LOOK INSIDE
Look Inside
Spotlight BORHOOD TIMES
AN OUR NEIGH
PUBLICATION
March 14, 2013 /
ISSUE 1
Jus’ J IntervIew PAGe 6 GoInG BAld for A CAuse PAGe 7
Jus’ J
free AJents ProfIle PAGe 8
“I make music because I really want [it] to be my livelihood. I came to realize n’t have 2013 Issue 4 / Vol.6 March 26th, you do to be famous to have a career in music.”
Promoting the voice of our Community
For Alderm an John A. Po pe’s Column De but
www.facebook.com/ontnews
Steering Committee assigned to Millennium Alderman Pope...
By Christa Torres Ctorres@ontnews.com On the morning of Friday, March 1, Illinois Governor, Pat Quinn, signed an executive order establishing the steering committee of the Millennium Reserve at the new and under construction, William Powers Visitor Center. Members of the committee including; Arnold
Randell, 10th Ward Alderman, John A. Pope, Marc Miller, John Rogner and numerous others were present to speak about the impact the reserve will make to the area. The Millennium Reserve Initiative is Illinois’ contribution to President Obama’s America’s Great Outdoors Initiative. Reconnecting Americans, and especially
children, to the great outdoors. The Calumet Core Project Zone will have over 15,000 acres of open space and 53 miles of trails that will be connecting to Millennium Park in downtown Chicago. “I think there’s a spiritual quality that we all get from being out in nature and this is one of the best nature areas in all of America,” said
Governor Quinn. “[There’s] so much diversity located in this region and we want to make sure people have the opportunity to enjoy that.” The Millennium Steering Committee is composed of individual regional leaders who understand and know the calumet region.
Continued page 4
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ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
March 26, 2013
2
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To schedule an appointment with an Advocate physician, visit advocatehealth.com/trin/womenshealth or call 1.800.3.ADVOCATE (1.800.323.8622).
Dear Neighbors
3 March 26, 2013
(IB), beautiful campus and outstanding staff all serve the neighborhood well in preparing our youth for high school and beyond.
John A. Pope 10th Ward Alderman
Everyone talks about “good communication” as being the cornerstone of any successful relationship. My office strives to effectively communicate with all residents and businesses of our 10th Ward. Attendance and hosting countless community meetings, mailings, flyers and faxes are commonplace in the daily life of the aldermanic office. Additionally, I am constantly on the streets driving, walking and speaking with individuals to ensure that I, and my office, am aware of what is happening in the neighborhood. Social media has grown rapidly in recent years and the 10th Ward Office has evolved with our website and re-launch of our Facebook page. All these mediums are to ensure there is a constant and easy means of communication among all of us. The value of a traditional neighborhood newspaper is another way of keeping up with current events. Our Neighborhood Times (ONT) has been a leading and growing force in this regard. As such, I am pleased to announce that my office will be writing a column in ONT to expand our communication efforts in the 10th Ward. I hope you enjoy this and share this and other information with family and friends. Marsh School in the Vets Park community is one of the best schools on the southeast side. It provides a challenging academic program for its more than 800 students. The International Baccalaureate
I am so pleased that the 10th Ward, Marsh School under the leadership of Principal Joe Torres and the Chicago Police District, hosted 2 meetings to help improve the Vets Park community. Several dozen parents attended a Parent Patrol meeting in the hopes of forming a group to improve upon the already outstanding achievements being realized at Marsh. I am pleased to announce that the Marsh School Parent Patrol has been successfully operating since midFebruary. When neighbors wanted to address issues on their block they asked me for assistance. Again, my office, Marsh School and the 4th Police District hosted a Block Club training session. Local residents including parents and their children joined me for a very productive Saturday morning meeting. The block clubs are in their infancy stages with growing interest. Our ability to work together is critical to improving the quality of life for all. There are many resources available to aid us in this effort. While we all lead very busy lives I encourage all to take a little time to get involved. This may be as simple as introducing yourself to a neighbor, attending a school or other community meeting, or contacting my office. As spring approaches I look forward to a renewed sense of optimism and cooperation from the entire 10th Ward. John A. Pope 10th Ward Alderman
Please visit our website www.johnapope.org for current news and events.
ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
While the school does exceptionally well, like all schools and communities, it has its challenges. A troubled student, neighborhood crime and the need for greater involvement should encourage us to cooperatively work to identify solutions to address those issues and improve our quality of life.
Mrs. Babrbara Drosos Will Celebrate her 90th birthday on March 25th, 2013. A party is planned by her five sons and their families: Michael (Doris), Charles (Barb), Jerome (Judy), Bernie (MaryAnn), and John. She has ten grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, Nick and Nate. Mrs. Drosos is a memeber of the St. Columbia Parish, CAPS and Golden Agers. In good weather, You can often see Mrs. Drosos riding her hot pink Schwinn around Hegewisch and East Side.
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ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
March 26, 2013
4
Steering Committee assigned to Millennium
Continued FROM FRONT PAGE
John Rogner, chairman of the committee and of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, said it best, “the goal is to create a region that’s in transition and turn [it] into a vibrant urban space; one that equally values and promotes healthy nature, industry and community.” A great deal of state investment money has been put into the Millennium Reserve project thus far. Nearly $700,000 in grant money from Federal Great Lakes Restoration Initiative has been awarded for Greencorps Chicago and ‘Green Infrastructure’ projects. Monies will be allotted in assisting with job training, classroom and field experience for Greencorps Chicago trainees and will help with projects in seven south suburban communities. Some of the investment money can already be seen with the near complete construction of the William Powers Visitor Center. The facility will give visitors to the area the opportunity to explore exhibits on the natural
features and human history of Wolf Lake. An exciting investment from the Federal Costal Program for schools within the Millennium Reserve, will be offering programs in which nearly 5,000 youth a year can learn about fishing, outdoor recreation and potential career paths in related fields. The program will include professional
fishing instruction, fishing equipment and opportunities to fish within the Chicago region. “It really is holistic in the sense that we’re engaging the community, the environment and the industrial users,” said Alderman Pope. “That’s really what’s necessary for a
Aunt Sally’s
Contents Steering Committee P 1 ONT SPOTLIGHT P 7-10 ALD .Pope’s Column DebuT P 3 IN MY OPINION P 13 City Colleges of Chicago P 6 Choose LEARN Charter P 14
successful project here [and the] Millennium Reserve does aim to do that.” For a full list of the established Steering Committee Governor Quinn approved and for more detailed information and/or boundaries of the Millennium Reserve, go to http:// www2.illinois.gov/gov/millennium-reserve/ Pages/default.aspx.
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Staff Dan Lira, Publisher Dlira@ontnews.com Sam Gomez, General Manager Sgomez@ontnews.com Brian Grabinski, Art Director Bgrabinski@ontnews.com Christa Torres, Editor Ctorres@ontnews.com Marisa Munoz, Entertainment Manager (ONT Spotlight) Mmunoz@ontnews.com
Lydia Gomez, Office Manager Anthony Vasquez, Features Avasquez@ontnews.com Matthew Bright, Social Mbright@ontnews.com Vanessa Villarreal, News Vvillarreal@ontnews.com Tammie Reynolds, Business Treynolds@ontnews.com
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ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
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March 26, 2013
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ONT / SPOTLIGHT - ISSUE 1
March 26, 2013
6
City Colleges of Chicago opens up 24 new adult education off-site locations, 3 in Calumet Area By Vanessa Villarreal Vvillarreal@ontnews.com Hector Ochoa, a 19-year-old Slag Valley resident, started GED® classes at Olive-Harvey College’s South Chicago Learning Center, 3055 E. 92nd St., in October. He said he understands how important it is to get his GED and likes the fact that his classes are close to home – and free. He also said there’s no set date for him to finish his classes—another plus. “You can take as long as you need and when you feel you’re ready, you take the GED test and you’re finished,” Ochoa said. “When I’m done, I’m going to look into other programs with the City Colleges.” According to the 2010 U.S. Census, almost 330,000 Chicagoans – or about 1 in 6 city residents over 18 years of age – never graduated from high school. The mayor’s office recently reported that only about 45,000 people are enrolled in a GED® or English-as-a-second-language program (ESL) in the city. So the City Colleges of Chicago (CCC) worked with community groups to identify areas in need and came up with a plan to open 24 new adult education off-site locations—three in the Calumet Area alone (see off-site locations list below). And if you’re at least 18 years old, as usual, the classes are free. “By reorganizing its adult education system and increasing the number of instruction sites around Chicago, City Colleges is addressing the high need for GED® test preparation and ESL classes in neighborhoods that have been until now underserved,” Jeremy Gantz, Media Relations officer, City Colleges of Chicago Communications Department, said. “Because of this initiative, more free classes are being offered in areas that most need them, giving hundreds of thousands of Chicagoans more convenient opportunities to pursue a path to
college and a career. Areas with new sites include far-South Side neighborhoods Hegewisch, East Side and Roseland.” The mission of the Adult Education Division of the CCC is to provide adults with preparatory and developmental instruction in adult basic education, citizenship, ESL, and/or GED® to meet students’ individual goals such as post-secondary education, employment skills training, and/or personal and career enhancement. “Learning is a life-long pursuit and it is incumbent upon us to ensure Chicagoans have access to quality education programs that supports their success, from pre-k to college and beyond,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel. “From day one we have been working to make the kinds of strategic and effective investments that promote a strong and vibrant workforce and support the success of our residents, from early education to continuing adult learning.” In addition to increasing the number of adult education off-sites, CCC is also making sure that every site is directly affiliated with a nearby City College. With this change, the adult education classes remain current and if students are interested in continuing their education further, there is an easy pathway to other CCC programs. “By expanding our adult education offerings in previously underserved neighborhoods, from Woodlawn to Roseland to Avondale, City Colleges is addressing a profound need and is expanding opportunities for countless more Chicagoans to pursue a path to college and career,” said City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Cheryl Hyman. To enroll in adult education classes, students must be at least 18 years old. However, 16 and 17 year-olds may register with an official release letter certifying that they are no longer attending high
school. For more information about CCC’s adult education programs, go to http://www.ccc.edu/ departments/Pages/Adult-Education.aspx. Twenty-five new adult education off-site locations: • Burroughs Elementary School/Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, 3542 S. Washtenaw - Brighton Park • Kelly High School/Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, 4136 S. California Ave. - Brighton Park • Davis Elementary School/Brighton Park Neighborhood Council, 3014 W. 39th Place – Brighton Park • Center of Higher Development, 3515 S. Cottage Grove – Oakland/Douglas • Woodlawn Community School, 6657 S. Kimbark Ave. – Woodlawn • Woodlawn Resource Center-Metropolitan Family Service, 830 E. 63rd St. – Woodlawn • Liberation Inc., 6810 S. Ashland Ave. – West Englewood/Ashburn • George Washington Elementary School, 3611 E. 114th St. – East Side • Metropolitan - Marsh Elementary School, 9822 S. Exchange – South Chicago • Langston Hughes Elementary School, 240 W. 104th St. – Roseland • Metropolitan Family Services, 235 E. 103rd St. – Roseland • Ismaili Community Center, 1124-30 W. Rosemont Ave.—Edgewater • Onward Neighborhood House, 5423 W. Diversey Ave. – Belmont-Cragin • Darwin School, 3116 W. Belden Ave.—Palmer Square/Logan Square • Avondale-Logandale School: 2945 North Sawyer Ave. – Logan Square • Lorca Elementary School: 3231 North Springfield
Ave. - Avondale • SEIU: 300 North Ashland Ave. – Near West • Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church: 4543 S Princeton Ave. – Fuller Park • Black United Fund of Illinois: 1750 East 71st St. – South Shore • Coppin Community Center: 5627 S. Michigan Ave. – Washington Park • Henry Clay Elementary School: 13231 S. Burley Ave. - Hegewisch • Southwest Organizing Project (at Talman Elementary School): 5450 South Talman Ave. – Gage Park • Spencer Parent Academy: 214 N Lavergne Ave. Austin • Lloyd Elementary School: 2103 North Lamon Ave. – Logan Square • Center on Halsted: 3656 N. Halsted St. - Lakeview Nine new off-sites with anticipated openings in March: • Family Focus (at Volta Elementary School): 4950 N. Avers Ave. – Albany Park • Lavizzo School: 138 W. 109th St. – Roseland • Central State SER: 3948 W. 26th Street – Little Village • JLM Center: 2622 W. Jackson – East Garfield Park • Garfield Park Community Worship Center: 4100 W. Jackson – West Garfield Park • Phalanx Family Services: 1201 W. 115th Street – West Pullman • Family Focus at Volta Elementary School: 4950 N. Avers – Albany Park • Dewey Elementary School (Child Parent Center): 638 W. 54th Place – Englewood • Parker Elementary School (Child Parent Center): 328 W. 69th – Englewood
Fresh Moves
Means fresh fruit and vegetables at a reasonable cost.
FREE JOB READINESS WORKSHOP!!
Saturday, March 30, 2013 12:00pm to 3:00pm Careers & Training Job Opportunities Resume Writing Interview
Tips Community Christian Church, South Chicago 10323 South Ewing Ave, Chicago, IL 60617
the Fresh Moves bus will be in front of Metropolitan Family services 3062 e 91st street From 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. (Across the street from the YMCA) the bus will be here every Friday until the end of June. Fresh Moves accepts cash, credit card and Link card. PLeAse note: Fresh Moves is an organization in the city of Chicago that aims to end food deserts through a mobile produce market. The organization took an old CTA bus and revamped into a mobile produce market that travels to different neighborhoods delivering fresh fruits and vegetables.
Spotlight AN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD TIMES PUBLICATION
Jus’ J
“I make music because I really want [it] to be my livelihood. I came to realize you don’t have to be famous to have a career in music.”
March 26, 2013 / ISSUE 1
Jus’ J Interview PAGE 6
Going Bald for a Cause PAGE 7 FREE AJENTS NEW SINGLE “FALLOUT” REVIEW Page 8
ONT / SPOTLIGHT - ISSUE 1
March 26, 2013
8
Spotlight
Matthew Jus’ J Bright
By Anthony Vasquez Avasquez@ontnews.com
Jus’ J. Matthew Bright developed a talent and love for music while in his high school choir. Bright enjoyed it so much that he decided to pursue a career making music, “I make music because I really want [it] to be my livelihood. I came to realize you don’t have to be famous to have a career in music. It's definitely an aggressive business but I love challenge.” Bright had been recording hip-hop demo tracks with a friend, when the two decided to bring in rock instrumentation in the form of guitars and bass. The results did not sound right to Bright. To rectify this, they decided to incorporate a heavier influence from rock, utilizing drum fills and guitar solos on the tracks. What really helped define his sound, according to Bright, was Scream-o, which Bright describes as "a death metal growl or power punk scream." Bright says of his mash up style “with just the right amount of balance it works out." From that perfect genre bending balance, Jus’ J was born. Bright, now known as Jus’ J, recorded and submitted the song “Fade Out” to publishers in the Los Angeles industry.
Jus’ J received word back from them only two days later. The song was among 20 selected to be considered by producers to be featured in a film Lionsgate was releasing, “Setup.” A month would pass as the selections were narrowed down to a final three songs. In the end, producers chose “Fade Out” to appear in the film, starring actor Bruce Willis and rapper 50 Cent. Jus’ J says he was ecstatic and explained the experience of hearing his song in a movie was surreal. The song is played during the film and can also be heard at the menu selection screen of the blu-ray. The experience is one Jus’ J hopes to recreate with future songs. Jus’ J described the music industry as aggressive, but he certainly seems to be rising to the challenge. J’s real-life persona is also capitalizing on his love for music by contributing to ONT’s music reviews. It doesn’t look like this artist is going to fade out anytime soon. You can find Jus’ J’s album “Audiohead on….” And look for his reviews in upcoming issues of ONT.
Get to Know Jus’ J Biggest musical influences: John Mayer, Common, Linkin Park, Jay-Z and The Foo Fighters Who headlined the first concert you attended: John Mayer Name two things you love about the city of Chicago: The skyline at night and the Chicago Bears If you could be any other musician in any genre, past or present, who would you be: I would want to be John Lennon. He wrote a lot of songs and lyrically one of my favorite writers. If your life was a song, what would the title be: Free Spirit Ride Name one of your top favorite albums: Abbey Road - The Beatles
for a Cause
By ONTertainment Staff mmunoz@ontnews.com
In his fifth year of planning, local resident Kevin Peckler, organized a great musical line up for his annual St. Baldrick's Fundraiser event on March 2nd. Held at the Amvets Post 43, in Burnham, the musical lineup included: Mario Zavala, The Brave Day, 89 Minds, Exit 9, Teach the Fire, Age Parker, The Hallow and the 2012 Battle of the Bands winner, CoJack,
IS IT L SMAL FRIDAY
LD WO&R GRILL BAR
accompanied by band. The second part of the fundraiser took place on March 9th at the Crowbar, where registered and walk-in participants showed up to have their heads shaved, which symbolizes their support for the foundation. All funds raised during the fundraiser go directly to the St. Baldrick's Foundation - a childhood cancer charity.
THE BATTLE IS COMING...
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ONT / Spotlight - Issue 1
Going Bald
March 26, 2013
Spotlight
9
Spotlight
FALLOUT! WHAT’S NEXT?
They rock your body and rock your soul. MC’s Nasa773 and Merk One, bassist Ryebread, drummer Mike Lyon and guitarist A.D. 6, are the south side natives collectively known as Free AJents. The band has shared the stage with the likes of RZA, (of the Wu-Tang Clan) at The Double Door in Chicago this past summer, along with Hed PE, a rock band that has national acclaim, reaching the Billboard Charts.
ONT / SPOTLIGHT - ISSUE 1
March 26, 2013
10
By Matthew Bright mbright@ontnewscom
“A review of the new single by Free AJents titled ‘Fallout’ and info on the release of their new album ‘To the Top”
Their new single “Fallout” starts with a PSA sample and then leads into a powerful, raw, dynamic verse delivered by Merk One, reminiscent of Sen Dog from Cypress Hill. The verses lay on top of incredible power chord leads from the electric guitar, high velocity tempo hi-hats and thumping snares, memorable rolling drum fills, and energizing crescendos that lead into an electric musical chorus that excites. Lyrically the chorus when it drops is muddled and hard to make out initially, but rebounds nicely and draws you back
Harry 0’s No.1 Lounge
in after the first line of the chorus. Nasa773 goes on to drop the second verse with a delivery that is comparable to Mike Shinoda of Linkin Park. A clear and clean mix during the verses, Nasa773 and Merk One convey a classic rap style with great believability and zero drop in their energy.
Merk Ones’ “Dead bodies everywhere the end is near, can’t be afraid of death because death is already here” ends a verse that is metaphorical in its interpretation, because the literal sense is too dark and violent which might lead to a lack of appeal. Nasa773 drops his verse and ends with “When the smoke clears it’s just me and my roaches wondering if the universe even noticed” not only fitting the title of the song, “Fallout” but paints a picture only true MC’s can. This verse depicts nuclear fallout “that only roaches will survive” however Nasa773 still remains.
How is this possible? A picture painted with words by another genius writer and MC. The single and along with the band’s overall sound is comparable to the likes of Rage Against the Machine, Cypress Hill, Beastie Boys and Linkin Park, which is all pretty good company. The overall song is a great offering from a promising band and look forward to hearing more. The band’s newest single “Fallout” and other great tracks can be found on freeajents.com or reverbnation.com/ freeajents. Subscribe to their YouTube Channel “ajent36” for videos and updates from Free AJents or you can follow them on twitter @freeajents. Their latest album “To the Top” is set to release on March 16th, 2013 with a release party at Mark O’s 435 Ridge Rd, Munster IN.
DJs Friday and Saturday Nights from 9pm Until Close
Live Entertainment
Banquet facilities available up to 150 people, call for details.
Fri 4/5 - Acoustic set with Louie M. from "KarmaTrain" & Featuring STEEL
FISH FRY FRIDAYS
Fri 4/12 - Acoustic set w/ Mario Zavala from "Bed Bugs" & Featuring Skyway Stereo
Stop in for Carolyn’s homemade bread! Closed Monday and Tuesday
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9615 S. Commercial Ave. 773-375-1203
Sgomez@ontnews.com
Not too long ago, I read a Facebook post that was a picture of a guy holding a sign that said, “gun control is like trying to reduce Sam Gomez drunk driving by making it tougher for sober people to own cars.” It made me chuckle because it is obviously a silly comparison, do you realize how difficult it is to get a driver’s license?! Actually, comparing guns to cars might help some people, including myself; understand why we have so many problems with regard to gun violence in this country. Before I go any further, I want to make something clear; I am not an outright anti-gun person. These days it seems taboo for politicians to even bring up the subject of gun laws regardless of how much it might make sense and despite the amount of obvious violence we are all dealing with as Americans. Not many seem to want to budge on the subject. Some even say any conversation about gun laws means you are trying to take away the constitutional right to bear arms and you are anti-American, which I find absurd. This leads me back to the Facebook post. When was the last time you actually thought about what it takes to obtain a driver’s license in most states? In order to lawfully drive a car you must go through hours of classroom time, pass a written exam and a practical driving test. You even have to pass a vision test! I think we all know why all of these steps are required, and that is because a vehicle can be a very lethal weapon in some cases. However, there are still places and situations where you can simply walk up to a table, into a booth at a trade show or up to a counter and walk away with a gun! And not just pistols or hunting rifles, but in some places, real military type weapons, would you like paper or plastic? How can it be so much easier to obtain a license for a gun, whose sole purpose of creation was to be lethal, than it is to obtain a driver’s license, ever?! I know what I just said made some of you cringe but before you start yelling at me, I will concede that I am actually in agreement with the notion that pistols can be classified as weapons for protection and smaller caliber rifles and shotguns were created for hunting. That being said, what about semi-automatic machine guns and assault type weapons of military classification? In my humble opinion, these weapons, without question, were made to kill people and nothing more. These are weapons of war and the purpose of war is to kill the enemy. I will also admit that I actually agree with the saying, “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” However, people with semi-automatic military grade weapons? Well…people with those types of guns kill
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ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
Gun Control? In Chicago? I don’t think so.
people a lot faster. Is it such a crazy notion to suggest, in order to purchase a gun, a person should be required to obtain an “operators” license, as opposed to simply an owner’s license? How about requiring a minimum of a two week course in order to learn how to “operate” your weapon? This ultimately could be a nice revenue stream for the city and the additional expense might actually prohibit some people who weren’t serious about owning a weapon to begin with don’t you think? Does requiring gun owners to learn how to use their weapon safely and responsibly somehow equate to attempting to take guns away from the populous? Again, I think that is absurd. Speaking of being responsible, have you ever heard the term “Straw Purchasing”? Straw purchasing is when a person legally buys a gun or guns with the intent to sell them to others who can’t legally purchase or own weapons. Did you know that current federal law does not explicitly ban straw purchasing? Let me give you an example of a scenario that I am sure plays out more times than anyone would like to admit. Say a person went to buy a few guns legally, outside of city boundaries of course, because gun sales are explicitly prohibited in Chicago. What do you think happens if one of these weapons ends up being used in a crime? Under current law, pretty much all the original purchaser has to do is say is that the guns were lost or stolen and, “Sorry for not letting you know.” Unless there was a blatant transfer of the weapon, all the original purchaser will receive is a proverbial slap on the wrist. How could there NOT already be laws requiring a person to notify the authorities when a gun goes missing or gets stolen? Furthermore, how in the world could anyone think that wanting to pass a law requiring gun owners to be more responsible for their property is equivalent to an attempt to take anyone’s right to bear arms from them? Even common sense suggestions such as these are being challenged as unconstitutional by some. I would think any rational person, gun owner or not, American or otherwise could see that we need to, at the very least, make current, legal gun owners a little more responsible for their property. Any rational person should agree that we need more regulation when it comes to purchasing guns and weapons of war have no business in the hands of anyone other than highly trained military and municipal personnel. I would also hope that a rational, thinking person should be able to realize that my making such suggestions does not mean I am anti-American. Most of us down here at ground level already know something more has to be done. Perhaps starting with small legislation like a strict ban on straw purchasing is a good start. But what does any of it really matter when here, in Chicago, despite some of the strictest gun laws in the nation, we still had over 500 murders due to gun violence in 2012? I don’t know what happened to everyone these days but it seems no one can think about much of anything rationally anymore. Please send all comments and feedback to sgomez@ontnews.com
March 26, 2013
In My Humble Opinion
By Sam Gomez
11
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March 26, 2013 ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
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10612 S Ewing Chicago, IL 773-374-1418 -----------------------------1733 E 95th Street Chicago, IL 773-978-2884 -----------------------------3016 E 92nd Chicago, IL 773-978-3952
RECEIVE A 50% DISCOUNT ON ALL TAX REFUND CHECKS UNLOAD YOUR DEBIT CARD TAX REFUND FOR CASH HERE NEW-LIBERTY CURRENCY EXCHANGE facebook.com/citizensfinancialbank
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*All applications are subject to credit, income, and property approval. Hazard insurance is required. Flood and other insurance may be required. Prepayment penalty of $400 may be assessed if the home equity line of credit or loan is cancelled within the first 3 years. Rates and offer subject to modification or withdrawal at any time. Consult a tax adviser regarding the deductibility of interest. Offer applies only to applications received during the promotion offer. Not valid with any other offer. Home Equity Loan: Annual Percentage Rate (APR) loan. Qualified properties include owner-occupied single-family homes, condominiums, town homes, and one to four unit multiple owner-occupied dwellings. Maximum loan to value is 80%. You may borrow up to 80% of your home’s property value, including outstanding mortgages. Loans are 120 month closed end loans. APRs range from 3.99% to 5.99% depending on underwriting criteria. The interest rate on your loan will remain fixed throughout the term of your loan. Our home equity loans have a term of 10 years. The maximum home equity loan amount is $250,000 for the 3.99 rate. Payment example: A $20,000 loan at 3.99 would be 120 payments of $202.40. Collateral must be owner-occupied principal residence of the client. Home Equity Line of Credit: Annual Percentage Rate (APR). The rate is variable and indexed to the Prime Rate as stated in the client’s loan documents, but no lower than 3.99% APR. Variable APRs range from Prime (current minimum of 3.99% APR) to Prime plus 1% (current minimum of 3.99% APR) depending on underwriting criteria and will change with changes in the Prime Rate. Prime Rate is the Prime Rate as published daily in the Wall Street Journal (Prime Rate as of August 1, 2012 is 3.25%). Maximum APR is 21%. Maximum loan-to-value up to 80%, including all outstanding mortgages. Minimum home equity line of credit amount is $10,000; maximum home equity line of credit amount is $250,000. Collateral must be 1-4 family, owner-occupied principal residence of the client. Annual fee of $50 is waived the 1st year and in each subsequent year in which the average annual outstandings exceed 65% of the closed home equity line of credit amount.
Member FDIC
(OPEN 7 DAYS - LATE HRS) 10600 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago IL 60617 (773) 768-7145
EAST SIDE CURRENCY EXCHANGE (CLOSED SUNDAYS) 10108 S. Ewing Ave., Chicago,IL 60617 (773) 375-2398
• SE HABLA ESPAÑOL • CHECKS CASHED • FAST TITLE SERVICE • INSTANT PLATE RENEWALS
13 March 26, 2013
Guaranteed Highest Prices Paid in CA$H! Bring in this ad and receive 20% more! Refer a friend and receive $20 CASH! Two Great Locations - Now Open 6 Days a Week!
10554 S. Ewing Ave. • Chicago, IL
1548 Indianapolis Blvd. • Hammond, IN
(4 blocks west of the Chicago Skyway near 106th St.)
(5 blocks south of Horseshoe Casino)
708-655-0618
708-655-0618
Open Mon-Sat 10am-6pm
Open Mon-Sat 10am-5pm
Business Directory
OFFICE (773) 221-2441 • CELL:(773) 704-2441 RON’S CARPET & UPHOLSTERY CLEANING CUSTOM CLEANING SERVICES RON RURIK • 11055 AVE. D • CHICAGO, IL 60617
Sunsational Tan & Spa • (773) 646-3999 13257 S Baltimore Ave, Chicago, IL 60633 Hours: Monday - Friday 10:00 am – 8:00 pm Baltimore & 133rd Street • viewmenu.com
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MAID TO REMEMBER
The Ultimate Hair Salon 10609 Ewing Avenue • Chicago Illinois 60617 773-375-6223 Now opened 7 Days a week
E&J ROOFING COMPANY • 773-230-2075 Gutter repair and cleaning Siding / Tuck pointing
Billy Trinidad RE/MAX REALTY ASSOCIATE Tel: (708) 704-0593 • bill@grinkergarcia.com Licensed in Illinois & Indiana
PHONE: (773) 701-2879 • Ask For Judy Rurik FACEBOOK: MAID TO REMEMBER Servicing Chicago & NW Indiana • Flexible HourS / Affordable Pricing “WE SHINE WHEN YOU HOME SPARKLES”
Complete roofing maintenance • 24 Hr Service • Licensed/Bonded/Insured
FREE ESTIMATES Call Kevin 773-230-2075
ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
Any Condition - Twisted, Bent, Broken - Does Not Matter!
ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
March 26, 2013
14
Choose LEARN Charter School For Your Child!
Jadah Jones arrived at LEARN as a shy and wary 6th grader, unsure of her future. She was struggling academically and, as Jadah describes, “often felt discouraged.” Two years later, Jadah’s family beamed with pride as she marched down the aisle at LEARN’s 8th grade graduation. She earned a place on LEARN’s High Honors list and was recognized as one of the top 10% students in her class. A stack of acceptance letters from Chicago’s most selective college prep high schools kept rolling in. Today, Jadah is a junior at Francis W. Parker School with a $24,000 scholarship. Jadah acknowledges LEARN Charter School for preparing her for high school and instilling in her the ambition to reach her full potential. She is grateful for the support and encouragement that transformed her life in only two years. Stories like this are not uncommon. A parent of a LEARN alumnus emailed a LEARN Principal to acknowledge and thank one of her daughter’s elementary school teachers: “I would like you to know that my child’s teacher was more than an instructor; he is a mentor as well. He took extra time to guide her during her 4th-8th grade years; he took time to confer with [her] if he noticed a drop in her grade or any struggle that prevented her from learning as much as she can; he pushed her to the limit and taught her that with hard work and research, she could stay on top.”
The LEARN scholar graduated from one of the best high schools in Chicago and maintained a GPA of 4.0 from freshman to senior year. She joined the Chicago Scholars Program, got a summer job during high school with the help of her teacher, and was offered several scholarships to universities all over the country. The parent continued, “She makes wise choices because of her teacher. She has used those qualities that he instilled in her and now she applies it to her everyday life, and I can trust her to make good decisions. I consider him a blessing to my daughter and myself.” LEARN operates on an extended calendar, offering a longer school year and a low student-to-teacher ratio. 95% of LEARN alumni graduate from high school, and 93% are accepted to college. LEARN emphasizes high parent and teacher expectations to go hand-in-hand with our accelerated college prep curriculum, and we work hard to ensure that every single one of our scholars is treated as a whole child in a safe and nurturing environment.
This fall, LEARN will open two new state-of-the-art campuses in East Garfield Park, and we are excited for all 8 schools in our network to continue helping over 3,000 students in the Chicagoland area, including the city of North Chicago, reach their full potential. We encourage families to call (773) 733-7320 or visit our website at www.learncharter.org to ENROLL TODAY.
OUR RESULTS: • 100% of our scholars are accepted into college prep high schools • 95% of LEARN scholars graduate from high school • 93% of our alumni are accepted to college • Nationally recognized by Oprah’s Angel Network for “Getting it right”
773.733.7320 | www.learncharter.org
• TUITION-FREE / PUBLIC SCHOOLS • COLLEGE PREP / GRADES PreK – 8th WEST SIDE CAMPUSES LEARN PreK Program 3415 W. Arthington St. | 773.826.9122 LEARN Romano Butler Campus (K–8th) 1132 S. Homan Ave. | 773.722.0200 LEARN Campbell Campus (K–5th) 212 S. Francisco Ave. | 773.826.0370 LEARN Excel Campus (K–5th) – relocated 3021 W. Carroll St. | 312.243.7001 LEARN 7 Campus (K–5th) 3021 W. Carroll St. | 773.733.7320 LEARN 8 Campus (6th–8th) 3021 W. Carroll St. | 773.733.7320
Advisory Committee meets to share local nonprofits’ work with the community contact the Chamber for location ------------------------Tues. April 9, 7 pm: South Chicago Community-Assisted Policing meeting at Our Lady of Guadalupe church, 3200 E. 91st ----------------------Sat., April 13, 10 am - 3 pm: free Housing Fair at Power Circle Center,
9350 S. South Chicago Ave. (details: 773-721-7972) ----------------------Fri Apr. 19 - Sun.
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Apr. 21, 7 am - 5 pm: Free recycling event, Annunciata Church, 11128 S. Avenue G (details: 708-955-5277) ----------------------Sat., April 20: 10th Ward Clean & Green Day to spruce up the neighborhood -----------------------
Alexander Alemis & Associates Serving the Community for Over 30 Years!
Scan this QR code to link to our mobile website.
Specialists on staff Natural-looking Fillings, Bonding, Veneers Finely-crafted Crowns, Bridges, Dentures Extractions & Root canals Implants & Surgery ACCREDITED A+ BUSINESS Rating All types of Gum Treatment ®
$18 Exam & X-Rays
and Treatment Plan of What You Need (if anything) Bring Coupon to Qualify for Offer. New Patients Only. $18 Due at Time of Service.
Expires Expires 04/30/2013 9/15/12
$100 OFF DENTURES Bring Coupon to Qualify. Good for NEW treatment plans only. One coupon per patient. Expires Expires *Offer Not Valid for Medicare, Medicaid or any Other Federally Funded Program. 04/30/2013 9/15/12
773-978-1231 3009 East 92nd St. South Chicago Dr. C. Alemis
773-978-5828 10601 S. Ave E East Side Dr. S. Vallianatos
www.familydentalcare.com Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Sat & Sun 8am-3pm
Open Seven Days A Week
Insurance Accepted • Convenient Payment Plans Hablamos Español
JOIN OUR E-MAIL LIST FOR DENTAL HEALTH TIPS, NEWS AND SPECIAL OFFERS!
Simply text
DENTIST to 42828
Members of: American Dental Association Academy of General Dentistry Illinois State Dental Society
708-862-2328
313 E. River Oaks Dr. Calumet City Dr. N. Lambert
708-425-1134 2803 W. 95th St. Evergreen Park Dr. S. Dubas
ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
----------------------Wed. April 3, 6:30 8:30 pm: SE Environmental Task Force unveiling of environmental justice principles, 11731 S. Avenue O ----------------------Thurs. April 4, 6 pm: art show opening featuring Luz Castillo, Luz Elivier, and others, Chicago State Univ., 9501 S. King Drive ----------------------Tues. April 9, 6 pm: South Chicago
March 26, 2013
Have you missed a previous issue of ONT?
Around Town
15
View Our Entire Inventory Online at www.RidgewayChevy.com
ONT / Issue 4 / Vol.6
WE’VE GOT IT...
Looking For a Great Deal?
March 26, 2013
16
NO GAMES • NO GIMMICKS NO FALSE OR MISLEADING ADVERTISING!
WE FIX
BAD CREDIT!
WE’RE MAKING
ALL DEALS!
a an nd d tth he en n sso om me e!!
Features of the Week...
BRAND NEW 2013 CHEVY
CRUZE
$
DRIVE FOR ONLY...
139 36 MO. LEASE+
#13136
BRAND NEW 2013 CHEVY
/MO.
MALIBU
$
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179 36 MO. LEASE+
#13062
BRAND NEW 2013 CHEVY
/MO.
EQUINOX
$
#13239
DRIVE FOR ONLY...
189 36 MO. LEASE+
/MO.
special notice: CREDIT OPPORTUNITIES FOR EVERY TYPE OF CREDIT BUYER! WE GUARANTEE THE APPROVAL PROCESS *
BRAND NEW 2013 CHEVY
SPARK
#T13030
BUY FOR ONLY...
11,473
$
1998 GMC SAVANA G3500 BOX TRUCK
$
#099-U2173
4,988
2007 PONTIAC GRAND PRIX GT
BRAND NEW 2013 CHEVY
#T13032
SONIC
12,862
BRAND NEW 2013 CHEVY
CRUZE
2011 CHEVROLET HHR CERTIFIED! #036-U2085
$
19
$
• Replace oil filter • Lube as necessary • Replace up to 5 qts oil • Set tire pressure to specs • Inspect vehicle • Fill windshield washer fluid • Visibly check shocks & struts • Hand car wash
27
Excludes full synthetic oil and diesel engines. On most GM vehicles. Some models extra. Balancing tires, tax, and more than 5-quarts of oil extra. Please present coupon at time of write-up. No prior sales. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 3/30/13.
11,249
2010 HYUNDAI SONATA GLS
$
#70-U2266
12,490
2011 DODGE CALIBER HEAT
$
LUBE, OIL, FILTER & HAND CAR WASH
6,999
2005 CHEVROLET COLORADO
$
#51-U2242
10,295
2006 CHEVROLET MALIBU 4DR
$
#16-U2269
8,477
2008 DODGE GRAND CARAVAN SE
$
#83-U2241
10,988
2006 BUICK RAINIER CXL AWD
$
# 38-U2258
11,990
2011 CHEVROLET HHR LT
$
2010 CHRYSLER SEBRING TOURING
$
#034-U2064
12,799
#999R-U2047
12,299
2009 FORD FUSION SEL
$
#081-T12118A
12,799
BUY FOR ONLY...
15,783
$ OIL CHANGE & MORE
10,288
$
#064-U2233
BUY FOR ONLY...
$ #T13039
$
#96-U2259
2007 CHRYSLER PT CRUISER
BRAKE PADS INSTALLED ACDelco Professional DuraStop Brake Pads. INCLUDES ROTOR INSPECTION
7995
$
PER AXLE AFTER $10 MAIL IN REBATE (DEBIT CARD)
Turning or replacing rotors, all other services, and tax extra. Excludes Corvette and other select vehicles. Retail customers only. Please present coupon at time of write-up. No prior sales. Not valid with any other offer. Expires 3/30/13.
#062-U2219
12,877
2010 PONTIAC G6 4DR
$
#097-U2232
13,685
2009 CHEVROLET MALIBU LS
$
#31-U2250
12,998
2007 CHRYSLER 300 TOURING
$
2009 CHEVROLET IMPALA LT
$
#49-U2240
13,780
#72-U2249
13,288
2012 DODGE AVENGER SE
$
#080-U2218
13,785
All factory rebates and incentives applied. Plus tax, title, licence and doc fees. Special financing may be in lieu of factory rebates on select models. See dealer for details. Pictures are for illustration purposes only. Dealer will not honor errors in this advertisement.