YSEALI PFP Day 19: Chicago Cubs

8 May 2019

Tagged along Alex and joined in the Metropolitan Family Services Midway Centre's Advisory Board meeting in the morning. I always treasured the travelling time with Alex - walking to the carpark and the drive - as I would bombard him with questions, including pricky ones. The paradoxical question regarding the Development role is always if the next dollar should go to Development or to operations to impact another family.  

Each MFS Centre has an Advisory Board which brings together members from a diverse set of backgrounds. Besides being resource persons, they also proffer ideas to enhance programmes and outreach. I was privileged to sit in the meeting. Like how Alex would put it, MFS focuses on the work that we do; while the Board shares how we can do it better.

During the meeting, one interesting upcoming event that was discussed was the fundraising car show which would engage the families, in particular the young children. Car owners could register for their cars for a fee to be parked on display at a lot, and present their cars to curious participants. Like what a Board member mentioned, fundraising should also be about community engagement.

Also got to learn about the term "friendraising", which entailed sharing the cause with friends and inviting them to participate in activities to learn more about the impact of the work of the organisation. One day, eventually, they might contribute to the cause too.

PAP* is buggin' for Spring! Hmm, is this an indication of an important date?

*PAP is an acronym of the ruling party in Singapore, but I seriously have no clue what PAP means in this context!

Room that could be used for trainings and meetings

A comfy staff lounge - a common scene in all the Centres I visited - reflects the focus on staff wellbeing, and also, some Centres were located in precarious neighbourhoods and staff would mostly spend their mealtimes in the staff lounges.

We had an early meal in anticipation of an exciting Cubs game.

Give it to Ivy, these noodles just look good lah

And how healthy and balanced could a meal get, right?

We headed out to the red line station, and spotted these ESPN radio talkshow hosts giving sports commentary live. Pretty cool. I'm sure someone must have tried to make them laugh on their job. 

Arrived at Addison Station

Met ACYPL alumnus Laura Kotelman, who's also Chief of Staff, Illinois Department of Labor, at the Sports Corner Bar and Grille 

Wrigley Field, home of Chicago Cubs

Probably one of few stadiums in the world which have these alternative seating options to view games

We found a real good spot. Sheltered in case of bad weather.

Hotdogs!

These random numbers are random to me

And so we quickly acquainted ourselves to the game (and culture) of baseball: 

• There are 9 innings, but the game could stretch far beyond 9 if the wins are not followed through well enough. 
• It is not like in the movies when almost every ball throw gets hit by the bat - in fact many of the throws get nowhere.
• In between games, audience get entertained by other audience who are flaunting their way to get picked up by the videographer to appear on the big screen.
• At the 7th inning, everyone starts singing.
• Upon winning, everyone flies the flag with the word "W", symbolising "Winner" 

Wefie with Laura

The weather was chilly. It was definitely in the sub-10 degrees Celsius. Laura warmed us with her thoughtfulness. She actually brought blankets in case we were cold!

Wefie from the opposite angle

And one with ACYPL alumnus Brandon Seyring, who's also a Deputy Commissioner at the Cook County Board of Review

So we decided to leave at the 11th inning, seeing that victory was not imminent. Salute to Yasmin who was fasting and had not gotten proper dinner. Chicago's day hours were real long.

And just as we exited, the Cubs won! 

Bought this for niece. Chicago Cubs definitely had the best uniforms around!

At Addison station, waiting forever for the train. Did you spot the Cubs fan here?