Wednesday, October 31, 2012

Early Voting, "Noche De Los Muertos" Mara Castillo, Movie Review "Argo" Tony Mendez, ASCE Award Frank Avila, OHMS Local 134 Candlelight Bowl, Diabetes Screening, St. Agnes School Fundraiser, Operating Engineers Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner



EARLY VOTING

          Deadline to vote early is Nov. 3, 2012. You can vote early Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all of the 50 wards. All you need to show the election judge is a photo ID. The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. Questions? Call 312/269-7900 or log on to chicagoelections.com for more information. 

                                                                
Mara Castillo
       REFLECTION: A walkathon “Noche De Los Muertos” [Night of the Dead] will begin at 5 p.m.  Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 from the Little Village High School, 31st St. & Kostner Ave. to the Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza, 26th St. & Kolin Ave.
     AT 7:00 p.m. a group of parents and students, dressed in white shirts and carrying candles, will begin walking to a public altar at the plaza; where there will be a moment of silence. The Altar, decorated by students with “flores de mueto en papel” [paper flowers for the dead], will be on public display for two days. The walkathon, sponsored by the Chicago Youth Network of Little Village, is extending an invitation to the public to attend this event. The event is free.
       GUEST SPEAKERS at the “Noche de Los Muertos” are State Representative Lisa Hernandez, Manuel Perez Post 1017 Commander Joe Ramirez, Enlace Mike Rodriguez, Rev. Jose Maria G. Maldonado, LV Community Council President August Sallas, Pastor Dr. Guillermo Mendez and Maria Alvarez, Canta-Autor.
          ORGANIZING the walkathon is Mara Castillo, a CPS Community Representative and Jessica Suarez, an advocate and UIC student. “We are celebrating life with reflection of the deaths of those who have died from a shooting or by violence,” said Castillo. Castillo continued, “There were 700 shootings in Chicago with 504 murders. In Little Village there were 29 homicides in 2012, an increase from last year.” The walkathon is to bring violence awareness for our youth to remember the 29 people who passed away in Little Village. The theme of the walkathon is “Di No A La Violencia y Si A La Paz!” [No more violence and Yes to Peace].
        SPECIAL THANKS is given to the Manuel Perez Jr. Post 1017 for free hot dogs, Little Village Chamber of Commerce, CPS, CTU, Mirame, Oxala Fine Art and Dafme Tamales.  
          CHICAGO YOUTH Network is working with students by giving them service learning hours for their involvement in the community. “At the same time the students are learning about issues,” said Jessica Suarez. For more information call 312/371-7890
Tony Mendez                          Ben Affleck
          MOVIE REVIEW: Tony Mendez, Mexican-American, is the real CIA agent behind the real “Argo” movie which stars Ben Affleck, playing as Mendez.
           THE MOVIE “Argo” is a true story. It was a ruse to rescue six American diplomats who were “house guests” of the Canadian Embassy during the Iran hostage crisis when Jimmy Carter was president in 1979-81. It is intense, gripping with suspense as a thriller. The storyline is unbelievable with full of risks by CIA agent Mendez.
I give the movie three stars.
          ANTONIO JOSEPH Mendez is a retired CIA intelligence officer, an author and an artist. He lives with his family and works in his studios and gallery on his forty acre farm in rural Washington County Maryland.
          IN JANUARY 1980 Mendez was awarded the Intelligence Star for Valor for single-handedly engineering and conducting the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Iran during the hostage crisis. The rescue operation involved creating a fake Hollywood film production company, complete with personnel, scripts, publicity and real estate. The caper worked to help the six American diplomats escape from Iran with Canadian passports.
          MENDEZ retired in 1990. He was promoted to SIS-2, the equivalent of a two star General in the military. He earned the CIA's Intelligence Medal of Merit, Intelligence Star and two Certificates of Distinction. He also was awarded the Trailblazer Medallion in September 1997 on the fiftieth Anniversary of the CIA, he was one of fifty officers, chosen from the tens of thousands who had worked at CIA over the years. In October 2000, Mendez was awarded the Order of the Sphinx which is the Interallied Distinguished Service Cross for serving the Allied cause for freedom behind enemy lines. 
(L-R) Jackie Avila, Quinn Avila, Sherry Avila,
Commissioner Frank Avila, and Audrey Avila

          ASCE AWARD: Frank Avila, Commissioner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago [MWRD], was named the “2012 Citizen Engineer of the Year” by the American Society of Civil Engineers of Illinois [ASCE]. Avila was presented his award during the ASCE dinner meeting on October 10, 2012 at the Union League Club in Chicago. 
          AVILA RECEIVED the award for his contribution and advancement to the science and profession of civil engineering. Leo X. Morand, Chairman of the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers Awards Committee, said: “It is with great enthusiasm that we honor Commissioner Avila this year. He has embodied the engineering profession in a public agency that provides a vital service throughout Cook County. We are proud he has served in an admirable fashion and is a credit to our profession.”
          COMMISSIONER AVILA expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “I am deeply honored by the tribute. I hope my work has contributed to the improvement of water quality, aquatic life and the lives of everyone living in Cook County.” 
          COMMISSIONER AVILA was elected to the Board of Commissioners of the MWRD in 2002 and re-elected in 2008. He is Chairman of the Engineering Committee and the Committee of Maintenance and Operations. He works to protect the health and safety of the public and protect the quality of water in the Chicago area waterways. Avila’s top priorities include cost-effective wastewater treatment, flood prevention, the regulation of waste disposal to protect our waterways including eliminating toxic chemicals from the source to prevent endocrine disruption. Congrats Commissioner. 
          A FUND-RAISER: The OHMS Club of the IBEW Local 134 is hosting a Candlelight Bowling event on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. The event will be held at the Grand Palace Bowl, 5330 W. 35th St., Cicero, Illinois 60804. Three games, shoe rental, food and raffles and cash bar. Dinner is at 8 p.m. and bowling at 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person.  For tickets contact Ruben Almendarez at 708/269-1512. Or, email bendidez@sbcglobal.net [anytime] for more information or confirmation. If unable to attend the event, and would like to make a contribution towards a raffle prize, or just a donation, feel free to call Ruben.
          DIABETES SCREENING: St. Anthony Hospital will host diabetic screening on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. No appointment necessary. For more info call 312/286-3405.

          SANTOS 2012: St. Agnes of Bohemia School, 2643 S. Central Park Ave., will host their annual fund-raiser celebrating their school. The event will be held at St. Ignatius College Prep, 1076 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.   
          THIS GALA event will be an evening of music, dinner and cultural dances by school students. The traditional Mexican dance, known as folkorico, is in its second year at St. Agnes. Children from first through fourth grade will perform the traditional Mexican dance. The children have a great sense of pride in their heritage when they dance, and are able to learn about their Mexican culture.
          THE SAINT Agnes of Bohemia Catholic School serves the Little Village community in which the average household income is $29,000. Support for the school ensures that all children have the opportunity to attend Saint Agnes School regardless of their family’s financial situation. Proceeds from the event will go to Saint Agnes of Bohemia Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $80. Make check payable to St. Agnes of Bohemia School. For more information call 773/522-0143 or email gfiscal@school.stagnesofbohemia.org  

          FUND-RAISER: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 143-143B of Chicago Public School Engineers and Central Office Payroll- Financial Services announced their Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner will be held Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 at 6 p.m. Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago.
          DONATION/Tickets $50 each. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 29, 2012. Tickets will not be sold at the door. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted. Tickets may be purchased from Chairman Richard Perez, Robert Caccioppo 773/534-4073, Bill Goebig 773/534-3448.

Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Democrat Silvana Tabares, Vincente Fernandez, LV Runners, "Octoberfest" Veteran's Event, OHMS IBEW Fundraiser, Diabetes Screening, Vote Early, Happy Halloween

Silvana Tabares

          VOTE TABARES:  Silvana Tabares is the Democratic nominee for State Representative of the 21st District in the Tuesday, Nov. 6th General Election. She is a tireless campaigner who has visited all of the neighborhoods in her district. The neighborhoods include Brighton Park, Garfield Ridge, Little Village and suburban areas of Cicero, Stickney, Riverside, Lyons, Summit, McCook, Bedford Park and Bridgeview. 
          TABARES SPENT her whole life on the South West side of Chicago, the place she calls home. Silvana said, “growing up in Brighton Park instilled a sense of commitment and responsibility for my neighbors”; a commitment which continues to steer her today. She was raised under the guidance and support of her single mother. “I learned the meaning of perseverance and hard work by my mother’s example,” said Silvana. 
          AFTER GRADUATING from Lourdes High School, Silvana said she knew she had to pursue a path which would help bring the critical issues of her community to the forefront.
          TABARES RECEIVED her Associate’s Degree from Richard J. Daley College and her Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College Chicago. She began her career in journalism. “I began my career by giving back to the community,” said Tabares.  Working as a youth educator with WRTE Radioarte 90.5 FM, Tabares taught the skills of radio broadcasting to local youth. “My professional skills helped me prepare young people for employment, and I felt responsible to help them by increasing opportunities for the next generation,” said Tabares.
          SILVANA began working at the EXTRA Bilingual newspaper in 2008 and was the managing editor of the paper. The EXTRA newspaper received numerous awards under her direction and leadership. Silvana believes her real accomplishments were building bridges within the community, increasing awareness of issues concerning public safety, economic opportunity, education and galvanizing community input around those issues.   
          AS THE DEMOCRATIC candidate for the Illinois Office of State Representative of the 21st District, Silvana will bring her experience and dedication to the office. Silvana’s unmatched passion and drive instilled by her upbringing and tempered by her experience, will continue to direct her efforts as the State Representative of the 21st District. 
          ELECT SILVANA TABARES and Punch 31.
Vicente Fernandez
          MEXICAN ICON: Alderman George A. Cardenas [12th Ward] honored living legend and Mexican icon Vicente Fernández, 72, at a special street dedication event in Little Village on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. The event was held near the famous Mexican Arch on 26th St. & Albany Ave. Although rain poured down on the crowd of 2,000, it did not stop Fernandez from going on with the show. The rain did cause a problem with the audio equipment, forcing Fernandez to sing acapella. The crowd roared.  
          TO HONOR the cultural icon, Alderman Cardenas unveiled new street signs designating the part of 26th Street between 2800 West and 3199 West as “Vicente Fernandez Avenue”. The music legend was given a key to the City and a Proclamation proclaiming the week of October 20-27 as “Vicente Fernández Week” in the City of Chicago. 
          VICENTE FERNANDEZ, known as Chente or El Rey de la canción ranchera [the King of ranchera music] and Mexico’s most famous singer and movie star visited Little Village (the largest Mexican community in the Midwest) to announce his retirement from show business. On Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, Fernandez held a sold-out performance. The dedication event was hosted by Ald. George Cardenas [12th Ward]. State Senators Tony Munoz and Iris Martinez also attended the street dedication.
Some of the runners: Elizabeth Mejia, Veronica Montes, Martin 
Aspera, Freddy Macedo, Jessica Vergara, Carmen Vergara, 
Yesenia Mariscal, Lalo Castillo, Frankie Monreal, Josie Cruz, 
Juan Cruz, Christina Carreto Alex Rosa, Mr. Montoya
          LV RUNNERS: Little Village resident Cristina Carreto is one of the organizers of a group of runners and walkers in the LV neighborhood. The group varies in size from 25 to 35 participants. The newly organized group meets every Tuesday, Thursday evenings and Saturday morning to run/walk. “We just like to run, said Cristina, and I was surprised to see how many people like to run.” 
          THIS PAST Saturday, the group met in front of the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. and did their warm-up exercises in the Castellanos Elementary school playground. They began running/walking from 26th St. & Central Park Ave. west to Kostner Ave. and returned back east to Albany Ave. and then back to 26th St. & Central Park Ave. 
          A MEMBER of the group Josie Cruz said, “I’m just a walker -- for now.” 
          VETERAN’S EVENT: The First Annual “Octoberfest” will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2012, beginning at 12:00 Noon at the Manuel Perez, Jr. American Legion Post 1017, 2658 S. Hamlin Ave., Chicago, IL 60623. Donation: $10.00 per plate.  Everyone is invited. 
          MENU INCLUDES: Sauerkraut, Potato Pancakes, Bratwurst/Franks, Pickles/Jalapenos, German Chocolate Cake, Glass of [Berghoffs] German Keg Beer. Beer sponsor Moreno’s Liquors. Raffle, prizes, 50/50 and German Beer Steins. 
          SPONSORS: Dr. Hector P. Garcia AMVETS, Post 326, Manuel Perez, Jr. American Legion Post 1017, M.A.V.A. Mexican American Veterans Association, Military Order of the Purple Hearts. Tail Gate: 12:00 Noon Game Bears vs. Panthers. 
          FOR MORE information contact: Herr Albert Villasenor [773]522-5471.
          A FUND-RAISER: The OHMS Club of the IBEW Local 134 is hosting a Candlelight Bowling event on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. The event will be held at the Grand Palace Bowl, 5330 W. 35th St., Cicero, Illinois 60804. Three games, shoe rental, food, raffles and a cash bar. Dinner is at 8 p.m. and bowling at 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person.  For tickets contact Ruben Almendarez at 708/269-1512. Or, email bendidez@sbcglobal.net [anytime] for more information or confirmation. If unable to attend the event, and would like to make a contribution towards a raffle prize, or just a donation, feel free to call Ruben. 
          DIABETES SCREENING: St. Anthony Hospital will be doing diabetes screening on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. Flu shots may be available. No appointment necessary. For more info call 312/286-3405. 
          TO VOTE EARLY, you need to show the election judge a photo ID. Questions? Call 312/269-7900 or log on chicagoelections.com for more information.





                                         













Tuesday, October 16, 2012

Vote Obama Biden, Election Day Nov. 6th, Early Voting Monday, Oct. 22, Latino Wards, Halloween House, Boxing


                       
     “LEADERSHIP YOU CAN TRUST!”
          
          THE RE-ELECTION of Democratic candidates President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden hinges on a massive Latino voter turnout. The stakes are high and the Latino vote, Latino’s being 17% of the population, is the critical swing vote in this Presidential election on November 6, 2012. Every Latino and/or Latina who is able to vote MUST vote in this election. The power of the Latino vote in America politics must be heard and respected. Latino political leaders, community leaders and civic leaders must strongly tell their respective constituents the importance of voting for President Obama and Vice President Biden. 
          PRESIDENT OBAMA and Vice President Biden represent leadership you can trust in governing the future of America for the next four years. Obama and Biden genuinely care about the middle class, seniors, veterans, unemployed, sick and the underprivileged.  Both Obama and Biden are honest men who continue to work in the best interest of ALL Americans. 
Vice President Joe Biden
          LET ME REMIND you that in his first term of office, President Obama quickly took action to save America from another economic depression. Obama’s predecessor former Republican President George W. Bush left office with a disastrous bankrupted economy with high employment and a foreign policy in which all European leaders disrespected America; damaging the image and respect of America within foreign affairs. The Bush administration put America into two costly wars—Iraq and Afghanistan-- costing American taxpayers BILLIONS of dollars, not to mention the lives lost of our sons and daughters fighting those wars.
          WITH RESPECT to Social Security benefits, Medicare and Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. “Obamacare”, President Obama and Vice President Biden will protect these benefits. Obama’s record is clear, he saved the auto industry, put restrictions on the SEC to prevent further “ponzi’s schemes,’ ended the war in Iraq and had terrorist Osama bin Laden killed on May 1, 2011. AND, Obama is committed to end the war in Afghanistan in 2014. In just four years, President Obama’s leadership has restored the respect and trust of America’s foreign policies with foreign leaders. We must vote to continue moving FORWARD!
          UNFORTUNATELY, the Obama administration has been unable to promote their political agenda because of the gridlock in Congress caused by the members of the Republican Party.  Ever since the Republican members took control of the Congress they have stonewalled all of Obama’s economic measures which would have put Americans back to work, giving the middle class and small businesses tax relief. It is the Republicans who are keeping America from moving ahead, economically. America’s middle class are suffering from the politics of the Republican Party.
          ON IMMIGRATION: The only solution in solving the illegal immigration of undocumented people in America is to give them full amnesty. However, President Obama is unable to support this solution because America’s immigration laws, policies and politics prevent him from supporting amnesty. Obama’s administration continues to challenge Republican controlled states from passing illegal immigration laws, like Arizona, causing hardship to undocumented families. Obama supports the Dream Act, an Act which gives work permits to “dreamers”, students over the age of 18, who ‘dream’ of becoming working professionals. But this is not enough. 
          A BIPARTISAN Congress is needed to give amnesty and full citizenship to illegal immigrants.  President Obama has tried to work with Republicans in the Congress, but to no avail. Historically, America has given amnesty to undocumented immigrants under different circumstances. Today, the MAJORITY of undocumented immigrants in America are working, law abiding and consumers who pay sales taxes. Again, in my opinion, these reasons alone qualify them for citizenship. It is time to solve the immigration problem because it continues to drain the resources of America as families suffer. 
          I STRONGLY URGE EVERYONE TO VOTE ON NOV. 6TH, AND I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO VOTE FOR THE TEAM OF PRESIDENT OBAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN!
          ELECTION DAY: The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, Chicago voters will vote for:
  • President & Vice President of the United States
  • Representatives in U.S. Congress (all districts) 
  • State Senators (all districts)
  • Representatives in the Illinois General Assembly (all districts)
  • Commissioners (3) for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
  • Judges (Illinois Supreme, Appellate and Circuit Courts)
  • Cook County State's Attorney, Circuit Court Clerk and Recorder of Deeds
  • Members of the Cook County Board of Review (tax appeals) (all districts)
  • Retention of Judges
  • Voters also will decide referenda questions, including: 
  • whether to amend the state Constitution regarding pensions; 
  • whether to have the state fund Chicago teacher pensions as is the practice elsewhere in the state; whether to advise the federal government to amend the constitution to allow for banning corporate campaign contributions; and,
  • whether to allow Chicago to aggregate [to collect into one mass] electrical service.               

          EARLY VOTING: Be an “early voter” which starts on Monday, Oct. 22 to Nov. 3, 2012. You can vote early Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all of the 50 wards. Here are the locations to vote early in the eight Latino wards:           
          WARD 1: Goldblatts Building, 1615 W. Chicago Ave. 
          WARD 12: McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road. 
          WARD 22: Piotrowski Park, 4247 W. 31st St.
          WARD 25: Chinatown Library, 2353 S. Wentworth Ave. 
          WARD 26: Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1359 N. Sacramento Ave 
          WARD 30: Kilbourn Park, 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave. 
          WARD 31: Portage Cragin Library, 5108 W. Belmont Ave.
          WARD 35: Independence Library, 3548 W. Irving Park Rd. 
          To vote early, you need to show the election judge a photo ID. Questions? Call 312/269-7900 or log on chicagoelections.com 
                                                    
                                                 BOO!

HALLOWEEN DECORATED HOUSE AT 2702 S. SPAULDING AVE. IN LITTLE VILLAGE

          BOXING FANS: The 'Slug Fest' DVD showing between Chico Corrales vs. Jose L. Castillo fought on May 7, 2005  is this Saturday, Oct. 20th at 2 p.m., at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. FREE ADMISSION.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Open House Chicago-Museum of Mexican Culture and History, Expungement Workshop, LV Muddy Park, 25th Annual IAHSE Conference, DVD Boxing Show Chico Corrales vs. Jose L. Castillo

Emiliano Zapata

          OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO: Visitors are cordially welcome to the Museum of Mexican Culture and History, 3610 W. 26th St. listed on the Chicago Architecture Open House Chicago tour list for this Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. William Luna, Historian and Curator of the Museum, will be greeting the visitors.
          THE MUSEUM of Mexican Culture and History has original photos of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 with Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa, Mexican cowboy photos and gear, sombreros’, beautiful color portraits of twelve Aztec Emperors, MAYA calendars, history and paintings, army equipment and photos of Mexican-American Generals and heroes. The traveling museum boards, featuring history on Mexico and Mexican-Americans, will also be on display.
          “OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO” is sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and features 150 cool places to visit in Chicago. The experience offers behind-the-scene access to over 150 buildings, in over a dozen communities, across Chicago. You can see some of Chicago’s great places without the wait!
          CAROLINE STEVENS, is Open House Chicago Program Coordinator and may be contacted at 312/922-3432, ext. 317. For more information log onto openhousechicago.org  Curator Luna may be contacted at 773/551-4750.
Rep. Hernandez & Adam Monreal
          ON RECORD: The 2nd Annual Little Village Expungement Workshop held last Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 had 101 attendees. Attendees came to the free workshop for assistance on how to expunge their criminal record. “The workshop was a huge success,” said Attorney Jorge Montes, one of the co-sponsors of the event.
          WORKSHOP SPONSORS were the Little Village Community Council, Attorney Jorge Montes, State Sen. Steve Landek, State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, Blanca Jara, Liaison from Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Dorothy Brown; Baltazar Enriques, HOPE Organization; Carlos Charneco, Illinois Dept. of Employment Security; Rosana Tanon, Secretary of State Office; Ambrosio Medrano, Pilsen community and Reggie Gonzales, Illinois Latino Voice.
          SPECIAL GUEST were Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and Attorney Adam P. Monreal, Chairman, Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Both Clerk Brown and Chairman Monreal spoke to the attendees. Monreal stayed to help several attendees with their issues. “Chairman Monreal works very closely with me in Springfield on matters pertaining to the expungement of records,” said State Rep. Lisa Hernandez.
Chairman Adam Monreal
at the Workshop 
          ATTORNEYS at the workshop were Attorney Jill Roberts, Cabrini Green Legal Aid; Attorney Juan L. Baltierres, J. Fausto Gonzalez and Eric Shah from Stone & Associates.
          ALSO PRESENT at the workshop were Luis Gonzalez, Employment Service Program Manager, Illinois Dept. of Employment Security; Garry Smith, Assistant Chief Deputy Clerk, Criminal Division, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County/Dorothy Brown; Tanya Fernandez, Expungement Manager, from the office of Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Cicero Supermercado Torres, owner Adolfo Linares,  made a generous donation of water and soda for the workshop. A 3rd Annual workshop is being planned for next year.
          MANY THANKS was extended to all those who supported the Expungement Workshop and made it a success by August Sallas, President, Little Village Community Council.
          MUDDY PARK:  The park at Little Village Academy, 2620 S. Lawndale Ave. is in desperate need of a renovation. Parents and students at the Little Village Academy are circulating a petition seeking support to help renovate their school park. “Every time is rains our park gets flooded and becomes a hazard for our students, said Principal Lillian Lazu, it needs to be upgraded”.
          TWO STUDENTS have already been injured at the park. One girl student fell and broke her permanent tooth another received three stitches on the base of his head. Kids in the area play soccer at the park using it as a neighborhood park.
          FOR YEARS, the school has been asking for assistance from CPS and Alderman Ricardo Munoz [22nd Ward] in hope of funding a new turf, similar to that of Gary Elementary.
          “TAKE A LOOK at the picture of our park and see how our children are forced to play in a muddy field,” said Nora Avila, Parent Advocate/LV Academy. The petition reads, “Our community does not have many parks available and the small park at Little Village Academy is a hazard to our children. Please sign our petition to help us transform our muddy field into a beautiful park which our children and families can enjoy”.
           FOR MORE information call Nora Avila at 773/534-1899. 
          IAHSE CONFERENCE: The 25th Annual Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees Training Conference held Friday, October 5, 2012 at the Hilton Chicago Hotel was a successful event. More than 500 people attended.
          WELCOMING ADDRESS was given  by Jose M. Prado, IAHSE Board Vice President; the Presentation of Colors made by the Illinois Dept. of Correction Color Guard; invocation by Father Manuel Dorantes, Associate Pastor, St. Clement Church; Master of Ceremonies was by IAHSE Counsel Jorge Montes, Esq.
Left to right: Willie Delgado, Toni Berrios, Juan Andrade,
Martha Lopez, Tony Munoz
          SPEAKERS were Martha L. Lopez, IAHSE Board President; David Vaught, Director, IL Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity; Judy Barr Topinka, Illinois State Comptroller; Juan Andrade, President, U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute [USHLI]; Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President and Community Service Award was presented to Carlos Mauricio Olea, Un Buen Doctor Magazine.
          LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP: Speakers at the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus workshop were State Rep. Toni Berrios, State Sen. Willie Delgado, State Sen. Tony Munoz, President Toni Preckwinkle and Juan Andrade. All the Hispanic legislators and Andrade expressed the importance of the Latino vote.
Luis Alberto Urrea
          LUNCHEON PROGRAM: Lunch was served in the Grand Ballroom and speakers were: Invocation by Father Marco Mercado, Director, Archdiocese of Chicago Hispanic Ministry; Dan Rutherford, Illinois State Treasurer; Welcoming Remarks by Martha L. Lopez, IAHSE Board President; Government Service Award was given to Edwin Reyes, 8th District, Cook County Commissioner; the Hilda Lopez-Arce Hero/ine Award was given to Oscar Chacon, Executive Director, National Alliance of Latin American & Caribbean Communities; Labor Leader, Henry Bayer, Executive Director, Council 31 AFSCME and keynote speaker, Luis Alberto Urrea, an Award-Winning Writer.
          SEVEN WORKSHOPS, all dealing with issues affecting the Latino community, were conducted during the conference. Speakers were Angel Herrera, Jorge Bermudez, Reynaldo Infante, Barbara Baird, Anel Gonzalez, Josette Heredia-Carmona, Mayra Soto-Gonzalez, Arturo Castro, Jim Exby, Lori Pietropaoli and Carlos Gutierrez.
          THE PROGRAM INCLUDED a Job Fair, Exhibit Area, Networking Reception, raffles and dance. It was an informative and gala event. We congratulate the officers and members of IAHSE for putting on a great conference.
          RESCHEDULED: The DVD 'Slug Fest' showing between Chico Corrales vs. Jose L. Castillo is rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20th at 2 p.m., at the Little Village Community Council 3610 W. 26th St. FREE ADMISSION.

Tuesday, October 2, 2012

Free Expungement Workshop, Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees State Conference, Martha L. Lopez, Open House Chicago, William Luna, State Sen. Landek's Fall Fest, CTU Strikers, Wildcats Mass, Slugfest "Chico" Corrales


Jorge Montes & Blanca Jara at the
1st (2003) Annual Expungement
Workshop
          FREE WORKSHOP: The 2nd Annual Little Village “Expungement Workshop” will be held this Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at New Life Church, 2657 S. Lawndale Ave. The purpose of the workshop is to help ex-offenders with information on how to clean-up their criminal record. Six lawyers will donate their time to assist, give advice and offer free consultations to ex-offenders. The workshop is bilingual and open to the public.
          ADULTS AND JUVENILES will learn from experts how to apply for clemency, sealing records and expungement. Other services available for ex-offenders will be information on employment, job training, and health care. Participants must bring their rap sheet to the workshop.  
          HOSTING the expungement workshop is the Little Village Community Council in conjunction with Attorney Jorge Montes, State Senator Steve Landek, State Representative Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, State Representative Democratic candidate Silvana Tabares, Blanca Jara, Clerk of the Circuit Court office and H.O.P.E. organization [Baltazar Enriquez] and Carlos Charneco, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Rosana Tanon, Secretary of State office and SER Jobs for Progress.
          FOR MORE INFORMATION call Attorney Jorge Montes at 312/850-9844 or 312/286-3405.
Martha L. Lopez
          STATE CONFERENCE: The Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees [IAHSE] will host their 25th Annual IAHSE Conference and Dance; “A Leading Voice—Enlightening a New Generation”. The event will be held this Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 at the Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom, 720 S. Michigan Ave. from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m. 
          THE CONFERENCE will conduct a state legislator’s session, workshops, an award luncheon and job fair. There will be plenty of networking opportunities and information on upward mobility. The celebration dance will have live music presented by Everaldo y Su Flota and DJ music by D.J. Lopez. 
          TICKETS are $20 or two for $50. Cash bar. VIP reserved tables $500. Call the Hilton Chicago at 312/922-4400 for reservations. Parking is $22 onsite. Call IAHSE office 312/814-8942 or go the website: www.iahse.org and email: jahse.assoc@illinois.gov 
          IAHSE has a membership of 500, mostly state employees. Board meetings are held monthly and the mission of IAHSE is to properly serve the Latino communities statewide, involvement with getting bilingual pay for state workers, passed the Hispanic Employment plan requiring state agencies and universities to report on their efforts to hire more Latinos. 
William Luna
          IAHSE BOARD of Directors are Martha L. Lopez, President; Jose M. Prado, Vice-President; Veronica Aguirre, Secretary; Rosario Guerrero, Treasurer and Carlos Charneco, Past President.
          OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO: The Museum of Mexican Culture and History, 3610 W. 26th St. has been listed on the Chicago Architecture Open House Chicago tour list for Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historian and Curator of the Museum, William Luna, may be contacted at 773/551-4750. 
          CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE Foundation is presenting the “Open House Chicago” featuring 150 cool places to visit. The experience will offer behind-the-scene access to over 150 buildings, in over a dozen communities, across Chicago. See Chicago’s great places and spaces without the wait! 
          CAROLINE STEVENS is Program Coordinator for Open House Chicago and the event is sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Phone: 312/922-3432, ext. 317. For more information log on openhousechicago.org 
August Sallas, Silvana Tabares, Steve Landek
          FALL FEST: State Senator Steven Landek [11th District] and the Democratic Party of Lyon Township hosted “Fall Fest Open House” Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012 at the Democratic Party of Lyons Township Office, 7678 W. 63rd St. in Summit, Illinois. Friends, supporters and visitors enjoyed an old-fashion cookout while meeting many November 2012 Democratic candidates. 
          DEMOCRATIC candidates at the cookout were U.S. Congressman Dan Lipinski, Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, State Representative Michael Zalewski, State Representative [21st District] candidate Silvana Tabares, Recorder of Deeds candidate Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, Cook County Commissioner 16th District Jeffrey Tobolski, Judicial candidates Ed Maloney and Terry Gallaher, Township Supervisor William “Bill” Mundy and Lyons Township officials and local officials. Sen. Landek represents part of the 22nd Ward/Little Village. More than 150 people attended the cookout. 
Striking teachers at Castellanos Elementary
          CTU STRIKERS:  Starting on Sept. 10, 2012 and for seven days the Chicago Teacher’s Local 1 Union members went on strike. Here are some Little Village teachers who walked off their jobs in protest of the unfair treatment by CPS. CTU members began voting on a 3-year contract Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012. CTU President Karen Lewis refuses to predict if the contract will be ratified, but hopes it would. 
          WILDCATS: The Fraternal Order of St. Francis Wildcats will celebrate a Memorial Mass at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 at the John Paul II Newman Center, 700 S. Morgan St. at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The celebration is in memory of Wildcat members and some friends of the Wildcats who have passed. Included in the Mass will be the memory of Father Pat McPolin who died this year. After Mass a breakfast will be served in the dining room. For more info contact Memorial Mass Chairman Rudy Aguirre at 708/749-2814. 
Diego "Chico" Corrales
          GRANDES PELEAS:  A DVD slugfest from video archives of the bouts between boxer DiegoChico” Corrales vs. Jose L. Castillo and Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Miguel Angel Gonzales will be featured in a matinee showing  at 2:00 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. The matinee will be Saturday, October 13, 2012. Free admission. 
          CORRALES was an American boxer. He received the prestigious “Fight of the Year” award for his acclaimed lightweight bout with Jose Luis Castillo on May 7, 2005. Both boxers fought toe-to-toe throwing hard combinations and power punches throughout the entire fight. A rematch between Corrales vs. Castillo was dubbed “The War to Settle the Score.” Corrales, 29, was killed riding a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle in an accident near his Las Vegas home May 7, 2007. If you are boxing fan, mark your calendar now, you don’t want to miss seeing this fight.