Thursday, June 28, 2012

Movie "Mamitas", Free Haircuts & Manicures, State Rep. Edward Acevedo, Calendar of Events


          MOVIE REVIEW: Jesse Charbonier Rodriguez, Executive Director of the Mexican Film Festival of the Americas, visited Little Village Monday, June 25, 2012 to present a community screening of the movie “Mamitas”. The screening of the movie was hosted and held at the Little Village Chamber of Commerce offices, 2458 S. Millard Ave. Chamber Executive Director Nilda Esparza introduced Rodriguez and Nancy Oviedo, Intergovernmental Affairs Director of Casa Ciudad de Mexico.
Jesse Charbonier Rodriguez
          RODRIGUEZ said, “We are looking at Little Village as a satellite venue for showing a lot of movies from the Mexican Film Festival.”  
            INVITED GUESTS to view the movie were representatives from LV Boys & Girls Club, Casa Ciudad de Mexico, Universidad Popular, Little Village Community Council, Farragut Career Academy, Chicago Youth Boxing Club, Lizart Pictures and Museum of Mexican Culture and History.
            “MAMITAS” has been receiving a lot of positive acclaims and reviews. The movie was shot in Echo Park against the Los Angeles downtown skyline, with a realistic storyline, high school aged young people confronted with difficult choices. The film offers moments of sadness, grief, humor, happiness and teenage romance. There is some violence and a hint of sex but it’s not overwhelming. There are many messages in the movie which audiences, young and old, will be able to relate to. One memorable scene was when the college professor says, “Nobody asks you what you actually want to be!”
            IN “MAMITAS” is actor E. J. Bonilla, Veronica Dias-Carranza, Jennifer Esposito, Jesse Garcia, Joaquin de Almeida and Pedro Armendariz Jr. The actors and actresses gave an exceptional performance.
            E. J. BONILLA is nominated for Best Actor in the 27th Annual Imagen Awards 2012 and the movie Best Narrative Feature Film Nominee: 2011 New York Latino International Film Festival. “Mamitas” plans to screen in a few more theaters. It was written and directed by Nicholas Ozeki.  
Pedro Armedariz Jr.
          PEDRO ARMENDARIZ JR. plays the grandfather in “Mamitas”. It was Armendariz’s last movie. He passed away on Dec. 26, 2011 from lung cancer at the age of 71 in New York City’s Memorial Hospital and is buried in Panteon Jardin, Mexico City, Mexico. He was the son of actors Carmela [nee Pardo] and Pedro Armendariz.    
Nilda Esparza & Lisa Illies, Treasurer,
Farragut Career Academy
            AFTER the viewing of “Mamitas,” Jesse Rodriguez asked the audience to critique the movie. Everyone gave their opinions and agreed the film should be viewed by high school students. Rodriguez  offered to bring one of the young actors to Little Village at the next screening; either E. J. Bonilla who plays Jordin or Veronica Dias-Carranza who plays Felipa, both portray students in the film.The movie was in English and is available with subtitles in Spanish on DVD at Netflix, Blockbuster and Amazon. “Mamitas” trailer can be seen on YouTube. Check it out. It is an interesting movie.
            THE MEXICAN Film Festival office is located at 314 W. Institute Place, Chicago 60610. Telephone: 312/867-0631. Jesse Charbonier Rodriguez e-mail is jesse@mexicanfilmfestival.org or website MexicanFilmFestival.org. 
State Rep. Lisa Hernandez admires
the work on a young girl
             FREE HAIRCUTS & MANICURES: The Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. is again hosting its Free Haircuts & Manicures Day on Saturday, July 7, 2012.  Sabado, 7 de Julio. Gratis Cortes de Pelo y manicures from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Students from America Career Institute in Berwyn will be the beauticians and manicurists. The students always do a great job cutting hair and giving manicures to the residents of Little Village.
            THESE YOUNG students gain experience and earn credit hours; and the community residents save on haircuts and manicures. Throughout the year, American Career Institute has made its students available to give freely to the community.
            PATRICIA “Patty” Caraballo is the director. America’s Career Institute is located at 7000 W. Cermak Road in Berwyn. Phone number is 707/795-1500. No appointment necessary for a haircut or manicure on Sat., July 7th.  
Edward Acevedo
          YOU’RE INVITED:  Speaker of the House Michael J. Madigan and Mayor Rahm Emanuel invite you to an event for State Representative Edward “Eddie” Acevedo, [2nd District] from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 19, 2012 at the Holiday Inn Chicago Mart Plaza, 350 W. Mart Center Drive, 15th Floor, Wolf Point Ballroom. Individual ticket, $250.
            REP. ACEVEDO is the Assistant Majority Leader in the House of Representatives in Springfield [the first Latino to be appointed to this position] and has served the residents of the 2nd District since 1997. He is a second generation Mexican-American, born and raised in the 2nd Representative District. Rep. Acevedo earned his Associates degree in General Studies from City Wide College and is a City of Chicago police officer. He was decorated in 1996 for heroism and valor by the Cook County Sheriff’s Office for rescuing victims trapped in a fire.  
            ACEVEDO proudest legislative accomplishments include passage of the Safe Neighborhood Act, a crime-prevention package; a $500 Tuition Tax Credit; the Arnold Morales Bill, a child firearm access prevention initiative; KidCare, a low-cost health insurance program for children; and the Senior Citizen’s Pharmaceutical Assistance Act.
            THE 2ND DISTRICT includes portion of the Chicago neighborhoods of Pilsen, Bridgeport, Little Village and McKinley Park.
            “I WILL ALWAYS support legislation that defends the individual rights of people and I will continue to do all that I can to open the doors of opportunity for those who are too often excluded. Working together, we can make our communities safer, our families stronger and our children more secure,” said Rep. Acevedo.  
            FOR MORE info on the Citizens for Edward Acevedo fund-raiser call Madeleine Mermall at 312/961-1027 or maddiemermall@gmail.com
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                                       CALENDAR OF EVENTS
          Sat., June 30--First Time Home Buyers Workshop at Citi Bank, 6222 S. Kedzie Ave., 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Hosted by H.O.P.E. call 773/522-2552.
          Sat., July 7th--Free Haircuts & Manicures. Sabado, 7 de Julio. Gratis Cortes de Pelo y manicures from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. LV Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. 
          Sat., July 14th-- Garage Sale "La Garra de La Villita", 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. 26th St. & Central Park Ave. to 25th St. & Central Park Ave. Open to the public. More info call 312/286-3405. 
          Sunday, July 21--Summer Night of Soccer, 7:30 p.m. Toyota Park, Bridgeview, IL. Chicago Fire vs. Aston Villa. Tickets are available for $10 each. Call 708/594-2113. 
          Thursday, July 19th--2nd Annual Birthday Golf Outing for State Rep. Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez [24th District]. Gleneagles Golf Course, 13017 McCarthy Road, Lemont, IL. For more info call Lilly Kinney at 708/417-5680.
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Thursday, June 21, 2012

Anita Alvarez, Feria de Salud, 12th Ward "Bike the Boulevard", Mexican Civic Society, Champion Julio Cesar Chavez Jr.


Anita Alvarez

          MEETING WITH ALVAREZ: Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez held a meeting with her Hispanic Advisory Council Tuesday, June 12, 2012 in the Steve Neal conference room in her office at 69 W. Washington St., Chicago. Chairman of the Hispanic Advisory Council is Attorney Martin R. Castro. Castro has held this position since Cook County State’s Attorney’s Richard “Dick” A. Devine created the Hispanic Advisory Council in 1996. Castro is also the Chairman of the Illinois Human Rights Commission and the U.S. Civil Rights Commission.
          SERVING on Anita Alvarez, Cook County State’s Attorney Hispanic Advisory Council is Ed Arroyo, Freddy Calixto, Martin R. Castro, Salvador A. Cicero, Neusa Gaytan, Michael J. Hernandez, Jose Isaid, Rafael Malpica, Roxanne Nava, Martha O’Bryan, Maria-Teresa Roman, Victoria Romero, August Sallas, Lupe Sanchez, John B. Valencia, Blanca Vargas and Tito Vargas.  
Martin R. Castro
          THE HISPANIC Advisory Council meets quarterly to hear a report by Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez; and the concerns in the Hispanic communities by Council members. Alvarez reported that in December she appeared in front of the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C. to argue a case regarding the use of DNA as evidence in criminal cases. “I thought I was back in law school because I had to read a lot of cases to prepare myself for the Supreme Court. Before I could begin making my points before the court, Justice Sonia Sotomayor immediately began asking me questions, and the other justices followed after her. I was nervous and it was a frightening experience, but an honor to appear before the U.S. Supreme Court. Not every lawyer or prosecutor has that opportunity,” said Alvarez.
          ALVAREZ also reported on the new Illinois RICO law which goes after gangbangers as criminal enterprises; sex trafficking, consumer fraud cases and investigation into violence during the NATO summit. Christine Chan, Deputy Director, Cook County State’s Attorney’s Office announced the reception hosted by the Cook County State’s Attorney and LGBT Advisory Council 3rd Annual Pride Celebration & Awards ceremony Tuesday, June 26, 2012 at the Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St. For more info call 312/603-8710.
          IN RECOGNITION of Hispanic Heritage Month Anita Alvarez, Cook County State’s Attorney and the Hispanic Advisory Council will be hosting the 20th Annual “El Humanitario” Awards ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 10, 2012, at 5:30 p.m. and program at 6:30 p.m. at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St. RSVP by October 1, 2012 at 312/603-8710.  
          FERIA DE SALUD: A Health Fair/Feria de Salud will be held this Saturday, June 23rd from10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. Co-sponsor of the Health Fair is St. Anthony Hospital.  Free admission. 
          SERVICES PROVIDED: 
  • Blood Pressure
  • Diabetes Screening
  •  WALKS Clinic
  • Community Wellness Program
  • Senior Wellness Information
  •  Giveaways. For more info: 312/286-3405. 

George A. Cardenas
          BIKE RIDE: Ald. George A. Cardenas and the 12th Ward Public Service Office invite you to its 9th Annual “Bike the Boulevard” Saturday, June 30, 2012 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. starting at Home Depot Parking Lot, 4555 S. Western Boulevard. 
          THE BIKE BOULEVARD ride is open to everyone 11 years and older. All children must be accompanied by an adult. Registration kickoff begin at 9:00 a.m. FREE hamburgers, hot dogs, popcorn, drinks, games and entertainment will be provided for the entire family. Plus a free bike raffle. Last year’s event attracted approximately 200 bikers. Neighborhoods in the 12th Ward are Little Village, Brighton Park and Back-Of-The-Yards. 
          A BIKE RODEO for kids 10 years and under will take place at the Home Depot parking lot. All children must wear a helmet. The Chicago Department of Public Health will offer school physical and immunization for all kids. Kids must bring their shot records.
          TO PRE-REGISTER, contact the 12th Ward Public Service Office, 773/523-8250 or visit the Ward Office at 2458 W. 28th St., Chicago. 
          REINADO 2012: Evelia Rodriguez announced the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois is accepting applications from young women as candidates for Queen for 2012-2013 Mexican Indepdendence Day celebration. 
          QUALIFICATIONS are as follows:
                Between the ages of 18 and 25
                Unmarried and childless
                Mexican [or of Mexican descent]Bilingual 
          THE ELECTION of the Queen and two princess  will be held at the Hilton Hotel in Chicago in the month of August. The crowning of the Queen will be at El Grito celebration in Grant Park. Presently, there are 20 participants vying for the honor. 
           YOUNG WOMEN, [senoritas], can register their candidacy now with the Mexican Civic Society of Illinois, Inc., 5503 W. Cermak Road, Cicero 60804, main office: 773/376-8445, or 708/704-6249. Deadline is Saturday, June 23, 2012. 
          THE CHAMPION: Julio César Chávez, Jr., 26, won by a TKO victory in the 7th round against challenger Irish boxer Andy Lee Saturday, June 16, 2012 at the Sun Bowl Stadium, El Paso, Texas. Chavez  retained his middle weight title with his power punching and lots of body shots suffered by Lee. It was an outstanding performance by Chavez. 
Andy Lee and Cesar Chavez Jr. 
          CHAVEZ spoke Spanish during an interview with Larry Merchant, 81, at the end of the fight saying, “I had leg cramps throughout the fight,” “but I feel great carrying the [Chavez] name and to make history in the world.” Fight announcers said it was a tough fight for Andy Lee who took a lot of power shots from Chavez.
           HE IS THE undefeated Mexican professional boxer and the current WBC Middleweight Champion of the world. Chavez is the son of Legendary Boxing Champion Julio César Chávez, Sr. and is the older brother of Welterweight Omar Chávez.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Ruben Aguilar Senior Citizen Hall of Fame, Museum of Mexican Culture and History, Boy Scouting, Health Fair/Feria de Salud


Alderman Danny Solis and Ruben Aguilar

50th ANNUAL: The City of Chicago Park District, Michael Kelly, General Superintendent & CEO and Evelyn Diaz, Commissioner, Department of Family & Support Services hosted the 50th Annual Senior Citizen Hall of Fame and 45th Annual Senior Citizen of the Year Awards Luncheon. The award luncheon was held Saturday, June 2, 2012 at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel Ballroom, 301 East North Water Street, Chicago.
      ATTENDING the ceremony were more than 400 Senior Citizens and guests from across the city.  Joyce Gallaher, Executive Director of the Chicago Area Agency on Aging, was the mistress of ceremonies. Joyce introduced several Aldermen and dignitaries. Sixty-seven seniors were inducted into the Senior Citizen Hall of Fame and three Luminaries: Father George Clements, 80; Andrew Miles, 86; and Ruben D. Aguilar, 85. All three luminaries were honored, receiving a beautiful glass plaque. Alderman Danny Solis [25th Ward] was introduced and congratulated all the seniors, especially Ruben Aguilar whom Solis said, “He’s my guy!” Len Dominguez, Director of the Carlos & Dominguez Fine Art Gallery in Pilsen, and I attended the awards luncheon as guests of Aguilar.  
Len Dominguez and Ruben Aguilar
      RUBEN D. AGUILAR was born in Chicago to Mexican parents and in 1933, when he was 7 years old, Ruben and his entire family were sent back to Mexico during the infamous repatriation raids. More than two million Mexicans--Mexican-Americans and undocumented-- were deported back to Mexico in trucks and by train. "Mexicans were blamed for unemployment during the great depression of the early 20th century", said Aguilar.
       RUBEN WAS in Mexico when he turned 18 years old and received a notice from the Induction Center in Chicago for him to report back to U.S. for the draft. He returned to the U.S., reported to military service in the Korean War and drafted into the army during World War II, as a marine. Many Mexican-Americans who were sent back to Mexico, illegally, in 1935 returned back to the U.S. to fight for their country.
      AFTER HIS military service Ruben returned to Pilsen and worked in design oriented jobs until he had enough money to open his own factory, Chicago Creative Textile Design. The highlight of his career was a commission to decorate Soldier Field stadium for the 1976 Bicentennial celebration. Mayor Richard J. Daley personally met with Ruben and asked him to decorate Soldier Field. Ruben adorned the stadium with 39 foot murals 18’ high and 8’ wide with images of famous sport figures.
      TODAY, Ruben has a store in the heart of Pilsen on 18th Street where he tells stories of his past and creates new work which is for sale. He is a mentor to young artists in the community and sells their work at his store located at 1504 West 18th Street. Store hours are 1 p.m. to 7 p.m. except on Wednesday when the store is closed. Visitors are always welcome.
A CHICAGO treasure, Ruben Aguilar is a testament to the old saying, if you do what you love, you’ll stay young forever!
William Luna, Curator
        OPEN HOUSE: Holding a new sign, William “Bill” Guillermo Luna, curator of the Museum
of Mexican Culture and History, 3610 W. 26th announced the Museum will once again host visitors during the Open House Chicago 2012. It’s a free public event Oct. 13 and 14, 2012. “Open House Chicago is an opportunity to showcase our Mexican culture and history,” said Luna. Last year over 200 people visited the Museum. “We had visitors from Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana, plus from the suburbs of Chicago,” Luna said.
          THE OPEN House Chicago event is sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation. Little Village was selected as a hosting neighborhood because it is a colorful, exciting and interesting community. Visitors will have 25 neighborhoods to visit during Open House Chicago. No reservation necessary. For more information on Open House Chicago 2012, call 312/922-3432.  
          CURATOR LUNA began his passion as a Mexican Culture historian in 1992 when he opened a Mexican book store. After 20 years his store evolved into a Mexican Museum. Luna teaches Mexican culture at the Indiana University Northwest campus in Gary, Indiana, teaching the history of Mexico and Latinos. He is available to make presentations to church groups, senior clubs, schools, military and community organizations. Videos and movies of Mexican history can be seen at the Museum. In Little Village, Luna said that today it is now strictly a museum. The Museum is a collection of Mexican artifacts, photos, equipment, statues and memorabilia.
            VISITORS to the museum will see black & white and colorful photos of Pancho Villa, Emiliano Zapata and scenes of the 1910 Mexican revolution. Hanging on the walls is a Maya calendar, photos and maps of the Maya empire, twelve colorful paintings of Aztec emperors with their histories and background. Other items on display are sombreros, saddles, ropes, spurs used by the Mexican vaqueros [cowboys]. There are photos of the War of Independence, the Batalla de Puebla and U.S. military equipment are also featured in the museum.
            THE MUSEUM is under the auspices of the Little Village Community Council and has a vendor number with the Chicago Public Schools and an IRS 501(c) 3 tax exempt status.
           THE MUSEUM will soon be offering a course in Chicago entitled, “The Mexican American Civil Rights Movement” in collaboration with Dr. Rita D. Hernandez from Texas A&M  University- Corpus Christi, College of Education. For more info contact William Luna at 773/551-4750.
Ernesto Espinoza points to the
neighborhoods for scouts
            BOY SCOUTING: Ernesto Espinoza, Assistant Director of Field Service, Chicago Area Council, and Boy Scouts of America announced there will be a Scouting Meet & Greet meeting on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at the Steve Fossett Center for Scouting, 1218 West Adams St., Chicago.  Registration at 5:30 p.m. Meeting at 6:30 p.m. Botanas and aguas frescas will be served. Cocktails after the presentation. Parking available.
            SCOUTING provides youth with an opportunity to try new things, provide service to others, build self-confidence and reinforce ethical standards. “Scouting also helps the community become a better place to live by instilling the values of Trustworthy, Loyal, Helpful, Friendly, Courteous, Kind, Obedient, Cheerful, Thrifty, Brave, Clean and Reverent in youth and adults”, said Espinoza.
          ANYONE interested in scouting, kindly RSVP by June 22nd to Myriam Herrera at 312/421-8000, ext. 209 or Myriam.herrera@scouting.org Ernest Espinoza can be reached by cell: 214/907-9759. 
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HEALTH FAIR
FERIA DE SALUD
SAT., JUNE 23, 2012
10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
at
LITTLE VILLAGE COMMUNITY COUNCIL
3610 W. 26th St.
--FREE--
Blood Pressure, Diabetes Screening,
WALKS Clinic, Community
Wellness Program, Senior Wellness
Information, Giveaways, Asthma
Screening
FOR MORE INFO: 312/286-3405 
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HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!