CHARACTER & INTEGRITY DEFINE GARFIELD PARK LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL CHAMPIONS

The Garfield Park Little League Newcomers are the Illinois State Champions – as baseball players and as gentlemen. (Photo by Brad)

They look like any other West Side kids, but they are monsters on the base paths – and they are champions! The 11 & 12 year olds comprising the Garfield Park Little League team known as The Newcomers have been shocking experienced teams with money for travel and equipment and who take winning for granted year after year. When The Newcomers take the field, they play to win!
    Shawn Walker, one of the coaches of The Newcomers, sums it up simply: “This team has character and that is what we instill in our players. They have honor and integrity as young men. That’s more important than playing good baseball. But, it has power on the baseball diamond, too.”
    Frank Brim, Administrator of First Round Baseball Academy and a Garfield Park Little League coach, says all the adults working with the players emphasize character and integrity as much as athletic skill. He says team members don’t curse or fight, are polite and respect adults and each other. “We are building successful men first, winning athletes second.”
    But, The Newcomers are winners. They stormed through the Urban Initiative Jamboree sponsored by Major League Baseball at Mount Vernon Park in Chicago and came home the Illinois State Champions, surprising everyone but themselves.
    They beat the Jackie Robinson champions at Horner Park, won on the road in Joliet and Indianapolis.
    Shawn Walker says the Garfield Park Little League Program struggles each year for lack of money for travel, insurance, equipment, and fees. It could use some help. The program serves a total of 250 youngsters ages 5-16 every year. They practice and play on the diamonds at Jackson Boulevard between Hamlin & Central Park. T-Ball (5-8 year olds) play at 10:00 AM each Saturday. The Majors (11 & 12 year olds) play at 12 Noon each Saturday. At 3:30 PM, the Minors (9 & 10 year olds) take the field. Coaches and a few parents cheer the teams on and sell refreshments to raise money.

ALD. ED SMITH SLAMS DOOR ON ILLEGAL DUMP SITES IN 28th & 2nd WARDS

“No Repeat of Silver Shovel!”

    Vowing not to permit a recurrence of the infamous Silver Shovel illegal dumping scandal on Chicago’s West Side, Alderman Ed Smith moved swiftly to end the proliferation of dump sites on vacant lots across the West Side’s 28th and 2nd wards Alderman Smith charges Terrapin Investments, LLC, and Chicago Land & Title, LLC, owners of real estate in the wards, with conspiring with Precise Construction Systems, Edward Forte, and Morris King to dump “toxic construction waste in the 28th ward and throughout the Westside.” The alderman held a press conference at one of these dump sites – 17 South Whipple Avenue – on July 1, saying, “This sort of behavior will not be tolerated.”
    The alderman declared, “I refuse to allow this type of behavior to take place in my ward in the year 2010, and I will work to the best of my ability to see to it that all involved parties will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
    In a letter, David M. Fleishman identifies himself as CEO of Terrapin Investments, LLC, and Chicago Land & Title, LLC, which he says are “the owners of multiple vacant parcels of land within the city of Chicago.” He writes, “Please be advised that I have contracted with and herby grant permission to Precise construction Systems, Edward Forte (773-447-7370) and Morris King (773-983-3317) and their agents to enter upon our parcels to deliver MULCH AND NON-TOXIC SOIL ONLY to the properties for the purpose of landscaping. No other debris is to be left on the properties.” Fleishman is an attorney with offices at 77 West Washington Street in Chicago.
    Alderman Smith released a list of 19 properties in the 28th ward and 12 properties in the 2nd ward that he says Fleishman has given permission to use as dump sites. These include properties located in Austin, East & West Garfield Park, West Haven, and North Lawndale.
    Alderman Smith has contacted the City demanding that it prohibit further dumping, force clean-up of the sites, and initiate legal action against the property owners and dumpers.

PARKING METERS PAYING OFF FOR WEST SIDE YOUTH CENTERS

Chicago Parking Meters principals kick off their new philanthropy program with a $10,000 donation to Chicago Youth Centers.

The deal turning over street parking meters and the increase in fees to park across the city may be extremely unpopular, but at least it is paying off for the city’s non-driving young people. Chicago Parking Meters, LLC, launched a new philanthropic program called CPM Community Partners, with a donation of $10,000 to Chicago Youth Centers. CPM and its operating partner, LAZ Parking, say they plan to serve Chicago’s communities by investing both time and dollars in youth-focused organizations across the City of Chicago.
    “The future of Chicago rests in the hands of its youngest residents. That is why we are directing our efforts toward quality programs that enhance youth development,” says Dennis Pedrelli, CEO of CPM, the long-term leaseholder for Chicago’s on-street parking meters. “CYC has an impressive track record of working with at-risk youth. That made them the ideal recipient for our first donation.”

STATE’S ATTORNEY OPENS COMMUNITY JUSTICE CENTER AT OAK PARK-AUSTIN BORDER

In an effort to bring the services of the Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office closer to the communities it serves, State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez opened the third Community Justice Center, at 4 Chicago Avenue in Oak Park. Police officials, elected officials and community leaders from both sides of the border joined Alvarez in officially opening the Center July 7. It will serve both city and suburban residents on the West Side.
    “We are pleased to open the third Community Justice Center in a location that can provide resources not only to residents of the West Side of Chicago, but also to residents of Oak Park and other neighboring western suburbs,” Alvarez said. “Residents now have a tangible place in the community where they can interact with our attorneys and staff to problem-solve and work together to prevent crime in our neighborhoods before it occurs.”
    Assistant State’s Attorneys and a Community Outreach Coordinator assigned to the Community Justice Center will work closely on the prosecution and prevention of local crime with police districts, community groups, schools, businesses, and area residents. Crime victims can utilize the resources of the Center to access ongoing court information and to obtain the additional services of the State’s Attorney’s Victim Witness Unit. The State’s Attorney’s office will also coordinate informational seminars and host crime prevention meetings at the location.
    Additionally, a specially trained prosecutor from the Mortgage Fraud Investigations Unit will work at the Center to assist local residents affected by mortgage fraud, conducting proactive mortgage fraud investigations and coordinating takedowns of corrupt appraisers and brokers.
    For more information on the services available at the Community Justice Center, call 708/386-7301.

WEST SIDER EMMA ALLEN CELEBRATES MILESTONE 100th BIRTHDAY WITH FAMILY & FRIENDS AT HUGE GALA

Emma Allen celebrates her 100th birthday with grandchildren Rose, Emma, and John, and adopted granddaughter Janice.
Emma Allen lived for many years on the 1400 block of North Leamington Avenue and in the senior citizen residence at Roosevelt & Kedzie. On June 2, surrounded by family members and friends, she celebrated her 100th birthday at her home at Lexington Healthcare of Elmhurst.
    Ms Allen was born June 2, 1910, in Bessemer, Alabama, one of 13 children. She was married to John Allen for 68 years. They raised one daughter, Mary Madison, and one Goddaughter. Mary has three children: Emma, Rose, and John. Ms Allen also has two adopted grandchildren, 6 great grandchildren, and 3 great-great grandchildren.
    More than 75 people turned out to help Ms Allen celebrate her centennial, including four pastors. President Barack Obama sent congratulations on her 100th birthday and Congressman Danny K. Davis presented a framed certificate with his best wishes.

Emma Allen enjoying the festivities at her 100th birthday party with granddaughters Emma & Rose, and daughter Mary.

A cake bearing the picture of Emma Allen wishes her a Happy 100th Birthday. She also received best wishes from President Obama & Congressman Davis.

VICTORY TRAVELERS HEADLINE PINE VALLEY RESTAURANT GOSPEL CONCERT IN LAWNDALE

Chuck Spruell with staff members of the Pine Valley Restaurant enjoying the free outdoor gospel concert.

Sister Margaret Chatmon presented a free outdoor Gospel concert at 1600 South Pulaski Road for Pine Valley restaurant, its diners and neighbors. The concert was a 4-hour praise extravaganza on Saturday, June 26, and it honored Evangelist Cora Dixon-Bridges of Lexington, Mississippi.
    Headliners for the show were the international recording and immensely popular gospel group, The Victory Travelers. Also featured were Pastor T.C. Raven, The J.C. Singers, Pastor Mary Stevenson, Pastor R.E. Love of Agape Love Church, Pastor Roosevelt Murphy & New Beginnings Choir, Pastor William Walters, and many other talented performers.

 

For more than 4 hours, great gospel performers lifted a joyful sound over North Lawndale June 26.

 

The lot next door to Pine Valley Restaurant at 1600 South Pulaski Rd. was transformed into a gospel stage June 26.

ARMED WEST SIDE GANG MEMBERS CHARGED UNDER VALAADEZ LAW

Franklin Amos of the 5200 block of Ferdinand St. is charged with two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon.

Following up on a search warrant executed June 14, Chicago Police arrested three Austin residents, charging two under the Valadez Law, which was enacted last December and is named in honor of Chicago Police officer Alejandro “Alex” Valadez. The law makes it illegal for a known gang member to be in possession of a weapon.
    Timothy Sconyers, 25, of the 500 block of North Leamington Avenue is charged with Possession of Cannabis, Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Gang Member (Valadez Law). Joshua Dawson, 19, of the 500 block of North Leclaire Avenue is charged with Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Gang Member (Valadez Law). Franklin Amos, 25, of the 5200 block of West Ferdinand Street was taken into custody as the target of the search warrant and charged with two counts of Unlawful Use of a Weapon by a Felon.
    On June 14, an Austin District (15th) Tactical Team executed two search warrants at a location on the 5200 block of West Ferdinand Street. The subject of these warrants was not located during execution of the warrants. However, police seized a .32 caliber revolver and numerous boxes of ammunition.
    At approximately 10:30 AM on June 15, Tactical and Patrol officers from the Austin District returned to the 5200 block of Ferdinand in search of Franklin Amos. At that time, Amos was observed in the company of Sconyers and Dawson. Dawson was seen in possession of a handgun while he was standing on the front porch of a residence. Dawson fled back into the residence, threw a weapon from a window of the house, and then attempted to flee the house on foot. Dawson was apprehended and officers recovered the fully loaded 9mm handgun that was thrown from the window.
    During the course of this incident, officers observed Timothy Sconyers climbing out of the rear of the same residence with a gun in his hand. When Sconyers saw the police, he tossed the gun back into the residence. Sconyers was placed into custody and police recovered a 9mm handgun with a silencer and 34 rounds in its magazine.

Joshua Dawson of the 500 block of N. Leclaire Ave. is charged with Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Gang Member. (Valadez Law) 

Timothy Sconyers of the 500 block of N. Leamington Ave., is charged with Possession of Cannabis, Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Felon, and Unlawful Possession of a Weapon by a Gang Member. (Valadez Law)

MONIQUE HARRIS BRINGS FARMERS INSURANCE TEAM TO AUSTIN

There’s a new insurance man on the West Side – and she’s a woman!
Monique Harris has assembled a team of specialists and opened a Farmers Insurance agency at 4617 West Harrison Street in Austin. Monique, her Customer Service Representative Simone Anderson, and her Marketing Coordinator Annie Smith have been quietly making the rounds, introducing themselves and letting everyone they meet know they are open for business. If big smiles sell insurance, this team is going to be very successful!
Monique and company recently held a festive Grand Opening and Open House at their newly remodeled home. When we arrived, Monique was fretting over the big sign just being installed. We told her not to worry, the activity attracted attention from everyone walking and driving by.
Friends and family members brought kids to add a festive note and keep the mood informal. Add a sunny day, hot dogs, hamburgers, and you’ve got yourself a Grand Opening party.
If you haven’t met the new Farmers Insurance staff yet, stop in or call and welcome them at 773/473-4865.

PRINCE OF PEACE & BETHEL LUTHERAN HOLDING SUMMER CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS

Registration is open for summer programs at Prince of Peace M.B. Church, 5450 West Van Buren Street, and Bethel Lutheran Church, 4215 W. West End Avenue. For information and to register children, call Jerome Altman at 773/269-8516.

878 MOST WANTED CLUB HOSTING SIX FLAGS TRIP JULY 24

The 878 Most Wanted Club is offering a trip to Six Flags Great America on Saturday, July 24, 9:00 AM-10:00 PM. The bus leaves LaFollette Park at 10:00 AM. Cost is $60.00 per person, including admission, bus, and food. Money is due by July 9.
    For information, call Money-D at 773/398-6834, Ms Wiggles at 773/507-3385, Passion at 773/908-7868, or Ms Forty at 773/823-6031.

NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY PRESENTING ART OF PLAY: WIRE SCULPTURE JULY 12

The North Austin Branch Library, 5724 West North Avenue, is presenting Framing Your Stories in Art, a free, fun, 45-minute family program for all ages. Join puppeteer Marilyn Price as she brings Art-rageous puppets to life on Thursday, July 22, 11:00-11:45 AM.
    Call Jacqueline Primm at 312.746-4233 for information and to register.

GET YOUR BARACK OBAMA SOLAR KEYCHAINS

Be the first to show off your President Barack Obama Solar-powered Keychains. Six different styles are available at $10.00 each. Proceeds benefit the Homes 4 Haiti Fund. Call 888-725-0359 to order or e-mail steponit.info/sandalsale123@aol.com.

HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH OFFERING FREE SUMMER NUTRITION PROGRAM

Heritage International Christian Church is offering a free Summer Nutrition Program Sunday through Friday until August 31 for persons ages 1 through 18 at 5312 West North Avenue.
    Breakfast is served 8:30-9:30 AM. Lunch is served 11:30 AM-1:30 PM. Everyone is welcome.

NEW PROGRESSIVE ST. JAMES M.B. CHURCH SERVING FREE MEALS TO YOUTH

Pastor Mitchell A. Fluker, Sr., is opening the doors of New Progressive St. James M.B. Church, 911 South Kedzie Avenue, providing free meals to young people 18 years and under, during the summer. Free lunches are served Monday through Friday, 10:00 AM-12 Noon, and snacks are offered 1:00-2:00 PM. All meals must be eaten on-site and the program runs through August 27.
    The Pastor and congregation wish everyone a safe, fun, and blessed summer. For information, call 773/826-0023.

REGISTRATION OPEN FOR KIDZ KORNA SAFE HAVEN SUMMER PROJECT

The Kidz Korna Safe Haven Summer Project (Summer Day Camp for children and young adults, ages 5-20) is still registering participants. A free computer competition is being held at registration. For information, call 773/957-6422.

HERITAGE INTERNATIONAL CHURCH HOLDING SUMMER CAMP

Heritage International Christian Church, 5312 West North Avenue, is offering a Summer Day Camp for children ages 2-14 through August 27. Hours are 8:30 AM-2:00 PM weekdays. Activities include Arts & Crafts, Field Trips, Movies, Basketball, Football & Dance, Reading Enrichment, and Leadership Development.
    There is a one-time enrollment & registration fee of $25 per child. This includes breakfast and lunch. For information, call 773/237-9600 or 773/237-4008.

NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY PRESENTING SING IT, READ IT, SEE IT JULY 20

The North Austin Branch Library, 5724 West North Avenue, is presenting Sing It, Read It, See It on Tuesday, July 20, 2:00 PM. This free, fun, 45-minute family program for all ages is directed by musical artist Carol Weston and engages the audience by connecting stories and art through music.
    For information and registration, call Jacqueline Primm at 312/746-4233.

NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY OFFERING KITE-MAKING WORKSHOP JULY 17

The North Austin Branch Library, 5724 West North Avenue, is presenting a free, fun, 2-hour Kite-Making Workshop for children ages 5 and older on Saturday, July 17, 1:00-3:00 PM. Children will build and decorate their own kites.
    Call Jacqueline Primm at 312/746-4233 for information and registration.

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.

CITY OPENS 24-HOUR EZ PAYMENT CENTER AT 10 SOUTH KEDZIE

The Chicago Department of Revenue has opened a 24-hour, 7-day, self-service EZ Payment Center at 10 South Kedzie Avenue. The Center allows people to pay parking and red light tickets, water bills, public way permits, and business taxes.
    The EZ Payment Center accepts cash, checks, and credit cards. For information, call Blocks Together at 773/276-2194 or 773/921-9581.