FIRE PREVENTION BUREAU WEST HOSTS BACK-TO-SCHOOL BASH

Ironworkers Joint Apprenticeship Training

Residents interested in the skilled trades can now apply for the Ironworkers Joint Apprenticeship Program. The Ironworkers Apprenticeship School is accepting applications at its location on 7740 Industrial Drive, Forest Park, Illinois.
    “I strongly urge anyone who is interested in this skill trade training opportunity offered by the Ironworkers to apply as soon as possible,” stated Alderman Chandler. I am committed to working with the skill trade organizations to promote these type of training programs so that as many eligible 24th ward residents can access these opportunities as possible.”
    Individuals interested in this opportunity must apply on the following dates: Monday, August 20, 2012 through Friday, August 24, 2012 from 8:00am to 2:00pm and Monday, August 27, 2012 through Friday, August 31, 2012 from 8:00am to 2:00pm. No applications will be accepted prior to 8:00am or after 2:00pm. All applications must be completed at the Apprenticeship School offices.
    Qualifications needed to be considered for this position include: 1) Ability to read and write the English language; and 2) Take an aptitude test and oral interview to receive placement on the eligibility list. A test study book will also be available for eligible candidates at time of application.
    Applicants must also have the following documents in their possession in order to complete the application process. 1) Original High School Diploma or G.E.D. Certificate; 2) Original Birth Certificate: Minimum 18 years of age; 3) Valid Driver’s License or Photo ID; 4) Military Service DD214 if applicable; 5) Three Personal References; and 6) Cashier check or money order in the amount of $25.00 (non-refundable). No personal checks accepted.
    Information on this opportunity can also be accessed through Alderman Michael D. Chandler’s website at www.aldermanchandler.com or contact the Ironworkers Apprenticeship School at www.iwlocal1.com.

Stop in at our Constituent Service Office, 1158 South Keeler Avenue,  call 773/533-2400, or click on www.aldermanchandler.com

MAHALEY SOMERVIILLE, LAWNDALE ACTIVIST, DIES AT 91

Whenever something of importance needed to be done, Mahaley Somerville was there, often leading the fight. When the roll is called of great community organizers, Mahaley Somerville is at the head of the class for North Lawndale. She was gentle and soft spoken, but people in power learned to never mistake that for weakness or stupidity. Mahaley Somerville has died at age 91. She was born in Artesia, Mississippi, on July 26, 1921, and grew up on a small farm. In 1942, she moved to Chicago with her husband and went to work as a domestic and later as a seamstress for The Pullman Sleeping Car Company.

The mother of seven children and grandmother and great-grandmother of many more, she began her activism in the Lawndale Contract Buyers’ League and was a volunteer at Garfield Park Hospital with Danny K. Davis. A crowning highlight of her life was attending the inauguration of President Barack Obama. Ms Somerville was a member of the board of directors of Bobbie Wright Mental Health Center from 1969 until her death. She was an active member of United Baptist Church and a founding member of Action Now in Lawndale.

She was a leading member of ACORN for many years. Ms Somerville campaigned tirelessly in the early 1990s as an organizer of Dump The Dumps to rid Lawndale of illegal and hazardous garbage dumps. She was a lead organizer of the citywide Jobs and Living Wage Campaign from 1995-98. She traveled often to Springfield and Washington, D.C., to protest government policies and lobby for programs to aid the poor.

She followed the lead of her hero, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., participating in civil disobedience. She was arrested protesting President Bush in 2003. The policy was reversed and charges against her were dropped. At age 88, she participated in a hunger strike in Springfield. Ms Somerville is survived by her daughters Carol and Maxine, her son Joseph, her brother Tommy Brewer and daughter-in-law Betty, and a host of other relatives. Visitation is Thursday, August 16, 4:00-9:00 PM, at A.A. Raynor & Sons Funeral Home, 5911 West Madison Street. Funeral is Friday, August 17, with a 10:00 AM wake and 11:00 AM service at Stone Temple M.B. Church, 3622 West Douglas Boulevard.