“When you’re near the old neighborhood”

Chicago is a city of neighborhoods. They are also known for the amazing parks. Think of the names of many- Wicker Park, Jackson Park, Portage Park, Jefferson Park and Humboldt Park and many more. While my normal beat is dining and theater as well as all things entertainment, this “Covid-19” period in our lives has made me look at www.aroundthetownchicago.com and my radio show, Around The Town on WCPT 820 am in a different light. It is all things Chicago!
For many years, covering theater and dining alone I have visited many neighborhoods where smaller store-front theaters have been developed and of course the great dining treasures that offer experiences that savor the flavor of the neighborhoods. One of these areas is Humboldt Park. In addition to the magnificent park itself ( a great place to visit in the warmer weather) there are many small spots for ethnic feasting on Division Street.

Over the years many have gone, but with the changes going on in the neighborhood and many younger people moving in, I am sure that we will see a rebirth just as we did in Lincoln Park, Wicker Park and others.
Humboldt Park and the surrounding areas are not typical Chicago. They have a diverse population with a high number of Latinos and African-Americans as well as older Polish and some younger Whites moving in.
One of the treasures of the neighborhood is (or should I say, was) Norwegian American Hospital. A small, independent medical facility that has been a major part of the community for over 125 years. Over the years and through the changes, this independent hospital has served its population well. Back in the old days, the area was highly populated by Norwegians, who founded the center in 1894 , explaining the name.
Today, the area has changed and so has the hospital. They have a new name, one that makes great sense, Humboldt Park Health. Part of their logo also makes a great tagline…Advancing Health Equity”.
The 200 bed facility, serving Humboldt Park also serves Austin, Avondale, Hermosa, Irving Park, Logan Square and North Lawndale. With many independent hospitals looking to merge with the big chains, Humboldt Park Health has decided to remain the local “jewel” for its residents.

Yesterday, Jane and I went down to meet with some of the staff and learn more about the facility and what it brings to the area. I grew up very near this building and while I think I saw the sign on the top of the building, I never had been inside the hospital which is located IN the neighborhood itself. The entrance is not on a main street, but is very near to people’s residences and is a true part of the neighborhood. The address is 1044 N. Francisco ( I bet most of you have little or no idea where this is) just a few blocks from the busy intersection of California and Division leading to the wonders of “Little Puerto Rico” ( from California to Western Ave. along Division).

One of the reasons for our visit was to see the operations as they are handling the Covid-19 situation. They are working very hard to make the vaccine available to their neighborhood. We all know that supplies have not caught up with demand and that many of the area residents are either unable to go on-line and search daily for places to go, so they have set up a hot-line 1-888-624-1850 to assist the neighbors in Humboldt Park who are ready to be vaccinated. They do a great job in making it happen.

There are many who are afraid of the shot- do not be! Both Jane and I ( we both had Covid back in September) were anxious to get the vaccine so that our lives will get back to some normalcy very soon. Do not say no! Have the shot!
No matter your language, if you qualify for the vaccine, call the Humboldt Park Health line at 1-888-624-1850. They can refer you to other agencies but if you live in Humboldt Park, they are YOUR medical center!!!!