The Voice Newspapers, Serving Chicago's West Side: 2010-03-21

Friday, March 26, 2010

CHEVY & JAYNI CHASE TEAM WITH AL RABY STUDENTS TO SAVE PLANET EARTH

Comedian Chevy Chase & his wife Jayni meet staff and volunteers of the MGR Foundation that works with Al Raby students to advance the green initiative. (Photo by Brad)

Hollywood and Chicago’s Garfield Park community came together to save our planet. No, this isn’t the plot of a Chevy Chase movie, but he is involved. Comedian Chevy Chase and his wife, Jayni, came to Al Raby High School, 3545 West Fulton Street, to launch a new green community schools initiative. Jayni has been involved in the ecology movement for over 20 years and is a board member of the Chicago-based MGR Foundation, whose staff has been working with Al Raby students for several months, sensitizing them to ecological issues and teaching them sustainable methods they can apply in their daily lives.
    Al Raby is the first school selected for this program. For the kick-off, attended by Mayor Daley, students researched energy-saving proposals for each room in the house, as well as the yard and community. The students conducted an energy audit at the school and computed monetary savings from conservation, as well as the benefits to the planet from reducing their carbon footprints.
    Chevy and Jayni Chase expressed admiration for the students’ enthusiasm and said the success of the initiative is up to them. The Chases made a five-year commitment to the school and its green initiative.
    Raby students held a community recycling event, collecting old cell phones, used and unwanted batteries and light bulbs. The Citizens Utility Board provided CFL bulbs to give out at the green initiative launch. More conservation and consciousness-raising events are planned in the future promoting ecology.

Al Raby students in pajamas demonstrate the energy conservation steps that can be taken in the bedroom. (Photo by Brad)

Al Raby students gather around Mayor Daley and a rain barrel. (Photo by Brad)

These students provide all kinds of suggestions for making your bathroom ecological and economical. (Photo by Brad)

Mayor Daley talks green with comic actor Chevy Chase and his wife Jayni, kicking off the Green Community Schools Initiative at Al Raby High School. (Photo by Brad)

The helmets may be nerdy, but the savings in dollars and to the environment from biking rather than driving or taking the bus are quite attractive, according to these Al Raby students who crunched the numbers. (Photo by Brad)

Al Raby students consider conservation in the utility room, including installing energy-efficient windows. (Photo by Brad)

ON THE COVER: ST. ANGELA STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR SCHOLARSHIP & ATHLETICS

Winning 5th graders in the St. Angela Spelling Bee: Stephen Smith (1st), Tim Gant (2nd) & Kurtisha Singleton (3rd). (Photo by Brad)

    Students at St. Angela Elementary School, 1334 North Massasoit Avenue, earned gold medals at the Illinois Junior Academy of Science Region 2 competition. Deja Coleman, 7th grade, studied the question, Can Paper Chromatography Identify Different Black Inks? She won a trip to the State Finals in Champaign, plus $110 in prize money and designation as a Woman In Chemistry.
    Cierra Robinson, 7th grade, studied How Does Increased Electrical Current Affect the Brightness of Red LEDs? She is also competing at the State Science Fair. Isril Parker, 8th grade, prepared his project on, The Effect of different Wavelengths of Light on Current Produced by a Solar Cell. He won a monetary award of $50.
    St. Angela Spelling Bee winners for 5th grade are: Stephen Smith (1st Place), Tim Gant (2nd Place), and Kurtisha Singleton (3rd Place). Spelling Bee winners for 4th grade are: Kaelen Wright (1st Place), Asianna Martin (2nd Place), and Matthew Gardner (3rd Place). Winners of the 3rd grade Spelling Bee are: Kendarius Ellis (1st Place), Kimbria Brown (2nd Place), and Reyna Murphy (3rd Place).
    The St. Angela Wildcats Junior Varsity Basketball Team (4th, 5th, & 6th graders) won the Westside Catholic League championship with a 7-2 overall season record. Volunteer Coaches Ted Donahue, Claybourn Taylor, and Tavius Cooks, Sr., helped guide the team to its championship season. Cedric Redmond is Most Valuable Player and Stephen Smith and Dominic Coleman are Team Captains.
    Twenty student members of the Trinity High School-River Forest Advertising & Design Team (TAD) volunteered to work with St. Angela’s graduating 8th grade class to help them design banners and a Tee Shirt to commemorate the upcoming milestone. Ms Viki Siliunas is the Art Teacher for Trinity High School. Ms Lauren Fiorenno is St. Angela’s Art Teacher.

Cierra Robinson, 7th grade, won gold in the Ill. Junior Acad. Of Science Region 2 City Finals for her project examining, “How Does Increased Electrical Current Affect the Brightness of Red LEDs?” She is heading to Champaign to compete in the State Finals. (Photo by Brad)

Trinity High School’s Advertising & Design Team help St. Angela 8th graders create banners for graduation. (Photo by Brad)

The Westside Catholic League Champion St. Angela Wildcats 4th, 5th & 6th grade basketball team, with Coaches Ted Donahue & Claybourn Taylor. Coach Tavius Cooks, Sr., is not shown. (Photo by Brad)

GARFIELD PARK/HOMAN SQUARE LITTLE LEAGUE FORMING

Registration is open for the Garfield Park/Homan Square Little League Baseball 2010 season. Boys and girls ages 5-16 are eligible to play. Opening Day is Saturday, May 1. Volunteers and coaches are needed. To register a child and for information, call Coach Shawn Walker at 312/719-4441 or visit www.teamz.com/garfieldparkbaseball, or e-mail garfieldparkbaseball@yahoo.com. In-person registration is being held every Saturday through April 17. Call for details.
First Round Baseball Academy is conducting free training and workouts every Saturday from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM at Homan Square Park, 3559 West Arthington Street. Contact Coach Frank Brim.

STONE TEMPLE HOSTING WOMEN’S CONFERENCE MARCH 26 & 27

Stone Temple Church, 3622 West Douglas Boulevard, is presenting its 2010 Women’s Conference, entitled Women of Divine Perfection. Bishop and Pastor Derrick and Rishorna Fitzpatrick are hosting the event.
    The conference opens on Friday, March 26, at 7:00 PM, with a Worship Explosion. On Saturday, March 27, the day’s events begin at 9:00 AM with a continental breakfast, a session of praise and worship, and breakout sessions throughout the day.
    Pastor Idella Fullwood of Mt. Pleasant Church, Clinton, North Carolina; Pastor Connie Brooks of Jubilee International Ministries, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and First Lady Veronica Gentry of Newbirth-Spartanburg, Spartanburg, South Carolina, are scheduled guest speakers.
    Registration fee is $25.00, payable by cash or check. For information and registration, call Kimberly Rickmon at 773/762-0013.

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.

PEN> SWORD

EYES ON AUSTIN REGISTERING RESIDENTS FOR LIHEAP

Funding is still available for people who have not yet applied for LIHEAP assistance since September 2009. Eyes On Austin is registering people for the heating assistance program at 5519 West North Avenue.

Applicants must bring Social Security cards for all household members, award letters from SSA or SSI, current gas and light bills, and pay stubs for the past 30 days. For information, call 773/479-1569

CLARK PARK STARTING NEW SESSION OF STEP AEROBICS CLASSES

Step Aerobics classes are now forming at Clark Park, 4615 West Jackson Boulevard, for people 18 years and older. Classes meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6:30-7:30 PM. Cost is $15.
Remember, summer is right around the corner and you want to fit into those warm weather fashions! Shape up and slim down. Call 773/287-7794 for information.

CENTER FOR EFFECTIVE DISCIPLINE REWARDS ST. ANGELA STUDENTS FOR ESSAYS

FATHERS WHO CARE HOSTS EMPOWERMENT FORUM FOR MEN & WOMEN

A lady in the audience asks a question of the panel of experts during the Fathers Who Care forum. (Photo by Deacon Stephen Dunn)

Rev. Walter Jones, founder of Fathers Who Care, moderates a discussion at the Men’s & Women’s Empowerment Forum. Panel members include: (from left) Rev. Dr. Marshall E. Hatch; clinical psychologist Dr. Alicia LaHoz; fathers’ rights attorney Jeffrey Leving; author & relationship specialist Dr. Michael James; and UIC communications specialist Patricia Bates. (Photo by Deacon Stephen Dunn)

CCA ACADEMY STUDENT ART EXHIBIT CLOSING APRIL 3 WITH GALA RECEPTION

The Community Christian Alternative Academy Invitational Exhibit 2010 at Murphy-Hill Gallery, 3333 West Arthington Street, on the 3rd floor of the historic Sears-Roebuck Headquarters building is a combined effort of the school, the gallery, and Art Forms 22, Murphy-Hill’s nonprofit educational center. This exhibition includes visual art by students attending three high schools: CCA Academy, Youth Connections Leadership Academy, and Innovations High School of Arts Integration. Each is a campus of the Youth Connections Charter School. The exhibition opened February 13.
The exhibit is closing with a reception on Saturday, April 3, 6:00-9:00 PM. Events include student art discussions, poetry readings, and original one-act plays. The public is invited to attend this closing reception, experience the original art, and meet the student artists.

MORE THAN 300 PEOPLE TURN OUT FOR EMPLOYMENT AT 37th WARD JOB FAIR

Every ten years, the Census hires people to count all Americans. This is the year and they came out to promote the process and hire some workers. (Photo by Brad)

Jimmy Akintonde, President of UJAMAA Construction, Inc., with Ald. Emma Mitts & Rev. Robinson at the 37th Ward Job Fair. He is General Contractor for the Wal-Mart expansion & is seeking workers for the project. (Photo by Brad)

Coca-Cola, another 37th ward business, uses Ald. Mitts’ Job Fair to recruit employees. (Photo by Brad)

The new Menard’s store on Kostner needs workers, so they came out to the 37th Ward Job fair to recruit. (Photo by Brad)

Wal-Mart is recruiting workers for its only Chicago store and used the 37th Ward Job Fair to put out the word. (Photo by Brad)

The Chicago Park District participates in Ald. Emma Mitts’ Job Fair to recruit employees. (Photo by Brad)

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 134, uses the 37th Ward Job Fair to let people know about rewarding careers as electricians. (Photo by Brad)

Ald. Emma Mitts chats with neighbors, friends & constituents at her Job Fair. More than 300 people came out to see who is hiring. (Photo by Brad)

Avon is always seeking dynamic salespeople. (Photo by Brad)

ST. ANGELA STUDENTS RECOGNIZED FOR SCHOLARSHIP & ATHLETICS

Deja Coleman, 7th grade, is on her way to the Ill. Junior Acad. of Science State Final competition for her research project, “Can Paper Chromatography identify Different Black Inks?” She was awarded $110 in prize money and was named a Woman In Chemistry. (Photo by Brad)

Isril Parker, 8th grade, won gold at the Junior Academy of Science competition, plus a $50 prize for his research asking, “What is the Effect of Different Wavelengths of Light on Current Produced by a Solar Cell?” (Photo by Brad)

Winners of the 4th grade Spelling Bee are: Kaelen Wright (1st), Asianna Martin (2nd) & Matthew Gardner (3rd). (Photo by Brad)

Winners of the 3rd grade Spelling Bee are: Kendarius Ellis (1st) & Kimbria Brown (2nd). Reyna Murphy (not shown) placed 3rd. (Photo by Brad)

Members of the Trinity River Forest High School Advertising & Design Team and St. Angela Art Teacher Lauren Fiorenno work with graduating 8th graders to develop a class Tee Shirt. (Photo by Brad)

Trinity High School’s Advertising & Design Team help St. Angela 8th graders create banners for graduation. (Photo by Brad)

NOTES FROM THE DEACON

Tune in every Saturday night for the nation’s first syndicated steppin’ TV show: STEP ON IT, at 10:30 PM on DISH Channel 9407 – The Colours TV Network. The program is hosted by The Deacon.
To advertise on STEP ON IT, call 1-888-725-0359. STEP ON IT is seeking energetic Advertising Sales Reps. Call today and start your high-income television career today!
Persons interested in becoming a Mason or Eastern Star, call Bro. Beck at 312/494-2620.

ROCK OF AGES CHURCH PRESENTING FREE EASTER CONCERT APRIL 3

Pastor Marvin E. Wiley and Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood are presenting an Easter Celebration Concert on Saturday, April 3, 6:00 PM, at 1309 Madison Street in Maywood. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
The program features combined choirs, Voices of Praise, Celebration of Life, plus the Youth and Children’s Choirs. The event also features speeches and poems performed by the Precious Lambs Children’s Ministry.

OPEN MIC/POETRY READING AT AUSTIN BRANCH LIBRARY

The Austin Branch Library, 5615 West Race Avenue, is hosting an Open Mic/Poetry Reading on Saturday, March 30, 2:00 PM. Everyone is invited to attend and perform their original works or enjoy the creativity of others. For information, call 312/746-5038.

CONCERN ORGANIZATION WHO CAREs HELPING YOUNG WEST SIDERS APPLY FOR SUMMER JOBS

Concern Organization Who Cares is opening its office at 5902 West North Avenue during Spring Vacation to assist young people ages 14-24 to apply for summer jobs through Mayor Daley’s Youth Ready Chicago. Help in filing on-line applications is being provided April 5-8 from 10:00 AM to 12 Noon daily.
    The jobs include all City and Chicago Park District positions, plus employment in the private sector, paid internships, and apprenticeships.
    Applicants under 18 need to bring a parent or guardian to give permission and all applicants need to provide their Social Security number and present their student ID, if they are attending school.
    There is no charge for assistance provided in applying for Youth Ready Chicago jobs.

REPORT FROM ALDERMAN EMMA MITTS

Ald. Mitts Urges All to Stay Updated & Safe Via the CHI311 Mobile App Also Stay Safe with Smart 911

As your Alderwoman, and as the 2023 holiday season draws near, I encourage everyone to use the city’s CHI311 Mobile App. This great new app helps you create new requests, explore other neighborhoods, and track requests you submit. You can also receive benefits from many city partners! Also, check out the Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OMEC) Smart911 Program. This city initiative provides accurate, timely and effective dispatch of crisis emergency resources. Smart911 is available to all residents and visitors in the city of Chicago. Are you Aware of CHI311 Mobile App and Smart911? Sign Up for Both - it’s Easy & Convenient Sign up for the CHI311 Mobile App at www.311.Chicago.gov and Smart911 at www.Smart911.com or download the free apps in the iTunes & Google Play stores now. Get life-saving capabilities at your fingertips, 24/7. Have You Heard About Smart911? Smart911 is a free, online platform allowing users to securely enter important medical and household information in their Safety Profile to help plan ahead for an emergency situation. This information automatically displays for dispatchers when the user dials 9-1-1. Currently, over 32 million people use Smart911 nationwide to stay safe. How can Smart911 keep your family safe? 75% of 911 calls today come from cell phones, which sometimes challenges operators to determine exact locations of emergencies. Seconds Count! Create a Smart911 Safety Profile with current information. 911 dispatch staff can better quickly assist you and your family in an emergency. Create your Safety Profile, including: • Allergies – Anyone in your family have food or medication allergies? 911 dispatchers can immediately inform first responders. • Autism - Is your child Autistic? Do they wander or hide when scared? Upload a photo and physical description of your child makes them easier to locate in emergencies. • Alzheimer’s - Parents /older relatives have Alzheimer’s or dementia? First responders can respond more quickly. • Animals - Pets? Smart911 helps firefighters safely rescue everyone, including pets. • Hearing Impairments - Loved ones who are deaf, hearing-impaired or nonverbal? 9-1-1 operators can initiate Safety Profiles to send text messages to offset disconnected calls or poor cell phone coverage. • Critical Info – List current medications, disabilities, home layout, emergency contacts, and more.

Non-English-speaking Chicagoans? Add Information in any language and Smart911 will automatically translate it. This way, 911 can immediately engage language interpreters for residents in emergencies. Got a question or concern? For more information, contact the 37th Ward Alderman’s Office at 773-379-0960 or ward37@cityofchicago.org.

AS I SEE IT By Representative La Shawn K. Ford

Violence and Mental Health

The epidemic of violence continues to destroy families and communities in Chicago. We need mental health support to match the police deployment on the South and West sides of Chicago.
At least 108 people were shot and 17 were killed in Chicago over the 2021 Fourth of July weekend, according to the Chicago Tribune. This compares with last year during the pandemic, when 79 people were shot and 15 were killed over the 2020 Fourth of July weekend, according to the Chicago Sun-Times.
Whenever there are killings in schools or workplaces, trauma support is routinely sent in to help the people directly impacted by the acts of violence. The city of Chicago continues to experience deadly violence, and there has been little to no mental health response for the people affected in our communities.
In addition, I believe in the public health approach to violence, which sees violence as being preventable, not inevitable. We must curb violence and stop it before it starts. Preventing violence is not solely a punitive approach. We need a comprehensive approach to prevent violence, starting with immediate deployment of state, county, and city of health departments to organize and bring in mental health support for the communities impacted by ongoing violence. We must strengthen the work of violence interrupters who are working now by augmenting their work with mental health outreach trauma workers.
Although Black and Latino people have similar rates of behavioral health disorders as the general population, they have substantially lower access to mental health and substance use treatment services, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). In 2018, 69.4% of Black and 67.1% of Hispanic adults with any mental illness reported receiving NO treatment the previous year compared with 56.7% of the overall US population, according to a recent SAMHSA report.
However, we must not stigmatize those with mental illnesses. Studies have repeatedly shown that the majority of individuals with mental illness are not violent, and that the majority of violent acts are not committed by those with mental illness, according to a 2020 review by Emilee Green of the Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority (ICJIA). The MacArthur Violence Risk Assessment Study, one of the most robust and detailed studies examining the link between mental illness and risk for violence, found after controlling for a co-occurring substance use disorder, those with mental illness had no greater risk of violence than those without mental illness.
I like to quote Rashad K. Saafir, Ph.D., President & CEO of the Bobby E. Wright Comprehensive Behavioral Health, because what he says is so important. Dr. Saafir says, “It is time that we recognize that violence in Black and Brown communities is deeply rooted in historical and cultural factors including racism and ethnocultural discrimination. These factors have produced social and environmental conditions that impair the ability of some Black and Brown people to contribute productively to the community. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), mental health is “a state of well-being in which the individual realizes his or her own abilities, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community.”
So, what can be done? In the review by Emilee Green, in contrast with risk factors that increase the likelihood of violent behavior, protective factors work to prevent or deter violent behavior. The American Psychological Association notes that factors such as a person’s family, career, and home environment can reduce risk of violence. Other protective factors may include religious beliefs, positive peer relationships, and involvement in prosocial activities. For those with mental illness, the strongest protective factor may be effective behavioral health treatment. What is considered effective may vary person to person, but effective treatment plans often include psychotherapy, medication, lifestyle changes (e.g., exercising, eating healthy), illness self-management (e.g., developing coping skills, setting goals for recovery), and joining support groups.
Fazel and colleagues (2010) noted that for those with substance use disorders, treatment may be the most protective against violent behavior due to the strong relationship between these disorders and violence. Receiving integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders can reduce substance use and increase motivation for treatment in persons with mental illness.
Violence is something that impacts all of us directly or indirectly, and it will take all of us working together to save lives in Chicago by paying attention to treatment and protective factors, while effectively bringing trauma care to the families that have been so greatly affected by violence.

For more information, contact one of Ford’s Constituent Service Offices: 816 S. Oak Park Avenue in Oak Park at 708-445-3673, 4800 W. Chicago Avenue in Chicago at 773-378-5902 or in the Stratton Office Building in Springfield at 217-782-5962, or visit www.lashawnford.com.

What Does God Have To Do With It? Who’s Running It?By Angie Mims

WAR

“I’m not religious in any way, but this is the closest I have felt to God in my entire life! Fantastic service! I wish we had these in Australia!” – Marcus Backman

These are the words of an Australian man who witnessed via YouTube, a snippet of the potent anointing that rests within the hands of Willie James Jones Jr. With close to one million views, Dr. E. Dewey Smith, senior pastor of The House of Hope in Atlanta and Macon, Georgia, marveled as Jones Jr. seamlessly graced the keys of a Hammond B3 organ.
Hailing from Chicago, Jones Jr. is the proud product of Pastor Willie and Loretta Jones Sr. At fourteen years of age, his interest in music reached a monumental mark as he admired his mother’s ability to play the piano. Through unrelenting determination, Jones Jr. mastered the art of atmospheric change through the conduit of music. And while many effective artists have the capability of changing an environment, it is Jones Jr.’s zeal to change the atmosphere for the glory of God that makes him stand out from the rest.
When Pastor Emeritus Charles Jenkins of Fellowship Baptist Church in Chicago saw an unmatched gift within Jones Jr. and began collaborating with him, this professional bond took his musical aim to heights that only a sovereign God could achieve. With an outstanding fusion of both music and technology, he was able to impact many globally. Billboard hits like “War” and “Awesome” are just some of the songs that he’s helped arrange.
Jones Jr. is extremely creative. He’s been a part of great projects with artists such as Anita Wilson, Erica Campbell, Kevin Vasser and many others. Needless to say, his zeal remains the same. Whether he’s in London, Barbados, Italy or in his hometown, Chicago, he remains planted in the gospel genre. Perhaps this is why he’s been able to laugh it up with iconic actors such as Chris Tucker or why he’s able to be a part of national programs such as Cathy Hughes’ Urban One Honors. He now knows, without fail, that his immense gift is because of God our Father.
So, what does God have to do with it? All of his accomplishments haven’t been itemized in this article and yet, you better believe war was inevitable in his journey. From health complications, family challenges and career decisions, Satan has certainly tried to wear him down.
From time to time, Jones Jr. will reference “the dark room.” In these dark rooms are thoughts that many aren’t privileged to see. Not many know of the inner struggles that successful people have to face. It’s true – we see their glory but we don’t know their story. We don’t always get the chance to witness the tears that stream down their face in private times. We don’t always get the chance to experience their fleeting moments of defeat. Nor do we get the chance to journey to the “dark places” that many impactful artists like Jones Jr. have had to travel – alone.
As a graduate of Chicago State University, receiving his Bachelor of Arts degree in Music Education, he will tell you, much like Langston Hughes, “life for me ain’t been no crystal stair.” And yet, Jones Jr. decided to wage war in the spirit realm. He’s taken ownership of his own missteps and isn’t quick to always point the finger.
Often times, in the midst of intense projects, he will speak words of affirmation, declaring victory before it’s been won. His life often times epitomizes Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers’ declaration, “Encourage Yourself.” With prayer and the inner strength of a king, given to him by God, he continues to press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Conceivably, we can take a chapter from Willie James Jones Jr.’s book – you want success? Be willing to wage a war to preserve what God has given you – life. Even the unsaved will marvel at the warrior within.

Angie Mims is a radio personality for the Promoting Precision Radio Show. She has interviewed many greats on her show such as NBC 5’s Art Norman, CLTV News Dr. Garrard McClendon, Dr. Jamal Harrison Bryant, Ebony Magazine’s Senior Editor, Lynn Norment, the former president of Nigeria, General Olesugun Obasanjo, NBA players and many others. Visit her online at www.promotingprecision.com. Angie loves to meet new people and is in a constant attempt to unite people from all over the world. If you have a great story, don’t hesitate! Email her at AngieMims@PromotingPrecision.com today! You may also call (708)-612-4864. Support The Austin Voice Newspaper and let them know your thoughts about her column.

REACHING BEYOND THE WALLS By Reverend Dr. T.C. Thomas, Sr. Pastor

SON Rise!

Grace and peace to you all! As we are preparing to celebrate resurrection Sunday, we should be excited about HIS story. Jesus came to share his ministry of redemption thus allowing anyone who asks him for salvation will receive it. John 3:16 says, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him may not perish but may have eternal life.” Jesus came to be the light of the world and to spread the good news of His saving grace.
We are thrust into this season and how amazing that we are alive to march towards Easter. When the SON rises, the sun will shine no matter what the struggles or the issues, God is still on the throne. As we prepare to celebrate this Easter service, remember the extreme sacrifice that Jesus endured for us to have the right to the tree of life. He hung, bled and died, then rose again for us all. Don’t let this praise moment and opportunity pass you by. Worship and praise His name!

Stay rooted and grounded in Him!

Rev. Dr. T.C. Thomas is the Pastor of Walls Memorial C.M.E. Church, 200 S. Sacramento Blvd., on Chicago’s west Side. He is a strong advocate for children, education, healthcare and most of all the people of God “being better and not bitter.” Rev. Thomas is the author of the young reader series: “Who Am I Really?” and “Me and My Crew, Change is Coming.” Copies may be purchased by contacting the church office. Rev. Dr. Thomas may be contacted at 773-533-2721.

A Call To Action: By Reverend Charles C. Brown, Ph.D. - Pastor, New Heaven Christian Church

You Do Not Have To Bash Your Ex To Get Over The Relationship

I am often amazed at how quickly our perspectives change after the relationship ends. When times were good, we dare not speak an ill word regarding our love interest. However, after the relationship deteriorated, the conversation transformed into a profound discourse of character assassination. Suddenly, he was no good, or she was not wife material. He was a cheater, or she was the devil’s spawn. Before the foundation began to crumble, our significant other was the apple of our eyes, and the best thing to happen to us since sliced bread. Now, all of a sudden, all men are dogs, or all women are gold diggers. However, he or she is the same person who used to make our hearts race, and our lips utter melodious words of praise, affection, and adoration.
Truthfully, the only thing that changed is our relationship’s status. The person is still the same, which is why we are so angry in the first place. Internally, we feel like we were lied to or disappointed, and frustrations were born. Now, our shattered dreams are staring us in the face, and our only reasonable course of action is a verbal attack. It is out of deep emotional hurt and pain that jilted lovers lash out, and it is this same emotional pain that verbally pierces our victim’s heart like a double-edged sword. At this point, we cut a little deeper with each spoken phrase, and we feel a little better as we unleash our wrath. We tell our stories to anyone willing to listen, and secretly, we hope the words get back to the ears of our intended target.
Nevertheless, verbal attacks are often counterproductive, and emotional pain often produces toxic speech. These are hate-filled words intended to inflict a tremendous amount of pain, and the phrase hurt people hurt others is one of the most accurate statements that humanity has ever uttered. It is not only universal, but it clearly explains the intense emotions you experience whenever you find yourself in a heated argument, debate, or venting session. At this point, your words escape your lips long before the brain has time to process what we are saying. In turn, we often say too much, go too far, and later regret how we said it.
Therefore, the key to healing is learning how to redirect this negative energy into a positive outlet, which means accepting our situation for what it is. If we believe dating our ex-significant other was a poor choice at the end of the relationship, it stands to reason that they were the same way before the relationship began. Nevertheless, something attracted us to them in the first place, so we do not have the luxury of bashing or belittling someone we chose. Considering this, we must learn how to deal with our emotions and grow from our experiences.
Dragging our ex-lover’s name through the mud or vilifying an entire gender serves us no purpose. Furthermore, if they were flawed, and we were with them. What does that say about us? If we are hurt, disappointed, or upset, say that, but do not stay there. Heal from within, focus on the future, and do not look back. If the relationship is truly over, then we must live like it is.
Pastor of New Heaven Christian Church, Professor of Psychology, author, columnist, Illinois 8th District Chair of Higher Education, Member of the Westside Heroin/Opioid Task Force, Co-Chair for the 37th Ward Pastors Alliance, Member of the New Baptist Ministers Fellowship, Prior Member of Prosser Career Academy’s LSC, and Prior Member of the Board of Directors for the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund.

Pastor of New Heaven Christian Church, Professor of Psychology, Advisor to State Representative LaShawn K. Ford, Illinois 8th District Chair of Higher Education, Co-Chair for the 37th Ward Pastors Alliance, member of the New Baptist Ministers Fellowship, and Board of Directors for the Chicago Low-Income Housing Trust Fund.

JESUS FREEWAY EXPRESS by Apostle/Prophet Emanuel Dada

A REPLY TO IMMORALITY ON FACEBOOK

Greetings my Dear Brethren, Note: The message I sent to facebook below in response to evil videos of women totally nude (naked) with nothing on, even having sex with men on facebook. Please read on: Today’s very important message is for my Dear Sisters who 2 days ago exposed themselves to the whole world in Total nudity (Naked); even showing sexual activity video on Facebook without regard for the moral values of Facebook and its public users in general. Dear Sisters in public nudity on Facebook, Be aware of The Living God for He created you In His own image In Holiness ------- Do not pollute your body with sexual immoralities (indecent exposure of your ladyship, note Galatians 5:19--21). God calls you Special and He will not tolerate another Sodom and Gomorrah which was destroyed by God due to their extreme sexual public immoralities. If your Facebook sexual exposure is for money; you can be sure that Father God will supply all your needs according to His riches in Glory by Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:19). Don’t yield to the devil (Satan) to deceive you and lure you to commit these abominations (sins) in order to get you destroyed in hell with his demons torturing you while satan himself laughs at you saying, “l fool you.” Stop, Stop, Stop! Repent, change to be Forgiven by God. Run to Jesus Today before you die in the sins --- then it is too late. So many regrets in hell because No pardon (No Forgiveness of sins) by God in hell ---it is too late!!! and the devil (satan) knows it. God loves you. Don’t hurt His feelings any longer. Turn your life around Now. Jesus is waiting to welcome you back to God --- Make God happy with you; Run to Jesus Today. Be born again.Tell the loser (satan) to go to hell with his demon workers of hell, and run away from him. Don’t follow him to suffer forever and ever --- Big Regrets. T’is time to Repent and clean up!!! Jesus is the way, the truth and the life (John 14:6). Start Reading The Word (Bible). God wants to speak to you Today --- You will be happy to hear from your Heavenly father God. Start Reading Psalm 23 of The Bible. Jesus loves you and God bless you. In the vineyard of Christ, Jesus is my strength and hope. Your brother In Christ, Apostle/Prophet & (Mrs.) Evangelist Dada. As always, please call for prayer support at (630)965-0256. God bless. Apostle/Prophet E. Dada.

For Prayer support, please call me at (630) 965-0056. Thanks and God bless. Pastor (Senior Apostle/Prophet) Emanuel Dada.

Dr. James Poulos Presents:

Teeth Grinding

“Keep a stiff upper lip” or “get a grip!” That’s often the advice we get—and give—on how to cope with stress. If you take it literally, the result could be grinding your teeth or clenching your jaws. It’s called bruxism, and often it happens as you sleep.
Teeth grinding can be caused not just by stress and anxiety but by sleep disorders, an abnormal bite or teeth that are missing or crooked. A study in the November 2016 issue of the Journal of the American Dental Association suggests that teeth grinding is also associated with alcohol and tobacco use. People who drink alcohol and smokers are approximately twice as likely to grind their teeth.

The symptoms of teeth grinding include:
• dull headaches
• jaw soreness
• teeth that are painful or loose
• fractured teeth

Your dentist can fit you with a mouth guard to protect your teeth during sleep. In some cases, your dentist or physician may recommend taking a muscle relaxant before bedtime. If stress is the cause you need to find a way to relax. Meditation, counseling and exercise can all help reduce stress and anxiety.
Teeth grinding is also common in children. However, because their teeth and jaws change and grow so quickly it is not usually a damaging habit that requires treatment and most outgrow it by adolescence.
Although in adults teeth grinding is often the result of stress, the same is not always true with children.

Other possible causes of teeth grinding in children include:
• irritation in the mouth
• allergies
• misaligned teeth

If you’re concerned about your child’s teeth grinding, ask your child’s dentist about the potential causes and, if necessary, the possible solutions.

James Poulos, DDS, leads a team of dental specialists at Madison Pine Dental Clinic, 5470 West Madison Street, Chicago. Kidzone is a part of Madison Pine Clinic providing care to children and teenagers in a comfortable, nonthreatening setting. The clinic provides orthodontic care, braces, implants, and cleaning, in addition to fillings, crowns, and dentures for patients of all ages. Madison Pine accepts Medicaid patients and most insurance plans. For an appointment, call (773) 287-2277.

COMMENTARY - Rev. Mitchell Johnson

$200 million to fund our community’s needs – the case for safe and legal sports wagering.
With underfunded health care facilities and schools in our communities crying out for resources, it is essential that we look for new state revenue sources that can address these challenges – immediately.
There is now a simple and responsible way to generate $200 million to help our state meet its budget needs. A recent US Supreme Court decision effectively allowed all 50 states to legalize, regulate and tax wagering on sports if they so choose.
Other states are already bringing in millions to address their budget needs by legalizing sports wagering – and they are helping their residents by taking the market out of the shadows where it was dominated by unethical black-market operators and unregulated offshore websites. As a talk show host, resident, and community organizer who works with blighted communities, I have seen the negative impact that dangerous and illegal operators have had preying on our community. Change is sorely needed.
If Illinois acts quickly and implements a simple and fair sports wagering policy, it can almost immediately start generating revenue for key state services without further burdening taxpayers, while creating jobs and better protecting its residents. Every day that Illinois waits to legalize, regulate and tax sports wagering, significant amounts of money go to other states, which have already done so -- or to the illegal black market.
There is a big difference between legalizing sports wagering and other gaming expansion proposals such as building new casinos. Most importantly, legalized sports wagering can begin generating significant revenue for the state almost immediately after its enactment and implementation. Alternatively, the process of licensing and building new casinos will take many years and can be fraught with unforeseen challenges and delays. Illinois has pressing budget needs – particularly for education and health care – that cannot wait for years to be met.
Illinois already has ten operating casinos and over 30,000 video gaming machines in 6,000 locations. Expansion of casinos may simply further cannibalize an existing and saturated industry, forcing communities and casinos to fight for smaller slices of the same pie. This could put at risk the jobs of 6,200 employees at the existing casinos. Alternatively, legalized responsible sports wagering will bring an entirely new market out of the shadows and generate revenue and jobs without harming existing businesses. The large demand for sports wagering in Illinois is already clear; residents already wager on sports through offshore websites, through the large black market, or by traveling to the states that have already successfully legalized sports wagering. These wagers currently generate zero dollars for our community’s needs.
The creation of a legal and responsible sports wagering system in Illinois – run by experienced and qualified operators - will dramatically reduce the reach and impact of unethical and dangerous black market operators who prey on our communities, while helping us fund vital services and projects.
Illinois should pass a simple and responsible sports wagering legalization plan in to law as soon as possible. It is the right thing to do for our budget, our residents and our communities.

MONEY RUN By Kevin Pearson

Plan to Plan

Have you ever wondered why do I need a business plan? One may say to ones self “ I know what I want to sale. Can I just open my doors and start making money.” This is a thought that has crossed many entrepreneur minds, but having or not having a business plan can be the beginning or the end of ones business.
In early 2001, you all may know I published a hip-hop magazine that circulated in Chicago and two other major cities. The idea to start the magazine came over night. I can remember sitting on the floor in my brother’s room flipping through some old magazines. I looked him right in the eye and said, “ I want to start a hip-hop magazine.” Neither of us had writing experience and definitely no publishing experience, yet he was all in. Our entire business plan was fluttering in our imaginations.
Finally in 2003, after hundreds of hit or miss (only by the grace of God) we put out a full color glossy magazine. The hip-hop community loved the publication. We were on the media list of major music labels; we got passes to just about every hip-hop event. So what was wrong with that you ask? NO MONEY. We had zero revenue coming in, and no strategy in place to get any. We were the new guys on the block, and no ad agency would touch us. Also, big hip-hop publications where adding online versions of them selves, called e-zines, yet we still owed the printer. We hung on for a few years but closed shop in 2006.
In the end, we had a great product and tenacity, but no plan to execute anything. Today I plan everything, ever phone call, email, I even wrote a plan to write this column. “Remember no business has ever been totally successful with out a plan in place to make it successful.”

Want to increase your customers and profit, but don’t know where to start? Let us help, contact the Voice Newspapers at Ph: 773-889-0880 or email: austinvoiceads@gmail.com

PCC WELLNESS CENTER By Alexandra T. Chavez, Development Coordinator

PCC Offers Care Centered Around You
Pregnant and struggling with addiction?

With growing heroin use on the west side of Chicago, PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) has started a chemical dependency program that offers combined prenatal care and substance abuse treatment for pregnant women. In this program, the treatment of heroin, alcohol, and prescription drug abuse is offered right in the doctor’s office.
PCC’s goal is to meet patients where they are in their recovery and help them to set goals without judgment. PCC can help improve the patients’ health and the health of their babies. Patients in this program receive safe, medication-assisted treatment with buprenorphine and counseling. They visit weekly, are given ultrasounds, and deliver their babies at West Suburban Medical Center with a PCC doctor.
Services are available at our Chemical Dependency Clinic, located inside PCC Walk-In Wellness Center at West Suburban Medical Center at 1 Erie Court, Suite 1300, Oak Park, IL 60302. Pregnant women and their families in this program may continue to receive primary care, pediatric care, and behavioral health care at a nearby PCC location.
PCC accepts Medicaid, Medicare, and many health plans and also offers a sliding fee program for patients without insurance. They do not deny services because of inability to pay.

CANCER SOCIETY WARNS WOMEN OF THREAT FROM RADON EXPOSURE

A new report finds a statistically significant positive association between high levels of residential radon and the risk of hematologic (blood) cancer in women. This study is the first prospective population-based study of residential radon exposure and hematologic cancer risk, leading the authors to caution that it requires replication and whether it truly differs by sex.
Radon is a naturally-occurring byproduct of the decay of radium and is a known human lung carcinogen, the second-leading cause of lung cancer in the United States. Modeling studies show that radon delivers a non-negligible dose of alpha radiation to the bone marrow and therefore could be related to risk of hematologic cancers. More than 171,000 new cases of hematologic cancer and more than 58,000 deaths are expected in the United States in 2016. Hematologic cancers are the most expensive cancers to treat per quality-adjusted life year gained.
For the current study, researchers led by Lauren Teras, Ph.D., of the American Cancer Society used data from the American Cancer Society Cancer Prevention Study-II Nutrition Cohort established in 1992, to examine the association between county-level residential radon exposure and risk of Hematologic cancer. The analysis included 140,652 participants among whom there were 3,019 hematologic cancers during 19 years of follow-up. They found women living in counties with the highest mean radon concentration had a statistically significant 63% higher risk of hematologic cancer compared to those living in counties with the lowest radon levels. They also found evidence of a dose-response relationship.
The authors say men may have a higher baseline risk, possibly because of more exposure to occupational or other risk factors for hematologic cancer, reducing the impact of any additional risk from residential radon. In women, who have a smaller baseline risk, residential radon exposure might be a larger contributor to overall risk. Another reason may be that the women of this generation spent more time in their homes, so had more residential exposure than men.
According to Dr. Teras, “Radon is already associated with lung cancer and if other studies confirm the link to blood cancers, we think it would warrant strengthened public health efforts to mitigate residential radon risks.”