The Winona-Foster-Carmen-Winnemac Block Club Turns 60!

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce (ACC) congratulates the Winona-Foster-Carmen-Winnemac Block Club (WFCW) on celebrating its 60th anniversary this year, making it the Chicago’s oldest block club! Since its founding in 1962, members have been actively involved in supporting local businesses, hosting social events, influencing public policy, disseminating community news, volunteering and spearheading community improvement initiatives. WFCW plans to hold a 60th anniversary celebration sometime this summer. For updates, visit the club’s Facebook page.

Each year, WFCW hosts a number of social events to bring community member together, including its Spring Clean-Up-Green-Up, Summer Garden Walk, Summer Sidewalk Sale, as well as several holiday events.

WFCW members focus on supporting local businesses by sharing news about ACC events, encouraging members to shop local – in part through reciprocal partnerships, and actively meeting with local business owners, particularly those who are new to the neighborhood, to share input about what is likely to succeed. Members also support ACC through volunteer efforts like serving drinks at Midsommarfest, the neighborhood’s biggest annual fundraisers.

While WFCW does not have direct power to shape public policy, its members work closely with the alderman and other policymakers to provide input on key issues like zoning, special permits and development and city services including construction, tree-trimming and rodent control. The club helped pave the way for businesses like Dispensary 33 to open shop in the neighborhood.
WFCW also supports other neighborhood initiatives including “Friends of Andersonville,” a nonprofit that runs a summer reading program for neighborhood kids. Thanks to WFCW volunteers, Friends of Andersonville has raised money each year to buy thousands of gift certificates from local businesses to give to students in exchange for reading books over the summer.

Andersonville Director of Business Services and District Manager David Oakes comments, “Many folks don't know what a block club is unless they’ve lived in Andersonville. The Andersonville Business District thrives because we have some of the most active, engaged and organized groups in the city. Block clubs support new and existing neighborhood residents and are important voices when it comes to zoning changes, community gardens, environmental landscapes and safety initiatives, as well as social gatherings, yard sales and the most up to date information on what’s happening in and around their community. The WFCW is the model of how a community stands strong to help shape their home.”

WFCW Block Club President Randy Heite said, “Being involved in the WFCW Block Club for the last 20 years has taught me that when neighbors come together, we have a stronger voice when addressing issues from crime, zoning, quality of life, and even neighborhood appearance. Some concerns that may seem too hard or even overwhelming to resolve for one person can often be resolved through the voice of the WFCW Block. I also recognize that the social aspect of the WFCW Block Club organization has been critical to maintaining the social dynamics and friendly open community we have all come to enjoy. Whatever the event, there are always new people attending and connecting with their neighbors. My husband and I love this neighborhood, and it wouldn’t be the place it is today without the WFCW Block Club.”

WFCW Block Secretary Kristin Pichaske adds, “Finding community can be very daunting in a city as big as Chicago. I didn’t know anyone in Andersonville when I moved here 11 years ago. Today I feel very connected to my community and that’s largely because of the block club. WFCW has given me lots of opportunities to get involved by volunteering. It’s helped me understand the local levers of power and how to have a voice. And I’ve gotten to know a very diverse group of neighbors I might never have met otherwise.”

Rosalina Casielles, 91-year-old member of WFCW, said, “I moved to the neighborhood in 1971 and have been a part of the block club since then. What I enjoy most about the block club is meeting our really nice neighbors and all of the social events.”

Dispensary 33 co-owner Zachary Zises praised WFCW for its support saying, “Dispensary 33 was the first dispensary to open in Chicago precisely, and only, because of WFCW's leadership. This was no small feat considering 2015 was a time when cannabis NIMBY-ism reigned supreme. We owe so much of our initial, and continuing, success to them and have always been deeply grateful for the relationship.”

Bar Roma owner Julia Zhu adds “I am not sure if Bar Roma could have survived the pandemic without the support of WFCW Block Club. They are my backbone and my family. I am so proud to be a part of this amazing community!”

About the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce

The Andersonville Chamber of Commerce fosters a vibrant environment in which Andersonville businesses can thrive by attracting a diverse customer base; providing business support services and advocacy; and engaging in business attraction, long-range planning, and economic development.