PICCOLO SCHOOL COMBINES FITNESS & FELLOWSHIP AT FAMILY FUN DAY

VANCE E. BAINES CHARGED IN FATAL HIT & RUN ACCIDENT

Vance E. Baines, 38, of the 5400 block of Washington Boulevard, was arrested and charged with one felony count of IVC-Leave Scene of Accident-Injury/Death, in connection with a fatal hit & run traffic accident April 11 at approximately 8:05 PM, in the 3400 block of North Avenue, in which a 74-year-old man was struck and killed.

WEST SIDERS IN THE SERVICE

AIR FORCE RESERVE AIRMAN MICHAEL K. WILLIS, son of Michael Willis of West Lexington Street, Chicago, graduated from basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, Texas. He completed an intensive 8-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. By graduating from basic training, Airman Willis earns four credits toward an associate degree in applied science through the Community College of the Air Force. Airman Willis is a 2008 graduate of Al Raby High School.

Sneak Preview: Kaboom is building a playground today at St. Angela

 Look for more in the paper and online next week!

This Week: Lift some weights: Our delinquint tax list is out in this week's issue.

Available now around town and at our Headquarters 5236 W. North Ave.

DOUGLASS HIGH STUDENTS HOST ANNUAL ARTS GALA

FRESH MOVES BRINGING BUSLOADS OF FRUITS & VEGETABLES TO WEST SIDE

Fresh Moves Mobile Produce Market is the latest campaign to bring fresh fruits and vegetables to Chicago’s West Side food desert. The converted CTA bus is a rolling produce department filled with an assortment of healthy, fresh foods. All items are available at discount prices.
    The Fresh Moves Mobile Market is on the West Side every Wednesday and Thursday. The Wednesday schedule includes stops at Lawndale Christian Health Center, 3860 West Ogden Avenue, 9:00-11:00 AM; Sankofa Safe Child Initiative, 4041 West Roosevelt Road, 12 Noon-2:00 PM; and Green Youth Farm, 3555 West Ogden Avenue, 3:00-5:00 PM.
    The Thursday schedule has the produce bus stopping at Herbert Spencer Academy, 214 North Lavergne Avenue, 9:30 AM- 12 Noon; Phalanx Family Services, 4628 West Washington Boulevard, 12:30-2:30 PM; and Bethel New Life, Division Street & Lavergne Avenue, 3:00-5:00 PM.

Get Around – Don’t Sit Around This Summer!

DORTCH CYCLING VOYAGERS  DISCOVERING CHICAGOLAND ON WHEELS FOR 15th EXCITING YEAR

Dortch Cycling Voyagers enjoy a day at the beach.

The Dortch Cycling Voyagers Camp is planning a 15th 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 $165 for a 6 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.

Dortch Cycling Campers enjoy lunch & dinner outings at restaurants across the city.

 The Cycling Voyagers Camp starts Monday, June 20. All payments must be made by June 17 (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.

Dortch Cycling Voyagers discover Navy Pier among their daily travels.

The Close of the School Year is Coming – Let’s make it a Safe Summer for All

In little over a week, the current school year will come to a close.  A key mission of the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) is simple, yet profound:  Providing a safe learning environment for its students.

    As Alderman of the 37th Ward, it is well-known that I am deeply committed to education, and that one of the cornerstones of my neighborhood agenda is improving the schools throughout the 37th Ward and the city as a whole.

    The joys of summer are almost here - - and what everyone is looking forward to are sunny days, loads of fun events, activities and programs - - and equally important – a ‘safe summer’ as well. Yet, over the Memorial Day weekend, there were several shootings and tragic killing of a bright recent college graduate, whose only crime was that she went to the lakefront with a friend, was unfortunately shot in the head during an altercation and killed.  The sad story continues with last weekend’s news a high school basketball star slain at a birthday party, several shootings stabbings and other random and not-so-random violence. As usual, no one knows anything, and those who do refuse to ‘snitch’. Instead they maintain a deadly silence, which affects us all. These are senseless tragedies which we must ALL work together to avoid. We must not tolerate another ‘Bloody Summer’ for our youth! What will YOU do to make a difference?

    I intend to do everything I can to achieve that goal of a ‘safe summer’ for Chicago Public School students. We will need everyone, including parents, police, educators and community/civic/business leaders to stand against violence, and offer alternatives! Let’s face it, we will also need the private sector and local community groups to step up with jobs and activities, and increase their commitment to support local youth with positive, sustainable programs which deter crime and violence.  Finally, the youth need to do their part as well, by trusting in, and working with us for positive change. I’ll be working hard every day to reduce youth violence, and maintaining ‘Unity in the Community’ in the 37th Ward. I invite you to join me. Together, we CAN make a difference. The Time is NOW!

Emma Mitts is the Alderman of the 37th Ward. This is the first in a series of weekly columns which will address local issues, upcoming projects and initiatives as well as key events within the ward.

WEST SIDERS CHARGED IN SOUTH SIDE ARMED ROBBERY

 

Gresham District officers on patrol in the area of 87th Street and the Dan Ryan Expressway were able to track down and place in custody two offenders who had just committed an armed robbery of a nearby video game store. The robbery and arrests both occurred on the afternoon of June 2.
    Daniel Sample, 31, of the 5300 block of West Crystal Street, and Orlando White, 32, of the 5400 block of West Race Avenue, are both charged with one count of Armed Robbery stemming from the incident. Additionally, White has been charged with one count of Aggravated Fleeing Police and three traffic violations.
    Shortly after noon on June 2, police officers patrolling the 0-100 block of West 87th Street were flagged down by an individual who stated that his store had just been robbed at gunpoint. The victim was able to point out the offenders’ vehicle and officers began following the offenders while broadcasting a description of the fleeing vehicle.
    Sample and White drove onto the Dan Ryan Expressway in their attempt to flee, but the officers and assist units were able to stop the car after a short pursuit and placed the offenders into custody without incident. Officers recovered the cash proceeds of the robbery as well as a 9mm handgun.

VOICE worker TERRANCE BOYD, 16, SHOT TO DEATH IN AUSTIN

Terrance Columbus Boyd, known by family and friends as TT, was shot near Leamington & Lemoyne Avenues on Friday night, May 20. He was taken to Mount Sinai Medical Center where he died. Terrance was 16 years old.

Terrance was born February 15, 1995, in Chicago to Karen Williams and Clayton Boyd. He had two older brothers: Eric Williams and Clayton Long. He graduated from Lincoln Middle School in Berwyn, where he played on the varsity basketball and football teams. He went on to attend Manley High School. While living in Austin, TT worked for THE VOICE Newspapers.

Terrance had a very close relationship with his family and friends, especially with Marcus and his best friend Jade. He was a son, brother, grandson, nephew, cousin, and friend. He is survived by his parents and brothers, eight aunts, three uncles, and a host of relatives and friends.

Services for Terrance Boyd were held May 28 at Smith & Thomas Funeral Home. Rev. Paul Jakes officiated. Terrance was buried in Oakridge Cemetery.

LITERACY COALITION CELEBRATES NIGHT OF A THOUSAND STARS

37th WARD PASTOR’S HONORS DALEY & MITTS

SPENCER ACADEMY CELEBRATES COLLEGE WEEK