Alderman Mitts Salutes 37th Ward Resident Roberta Wilson - Who ‘Makes a Difference’ in the Lives of Others

I am deeply honored to serve as the Alderman of the 37th Ward, primarily because of the wonderful residents that we are fortunate to have live and work in our vibrant and diverse community.
That’s why I am especially proud of the recent 2011 State of Illinois Senior Citizen of the Year in the area of Education honor bestowed on one of the 37th Ward’s finest citizens - - Mrs. Roberta Wilson by the Honorable Pat Quinn, the Governor of the State of Illinois a few saluting her accomplishments days ago. She attended a gala reception and awards ceremony at the Governor’s mansion.
Mrs. Wilson was chosen from over one-hundred and fifty nominees across Illinois to receive the top award, which is worthy of recognition itself! As I mentioned last week, Mrs. Roberta Wilson, a longtime 37th Ward resident and loyal community activist, education advocate and supporter, has worked to improve the lives of young people through education for nearly three decades. She has served as a tenacious, tireless and dedicated liaison between local and state educators, policymakers and community residents. She has marched for school choice. A kind yet out-spoken woman, Mrs. Wilson best describes her life philosophy in this manner, which she learned from a favorite aunt who generously gave of her time, talents and treasures: to her family and community.
“I’ve always believed that individuals should have the opportunity to reach their highest potential - and I know that education is the best way to open the door to future success. I was taught to aim high and never give up on your dreams.”
Employed by the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) for over twenty-seven years, Mrs. Wilson transferred her love of education to several generations of lucky students. She is very active in the 37th Ward, volunteer for local churches, a Block Club President, an energetic member of many local organizations. CONGRATULATIONS and best wishes for a most deserving woman!! More on this important honor for a 37th Ward resident!!
The 2011-2012 State of the 37th Ward “Report to the Community” will be Unveiled October 27th: This is an event not to miss!! Alderman Emma Mitts cordially invites ALL 37th Ward residents to join her to find out what’s going on in OUR community!!! Join us on Thursday, October 27, 2011, from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Prosser Career Academy, 2148 North Long, for an evening of ‘conversation and community action’!! Meet representatives from the Mayor’s Office and City Departments, hear local 37th ward news, project updates, current and future city-sponsored initiatives and programs, and the Alderman’s vision for the 37th Ward. We need YOUR Input!! Call 773-745-2894 for more information. See you there!!!

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

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

GRAND AVENUE SHRIMP HOUSE INVITES YOU TO SAMPLE THEIR NEW RECIPE

A Grand Avenue Shrimp House chef offers the new lighter, crunchier and tastier shrimp. Try it – you’ll like it! (Photo by Brad)
Grand Avenue Shrimp House, 5358 W. Grand, has made its basic recipe even better. The restaurant was named by TIME OUT CHICAGO Magazine as one of the city’s three best. (Photo by Brad)

Sometimes you don’t want to mess with a good thing. Coca-Cola learned this when they changed the recipe for Coke and it was disastrous. But, the cooks at Grand Avenue Shrimp House, 5358 West Grand Avenue, are always tempting their customers with new creations.
Now, after 15 successful years, they are changing the breading recipe on their basic seafood entrees.
We held our breath because we love the taste of their battered & deep-fried shrimp and other seafood items. Were they messing with success?
The answer is NO! The new breading recipe is just as tasty, but it is much lighter and crunchier. It accents the delicate flavor of the shrimp and other seafood. Plus, it contrasts well with the texture of the items it covers.
Check out the new recipe and ask about their occasional homemade specials, like Shrimp Gumbo, Dirty Rice, Red Beans & Rice, and Jambalaya with Andouille Sausage.
Call ahead to 773/622-1890 or 773/622-1568 and your order will be ready when you get there. TIME OUT CHICAGO Magazine declared Grand Avenue Shrimp House one of the three best shrimp restaurants in the city!

RADIO DISNEY ROCKS BRUNSON STUDENTS WITH MSI SCIENCE CHALLENGE

CHICAGO AREA PROJECT PARTNERS WITH MANPOWER TO PLACE WEST SIDE JOB-SEEKERS

Sandra Douglas, Data Coordinator for the Chicago Area Project’s CDTES program, demonstrates how job-seekers can access the Manpower touch-screen computer to apply for jobs at 605 S. Albany. The service is free and open to the public. (Photo by Isaac Jones)


Chicago Area Project manages Career Development, Training & Employment Services (CDTES) at 605 South Albany Avenue. It is an employment program promoting economic independence and self-sufficiency for low-income individuals. Its clients must be receiving food stamps and TANF benefits, and be recommended to the program by the Illinois Dept. of Human Services.
CDTES is now partnering with Manpower, an independent job placement service. Manpower installed a computerized kiosk in the Chicago Area Project office. This electronic job-search equipment is available for use by any community residents at no cost Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM.
Job search candidates can use the Manpower computer kiosk to apply directly for positions in high-demand fields such as healthcare, renewable energy, and logistics, as well as many others. Applicants can search for jobs and follow on-screen instructions to complete a job-seeker profile and application.
For information on CDTES job preparation and placement services and for use of the Manpower kiosk, call 312/588-3860, log onto www.cdtes.org, or visit the office at 605 South Albany Avenue.

KYLE LEE: THE DEVIN HESTER OF MARSHALL HIGH COMMANDOS

Kyle Lee has set a new Marshall High School record with 4 kick returns for touchdowns in the Commandos’ 7-1 season so far. (Photo by Brad)

Kyle Lee, the 5’7”, 123-pound Wide Receiver for the Marshall Commandos football team, has set a new school record with 4 kick returns for touchdowns so far this year. The Commandos currently have a 7-1 record and are looking ahead to the playoffs.

Kyle, a 16-year-old junior runs the 40-yard dash in 4.4 and is being compared to his idol – Devin Hester of the Bears. Kyle even wears Hester’s number: 23.

Kyle Lee wears number 23, the same as his idol, Devin Hester of the Bears. The speedy, sure-handed junior has played football every year for Marshall. (Photo by Brad)

PROMINENT WEST SIDERS LAUNCHING KNIGHT INSURANCE AGENCY

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A gala launch party was held last week for Knight Insurance Agency’s newest office on Chicago’s West Side. The firm is owned and directed by U.S. Congressman Danny K. Davis, Reverend Johnny Miller, Reverend Johnny Henderson, Fred Davis, James Jones, Lester Barclay, Don Patterson, and Paris Fountis.
Knight Insurance was established in 1936 and its brokers represent numerous lines of insurance and underwriters, assuring the appropriate coverage at the most economical price. This agency provides complete personal and commercial insurance coverage, business insurance, commercial property insurance, employee group medical insurance, homeowners and renters insurance, Medicare plans, vehicle insurance, and worker’s compensation. The agency offers church programs.
Paris Fountis is the Agent for this Knight Insurance office, located at 715 West Maxwell Street. The phone number is 312/243-0943 and e-mail is yesparis@aol.com

TEENS MEET WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT TO BRIDGE COMMUNICATION GAP

Representatives of the Chicago and Markham Police Departments, Cook County State’s Attorney’s office, and Alderman Robert Fioretti’s staff met with teenagers to open a dialog on issues such as stereotyping. Youth talked about attitudes of police toward them when contact is made, especially when young people are minding their own business and socializing in their neighborhoods.
One police officer at the meeting told of being harassed by police when he was a teenager. But, he challenged the youth, “Don’t be angry at the police. Become a police officer and change it.” He added, “Programs like this should be mandatory throughout the nation.”
For information on Chicago Area Project programs and how to become involved, call Kathleen Mosley at 312/588-3816 or at YAR@chicagoareaproject.org.