Saturday, February 27, 2010

Blogger Wanted!

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, are looking a blogger willing to report stories about our community to the viewing audience. If you know computers, Internet, and website architecture, join our blog as a contributor. For more information, please call the CAPCC Office at 1-866-272-1215 or visit the CAPCC Blog at chathamavalonparkcommunitycouncil.blogspot.com. You may also visit our website at http://www.capcc.org/.

It's Pulaski Day at Chatham Food Market

We urge our members, residents, and viewers to do their grocery shopping for March 1 Pulaski Day holiday weekend at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street!

Friday, February 26, 2010

General Meeting Schedule

Chatham Avalon Park Community Council will be holding the remaining monthly meetings as follows:
March 8, 2010
April 12, 2010
May 10, 2010
June 14, 2010
July 12, 2010
August 9, 2010
September 13, 2010
October 11, 2010
November 8, 2010
December 13, 2010
January 10, 2011
All meetings will be held at The Northern Trust Company 7801 South State Street Chicago IL. 60619 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Any changes, all will be properly notified prior to projected meeting.

Alderwoman Freddrenna M. Lyle Comments on New Library Meeting

Here are Alderwoman Freddrenna M. Lyle's comments on the recent Chicago Public Library Facilities Committee Board of Directors meeting on the new Whitney Young Branch construction plans: Thanks for attending the meeting to get clarity on the questions that exist in the community. I met with Commissioner Dempsey and the Public Buildings Commission yesterday afternoon. As most know the City is purchasing the properties east of the Library on 79Th St. They have not however closed on all of the properties. Initially the plan was for a 1 story library (due to staffing and economic concerns as you stated). After the question of how to site the library arose, I was told that a 2 story would be required and I reported that to the community. Now there is a new prototype 1 story design that is being considered. Until the imminent domain (purchasing) process is completed with the associated environmental studies, we can't really determine which building will be built. However it has always been the preference of Commissioner Dempsey that a 1 story building be constructed because staffing at Libraries is being reduced due to the economy (which is the justification for the reduction in hours of service). When the process is complete the Commissioner will come back to the community with her recommendations and seek our input once again. The bottom line at this point is that our plans for a new Young Library have been delayed but not abandoned. Our construction time has been pushed back; the existing library will remain open as long as it can safely do so; there will be a period of time during which residents will have to use either, the soon to be completed Grand Crossing library (73rd & So. Chicago), Avalon or Woodson; community uses for the building have been taken into consideration. While I am disappointed that we are not in construction at this very moment, I am certain that once completed we will have a beautiful building that incorporates room for children, teens and community and revitalizes 79Th & King Drive.

Thursday, February 25, 2010

Tropical Jerk Chicken Restaurant Now Open!

The newly relocated Tropical Jerk Chicken Restaurant is now open at 553 East 79Th Street. We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, urge all of our members, residents, and viewers to patron this establishment for its fine food offerings in our community.

How About This!

What Chatham needs to be green is a Chatham Garden Club for residents with a green thumb to gather together and present ideas to make their gardens in Chatham a work of art to gain world renown for the upkeep and creativity invested in their back yards.

New Library Meeting



Update: The Facilities Committee, Board of Directors, of the Chicago Public Library will be holding a Special Meeting, Wednesday, March 10, 2010 at the Harold Washington Main Branch, 400 South State Street on the 10Th Floor at beginning at 10:30 A.M. to discuss the land acquisition for the proposed new construction of the Whitney Young Branch at 7901 South King Drive in Chatham. Due to be a 2-story facility like that of the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch, we strongly urge all of our members, residents, and viewers to attend to express their input into their new intellectual and academic facility for the community. The first part of the meeting will be open to the public, then the committee will meet in executive session. BE THERE!!!

Wednesday, February 24, 2010

Blog Question

How should Chatham get rid of Section 8 housing? Leave your comments on the comment line.

Monday, February 22, 2010

Blog Question

Do you think the kids are getting premier, good or mediocre education in the public schools? Leave your comments on the comment line.

How About It?

How about bringing in entrepreneurial start-ups in high-tech to Chatham? How about giving Chatham through a City Council ordinance, local tax advantages and incentives in the initial capital formation and operation period, to set up shop in Chatham, like they do in Schaumburg and Itasca? Leave your comments on the comment line.

Condolences

The President of the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, grieves the loss of his dearly long-time beloved friend Billy Below, son of Willie and Elizabeth Below, brother to Shirley Below Spriggs, husband to Toni Below, father of Damon and Dana, and grandfather of many grandchildren, and long-time member of Chatham community and St. Dorothy's Parish. He will be greatly missed. We extend our condolences to the family. Funeral arrangements are as follows: the wake will be at 6:00 P.M. and the funeral will follow at 7:00 A.M. at St. Dorothy's Church, 450 East 78Th Street on Friday, February 26, 2010.

ULTIMATE IMPORTANCE: Special Meeting of the Chicago Public Library Facilities Commitee on the New Whitney Young Branch in Chatham



Update: The Facilities Committee, Board of Directors, of the Chicago Public Library will be holding a Special Meeting TOMORROW, Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at the Harold Washington Main Branch, 400 South State Street on the 10Th Floor at beginning at 10:30 A.M. to discuss the land acquisition for the proposed new construction of the Whitney Young Branch at 7901 South King Drive in Chatham. Due to be a 2-story facility like that of the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch, we strongly urge all of our members, residents, and viewers to attend to express their input into their new intellectual and academic facility for the community. The first part of the meeting will be open to the public, then the committee will meet in executive session. BE THERE!!!

Friday, February 19, 2010

"Puttin' on the Hits"

Save the Date. South Central Community Services, Inc. brings you "Puttin' on the Hits" 25Th Silver Anniversary on March 19, 2010 at the Sabre Room, 8900 W. 95Th Street, Hickory Hills, IL. 60657. For information or to purchase a Table?Ticket Contact: Nate Ward at (773) 483-0900, Ext. 228. All proceeds benefit South Central's Youth Services Programs. www.sccinc.org. Doors Open at 6:00 p.m., Dinner Promptly at 7:00 p.m., Showtime at 8:00 p.m., Dancing until 2:00 a.m. Attire: Dress to Impress--Cash Bar. This is an Adult Event. Michael Platt, Chairman, Board of Directors, Dr. Felicia Y. Blasingame, President/CEO

2010 Health and Finacial Wealth Summit in honor of African-Amercan Heritage Month

Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias and South Central Community Services, Inc. present the 2010 Health and Financial Wealth Summit in honor of African-American Heritage Month, a free workshop on how to improve your health and wealth my making smarter choices on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 from 9:00 A.M. until Noon at South Central Community Services, Inc. 1021 East 83rd St., Chicago, Il. 60619. The Illinois State Treasurer's Office will show you how to budget and manage your money wisely. Dr. Terry Mason, Chief Medical Officer for the Cook County Heal System and WVON Radio Host of "Doctor in the House" will teach you how to take better care of your health. Special thanks to Dr. Felicia Y. Blasingame, President/C.E.O., SCCS. RSVP to Illinois State Treasurer's Office at (312) 814-6326 or gpiper@treasurer.state.il.us.

William Garth, Sr. Street Dedication Ceremony

Mr. William Garth, Sr. is publisher and CEO of the Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group, Garthco, Inc. and Founder/Chairman of the QBG Foundation. Mr. Garth is the guiding force behind what is know as the largest Black-owned ABC audited newspaper in America. There is no other respected audit better that ABC. Having started with the Citizen Newspaper in 1969 as an advertising sales representative under the leadership of former Congressman Gus Savage, Garth purchased the Chatham Citizen, Southend Citizen and Chicago Weekend in 1980. He later added the South Suburban and the Hyde Park editions, and founded Garthco Publications, which published PUSH Magazine, a bi-monthly national publication. With Chicago's population being nearly 50% Black, the Citizen has effectively reached this market. Citizen Newspapers has a total circulation of 121,000 and a weekly readership of over 400,000. The circulation cover Chicago's South and West sides as well as the South Suburbs. As a tribute to his business acumen, Garth became the first Black person to be elected President of the Illinois Press Association (IPA). The IPA is the state's largest newspaper association and the office trade organization for Illinois' weekly and daily newspapers. Garth is the only second Black person in the nation elected present of a statewide press association. Garth currently sits on the Board of Government Affairs Committee, of the Illinois Press Association and has served as a board member for more than 15 years. In addition, he was elected a stockholder in the Cook County South Suburban Publishers Association and in 2009, was elected to become Chairman of the Cook County Publishers Association for 2010. Although he resigned from the position, his business savvy and knowledge in the publishing industry allowed him to also serve as Chairman of the Midwest Balck Publishers Association. In December 1998, Garth received the honor of being appointed to Governor-elect George Ryan's Transition Team. In appreciation of his role and support shown during the election, Governor-elect Ryan appointed him to the Board of Directors for the Illinois Inauguration 1998, Inc. In 1995 William Garth, Sr. founded the Quentis Bernard Garth (Q.B.G.) Foundation in memory of his youngest son, Quentis B. Garth, of which his is chairman. The Q.B.G. Foundation provides scholarships to the disenfranchised, inner city youths of the Chicagoland area. To date the Foundation has helped over 49 students and has disbursed over $1 million in scholarship awards. A dedicated activist and leader in the business community, Garth maintains memberships and positions with several business organizations. He is Chairman of the Chatham Business Association, former Present of Midwest Region III of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA), Region III Advertising Representative with the NNPA, Vice-Chairman of Advertising with the NNPA, Transition Team for IDOT--Dan Ryan Project, board member of the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition, a lifetime member of the NAACP and a member of the Chatham Lions Club. Mr. Garth has been the recipient of numerous local and nation awards and honors; one of such honor bestowed upon him was to carry the torch in Chicago during the 2002 Olympic Torch Relay. These awards have become trademarks of his extraordinary character and commitment to the Black community.

1 dead, 1 wounded in Chatham-Avalon Park stabbings

One man was stabbed to death and another injured Wednesday night during an argument with a third person in the Chatham-Avalon Park neighborhood, police said.
The incident occurred at about 11 p.m. in the 8200 block of South Drexel Avenue, according to police.
The dead man was stabbed in the chest and taken to University of Chicago Medical Center. The other man was taken to Advocate Christ Medical Center in Oak Lawn with a stab wound to the back. His condition was not immediately known.
The Cook County medical examiner's office had not confirmed the identity of the man who died this morning. A spokeswoman said investigators believe the man was in his 40s.
No one was in custody this morning. Calumet Area detectives are investigating.

Proposed Changes to the 79th Street Bus Stops

The CTA Traffic Planning has proposed several changes to the bus stops on 79Th Street on the 79 bus route. Bus stops at 79Th and Calumet, 79Th and Michigan, and 79Th and State, would be eliminated in both directions. The bus stop going westbound on 79Th Street at 79Th and Lafayette would also be eliminated. The bus stop at 79Th at St. Lawrence would be relocated from the nearside of the street to the far side of the street in both directions. The bus stop going eastbound on 79Th Street at 79Th and King Drive would also be relocated from the nearside of the street to the far side of King Drive.

IMPORTANT UPDATE: Special Meeting of Chicago Public Library Facilities Committee to Discuss Newbuilding of Whitney Young Branch in Chatham


Update: The Facilities Committee, Board of Directors, of the Chicago Public Library will be holding a Special Meeting on Tuesday, February 23, 2010 at the Harold Washington Main Branch, 400 South State Street on the 10Th Floor at beginning at 10:30 A.M. to discuss the land acquisition for the proposed new construction of the Whitney Young Branch at 7901 South King Drive in Chatham. Due to be a 2-story facility like that of the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch, we strongly urge all of our members, residents, and viewers to attend to express their input into their new intellectual and academic facility for the community.

Chatham welcomes green office building

As you ride along 79th Street between King Drive and Cottage Grove Avenue you'll notice a few new fast food joints, several hair and nail salons and two dollar stores. You may also a notice a new “green” retail and office building on the northeast corner of Champlain Avenue, aiming to spur a re-birth of “value added” businesses to the community once completed, said the building's owners.
Clarence and Lisa Hall, proprietors of CHL Properties LLC, own a few mixed-use buildings in the area, including a barber college a few blocks away, and decided to go strictly commercial for their next investment.
“When we look for property to buy, we look for eyesores in the community. We came across the city-owned building in 2006 and began the process of trying to acquire it,” Lisa Hall told the Defender.
Since the building was owned by the City of Chicago, the Halls had to get support from Ald. Freddrenna Lyle (6th) and the Chatham/Avalon Park Community Council before snagging the final approval from the city.
As preliminary designs for the 12,000-square-foot two-level building were presented, the couple realized they were a few steps away from a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Green Building Rating System.
Construction on the “Chatham Executive Building” began in 2008 and it's currently 90 percent complete.
“We were doing as much as possible to be cost-friendly with the construction that it ended up being a mostly green building. It wasn't our intention and this certainly was before the big green revolution started. When we found out we were a few notches away from LEED status, we decided to go all the way,” said Clarence Hall.
The LEED system was developed by the U.S. Green Building Council and provides a list of standards for environmentally sustainable construction.
Everything in the building must be energy and environmentally efficient, and tenants must adhere to a recycling policy and other standards as required by the LEED system. The couple also had to agree to recycle more than half of the materials that were demolished, the wife said.
Paints used are eco-friendly, the type of insulation used was eco-friendly, the HVAC system draws in fresh air from the outside, the roof is live with greenery, low-flow plumbing fixtures were used, each retail space is zoned heating and cooling that can be controlled from a laptop, the building includes specially-designed glass to help with lighting, and it is located a certain distance away from a public transportation stop. All of this factors into the building's classification as LEED Silver Construction.
The building is equipped with an alarm system and surveillance cameras and has 15 off-street parking spaces.
“There are buildings downtown, on the North Side and in the suburbs that are green. We decided to try to be the pioneers on the South Side with our building. Our building will rival any office building in those areas. The bottom line is we want it to be a gem in Chatham,” said Lisa Hall.
The Halls said too often residents in the community have to travel to the suburbs or the other side of town for goods and services they could easily receive in their backyard. But first, the community must demand for those businesses in their community.
They're looking for an anchor business in the building, hoping it'll create a domino effect and ignite revitalization in the area, the husband said.
A health/wellness spa, an upscale shoe store and boutique and a production studio have been courted to lease in the building. The ground level has five retail spaces for lease and the top level has eight executive office spaces, a reception area and a conference room.
“I'd love to ride by and see some brown legs in the air,” Lisa Hall said, referring to a desire to have a dance studio lease space in the building.
Lisa Hall said once the building is complete and business traffic starts flowing, she hopes the community and other businesses will get on board and want to do the same.
“After seeing what we've been able to accomplish, we hope other commercial property owners will want to go the same route and have a 'green' building,” she said.

It's Time for a Chatham Youth Mentoring Corps

Do you think mentors for the young people in our community would prove useful toward the development of our community. It would be productive if educated, skilled and trained men and women, seniors and middle-aged residents would reach out to the youth in Chatham, bring them under their wings and mentor them with internships and apprenticeships in business, the professions, athletics, the arts and sciences, beyond what they have learned in the school systems, and give them a stipend for their efforts and participation. Would you like to be a mentor for a few hours a week? It would cross the generational gaps with a bridge of trust, communication, and understanding to reach areas of common interests. Perhaps you would want to step up and create and lead a Chatham Youth Mentoring Corps. Let us know by leaving your comments on the comment line.

Blog Question

Should Chatham be Section 8 free? Leave your comments on the comment line.

Thursday, February 18, 2010

REMINDER: New Library Meeting at Harold Washington Main Library

[3985_lg.jpg]Just a Reminder: The Facilities Committee, Board of Directors, of the Chicago Public Library will be holding a Special Meeting on February 23, 2010 at the Harold Washington Main Branch, 400 South State Street at 11:00 A.M. to discuss the land acquisition for the proposed new construction of the Whitney Young Branch at 7901 South King Drive in Chatham. Due to be a 2-story facility like that of the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch, we strongly urge all of our members, residents, and viewers to attend to express their input into their new intellectual and academic facility for the community.

Hey, A Very Great Idea! SILICON HOOD!

Why not open up the vacant spaces in the 87Th and Holland Avenue area behind the railroad tracks, behind the ICE Cinema, as an industrial park for high-technology research and development firms like that in Schaumburg and Itasca and bring in high-tech computer scientists from India and China to set up firms with very favorable tax incentives and start a Silicon Hood (after Silicon Valley in California and Silicon Alley in New York City). You are more than welcome to leave your comments on the comment line.

It Is Time for a Chatham Economic Summit

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, think it is time for all the banking and business interests in our community to gather together just in the same frame as the World Economic Summit in Davos, Switzerland, for an annual meeting together with the civic-minded residents of all Chatham to discuss the ways and means to find gainful employment for our young people, solve the problem of vacant storefronts, and bring upscale viable trendy business into Chatham. Leave your comments on the comment line.

Well, How About This!

How about a YMCA and a YWCA or a Boys Club and a Girls Club built at the vacant lots adjoining the railroad tracks of Metra and the Illinois Central at 76Th Street and South Chicago Avenue to absorb all the young people in the area with a place to learn athletic skills?

Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Daylight Saving Time

On Sunday, March 14, 2010, at 2 A.M. Daylight Saving Time begins. Set your clocks and watches one hour FORWARD.

Now How About This!

Wouldn't be great if every financial institution, especially the banks, opened up a branch bank on every corner of the Chatham perimeter (the commercial, retail and business perimeter around Chatham enclave that includes Chatham Village Mall, West Chatham Plaza, and Chatham Ridge Plaza) and up and down 75Th and 79Th Streets between State and Cottage Grove. This would allow for greater access to capital for business and wealth formation as well as liquidity for the community for home loans and building lines of credit and more ATMs for access to your cash 24/7.

Doctors, Lawyers, Dentists--Set Up Your Offices in Chatham!

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, invite all professional people in our area to set up their shingle in the Chatham neighborhood. Take up residence in our community and open shop and new professional graduates start your practice here in Chatham!

It's Pulaski Day and St. Patrick's Day at Chatham Food Market

Yes, one was Polish and one was Irish. We urge our members, residents, and viewers to do their grocery shopping for March 1 Pulaski Day holiday weekend and the March 17 St. Patrick's Day at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street!

Saturday, February 13, 2010

How About This!

How about a House of Blues on 79th Street somewhere between King Drive and Cottage Grove? Let your feelings be known.

Thursday, February 11, 2010

Well, How About This!

How about a specialty hot dog shop on the southwest corner of 79Th Street and State Street. It would be especially great in the summer! See: http://cbs2chicago.com/video/?id=67916@wbbm.dayport.com

Wednesday, February 10, 2010

Blog Question

Should the Chatham neighborhood demand the invite of restaurants and grocery stores to fight obesity in the community with salad bars and daily fresh produce respectfully? Leave your comments on the comment line.

Condolences

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, would like to express our deepest condolences to our Sixth Ward Alderwoman, Freddrenna M. Lyle, on the recent loss of her mother, Mrs. Delores Harris. We, as well as, all of our members, residents and views, want to extend this opportunity to express our deepest sympathy as to the entire Lyle family, friends, and associates and the staff of the Sixth Ward office in the ward and at City Hall.

BREAKING NEWS: New Library Construction Meeting

[3985_lg.jpg]The Facilities Committee, Board of Directors, of the Chicago Public Library will be holding a Special Meeting on February 23, 2010 at the Harold Washington Main Branch, 400 South State Street at 11:00 A.M. to discuss the land acquisition for the proposed new construction of the Whitney Young Branch at 7901 South King Drive in Chatham. Due to be a 2-story facility like that of the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch, we strongly urge all of our members, residents, and viewers to attend to express their input into their new intellectual and academic facility for the community.

Hey, How About This?

How about putting up some specialty food stores that have a dedicated Internet cafe serving gourmet coffee up and down 79Th Street in Chatham to go along with the comedy clubs?

Tuesday, February 9, 2010

Grocery Shopping for the President's (OBAMA) Day Weekend at Chatham Food Market!

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, encourage all of our members, residents, and viewers, to do their grocery shopping over the President's Lincoln, Washington, Roosevelt, Kennedy, Johnson, Carter, Clinton, Obama Day weekend, beginning Friday, February 12 thru Monday, February 15 at the Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street!

Friday, February 5, 2010

Chatham Affected by CTA Bus and Rail Service Cuts

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, wish to inform all of our residents of the change in CTA bus service throughout Chatham will include service elimination on King Drive Express (X3), Cottage Grove Express (X4) and 3:05 hours of service a day eliminated on State Street (#29) beginning this Sunday, February 7, 2010. Bus riders should expect an extra two-to-five minute wait for their buses during weekday rush hours, and an extra two to eight minutes during off-peak hours. During very-late evening hours, they could also be an extra 10 to 15 minutes between buses. Rail riders on the Red Line will see an additional one to two minutes for a train during weekday rush periods, and two to five minutes during off-peak hours. Please plan your transit early, watch particular bus schedules, and always, allow yourself more than enough time to get to your destination on time, and go to transitchicago.com.

Tropical Jerk Chicken Resturant Relocates

The Tropical Jerk Chicken Restaurant has moved to 79Th Street & St. Lawrence Avenue from its former location which a new Whitney Young Branch of the Chicago Public Library will be built. We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, hope that all of our members, residents, and viewers, continue to patronize Tropical Jerk Chicken Restaurant once its opens at its new location.

Whites Flock to Use Computers at Whitney Young Branch Library

The ten (10) computers in the adult section and the twelve (12) computers in the juvenile section has attracted a lot of white patrons to the Whitney Young Branch of the Chicago Public Library at 7901 South King Drive, mainly in search of job opportunities and applications online for adults and children's games for the kids who are often brought in by their babysitters. A nice touch for diversity of our intellectual resource for our community. We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council look forward to the new constructed library which may hold at least thirty (30) computers for adults and juveniles, each.

Wednesday, February 3, 2010

Blog Question

Do you think the City should float a $15 million dollar bond issue to fund the construction of a new aquatic center at the vacant lot formerly the site of the Rhodes Theater at 79Th Street and Rhodes Avenue. Leave your comments on the comment line.

Monday, February 1, 2010

VOTE!!!

Vote tomorrow and do your civic duty in your local precincts!

Our February, 2010 Monthly Meeting

Our next monthly meeting for February, 2010 will be held Monday, February 8, 2010 at the Northern Trust Bank, 78Th & State Street at 6:30 P.M. to 8:30 P.M.

Sub-Area 2 Meeting

Sub-Area 2 will be holding a meeting at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church, 754 East 77Th Street, Room 226, 77Th Street & Cottage Grove Avenue on Saturday, February 6, 2010 at 11 A.M. to 1 P.M.

Blog Question

What do we do about getting the riff-raft out of Chatham? Leave your comments on the comment line.