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Promoting the Voice of the Community March 4, 2015 | Vol.8 / Issue 3 | Chicago, IL
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St. Francis de Sales wins first round
Chicago, IL-- St. Francis De Sales High School announced today that three of their students participated in the first round of the August Wilson Monologue Competition. The three students, all part of the St. Francis de Sales' Drama Team, are Juan Gonzalez, Olivia MacGowan, and Ivan Nunez. Photographed below. The National August Wilson Monologue Competition is open to high school students from participating cities, including Chicago. Students perform a two to three minute monologue from any of the plays in August Wilson's Century Cycle. As the Competition Website states, "The competition gives students an opportunity to explore and share the richness of August Wilson's Century Cycle".
St. Francis de Sales' Drama Team students acted out three different monologues from August Wilson's Century Cycle. Juan Gonzalez performed a monologue from the play "Seven Guitars," Olivia MacGowan performed a monologue from "The Piano Lesson," and Ivan Nunez performed a monologue from "Fences."
school since early December and stand a good chance of moving on to the next level of competition. They are a very talented group of young actors," said Richard Pniewski Drama Director at St. Francis de Sales High School.
Students selected from the first round will participate next at semi-finals. Those students that advance will then move on to the finals at the Goodman Theatre. "These three students have been working diligently with professional actors after
About St. Francis de Sales Founded in 1937 as the first coeducational Catholic high school in Chicago, St. Francis de Sales High School stands as an anchor to the city’s East Side, Hegewisch and South Chicago, and
St. Francis de Sales’ Drama Team students: Juan Gonzalez, Olivia MacGowan, and Ivan Nunez.
draws students from numerous Chicago neighborhoods, as well as the South Suburbs and Northwest Indiana. True to the symbol of the phoenix on the school seal, and now celebrating 75 years in education, St. Francis de Sales rises from the industrial model of education to offer personalized learning plans, a 1:10 faculty mentoring program, and an education rooted in the Salesian virtues. St. Francis is committed to providing students with numerous opportunities for social, cultural, athletic, and spiritual growth to
complement their academic achievement. Graduates of St. Francis are accepting, appreciative, collaborative, compassionate, confident, generous, hardworking, independent and intellectually inquisitive readers, writers and thinkers. For more information about St. Francis de Sales, visit www.sfdshs. org or “LIKE” them on Facebook at facebook.com/PioneerCountry. Story submitted by St. Francis de Sales H.S.
RESTAURANT & PANCAKE HOUSE
1215 Burnham Ave. Calumet City, IL (708) 868-2620 SENIOR SPECIALS!
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March 4, 2015
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Around Town
April Membership Meeting: On Tuesday, April 7th, 2015, the Calumet Ecological Park Association will meet. Social time is at 7 p.m. and the meeting begins at 7:30 p.m. The meeting will be at the Calumet Initiative Office, 13300 S. Baltimore Ave., Chicago. Please note that there will be no meeting in March. Pullman National Monument: On Friday, February 19, 2015, President Obama designated historic Pullman a National Monument. This site preserves the history of American industry, labor, African-American history, and urban planning. In 1880-1885, George Pullman built his factory town on 4,000 acres south of Chicago to house his factory workers. Visit www.pullman-museum.org for more history of Pullman and the February event giving Pullman the National Monument status.
March 4, 2015
Please Join 10
th
Ward Alderman John A. Pope &
4th District Commander Kevin Navarro For the
Annual
EASTER EGG HUNT! Calumet Park (Enter Field House) 9801 S. Avenue “G”
Saturday, April 4, 2015 Games & Activities – 11 am to 11:45 am Egg Hunt at 12 Noon SHARP! KIDS AGES 10 AND UNDER *Make sure you bring your own baskets/bags to collect Easter eggs* Special Thanks to our Sponsors:
Industrial Heritage Community Meetings: Let's talk about the industrial heritage in the Calumet Region. The Calumet Heritage Partnership invites the community to two public meetings. On Tuesday, March 10, 5:30 p.m., the meeting is at the Porter County Public Library, 2665 Irving St., Portage, Indiana. Another meeting is on Monday, March 16, 5:30 p.m. at the Vodak-East Side Chicago Public Library, 3710 E. 106th St., Chicago Illinois. For more information and to RSVP, contact Madeleine Tudor (312) 665-7471 or email at mtudor@fieldmuseum.org.
Stop In For The Latest Hairstyles, Cuts, Colors & Trends
4th District CAPS office South Chicago Chamber of Commerce East Side Chamber of Commerce Marblestone Property Group
If you have any questions, please call Alderman Pope’s Office at (773) 721-1999.
Sam Gomez, Publisher sgomez@ontnews.com
STAFF
Christa Torres, General Manager ctorres@ontnews.com Sonia Mayol, Art Director smayol@ontnews.com Lydia Gomez, Office Manager lgomez@ontnews.com
Contributors Mary Kay Ramirez St. Francis de Sales High School Ernst Lamothe Jr. Advocate Trinity Hospital Yessenia Carreon-Gonzalez 10th Ward Alderman John A. Pope Calumet Ecological Park Association
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Our Neighborhood’s got Talent
March 4, 2015
Christa Torres ctorres@ontnews.com At first it can all be a little frightening but, once the music is going and these kids have their routine planned out, all that fear goes away and all that’s left is a great performance. Our Neighborhood’s got Talent is in its second year run in conjunction with the Southeast Side Summer Fest and is sponsored by 10th Ward Alderman John A. Pope, Walgreens, XO Entertainment, Mix Masters Live, South Chicago Chamber of Commerce and JP Four Audio, video & Lighting. Upon participating and auditioning for the showcase, kids from all over the ward are offered workshops and a spot that leads up to their individual and group performance at the main stage of the Summer Fest. Last year, nearly 15 child and teenage participants had the opportunity to showcase their talent in singing, rapping, piano playing and gymnastics. “Growing up on the East Side I know there are limited options with self-expression for kids in the neighborhood, so being able to be involved with getting kids involved really makes me proud,” said Xochitl Onohan, entrepreneur and owner of XO Entertainment. “I had the pleasure of developing the talents of a group of kids that really love entertaining. With my background and their talent, we were able to build confidence and THAT is what our youth needs. So many of these kids are multifaceted artists so, it’s amazing to see them want to be involved with so many levels of the industry. Everyone can try to look like, sound like, or act like an already well known artist but legends are built upon their own unique attributes. All participants met once a week for almost three months and got to improve on their talents with fellow musicians; including Onohan, Mike Alvarez, Ed Pena and Frank Bermejo. “I had fun and was happy to be around so many young talented people,” said Pena, who is the front man and guitarist for the band, Steel. “I hope they get a good experience and exposure. My advice [to all participants] is to be yourself.” “The fact that these kids are doing something they enjoy and sticking with our program (rehearsals and training) once a week isn’t a job to them,” said audio
Last year’s Talent showcase at 2014’s Southeast Side Summer Fest.
engineer of JP Four and drummer for 2014 Battle of the Bands winner, Teach the Fire, Alvarez. “So, they make the extra effort to show up and be a part of this great experience because it’s something pure that they really enjoy doing.” This year, ONGT has already been to Epic Academy and St. Francis de Sales High Schools. The last stop will be Washington High School on Saturday, March 7th from 10am – 1pm. Guest judges this year include Corey ‘CoJack’ Cahill of CoJack & Company (also 2012 winner of Battle of the Bands), Steve Rodriguez of Skyway Stereo, as well as returning judges of Onohan, Alvarez and Bermejo of local band Common Poverty. “The main key is to get out and have fun with your talent,” said Alvarez. “There’s no one like you and there are only a hand full of entertainers out there that are able to do what they love. If you’re out there having fun doing what you love there should be no reason to be afraid.” Contestant from this year’s auditions at St Francis de Sales High School.
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March 4, 2015
Ladies Night Go Red event at Advocate
More than 250 women attended Advocate Trinity Hospital’s annual Ladies Night Go Red event. The night focused on educating women about heart disease, which is the number one killer of women, taking the life of one in three women each year. The event took place at Carter Temple CME Church, 7841 S Wabash Ave. A heart attack occurs when one or more of your conary arteries become blocked. Taking good care of your heart means controlling your risk factors for heart disease, such as high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, physical inactivity, and being overweight.
Participants will be given information on how to keep their hearts healthy, measures to control high blood pressure, high blood cholesterol and weight. “Before when you heard of heart attacks, men were leading women by a far margin. Now, women are quickly catching up,” said Tolitano. “Also, whether you are stressed or not, healthy lifestyle choices are important. I don’t know how many times I have done surgeries on people’s hearts and arteries, and then I am walking down the street and I see them smoking a cigarette. Sometimes, smoking is people’s go to when they are stressed.”
Dr. Dominic Tolianto, a cardiovascular and thoracic surgeon at Advocate Trinity Hospital who spoke at the event, says that patients have to be aware of warning signs when they are feeling heart symptoms, especially women. “Men and women may have different symptoms when it comes to early signs of heart attacks,” said Dr. Tolitano, “The old adage of someone clutching their chest occurs more when men are having a heart attack. Women have symptoms that can be more subtle like sweating, shortness of breath or dizziness. They may have no chest discomfort at all.”
About Trinity Hospital Providing healthcare on the Southeast Side of Chicago for over 115 years, Advocate Trinity Hospital is a 193-bed not-forprofit health care facility. Part of Advocate Health Care, Trinity offers a full range of inpatient and outpatient services as well as a variety of community outreach programs.
Women received heart screenings as part of the Ladies Night Go Red Event.
For more information on Trinity, please visit www.advocatehealth.com/trinity. To schedule an appointment with anAdvocate physician call 1-800-3-ADVOCATE. Story submitted by Advocate Trinity Hospital
Advocate Trinity doctors Dominic Tolitano, (right) Dr. Anupama Shivaraju (center) and Pastor Joseph Gordon of Carter Temple CME Church (right).
More than 250 women attended the Ladies Night Go Red event to learn more about heart issues.
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SCCC Continues the Illinois Herbalife Victim ID Program
Last December, the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce joined the Illinois Herbalife Campaign, a coalition of national consumer groups and community organizations to help identify victims of Herbalife’s predatory business practices due to receiving complaints by community residents. Herbalife is a multinational nutritional supplement company with a bad record of building its brand on promises of high returns for minimal investment. Moreover, Herbalife distributors routinely make false, dangerous, and illegal medical claims that Herbalife products can control weight loss, and cure diseases like diabetes or high blood pressure. “In South Chicago we have received numerous complaints from community residents that were sold Herbalife as a means to cure serious diseases. We helped a victim who began taking Herbalife supplements to improve her health but instead her health deteriorated. She developed kidney stones, which she attributes to taking Herbalife,” said Dan Lira, Executive Director for the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce.
In April 2014, Illinois Attorney General, Lisa Madigan, began investigating Herbalife, joining other federal and state regulators to probe allegations the company is a pyramid scheme. Many accuse Herbalife’s business model of being a pyramid scheme because it promises its sellers significant monetary compensation in the form of additional bonuses and royalties if they recruit new sellers and establish their own network of product distributors. Madigan’s office has been urged to look into the company by civil rights groups who allege that the company is a pyramid scheme targeting minorities. Over the past year, the Illinois Herbalife Campaign, which includes 35 community organizations across Illinois, has seen a surge of complaints from residents who have been negatively affected by Herbalife. “We need to get the Attorney General’s office to pay more attention to these complaints and conclude her investigation into Herbalife’s business practices. We are working hard to raise awareness and for victims to come forward, share their negative experiences, and realize they are not alone” said Lira.
March 4, 2015
LINEA GRATUITA PARA VICTIMAS DE HERBALIFE
855-701-5437 HERBALIFE VICTIMS HOTLINE
SEÑALES DE UN ESQUEMA PIRAMIDAL Le han…? • Prometido grandes ganancias por una inversión minima como distribuidor de Herbalife? • Ofrecido comisión por reclutar a nuevos distribuidores en vez de vender producto? • Dicho afirmaciones sin fundamento que los productos nutricionales podrian prevenir o remediar problemas de salud? • Dado declaraciones engañosas que asustan a la gente a tomar suplementos nutricionales que no necesitan? Los esquemas piramidales lastiman a miles de personas cada día en nuestra comunidad. El Concilio Comunitario de Brighton Park (BPNC) está ayudando a victímas obtener información sobre los derechos al consumidor y a someter quejas ante reguladores estatales. Llame a nuestra línea gratuita para más información.
SIGNS OF A PYRAMID SCHEME Have you been…? • Promised large profits for a minimal investment as a Herbalife distributor? • Offered commissions for recruiting new distributors rather than selling a product? • Told unsubstantiated claims that nutritional products would prevent or remedy health problems? • Heard misleading statements that frighten people into taking dietary supplements they do not need? Pyramid schemes hurt thousands of people every day in our community. The Brighton Park Neighborhood Council is helping victims get information on consumer rights and file complaints with state regulators. Call our toll free hotline for more information.
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March 4, 2015
Kick-off to National Consumer Protection Week
ONT Staff info@ontnews.com
On March 1, we will kick off National Consumer Protection Week by asking Attorney General Lisa Madigan to conclude her investigation into Herbalife’s business practices. Herbalife, a widely known nutritional supplement company, is under investigation by federal and state regulators including the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Attorney General Madigan for complaints that the company operates as a pyramid scheme targeting working-class families. Various community organizations and consumer groups have joined the campaign to expose Herbalife’s deceptive practices that lure hardworking people into a pyramid scheme. Victims have come forward to share their stories of how Herbalife preyed
upon their entrepreneurial initiative, costing them thousands of their own hard-earned dollars that they likely won’t see again. Unfortunately, many of these victims are hesitant to come forward and tell their story for a number of reasons including embarrassment and not having knowledge of their rights as consumers. These victims deserve a louder voice at a time when many are too ashamed or lack the information to defend themselves. To continue ignoring these warning signs is irresponsible and leaving the door open for more residents to be swindled out of money they’ve worked hard to earn. The South Chicago Chamber of Commerce has helped victims from Chicago’s south side file complaints with the attorney general’s office and we are seeing new victims every week. Their stories are heartbreaking. Karyn lost nearly $2,000 dollars and developed
severe health issues. Maria invested in Herbalife products that were supposed to help her family. She was refused a refund, only to be told that she could only make her investment back by recruiting others.
The support of Attorney General Madigan’s office is critical to our campaign. We were encouraged last April when her office announced they were opening an investigation, and since then we’ve helped victims from all across the state come forward to file complaints without a significant update from her office. We urge her to approach Herbalife with the same energy and enthusiasm she has approached other scams in the past and take action against Herbalife. Please join me in celebrating National Consumer Protection Week by calling on Attorney General Lisa Madigan to conclude her investigation and put an end
to Herbalife’s abuse of Illinois consumers. Dan Lira is the executive director of the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce, which aims to strengthen and promote its members, while also supporting the community’s economic well-being by facilitating growth of businesses and fostering new ones. The South Chicago Chamber is assisting victims of Herbalife in filing consumer complaints with the Illinois Attorney General. If you or someone you know, would like to share their story, or file a complaint with the Attorney General’s office, please contact the Illinois Herbalife Campaign toll free hotline at (855) 701-5437.
Organizer, Natalie Vitaterna, from the South Chicago Chamber of Commerce, speaks to local building owners about the signs of a pyramid scheme.
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March 4, 2015
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March 4, 2015
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St. Francis de Sales wins Regionals
March 4, 2015
St. Francis de Sales Boys Basketball team defeated Hope Academy 73-56 in the Regional Championship game Friday. The team was led by Tyler Streeter with 29 points followed by Derrick Dawson with 19 points and Eric Rodiguez with 17 points. The Pioneers now move on to the Sectional Game in Elgin starting on Tuesday. The schedule is below. Congratulations to Coach Wolfe, his coaching staff and the team! Host: Harvest (Elgin)
Christian
Academy
Tue., Mar. 3 Game 1 at 7:00 pm: Elgin (Westminster Christian) vs. Chicago (St. Francis de Sales) Wed., Mar. 4 Game 2 at 7:00 pm: Rockford (Christian Life) vs. Winner Chicago (St. Benedict) Regional Fri., Mar. 6 Game 3 at 7:00 pm: Winner Game 1 vs. Winner Game 2
St. Francis de Sales boys basketball team wins Regionals and Moves on to Sectionals Game.
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ST. JOSEPH’S DAY Thursday, March 19 Celebrating St Joseph's Day has been an Italian family tradition for many years. So in honor of St Joseph, Capri’s Pizza will be donating 10% of all sales on Thursday, March19 to local charities. The Zeppole (Zeh-Po-Lee) is a traditional dessert served on St. Joseph’s Day - a delicious Italian pastry filled with custard. Don’t forget to ask for one when you place your order on March 19th from our South Chicago or Schererville locations.* *Limited, first-come basis
March 4, 2015
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March 4, 2015
Early vote begins March 23rd and ends April 4th Election day: April 7th
Re-Elect
John A. Pope
ALDERMAN 10th Ward
Paid for by Citizens to Re-elect John Pope