Welcome to Oriole Park!
The Oriole Park Community Club (OPCC) is a volunteer-based, non-political association of community members dedicated to fostering the general welfare of the Oriole Park neighborhood in Chicago. We hold bi-monthly public meetings, usually in the Oriole Park field house. We host invited speakers, sponsor Oriole Park's annual 4th of July parade, sponsor tax appeal seminars. We work closely with 41st Ward Alderman Anthony Napolitano and the City of Chicago to make infrastructure improvements and zoning decisions as part of the 41st Ward Zoning Advisory Board. OPCC is an important link to community institutions, local schools, churches, library, park, police and fire fighters.
Upcoming meetings:
Monday, April 18 at 7:00 pm: Advisory Board Meeting. Selection of 2016 Junior Citizen Award.
Monday, May 16 at 7:00 pm: General Meeting. Election of officers and presentation of 2016 Junior Citizen Award.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. All meetings take place at the Oriole Park Field House, 5430 N. Olcott Avenue unless otherwise noted.
Upcoming meetings:
Monday, April 18 at 7:00 pm: Advisory Board Meeting. Selection of 2016 Junior Citizen Award.
Monday, May 16 at 7:00 pm: General Meeting. Election of officers and presentation of 2016 Junior Citizen Award.
Everyone is welcome and encouraged to attend. All meetings take place at the Oriole Park Field House, 5430 N. Olcott Avenue unless otherwise noted.
News:
We understand some days feel like this. Thankfully, this 747 is landing at Princess Juliana International Airport in St. Maarten, not at O'Hare!
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What can you do about O'Hare noise?
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Renew Your Membership Today!
Please renew your membership for the 2014-2015 year. Individual and family memberships are $10 per year and members over age 65 can renew for $5. WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT TO CONTINUE COMMUNITY EVENTS SUCH AS THE INDEPENDENCE DAY PARADE! YOUR MEMBERSHIPS AND DONATIONS ARE GREATLY APPRECIATED!
Recent Events:
INDEPENDENCE DAY CHILDREN'S BIKE PARADE
July 3, 2015 - Hundreds of children of all ages joined in this annual tradition and paraded around Oriole Park to celebrate Independence Day! A wonderful time was had by all! Karie Angell Luc of the Chicago Tribune covered the story in this video and article!
Thank you to State Representative Michael McAuliffe and 41st Ward Alderman Anthony Napolitano for walking with us and supporting Oriole Park. Music was provided by the Oriole Park School Band. Revolutionary Ward Reenactors from Volontaires Etrangers de Lauzen and Scouts from St. Paul's, St. Monica's and St. James joined us. A ribbon cutting was held for the new playground equipment with Alderman Anthony Napolitano. 2015 Junior Citizen Awards were presented by Oriole Park School Principal Tim Riff and State Representative McAuliffe to A.J. Fundator and Amy Talley for their outstanding service to our community. Parade escorts were provided by the Chicago Fire Department and Chicago Police Department. Dilly bars and watermelon were donated by Matt and Jeff Malarski of the Dairy Queen in Park Ridge. If you have pictures you'd like to share, please email them to us
Oriole Park SPRING CLEAN AND GREEn
May 5, 2016 - Our planters are completed and look beautiful! Thank you to volunteers from Operation Oriole Park, Mrs. Poland and Ms. Rhine's 7th grade classes and our local volunteers who planted flowers and bushes in the park and in our planters! Tools and refreshments were provided. Special thanks to our sponsors: Meinke's Flowers, Pesche's Flower & Gift Shop and State Representative Michael McAuliffe.
ANNUAL FAMILY NIGHT MAGIC SHOW
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March 16, 2015 - Over 100 adults and children joined us at OPCC's annual Family Night featuring magician Steve Belliveau. He performed funny, original magic and sleight of hand tricks with his pet duck, pigeon and bunny. He kept his audience guessing how he performed his amazing tricks. He even levitated one of our audience members! Thank you to Mr. Riff and Oriole Park School.
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OPCC Hosts 41st Ward Aldermanic Candidate Debate
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JANUARY 29, 2015 - More than 150 community members attended the 41st Ward Aldermanic Candidate Debate hosted by OPCC on Monday, January 29 featuring Aldermanic candidates current 41st Ward Alderman Mary O'Connor, firefighter Anthony Napolitano and businessman Joe Lomanto at the Oriole Park School gymnasium. Candidates were asked questions by community members on topics such as jet noise from O'Hare and relieving overcrowding at area schools. DNAinfo.com covered the event in an article in their recent online edition. Click here for the article.
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Mayor Emanual, Alderman Mary O'Connor, Chicago Park District Join OPCC to dedicate new playgrounds at Oriole Park, November 2014
COMMUNITY CLUB PRESIDENT HONORED
SEPTEMBER 2014 - Alderman Mary O'Connor honored Al Firak, Oriole Park Community Club President and long-time Oriole Park resident, with a Resolution by City Council acknowledging the 50+ years of work he has dedicated toward improving the Oriole Park community. The presentation took place at OPCC's September 29th general meeting.
Al was instrumental in expanding and relocating the new Oriole Park branch library, in advocating for the field house to be build, for infrastructure improvements in our community, and for chairing and organizing countless community meetings, dances and fundraisers since he first joined OPCC in the 1960s.
Al simultaneously serves as President of the Oriole Park Community Club, a member of the Oriole Park School Local School Council, a member of the Oriole Park School Educational Foundation (OPSEF), Chairman of Oriole Park's Annual Independence Day Children's Parade, and Chair of the OPSEF Alumni and Community Committee.
Congratulations, Al!
Construction Is Underway On Oriole Park's Playgrounds!
SEPTEMBER, 2014 - What's up with the fencing and orange spray paint? Construction has begun on the three playgrounds in Oriole Park! The North Playground, South Playground and Summerdale Playlot will be simultaneously closed for major renovations for approximately 90 days. All equipment will be removed and replaced with new equipment (designs below). New fibar (engineered woodchips) will be installed. The Chicago Park District estimates construction will be completed by the end of November. The Park District is renovating our playgrounds as part of the Chicago Plays! Playground Renovation Program. Please be patient during this process and obey all safety rules and signs around the playgrounds. Contact Frank at the field house with Q's: (773) 631-6197.
Community Chooses Favorite Playground Equipment Designs For Oriole Park
MARCH, 2014 - Nearly 150 children and adults voted for their favorite playground designs for Oriole Park's three playgrounds that will be installed through the Chicago Park District's and Friends of the Parks' "Chicago Plays!" playground renovation program. The voting took place during Oriole Park Community Club's annual "Family Night & Magic Show" featuring magician Jeff Bibik on March 24, 2014, at Oriole Park Elementary School. Playground images are below.
41st Ward Alderman Mary O'Connor thanked the community for it's continued and successful efforts to keep improving Oriole Park. She announced a $20 million addition that will be built at Oriole Park Elementary School scheduled to begin late summer 2014.
All three of our playgrounds will be renovated: the north "pirate park" playground, the south playground by the field house, and the Summerdale Playlot (Summerdale Ave & Oconto Ave). OPCC's Playground Committee is working closely with Alderman O'Connor, CPD and FOTP to refine the design options to reflect high quality, robust equipment for our children and families. Installation is expected in take place in either fall 2014 or spring 2015. Construction is expected to last approximately 90 days. OPCC will begin a fundraising campaign to raise funds for any additional equipment we desire for the playgrounds.
Design chosen for Oriole Park's north ("pirate park") playground:
Design chosen for south playground (by field house)
Design chosen for Summerdale Playlot (Summerdale Ave & Oconto Ave)
Thank you to our supporters and sponsors
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Please click on our sponsors' advertisements above to be directed to their web pages. The Oriole Park Community Club does not endorse any companies or political persons or organizations. If you are interested in posting an advertisement, please click on the "Contact Us" link on this page.
previous Events
General Meeting, Monday, September 29, 2014
Featured speakers were Alderman Mary O’Connor, who presented her “State of the 41st Ward” Report, and Principal Tim Riff, of Oriole Park School, who provided details on the construction of the $20,000,000 building addition, to the existing school, which is currently in progress. Alderman O’Connor also presented Al Firak, President of the Community Club, with a Resolution by the Chicago City Council, honoring Al for 50 years of service dedicated to the community. Liz DeChant, Chairperson of the OPCC New Playground Equipment Committee reported on the installation of new playground equipment underway in the three Oriole Park playgrounds.
Independence Day Children’s Bike Parade, July 4th, 2014
On a bright and sunny day, 500 participants, young and older, joined in the annual, all-community July 4th Parade, led by a fire truck and escorted by Police patrol cars. The Grand Marshal of the Parade was Mary Dressler , who served for 10 years as the Oriole Park Branch Librarian. She rode in an open convertible accompanied by Kaitlin Berger and Nikol Moscicki, winners of the OPCC 2014 Junior Citizen Award. Alderman Mary O’Connor, the Oriole Park School Marching Band, Scouts from St. Paul Lutheran church and St. Monica Catholic Church and Revolutionary War Re-enactors (Volontaires Estrangetrs de Lauzun) were at the head of the Parade. They were followed by a stream of kids on decorated bikes and wagons accompanied by their parents. A short program followed in the park including the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Scouts, followed by the National Anthem, played by the marching band. The entire crowd enjoyed water melon slices and Dilly Bars provided by the Park Ridge Dairy Queen, courtesy of Jeff Malarski and Tom Siciliano. It was truly a festive event.
General Meeting, Monday, May 19, 2014
This meeting was held in the Oriole Park Branch Library in combination with a library open house in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the library building and in honor of Mary Dressler for her 10 years of service as Children’s Librarian (she moved on to another position at the Portage Cragin library). The open house transitioned into the OPCC General Meeting in the second hour. In this meeting, the OPCC 2014 Junior Citizens Awards were presented by their teachers at Oriole Park School to Kaitlin Berger and Nikol Moscicki. Liz DeChant, chairperson of the OPCC New Playground Equipment Committee reported that final selection of the equipment was made and that installation will start this summer. The annual election of OPCC officers was held at the conclusion of the meeting with the election of Al Firak as President, Pat Conlon as V.P., Susan Arl as Secretary, and Laura Stamison as Treasurer.
General Meeting, Monday, March 24, 2014
Family Night, in the Oriole Park School gymnasium, featured a Magic Show performed by Magician Jeff Bibik. Prior to the show, all of the attendees participated in a vote to select the new playground equipment for installation in our 3 playgrounds. About 150 persons, children and adults, participated in the process which entailed pasting green dots on illustrations of the equipment choices mounted on poster boards affixed on the walls around the gym. The results of the vote were announced prior to the magic show. As usual, Jeff put on a magical and humorous performance.
Featured speakers were Alderman Mary O’Connor, who presented her “State of the 41st Ward” Report, and Principal Tim Riff, of Oriole Park School, who provided details on the construction of the $20,000,000 building addition, to the existing school, which is currently in progress. Alderman O’Connor also presented Al Firak, President of the Community Club, with a Resolution by the Chicago City Council, honoring Al for 50 years of service dedicated to the community. Liz DeChant, Chairperson of the OPCC New Playground Equipment Committee reported on the installation of new playground equipment underway in the three Oriole Park playgrounds.
Independence Day Children’s Bike Parade, July 4th, 2014
On a bright and sunny day, 500 participants, young and older, joined in the annual, all-community July 4th Parade, led by a fire truck and escorted by Police patrol cars. The Grand Marshal of the Parade was Mary Dressler , who served for 10 years as the Oriole Park Branch Librarian. She rode in an open convertible accompanied by Kaitlin Berger and Nikol Moscicki, winners of the OPCC 2014 Junior Citizen Award. Alderman Mary O’Connor, the Oriole Park School Marching Band, Scouts from St. Paul Lutheran church and St. Monica Catholic Church and Revolutionary War Re-enactors (Volontaires Estrangetrs de Lauzun) were at the head of the Parade. They were followed by a stream of kids on decorated bikes and wagons accompanied by their parents. A short program followed in the park including the Pledge of Allegiance, led by the Scouts, followed by the National Anthem, played by the marching band. The entire crowd enjoyed water melon slices and Dilly Bars provided by the Park Ridge Dairy Queen, courtesy of Jeff Malarski and Tom Siciliano. It was truly a festive event.
General Meeting, Monday, May 19, 2014
This meeting was held in the Oriole Park Branch Library in combination with a library open house in commemoration of the 10th anniversary of the library building and in honor of Mary Dressler for her 10 years of service as Children’s Librarian (she moved on to another position at the Portage Cragin library). The open house transitioned into the OPCC General Meeting in the second hour. In this meeting, the OPCC 2014 Junior Citizens Awards were presented by their teachers at Oriole Park School to Kaitlin Berger and Nikol Moscicki. Liz DeChant, chairperson of the OPCC New Playground Equipment Committee reported that final selection of the equipment was made and that installation will start this summer. The annual election of OPCC officers was held at the conclusion of the meeting with the election of Al Firak as President, Pat Conlon as V.P., Susan Arl as Secretary, and Laura Stamison as Treasurer.
General Meeting, Monday, March 24, 2014
Family Night, in the Oriole Park School gymnasium, featured a Magic Show performed by Magician Jeff Bibik. Prior to the show, all of the attendees participated in a vote to select the new playground equipment for installation in our 3 playgrounds. About 150 persons, children and adults, participated in the process which entailed pasting green dots on illustrations of the equipment choices mounted on poster boards affixed on the walls around the gym. The results of the vote were announced prior to the magic show. As usual, Jeff put on a magical and humorous performance.
General Meeting, November 18, 2013
The featured speakers at the November meeting were Alderman O'Connor and the principal at the Oriole Park School , Tim Riff. Alderman O'Connor updated us on the Recycling Program Rollout. She reviewed the pick-up schedule and reiterated that if the homeowner places cans and bottles in a bag that it must be a clear one. Placing the cans and bottles in a black or white bag makes the contents to be considered contaminated. Tim Riff reviewed the plans for the school addition which is scheduled to open in September 2015. Dialogue continues as how to best allocate the space. A multi-purpose room is a desired component. Finally, the community club bids goodbye to Pat Conlon, a tireless volunteer who was instrumental in getting the Park District to build the current Fieldhouse among her many other accomplishments with the club. Pat was awarded a plaque in commemoration for her years of service.
The featured speakers at the November meeting were Alderman O'Connor and the principal at the Oriole Park School , Tim Riff. Alderman O'Connor updated us on the Recycling Program Rollout. She reviewed the pick-up schedule and reiterated that if the homeowner places cans and bottles in a bag that it must be a clear one. Placing the cans and bottles in a black or white bag makes the contents to be considered contaminated. Tim Riff reviewed the plans for the school addition which is scheduled to open in September 2015. Dialogue continues as how to best allocate the space. A multi-purpose room is a desired component. Finally, the community club bids goodbye to Pat Conlon, a tireless volunteer who was instrumental in getting the Park District to build the current Fieldhouse among her many other accomplishments with the club. Pat was awarded a plaque in commemoration for her years of service.
General Meeting, September 23, 2013
Community information night. Mary Dressler from the Oriole Park Branch Library and Frank Clark from the Chicago Park District were the featured speakers. Mary updated the community on this year's summer reading program, Full STEAM Ahead along with what's new at the library. Frank Clark provided an update on programs at the park including the successful baseball and football programs. State Representative, Michael McAuliffe, was a surprise guest and gave a brief Springfield report.
Community information night. Mary Dressler from the Oriole Park Branch Library and Frank Clark from the Chicago Park District were the featured speakers. Mary updated the community on this year's summer reading program, Full STEAM Ahead along with what's new at the library. Frank Clark provided an update on programs at the park including the successful baseball and football programs. State Representative, Michael McAuliffe, was a surprise guest and gave a brief Springfield report.
Children's Bike Parade, July 4, 2013
The day was bright and sunny as over 500 participants lined up for the annual bike parade. Bikes, wagons, marchers and even dogs were decked out in their 4th of July finery. Tim Riff, principal of the Oriole Park School served as Grand Marshal. He was accompanied by Ryan Rodriquez, this year's Junior Citizen Award winner in a convertible loaned to the Oriole Park Community Club for this event. The Club would gratefully like to thank the Chicago Fire Department and the Chicago Police Department for their participation in this event. The Club would especially like to thank the Park Ridge Dairy Queen for their years of support. As always, they provided water melon slices and Dilly Bars during the post parade socialization time. A great time was had by all.
The day was bright and sunny as over 500 participants lined up for the annual bike parade. Bikes, wagons, marchers and even dogs were decked out in their 4th of July finery. Tim Riff, principal of the Oriole Park School served as Grand Marshal. He was accompanied by Ryan Rodriquez, this year's Junior Citizen Award winner in a convertible loaned to the Oriole Park Community Club for this event. The Club would gratefully like to thank the Chicago Fire Department and the Chicago Police Department for their participation in this event. The Club would especially like to thank the Park Ridge Dairy Queen for their years of support. As always, they provided water melon slices and Dilly Bars during the post parade socialization time. A great time was had by all.
General Meeting, Monday, May 13, 2013
The May meeting featured three speakers: Tim Riff, Principal of the Oriole Park school, Alderman Mary O'Connor and State Representative Michael McAuliffe. All addressed specific issues of interest to the Oriole Park community. The 2013 Junitor Citizen Award was also presented to this year's recipient, Ryan Rodriquez. Ryan is a 7th grader at Oriole Park. Elections of officers for the 2013 - 2014 year were held. Al Firak was elected President with Pat Conlon, Laura Stamison and Susan Arl elected Vice President, Treasurer and Secretary respectively.
General Meeting, Monday, November 19, 2012
Community Information Night. Architect Thomas Ciesielski resident of Oriole Park, was the featured speaker. He addressed the following topics : Navigating the permitting process, for Construction and Remodeling; Green Design and Financial Incentives; Weatherizing your Home.
General Meeting, Monday, September 24, 2012
Alderman O'Connor was the principal speaker. She addressed the following issues and topics : Efforts made to bring the city's budget under control; new water and sewer
projects in the ward including one slated for Oriole Park; Oriole Park School School, academically, is one of the best in the city, and a $2.5 million building improvement project has been awarded to the school; real estate has begun to rebound in the ward; the newly reconstructed Oriole Av. bridge is scheduled to be open on October 20; tree trimming has been slowed down due to a shortage of personnel; the Passionist Fathers Monastery will be converted to senior living; and the goal for a recycling program to begin in the 41st Ward is that it will start in 2013.
Alderman O'Connor was the principal speaker. She addressed the following issues and topics : Efforts made to bring the city's budget under control; new water and sewer
projects in the ward including one slated for Oriole Park; Oriole Park School School, academically, is one of the best in the city, and a $2.5 million building improvement project has been awarded to the school; real estate has begun to rebound in the ward; the newly reconstructed Oriole Av. bridge is scheduled to be open on October 20; tree trimming has been slowed down due to a shortage of personnel; the Passionist Fathers Monastery will be converted to senior living; and the goal for a recycling program to begin in the 41st Ward is that it will start in 2013.
July 4, 2012
The Oriole Park Community Club again hosted its annual Independence Day Children's Bike Parade. It was a great success with a turnout of approximately 500 participants this year. Although it was hot, it was a beautiful day. Alderman Mary O'Connor served as Grand Marshal of the parade. The parade included local scout troops, from St. Paul and St. Monica churches, the Oriole Park School Band, Revolutionary War re-enacters, followed by a stream of kids on their decorated bikes and wagons, accompanied by their parents. A fire truck and a police car escorted the parade over a 6 block route on streets encircling the park. In the post-parade program, Shivani Patel, a recent graduate of Oriole Park School, received the 2012 Junior Citizen Award. The short program included the Pledge of Allegiance, with the scouts leading the crowd in repeating it, and a playing of the National Anthem by the band. Following the program, in the socialization phase, the kids got goody bags and (temporary) tattoos. The entire crowd enjoyed watermelon slices and Dilly Bars supplied by the Park Ridge Dairy Queen. It was truly an all-community, family-style affair with a chance for everyone to casually visit with each other. A good time was had by all.
General Meeting, Monday May 21, 2012
Main speaker from CUB (Citizen's Utility Board) on utility rates, overcharges and consumer protection.
Presentation of the 2012 Junior Citizen Award.
Election of officers.
Open Forum: Addressing neighborhood needs.
Presentation of the 2012 Junior Citizen Award.
Election of officers.
Open Forum: Addressing neighborhood needs.
General Meeting, Monday March 19, 2012
State Senator John Mulroe was the principal speaker. He spoke on the 2013 state budget proposed by Governor Quinn before the General Assembly on February 22, 2012. He touched on all the salient points in the governor's address. He provided an excellent handout which contained the governor's speech. It also included charts regarding the state's financial situation in fiscal year 2012, in terms of revenues and expenses. He said there will be cuts in order to put the state back on the road to solvency. And, there is a long way to go to do that. At the same time the state needs to provide for the most vulnerable of our population as much as it can. And funding for education needs special consideration. He also provided a list of senate bills he sponsored or co-sponsored. His presentation was followed by an open forum during which he responded to a variety of questions and recommendations from the floor.
Property Tax Appeal Seminar, Wednesday, January 25 Oriole Park Field House
Conducted by Commissioner Michael M. Cabonargi of the Cook County Board of Review. Co-hosted by the Oriole Park Community Club and sponsored by State Representative Michael Michael McAuliffe, State Senator John Mulroe, Alderman Mary O'Connor and Cook County Commissioner Peter Silvestri. Attendees were given instructions on how to complete the form for filing a complaint on the 2011 assessed valuation of their homes. Most in attendance were able to complete the form at the meeting and turn them in to representatives of the Board of Review at the conclusion of the meeting.
General Meeting & Family Night, Monday, January 23, 2012
Community Family Night, sponsored by the Oriole Park Community Club, was hosted at Oriole Park Elementary School, featuring Magician Dave Marcus. He performed a wide variety of magic tricks and illusions interspersed with humor. His performance captured the attention all ages. A good time was had by all.
Summary of General Meeting on November 21, 2011
State Representative Michael McAuliffe was the principal speaker. He reported on legislation, passed and pending in the Illinois General Assembly. He reported that there will be a lot of cuts in the budget. The state treasurer was looking for a 2% reduction in spending. He voted in favor of the Electrical Smart Grid bill for which ComED was seeking approval. He feels that the state needs an upgrade of its electrical network and that it will also create jobs. He did not vote for increasing the state income tax. He favors casino gambling expansion and would vote for a casino in Chicago. That vote might come up in the Spring. Pension reform is in the works and we could end up with a three tiered system. No more double dipping should be allowed. He voted for allowing bicycles and motorcycles to go through a red light after coming to a full stop and cross traffic is clear. He announced that a veteran's home is slated for the Chicago Read Mental Center. It will accommodate 200 beds and will serve vets with Alzheimers disease and vets from Iraq and Afghanistan suffering from PTSD syndrome. He will be sponsoring a Safe Driving Seminar for Seniors in the Spring.
After Representative McAuliffe's presentation, Frank Clark, park supervisor in Oriole Park, announced that uni-directional hoods or visors were installed on the outfield lights on Diamond #4. This improvement was put in place to more directly focus the lighting onto the playing field and reduce it on the surrounding areas.
After Representative McAuliffe's presentation, Frank Clark, park supervisor in Oriole Park, announced that uni-directional hoods or visors were installed on the outfield lights on Diamond #4. This improvement was put in place to more directly focus the lighting onto the playing field and reduce it on the surrounding areas.
Summary of General Meeting on September 26, 2011
Alderman Mary O'Connor was the principal speaker. She began with a brief profile of her personal history. She then provided details about her office and staff located at 6107 N. Northwest Highway. She also reviewed current issues she and her office are dealing with such as flooding problems, street resurfacing, pot hole repairs, dealing with reduced funding for the public schools. On the latter point, she has arranged a meeting with local school principals and the new superintendent of CPS, Jean Claude Brizzard. In the open forum that followed she fielded many questions and complaints from the audience addressing each one of them individually. Her office has developed an internet bulletin service titled 41st Ward Update for which individuals can sign up to get latest news and announcements affecting the ward. Alderman O'Connor concluded her presentation by affirming that she will work closely with the Oriole Park Community Club for the benefit of the community.
