Rooted in Austin

Food For The City, From The City!

The Mike Nowak Show Live From Austin

CLICK HERE FOR PODCAST!

Third Unitarian Church
301 N. Mayfield Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60644

Our mission for this event was to inform and inspire people to investigate urban agriculture, food security, home and community gardens and green neighborhood living. In addition to our live audience, the show featured a panel of experts.

Featuring:

* Host: The Reverend Brian Covell
* State Representative Julie Hamos, 18th District, sponsor of HB3990, legislation to provide access to healthy, local food and improve the farm economy in Illinois
* Orrin Williams (a Chicago Magazine 2009 Green Award winner), Case manager, Growing Home and Executive Director, Center for Urban Transformation
* Jennifer Hirsch, Ph.D., Research and Operations Director, Cultural Understanding and Change, Division of Environment, Culture, and Conservation (ECCo) at the Field Museum
* Dinah Ramirez, Executive Director, Healthy Southeast Chicago
* Martha Boyd, Program Director, Urban Initiative, Angelic Organics Learning Center
* Tim Wilson, Director, Urban Agriculture Resource Center
* Frances Cox, activist, Austin neighborhood
* Debbie Hillman, Coordinator - Illinois Local & Organic Food & Farm Task Force
* Bob Urso, President and CEO of PCC Community Wellness Center

The Mike Nowak Show

Whether Mike Nowak is sympathizing with a caller about how to save their elm tree or discussing with an expert how we can grow better home and community gardens to produce our own natural food, Mike serves up information, humor, and garden gossip of the highest quality.

While the show is always lots of fun, Mike knows that a healthy sustainable planet starts with each of us. Good gardeners are good environmentalists, so he keeps green issues such as recycling, water conservation and renewable energy sources at the forefront.

And, Mike knows who to talk to when it comes to all of these issues. From Commissioner of the Chicago Department of the Environment Suzanne Malec-McKenna to lord of the lawns Paul Tukey; from eccentric conifer expert Rich Eyre to the fastest talking woman in horticulture, Jennifer Brennan; from the personal knowledge of the Chicago Gardener of the Year to the myriad resources of the Chicago Master Gardeners , Mike Nowak brings you people who really know what they're talking about and then he gets them talking . . . to him and to you! He even talks from time to time with Governor Pat Quinn about the greening of Illinois. For more information...CLICK HERE!

"The Mike Nowak Show" airs at noon on Sunday

About The Austin Neighborhood

The Austin neighborhood is Chicago’s largest neighborhood, both in size and in population with over 115,000 people. Austin is also considered a city and is the third largest in Illinois. Located on the far west side of the city, Austin abuts affluent Oak Park, birthplace of Ernest Hemingway and home to many Frank Lloyd Wright-designed buildings. Austin began as an upscale suburb built from railroad wealth. It has great beauty with its wide streets and Columbus Park, designed by famous landscape architect Jens Jenson. Austin went through some rough periods since the decline of the railroads, but is now experience strong revitalization to restore it to its former glory. The North Austin branch of the Chicago Public Library has recently been renovated and expanded and over 75% of Austin’s streets have recently been resurfaced.

Austin is bordered by Cicero Avenue on the east, North Avenue on the north and Roosevelt Road on the south. The northern sector of the neighborhood features several wood-framed single-family homes, perfect for those looking for a house in the city at a relatively lower price.

For more information...CLICK HERE!

Third Unitarian Church

Third Unitarian Church (TUC) has been a voice of liberal religion on Chicago's West Side for 140 years. Founded in 1868 as a religious home for progressive dialogue, the church has evolved as an economically, socially, and racially mixed congregation. Spiritual growth, mutual support and social justice are important to us. Our members have worked for many causes over the years, including civil and gay rights, antiwar movements, economic justice, and understanding among religions.

We have worked to be good neighbors in Austin, hosting C.A.P.S., block clubs, and other neighborhood meetings and housing a children's day care center. We promote neighborhood discussion, maintain contact with public officials, and encourage initiatives to support community development. For 25 years, the church has sponsored college scholarships for Austin high school graduates.

Supported by a membership that is 60% from Oak Park, Third Unitarian Church is the center of liberal religion on the Chicago's Far West Side. For more information...CLICK HERE!