Holiday Greetings, Teamsters Reception, IBEW 1031, Instituto del Progreso

          HOLIDAY GREETINGS: To all my readers, I wish you a most happy holiday season. Christmas time is my favorite holiday because it is the annual celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ; and I enjoy greeting family, and friends with "Merry Christmas" and "Happy New Year". I also enjoy giving gifts and spreading joy and happiness.
          THIS PAST YEAR I've met a lot of new friends, which reminds me of what Robert Louis Stevenson once said, "Strangers are friends you haven't met yet." So true. Every person I've met has a story and as we move into a new year, 2012, we must commit ourselves to make our country a better place to live.
          I CAN'T HELP but think about the undocumented Mexican families who are suffering as a result of  partisan politics and a broken immigration system. These undocumented Mexicans are not criminals, but hard-working individuals. Yes, they crossed the border illegally. Why? For the American dream. Despite what some Americans believe, these individuals are part of a workforce who contribute to our economy.  In states like Alabama entire Mexican communities are struggling to survive under unjust laws; laws driving undocumented workers from the state.  These unjust laws are now having an adverse economic effect on Alabama's farming industry. The anti-Mexican aura exists because some Americans think illegals are the cause to joblessness of American workers. It is a known fact Mexicans are hard workers.  In migrant families children are doing stoop labor, carrying on a strong work ethic.
          SOLUTION: U.S. Presidents and Governors have given pardons to criminals; municipalities have given amnesty to citizens who owe for parking tickets. Amnesty should be the beginning point to our broken immigration system.  We all know it is impossible to deport 10.8 million undocumented Mexicans, especially when 7 million are in the work force. Here is were reality dictates; legalizing undocumented Mexicans will make America strong. Their legalized status would fuel economic growth and stop sapping time, energy and tax dollars used debating the issue. Our government, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) needs to stop splitting up families causing suffering and anxiety for the children of the undocumented. America is a compassionate country and during this holiday season Americans need to express their compassion by making our country a better place to live, work and prosper.  It is the American way.

May your holidays be the best for you and your family.    

Mayor Robert J. Lovero, Jesse Miranda, Cynthia Ramirez,
Elizabeth Hernandez,  Rodolfo Garcia

          TEAMSTER RECEPTION: Teamster leader Jesse Miranda and Cicero Democratic Committeeman Charlie Hernandez hosted a  "Meet the Candidates" reception. The reception was held on Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011 at the Club, 6033 W. Roosevelt Road in Cicero.
          MIRANDA introduced the following Democratic Judicial candidates who presented their candidacy:

• Judge Rodolfo [Rudy] Garcia for Illinois Appellate Court 
• Judge Nathaniel Roosevelt Howse, Jr. for Illinois Appellate Court Judge 
• Judge Alfred M. Swanson, for Circuit Court of Cook County Judge
• Cynthia Ramirez for Cook County Circuit Court Judge (the only Latina slated for a judicial position)
• Judge Stanley L. Hill for Cook County Circuit Court Judge
• Judge Pamela Leeming for Cook County Circuit Court Judge 
• Michael Tully Mullen for Judge of the Circuit Court of Cook County 
• Jesse Reyes for Illinois Appellate Court

          STATE REPRESENTATIVE Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez [24nd District] was also introduced. Mayor of Berwyn, Robert J. Lovero, and Committeeman Hernandez spoke to the guest and supporters. It was an informative gathering. The Primary Election is Tuesday, March 20, 2012.
          IBEW 1031: Celebrated the Union's 75th "Years of Accomplishments" Anniversary [1936-2011].The event was held on Saturday, Dec. 10, 2011 at Manzo's Banquets, 1571 S. Elmhurst Road in Des Plaines, IL.

Jose A Caez

           UNDER THE LEADERSHIP of Jose A. Caez, Business Manger and Financial Secretary of the International Brotherhood Of Electrical Workers [IBEW] Local 1031, the celebration started with Jose Caez thanking guests and employers for attending the event. Invocation was given by member and Deacon Freddie T. Young.  Following the introductions a professional video presentation of the history of Local 1031 with many photos from the Union's archives was shown. Local 1031 was the largest labor organization in the Chicagoland area for many years, with 32,000 members. Their members work in electrical manufacturing.  Music was provided by DJ Napoli. Two hundred members and guests attended the event. We congratulate Local 1031 for its contributions to the labor movement.
          JOSE A. CAEZ, formerly the President of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement [LCLAA], is an officer with the Hispanic American Labor Council, a delegate to the Chicago Federation of Labor, a National LCLAA Board member. Caez was the recipient of the 1998 "The Man of the Year" awarded to him by the Hispanic American Labor Council. Jose has been a Local 1031 union member for 37 years and worked at Appleton Electric Co. in Chicago. He served as a Business Representative for nine years and presently the Business Manager for the past 16 years.

Dr. Victoria Cooper, Artemio Murillo, Dave Inman,
Abundio Zaragoza, Tom Dubois, Ramon Toledo 

          CEREMONY:  Instituto del Progreso Latino held a Completion Ceremony on Friday, Dec. 9, 2011 at the Instituto Health Sciences Academy, 2520 S. Western Ave. Completion Certifications were given to 17 students who completed a course on Building Energy Technologies. Weatherization Certificates were given to 17 students.
           INTRODUCTION OF SPEAKERS was by Dr. Ricardo Estrada, Vice President of Education and Programs, Instituto del Progreso Latino. CEO and President Juan Salgado of Instituto del Progreso Latino gave a welcoming address to the students and guests. Guest speaker was Gerald McGleam, Deputy Program Manager for Special Projects and Building Energy Technologies Program speaker was Steinar Egeland. Dr. Victoria Cooper, Director - ETP from Wilbur Wright College, also gave a few words. Wilbur Wright College is one of the financial supporters for the Environmental Technologies Program.
          ACKNOWLEDGEMENT was given to all the hardworking students and their families for their dedication to the successful program.  

Fund Raiser, Challenges, LV Chamber Moved, A Protest, Union Hall of Fame

Sheila Simon & Michael Cabonargi

FUND RAISER: Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon was the special guest at Commissioner Michael Cabonargi's, [2nd District] Cook County Board of Review fund-raiser. The holiday reception held Friday, Dec. 9, 2011 at the Allergro Hotel in downtown Chicago was well attended by many friends and supporters of Commissioner Cabonargi. Also in attendance was Colleague Commissioner Larry Rogers Jr. [2nd District] Board of Review.
          COMMISSIONER Cabonargi sponsors seminars on how homeowners can appeal their property assessment. "We want to make sure people pay [property taxes] what they have to pay and not a dime more," said Cabonargi. The Commissioner said his first job fresh out of college at the age of 22 was an intern for Paul Simon. "I drove Paul Simon around and being with Paul Simon I got to know what public service is all about. You can't be taught integrity or character, it has to be innate," said Cabonargi. He introduce Sheila Simon as someone who comes from a family of public servants.
          LT. GOV. SHEILA SIMON told a story about her dad, Paul Simon, who grew up in Oregon and what he learned from his father. "Grandpa Martin was a Lutheran minister and had a Lutheran radio station. He told his listeners that we should not be interning Japanese citizens. This was the most unpopular thing to say at that time. Dad was embarrassed and neighborhood kids said that his dad was rotten. It was years later that my dad understood why his father did it. This was the most outstanding thing his father did in his life," said Sheila. She ended her speech by saying, "Do the right thing and support Mike."
          CHALLENGES: Objections have been filed against the nominating petitions of the following Latino candidates who filed their candidacy for the Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Democratic Primary Election.

•  2nd State Representative District: Edward J. Acevedo nominating petitions are being challenged by objector Elias Espindola.
• 3rd State Representative District: Luis Arroyo nominating petitions are being challenged by objector Denise Garcia.
• 21st State Representative District: Rudy Lozano nominating petitions are being challenged by Jose Luis Garcia Jr.
• 24th State Representative District: Elizabeth Hernandez nominating petitions are being challenged by Kevin Wunder and David Miranda.
• 24th State Representative District: Neftalie Gonzalez nominating petitions are being challenged by objector Lelis V. Gonzalez.
• 12th Senate District: Raul Montes Jr. nominating petition objections pending.
• 1st Senate District: Edgar Diaz nominating petitions are being challenged by objector Elizabeth Diaz Castillo.
• 1st Appellate Court: Rodolfo (Rudy) Garcia nominating petitions are being challenged by objector Roberto A. Villa.
• 6th Subcircuit Cook: Carlos A. Vazquez nominating petitions are being challenged by objectors Ricardo Lugo and Carlos Claudio.
• Clerk of the Circuit Court: Ricardo Munoz nominating petitions are being challenged by objectors Dorothy Walton, Leticia Boughton, Mark Gomolski and James Edwards.
• 1st Ward Democratic Committeeman Jesse Ruben Juarez nominating petition objections pending.

David Orr

          COOK COUNTY ELECTORAL BOARD is chaired by Cook County Clerk David Orr along with  Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court and Anita Alvarez, Cook County States Attorney. They will hear objections to Cook County candidate's nominating papers, petition and other disputes over candidacies. Electoral Board hearings will be held at the Cook County Administration Building, 69 West Washington St. in the Pedway Room Lower Level, Chicago. Open to the public. For scheduling of hearings call: English: 312/603-5656 or Espanol: 312/603-6767.
          NEW LOCATION: The Little Village Chamber of Commerce held their Christmas Party at their new office located at 2458 S. Millard Ave. in Little Village. Their office hours are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Chamber's mission statement reads: "The mission of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce is to support, promote and enhance the growth and success of our local businesses and to leverage the community's assets, contributions and unique Mexican cultural identity to generate new business opportunities."
          LV CHAMBER OFFICERS: Alejandro Castro, President; Teresita Marsal Avila, Vice-President; Mark T. Doyle, Treasurer; Nilda Esparza, Executive Director and Vanessa Alvarez, Outreach Liaison. To contact the Chamber call 773/521-5387, FAX 773/521-5252.
          A PROTEST: A special meeting will be held at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 20, 2011. This meeting is to protest the slated closing of the Otis Grant Collins Post Office,  2302 S. Pulaski Road, scheduled to be closed May 15, 2012. The post office serves the residents of the South Lawndale/Little Village neighborhood. All residents in Little Village are invited and encouraged to attend.
          "THE CLOSING of our Post Office will cut postal services in our community. We are one of several minority offices targeted to close," said Baltazar Enriquez, Coordinator of the protest organized by Little Village Community Council.
          GRAN PROTESTA! "Menos servicios postal en La Villita, meno entregos des cartas, linias largas, solo oficinas postales de minorias servan cerradas!", dijo Baltazar Enriquez, "cierran la oficiana del correo!"
Asistir a la reunion Martes, Dec. 20, 2011, Oficina de la Villita, 3610 W. 26th St., Hora: 4 p.m. - 6 p.m.
          INVITED to the meeting is Congressman Danny Davis [7th District] and Congressman Luis V. Gutierrez [4th District] or their representative. "We also invited the Postmaster General of the Chicago Postal Stations," said Baltazar. For more info call 773/522-2552.
          UNION HALL OF HONOR: The Illinois Labor History Society celebrated their 2011 Union Hall of Honor reception with an evening at The Timeline Theatre, 615 W. Welling Ave. with the production play of "The Pitmen Painters". The play was about a group of coal miners in Northern England. The miners took an art appreciation class becoming painters and creating an outstanding body of work. They became art world sensations.
          THE FIVE male and two female actors in the "Pitmen Painters" gave an outstanding performance. The acting, storyline, visual arts and setting of the "Pitmen Painters" was excellent. It was serious, hilarious and enjoyable theatre-in-the-round intimate setting.
          AT THE reception five artists were introduced and inducted into the Union Hall of Honor. John H. Walker, Illinois miner leader and muralists Mike Alewitz, Kathleen Farrell, Alejandro Romero and Charles White. Each artist was given a plaque for their contribution to labor history artwork.
          PILSEN MURALIST Alejandro Romero was inducted into Union Hall of Honor for his murals reflecting the labor movement. He grew up in Mexico and was influenced by his neighbor and mentor, David Alfaro Siqueiros. He began is art studies in 1967 and was profoundly affected by England muralist Charles Spencer who painted murals depicting the British industrial workers.

Alejandro Romero

          ROMERO came to Chicago in 1976 and has created art for unions and community organizations. The stage bill reads: "His murals' strikingly vivid colors bring joy, power and life to his portrayals of communities, working people and revolutionary leaders."  Alejandro has painted murals for Central States Council and the Chicago Federation of Labor. Each of his murals are a celebration.
          ILHS PRESIDENT LARRY SPIVACK said: "Today we honor a coal miner and several artists. ILHS invited our friends and members and the general public to see this play, The Pitman Painters, because it captures the essence of life for all of us and indeed, the meaning being the historical struggle for a shorter work day; the revolutionary idea that one could spend part of their day not only working to survive, but having the time to create and contribute to our humanity embedded in art, music, creativity and association."
          SPECIAL GUEST at the reception was former ILHS President emeritus Les Orear,100, who said: "It's good to be alive and well and speaking to you!"  The evening ended with musician Bucky Halker playing the guitar and everyone holding hands singing "Solidarity Forever for the Union makes us strong."   I give the play four stars. Illinois Labor History Society, 28 East Jackson Blvd., Suite 1012, Chicago, 60604, phone: 312/663-4107.

Maggie Daley, Latinos Politicos, Holiday Reception, Remapping of Wards, Disability Rights, A Celebration, Events

        IN MEMORY: Maggie Daley [1943-2011] was a class act. I met Mrs. Daley in Copenhagen, Denmark Oct. 2, 2009 as a member of the Outreach Committee for the Chicago Olympic 2016 Games. Copenhagen hosted the International Olympic Committee [IOC] convention to vote for the city who would host the 2016 Olympics. Mayor Richard M. Daley lead a contingent of 500 Chicagoans to Copenhagen in support of Chicago's bid for the Olympics games.

Maggie Daley, August Sallas, Nadia Comaneci

        MAYOR DALEY and Pat Ryan, Chairman of the 2016 Chicago Olympic Committee, hosted a dinner meeting for the Chicago contingent informing us what to expect while in Copenhagen. Prior to the meeting delegates had an opportunity to mingle with one another. The ambiance was festive. Three tables away from where I was sitting Maggie Daley was sitting with Olympian Nadia Comaneci.
        MRS. DALEY thanked me for supporting the Chicago bid for the 2016 Olympic games and for being in Copenhagen. To meet Mrs. Daley was an honor. She was gracious to have a photograph taken with me. The trip to Copenhagen was exciting even though Chicago did not win the 2016 bid. Maggie Daley's legacy is an inspiration to all Chicagoans and cancer victims alike.
        LATINOS POLITICOS: More Latinos are filing for public office and/or for party positions in Illinois and Cook County. An important observation is several Latino politicians hold more than one political position within their communities.
        THERE ARE two Latino candidates who have filed for the March 20, 2012 Primary Election for a Countywide positions. Incumbent Anita Alvarez who is seeking re-election as Cook County State's Attorney and has been endorsed by the Cook County Democratic Party. The other, Ricardo Munoz, filed his candidacy for Clerk of the Circuit Count on Monday, Dec. 5, 2011. "I'm a lifelong reformer. My career has been about cleaning up government." said Munoz.

Ricardo Munoz

        LATINO CANDIDATES who filed for the Office of Democratic Ward Committeeman for the Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Primary Election are:
1st Ward: Incumbent Jesse Ruben Juarez and Proco "Joe" Moreno. Moreno is the 1st Ward. Alderman.
12th Ward:  Incumbent Antonio "Tony" Munoz. Munoz is the State Senator of State Senate District 1.
15th Ward: Raymond A. Lopez.
22nd Ward: Incumbent Ricardo Munoz and Neftalie Gonzalez. Munoz is the 22nd Ward Alderman, State Central Democratic Committeeman for the 4th Congressional District and a candidate for Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court.
25th Ward: Incumbent Daniel "Danny" Solis. Solis is the Alderman of the 25th Ward.
26th Ward: Incumbent Roberto Maldonado. Maldonado is the Alderman of the 26th Ward.
30th Ward: Incumbent Ariel E. Reboyras. Reboyras is the Alderman of the 30th Ward.
31st Ward: Incumbent Joseph Berrios and Alonzo Zaragoza. Berrios is the Cook County Assessor and the Chairman of the Cook County Democratic Party.
35th Ward: Incumbent Rey Colon. Colon is the Alderman of the 35th Ward.
45th Ward: Jose L. "Joe" Rivera.

Michael Cabonargi

        HOLIDAY RECEPTION: The Honorable Lt. Gov. Sheila Simon will be the special guest at a holiday reception honoring Cook County Board of Review Commissioner Michael Cabonargi [District 2]. The reception will be held at Hotel Allegro, 171 Randolph St., Friday, Dec. 9, 2011 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
        DONOR LEVELS: To be a Co-Chair $2,500, Host $1,500, Sponsor $1,000, Friend $750 and for individual ticket: $150. To RSVP or for information call 312/854-8018. To purchase tickets visit www.cabonargi.com/donate.
        MICHAEL M. Cabonargi was sworn-in on February 10, 2011 as the Commissioner of the Second District on the Cook County Board of Review 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 (SEC) from 2005 to 2011. He has hosted several seminars on how homeowners can appeal their property assessment. Commissioner Cabonargi office is at the Cook County Building, Room 601 and his phone number is 312/603-5560.

Proco Moreno

        REMAPPING OF WARDS: Ald. Proco "Joe" Moreno reported in his 1st Ward Newsletter that over the last decade the city's black population has declined by about 181,000. The number of whites dropped by about 53,000 and the Latino population grew by about 25,000. If the ethnic and racial makeup of the city mirrored its population, Chicago City Council should have 16 whites, 16 blacks, 15 Latinos and three Asian Aldermen. Presently, the City Council has 22 white Aldermen, 19 African-Americans, eight Latinos and one member of Indian descent.
         NEW WARD boundaries must be redrawn every 10 years. To avoid a referendum, a minimum of 41 aldermen must vote on, and sign off on, a new remap. The 1990 remap referendum cost Chicago taxpayers around $20 million. In 2000 there was only one dissenting vote against that remap. The 50 City Aldermen must vote on a new city ward map in December of 2011. The Latino Aldermanic Caucus is seeking the creation of 14 Latino wards to reflect the increase of its population.

Jaime Cornejo

        DISABILITY RIGHTS: Last week Jaime Cornejo, Staff Associate for Community Development, with the Access Living organization dropped in at the Little Village Community Council office to inform us about Access Living's upcoming educational community forum. The forum is titled "Disability Rights." The forum is for those with disabilities regardless of legal status.  Jaime said the forum is for those with disabilities to learn what their rights are and the services available in order for them to live independently and have access to housing. This is Access' ultimate goal. "Be a part of your community, learn and defend disability rights and services!"
        "CAMBIANDO VIDAS", a group of, and for, Latinos with disabilities invites you to participate the educational community forum on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011 at Toman Library, 2708 S. Pulaski Ave. starting at 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The forum will be conducted in Spanish.
         FOR MORE INFORMATION or to request a language/ASL interpreter or other accommodations or to RSVP call Michelle Garcia. Michelle is the community organizer for the Cambiando Vidas program and can be reached at 312/640-2194 or TTY: 312/640-2104 or email: mrobbins@accessliving.org.
        JAIME CORNEJO is Chilean who has a mild physical disability but an impressive demeanor. He began working for Access Living last month. In 2009 he graduated from University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana with a degree in philosophy and African studies. In May 2011, he graduated from the University of Chicago with a Masters degree in Educational Policy Studies.
        PRIOR TO working for Access, Jaime worked for the Dept. of Human Services. "The reason for taking a position with Access is that they are great organization who advocates the needs of people with disabilities in Chicago," said Jaime. Jaime has been canvassing Little Village and said, "I didn't know Little Village had so many people with disabilities. I've met people with multiple disabilities; those in wheel and power chairs, the hearing challenged and even a person with a leg prostheses."
        CHICAGO IS not ADA friendly [Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990], according to Jaime. "The only place is on the CTA buses and "L" stations mostly, but not all are handicap accessible. In terms of ADA friendly housing, it is not accessible. Disability barriers are the main issues in housing because handicap people do not have the mobility to leave their homes. Jaime believes the reason most Latinos do not know about their rights is simply because they cannot leave their homes. 
        INVISIBLE DISABILITIES, such as learning disabilities or blindness, are under Access' umbrella of aid and the purpose for their outreach efforts in our  Latino community.  If Access cannot meet a particular need, they will direct their client to another organization better suited to assist the disabled client. Access has focused on Latinos in the Little Village community because of extent of need.
        WE WANT to help people with disabilities--adults and youth--to become self-sufficient and lead  normal lives with dignity," Jaime concluded. Cambiando Vidas' program is under the auspices of Access Living. 

Our Lady of Guadalupe

        A CELEBRATION: Mexican Catholics annually celebrate December 12th as the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. This year the feast is Monday, Dec. 12, 2011. Honoring Our Lady of Guadalupe dates back to the 16th Century beginning with a story of a poor Indian named Cuauhtlatohuac, who was baptized and given the name of Juan Diego. Diego lived in a small village near Mexico City and was a 57 year old widower.
        DECEMBER 9, 1531, a Saturday morning, Juan reported that on his way to a nearby barrio to attend mass he passed a hill called Tepeyac and he saw a radiant cloud and an apparition of a young maiden. The maiden told him to go to the bishop of Mexico, a Franciscan named Juan de Zumarrage, and tell him she wanted a shrine built where she stood, in her honor.
        WHEN JUAN told the bishop of the Lady's request the bishop told Juan to have the Lady give him a sign. The Lady provided roses for Juan to carry to the bishop in his woven cloth called a tilma or ayate. When Juan opened his tilma in the Bishop's presence, the roses fell to the ground and the Bishop sank to his knees. On Juan's tilma appeared an image of  Our Lady of Guadalupe exactly as she had appeared at the hill of Tepeyac.
        JUAN DIEGO was canonized Saint Juan Diego by Pope John Paul II on July 31, 2002 at the Basilica of Guadalupe in Mexico City the major shrine of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

                                                  CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Saturday, Dec. 10—Vacunas gratis/free flu shots from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Little Village Community, 3610 W. 26^th St.

Monday, Dec. 12--Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe. 

Saturday, Dec. 17--"Disability Rights" forum at Toman Library, 2708 S. Pulaski Ave. from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. In Spanish language and ASL interpreter. Call Michelle Garcia, 312/640-2194 or TTY 312/640-2102 or email: nrobbins@accessliving.org

Wednesday, Dec. 21: Santa Claus will be at Farragut Career Academy, 2345 S. Christiana Ave. in Little Village  from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Breezeway.  Bring your children, ages 3 – 6 years old only, to this community event. For more info call: 773/534-1300.

Food Giveaway, Latino Alliance, Maggie Daley, Events

          FOOD GIVEAWAY: The Little Village Chamber of Commerce gave free turkeys, can goods, and other essentials to more than 400 Little Village residents. The event was held on Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011 at Piotrowski Park, 31st St. & Keeler Ave. "We want to thank our sponsors: Midwest Generation, Feed the Children organization, and Piotrowski Park for their generous donations and support," said Nilda Esparza, Executive Director of the Little Village Chamber of Commerce

          EMPLOYEES of Midwest Generation helped bring in the 400 Thanksgiving bags and giveaway boxes into the Piotrowski Park gym. The gym was full of excited residents patiently waiting in line to receive their free food. The well organized event is another success under the leadership of Esparza and her staff.

Nilda Esparza holding Midwest Generation food bags to give away.         Alma Cortez & child

 

                              Mirna Rodriguez                                                             Marina Lara                            

          YOUNG LATINO: Jose Aguilar, 21, a junior at Columbia College, is the Student Organization Council [SOC] representative for the Latino Alliance. The SOC is a group who enforces rules which govern all the organizations at Columbia College. Jose's responsibilities include giving members of the Latino Alliance monthly update reports.

Jose Aguilar

          LATINO ALLIANCE is a Latino student organization at Columbia College with 60 active members, including alumni who support the organization.
          MEMBERS of the Alliance attend Latino conferences for progression of Latinos in education. The recent celebration of "Dia de los Muertos" and a pen-pal program with students at the Benito Juarez high school are two examples of projects the Alliance is involved in. The group is looking to expand into community service and a soup kitchen for the hungry.
          ALLIANCE OFFICERS are Serafin Lopez, President; Alicia Valtierra, Vice President; Uri Brito, Vice President; Denise Perez, Secretary and Edgar Romero, Treasurer. For more information contact Serafin by e-mail: serafin.lopes5@yahoo.com.

OUR CONDOLENCES to the Richard M. Daley family on the passing of Maggie Daley. 

Her legacy and her radiant smile will not be forgotten.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Sat., Dec. 3--"The Pitmen Painters"

live show 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. Timeline

Theatre, 610 W. Wellington. Ticket $65.
www.illnoislaborhistory.org 

Sat., Dec. 10-Vacunas gratis/free flu

shots from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Little

Village Community, 3610 W. 26th St. 

Sat., Dec. 10- IBEW 1031 celebrating

its 75th Anniversary at Manzo Banquet,
1571 S. Elmhurst Rd., DesPlaines.
Cocktails at 6 p.m. Program at 7 p.m.
Business Manager/Financial secretary
Jose A.  Caez. Ticket: $100. 630/836-0449