Friday, March 5, 2010

TALENT SHOWCASE RAISES MONEY FOR CLARK PARK & SENDS PERFORMERS TO THE LEGENDARY REGAL THEATER


The Artist Showcase staged at Austin Town Hall Park February 26 by Linda McWright & Umbrella Productions as a benefit to raise money to fund youth programs at Clark Park was a sensational success. Winning performers are going on to appear in CHI-TOWN TONIGHT at The Legendary Regal Theater later this month. DJ Freddy B handled the music and sound, while Gerald Thomas was MC. All the judges were from the entertainment industry.
See the pictures from this and many other events at our Picasa site:
Voice news Pictures

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SCIENCE ON THE GO CLASSROOM ON WHEELS VISITS BRUNSON SCHOOL

After class, Milton Brunson students ask Dr. Oye questions about cell function and illness. (Photo by Brad)

Even Mary Capra, Milton Brunson’s Science Teacher, catches her 4th graders’ enthusiasm learning about cells. (Photo by Brad)

Everyone enjoys the excitement of discovery in the University of Illinois Extension Science On The Go van. (Photo by Brad)

Milton Brunson Math & Science Specialty School 4th graders visit Science On The Go, a laboratory on wheels from the University of Illinois Extension that brought the classroom to them. (Photo by Brad)
Dr. Oyewole Ajifolokun, a veterinarian specializing in small animal health, introduces Brunson 4th graders to cell structure & function through microscopes in the University of Illinois Extension Science On The Go classroom on wheels. (Photo by Brad)

POLICE CHARGE WEST SIDE FELON IN 2008 HOME INVASION

Convicted felon James Garcia was connected to a 2008 home invasion by DNA recovered at the scene and is charged with the crime. 

Investigative diligence and science combined to link a convicted felon to a home invasion on Chicago’s Northwest Side in 2008. James Garcia, 29, of the 4500-block of West Harrison Street, has been charged with two counts of Felony Home Invasion with a Firearm. Police say that sometime during the daylight hours of December 10, 2008, Garcia and an accomplice forced their way into a residence in the 4900-block of West Medill and stole approximately $15,000 worth of jewelry from the residents at gunpoint.
Detectives investigating the scene noticed drops of blood inside the residence, but none of the victims had open wounds. Investigators summoned an evidence technician to process the scene and the technician was able to gather sufficient blood sample evidence to send to the DNA section for further analysis.
A positive DNA match was made for James Garcia, who is currently serving time in Western Illinois Correctional Center for an unrelated weapons conviction. Garcia was brought to Area 5, where he was identified in a police lineup and subsequently charged in the home invasion. Area 5 detectives are actively looking for the second offender in this case. Persons with information may call Area 5 Violent Crimes at 312/746-8282.

NATIONAL POETRY MONTH IS COMING!

Submit Your Work for Publication

Each April, THE VOICE Newspapers dedicate our issues to publishing the original creations of our readers for National Poetry Month. Send us your best works with a brief biography of yourself to: VOICE POETRY, 5236 West North Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60639; or to voicenewspoetry@gmail.com.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE HOLDING AUDITIONS MARCH 18

If you think you have the skills to compete on the FOX-TV hit show So You Think You Can Dance, producers are inviting you to audition for Season 7 on Thursday, March 18, at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 West Randolph Street.
Doors open at 8:00 AM and dancers are asked to stay in Chicago for an extra two days for potential callbacks.
For rules and information, check out Fox.com/dance.

U.S. REP. DAVIS ACCEPTING BLACK CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-7) is now accepting Congressional Black Caucus Scholarship applications for CBC Spouses Education and Cheerios Brand Health Initiative Scholarships, and the Wal-Mart Strive for Excellence Scholarships.
To request a CBC Spouses Scholarship application, contact Congressman Danny K. Davis’ office at 773/533-7520 or visit the CBCF website: www.cbcfinc.org. Choose CBC Spouses and print out an application. Deadline for submitting an application is April 23, 2010, 6:00 PM, to Congressman Danny K. Davis, 3333 West Arthington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60624. Incomplete applications will be returned.

REV. BACHUS URGES LOCAL RESIDENTS TO PROMOTE THE CENSUS

Reverend Reggie Bachus, Pastor of Friendship Baptist Church, is appealing to all local residents to fill out and return the upcoming census forms and to encourage everyone to do likewise. He points out that each man, woman, and child accounts for roughly $12,000 in funding for their community. In the 2000 census, it is estimated that less than 50% of the residents of Austin were counted. Across the country, African Americans are responding to the census survey at a 60% rate, compared to the 78% response rates for whites.
The census helps determine funding for our community for education, transportation, social services, housing, health care, parks and recreation. It also determines our representation in Congress, the state legislature, and the city council.
We are asking every church in Austin to participate in CENSUS SUNDAY on MARCH 28 by providing an opportunity to have census survey forms available and to set aside time for the congregation to fill them out.
Census Surveys are being mailed out in mid-March and the official Census Day is April 1, 2010.
We also urge everyone to join the Austin Complete Count Committee meeting weekly at Friendship Baptist Church, 5200 West Jackson Boulevard. The next meetings are Thursday, March 11, 3:30 PM; Thursday, March 18, 6:00 PM; and Thursday, March 25, 3:30 PM. Join in the crusade to get everyone counted.
For information on the Austin Complete Count Committee and what you can do, call Pastor Bachus at 773/227-8478.