MT. VERNON BAPTIST CHURCH HOSTS PRAYER BREAKFAST IN RESPONSE TO GROWING VIOLENCE

Pastor Johnny Miller endorses the 100 Blocks & 100 Churches Initiative to battle crime & violence and urges everyone to get involved. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

CAPS Director Ron Holt addresses the Mt. Vernon Prayer Breakfast regarding the City’s strategy to prevent violence this summer. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Ald. Robert Fioretti expresses his views regarding the City’s strategy against gang violence. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Rev. Johnny L. Miller welcomes new Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy, 11th District Commander Eric Washington, and Alderman Robert Fioretti to a prayer breakfast at Mt. Vernon Baptist Church promoting the 100 Blocks & 100 Churches Initiative. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy addresses the Mt. Vernon Prayer Breakfast about citizen-police cooperation in preventing violence. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Commander Washington & Superintendent McCarthy confer at the Prayer Breakfast for 100 Blocks & 100 Churches. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

The Countdown to the 12th Annual 37th Ward Gospel Fest is Underway!

 It’s not just the music that will calm the soul and satisfy the spiritat the upcoming 12th Annual ‘Unity ion the Community ‘ 37th Ward Gospel Festival, and if you’re a restaurant, small neighborhood vendor or local business owner, now is the time to grab your spot to see and be seen as “one the best of the Austin neighborhood” on site at La Follette Park during the  exciting, fun-filled summer festival.
On Saturday, August 6, 2010, from 12:00 noon to 7:00 p.m., at La Follette Park, 1333 North Laramie, this must-attend, neighborhood festival will offer hot fun for all ages, positive images, good food and the cool, spiritual sounds of Chicago’s best gospel choirs and groups during the 12th Annual “37th Ward ‘Unity in the Community’ Gospel Fest”! The day long carnival of summer fun event is free and open-to-the-public! Bring your family and friends, to join us for the biggest festival to hit the 37th Ward during the summer!  Attention vendors!! Booth space is going fast - - and the price is right - - it’s FREE!!
The mission of the 37th Ward ‘Unity in the Community’ Gospel Fest is to celebrate the positive people and things in the community. That’s why Alderman Emma Mitts, the New 37th Ward Democratic Organization, the 37th Ward Pastor’s Alliance, community and religious leaders and the Mid-Austin Steering Committee believe it’s vitally important to offer a diverse range of fun-filled activities in the community to support families and keep our youth on the right track and pursuing academic excellence.  Interested in participating in this year’s 37th Ward Gospel Fest? For more information, contact the 37th Ward Service Office at 773-745-2894. Mark your calendars and we look forward to seeing you on August 6th!

Need a city service? Feel free to call my ward office at 773-745-2894.

Emma Mitts is the Alderman of the 37th Ward and Chairs the City Council Licensing Committee. For information on City programs and for requests for service, visit the 37th Ward Office at 5344 West North Avenue or call 773/745-2894.

COMMUNITY BANK OF OAK PARK RIVER FOREST AWARDS CHAMPION GRANT TO THE LEARNING CENTER

Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest presents a Champion Grant to Sister Monice of The Learning Center literacy tutoring & GED preparation program in North Lawndale.

Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest, 1001 Lake Street, Oak Park, announces that the bank’s Champion Grant is being made to The Learning Center, a free literacy tutoring service and GED preparation program located in North Lawndale. The purpose of the Champion Grant is to assist organizations in providing community outreach programs for low and moderate income individuals.
    The Learning Center is a neighborhood organization offering free education to women and men in Chicago’s North Lawndale and Little Village communities. Students of The Learning Center acquire knowledge and skills in reading, writing, math, English as a second language, and related subjects, preparing them for the GED test. It has its roots at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church in River Forest and was started by parishioners and Dominican Sisters with the desire to provide social justice and assistance to the poor. The Learning Center is located at 2153 South Millard Avenue, Chicago. It is an active member of the West Side Literacy Coalition and Chicago Citywide Literacy Coalition.
    “The Learning Center provides a vital service to the Lawndale and Little Village communities. Their work epitomizes what the Champion Grant is truly about, which is providing education and training for those in need,” says Martin J. Noll, Chairman of the Board and CEO of Community Bank. A grant in the amount of $2,000 was presented to Sister Monice Kavanaugh, O.P., Executive Director of The Learning Center, on Wednesday, June 22. The Champion Grant was presented by Mary Beth McIntosh, V.P. and River Forest Branch Manager, and Bernard D. Headley II, Community Lending Specialist for Community Bank.
    Through the Champion Grant, Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest encourages growth and support in economically challenged communities. Champion Grants will be awarded to qualifying organizations throughout the year. The Champion Grant application is available on the Community Bank website at www.cboprf.com.
    During its 14-year history, Community Bank has undertaken the sponsorship of many community-wide events and has donated over $2 million to various local civic and charitable organizations. Community Bank of Oak Park River Forest was organized in 1996 as a locally-owned bank focused on creating financial solutions for individuals, professionals, owners of closely-held businesses and nonprofit organizations in the Oak Park, River Forest, and Forest Park communities. Community Bank, which had assets of $351 million as of December 31, 2010, has two locations: 1001 Lake Street, Oak Park, and 7777 Lake Street, River Forest.