Thursday, February 27, 2014

Luis Arroyo Jr. Endorsements, Nine Major Unions, Arroyo's Priorities, Raise Minimum Wage, Affordable Healthcare, Protect Employees Benefits, Vote Luis Arroyo Jr., Chicago Cable Access, George "Lester" Fortier, "Toys For Tots"


August Sallas & Luis Arroyo Jr.
ENDORSEMENTS: This week Luis Arroyo Jr., a Democratic candidate for Cook County Commissioner, 8th District, won the endorsements of NINE major labor groups. Arroyo Jr. continues to solidify his support from organized labor; with many union members committed to join his campaign. “Organized labor believes Arroyo Jr. will be a strong voice for workers”, said August Sallas, President, Hispanic American Labor Council.
      ARROYO Jr. won the endorsements of the following unions and the Hispanic American Labor Council:
  • Teamsters Joint Council 25
  • Teamsters Local 700
  • Automobile Mechanics 701
  • Iron Workers Local 1
  • I.B.E.W. Local 134
  • Carpenters Union Local 9
  • Journeymen Plumbers Local 130 UA
  • International Union of Operating Engineers  Local 150
  • Stationary Engineers Local 399
          ARROYO Jr., a member of the Teamsters for 18 years, has pledged to fight to raise the minimum wage in Illinois. “I’m proud to be a Union member will be honored to be the voice of organized labor,” said Luis.
          RELATIVE, to Cook County government, Luis has taken the following stance:
  • “Cook County must live up to the agreements it has made with workers. I am open to exploring all potential solutions and opportunities that result in the elimination of layoffs, shutdown days and furlough days for frontline county employees, including but not limited to reductions of management at all levels,” said Arroyo Jr.
  • “Affordable healthcare for all is one of my priorities as Cook County Commissioner. We must examine the Cook County annual budget carefully to find cost savings to ensure our county workers receive fair and quality healthcare,” said Arroyo Jr. “The erosion of employee’s benefits is a critical issue in my platform. I support every worker being paid a fair and living wage and I will fight to ensure they do not see their wages reduced,” Arroyo Jr. concluded.


Luis Arroyo Jr. campaigning in the snow
 wearing his Teamster's jacket.
             ARROYO JR. is a lifelong public servant, community leader and resident of Chicago’s Northwest Side. He has served as chairman and co-founder of the Illinois Council for the Advancement of Latino Leadership, working to cultivate leadership skills and networks among young Latinos. As a member of the Chicago Park District Advisory Council for Shabbona Park in the Portage Park community, Arroyo Jr. and has been working tirelessly with other local leaders to procure a half million dollars in government funding. The funding will support the construction of a new playground for Shabbona Park.
             LUIS SERVES on the 3rd Representative District Steering Committee, with his father Illinois State Rep. Luis Arroyo, Sr. and worked on issues relating to crime prevention; increasing awareness of programs and services that are available to the public; solutions to the foreclosure crisis; public education and public health.
          HE IS currently working towards completing his Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies University Without Walls Program at Northern Illinois University. Arroyo Jr. lives with his wife, Desiree, and their two-year old son, Jaiden. Luis’ daughter, Jocelyn, is pursuing her undergraduate studies at the University of Central Florida.
       ARROYO JR. is committed in being a full time Cook County Commissioner. As Cook County Commissioner of the 8th District, Arroyo Jr. will be representing the neighborhoods of Logan Square, Humboldt Park, Hermosa, Montclair, Kelvyn Park, Ukrainian Village, Portage Park, Irving Park, Kilbourn Park and Palmer Square.
        GIVE LUIS ARROYO JR. YOUR VOTE, PUNCH 101 ON MARCH 18, 2014.
         
 
          HOTLINE TV: George “Lester” Fortier, President of Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade, and its members, are asking all of their supporters to contact their Alderman [write/e-mail/phone/tweet/Face book] seeking support for CAN-TV. The City of Chicago Aldermen is presently in negotiations with Comcast to continue their financial support of CAN TV channels.
          “WE NEED them [Comcast] to continue to support our access to public television, as it is a small price to pay for doing business in Chicago, thereby maintaining public access to you, our viewers affordably,” said Lester Fortier.
          “HELP us make sure Comcast does the right thing in Chicago by financially supporting Chicago’s CAN TV channels,” said Robert “Cooch” Kuczera, former President of Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle parade.
          CHICAGOLAND Toys for Tots organization have been reaching viewers citywide since 1999 by producing a CAN TV/Channel 21 Hotline live show. The show educates all of Chicago about their Toys for Tots parade which helps thousands of local children throughout the year. The programming also helps maintain the strength of their motorcycle club membership.
          MORE information or questions contact “Toys For Tots” President George "Lester" Fortier lesfortier356@yahoo.com or former President Robert "Cooch" Kuczera at : croadster850@aol.com  or TFT Hot Line number: 708/598-4909.

Monday, February 24, 2014

"Cuts By Cupid" Marathon All Nighter, America's Career Institute, Business Of The Week, Jose Campillo, LV Community Meeting, Primary Election March 18th, Early Voting, Stats on Hispanic Voting

Ashley Contreras, 9, donated 10" of  her hair
for cancer patients. Hair stylist, Inez Perez,
cuts Ashley's hair at America's Career
Institute. 
           MARATHON ALL NIGHTER: “Cuts by Cupid” was 24 hours of cutting hair for children cancer patients and to break the current Guinness Book of World Records. The event, at America’s Career Institute Inc.[ACI], 3437 W. 26th St., 2nd Floor, Chicago, IL 60623, began at 10 a.m. Thursday, Feb. 13th and ended at 10 a.m. Friday, Feb. 14. 2014. This marathon hair cutting event attracted more than 250 people willing to cut their hair for a great cause and to try and break the Guinness record of collecting 200 lbs. of hair within a 24 hour period.
           “UNFORTUNATELY, we were only able to collect 30 pounds of hair. We didn’t realize how light hair is,” said Eduardo Caraballo, Director of Admissions. “A man with four long pigtails [two in front and two in back of his head] donated the most hair,” said Rogelio Carabello, ACI Admissions Recruiter. 
          SEVERAL ACI students cut hair the entire 24 hours. “It was amazing how many parents and children participated; our school was crowded. Everyone, from technicians, to participants, to on-lookers, were friendly and patient. It was festive! I believe everyone enjoyed the event,” said Josefina Caraballo, ACI School treasurer. All the hair collected will be donated to the Michigan based organization, “Children With Hair Loss”. The organization will have wigs made for children who have lost their hair through cancer treatment or from any disease which causes hair loss. “Cuts by Cupid” will be an annual event in Little Village.
          AVAILABLE ACI CLASSES: Cosmetology [Spanish], Cosmetology [English], Cosmetology [Instructor] and Nail Technician [English]. For more information call ACI Salon Services at 708/795-1500; Admission: 708/785-1510. Or visit ACI at www.acchd.com  
Jose Campillo
          BUSINESS OF THE WEEK: Owner Jose Campillo has opened his new restaurant, “D Chile”, located at 3443 W. 26th St.  D Chile specializes in cuisine from Mexico City where Jose was born. Jose said: “we serve many delicious Mexican dishes; for example, Quekas [$3.99] papas con chorizo, Chicharron, en salsa verde, Asada, Tinga de pollo, Pastor, Lengua [Queso]; El Huge Guaraches [$5.99]; El Sope Frito [$3.99], El Concentido [$3.99] Bistec, tortilla hecha a mano y nopal, and Sopa, just to name a few. The sope menu changes every day with many more creative dishes. D Chile also has a carry-out service. Hours are 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday to Sunday, telephone: 773/522-3443. We wish Jose and “D Chile” much success.
________________________________________________________________________
LITTLE VILLAGE COMMUNITY MEETING
THURSDAY, FEB. 27, 2014
EPIPHANY CHURCH HALL
2524 S. Keeler Ave.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Agenda: Housing Project
26th St. & Kostner Ave.
Invited: Ald. Ricardo Munoz
“Be involved, be informed”
___________________________________________________________________
RESULTS OF THE LAST DEMOCRATIC 
PRIMARY ELECTION TUESDAY, MARCH 20, 2012
         
          NO VOTES: Here are the stats of how many registered voters voted and how many did not vote in the eight Chicago Latino wards in the Tuesday, March 20, 2012 Democratic Primary election. 

                               Registered Votes            Votes
                                     Voters                          Cast                     NOT Cast
WARD 1:                     26,893                         3,661                      23,232
WARD 12:                   13,134                         2,195                      10,939
WARD 22:                   14, 961                        2,582                      12,379
WARD 25:                   21,023                         3,285                      17,738
WARD 26:                   22,029                         2,697                      19,332
WARD 30:                   19,794                         2,184                      17,610
WARD 31:                   20,085                         2,912                      17,173
WARD 35:                   21,860                         3,603                      18,257

          THE QUESTION we have to ask ourselves [Mexican and Latino leaders in Chicago] why aren’t
voters, in our respective Wards, voting? Are voters indifferent? Is it apathy, uninformed, lack of interest in politics, or merely a matter of not caring? For those of us who are involved in politics we must encourage our Mexican/Latino communities to VOTE. Para el futuro de nuestros hijos! For the future of our children!
           THE NEXT Primary Election is Tuesday, March 18, 2014.  Early voting BEGINS March 3-15 at 51 Chicago sites. All sites are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information call the Chicago Board of Elections at 312/269-7900.

Wednesday, February 12, 2014

Little Village Community Meeting, Ulysses Hernandez, Election Time, Early Voting, "Meet the Candidates" Hispanic Labor, Langdon D. Neal, Xavier Nogueras, Puerto Rican Parade Committee of Chicago, USHLI Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr., Happy Valentine's Day

____________________________________________
LITTLE VILLAGE COMMUNITY MEETING
THURSDAY, FEB. 27, 2014
EPIPHANY CHURCH HALL
2524 S. Keeler Ave.
6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.
Agenda: Housing Project
26th St. & Kostner Ave.
Invited Guest: Ald. Ricardo Munoz
“Be involved, be informed”
_______________________________________________

          COMMUNITY MEETINGS: The Little Village Community Council has announced that Ulysses
Ulysses Hernandez
Hernandez
will be the Little Village Coordinator for the [LVCC & HOPE] community meetings. “I’ve accepted this responsibility because I believe in the importance of being involved in the community you live in,” said Hernandez.
          ULYSSES HERNANDEZ is a proud, life-long, resident of Little Village and a graduate of Cristo Rey Jesuit High School. Presently, Hernandez is at Loyola University. His parents are Maria & Jose Hernandez.
           ELECTION TIME: I strongly encourage every voter to vote in next month’s Primary Election! Election day is Tuesday, March 18, 2014. There are three ways to cast your vote:
          [1] Early voting: March 3-15 at 51 Chicago sites. All sites are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
          [2] Mail Ballot: Must apply online or download a Mail Ballot Application. Last day to request a mail ballot, including military and overseas voters, is March 13th
Ballots must be mailed on or before March 17.
         [3] In person, on Primary Election Day Tuesday, March 18, 2014. Vote only at your precinct.VOTERS will nominate Democratic and Republican candidates for U.S. Senator, Governor, the Judiciary and other statewide legislative and local offices. In a Primary Election you must declare your political party affiliation: Democrat or Republican.
          EARLY VOTING: The following eight Latino Ward polling places for early voting, (Monday, March 3, 2014 through Saturday, March 15, 2014) are:
           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 Road
          REGISTERED voters in the City of Chicago may use any Early Voting site, in the city, regardless of where the voter lives. You do not need a reason or excuse to use Early Voting, but you need to present a government issued photo identification card. It is a felony to vote more than once, or to attempt to vote more than once –in the same election. For more information call the Chicago Board of Elections at 312/269-7900.
          HISPANIC LABOR: “Meet the Candidates” dinner meeting sponsored by the Hispanic American Labor Council will be Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mi Tierra Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave. Democratic candidates in the Tuesday, March 18, 2014 Primary Election are invited to attend the dinner meeting hosted by Hispanic labor leaders. Ticket donation: $40. For tickets or more information call 312/286-3405.
           
Langdon D. Neal
          VOTE 2014:
Tune-in to the VOTE 2014 live Hot Line TV Cable Channel 21 show at 6:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2014. Langdon D. Neal, Chairman & Commissioner of the Chicago Board of Election Commissioner is the guest on the show. This is a live call-in show. You can talk to Chairman Neal on the air about anything relative to elections. Mark your calendar now.
Xavier Nogueras
          A VICTORY:  Under the leadership of Xavier Nogueras, President of Accion Rescate [Rescue Action], a group of Puerto Rican organizations including past presidents of the Puerto Rican Parade Committee of Chicago [PRPCC], won a Cook County court ruling. The decision, by Justice Sophia Hall, on Friday, January 10, 2014, forces PRPCC to hold elections in order to elect a president as soon as possible. This ruling ends a historic court case that was filed in October 2012.
          THE PUERTO RICANS of Chicago challenged the abrupt decision of the PRPC President, Angel Medina, who cancelled the traditional election and disrupted the 45th annual Puerto Rican Parade which had always been held in downtown Chicago. The community was outraged by Medina’s actions.
          NOW, the community will discuss a plan of action to hold elections and to move the Puerto Rican parade back to downtown Chicago. “Accion Rescate and the stakeholders fought for the dignity of the Puerto Rican community of Chicago,” said Nogueras.
          FOR MORE information contact Xaxier Nogueras: 773/593-1345, Dr. Julio Cruz: 773/369-4810 or Leoncio Vazquez: 773/683-9039.
Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr.
         USHLI CONFAB: The 32nd United States Hispanic Leadership Institute National Conference will be held February 13-16, 2014, at the Sheraton Chicago Hotel and Towers in Chicago, IL. USHLI is expecting a full house again this year of 6,000-7,000 present and future leaders, representing 40 states.
          USHLI is led by Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr., one of only two Latinos in history to receive a Presidential Medal “for the performance of exemplary deeds of service for the nation” and “promoting leadership and civic participation”. He is only the 11th Latino, in history, to be decorated by a U.S. President [Bill Clinton].
           AS IN years past, USHLI Confab expects over 70% of attendees will be 18-34 years of age, over 60% will be women, and over 80% will be college students or recent graduates. It’s going to be a great celebration featuring nationally prominent speakers, expert presenters, exhibits and graduate school expo, and great entertainment. For more information call USHLI at 312/427-8683.


HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY!


Tuesday, February 4, 2014

President Obama "State of the Union", Immigration Reform, "Meet The Candidates" Hispanic Labor Dinner, Utility Fair, St. Anthony Hospital "American Heart Month", Movie Review, Abraham Lincoln's Birthday


          HERE’S WHAT PRESIDENT Obama said about immigrant reform in his “State of the Union” address Tuesday, January 28, 2014:
President Obama
           OBAMA SAID:Finally, if we are serious about economic growth, it is time to heed the call of business leaders, labor leaders, faith leaders, and law enforcement – and fix our broken immigration system.  Republicans and Democrats in the Senate have acted.  I know that members of both parties in the House want to do the same.  Independent economists say immigration reform will grow our economy and shrink our deficits by almost $1 trillion in the next two decades.  And for good reason: when people come here to fulfill their dreams – to study, invent, and contribute to our culture – they make our country a more attractive place for businesses to locate and create jobs for everyone.  So let’s get immigration reform done this year.
           ONE COULDN’T help but notice the frown on the face of House Speaker John Boehner [R-Ohio] sitting behind President Obama, when he [Obama] spoke about immigration.  It is Speaker Boehner and members of the Republican Party who are blocking immigration reform. Without the Republicans in Congress supporting comprehensive immigration reform, President Obama will never be able to keep his promise or “fix” the immigration problem in America. Criticizing and blaming Obama is unfair because he wants immigration reform now.
          REPUBLICANS want the borders to be secured 100% before they will agree to do anything to help undocumented immigrants; securing the borders is impossible. There will be a lot of taxpayer’s money and government [political] time wasted in attempting to solve the immigration problem piecemeal. We, Mexican-Americans and Latinos must work politically and vote for candidates of the Democratic Party to fix our immigration policy. It is the Democrats who support immigration reform.
           HISPANIC LABOR: “Meet the Candidates” dinner meeting sponsored by the Hispanic American Labor Council will be Wednesday, Feb. 19, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mi Tierra Restaurant, 2528 S. Kedzie Ave. Democratic candidates in the Tuesday, March 18, 2014 are invited to attend the dinner meeting by Hispanic labor leaders. Ticket donation: $40. For tickets or more information call 312/286-3405.
       UTILITY FAIR: Peoples Gas is hosting a “Utility Assistance & Resource Fair” at Rauner Family YMCA, 2700 S. Western Ave., from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2014. At the fair, representatives from Peoples Gas, CEDA [Community Economic Development Association] and ComEd, with city, state and human services agencies, will be on site to provide residents with information on energy assistance programs and resources that are available to assist residents.
           CEDA will be accepting applicants from customers who are eligible to apply for LIHEAP and the People Gas Share the Warmth matching grant. Customers may be eligible for LIHEAP if their income is 150% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.
          FOR MORE information, contact Community and Economic Development Association [CEDA] at 800-571-2332.
St. Anthony
           SAINT ANTHONY Hospital is celebrating American Heart Month. February is American Heart Month and Valentine’s Day is a great time to start taking steps to be heart-healthy. With the slogan “Show Your Heart A Little Love” the hospital is encouraging everyone to:

  • Halt the salt and eat a healthy diet
  • Maintain a healthy weight
  •  Get moving and excise more
  •  Quit Smoking
  • Take your medicine
  •  Know your numbers—have your blood pressure and cholesterol checked
           STAY HEALTHY. Every Wednesday and Saturday from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. during the month of February, St. Anthony Hospital is offering a cardiac screening for $25. The offer includes an EKG, blood pressure check, glucose and cholesterol screening.
            YOU WILL be required to fast, consuming no food or liquids other than water, for a minimum of 10 hours before the test. Limited spots are available.  Help can be given if you qualify for financial assistance or charity care.  Coupon expires: 2/28/14. Call today at 773/484-4777 for a screening.
             MOVIE REVIEW: The “Wolf of Wall Street” is a raunchy movie. Sex, drugs and expletives flow throughout the entire movie, mostly the “F” word. Nothing is left for the imagination.  Rookie stock broker Jordan Belfort [Leonardo DiCaprio] organizes a bunch of money hungry salesmen and women to sell penny stocks to become millionaires, at the same time doing drugs and having wild sex parties. This three [3] hour black comedy was directed by Martin Scorsese and is rated “R”.  The movie was too long and definitely not a family movie.  I give it 1 star. 
             
President Lincoln
          IN MEMORY: Abraham Lincoln’s
birthday is Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2014. He was the 16th President of the United States.  Historians consider Lincoln one of our greatest U.S. Presidents. Lincoln was self-educated, a lawyer in Illinois, politician, elected President in 1860, led the U.S. in its Civil War, opposed the war with Mexico in 1846, outlawed slavery and gave his Gettysburg address in 1863. Lincoln was assassinated in April of 1865 at the age of 56. Lincoln and Mexico’s President Benito Juarez were good friends, but never met. Lincoln is my favorite president.