REP. YARBROUGH NAMED ASSISTANT HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER

After a General Assembly session serving in her new role as Assistant House Majority Leader, State Representative Karen Yarbrough says her position allows her to better advocate for local residents.
    “When I first learned that I was selected as an Assistant House Majority Leader, I immediately thought of all the people I have met throughout my career in public service, and how I would be able to better serve them in this new capacity. Even though I’m now a member of the leadership team in the Illinois House, I am still first and foremost an independent state representative for the 7th District and will always put the needs of my constituents first,” Rep. Yarbrough states.
    “Most rank-and-file legislators work very hard, but oftentimes they struggle to enact positive change because they don’t have a seat at the table. Though I have been able to pass significant pieces of legislation dealing with poverty, predatory lending, and clean indoor air – all before I became a member of leadership – I will be an even more effective voice for the people I represent now that I am able to help shape the policy direction of our state,” she explains.
    For information on state programs and legislation, contact Rep. Yarbrough’s Constituent Service Office at 708/615-1747.

WALMART 2011 COMMUNITY-BUILDERS AWARD RECIPIENTS RECEIVE TROPHIES

 Alderman Deborah Graham presents a Walmart 2011 Community-Builders Award to James Cole, Proprietor of The Shoe Shine King, 338 North Central Avenue, as Outstanding Corporate Citizen, on behalf of THE VOICE Newspapers. He started his shoe shine business while a student at Marshall High School, has provided jobs to numerous ex-offenders, and assisted teenagers escape gang involvement. Cole was Vice President of the Austin Business Council, helped organize the Austin Chamber of Commerce, and served on the board of the Austin YMCA. The Community-Builders Awards were presented at a June 28 Luncheon hosted by THE VOICE Newspapers. Cole was unable to attend. (Photo by Brad)

Andrew Griffin, Entertainment Editor of THE VOICE Newspapers, presents a Walmart 2011 Community-Builders Award to Linda McWright for Outstanding Youth Mentoring Services. She is responsible for launching the show business careers of many West Side performers as Activities Director at Clark Park and CEO of Umbrella Productions, Inc. McWright is well-known for staging popular talent shows and community festivals. She taught modeling classes for the Chicago Public Schools & Park District. Linda McWright has touched the lives of generations of West Side young people. (Photo by Brad)

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.

FREDERICK DOUGLASS SENDS ITS GRADUATES INTO THE WORLD

The Jobs of Summer Are Available Now

Summer is really here! The weather is turning hotter and the Fourth of July Holiday is right around the corner! In addition to celebrating with neighbors, friends and family over backyard barbeques, summer get-togethers as well as enjoying a host of free events in our local parks, for many young adults in the 37th Ward, the search for summer employment continues. Are you looking for a job? Do you know anyone who wants and needs a job?
    I’ve got some good news to share! The Illinois Conservation Corps is currently seeking workers, between the ages of 18-25, for a six-month employment opportunity. They are looking for participants who will work on publicly-owned and/or land leased by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Requirements: Young adult workers must be (a) currently unemployed; and (b) eligible to work for up to six (6) months. Applicants are accepted on a rolling basis. Workers will assist the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) staff with a variety of duties, including but not limited to: building and ground maintenance; litter clean-up, mowing and weed control; brush removal; concrete and asphalt road re-surfacing and patching; security and fire patrol; camping permit issuance and trail building in state parks; tool and equipment maintenance, painting and repair; bird care and cage maintenance and more.  Applications will be reviewed and hires will be made on a first-come-first-served basis. To apply for a position, please use the link to the application below, fill out the application and scan/email it to Michele.Brown@illinois.gov or fax it to 217-557-8406. If you have any questions, please call 217-782-6752 and ask for the Conservation Worker Program Manager.  Good luck on your search and enjoy the upcoming Fourth of July!
http://dnr.state.il.us/lands/landmgt/programs/ConservationWorker.html
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.

ST. ANGELA STUDENTS REWARDED AGAIN FOR SCHOLARSHIP, HARD WORK & CREATIVITY

Team Up to Clean Up! NHS VOLUNTEERS & WEST HUMBOLDT RESIDENTS UNITE FOR 24th NEIGHBORWORKS DAY

Volunteers deliver flowering plants to beautify the 500 & 600 blocks of N. Drake. (Photo by Nilesh Patil)

 On Saturday, June 4, more than 100 volunteers from Neighborhood Housing Services and their corporate partners teamed up with 30 homeowners and their families on the 500 & 600 blocks of North Drake in West Humboldt Park to paint porches, plant flowers, trim hedges, and spread mulch. Volunteers and residents worked side by side all day in the 90-degree heat to complete the block transformations as part of NHS Chicago’s 24th Annual NeighborWorks Day.
    The two blocks of Drake, extending north from Franklin Boulevard, were chosen for NeighborWorks Day to support the longtime beautification and improvement efforts of Annie Jones, 500 North Drake Block Club President, and Flourine Jones and her husband, 600 North Drake Block leaders. For the Joneses, NeighborWorks Day will have lasting effects in bringing to fruition their vision of what their blocks can be.
    “I have strived for years to make my block a block where people don’t want to move away and I believe we are having success,” declares Annie Jones. “NeighborWorks Day was a great help, especially to our seniors, and I will continue my work to make my block a place I can enjoy for what years I have left.”

Evelyn Rieves & her cousin Amber Hailey transform her front porch. (Photo by Rick Hicaro)

Longtime West Humboldt Park resident Lynda Pinson chats with NHS West Humboldt Neighborhood Dir. John Groene during NeighbborWorks Day. (Photo by Nilesh Patil)

 Flourine Jones adds, “The next day at Sunday Mass, neighbors from nearby blocks commented that everyone should take a walk down Drake to see the improvements.” She stressed that NeighborWorks provided encouragement to all her neighbors and is pleased that the block cleanup will be visible long after the NeighborWorks Day.
    Alderman Walter Burnett and State Representative Derrick Smith toured the blocks and visited with families to find ways to build upon their success and share the lessons learned with other parts of the community. Alderman Burnett also attended the annual block club meeting hosted by Annie Jones the following Saturday.
    Coinciding with NeighborWorks Day, community volunteers from NHS, West Humboldt Park Development Council, the Consortium to Lower Obesity in Chicago Children (CLOCC), and Alderman Burnett hosted the West Humboldt Park Farmer’s Market & Bazaar in the parking lot of the West Humboldt NHS Office at 3601 West Chicago Avenue.
    NHS thanks longtime corporate partners – Travelers Insurance and MC Financial – plus Madison Capital Funding, Metropolitan Capital Bank, Pan American Bank, Nationwide Insurance, and Century 21. Special recognition is extended to the West Humboldt Neighborhood Advisory Council, especially to Nita Hailey-Gamble, Renee Watson and James Webb.
    The NHS West Humboldt Park Office, 3601 West Chicago Avenue, offers homebuying counseling and classes, fixed-rate lending services, including loans for construction rehab, and other resources to help Chicagoans buy, fix, and keep their homes. For information, call 773/533-5570 or visit www.nhschicago.org.

More than 100 volunteers helped clean and beautify the 500 & 600 blocks of Drake during NHS-Chicago’s 24th Annual NeighborWorks Day, June 4. (Photo by Keiron Scott)

Mayor Emanuel Vists a west Side Church

Mayor Emanuel thanks members of the Mt. Vernon Young Adult Choir. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Mayor Emanuel greets members of the Mt. Vernon congregation. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Rahm Emanuel makes a return visit to Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, 2622 W. Jackson Blvd., to thank Pastor Johnny L. Miller & the congregation for their support. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)

Rev. Dr. Johnny L. Miller, Pastor of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, welcomes Mayor Emanuel. (Photo by Walter Tidwell)