Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association
Since its inception in 1989, OPALGA has become one of the largest community based, multipurpose lesbian and gay membership organizations in Illinois.
Looking Across the Lines of Gender
“Mask,” “cocoon,” “closet” . . . all are metaphors to describe how we choose to hide ourselves before coming out and being free to be ourselves. On this National Coming Out Day, October 11, one Oak Park area resident will be able to celebrate being free for the first time after over 35 years of hiding in a physiological cocoon.
At the age of 11, with pains in his chest, Shawn Baggett went to the doctor. The diagnosis, not unusual for a pre-teen, was puberty. What was unusual was that chest pains (also known as breast tenderness) are a common symptom for puberty in girls. The doctor confirmed his diagnosis in an x-ray that revealed an ovary and a partial uterus (hidden within Shawn’s clearly male exterior) and in blood tests that showed lower than normal levels of testosterone in Shawn’s blood.
The information made a lot of sense and explained why Shawn was so different from his brothers: less competitive, less aggressive. Shawn had even earned the nickname “Sis” from his father because he was reluctant to fight. Even so, in fearing for his safety, Shawn and his mother decided that they needed to hide his feminine side from the world. Shawn would continue to hide for 35 years, until April, 2008, when Shawn came out to his family and to the world as Shauna.
I was fortunate to have the opportunity to meet Shauna at George’s for breakfast. During our meal together, she talked openly about her life, the process of coming to accept herself, coming out, and the journey ahead of her. She has led a complex life where even the question “What is your name?” does not have a simple answer.
Q: Name?
A: My legal name for now is Shawn Eugene. Shauna Elizabeth will be my name in April.
Q: Age?
A: 47.
Q: Where did you grow up?
A: Brookfield.
Q: How long have you been in Brookfield and the Chicago area?
A: 35 years I believe.
Q: What were some early indications of your being transgender?
A: As others can, I cannot say that I was born in a male body and have a female mind. I do have an 89% female and 11% male body, and the same goes for my soul. How can someone with one ovary, one testis, and a partial uterus be classified in female and male gender roles? I have no answer for that. I am an intersex person, and that is all I know.
Q: After the medical appointment that resulted in the discovery of your ovary and uterus, how did you decide to continue identifying and dressing as a male?
A: I was 11 years old, and being a boy was all that I knew. Also, my mother believed that I would be safer if I never told anyone about my intersex. She was right. I was more effeminate than I was manly, but I tried to hide that the best I possibly could so as not to be beaten or worse.
Q: When did you come out?
A: April 8, 2008.
Q: At what age?
A: 46.
Q: What support systems do you have/have you had?
A: I have a wonderful family, which includes my sister and three brothers. My friends, who are in the hundreds, have sent me e-mails and expressed their utmost happiness at being friends with someone like myself. Even though my outside appearance will change, it is the person on the inside with whom they will always be friends.
Q: Are there organizations in the area specifically for transgender individuals?
A: There are so many: Tri-Ess, CGS, Island Girls, Transend, Transitions from the Inside Out. These are for transgender people. And then I also belong to OII (http://www.intersexualite.org), Bodies Like Ours (http://www.bodieslikeours.org), and AIS (http://www.aissg.org). I belong to about nine or so different organizations ranging from intersex to transgender to LGBT groups.
Q: 35 years is a long time to be in the closet. Did you want to come out and embrace your female side previously?
A: I have wanted to change a couple times in my life, but each time I talked myself out of it. It is so confusing at times because there were times in my life when everything was working out. I’ve learned that to be intersex isn’t a sexual mishap. My gender is balanced between the female and male sides. I just think I will be much happier with my female gender.
Q: Do you have a significant other?
A: No, I have been divorced now for eight years.
Q: What are some problems and issues specific to the transgender/intersex community?
A: There is not enough help or enough ways of finding help.
Q: How can OPALGA help or what can we do to raise awareness of intersex and transgender issues?
A: I am so new to this. Can we work together on this? I think mostly it is making children and teens aware that there are people like us to help them. I was hidden for 35 years because no one was there for me. I don’t wish to see anyone live that kind of life.
One evening in April, 2008, Shawn dressed up as Shauna and went out for the first time. Her blog describes the anxiety and excitement of coming out as herself, of being Shauna for the first time in public after over 35 years of hiding as a man.
Shauna writes, “I felt more comfortable tonight than I have in 46 years. As it washes over me, I now know where I belong. Being Ms. Shauna B has given me more happiness than anything I have ever felt or had before.”
We all want to be comfortable and to be accepted as ourselves. National Coming Out Day is a chance for us to celebrate who we really are. While many intersex individuals remain conflicted and in hiding, this year, October 11 will hold a special significance for one Brookfield resident. Congratulations, Ms. Shauna B, and we wish you well!
Message from the Co-Chairs
On July 2, the Wednesday Journal printed a letter from Ms. Hannah Phillips in which she expressed outrage over the fact that the paper saw fit to publish a separate section the week before in celebration of gays and lesbians. She went on to say that it disgusted her that her village was happy with “this vulgar affair.” Needless to say, her letter was extremely offensive, and I am pleased to say not only to the gay and lesbian community. Many straight friends were amazed by the prejudicial language of the letter. Since the letter coincided with OPALGA’s participation in the annual 4th of July parade, I wrote a letter to the Journal editor. The letter read as follows:
On July the 4th, a day that is quite special to most of us, I had the privilege again this year of driving a vehicle for OPALGA (Oak Park Area Lesbian and Gay Association) in the Oak Park parade. The outstanding job done by the Community Relations Commission and the Village in putting on this parade is obvious. What was even more amazing to me and everyone else in the vehicle was the absolutely tremendous reception afforded us again this year by the residents of Oak Park. Every possible sign of affirmation is present—high-fives, loud applause, peace signs, louder applause, raised fists, whatever. From senior citizens to young kids to the policemen and policewomen on duty, it is truly a sincere way of saying that it does, indeed, take a village, and we are glad you are a part of our village. From our point of view, nothing could be more affirming as to the pride we share in living in Oak Park and participating in events like the parade that bring us together.
Hannah Phillips, however, has different thoughts. She was “discomfited” to see the “insert thing” about gay pride in the Journal. Imagine her outrage—a local paper that actually sees fit to give coverage to a very large and active segment of the population. A paper, moreover, that finds many advertisers who want to be a part of such coverage. Why, the next thing you know she might be buying a different paper—now, there’s a thought. She then goes on to say that we in Oak Park are happy with “this vulgar affair.” On behalf of every gay and lesbian resident of this village, and many, many straight ones as well, I am outraged by her choice of words. The only vulgar thing I see displayed here is her hatred and ignorance. Out of courtesy and respect I will not use her word of “disgust,” but it truly saddens me that in 2008 an individual who lives in Oak Park would think in this manner. I have been a resident of Oak Park since 1991, and every day something about Oak Park reminds me why this village is such an exceptional place in which to live. Now, here’s another thought—if Oak Park is causing such strong feelings for Ms. Phillips, perhaps she might want to consider living in another location.
Ms. Phillips then complained about coverage of “dog weddings.” Well, only if they are same-sex dogs—she seems to get the humor if male and female dogs marry. That she actually is spending time worrying about this gives me a perverse sense of enjoyment. Why worry about the price of gasoline when Fido and Rover may be tying the knot? That entire paragraph of her letter just floored me, and I won’t even bother to respond. I guess the world really is going to the dogs.
Finally, she mentions that she doesn’t see the Oak Park parade, as she is usually in a parade portraying Civil War veterans. Here, I must tip my hat to her—she finally has gotten something right. I don’t know how she did it, but she found a parade whose portrayal of time is right in line with her thinking. You go, girl!
Mike Cochran
Oak Park
Volunteer Spotlight
Given the number of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, it was decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better. This month, we are highlighting volunteer member David Steven Rappoport.
Empower: How long have you lived in the Chicago area?
David: I have lived here for one year.
Empower: What town, village, or city do you live in?
David: I live in Oak Park.
Empower: What is your professional background?
David: I am a consultant, working primarily with safety net health care systems. Previously, I was the senior program officer of a large health care philanthropy, managed AIDS clinical research, worked as a hospital administrator, and was a housing consultant.
Empower: Tell us about your family—are you single, dating anyone special, or do you have a partner? Do you have children and/or pets?
David: I am presently single, and everyone I date is special or I don’t date them. No kids, no pets. I hope to get one or two dogs at some point over the next year or two.
Empower: How long have you been a member of OPALGA?
David: One year.
Empower: How long have you volunteered with OPALGA, and in what capacity do you volunteer?
David: I am on the Board and I am the chair of the Social Committee.
Empower: What first inspired you to become active and involved with OPALGA?
David: I moved to Oak Park from Maine in the summer of 2007. I joined OPALGA as a way to meet new people and to become established in the community.
Empower: Are you involved with other LGBT organizations?
David: Yes—Twin Spirit Tribe, which is primarily an LGBT spiritual group.
Empower: What do you find most satisfying or rewarding about your OPALGA involvement?
David: It’s very community-focused and full of smart and interesting people.
Empower: What is your favorite color?
David: Any that mimics lichens and moss.
Empower: What are you listening to on your iPod?
David: Everything from Bach to Bettye Lavette.
Empower: What is your favorite restaurant?
David: Ethiopian Diamond. I love Ethiopian food!
Empower: If you could meet anyone, who would it be and why?
David: I’d like to have dinner with any or all of the following: Voltaire, Casanova, Gautama, Rasputin, Hesse, Marlowe, and Kinsey. Unfortunately, they’re all dead.
Empower: What is the greatest music video of all time?
David: I don’t pay much attention to music videos.
Empower: What is your greatest accomplishment?
David: Enduring.
Empower: If money were no object and you could do anything you want, what would it be?
David: Just what I’m doing now—only I’d have a fabulous house to do it in.
Thank you, David, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You may be next in the spotlight!
Nominations Solicited for OPALGA Board Positions and Nominating Committee
Each year, the OPALGA Nominating Committee is charged with soliciting written nominations for the upcoming open positions on the OPALGA Board of Directors. Members of this year’s Nominating Committee are Susan Anderson, Kim Hefner, Jim Kelly, Dan Salotti, and Davida Williams. OPALGA encourages you to become involved in the decision-making process of our great organization, and this year, we thank those who have served on the committee.
For 2009, the Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for Female Co-Chair, Secretary, and four Member-at-Large positions. Each of these positions requires a two-year commitment.
In addition, the Nominating Committee must fill three positions on the Nominating Committee for 2009. Each of these positions requires a one-year commitment.
All nominees must have been OPALGA members for at least six months prior to October 31, 2008. You are encouraged to nominate yourself. If you nominate others, please first check with your nominees about their interest in serving.
The solicitation for nominations letter and form were mailed to the entire OPALGA membership in mid-August. Please return the form in the envelope that was provided to the Nominating Committee, The OPALGA Center, 947 Garfield, Oak Park, IL 60304 by September 15, 2008.
Once the nomination process has been concluded, the candidates’ biographies and election ballots will be mailed to the membership. The ballots will be opened and tabulated at the start of the OPALGA Annual Meeting in November.
In Memoriam
OPALGA acknowledges with sadness the passing of Mary Jane Beech, 68, on August 6, 2008. A celebration of Mary Jane’s life was held on August 16 at the Oak Park Conservatory.
As an advocate for women’s equality, Mary Jane was active in several organizations in Oak Park, including OPALGA. Many of us remember her participation in the semi-annual membership meetings, the book club meetings, the monthly potlucks, and other OPALGA programs.
Mary Jane received her Ph.D. in anthropology and sociology from Michigan State University in 1972 and then began a wide-ranging professional career. Part of her doctoral work was done at the American Institute for Indian Studies in Calcutta, and prior to that she was awarded a Hayes-Fulbright Scholarship to study the role of women in Bengali society. She returned to Bengal and other parts of India several times during her career. Over the course of her career, she taught anthropology, sociology, and women’s studies at several colleges in the Chicago area. She also worked part-time at the Lisle Public Library. In the later years of her career, she returned to her early interest in child development and taught children at Green Tree (later renamed Bright Horizons Esplanade) in Downer’s Grove.
Mary Jane shared a love of cooking, gardening, learning, and books with her many friends and her family.
OPALGA was fortunate to be among the numerous organizations that Mary Jane chose to support. On behalf of OPALGA, the editors of Empower extend sincere condolences to the many friends and family members whose lives she touched.
Message from the Co-Chairs
At its meeting last month, OPALGA’s Board of Directors approved a Nominating Committee consisting of five individuals: Susan Anderson, Kim Hefner, Jim Kelly, Dan Salotti, and Davida Williams. Anderson, Kelly, and Salotti are the non-Board members, while Hefner and Williams are the two representatives from the Board of Directors. Together, these five will seek and present candidates for the various Officer and Board positions that need to be filled this year. In other words, they will be looking for candidates for Female Co-Chair, Secretary, and four member-at-large Board of Director positions.
Some members may wonder—why a Nominating Committee? Not only is the provision for a Nominating Committee found in our by-laws, but virtually every not-for-profit organization uses some form of a committee or a very similar process. At OPALGA, the Nominating Committee looks for candidates who have the appropriate background and experience, have a willingness to devote the time necessary to serve, and will project a positive image of OPALGA. In addition, the Nominating Committee must do this while also considering male/female balance, diversity, and other necessary considerations.
It is no surprise, then, that this year’s Nominating Committee is something like OPALGA’s own version of a “Dream Team.” These five individuals (which include two former Co-Chairs) possess a wealth of knowledge of OPALGA and its history and have records of accomplishment in serving our organization. Moreover, they are of impeccable integrity and share a common goal of finding the best available candidates for the positions.
There can be no better way to serve an organization than by sitting on its Board or serving as an Officer. So, if you are interested, please submit the form you will receive from the Nominating Committee. If you receive a call from a member of this committee, we likewise urge you to step forward. OPALGA will only continue to grow and strengthen itself as a result of the participation and involvement of those individuals most qualified to do so.
On a somewhat related note, most of you know that OPALGA is approaching its 20th anniversary next year. As the times have changed, so has the organization, with one glaring exception: our by-laws. Governing the organization has faced additional challenges with a document that has now become somewhat outdated. We are pleased to tell you that Bruce Broerman, a member of the Board of Directors, agreed at the July Board meeting to lead a committee that is going to study the by-laws and make appropriate recommendations for revision. This is a lengthy and detailed process, and the revisions will not be submitted to the members until the fall of 2009 for approval. Nevertheless, it is important that you know the process is under way, and you will be hearing more about it in the coming months.
Finally, elsewhere in this issue, you will see an article that describes OPALGA co-sponsoring the Wright Ride with the Oak Park Cycle Club, the Oak Park Area Convention and Visitors Bureau, and Downtown Oak Park. It is very important in the fulfillment of our mission that we work closely with other individuals and groups as appropriate. Some things we do you are probably aware of; and others possibly not. To give you a few examples, we co-sponsor a float in the Chicago Gay Pride parade with the Oak Park Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. We jointly worked on pending legislation with the ACLU and Equality Illinois. We annually participate in “A Day In Our Village” and the 4th of July parade here in Oak Park. We frequently talk to BUNGALO and its members about items of shared concern. We co-sponsored a brunch at Hemmingway’s Bistro last year with the Center On Halsted. We have joined with Steppenwolf Theatre and the Village Players Theatre to bring you top-quality events. Each year, we have our own “Donut Day” at the Pilgrim Congregational Church. These events are merely a sampling, but you get the idea—in order to be an integral part of the community, OPALGA needs to reach out throughout the community and work with others whenever possible. Sometimes we ask, and sometimes we are asked—in either case, the result is usually the same: we stand stronger together than if we stand alone. This month we are riding bikes, so grab your helmets and join us on the Wright Ride on Sunday, August 17. If you don’t want to ride, come on out to our booth and say hello.
Around The OPALGA Center
OPALGA Claims Another “30 Under 30”
Congratulations to our own Hector Salgado, who directs the OPALGA Latino men’s program, ALAS. Hector recently received the distinction of being named one of the 2008 Windy City Times “30 Under 30” award winners. This award recognizes young activists who have made significant contributions to the LGBT community. Way to go, Hector—we’re proud of you!
Latino Men’s Retreat
Thanks to a generous grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health Center for Minority Services, OPALGA held its second annual Latino Men’s Retreat. This three-day event was again held in conjunction with Project VIDA in Chicago. This year, we hosted 14 young Latino men between the ages of 18–25 at the Menno Haven Retreat Center in Tiskilwa, Illinois. The retreat was meant to create community for these young men while exploring relationships, their culture and identity within the LGBT community, and HIV and STI prevention education. Although the weather for the event was a bit balmy and the facilities lacked air conditioning, our staff and retreat participants had a weekend to remember. Thanks to our ALAS program staff who facilitated the event—Hector Salgado, Celso Cardenas, and Alex Lopez—and Carlos Samaniego from Project VIDA. We look forward to next year’s retreat!
Donut Days!
Thank you to the 49 volunteers who helped to make this year’s Farmers’ Market Donut Days fundraiser an amazing success. To date, we raised close to $1,700, and we will receive another small check at the end of the season based on overall sales. As always, it seemed as though everyone had a great time, and most of you were well-versed in the ways of donuts. It was a smooth operation, and thanks for all of your time and talent!
Prism Youth Program
Some of you may have heard that we are holding our drop-in group for teens from 14–18 years of age on a trial basis every Thursday night. So far, so good, and we have decided to extend the program through August to meet the needs of our teen LGBT population. We will reassess the need later in the summer, and if there is sufficient demand, we may put Prism back into our regular rotation of drop-in groups that we offer.
Volunteer Spotlight
Given the number of volunteers that OPALGA counts on annually to do the amazing work that we do, we decided that everyone should get to know each other a little better. This month, we are highlighting volunteer member Navi Walker.
Empower: How long have you lived in the Chicago area?
Navi: I was born and raised in Chicago.
Empower: What town, village, or city do you live in now?
Navi: God, please don’t make me say it…, lol. Ahhh, Hillside.
Empower: What do you do for a living, or, if you’re in school where and what are you studying?
Navi: I am currently a concierge with Apple (computers), and hopefully I’ll be starting school at Columbia College Chicago…, woo hoo!!
Empower: How long have you been a member or involved with OPALGA?
Navi: A long time…, lol. Since I was 14 years old (I’m 23 now).
Empower: In what capacity do you volunteer?
Navi: I am one of the facilitators for RED, and sometimes I help out with Spectrum, when needed. I’m also going to try volunteering with OUTSpoken when it starts up again.
Empower: How did you come to volunteer for OPALGA?
Navi: I’ve been in it for so long that it’s just kind of grown to be a part of what I do. It was only natural to want to be more than a peer attending drop-in groups.
Empower: What’s your favorite color?
Navi: I used to be on this whole black-only kick, but I’m a huge sucker for bright, colorful things. Any bright color, I’m on it (except pink—pink is disgusting, no offense to hardcore pink lovers out there).
Empower: What’s your favorite movie and/or book and why?
Navi: Man…, I don’t know. I really can’t just pick one, but if I must say that I like one a little bit more than the others, it would be “Ranma ½” movies (totally obscure, I know), which are anime, and, oh, “Tipping the Velvet,” maybe. See I don’t know. I feel like I’ve made a bad choice there…, lol.
Empower: What are your favorite restaurants?
Navi: I love seafood like shrimp and lobster, so good old Red Lobster works for that. Also Benihana. I’m also really into Indian food, so I’m lovin’ me some Khyber Pass. But since I’m a serious foodie, like with movies, I can’t have just one favorite because I’m all over the place!
Empower: If money were no object and you could do anything you want, what would it be?
Navi: I know it’s a cliché to some, but I’d love to travel. Travel and write about everything I see and experience (hence the reason why I’m taking up journalism in college). Then, after that, I’d settle and open up an international café or restaurant. Yeah, that feels about right.
Thank you, Navi, and thank you to all of our volunteers! You may be next in the spotlight!
Recipe Corner
Several years ago, OPALGA talked about putting together a cookbook containing our members’ favorite recipes. Now, in anticipation of our organization’s 20th anniversary, we have decided that the time is right for this tasty project!
Talk to your family, your friends, and your neighbors to find those recipes that you really enjoy and want to share with other OPALGA members. Please feel free to submit any of your favorite recipes, and be sure to give a credit for the originator of the recipe, if applicable.
All recipes should be submitted to jeziebarth@comcast.net. Please include the word “RECIPE” in your subject line, and be sure to attach your recipe to the e-mail as a Microsoft Word document. Thank you!
In the meantime, we plan to publish a few of the recipes that we have already received in upcoming issues of Empower. Bon appétit!
Hummingbird Cake (Victorian Era Recipe)
Submitted by Richard Poltorak
3 c. all-purpose flour
2 c. sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking soda
½ tsp. salt
1 8-oz. can crushed pineapple with juice
1 c. cooking oil
3 beaten eggs
2 c. chopped banana (3 bananas)
½ c. chopped walnuts
1-½ tsp. vanilla
Glaze:
1 tbsp. melted butter
1 c. sifted powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 325 degrees. Grease a 10-inch tube/fluted tube pan. In a mixing bowl, stir flour, sugar, cinnamon, baking soda, and salt together. Remove 2 tbsp. of pineapple juice and set aside. Add pineapple, oil, eggs, banana, nuts, and vanilla to flour mixture. Stir until blended—do not overstir. Pour batter into greased pan. Bake for approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 10 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean. Cool in pan for 15 minutes. Invert cake and remove from pan and cool completely.
Glaze: In small bowl, combine melted butter and powdered sugar. Add pineapple juice a bit at a time to make a glaze that can be dribbled back and forth on cake with a spoon, and enjoy!
John Seaton and the Garden of Eden
On a sunny, crystalline Saturday morning in early spring, I sat down on a bench within the lovely surroundings of the Oak Park Conservatory with John Seaton to talk about his retirement as the Manager of Conservatory Operations for the Oak Park Conservatory. John’s official retirement date was June 6, 2008. An articulate and charming man, John and I discussed his background, his proudest accomplishments, and his challenges as the manager of the Conservatory for the past 24 years. Please read on to get to know this remarkable man, long-time OPALGA member, and stalwart resident of south Oak Park.
A native of Wales, John was born and raised in Colwyn Bay, and after the age of two, his family moved to Hampshire, Somerset, and then to Devonshire in the south of England, where John’s father was a dairy farmer. John attended Dartington Hall School in Devonshire, a progressive, coeducational boarding school similar to Summerhill, which many of you may be familiar with if you have read the famous book Summerhill by A. S. Neill.
“I enjoyed the school very much. I met very interesting people, and it gave me lots of expensive ideas and hobbies, but no real way of satiating them,” John said.
John continued, “By the age of 17, it was decided that academia was not for me.” He left school and began to work as an unpaid apprentice at the Dartington Hall garden. After a year, he was officially accepted into their apprenticeship program. He lived in the garden in a hostel for young gardeners, called a “bothey,” where, John said, “we lived there and ate and slept horticulture. We had lectures one evening a week, and, occasionally, we would go off to look at other gardens.”
After two years, John was certified and then was accepted at the Lacham School of Agriculture as an assistant gardener to the college. John worked there with a lot of the agricultural students on keeping the grounds going and was there for several years. From there, it was on to Cannington in Somerset to study horticulture. John’s next stop was a training program at the Royal Horticultural Society Garden at Wisley, in Surrey. He then worked as an instructor and gardener for the Gloucestershire Farm Institute, and later moved on to running the research greenhouses at the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
In 1972, John was hired by the University of Wisconsin, Madison, as an academic specialist, running the botany greenhouses and garden. In 1984, John took the position at the Conservatory. He said, “It was really sort of coming back to my roots because I had studied municipal horticulture rather than botany.”
The Conservatory began as a community effort in 1914 to provide a place to house exotic plants that area residents collected during their travels abroad. The present Edwardian-style glass structure, built in 1929, houses a botanical collection of more than 3,000 plants.
Over the years, the building fell into disrepair. In 1970, when plans were made to raze it, a group of concerned citizens led a successful drive to preserve, and eventually enhance, this unique resource. After this successful fundraising effort, the Friends of the Oak Park Conservatory was officially formed in 1986 to work with the Park District of Oak Park to help promote community interest, offer educational opportunities, and support projects that benefit the Conservatory and its visitors. In 2000, the Conservatory Center was opened to provide expanded space and facilities for educational programming, day-to-day operations, and public events. “The Conservatory was saved by the community, for the community,” said John, “and I’ve always felt like this position is in trust to the community.”
The Conservatory draws up to 30,000 visitors annually. In 2004, the Conservatory was named an Oak Park Landmark, and in 2005, it was named to the National Register of Historic Places by the U.S. Department of the Interior.
One of the challenges of running the Conservatory has been to get and keep the word out, and John said that the Friends of the Conservatory have been tremendously helpful in that area. Funding is also always a challenge. John said that there are a lot of demands on limited resources, and he has been very frugal with his budget.
Part of John’s job has been to oversee the astounding number of bedding plants that are planted at public parks and sites throughout the village of Oak Park. When John arrived in Oak Park, Scoville Park had just been redesigned, and John was the first person to plant material in the beds surrounding the war memorial in the park. In later years, when OPALGA started its “Building Bridges” festival in the park, John tried to provide plant material that related to that festival. John joined OPALGA in the year of its founding (1989) and said that he would like to have been more involved throughout the years but that he wasn’t because of his total involvement with the Conservatory.
“One of the things about my job that I have enjoyed the most,” said John, “is how the community has taken to the conservatory. They come in and just sigh with relief, especially during a winter like our last one, which seemed to go on forever.” He continued, “This is a place where children often take their first faltering steps. Our displays in the parks, our plant clinics, our presence at the Farmers’ Market—all of this has led to a lot of good will generated by what the Conservatory does in the community.”
John said that his proudest accomplishments at the Conservatory have been getting the Friends of the Conservatory organized, getting the Conservatory Center built, and obtaining both the local and national historic recognition. When I asked what the best-kept secret about the Conservatory is, John said, “I call it the Garden of Eden at the corner of East and Garfield. It’s right here. You don’t have to go to Florida. Coming to the Conservatory is an aesthetic experience. You can just come here and enjoy a sense of green and growing.”
In the first phase of his retirement, John is going to spend some time in England visiting his granddaughter, and he is proud to say that he is expecting another grandchild!
The theme of “community” came up again and again in our conversation, and John is both grateful for and satisfied with his time in the village of Oak Park. “One needs to be who one is in the world, and I’ve been lucky to be who I am,” he said. We will continue to see John out and about in the village, stopping to smell the roses.
