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ALDERMAN GRAHAM RESPONDS TO CONCERNS ABOUT OPENING OF EASY CASH SOLUTIONS

I would like to thank the Galewood residents who came to my community meeting on Tuesday, February 19, to express their concerns about the proposed opening of Easy Cash solutions at 6434 West North Avenue. Specifically, residents worried about the negative aesthetic impact of another pawn shop along North Avenue, and whether such a business could possibly attract a criminal element.There were several factors I took into consideration when writing my letter in support of Austin Bank’s efforts to secure this business as a tenant. First, the space at 6434 W. North Avenue had been vacant for five years. Second, I learned that Easy Cash Solutions is a publicly-traded company that would bring up to 17 jobs to the community and provide employees health care benefits and 401(k) retirement plans. Third, after speaking to both the Chicago and Oak Park Police Departments, I learned that notwithstanding the existence of other pawn shops in the area, the Galewood community is one of their safest beats. This fact was corroborated publicly by the 25^th District Commander at the February meeting. Fourth, Cash America, a business similar to Easy Cash Solutions, has been located in Oak Park for 15 years with no incident reported to me by the Oak Park Police and has been fully compliant with Oak Park authorities.Nevertheless, I do recognize and take to heart the concerns raised in February’s meeting. As such, I have begun working with officials from Easy Cash Solutions to install specific safeguards before opening this business in accordance with the exact concerns raised by residents. At the meeting, I made a commitment to assemble a compliance committee composed of law enforcement, business, and community members to oversee its opening. I will announce the members of this new committee shortly.I am also in the process of developing a coalition of residents from Oak Park and Galewood to help develop the North Avenue corridor, as well as a broader group that will address the business corridors on Madison, Division, and Chicago Avenues. From these groups, I can elicit more ideas and suggestions for bringing in the kind of businesses we would all like to see.In the meantime, I thank the concerned residents again for their candor and pledge to work with residents across the 29^th Ward to ensure their input with respect to future business development.                   
Sincerely,
Alderman Deborah Graham 29^th Ward

KING’S KLOSET IS A ROYAL TREASURE TROVE OF UNIQUE & AFFORDABLE CHILDREN’S FASHIONS

Genetta’s friend, children’s artist Toni Cacciatore, has taken over a corner of King’s Kloset for a studio and creates portraits to order. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

On Oak Park’s quiet Harrison Street in what’s known as the Arts District of the village, is a little storefront shop you might not notice if you aren’t looking for it. But, your satisfaction makes the search for King’s Kloset well worth the effort.

Located at 144 Harrison Street, King’s Kloset is a unique children’s boutique opened last November 1 by Genetta Jackson. She founded her shop after discovering her passion through the joy she derived from seeking out affordable designer clothes for her son, King Jonathan Jackson, now 2 years old, for whom the store is named.

What began as an overextended shopping habit has turned into an enthusiastic business venture. Jackson has a knack for finding fun, trendy, upscale and even collectible pieces for kids. Recently, she came across a rare vintage Mickey Mouse sweater. Jackson’s eye for children’s fashion is an asset to other parents who love saving time and shopping locally for their little ones. Offering personal shopping services as an extension of her talents, Jackson understands the importance of great products that will last through children’s tough wear and laundering in the washing machine.

Conveniently located on the corner of Harrison and Lombard Streets, King’s Kloset is open daily from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and also by appointment. The boutique includes clothing, accessories, shoes, and small toys. Currently setting up her easel in King’s Kloset is artist Toni Cacciatore, who specializes in children’s portraits and personal illustrations, adding to the creative atmosphere of this charming child & parent shopping experience.

When asked about her hopes for the future, Jackson states that she would like to continue to find fashionable treasures to fill her boutique and is collaborating with other business owners to spread the profitability, stage fashion shows, and work with charities that support children’s causes. Jackson accepts items on consignment and scours special clothing sales for rarely-seen items. She enjoys taking orders from parents and grandparents looking for that perfect hat, sweater, dress, or outfit. 

With Easter a week away, stop in or call to see if Genetta has what you’re looking for or knows where to find it in the size your child needs. Be careful, through, if you stop in to browse King’s Kloset, you may forget what you were looking for and fall in love with what you find – just like Genetta Jackson did when she found it and put it in her shop!

Encouraging people to shop locally, Genetta emphasizes her motto: You never know what you will find in the King’s Kloset!

To check on up-to-date inventory, add the shop to instagram @ kingskloset, LIKE them on Facebook, or call 312/798-9049.

FIRST BAPTIST INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH THROWS FESTIVE PRE-VALENTINE’S DAY BREAKFAST

FIRST BAPTIST INSTITUTIONAL CHURCH THROWS FESTIVE PRE-VALENTINE’S DAY BREAKFAST

The First Baptist Institutional Kitchen Committee with Sis. Barbara Holt and Deacon Coleman hard at work preparing the Pre-Valentine’s Day Breakfast at the church. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

Rev. Jonas Watson, Youth Director, with some of the young people of First Baptist Institutional Church at the Pre-Valentine’s Day Breakfast. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

Pastor Aaron Brasfield goes over final arrangements with his staff for the Pre-valentine’s Day Breakfast held at First Baptist Institutional Church, 4220 W. 18^th St. 

(Photo by Marilyn Hampton)