WEST SIDERS TURN OUT FOR GRAND OPENING OF CHICAGO’S FIRST PLANET FITNESS

Everyone who is someone was on hand to celebrate the Grand Opening of Chicago’s first Planet Fitness exercise club. Located at 4905 West North Avenue in the Harold Washington Shopping Plaza, the bright and spacious center is more of a spa than a gym. Founded in New Hampshire, Planet Fitness is now the largest chain of exercise centers in America. In addition to providing all of the latest and most popular workout machines and free weights, Planet Fitness also offers 30-minute workouts and professional assistance from personal trainers helping members set attainable goals and learn to safely and effectively use the equipment. This assistance is provided 24-hours a day with the basic membership and enhanced Black Card membership. Planet Fitness offers two types of membership: Basic at $10 per month and Black Card for $20 per month. Both memberships allow unlimited use of the center 24-hours a day for as long as members want to use the facilities. They pride themselves on being a “Judgment-free Zone”, catering to regular people wanting to look and feel good, not to body-builders or exercise extremists. Most people joining Planet Fitness are first-time gym members. With the $20 a month Black Card, members have access to all 5,000 Planet Fitness clubs nationwide. Black Card members also receive unlimited use of chair and hydro massage, half-price drinks, red-light therapy, plus one free guest per day. They are also entitled to free haircuts at the center Barber Shop. The Austin center already has 5,400 members. There are nine centers in the metropolitan area and seven in Cook County. For information, stop in at Planet Fitness anytime.

HAVING FUN GETTING FIT WITH CLARK PARK AEROBICS CLASS

GOV. QUINN LINKS STATE FORECLOSURE PREVENTION AGENCIES FOR ONE- STOP ASSISTANCE

    In his State of the State message February 1, Governor Pat Quinn renewed his commitment to affordable housing and foreclosure prevention with the launch of the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network (IFPN). A multi-agency effort coordinated by the Illinois Housing Development Authority, the IFPN connects struggling homeowners with all available assistance, resources, and knowledge to help them keep their homes.
    “Helping families stay in their homes is essential in keeping our communities strong and our economic recovery moving forward,” Governor Quinn said. “The Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network will connect families with the resources they need to keep their homes, and get back on their feet.”
    The IFPN gathers all assistance and resources available to homeowners to ensure that families facing foreclosure can access the assistance they need in one stop. The IFPN provides access to counseling services, legal advice, mortgage payment assistance  programs, foreclosure prevention events, and tips on how to avoid mortgage fraud.
    The IFPN’s resources are available 24-hours a day online at KeepYourHomeIllinois.org, and from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM weekdays and 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM on Saturdays at the IFPN’s free Hotline: 1-855-446-6300.
    Foreclosures adversely impact too many Illinois families and communities. Illinois consistently ranks among the top 10 states with the highest number of foreclosures. In 2011, 103,003 homes in Illinois received a foreclosure filing, or one in every 51 homes – ranking the state 8th in the country, according to RealtyTrac.
    The Chicago area has been especially affected, with the city of Chicago ranking second in the nation in number of foreclosures. The Chicago area has the nation’s largest inventory of foreclosed homes. As of December 2011, there were 96,996 properties that were bank-owned or in some stage of foreclosure in the Chicago metro area.
    Foreclosure not only impacts a family that loses their home, but has a ripple effect that destabilizes communities and negatively affects the economy at large. Abandoned properties hurt communities by creating blight, attracting crime, and reducing the local tax rolls. On average, homes located in the same block as a foreclosed property can drop $8,000 to $10,000 in value, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland. Banks with too many foreclosures on their books limit lending, stifling business growth and consumer spending, which slows economic growth.
    The Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network bundles together key foreclosure assistance resources in a centralized location to make it easier for people to find the help they need more quickly, including:
 •    Qualified, HUD-certified housing counselors, free of charge, throughout the state.
 •    Legal clinics offering foreclosure prevention legal services free of charge.
 •    Financial assistance from the Illinois Hardest Hit Program, which provides up to $25,000 in mortgage assistance to qualified homeowners having trouble making mortgage payments due to unemployment or under-employment.
 •    Targeted foreclosure mitigation events, including the Mortgage Relief Project, with one-on-one counseling, and access to loan servicers who can discuss loan modifications and work out agreements on the spot.
 •    Additional information on refinancing options, loan modification options, federal and state resources, including Home Affordable Refinance Program, Home Affordable Modification Program, and other programs.
  •    Advice on how to avoid mortgage fraud, job search opportunities, financial planning and other counseling resources.
 •    Additional information on refinancing options, loan modification options, federal and state resources.
“Services like counseling are critical to help people keep their homes,” explains Mary Kenney, Executive Director of the Illinois Housing Development Authority. “A national report recently found foreclosure counseling nearly doubles chances of mortgage modification and reduces likelihood of re-default by at least 67%.”
    Under Governor Quinn, the Illinois Housing Development Authority, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, and Illinois Department of Employment Security partner to establish this free, one-stop resource of state agencies and nonprofit organizations to help Illinois residents access resources so that they can remain in their homes.

OPERATION ADAMS & WEED

OFFENDERS CHARGED IN OPERATION ADAMS & WEED

•    ARTHUR GREER, 25, 5400 block of Haddon, Possession of Cannabis
•    BYRON McCREE, 20, 0-100 block of North Parkside, Delivery of Cannabis
•    DARIUS SCOTT, 19, 4800 block of Rice, Manufacture & Delivery of Crack Cocaine
•    DEJUAN POLK, 17, 0-100 block of North Parkside, 
     Manufacture & Delivery of Crack Cocaine (2 counts)
•    DEMETRIUS WEATHERALL, 43, 5400 block of West End, 
     Possession of Crack Cocaine
•    DEVAN BROWN, 20, 1400 block of North Lotus, 
     Manufacture & Delivery of Crack Cocaine
•    JOHNNY ROBINSON, 20, 5400 block of West End, 
     Manufacture & Delivery of Cannabis (2 counts)
•    KEVIN KING, 20, 100 block of North Long, Manufacture & Delivery of Cannabis
•    LANCE HARRIS, 23, 1500 block of North Waller, Manufacture & Delivery of Cannabis
•    TERRELL WALTON, 18, 5200 block of Congress, Possession of Cannabis
•    TRAVIS WISE, 28, 1100 block of North Lawler, 
     Manufacture & Delivery of Cannabis (2 counts)
•    XAVIER WHITE, 18, 100 block of North Long, 
     Manufacture & Delivery of Cannabis (2 counts)

ST. PAUL LUTHERAN SCHOOL HOLDING OPEN HOUSES FOR PROSPECTIVE STUDENTS

St. Paul Lutheran School students learn in a modern, high-quality, safe, and Christ-centered environment. Open Houses are scheduled for parents of children in kindergarten-8th grade at 846 N. Menard Ave. in Austin. For information, call 773/378-6644.

St. Paul Lutheran School, 846 North Menard Avenue, is hosting three Open Houses for parents seeking to enroll their children in a high-quality and safe learning environment with a Christ-centered curriculum, plus enriching extracurricular and competitive sports programs. St. Paul offers instruction for students in kindergarten through grade 8.
    The Open Houses with school tours offer the opportunity to meet faculty members and ask questions. The schedule is:
      Friday, April 27, 1:00-3:00 PM
    Wednesday, May 2, 9:00-11:00 AM
    No reservations are necessary. Financial assistance is available for qualifying families. For information, call 773/378-6644 or log onto the school’s website at stpaulaustin.com.

AUSTIN RESIDENT KEEPS HER HOME WITH HELP OF GOVERNOR’S FORECLOSURE PREVENTION NETWORK

 Regina Bailey is a proud woman pushed almost to desperation by a combination of personal tragedies and the current economic crisis. She and her family have lived in the neat bungalow in the 5100 block of Concord Street in Austin for 27 years. She raised her family and now provides a home for her daughter and granddaughter. But, her pleasant life was hitting the rocks and she was at risk of losing her home until Governor Quinn and the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network and the new Illinois Hardest Hit Fund came to her rescue.
    In 2002, Regina’s son Armand died of leukemia. Five years ago, her husband passed away, leaving her with the responsibility for supporting herself and her family, plus paying the mortgage, insurance, and taxes on her home.

 It was rough because Regina also provides support for her daughter Carla while she attends college, and her 10-year-old granddaughter Armane-ce.
    A friend referred Regina to Spanish Coalition for Housing, an independent HUD-certified housing counseling agency that works with lenders and is knowledgeable of federal and state programs for mortgage modification and foreclosure prevention. Her Case Manager, Itzel Alcaraz, got her approved for loan modification by folding her taxes and insurance into her mortgage. This reduced her monthly payments.
    But, in October 2010, when Regina was laid off from her job as a Lab Technician at Elmhurst Hospital, she couldn’t keep up with even these lower payments. Then, Governor Quinn announced creation of the Illinois Hardest Hit Fund administered by the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network. This program is designed specifically for people like Regina so they won’t lose their homes to foreclosure while they struggle to get back on their feet financially. The program is made possible through a $445.6 million injection of TARP funds to the state, specifically intended to keep people in their homes. Requirements for homeowners to participate include that they are two to three months behind in their mortgage payments and have lost at least 31% of their income.

This described Regina’s situation, so Itzel at Spanish Coalition for Housing submitted her application to the state. Last week, she and Joseph McGavin, Director of the Hardest Hit Fund, paid a visit to Regina to inform her that she was approved to participate in the program. Her loan was reinstated and she will have her mortgage paid by the fund for the next eleven months. In turn, Regina makes a monthly contribution of 31% of her income. This guarantees her security as she prospects for a job and assures that she and her family have a roof over their heads.
    For information on qualifying for assistance through the Illinois Foreclosure Prevention Network, call the free Hotline at 1-855-446-6300.

Around Town

New 25th District Police Commander Hector Rodriguez addresses officers during a joint 15th & 25th District outdoor Roll Call at Division St. & Lawler Ave., an area with high gang activity and violent crime. (Photo by Brad)

New 25th District Commander Hector Rodriguez discusses concerns about crime & public safety with Austin residents after an outdoor Roll Call at Division St. & Lawler Ave. (Photo by Brad)

Annette Gurley, Chief of Austin-North Lawndale Network Schools, greets new West Side Police Commanders Barbara West of 15 and Hector Rodriguez of 25 during an outdoor Roll Call at Division St. & Lawler Ave. (Photo by Brad)

Terry Hannah, a junior at Austin Business & Entrepreneurship Academy, recently received awards for Outstanding Achievement in Accounting and passing the certifying WISE Exam in Accounting. (Photo by Isaac Jones)

Principals of six Austin-North Lawndale Network elementary schools received letters of congratulations from Mayor Emanuel for leading their schools to earn the Illinois State Board of Education’s 2011 Academic Improvement Award. On the Illinois Honor Roll are Dr. Jacqueline Robinson of Robert Emmet School; Crystal Bell of Ella Flagg Young School; Dr. Shirley Dillard of Ronald McNair Academic Centre; Minnie Watson of Oscar DePriest School; Dr. Carol Wilson of Milton Brunson Math & Science Specialty School; and Colette Unger-Teasley of Frazier International School. Introducing the principals are Chief of Schools Annette Gurley and Deputy Chief Chandra James. (Photo by Isaac Jones) 

ST. MARTIN’S CHURCH & UIC LAUNCH EMBRACE THE SPACE ART & CULTURE SERIES

    Who knew there was such a thing as a disability art and culture?!! And what is it, anyway? If you come to St. Martin’s Episcopal Church this Sunday, March 25, at 1:30pm you can experience it for yourself as St. Martin’s kicks off  “EMBRACE THE SPACE” a disability arts and culture series at 5700 West Midway Park. With funding from the Chicago Community Trust, Bodies of Work, a program of the University of Illinois at Chicago, is partnering with St. Martins to introduce this unique form of artistic expression to parishioners and neighbors in the Austin community.
    Disability Art refers to the creative work by people with disabilities that reflects a disability experience, advances the rights of disabled people, and widens society’s understanding of what it means to be human. It can be found in every artistic medium from the performing arts, literature, and visual arts to comic books, film, and design. Disability art plays a key role in articulating what disability means politically and personally, and that meaning translates into what many in the disability community consider its “culture.”  
    Opening the series this Sunday, March 25, at 1:30pm is solo performer, playwright, director and educator, Tekki Lomnicki. Tekki will present her story in a solo performance of “Paper Doll,” and then teach you how to use your experiences to tell your own story in her entertaining workshop, “What’s Your Story.” Be prepared to laugh and have a good time.
    Coming on Sunday, April 15, is a printing workshop with artist Sandie Yi. In it you get to create some wearable art that you can take home! Two workshops, one designed for kids 6-12 years old, and another for adults are limited to a total of 40 people, so reserve your spot ASAP!  Then on Sunday April 29, Alana Hodges Wallace, founder and artistic director of Dance>Detour, Chicago’s first physically integrated dance company, will lead a movement workshop - “So You Think You Can’t Dance” - for people of all abilities. The series closes on Sunday, May 20, with Carrie Sandahl presenting “Images of Disability in Films for Kids,” with a screening of film clips and a discussion with the audience of how Hollywood portrays people with disability in children’s films. 
    All events are FREE, wheelchair accessible, sign language interpreted, and audio described. And all are welcome – young people, single people, couples with or without children, and elders — everyone from the young to the young-at-heart. Food and refreshments will be served. 
    St. Martin’s is the ideal place to host this festival.  No stranger to the Arts St. Martin’s recently commissioned the St. Martin’s Austin Repertory Theatre (SMART) as a forum for artists “on the margins” to perform, create, educate and transform lives. And, now in its 7th year, St. Martin’s has hosted “Blues in the Sanctuary” and “Jazz in the Sanctuary” to celebrate different styles of music, particularly American art forms that revolutionized music internationally. Learn more at www.cct.org.
    For Embrace the Space program information, disability accommodations and to RSVP, phone 312/996-1967, or email tpacio1@uic.edu. For Information about St. Martin’s Episcopal Church contact Rev. Christopher E. Griffin, Vicar, at 773 378-8111 or visit www.stmartinschicago.org.

WEST SIDE VOICES

A NOTE FROM THE PRINCIPAL OF JAMES WELDON JOHNSON SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE
First of all, I would like to thank THE VOICE for the very positive article promoting the hard work the staff, students, and community have done in turning around The James Weldon Johnson School of Excellence. (THE GARFIELD-LAWNDALE VOICE, Vol. 8 #10, March 14)
    However, there are two mistakes that need to be corrected concerning the turnaround. First, the article stated the windows were painted black prior to the turnaround. This is not true. The windows were entirely covered with outdated and filthy blinds that indeed blocked the sunlight. The action I took was to immediately remove the blinds.
    The second correction concerns the staff percentages. 75% of the staff were first-year teachers and 25% were veteran CPS teachers. In fact, only one former James Weldon Johnson teacher was retained.
    Thank you so much for your attention to this matter. I would not like to unfairly represent the former school, nor misrepresent any action taken. Thank you, again, for the article and positive reporting.

Alice Felice Henry, Principal
AUSL – Johnson School of Excellence

STATEVILLE INMATE SAYS THANKS FOR THE BOOKS
Dear West Siders:

    First of all, let me say that a retraction is in order. I stated that public perception of inmates has left no room for compassion. However, I owe an apology. I received the books which I requested and I thank you very much indeed. [He requested VOICE readers to send copies of In The Belly Of The Beast and Soledad Brothers – Prison Letters, neither of which are in the prison library.]
    The Books we have we hold almost by force of arms, and I mean that literally! You see, Books are dangerous where there is injustice because oppressed men know the value of books on a different level altogether. Once again, Thank You!

Respectfully,
Namore Smith #C-01355
P.O. Box 112
Joliet, Illinois 60434