Roman Morrow & friend prepare refreshments for cleaning crews working to beautify Chicago Ave. in Austin. (Photo by Brad)
Friday, June 18, 2010
Block Clean-up
EDNA STEWART – WEST SIDE’S FAVORITE CHEF – DIES OF CANCER AT 72
Edna’s famous restaurant started in a bowling alley in 1966, located on Madison Street, east of its current home. She moved to the former MK Cleaners across the street from 10 South Kedzie. She even opened a pizza shop in Austin at Lake & Laramie.
Her flaky biscuits and southern fried chicken gained fame, drawing people from all walks of life from across the city of Chicago. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., was a regular at Edna’s while he lived and worked on the West Side. Edna’s was the gathering place for politicians, preachers, and everyone needing a substantial soul food meal and wanting to discuss the latest news and gossip.
After Edna’s father, Sam Mitchell, Sr., got her to take a booth at Taste of Chicago, people from across the country and around the world made Edna’s a required stop during visits to Chicago.
Edna told THE VOICE, “I never wanted to be in the Taste of Chicago, but my father insisted. I said it was too much work and we had enough to do at the restaurant.” Sam told the newspaper he knew getting into the Taste would secure the restaurant’s reputation and position as the pre-eminent soul food restaurant on the West Side. Sam Mitchell was a great promoter.
The current location of Edna’s Restaurant at 3175 West Madison Street made it the perfect place for political meetings, business lunches, and parties, as well as the first choice for a hearty breakfast to start the day.
Edna was born in Chicago and learned to cook at her mother’s knee. She used some of her mother’s recipes in the restaurant.
Governor Quinn declared February 19 to be Edna Stewart Day in Illinois.
Edna leaves a son, Melvin Stewart, and daughter, Marguerite Banks; and sisters Alice McCommon and Judy I. Mitchell-Davis, a former circuit court judge; and a brother, Sam Mitchell, Jr. Viewings are being held Thursday and Friday, June 17 & 18, 6:00-9:00 PM, at A.A. Rayner & Sons Funeral Home, with visitation on Saturday, 9:00 AM, followed by funeral services at 10:00 AM, and burial.
CLEOPHUS (Clee) HARRIS, LONGTIME WEST SIDER, DIES AT 69
Clee moved to Chicago and took a job at Leaf Brands Candy Company, where he worked until he retired. He was an avid reader and loved to cook. He maintained a special relationship with his granddaughter Kiava.
Harris died June 10, leaving to treasure his memory his loving wife, Evelyn; a son, Joseph (Charice), and a daughter, Katina; two stepdaughters, Simone and Kim; two stepsons, Keith (Tawana) and Kerry. He leaves seven grandchildren and one great-grandson; two brothers; two sisters; aunts, cousins, a special sister-in-law; and a host of other relatives and friends. Services were held at Smith & Thomas Funeral Home in Maywood, with Rev. Percy Giles officiating.
Clark Park Presents: SOMETHIN’ GOOD IN THE HOOD – JUNE 26 MUSIC FESTIVAL
On Saturday, June 26, Umbrella Productions and the Chicago Park District are presenting a free outdoor summer music festival in Clark Park, 4615 West Jackson Boulevard.
Excitement begins at 12 Noon when the Exodus Drum Line enters the park and kicks off six hours of continuous live entertainment, food, and surprises.
More than 35 local acts are performing, including rappers, R&B singers, dance troupes, and Hip Hop artists. Several nationally-known recording artists have indicated they may stop by at the festival as special guests.
Food and merchandise vendors will be on the grounds selling refreshments and a variety of specialty items. People of all ages are invited to enjoy this official summer kick-off. Admission is free.
LIGHT OF THE WORLD HOSTING FAMILY & FRIENDS DAYS IN JULY
Light of the World International, 5745 West North Avenue, is designating every Sunday in July as Family & Friends Day. The church is selecting 15 households per week to receive special blessings. Food items will be distributed each Sunday in July at 11:00 AM on a first-come-first-served basis.
In order to receive a bag of food, persons must attend the worship service. Bishop Thomas A. Clark IV is Pastor.
In order to receive a bag of food, persons must attend the worship service. Bishop Thomas A. Clark IV is Pastor.
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.
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.
HEIRS OF THE PROMISE CHURCH CHANGING NAME & LOCATION FOR SERVICES
Pastor Joseph Kyles announces that Heirs of the Promise Church is shortening its name to The Promise Church and is moving its Sunday Morning Glory Services at 11:00 AM to the Jorge Priento Math & Science Academy Gymnasium at 2231 North Central Avenue, beginning Sunday, June 6.
Ample parking is available and entry doors are on the west and north sides of the building.
This launches the church’s 12th anniversary celebration with the theme The Glory Cloud is Moving. For information on services, transportation, and church programs, call 773/342-5377.
Ample parking is available and entry doors are on the west and north sides of the building.
This launches the church’s 12th anniversary celebration with the theme The Glory Cloud is Moving. For information on services, transportation, and church programs, call 773/342-5377.
LAWNDALE ALLIANCE & NORTH LAWNDALE COMMUNITY NEWS HOLDING TOWN MEETINGS
Valerie Leonard announces that The Lawndale Alliance, in partnership with the North Lawndale Community News, is presenting The Community Awareness Series of Town Meetings at the 10th District Police Station, 3315 West Ogden Avenue, on Wednesdays, June 23, and 30, 6:00-8:00 PM.
On June 23, the discussion centers on the question, Who’s Being Stabilized? Who’s Being Stimulated? Consideration will be given to the Stimulus Package and Neighborhood Stabilization Program’s effectiveness and impact.
Meeting #3 on July 30 is called Connecting the Dots: TIFs, Eminent Domain, and Building Code Enforcement.
Local residents are encouraged to attend and participate in these lively and thought-provoking discussions on the state of North Lawndale today and determining the look of the community in the future. For information, call Valerie Leonard at 773/521-3137 or e-mail valeriefleonard@msn.com.
On June 23, the discussion centers on the question, Who’s Being Stabilized? Who’s Being Stimulated? Consideration will be given to the Stimulus Package and Neighborhood Stabilization Program’s effectiveness and impact.
Meeting #3 on July 30 is called Connecting the Dots: TIFs, Eminent Domain, and Building Code Enforcement.
Local residents are encouraged to attend and participate in these lively and thought-provoking discussions on the state of North Lawndale today and determining the look of the community in the future. For information, call Valerie Leonard at 773/521-3137 or e-mail valeriefleonard@msn.com.
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.
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.
READING IS ART-RAGEOUS AT NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY THIS SUMMER
Reading is Art-RAGEOUS is the theme of this year’s Chicago Public Library’s Summer Reading Program, the free, 8-week drop-in adventure encouraging young people to enjoy books during summer vacation. Weekly raffles, speakers, and variety programs are scheduled to entertain, stimulate, and educate. Participants earn T-shirts.
For information and to register for the North Austin Branch Library Summer Reading Program, see Jacqueline Primm at 5724 West North Avenue or call 312/746-4233.
For information and to register for the North Austin Branch Library Summer Reading Program, see Jacqueline Primm at 5724 West North Avenue or call 312/746-4233.
BIRTHDAY BENEFIT SCHEDULED FOR PATHFINDERS FUND JUNE 26
Moving Forward Through Linkages is the theme for the birthday observance for Brenetta Howell Barrett, President/CEO/founder of Pathfinders Prevention Education Fund and a tandem benefit for the agency. The celebration is Saturday, June 26, 3:00-6:00 PM, at Roosevelt Place, 1401 West Roosevelt Road.
This event highlights PPEF’s HIV & AIDS prevention awareness, referral, and advocacy services on Chicago’s West Side & suburbs, involving pre-teens to senior adults.
Door prizes, a buffet, music, and a silent auction make this intergenerational party a unique event. Awards will be presented to Pathfinders volunteers and supporters.
Reservations are $50 per person. Youth sponsorships and ad space in the Program Booklet are available. For information and reservations, call Jevon Gammon at 773/533-5755.
This event highlights PPEF’s HIV & AIDS prevention awareness, referral, and advocacy services on Chicago’s West Side & suburbs, involving pre-teens to senior adults.
Door prizes, a buffet, music, and a silent auction make this intergenerational party a unique event. Awards will be presented to Pathfinders volunteers and supporters.
Reservations are $50 per person. Youth sponsorships and ad space in the Program Booklet are available. For information and reservations, call Jevon Gammon at 773/533-5755.
SISTERHOUSE: Women in Recovery with Mental Illnesses
Women’s residential-based treatment programs tend to be specifically designed to meet the needs of women seeking recovery from alcoholism and drug addiction. While many recovery programs have individualized treatment plans that are faith-based for spiritual wellness, they do not have the capacity to address the concerns surrounding mental health and other chronic illnesses.
Illness Management and Recovery programs have the ability to incorporate facts and treatment strategies for individuals suffering from mental illnesses into the personalized treatment plan of recovery services. Individuals in recovery whom suffer from mental illnesses and successfully recover have built extremely strong social support systems, utilize medication effectively, and have the ability to cope well with problems and symptoms while continuously getting their needs met by the mental health system.
Often times, individuals in recovery are not present to their very own mental health issues because many illnesses are subtle and symptoms may come in many different, unrecognizable forms. Some symptoms of mental illnesses to be made aware of are: depression, overly emotional, constant and continuous changes in personality, uncontrollable anger and exhibition of negative behavior, lack of concentration/loss of focus, and overwhelming stress, among many others. Many of these symptoms are commonly apart of our everyday lives. However, when these symptoms manifest and become embedded in our daily behavior and actions, it is then when we should seek spiritual guidance, therapeutic support, and/or medical attention.
To receive more information on SISTERHOUSE’s services for women and/or volunteer opportunities, please call 773/626-0525.
Illness Management and Recovery programs have the ability to incorporate facts and treatment strategies for individuals suffering from mental illnesses into the personalized treatment plan of recovery services. Individuals in recovery whom suffer from mental illnesses and successfully recover have built extremely strong social support systems, utilize medication effectively, and have the ability to cope well with problems and symptoms while continuously getting their needs met by the mental health system.
Often times, individuals in recovery are not present to their very own mental health issues because many illnesses are subtle and symptoms may come in many different, unrecognizable forms. Some symptoms of mental illnesses to be made aware of are: depression, overly emotional, constant and continuous changes in personality, uncontrollable anger and exhibition of negative behavior, lack of concentration/loss of focus, and overwhelming stress, among many others. Many of these symptoms are commonly apart of our everyday lives. However, when these symptoms manifest and become embedded in our daily behavior and actions, it is then when we should seek spiritual guidance, therapeutic support, and/or medical attention.
To receive more information on SISTERHOUSE’s services for women and/or volunteer opportunities, please call 773/626-0525.
GOOD FELLAS HOSTING 8th ANNUAL FATHER’S DAY FESTIVAL JUNE 20
Good Fellas, an organization of West Side businesses and residents helping out local families in need and setting an example for leadership in public service by hosting events, is presenting its 8th Annual Father’s Day Festival on Sunday, June 20, starting at 12 Noon, in Thatcher’s Woods Forest Preserve, Chicago Avenue & First Avenue.
This event is free for all families and features lots of food, music, poets, singers, a magician, softball games, and free gifts. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Ron’s Barber Shop at 773/836-2887.
This event is free for all families and features lots of food, music, poets, singers, a magician, softball games, and free gifts. Everyone is welcome. For information, call Ron’s Barber Shop at 773/836-2887.
CHRIST TABERNACLE STAGING YOUTHAPALOOZA FUNFEST JUNE 26
Christ Tabernacle MB Church, 854 North Central Avenue, is presenting YouthaPalooza Community Outreach FunFest on Saturday, June 26, 9:00 AM-4:00 PM. This event is free and the public is invited.
There will be performances by guest choirs and appearances by sports personalities, plus a visit by Inferno Mobile Recording Studio.
Free health screenings are being offered, plus carnival games, a Police Mounted Unit, free food, and lots of fun.
Sister Vernell Givens and Rev. Renece Weathersby are event Chairpersons and Rev. Willie C. Doss is Pastor of Christ Tabernacle.
There will be performances by guest choirs and appearances by sports personalities, plus a visit by Inferno Mobile Recording Studio.
Free health screenings are being offered, plus carnival games, a Police Mounted Unit, free food, and lots of fun.
Sister Vernell Givens and Rev. Renece Weathersby are event Chairpersons and Rev. Willie C. Doss is Pastor of Christ Tabernacle.
JLM ABUNDANT LIFE CENTER PROVIDING FREE MONTHLY LEGAL CLINIC
The JLM Abundant Life Center, 2622 West Jackson Boulevard, is offering a free Legal Clinic on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. No appointments are necessary and people are seen on a first-come-first-served basis.