Connecting Edgewater Programs
Connecting Edgewater Programs
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Wednesday, July 15, 2026- 4:00 PM-6:00 PM
A Variety Show in collaboration with Berger Park featuring comedy, drag, poetry and more.
*NOTE: This program will be held at Berger Park, located at 6205 N. Sheridan Road, in the (air-conditioned) Coach House Theater.
Variety is the spice of life, so come get a little spicy at a variety show hosted by Berger Park Cultural Center! Park drama instructor Eileen Tull hosts a lineup full of poetry, drag, comedy, and more!
Featuring:
Kris Lantzy
Elaine Golden
Lou McNaughton
shellie.
Femme de Violette
The theater is walker and wheelchair accessible. Some seats are accessed up steps, so please reach out to eileen.tull@chicagoparkdistrict.com if you need to reserve a seat on the first level.
This event is free. There will be refreshments available after the performances.
Space is limited. If registration is full, please contact us at info@connectingedgewater.org to be added to the wait list.
Parking is available at Emanuel Congregation at 5959 N. Sheridan Road.
Wednesday July 29, 2026- 12:00 PM- 2:00 PM
Finding Creative Synergies in a Collaborative Writing Community
Local Chicago authors Della Leavitt (Vivian’s Decision) and Caryn Green (Better Angel) discuss how collaboration in a small writers’ group over several years culminated in the publication of their two novels in 2026. Their story of perseverance, dedication, and mutual encouragement stands as true testimony that it’s never too late to fulfill your artistic passions.
or call 773-234-0630 if electronic communication is not possible.
Lunch will be served following the program.
After careers in the tech field and math education, Della Leavitt began to study fiction writing within the vibrant Midwestern writing community. She published her debut historical novel, Vivian’s Decision (April 2026), a multi-generational Jewish family saga about a 1956 overwhelmed mother of four facing an impossible choice after she finds herself pregnant again. While writing this novel, Della was awarded a Newberry Library fellowship and a grant from the City of Chicago’s Department of Cultural Affairs & Special Events (DCASE). Della and her family have been members of Emanuel Congregation since 1997.
Caryn Green, citizen journalist is an award-winning essayist, author and indie publisher whose legacy media career spanned decades. Her articles on topics ranging from travel, lifestyle, and the arts to history, religion and the environment have been published in numerous newspapers, periodicals and websites. Green’s travel memoir Overland: Remembering Southeast Asia won the NIEA Award for New Adult Non-Fiction in 2018. A short story, 'Commitment,' was anthologized in Meaningful Conflicts, (Windy City Press) which won the Foreword Indie Silver Award in 2023. Her new release, Better Angel is a 'magical memoir' fact/fiction mashup that recounts a transcontinental train trip in the autumn of 2017 accompanied by her favorite ghost: all available here.
A lifelong Chicago with deep roots in the creative community, Green volunteers for the Chicago Writers Association and serves the Off Campus Writers Workshop as Communications Director.
SAVE THE DATES:
SAVE THE DATES:
These programs are located at 5959 N. Sheridan Road
These programs are located at 5959 N. Sheridan Road
Wednesday August 5, 2026- 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM
Trailblazers Who Shaped Chicago’s History
Join Beth Sair, retired educator and passionate historian, for a presentation celebrating the visionaries whose courage, creativity and determination shaped Chicago into the city we know today.
Wednesday August 19, 2026- 4:00 PM- 6:00 PM
Stretch and Balance Class with Jordan Swiderski of the Chicago Park District
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