LookAroundMe

ANTHOLOGIES And OTHER PUBLICATIONS

2008-08-07T08:07:00.294-05:00

My story "MORE THAN LIFE" (PUSHCART PRIZE NOMINEE) is published in Thin Threads Moms & Grandmas... Kiwi Publishing. I was invited and performed my story at the book's launch in NYC at The Museum of Motherhood 84th St. at 1st Ave. Order the book at Amazon.com or http://store.thinthreads.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9011-04 .

My story "DREAM GIRL" has been published in Whispering Angel Books' Nurturing Paws. Inspirational Books by Whispering Angel Books http://www.whisperingangelbooks.com/ Available at Amazon.com

"WAITING" is published in Thin Threads Women & Friendship. Order the book at: http://store.thinthreads.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=9011-03

You can listen to my This I Believe essay "FOUR SISTERS IN LIFE AND DEATH" at this link.
http://thisibelieve.org/essay/11315/

TEN of my travel stories in Forever Travels Mandinam Press. Available at Amazon.com and on Kindle, etc., etc.
http://www.amazon.com/Forever-Travels-Shelagh-Watkins/dp/1446681688

This I Believe: On Love featuring my essay "FOUR SISTERS IN LIFE AND DEATH" is available in stores nationwide. Also available on Amazon.com and on Kindle, etc., etc.
Wiley Publishing

My story "THE RED PEN" in Chicken Soup for the Soul Grieving and Recovery is available at Amazon.com, in bookstores and on Kindle, etc., etc. Chicken Soup for the Soul Grieving and Recovery

Thin Threads Anthology – More Real Stories of Life Changing Moments with my story "THE HAT". Kiwi Publishing Website and Amazon.com http://www.thinthreads.com/

See my You Tube performance of my story "The Hat"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FYZPDMElGVI

My non-fiction stories “DANCER'S LANE” and “MY OFFICE” are published in Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions By Women Writers. Kiwi Publishing. Available at Amazon.com and Kiwi's website. http://www.thinthreads.com/ Press Pause Moments is a winner of the 2011 Clarion Award.

My story "RONALD" is published in Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love, Simon & Schuster. Available in bookstores and at Amazon.com and on Kindle, etc., etc.

My story "THE REVOLVING DOOR" is featured in Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover's Soul. It is available at bookstores and at Amazon.com and on Kindle, etc., etc.

All Things That Matter Press has published Contemporary American Women: Our Defining Passages featuring two of my non-fiction stories "THE NEEDLE IN THE HAYSTACK" and "MY GIFT OF NOW". Available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble Nook and Kindle.

My Dad Is My Hero is published by Adams Media. The anthology features my story "HIS WAY" about my beloved father Rubin Chaplik. The book is available in bookstores and at Amazon.com and on Kindle, etc. etc.

The Wisdom Of Old Souls is an anthology by Canadian publisher Hidden Brook Press featuring my story "GRANDMA LEBEDOW". It is a book with stories about Grandmothers by Canadian, American and English authors . It is available for purchase from the publisher.
http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hiddenbrookpress.com%2FBook-WisdomOf.html&h=95692

Sasee Magazine is a print magazine that has published my story "Would You Like To Dance?" in its September issue. It is also on the Sasee website. Click on Back Issues for September 2010. http://www.sasee.com/

I am delighted to be one of the interviews in a new book called Literature & Fiction Interviews Volume II by Shelagh Watkins. This insightful book of author interviews is available at http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/literature-fiction-interviews-volume-ii/11772073

Chicago television historian Steve Jajkowski interviewed me on being Chicago's first female television General Manager and the creation of WYCC-TV/PBS Channel 20. http://www.chicagotelevision.com/WYCC.htm

June 4th, 2011 Chicago Tribune Profile http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/ct-vp-0604penpalprofilechaplik-alesko20110604,0,329833.story

Living Lessons Anthology published by Whispering Angel Books features my non-fiction story "The Hat".
http://www.whisperingangelbooks.com/. Available at Amazon.com

My essay was part of a theatrical production Sat. May 8th at 2 p.m.....An afternoon for loved ones to share theater that will touch the heart. Dear Mother: A Mother's Day Tribute was a celebration honoring Mother's Day 2010. The production was at The Lyric Theatre in LA.

Thin Threads Teachers & Mentors special editions gift book features my non-fiction story "The Hat". Kiwi Publishing. http://www.thinthreads.com/

My story sequel to "A Tale Of Two Vardas" titled "A Journey Of The Heart" was published in The Jerusalem Post Magazine January 15, 2010. http://bit.ly/b751WD

December 11 2009, my story "A Tale Of Two Vardas" was published in The Jerusalem Post Magazine. See Archives on Jerusalem Post Magazine website.

June 1, 2009 marked the recording debut of my short story “Professor Gabriel and Her 101 Posse”. It airs on The Deepening Website (World of Fiction) and is recorded by DLKeur. Just click on the following link for the audio bar:
http://www.thedeepening.com/world-of-fiction/2009/08/04/prof-gabriel-101-posse/

The Ultimate Teacher is published by HCI Books. The anthology features my story "The Hat". Available in bookstores and at Amazon.com

Forever Friends is an anthology of international writers published by Mandinam Press. Among my stories featured are "The Elevator", "Mr. X and Mr. Y", and "Life 101." The book is available for purchase on Amazon.com and on Kindle, etc., etc.
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BIO
AUTHOR (Pushcart Prize Nominee), PUBLIC SPEAKER, PROFESSOR OF COMMUNICATION Professor Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow is an expert in human communication skills and is an internationally published author, public speaker and adult storyteller. Her motivational speaking specialty is “Communication Life Survival Skills.” Her adult storyteller program is renowned. Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow is the founding General Manager of WYCC-TV/Channel 20, a PBS affiliate in Chicago. Elynne is Chicago’s first female television GM. She is the 2006-07 Distinguished Service Professor of Wright College in Chicago.

Elynne’s non-fiction stories and essays have been published in magazines and newspapers and are anthologized in Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover's Soul (HCI Books) THE REVOLVING DOOR; The Wisdom of Old Souls (Hidden Brook Press) GRANDMA LEBEDOW; Forever Friends (Mandinam Press) features THE ELEVATOR, MR. X and MR. Y, and LIFE 101; My Dad Is My Hero (Adams Media Publishing) HIS WAY; The Ultimate Teacher (HCI Books) THE HAT; Contemporary American Women: Our Defining Passages (All Things That Matter Press) THE NEEDLE IN THE HAYSTACK and MY GIFT OF NOW; Chicken Soup for the Soul: True Love (Simon and Schuster) RONALD; FOUR SISTERS IN LIFE AND DEATH is published in the new anthology THIS I BELIEVE: ON LOVE. This book is based on the popular NPR radio series. (Wiley Publishing); THE HAT is published in Living Lessons (Whispering Angel Books); DANCER'S LANE and MY OFFICE are published in Press Pause Moments: Essays About Life Transitions By Women Writers, (Winner of a 2011 Clarion Award) (Kiwi Publishing); THE HAT is published in Thin Threads of Teachers & Mentors (Kiwi Publishing); Thin Threads Anthology – More Real Stories of Life Changing Moments has also published THE HAT (Kiwi Publishing); Forever Travels features 10 of Elynne's travel stories ( Mandinam Press); Chicken Soup for the Soul Grieving and Recovery featuring THE RED PEN; Thin Threads Women & Friendship (Kiwi Publishing) featuring WAITING; Nurturing Paws (Whispering Angel Press) featuring DREAM GIRL; Thin Threads Moms & Grandmas (Kiwi Publishing, October 15th, 2011) featuring MORE THAN LIFE (Pushcart Prize Nominee).

Elynne has been invited to perform her story "More Than Life" at the launch of Thin Threads Moms & Grandmas in NYC October 20th at 11am at The Museum of Motherhood 84th St. at 1st Ave.

Elynne's writing was included in the theatrical production “Dear Mother” at the Lyric Theatre in LA on May 8th, 2010 at 2pm.

Elynne’s story “A Tale Of Two Vardas" was published in December 2009 in the Jerusalem Post Magazine. Her sequel “A Journey Of The Heart” was published in The Jerusalem Post Magazine in January 2010.

June 1, 2009 marked the recording debut of Elynne’s fiction “Professor Gabriel and Her 101 Posse”. It airs on The Deepening Website (World of Fiction) and is recorded by DLKeur. http://thedeepening.com/

Elynne is delighted to be one of the interviews in a new book called Literature & Fiction Interviews Volume II by Shelagh Watkins. This insightful book of author interviews is available at http://www.lulu.com/product/paperback/literature-fiction-interviews-volume-ii/11772073

Chicago television historian Steve Jajkowski interviewed Elynne on being Chicago's first female television General Manager and the creation of WYCC-TV/PBS Channel 20. http://www.chicagotelevision.com/WYCC.htm

Elynne was the Profile interview in the June 4th, 2011 Chicago Tribune Voice of the People. http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/opinion/letters/ct-vp-0604penpalprofilechaplik-alesko20110604,0,329833.story

Elynne has published her essays, articles and stories in the Chicago Sun-Times and Tribune Newspapers, Innovation Abstracts Journal, City Woman Chicago Magazine, Chicago Suburban Woman Magazine, Suburban Woman North Shore Magazine, The Rambler Magazine, Newcity Magazine, Releasing Times Magazine, ESL Magazine, The Heartlands Magazine, Sasee Magazine, Parent:Wise Magazine, Gull Lake Visitor Guide Canada, Jerusalem Post Magazine and several online magazines and publications including the Communication Research and Theory Network of the National Communication Association (NCA),the Blog Herald, Cafe She Ezine, Soap Opera Digest Website, Psychologies.co.uk Magazine Website, Moondance Ezine, Bread‘n Molasses Online Magazine, TeachersCount Website, The Novelette.com and WomenBloom.com.

October 20, 2011 Reading and Event. "More Than Life" (Pushcart Prize Nominee) in Thin Threads Moms & Grandmas. Museum of Motherhood New York City, 84th & 1st St. 11am.

This I Believe: An Evening with Bob Edwards Wednesday, December 8, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. in Chicago. Elynne performed her essay “Four Sisters In Life And Death” which is featured in the book This I Believe: On Love. Her essay was broadcast on NPR in February 2011.

On WBBM Radio Elynne has been interviewed by Regine Schlesinger.

August 9, 2009 at 7:30 AM to 8:00AM, on WGN Radio she was interviewed by Rick Kogan on his program Sunday Papers.

Printers Row Lit Fest... The largest Literary Festival in the Midwest.... Readings of some of Elynne's stories from the book Forever Travels on Sunday, 6/5/2011, 3:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M.Wyndham Blake Hotel - 500 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60605

The September 2009 Today's Chicago Woman Magazine featured FOREVER FRIENDS as its book club selection showcasing four of Elynne's stories: The Red Pen, The Elevator, Mr. X and Mr. Y, Life 101Elynne has written, produced and hosted television and radio programming.

Among her PBS television credits is a production on “Missing Children” which aired nationally, the documentary “70 Years Of Being Wright” on the history of Wright College, “This Is Your College” on the City Colleges of Chicago. In addition to General Manager, Elynne served as the on-air spokesperson for WYCC-TV, Channel 20, the Chicago PBS affiliate she built.

On NPR she was Supervising Producer of “The Big Onion” which was broadcast on WBEZ-FM and won the Ohio State Award in Radio.

Elynne’s guest lectures and adult storytelling include Northwestern University, Chicago’s Flashpoint Academy, Chicago’s YWCA Talk It Up Series, Niles TWP High School District and other organizations and educational institutions. She has performed her nonfiction stories for the Wellness Center in Northbrook, Illinois; Women’s American ORT; Oakton College’s Emeritus Bluestem Humanities Festival; Truman College; The Glenview Library; North Shore Senior Center; Northwestern University’s Alumni Association’s “A Day With NU”; and Chicago Northshore Hadassah among other engagements.She has had book signings at Barnes & Noble, Women & Children First, The Book Stall, Borders, Chapters in Canada and for a variety of organizations.

Elynne has won several awards for her community service in television and for her teaching. Among them she has received Wright College's Distinguished Professor and Excellence in Teaching Awards and was named Chicago's Outstanding Woman in Communication by the YWCA. She was awarded the Golden Apple by the Phi Theta Kappa Student Honor Society and the HUG Award for Mentoring by Future Teachers of America. She was named the Woman Communicator of the Year by Women’s American ORT and was cited by “Today’s Chicago Woman Magazine” as One of 100 Women Making a Difference. She is a 2007 recipient of the National Medallion for Teaching Excellence from the University of Texas, Austin’s NISOD Award. She is a 2007 recipient of the State of Illinois Excellence in Teaching Award from the Illinois Community College Trustees Association. Professor Chaplik-Aleskow holds a Masters Degree in Speech from Northwestern University.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------BOOK SIGNINGS

November 6, 2007 Book Signing for Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover's Soul
Barnes and Noble Old Orchard

November 28, 2007 Book Signing for Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover's Soul
Women and Children First Bookstore
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December 15, 2007 Book Signing for Chicken Soup for the Chocolate Lover's Soul
The Bookstall
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September 20, 2008 Book Launch for The Wisdom of Old Souls
Chapters Bookstore Kingston, Ontario Canada
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December 20, 2008 Blog Tour for Forever Friends
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June 13, 2009 2pm Book signing for MY DAD IS MY HERO at Lincoln Park Borders Bookstore 2817 N. Clark
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February 13, 2010 CHICKEN SOUP FOR THE SOUL: TRUE LOVE at Lincoln Park Borders Bookstore 2817 N. Clark Chicago
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March 22, 2010 CONTEMPORARY AMERICAN WOMEN: OUR DEFINING PASSAGES book signing and performance at the University of Maine.
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January 22, 2008 Wellness Center Northbrook, Il. Performance of Published Stories
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February 26, 2008 Flashpoint Academy Communication Lecture
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April 9, 2008 Women's American ORT Performance of Published Stories
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April 19, 2008 Truman College Performance of Published Stories
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June 3, 2008 Oakton College Bluestem Humanities Festival Performance of Published Stories
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August 5, 2008 YWCA Talk It Up Event Strengthening your communication survival skills! Strong communication is key to building a successful career, interpersonal relationships and self esteem. Join writer, storyteller and founding general manager of WYCC-TV/PBS, Distinguished Professor Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow to discuss communication skills. Learn how to differentiate between professional and personal communication styles and practice identifying non-verbal communication.
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November 4, 2008 Niles TWP High Schools Communication Lecture/Stories Performance
ONLY FOR NILES H.S. FACULTY/Closed to Public
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November 14, 2008 Flashpoint Academy Lecture
Closed to Public
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April 14, 2009 Glenview Public Library
7pm Open to the Public
Performance of My Published Stories
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April 18, 2009 Guest Speaker for "A Day with Northwestern University" which is the premier alumni educational event of the Northwestern Alumni Association. Public is welcome.
Registration fee is required.
Go to
http://www.alumni.northwestern.edu/node/1194
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May 5, 2009 Men's Club of the North Shore Senior Center in Northfield, Illinois
10:30AM Performance of Published Stories
OPEN TO PUBLIC
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May 9, 2009 WBBM Radio interview of me by Regine Schlesinger
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June 1, 2009 The recording debut of my short story "Professor Gabriel and Her 101 Posse" performed by DLKeur on her website The Deepening (World of Fiction).
http://thedeepening.com/
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June 13, 2009 2pm Book signing and reading for My Dad Is My Hero at Lincoln Park Borders Bookstore 2817 N. Clark
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July 17, 2009 Humanities Treasures. Performance/Discussion of my stories.
North Shore Senior Center
10:00am-Noon
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August 9, 2009 WGN RADIO 7:30-8:00 AM
I will guest on Rick Kogan's Sunday morning radio show Sunday Papers.
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September Issue of Today's Chicago Woman Magazine features the anthology FOREVER FRIENDS as its book club pick with Elynne's four stories "The Red Pen", "The Elevator", "Mr. X and Mr. Y" and "Life 101".
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March 22, 2010 University of Maine Performance of "The Needle In The Haystack" and "My Gift Of Now" in Contemporary American Women: Our Defining Passages
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April 14, 2010 Chicago North Shore Chai Hadassah. Performance of my stories.
1pm Lakeside Congregation Highland Park $20
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Keynote Speech
Storytellers for Good & Skattered Moments Fundraiser Launch Party
Saturday, November 6, 2010 at 6:30pm
Columbia Yacht Club 111 N. Lake Shore Drive Chicago, IL 60601
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On December 8th 2010, I read my essay “Four Sisters In Life And Death” as part of This I Believe: An Evening with radio host Bob Edwards and Producer Dan Gediman.

General Event Information
This I Believe: An Evening with Bob Edwards Wednesday, December 8, 2010 @ 7:00 p.m. Of all of life’s big questions, “What do you believe?” is one of the most important. And for many, the answer may be one of the hardest to actually put into words. By asking individuals to write and share their personal philosophies, This I Believe hopes to encourage people to express the core principles that guide their daily lives, and to develop acceptance of—and even respect for—beliefs different from one’s own. Join us for a special exploration of personal belief with public radio host Bob Edwards and Dan Gediman, Executive Director of This I Believe. Hear audio excerpts from Edward R. Murrow’s original 1950s series as well as live readings by local essayists who have contributed to this amazing collection. Learn more about the history of the project and the thinking behind the contemporary essays shared on stage, as Bob Edwards sits down with each essayist to talk more about their own personal philosophy.This I Believe is an international project engaging people in writing and sharing essays describing the core values that guide their daily lives. More than 90,000 of these essays, written by people from all walks of life, have now been collected: archived online, heard on public radio, chronicled through books, and featured in weekly podcasts.
VenueFourth Presbyterian Church 126 E. Chestnut Street Chicago, IL 60611
Presenter Chicago Public Media (WBEZ-Chicago)312-948-4600
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My This I Believe essay "Four Sisters In Life And Death" will be broadcast. The first airing will be Friday morning (Jan. 14) on The Bob Edwards Show on XM satellite radio (channel 133) and Sirius satellite radio (channel 196). It will be re-broadcast on Bob Edwards Weekend on Saturday (Jan. 15) and/or Sunday (Jan. 16), depending on when local public radio stations air the program. In Chicago, the show airs on WBEZ 91.5FM, Sundays from 10 a.m. - noon.

March 4, 2011 Niles Twp. High Schools Institute Day Guest Lecture. I am presenting a guest lecture for two sessions on March 4th for the Niles TWP High School Institute in Skokie, Il. This will include all the Elementary Schools in the District as well. My presentation is "The Art of Teaching and the Skills of Classroom Communication." I will perform "The Hat" and "The Red Pen" as part of a group discussion.

March 13, 2011... I Will Be Reading Some Of My Stories...NEW WORKS CHICAGO WRITERS EXCHANGE READINGS SALON ECHO 1134 W. BRYN MAWR CHICAGO, IL 3-5PM Live Jazz Wine, Coffee, Cupcakes.. Donation at door. HER STORY THEATER PRESENTS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH WWHP

May 17, 2011 Men's Club of the Northshore Senior Center Northfield, Illinois

June 5th...Printers Row Lit Fest... The largest Literary Festival in the Midwest....Please join me for readings of some of my stories from the book Forever Travels on Sunday, 6/5/2011, 3:30 P.M. - 4:00 P.M. Wyndham Blake Hotel - 500 S. Dearborn St. Chicago, IL 60605

October 20th 11am & 1:30pm Reading and Event... My story "More Than Life" in Thin Threads Moms & Grandmas... at The Museum of Motherhood, New York City 84th & 1st St.

April 29, 2012 IN HER OWN VOICE Performance of my stories. Acorn Theater Three Oaks Michigan 3pm Tickets $10

PERFORMANCE REVIEWS

2008-08-07T07:56:00.037-05:00

Most writers are Sooooo disappointing as speakers but you are dynamite wrapped in silk.
Illene Ashkenaz

As a consultant, my firm has put us through tons of communication and presentation trainings, but I have to say that none of the sessions have been as impactful as your session yesterday for the YWCA.Your delivery of the material was excellent and very practical - I thoroughly enjoyed listening to you and I took away a lot of practical tips to help improve my
communication. Ebun Falusi

I think your beautiful smile and voice captivate the room and make your listeners immediately feel comfortable -- that makes your wonderful stories even more interesting. I know I was "hanging on your every word" when I was listening and I could visualize each story.
Sandi Topper, Special Events Director, Cancer Wellness Center

What an enjoyable evening.... you have such a passion that is refreshing just to be in your presence.
Francie Pinkwater

You are a magical storyteller.
Merle Cahan, Board Member, Cancer Wellness Center

I didn't stop grinning the entire evening. I just loved it!!!!!!!
Linda Harris

Thank you again for sharing your wonderful energy and wisdom with our Flashpoint students. You were a big hit! Thank you for your inspiring and informative presentations. Once again, you have provided our students with the "essentials" in an engaging and powerful way.

Francine Sanders
Director, Core Studies
Flashpoint - The Academy of Media Arts and Sciences

I continue to hear great things about your presentation.
Paula Froehle
Dean, Flashpoint Academy

Your writings are absolutely riveting and inspirational!
Carol Belman

In my nearly year at the Library -- I can easily say that the "Storyteller's Voice" was one of my favorite programs and what I think Library programming should be about --expressing our core mission to educate, enrich, inspire and entertain.
Your power as a writer and ability to express your writing in the spoken word is truly a gift...and that you share your gifts with friends, family, students, and strangers is a true testament to your generous spirit.
Jennifer S. Black
Public Information Officer Glenview Public Library

Your program was the best! I am looking forward to seeing you in May at NSSC. What is the date? I want to pass the word along. Thanks for doing this program. It was wonderful!!
Jack Neymark
Glenview Library Board

Congratulations. Your narrations are spellbinding and always professionally presented.
Dr. Charles Guengerich
President, Wright College

I wanted you to know that I was involved in "Reading Hour" at Niles West High School this morning, and read "The Elevator" and "Life 101" from the Forever Friends book. The students loved them! They were really impressed to know that a graduate of District 219 is a published author.
Anne Roloff, Ph.D.
Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction
Niles Township High School District 219

Thank you for participating in A Day with Northwestern in Evanston. Your enthusiasm and dedication to your field greatly contributed to the success of the program. I appreciate your generosity in sharing your time and expertise as the featured School of Communication alumni speaker.
Catherine Stembridge
Associate Vice President, Office of Alumni Relations and Development
Executive Director, Northwestern Alumni Association
http://www.alumni.northwestern.edu/node/1194

Just a short note to let you know how much I enjoyed your speaking engagement this morning at the North Shore Senior Center. From the moment you walked in until the time you stood on the stage, and then until you took Q & A's you exhibited warmth, cordiality, honesty, and a passion for your calling.
Thank you so much for a delightful hour.
Helen Harris

http://triblocal.com/Glenview/List_View/view.html?type=stories&action=detail&sub_id=60460

REVIEWS of PROFESSOR GABRIEL AND HER 101 POSSE

The story was full of suspense & riveting. I was mesmerized & graphically saw all the images of the main characters in my mind. Arlene Ray

Brilliant!!! Very well done. When will the next one be coming out?
~Shelagh Watkins

I enjoyed each and every word from beginning to end. It certainly held my interest and the writing seemed so smooth and enjoyable. Helen Harris

I just finished listening to your short story online. It was wonderful! I love these kind of stories - an education/teacher focus, realistic, and honest. I think you captured all of that in this story.
Anne Roloff

Very moving, touching, powerful story, Elynne. It really belongs in a prime market magazine. It's inspiring and sobering, simultaneously.
DLKeur The Deepening

I loved it. You really have a talent for writing dialogue. Very realistic phraseology. That was really a striking aspect of the piece. Gloria

It is riveting and beautifully written. Sandy Kite

This was a truly captivating story that held our interest from beginning to end.
Sue and Michael Joelson

Great story! I listened avidly the whole time. Marva Dasef

This is terrifying and riveting at the same time. It makes you sit and listen because you wonder whether or not something good can come out of it all. Amy

Elynne’s vivid and creative story touches the reader with emotion, just as Prof. Gabriel touched her students…The story of LK and the kidnapping would make an inspirational anticipatory set for any curriculum on creative writing…punctuated with chapter-like titles; ie “The Attic”, "The Billboard”, “The Conversation”, etc. the reader is held captive. I love how the story of Miguel is woven as a sub-plot to help clarify the Prof’s “mission” to help LK. The wisdom that the writer (and Professor Gabriel) imparts throughout is invaluable.. "My burden was to help him lose his arrogance..”…”She taught us how not to be afraid”…Listening to her story was a very “deepening experience”..Thank you.
CJ Breman

Compelling, beautifully written, beautifully read.. what a story–full of compassion–teacher as missionary and more! Love the title too.
Yvette Meltzer

What a neat story. It struck me as I was listening that this embodies what short story writing is all about.
Chuck B

I just finished listening to your story. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. All of the feelings of the human soul are captured in that story.
Pidge Joelson

REVIEWS of "WOULD YOU LIKE TO DANCE?"

Elynne, I like your story a lot. It brings memories back of Junior High. I think the twist was popular then. You did it again, Elynne. Another wonderful story. Thanks for sharing it.....

Oh you 63 year old man killer. If we wait long enough sometimes we get our due and our ...doo- wop! Congrats. I've seen you dance and know why they wanted to dance with you! You rock, lady!.....

What a lovely and beautifully written story.

Love your "stuff". 'Would you like to dance" takes me back a few years as well. Terrific! I smiled the whole time!! ........

Elynne,I read your dance story and felt every emotion...because I was there too! You're lucky that you were able to live out the fantasies of... a pre-teen...I never danced with those popular guys even at my reunions. Mine are still just fantasies!Great story!!.....

As one of the high school outsiders you were always one of the "in" people I watched and admired. Your ease and friendly attitude towards everyone was lovely. I read your article in Sassee and thought, hummmmmmm, it just proves that in life we all have/had a place where we feel/felt uncomfortable. We are all the same....

I missed that reunion Elynne - but I hope to see you dance at our 63' class reunion in 2013.

Thanks for sharing that story. Save a dance for me.

Wonderful! ...You brought back so many memories. Sorry I wasn't there to dance with you.

Reading it is as much fun as hearing straight from the dancer's mouth! Tell me more stories.

U captured the essence of that magical evening! It was 'Bk to the Future' & it ended too quickly! Only U can again make it come alive!

What a wonderful story Elynne. I remember the only person I wanted to dance with in High School was Mr. Boevers and I got the chance years later at a Bar Mitzvah. What a wonderful memory that is.

REVIEWS of ELYNNE CHAPLIK-ALESKOW'S YOUTUBE PERFORMANCE OF "THE HAT"

Will AcevedoWatching you read your beautiful words brought me right back to that morning in 2001 and my eyes are shedding tears of joy! Thank you for sharing our story, I will never forget you Professor Chaplik-Aleskow!

Shelagh Watkins Wonderful story, Elynne!

Heather Johnson Blecker Beautiful! What an uplifiting story and so beautifully read.

Abe March Excellent story and presentation.

Arlene Orlove Ray What a warm & heartfelt story...executed beautifully & brought tears to my eyes!

Nora Gaffin Shore Elynne, what a beautiful story! You did indeed bring tears to my eyes! Keep up the good work. I love it.

Lawrence D. Elliott A very moving and inspirational story, read beautifully...of course! I listened several times (today on my walk). It is great you have it on YouTube. The world should hear this story.

Will Acevedo Reading these beautiful responses to the story puts the biggest smile in my heart! Everything happens for a reason just as I was placed in your class for a reason Professor. Living through this experience changed my life forever and I thank you for never giving up on me! -Will, aka "Mark"

Arlene Orlove Ray Will...what every Educator wants to hear! If anyone could inspire you it would be your Professor Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow!

Donovan Mixon A touching story. Thank you

REVIEWS OF "FOUR SISTERS IN LIFE AND DEATH" AT THIS I BELIEVE PROGRAM WITH BOB EDWARDS (December 8, 2010 Chicago)

This I believe: you are one of the most talented writers I have ever heard, read, seen!
This I believe: your story was one of sadness and joy! But one I truly enjoyed!
This I believe: I am truly glad I know you!
This I believe: Thank you so much for letting me have the opportunity to listen to you first-hand!
Karen Leavitt

You were terrific and the whole evening was very moving. SO glad I made it and got to hear your, and Ivy's, story.
Jeff Emrich

You were wonderful and so inspiring!
Hannah Geraldoy Fernandez

I was moved...Thank you, Elynne for sharing your 'This I believe' essay. It was a beautifully written piece.
Donovan Mixon

I heard you were the best interview of the night! Hopefully I can hear the recording.
Stephanie Linn

You were so amazing last night! Your testimony left everyone around me, including myself, in tears. It was such a beautiful and powerful tribute to your sister Ivy...I wish I could have known her. I was SO very proud of you! Congratulations on such a fabulous performance in front of that huge audience - you were so relaxed and composed up there, I was truly amazed!
Anne Roloff, Ph.D.

Jeff enjoyed every syllable...and what a beautiful acknowledge of affection, for your sister Ivy and in the name of Love!
Stephanie Leese Emrich

Awesome beyond words... A night to remember.
Gail Cutler

It was a pleasure meeting you last night, and thanks again for sharing such a powerful, touching story. I went home and hugged my boys just a little tighter as a result.
Steve Edwards WBEZ-FM

A perfect evening! You were magnificent!
Susan Chaplik

'Bravo' doesn't fit because that would draw praise and attention to yourself, and this evening was about you gifting us with wholeness and peace. Thank you.
Celia Kuick

I could have lived a lifetime and never expected to have a more wonderful experience than I did tonight. I was bursting with pride. It was a gift to Ivy, Susie and me ------and of course our beloved parents. Thank you. It was perfect. You are so gifted.
Linda Chaplik Harris

UNIVERSAL CRAYONS

2008-05-20T23:32:00.003-05:00

I stared at the newspaper photo. China had suffered a major devastating earthquake. Hundreds of thousands were still trapped. Many of them were children buried in their schools by the quake.
I looked at the picture of the young girl. The article said that her school building collapsed and her teacher was killed. A chunk of the debris crushed her leg and her classmates dragged her to safety. In the hospital, her leg was amputated but she survived.
The photo of her in her hospital bed showed the fifth grader coloring with Crayola crayons. I looked closely at the picture. She was concentrating on her coloring and somehow looked peaceful in spite of what she had physically and emotionally endured and the additional tragedy that her parents were still missing after the quake.
Fifth grade. A time of life when classmates are often their meanest and show their worst cruelty. Yet this girl’s classmates were heroic in the midst of such great catastrophe. They thought of one another. They saved her.
And there she was in the hospital drawing a picture with crayons, the universal symbol of childhood. Even for this fifth grader who had suffered so much, the act of holding color in her hand and creating seemed to bring her a moment of true joy.
Crayons are ageless. From primary grades through middle school they are among our most precious possessions. As an adult, I admit to stopping in the grocery store aisle, opening a box of crayons and admiring the colors. The memories of middle school days come back to me. I can feel my desk and see my school supplies neatly arranged, treasures all of them. Always among my most valued objects were my crayons.
At a time of life when children are often at their worst toward one another, a box of crayons offers a rainbow of hope and sharing that is universal. This twelve year old Chinese quake victim was smiling in the photo, her crayon in her hand. In how many scenarios worldwide have similar scenes existed? Timeless and universal, crayons are an ambassador of childhood.

Published Chicago Sun-Times Newspaper June 2008

THE SOAP OPERA AND SHAKESPEARE

2006-03-28T19:55:00.000-06:00

No doubt that many of my academic colleagues will want to burn me at the stake for my comments but I believe that the Soap Opera genre fills the same role that Shakespeare’s plays originally offered audiences.

“As The World Turns” is celebrating 50 years. Next year “Guiding Light” will celebrate its 70th year. This genre popularized as Soaps offers its audience the plot twists, catharsis, identification, suspension of disbelief and pure enjoyment that Shakespeare’s plays gave to his audience masses in his day. I would guess that Shakespeare might have been a fan of the Soaps.

As did Shakespeare’s works, the Soap genre implements many plots that require the audience to believe dramatically rather than literally. This suspension of disbelief allows viewers to identify and empathize. The result is an attachment to characters in an almost familial way.

Shakespeare’s works live on as do the Soaps. Many of the truths in Shakespeare’s plays are universal and timeless. Today’s Soaps serve to explore many of our modern day problems and challenges. As Lynn Leahey, Editorial Director of Soap Opera Digest, recently wrote “Many shows have featured prominent, impactful social issue stories…
Soaps are a uniquely effective way to communicate.”

A recent example of a Soap Opera dealing exquisitely with today’s challenges of the single female was “Guiding Light’s” in the life focus on its character Dinah brilliantly played by the gifted Gina Tognoni. Most women once or presently single could identify with the life portrayed in this special segment.

Audiences have a need to escape, to get lost in the lives of others. Time will tell how long the Reality Show genre will last. Shakespeare’s works, however, are timeless and infinite. The Soap Opera is enjoying half century and more life spans. Its popularity is evident. Its need by society as a cathartic form of entertainment is proven. Its role as a means to present social issues is invaluable. Like the role of Shakespeare’s works, Soaps allow their audiences to leave their own lives for the moment and to partake in the twists and flow of the lives of characters they have come to love and hate. Like Shakespeare, the Soap Opera experience is universal.

PUBLISHED Soap Opera Digest Website March 2006

NEW OLD SIMPLICITY

2006-03-27T17:26:00.000-06:00

Citibank has come up with one of the greatest innovations that modern day business can implement. The advertisement goes something like this: WITH THE CITIBANK SIMPLICITY CARD JUST DIAL "O" TO TALK TO AN OPERATOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

No phone menus. No taped messages. No speaking to an automated human-like voice.
The first thing you do is dial "O" and get a real live person immediately.
Can you imagine such a concept being conceived in the past? Who could ever have thought of a customer speaking directly to an operator?

Well, dear Citibank, that is how this 60-year-old woman and everyone she knows lived it for decades. Your card is indeed worded correctly. The Simplicity Card is a metaphor for a time not so long ago when we lived more expediently, with less frustration and more human connection. I lived my entire childhood and part of my adulthood dialing "O" for operator.

What does this new old simplicity concept mean? Are we going to start bringing back more of past procedures and methods? Will we have gas attendants again so we do not have to leave our cars? I am hanging on for dear life to the only station in Chicago that still has an option of not being self help.

Will supermarkets do away with self-checkout? Will we once again have public restrooms with toilets that do not automatically flush every fifteen seconds whether you are still on them or not? Will airlines find a way again to feed Coach passengers so they do not have to BYO?

I have been lonely for that operator’s voice. Seeing Citibank’s advertisement for the Simplicity Card gave me hope that in other industries we may also soon go back to the future.

ONE OTHER NAME

2006-02-19T15:41:00.001-06:00

I have several names which I cherish being called. Each one defines a part of me. I began as Miriam and Ruby's daughter. I am Elynne-- the first daughter-- the first grandchild. I had a new and wondrous family love. Daughter is a blessing of birth. Eldest daughter is a blessing of time.

At four years of age, I became older sister. Sister. I now existed as a unit of two-- a friendship between two that would eventually become four. Being Linda, Susan and Ivy's eldest sister, I shared with them a legacy of Chaplik and womanhood.

As a woman, I became Mrs. Richard Aleskow, (Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow). With profound love I made my husband's name part of my identity, part of my being.

Professionally through my on-air work as General Manager and spokesperson of WYCC-TV, Channel 20, viewers often greeted me in public as the Channel 20 Lady. In building this educational PBS television station, its foundation was based on respect for our audience's minds and hearts. I was proud of that name and what it represented.

There is one other name. It has always been my dream to become this name. It is a name that fills me with deep pride and humility.

It is Professor.

Many of my Community College students are restaurant bus boys and servers. Some of my students are supermarket cashiers and baggers and stockers.
Some are single parents who go to college while they work full or part time. They do it all at once.

When I was named Wright College's Distinguished Service Professor, it was a profound honor to me. When I was awarded the Golden Apple by the College’s Phi Theta Kappa Student Honor Society, I was deeply touched. When I was awarded the College’s Excellence in Teaching Award by the Faculty Council, I was proud. When I was given an Award that is rarely given at the College, I was moved. It is called the Hug Award and it was presented to me by the College’s Future Teachers Club.

The Award is a statue with bodies in a circle holding and hugging one another. There is a larger figure whose arms extend to smaller figures all of whom are in an embrace. The engraved caption reads “It takes a circle of love and support to mold young lives. For your enduring support to Future Teachers.”

It is the City Colleges of Chicago students I teach in whom I believe. I have witnessed their need and felt their pride. I have experienced their fear and have seen their determination.

Hearing "hello, Professor" in the halls of Wright College makes my soul smile. The meaning of this name has allowed me the privilege of teaching-- the privilege of working with students who have never reached for the stars-- the privilege of bringing the stars into their reach.

Being called Professor has been one of the most cherished gifts of my life. The teacher’s apple represents seeds that are planted and spread to be shared with others. One of my students told me this as she handed me a gift—a red ceramic apple.

The Hug will always symbolize for me the connection a teacher and her students share. The bond they create is one remembered for a lifetime. It is this connection that allows many to realize their life’s dreams.

At the end of each semester I have an intense session planned for my students in which they give each other special feedback on their work and growth as human beings and public speakers. At the end of the session I ask for their feedback about my teaching and my course.

I have received many touching and insightful comments from my Speech 101 students. Today I asked once again and heard a comment that took my breath away.

“What do you think of our textbook?” I asked. “YOU are our textbook” was the reply from one student with others enthusiastically concurring. “What an awesome responsibility” I thought to myself. "This exquisite comment reflects the essence of teaching: showing them how."

How to shape their self-esteem. How to develop and balance their public and private selves. How to communicate with empathy. How to reach toward their potential. How to be poised and professional.

It is one thing to write a textbook. It is another realm to be one in the eyes of your students. Each page they read is my responsibility as their model, their mentor, their Professor.

I am Elynne Chaplik-Aleskow. Miriam and Ruby's eldest daughter. Linda, Susan and Ivy's sister. Richard Aleskow's wife. My students' Professor. With two semesters to go before retirement, I will not say good-bye. I will always hear "hello, Professor."

PUBLISHED Communication Research and Theory Network of the National Communication Association (NCA) May 2006

TRADITION

2005-12-29T11:51:00.000-06:00

After 9/11 I would look out at my view of Chicago from my 35th floor apartment and each building in our city’s exquisite signature skyline became personal. They belonged to me and every other Chicagoan. They represented the best of this city in its physical beauty, its diverse population and its historical architecture. Chicago’s skyline is the visible heartbeat of an exciting and proud American world-class city. It is a symbol of the tradition and meaning of being Chicago.

That we lost the battle in our plea to keep the Field's name was a blow to our city’s identity and sense of tradition. Now the Berghoff Restaurant where my husband and I have dinner before going to the Chicago Symphony and where a century of Chicagoans have enjoyed the food, beer and ambience is closing.

Another tradition that defines us as Chicagoans is lost. I am disheartened that other choices have not been made. Perhaps I am being selfish in making such a request, but I would have hoped that the management of Federated and the Berghoff family would have understood what their decisions mean to Chicagoans who have shared their lives with these structural icons. We have planned shopping trips and lunches and dinners within these memorable establishments. We have celebrated holidays and family occasions there. To now reduce them to a memory is painful.

The larger issue is the loss of traditions within our lives. Our skyline, our Field's, our Berghoff Restaurant. We do not own them but they are ours. As Chicagoans we cherish them. Traditions give meaning to our lives. Field's to Macy's is more than a change of name. Closing the Berghoff Restaurant is more than an owner family decision. These actions affect the larger citizenry. Our lives will change and our hearts are broken. What has meaning to us is being taken away. Our traditions are our anchors. In this new and frightening world, tradition is needed more than ever before.

PUBLISHED Chicago Tribune January 2006

MEMORIES

2005-08-20T16:57:00.000-05:00

I can remember the back to school excitement of my childhood like it was yesterday.
My mother would take my sisters and me shopping for our new outfits and shoes which we wore on the first day of school. Then the thrill of all thrills was shopping for school supplies. In my youth, my crayons were my priceless jewels. My pencil holder, notebook, three ringed paper and pens and pencils were my valued belongings.
I would spread out everything on my bed and admire their newness. I would open my crayons with the gentleness of a lover and admire the colors of my private rainbow. I would look at my shiny new shoes and I would love the smell of the leather before they were worn. I would admire and hold my new zippered notebook that waited to carry the projects and assignments of my new school grade.
These were my treasures.
My excitement for going back to school never went away because from those early days and years of falling in love with the experience, I became a teacher.

PUBLISHED Chicago Sun-Times August 2005

THE City

2004-08-02T17:37:00.000-05:00

I started my love affair with New York when I was in my 20's. Of all the cities I have visited in this world, New York is my most favorite and precious. The city has an infinite rhythm of its own. The opportunities of what to do and see are endless. Day or night one can eat. The city is alive. It is a lifeforce. Being part of it for a week's visit is beyond heavenly.

I love the anonymity of New York. One can be immersed in any art form. It is a walking city filled with amazing neighborhoods, quaint groceries, delis, cabarets, music, museums, parks and the ultimate in theater--Broadway.

Being in the audience of a Broadway musical, one transcends the reality outside the theater building and is uplifted magically into the all encompassing talent on stage. It is existence in another dimension. The actors on the Broadway stage create beyond their potential to the ultimate of their gifts. The productions are often works of art. To be in a Broadway audience is an experience that profoundly thrills.

To be in love in New York, to share New York is a romantic dream.
Before we knew one another, my husband and I, by sheer coincidence, would stay at the same hotel. During our last trip, we sat in an outdoor cafe across the street of that hotel. I was awed by the thought that in one time frame we were both there apart and now in the present, we were there together. As I held his hand, I was overwhelmed with the chance to share this city of cities with the love of my life. I was involved in two love affairs. One with my husband and one with New York. My husband graciously understood the latter.

Are You Real?????

2004-07-13T17:48:00.000-05:00

I just finished a conversation with the phone operator at Nordstroms. Yes, I said the phone operator. Like the thousands before me the first words I asked her were "are you a real person?" I did not try to hide my glee. She laughed and answered "yes".

She told me she gets asked that question several hundred times a day. She continued to tell me the comments and stories of gratitude expressed to her by callers who have braced themselves for the automated prompts that often require a manual and an hour out of one's day. How often do we complete that process only to be put on hold and then inadvertently disconnected. And we must try again and again because "they" have what we need on the other end wherever that is.

A real person to talk to at a department store. Like the old days but today one of life's rare treasures. And we are so grateful. And that is so sad.

The technological advances are stunning and exciting but they have dehumanized us and starved us for human contact and connection.

To feel you struck gold because you are speaking to a live operator has an ironic twist to the so-called technological progress we live with in all aspects of our daily operations.

The world moves toward wonderful options such as my reaching you through this computer and this blog. However, in our daily lives, the isolation from the human on the other end is a price that may be costly beyond our imagination.

Communicationless

2004-07-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

There is no question that we have entered and continue to soar toward a new medium of communication. The words computer compatibility hold a meaning which now rules our existence whether it be within our home or business, for pleasure or profit.

One of the most common and frequent discussions people have today is about computer compatibility. Computer format, size, expense and language have become an obsession and a possession to be learned and implemented.

The body language of computer usage requires the eyes to be focused downward at a screen. The eyes appear glued to the movement and formatting of words. Networks have been created connecting individuals worldwide through compatible computer structures.

Progress? Indeed. Yet, perhaps this has also resulted in a costly loss.

At one time the terms compatibility and language were primarily relevant in defining human relationships. Whether one to one or nation to nation, these terms formed the core of our growth and the hope of our potential as communicators.

In our society,observe people talking to one another. How many look each other in the eye as they speak? How many are incapable of this critical American culture standard? Listen to our language today. Whatever culture or subculture is attempting to speak, hear what has been done to the language we once relied on to reach one another.

To converse with another person and thereby establish compatibility on some level is an ability that requires focus, practice and nurturing. Technology has moved us toward great achievements. Along the way, however, we are losing part of our humanity.

Learning and practicing to speak to one another while looking the other person in the eye seems to be one of the most difficult and feared activities of the human condition. It is this ability to communicate without a screen--- be it computer, TV or movie-- which allows the individual the self-confidence to live in this world.

Within the family structure, the school, peer groups, business and personal meditation, the ability to speak is the core of our foundation as competent and fulfilled individuals. The ability to listen and hopefully empathize results in a productive human exchange of language, intellect and emotion.

As computers move us toward communication in isolation---as virtual reality allows us to experience without experiencing---we must find our way back to the basics of potential human compatibility: speaking with eye contact; empathic listening; clear and consistent non-verbal expression; and a self-concept built on these communication foundations.

Heartgifts...Friends

2004-07-08T20:22:00.001-05:00

I just finished watching the excellent series "Biography" on A&E which I TiVo'd to have the time to really savor it. I watched the very well produced Biographies of Bette Midler and Liza Minnelli.

I met Bette years ago at a spa and we had dinner together and enjoyed walks and chats after our spa treatments. She had just finished filming "The Rose" and was in need of R&R. She was articulate and sensitive. We shared our common loss of a sister.

In watching the biographies of these gifted and lightening rod women, I thought about how stimulating and exciting it would be to share life as friends with such individuals.

No sooner had I thought that wish, then a warmth filled me generated from my own life.

Bette and Liza seem like the types of people I would be drawn to as friends because of the friends I have been blessed with in my life.

I have Richard and Becky and Sue J. and Carol B. and Linda and Susan and Shirley and Miriam and Arlene and Sandy and a lifetime journey of those who have touched my life with their love and insight and talent and breathtaking womanhood and manhood. And I had Ivy, my beloved sister and friend and Steve and Estelle and Lilla whose friendships also touched my core through their luminous beings.

I have stimulation and caring and insights and conversation and sharing and loyalty from and with these people.

I am infused and entwined with the lives of souls who understand and feel my heart as I do theirs.

And that my husband and I share the ultimate friendship is the timeless love of my existence.

My existence is a journey, a process that connects with each one of my friends, my heartgifts.