VALERIE F. LEONARD EARNS IVI-IPO ENDORSEMENT IN 24TH WARD ALDERMANIC RACE

Valerie F. Leonard, candidate for 24th Ward Alderman, has been endorsed by the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO). “I am deeply honored to be endorsed by the same organization that has endorsed people like the late Mayor Harold Washington, Alderman Pat Dowell, Alderman Walter Burnett, Jr., and President Barack Obama,” says Leonard.
    The IVI-IPO has been in existence since 1944. It is dedicated to good government, activism and an idealistic vision of open, honest government in Illinois. Leonard earned the IVI-IPO endorsement following an intensive review process that included an extensive questionnaire and in-person interview. She is a community development consultant and cofounder of the Lawndale Alliance. Her consulting practice focuses on strengthening nonprofit organizations and helping them secure federal funding. The Lawndale Alliance is a community-based group that addresses issues that impact local residents and the community. The group is most noted for minimizing the potential displacement of up to 1,200 residents as a result of implementation of the Ogden-Pulaski TIF district. Leonard is also the author of The Time for TIF Reform is Now, the Lawndale Alliance’s report detailing the pros and cons of North Lawndale’s TIFs and how the program may be improved. For information on Leonard’s campaign, call 773/521-3137.

KENYATTA & SABRINA LAND HOST LUNCHEON FOR BETH-ANN RESIDENTS

 Ald. Emma Mitts & Kenyatta Land with Beth-Ann residents Ola Stephans, Willie Mae Fuller, and Joyce Gatewood at the festive luncheon.

 Kenyatta Land & Ald. Emma Mitts greet Louise Powell and pianist Katie Smith, who entertained guests at the Beth-Ann luncheon.

Ald. Emma Mitts & Kenyatta Land with his
grandmother, Betty Jean Hinton, at Beth-Ann Residence.

More Science Fair Fun!

POLITICOS GATHER AT CATFISH CORNER FOR DOROTHY TILLMAN’S RADIO SHOW

CONGRESSMAN DAVIS NOMINATES ELEVEN TO U.S. ARMED SERVICE ACADEMIES

Congressman Danny K. Davis introduces his nominees to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point: Sangjim Chung, Terry Baggett, David A. Johnston, and Mitchell J. Saffold. (Photo by Brad)

Congressman Danny K. Davis presents his 2011 nominees to the U.S. Service Academies, the largest group he has ever recommended. (Photo by Brad)

Congressman Danny K. Davis introduces his nominees to the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis: Eric R. Cybulski and Lakeshia Brock. (Photo by Brad)

U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis (IL-7) introduced eleven outstanding high school students from the 7th Congressional District he is nominating to the U.S. Military Academies to join the Class of 2015. This is the largest number of candidates ever nominated to the Service Academies for one class by Congressman Davis.
    “The United States Military Academies are among the most competitive and distinguished undergraduate universities in the country,” Representative Davis says. “Those who gain acceptance are awarded full 4-year scholarships. This opportunity affords each nominee the chance to obtain a well-rounded education that is worth over $300,000.”
    Davis goes on to say, “In order to meet the exciting challenges of the new century, our students must be exposed to as many educational opportunities as possible. The military academies are top-notch and offer a broad scope of undergraduate studies to prepare students for challenges of today for the world tomorrow.”
    Each element of a candidate’s academic record is carefully evaluated by the academy’s admission board. Elements assessed include the nominee’s complete high school record (and college record, when applicable), class standing and scores on either the Scholastic Aptitude Test (SAT) or American College Test (ACT). While academic performance is used, a nominee’s maturity, character, leadership ability, physical aptitude, medical condition, personal goals and motivation are all used to determine a candidate’s suitability for an academy.
    Nominated by Congressman Davis are:
U.S. Military Academy (West Point)
•    Terry Baggett, Chicago
•    Sangjim Chung, Chicago
•    David A. Johnston, River Forest
•    Mitchell J. Saffold, Chicago
U.S. Air Force Academy
•    Nathan P. Anderson, Westchester
•    Victoria A. Gullo, River Forest
•    Michael A. Kelly, Jr.
•    Mitchell J. Saffold, Chicago
•    Audrey Springer, Oak Park
U.S. Naval Academy at Annapolis, Maryland
•    Lakeshia Brock, Hillside
•    Eric R. Cybulski, River Forest
U.S. Merchant Marine Academy
•    Luke Besser, Chicago

Congressman Davis with his nominees to the U.S. Air Force Academy: Audrey Springer, Nathan P. Anderson, Michael A. Kelly, Jr., and Mitchell J. Saffold. (Victoria A. Gullo is nominated but not present.) (Photo by Brad)

GRAPHIC DESIGN INTERN JOINS THE VOICE FROM PAUL SIMON JOB CORPS CENTER

Rudy Gonzales, a Graphic Design student from the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center fulfilling his Work-based Learning requirement at THE VOICE, composes the newspaper’s layout on computer with Senior Art Director Jeff Potter. (Photo by Isaac Jones)
Rudolph Robert Gonzales is the latest Graphic Design student from the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center to come to THE VOICE Newspapers to complete his Work-based Learning requirement prior to graduating from the free career training program administered by the U.S. Department of Labor and open to men and women ages 16 to 24.
    Rudy was born and raised in Kansas City, Kansas. He is 24 years old. Gonzales came to the Paul Simon Center in Chicago because it is the only Job Corps site of the 124 nationwide offering training in Graphic Design. He is currently studying for his examination to become an Adobe Certified Expert, along with HTML and XHTML certifications.
    “I enrolled in Job Corps simply to further my education in a field I’ve always been interested in pursuing,” Rudy explains. “Art is part of who I am, so I couldn’t think of a better way to establish a career doing something I enjoy while staying relevant to today’s job market. I would eventually like to have my own graphic design company, branching out into logo design, magazines, television ads, and possibly even animation.”
    Rudy says he also has dreams of succeeding in music, painting, barbering, clothing design, and ministry. “I do realize that it will be a long journey to get where I want to go in my life. But, I’m taking one step at a time in hopes that someday I’ll get there.” About the Job Corps, Rudy says it has been a great experience and he recommends it to anyone looking to gain the skills they need to launch their careers.
    The Paul Simon Job Corps Center is located at 3348 South Kedzie Avenue. It offers free career instruction in nine trades: Office Practice, Pharmacy Technician, Computer Repair, Carpentry, Bricklaying, Painting, Manufacturing, Certified Nursing Assistant, and Graphic Design. Tours of the campus are conducted every Wednesday and applications are accepted throughout the year. Students graduate and new students begin classes each week. Free dormitory housing is provided on campus, meals are provided, and a childcare center is located on the center for students with pre-school aged children. The Job Corps provides instruction leading to high school diplomas or G.E.D. certification. Graduates receive free job placement services and free tuition to attend the Chicago City Colleges.
    For information on career training, tours, and application information, call Beth Allen at the Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center at 773/890-3131.
    THE VOICE Newspapers is an active member of the Paul Simon Job Corps Center Business & Community Advisory Council.

REGINA LEWIS LAUNCHES 24th WARD ALDERMANIC CAMPAIGN IN PARTY ATMOSPHERE

 Longtime Lawndale social service provider & recovery home operator Regina D. Lewis opens her campaign office at 819 S. Pulaski Rd. with a festive parade through the neighborhood. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

 On The March: Regina D. Lewis, 24th Ward Aldermanic candidate & her campaign workers don’t let Chicago’s winter weather prevent them from carrying her message door-to-door through North Lawndale. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Congressman Danny K. Davis drops by to encourage 24th Ward Aldermanic candidate Regina Lewis at the opening of her headquarters at 819 S. Pulaski Rd., and the launch of her campaign. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

JASON ERVIN KICKS OFF HIS CAMPAIGN

Ald. Jason Ervin’s parents, Thelma & former Chicago Police Commander Claudell Ervin come out to support their son’s election bid. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

 Ald. Jason Ervin surrounded by supporters at B&B’s Bar & Grill, 4422 W. Madison St. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Ald. Jason Ervin meets with Women For Ald. Ervin at B&B’s Bar & Grill, 4422 W. Madison St. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

IT’S SCIENCE FAIR TIME AGAIN!

AUSTIN SCHOOLS WORKING TO IMPROVE STUDENT PROFICIENCY IN SCIENCE

Scores on a recent national science exam reveal that American elementary and high school students are lagging in their knowledge of science. Schools in Austin are working hard to reverse this trend by emphasizing hands-on exploration of science. The University of Illinois Extension Science Bus visited Ella Flagg Young School with lessons in mass, weight, and density to help students grasp concepts of physics.
State Senator Don Harmon visited St. Angela students in their new science laboratories. Duke Ellington School hosted the Area 3 Science Fair with 48 students from 17 elementary schools presenting their projects.