ALD. JASON ERVIN & ISIAH THOMAS LEAD 28th WARD PARADE TO GARFIELD PARK

U.S. VETERANS FROM MISSION CONTINUES VOLUNTEER AT EDGE/ALLIANCE IN LAWNDALE

In late July, more than 200 post-9/11 veterans, plus staff members of Mission Continues and volunteers from across the country converged upon the EdgeAlliance campus, an affordable housing complex in the 1300 block of South Sawyer in North Lawndale. They gathered for a community service project, utilizing the leadership and skills they used as members of the armed services to tackle a civilian mission.
    The Mission Continues Fellowship Program provides post-9/11 veterans the opportunity to renew their sense of purpose through community service projects. Veterans learn to translate their military experiences into civilian skills applications, while earning a modest living stipend. The typical fellowship covers 28 weeks, during which he or she serves the community through a local charitable organization.
    As part of the New Fellow Orientation for Mission Continues, veterans and volunteers worked to clear large areas of debris and overgrown weeds at the North Lawndale housing development. They also painted and beautified the grounds of EdgeAlliance.
    “By completing a large-scale service project like this, we are sending a message that our veterans are willing and able to utilize their military skills to benefit communities across America,” says Justin Jones, Service Project Director for Mission Continues.
    Participating in the EdgeAlliance service project is Chicago native Jeffery Hall, a 22-year Navy veteran who served as a Hospital Corpsman. He had multiple deployments in the Middle East and Asia. While growing up, his family was often reliant on food pantries and welfare. This fueled his decision to serve a Mission Continues Fellowship with a food bank in Lowell, Massachusetts. He says he is thrilled to be back serving his own hometown.

    Mission Continues challenges veterans to serve and lead in communities across America. The organization was founded by former U.S. SEAL Eric Greitens in 2007 when he returned from his final deployment to Iraq, driven by the deep belief that veterans are civic assets. Mission Continues offers 6-month community service fellowships to veterans, awarding over 350 fellowships to date. The organization does not offer charity; rather, it challenges returning service members to utilize their tremendous skills and leadership to continue serving our country at home.

Talks in the Kitchen

Illinois Comptroller Judy Baar Topinka talks in the kitchen with Dominique Walls, Youth Development Specialist at Teen Living Programs, and resident Ajae Worthington at the Teen Living Programs facility. Topinka urges state not-for-profit agencies to call her office if they are on the verge of closing due to state payment delays at 1-855-IL-ASK-US.

2nd CHANCE DEVELOPMENT HOSTS 7th ANNUAL BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT

UNBROKEN: DIARY OF A GANGSTA GIRL IS SUSPENSEFUL REAL LIFE STORY OF DANGER & REDEMPTION

According to her riveting autobiographical novel, Unbroken, Diary of a Gangsta Girl, Stephanie Powe has seen and done it all…and lived to tell about it! She is living proof that lives can change in the blink of an eye. Her novel leaves little to the imagination and comes clean with the shocking and dangerous events that she has endured over the past 20 years.
    Stephanie was born and raised on Chicago’s South Side, coming from a loving two-parent home. She led a normal girl’s childhood, attending Catholic school. Stephanie grew up fast, but her interest was in the fast life, not in boys. She adored fancy cars, money, and status. She was convinced she was born to be a high roller. She new all too well the risks of her new lifestyle, but money, popularity, and the danger made it too good to give up.
    In Unbroken, Diary of a Gangsta Girl, Stephanie chronicles her life. Readers trace her childhood and adolescent years as she discovers her passion for the fast life. The novel was released in June 2012 and is already receiving rave reviews. It is being compared to Sista Souljah’s memoir, Coldest Winter Ever. The book details her struggle and determination to overcome the obstacles in Stephanie’s path.
    In fact, the book describes Stephanie as unlike the typical high roller. She

didn’t run with a crowd, didn’t attend wild parties or use drugs, remained close to her family, and continued to attend church regularly. What set her apart was her knowledge deep down that there was a bigger purpose to her life.
    But, Stephanie’s decision to date one of Chicago’s most notorious gang leaders and drug dealers changed her life forever. After he is sentenced to a long prison term, Stephanie leaves him behind and moves on with her life. But, this angers her imprisoned boyfriend, who marks her for death. In February 1992, Stephanie was shot three times    – twice in the head, causing her to permanently lose sight in one eye, and once in the shoulder. That she recovers is miraculous.
    Stephanie has some scars and many memories from her experiences. Now, she realizes God’s plan for her life is to help others and her book is meant to instill hope in those trapped in lives of abuse and pain.
    Unbroken, Diary of a Gangsta Girl, by Stephanie Powe, is available for $16.00 from www.unbrokendiary.com or contact Daniels Entertainment Group at 312/787-8920 or 312/304-6305.

COPS RAID 5512 W. DIVISION – SEIZE ASSAULT WEAPONS & FIGHTING DOGS – ARREST ONE

On August 5, officers of the Chicago Police Gang Enforcement Unit, assisted by the 25th District, executed a Search Warrant at 5512 West Division Street, on the 2nd Floor East. They seized six weapons: two handguns, one sawed-off shotgun, one AR15 assault rifle, one collapsible assault rifle, and one submachine gun-type weapon.
    Also, three dogs trained to fight were found living in substandard and inhumane conditions. Isaac Lindsey, 28, was taken into custody and charged with numerous weapons violations and cruelty to animal counts.

Loretto Hospital Fitness Fun Fest.

Young people gather for fun, fitness and a plea for peace at Loretto Hospital’s Back-To-School Fitness Fun Fest. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

Rep. Camille Lilly greets participants in the Loretto Hospital Fitness Fun Fest. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

WEST QUINCY STREET THROWS A PARTY

Tea Time At Eagle's Nest!

Pastor Marcus & First Lady Brandi Brady host Eagle’s Nest Christian Church’s Women’s Hats & Sundresses Tea. (Photo by Marilyn Hampton)

SHAQUILLE COCKRELL EARNS BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP TO ALCORN STATE UNIVERSITY

    Shaquille Cockrell, an Austin resident and son of Shawn and Doris Coburn and Keith Cockrell, and grandson of Eula Conyears and Janice Cockrell, is attending Alcorn State University in Mississippi on a baseball scholarship. He graduated in June from Walther Lutheran High School with a 3.00 GPA. He attends Mt. Vernon Baptist Church, under the direction of Pastor Johnny L. Miller.
    Shaquille got his start in baseball at Amundsen Park in 2000 when his aunt, Melissa  Conyears, enrolled him in T-ball. His first coach was Don Taylor. Shaquille extends thanks to other coaches who have helped him along the way, especially Coach Bruce, Coach Tommy, Coach Joe, Victor, and Mr. Mason of Amundsen Park. He also thanks Coach Chris of Altgeld Park, Coach Brown of the White Sox Ace Program, and Walther Lutheran Coaches Matt Tuomi and Bo Flowers. Shaquille also thanks the Walther Lutheran faculty and Mr. Craven.
    Shaquille is majoring in Business Administration and will focus on baseball. He gives special thanks to Alderman Jason Ervin for encouraging him to concentrate on his education.