CITY CITES WEST SIDE BUSINESSES FOR VIOLATIONS

The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection (BACP) released its flagged business list for July. Businesses on the list have received at least two adjudicated violations in the past 12 months. The flagged locations are subject to increased inspections by all city regulatory agencies and further violations will result in disciplinary action and possible revocation of their business licenses.
    Business & Consumer Protection is recommending revocation of the business license for  GET CONNECTED, a retail store located at 3647 West Division Street. Chicago Police Vice Officers investigating a nearby shooting visited the store and arrested a store employee and another male for possession of firearms and drugs on the premises. The location also had several municipal code violations and BACP will use the incident to strengthen the case for license revocation against the business.
    Another business – NICKEL LIQUORS – located at 3637 West Division Street, is being investigated and added to the flagged list after police officers discovered a blue steel handgun with a defaced serial number under a pallet of soda in a public area of the store. The day before the gun was discovered by police, the location was cited by the Department of Buildings for code violations.
    In both cases, these stores have been identified as places that offer protection and congregation for gang members. BACP is using this information and business histories to bolster cases against them and remove the possibility of more criminal activity occurring at their locations and involved with the businesses. Of the 37 flagged businesses in this report, 18 have already been referred for disciplinary action.
    Other West Side businesses included in the July report from BACP and facing disciplinary action are:
    24 FOODS, 329 NORTH LARAMIE AVENUE - Referred for Action (placed on list in May). This store has more than 5 dockets at Administrative Hearings in the previous 12 months resulting in orders of liability, including violations for deceptive practices and liquor liability insurance. Community calls to 311 report sales of loose cigarettes to minors and selling cigarette packs without tax stamps.
    CHICAGO AVENUE DISCOUNT, 5605 WEST CHICAGO AVENUE (placed on list in May). This store has more than 19 dockets at Administrative Hearings in the previous 12 months resulting in orders of liability, including violations for selling unstamped cigarettes, furnishing tobacco products to minors, and deceptive practices. Community calls to 311 report sales of loose cigarettes and sales of cigarette packs without tax stamps.

    CLARK GAS STATION, 5035 WEST DIVISION STREET – Referred for Action (added to list in May). Gas station & store are now closed. Has two dockets at Administrative Hearings in previous 12 months resulting in orders of liability, including police violations for drinking on the public way and selling unstamped cigarettes.
    DUNKIN DONUTS, 800 NORTH KEDZIE AVENUE (added to list in June). Store has 3 dockets at Administrative Hearings in previous 12 months resulting in orders of liability, including violations for sanitation requirements and control of vermin and insects. Community calls to 311 include seeing large rat in the restaurant near serving area; flies are everywhere, even on the donuts, and bugs on donuts because they are not covered.
    R&G MILLER, INC., 939 NORTH PULASKI ROAD – Referred for Action (added to list in May). Business has more than one docket at Administrative Hearings in previous 12 months resulting in orders of liability, including violations for failing to remove and discontinue using padlocks on all 1st floor doors, police violations for over-occupancy and operating after a cease & desist order.
  
 SWEET TART, INC., 1559 SOUTH HOMAN AVENUE (added to list in May). Business has 2 dockets at Administrative Hearings in previous 12 months resulting in orders of liability, including violations for selling unstamped cigarettes, furnishing tobacco products and tobacco accessories to minors, and deceptive practices. Community calls to 311 report sales of loose cigarettes for 50-cents each, clerk at front counter selling cigarettes from Indiana, and sales of loose cigarettes to a young boy.

    THREE STARS LIQUORS, 310 NORTH KOSTNER AVENUE – Referred for Action (added to list in May). Store has more than 3 dockets in Administrative Hearings in previous 12 months resulting in orders of liability, including violations for price marking and display, outdated infant formula, deceptive practices, and fraud in connection with a sale. Community calls to 311 report sales of alcohol to minors, rat and cat infestations, unsanitary conditions, water in light fixtures, and water leakage inside the store. Community residents have been working with the city and Alderman Ervin to close the store because of numerous shootings in the area and gang members being allowed to congregate at the store. Citizen requests to the owner to shorten hours of operation have been refused. The store is site of regular protest marches by community residents.

GREATER ST. JOHN FIGHTS VIOLENCE BY INVESTING IN EDUCATION

Rev. Ira J. Acree, Pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church, presents a scholarship to Shayna Bolling, an honors student attending the University of Illinois-Springfield in the fall.

 Reverend Ira J. Acree, Pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church, 1256 North Waller Avenue, presented 25 students with $500 scholarships at a Friday, July 13, Excellence In Education Concert and Awards Ceremony. Reverend Acree has been on the front line as an advocate for education and crusader against the violence plaguing Chicago’s West Side neighborhoods.
    “It has been very challenging this year raising the funds to assist these students in pursuing their dreams,” Rev. Acree notes. “But, in the ninth hour members rallied and stepped up and our supporters came through. I think our supporters understand that education is a proven tool for combatting violence.”
    Mrs. Penny Bady, mother of Maurice Brown, Jr., who was shot to death on his 15th birthday, December 12, 2003, presented the Maurice “Cowboy” Brown, Jr. Scholarship in memory of her late son. Greater St. John Bible Church has awarded more than $150,000 in scholarships over the last 9 years.
    The Celebration of Excellence in Education Concert and Awards Ceremony was held July 13 at 7:00 PM in the JLM Abundant Life Center, 2622 West Jackson Boulevard. Featured performers were Stellar Award winner VaShawn Mitchell and popular Stellar nominee Kim Stratton.

Rev. Ira Acree with a future scholarship winner.

 GREATER ST. JOHN BIBLE CHURCH 2012 SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENTS

Current College Students:
    *    Nicole M. Acree, Clark Atlanta University
    *    Courtney Abbott, Illinois State University
    *    Bria Bonner, Prairie View A&M University
        Johniqua D. Coffee, Chicago State University
    *    Danrell Gibson, Harold Washington College
        Jeffrey Jamison, Morehouse College
        James Johnson, Lewis University
    *    Laquasha Logan, Loyola University
        Allisyn J. Mims, Northern Illinois University
    *    Angela Parker, Illinois Central College
    *    Marche D. Pernell, University of Missouri
    *    Tanisha D. Pughsley, Alabama State University
        Lisa Richardson-Bilal, Southern Illinois
             University-Carbondale
    *    Kierra Thomas, Roosevelt University
        Terrance Washington, Western Illinois University
        Leteshia Willey, Richard J. Daley College
    
2012 High School Graduates:
    *    Christopher Canty, University of Illinois-Urbana
    *    Shayna Bolling, University of Illinois-Springfield
    *    Stephanie Hudson, North Iowa Community College
        Raven Lewis, Columbia College, Chicago
    *    Rhonda Lewis, Southern Illinois University
    *    Kiara Pore, Texas Southern University
    *    Andrea Singleton, Ashford University
        Brittany Walker, Texas Southern University
    *    Theresa Waters, Clark Atlanta University

Maurice “Cowboy” Brown Scholarship Recipient:
        Charles Bryant, Alcorn State University

*Displaying Academic Excellence with a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

Kim Stratton headlined the Celebration of Excellence In Education Concert & Awards Ceremony.

AUSTIN GREEN TEAM SHOWS OFF GREEN THUMBS ON GARDEN TOUR

The Austin Green Team relaxes after touring West Side community gardens. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

Mary, Mary, how does your garden grow? State Rep. Camille Lilly greets Mary Peery in the Latrobe & Huron Community Garden. Ms Peery is a pioneer of urban gardens and a founder of the Austin Green Team. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

Time to eat, with vegetables fresh from the garden. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

CENTRAL AUSTIN NEIGHBORHOOD ASSN. PARTIES ON THE BOULEVARD

Neighbors try their skill at outdoor ping-pong at the CANA Festival. (Photo by Brad)

Officers of the Central Austin Neighborhood Association welcome Ald. Deborah Graham, 15th District Commander Barbara West & Juvenile Court Judge Marianne Jackson to their festival at West End & Austin Blvd. (Photo by Brad)

Food is an essential ingredient of any successful summer party and the Central Austin Neighborhood Association made sure there was more than enough good food. (Photo by Brad)

ANOTHER CHANCE ASSEMBLY ENJOYS FUN IN THE SUMMER SUN WITH AUSTIN NEIGHBORS

NBA ALL-STAR ISIAH THOMAS TELLS KIDS: “I WAS YOU”

NBA Hall of Famer Isiah Thomas tells young people, “I was you,” and urges them to dream, plan, and work for success.

Isiah Thomas shows 4th, 5th & 6th graders he’s still got the skills that made him successful on and off the basketball court.

IT’S SO COOL TO BE SMART PROGRAM EARNING WEST SIDE STUDENTS PLACES ON SCHOOL HONOR ROLLS

With encouragement and rewarding educational enrichment activities from the “It’s So Cool To Be Smart” program, students of Lewis Elementary School are now proud to be smart. Shown are: Crystal Lujano, parent winner Ms LaShanda Williams, Whitney Rankins, Jayla Glanton, teacher coordinator Mrs. Shontrece Wilson, Keyshun Davenport, and Principal Dr. Sharon Brown-Haynes.

Middle school students from six Chicago Public Schools, including Leslie Lewis Elementary School and Horatio May Community Academy in Austin, have earned positions on their school honor rolls through a new program called, It’s So Cool To Be Smart, a project of Teach America’s Children.
    According to implementers of the program, “For many, this achievement required overcoming name-calling and rejection from their peer group.” Studies suggest that African American and Latino honor students often cave to classmates’ taunts that they’re “acting white.” To win their peers’ acceptance, they set aside schoolwork and their grades decline. This new program, It’s So Cool To Be Smart, has transformed studiousness into coolness.
    Since its introduction, schools report that they have increased the number of honor students since the first quarter of this school year. Teach America’s Children awarded grants of up to $10,000 to each participating school.
    The honor roll students are continuing to excel and many of their classmates now want to join the Smart Club and participate in academic enhancement activities, such as the Is It Cool To Be Smart? Essay contest. Ariel Thompson, an 8th grade student at Leslie Lewis, won 3rd Place in the essay contest.
    Students in the program attend special programs at area universities, math and science camps, and compete for scholarships. A Langford Elementary School 8th grader won a $4,000 scholarship to Providence-St. Mel High School. The award can be renewed annually.
    Parents of honor roll students are also recognized for their efforts, including LaShanda Williams of Leslie Lewis and Tiffany Shell of Horatio May Academy.

In one of their Smart Club activities, students from May Academy made a presentation to executives at Old World Industries in Northbrook, explaining the T-shirt business they created. Their plan is entitled SMART – Savvy Motivated Achievers Running Things.

LOUIS ARMSTRONG NAMED 21st CENTURY SCHOOL – TEST SCORES SOAR 9 POINTS

Louis Armstrong Elementary School provides an intimate, small-school experience where all students receive the attention they require to excel, plus an array of enrichment and cultural programs. As a result, Armstrong has been designated a 21st Century School. (Photo by Brad)

Louis Armstrong Elementary School, 5345 West Congress Parkway, has long been one of the best-kept secrets on Chicago’s West Side. But now, the secret is coming out!
    The school of about 200 students in grades 3 through 6 has always offered small classes with teachers providing close attention to the educational needs of individual students. It also offers a unique array of cultural and enrichment programs to support classroom instruction and expand student horizons. Principal Demetrius Bunch announced that student scores on the most recent ISAT standardized achievement test increased by an amazing 9 points.
    Now, Louis Armstrong is recognized as a 21st Century School, a prestigious designation in partnership with Children’s Home + Aid, with a grant providing an even more extensive menu of learning and recreational opportunities for students and their family members.
    Mrs. Bunch explains that student and family wellness, plus other parent and family programs will be offered on a weekly basis, providing support for Armstrong students.
    New at Louis Armstrong this year is student Band instruction, building on the school’s popular Music Scholars Program. In addition, a Parent Resource Room is being opened with computer literacy training and Internet access to ensure that at Armstrong education is a family affair.
    Successful programs being continued and expanded include: Student Cheer Squad, F.R.E.S.H. health and nutrition program for students and parents, Gifted Classes, Big Ten-S.C.O.R.E. Program, Adult G.E.D. & Basic Skills Classes, free Parent Fitness Classes, and the popular Mother-Son and Father-Daughter Dances.
    An Open Enrollment Day with tours of the school is being held Tuesday, July 31, 9:00 AM-2:30 PM. No appointments are required. For information about curriculum, enrollment, and registration at Louis Armstrong Elementary School, call Mrs. Demetrius Bunch at 773/534-6365.

SPENCER ACADEMY SALUTES PARENT SCHOLARS AT LUNCHEON

MOTHER LEE DELLA O’NEAL CELEBRATES 75th BIRTHDAY

Mt. Vernon Baptist Church’s congregation turned out with family and friends of Mother Lee Della O’Neal recently to help her mark a milestone birthday – Three-quarters of a Century!