www.AltgeldGardens.com
Established By: Joseph E. Craig
July 19, 2001

The Garden Spot of America
"Honoring Our Past, Building The Future" 
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THE FRONT PORCH
"AG, The Community That Has The Audacity To Hope."

We need your articles. Do you have news about our
community?  Please send them so that we can post
them on our website and keep everyone informed.

Email: JosephCraig@AltgeldGardens.com

Phone:  312-204-7199
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ALTGELD GARDENS
ALUMNI PROJECT (aGAP)
"Lift Our Children" 

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We just wanted to give you a brief update on the Altgeld Gardens Alumni Project (aGAP).  Our initial group has been formed and we continue to plan our efforts to support Altgeld Gardens initially, and the country in the future. Our team has agreed to focus our attention in Altgeld Gardens on following areas:

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  • Academic Enrichment
  • Character Education
  • Leadership Development
  • Motivational Activities
  • Reunion Weekend(s)

We have formed committees that are developing our direction on the above noted areas and are reaching out to partner with various organizations and we have been pleasantly surprised by the support we have received.  Our overriding emphasis is not to duplicate efforts that are currently underway and support all efforts designed to enrich the lives of the Altgeld residents.  Other committees will be formed in the future and we will be asking Alumni to join us as we pursue this very important initiative.

WE WILL MAKE A DIFFERENCE!

If you have a desire to give back to Altgeld, join us on the Altgeld Gardens Alumni Project (aGAP) because there is indeed “aGAP” that we must fill.

You can find out more about "aGAP" by viewing our page on this website, or you can call or email me at your convenience.

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Joe Craig

Founder, AltgeldGardens.com

"Honoring Our Past, Building The Future" 

(312) 204-7199

josephcraig@AltgeldGardens.com

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About Altgeld Gardens:  Located in a far south neighborhood near Riverdale, Altgeld Gardens, or,  "The Gardens" is historic, as it is the location of the first public housing projects in the United States and was also an important stop on the Underground Railroad. It was built in 1945 to deal with the housing needs of African-Americans returning form the Second World War. Its 1,500 two-story row houses that span 157 acres are in the midst of getting rehabbed, and are bordered by 130th street, the Calumet River, Indiana Avenue and the I94 Expressway. It was originally settled by Dutch and German immigrants in the mid 1800's. There has been some new development in the area. Several projects have been spearheaded by the Local Advisory Council. 

The neighborhood is named for former Illinois governor John Altgeld. When fully occupied, there are approximately 3,500 people living in this community. There are schools and medical services in the area to service residents. Carver Park resides in Altgeld Gardens. It was built shortly after the housing projects were completed. Addressing the area need for recreational activities, the park contains such features as sports fields, swimming, and open areas. The park was named after George Washington Carver a prominent African-American scientist whose agricultural research made great advances in the field.

Altgeld's environment and history make it a cache of local significance: the Beaubien Forest Preserves are spotted with old-growth oaks and deer, and the Calumet River was once a popular spot for fishing.    Most recently Altgeld Gardens has come into World Wide notoriety due to it being the community that U.S. President Barack Obama cites as the community he helped, during his community organizing days in Chicago.

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A CALL TO ACTION
Altgeld Community & Alumni

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This morning, Michelle and I awoke to some surprising and humbling news. At 6 a.m., we received word that I'd been awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for 2009.

To be honest, I do not feel that I deserve to be in the company of so many of the transformative figures who've been honored by this prize -- men and women who've inspired me and inspired the entire world through their courageous pursuit of peace.

But I also know that throughout history the Nobel Peace Prize has not just been used to honor specific achievement; it's also been used as a means to give momentum to a set of causes.

That is why I've said that I will accept this award as a call to action, a call for all nations and all peoples to confront the common challenges of the 21st century. These challenges won't all be met during my presidency, or even my lifetime. But I know these challenges can be met so long as it's recognized that they will not be met by one person or one nation alone.

This award -- and the call to action that comes with it -- does not belong simply to me or my administration; it belongs to all people around the world who have fought for justice and for peace. And most of all, it belongs to you, the men and women of America, who have dared to hope and have worked so hard to make our world a little better.

So today we humbly recommit to the important work that we've begun together. I'm grateful that you've stood with me thus far, and I'm honored to continue our vital work in the years to come.

Thank you,

President Barack Obama

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VISIT Altgeld Gardens Now 
If you would like to walk around "The Gardens" again: 
(1) click on the picture below,
(2) enter your old address
(3) hit the search button and once the picture of your
old house comes up,
(4) click on street view under the picture and you will
be able to take a stroll around your old neighborhood. 
Try It!

CLICK ON THE PHOTO, AND TAKE A STROLL AROUND A.G.
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