Clout, shout-outs and freebies

Heart of the ‘hood

07/29/2009 10:00 PM

By FELICIA DECHTER

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Newberry Library Pat Butler is inaugurated mayor by Newberry Library president David Spadafora.

Heart of the ‘hood
Pat Butler has been called a lot of things in his lifetime, but he really wasn’t expecting to add “Mayor” to the list. My heartiest congrats to Butler though, because last Saturday he was named Honorary Mayor of Bughouse Square, and he proudly received the key to Bughouse.

“I was kind of surprised by the honor,” said a humble Butler. “Previous ‘mayors’ have included Studs Terkel and Leon Despres. That’s pretty heady company.”

Butler also happens to be my buddy and former Lerner Newspapers/Pioneer Press co-worker, and he caught my attention with his quick wit, fascinating stories and impressive knowledge of Chicago and Irish history. And as one of my lunch mates, Butler was always good for a hearty belly laugh.

Besides being a lifelong North Sider, fifth generation Chicagoan and habitué of Bughouse in the ’60s, Butler is also former managing editor of the Lerner’s Booster. He also reported on the cable TV show, “North Side Neighbors.” These days, Butler’s still working for Pioneer Press.

The wild and crazy Butler also spent 14 years as the Ravenswood/Lake View Historical Association’s prez, about nine years as emcee of the Bughouse Square Debates and he authored the updated Saga of Lake View.

The folks at the Newberry Library, which sponsors the annual event, say his crowning was well deserved.

“For his long service to the Bughouse Square Debates as master of ceremonies, and for his dedication to the ideas on which Bughouse Square is based — free inquiry and free speech — it our great pleasure to declare Pat Butler, ‘Honorary Mayor of Bughouse Square’ and present him with the key to Bughouse Square,” said Rachel Bohlmann, director of public programs at the library.

OK, so here’s my question: Now that my friend is mayor, does that mean I have clout?

Call now! If you want two free tix to the All American Song Showcase, a concert and CD release/signing party at 8 p.m. Aug. 12, at Ravinia’s Bennett Gordon Hall. The show features the world premiere of Gold Coaster Lita Grier’s “Anne Rutledge,” which celebrates the woman considered Abraham Lincoln’s true love.

Both pieces appear on Grier’s new album, Songs from Spoon River, Reflections of a Peacemaker, and Other Vocal Works.

More freebies and a happy birthday Shoreline Sightseeing is holding its 70th birthday party from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. today, July 30, and they want people to come on down to Navy Pier for free Skyline Boat Tours. The first 700 people ride the boat for nothing.

Get your freebie passes at Shoreline’s ticket booth near the west wall on the pier’s south dock, immediately outside the entrance.

Stellar Skyliner Lake View resident Michele Jochner recently received the 2009 Board of Governors Award from the Illinois State Bar Association. The award is given to members of the bar for their service to the profession and the public.

Jochner, law clerk to Illinois Supreme Court Justice Charles Freeman, has an extensive record of service to the legal profession, said the person who nominated her, Cook County Judge Naomi Schuster. She also heads the Chicago alumni chapter of Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, and serves on the board of the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network.


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