Wednesday, January 31
Record Number of Senior Citizens Apply for Senior Exemption
Assessor Berrios recently passed legislation that increased the senior exemption and reduced the annual household income required to qualify for the senior freeze.
City Breaks Ground on Upcoming Whitney Young Library
“The revitalization of critical neighborhood assets like the Whitney Young Library branch are paramount for our Chatham residents,” said Alderman Roderick Sawyer of the 6th Ward. “This investment in the library’s facilities and infrastructure will provide our patrons with safe learning and gathering spaces for the children and families of this community.”
Management Consultant Spills briefly Her Secrets in a new Book
“I decided to write this book after spending countless hours mentoring early career consultants,” says Lindor. “As a first-generation Haitian-American and college graduate, I entered the consulting world without many of the tools and resources my peers had--and quickly realized being smart and ambitious wasn’t enough to climb the ladder.
William Josephson Discusses the Electoral College and Preparing for the 2020 Presidential Election
Throughout the country, many people are pointing to the electoral college as the reason for President Trump claiming the win after a close race in the 2016 presidential election. On election night, Trump received the majority of votes from the electoral college, but days later, it was confirmed that his opponent, Hillary Clinton, had actually won the popular vote, according to the Federal Elections Commission.
Smart Museum of Art Host Family Day
Family Day is the main family friendly event at the Smart Museum of Art and gives families an opportunity to visit twelve times a year. Groups can also call to request a free tour of the museum that can be tailored to a specific age group and interests, according to Peterson. For more information about upcoming Family Day events or to request a tour, visit www.smartmuseum. uchicago.edu.
Hyde Park Barbershop Recruits Mentors For Local Kids
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Metropolitan Chicago is attempting to increase mentoring in Hyde Park and the surrounding neighborhoods with the help of local barbershops.
The Black Star Project Honors Phillip Jackson
“Join with The Black Star Project in the “Circulate Black Dollars in Black Communities,” and receive a “Black dollar stamp,” Jackson said. “Then stamp all of your money with this stamp and use your dollars as you normally would and make a conscious effort to spend your Black “stamped” dollars with Black people for at least one year.”
Englewood Task Force Plans Health Initiative
“People can be referred to us and they don’t have to be a patient of Howard Brown Health to receive primary care,” Williams said. “Howard Brown also conducts walkins services all day. So far, we have 15 to 30 people waiting for us to open the doors in the morning.”
Rep. Robert Rita Seeks Reelection In The 28th District
A major accomplishment of Rita’s time in office has been completing the highway interchange connecting the Tri-State Tollway (Interstate 294) and I-57 near Markham in the south suburbs.
Glenwood Fire Department to celebrate a historic first
The impact of losing a close emergency department, combined with extended travel times to other hospitals, would increase ambulance “down time” and limit EMS availability without some communities implementing some changes.
Planned Parenthood Opens New Flossmoor Facility
“When we were doing a needs assessment of where to put a new health center we found that there were about 1,200 existing PPIL patients living in southern Cook County,” said Julie Lynn, manager of external affairs for PPIL. “As a way to help those patients out and not make them travel to our other locations, I think the closest was Aurora, we decided to put a health center in Floosmoor.
Wednesday, January 24
Bronzeville Church Receives Adopt-a-Landmark Grant
The building was designed by Walter T. Bailey in 1939 and was named a Chicago landmark in 1994. The exterior of the Streamline Moderne style building is covered in terra cotta tiles and the inside is known for its vibrant colors and soft curves.
The Peach State Turns Pink
While the four-day event focused on recognizing, educating and motivating leaders from across the country within Mary Kay’s independent sales force, attendees also assembled 2,000 care kits to distribute to five Atlanta area domestic violence shelters: Forsyth County Family Haven, Gateway House, Partnership Against Domestic Violence, NOA’s Ark/No One Alone and Project Safe.
Fallon Flowers Creates NursingInspired Program
Flowers is currently working with several young adults that are taking their nursing prerequisites. Her goal is to guide them with individualized preparatory “care plans” in their nursing school applications as well as assists with group educational sessions
Noted Author Useni Eugene Perkins to Discuss New Book Rise of the Phoenix
Panel Discussion and Book Signing Kicks Off 2018 TWPF/IPE Nation Studies
In the momentous task of documenting the lives and the voices of the people who took part in the world-expanding events of the Black Empowerment and Black Arts Movements of the 1960s and 1970s, Perkins has gathered scholars, activists, artists, educators and others who were active participants in shaping that era.
Activists Say Communities Must Engage in Social Media to Combat Violence
“The most troubling thing about the gun violence is the access to guns and the random nature,” Watson said. “Although, we know violence is happening in concentrated neighborhoods, what troubles me is knowing that some of these young men are walking around as gunshot victims or survivors.”
Harvey Alderman Addresses High Price Of Water
“If the Cook County Humans Relations Committee was going to investigate the matter, I thought that they should be able to investigate it and make informed decisions about what they were going to do,” said Clark. “Even though my letter was detailed, it was detailed because of research I had done myself and not necessarily because it came from the Mayors Office.”
Illinois Senator Donne Trotter Retires
Senator Donne Trotter has been the consummate example of dedication to not only the citizens of the 17th District, but to the great people of this entire state. His 30 years as a member of the General Assembly, and specifically his 25 years as a member of the Illinois Senate have shown the Senator’s passion for public service.
Power Profiler on LaToya Cantrell
Claiming 60 percent of the vote, she is also the first outsider elected to the office since 1961.Prior to being elected mayor, Cantrell served as president of the Broadmoor Improvement Association, where she led efforts that expedited the neighborhood’s recovery after Hurricane Katrina.
AmeriFirst Home Mortgage Named One of Nation’s “Best & Brightest”
“This is certainly an honor,” AmeriFirst CEO and Cofounder Mark Jones said. “In 2017 our team grew to include over 600 talented individuals who share our value system and our goal of helping our neighbors achieve their dreams of homeownership.
“I’m Going to Disney World!’’ Teens Surprised Live on “Good Morning America’’ with Mentoring Trip to Disney Dreamers Academy
The program, which is entering its 11th year with a new “Be100’’ campaign, highlights Walt Disney World Resort’s continued commitment to the next generation of teens by inspiring them at a critical time in their development to make a difference in their lives and to relentlessly pursue and realize their dreams.
Officials, community come together to celebrate the Opening of Whole Foods Midwest Distribution Center
“We have something really special going on in Pullman,” he said. “Over 1,100 people are employed right now in Pullman. So, creating job opportunities and putting people to work will help the overall housing stock where people can buy more community homes and bring more restaurants in the area, which will continue the resurgence of community opportunities.”
Sketch Comedy Show Opens In Hyde Park
major goal of the program is to shed light on the positive things happening in and around Hyde Park, according to Reyes. He believes that often times there are negative assumptions about South Side neighborhoods and one of he hopes to prove those assumptions wrong through this sketch comedy show.
Wednesday, January 17
Exelon SIS Program Prepares Local Students for College
“You do have to organize and develop time management skills because no one is going to be there to wake you up,” she said. “No one is going to be there to say ‘Hey, do your homework or you have to get this done.’ You are going to have to fend for yourself and be prepared and ready.”
Rainbow PUSH Coalition Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Recently, Stevenson successfully won an historic ruling that mandatory life-without-parole sentences for all children 17 or younger are unconstitutional.
Obama Foundation Announces Lakeside Alliance as Construction Manager for Obama Presidential Center
“The Obama Foundation believes in creating opportunities for diverse and local businesses and building pathways to meaningful jobs for minorities and other underrepresented populations,” said David Simas, CEO of the Obama Foundation
Head-to-Toe Winter Fashion Tips for Men and Women
When it comes to men’s socks, the season is bringing with it a blend of style and innovation. For instance, the Gold Toe Fashion Singles feature a number of bold autumn shades that incorporate Fresh 24/7 technology to help prohibit the growth of bacteria that causes odor. These styles are fashionably flexible and can be dressed up or down no matter the occasion.
Walgreens Honors Teens in 2017 Expressions Challenge
“This short story of my experience witnessing a form of bullying and out casting is a message to all teens to be inclusive of everybody, especially those who are greatly different from the majority.
DuSable Museum Releases New Interactive App
DuSable Museum is a signature place on the south side of the City of Chicago. But this is a new DuSable Museum, a digital DuSable, and we want our visitors, both onsite and online, to experience the new DuSable,” said Hall.
Law Creates New Sentencing Guidelines
In Illinois, there was already a mandatory minimum sentencing for gun offenses, the new law advises judges to serve sentences at the higher end of the spectrum to repeat offenders. This comes from that idea that repeat offenders are going to be more likely to commit violence and harm in Chicago, according to a press release from the Office of the Mayor of Chicago.
Thornton Township Hosts MLK Day Celebration
Thornton Township hosted its annual Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration on January 15 in observance of Dr. King’s birthday in the Kindig Performing Arts Center at South Suburban College.
Kim Stratton’s Kitchen Opens in briefly River Oaks Mall
Stratton has been operating a successful catering business for about four years and said that opening a new restaurant was not part of her plan.
Egan says Roseland Hospital could lose $6.6 million if the hospital assessment program is shut down
“Time is running out and folks need to come to the table,” Jones said. “They know where we need to be and they know exactly what they need to do. They just need to agree and do it.”
CPS Community Meeting to Discuss Near South Education Plan
“I want to make it very clear that we are 100 percent in support of this plan,” said Tina Feldstein, President of the Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance and South Loop resident.
Protest erupts over postponement of AFFH
In 2015, the Obama administration finalized the AFFH rule, which required cities to execute plans on reducing segregation, discrimination and increasing equal housing opportunities for protected classes or risk losing out on federal block grants, according to the Chicago Housing Initiative.
Wednesday, January 10
Lincoln Financial Group's Kirkland Receives Honors
Hicks oversees all activities for the legal, compliance, government relations and corporate secretary functions of the company. As a member of the company’s senior management committee, he also provides strategic counsel to the CEO, senior management team and board of directors.
L’Oréal Paris Announces Aja Naomi King As Newest Celebrity Spokesperson
To now represent L’Oréal Paris is incredibly overwhelming. I am so excited to help others find and believe in the beauty of who they are because everyone deserves to know their own worth.”
CHICAGO CHILDREN’S THEATRE’S MY WONDERFUL BIRTHDAY SUIT!
It’s a magical birthday party - and you’re invited! Step inside an enchanted room in The Land Beyond The Rainbow, where Ooblahdee, Oblahdah and Shebobshebe are surrounded by birthday cards, colorful balloons, beautifully wrapped presents and the splendiferous Thinking Tree. But when hurtful words about skin color slip out, a birthday party among best friends becomes a charming story about how to appreciate outer beauty and celebrate the remarkable gifts inside each of us.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel Announces Housing Program for Homeless
“We as a city cannot thrive until each and every one of our residents can thrive, which is why we are committed to addressing homelessness in a holistic, comprehensive and compassionate manner,” Mayor Emanuel said.
Residents Purchase Vacant Land via Large Lot Program
Local Englewood Residents like Mekazin Alexander and Tina Hammond recently used the Large Lot Program to help revitalize their vacant spaces with an additional $15,000 grant from organizations such as LISC Chicago and the Kresge Foundation.
Illinois Politicians Address Chicago Gun Violence
“I’ve met a lot of parents who lost their kids and we all share the same look of despair and we’re looking for someone to speak out,” Pendleton said. “Kennedy has a passion to stand against the NRA who is fighting tirelessly to keep guns on our streets.”
SouthShore Library Hosts Book Club
The novel “Behold the Dreamers” deals with marriage, immigration, class, race, and the trapdoors in the American Dream and dives into the story of a young Cameroonian couple who tried to establish a new life in New York until the Great Recession upends the economy, according to CPL.
Cook County Sheriff Department Hands out 911 Cell Phones to Seniors
“We know sometimes you want to call 911 and tell them what you see,” Walsh said. “These phones have no connection to you or any individual that would dial 911 [from the phone]. For many years, we’ve given the phones to victims of domestic violence.”
Village of Flossmoor Will Use MLK Day For Service Projects
“The day of service is for all ages, but we find that it becomes a family event, a lot of the projects are aimed toward getting families involved,” said Deitch.
Harvey Public Library Hosts Monthly Job Fair
“We want to give people hope that there is something out there for them, and that's why we decided to have a job fair,” said Peake
Wednesday, January 3
Keila Beachem To Launch Mentoring Organization for Young Girls
Beachem, who grew up in Chicago, said she retired from professional basketball five years ago and became a ComEd Construction Supervisor, but realized she still had a lot of basketball in her to teach to kids who can’t afford to participate in certain activities.
Skills for Chicagoland’s Future Launches Beyond the Diploma
We believe in Chicago’s youth and know that many just need a pathway to change the trajectory of their lives,” said Marie Trzupek Lynch, Skills’ president and founding Chief Executive Officer (CEO). “These employers that are first at the table are committed to making a difference and were looking for a conduit like Skills to make it happen.”
Teaching Health Centers May Close in Urban Areas Nationwide
In the past two years, THCGME programs have been financially forced to stop recruiting for more than 160 resident slots, according to Erie Family Health Center. THCGME Residents are now urging for a three-year reauthorization of program funding at $157,000 per resident or $142.5 million annually, reflecting the true cost of training.
University Of Chicago Students Work Together To Create A Unique Theatre Experience
“Theater[24] is the product of spontaneous experimentation, creativity, and collaboration that is little experienced,” said Corrie Besse, Managing Director and Academic Coordinator of Theater & Performance Studies at the University of Chicago. “We’re not going for perfection, we’re doing this because it’s fun, and the audience can palpably feel that.”
Historic Decline In New HIV Diagnoses Fuels ‘Getting To Zero’ Campaign
The Chicago Center for HIV Elimination(CCHE), part of the University of Chicago, is also working on the Getting to Zero campaign.
Chicago Gears Up for Annual Point-In-Time Homeless Count
The Point-In-Time Homeless Count provides the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) with a “snapshot” of Chicago’s homeless population. The data gathered on homeless people in Chicago serves as a basis for federal funding, for service and resource planning, and to raise public awareness about homelessness.
Michelle Flowers Welch Honored with 2017 Distinguished Senior Leader Award
Founder and CEO of Flowers Communications Group, Michelle Flowers Welch, was recently honored with the 2017 Distinguished Senior Leader Award by the Public Relations Society of America Chicago Chapter.
CPL Introduces Winter Learning Challenge: Enter for Engineering
“We know it’s a big problem not only in our city but around the country, that children can lose three months of learning if not staying actively engaged in activities,” he said. “We’re taking winter to test new ways we can engage children in fun, learning ways at home.”
Invest in Dolton Initiative Aims to Decrease Abandoned Homes
Two meetings have been held over the last several weeks in the Village of Dolton to establish guidelines and address questions for the proposed Invest in Dolton program. This is a program designed to auction vacant homes owned by the Village of Dolton to be rehabilitated for owner occupancy.
Chicago Heights Mayor Reflects On 2017 And Sets Big Goals For Next Year
“The challenges we face are probably the same challenges a lot of the communities face, not only in the South Suburbs but throughout the state of Illinois, it’s trying to deliver the same service with reduced funding,” said Mayor Gonzalez.
St. Ann’s School in Lansing Offers New Scholarship Program
“We are feeding the information to our current families as it comes in. We sent out a flyer to our religious education program as well as people who had come to St. Ann’s last year but we didn't give them enough money to be able to afford it,” said Janice Summerise, School Business Manager at St. Ann’s. “We reached out to those people so those are the persons that we had coming through [the open house].”