Our Neighborhood Times by Our Neighborhood Times

OUR BUSINESS TIMES

MIT 2013 GREEN SUMPAGE 2

LOOK INSIDE ON PAGE

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SCHEDULE INSID

S 5-8

Promoting the voice of our Community April 24th, 2013

Issue 6 / Vol.6

Oblivion MOVIE Review - Check Out Page 9

www.facebook.com/ontnews

OPENING DAY IS HERE!

Hegewisch Little Leaguer Benjamin Munoz of the Yankees throws out opening day first pitch!

East Side Little League Rays Coaches Jesse and Chase ready to lead their team on opening day!

BANNER FOOD & LIQUOR Cinco de Mayo Sunday, May 5 2013

106TH & EWING â&#x20AC;˘ 773-721-9393

Domestic & Import Beer Wine & Liquor

OPEN LATE 7 DAYS

Southeast Chicago Goes from Steel to Green, From Pollution to Solution. Join us as we take this journey to discover the green wonders of the 10th Ward and beyond.

ONT / Issue 6 / Vol.6

April 24, 2013

SUNDAY

MONDAY

TUESDAY

MAY 2013

WEDNESDAY 1

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

17th Annual Cinco de Mayo Senior Health & Resource Fair, South Chicago Senior Center, 9233 S. Burley, 10am – 2pm. Contact Kate Graham, 773.734.9181 x21 for more info.

Friday, April 26 – 10th Ward Green Summit Kick Off, 9100 S. Burley, 10am – 11am. For more info, contact Angela Hurlock at 773.734.9181 x27.

SATURDAY Not for Birders Only – Eco Tour, Southeast Environmental Task Force, 13300 S. Baltimore, 8am – 12pm. Contact Peggy Salazar at 773.646.0436 to reserve your spot.

Metropolitan Water Reclamation District Deep Tunnel & Reservoir Tour, Calumet WRP, 400 E. 130th Street, 9:30am – 12:30pm. Contact Peggy Salazar or Tom Shepard at 773.646.0436 to reserve your spot.

Garlic Mustard Mondays, Eggars Grove Forest Preserve, 112th & Avenue E, 6pm – 7pm. Contact John, 773.991.0613 or Judy, 773.646.4773 for more info.

Open Mike-in-the-Dark Talent Contest, 9100 S. Burley, 12pm – 4pm. For more information, contact Gregory Bratton at 312.315.5487

Garlic Mustard Mondays, Eggars Grove Forest Preserve, 112th & Avenue E, 6pm – 7pm. Contact John, 773.991.0613 or Judy, 773.646.4773 for more info.

Play: “Zooman and the Sign, Bowen High School, 2710 E. 89th Street, 5:30pm. Contact Jackie Samuel at 773.734.9181 x13 for more information.

Mireles Academy – Burpee Home Gardens – Grow Anywhere Tour, 8805 S. Exchange 4pm – 6pm. Contact LaJuana Jackson at 773.535.6360 for more info.

Taco & Tour Night at A Metal Scrap, 9301 S. Baltimore, 6pm - 8pm. RSVP to Jessica Estrada with the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce at 773.768.1221.

Friday, May 3 – Under the Bridge Spring Gallery Show, Under the Bridge, 10052 S. Ewing, 4pm – 6pm. Any questions, contact Jackie Samuel at 773.734.9181 x13 Friday, May 17 – Cultural Drum Dance and Art – How we made it Green, Mahalia Jackson Senior Center, 9141 – 77 South Chicago Avenue, 1pm – 3pm, Drums at 2pm. Flo Mills at 773.458.6351 for more info. Friday, May 18 – Dance Parade for Peace & Civility, 91st – 89th Commercial, 12pm. Contact Jackie Samuel at 773.734.9181 x13 for more info.

h Annual 6t

2013

10th Ward

GREEN

Special Thanks to All of the 10th Ward Green Summit Sponsors

10th Ward Alderman John A. Pope Our Neighborhood Times Claretian Associates

MAY 2013 SCHEDULE

Growing Exchange Garden Workday, Growing Exchange Garden, 8805 S. Exchange, 9am – 12pm. Contact LaJuana Jackson at 773.535.6360 for more info.

Bi – State Bike Tour, starts at Shelter 2 in William Powers State Fish & Wildlife Area, 8:30am – 10:30am. For more info on the Bike Tour, contact Michael Boos at 219.933.7149.

Greg’s Spring Gardening Special, 25lbs of Super Green Compost with at least 100 earthworms per bucket. $25 per bucket. Contact Greg Bratton at 312.315.5487 for info.

We would like to welcome you to kick off our annual 10th Ward Green Summit on Friday, April 26, 2013 at 10 a.m. This year, we will also be recognizing new leaders in the South Chicago community and hope you are able to join us in our celebration. This year’s kick-off will take place at our newest affordable apartment development at 9100 South Burley Avenue, Chicago. It is the first Neighborhood Stabilization Program building in South Chicago with many Green features.

The event has grown from a daylong festival to a month-long expo filled with daily events serving 1,500 residents. The goal of the summit is to provide local residents with the opportunity to access green resources and educational opportunities to improve the quality of life for local residents. This year, we are expanding our annual partnership with Our Neighborhood Times (ONT) to provide quality marketing of the Green Summit with farther reach in the Southeast Side of Chicago.

Claretian Associates builds community within the culturally diverse neighborhood of South Chicago by working with community leaders, residents and organizations to provide affordable housing and related services for low-and-moderate income people, build resident-based leadership and serve as a catalyst in creating innovative solutions to improve the quality of life.

The Kick-Off gives you the opportunity to pick-up your free Green Summit calendar of events and meet event promoters for more program details and registration. The Green Summit is free to the public and will offer exhibits on healthy eating, gardening techniques, energy efficiency services, recycle (appliance) drop off, community tours, volunteer opportunities, stewardship days, safety & green events and recycled art activities. All of these family friendly activities will take place from South Chicago to Wolf Lake and Eggers Grove. Congratulations are in order for Arnold Mireles Academy, The

Over the past five years, we founded and now coordinate the Tenth Ward Green Summit as lead agency of LISC/Chicago’s New Communities Program in South Chicago.

Contents OPENING DAY P1 GREEN SUMMIT SCHEDULE P 2 OUR BUSINESS TIMES P5-P8

The Green Summit will highlight future green and eco-friendly community developments, events and activities that will be happening in South Chicago. The Tenth Ward Green Summit occurs during the entire month of May. It is a series of educational events to raise awareness on energy conservation resources to protect and preserve environment and improve the quality of life. The deadline to add your GREEN May event to the calendar for the next issue is May 3. Please email your event details to Dan Lira, ONT Publisher at dlira@ontnews.com. © 2013 Copyright by Claretian Associates. All rights reserved.

MOTHER’S DAY MOVIE REVIEW P9 Business Directory P 10 Are Your Children Safe? P 10

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

Burpee Home Gardens® “Grow Anywhere Tour” is getting ready to share healthy food, plants and easy gardening ideas across the country. The Burpee Truck will be visiting Arnold Mireles to give away 1,300 pounds of fresh vegetables and 450 vegetable plants nationwide to people living in “food deserts,” where fresh food can be hard to find. See the calendar for more details.

Anthony Vasquez, Features Avasquez@ontnews.com Matthew Bright, Social Mbright@ontnews.com Vanessa Villarreal, News Vvillarreal@ontnews.com Tammie Reynolds, Business Treynolds@ontnews.com

Advertising Information Call: 773-616-1334 P.O. Box 170168 Chicago IL. 60617

www.facebook.com/ontnews

“Promoting the Voice of Our Community” Our Neighborhood Times is published every other week.

SPECIAL Sunday, May 12th Begins At 11AM

Order Off Our Extensive Menu

Starting At $12.00 Per Person + Tax All Dinners Include Soup, Salad & Choice of Potato

• Fish Dinners • T-Bone • Porter House • Butt Steak • Chicken Strips • Pork Chops • Rib & Chicken Combo 9615 S. Commercial Ave. 773-375-1203

ONT / Issue 6 / Vol.6

April 26, 2013 at 10:00am at 9100 S. Burley

April 24, 2013

Green Summit Kick-off Friday

ONT / Issue 6 / Vol.6

April 24, 2013

Around Town

Can’t Wait For The

Hegewisch Bulldogs & Cheerleading Registration will take place every Friday, Mar 1 – May 31, from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m., upstairs at Mann Park. Early Bird discounts available. Any questions, please contact Nancy @773.336.4913, Sue @773.612.0088 or Judy @773.646.0690. ----------------------Fri. May 10, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m. St. Augustine College & The Chicago Workforce Center Pilsen Office hosts Job Fair at 1345 W Argyle Chicago, IL Free Admission, Pre-registration required at www.illinoisjoblink. com and at 773.878.3357. For more information, contact Denise Guzman at 773.878.3357. -----------------------

Next Edition Of ONT?

Demolished Home

JOIN US ONLINE HERE: www.facebook.com/ ontnews

10th Ward Alderman John A. Pope is happy to announce that he has been working closely with the City of Chicago Department of Buildings to target vacant and hazardous homes in the 10th Ward. As of April 23, a home located at 13300 S. Buffalo in the Hegewisch area, has been vacant and a problem building and has now been demolished.

¡GRA TIS!

FRE

¡Celebre la buena salud de los mayores!

Celebrate good health for seniors!

17 Feria de la Salud y Recursos Para Persones del Tercer Edad

17th annual Cinco de Mayo Senior Health & Resource Fair

Patrocinado por la Coalición de Servicios para Mayores del Sur de Chicago

Viernes 3 de mayo de 2013 de 10 a.m. a 2 p.m.

Sponsored by the Senior Service Coalition of Southeast Chicago

Friday, May 3, 2013 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Centro para Personas Mayores en Sur Chicago 9233 S. Burley, Chicago, IL 60617 (312) 745-1282

South Chicago Senior Center 9233 S. Burley, Chicago, IL 60617

¡Algo para todos! ¡lluvia o sol!

(312) 745-1282

Exámenes de salud gratis

Something for everyone! Rain or shine!

Free Health Screenings

E FRE o! Bing

Mus

ic!

Lunch

Blood pressure & weight Blood sugar, glucose Bone density & osteoporosis Cholesterol Diabetes & hypertension Memory screenings Podiatry screenings And more!

Free Health Services

Other Free Services City Medical ID’s City services information Senior housing resources Energy programs Weatherization assistance

Live Entertainment D.J. Music Dancing Free Bingo with prizes

Nutrition information Home health resources

For more information, contact Kate Graham, Villa Guadalupe Senior Services at 773-734-9181 x21 or grahamk@vgss.org

The alderman’s office will continue to work with Department of Buildings to target vacant and hazardous properties for demolition to prevent them from serving as areas for gangs and other criminal activity in our neighborhoods.

TIS! A R ¡G Bingo s remio

P Alm

uerz

Presión arterial y peso Niveles de azúcar en sangre Glucemia Densidad ósea y osteoporosis Colesterol Diabetes e hipertensión Pulso y oxígeno Prueba de VIH Prueba de la memoria ¡Y más!

Servicios de Salud Gratis

Otros servicios gratis Información de servicios de cuidad Recursos de vivienda para personas mayores Programas de energía Asistencia con cuentas de utilidades

Presentaciones en vivo Música de DJ Bailar Bingo gratis con premios

Consultas de nutrición Recursos de salud en hogar Muestras de equipo medico

Contacte a Kate Graham para recibir más información, Villa Guadalupe Senior Services en el 773-734-9181 x21 ó grahamk@vgss.org

Our Business Times AN OUR NEIGHBORHOOD TIMES PUBLICATION

April 24, 2013 / ISSUE 1

“Originally founded by Chris Panos in 1982, this small dental office was purchased by Dr. Alexander Alemis in 1986 and has grown into one of the largest dental entities in Chicago.” Family Dental Care Profile PAGE 6

Dr. Alexander Alemis

ONT / Our business Times - Issue 1

April 24, 2013

Our Business Times Family Dental Care Profile By Tammie Reynolds Treynolds@ontnews.com

service does not happen by accident, it’s made. We make sure of it each and every day.” The employees are offered various benefits such as health and dental insurance. Once a year they have an all day meeting to go over future goals and talk about improvements that can be made in the company.

The community of South Chicago has a hidden gem when it comes to dentistry. Family Dental Care is located off the corner of 92nd and Commercial and offers complete and up to date technology when it comes to dentistry and taking care of your family’s oral hygiene.

In terms of technology, Family Dental is constantly upgrading their dental equipment, their offices are now going digital when it comes to x-rays, which uses less radiation and speeds up the x-ray process. This year they will also upgrade to an x-ray system that can x-ray your teeth without opening your mouth, no other office in the area offers that.

Originally founded by Chris Panos in 1982, this small dental office was purchased by Dr. Alexander Alemis in 1986 and has grown into one of the largest dental entities in Chicago. There are four offices which cover the demographic areas from Evergreen Park, Il to Lansing, Il. With office hours which include being open 7 days a week with evening hours available, this is dental facility that offers convenience to its patients.

Dr. Alemis has created 10 manuals in methodological technology in terms of how to run a dental practice. In other words, it is a blueprint to massive expansion. In the manual you will find various forms for patients and doctors to use and the proper ways to maintain customer service via answering the phones to handling an upset patient. This manual is copyrighted and owned by Dr. Alemis.

Dr. Alemis has over 30 years experience in dentistry and has grown his practice into multiple locations. He prides himself in teaching preventive oral maintenance to insure healthy teeth and gums. Dr. Alemis has firsthand knowledge in teaching more dentists than any other in the City of Chicago. Family Dental is a community staple because they offer affordable and convenient dental care for the whole family.

Dr. Alemis offices sponsor three different “good will programs” throughout the community.

The staff is over 80 members strong and growing. Employees at Family Dental come from different levels of educational backgrounds, from high school drop outs to Bachelor and Master Degrees. A majority of the staff is from the local community. Family Dental looks for people that are energetic and ethical, and have a general interest in life and improving that for others in the community. They also have an in house Academy that, besides on the job training, staff is required to train for 2 hours per week. After all they say, “Great

that serves the family as a whole is why Family Dental Care should be on your list for preventative health maintenance. Locations: 3009 East 92nd St. South Chicago Dr. Alemis, 773-978-1231 10601 S. Ave. E (Indianapolis and 106th) Dr. Vallianatos 773-978-5828

The Way to Happiness Campaign- a dvd that is a guide to living successfully and ethically. Anti-Drug Campaign- sponsoring a dvd called “The Truth about Drugs” “Learning How to Learn” Campaignsponsoring courses that teach people how to study and learn better. Dr. Alemis believes that the South Side community has just as much potential as the North Side. Bringing back manufacturing to the South Side is a high priority and blaming cheap labor for the reason manufacturing left isn’t the answer. Dr. Alemis says he like the South Side because people here aren’t phony, they are real. To be able to have a great business

OPEN Sunday, May 12th MOTHER’ DAY

313 E. River Oaks Dr. Calumet City Dr. Lambert 708-862-2328 2803 W. 95th St. Evergreen Park, Dr. Dubas 708-425-1134 Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Sat-Sun 8am-3pm Open seven days a week. Insurance accepted. Convenient payment plans. www. FamilyDentalCare.com

ONT

The Avenue “O” Project Project Description

Our Neighborhood Times

Project: The Department of Water Management’s private contractor will soon be installing 2,762 feet of 8 inch water main in Burley Avenue, from e. 132nd street to e. 136th street. Reason: The old main dates back to 1902 and needs to be replaced. Timing: We will begin installing the new water main shortly, and expect the work to be completed in late May 2013. Restoration will follow in June 2013. Dates may change depending on weather and other factors. If there is any appreciable change, we will notify you.

Do you want your Business featured in OUR BUSINESS TIMES? Or do you want to Advertise with us? Call: 773-616-1334 or Email: ontads@ontnews.com

Traffic: We will allow traffic to flow on Burley outside of our working hours. When we are working on street, we have to close it to traffic for reasons of safety. You will always be able to reach your home or business even if it means putting a metal plate in place. Outside of working hours, a lane will be left open for local traffic only. Parking: We will post our work area for “No Parking” as needed, during work hours. We are agreeable to parking outside of those hours, but will have to insist that cars be moved by the start of the next workday. We will try to preserve as much parking as we can. CONTACT NUMBERS 24-HOUR SERViCE AND iNFORMATiON LiNE 3-1-1 ALDERMAN JOHN POPE 773-721-1999 ASSiSTANT WATER MANAGEMENT COMMiSSiONER TOM LAPORTE 312-742-1021

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 / Our Business Times - Issue 1

NEW JOB LISTING INSIDE SALES ASSISTANT Great communication, computer & Quick Books skills required. Call Donna – Mon.-Fri. 9:00am to 3:00pm @ 773 734-8330

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Our Business Times

ONT / Our business Times - Issue 1

April 24, 2013

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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.

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Office: 708-798-1333 Cell: 708-473-8500 Fax: 708-572-0371

Email: fredsosinski@remax.net Indiana Website: www.gniarmls.com

Bgrabinski@ontnews.com Oblivion (2013) PG-13 - 126 min - Action | Adventure | Mystery - 19 April 2013 (USA) SYNOPSIS: A veteran assigned to extract Earth’s remaining resources begins to question what he knows about his mission and himself. REVIEW: One day, people will look back and remember a time when Tom Cruise was one of the most bankable of stars, a time before Oprah’s couch and a string of so-so flicks diminished his luster. Occasionally we are reminded still of his natural ability to hold the attention of his audience, and so it is with ‘Oblivion’, a science fiction film full of recycled ideas that remains utterly watchable throughout. Cruise is Jack Harper, maintenance man on a destroyed earth, tasked with repairing the security drones that defend the energy mining apparatus of humanity’s last hope. An Invasion and war have left Earth essentially uninhabitable, and the remaining folk need the energy to power the new colony on Titan, the largest of Saturn’s moons. The invading scavengers (‘scavs’) are a constant threat, but Jack will find more than he’d imagined when his curiosity about his mission takes hold. For anyone familiar with science fiction there will be few surprises, although it is clearly intended that the audience uncover each new piece of the puzzle as Jack does. There are ideas here that are explored in many recent and not-so-recent sci-fi films, and in many cases those films do it better. The most obvious is Moon, the remarkable film directed by Duncan Jones in 2009, yet there are innumerable references scattered throughout. The outstanding thing about ‘Oblivion’, however, is that the familiarity of the themes and the lack of surprise at the turns taken by the plot still don’t diminish the enjoyment

of the film. Much of the credit must go to the production design and visual effects, as this is just a beautiful film to look at. Audiences will be thrilled by the depiction of a ruined world, and the action sequences featuring Harper in his flying machine are as exciting as they come. This is truly a film to see on the big screen, and the bigger the better. ‘Oblivion’ sees Cruise at the top of his game, and it is his charisma that is the other factor in the film’s success. He really sells the action and intrigue, and it is impossible to remain unmoved both by Harper’s plight and Cruise’s skill in making us care. The best of science fiction explores humanity and its foibles, and while ‘Oblivion’ isn’t a genre-redefining piece, and it doesn’t say anything profound, it remains one of the better of recent screen sci-fi thrillers.

Women’s Services

Stay healthy at every stage of life. Advocate Trinity Hospital. A tradition of caring for women’s health. Our team of physicians provides women of all ages quality care and a comprehensive range of services. From routine check-ups and screenings to obstetrics services and surgical options, including minimally invasive hysterectomies and treatment of endometriosis. Trinity Hospital helps all women lead healthier lives.

On a scale of 1-10, I give this one a 6 My 2¢ -B Read more reviews online:

www.themotionpicturereviewer.blogspot.com

ABOUT ME: My name is Brian Grabinski and I consider myself to be a big movie buff. I’m a fan of multiple genres and I plan on covering a wide variety of films during my time as your friendly neighborhood movie reviewer. Everyone shares their own opinions when it comes to movies but, hopefully my reviews will assist you in finding the right films to entertain.

FPO To schedule an appointment with an Advocate physician, visit advocatehealth.com/trin/womenshealth or call 1.800.3.ADVOCATE (1.800.323.8622).

ONT / Issue 6 / Vol.6

By Brian Grabinski

9 April 24, 2013

“While ‘Oblivion’ isn’t a genre-redefining piece, and it doesn’t say anything profound, it remains one of the better of recent screen sci-fi thrillers...”

ONT / Issue 6 / Vol.6

April 24, 2013

In keeping with its pledge to present the issues that matter to our readers, ONT presents a feature focusing on school security and safety concerns regarding potential violence in our community.

Are Your Children Safe? Part-2

By Anthony Vasquez Avasquez@ontnews.com

Schools are thought of as safe spaces, where our children can grow intellectually and socially. The reality of the situation is that this is not always the case. Take, for example, the case of 16 year old Derrion Albert. Albert was a student at Fenger High School on the city’s Southside. While walking home, Albert found himself caught in the middle of a brawl between other students. Without warning, Albert quickly went from innocent bystander to violence victim as other teens punched and beat him to the ground with a large wooden board. Albert would sustain injuries which ended his young life. A video which captured the event would send Chicago into the national spotlight as the tragedy made headlines focusing on school violence. The Albert case, along with the Sandy Hook massacre, are extreme examples of the potential threats which face children on a daily basis when they are sent to school. More common examples of school safety concerns revolve around the issue of bullying, cyber or otherwise. The archetypical bully with the chip on his shoulder rarely subjects

his victims to wedgies and swirlies. The advent of technology has fostered a new avenue for bullies to torment their targets with taunts. Social media has become the weapon of choice for a bully. A child can no longer look forward to the end of the day bell as his/ her relief. If a kid is teased at school, it is now likely to reach him at home through Facebook or Twitter, further damaging the child’s sense of confidence and self-esteem. In some cases, this cyber-bullying has led to suicide.

Principal Chris Joseph Pagnucco, of Hegewisch’s Henry Clay Elementary School, takes a proactive approach to dealing with the safety of his students. “You’re always concerned. You’re always prepared because you never know what’s going to happen,” Pagnucco stated in regards to safety precautions. Safety is evidently a top priority for the school. In addition to the security officers present, the school has removed all handles from the outside of each entrance door but the main one. At this door, visitors are screened before being buzzed in and allowed entry. Principal Pagnucco says that he often has administrative meetings with principals of neighboring schools to discuss issues of safety. He has been on both ends of a call for advice

with another principal as well. Pagnucco says the most effective tool of violence prevention is communication and attempts to foster an environment which allows for the free flow of communication from student to instructor and instructor to administrator. “A student hears about something, and if they have a good relationship with a teacher they’ll tell the teacher what’s going on and we can jump on top of the situation.” LaVesha Tiger-Williams is a youth service coordinator with the Chicago Police Department. She says that it’s important for kids to learn to break the unofficial schoolyard code of silence that dominates their social group. At nearby Jane Addams Elementary, Principal Ruth E. Martini has successfully implemented a program which does exactly this. It’s called “the bully bucket” and consists of a literal bucket which students are allowed to anonymously contribute slips of paper to. On the slips, students write the name of a bully or detail an incident of bullying they have witnessed. The slips are collected and tallied, and an anti-bullying team consisting of both school staff and students, some of who had been previously named as bullies themselves, then determine which slips need to be handled

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Clay’s Pagnucco, like Tiger-Williams, also stresses that the kids themselves are the first line of defense and should be encouraged to speak up when they know about a potential threat. He wages that nine times out of ten, if a fight is going to happen, students know about it first and promptly inform school officials. When asked if school fights are a routine occurrence at Clay, Pagnucco said they weren’t. He went on to say, “Fights used to occur on school grounds. This changed. They fight at school when they don’t really want to fight, because they know it’s going to get broken up.” Pagnucco stated that when a fight is serious, it will occur several blocks away from school and far from the eyes of CPS employees. Tiger-Williams agrees and says this concerns her, especially with the warmer weather approaching. Typically speaking, kids and adults are involved in more altercations in the

hotter months of the year. Fortunately, she also has a preventative tool in mind for this as well. “Parent Patrol” is a program which utilizes volunteer parents and community members to take up posts in the areas surrounding school property both before and after school hours. The idea here is two-fold. Primarily, the Parent Patrol acts as a deterrent to would be offenders, student or otherwise. If a student was planning to start a fight with someone on their walk home, they’d be less inclined to do so with the eyes of a community volunteer upon them. Secondly, should an incident take place, Parent Patrol volunteers can quickly provide information to 1st responders. At Douglas Taylor elementary, Principal Bill Truesdale has taken the past few years to fine tune his school’s Parent Patrol and says that his efforts have made an important difference and caused a decline in the number of afterschool incidents that have taken place in the surrounding area. The Parent Patrol at Taylor has caused a lessening of local gang activity, at least during the hours they are present. Jackie Samuel is head of Claretian Associates “Safe Passage” program, which exists as another type of Parent Patrol. Safe Passage employs community members to act as watch guards for students during their walks to and from school. Some parents are not free to volunteer, or shy away from the idea of submitting to the required background

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checks, so Safe Passage offers pay to those community members who would exchange their time for monetary compensation after completing a background check. Samuel explains, “From a CPS perspective, there was definitely a need citywide, but for South Chicago it was definitely needed. There were several shooting at that time around 89th and Commercial Avenue. 87th to 92nd is a hotspot. Safe Passage is utilized by Bowen and Corliss High schools. Samuel recounts the instant effectiveness of the program, “On the 1st day there was a shooting a block away from the post at Bowen. This was three or four blocks away from the school. Police were able to capture the shooter because a Safe Passage community watcher called it in immediately.” Samuel also worked with officials at Morales and Ninos Heroes to structure volunteer watch organizations.

ONT / Issue 6 / Vol.6

immediately. In this way, a severe bully will find his class visited by the anti-bullying group of students and an impromptu workshop of sorts will be held where the classroom is encouraged to call out a bully for his/her actions. The victims are given a chance to explain how the bullying affects them, and according to the school counselor, the bullies will then apologize, repent and cease their aggressive behavior.

April 24, 2013

Are Your Children Safe? Part-2 Cont.

Every parent sees their child’s safety as a responsibility to be taken seriously. What is important to remember is that a child’s wellbeing is not only the responsibility of their parent. Nor is it solely the responsibility of the educators placed in position to care for students. The safety of our neighborhood’s kids is a community responsibility. “It takes a village” rings true here. Contact your school officials to find out more about how you can become involved in the protection of our youth.

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April 24, 2013

OPENING DAY IS HERE!

By Dan Lira

ONT / Issue 6 / Vol.6

Dlira@ontnews.com

No matter what the weather was like, nothing was going to stop opening day festivities for both of community baseball little leagues! On Saturday, April 13th, Hegewisch Little League started off opening day weekend with their annual parade down Baltimore Ave. With bitter cold morning temperatures and some snowflakes falling, more than a hundred parents & community residents still came out to show their support for their young baseball players.

During opening day ceremonies, a championship banner was presented to the 2011 District 7, 11 year old championship team. Coach, Dan Kasprzycki, and two players, Justin Kasprzycki and Zach Hoffman, were present to accept the championship

banner.

wee division."

“Despite the weather, we had a great turnout and a lot of fun." noted Hegewish Little League president, Chris Banks. "It was an exciting start to what we all hope will be an awesome year. Thanks to all for their help and support!"

Sunday Afternoon, April 14th, with sunny skies and temps in the 70s, hundreds of East Siders paraded down Ewing Avenue as baseball returned to the diamonds at 110th and Avenue H. In front of a standing room only crowd, Bill Kress conducted the opening day ceremonies, with duties ranging from conducting the opening prayer to handing out awards. Cheers were also heard as each ceremonial pitch was thrown out, including pitches from 10th Ward Alderman John A. Pope, State Rep. Marcus Evans and longtime ESSL supporter Bob Buchanan. Information officer for the League, Juan Huizar, spoke about new attractions for 2013. "Thanks to Ozinga for donating the cement. We have installed new batting cages, which are located at the north end of the fields. We also have added a new scoreboard for the pee

Huizar also noted, “ESLL has formed a relationship with ONT that will allow ONT to reach out to the families of ESLL players. We have also introduced a 5 digit short code for text messaging marketing that will allow for better transparency and communication from ESLL to the families of players in ESLL.” One resident, with a hotdog and soda in hand, summed up the day easily, as he passed on by yelling, "Spring weather and baseball, what else can you ask for?" Time to Play Ball! For scores and schedules for each league go to, eastsidebaseball.org or hometeamsonline.com