The Voice Newspapers, Serving Chicago's West Side: 2010-05-30

Friday, June 4, 2010

FATHERS WHO CARE PRESENTING 10th EXPO FOR TODAY’S MAN JUNE 5 AT MALCOLM X

Atty. Jeffery Leving and Comedians Eddie Griffin & Tony Sculfield Appearing

Fathers Who Care is presenting its 10th Annual Expo For Today’s Man on Saturday, June 5, 9:00 AM-3:00 PM, at Malcolm X College, 1900 West Van Buren Street. Theme for this year’s Expo is: Fathers United to Empower Our Families – Where Do We Go From Here?
    Admission to this event is free and features an array of workshops on family-building, finance, relationships, legal rights, offender re-entry, and other issues, led by experts. A free health screening and information fair is provided.
    Attorney Jeffery Leving, crusader for fathers’ rights, will conduct a symposium and comedians Eddie Griffin and Tony Sculfield will make appearances.
    The mission of Fathers Who Care is to educate and empower low-income fathers and their families in the areas of responsible fatherhood involvement, healthy relationships, offender re-entry opportunities, men’s health, community empowerment, and social justice.
    Rev. Walter Jones, Jr., founder and Executive Director of Fathers Who Care, explains the goals of this year’s Expo, saying: “Real men must attend so they can become Rejuvenated, Revitalized, and Spiritually Uplifted in their roles as leaders of their families and communities.”
    Sponsors of this year’s Fathers Who Care Expo For Today’s Man are: Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Department of Children & Family Services, Illinois Department of Public Health BASUAH, Fathers’ Rights and dadsrights.com, Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services, U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis (IL-7), Malcolm X College, Senator Rickey Hendon, and Senator Kimberly A. Lightford. For information on this Expo and services provided by Fathers Who Care, call 773/638-2052.

DORTCH CYCLING VOYAGERS DISCOVERING CHICAGOLAND ON WHEELS FOR 12th EXCITING YEAR

Get Around – Don’t Sit Around This Summer!

Dortch Cycling Voyagers discover Navy Pier among their daily travels.

The Dortch Cycling Voyagers Camp is planning a 12th exciting summer for boys and girls ages 10-15 years. Every year, a convoy of young bicycle riders tour Chicago’s neighborhoods, including the Loop, Lakefront, and Museum Campus, and then head to the western suburbs and Forest Preserves. Cycling campers go swimming every day and enjoy fun sports events in a variety of settings.
    Cost of the Cycling Voyagers Bike Camp is only $170 for a 6-8 week summer program. Camp runs from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday. Each camper must provide his or her own bike in good operating condition. Every camper receives a team helmet, two team Tee shirts, free bicycle maintenance & repair, lunch and dinner outings, and daily field trips.
    The Cycling Voyagers Camp starts Monday, June 21. All payments must be made by June 18 (a $30 late fee applies after this date). First week of the Camp is training & orientation – all Campers must attend. Trips start Week 2. Participants gather at convenient West Side locations.
    For information and to register, contact Mr. Dortch at 773/724-9933.

All-White Construction Crew Protested

Eliah Colston of West Garfield Park and a member of Laborers Union Local #6 is arrested for protesting an all-White construction crew working to repair South Central Ave. at Van Buren in Austin. He was released without charges, but a week later protested a street construction site at Grand Ave. & Pulaski Rd., where the crew again had no Black workers. He was told to go to Orland Park to apply for a job. Colston is asking where Black West Side elected officials are in demanding that African American union members be hired for City & State construction projects in Black communities.

THE VOICE NEWSPAPERS HOSTING 25th & 5th ANNIVERSARY AWARDS LUNCHEON JUNE 29

THE VOICE Newspapers is celebrating 25 years of publishing THE AUSTIN VOICE and 5 years of THE GARFIELD-LAWNDALE VOICE, the largest circulation weekly community newspapers serving Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods. A gala Anniversary Luncheon with our readers enthusiastically invited to attend is being held Tuesday, June 29, at Saranecki Bros. Garden Manor Banquet Hall, 4722 West Armitage Avenue.
    The luncheon also features an Awards Program honoring individuals, businesses, and organizations making outstanding contributions to building a stronger West Side community. VOICE readers are being asked to nominate candidates for consideration in seven categories:
•    PUBLIC SERVICE – An elected or appointed official (past or present) who has provided extraordinary leadership on Chicago’s West Side
•    EDUCATION – A person, school, or organization providing outstanding service in assisting citizens young or old to expand their intellectual abilities
•    BUSINESS – A corporate citizen of Chicago’s West Side that has improved the quality of life for its customers and fellow citizens
•    HEALTH CARE – A person or institution that has promoted a higher quality of life through wellness
•    YOUTH MENTORING – A person or organization that has helped ensure a brighter future for all of us by assisting young people
•    COMMUNITY SERVICE – An individual or organization that has made life better through selfless actions or outstanding contributions
•    THE MICHAEL SCOTT SPIRIT OF THE WEST SIDE AWARD – Named for an outstanding West Sider who spent his entire life serving his community, this award recognizes an individual, business, or organization that exhibits the highest qualities of creativity, compassion, and leadership in assisting others and building a more livable community.
    Nominations may be submitted for any category with a brief supporting statement at www.voice25awards.webs.com. Nomination forms can be found in THE VOICE Newspapers and may be filled out and faxed to 773/889-5168, or mailed to:         VOICE 25 AWARDS NOMINATIONS
        THE VOICE Newspapers
        5236 West North Avenue
        Chicago, Illinois 60639
    Tickets can be reserved for the June 29 Anniversary Awards Luncheon by logging onto www.voice25awards.webs. com; gmailing to: voice25awards@gmail. com; faxing to 773/889-5168; or by calling THE VOICE at 773/889-0880.
    Tickets are $30 per person and $300 for a table of ten, with proceeds providing a fund for employing local youth at the newspapers.

SUMMER REGISTRATION OPEN AT WRIGHT COLLEGE

Registration is currently open for the summer semester at Wright College, 4300 North Narragansett Avenue, offering the opportunity for Wright students, college and university students home for the summer, and persons seeking educational enrichment to earn extra credits and obtain needed skills. The shortened summer session, beginning June 9, allows students to fill gaps in course requirements that they were unable to achieve during the fall and spring semesters.
    Courses are available in 37 departments, including biology, English, and mathematics. Other departments offering courses over the summer are business, environmental technology, computer information systems, and many others. Go to wright.ccc.edu for a complete listing and schedule of classes.
    For university students, the summer semester at Wright is an opportunity to complete general education requirements at a lower tuition cost. Wright course credits are generally accepted at such schools as Northwestern University, University of Illinois-Urbana, University of Illinois-Chicago, and many other colleges.
    Wright tuition is only $87 per credit hour for Chicago residents. Financial aid is available.
    New students interested in starting during the summer semester should register immediately because they must complete one of the free placement exams. No student is ever turned away. The test merely determines placement in appropriate classes for new students.
    Returning students can register anytime online at my.ccc.edu or by phone at 312/553-3450. A full summer course schedule is available online at wright.ccc.edu. For information, call the admissions office at 773/481-8200.

NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY POETRY SLAM JUNE 19

Local poets are invited to perform their works and network with other poets to share ideas at the next Poetry Slam presented by the North Austin Branch Library, 5724 West North Avenue, on Saturday, June 19, 2:00 PM.
This free event is part of the Chicago Public Library’s City Verse series of poetry presentations. Published local artists conducting the North Austin Library Poetry Slam include Ida Hayes Barnes, Beverly A. McLaughlin, and Frank Alexander.
For information, call 312/746-4233 or see Branch Librarian Michael Schorsch.

REP. LA SHAWN K. FORD PRESENTING CAREER FAIR AT MALCOLM X COLLEGE JUNE 23

State Representative La Shawn K. Ford (D-8) is hosting a free Career Fair at Malcolm X College, 1900 West Van Buren Street, on Wednesday, June 23, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM. Employers will be present accepting resumes and conducting interviews.
Sponsors of the free Career Fair are: The Chicago Urban League’s Workforce Development & Diversity Center in partnership with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, and THE VOICE Newspapers.
For information, contact Tina J. Crawley at 773/602-3044 or Rep. Ford’s office at 773/378-5902.

LEAMINGTON FOODS PRESENTING FREE NORTH LAWNDALE FAMILY HEALTH FAIR JUNE 5

Leamington Foods and an array of North Lawndale health agencies are presenting a free family health fair on Saturday, June 5, 10:30 AM-3:00 PM, in the parking lot of Leamington Foods, 3240 West Roosevelt Road.
Various screenings will be available, plus childhood immunizations, health care referrals, and information, plus 30-minute fitness workouts will be held, with dance aerobics. No appointment is necessary. For information, call 773/257-2685.

SINAI URBAN HEALTH INSTITUTE OFFERING FREE DIABETES-FRIENDLY COOKING CLASSES

Sinai Urban Health Institute and its Block By Block North Lawndale Diabetes Community Action Program is offering free Diabetes-friendly Cooking Classes on Fridays, beginning June 11 and continuing through July 30. The classes are being held at Family Focus Lawndale, 3517 West Arthington Street, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.
Participants must have a diagnosis of Type 2 Diabetes and live in North Lawndale. For information and to reserve a space, call 773/257-6024, or sign up at Family Focus Lawndale.

MARKET DAY ON MADISON STREET SET FOR JUNE 12 – VENDORS NEEDED

The Greater Garfield Park Chamber of Commerce is seeking vendors for the 4th Annual Market Day on Madison Street, being held Saturday, June 12, 12 noon to 8:00 PM, at 2800 West Madison Street at California (in the plaza).
For information and cost for food and non-food vendor space, call 773/722-6650.

CLARK PARK HOLDING ACT AUDITIONS & SIGNING UP VENDORS FOR JUNE 26 FESTIVAL

Linda McWright announces that auditions of Hip-Hop, R&B, gospel performers, plus dance acts are currently being held for individuals and groups wishing to appear at the June 26 Festival in Clark Park, 4615 West Jackson Boulevard. Registration fee to audition is $25 and auditions are being held every Wednesday and Friday, 5:30-6:30 PM. For information and appointments, call 773/287-7794.
Vendors for the Clark Park Festival are also being signed up now. Fee for food vendors is $175 and for non-food vendors is $75. All vendors must present appropriate City licenses to participate. To reserve booth space, call 773/287-7794.

Tuesday, June 1, 2010

RYERSON COUGARS WIN CITY BASKETBALL TITLE ON SKILL & SCHOLARSHIP

Principal Lorenzo Russell and Basketball Coach Randy Stonewall emphasize that at Ryerson Elementary School, academic success leads to athletic success. This year, the 7th & 8th grade varsity boys basketball team proved it with a 51-8 record on the court and scholarship in the classroom. Team members take pride in both accomplishments.
    But, the road to the championship was not a smooth one. Russell pulled the plug on the 2008-09 season and disbanded the team because student athletes were not taking their academics seriously. This year, the law was laid down: Scholastic Responsibilities Come First! All team members must participate in the mandatory Homework Center & Tutoring Program. Athletes must turn in all assignments, maintain good grades, and have good behavior records in order to participate in the basketball program. Russell says it hurt him to cancel last year’s season, but his students weren’t getting the message.
    “The students’ test scores showed they had the ability – they just weren’t putting forth the effort in the classroom,” Russell explains. He emphasized three stages are required of Ryerson athletes:
1.    Academics are paramount
2.    Practice is necessary for team success, and
3.    Students must help raise money to pay for transportation and to enter tournaments (He says schools are not allocated money for competitive sports or team transportation.)
    Coach Stonewall adds that when his players go on to high school and college, they will understand what is expected of them and not feel that as athletes they are privileged and can slide through on a free ride. He notes that Ryerson athletes sign contracts with the school promising to keep their grades high, maintain good behavior, and agreeing to participate in after-school programs.
    The Ryerson varsity won the Mayor Daley Sports Fest, the Kelly YMCA Holiday tournament, and played in the Crane, Austin Town Hall, Columbus Park, and Garfield Park Tournaments.
    Coach Stonewall is losing eight players at graduation, but the Ryerson 5th & 6th grade team made it to the Area semi-finals with a 7-2 record. Still, he hesitates to predict a Ryerson basketball dynasty. Principal Russell says he’s looking forward to a dynasty of scholars.

DR. JANE GOODALL PRESENTS YOUNG LEADERS AWARDS AT AL RABY HIGH SCHOOL

Renowned primatologist and ecologist Dr. Jane Goodall returned to Chicago’s West Side to honor seven Chicago Public High School students with Pearson Young Leaders Awards at Al Raby High School for community and Environment. The Pearson Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Pearson, an educational services and technology company, sponsored the awards recognizing young people for exemplary community service.
Recognized with Pearson Youth Leader Awards were Idella Butler of Al Raby High School, William Diaz of Chicago Academy High School, Victor Wright of Orr Academy High School, Kellina Mojica of Julian High School, Alberto Aguilera of Curie High School, Phuoc Duong of Amundsen High School, and Pranee Pairs of Walter Payton College Prep High School.
Dr. Goodall congratulated the winners and spoke to Al Raby students about her efforts to raise global awareness of environmental issues and promote global citizenship.

To view pictures of this event click Here.

COLUMBUS PARK FOOD PANTRY OPEN EVERY FRIDAY, 8-11 AM

Despite the auto accident that hospitalized Executive Director Marjorie Cobbs, the Columbus Park Food Pantry remains open at the Refectory, 5701 West Jackson Boulevard, every Friday morning, 8:00-11:00 AM. Anyone in need of help obtaining food – individuals and families – is eligible to register and obtain food. There is no registration fee, appointment process, and no proof of income or address required. All services are free. Clients are requested to bring a strong box capable of carrying 50-75 pounds of food. Persons interested in volunteering time at the Pantry may inquire during Friday business hours. Financial contributions are appreciated to defray expenses because there is no paid staff. Contributions may be sent to: The Columbus Park Food Pantry, Refectory Building, 5701 West Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 60644. All contributions are tax-deductible.

THE VOICE NEWSPAPERS HOSTING 25th & 5th ANNIVERSARY AWARDS LUNCHEON JUNE 29

SISTERHOUSE: Emotional and Social Support on Drug Treatment Completion

By Glenance Green

    Did you know that individuals whom feel that others will provide appropriate assistance to meet their needs are less stressful and more likely to succeed? According to a research study endorsed by the National Institute on Drug Abuse and the Office of Research on Women's Health, women who use drugs and have more social support may resort to substance abuse less often than women with less social support because they may feel less need to turn to drugs in response to stressful life events. Women users with strong emotional and social support systems tend to be more responsive and take an active role in initiating the first steps toward recovery and following through thereafter.

    According to the social network theory, social networks are some very important sources of social support. Social networks for individuals seeking recovery can be family, friends, church members, and Alcoholics/Narcotics Anonymous (AA/NA) support groups. For women in recovery, social networks can provide the social, emotional, and material resources they need to address the myriad concerns that confront them, especially in the early stages of recovery (Becker & Gatz, 2005). Women in recovery generally have less social support than women who are or have not been chemically dependent.

    Research has found that ethnicity, age, and drug of choice has little effect on women’s social networks, however, once those networks are developed they tend to be influential, long-term, and ethnically similar. These networks can be either positive or negative depending on the goal and purpose of the social connection. Positive networks can create emotional and social support on women in recovery and the bonds developed from these relationships can be long-standing and extremely beneficial for drug treatment program completion.

To receive more information on SISTERHOUSE’s services for women and/or volunteer opportunities, please call 773/626-0525.

LEAMINGTON FOODS PRESENTING FREE NORTH LAWNDALE FAMILY HEALTH FAIR JUNE 5

CLARK PARK HOLDING ACT AUDITIONS & SIGNING UP VENDORS FOR JUNE 26 FESTIVAL

MARY PEGUE PULLINS, ONE OF CHICAGO’S OLDEST CITIZENS, DIES AT 108

Mary Pegue Pullins, a dynamic labor leader, mother of broadcasting legend Richard Pegue, and aunt to Rev. Dr. Marshall E. Hatch, Pastor of New Mount Pilgrim Baptist Church, has died at the age of 108. She was one of Chicago’s longest living citizens and received congratulations from President Obama and Mayor Daley.
Ms Pullins’ funeral is being held Friday, May 28, at Carter Funeral Chapel, 2100 East 75th Street, beginning at 10:30 AM.

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Friday, June 4, 2010

Tuesday, June 1, 2010