ST. ANGELA PRESENTS 3rd HEALTHY CHOICE/ HEALTHY KIDS FAIR AS TEACHING EVENT

How much time in front of the TV or playing video games is too much? Also, how much sleep do growing children need? St. Angela students studied these health issues. (Photo by Brad)

    Healthy Choice/Healthy Kids began at St. Angela Elementary School, 1334 North Massasoit Avenue, in 2007, the brainchild of two retired Loyola Medical Center nurses, Judy Scully and Mary Ann Noonan. The event is a health fair and a peer education opportunity for the students. The program begins with five one-hour classes with the 7th and 8th grade students, focusing on health, nutrition, exercise, and healthy decision-making.
    In the spring, the program culminates with a health fair for all the students in the school. The 7th and 8th grade students share the knowledge they have learned with the younger students and serve as educators at the booths of the fair.
    Volunteer health care professionals screen students for blood pressure, height, weight, and BMI measurements. Free physical exams and vaccinations are offered by the Loyola University Medical Center Pediatric Mobile Van for students entering kindergarten and 6th grade in September. The Children’s Place in Oak Park conducted dental exams and cleanings for students.

St. Angela students learn about the amount of sugar contained in soda compared to bottled water and fruit juices, so they can make healthy choices for snacks. (Photo by Brad)

The healthy eating station introduces the basic food groups and offers samples to prove that snacks can be good for you and taste good, too. (Photo by Brad)

 

The Loyola Pediatric Mobile Health Van provides school physical exams & vaccinations. (Photo by Brad)

Students stop at a station for a brief lecture on the link between nutrition and good health. (Photo by Brad)

A nurse in the Loyola Pediatric Mobile Van demonstrates the automatic blood pressure machine. (Photo by Brad)

Students get exercise doing sit-ups on inflatable balls. (Photo by Brad)

 

Father Anselm Russell is studying to become a nurse, so he joined volunteers checking blood pressure of St. Angela students. (Photo by Brad)

A St. Angela student has his blood pressure checked. (Photo by Brad)

Jumping rope is fun and good exercise. (Photo by Brad)

Two health fair volunteers try to convince St. Angela Board President Pat Mahoney to jump rope with them. (Photo by Brad)

Kids demonstrate that playing hopscotch requires balance and coordination. (Photo by Brad)

A volunteer from The Children’s Place in Oak Park performs a dental exam on a student. (Photo by Brad)

ST. PAUL TIGERS & LADY TIGERS RECORD CHAMPIONSHIP BASKETBALL SEASONS

The 7th & 8th grade Tigers boys basketball team of St. Paul Lutheran School, 846 North Menard Avenue, ended an extremely successful season with a record of 25-4. They won the St. Paul Mt. Prospect Tournament, the St. John’s Chicago Tournament, LSL Tournament, and the LSL Championship. They are one of only 16 teams in Illinois to be invited to the Lutheran Schools’ Tournament of Champions.

The 7th & 8th grade Lady Tigers of St. Paul Lutheran School in Austin are basketball champions with a record of 25-3. They won the annual St. James Chicago Tournament, the St. Andrew’s Park Ridge Tournament, the St. John’s Chicago Tournament, the Lutheran School League Tournament, and the LSL Championship.

STATE REP. CAMILLE LILLY MEETING CONSTITUENTS AT MAY 20 RECEPTION

Camille Y. Lilly, Vice President of Loretto Hospital & President of the Austin Chamber of Commerce, is the unanimous choice of ward and township committeemen for 78th District State Representative, replacing Deborah Graham, who resigned to become 29th Ward Alderman. (Photo by Brad)

Newly appointed 78th district State Representative Camille Y. Lilly is hosting a public reception to introduce herself to her constituents on Thursday, May 20, 6:00-9:00 PM, at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 West Jackson Boulevard. This event is free and everyone is invited to attend.
    Rep. Lilly was selected by ward and township committeemen in the 78th legislative district following the appointment of Deborah Graham by Mayor Richard M. Daley to be 29th ward Alderman.
    “It is my honor and privilege to have been selected to serve the people of the 78th district and I will put everything I have into creating a better life for those I represent,” says Rep. Lilly. “I am looking forward to talking with constituents about their thoughts on what’s happening in our local community, as well as in Springfield. My goal is to take the feedback I receive and put it into action to enhance health care, create jobs, improve public safety, and create stronger schools and neighborhoods.”

Camille Lilly is welcomed as the newest member of the West Side Black Elected Officials following her appointment as 78th District State Representative, replacing 29th Ward Alderman Deborah Graham. (Photo by Brad)

AMUNDSEN PARK ASKS RESIDENTS FOR PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS AT OPEN HOUSE

Coaches & staff members at Amundsen Park held an Open House to survey adults and youth who utilize the facility on what programs they would like to see provided at the park. (Photo by Brad)

A local rapper entertains participants at the Amundsen Park Open House. (Photo by Brad)

The Amundsen Park Praise Dancers are in high spirits as they prepare to perform at the Open House. (Photo by Brad)

Amundsen Park honors the memory of Willie Carter, Jr., who was a consistent, loyal, and dedicated supporter of the park. (Photo by Brad)

SINAI URBAN HEALTH INSTITUTE LAUNCHES COALITION-BUILDING PROGRAM AROUND DIABETES IN NORTH LAWNDALE

A cross-section of North Lawndale leaders addresses the methods for building effective community coalitions around public health issues and other challenges. (Photo by Brad)

    The Sinai Urban Health Institute held a day-long retreat in Douglas Park involving the major community-based organizations operating in North Lawndale. The purpose was to launch the Block by Block North Lawndale Community Action Program focusing on the prevention and management of Type 2 Diabetes, a major health concern in Chicago’s West Side African American communities.
    Community stakeholders spent the day taking inventory of North Lawndale resources and analyzing service gaps and other roadblocks to galvanizing public action. Participants put forth ideas for a new North Lawndale developed by building coalitions around improving public health. They also considered economic, political, educational, social, safety, and other factors in making recommendations for building a healthier North Lawndale.
    Because of the prevalence of Type 2 Diabetes throughout the community among people of all ages and genders, Sinai Institute is proposing classic organizing techniques targeting the disease, but building a framework for uniting residents to take action on other issues and common problems.
    Program Director is Donna V. Werner and facilitator for the retreat was Dr. Joseph West, Director of the Block by Block North Lawndale Diabetes Community Action Program. Additional meetings are planned. For information on joining the program, call 773/257-6049.

North Lawndale community leaders spend a day in Douglas Park at a retreat considering coalition-building to address health & societal concerns threatening the welfare of residents. (Photo by Brad)

Community stakeholders from organizations discuss the resources and weaknesses of North Lawndale in context of meeting the threat from Type 2 Diabetes at a Sinai Urban Health Institute coalition-building retreat. (Photo by Brad)

Dr. Joseph West, Dir. of the Block by Block North Lawndale Diabetes Community Action Program facilitates analysis of coalition-building techniques to address problems. (Photo by Brad)

FREDERICK DOUGLASS HIGH SCHOOL HOLDING OPEN HOUSE MAY 15

Dr. Debra Crump, Principal of Frederick Douglass Academy High School, 543 North Waller Avenue, announces an Open House for prospective students and their parents, being held Saturday, May 15, 10:00 AM-12:30 PM.
    This event provides an informal opportunity to tour the school, meet administrators, counselors, and teachers, ask questions about course offerings and campus life, and take a placement exam.
    Persons planning to attend are requested to call counselors at 773/534-6101.

AUSTIN SENIOR LEADERSHIP CLASS HOLDING 7th GRADUATION CEREMONY MAY 15

Zakiyyah Wahid, Director of the Austin Senior Leadership Class is presiding over the 7th Graduation Ceremony for the unique historical instruction and independent research course designed for senior citizens of African American descent. The ceremony is being held in the Malcolm X College Auditorium on Saturday, May 15, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM.
    There is no admission charge and the public is cordially invited to attend. Each graduate will present a brief report on his or her research topic. The Austin Senior Leadership Class is an officially-recognized Adult Continuing Education course of Malcolm X College.

ROMAN MORROW ORGANIZING SPRING STOREFRONT CLEAN-UP MAY 1 & 8

Community clean-ups are scheduled for Saturday, May 1 & 8, 9:00 AM-6:00 PM, beginning at Chicago Avenue & Mayfield. The plan is to clean and beautify the Chicago Avenue commercial strip. Rakes, brooms, shears, and garbage bags will be provided. There will be refreshments for volunteers. Everyone is invited to participate.

REP. FORD HOLDING TOWN MEETING ON VIOLENCE & NATIONAL GUARD MAY 10

State Representative LaShawn K. Ford (D-8) is hosting a Town Meeting on Monday, May 10, to discuss ideas for combating the escalating violence and explore his controversial proposal to use the Illinois National Guard as an assist to the Chicago Police. The Town Meeting is being held from 6:00-8:00 PM at Ronald McNair Elementary School, 4820 West Walton Street.
    On April 25, Rep. Ford and Rep. John Fritchey called upon Governor Pat Quinn to work with Mayor Richard Daley and Chicago Police Superintendent Jody Weis on ways to deploy Illinois National Guard troops to assist the Chicago Police in preventing further violence in especially troubled areas of the city.
    Ford points out that 113 people have been killed in Chicago during the first four months of this year, the same number of troops killed in Iraq and Afghanistan combined.
    “The unfortunate reality is that we have another war that is just as deadly taking place right here in our own backyard,” Rep. Fritchey declares. “Is this a drastic call to action? Of course it is. But, it is warranted when we are losing residents to violence at such an alarming rate.”
    Ford says, “We cannot accept it as a normal situation that someone is shot and killed in Chicago almost every day.” He says, “We need more help to combat violence in our communities, and we need to put together a comprehensive plan which includes the National Guard to secure the peace and to work respectfully to win the hears and minds of the citizens in the most violence-prone areas.”
    Noting that violence and crime also lead to a decrease in property values, discourages people from establishing businesses, and hurts existing businesses, Rep. Ford urges a comprehensive approach to violence prevention, including the improvement of educational and employment opportunities. “Increasing security by combating and preventing crime is only part of the solution,” Ford says.
    For more information, call Rep. Ford’s office at 773/378-5902 or visit www.lashawnford.com.

MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSN. MEETING MAY 11

The John Marshall High School Alumni Association is holding its regular monthly meeting on Tuesday, May 11, 5:30 PM, at Marshall High School in Room 129.
    Agenda items include a presentation by the CPS Office of School Turnaround, arrangements for the July 18 annual alumni picnic, a 2010 Scholarship Award Review, and the 2010 Hall of Fame.
    Note that the Tom Cats 34th Annual Crane-Marshall Oldie Reunion scheduled for May 14, 15 & 16 is cancelled.
    For information on the Marshall Alumni Association, call 773/534-6455, ext. 8.

NACA HOLDING FREE MORTGAGE MODIFICATION WORKSHOP AT ALLISON FOUNDATION MAY 11

The Neighborhood Assistance Corporation of America, NACA, a not-for-profit organization that brings lenders and homeowners together to restructure unaffordable mortgages, will be in Chicago May 13 through May 17 at McCormick Place providing mediation services 24 hours a day. This service is being offered free to persons who pre-register and attend a preliminary workshop. All major lenders will on hand to renegotiate terms and rates, including Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. It is expected that more than 20,000 homeowners will attend.
    A preliminary workshop is being held Tuesday, May 11, 4:00-6:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM, at Allison United Foundation for Better Living, Inc., 4540 West Washington Boulevard. Persons attending this workshop will be told what documents to bring with them and will be given priority service at McCormick Place.
    To register, sign up online at www.naca.com or call 888-499-6222. Note: Attending a preliminary workshop is mandatory prior to the main event.

SISTERHOUSE:The Long-Term Effects of Alcoholism and Abuse

By Glenance Green

    The long-term effect of alcohol on women can be extremely detrimental to a woman’s physical health and wellness. According the Marin Institute, an agency and research center seeking to prevent alcoholism and abuse, chronic heavy alcohol consumption takes a greater physical toll on women than on men.

    Did you know that female alcoholics have death rates 50 to 100 percent higher than male alcoholics? In fact, the Marin Institute found that a greater percentage of female alcoholics will die from suicides, alcohol-related injuries, circulatory disorders and cirrhosis of the liver.
   
    Studies have shown that the long-term effects of alcohol on the liver are significantly more severe for women than for men. As a result of alcoholism and abuse, liver disease has become more prominent among women even during a short span of heavy alcoholic consumption than present in men. Another detrimental effect of alcoholism for women is an increased risk of breast cancer. In one scientific study, women who drank two to five alcoholic drinks each day were 41 percent more likely to develop breast cancer than nondrinkers (Marin Institute).

    One of the most significant effects of heavy consumption is the consequences for unborn children. Drinking alcohol during pregnancy is the leading preventable cause of mental retardation in the United States of America. Diseases such as Fetal Alcohol Syndrome negatively affect the health and wellness of the fetus prohibiting a healthy, natural and safe environment for an unborn child.

    One important step towards wellness for women suffering from addiction, dependence and/or abuse is to keep your mind, body and spirit healthy and aware. SISTERHOUSE prides itself on establishing a wholesome approach to recovery which includes personal and physical health awareness which is why we developed a 5k Fun Walk/Run for everyone in the Chicagoland area and abroad willing and ready to walk for prevention. The 5k will take place on Sunday, May 16, 2010, and we greatly encourage all of our readers to contact SISTERHOUSE for more information on how to register and participate.

To receive more information on SISTERHOUSE’s services for women, volunteer opportunities and/or our 5k Fun Walk/Run Event, please call 773/626-0525.

YOUTH OUTREACH SERVICES PRESENTING VISION ON MENARD MAY 15

Youth Outreach Services invites the public to assist with Vision on Menard, preparing the community-based garden located at Division Street & Menard Avenue for the summer growing season. Volunteers are clearing the garden and planting flowers on Saturday, May 15, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM.
    The public is invited to assist with the gardening or by contributing money and supplies for the project.
    For information and to volunteer, call Ellen Sausser at 883/7112, ext. 7338; or Grena Pryor at 773/777-7112, ext. 7394.

AUSTIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTING 8th JAZZ IN THE AFTERNOON BRUNCH MAY 16

    The Austin Chamber of Commerce is presenting its 8th Annual Jazz in the Afternoon fund-raising brunch on Sunday, May 16. 11:30 to 4:00 PM, at the Columbus Park Refectory, 5701 West Jackson Boulevard. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 at the door.
    The purpose of the event is to raise money to support the Summer Youth Work Experience program. Better Business Awards will also be presented. Music will be provided by Howard Sandifer & Friends.
    For tickets and information, call 773/854-5063.