers to generate community involvement.Polls, surveys, and even online games can extend the brand of the news organization while promoting loyalty.

-Other Innovations-

Many news sites have found ways to incorporate a number of these media forms while also using new methods to reach their audience. For example, a site might post official transcripts from a meeting or legal documents to gain the support of users in the community.

Convergence has allowed our industry to combine multiple media tools to illustrate newsworthy events.

It is imperative, however, to recognize the nature of a story, whether it is about a hometown librarian or a national legend…then use the appropriate devices to tell it.

Broadcast to Internet: Repurposing

As a kid, I recall lounging in front of the TV around 5 p.m. and watching the nightly news with my parents. With the exception of a morning broadcast or a special report, this was really the only time our family got its fix of news coverage.

Times have changed. With increased technology, advances in social media, and the universal mindset of “I want it NOW”, broadcast stations are looking for alternate ways to deliver a breaking story.

In the chapter entitled “Broadcast to Internet: Repurposing” of our Principles of Convergent Journalism textbook, this idea is dissected.

People expect news on demand…they want to access it when it is convenient for them. For this reason, it is imperative for modern broadcast stations to maintain a web presence. So… stations across the globe have found it effective to “repurpose” material.

This simply means that stations are now taking the material that was once produced for a specific medium, and tailoring it to fit another. For example, a news operation might stream a live newscast on the web, but also add extra footage online.

CNN “repurposed” this story on the dangers of the Washington Monument workers.

By “repurposing” news stories, stations can reach a larger audience, extend the life of a piece, and use the web to combine print and electronic media such as visual and audio effects.

Though broadcast news stations vary in their popularity, the amount of funding they receive, and number of viewers, surprisingly, news sites often look the same for a few reasons.

1.) There are a limited number of web designers.  These designers usually choose to stick to a format that has been tested and works.

2.) The nature of news is relatively standardized. Stories are categorized under headlines such as “government”, “sports”, or “crime”.  They are also grouped according to world, national, and regional news. Most sites use these classification systems.

3.) Stations are constantly in competition with one another. If they see that a competitor has adopted a well-liked web strategy, they will often times borrow this approach.

As a modern day journalist, it is important to be multidimensional.  This includes being able to upload scripts, digitize audio and video for TV and the web, as well as create short, precise, and interactive stories that can often be updated.

Repurposing has enabled professional storytellers to choose the BEST way to piece together an account. Depending on the information or the audience, journalists can now utilize video, text, and even graphics to weave a story together.

The Habitual Athlete: Competitors rely on routine to enhance performance

Audio slideshow: Watch a superstitious athlete in action.

By Monica Macellari and Megan Fox

Clipping fingernails on the bench…brushing teeth in between innings…and drinking liters of soda before games… aren’t necessarily actions that come to mind while fantasizing about your favorite athlete. But…maybe they should.

There is no doubt competitors devote an immense amount of time and energy to their sport, but many of them believe their performance is just as much psychological as it is physical.

The World English Dictionary defines a superstition as “an irrational belief usually founded on ignorance or fear and characterized by obsessive reverence for omens, charms, etc.”

Though the general public might view these rituals as unnecessary or silly, athletes often rely on them as a means to enhance their performance.

CrossFit athlete and trainer, Nick Urankar,of South Bend, Indiana, considers it normal for athletes to repeat behaviors in order to mentally prepare themselves for competition.

Urankur finishes a workout at a gym in South Bend, IN. Photo by Monica Macellari

Andrew Bynum in the Spotlight

Two years ago, Lakers center, Andrew Bynum extended his right forearm, and sent Gerald Wallace to the hospital.

Two months ago, Bynum’s hit on Minnesota’s Michael Beasley earned him a flagrant-foul type 2 and a two-game suspension.

Recently, Andrew Bynum received another five-game suspension and a $25,000 fine, after fouling Dallas guard J.J. Barea in the fourth quarter of the Lakers’ 122-86 playoff-eliminating Game 4 loss to the Mavericks.

Here is a collection of articles and commentary I collected pertaining to the NBA athlete and his actions.

Read “Andrew Bynum’s Court Behavior” on Storify

Riley Wildcats Pounce on City Track and Field Title

April showers bring May flowers and James Whitcomb Riley High School in South Bend, Indiana fosters talented athletes.

The South Bend Community School Corporation held their annual boy’s track and field city meet today at Clay High School. The victors…Riley’s Wildcats.

With a team total of 134 points, Riley easily wiped away its competition. In 2nd place were the St. Joseph Indians with 73 points, followed by the Adam’s Eagles with 60 points, the Washington Panther’s with 34 points, and the Clay Colonials with 32.

Though the Wildcats were successful in almost every event, they racked up the points in the field. In pole vault, Aric Chokey took home first, clearing a height of 10-6. Carlton Presley, Gilbert Williams, and Lubasi Kekelwa also scored points for their team in high jump, receiving 2nd, 4th, and 5th place honors.