Census Day is April 1st!

The U.S. Census and Chatham are counting on you to fill and mail out the ten (10) questionnaire back the Census. You can check Chatham's participation rate by clicking on this link: http://2010.census.gov/2010census/take10map/

Important Meeting: Sub-Area I

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, announce that there will be a Sub-Area I meeting at the Northern Trust Bank, 7801 South State, TONIGHT, beginning at 7:00 p.m. to discuss the development and building of a new hotel in the vacant area at 77Th and State Streets. The developer will discuss his proposals.

Chatham and Chicago in the 1968 Riots After the Assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Chatham was rocked by looting (like at the Hi-Low food store at the southwest corner of 79Th Street and St. Lawrence Avenue) as the riots were becoming violent on the near South Side and the West Side on the night of April 4, 1968. National Guardsmen remained in Chatham for 2 1/2 weeks thereafter on jeep patrol. Here is a link to the recording of the calling of 5,000 Federal troops to Chicago to quell the rioting in the black areas: http://www.wgntv.com/videobeta/027020a5-3524-4108-924c-11be435aa992/News/Recordings-Daley-asked-LBJ-for-help-in-68 and in full http://whitehousetapes.net/transcript/johnson/wh6804-01-12910

Blog Question

Is prison culture far too pervasive in and amongst the youth in Chatham? Leave your comments on the comment line.

Why Not Try It?!

How about a high-technology research and development industrial park in the vacant land on Holland Drive in Chatham Market, inviting corporations like Microsoft, Google, Oracle, and Yahoo to set up shop and build R&D centers employing and training the young people in our community to obtain high-wage, high demand jobs in the silicon industry...this could be Chatham's Silicon Hood. Further, Chatham could invite high-tech hardware and software engineers and research professors from countries known for outsourcing, most notably India and China to incorporate start-ups right behind Chatham Market. You are more than welcome to leave your comments on the comment line.

It's Passover and Holy Week and Time to Fill Your Easter Basket at Chatham Food Market!

We urge our members, residents, and viewers to do their grocery shopping for April 4, 2010 Easter Sunday holiday and all this Holy Week at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street!

Bond set for man charged with burglarizing cop's home

A man charged in a police-involved shooting during an attempted burglary to the officer's own home was ordered held Sunday on $100,000 bond.
Lamont Ferdinand, 21, of the 7700 block of South Wolcott was charged Saturday with aggravated assault to a peace officer and residential burglary, police said.
Shots were fired at 9:03 a.m. Friday in the 7600 block of South Vernon Avenue, according to police News Affairs Officer John Mirabelli.
An off-duty officer fired shots at three people and may have struck one, Independent Police Review Authority spokesman Curtis Tarver said.
Ferdinand showed up with a gunshot wound to John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County with bullets that were matched to the officer's gun and he was charged Saturday, police News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro said.
The other two people fled the scene after the apparent break-in attempt, police said.
Ferdinand was ordered held on $100,000 bond at a Sunday hearing, and will next appear in court April 2 at the Far South Felony Court (Br. 38), according to a spokesman for the Clerk of the Cook County Circuit Court's office.

BREAKING THE SILENCE "SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING"

You are invited to the Chicago Police Department 6Th District CAPS 8Th Annual Block Club Convention BREAKING THE SILENCE "SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING"
Invited Guests:
Asst. Superintendent Law Enforcement Operations James B. Jackson
Asst. Superintendent Administration Beatrice Cuello
Deputy Superintendent Daniel F. Dugan Bureau of Patrol
Deputy Chief of Patrol Area 2 Dana Alexander
Chief Eugene E. Williams Patrol Group A
Chief Tina Skahill CAPS Project Office
Director Phillip Hampton CAPS Implementation Office
Community Activist Andrew Holmes
Executive Director Carlos Nelson Greater Auburn-Gresham Corp.
Ester Golar CAPS Problem Buildings
Director Deborah Moor Neighborhood Housing Services
6Th Ward Alderman Fredrenna Lyle
8Th Ward Alderman Michelle Harris
9Th Ward Alderman Anthony Beale
17Th Ward Alderman La Tasha Thomas
18Th Ward Alderman Lona Lane
21Th Ward Alderman Howard Brookins
State Representative Marlow Colvin
State Representative Mary Flowers
Rev. Autry Phillips (AFC)
Ambassador for Christ

Saturday, May 1, 2010.
Doors open at 9:00 a.m.
Programs begins at 10:00 a.m.
Simeon High School
8147 South Vincennes
Chicago, Illinois 60620

For more information, please contact: Beverly Taylor-Williams, CAPS Community Organizer or Officer Cora Hudik in the 6Th District Community Policing Office at (312) 745-3641.
Lunch served immediately following program

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/.

Why Filling Out the Census Form Is in Chatham's Best Interest

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, urge all of our members, residents, and viewers, to fill out the 10 (ten) questionnaire 2010 United States Census form when you receive it by U.S. mail and send it back promptly. If need be, a Census worker will arrive at your home to make sure you are counted. DO MAKE SURE YOU ARE COUNTED. This could mean serious federal funds to our community. Take a case in point. Chatham is designated to have a new library built to replace the old Whitney Young Branch at 7901 South King Drive. There is a drive to have all residents in Chinatown be counted. The Chinatown neighborhood is clamouring for a new 2-story library to replace the one at 24Th Street and Wentworth Avenue. The Chinatown residents are rally around and seeking the Census as the avenue to receive the public funding for a new branch. We, in Chatham, however have been calling for a replica of the Bucktown-Wicker Park branch, at 1701 North Milwaukee Avenue, which is a 2-story facility. Let Chatham get what it wants, by insuring such, by filling and returning by first-class mail, your U.S. Census form. If you have not already filled it out, don't put it aside, do it TODAY!!!: Contact the Local Census Office 2519 (Chicago Far South), 8510 S. Cottage Grove at 773-896-9640.

Blog Question

Do you think the stores along 79Th Street owned by first-generation immigrants serve the interest of Chathamites well? Leave your comments on the comment line.

Chatham History: The Tornado of 1966

Do you remember the Chatham Tornado of 1966 that took the roofs off of several houses along State Street near 83rd Street. If you still have photos of the event, submit them to us, and by all means, leave your comments on the comment line.

Man shot during burglary now facing charges

A man was charged Saturday night in connection with a residential burglary during which an off-duty police officer shot him.

Lamont Ferdinand, 21, of the 7700 block of South Wolcott Avenue, was charged with aggravated assault of a peace officer and residential burglary, said police.

Ferdinand is accused of breaking into the officer's residence in the 7600 block of South Vernon Avenue about 9 a.m. Friday, said police.

The off-duty officer was at home and opened fire, striking Ferdinand. He was treated at Stroger Hospital and has since been released, said Police News Affairs Officer Hector Alfaro.

The police officer was not injured.

Preliminary information on Friday from a police source had said there may have been more than one suspect, but Alfaro said there was no indication Saturday that police were looking for more suspects.

Ferdinand was scheduled to appear in bond court on Sunday.

Hey, Why Not?!!!

Would it be great if the civic leaders of Chatham put in their application to be a test site for Google's fiber optic broadband Internet service, which promises speeds 100 times faster than what Internet users currently have? Google plans to build the ultra high speed network in a "small number of trial communities." The company also says it will offer service at a "competitive price to at least 50,000, and potentially up to 500,000 people."

To support a city's application for the contest, visit www.google.com/appserve/fiberrfi/public/options and post comments under the "Nominate Your Community" section.

Off-duty cop at home shoots burglar

There was a heavy police presence this morning outside the Chatham home of an off-duty Chicago police officer who shot a burglar who broke into the home. (Mike Anzaldi/For the Tribune)

An off-duty Chicago police officer shot a burglar who broke into his Chatham residence this morning, law enforcement sources said.

The officer, who was inside the home when burglars entered the house in the 7600 block of South Vernon Avenue about 9 a.m., shot one of the suspects, the sources said.

Shortly after the shooting, a man with a gunshot wound went to St. Bernard Hospital, and detectives were working this morning to confirm whether that man was the burglar who broke into the officer's home.

Blog Question

Do you think Chatham should become a faux gated community? Leave your comments on the comment line.

YASSA AFRICAN RESTAURANT

PLEASE VISIT YASSA RESTAURANT, 716 East 79Th St. (79Th & Evans), 1 block west of Cottage Grove recently featured on Check Please on CLTV. Call 773-488-4499 or 773-488-9630 or visit www.yassaafricanrestaurant.com. Try the featured dinner menu items such as Dibi Lamb, Grilled Fish and Yassa Chicken or Shrimp. Yassa is the hidden Jewel on 79Th Street. (per "Check Please.")

Fill Your Easter Basket at Chatham Food Market!

We urge our members, residents, and viewers to do their grocery shopping for upcoming Palm Sunday and all of Holy Week, especially the Last Supper anniversary on Holy Thursday, and most importantly, the April 4, 2010 Easter Sunday holiday at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street!

10 THINGS EVERY AMERICAN SHOULD KNOW ABOUT HEALTH CARE REFORM

1. Once reform is fully implemented, over 95% of Americans will have health insurance coverage, including 32 million who are currently uninsured.
2. Health insurance companies will no longer allowed to deny people coverage because of preexisting conditions--or to drop coverage when people become sick.
3. Just like members of Congress, individuals and small businesses who can't afford to purchase insurance on their own will be able to pool together and choose from a variety of competing plans with lower premiums.
4. Reform will cut the federal budget deficit by $138 billion over the next ten years, and a whopping $1.2 trillion in the following ten years.
5. Health care will be more affordable for families and small businesses thanks to new tax credits, subsidies, and other assistance--paid for largely by taxing insurance companies, drug companies, and the very wealthiest Americans.
6. Seniors on Medicare will pay less for the prescription drugs because the legislation closes the "donut hole" gap in existing coverage.
7. By reducing health care costs for employers, reform will create or save more that 2.5 million jobs over the next decade.
8. Medicaid will be expanded to offer health insurance coverage to an addition 16 million low-income people.
9. Instead of losing coverage after they leave home or graduate from college, young adults will be able to remain on their families insurance plans until age 26.
10. Community health centers would receive an additional $11 billion, doubling the number of patients who can be treated regardless of their insurance or ability to pay.

Blog Question

Do anyone attend the Tavis Smiley symposium at Chicago State University last Saturday and what do you think about his "black agenda." Leave your comments on the comment line.
Freelance Writer Needed

Brother of slain Chicago cop killed after birthday party

When Anna Lee heard her youngest of four children had been shot on his way home from celebrating his upcoming birthday, she was hoping he took a bullet to his leg or arm.
She and her husband, Bob, couldn't bury another child who lost his life to violence, they said.
"I was in denial," Bob Lee said. "I couldn't comprehend. Did it happen again?"
Their youngest, Steven Lee, who would have turned 33 Monday, was shot in the abdomen as he walked home from the East of the Ryan lounge about 5:52 a.m. Sunday in the 8100 block of South Ingleside Avenue in the Avalon Park neighborhood.
Lee's brother was Eric Lee, a Chicago police officer who was killed in 2001 as he and other officers responded to a call about a homeless man being beaten in an alley.

Come Join the Fun at The 50 Yard Line

On Wednesday, March 17, 2010 it was Jazz at it Best, appearing live, "The Ken Chaney Experience" The jazz performers was absolutely fabulous....Now EVERY third Wednesday, doors open at 6:00 p.m. and the 1st show starts at 7:00 p.m. at 69 East 75Th Street.

South Central Community Services, Inc. Head Start/Child Care/Pre-Kindergarten

South Central Community Services, Inc.
Held Start/Child Care/Pre-Kindergarten
8316 South Ellis
Chicago, Ill. 60619
Services
Accepting children ages 2yrs-5yrs. old
Full Day Program, 7:30 a.m.-6:00p.m.
Mon.-Fri.
Free Half Day (3-5yrs only) 8:30 a.m.-
12 p.m. and 12:30 p.m.-4:00 p.m.
Mon.-Fri.
Subsidized payments through Action for
Children for those eligible.
Private Pay rates $125.00 weekly, if
family does not qualify for the free or
subsidized options
Breakfast. lunch and a snack served
daily.
Children with disabilities are welcome
Enrollment Requirements
Intake/Enrollment Appointment
Current physical (within 1 year old)
TB screening , Blood screening, Lead
Screening and Blood pressure results
must be on the physical.
Current Immunization records
Dental Exam (within 1 year old)
Original Birth Certificate
Social Security Card
Proof of Income or school schedule
(TANF, SSI, unemployment, or check
stubs)

Enrolling Now!!!!!! No Waiting List!!!!!!
For information and appointments
Please contact Mrs. Pizarro 773-483-0900 x279
or Ms. Hightower 773-483-0900 x267

Michael Platt, Chairman
Board of Directors

Felecia Y. Blasingame, Ed.D
President/Chief Executive Officer

Illinois Fire Safety Alliance: Home Fires

The major causes of home fires include hearting equipment, electrical appliances, matches, cooking and smoking. A major goal of the Illinois Fire Safety Alliance is to reduce the number of fires in the home. The following information lists some activities that could reduce the possibility of your home becoming a fire statistic.....
KITCHEN
1. All electric appliances and tools should have a testing agency label such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories).
2. Have appliances repaired if they aren't working properly.
3. Do no overload outlets.
4. Do not store things above the stove.
LIVING OR FAMILY ROOM
1. Use large ashtrays.
2. Before you go to bed, check cushions for burning cigarettes.
3. Use a metal fireplace screen. Never dispose of fireplace ashes incombustible containers.
4. Put lighters and matches where children won't find them.
5. Allow air space around the TV and stereo to prevent overheating. If the TV doesn't work right, it can be a fire danger. Have it checked or repaired.
6. Keep portable heaters away for combustibles.
7. Have chimneys cleaned and inspected once a year.
GARAGE AND STORAGE
1. Store gasoline and other flammables in tight metal containers. Don't use flammable liquids near heat, a pilot light. or while smoking.
2. Have heating equipment checked annually.
3. Clean up your work bench. Keep flammables away for sparks.
4. Sort and remove rubbish. Do not store thing near the furnace or heater.
OUTDOORS
1. Never use gasoline on a grill fire. Once the fire has started never use lighter fluid.
2. Move your lawnmower away form gasoline fumes before starting. Let the motor cool before refueling it.
3. If your roof needs replacing, give serious consideration to using non-combustible roofing materials.
BEDROOM
1. Do not smoke in bed or a chair.
2. Do not overload electrical outlets.

Illinois Fire Safety Alliance: SMOKE ALARMS

WHY YOU SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT RESIDENTIAL FIRES Nationally, over 5000 people are killed each year in their home. In fires where multiple deaths occur, 80% are between the hours of 9:00 p.m. and 6:00 A.M. In order to increase to total life safety in the State of Illinois, it is a goal to have a minimum of one properly installed and operating smoke alarm in every home. Ideally you should ave a smoke alarm on every level of your home to include: tops of stairways, outside bedrooms and in the basement. Installing, Maintaining and Testing Smoke Alarms: To insure that your smoke alarm will work properly, consult your owner's manual to determine the proper procedures suggested for your model.
SOME SUGGESTIONS:
1. Test Your Smoke Alarm Weekly-Review your owner's manual and determine the proper method suggested for your model. If uncertain, contact your local fire department for proper instructions.
2. Replace Batteries Twice A Year-Establish dates for battery replacement (spring and fall time change). Also, a chirping sound indicates that the battery needs replacing.
3. Clean Your Smoke Alarm Annually-Use a vacuum cleaner to remove collected dust particles accumulating over the year's period.
4. All Members of the Household Should Be Aware of the Alarm Source-Review with all members of the household the location and use of the alarm. It is suggested that a different member test the alarm weekly.
5. Contact The Fire Department for ALL Fires. Get a smoke detector free at the 79th & Michigan firehouse.

19-year-old man playing basketball in Cole Park shot

At 6:37 p.m. Thursday evening, a 19-year-old man playing basketball in Cole Park, 8500 S. King Dr., was shot after trying to break up a fight. He was taken to Jackson Park Hospital in good condition, police said.

It's St. Joseph's Day at Chatham Food Market!

Yes, he was Italian. We urge our members, residents, and viewers to wear red and to do their grocery shopping for a great feast TODAY for the March 19Th St. Joseph's Day at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street!

77-year-old man critically injured in Chatham fire

A 77-year-old Chicago man was critically injured in a fire in a single-family home in Chatham this morning, a Fire Department spokesman said.
The man was rescued from the home in the 8100 block of South Champlain Avenue after someone called emergency crews about 7 a.m., said Fire Department spokesman Quention Curtis.
He was taken by ambulance to Jackson Park Hospital in critical condition, Curtis said. The exact nature of his injuries was not available, and Curtis did not have information about where the man was in the house when he was rescued or if anyone else was in the home at the time.
The fire is believed to have been electrical in origin, Curtis said. It was under control by about 7:30 a.m., he said.

Still "Just Like Detroit"

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, note that 79Th Street from Langley Avenue to Cottage Grove Avenue, seems to have a young thuggery element walking up and down the sidewalks and driving up and down as well, some to intimidate and harass long-time residents. There are loud police and fire sirens heard every hour on the hour every day. What is needed is more policing with hourly bicycle, motorcycle and car patrols done by teams of police officers on a daily basis in concert with the surveillance cameras already in place at several locations. But, above all, there is a great need for a lot of urban renewal, rather than pawn shops and cheap gift shops that sell hair products and gym shoes. This contagion has effects on the Greater Grand Crossing and Avalon Park neighborhoods to the east of Cottage Grove Avenue up to Ellis Avenue as well. A total rebuilding effort, funded by federal earmarks, would be the way to go to bring back the trendy Chatham we have grown up with.

Chatham Spring Clean-Up is Here!

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, urge all of our members, residents, and viewers, to join with the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, Ward 06, and clean up the neighborhood of any trash and garbage you see laying around your house, building, or business and toss it in the nearest wastebasket, garbage cart, or dumpster. LET'S MAKE CHATHAM SHINE AGAIN. KEEP CHATHAM CLEAN!!!

It's Time for the Wearing of the Green---It's St. Patrick's Day at Chatham Food Market

We strongly encourage all of members, residents, and viewers to enjoy the bountiful offerings of spring culinary treats and to do their grocery shopping at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street, this Wednesday, March 17Th, St. Paddy's Day!

CALL 311

If you see a pothole, anywhere in Chatham on the streets you live and and frequent, where yours or not...CALL 311.

It's Time for Spring Clean-Up in Chatham

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, invite all of our members, residents, and viewers to clean up all of the trash that has accumulated in the neighborhood and help their elderly shut-ins to pick of the garbage on the streets and alleys. One need not do it everyday, it is necessary that we all pitch in and keep Chatham clean with regular voluntary pick-ups to the trash in our area.

Chicago Park District News Release

Chicago Park District

541 N. Fairbanks Ct., 7

th

Floor

312/742.4786(ph), 312/742.5391(f)

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

News Release

For Immediate Release: Contact: Marta Juaniza, 312-742-4798

March 10, 2010 Jessica Maxey-Faulkner, 312-742-4786

PARKWAYS FOUNDATION PROVIDES OVER $200,000 FOR

CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT DAY CAMP SCHOLARSHIPS

Parents Can Confirm Eligibility March 18 & 20 at 9 Citywide Locations

Thanks to a grant of over $200,000 from Parkways Foundation, the nonprofit arm

of the Chicago Park District, eligible Chicago families will receive scholarships for

the popular summer day camp program. The grant will allow the Chicago Park

District to subsidize eligible children at a rate of 50% or 75% of the cost to attend

the six-week long session.

“Few of us remain unaffected by this difficult economy,” said Chicago Park

District General Superintendent and CEO Tim Mitchell. “As a result, many families

must eliminate the expense of summer programs in order to afford their basic

needs. This scholarship will help eligible families participate in day camp at a

fraction of the cost.”

To apply for a scholarship, families must show proof of participation in the federal

free or reduced-lunch program. Families who do not participate in the federal

lunch program can submit their most recent federal 1040 tax form and copies of

their pay stubs for the last 30 days, or their AFDC/TANF case number, as proof of

income. The information submitted is confidential and may not be a matter of

the public record of the Chicago Park District.

Scholarship awards are only available to City of Chicago residents. Applicants

must have current proof of residency such as a driver’s license, state

identification card, Medicaid card, rental lease, mortgage statement or utility

bill.

On

Thursday, March 18 from 10 a.m. – 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 20 from 9 a.m.

– 12 p.m.,

parents can submit required paperwork to see if they qualify at

designated “scholarship processing centers” at nine citywide parks. Applicants

must bring copies of documents listed above to one of the following processing

sites:

Fosco Park

1312 S. Racine Ave.

312.746.5086

Columbus Park

500 S. Central Ave.

773.287.7641

McKinley Park

2210 W. Pershing Rd.

312.747.6527

White (Willye B.) Park

1610 W. Howard St.

773.262.5051

Mozart Park

2036 N. Avers St.

312.742.7535

Portage Park

4100 N. Long Ave.

773.685.7235

Marquette Park

6734 S. Kedzie Ave.

312.747.6469

Washington Park

5531 S. Martin Luther King Dr.

773.256.1248

Tuley Park

501 E. 90th Pl.

312.747.6763

If approved, parents can apply their scholarship at any Chicago Park District day

camp location pending availability.

Scholarship award approval does not

guarantee a slot(s) in the day camp programs applicants specify on their

scholarship form.

The applicant is responsible for registering in-person at the related park(s) for the

programs. In-person registration begins on Saturday, April 24 at most parks. To

receive the scholarship award, the applicant’s copy of the approved scholarship

form must be presented to the park(s) when registering. Scholarship award

usage is only available for in-person registration. It is not available for on-line

registration.

Deferred scholarship awards are limited and subject to availability, without

regard to race, color, nationality, religion, gender, age, or disability

.

Patrons that do not qualify for the scholarship program can participate in the

“payment plan” option that is only offered when registering in-person.

It is not

available for on-line registration.

•

A minimum of 50% of all camp fees are due at the time of registration.

Inperson

registration begins at the parks Saturday, April 24.

•

The final balance due must be paid in full by June 14, 2010.

•

A 15% charge will be applied to all refund requests. Refunds will not be issued

once camps have started.

For more information, call the scholarship information line at 312.742.5734.

Parents can start planning for summer by viewing summer day camp and

program offerings beginning Monday, April 5 on-line. Each summer, the

Chicago Park District provides more than 30,000 campers ages 6-12 with a

season of supervised activity at more than 200 local parks. Standard day camps

are six-week sessions running June 28 – Aug. 6.

ABOUT THE CHICAGO PARK DISTRICT

For more information about the Chicago Park District’s more than 7,600 acres of

parkland, 570 parks, 26 miles of lakefront, 10 museums, two world-class conservatories, 16

historic lagoons, nearly 50 natural areas, thousands of special events, sports and

entertaining programs, please visit

www.chicagoparkdistrict.com

or contact the

Chicago Park District at 312/742.PLAY or 312/747.2001 (TTY).

ABOUT PARKWAYS FOUNDATION

Parkways Foundation invests in Chicago’s parks to enrich communities through historic

preservation, environmental initiatives, capital projects and youth/family programs.

Parkways is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to working with the

Chicago Park District in a true public/private partnership.

U.S. Census Update

May of you may have already received notices in the U.S mail about the 2010 U.S. Census forms...it is a 10 (ten) questionnaire that you must fill out and mail in promptly. Don't not disregard this important duty of citizenship...billions of dollars of federal funds are on the line for Chatham...Do the Census as soon as you receive it!

Well, What Do You Think?

How about a high-technology research and development industrial park in the vacant land on Holland Drive in Chatham Market, inviting corporations like Microsoft, Google, Oracle, and Yahoo to set up shop and build R&D centers employing and training the young people in our community to obtain high-wage, high demand jobs in the silicon industry...this could be Chatham's Silicon Hood. Further, Chatham could invite high-tech hardware and software engineers and research professors from countries known for outsourcing, most notably India and China. You are more than welcome to leave your comments on the comment line.

Upcoming Library Meeting

The Chicago Public Library has informed the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council that the newly constructed Whitney Young Branch at 7901 South King Drive may be either a one-story or a two-floor facility. It is still in discussion. It is now in the planning and land acquisition phase. It is still in negotiations. No date has yet been set for demolition of the existing facility or groundbreaking for a new one. The Facility Committee of the Chicago Public Library will be holding its April monthly meeting to discuss this and other relevant and germane topics about the new construction, most likely to be a Bucktown-Wicker Park replica, at the Whitney Young Branch on April 14, 2010 at 10:30 A.M. We wholeheartedly encourage all member, residents and viewers to attend this meeting for insight into the new building project.

Blog Question

Do you notice the rise in the number of day laborers looking for work in Chatham, particular in the retail section of Chatham perimeter (the commercial, retail and business perimeter around Chatham enclave that includes Chatham Village Mall, West Chatham Plaza, and Chatham Ridge Plaza)? Leave your comments of your observations on the comment line.

It's St. Patrick's Day at Chatham Food Market!

We urge our members, residents, and viewers to do their grocery shopping for March 17Th St. Patrick's Day at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street!

Chatham Community Clean-Up Corps

Wouldn't be great if all of the able teenagers in Chatham would join forces in a Chatham Community Clean-Up Corps, and clean up the streets of Chatham in this upcoming Spring and every Saturday morning go up and down their street and pick up all trash and garbage on the street and dispose of it in the nearest garbage cart, regardless of how the trash go there? LET'S GET CHATHAM CLEAN THIS SPRING!!!

Chatham Market

Bravo! to Chatham Market. It is a great development to the area lining Holland Drive from 83rd Street to 87Th Street. It is a magnificent addition to the Chatham perimeter (the commercial, retail and business perimeter around Chatham enclave that includes Chatham Village Mall, West Chatham Plaza, and Chatham Ridge Plaza). We strongly encourage all of our members, residents, and viewers to patronize Chatham Market. It would be nice if some high-technology firms would relocate their research & development divisions here in the vacant real estate adjoining the railroad tracks.

Daylight Saving Time

On Sunday, March 14, 2010, at 2 A.M. Daylight Saving Time begins. Set your clocks and watches one hour FORWARD. Don't forget to replace the batteries in your smoke and CO detectors!

Teen girl dies following Chatham hit-and-run accident

A 15-year-old girl who was struck by a car in a hit-and-run accident in the Chatahm neighborhood over the weekend died Monday.

The girl -- identified as Shayla Raymond, of the 8500 block of South Buffalo Avenue, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s office -- was hit by a vehicle at 11:17 p.m. on Saturday in the 400 block of East 87th Street, police News Affairs Officer Daniel O’Brien said.

Raymond was pronounced dead at 11 a.m. Monday at Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, the medical examiner’s office said.

She was a 9th grade student at Bowen Environmental Studies High School, 2710 E. 89th St., according to Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman Monique Bond.

O’Brien said the girl was initially hospitalized in critical condition after the hit-and-run accident. An autopsy is scheduled for Tuesday, according to the medical examiner’s office.

Nobody was in custody Monday night, and a description of the vehicle was not yet available.

The police Major Accident Investigation Unit is investigating.

NEW LIBRARY MEETING TOMORROW!!!

REMINDER: The Facilities Committee, Board of Directors, of the Chicago Public Library will be holding a Special Meeting, TOMORROW, 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 OR ELSE!!!

Oscar! Oscar! Oscar!

Wouldn't be great if Alderwoman Lyle would introduce in the City Council a set ordinances that would make Chatham open to Hollywood film production and film location sets. As you know, "Ali" starring Will Smith was shot at 79Th and Rhodes in 2001. Kayne West shot a video at 79Th and Evans. Market-friendly ordinances could be introduced that would give filmmakers and studios a tax incentive in the form of a 10-15% tax break for filming on location in Chatham, particularly along 79Th Street between King Drive and Cottage Grove Avenue. Just think of the many crew members and extras that would be hired, especially our young people to learn a trade on-hand in the business! Residents and homeowners who are temporarily inconvenienced by the film could earn user fees from the studios; or they could open their homes and apartments to the filmmakers for a set in a movie for a fee. The studios in turn could get an additional 5%tax cut for hiring local youngsters on the set. Perhaps a "Chatham Film Bureau" could be established as a liaison with the studios and the community. Let us hear from you out there!

Our March, 2010 Monthly Meeting

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

Blog Question

Do you think the level of disdain has risen to a point of insanity with the Dallas plane incident at the IRS office and the shooting at the Pentagon ever since Barack Obama became President so that people are resorting to violent actions? Leave your comment on the comment line.

Beware of Census Scams!

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, want to inform all of our members, residents and viewers of how important it is to participate in the 2010 Census and fill out the 10 (ten) questionnaire form. At the same time, we urge you to beware of the scammers and fraudsters out there--and for what to watch out for:
Phishing:
'Phishing' is the criminally fraudulent process of attempting to acquire sensitive information such as usernames, passwords, social security numbers, bank account or credit card details by masquerading as a trustworthy entity in an electronic communication. Phishing is typically carried out by email and it often directs users to enter sensitive information at a fake web site whose look and feel are almost identical to the legitimate one.
Other Scams:
The Census Bureau does NOT conduct the 2010 Census via the Internet
The Census Bureau does not send emails about participating in the 2010 Census
The Census Bureau never:
Asks for your full social security number
Asks for money or a donation
Sends requests on behalf of a political party
Requests PIN codes, passwords or similar access information for credit cards, banks or other financial accounts.
How to report scams and bogus Census web sites
If you believe you have been contacted as part of bogus or fraudulent activity falsely representing the Census Bureau:
In Person Scam
Check for a valid Census ID badge
Call your regional office to verify you are in a survey
Email Scams
If you think it is a bogus email, do not reply or click on any links within the email.
Do not open any attachments. Attachments may contain code that could infect your computer
Forward the email or web site URL to the Census Bureau at ITSO.Fraud.Reporting@census.gov.
After you forward the email to us, delete the message. You will not receive a confirmation email after forwarding the information to us. However, the Census Bureau will investigate the information and notify you of its findings.
Mail Scams
Contact the United States Postal Inspection Service
Is your survey legitimate?
You may further verify if a collection activity is legitimate by calling your regional census office regarding mail surveys, and our National Processing Center for phone surveys. Other questions may be answered through our Are You In a Survey? page.

Fill Your Easter Basket at Chatham Food Market!

We urge our members, residents, and viewers to do their grocery shopping for April 4, 2010 Easter Sunday holiday and all of the preceding Holy Week at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street!

Open Forum

We, at the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, invite our viewers to make suggestions on how you might think economic development in Chatham would best occur. Don't just think of how some project could be green, but, for example, help promote development and revitalization of 79Th Street, and how it would be profitable and lucrative for the community and at the same time create job opportunities and training for high-wage positions for our young people. Leave your comments on the comment line.

REMINDER: New Library Meeting

REMINDER: 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!!!

Jews in Chatham

At one time Chatham was the home to more than 3,000 Jews and neighboring Greater Grand Crossing neighborhood was home to more than 4,000. If anyone out there knows about the history of Jews in Chatham, please submit of your stories of you and your family in Chatham.

2010 Census

Make sure you fill out the 10 (ten) questionnaire form for the 2010 Census!

It's St. Patrick's Day at Chatham Food Market!

We urge our members, residents, and viewers to do their grocery shopping for March 17Th St. Patrick's Day at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street!

Blog Question

Should community leaders lobby, campaign and cajole the Obama White House for earmarks, outlays of federal stimulus money, and tax incentives to rebuild Chatham to its proper place as the premier residential neighborhood with a suburban-style standard of living of African-Americans in the United States? Leave your comments on the comment line.

Hey How About This!

Wouldn't it be great if 79Th Street between King Drive and Cottage Grove become home to a whole host of comedy and magic clubs. Let us know what you think by leaving your comments on the comment line.

Man found fatally stabbed in Chatham

A 54-year-old man was pronounced dead last Sunday morning after he was found stabbed in the Chatham neighborhood, officials said.

Willie Anderson, of the 9400 block of South Michigan Avenue, was pronounced dead at 8 a.m. at Jackson Park Hospital and Medical Center, according to a spokesman with the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Police responded to a call at 7:09 a.m. to the 600 block of East 79th Street where they found Anderson on the sidewalk with multiple stab wounds, said News Affairs Officer Daniel O'Brien.

No one is in custody and police are continuing to investigate, O'Brien said.