Oakton Community College students give Evanston café a makeover

Most college students would love a three-day break for some needed rest and relaxation.

However, during the recent Labor Day weekend, nearly 20 students from Oakton Community College's Habitat for Humanity chapter rolled up their sleeves, climbed ladders and got out the paint brushes to give Curt's Café in Evanston a needed touch up by painting its dining room, customer service area and bathrooms.

Oakton Habitat Advisor Marvin Bornschlegl recently discovered the café was looking for painters. Executive Director and Oakton alumna Susan Trieschmann runs the nonprofit café, assisted by three professionals - a manager, chef, and social worker. However, the service staff primarily consists of at-risk youth who work at Curt's in order to learn vital job and life skills and to earn a much-needed paycheck.

"Our chapter has done other painting projects in the community," Bornschlegl said. "I thought this would be a perfect opportunity to strengthen ties in Oakton's district. Also, it helps build relationships between college students by working together."

"Marvin was a life saver for all of us at Curt's Café," Trieschmann said. "He took the ball and ran with it by getting the paint, the tape and ladders. Marvin was able to motivate young people to paint over a holiday weekend for people they may never have met. I was able to stop by and watch the process. It was truly amazing to watch Marvin inspire the members of his young crew."

Oakton's Habitat members said they didn't mind sacrificing part of their long weekend to get their hands and clothes smeared with paint. In fact, the students were able to complete the project in two days.

The first day involved prep work, including priming, spreading drop cloths and masking the rooms with painting tape. Volunteers worked more than 12 hours to finish the painting the following day.

"This was a great first event of the semester for our organization," said Tim Pace, Habitat member and Skokie resident. "The place was bigger than I thought. However, when we finished, I felt a sense of accomplishment that we made a difference by improving the atmosphere of the café that plays such an important role in the community."

In addition to the college's Habitat for Humanity chapter, Oakton offers more than 40 clubs and organization under the Office of Student Life, providing an array of opportunities for students to stay active and engaged in the community.