Thursday, January 29, 2009

Town Hall Meeting

Chatham Avalon Park Community Council host 20/20 Vision, a Town Hall Meeting. 2009 is a phenomenal year. It is imperative that you attend this meeting. Your participation is critical to the survival and growth of our community. We are seeking your participation. Numerous items which have terrific impact on you and our total community will be addressed.
Date: Saturday, January 31, 2009
Place: New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church
740 East 77Th Street
Chicago, Illinois 60619
Time: 11:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M.
Raising the Bar
Second Chance Initiatives
Conflict Resolutions
Crime Prevention Update
Education updates
Conservation update
Youth update
Black Wall Street
Economic Development
For more information or to R.S.V.P., Please call 1-866-272-1215.

Networking, Marketing, Promoting and Growing Your Business Seminar

Chatham Avalon Park Community Council held a Networking, Marketing, Promoting and Growing Your Business Seminar yesterday at the Northern Trust (Chatham Branch) Auditorium on the 2ND Floor at 78Th and State Street. Various speakers including Julius Washington, Vice President of Northern Trust Bank, spoke of the commitment the bank has to the community in its 13 year presence in Chatham. Dr. Bobby Perez, Melinda Kelley, Executive Director of the Chatham Business Association spoke a length about the market and its potential as long as community dollars remain circulating only with Chatham itself. All hoped the new Obama Administration economic policies and stimulus packages as passed by Congress would do its intented good, reaching Chatham as a priority cash target for growth.

Tuesday, January 27, 2009

Blog Question

Do you as a Chatham Avalon Park resident feel the appointment of former CTA President Ron Huberman as CEO of Chicago Public School as a ludicrous move by Mayor Richard M. Daley? Leave your comments by clicking the comments line.

"A Taste of Black History"

Jewel-Osco, in partnership with the Chicago Park District and Washburne Culinary Institute, invites you to attend the 10Th Annual "A Taste of Black History," a celebration of African-American entrepreneurial achievements. Enjoy an interpretive performance by the cast of the of the award winning play "Black Nativity" and partake in soul-stirring dishes that feature products fro over 25 Jewel-Osco African-American vendors. Join us as we celebrate these companies and their contributions to the community as they continue to make history! "A Taste of Black History," Kick-Off Reception, Tuesday, January 27, 2009, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., south Shore Cultural Center 7059 South Shore Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60649, NBC5 (WMAQ-TV)'s Warner Saunders, moderating.

Thursday, January 22, 2009

Barack Obama's inaugural address

Following is the prepared text of President-elect Barack Obama's Inaugural Address, as provided by the Presidential Inaugural Committee:

My fellow citizens:

I stand here today humbled by the task before us, grateful for the trust you have bestowed, mindful of the sacrifices borne by our ancestors. I thank President Bush for his service to our nation, as well as the generosity and cooperation he has shown throughout this transition.

Forty-four Americans have now taken the presidential oath. The words have been spoken during rising tides of prosperity and the still waters of peace. Yet, every so often the oath is taken amidst gathering clouds and raging storms. At these moments, America has carried on not simply because of the skill or vision of those in high office, but because We the People have remained faithful to the ideals of our forebearers, and true to our founding documents.

So it has been. So it must be with this generation of Americans.

That we are in the midst of crisis is now well understood. Our nation is at war, against a far-reaching network of violence and hatred. Our economy is badly weakened, a consequence of greed and irresponsibility on the part of some, but also our collective failure to make hard choices and prepare the nation for a new age. Homes have been lost; jobs shed; businesses shuttered. Our health care is too costly; our schools fail too many; and each day brings further evidence that the ways we use energy strengthen our adversaries and threaten our planet.

These are the indicators of crisis, subject to data and statistics. Less measurable but no less profound is a sapping of confidence across our land - a nagging fear that America's decline is inevitable, and that the next generation must lower its sights.

Today I say to you that the challenges we face are real. They are serious and they are many. They will not be met easily or in a short span of time. But know this, America - they will be met.

On this day, we gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose over conflict and discord.

On this day, we come to proclaim an end to the petty grievances and false promises, the recriminations and worn out dogmas, that for far too long have strangled our politics.

We remain a young nation, but in the words of Scripture, the time has come to set aside childish things. The time has come to reaffirm our enduring spirit; to choose our better history; to carry forward that precious gift, that noble idea, passed on from generation to generation: the God-given promise that all are equal, all are free, and all deserve a chance to pursue their full measure of happiness.

In reaffirming the greatness of our nation, we understand that greatness is never a given. It must be earned. Our journey has never been one of short-cuts or settling for less. It has not been the path for the faint-hearted - for those who prefer leisure over work, or seek only the pleasures of riches and fame. Rather, it has been the risk-takers, the doers, the makers of things - some celebrated but more often men and women obscure in their labor, who have carried us up the long, rugged path towards prosperity and freedom.

For us, they packed up their few worldly possessions and traveled across oceans in search of a new life.

For us, they toiled in sweatshops and settled the West; endured the lash of the whip and plowed the hard earth.

For us, they fought and died, in places like Concord and Gettysburg; Normandy and Khe Sanh.

Time and again these men and women struggled and sacrificed and worked till their hands were raw so that we might live a better life. They saw America as bigger than the sum of our individual ambitions; greater than all the differences of birth or wealth or faction.

This is the journey we continue today. We remain the most prosperous, powerful nation on Earth. Our workers are no less productive than when this crisis began. Our minds are no less inventive, our goods and services no less needed than they were last week or last month or last year. Our capacity remains undiminished. But our time of standing pat, of protecting narrow interests and putting off unpleasant decisions - that time has surely passed. Starting today, we must pick ourselves up, dust ourselves off, and begin again the work of remaking America.

For everywhere we look, there is work to be done. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act - not only to create new jobs, but to lay a new foundation for growth. We will build the roads and bridges, the electric grids and digital lines that feed our commerce and bind us together. We will restore science to its rightful place, and wield technology's wonders to raise health care's quality and lower its cost. We will harness the sun and the winds and the soil to fuel our cars and run our factories. And we will transform our schools and colleges and universities to meet the demands of a new age. All this we can do. And all this we will do.

Now, there are some who question the scale of our ambitions - who suggest that our system cannot tolerate too many big plans. Their memories are short. For they have forgotten what this country has already done; what free men and women can achieve when imagination is joined to common purpose, and necessity to courage.

What the cynics fail to understand is that the ground has shifted beneath them - that the stale political arguments that have consumed us for so long no longer apply. The question we ask today is not whether our government is too big or too small, but whether it works - whether it helps families find jobs at a decent wage, care they can afford, a retirement that is dignified. Where the answer is yes, we intend to move forward. Where the answer is no, programs will end. And those of us who manage the public's dollars will be held to account - to spend wisely, reform bad habits, and do our business in the light of day - because only then can we restore the vital trust between a people and their government.

Nor is the question before us whether the market is a force for good or ill. Its power to generate wealth and expand freedom is unmatched, but this crisis has reminded us that without a watchful eye, the market can spin out of control - and that a nation cannot prosper long when it favors only the prosperous. The success of our economy has always depended not just on the size of our Gross Domestic Product, but on the reach of our prosperity; on our ability to extend opportunity to every willing heart - not out of charity, but because it is the surest route to our common good.

As for our common defense, we reject as false the choice between our safety and our ideals. Our Founding Fathers, faced with perils we can scarcely imagine, drafted a charter to assure the rule of law and the rights of man, a charter expanded by the blood of generations. Those ideals still light the world, and we will not give them up for expedience's sake. And so to all other peoples and governments who are watching today, from the grandest capitals to the small village where my father was born: know that America is a friend of each nation and every man, woman, and child who seeks a future of peace and dignity, and that we are ready to lead once more.

Recall that earlier generations faced down fascism and communism not just with missiles and tanks, but with sturdy alliances and enduring convictions. They understood that our power alone cannot protect us, nor does it entitle us to do as we please. Instead, they knew that our power grows through its prudent use; our security emanates from the justness of our cause, the force of our example, the tempering qualities of humility and restraint.

We are the keepers of this legacy. Guided by these principles once more, we can meet those new threats that demand even greater effort - even greater cooperation and understanding between nations. We will begin to responsibly leave Iraq to its people, and forge a hard-earned peace in Afghanistan. With old friends and former foes, we will work tirelessly to lessen the nuclear threat, and roll back the specter of a warming planet. We will not apologize for our way of life, nor will we waver in its defense, and for those who seek to advance their aims by inducing terror and slaughtering innocents, we say to you now that our spirit is stronger and cannot be broken; you cannot outlast us, and we will defeat you.

For we know that our patchwork heritage is a strength, not a weakness. We are a nation of Christians and Muslims, Jews and Hindus - and non-believers. We are shaped by every language and culture, drawn from every end of this Earth; and because we have tasted the bitter swill of civil war and segregation, and emerged from that dark chapter stronger and more united, we cannot help but believe that the old hatreds shall someday pass; that the lines of tribe shall soon dissolve; that as the world grows smaller, our common humanity shall reveal itself; and that America must play its role in ushering in a new era of peace.

To the Muslim world, we seek a new way forward, based on mutual interest and mutual respect. To those leaders around the globe who seek to sow conflict, or blame their society's ills on the West - know that your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you destroy. To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history; but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.

To the people of poor nations, we pledge to work alongside you to make your farms flourish and let clean waters flow; to nourish starved bodies and feed hungry minds. And to those nations like ours that enjoy relative plenty, we say we can no longer afford indifference to suffering outside our borders; nor can we consume the world's resources without regard to effect. For the world has changed, and we must change with it.

As we consider the road that unfolds before us, we remember with humble gratitude those brave Americans who, at this very hour, patrol far-off deserts and distant mountains. They have something to tell us today, just as the fallen heroes who lie in Arlington whisper through the ages. We honor them not only because they are guardians of our liberty, but because they embody the spirit of service; a willingness to find meaning in something greater than themselves. And yet, at this moment - a moment that will define a generation - it is precisely this spirit that must inhabit us all.

For as much as government can do and must do, it is ultimately the faith and determination of the American people upon which this nation relies. It is the kindness to take in a stranger when the levees break, the selflessness of workers who would rather cut their hours than see a friend lose their job which sees us through our darkest hours. It is the firefighter's courage to storm a stairway filled with smoke, but also a parent's willingness to nurture a child, that finally decides our fate.

Our challenges may be new. The instruments with which we meet them may be new. But those values upon which our success depends - hard work and honesty, courage and fair play, tolerance and curiosity, loyalty and patriotism - these things are old. These things are true. They have been the quiet force of progress throughout our history. What is demanded then is a return to these truths. What is required of us now is a new era of responsibility - a recognition, on the part of every American, that we have duties to ourselves, our nation, and the world, duties that we do not grudgingly accept but rather seize gladly, firm in the knowledge that there is nothing so satisfying to the spirit, so defining of our character, than giving our all to a difficult task.

This is the price and the promise of citizenship.

This is the source of our confidence - the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an uncertain destiny.

This is the meaning of our liberty and our creed - why men and women and children of every race and every faith can join in celebration across this magnificent mall, and why a man whose father less than sixty years ago might not have been served at a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most sacred oath.

So let us mark this day with remembrance, of who we are and how far we have traveled. In the year of America's birth, in the coldest of months, a small band of patriots huddled by dying campfires on the shores of an icy river. The capital was abandoned. The enemy was advancing. The snow was stained with blood. At a moment when the outcome of our revolution was most in doubt, the father of our nation ordered these words be read to the people:

"Let it be told to the future world...that in the depth of winter, when nothing but hope and virtue could survive...that the city and the country, alarmed at one common danger, came forth to meet [it]."

America. In the face of our common dangers, in this winter of our hardship, let us remember these timeless words. With hope and virtue, let us brave once more the icy currents, and endure what storms may come. Let it be said by our children's children that when we were tested we refused to let this journey end, that we did not turn back nor did we falter; and with eyes fixed on the horizon and God's grace upon us, we carried forth that great gift of freedom and delivered it safely to future generations.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

President Barack Obama 2009 Inauguration and Address

President Barack Obama took the oath of office as the 44th president of the United States and delivered an inaugural address focusing on the themes of sacrifice and renewal on January 20, 2009. To see the swearing-in and the address click on this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VjnygQ02aW4

Monday, January 19, 2009

MLK Birthday and Inauguration Special

MLK Birthday and Inauguration Special
Enrique Perez has assembled a great list of events celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Birthday today andthe Inauguration of President Barack Hussein Obama tomorrow.With thanks to him, we share with you below:Raynard
ENRIQUE'S COMMUNITY UPDATES
Facilitating Your Right To Know
January 19, 2009

Birthday and Inauguration Special


In Honor Of

DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.
University of Chicago Martin Luther King Jr. Commemoration 2008-2009
Thursday, January 15 through Thursday, January 22 - Multiple Events
The University of Chicago celebrates the legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through our annual MLK Week of Events. We bring together students, faculty, staff, and community members as we honor Dr. King's commitment to social justice through community service, programs and activities, highlighted by our annual keynote address. For more information, please visit http://mlk.uchicago.edu/schedule.html
Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Monday, January 19 (Multiple Events)
In recognition of the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday, Northwestern University has assembled a variety of programs to cause reflection on the life and legacy of Dr. King. The offerings include lectures, service opportunities, discussions, films, music and theater throughout the week, on both the Chicago and Evanston campuses. For more information, please visit www.northwestern.edu/mlk/
Martin Luther King National Day of Service
Monday, January 19 from 7:30 AM to 1:30 PM
Over 50 schools, community organizations, and governmental agencies will be participating in the MLK Day of Service. The MLK signature projects are the Peace Mural, Financial Literacy and Hygiene Kit Project and the 40 Days of Peace initiatives. SFP goals are to reduce violence and destructive activities that are barriers to peaceful communities and schools. Service for Pea ce motto is, "Connecting people to peace through service." The Service will be held at Martin Luther King Jr. College Prep High School, located at 4445 S. Drexel Blvd. For more information, please call 312-666-2676.
MLK Celebration - Celebrating "A Day On Not A Day Off"
Monday, January 19 at 8 AM
Martin Luther King, Jr celebration committee presents Rev. Tyrone Crider as guest speaker and Dr. Sterling Culp as guest vocalist. We would sincerely appreciate the support of the family in our effort to celebrate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King. The Celebration will be held at Governors State University, located at 1 University Parkway, in University Park. For more information, please visit http://gsur25web.govst.edu/wv3/wv3_servlet/urd/run/WV_EVENT.WeekList?evdt=2009011900000000,evfilter=4147,ebdviewmode=grid
March the Mart=2 02009 - Monday, January 19 from 8 AM to 12 PM
Join us for a walk at The Merchandise Mart, located at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, to raise money for Special Children’s Charities, a fundraising arm of Special Olympics in Chicago. This 3-mile walk will be similar to other Chicago building walk events such as: Hustle Up the Hancock or Go Vertical at the Sears Tower. It is an opportunity for particpants who are not in school or working on MLK Day to observe this day by providing a service to their community. The walk-a-thon will begin on the 18th floor, and wind down stairwells and through the stunning showroom corridors of the famed Merchandise Mart. The walk will conclude with a celebration in the Food Court. A minimum of $25 must be raised. For more information, please call 847-636-8058 or visit http://www.marchthemart.com/
Martinmas - Monday, January 19 from 10 AM to 5 PM
Join us for a day full of performances, education, projects, reflection, remembrance, celebration, and fun in remembrance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Martinmas will be held at the DuSable Museum of African American History, located at 740 E. 56th Pl. Admission is $8 for adults, $5 for children 12 and under (includes craft project). DuSable Museum Members pay $5 with advance purchase by 1/17/2009. For more information or to purchase tickets, please call 773-947-0600, ext. 236, or visit www.dusablemuseum.org/events/view/martinmas1/
Edgewater Day of Service
Monday, January 19 from 10 AM to 3 PM or 5 to 8 PM
President-Elect Obama has asked the nation to celebrate Monday, January 19th, Martin Luther King Day, with a day of community service. Alderman Mary Ann Smith, Senator Heather Steans and Representative Harry Osterman are honoring this call by sponsoring a day of service to benefit Care for Real, Edgewater's Food and Clothing Pantry and the homeless shelter at Epworth Church. Volunteers are needed to collect food, clothing, toiletries and cash donations for Care for Real and the almost 2,000 low income Edgewater residents CFR serves each month. This wil l include staffing drop off locations, picking up donations from neighbors and helping put materials together to distribute to local families. Volunteers also are needed beforehand to help publicize the drive. At the homeless shelter, volunteers will clean, paint and help with minor repairs including weatherproofing the facility. If you'd like to volunteer, contact Jen Walling at jennifer.walling@gmail.comor call (773) 769-1717.
National Day of Service - 2nd Ward Event
Monday, January 19 from 10 AM to 2 PM
Alderman Bob Fioretti and the Hellenic American Leadership Council invite you to a National Day of Service at the Tutoring Clinic, where 20 teachers and professionals will provide tutoring services and help with college applications for students in the 2nd Ward. The Clinic will be held at the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boys and Girls Club, 2nd Floor, at 2950 W. Washington Blvd. For more information, call 312-263-9273.
Winter Work Day at Whistler Woods
Monday, January 19 from 10 AM to 1 PM
In celebration of Martin Luther King Day, Friends of the Parks has partnered with Service for Peace and the Forest Preserve District of Cook County to plan a special ecological restoration workday at Whistler Wood, located in Riverdale at Halsted St. and Forestview Ave. (134th & Halsted). 3-5 hours of community service credit are available, but REGISTRATION IS LIMITED TO THE FIRST 20 PEOPLE who sign up! Following Service for Peace's 8:30am kickoff rally, a bus will pick up participants at Martin Luther King Jr College Prep High School, located at 4445 S. Drexel Blvd. Tools and Gloves will be provided. Please bring a sack lunch and dress warmly in old clothes and sturdy shoes/boots. For more information or to register, please call 312-857-2757, ext.17, or visit BLAZERR@fotp.org
Hellenic Americna Leadership Council Legal Clinic
Monday, January 19 f rom 10 AM to 4 PM
15-20 lawyers from the Hellenic American Leadership Council and Hellenic Bar Association will be providing free legal advice to attendees about foreclosures, refinancing, bankruptcy, and domestic violence. The Clinic will be held at St. Basil's Greek Orthodox Church, located at 733 S. Ashland Ave.
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Literacy Fair
Monday, January 19 from 10 AM to 2 PM
Martin Luther King Jr. Day Literacy Fair will give an avenue for individuals to come together as a community and celebrate literacy in West Town. The spirit of King's statement "Everyone can be great because everyone can serve" guides the events of the day. Project YES! will provide participants with the opportunity to directly serve the goal of empowering our children through reading. The Literacy Fair will increase literacy through hands-on experiences with new medium such as spoken word and music, as well as traditional techniques such as read-alouds, and will be held at the Northwestern University Settlement Association, at 1012 N. Noble St. For more information, call 773-278-7471.
OBAMA LAUNCH 2009
Monday, January 19 from 10 AM to 4 PM
Event to discuss historic events and reflect on the significance of the event and the similarities to Dr. Martin Luther King. Refreshments will be served. Open Discussion - Old School Forum Style - Poetry, Music and action plan development to make everyday of 2009 a day of service to remember our mission of innovation and progression as well as our renewed faith in America. This day of service will set in motion all other days of service, and will ne held at ALSN (Absolute Lia Sophia Nsyte), Located at 4736 S. St. Lawrence Ave., in Unit 2S. For more information, please call 773-433-6164.
Reach One/Teach One: Sowing Seeds of the Past/Growing Minds of the Future - Monday, January 19 from 11 AM to 1 PM
Bethel New Life will be sponsoring an event entitled, "Rea ch One/ Teach One: Sowing seeds of the past/Growing minds of the future." We anticipate having our seniors speak of their experiences growing up during the Civil Rights Movement and how Martin Luther King, Jr. along with other activists during that period impacted and shaped their lives. We hope this event will be a platform of learning and information sharing for individuals of all ages. Because our event is occurring during Inaugural Week, the incorporation of Obama's historic presidency will also be discussed. Bethel New Life is located at 4950 W. Thomas St. For more information, please call 773-473-7870.
Birthday and Inaugural: King and Obama
Monday, January 19 from 5:30 to 7:30 PM
Join the Bronzeville Chamber of Commerce for a pairing of bubbly with celebrations: Birthday and Inaugural, King and Obama. Here is an opportunity for substantial sampling (2 ounces each) of 6 different sparklers and champagne. Some will pair nicely with Chef Luciano's fresh salmon salad on house-made crostini; others will enhance Sugar Bliss Cakes. The double celebration will be held at the Wine Consortium, at 110 E. 23rd St. The cost is $ 10 and you get a 10% discount on wine purchased that evening. For more information or to RSVP, call 312-791-9999 or email anke@TheWineConsortium.com
Martin Luther King's I Have A Dream Speech - www.mlkonline.net/video-i-have-a-dream-speech.html
INAUGURATION EVENTS
Inauguration Day at the DuSable Museum
Tuesday, January 20, 2009 at 8:15 AM to 2 PM
Enjoy a full day of activities celebrating t he inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. The celebration will be held at the DuSable Museum of African American History, located at 740 E. 56th Pl. Tickets are $44 per person. Membership discounts require advance purchase. Discount will not be honored at the door. For more information, please call 773-947-0600 or visit http://dusablemuseum.tix.com/Event.asp?Event=171810
Inauguration Celebration!
Tuesday, January 20 from 10 AM to 3 PM
Celebrate the inauguration of Chicago’s own Barack Obama as he takes office on January 20th. Come to the Freedom Museum, located at 445 N. Michigan Ave. to watch a complete broadcast of the day. Create your own special memory by taking a photograph of yourself behind the podium Barack Obama used on election night in Grant Park. Stay warm inside while enjoying complimentary hot chocolate and tea from Argo Tea. For more information on this free celebration, please visit http://www.freedommuseum.us/
Inauguration Day Celebration
Tuesday, January 20 from 10 AM to 1 PM
Come view history in the making, the inauguration of the first African American and 44th President of the United States, Barack Obama. The celebration will be held at the Kelly Branch of the Chicago Public Library, at 6151 S. Normal Blvd. For more information, visit www.chipublib.org/events/details/id/20808/
Inauguration Celebration of Change Forum
Tuesday, January 20 from 10 AM to 11 PM
Join us for The Silver Room's January Forum as we celebrate the historic event of Barack Obama's Inauguration to office as the United States' 44th President. Watch the Inauguration on projection screens throughout the space, participate in global Twitter convers ations and party with us afterward! The WEB-CASTING & VIDEO CHATS LINKED TO THE OFFICIAL NEIGHBORHOOD BALL IN WASHINGTON D.C. Connect with the world via Live Twitter Feed follow @annabutler & @thesilverroom (free wifi). See history documented by LIVE art creations and remember the Inauguration forever with in-house silk screening of our custom Obama Designs. The celebration will be held at the Silver Room, located at 1442 N. Milwaukee Ave. For more information, please call 773-278-7130.
Special Inauguration Day Brunch
Tuesday, January 20 from 10:30 AM to 3 PM
Our televisions will broadcast this historic event all day. The audio will played over the sound system throughout the restaurant. So come have some lunch or brunch and share this moment with your neighbors. Reservations accepted. The Brunch will be held at Broadway Cellars, located at 5900 N. Broadway St. For more information, please visit www.broadwaycellars.net/BWCspecialevent2.html
Progress & Politics Talk and Video - Feed of Presidential Inauguration
Tuesday, January 20 from 10:30 AM to 1 PM
Join the University of Chicago community in celebrating the historic Inauguration of President Barrack Obama by viewing the ceremony accompanied by a discussion with Robert Gooding-Williams, Professor of Political Science at the University of Chicago, and Charles Branham, Senior Historian at the DuSable Museum. This talk will be held at the University of Chicago, Mandel Hall, located at 1131 E. 57th St. For more information, please visit http://mlk.uchicago.edu/schedule.html
Inauguration Day at Paramount Room
Tuesday, January 20 at 10:30 AM
Join Paramount Room on January 20th for a full menu of acclaimed food by chef/partner Stephen Dunne, paired with craft beer and Belgian 0Aales, boutique wines, and killer cocktails with coverage on multiple flat screen TVs of the day's ceremonies and festivities. Don't miss the opportunity to try "Inaugural Ale 2009" by Omegang Brewery (aka Obamagang Ale) - Paramount Room is one of just a few destinations where this special craft beer will be available in Chicago. The Paramount Room is located at 415 N. Milwaukee Ave. For more information, please call 312-829-6300.
Inauguration Day Celebration
Tuesday, January 20 at 12 PM
Please join the West Englewood staff in witnessing this exciting once in a lifetime moment in history! Share your opinions and your hope for the future with your neighbors. The celebration will be held at the West Englewood Branch of the Chicago Public Library, located at 1745 W. 63rd St. For more information, please call 312-747-3481 or visit www.chipublib.org/events/details/id/20706/
Presidential Inauguration Party: Celebrating History
Tuesday January 20, Doors open at 5 PM
Come celebrate as Barack Obama becomes the 44th President of the United States of America. Join your friends and meet new ones as America continues this day-long celebration. Continuous Inauguration Coverage. The Party will be held at the M Lounge, located at 1520 S. Wabash Ave. Complimentary appetizers included. For more information, please call 312-447-0201.
Poets to Read Original Work on Inauguration Day
Tuesday, January 20 at 5:30 PM
The trajectory of Barack Obama to the United States presidency has inspired artistic expression around the world, so it's not surprising that an anthology of poetry in celebration of the 44th president's inauguration would emerge. DePaul University will commemorate the occasion when 20 poets included in "A Writers' Congress: Chicago Poets on Barack Obama's Inauguration" read from the work. This free reading will be held at the DePaul Student Center, Room 314, located at 2250 N. Sheffield Ave. For more information, please call 312-362-8623 or email rbrown11@depaul.edu
The Bronzeville (AER) Arts, Entertainment & Retail Inaugural Ball
Tuesday, January 20 from 6 to 10 PM
Come celebrate the inauguration of Barack Obama at The Historic Parkway Ballroom, located at 4455 S. King Dr. The cost is $50 person and includes cuisine by Rome's Joy Catering; black tie optional. For more information or to RSVP (required), please visit http://www.bronzevilleaer.eventbrite.com/
President Obama Inaugural Party
Tuesday, January 20 at 6 PM
Join us for the President Obama Inaugural Party at t he Grand Ballroom, located at 6351 S. Cottage Grove. Hosted by WVON’s personalities, the evening will be lively, with the comedic styling of Reggie Reg, Neo-soul artist Tovi Kalil, music by DJ Insane Ywain, hors d’oeuvres, our exclusive ‘Obamatinis’ and a screening of Inauguration Day activities from the nation’s capital. Tickets are $25 per person and $44 for couples in honor of our 44th President. Valet parking is available. For more information or to RSVP, please call 773-247-6200 or visit www.wvon.com/events/index.php
A Lecture on President Barack Obama
Tuesday, January 20 at 6:30 PM
Journalist Salim Muwakkil will present a lecture on President Barack Obama as part of the East-West Perspectives lecture series. This free lecture will be held at the East-West University, in the 4th Floor Auditorium, located at 816 S. Michigan Ave. For more information, please call 312-939-0111, ext. 1818.
Presidential Inaugural Gala 2009
Tuesday, January 20 from 7 PM to 12 AM
This elegant Presidential Inaugural Gala at the favorite venue for Washington’s most important events, the Corcoran Gallery of Art, located across from the South Lawn of the White House, will celebrate the historic Presidential Inauguration of Barack Obama as the 44th President of the United States of America. The Gala's Technology Serving Humanity LINK-live program features live video streaming and web 2.0 online activities from celebrations taking place in Chicago, Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, among other venues! For more information, please visit www.linkamericas.org/gala2009.htm
"The Beauty of Change"
Tuesday, January 20 from 7 PM to 12 AM
An exciting Inaugural Party open to all held inside the VIP Stadium Club at US Cellular Field, located at 333 W. 35th St. Entertainment, Music, Dinner, Cash Bar, View Washington, DC activites on screen are included. Free Parking (Enter Gate 4 for VIP parking.) A "Dress to Impress" Affair!!! Admission is $50 per person. For more information, please call 773-779-7100.
"I do solemnly swear:" Reflecting on Great Inaugural Addresses
Since 1789, Americans have heard forty-three introductions from a freshly sworn-in President: the inaugural address. With the inauguration of Barack Hussein Obama as the 44th President of the United States on January 20, 2009, Americans will once again receive a Presidential introduction. In light of this moment, the Illinois Humanities Council has selected five inaugural addresses given by presidents during times of conflict, challenge, or great change in the United States. We offer a series of reflective exercises accompanying these inaugural addresses and hope that you might consider them alone, or alongside others, as you reflect on the historic moment to come. For more information, please visit http://www.prairie.org/humanities-resources/keep-learning-online-resources-ihc-programs/quot-i-do-solemnly-swear-quot-refle
CNN.com, Facebook Team on Live Inauguration Stream
As users make comments while watching the inauguration on CNN.com, their profiles on Facebook.com will be instantly updated
www.mediaweek.com/mw/content_display/news/digital-downloads/broadband/e3i4d62455821370cfbbd4e61a377039da1
Barack Obama on the Inauguration
www.youtube.com/watch?v=7eUnTTwrxmc
You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

WVON Inaugural Events

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council have learned that WVON, with its home in the community, will be holding an Inaugural Party at 6351 South Cottage Grove, Chicago from 6:00 p.m. with tickets available at the door at $25.00 a person and $44.00 a couple. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Senator Roland Burris swearing-in ceremony

You may see Senator Roland Burris swearing-in ceremony by clicking this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lS6PBrGpcmA and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4oa9UOEojoY.

Friday, January 16, 2009

Interfaith Breakfast Commemorating the Birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Mr. Keith Tate, President of the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, along with more than one thousand civic, business and religious leaders form all denominations, had the honor and the pleasure to attend the 23rd Annual Interfaith Breakfast Commemorating the Birthday of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton Chicago this morning to listen to and witness an inspiring dais of speakers, most notably, keynote speaker the Reverend Dr. Otis Moss, Jr. Pastor, Olivet Institutional Baptist Church of Cleveland, Ohio and the rousing benediction of Reverend Dr. Stanley I. Davis, Jr., co-Executive Director, Council of Religious Leaders Of Metropolitan Chicago. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Longtime Chatham Resident and Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris Sworn in for his United States Senate Seat

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, are very proud with the swearing-in, seating, and installation of long-time Chatham resident, former Illinois attorney general and comptroller Roland Burris as the junior Senator for the State of Illinois in the 1st Session of the 111Th Congress yesterday afternoon in the U.S. Senate chamber by Vice President Richard Cheney. Mr. Burris will begin work immediately with an agenda parallel and in concert with the incoming Obama Administration. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Longtime Chatham Resident and Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris Will be Sworn in for his United States Senate Seat Tomorrow!

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, are very proud to announce that long-time Chatham resident and former Illinois Attorney General and Comptroller Roland Burris will be sworn-in as the Junior Senator from Illinois in the U.S. Senate chamber by Vice-President Richard Cheney tomorrow after the Senate chaplain's provocation and before Morning Business and can be seen live at 8:00 A.M. live on C-Span2. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Our January, 2009 Monthly Meeting

We, the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, held our January 2009 Monthly Meeting at the Auditorium of the Whitney Young Branch of the Chicago Public Library, 7901 South King Drive. The ongoing crime wave with the effect on the local long-time residents was discussed as well as the underlying drug taking and drug trafficking that is the basis of all the trouble in the community, violence involving guns and mortgage fraud. Happy's Liquors at 79Th and Cottage Grove Avenue is being fazed out. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Free Seminar

Chatham Avalon Park Community Council's Economic Development Committee hosts "Networking, Marking, Promoting, Growing Your Business" on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 at the Northern Trust Company (Chatham Facility), 7801 South State Street, Chicago, Illinois 60619, from 6:00 P.M. to 8:00 P.M. For more information or to R.S.V.P.. please call 1-866-272-1215. Keith O. Tate, President, Maryellen Drake, Executive Vice President, Chatham Avalon Board of Directors. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Metro Outreach Fellowship Church International's Vision for the Community Ministry Goals and Outreach Programs

The Metro Outreach Fellowship Church International's ministry and outreach programs are designed to minister to both the "whole person" and their extended family and the greater community at large. All of our programs are need based and/or offered at the request of our church members and the community that attend or visit our worship services.
What we offer our church members and the community comes from our hearts, generosity and Christian compassion. we endeavour to acknowledge very person's dignity. We seek to treat all persons with respect. We will do our utmost to server every person in the spirit of Christ. We reserve the right to serve any and all persons who present a genuine need for our serves and programs. However, we also reserve the right to refuse our services and programs to any and all person who dishonor God's House, our workers and volunteers, and/or disrupt our serves and programs by seeking to steel, cheat, abuse or take advance of our Christian generosity and compassion that was meant for those who have genuine needs.
Every effort will be made by our church, church members, volunteers, programs and services to be honest, just, kind, helpful and discreet to all persons attending our services, programs or services. We believe God desires for every person, man, woman, boy and girl to achieve their very best in life and to become model citizens and good neighbors. Therefore, we as a local church and ministry will do all we can with what the Lord has made us stewards over to encourage this individual empowerment and enrichment both in our local church community. We will begin with the following programs and services that will address the below needs and concerns that have come to our attention:

1.Inadequate Food Needs:
At Thanksgiving time many families do not have adequate food to have a proper traditional meal. To address this need in a small way, our church would like to give our approximately #50-75 thanksgiving boxes of love to #50-75 needs families in our local church and community the Saturday before Thanksgiving, November 22, 2008 at 2pm.
Likewise, as Christmas approaches, our church would like to five our approximately #25 Christmas boxes of love to #25 needy families in our local church and community having a need on Sunday, December 21, 2008 during our Christmas worship services. There will be some Christmas gifts to accompany those who may need a gift for a child as well.
When the Easter-Passion season arrives, our church would like to give our approximately #25 Easter boxes of love to #25 needy families in our local church and community having a need at Easter time on April 12, 2008 during our morning worship service.
There will be other scheduled distribution times when miscellaneous food items will be available for persons and families to pick up to assist their ongoing food needs. These times will be shares via letter, phone call or by announcement in the local church and community. Please note: The only thing we cannot dispense by law is "money." we regret, we will not be able to fulfill any person's request for funds of any amount, for any need or reason. To do so would jeopardize our tax-t status and the IRS tax code.
2,Information Clearing House:
Our local church will serve as an information depot for all church members and community persons seeking information to better themselves, their families and the community. This informational be free of charge for distribution on serves and programs that come to our attention that would help the greater community. For example, educational, employment, health, investment, entrepreneur and counseling opportunities and/or programs and serves that assist homeowners, single parents, the divorced, the aged, homeless, housebound, youth children, the ill, the gang member, impaired and the handicapped etc...
3.Free Physical and Speech Therapy Evaluations:
There are members within our local congregation who are willing to donate time periodically on a scheduled basis to offer the local church and community free physical, speech, language and pathology serves to any and all persons in need as time is available. These serves are only available by appointment only.
4.After School Study Program:
There are members within our local congregation who are willing to donate time periodically on a scheduled basis to offer the local church and community free after school study assistance with school work, college work and/or any disciple where our members or volunteers have expertise. This services if only available by appointment only.
5.Family and Group Christian Counseling:
There are members within our local congregation who are willing to donate time periodically on a scheduled basis to offer the local church and community free family and group Christina Counseling serves. These serves are only available by appointment only.
6.GED Classes:
There are members within our local congregation and volunteers who are friends of this ministry, who are willing to donate time periodically on a scheduled basis to offer the local church and community GED classes. This serves must follow the guidelines of the GED code in Chicago. This serves is only available by appointment only.
7.The Institute of Christian Studies:
The pastor of the local church directs the Institute of Christian Studies, which holds a contract with Oral Robers University's School of Lifelong Education to offer a Christina College Education that leads to an undergraduate degree. This Institute of Christian Studies is accredited through Oral Roberts University's School of Lifelong Education and its credits are transferable to many major colleges and universities. Transcripts are welcome from other accredited schools and credit for life experience can be obtained through "test out" or compiling a career portfolio which will be used to document earned experience toward academic credit. This service is only available by appointment only.
8.Ministry to the Incarcerated:
We envision an evangelistic ministry to reach those that are incarcerated in prisons and jails and their families. This will be accomplished by networking with ministries already doing this work and the branching our on our own. We have and we will also cooperate with the Angel Tree ministries network which cares for the families of the incarcerated during Christmas time by granting Christmas gift wishes.
9.Children and Youth Ministries:
We envision a youth ministry that will provide nurture and enrichment for the youth of our church and community's spiritual growth. We will address their issues of individuality, peer pressure, sexuality, dating, dedication, career, adulthood, employment, relationships, religion and citizenship.
10.Men's and Women's Ministries:
We envision men and women's ministries that will address the needs, concerns, and issues of men and women, their roles, attitudes, and places in society and the family unit. Issues of individuality, relationships, marriage, divorce, family, sexuality, employment, birthing, child rearing, empty nest syndrome, being a hero and/or a shero, home ownership, investments, and religion will be addressed.
11.Wisdom's Children Ministries:
We envision ministry that will address the needs, concerns, and issues of aged men and women, their roles, attitudes, and places in society and the family unit. Issues of individuality, relationships, marriage, divorce, family, employment, sexuality, empty nest syndrome, home ownership, investment, and religion will be addressed.
12.Personal Enrichment and Vocational Classes:
We envision ministry that will address the needs, concerns, and issues of the individual and the family. A host of subjects will be presented over time to address these needs and concerns. There are members of the local church and friends of this ministry that are offering their time, skill, and expertise to teach persons. i.e., children, youth, adults free for for a nominal fee to learn a specific skill or vocation. Like Cooking, Baking, Sewing, Writing, Drawing, Painting, Reading, Computing, Swimming, House Keeping, Cosmetology, Gardening, Speaking English as a Second Language, Sing Language, first Aid, and Training for the Ministry.
You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Monday, January 12, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: Longtime Chatham Resident and Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris Has Been Officially Seated as United States Senator

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council are proud to announce that Roland Burris has been officially seated as the Junior Senator from the State of Illinois in the United States Senate. He is expected to be sworn-in this week. For more on Roland Burris, see, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roland_Burris. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

SOUL's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration, Rally and Call to Action!

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council had the pleasure to attend Soul's Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration, Rally and Call to Action! on Sunday, January 11, 2009 in a meeting that lasted nearly three hours, at St. Mark United Methodist Church in which its pastor, Rev. Jon McCoy, called for community organization and community outreach to address the needs of the community at large in light of the Inauguration of the First African American President of the United States, President Elect Barack Obama. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Friday, January 9, 2009

SOUL announces Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration, Rally and Call to Action!

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council have the pleasure to announce that Soul will have a Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Commemorative Celebration, Rally and Call to Action! on Sunday, January 11, 2009 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 8441 S. St. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, Illinois, Rev. Jon McCoy, Pastor.

While we celebrate and commemorate Dr. King...we also commit ourselves to a Justice Agenda that calls us to action requires a commitment to be part of the solution and not an addition to the problem. Join us...on this special day...a Prelude to the Inauguration of the First African American President of the United States, President Elect Barack Obama.
Soul is organized for CHANGE!
Mass transit proposal-support the "SOUL" Train"
Stop the Violence--Peacemaking Initiatives
2016 Olympics community benefits!
HIV/AIDS Education & Prevention
You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Wednesday, January 7, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: Senate Democrats Plan to Seat Roland Burris

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, have just learned that Senate Democrats, most notably Rules Committee Chairwoman Dianne Feinstein (D-California), have decided to seek a compromise and consensus and seat long-time Chatham resident, former Illinois attorney general and comptroller Roland Burris, to fill in the vacancy left by the now President-elect Barack Obama in the 1st Session of the 111Th Congress. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Tuesday, January 6, 2009

BREAKING NEWS: Senator Dianne Feinstein Defects and Supports the Seating of Roland Burris

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, were pleased to learn that Senator Dianne Feinstein, (D-California) and Chairwoman of the Senate Rules Committee, has defected from her leadership colleagues, and now supports the seating of Chatham resident and former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris to fill the vacancy left in the United States Senate as junior senator in light of the election of President-elect Barack Obama. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

BREAKING NEWS: Longtime Chatham Resident and Former Illinois Attorney General Roland Burris Denied United States Senate Seat

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, have learned that Lontime Chatham resident Roland Burris, the appointed junior Senator from Illinois was today denied his seat by the Secretary and Majority Leader of the Senate before the swearing-in ceremony at the opening of the 111th Congress. Mr. Burris has steadfastly held that the appointment is legal and is supported by every law book in the nation. Burris said his belief is that his appointment is constitutional and that "I have no knowledge of where a secretary of state has veto power over a governor carrying out his constitutional duties." You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Sunday, January 4, 2009

Prayer Vigil for Roland Burris at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, were able to witness tonight at 6:30 p.m. a Prayer Vigil at the New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church at 77Th and Cottage Grove Avenue, attended by Rep. Bobby Rush (D-1st) and Rep. Danny Davis (D-3rd) as well as Alderwoman Freddrema M. Lyle (6th Ward), all to wish for the certification from Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White and seating of United States Senator, former Illinois Attorney General and Chatham resident Roland Burris. Mr. Burris and his wife addressed the congregation with the throes of the local media from Channels 2, 5, 7, 9 and CLTV on cable, as well as Univision and Fox. Mr. Burris stated that the "appointment was legal" and that all the Senate leadership needs to do is "to follow the law." He further made it clear that there is no precedent where an edict of a Secretary of State has ever usurped the constitutional authority of a Governor. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

Friday, January 2, 2009

Prayer Vigil for Roland Burris

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, have learned there will be a prayer vigil for the newly designated and appointed United States Senator Roland W. Burris, tomorrow at St. John the Baptist Church at 48Th and Michigan Avenue at 12 noon. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

81st & Eberhart Gun Killing

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, have learned of a gun shooting at 81st Street and Eberhart Avenue on Wednesday morning around 2:24 a.m. killing the victim. According to a Chicago Tribune staff report of January 1st, a man was fatally shot in the head and abdomen on a South Side street Wednesday, Chicago police said. Officers went to the 8100 block of South Eberhart Avenue about 2:24 a.m. and found David Earl Carney Jr., 21, unresponsive, Officer Daniel O'Brien said. Carney of the 4800 block of South Chicago Avenue was pronounced dead at 3:27 a.m. in a local hospital, officials said. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.