Thursday, February 23, 2012

Kids & Medical IDs, Hispanic Labor, ATU Latinos, Cuahutemoc Morfin, Terry Gallagher, Francisco Juarez, Events


          CITY CLERK: Chicago City Clerk Susana Mendoza’s staff will be making KIDS ID [Kids Identification Systems] and Medical ID cards at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. this Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012.
Susana Mendoza
           FREE TO CHICAGO PARENTS is an ID card with their child's digital photograph and fingerprint produced by new inkless technology. The data, stored securely in the City Clerk's office, will be used only when police and family report a child missing.
          THE I.D. CARD will have the telephone number to call after reporting a missing child to police. The KIDS program will produce a document containing the child's picture and biographical and descriptive information provided by the parents. The information will then be posted via the Internet distributed to law enforcement, the media and other search groups.
          MEDICAL ID: The Medical ID program offers a free medical identification card to Chicago residents of all ages. The program provides medical information and vital statistics readily available to healthcare and emergency providers.  The front of the Medical ID cards provides: A photo, name, address, date of birth, emergency contact, and phone number. The reverse side of the card provides: Primary Care Physician name and phone number, medical conditions [if any], blood pressure status and any medical allergies.
          NO APPOINTMENT is necessary to obtain the KIDS ID or Medical ID card at the Little Village Community Council. No es necesario pedir cita para la KIDS or Medical ID tarjeta.
           HISPANIC LABOR: More than 100 Hispanic labor leaders and Union members will be gathering Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012 for a political  "Meet The Candidates" dinner meeting at Mi Tierra Restaurant, 2526 S. Kedzie Ave. from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Dinner will be a Mexican buffet with a cash bar. Ticket donation per person is $40.
          DEMOCRATIC state, county and judicial candidates will be given an opportunity to speak to the group about their candidacy, distribute their campaign literature and "work" the room. Labor leader Jesse M. Rios, Chicago Federation of Labor Sgt.-at-Arms will be attending the dinner. Jesse has been a Union Leader for 46 years with the United Auto Workers [UAW] and the American Federal Government Employees Union [AFGE-AFL-CIO].
           UNIONS REPRESENTED at the dinner will be the Sheet Metal Workers Local 73, Carpenters Union Local 181, Ironworkers Local 1, Plasters' Local 5, Chicago Teachers Union, Amalgamated Transit Union Local 308, United Steel Workers Local 9777, District Council of Laborers, United Steel Workers Sub 1 Council, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134, Bricklayers Union, AFSCME Local 2946, AFSCME Council 31, Plumbers Local 130 and members of the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. For more information contact HALC at 312/286-3405.  
          ATU LATINOS: The Chicago Chapter Latino Caucus of Amalgamated Transit Union 241 "Sweetheart Dinner Dance" sponsored Saturday, Feb. 11, 2012 at La Casa Puertariquena was a gala event. Special guests were Javier M. Perez, Jr., International Vice President of the Amalgamated Transit Union AFL-CIO and International Latino Caucus Vice-President Wilson Rios.
Abel Camacho, Carlos Feliciano, Wilson Rios, Ray Berrios,
Luis Aviles, Javier M. Perez Jr. 
          THE BANQUET hall was decorated with colorful balloons with candy hearts on the tables. There was a special corner decorated with inflatable red hearts for taking a photo with your sweetheart. The food was delicious and plentiful with great tropical music by a special group of musicians and DJ Santiago. More than 100 people attended the Sweetheart dinner.
          CHICAGO Chapter Latino Caucus was organized in 1994 and has a membership of 70 with 35 active members. Their membership is anyone who works for ATU 241, including spouses. ATU is the largest labor organization representing transit workers. The organization consist of bus, van, subway and light rail operators, clerks, baggage handlers and maintenance employees. ATU Chicago Latino Caucus officers are President Abel Camacho, Vice President Carlos Feliciano, Treasurer Ray Berrios, Secretary Luis Aviles.
Javier M. Perez Jr. and Jose Guerrero
          FORMER ATU Local 241 Vice-President, Jose Guerrero, also attended the dinner. Jose has been a member of ATU for 38 years. He now spends his retirement serving as a board member of the National Labor Council for Latin American Advancement [LCLAA] [AFL-CIO] and is an Executive Committee member of the Hispanic American Labor Council.
          A FUNDRAISER: Cuahutemoc "Temoc" Morfin, Democratic candidate for State Representative, 2nd District was honored at a "Businesspeople For Morfin"  reception held Friday, Feb. 10, 2012 at Morfin's Campaign Office, 2120 S. Halsted St. in Pilsen. Many businesspeople in the district were present showing their support for Morfin. Special guest was Appellate Court Judge Rudy Garcia who is a candidate for election in the Primary Election March 20, 2012. Garcia announced his endorsement for Morfin at the reception. Delicious Chinese food and refreshments were served to the many guests.
Rudy Garcia and Temoc Morfin
          MORFIN SAID: "I will help the business community in the 2nd District survive these difficult economic times. A tax credit should be given to businesses who hire more workers. I will also support a training program which will provide the needed skills for future employees of businesses.”
Clave Suave Trio 
          MUSIC AT Morfin's event was provided by the "Clave Suave Trio" members Eddie Garcia [lead guitarist] , Gonzalo Cordova [second guitar] and Sammy Torres playing the bongos. The group started in 2007. Their specialty is Caribbean Spanish music, Cuban, Mexican, Vera Cruz, rumba, boleros, Flamingo and son. They will be playing at the Caliente Mexican Restaurant, 1960 N. Clybourn the first and last Saturday in March. The Trio can be contacted at 773/933-7971.
           JUDICIAL: Terry Gallagher is an endorsed Democratic candidate for Judge of the 4th Judicial Sub-Circuit. He has been endorsed by the seven Democratic Committeemen in the 4th Judicial Sub-Circuit, Fraternal Order of Police, Chicago Lodge #7 Chicago Firefighters Union.
Terry Gallagher
          GALLAGHER, an experienced trial lawyer, will address the Polish National Alliance Seniors, Tuesday, Feb. 28 at 10 a.m. at Mayfield Banquet Hall, 6072 S. Archer Ave. He will discuss the importance of knowing when it is in your own interest to consult a lawyer.
          TERRY attended Loyola Academy, St. Mary's University and graduated from Seattle University School of Law, Seattle Washington with a Juris Doctor Degree. He spent three years overseas with the U.S. Navy in the Navy Judge Advocate General's Corps. prosecuting and defending cases in the Navy and Marine Corps. He assisted military members and their dependents on a variety of civil matters, helping them with debt collectors’, preparing wills among other matters.
Maria Ellen Juarez, Francisco Juarez, Maria Silva
          CURRENTLY, Gallagher focuses his practice on assisting individuals who have been charged with a crime, assisting those whose Constitutional and civil rights have been violated and assisting individuals who have been injured due to negligence. Terry is the father of five children. Give him your vote.
          FELIZ CUMPLEANOS: Happy Birthday to Francisco Juarez, 81. His birthday was celebrated Saturday, Feb. 18th with his daughters Maria Silva and Maria Ellen Juarez and family. Family and friends gathered around Francisco and sang him "Las Mananitas" with guartist Phillipi. Francisco blew out his birthday candles. Everyone enjoyed a piece of a large strawberry cream cake. Francisco was born in town of Santa Cruz, Guerrero, Mexico.
                                         CALENDAR OF EVENTS

          Thursday, Feb. 23 to March 28 -- Cesar Chavez Food Drive sponsored by State Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez. Drop off donations at Hernandez's Service Office, 2137 S. Lombard Ave., Suite 205, Cicero. Items needed: Paper towels, canned fruits and vegetables, sugar, bottled water, etc. For more information call 708/222-5240.
           WednesdayFeb. 29--"Meet the Candidates" dinner meeting hosted by the Hispanic American Labor Council. Meet State, County and Judicial candidates at Mi Tierra Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago/Little Village, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mexican buffet/Cash Bar, Open Seating. Donation: $40. Mail and make check payable to Hispanic American Labor Council, 2538 S. Christiana Ave., Chicago, 60623.
         Saturday, March 3--"The Wild Bunch" movie at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. at Noon. Free admission. Emilio Fernandez, William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Juan Sanchez. 
          Sunday, Mar. 4--LAPA "Si Se Puede!" Comedy Jam with comedian Jose Sarduy direct from Texas. Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 each. For ticket information contact www.lapa961.com or call Ruben Dominguez at 773/501-2277. 

Thursday, February 16, 2012

State Sen. Landek, Wildcats, Carlos Claudio, BGA Watchdog, 26th Ward, Lincoln Park Zoo, Movie Review, Calendar of Events


          STRONG LEADERSHIP: Steven M. Landek is the new 11th District State Senator representing Stickney, Lyons, Berwyn Townships, 13th and 23rd Wards and part of the 22nd Ward Little Village community in Chicago. Landek is the endorsed candidate of the Democratic Party based on his experience and many years of public service. He is seeking election in the Primary Election Tuesday, March 20, 2012.
Steven M. Landek
          LANDEK BEGAN his career in public service at the age of 19 when he was elected as the youngest Park District Commissioner in the State of Illinois. He became the Director of Parks in 1977, and served until 1996. In the Village of Bridgeview, Landek was elected as a Village Trustee from 1983 to 1987 and is currently Mayor of Bridgeview.
          SEN. LANDEK said, "My priority is to strengthen the southwest side and suburbs to ensure that we get equal treatment, equal services, and equal state funding. My priority has always been to bring jobs and economic support to our village and to the region."
          ONE OF Sen. Landek's high-profile projects was the construction of Toyota Park in Bridgeview. He was instrumental in the development and spearheaded the drive to find the funding and support for the stadium. The stadium is home for the Chicago Fire soccer team and a venue for local and star attractions such as Jimmy Buffet, Eric Clapton and David Beckham of the Los Angeles Galaxy. The stadium has provided full and part-time jobs to the area.
          ANOTHER PROJECT was the underpass for 71st Street in Bridgeview. The underpass increased traffic flow and added safety for vehicles and pedestrians. It was a $20 million project and one of the first CREATE projects funded by state and federal governments.
          LANDEK is a lifelong resident of Bridgeview and a graduate of Saint Blase Grammar School and Argo Community High School. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Public Administration from Roosevelt University. In 1998 Landek was elected Lyons Township Democratic Committeeman and in 2000 he was elected the suburban chairman of the Democratic Party and in 1998, he was elected Lyons Township Highway Commissioner and Lyons Township Supervisor in 2010.
          STEVE LANDEK has built a reputation as a dedicated public servant with a long list of impressive accomplishments achieved during his over 35 year career. "I am proud to serve the community and I am honored for the privilege to represent the community's interest and goals," said Landek.
          SEN. LANDEK senate committee assignments: Human Services [Vice-Chairperson]; Appropriations II; Commerce; Revenue; Local Government, Committee of the Whole; subcommittee on Amendments; Subcommittee on Special Issues; Subcommittee on Annexation and Subcommittee on New District. His District Office is located at 6215 79th Street, Suite 1A, Burbank, IL 60459. Telephone: 708/430-2510, FAX 708/430-2610 and Springfield telephone number is 217/782-0054.
Loretta J. Alonzo
           WILDCATS: The Fraternal Order of St. Francis Wildcats are celebrating their 74th Anniversary Annual Scholarship & Award Banquet at the Lexington House, 7717 W. 95th St., Hickory Hill, Illinois on Saturday, April 14, 2012 from 6:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. Tickets are $65 each. A full-course meal will be served, open bar and entertainment provided by the Immaculate Heart of Mary Youth Marimba Ensemble and dancing music by the Together band. Door prizes, raffles with 5 cash prizes and a 50/50 "split the pot" raffle.
          HONOREE Loretta J. Alonzo will be honored at the banquet as the "2012 Wildcats Person Of The Year". She is the first Hispanic President of the Illinois Association of Realtors and is a member of the Century 21 Alonzo & Associates team. Alonzo & Associates is located at 1011 East 31st St., La Grange Park, IL. and serves 72 municipalities helping clients buy or sell a home. In 2011, Loretta received recognition as a "Quality Service Producer" for her outstanding work as a real estate agent. 
          THE ORIGINAL "Wildcats" were formed in 1938 in a basketball expansion program at the Old Town Boy's Club, 1300 S. Newberry Ave. After World War II, it was reorganized under the direction of Father Patrick McPolin and Father Severino Lopez at the new St. Francis of Assisi gym. In 1947, the Wildcats joined the Mexican Federation Baseball League and won the championship in 1952. In 1977, the Wildcats organization was chartered with the State of Illinois as a non-profit organization. The success of the Wildcats comes from the support of the community with programs such as the Annual Banquet and Scholarship Banquet, annual picnic, the Needy Children's program and the sponsorship of the Little League Baseball teams.
John Ayala
          WILDCATS OFFICERS: John Ayala, President; Jose Guidino, Vice-President; Ruben Casares, Treasurer; Louie Raya, Secretary. Board of Directors: Adolph Learas, Phil Ayala, Al Martinez, Lorenzo Gonzalez. For banquet tickets contact Albert Martinez at 773/284-0890 for ad book information contact John Ayala at 312/806-3889 or Joe L. Guidino at 708/220-6826. Deadline for ads is April 3, 2012. Proceeds from the banquet will support the Wildcats Pilsen Athletic Conference, Kid's Christmas Party and awarding of scholarships to deserving college students.
          QUALIFIED: With the campaign slogan, "Justice Over Politics" Carlos Claudio, 42, is a Democratic candidate for Judge in the 6th Sub circuit. He graduated from Kelvyn Park High School, DePaul University in 2002. J.D. in Criminal Law and graduated from DePaul University in 1995 with a B.A. in Political Science.
          CLAUDIO has spent his entire career as a lawyer working for justice and fairness. "I want to ensure that fairness and justice are upheld in the judicial system in the State of Illinois," said Claudio. Claudio is currently an Administrative Law Judge [ALJ] at the Illinois Department of Employment Security.
Carlos Claudio
          CAMPAIGN BASH: Friends and supporters are invited to join candidate Carlos Claudio for judge at his last campaign bash on Saturday, Feb. 25, 2012 at the Martini Club, 3124 N. Central Ave., 8:00 p.m. until ? Music all night by Chicago's Very Own DJ "E", two hours of Open Bar, free food, free parking, full club access. Tickets $50 in advance, $75 at the door. For more info. call 773/225-8333. Claudio's E-mail address is carlosclaudio2012@gmail.com and website: www.completecampaigns.com/public  
          BGA WATCHDOG: Andy Shaw, CEO & President of the Better Government Association announced that BGA is sponsoring a "BGA Citizen Watchdog" training session hosted in partnership with Saint Xavier University Center to "Study Fraud and Corruption" in government. Andy said: "Tired of public officials taking advantage of your tax dollars? Fed up with politics that benefit politicians instead of citizens? Come to the BGA Citizen Watchdog Training session."
Andy Shaw
         “CITIZEN TRAINING empowers you to keep an eye on government by giving you the tools you need to access government,” said Shaw. Learn from legal experts how to obtain public information using the Illinois Freedom of Information Act and the Open Meetings Act.
          CITIZEN WATCHDOG training session will be held at St. Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St., Chicago in the Warde Academic Center-Butler Reception Room, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2012 from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. This training is FREE and open to the public. Space is limited. RSVP required to Barb Macholz at bmacholz@bettergov.org or call 312/821-9025. BGA Office, 223 W. Jackson Blvd., Suite 900, Chicago.
          26th WARD: Ald. Roberto Maldonado said: "In light of the recent strong armed robberies against area women we are hosting a FREE, 2 hour ‘Survival Awareness’ workshop for women”. The workshop will be Tuesday, Feb. 28, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Casa Puertorriquena, 1237 N. California Ave. The instructor is  Ray Bosques, a martial arts expert, has been teaching survival techniques for over 15 years.
Roberto Maldonado
          RAY BOSQUES said, "The ‘Survival Awareness’ workshop teaches people how to be more aware of their surroundings, plus hints and tips on how to avoid being caught in a bad situation. During the workshop the women will learn vital points of the body and which strikes work better. I believe that this workshop will have a positive impact on our community and it will be for free." RSVP for the workshop to prpyc1@gmail.com or call 773/292-1414 and leave a message.
          LINCOLN PARK ZOO: Kids can receive a scholarship for a free session of Conservation Camp or Zoo Crew. Free summer camp at Lincoln Park Zoo. Scholarships are awarded on the basis of a participant submission, recommendations by a non-related adult and participant's financial need. To apply, visit www.lpzoo.org/summercamps today.  
          MOVIE REVIEW: The movie "The Girl With A Dragon Tattoo" it's a thriller. Full of suspense, murder, sex, a mystery with a plot, and a subplot which will keep you on the edge of your seat. Actor Daniel Craig is an investigator hired to find out what happen to the niece of a rich family in Sweden. Actress Rooney Mara [the girl with the dragon tattoo] portrayed Craig's assistant, whose excellent performance should earn Mara an Oscar for "Actress in a Leading Role" and the movie should receive the Oscar for "Best Picture" in 2012. I give it three stars.

                                                        CALENDAR OF EVENTS
Jose Sarduy
          Thursday, Feb. 16 to March 28 -- Cesar Chavez Food Drive sponsored by State Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez. Drop off donations at Hernandez's Service Office, 2137 S. Lombard Ave., Suite 205, Cicero. Items needed: Paper towels, canned fruits and vegetables, sugar, bottled water, etc. For more information call 708/222-5240.
           SaturdayFeb. 25--The Office of City Clerk Susana Mendoza will provide free Kid ID's and Senior Medical ID's from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. For more info call 312/286-3405.
          WednesdayFeb. 29--"Meet the Candidates" dinner meeting hosted by the Hispanic American Labor Council. Meet State, County and Judicial candidates at Mi Tierra Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago/Little Village, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mexican buffet/Cash Bar, Open Seating. Donation: $40. Mail and make check payable to Hispanic American Labor Council, 2538 S. Christiana Ave., Chicago, 60623.
          Sunday, Mar. 4--LAPA "Si Se Puede!" Comedy Jam with comedian Jose Sarduy direct from Texas. Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 each. For ticket information contact www.lapa961.com or call Ruben Dominguez at 773/501-2277. 

Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Voter Registration Deadline, Emilio Fernandez, Abraham Lincoln, James A. Sifuentes, Movie Review, Calendar of Events

        
          ELECTION: There are only 51 days left until the Primary Election scheduled for Tuesday, March 20, 2012. The deadline to register to vote is Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2012. If you are eligible to vote, you can register at the City of Chicago Board of Election Office, 69 W. Washington St., 6th Floor, or by submitting a mail-in form. Google: Chicago Board of Election, log on "Register to Vote" and download the mail-in form: Illinois Voter Registration Application, Form 275. After you complete the form, mail it to the Chicago Board of Election. If you have any questions, call the Chicago Board of Election at 312/269-7984.
         TO REGISTER to vote you must:

  • be a U.S. Citizen
  • be at least 18 years of age by Election Day
  • live in your precinct at least 30 days before the election
  • not be in prison/jail serving time for a conviction; and,
  • not claim the right to vote elsewhere.  

          OSCAR TIME: On Sunday, Feb. 26, 2012, the 84th Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences award ceremony will be televised from Hollywood. The Oscar statuette was designed in 1929 by MGM art director Cedric Gibbons. In need of a model for his statuette, Gibbons' future wife Dolores del Rio, a very close friend of Mexican film director and movie star Emilio "El Indio" Fernandez, introduced the two men. She suggested Emilio pose for the trophy because of his muscular physique. Emilio, reluctant at first, was finally convinced to be the model and posed nude as the naked knight holding a sword known worldwide as the "Oscar" statuette. 
Emilio Fernandez
          THE NEW GOLD- plated Oscar statuette is cast, molded, polished and buffed by R. S. Owens & Company, 5535 N. Lynch Ave., a Chicago-based awards manufacturer retained by the Academy since 1982. The 24-karat gold Oscar is 13 1/2 inches tall and weighs in at 8 1/2 pounds. The Oscar Knight stands on top a movie reel with five spokes representing the five original branches of the Academy: actors, directors, producers, technicians and writers for their excellence in the movie industry. The moniker "Oscar" was given by the Academy librarian Margaret Herrick who said the statue resembled her Uncle Oscar. The Academy did not officially adopt the nickname until 1939.  
          EMILIO FERNANDEZ [1904-1986], 82, died in Mexico City, Mexico. He was born in Hondo, Coahuila, Mexico. His father Fernando Garza was a 1910 revolutionary and his mother was a Kickapoo Indian, hence the nickname "El Indio". Emilio stars is the movies, "The Wild Bunch" an American masterpiece as a colonel in the Mexican army and "Bring Me The Head of Alfredo Garcia" both directed by Sam Peckinpah. "El Indio" Fernandez’s notable performances included playing in movies opposite Charles Bronson, John Wayne, Yul Brynner, William Holden, Ernest Borgnine, Warren Oates, Pedro Armendariz and directed many movies, too numerous to mention. He is the most famous person in the history of Mexican movies.
          THE MOVIE, "The Wild Bunch" will be feature at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. FREE on Saturday, March 3, 2012 at noon. 
          AN INSPIRATION: America will be celebrating Abraham Lincoln's birthday Feb. 12. He was the 16th President of the United States and considered by historians the greatest President in American history. Lincoln's strong leadership saved the Union of the States with his wisdom and prowess. 
          IMPORTANT FACTS about the life of President Lincoln [1809-1865] which should inspire young people not to despair in following their career.

Failed in business, 1831
Defeat for Legislature, 1832
Again failed in business, 1833
ELECTED TO LEGISLATURE, 1834
Nervous breakdown, 1836
Defeated for Speaker, 1838
Defeated For Elector, 1840
Defeated for Congress, 1843
ELECTED TO CONGRESS, 1846
Defeated for Congress, 1848
Defeated for Senate, 1855
 Defeated for Vice President,1858
Defeated for Senate, 1858
ELECTED PRESIDENT, 1860
          President Lincoln, 56, was assassinated by John Wilkes Booth, April 14, 1865. 
          ST. ANTHONY HOSPITAL: James A. Sifuentes, 48, is Vice President of Mission and Community Development at Saint Anthony Hospital located in the Pilsen/Little Village community at 2875 West 19th St., Chicago. VP Sifuentes was born and raised in the Back of the Yards neighborhood and is a resident of the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. He is married and has two daughters, Amanda Pilar and Sadie Gabriella. Sifuentes graduated from Saint Xavier University where he received his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology. He is a Fellow of Leadership of Greater Chicago Class of 2003. 
James A. Sifuentes
          HE HAS held membership on the Board of Directors of the following organizations: Board of Advisors to the President at Saint Xavier University and Alumni Board of Directors at Saint Xavier University, Leadership Greater Chicago and Eighteen Street Development Corporation. 
          SIFUENTES began his career as a site coordinator for the Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, running the Mercy Home for Boys and Girls Friends First program. After six years, he took his experience into managing and implementing several programs for various organizations such as Loyola University, Chicago Park District and Lutheran Social Services of Illinois. 
          AT ST. ANTHONY hospital, Sifuentes leadership is focused to assure core values, mission and beliefs of the hospital and the Catholic Church, which are visibly integrated throughout the hospital. Jim said, "I've been blessed to have been born and raised in the Back-of-the-Yards. And, to be associated with St. Anthony Hospital who fights for our community and advocates on behalf of the community." St. Anthony Hospital service area is Pilsen, Little Village, Back of the Yards, North Lawndale, Austin, Brighton Park and the McKinley Park community. St. Anthony Hospital has a 114-year history as a community hospital.
          COMMUNITY EVENTS: St. Anthony Hospital sponsors an annual Summer Fest providing free health screens and information to 3,000 people in the community. Free backpacks were given to all the children who attend. Another event is their annual Thanksgiving/Christmas Food Baskets providing food baskets and gift cards to 160 families in the community. St. Anthony Hospital works closely with the community and has many community partnerships.
          SERVICES: St. Anthony Hospital provides the community with free pregnancy tests, prenatal classes, First Time Moms Club, Child Development Consultations, Interactive Parent Toddler Group and Parent Education Series. The Hospital also gives public benefits and referral services with free application assistance and insurance counseling and free information and referrals. Health Education and Workshops, Health Screenings and Individual Health Counseling is also available free of charge. For Senior Wellness: Free counseling on Government Benefits, Free Medicare Part D Assistance, Free Circuit Breaker Applications and Free Senior Breakfast Club.  For more info call 773/484-4152 or log on www.saintanthonyhospital.org
          MOVIE REVIEWS: Here's my brief review on four movies "The Artist", "The Iron Lady", "The Descendants" and "Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy". The silent movie, “The Artist”, was well produced, funny, entertaining with a good romantic story line and good actors. Even the dog in the movie was talented and entertaining. I give it three stars. The “Iron Lady” is a historical setting of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Meryl Streep did an excellent job of portraying Margaret Thatcher. Streep's acting was very believable and deserves recognition. I give it two stars. “The Descendants” with George Clooney was boring, plus the storyline was not entertaining. It was a waste of time and money. I give it a zero! The movie, “Tinker Tailor” etc. was confusing and hard to follow because of all the editing done to the movie. Every scene was a different location and setting. It didn't flow smoothly. However, Gary Oldman is one of my favorite actors. Because the plot was hard to follow, I give it only two stars. 

                               CALENDAR OF EVENTS
          Thursday, Feb. 9 to March 28 -- Cesar Chavez Food Drive sponsored by State Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez. Drop off donations at Hernandez's Service Office, 2137 S. Lombard Ave., Suite 205, Cicero. Items needed: Paper towels, canned fruits and vegetables, sugar, bottled water, etc. For more information call 708/222-5240.
          SaturdayFeb. 11--Sweetheart Dinner Dance sponsored by the Chicago Chapter Latino Caucus at La Casa Puertoriquena, 1237 S. California Ave. from 7:00 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. Music by DJ Santiago, dinner music by a Special Trio Group. Cash Bar. Donation $15. For tickets call Abel Camacho 773/704-8243, Carlos Feliciano 773/392-5092, Roman Berrios 773/627-9678 or Luis Aviles 773/623-9266.
          SaturdayFeb. 25--The Office of City Clerk Susan Mendoza will provide free Kid ID's and Medical ID's from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. For more info call 312/286-3405.
          WednesdayFeb. 29--"Meet the Candidates" dinner meeting hosted by the Hispanic American Labor Council. Meet State, County and Judicial candidates at Mi Tierra Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago/Little Village, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mexican buffet/Cash Bar, Open Seating. Donation: $40. Mail and make check payable to Hispanic American Labor Council, 2538 S. Christiana Ave., Chicago, 60623.
          Sunday, Mar. 4--LAPA "Si Se Puede!" Comedy Jam with comedian Jose Sarduy direct from Texas. Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 each. For ticket information contact www.lapa961.com or call Ruben Dominguez at 773/501-2277.
          Saturday, April 14--Universidad Popular's 40th Anniversary Gala starting at 6 p.m. at UPs Community Center, 2801 S. Hamlin Ave. in Little Village. Tickets $50. Dinner, dancing, presentations and a silent auction. Tickets are available on UP's website: www.universidadpopular.us/news-and-events.php or call Joanna Zuckerman Bernstein at 773/733-5055x14.                                               
  


Thursday, February 2, 2012

Obama's Speech, Stephen Ngo, Scholarship Alert, Events

          OBAMA's SPEECH: Watching and listening to what President Obama had to say in his "State of the Union" speech Tuesday, Jan. 23, 2012 was interesting, inspiring and informative. What I liked about his speech was how he explained the problems of America; following up with suggestions on how to fix the problem or what action he would take to solve the problem. However, when it came to the problem of illegal immigration the subject was void of a solution.
          IN CASE you missed what President Obama said in his "State of the Union" about the problem of illegal immigration. Here it is, verbatim:
          "And let's also remember that hundreds of thousands of talented, hard-working students in this country face another challenge; the fact that they aren't yet American citizens. Many were brought here as small children, are American through and through, yet they live every day with the threat of deportation. Others came more recently, to study business and science and engineering, but as soon as they get their degree, we send them home to invent new products and create new jobs somewhere else. That doesn't make sense. I believe as strongly as ever that we should take on illegal immigration. That's why my administration has put more boots on the border than ever before. That's why there are fewer illegal crossings than when I took office. The opponents of action are out of excuses. We should be working on comprehensive immigration reform right now. But if election-year politics keeps Congress from acting on a comprehensive plan, let's at least agree to stop expelling responsible young people who want to staff our labs, start new businesses, defend this country. Send me a law that gives them the chance to earn their citizenship; I will sign it right away. You see, an economy built to last is one where we encourage the talent and ingenuity of every person in this country." 
          MY OPINION: Here's what President Obama and his administration must do now:
STOP ICE from separating families who have children that are legal citizens.
STOP the pain and suffering of families of illegal immigrants.
STOP harassing employers who hired Mexicans.
STOP raiding factories and companies who employ Mexicans.
STOP States from illegally passing and enforcing laws against Mexicans.
STOP prosecuting illegal immigrants.
STOP making hallow promises to the immigrant community.
           IT HAS been reported that ICE has deported more illegal immigrants during Obama's administration than any previous administrations. Putting "more boots" on the border is not a solution. What is needed is a "comprehensive immigration bill" coming from the Office of the President to solve the problem of illegal immigration. Obama should push and lobby aggressively for a comprehensive immigration law as he did for National Health Reform.
Dolores Huerta
          SEVERAL YEARS ago I suggested to former Gov. Bill Richardson of New Mexico to lead a group of prominent Mexicans of national stature to meet with President Obama to discuss the problem of illegal immigration. The group should also include other top Mexican leaders in politics, labor, business, entertainment, sport, medicine, law; plus organizations like MALDEF, La Raza, LULAC, G.I. Forum, LCLAA and USHLI, Dr. Juan Andrade Jr. For starters acclaimed personalities such as Dolores Huerta, Edward James Olmos, Henry Cisneros and Antonio Villaraigosa come to my mind.
          THE TIME for this idea is NOW. Obama wants Congress to send him a [immigration] bill which he can sign. We must ask Obama to send Congress a comprehensive immigration bill to consider; and a bill he will sign.
Stephen J. Ngo
          NGO PROFILE: Stephen J. Ngo is the Principal of World Language High School at the Little Village Campus in the Little Village neighborhood. He has been the principal for the past three years and has work in Chicago Public Schools [CPS] system for 15 years. The number of students enrolled at World Language is 373.
          "MY EXPERIENCE here at World Language has been that students have a high level of respect for the staff. It is a real pleasure to be here. From academic probation, we have now moved to Level II Good Standing. We have the tools to do better. We have great kids here," said Ngo.
          WORLD LANGUAGE has a relationship with Busan, Korea and the school is presently developing a relationship with Spain.  Ngo wants his students to achieve literary skills to be successful, to graduate and to continue their education. "I want to put the students in the best possible position to be successful at a University, trade school, junior college after graduation. Some type of post secondary education", said Ngo.
          STEPHEN NGO graduated from Dominican University with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, May 1989; The University of Illinois at Chicago with a Master of Education in Instructional Leadership, August 1994; Loyola University in Instructional Leadership [Type 75 Administrative], March, 2003 and Loyola University, Doctor of Education, Administration & Supervision anticipated May, 2013.
          FURTHER EXPERIENCE includes Harvard University, Graduate School of Education with a Certification and completion of Data Wise course, June, 2011 and United States Marine Corps Educator Workshop in San Diego, CA in February 2011.
          NGO's PROFESSIONAL background experience includes being a student teacher at Argo Community High School in 1994 teaching World History and Criminal Law; English teacher at Matsubushi Prefectural High School in Saitama, Japan [1994-1997], teaching English grammar, writing, reading and oral comprehension; Social Studies Department Chairman [2003-2005] at Steinmetz Academic Center High School, Chicago; and Social Studies Teacher [International Baccalaureate History of the Americas] and Assistant Principal at Steinmetz Academic Centre High School [2005-2009].
           PRINCIPAL NGO served as a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserve, 86th Army Reserve Command in Forest Park. He was the Public Affairs specialist/Photo Journalist responsible for all aspects of public relations for the second largest Army Reserve Command in the U.S. from 1986 to 1994.
          ORGANIZATIONS: Ngo is presently a member of the Association for Supervision & Curriculum Development, International society for Technology in education and National Staff Development Council. He received the two following awards: 2002 SUAVE Performance Plus Award and 2005 Chicago Public Schools DRIVE finalist.
          LITTLE VILLAGE High School is located at 3120 S. Kostner Ave., Chicago, 60623. Phone: 773/534-4376 and FAX 773/535-4276. We congratulate Stephen Ngo on his accomplishments and outstanding work as an educator.  
          SCHOLARSHIP ALERT: REACh is the acronym for "Resources for the Education of Adults in the Chicago Area" helping adults in the Chicago area who want to return to college. REACh is non-for-profit consortium of educational, civic and corporation organizations. Check out information for REACH Scholarships at www.reach-chicago.org/scholarships/


CALENDAR OF EVENTS 

Bobby Hull
Saturday, Feb. 11--Cicero President Larry Dominick Presents: RIC Blackhawks Sled Hockey Team vs. Cicero Fire & Police Dept. at Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink, 3400 S. 53rd Ave. from 11 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.  FREE outdoor hockey game. For more info call Kathy Ordman at 708/656-3600, ext. 537
Tuesday, Feb. 21--Little Village Special Service Area #25 Commission meeting at 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Little Village Chamber of Commerce office, 2458 S. Millard Ave.
WednesdayFeb. 29--"Meet the Candidates" dinner meeting hosted by the Hispanic American Labor Council. Meet State, County and Judicial candidates at Mi Tierra Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave., Chicago/Little Village, 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Mexican buffet/Cash Bar, Open Seating. Donation: $40. Mail and make check payable to Hispanic American Labor Council, 2538 S. Christiana Ave., Chicago, 60623. 
Thursday, Mar. 1--Friends of M. Frank Avila reception Honoring Commissioner Frank Avila from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at 6201 W. Touhy Ave., Suite 2. Hosted by the Hispanic American Labor Council. Individual ticket $150. Make check payable to Friend of M. Frank Avila. Pay at the door or call 773/763-2300. 
Sunday, Mar. 4--LAPA "Si Se Puede!" Comedy Jam with comedian Jose Sarduy direct from Texas. Joe's Bar, 940 W. Weed St., Doors open at 7:30 p.m. Tickets $20 each. For ticket information contact www.lapa961.com or call Ruben Dominguez at 773/501-2277
Saturday, April 14--Universidad Popular's 40th Anniversary Gala starting at 6 p.m. at UPs Community Center, 2801 S. Hamlin Ave. in Little Village. Tickets $50. Dinner, dancing, presentations and a silent auction. Tickets are available on UP's website: www.universidadpopular.us/news-and-events.php or call Joanna Zuckerman Bernstein at 773/733-5055x14.