Open City Progress

Open City’s first financial setback occurred April 1^st when the Studio 1 benefit was canceled at the last minute. Bob Scott was supposed to receive enough backing to open his Optek Pharmacy at the old Studio location, but things back-rued and our April Fools benefit hit the dust.

Uncle Russ has come through for an Open City “Rites of Spring” benefit that will be held at the Grande on April 23. The celebration will begin at 7 p.m. and last only until 11 p.m.

The notorious MC5 will headline the benefit, along with the Red White and Blues Band and others. The Five will be returning fresh from their California tour and will probably run down the story behind their busts there.

Bill Chiaramonte’s Ultra Light Show will take care of visual effects and the $2.00 admission will go entirely to the switchboard and entertainment committees of Open City.

The Nursery Committee has temporarily given up plans for starting their own school and is making plans for out trips for parents and kids who are interested.

The Nursery Committee’s first event will be an “Easter Egg Roll Party Thing” that will be held on Sunday, April 6, at the Duck Pond in Palmer Park. The festivities will begin at 1 p.m. and adults can come too.

The next meeting for people wanting to work with kids will be at the First Unitarian Church on Saturday April 5 at 1 p.m. Directions for child rearing and other such stuff will be discussed.

LSD (Legal Self Defense) has officially joined the Open City ranks. Alan Gotkin, Fifth Estate editor and co-ordinator for LSD affairs is working through the Communications Company and is running off “What to do if you’re busted” cards. As it stands now, anyone with problems dealing with the law can call the switchboard (831–2770) and get legal advice courtesy of LSD.

The Housing Committee is preparing a letter addressed to Warren-Forest landlords that will notify them of Open City’s housing services. Anyone who needs a place to live can come to the Open City Office (4726 Third) or call the switchboard. The operators have compiled a list of all vacant apts. or homes for rent.

The community can help by calling in any news of vacancies or possible crash pads. The same kind of service applies to the Job Committee. The more jobs that are called in, the better the chances of helping everyone.

Bill Rowe, Fifth Estate and Open City accountant has offered his services for community people. Bill will be at the Open City office Sunday April 13 from 12 to 6 p.m. to help people with last minute tax returns. Donations for Open City will be accepted.

Calls coming into the switchboard range from draft resistance information to queries about medical advice. At least a third of the calls want to know how to help Open City expand. The most obvious way to give your support is to attend the Grande Benefit on the 23^rd. If you can’t do that, check out the ad in this issue that tells you what else to do.