The Voice Newspapers, Serving Chicago's West Side: 2010-07-25

Friday, July 30, 2010

HOMICIDE OFFENDER CHARGED IN HOUSE PARTY MURDER

Emmanuel Pickens, 20, is charged with felony Murder & felony Attempt Murder for the shooting of two men at a house party. One man died from his wounds.

Area 4 Violent Crimes Detectives arrested and charged Emmanuel Pickens, 20, of the 4200 block of West Wilcox Avenue with one felony count of Murder and one felony count of Attempt Murder for the shooting of two men at a house party in the 4200 block of West Wilcox Avenue in the early morning hours of March 27. A 20-year-old male died as a result of his injuries.
At approximately 1:00 AM on March 27, officers responded to a call of a person shot on Wilcox and arrived to discover the victim lying face-down and unconscious on the parkway suffering from a gunshot wound to the neck. It was later discovered that a second victim was driven to an area hospital by an unidentified party.
Upon further investigation, police learned that a fight had broken out in the house and subsequently spilled out onto the sidewalk. Once outside, shots rang out, resulting in the injuries to the two victims. Detectives arrived and obtained a positive identification of Pickens as the offender.

AREA 4 DETECTIVES CHARGE MAN WITH LAWNDALE MURDER

Brian Thompson, 19, was arrested and charged with First Degree Murder in the shooting death of an 18-year-old Lawndale man and the wounding of a juvenile.

Chicago Police arrested and charged 19-year-old Brian Thompson of the 4100 block of West 21st Place with one count of first Degree Murder for the March 2010 killing of an 18-year-old victim who was shot several times and later died of his injuries. The homicide took place on the 1900 block of South St. Louis Avenue. In the incident, a juvenile victim also sustained a gunshot wound. He was treated at an area hospital.
Area 4 Detectives identified Brian Thompson as the offender based upon information they gathered during the investigation. An Investigation Alert was issued and the Gang Enforcement Unit located Brian Thompson in the 3000 block of West Cullerton, where he was taken into custody without incident. Detectives are continuing their investigation into this matter.

CHICAGO POLICE SMASH CICERO AVENUE DRUG RING – SEIZE WEAPONS & HEROIN

The Chicago Police Narcotics Section conducted an undercover buy operation
on Cicero Avenue near Walton Street. The drug sales occurred within 1,000 feet of Ronald McNair Academic Center. A total of 12 undercover controlled narcotics purchases were conducted by police.
    Officers arrested 8 of the 12 offenders. One was arrested during the commission of a burglary and another was arrested for a gambling offense. One offender was a juvenile and four remain wanted.
    In conjunction with the round-up, a search warrant was executed in the 900 block of North Waller Avenue, resulting in the seizure of a small amount of heroin, two handguns, and a shotgun.
    Persons arrested are:

Deron Collins
Delivery of a Controlled Substance

George Compton
Delivery of a Controlled Substance & Gambling

Gregory Brown Delivery of a Controlled Substance & Burglary

Jamarl Williams
Warrant-Delivery of a Controlled Substance

James Lostion
Criminal Drug Conspiracy

Pledge Diming
Warrant-Delivery of a Controlled Substance

Sisterhouse: When it rains, it pours…

By Bonnie Johnson

Like many homes in the Chicagoland area, Friday night’s rains left our basement underwater at SISTERHOUSE. This is an ordinary occurrence at any house in the Midwest, but the response was indeed extraordinary. The ladies in our facility promptly responded: cleaning out basement, removing all damaged items, and sanitizing the space. We’ve indeed been blessed, because these basement floods are very uncommon and infrequent. More so, we’ve been blessed with some amazing women.

Our residents, especially the women in Phase I and II of our program, work closely with job coaches, tutors, training instructors, and various agencies in town when they begin their job search. The response to a simple household crisis proves that we have a group of highly employable and hard-working women who took no time to complain amidst the heavy lifting and unsettling conditions. The community building, team-work, and common effort was a great introduction to the spirit of SISTERHOUSE and it serves as a reassurance that the life skills they learn here will no doubt carry them to great places as they move up through our phases and on to become independent and productive members of the greater Chicago community.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG STUDENTS END A MAGICAL SCHOOL YEAR

Renowned magician The Spellbinder makes a table magically float across the floor as Louis Armstrong students whisper to each other, “How is he doing that?” (Photo by Isaac Jones)

Principal Mrs. Demetrius Bunch calls up outstanding Louis Armstrong students for special recognition at the year-end assembly. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

The Spellbinder adds a little salt and hot sauce as students sing, “Uh-Uh, Uh-Uh, That’s NOT the way we do it!” (Photos by Isaac Jones)

A mischievous Spellbinder lights the whole mess on fire, covers it with a lid, and turns it into a pan of wrapped hard candy. “How’d he do that?” (Photo by Isaac Jones)

Louis Armstrong students watch The Spellbinder in disbelief as he works his magic directly in front of them. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

POLICE CHARGE GARFIELD PARK MAN WITH HOME INVASION & ATTACK ON AN OFFICER

Jerrell Arterberry, 24, of West Garfield Park, is charged with an armed home invasion on the South Side.

Chicago Police charged Jerrell Arterberry, 24, of the 3200 block of Fulton Street, with one count of Home Invasion-Armed with a Firearm and one count of Aggravated Battery to a Police Officer. Arterberry is a convicted felon. On May 14, Gresham District officers responded to a “check the well-being” call initiated by OnStar in the 300 block of West 79th Street at approximately 4:30 AM. Upon arrival, officers were met by two victims inside a currency exchange who stated they had been robbed and identified Arterberry as the offender. As officers attempted to place Arterberry under arrest, he became combative, striking one of the officers in the face with his fist. Arterberry was subdued and placed in custody.
Police later learned that Arterberry had robbed the victims at gunpoint at their home in the 7400 block of South Harvard earlier that evening. He then forced them at gunpoint to drive him to the currency exchange in an attempt to cash the victims’ checks. Police recovered a semi-automatic gun at the scene.

The Voice on TV!

Youth workers from THE VOICE Newspapers appeared on the CAN-TV/Channel 19 public affairs program SPEAK ON IT, with hosts Dr. Kofi Maalik & Boise Edwards. The topic was community violence. The show may be rebroadcast on Channel 19 and can be viewed on YouTube by typing RetroCurrent Team in the Search Box. The young men shown with historic African American relics are: (from left) Kewanis Tynes, Lovelle Jordan, John Hobson, James Tynes & Lovon Jordan, with VOICE Associate Editor Brad Cummings. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

PREVENTION PARTNERSHIP & CEDA PRESENTING FREE ECONOMIC STABILITY SEMINAR AUG. 17

The Prevention Partnership, Inc., West Side elected officials, an array of local agencies, and THE VOICE Newspapers are sponsoring another session of the unique Economic Stability Seminar at Frederick Douglass Academy High School, 534 North Waller Avenue, on Tuesday, August 17, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. Participation is free and includes breakfast, lunch, and snacks.
Topics addressed in the seminar include personal goal setting, developing job readiness skills, job seeking techniques, resume writing, interviewing strategies, communication skill development, entrepreneurial opportunities, and hints for dressing for success.
To reserve space at this valuable event, call Novella Bates at 773/378-4195, ext. 11. Each seminar is limited to 50 participants.

25th DISTRICT POLICE INVITING RESIDENTS TO GRAND & CENTRAL FOR NATIONAL NIGHT OUT

Residents of the 25th Police District are invited to gather at the Grand-Central station, 5555 West Grand Avenue, for a summer celebration of National Night Out on Tuesday, August 3, 6:00-8:00 PM. There will be free refreshments, live entertainment, music, and fun.
National Night Out originated as an occasion for local residents to turn on porch lights and gather on each block with neighbors to demonstrate their solidarity in taking back their communities from gangs, drug dealers, and criminals by showing they weren’t afraid to come out of their houses. In recent years, it has become a meaningless excuse for a party away from home.

HEALING TEMPLE INVITING COMMUNITY TO PARTICIPATE IN SAY NO TO DRUGS PARADE JULY 31

Healing Temple COGIC is holding its 22nd Annual Dr. Arthur Lockhart SAY NO TO DRUGS PARADE & HEALTH FAIR on Saturday, July 31. Individuals, organizations, businesses, and churches are invited to enter a car, van, bus, drill team, drum line, or a float.
Registration is at 8:00 AM, and the parade steps off at 9:00 AM from 4941 West Chicago Avenue. The Jesse White Tumblers are scheduled to participate, as is the South Shore Drill Team. A health fair follows the parade. For information, call 773/378—9649.

10TH ANNUAL GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY COUNTY FAIR SET FOR SEPT. 18

Experience the excitement and fun of a county fair in the middle of the city. Chicago’s original urban hoedown is being held on Saturday, September 18, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM, at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 North Central Park Avenue. Admission is $5. Ages 3 and under are free.
The Garfield Park Conservatory’s County Fair celebrates the harvest and healthy communities in an urban setting on Chicago’s West Side. The connection between plants, food, and American heritage are highlighted through a variety of activities, demonstrations, and entertainment. Families can enjoy hands-on activities, games, a petting zoo, pony rides for $1.00, compost demonstrations, a harvest showcase, beekeeping demonstrations, live music, food, a farmers market with fresh produce from local farms, and much more.
For more information, log onto www.garfield-conservatory.org or call 773/638-1766, ext. 18.

DANNY K. DAVIS HOSTING BACK-TO-SCHOOL PARADE & PICNIC AUG. 21

Mark your calendars and start decorating your floats. Congressman Danny K. Davis and an array of community sponsors are planning the 2010 Back-To-School Parade & Picnic for Saturday, August 21. To contribute, volunteer, or reserve your space in the parade, call 773/626-8481.

LORETTO HOSPITAL HOLDING BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION FOR ALL BABIES BORN THERE

On Saturday, August 7, Loretto Hospital, 645 South Central Avenue, is hosting a party for all people born at the institution since it opened. The party starts at 3:30 PM and runs until 9:00 PM. There will be entertainment, food, and fun. Persons planning to attend are asked to respond by August 3 to 773/854-5063. Free parking is available for this event in the Flournoy Parking Lot. Persons attending have the opportunity to win a 32-inch Flat Screen LCD Television.

GET WELL WISHES

CHARLES WEEKS, Dean of the Breakfast Club that meets 6 days a week at the North & Laramie McDonald’s, and a friend of THE VOICE Newspapers, is currently hospitalized. We wish him a speedy recovery.

WINNING POWERBALL TICKET SOLD AT GRAND & CALIFORNIA SERVICE STATION

While no one won the $67 million Powerball jackpot on Wednesday, July 28, a 2nd Place winning ticket was sold at Grand Avenue Station, 2601 West Grand Avenue in Chicago. The 2nd Place ticket was sold as a quick-pick and matched all 5 numbers, but missed the Powerball. The winning numbers were 1, 11, 20, 25 & 27, with a Powerball number of 2 and a Power Play of 5. The 2nd Place ticket is worth $200,000. If the winner had chosen a Power Play, the ticket would have been worth $1 million.
At press time, the winner has not come forward. The Powerball jackpot has rolled to $85 million. The next drawing takes place Saturday, July 31, at 9:59 PM CDT. For information, visit www.illinoislottery.com.

EYES ON AUSTIN SIGNING UP APPLICANTS FOR CEDA SUMMER COOLING PROGRAM

Eyes On Austin, 5519 West North Avenue, is registering local residents for the CEDA Cooling Program. Qualifications are: Persons must be 60 years old, household members receiving Disability payments, households with children 2 years old or younger.
Documentation needed includes an award letter from SSA or SSI Monthly Income (2010), Social Security cards for all household members, and a current electric bill.
For information, call 773/479-1596.

WRIGHT COLLEGE HOLDING FINAL KIDS CAMPS OF SUMMER

Two Summer Camps for Children – a Dance Camp and a Computer Camp – are still open for registration at Wilbur Wright College, 4300 North Narragansett Avenue.
    Rainbow Dance Connection is being held August 10-12. This 3-day camp teaches dance forms, including jazz, tap, hip-hop, and ballet. The one-hour daily session for ages 4-6 costs $30; the 75-minute session for ages 7-12 costs $35.
    Wright’s Computer Camp teaches children how to use computers for more than just IMs and YouTube. This 5-day camp for 9-15-year-olds covers website design, graphics, and animation. It is being held August 9-12 and August 14 for $110.
    To register for either of these Summer Camps, call 773/481-8800 or e-mail Family College Director Diane Prosser at dprosser@ccc.edu.

INDEPENDENCE & ARTHINGTON COMMUNITY REUNION SET FOR AUG. 21

The 2nd Community Reunion on Independence & Arthington for all current and former residents of the neighborhood is being held Saturday, August 21. The planning committee is still seeking people to help make this year’s event even bigger and more fun than last year’s. The next meeting is August 7. Anyone interested should call Robbin Robinson at 773/653-7378. They are in process of ordering custom-designed Tee-shirts and are trying to secure donations of book bags and school supplies for the kids.

CPS HOLDING FREE BACK-TO-SCHOOL FESTIVAL IN COLUMBUS PARK JULY 31

Track E year-round schools open Monday, August 9, and, to prepare Austin residents, the Chicago Public Schools are hosting a Back-To-School Festival in Columbus Park on Saturday, July 31. This event is being held at the Field House, 500 South Central Avenue, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
There will be health screenings for students, book bags, school supplies, other prizes and giveaways, plus fun and games. Everyone is invited to attend. Theme of this school year is: SHOW UP! First Day and Every Day. For information on Track E schools, call 773/553-1000.

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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.”