Expungement Workshop, Feria del Mole, Clean-up, Harry “Bus” Yourell

Attorney Jorge Montes
& Blanca Jara explaining
the process for service at the
Expungement Workshop.

          A SUCCESS: The first Expungement Workshop in Little Village took place on Sat., Sept. 17, 2011 and drew more than 270 individuals who were anxious to clean-up their criminal records. The workshop, held at the New Life Church, 2657 S. Lawndale Ave., was sponsored by the Little Village Community Council, Attorney Jorge Montes, Baltarza Enriquez, H.O.P.E.; Blanca Jara, Hispanic Liaison/Office of the Clerk of the Circuit Court and State Representative Elizabeth Hernandez.

          ALSO SERVING on the Workshop Committee were Ambrosio Medrano, Luis Carrizales from Enlace/Chicago, Jesse Barazza, Little Village Community Council; Reggie Gonzalez, Mayor’s Latino Affairs Council, Charles G. Hernandez, Democratic Committeeman/Town of Cicero; Mario Martinez, Little Village Community Council; Elizabeth Young, Cristo Rey High School and Israel Rodriguez, Confederación de Federaciones Mexicanas [COMFEMEX].

           THE PURPOSE of the workshop was to aid ex-felons expunge or clean up their criminal record. Eight defense attorneys and one immigration attorney volunteered their time to assist, inform and give guidance to the attendees.

           ATTORNEYS at the workshop were: Camila Gardner, Eric Shaw, Juan Baltierres, Jose Gonzalez, Alma Alvarado, Beth Johnson, Jesus Salazar, Neil Toppel and Rosa Silva. All of the attorneys did a tremendous job helping their clients. Plans for a 2012 workshop are being considered with the addition of the Pilsen community.

           ATTORNEY MONTES said: “Everyone these days is increasingly involved in preserving our environment and in recycling.  That's a great thing, but there probably is no greener activity than that of helping recycle lives.  Our first-ever expungement workshop in Little Village helped close to 300 people in at least giving many of them direction and hope that they can get a second chance in life.  Montes & Associates is proud to have been part of the team to start what will become a yearly event."

           MANY THANKS to all the volunteers who helped make the Expungement Workshop a successful reality!

Eloisa Siguenza

            MOLE FEST: Forty contestants competed in the Universidad Popular 6^th Annual “Feria del Mole” by serving their secret mole recipe to 1,500 attendees. The Feria was held Saturday, Sept. 24, 2011 at the Arturo Velasquez Westside Technical School, 28^th St. & Western Ave. in Little Village. Visitors attending the fest had an opportunity to taste test homemade mole from different regions of Mexico and vote for their favorite.

            [Mole is a Mexican sauce and comes in various flavors and ingredients, with chili peppers as the common factor. The classic mole version is the variety called mole poblano, which is a dark red or brown sauce served over chicken or meat.]  

            THE MOLE cook-off was festive and lively. Entertainment of live Mexican music was played by local groups which had several visitors dancing. Contestants dressed in authentic costumes, scarves and jewelry native to their state in Mexico.  Their tables were also beautifully decorated with hand-made Mexican pottery and flowers.

            THE COMPETITION was fierce. All of the moles represented were delicious, having their own distinctive and secret favors. Most contestants served their mole in a

 “cazuela” [thick heavy clay caldron], but constantly stirring in order to keep the mole from burning.  

Ahiren Bernal,
Francisco Garcia Flores,
Jefe Delegacional,
Milpa Alta, Mexico & Nancy Oviedo

            “LA REINA DE MOLE”: Eloisa Siguenza was crowned the first place winner, as maker of the “The Best Mole In Little Village.” A wreath of beautiful flowers was placed upon her head and a colorful sash stating, “La Reina de Mole”, was draped over her shoulder. Eloisa received a plaque, a $500 cash prize and a trip to Mexico City to attend the International Mole Expo and Fair in October.

            ELOISA, a humble winner, accepted  her prize saying, “Muchas gracias. Y quiero invita a todos ustedes en el Estado de Oaxaca en el Corazón [heart] de México.” “Many thanks. And I want to invite all of you to my State of Oaxaca.” Her home state Oaxaca is in heart of Mexico.

            SECOND PLACE winner was Tomasa Roman who received a cash price of $400. Winner of the best “Decorated Table” was Carman Celio, she received $250 and winner for the best “Cultural Dress” was Marcelina Hernandez, who received $150.  I congratulate Universidad Popular for another success event!

Cuahutemoc Morfin

            CLEAN-UP: Pilsen activist Cuahutemoc Morfin led 50 community residents to take matters in their own hands and cleaned up an unsafe area below a viaduct. The viaduct, near 24^th St. & Western Ave., is where parents with their children cross every day to get to school. A group called “Eyes of the Community”, organized by Cuahutemoc Morfin and Lindsey Rose, organized the clean-up campaign Saturday, July 23, 2011. “There are deplorable and neglected sites in the Pilsen community that need to be cleaned up,” said Morfin.

            MORFIN WAS a strong aldermanic candidate in the 25^th Ward who supported the enactment of the Chicago Clean Power Ordinance. “I made the Ordinance the centerpiece of my campaign. We will not compromise the health of our children and families in our communities,”

said Morfin.

            EYES OF THE COMMUNITY will be organizing future cleaning and recycling projects. For more information call Morfin at 312/287-6610.

Harry Yourell

            FARWELL: To a good friend, Harry “Bus” Yourell, a World War II veteran and an honest and hard working politician. “Bus”, 92, died Monday, Sept. 19, 2011. He was a Democratic Committeeman in Worth Township, State Representative, Cook County Recorder of Deeds and a Commissioner with Metropolitan Water Reclamation District [MWRD]. I’ve knew “Bus” for 30 years. He was a down-to-earth kind of guy, who loved politics, dancing and had a good sense of humor.

            “BUS” TOLD this story at the “Meet The Candidates” dinner meeting hosted by the Hispanic American Labor Council, at that time he was running for re-election as Commissioner with MWRD.  “Bus” said, “rumors were flying around before I appeared at the Cook County Democratic Party Slating Committee that I was too old to run again”.  Bus continued:  “When I took the podium, I made my usual pitch and said I’m going for the senior vote and I ended by saying; I have my own hair, I have my own teeth and I don’t use Viagra!”  “I was endorsed unanimously,” Bus said proudly.

            HISPANIC LABOR always supported Yourell because he consistently backed Union people, veterans and the underserved. For his military service, he earned a Bronze Star and three Purple Hearts. He was a loyal Democratic Party leader, winning 40 local elections. It was an honor to have known Bus.  

New Futuro, Voter Engagement 2012, Museum of Mexican Culture and History, Annual Anti-Violence March

Marty Castro &
August Sallas (right)

            NEW FUTURO: There is a new educational initiative in the Latino community called “New Futuro” [New Future], announced Attorney Martin “Marty” Castro, Chairperson and Co-Founder, New Futuro; Chairperson, Illinois Human Rights Commission and Chairperson, U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. New Futuro and Allstate have launched an unprecedented partnership to get 10,000 Latino students into colleges.

            A RECEPTION attended by 150 people was held Tuesday, Sept. 13, 2011 at the National Museum of Mexican Fine Arts, 1852 W. 19^th St. in Pilsen.

            COMMUNITY leaders, educators, civic and professionals were in attendance. The Mistress of Ceremony was Lourdes Duarte, WGN-TV. Ms. Duarte introduced the featured speakers Marty R. Castro, Esq.; Mike Escobar, Vice Chairman, Chief Diversity & Organization Effectiveness Officer, Allstate Insurance Company; Eddie Brambila, Managing Director, Community Partnerships, Illinois Student Assistance Commission; Juan Salgado, President and CEO, Instituto del Progreso Latino  and Executive Representative from Teach for America.

            "WE'RE THRILLED to have Allstate on board as our corporate sponsor. Allstate's support will advance our goal to motivate 10,000 Latino families to commit to a ten-point plan focused on getting their students into college and beyond," said Marty Castro. "Equally important, though, is the company's willingness to share its diverse human capital--Allstate's people who truly understand and have successfully navigated the path toward succeeding in life."

            OTHER LISTED partners of New Futuro initiative is the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics, Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities, National Council of La Raza, Illinois Student Assistance Commission (ISAC), Teach For America and others. To learn more, visit www.NewFuturo.com or follow New Futuro at www.facebook.com/newFuturo and www.twitter.com/newfuturo .We support New Futuro and wish it success!

            COMMUNITY FORUM: On Thursday, Sept. 15, 2011 more than 134 leaders of business, civic, community and student groups from across the city attended a Community Forum “Voter Engagement 2012” at the UIC Forum. The initiative, sponsored by the Chicago Election Board, was to explore a wide range of election reforms.

            THE GOAL of the project was to identify measures that will increase voter registration and turnouts – for 2012 and beyond. Ideas discussed: letting voters register online or register on Election Day, use universal “vote centers” outside register voters home precincts, and employing new technology, such as online voting for military/overseas voters.

Langdon
D. Neal

            “IT’S COOL TO VOTE”, a concept to promote U.S. citizens to register to vote as a condition of receiving their high school diplomas. “Today, we received valuable information from civic, community and student leaders on how to address our core mission: to register voters and get people to participate in the elections,” said Langdon D. Neal, Chairman of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners. “We will put this information to work, both internally, and to inform legislators about changes they may consider.”

            LATINO PARTICIPANTS at the forum were Cristina Garcia, Erie House; Maria Salazar and Jose Artemio Arreola, Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights; Natalia Garza, Lambda Theta Alpha Latin Sorority, Inc.; August Sallas and Baltazar Enriquez, Little Village Community Council; Ana Soto, Mujeres Latinas en Accion; Minerva Velasquez, Rose H. Calderon, Maria Eugenia Flores, Southwest Organizing Project; Omar Michel, Erendira Rendon, Danilo Aguilar, The Resurrection Project [Casa Puebla];  Norma Ramos, University of Illinois at Chicago; Dulce Diaz, Jose Torrez, Yanira Solano, Lisbet Ruiz, U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute.

William
Luna

            OPEN HOUSE: The “Museum of Mexican Culture and History”, 3610 W. 26^th St. in Little Village is featured as an official Open House site by the Chicago Architecture Foundation openhousechicago 2011 Program. The Open House is scheduled for the weekend of Saturday, Oct. 15 and Sunday, Oct. 16, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

            THE CURATOR of the Museum of Mexican Culture and History is William Guillermo Luna. Visitors will see Mexican artifacts, photos, memorabilia, cowboy gear and saddles, Mexican food items, military equipment, MAYA calendars and graphics, Aztec World with portraits of the Aztec Emperors.

            LUNA WILL talk about Mexican culture and history and answer questions from the visitors. The presentation is informative and educational. Free admission, donations for the museum will be accepted.

Michael M.
Cabonargi

            LITTLE VILLAGE PARADE: Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael M. Cabonargi marched in the Little Village Mexican Independence Parade on Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011. He was sworn-in Feb. 10, 2011 as the Commissioner of the Second District by Chief Justice Timothy Evans.

            COMMISSIONER Cabonargi served as a senior attorney and prosecutor in the Chicago Regional Office of the United States Securities and Exchange Commission from 2005-2011. In 2007, he received the Chairman’s Award for bringing the largest private offering fraud case filed by the SEC Commission in the amount of $2.8 billion.

            HE SERVED as an aide to United States Senator Paul Simon from 1993 to 1997. He received his J.D. in 2000 from the University of Illinois College of Law in Champaign and a B.A. in Political Science in Foreign Affairs from Miami University in 1993.

            CABONARGI lives with his wife, Erin Lavin, and their sons, William and Jack in Chicago’s Logan Square community.

            THE SECOND District includes Chicago’s downtown, north, northwest and southwest communities, which includes Little Village. Commissioner Cabonargi phone number is 312/603-5560.

            CASA Ciudad de Mexico in Chicago and Universidad Popluar cordially invites you to a reception welcoming a delegation of food producers from Mexico City, led by Francisco Garcia Flores, Municipal President (Delegado) of the region of Mexico City known as Milpa Alta Friday Sept 23, 2011, 6:30 - 8:30 pm.

            THE MILPA Alta delegation, specializing in non-traditional products like nopal, and the traditional Mexican delicacy, "mole”, will be attending Universidad Popular’s 6th Annual Feria del Mole. This annual “celebration of a flavorful tradition” will feature the competitive mole cook-off with prizes, and tastings of the variety of authentic homemade moles! The winner of the competition will be crowned, "The Best Mole in Little Village".
            WHILE IN CHICAGO the Mailpa Alta will be promoting their world-famous 2011 International Mole Expo and Fair.


            REMINDER: Robert Esquivel, Chief of Lender Relations, U.S. Small Business Administration will be the guest speaker at the Latin American Chamber of Commerce “Business Roundtable” breakfast, Tuesday, Sept. 27, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. Registration & Networking: 8:00 a.m. Breakfast: 8:15 a.m. Presentation: 8:45 a.m. Members and Members' Guests: $25. Lazo's Restaurant, 2009 N. Western Ave., Chicago. (Parking Facility Across the Street). For more info call: 773/252-5211.

Come out and join
Mayor Rahn Emanuel
& Alderman Ray Suarez
Annual Anti-Violence March
March Tuesday 9/27

National Hispanic Month, Los Niño’s Heroes, Chamber News, SBA Loan Programs, Feria del Mole, Boxing Night

            HISPANIC MONTH: United States of America has proclaimed National Hispanic Heritage Month September 15 – October 15. In 1968, Public Law 90-468 authorized the president to proclaim National Hispanic Heritage Week each year. The 100th Congress enacted Public Law 100-402, which extended the observance from a week to a month. The annual observance is now a 31-day period beginning on September 15 and ending on October 15.

            THIS YEAR’s 2011 Theme: Many Backgrounds, Many Stories, One American Spirit. It is a month which Hispanics are given the unique opportunity to highlight historical and cultural contributions by Hispanic Americans. For purposes of this celebration the term Hispanic includes persons with ancestry from the countries of Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Panama, Peru, Puerto Rico, Spain, Uruguay, Venezuela, Brazil, Belize and the Virgin Islands. 

            SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER cover a wide range of independence days for Latin American countries. MEXICO celebrates their independence on September 16 and El Día de la Raza (Columbus Day) is observed on October 12. Chile’s independence celebration is held on September 18, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua all celebrate their independence on September 15.

            DESPITE the fact that the United States government enforces its unfair immigration policies, Hispanics from all backgrounds are making contributions to secure America as a strong country. American Hispanics love their native country, but they are loyal to the United States of America. Many young Hispanics have joined the military and have sacrificed their life for America.

            HISTORIAN WILLIAM GUILLERMO LUNA is quick to point out that there has been a lot of Mexican immigrants that have made contributions to America, namely, Leonardo [Leo Najo] Alaniz, a baseball pioneer born in La Laija, Nuevo Leon; Pedro Armendariz, an actor in Mexico and U.S. born in Mexico City; Brigadier General Robert Cardenas, Aviation Pioneer [Merida, Yucatan]; Dolores Del Rio, actress, Mexico & U.S. [Durango]; Lorenzo De Zavala, Vice President, Republic of Texas [Bahia/Goliad]; Dr. Hector P. Garcia, Civil Rights Pioneer [Llera, Tamaulipas], SSGT. Macario Garcia, WWII Medal of Honor [Villa de Castano]; Honorable Edward Hidalgo, Secretary of Navy [Mexico City]

LCPL Jose Francisco Jimenez, Vietnam Medal of Honor Hero [Mexico City] [Medal awarded posthumously]; Katy Jurado, Actress [Mexico & U.s. Guadalajara, Jalisco]; Sgt. Jose Mendoza Lopez, WWII Medal of Honor Hero [Veracruz]; Cesar Millan, Dog Behavior Specialist, [Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico]; Dr. Mario Molina, Nobel Prize, Chemistry [Mexico City]; Ricardo Montalban, Actor in Mexico & U.S. [Mexico City]; Roman Navarro, Actor-Silent Movies [Durango]; Carlos Palomino, World Welterweight Boxing Champion [San Luis/Rio Colorado, Sonora]; Sgt. Rafael Peralta, Iraq Navy Cross Hero [Mexico City], medal awarded posthumously; Anthony Quinn, Actor U.S. [Chihuahua]; Gilbert Roland, Actor U.S. [Juarez, Chihuahua]; Ruben Salazar, Journalist/Activist [Juarez, Chihuahua]; Carlos Santana, Musician [Jalisco]; Lupe Velez, Actress U.S. [San Luis Potosi].       

            HISPANICS are entrepreneurs, entertainers, athletes, doctors, lawyers, religious, law enforcement, military, writers, media personalities, artists, students, educators, political, farm workers, civic leaders, labor and professional people. Hispanic contributions to America are many!

            MEXICAN HISTORY: “Mr. Sallas: Thank you for the information of the lecture on the heroic Irish Battalion “San Patricio” at the Irish American Center. Our brothers Irish are so close to Mexican, came to America suffer discrimination, invaded by the British Empire, the tortured and as members of the San Patricio Battalion in the battle of Chapultepec; and the sacrifice of the Niño’s Heroes, [children heroes, 13-19 year old] died defending the people of Mexico against the well equipped American Navy and Army with cannons, must be remember for the future generation.” /Signed/ Efren Beltran.

            Los Niño’s Heroes’: “During the Battle of Chapultepec [Sept. 13, 1847], six Mexican military cadets refused to fall back when General Bravo finally ordered retreat and fought to the death. These were teniente (lieutenant) Juan de la Barrera and cadets Agustín Melgar, Juan Escutia, Vicente Suárez, Francisco Márquez and Fernando Montes de Oca, all between the ages of 13 and 19. According to legend, the last of the six, Juan Escutia, grabbed the Mexican flag, wrapped it around himself and jumped off the castle point to prevent the flag from falling into enemy hands”. The Niño’s Heroes’ are commemorated by a national holiday in Mexico on September 13.

            CHAMBER NEWS: The Latin American Chamber of Commerce will be hosting a Business Roundtable meeting Tuesday, Sept. 27th at Lazo Restaurant, 2007 N. Western Ave. Registration and Networking starts at 8:00 a.m. Breakfast 9:15 a.m. and Presentation: 9:45 a.m. Members and guests: $25 donation.

Robert
Esquival

            GUEST SPEAKER: Robert Esquival, Chief of Lender Relations, U.S. Small Business Administration. Topic: “Access to Capital: SBA Loan Programs.”

            THE LACC Business Roundtables “provide a forum where members exchange ideas, network and address issues related to financing, contract procurement, emerging economic topics and legislation impacting commerce and industry.” 

             LACC Board of Director Chairman is D. Lorenzo Padron; President Bennett Santana and Treasurer Antonio Guillen.

FERIA DEL MOLE: Universidad Popular will host its Sixth Annual Feria del Mole (Mole tasting and festival) from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 South Western on Saturday, Sept. 24^th, 2011. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door for the opportunity to taste as many moles as you can and vote on the “Best Mole in Little Village.”

FOR MORE info contact Cesar Lara, Universidad Popular at 773/733-5055.

            BOXING NIGHT: Chicago Teamsters Hispanic Caucus Scholarship Program is sponsoring a “Friday Night Boxing” show Friday, October 7, 2011,Teamster Local 705 Hall, 328 S. Marshfield Ave. Doors open at 6:00 p.m. Opening Ceremony 7:00 p.m. Mariachi Band, Salsa Band, DJ Tunes. Exciting boxing matches! Food and beverages. Tickets $20.00 each. Everyone is invited to attend! Support CTHC Scholarship program! Questions email: e.magos@dc4gcc.org

TALLER PARA BORRAR EL RECORD CRIMINAL EXPUNGEMENT WORKSHOP

SATURDAY, SEPT. 17, 2011

LA IGLESIA NEW LIFE

2657 S. LAWNDALE AVE.

Registracion es a las 8:30 a.m.

Puertas cierran a las 6 p.m.

Patrocinado por

 Little Village Community Council

& Attorney Jorge Montes - 312/850-9844 

Free Expungement Workshop, Tribute to Mexico's Leaders, Fiestas Patrias, Old Newspapers

Attorney
Jeb Stone

          VISITING ATTORNEYS: We are honored to have Attorney Jeb Stone, one of the best and famous criminal defense lawyers in Chicago as a volunteer for the FREE Expungement Workshop. The Workshop will be held on Saturday, Sept. 17, 2011 at New Life Church, 2657 S. Lawndale Ave.  Mr. Stone’s firm, Stone & Associates, Ltd., is listed in the Bar Registry of Pre-eminent Lawyers. For over three decades, Jed Stone has provided thoughtful, aggressive and caring representation to persons charged with a crime.  He is also a Fellow of the American Board of Criminal Lawyers and a Leading Lawyer in criminal defense and appellate practice.            

          “ATTORNEY STONE is coming to Little Village to help our community. He is giving up a Saturday to be with us and we are grateful for his services”, said Attorney Jorge Montes.

Attorney
Beth Johnson

            OTHER ATTORNEYS volunteering their services are: Attorney Juan Baltierres [a former parole supervisor], Baltierres Law Office; Criminal and Family Law, Attorney Neil Toppel, [a former Assistant Public Defender] Law Offices of Neil Toppel; Criminal Defense; Attorney Rosa Silva, an Assistant Public Defender, Attorney Jesus Salazar; criminal defense, Attorney Russell Knight; criminal and civil defense, and Attorney Beth Johnson; Staff Attorney, Cabrini Green Legal Clinic.

            ADULTS AND JUVENILE will learn from experts how to apply for clemency and expungement. Information on employment, job training, health care and other services for ex-offenders will be available. It is recommended that you bring your rap sheet to the workshop.            

            WORKSHOP REGISTRATION starts at 8:30 a.m. Doors close at 6 p.m. Joining the Expungement Committee are State Representative Elizabeth Hernandez and Ambrosio Medrano. Any questions, call Attorney Jorge Montes 312/850-9844.   

            AS A TRIBUTE TO MEXICO’s Leaders. How many do you know?

MEXICO’S HISTORICAL LEADERS:
Top row: 1. Emiliano Zapata, 2. Vicente Guerrero, 3. Venustiano Carranza, 4. Francisco I. Madero, 5. Guadalupe Victoria, 6. Benito Juarez, 7. Antonio Lopez De Santa Ana, 8. Valentin Gomez Farias
Middle: 9. Sebastian Lerdo De Tejada, 10. Don Ignacio Allende, 11. M. Hidalgo y Costilla, 12. Miguel Aleman Valdez, 13. Anastasio Bustamante, 14. Pascual Ortiz Rubio, 15. Jose Ma Morelos y Pavon 
Bottom: 16. Victoriano Huerta, 17. Porfirio Diaz, 18. Francisco Villa, 19. Gustavo Diaz Ordaz, 20. Lazaro Cardenas, 21. Lucas Alaman, 22. Alvaro Obregon.   

            FIESTAS PATRIAS: The annual Little Village community Mexican Independence Day Parade is this Sunday, Sept. 11, 2011 at Noon starting at 26^th St. & Kedzie Ave. and heading west on 26^th St. to Kostner Ave. This year’s theme: “Salute to Our Heroes”, “Saludos a Nuestros Heroes”. The estimated crowd is 100,000.

Little Village Chamber of Commerce is the sponsor of this event.

            THE PARADE will showcase floats from business organizations, schools groups, marching bands, dance groups, mariachis, charros on horses, decorated cars and trucks, clowns, military and community organizations, police and firemen vehicles’.

            LEADING THE parade will be officers of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, local dignitaries, political officials and civic leaders of the Mexican communities.

            FOR MORE information on how to participate in the parade contact Vanessa Alvarez at 773/521-5387.

            OLD NEWSPAPERS: I’m a hoarder of newspapers. I had stacks and stacks of newspapers in my home and I decided to get rid of them. Rather than dumping them in the garbage cart I wanted to donate them to an organization which would put them to good use. 

            I CALLED the City of Chicago Commission on Animal Care and Control, 2741 S. Western Ave. 312/4747-1381, asking if they wanted my newspapers. They said, “Yes” and I took 38 blue bags, ½ filled of newspapers, to their facility.

            I RECEIVED a letter, 8/16/11, from Darlene Duggan, Operations Manager, which stated: “Mr. Sallas: Thank you so much for your recent donation of newspapers for our facility... we use the papers to line our cat cages which allows us to save money since we don’t have to purchase cage lining paper. We sincerely appreciate your donation and thank you for driving it over to us!” /signed/Darlene Duggan. 

            IF YOU have newspapers you don’t want, donate them to the Animal Care and Control.

---

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat., Sept. 10—Mexican Civic Society Mexican Independence Day Parade, 12:00 noon, Columbus Drive from Balbo to Randolph St.

Sun., Sept. 11—Little Village Mexican Independence Day Parade, 12:00 noon to 4 p.m. starting at 26^th St. & Kedzie Ave. west to Kostner Ave.

Sun., Sept. 11—The San Patricio Irish Soldiers video from 3 to 7 p.m. at Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Ave. Donation: $10.

Thursday, Sept. 15—Chicago Board of Election, Voter Engagement 2012 Community Forum, 10:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Rd. Must reserve your space by calling 312/269-7858.

Sat., Sept. 17—Free Expungement Workshop from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at New Life Church, 2657 S. Lawndale Ave.

Sat., Sept. 24—Feria Del Mole, 12 Noon to 8 p.m. Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 S. Western Ave. Tickets: $7 in advance, $10 at door.

Fri., Oct. 7—Friday Nite Boxing, Teamster Local 705 Hall, 328 S. Marshfield Ave., Door Open 6 p.m. Ticket: $20.

  VIVA MEXICO!   

Expungement Workshop, Mexican Parade, Farewell Friends, Out of Business and Feria del Mole

Jorge Montes

                  EXPUNGEMENT: Adult and juvenile ex-offenders will have the opportunity to learn how to clean up their criminal record on Sat., Sept. 17, 2011. The Little Village Community Council and HOPE in conjunction with Attorney Jorge Montes are sponsoring an “Expungement Workshop”. The FREE workshop will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the New Life Church, 2657 S. Lawndale Ave. in Little Village.

            SERVING ON the Expungement Committee are August Sallas, President Little Village Community Council; Attorney Jorge Montes, Baltazar Enriquez, Executive Director/HOPE;  Blanca Jara,  Hispanic Liaison/ Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court office and Cabrini Green Legal, ENLACE, CONFEMEX, Hispanic Bar Association and La Iglesia New Life representatives.

Blanca Jara

            ATTORNEY MONTES served 16 years as Chairman of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Jorge wishes to share his valuable experience with our community. “Our goal is to help ex-offenders in removing obstacles that have prevented them from getting work, finding housing, avoid deportation and rejoining our community,” said Montes.

            LEARN FROM EXPERTS on how to apply for clemency and expungement.  Volunteer Attorneys will be on site to assist adults and juveniles understand the necessary paperwork needed for expungement, clemency, sealing of records and/or pardon. The Prisoner Review Board members will screen potential clemency petitions and offer information regarding the preparation of petitions.           

Baltazar Enriquez

            RECOMMENDED: Bring a copy of your “rap” sheet and disposition of your case to the workshop.

            ADULTS’ records Chicago cases: Request your rap sheet from the Chicago Police Dept., Access and Review Dept., 4770 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago. Fee $16. Hours: 8 a.m. to Noon. Phone: 312/745-1179.

            JUVENILE records Chicago cases: Request your rap sheet from Chicago Police Dept., Youth Division, 3510 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Fee: $16, Hours: 8:30 a.m. to Noon. Call 312/745-6040.                   

            SUBURBAN CASES: Obtain information of your criminal case from the local police agency where you were arrested by requesting a Right to Access and Review. You may obtain copies of your criminal disposition from the Clerk of the Circuit Court. For more info call Attorney Montes at 312/850-9844.

            IN ADDITON to free clemency orientation, participants will obtain information on employment, job training, healthcare, housing and other services.

            MEXICAN PARADE: The Sociedad Civica Mexicana de Illinois will be celebrating 42 years of Mexican pride in the heart of Chicago on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011 with its annual parade. The parade will begin 12 noon at Columbus Drive in downtown Chicago. Miguel Zuno Jr., President of MCS, announced this year marks the 201^st Anniversary Celebration of the Independence of Mexico. Parade Chairman/Board Member, Mexican Civic Society of Illinois Inc., is Miguel Zuno Sr. If you have any questions about the parade, call Zuno at 312/656-1176, or E-mail: srzuno@zunophoto.com Participa desfilando con tu grupo, organización, escuela. Todos están invitados a participar llame para más información 773/ 376-8445.

[L] Marcos Murillo
& President Adolfo

FAREWELL FRIEND: Marcos Murillo, 85, died Friday, June 17, 2011. Marcos was a highly respected civic leader in our Mexican community, a banker and marathon runner. In 1980, as a friend and supporter of mine as candidate for Democratic Committeeman in the 22^nd Ward; Marcos wore my campaign T-shirt while running in a marathon. 

MARCOS was the beloved husband of Pauline [nee Cervantes] and the father of Richard, David Linwood and Michael, Salera and Anna Rivera. He worked as a banker at Central National Bank; Cole-Taylor Bank in the Back-of-the-Yards neighborhood. He was honored for his service by the Mexican Chamber of Commerce, Chief Crusader 1988 United Way Crusade of Mercy; 18^th St. Businessmen Association, Inc.; and Board of Director with the Chicago Public Library appointed by Mayor Richard J. Daley. MARCOS was also an active member of the Azteca Lions Club.                                            

     IN MEMORIAL to my two friends: Marshall Villanova, and Robert F. Cabrera, Sr.

Marshall Villanova

Marshall Villanova, 49, passed away after a long battle with Huntington's disease.

            IN 1980, I recruited Marshall as a volunteer in my political campaign for 22^nd Ward Committeeman. He worked hard on the campaign and accused me of making him a “political junkie.” He worked for the Department of Street & Sanitation Dept. as the 25^th Ward Superintendent under former Ald. Ambrosio Medrano. Marshall was an assistant for Attorney Juan M. Soliz. Soliz said, “Marshall was instrumental in my political career.  He coordinated Blood Drives, Health Fairs, Thanksgiving dinners and much more. He was loyal and I respected and admired him”. To my friend Marshall, rest in peace.

Don Roberto

                  ROBERT F. "Don Roberto" Cabrera, Sr., 90, died recently. He was a  proud veteran of the United States Army in World War II, a former 20 year employee at Florsheim shoes and a retired 20 year employee of the Metropolitan Sanitary District. Don Roberto was the well-known bandleader of his band “Don Roberto y sus Rumboleros" for 20+ years. His band was one of the best Mexican dance bands that played great Mexican dance music. He was a class act and respected by his peers and fans.   

            OUT OF BUSINESS: The following businesses in Little Village are now out of business: Armando’s Finer Food, 2627 S. Kedzie Ave.; Los Dos Loredos Restaurant, 3120 W. 26^th St.; Del Rey Tortilleria, 2701 S. Trumbull Ave. and [surprisingly] Catedral Café, 2500 S. Christiana Ave.

Catedral Café

            THE DUENAS family, owners of Catedral Café, closed their business on Saturday, August 20, 2011. “It was not an easy decision,” said owner Abraham Duenas, “we had the pleasure of enjoying the relationship with you as a customer and friend in recent years and we thank you.”

            “ESTIMADO Amigo: Lamentamos informarle que la familia Dueñas ha decidido cerrar Catedral Café. Nuestro último día abierto será el sábado, 20 de agosto. Después de esa fecha, Catedral Café ya no ofrecerá servicio de comida. Catedral estará ocasionalmente disponible para ser alquilado para eventos y servicios de catering. La decisión de cerrar el Catedral Café no fue nada fácil ya que hemos tenido el placer de disfrutar una relación con usted como cliente y amigo en los últimos años. Queremos darle las gracias por darnos su negocio, y para expresarle a usted otra vez lo mucho que hemos disfrutado contando con usted como un cliente y amigo. Sinceramente, Familia Dueñas.”

                  FERIA DEL MOLE: Universidad Popular will host its Sixth Annual Feria del Mole (Mole tasting and festival) from 12 p.m.-8 p.m. at the Arturo Velasquez Institute, 2800 South Western on Saturday, Sept. 24^th, 2011. Tickets are $7 in advance and $10 at the door for the opportunity to taste as many moles as you can and vote on the “Best Mole in Little Village.” 

THE FERIA del Mole is an annual event that attracts over 2,500 to watch 40 women and men compete with their home-made recipes to be awarded the “Best Mole in Little Village.” Awards are based on majority votes. With admission, guests receive ballots to taste as many moles as they like, and vote for their favorite.  Besides the mole-tasting, the event includes music and performances by local artists, and sponsorship booths. Celebrity judges will vote on “best dressed” and “best table decoration.

UNIVERSIDAD POPULAR are currently accepting “molera” and “molero” applications for adults and families who would like to compete for best mole. UP is also seeking sponsorships for the event. This year, Casa Chicago will sponsor the winner to travel to the International Feria del Mole in San Pedro Atocpan, near Mexico City in October 2011. There will also be cash prizes. First place mole will win $500, and second place mole will win $400. “Best Table Decoration” will win $250 and “Best Dressed” will win $150.

THE LAST day to submit an application or request sponsorship is September 15^th, 2011 at 5 p.m. For more info contact Cesar Lara, Universidad Popular at 773/733-5055.

UNITY MONTH: You are invited to Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Álvarez 3rd Annual Unity Month Conference. The conference is scheduled for 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011 at UIC Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt Road [MC126], Chicago. RSVP at 312/603-8710. Discounted parking at UIC Parking facility, Lot 5 [1135 S. Morgan] and Lot 6 [1135 S. Halsted St.]