The Hispanic Times.com

Latino Stars, St. Xavier University, The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood", In Memory: Pastora San Juan Cafferty, Happy Mother's Day

2013-05-09T17:30:00.000-05:00

LATINO STARS: Saint Xavier University, 3700 W. 103rd St., Latino/Latin American Studies Program featured a free screening Thursday, April 25, 2013 of the film, “The Bronze Screen: 100 Years of the Latino Image in Hollywood.”

THE FILM “The Bronze Screen” is a documentary that examines, analyzes and critiques the portrayal of the Latino image in Hollywood in the past 100 years. The film explores the silent movies to urban gang films stereotypes like the ‘Greaser’, the ‘Lazy Mexican’, the ‘Latin Lover’ and the ‘Dark Lady’. Silent movie clips are notorious for portraying Mexicans as banditos. The rare and extensive film footage traces the progression of these distorted screen images of Latinos all the way to the increased prominence of today’s dignified Latino actors, writer and directors.

THE FEATURED INTERVIEWS and stories in the film detail the struggles of the Latino actors' quest for meaningful movie roles in Hollywood. All of the interviews with the Latino actors and actresses were interesting and revealing. Some Latina actresses had to change their name and the color of the hair to get movie roles.

LATINO ACTORS featured: Anthony Quinn, Rita Hayworth, Rita Moreno, Raquel Welch, Benicio Del Toro, Antonio Banderas, Desi Arnaz, Salma Hayek, John Leguizamo, Jennifer Lopez, Jimmy Smits, Raul Julia, Cesar Romero, Carmen Miranda, Dolores del Rio, Edward James Olmos, Lupe Velez, Ricardo Montalban, Jose Ferrer, Cheech Marin to name a few.

Cesar Ramero Carmen Miranda Delores del Rio

MOVIES WITH Latino actors: “Viva Zapata” [Anthony Quinn 1952], “The Wild Bunch” [Jaime Sanchez and Emilo Fernandez 1969], “Ben-Hur” [Ramon Novarro 1925], “The Mask of Zorro” [Antonio Banderas 2005], “America Me” 1992 and “Zoot Suit” 1981 Edward James Olmos, “Week-End in Havana” [Carmen Moranda 1941], “Selena” [Jennifer Lopez 1997], “Mexican Spitfire” [Lupe Velez 1940] and more. After the showing of “The Bronze Screen”, the audience critiqued the movie.

Ricardo Montalban Jose Ferrer Cheech Marin

John Leguizamo Jennifer Lopez Jimmy Smits Raul Julia

Anthony Quinn Rita Hayworth Rita Moreno Raquel Welch

Benicio Del Toro Antonio Banderas Desi Arnaz Selma Hayek

IN MEMORY: A friend, Pastora San Juan Cafferty, 72, died Tuesday, April 16, 2013 of

Pastora San Juan
Cafferty [1940-2013]

Hodgkin’s lymphoma. She grew up in Cienfuegos, Cuba and came to America with her parents before the revolution when she was just 8 years old. Pastora was a respected University of Chicago professor since 1971. She was widowed twice.
I MET Pastora in Chicago’s political circles. In 1980, I coordinated an “Amigos for Daley” reception for Richard M. Daley, a candidate for Cook County State’s Attorney. At my invitation, she attended the reception held in Pilsen. She was very supportive of Daley. We discussed Hispanic politics in Chicago. She authored and edited many books on Hispanics. Adios, my friend.

A Tribute To A Fallen Soldier: Street Dedication Omar E. Torres Way, Ald. Ariel Reboyras [30th Ward], Latin American Chamber of Commerce Breakfast Meeting, Boy Scout 306 Pancake Breakfast

2013-04-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

PFC. Omar E. Torres

A TRIBUTE TO A FALLEN SOLDIER: On April 2, 2013 an Honorary street dedication was held at the 4600 block of South Keeler Avenue as the Omar E. Torres Way. U.S. Rep. Dan Lipinski (IL-3) was joined by Chicago Ald. Ed Burke (14th), neighborhood leaders and the family of Private First Class Omar E. Torres.
  ARMY Pfc. Omar E. Torres, 20, of Chicago died August 22, 2007. He was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division, Fort Hood, Texas. Pvt. Torres was killed from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated hitting his unit during combat operations while patrolling Baghdad in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  REP. LIPINSKI said “I am deeply honored to participate in dedicating the street where Pvt. Torres was raised and to see how much this means to his family, friends, and former neighbors”. “TORRES TRULY was a hero who made a difference in his community and continues to make an impact to this day. I will always remember the outpouring from the community at Omar’s wake at St. Richard. Now, when people see the signs for Omar E. Torres Way, they will be reminded of him, his bravery, and his selfless service to his country. We will never forget his sacrifice and we are forever indebted to him, as well as to all of the men and women who serve in our armed forces,” concluded Lipinski.
  TORRES grew up on the Keeler block and played football at De La Salle High School before earning a full scholarship to Ohio State University and joining the U.S. Army Reserves. In 2007, Rep. Lipinski read a statement on the House floor honoring Torres for his accomplishments and sacrifice, noting his interest in politics and strong desire to work for positive change in his country. In addition to the street designation, the UNO charter school at 4248 W. 47th St. is named the PFC Omar E. Torres School. Children from the school attended the dedication ceremony and read poetry honoring Pvt. Torres.

Ariel Reboyras

30th WARD: Ald. Ariel E. Reboyras was sworn in for the first term as Alderman of the 30th Ward on May 7, 2003. He is a native of New York City and at the age of twelve relocated with his parents to Chicago. While attending the University of Illinois at Chicago, Ariel majored in Education and was Co-Captain for the UIC “Flames” baseball team. He began his career as a teacher with Chicago Public Schools at Roberto Clemente High School. At Clemente, Ariel was an Assistant Coach for the sport of football and wrestling. Ending his tenure as a teacher, Ariel became a city worker.

ARIEL BEGAN his career with the City of Chicago by driving a truck for the City, worked as an Equipment Dispatcher, headed up an Underground Storage Tank Remediation Program for Fleet Management, became an Equipment Coordinator for the Water Department, and assisted with design specifications for the Fleet Management Division.
RECOGNIZING his dedication to public service, he was promoted by Mayor Richard M. Daley to Deputy Commissioner for the Department of General Services.

L. to R.: D. Lorenzo Padron, Chairman & CEO, Latin American Chamber
of Commerce; Ald. Reboyras, Marianne O'Brien Markowitz, Regional Administrator,
U.S. Small Business Administration and Bennett Santana, President of LACC at a
LACC Breakfast Meeting held Thursday, April 18, 2013.

ALDERMAN Ariel has volunteered his services to various parks and non-profit organizations, which includes little league baseball and youth football programs. He is also the co-founder of the Northwest Youth Basketball Association and the “Maraton San-Juan,” an 8K Road Race in collaboration with the Chicago Puerto Rican Parade. Ariel is a member of the Healthy Streets Campaign Drive, a member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO), and serves on the Pace Citizen Advisory Board.
ALD. REBOYRAS is a member of: Budget & Government Operations Committees, Rules & Ethics, Finance, Housing & Real Estate, Public Safety, Transportation, Vice-Chairman of Aviation, Vice-Chairman of License and Consumer Protection. Currently Reboyras is serving his third term as Alderman; having been an alderman since 2006. He is also the Democratic Committeeman of the 30th Ward.

Scout Alex Monarrez & Ricardo Leyte

TROOP 306: The St. Agnes Church Boy Scout Troop 306 has ten members, starting from 11 years old up to 18 years old; and 25 Cub Scouts, 1st Grade to 5th Grade. The Boy Scouts sponsored a Pancake Breakfast fund-raiser Sunday, April 21, 2013 in St. Agnes’ Social Room in Little Village. More than 200 people attended the breakfast.

Scouts Maximus Rodriguez, Donny
Simpson, Bryant Hernandez

TOM VLACH is Scout Master of Troop 306, Arlene Zriny is the Boy Scout Committee Member and Thomas P. Zriny is the District Boy Scout Commissioner and formerly the Scout Master of Troop 306. The Cub Scouts meet weekly, on Friday, at St. Agnes Church at 5 p.m. and the Boy Scouts meet at 7 p.m.Troop 306 has been in existence since 1938.
THE SCOUTS sponsor two Pancake breakfast fund-raisers each year and a popcorn sale in the fall. Proceeds help pay for the scout’s summer camping trip. For more information on scouting call the St. Agnes Rectory at 773/522-0142.

Movie: "Cinco de Mayo--La Batalla", Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza, Pepe Vargas, Rafa Lara, Kimberly Wasserman, LVEJO, Kid's ID & Senior Medical ID's

2013-04-17T16:30:00.000-05:00

General Ignacio Zaragoza and the battle of Cinco de Mayo

LA BATALLA: Excitement was in the air for the 450 attendees who came for the viewing of the historical epic “Cinco de Mayo-La Batalla” [May 5th-- The Battle]. The Opening Night Gala of 29th Chicago Latino Film Festival, a Tribute to Mexico, was Thursday, April 11, 2013 at the AMC Loews Theater downtown Chicago.

Pepe Vargas

THE INTERNATIONAL Latino Cultural Center of Chicago hosted the Latino Film Festival’s featured film, “Cinco de Mayo--La Batalla”. Before the movie was shown, Pepe Vargas, founder of the Latino Film Festival, took the stage and introduced the director of the film Rafa Lara who shared the inspiration behind his breathtaking historical epic. Afterwards Lara introduced Kuno Becker the actor who played Gen. Ignacio Zaragoza and J. C. Montes Roldan the French actor who portrayed the French General.

ON MAY 5th, 1862, a few thousand Mexican soldiers put their lives on the line against the world’s largest and most powerful army in one legendary battle for freedom for México. Cinco de Mayo: La Batalla chronicles the story of Mexico’s Battle of Puebla, the most important battle in Mexico’s history. When the unbeatable French army invades Mexico to set up a monarchy, General Ignacio Zaragoza must defend the city of Puebla, commanding a poorly armed and outnumbered troop of men.

Rafa Lara

THIS EPIC movie depicts the celebration of a victory by an inexperienced Mexican army defeating Napoleon III’s invading French forces. In the movie, a young Mexican solider finds love in the chaos of war. The Cinco de Mayo battle scene in the movie lasted 25 minutes; a fierce and bloody battle. The bravery of the Mexican soldiers and peasants is pushed to the limit, fighting for their nation, their families and their pride. Cast: Kuno Becker, Angelica Aragon, William Miller, Liz Gallardo and Christian Vazquez.

AFTER THE MOVIE, a reception was held at the River East Arts Center. Chicago Consul General of Mexico Eduardo Arnal Palomera and Alderman George Cardenas [12th Ward] were in attendance. Cardenas was the only elected Chicago official at the gala. I give "Cinco de Mayo – La Batalla" 3 stars.

GOLDMAN PRIZE: Kimberly Wasserman, Executive Director of the Little Village Environmental Justice Organization [LVEJO], 2856 S. Millard Ave., Chicago is the recipient of the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize. It is for her leadership in protecting the environment in her neighborhood.

Kimberly Wasserman

KIM, the USA winner of the Goldman Environmental Prize is one of six international prize winners. The other 2013 prize recipients are from Colombia, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy and South Africa, for their achievements in marshland restoration, solid waste management, fighting fracking and marble mining.

UNDER WASSERMAN’S leadership, LVEJO led local residents in a successful campaign to shut down two of the country’s oldest and dirtiest coal plants — and is now transforming Chicago’s old industrial sites into parks and multi-use spaces.

EXECUTIVE Director Kim lives and works in the Little Village neighborhood of Chicago where she grew up. She became a community activist through the example of her parents who were involved in social activism and in the awareness of social justice issues. Kim loved spending time outdoors and witnessed the systematic destruction of the environment happening in and around the Pilsen and Little Village communities on the southwest side of Chicago. Destruction of the environment led her to a career in the environmental field.
WASSERMAN began as a volunteer, then as a part time LVEJO organizer, and as a full time LVEJO coordinator before becoming the Executive Director. As Executive Director Wasserman is responsible for coordinating all LVEJO campaigns. Her three children are active members in the LVEJO organization, taking advantage of the flexibility of the organization and to allow and encourage parents to bring their children to work in organizing campaigns.

KIM WASSERMAN has been able to empower community members. However, not all LVEJO campaigns have been as successful as she would have liked. She cites this as the most difficult aspect of her job.
OUR CONGRATULATIONS TO KIM WASSERMAN AND LVEJO!

CITY SERVICE: City Clerk Susanna Mendoza’s staff will be doing free Kid’s ID and Senior Medical ID cards at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26^th St., on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. No appointment necessary.

TROOP 306: St. Agnes Church Boy Scouts Troop 306 is sponsoring a Pancake Breakfast [Desayuno de panckakes] from 8 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday, April 21, 2013 in the School Social Room, 2643 S. Central Park Ave. All the pancakes you can eat, includes sausage, juice, coffee or milk. Tickets are available at the door. Donation: $5.

SUPPORT our scouts and help them go to Summer Camp in July 2013. Nuestros boy scouts estaran recaudando fondos para poder ir a su campamento de verano en julio de 2013.

U.S. Sen. Richard J. Durbin, Cuba Embargo, City Clerk Susana Mendoza, Kids ID, Senior Medical ID Cards, Calendar of Events

2013-04-10T12:30:00.000-05:00

U.S. Sen. Richard J. Durbin

CUBA: While in Havana, Cuba this past January as a guest of the Lambda Alpha International organization, I sent both President Barack Obama and U.S. Senator Richard J. Durbin post cards from Havana, Cuba. Upon my return home I sent both letters expressing my opinion on America’s 51 year economic embargo against Cuba. The embargo just does not make sense and should be lifted; my trip to Cuba convinced me.

August Sallas "playing" the maracas with
Cuban musicians at El Aljibe restaurant in Havana.

THE AVERAGE Cuban struggles to make a living but their ingenuity in making a living impressed me. Cubans, in native dress, were willing to pose for tourist taking photographs, they sold paintings depicting old Chevy’s, and peddlers were everywhere selling trinkets, jewelry, cigars and street entertainers. Lifting the boycott would create a lot of jobs for Cubans, and Americans, especially in the tourist industry. Cuba is ten times bigger than Puerto Rico and a beautiful country to visit; I found Cuban’s friendly, courteous and helpful.
IF AMERICA TRADES and gives economic support to countries ruled by dictators like China, Vietnam and other foreign countries why do we continue to boycott Cuba? Canada, Japan, Russia, China all trade with Cuba; except America. The Cuban people are the ones who suffer from the boycott. It’s time for America to lift the economic embargo against Cuba and embrace Cuba now! Cuba is a neighbor and only 90 miles from the coastline of Florida.
U.S. SENATOR DURBIN responded to my letter regarding America’s 51 years economic embargo against Cuba. He writes in his letter to me dated March 11, 2013: “I have strongly supported efforts to lift current restrictions on the sale of humanitarian goods to Cuba. We should not maintain policies that hurt the most vulnerable people in Cuba. Our disagreement is with Cuba’s dictatorship, not with the Cuban people, and their essential items should not be used as weapons in that struggle.
WITH NEW leadership and a series of minor economic and political reforms, the Cuban people have an opportunity to envision a different future. Americans like you can encourage that thinking through our interactions with them.
I WILL KEEP your views in mind when the Senate considers legislation about Cuba and continue to support a diplomatic approach to establishing stronger relationships and better understanding between the United States and Cuba.
THANK YOU again for taking the time to contact me. Please feel free to stay in touch.
Sincerely, Richard J. Durbin/s/ United State Senator.”.... I will write President Obama and Sen. Durbin again.

Susana Mendoza

CITY CLERK’S OFFICE: Office of the City Clerk Susana Mendoza has partnered with the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St., Chicago to make available to residents FREE Kids ID Cards and Senior Medical ID cards. The event will be held on Saturday, April 27, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m

FOR KIDS ID CARD:

Applications will be available at the event.
The child’s digital fingerprint and picture will be taken.
Card will be available the same day.

FOR SENIOR MEDICAL ID CARD:

Applications will be available at the event.
ID Card includes emergency contact, medical condition and allergies, doctor’s contact information and any insurance provider details.
Card will be available the same day.

NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY. The event is bilingual. Doors will be opened at 9:00 a.m.

Mayor Barrett Pedersen holds up a broom
for a clean sweep in Franklin Park

A VICTORY: In the Village of Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen claimed: “It’s a clean sweep!” It was a victory for his re-election and all of his candidates: Tommy Thomson for Clerk, John Johnson, Andy Ybarra and Karen Special for Trustee. Trustee-elect Ybarra is the first Latino to hold public office in Franklin Park. The Village of Franklin Park has a population of 18,415 with a Latino population of 44%. The Election was April 9, 2013. Congrats to all.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

SATURDAY, April 13: St. Francis Order of Wildcats organization is celebrating their 75th Anniversary with its Annual Dinner Dance Scholarship and Award banquet, at the Lexington House, 7717 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills, IL. Ticket cost: $65.00. For more info call Al Martinez 773/896-7733.
SATURDAY, April 20: SENIOR MEETING: 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. Teresa Nieto, authorized agent, will host a meeting for seniors with both Medicare card “A” and “B”. Seniors will learn about the advantages of the medical and disabilities benefits. This workshop is for Seniors 65 or under 62 with disabilities, or low income who may qualify for assistance. For more info call Teresa Nieto 847/967-7358.

SUNDAY, May 5: AMVETS & MAVA will be celebrating their 21st Annual “Cinco de Mayo”. They will be hosting a fundraising banquet at the Polonia Banquet Hall, 4604 S. Archer Ave., Chicago from 5 .m. to 9:30 p.m. Donation: $30 per ticket. Cash bar. Reception at 5 p.m. – 6 p.m. Dinner 6:30 p.m. Music 7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. For tickets contact Commander Bill Luna 773/551-4750 Dr. Hector P. Garcia AMVETS Post 326 or the Mexican American Veteran Association [MAVA] Abundio Zaragoza 773/354-5275.

Cristo Rey Students, Raul Aguirre Jr., Teresa Nieto, Fraternal Order of St. Francis Wildcats Banquet, Daniel Gutierrez, Condolences Miriam Cruz

2013-04-03T12:00:00.000-05:00

Cristo Rey Jesuit High School sophomores [left to right] Maria Ocampo,
Sandra Marceleno, Kenia Marcias, Jennika Jimenez

CRISTO REY STUDENTS: Many students from the Cristo Rey Jesuit High School, 1852 W. 22nd Place, Chicago have been fulfilling their community service hours at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St., Chicago.
EACH STUDENT must complete 20 hours of community service hours each year of high school. Over the past four years more than 250 students have been volunteering since their freshmen year at the Little Village Community Council.

Left to right: Cristo Rey Jesuit H.S. Sophomores: Christopher
Hernandez, Carlos Hernandez, Abdon Solis and
Arthur Sandoval

STUDENTS HELP with the variety of free services LVCC offers: Saturday’s free food pantry, free clothing, free haircut and manicures, and the free health fair. They participate with community events: Voter registration; “Back to School” block party for elementary students by making and giving out free popcorn, soda, and hot dogs; Halloween candy distribution; and decorating the community council for the Christmas holiday season. When special occasions are over the students participate in street clean-up campaigns, computer, office and maintenance work. In the winter months they have shoveled snow for senior residents.
  ALL CRISTO REY Jesuit students do their service hours enthusiastically. “We like coming to the Little Village to help clean up the neighborhood,” said a student. The boys do the heavy lifting of boxes, tables, chairs, the popcorn machine and food boxes. “They are all good students and we appreciate their service in Little Village,” said August Sallas, President of LV Community Council.
  ALL THE students are proud to have a Jesuit in Pope Francis. “We are all excited about Pope Francis,” said Arthur Sandoval.
   CRISTO REY Jesuit High School principal is Patricia Garrity and student body of 550 students.

Raul Aguirre Jr.

ENDORSED: Raul Aguirre Jr. is an endorsed Democratic candidate for Stickney Township Assessor. Aguirre was formerly an administrative assistant for Commissioner Larry Rogers, Jr. at the Cook County Board of Review. Based on his experience, Aguirre is well qualified to hold office as Stickney Township Assessor. He is a certified Illinois Assessing officer; State licensed Real Estate broker; former State Licensed Real Estate Appraiser. The Stickney Township Regular Democratic Organization’s Committeeman Michael Looney has endorsed Aguirre.
AGUIRRE WAS the former Chairman of Burbank Zoning, Planning and Development Commission; graduate of the Realtors’ Institute, former Board of Review Administrative assistant.
   HE HAS HELPED taxpayers with commercial, industrial, mix use, apartment buildings, vacant land and single family residential homes; and conducted Tax Appeal seminars in Stickney Township. Cities in Stickney Township are 40% Latino.
   AGUIRRE proudly served in the United States Army with the 101st Airborne Division and awarded the Bronze Star while in Vietnam. Election is April 9, 2013.
FUNDRAISER: The Committee to Elect Raul Aguirre, Jr. and Latinos of Berwyn are hosting a fundraiser at Cicero Social Center, 6033 W. Roosevelt Road, Cicero from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. this Saturday, April 6, 2013. Donation: $25 per person. To contact Raul Aguirre, Jr. call 708/846-3300.

Teresa Nieto

SENIOR MEETING: Teresa Nieto, authorized agent, will host a meeting for seniors with both Medicare card “A” and “B” on Saturday, April 20, 2013. The meeting will start at 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. Seniors will learn about the advantages of the medical and disabilities benefits. This workshop is for Seniors 65 or under 62 with disabilities, or low income who may qualify for assistance.
MEDICARE "A" is for hospital cost and Medicare "B" is for visits to the doctor. Included in the program will be information on medicine cost. Seniors are encouraged to attend this workshop. Admission is free and refreshments will be served. Nieto may be reached at 847/967-7358 or at 773/558-9631 for more information. Or, Email: teresanieto41@yahoo.com
ST. FRANCIS Wildcats organization is celebrating their 75th Anniversary with their Annual Dinner Dance Scholarship and Award banquet, Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Lexington House, 7717 W. 95th St., Hickory Hills, IL. Ticket cost: $65.00.
THE WILDCATS will be honoring their “Person of the Year”, Daniel Gutierrez. Gutierrez is the owner of the Restaurant Nuevo Leon in the Pilsen community for the past 51 years. Gutierrez graduated from Notre Dame Grammar School and graduated from Cathedral High School in 1965.
GUTIERREZ was drafted into the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and stationed in Yuma, Arizona serving as a medic. In 1968, Danny married his high school sweetheart, Maria Aguirre. They are the parents of four children: Lety, Daniel Jr., Marissa and Cynthia.
DANIEL GUTIERREZ is being honored by the Wildcats as a family man, businessman and generous humanitarian.

Miriam Cruz

CONDOLENCES: Miriam Cruz, sister of Rev. Ruben Cruz, Becky, Noemi and Dorcas, died Tuesday, April 2, 2013 in Puerto Rico. Miriam was Assistant for Hispanic Affairs to Mayor Richard J. Daley. She was highly respected by the Latino community in Chicago.

Elizabeth "Lisa" Hernandez Fundraiser, Edward "Eddie" J. Acevedo, Franklin Park Mayor Barrett Pedersen, John Johnson, Andy Ybarra, Tommy Thomson, Karen Special, Open House Silvana Tabares, Marybelle Mandel, Haircuts & Manicures

2013-03-25T14:00:00.000-05:00

Lisa Hernandez & Edward "Eddie" J. Acevedo

FUNDRAISER: State Representative Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez [24th District] committee hosted a fundraising event at the Atlantic Mall in Little Village Tuesday, March 10, 2013. Over 150 supporters and State officials attended Hernandez’s event.

SPECIAL GUEST was State Representative Edward “Eddie” J. Acevedo [2th District]. Acevedo is the Assistant Majority Leader in the House and Chairman of the State Legislator Hispanic Caucus. Acevedo was the sponsor of the Illinois bill which gives undocumented drivers a temporary license lasting three years. His leadership was instrumental in its passage.

GUESTS enjoyed a tequila tasting bar and unique music by the Tarima Sun group. Catedral Restaurant provided food and refreshments. Rep. Hernandez thanked all of her friends and supporters.

ON SAT., March 16, State Rep. Lisa Hernandez hosted a Diabetes Awareness Fair with more than 130 people attending this free event. Co-hosting the Diabetes Awareness event was State Rep. Michael Zalewski [21st District] and State Senator Steven Landek [12th District].

John Johnson, Andy Ybarra, Barrett Pedersen, Tommy Thomson, Karen Special

FRANKLIN PARK: Incumbent Mayor Barrett Pedersen and his slate has received the endorsement of several Unions. Prior to becoming an attorney Pedersen was a member of the Painter’s and Teamsters Union. He supports his union brothers by carrying the Allied Union Label on both his business and annual Christmas cards.

PEDERSEN’s father was a 37 year member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 134.

THE HISPANIC AMERICAN LABOR COUNCIL has unanimously endorsed Barrett Pedersen for Mayor, Tommy Thomson for Clerk, John Johnson, Andy Ybarra and Karen Special for Trustee. The Village of Franklin Park has a population of 18,415 with a Latino population of 44%. The Election is April 9, 2013.

Left to right: Manuel Carerra, Alaina Hampton,
Silvana Tabares & August Sallas

TABARES OPEN HOUSE: Last Saturday, March 23, 2013, State Representative Silvana Tabares [21st District] opened her district office in the Little Village [22nd Ward] community. Tabares’ office was packed with constituents. Rep. Tabares greeted all her visitors and guests mingling and shaking hands with everyone. “I look forward to giving service to everyone in my district,” said Tabares.

COMMITTEES: State Rep. Tabares serves on the Appropriations-Higher Education; Higher Education; Insurance; Small Business Empowerment & Workforce and Housing committees.

OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Office manager is Manuel Carerra and Alaina Hampton, staff.

FOR MORE information, Rep. Tabares’ constituent service office at 773/522-1315 or e-mail rep.tabares@gmail.com

Marybelle Mandel

LATINA CANDIDATE: Marybelle Mandel [nee Sanchez] is the first Latina trustee candidate to run for public office in the North Riverside suburb. “The Republicans in North Riverside have been doing everything in their power to knock me off the ballot,” said Mandel. Mandel’s party is called the “Transparency & Accountability in Politics” party.

MANDEL is a graduate from St. Mary’s Elementary and Riverside Brookfield High Schools.

ON TOP of the “Transparency & Accountability in Politics” ticket is Mayor Rocco J. DeSantis with Clerk Peter M. Culafic, Trustees Marybelle Mandel, Luigi “Gino” Labellarte, Annabelle Downs. "We are the Democratic Party candidates," said Mandel

NORTH RIVERSIDE has a population of 6,700 residents, 15% Hispanic and 64% are Democrats. The “Transparency & Accountability In Politics” party is endorsed by the Hispanic American Labor Council. The Election is April 9, 2013.

HAIRCUTS & MANICURES: More than 110 residents of Little Village received free haircuts and manicures Saturday, March 23, 2013 at the Little Village Community Council. Students from the American Career Institute of Berwyn did an outstanding job providing the free service. “The event was a success,” said Pat Caraballo, President of the ACI institute.

STUDENTS from Jesuit Cristo Rey High School in Pilsen assisted ACI students by cleaning around their work stations.

Little Village Principals: Jorge Ruiz, Alberto Juarez, Brian Rogers, Jose Luis Illanes, Tonya Hammaker, Jesse H. Ruiz, Cesar E. Chavez Birthday, Open House: Silvana Tabares

2013-03-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

Left to right: Jorge Ruiz, Alberto Juarez, August Sallas, Brian Rogers,
Jesse H. Ruiz, Jose Luis Illanes, Tonya Hammaker

LV PRINCIPALS: Five Little Village principals had an informal meeting with Jesse H. Ruiz, Vice-President with the Chicago Board of Education Friday, March 15, 2013 at the Little Village Community Council. The five principals were Jorge Ruiz, Eli Whitney Elementary School; Alberto Juarez, Gary Elementary School; Brian Rogers, Little Village High School World Language; Jose Luis Illanes, Madero Middle Elementary and Tonya Hammaker, Farragut Career Academy.
VP RUIZ thanked the principals for their attendance and opened his remarks by telling them about his upbringing. “My father was an illegal immigrant and a bracero [Spanish meaning ‘manual labor’]”, said Ruiz. His mother was an “A” student in the State of Guanajuato, Mexico. He also mentioned Barack Obama was one of his professors in Collage as he struggled for an education to become a lawyer. His current position of serving on the Chicago Public School Board is a non-salaried position.
JESSE said, “Chicago Public Schools [CPS] has a lot of challenges. The biggest challenge for the Board will be choosing those Chicago schools which must close in the near future.
“ONE SCHOOL has 60 students but was built for 500. Entire floors are empty,” said Ruiz. In the past 10 years Chicago public schools lost 30,000 kids Ruiz said. Many Chicago schools are underutilized and need to be closed. Some of the buildings are over 100 years old. “It would cost CPS millions of dollars to maintain them,” said Ruiz. Another challenge CPS has is solving the pension problem.
EACH principal had an opportunity to tell Ruiz about their school and its needs. The principals told Ruiz how each of them spend ten or more hours a day doing their work as the principal. Their work is especially difficult when grading a teacher’s performances. “Evaluating a teacher’s performance is very time consuming,” said Hammaker.
THROUGHOUT the three hour meeting, Ruiz listened intently, took notes and said he would follow-up with their needs at CPS meetings and with staff.
A NOTE OF INTEREST: Ruiz stated emphatically, ‘when the casino comes to Chicago, the revenue will be for education’!

August Sallas & Cesar E. Chavez

A NATIONAL HERO: Cesar E. Chavez’s birthday is March 31st. Chavez [1927-1993], a union organizer, struggled his entire life to organize the farm workers into the United Farm Workers Union. I met and walked with Cesar Chavez during the grape and lettuce boycotts in Chicago.
CHAVEZ, a tireless labor leader, lived a simple and humble lifestyle. He was a soft spoken man who wanted to improve the working conditions of all farm workers who are the most exploited workers in America.
CHAVEZ’s dedication as a Union leader and as a religious person helped his cause of “Si se Puede” [Spanish for “Yes, it can be done”], the motto of the United Farm Workers. Chavez fasted to stop violence on the picket lines by his members. Chavez followed the example of Mahatma Gandhi of non-violence.
THERE WAS an assembly by the students at Farragut Career Academy on Wednesday, March 20, 2013 to honor the life and legacy of Cesar E. Chavez.
AS A FORMER elected Union organizer for 10 years with the Chicago Typographical Union I know how difficult it is to organize workers. Chavez is my hero because he was a great organizer and I continue to admire him for his work as a union leader. Viva Cesar Chavez!

Silvana Tabares

OPEN HOUSE: State Representative Silvana Tabares [21st District] is inviting residents of the 21st District to stop by her new constituent service office this Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 2458 S. Millard Ave., Unit 2A, Chicago from 10 a.m. to 12 Noon.
THERE WILL be an opportunity for local residents to speak with Rep. Tabares about any concerns or needs in the community and learn more about the services provided through her office.
OFFICE HOURS: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesdays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Office manager is Manuel Carerra.
FOR MORE information, Rep. Tabares’ constituent service office at 773/522-1415 or e-mail rep.tabares@gmail.com
MOVIE REVIEW: The movie “Emperor” is not about Gen. Douglas MacArthur, but a love story about an American General Bonner Fellers and a Japanese girl. Fellers as a young man in college falls in love with a Japanese exchange student. She returns to Japan during WWII. General Fellers looks for her in Japan after the atomic bombing of Japan. Gen. MacArthur [Tommy Lee Jones] was filler in the story line. I give it one star.

EASTER SUNDAY IS MARCH 31, 2013

Little Village Principal Meeting, Jesse H. Ruiz, Free Haircuts, Manuel Perez Jr. Medal of Honor, Farragut ROTC Cadets, H.O.P.E. Public Meeting

2013-03-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Jesse H. Ruiz

PRINCIPAL MEETING: Jesse H. Ruiz, Vice-President, Chicago Board of Education will be meeting with Little Village elementary and high school principals this Friday, March 15, 2013 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Hosting the meeting is the Little Village Community Council located at 3610 W. 26th St.

JESSE WAS appointed Vice President of the Chicago Board of Education by Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel in May 2011. Chicago Public Schools is currently the third largest school district in the nation with over 400,000 students and a budget exceeding $5 billion.

RUIZ IS an attorney and partner with the law firm of Drinker Biddle. Jesse is the legal counsel to the fourteen Illinois senators and representatives who formed the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation. In 2003, and again in 2009, Jesse received the Foundation’s Leadership Award for providing legal counsel to both the Foundation and the Caucus, and assisting in the formation of both organizations. For more info call 312/286-3405.

Left to right: A hair stylist shows State Rep.
Lisa Hernandez her skills in hair styling
with a young girl.

FREE HAIRCUTS and manicures will be given to Little Village residents on Saturday, March 23, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. Students from the America’s Career Institute, Inc., 7000 W. Cermak Road, Berwyn, IL will be providing the free service.

AMERICA’s Career Institute, Inc. welcomes anyone interested in becoming a cosmetologist and/or nail technician. It is a cosmetologist school under the direction of Patricia Caraballo, president.

FOR SEVERAL years, America’s Career Institute, Inc. has participated in many events. Students love to help community organizations and, at the same time, are given the opportunity to utilize their skills. The school is available for groups and individual customers who would like beauty services done by a student under the supervision of an instructor.

THEIR PRICES are reasonable. Haircuts $7, Shampoo only $4 & up, Re-touch $25 & up, Full color $35 & up, Color rinse $2 & up. Skin: Facial $9, Make-up $15 & up, Eye lashes $15. Nail: Manicure $6, Pedicure $15, Nail Wraps $15, Remove nail $8.

ACI caterers to birthday parties, Quinceanera and bridal showers. Hours: Sunday and Monday – closed, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday – 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Saturday – 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Call ACI at 708/795-1500.

Manuel Perez Jr. 11th Annual Birthday Commemoration March 2, 2013. Left to right: Commander Rudy Acevedo, Dorman-Dunn Post 547; MAJ Peter J. Ramirez, Cadet Jose Rivera, Cadet Enrique Vega, Cadet Bryan Martinez, USAP Senior Master Sergeant Pedro Ortiz, Cadet Juan A. Aguilar, Cadet Jacqueline Medina, Cadet Jessenia Gomez and William Luna, Commander. Cadets attend the Patton Academy ROTC, Farragut Career Academy H.S., 2345 S. Christiana Ave., Chicago, IL 60623

M.O.H. PEREZ JR.: For 11 years, Commander William Luna of the Dr. Hector P. Garcia AMVETS, Post 326 has coordinated the ceremony to celebrate the birthday of PFC Manuel Perez Jr. [1923-1945] a Medal of Honor [MOH] recipient from WWII.

PFC Manuel Perez Jr.

PEREZ JR. was killed in action in the Battle of Luzon, Philippines in 1945. The 11TH Airborne Division mission was to take Fort William McKinley in the Philippines. The fort was fortified with pillboxes with .50-caliber machine guns. Perez took upon himself to blast away with grenades and killed 18 Japanese soldiers before he was mortally wounded. His action enabled his unit to advance successfully. Perez Jr. posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his heroism.

THIRTY-FIVE veterans and friends gathered at the Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza at 26th St. & Kolin Ave. on Saturday, March 2, 2013 in memory of a Mexican American war hero PFC Perez Jr. Farragut ROTC cadets posted colors and played music for the event under the director of Maj. Peter J. Ramirez, Commandant.

Left to right: Sergio Arlandis, Eduardo E. Gesio, Vanessa
Zamora, Lisa T. Bennett, Norma Calderon, Baltazar Enriquez

H.O.P.E. MEETING: The Helping Other’s Progress Economically [HOPE] organization held a public meeting Thursday, March 7, 2013 at St. Agnes gym, 2651 S. Central Park Ave. HOPE is a non-profit organization under the leadership of Baltazar Enriquez. More than 150 people attended the meeting to learn how to protect their homes from foreclosures, court procedures and banks.

SPEAKERS were: Eduardo E. Gesio, U.S. Dept. of House & Urban Development; Lisa T. Bennett, Community Relations, Office of Attorney General and Vanessa Zamora, Senior Housing Policy Advisor, Attorney General’s Office and Sergio Arlandis.

FOR MORE info: Call HOPE at 773/522-2552.

HAPPY ST. PATRICK'S DAY

SUNDAY, MARCH 17TH

REMEMBER THE SAN PATRICIOS!

[THE IRISH SOLDIERS THAT FOUGHT FOR MEXICO]

Town of Cicero Election, Town President Larry Dominick, Democratic Committeeman Charles Hernandez, Volunteers for Larry Dominick's Team, Little Village Principal Meeting, Jesse H. Ruiz

2013-03-05T12:00:00.000-06:00

Larry Dominick

MY OPINION: Prior to the Town of Cicero’s election Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013, Town President Larry Dominick has been under attack for two years by the Chicago daily newspapers. Chicago reporters hammered Dominick fiercely. They were relentless in printing negative stories about Dominick, his administration, his family as well as the town’s corrupt political past. They painted Cicero as a gang infested town once controlled by the likes of Al Capone and Betty Loren Maltese, the former Town President who went to jail for corruption.

THE PUBLIC UNDERSTANDS how daily newspapers work sensationalizing stories in order to sell more newspapers. That negative news article effected the town’s economic growth and gives the wrong perception to outsiders. Fortunately, the press had zero impact on the election in Cicero. In reality, the Town of Cicero has been thriving under Dominick's leadership.

Volunteers for Larry Dominick's Team [left to right] Connie
Razo, Gabriel Ruiz, August Sallas, Mario Martinez,
Maria Razo passed out palm cards in front of McKinley
Elementary School, a polling place in the Town of Cicero.
The temperature was 30 degrees, freezing bitter cold,
and snowy on Election Day, Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013.

THE TOWN OF CICERO is populated by 86.6% Mexican- Americans, many of them once lived in the Little Village neighborhood, a predominantly Mexican neighborhood on the south west side of Chicago next to Cicero. These Mexican families moved to Cicero to raise their children in a safe environment, away from Latino gangs. Dominick’s dynamic leadership has made Cicero a better place to live and raise a family. “They [Mexicans] also wanted to get away from former Ald. Jesus 'Chuy' Garcia [22nd Ward] and the current Ald. Ricardo Munoz,” said Charlie Hernandez the Democratic Committeeman of the Town of Cicero.Charlie's organization endorsed Larry Dominick for re-election.

NOW COMES Juan Ochoa who saw a political opportunity. I believe he wanted to capitalize on the negative press Dominick was receiving and on the 86.6% predominately Mexican-American voters by challenging Town President Larry Dominick. Dominick is a 40-year resident of Cicero and two term president. Ochoa moved into the Town of Cicero less than one year ago. He rented an apartment and immediately declared himself a candidate. Originally, Ochoa moved his family to the Town of Berwyn out of Little Village. Ochoa had the support of Congressman Luis Gutierrez, 22nd Ward Alderman Ricardo Munoz, Cook County Commissioner Jesus “Chuy” Garcia and Water Reclamation Commissioner Frank Avila Sr. They thought this strategy would guarantee an Ochoa win.

DESPITE the support of these four Latino elected officials, Ochoa was defeated overwhelmingly. President Larry Dominick won by a landslide with the help of the majority of Mexican voters of Cicero. The negative press did not influence the Mexican-American voters because Dominick is an exceptionally strong leader. Dominick has made a difference in the quality of life for the residents of the town of Cicero. “Ochoa, Gutierrez, Munoz, Garcia and Avila were rejected by the voters of Cicero," said State Sen. Martin Sandoval loudly at Dominick’s victory celebration.

Charles Hernandez

DEMOCRATIC COMMITTEEMAN Charles Hernandez said, “These four Latino elected officials do not live in Cicero and should not have been working politically against the Cicero Democratic organization.” Chicago Ald. Ricardo Munoz is the 22nd Ward Democratic Committeeman and sits on the Central Committee of the Cook County Democratic Party with Committeeman Hernandez. It is customary [out of political respect] for Democratic Committeemen not to get involved politically in another Committeeman’s district. Democratic Committeemen usually work together.
IN THE Nuevo Siglo, a Mexican newspaper, Ochoa said, “Esto no es el fin” [this is not the end]. Election results: Dominick 61%, Ochoa 30%, Joseph Pontarelli 9% of the vote. The election in the Town of Cicero is over.
PRINCIPAL MEETING: The Chicago Board of Education Vice-President Jesse H. Ruiz will be visiting Little Village on Friday, March 15, 2013 from 9 a.m. to Noon. Ruiz will be meeting with the Little Village elementary and high school principals. The meeting will be at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St.

Jesse H. Ruiz

IN MAY 2011, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel appointed Jesse as the Vice President of the Chicago Board of Education. The Board oversees the operations of the Chicago Public Schools, the third largest school district in the nation, with over 400,000 students and a budget exceeding $5 billion.
RUIZ IS an attorney and partner with the law firm of Drinker Biddle. In 2011, the Wal-Mart Legal Department awarded Jesse its inaugural Wal-Mart Legal Spark Award for “outstanding client and community service and dedication to diversity in the legal profession”.
JESSE IS the legal counsel to the fourteen Illinois senators and representatives who formed the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus and the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus Foundation. In 2003, and again in 2009, Jesse received the Foundation’s Leadership Award for providing legal counsel to both the Foundation and the Caucus, and assisting in the formation of both organizations.
FOR MORE information call 312/286-3405.

Sunday, March 10th, Daylight saving

time begins.

Cicero Election, Town President Larry Dominick, Labor Endorsements, To The Point, Benito Juarez Movie

2013-02-19T08:00:00.000-06:00

Larry Dominick

CICERO ELECTION: The Town of Cicero, Illinois will be having elections for their public officials on Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. According to the 2011 census Cicero has an estimated population of 84,261. The incumbent Town President is Larry Dominick, a 50-year resident of the Town of Cicero and the cornerstone of his administration has been safety for the towns’ residents. “I’ve kept my campaign promises and will continue to make Cicero not only safe but the best place to live, work and shop,” said Town President Larry Dominick.

DOMINICK graduated from Morton East High School and attended Morton Community College before entering public service in the Town of Cicero. After working 14 years for the Streets Department in the Town of Cicero, Larry joined the Cicero Police Department. He retired from the Police force as First Deputy Superintendent after 20 years of service to the community. In 2005, Dominick was elected as Cicero Town President to a four year term and was sworn into office on May 10, 2005.

UNDER DOMINICK’S dynamic leadership, Cicero was named by House Hunt Online among the top 20 Safest Cities in America for 2013. “Safety is what Cicero residents want,” said President Dominick. Another accomplishment under Dominick’s strong leadership was the expansion of social services without raising taxes; for example services for seniors, families, youth and veterans. Cicero has become a magnet for new businesses including Wirtz, Wal-Mart and other business enterprises.

President Dominick’s Record

An aggressive Graffiti program with several graffiti blasters available to remove graffiti the same day.
Bobby Hull Community Ice Rink used by 600 kids on weekends.
Directed the acceptance of the Matricula Consular de Alta Seguridad card as a valid form of ID.
The Safe Space Resolution for Cicero; A resolution with 10 provisions which stop the Town of Cicero agents [including police] from enforcing federal immigration laws and/or Town services because of immigration status.
Appointed Town Clerk, Maria Punzo-Arias, in 2011. She is the first Mexican American Clerk for the Town of Cicero.
More Hispanics have been hired and appointed to public agencies and to Town government.
Hosted 12 Citizenship Workshops to increase citizenship and free Citizenship classes for town residents.
Introduced and supported legislation [House Bill 1241] a.k.a. the Lagunas-Flores Law. The law requires a breathalyzer test given to suspects in all automobile accidents involving a fatality. In 2012 a Chicago police officer, who had been drinking, struck and killed two Cicero residents, Erick Lagunas, 21 and Miguel Flores, 22. The officer was allowed to immediately leave the scene instead of being required to take a breathalyzer test.

Larry Dominick and State Rep. Lisa Hernandez

State Rep. Silvana Tabares

DOMINICK is endorsed by the Town of Cicero Democratic Organization, Charlie Hernandez, Democratic Committeeman; State Representative Lisa Hernandez and State Representative Silvana Tabares, all elected Cicero Town officials and LOBO organization. Supervisor Joe Virruso said: “Larry Dominick has done more for the Town of Cicero than all of his predecessors combined.”

LABOR ENDORSEMENTS: President Dominick has received the unanimous endorsement of SEIU Local 73, Sheet Metal Workers Local 73, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134, Bridge, Structural & Reinforcing Iron Workers Local 1, International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union Local 9, Construction & General Laborers’ District Council of Chicago & Vicinity, Teamsters Joint Council 25, IAFF Local 717, International Union of Operating Engineers Local 399, International Union of Painters & Allied Trades Painters’ District Council No. 14. Give Larry Dominick your vote!

TO THE POINT: Do you need your knives or scissors sharpened? To The Point sharpening business will set-up shop at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. They will sharpen knives and scissors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. No appointment necessary. First come, first serve.

PRICES: Pocket knives $2, Blades up to 4” $3, Blades up to 6” $4, Blades up to 8” $5, Blades up to 12” $6 and scissors $5 - $7.

MOVIE MATINEE: The movie “Juarez” starring Paul Muni, Bette Davis, Claude Rains and John Garfield, made in 1939 by Warner Bros., will be featured at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. Public invited. FREE ADMISSION.

Benito Juarez
1806-1872

Cuba, Ely Chapter of Lambda Alpha International, Old Havana, Cienfuegos, Ernest Hemingway, To The Point, Movie Matinee "Juarez"

2013-02-13T08:30:00.000-06:00

CUBA: A trip of a lifetime. For me the opportunity to visit Cuba came when my friend Charlie A. Serrano, a mission coordinator, invited me to go come along with the Ely Chapter of Lambda Alpha International delegates. Lambda Alpha obtained a license to visit Cuba from January 6 to January 13, 2013 through the U.S. Dept. of the Treasury “People to People” program as a professional academic and cultural research exchange mission. Lambda Alpha began in 1930, has chapters all over the world and is the Honorary Society for the Advancement of Land Economics. The mission was in collaboration with the Antonio Nunez Jimenez Foundation in Cuba.

Lambda Alpha officers: [L to R] Jean M. Meilinger, Donna Jean Pugh,
Antonio Nunez Jimenez Foundation Director Esther Diaz de Villalvilla,
Sherman Lee Jenkins, Radosveta K. Doytcheva, Joan Maria Berry, Helen Kessler

Charlie Serrano

OUR GROUP of 27 delegates consisted of professionals from every discipline: lawyers, architects, land developers, building managers, transportation planners, environmentalists, property managers and city officials. Except me. I was the only Mexican-American community representative in the group.
MY JOURNEY began with meeting the Lambda Alpha delegates, Coordinator Serrano and his assistant, Carlos Jimenez, at the Miami airport. From Miami, we boarded an American Airline charter plane which took approximately 25 minutes to land in Havana, the largest city in Cuba. Once through Cuban customs, we boarded a modern air conditioned bus which was built in China but had an American motor. Our Cuba guide on the bus was Alejandro Infante a.k.a. “Allie”. Allie did a great job sharing a lot of information about Cuba.

Carlos Jimenez

THE FIRST thing you notice in Cuba, besides the heat, [in fact the temperature the entire week was 83 to 85 degrees] were the cars. It seemed as if Cuba was frozen in the 1950’s. Most Havana taxies were Chevy’s from 1959 and down. I rode in a 1952, 1953, and 1954 Chevrolet and I was impressed on how well the 60 year old cars were preserved; vibrant and shiny. I was told most of the cars have different motors, with some of them even having diesel motors.

August Sallas and a 1953 Chevrolet

THE CITIES we visited were Havana, Pinar de Rio, Cienfuegos and Trinidad. All of them beautiful, unique, exotic, and rustic. At the Antonio Nunez Jimenez Foundation, we saw a Cuba museum and heard a lecture about land development in Cuba. A meeting was held with representatives [Cuban Lawyers Assn.] of the National Justice Union of Cuba [Union Nacional de Juristas de Cuba] at their headquarters. Introductions were made in Spanish by Cuban Justice Dra. Dorys Quintana Cruz. Cuba is a Spanish speaking country and my Spanish helped our group throughout the trip. During that meeting we were told how several of Cuba laws are changing relative to business and land ownership.

Alejandro Infante

IN OLD HAVANA, I visited the hotel room of Ernest Hemingway at Hotel Ambos Mundos. It cost two pesos to enter a small room with a single bed, dresser, table, two chairs and a book shelf. Pictures of Hemingway with movie stars lay on his bed. Our guide said Hemingway drank twelve Daiquiri Rum or a.k.a. “Papa Doble” every night at El Floridita, a local bar.

August Sallas holding cigars made by Benito.

IN CIENFUEGOS [100 Fires]: We made an impromptu visit to the tobacco farm of farmer Benito. Benito welcomed us into his home and gave us a tour of his large tobacco barn, explaining his work as a tobacco farmer. He gave us a quick demonstration on how Cuba cigars are made and gave us the samples to smoke and enjoy. Cuba was wonderful to visit. It is a warm and friendly country whose people are beautiful, courteous and kind. My Cuba trip will be continued.

TO THE POINT: Do you need your knives or scissors sharpened? To The Point sharpening business will set-up shop at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. to sharpen knives and scissors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 24, 2013. No appointment necessary. First come, first serve.
PRICES: Pocket knives $2, Blades up to 4” $3, Blades up to 6” $4, Blades up to 8” $5, Blades up to 12” $6 and scissors $5 - $7.
MOVIE MATINEE: The movie “Juarez” starring Paul Muni, Bette Davis, Claude Rains and John Garfield made in 1939 by Warner Bros. will be featured at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th at 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 23, 2013. Public invited. FREE ADMISSION.

Open Letter: Anita Alvarez, O'Hare Airport 300 SEIU Laid-Off, St. Agnes Christmas Show, Our Lady of Guadalupe, Kathleen Duffy, Meteor Juliana Tamayo, Democratic Committeeman Ray Lopez, Merry Christmas Feliz Navidad

2012-12-17T23:00:00.000-06:00

Anita Alvarez

AN OPEN LETTER: FROM COOK COUNTY STATE’S ATTORNEY ANITA ALVAREZ:

“DearFriend:

I hope this e-mail finds you and your family well and enjoying the holiday season!
MANY of you have watched or read about the 60 Minutes story entitled “Chicago: The False Confession Capital”, which aired on December 9th. I have received a significant amount of negative feedback regarding my participation in that segment and the position those clips portray me as taking on the issue.
GIVEN the manner in which 60 Minutes chose to edit my interview, I am not surprised by the negative feedback. However, I want to address these gross misconceptions head-on and have submitted a letter to the president of CBS News to correct the record and to express my deep dissatisfaction with their segment.
CBS provided an inexcusably limited narrative of the case and excluded my most pertinent comments regarding the important and troubling topic of wrongful convictions in an apparent effort to provide their story with an antagonist. Their misrepresentation of the facts and my hour-long interview with them did a disservice to their audience and their journalistic credibility.
MAKE no mistake, I recognize that Cook County has a troubling history of false confessions and wrongful convictions and I will continue to implement solutions to ensure that they do not happen in the future.
ONLY four months ago, the Chicago Sun Times praised my office’s handling of wrongful conviction cases as "a model for justice" for the rest of the country. My commitment to using my office’s resources to seek justice in such cases remains steadfast. I invite you to verify what I have outlined in the letter yourself and to share the accurate facts with others.

Wishes and Happy Holidays”, /s/Anita Alvarez

For more information log on to www.AnitaAlvarez.com

A LETDOWN: I always believed Chicago was a city with a heart and a city that cared about its middle class. Today, I am disappointed with our great city—Chicago—as being heartless. Heartless because our City laid-off 300 city employees at O’Hare Airport, before Christmas! This is a sad situation for these are hard working middle class people with families and children during this holiday season.

CITY UNION WORKERS and their families don’t deserve to be treated so badly. Our great city has created an unnecessary hardship for them and without just cause, their livelihood and their Christmas spirit has been taken from them.

FOR YEARS the Union workers, members of SEIU Local 1 who include janitors and window washers, have been doing a great job keeping O’Hare airport clean. Most of the workers are Latino, African-American and Polish with many years of service. Their work at O’Hare airport has been exceptional. SEIU President Tom Balanoff said: “It’s one of the cleanest airports in America.”

WHY are these workers being laid off? The City is awarding the maintenance contract to United Maintenance Company. Secretary Treasurer, Laura Garza, of SEIU Local 1, in her speech to members said: “They [United Maintenance] will slash the wages and benefits of their workers.”

SEIU WORKERS are urging Mayor Rahm Emanuel to reconsider his decision and rebid the contract. Chicago has always been a city who cares about its middle class. Let’s hope our Mayor keeps it that way.

Leonardo Gonzalez [Juan Diego], Lordes Covarrubias [Guadalupe],
Johanna Godinez [servant], Christopher Negrete [Bishop], Laura Ramos [servant]

CHRISTMAS SHOW: St. Agnes of Bohemia Catholic Church, 2643 S. Central Park Ave., celebrated Mass for Little Village senior citizens at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, Dec. 14, 2012. During the Mass a reenactment of the apparition Our Lady of Guadalupe was performed beautifully by the young students of St. Agnes Elementary School. The seniors along with fellow parishioners clapped with enjoyment after the performance.

Citlaly Ruiz [Mary] and
Christopher Negrete [Joseph]

AFTERWARD, 150 seniors were served brunch by the school children in the school lunchroom. A free raffle and gifts were given to the seniors. Following breakfast, parents, seniors and guests were invited to the school gym to see a performance of the story of the Nativity scene and to hear the school children sing. Along with “Silent Night” the little children sang “Mamacita Yo Quiero Santa Claus” and the performance ended with everyone in the room, students, parents, seniors and guests singing “Feliz Navidad, I want to wish you a Merry Christmas.” It was a great event.

ALL OF the 423 school children from St. Agnes of Bohemia Elementary participated in the Christmas play and performance. Kathleen Duffy, Principal of St. Agnes of Bohemia Catholic School, has been the principal for the past two years. Ms Duffy was a Middle School math teacher for four years before becoming the principal at St. Agnes.

Kathleen Duffy

THE CHRISTMAS event, the Guadalupe reenactment, senior brunch, and teaching the kids how to be servers, was coordinated by 8th grade teachers Eileen Flaherty and Sharon Holdvogt. Ms. Flores and the office staff cooked the breakfast, Martha Fiscal coordinated the Nativity story skit and all of the decorations and Jessica Conlin, the 5th grade teacher, coordinated the music show.
ST. AGNES of Bohemia Elementary school is a Pre-K to 8th grade school. “It’s a Catholic school which we make affordable in order for all families to send their children here,” said Principal Duffy. Gabriella Fiscal, Development Director of St. Agnes, said, “The St. Agnes community values the sacrifice our parents make by sending their children to a Catholic school and we feel a tremendous pride in the elderly of our community. Our parents and elderly are why we are here, and this is a way to say ‘Thank you.’” Kudos to all the teachers, staff, parents and students for a spectacular holiday event.

Christmas Star Elizabeth Ortiz,
Magi: Nicholas Camacho, Standing: [L] Emanuel Carrera
& Everado Rodriguez

METEOR: Sophomore Juliana Tamayo [Little Village] was named Meteor of the Month at De La Salle’s Lourdes Hall Campus for Young Women, 3434 W. Michigan Ave., Chicago for the Month of November 2012.

Juliana Tamayo

TAMAYO EXCELS in her classroom at De La Salle, by sustaining a 4.636 GPA (grade-point average) and ranking No. 5 in the 110-member Class of 2015 at the Lourdes Hall Campus.

ADDITIONALLY, to Tamayo academic excellence, she is involved in the Mock Trail program, REACH Club, Science Club, Spanish Club and Book Club.

METEORS are nominated by faculty and staff highlighting students who are motivated and enthusiastic about the school’s Lasallian mission inside and outside of the classroom. They are students who stand out amongst their peers by having demonstrated one or more of the Lasallian Principles of Faith, Community, Service, Social Justice and/or Association.

DE LA SALLE Institute is an independent Catholic secondary school rooted in the tradition of Christian Education established by St. John Baptist de La Salle in 1889. Its mission has been to foster a desire for excellence in education. De La Salle Lourdes Hall Campus principal is Diane Brown, De La Salle President is Father Paul Novak, OSM. We congratulate Juliana on all of her accomplishments.

Ray Lopez & Patricia Brekke

15th WARD: Raymond Lopez,15th Ward Democratic Committeeman, attended a Chicago Public School [CPS] community meeting on Friday, December 13, 2012, to discuss the newly-named Back of the Yards High School. The new high school will serve Daley, Lara, Chavez, Hedges, Hamline and Seward elementary schools.

COMMITTEEMAN Lopez looks forward to working with Principal Patricia Brekke and CPS in increasing neighborhood awareness for the school.

MERRY CHRISTMAS

FELIZ NAVIDAD

The Hispanic Vote, Chinatown Christopher Kennedy, Tony Shu, Martha Gutierrez, Breakfast With Santa Claus, Juan Manuel Marquez

2012-12-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

MY OPINION: It’s been reported that Immigration reform is expected to be taken up by Congress starting next year. It was also reported that the Republican Party and its members in Congress are adamant in their opposition that will give undocumented immigrants amnesty. It’s a foolish position for the Republicans to keep blocking amnesty for undocumented immigrants.

WE ALL know that America desperately needs a new comprehensive immigration policy. Why do lawmakers want to bog themselves down for years and years with all kinds of ridiculous legislative maneuvers?

POLITICALLY, what Republicans don’t realize is how their position will backfire because it will only energize Hispanics to organized, register to vote and to vote against them. It is a fact that the Hispanic voting power is growing. Hispanic power is the only solution that will speed up immigration reform; and it’s the only thing the Republican Party apparently will understand. The Hispanic voters in America will make the Republicans pay for their opposition to amnesty.

WITH AMNESTY, America can stop breaking up families and start building up its workforce in the marketplace where workers are needed. Lawmakers should instead use their time and energy concentrating on their fiscal responsibilities and solve our country’s gigantic debt problems.

Tony Shu

CHINATOWN held a Business Luncheon, Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012 at the MingHin Cuisine Restaurant, 2168 S. Archer Ave., Chicago with Christopher Kennedy, Chairman,University of Illinois Board of Trustees as their keynote speaker.

WELCOMING remarks were made by Tony Shu, Chairman of the Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce. Chairman Shu introduced Paula Allen-Meares, the Chancellor,University of Illinois at Chicago for a few remarks then

Chairman Shu introduced Chris Kennedy to the audience for his presentation.

CHAIRMAN KENNEDY began his speech by introducing Stephanie Neely, Treasurer of the City of Chicago as a long time friend who he met at Smith College in Western Massachusetts. “I understand the importance of commerce and the mission of the Chinese-American community,” said Kennedy. He talked about the importance of the our ties with China that it’s important to all of our interests. “Last year, 3,600 students from China enrolled in our three campuses—University of Chicago, Champaign-Urbana and Springfield,” said Kennedy.

Chris Kennedy

WHILE Kennedy was talking, servers were placing food on the tables, but no one was eating while Kennedy was speaking out of respect. Chris told the audience: “I am the eleventh child of Robert and Ethel Kennedy and when I was speaking at the [family] table everyone else was eating. So, please feed yourself, but don’t take my lunch.” His sense of humor, relaxed everyone.

KENNEDY said that the benefits of the University is not limited to the people of our nation, but is instead global in scope whether it’s in Chicago of Beijing.

“IN ILLINOIS, Kennedy said, “only good things happen when a lot of different people work together.” Just recently the Chancellor of Urbana, Phyllis Wise, announced the preliminary plans this fall to construct a University office in China.

“IF YOU love this country you must care about our research universities. History teaches us that what happens in Illinois will happen to the rest of the country. If we get stronger, the country will get stronger. If we get weaker, so goes the nation”, said Kennedy.

HE SAID that the State [Illinois] is weaker now than it has ever been before; with rising taxes, including a 4% annual growth rate, declining taxable assets and the fourth highest state debt in the country of $270 billion. Job growth is not rising. Jobs are being consolidated. “Our job growth is not bouncing back,” said Kennedy.

“CONSOLIDATION is the most important economic trend. The largest grocery store in the United States today is Wal-Mart. Half of the entire food industry today is control by six companies,” stated Kennedy.

Christopher Kennedy & August Sallas

DURING his speech Kennedy used a visual chart board. After this speech, Kennedy accepted questions. He was very cordial and had his photo taken with anyone that wanted one.

Martha Gutierrez

IN ATTENDANCE at the luncheon was Martha Gutierrez, Associate Director for Community Relations. “Marty”, as she is called, works in the Office of the Vice Chancellor for External Affairs at the University of Illinois at Chicago [UIC]. She formerly worked in Mayor Richard M. Daley’s administration in City Hall for many years; and she has a wealth of experience in government.

BREAKFAST WITH SANTA: The 4th Annual Pancake Breakfast with Santa was held at the Cicero Stadium, 1909 S. Laramie, Cicero, IL. Hosting the event was the Chicagoland Toys for Tots Motorcycle Parade organization and sponsored by the Bennigan’s Restaurant, 150 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Attendance was 300 parents with children.

Santa Claus & Aron Flores, 5

THE CHILDREN had their picture taken with Santa Claus and given a large Christmas sock filled with candy and a toy. Santa put the little kids on his lap and asked them if they were good this year. He was a jolly Santa. Biker Brown Bear and Biker Snowman entertained the children at the breakfast. One of the coordinators of the breakfast, Robert “Cooch” Kuczera, read the coloring story book “The Adventures of Toys For Tots”, while the “Toys For Tots” officers play acted a role in the story book as the children sat in a circle.

ALL THE guests and children were given a copy of the “Toys For Tots” coloring story book. It’s story was created by Jerry Kuczera; and special thanks were given to Liz Padilla, Robert Cooch and Sal Massey, local artist. The coloring book was dedicated in loving memory of AJ Massey.

Juan Manuel Marquez

THE CHAMPION: Juan Manuel Marquez, 39, Mexican, aka “Dinamita” knockout Manny “Pac-Man” Pacquiao, 33, Filipino, in the sixth round of their fourth rematch Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 at the MGM Grand Hotel in Las Vegas. With a hard overhand right hand punch to the face by Marquez, Pacquiao hit the canvass out cold and face down.

PACQUIAO laid on the canvass for about two minutes before he was picked up dazed by his handlers. Pacquiao was immediately rushed to the hospital after being knocked out and underwent a CT scan, as a precautionary measure to check for a concussion. Marquez suffered a broken bloody nose, but this fight clinched the challenge who was the better fighter.

MARQUEZ is considered by some boxing experts to be among the greatest Mexican boxers of all-time.

"Toys For Tots" Parade, Santa Claus, Chicagoland "Toys for Tots" Motorcycle Parade Organization, Cicero Election, Movie Review: "Skyfall", "Anna Karenina", "Lincoln", Little Village Toy Drive

2012-12-04T12:00:00.000-06:00

TOYS FOR TOTS: More than 40,000 motorcyclists gathered at the Dan Ryan Forest Preserve at 87th St. & Western Ave., Chicago Sunday, Dec. 2, 2012 at 8:00 a.m. for the beginning of the 35th Annual Chicagoland “Toys For Tots” parade. The weather was perfect; sunny and balmy 64 degrees.

“EVERY CHILD DESERVES a toy for Christmas” is the motto of the bikers. “This is the largest motorcycle parade, in the country, which collects toys for needy kids,” said Robert “Cooch” Kuczera former president of the “Toys For Tots” organization and this year’s MC. A Proclamation was received by the “Toys For Tots” organization from Mayor Rahm Emanuel. As the bikers waited for the parade to begin they were given instructions by "Cooch" who reminded them of safety being first and “no hot-dogging” in the procession.

Santa Claus
"Toys for Tots" parade

BEFORE THE PARADE kicked off at 9:15 a.m. the bikers said the Pledge of Allegiance, and held a moment of silence for the ten [10] bikers who lost their lives in 2012. "Cooch" introduced Santa Claus, who led the parade riding on a Harley-Davidson, and the Marine representatives. Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck joined the caravan. Following Santa was a gigantic empty red wagon with Santa’s helpers and a Christmas train and float. One of Santa’s helpers, Elena Lopez, a 5-year volunteer with the “Toys For Tots” organization, is also a licensed motorcycle rider rode in the big red wagon with friends.

AS BIKERS EXITED the Dan Ryan Woods, Bishop James Wilkowski [a.k.a.“The biker Bishop”] of the Evangelical Catholic Church blessed them by sprinkling them with Holy Water as they passed him. Biker "Shade" has held the front position in the parade for the past 8 years. The caravan of bikers traveled north on Western Ave. and ended at the Lane Tech High School parking lot on Western Ave. & Addison Ave.; the drop-off point for the toys.

Elena Lopez

THE TOYS are donated to the Marine Foundation 2nd Battalion for children in hospitals and needy families.

BIKERS CAME from everywhere. Some bikers wore their “leathers”, [leather pants], helmets and colors identifying their Motorcycle Club [MC]. Each biker carried more than one toy to the parade strapped on their motorcycle. The bikes were large and small and of different colors, shapes, models and all beautifully decorated with a Christmas theme.

MANY MOTORCYCLE CLUBS were represented in the parade. The MC’s with Latino bikers were Latin American Motorcycle Association [LAMA], Barrio Riders MC, American Veterans Motorcycle Riders Association of Illinois Chapter 7, Wildfire Hog Chapter MC, Alpha Doggs MC [a law enforcement group], and Teamsters Horsemen Association MC, and the Chi-Town Mustang, a non-bikers group who helped with blocking of traffic every year.

Santa Claus riding a Harley-Davidson motorcycle

CHICAGOLAND Toys For Tots Motorcycle Parade Organization Board of Directors are: President George Lester Fortier, Vice President Tom Dertz, Secretary/Southside Coordinator Peggy Estes a.k.a. “The Gate Lady” because she was in charge of the Southside Forest Preserve entrance, Treasurer Wendy Lanleys, Sgt. at Arms “Doc” Henderson, Parade Coordinator Joy Black, Product Coordinator Joe Ziman, Parliamentarian/Historian Maynard Marsh, Northside Coordinator Debbie “Chica” Giampa and her assistant Sam Johnson, Parking Coordinator “Wendal” who did an great job with parking of the bikes at Lane Tech and other surrounding parking lots. Again, the Chicago Police Department did a fantastic job giving service to the bikers.

Bikers Alejandra Lara, Sergio Infant, Margie "GoGo" Reyes

THE TOYS FOR TOTS organization had a tent in the parking lot at Lane Tech selling many different kinds of T-shirts and “Toys for Tots” souvenirs.

MANY spectators watched the “Toys for Tots” parade lined-up along Western Ave. The warm weather made the parade a success and festive. It was a colorful and spectacular parade. I salute the Toys For Tots organization and bikers for their dedication and generosity.

NEXT EVENT of the “Toys For Tots” organization is a fund-raiser at the Cicero Stadium, 1909 S. Laramie Ave., Town of Cicero this Saturday, Dec. 8, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A pancake breakfast will be served and Santa Claus will be present to take a photograph with children, free. "Cooch" will read a Christmas story to the kids. Tickets are $6 per person and family of four is $20. There will be a raffle and a 50/50 drawing. For more information contact "Chica" at 630/550-3944.

CICERO POLITICS: The election for officials in the Town of Cicero, IL is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 26, 2013. The deadline for filing was Monday, Nov. 26, 2012. It’s gearing up to be a real political “donnybrook”. Cicero is a suburb west of Chicago with a population estimated to be 84,261, according to the 2011 Census. Their elections are always full of surprises.

THERE are five candidates who have announced their candidacy in Cicero election for Town President: incumbent Town President Larry Dominick, Juan Ochoa, Lizveth L. Mendez, Joseph Pontarelli and Ruperto De Loera. The election is non-partisan and the candidate receiving 50+1 votes is the winner.

IN THE past 20 years, the racial make-up of Cicero’s population has change dramatically. The town is now 80% Mexican/Latino and the majority is now registered Democrats. This population change is causing the landscape of the politics in Cicero to shift. Cicero’s Democratic Organization Committeeman Charles Hernandez said, “Our organization has endorsed Larry Dominick because he is good for Cicero; and Dominick has the full support of all the local elected Latino leaders”.

MOVIE REVIEW: “Skyfall” is an action movie with twists and turns. Skyfall is the twenty-third in the James Bond series of spy films. Actor Daniel Craig who plays James Bond takes a lot of risks as 007. The performance by Javier Barden as the villain in Skyfall was thought provoking. The plot was intriguing and has a surprise ending. I give it 1 star.
MOVIE “Anna Karenina” with Keira Knightley as Anna, Jude Law as Alexei Karenin, her aristocrat husband, and Aaron Taylor-Johnson plays Count Vronsky, Anna’s lover, is a passionate love triangle story in Russia written by Leo Tolstoy. The performances of the actors, [especially by Knightley]; the storyline, costumes and scenery was outstanding and entertaining. I give it 3 stars.
MOVIE “Lincoln” is a biopic drama. The portrayal of Abraham Lincoln by Daniel Day-Lewis was superb. This movie is a historical story of the life of Lincoln, the civil war and the passage of the 13th Amendment to the Constitution; abolishing slavery. The film was suspenseful with graphic scenes of the civil war. Performances by all the actors were great. The audience clapped at the end. Day-Lewis should receive an Oscar. I give it 3 stars.

Farragut Career Academy Tour, State Sen. Steve Landek, State Representative-Elect Silvana Tabares, Principal Tonya Hammaker, Major Peter Ramirez, Quineanera Princess Michelle Calderon, Hector "Macho" Camacho

2012-11-27T10:30:00.000-06:00

FARRAGUT CAREER ACADEMY
TOUR

Major Peter Ramirez, State Rep. Silvana Tabares,
Principal Tonya Hammaker, State Sen. Steve Landek

FARRAGUT TOUR: State Sen. Steve Landek [11th District] and State Representative-Elect Silvana Tabares [21st District] were given a tour of Farragut Career Academy, 2345 S. Christiana Ave. on Wednesday, Nov. 14, 2012 by Principal Tonya Hammaker.

BOTH SEN. Landek and State Rep. Tabares were impressed with the curriculum, student body, JROTC program, teachers and the overall cleanliness of the facilities. Maj. Peter Ramirez escorted the visitors to the Gen. George S. Patton Jr. Academy ROTC section of the campus. Two ROTC officers, LTC Humberto Castellanos [senior] and Cadet Major Hildelisa Vera [senior] lead Landek and Tabares to the ROTC classrooms, and showed them the school murals, photos, flags and trophy case.

Principal Tonya Hammaker, State Rep. Silvana Tabares, Major Cadet Hildelisa Vera,
LTC Humberto Castellanos, State Sen. Steve Landek

FARRAGUT’S NEW JROTC Director, Major Peter Ramirez, had the ROTC cadets stand in attention in the stairways and hall while Landek and Tabares were in the Patton ROTC area of the school. It was an outstanding presentation in honor of the two state officials by student cadets.

Cadet Major Hildelisa Vera,
LTC Humberto Castellanos,
State Sen. Steve Landek

PRINCIPAL HAMMAKER guided her visitors to the college room, staff physical fitness room, Spanish classroom, Care room, Learning Center and Law Center, Band room, automotive shop and the North gym. “We have many students who participate in academic clubs and sport activities,” said Hammaker.

HAMMAKER INFORMED the legislators how Farragut Career Academy has earned a Level II and is in good standing; no longer on probation. She reported Farragut is staffed with 92 teachers for a student body of 1,300 [279 students are JROTC cadets] and school attendance is now at 87%.

LTC Humberto Castellanos,
State Rep. Silvana Tabares,
State Sen. Steve Landek

THE LEGISLATORS THANKED Principal Hammaker and Major Ramirez for an excellent tour of Farragut. Hammaker thanked the legislators for visiting the school and have invited them to return.

QUINEANERA PRINCESS: On Friday, Nov. 23, 2012, parents David and Norma Calderon celebrated their daughter, Michelle Calderon, 15th birthday with a “Quinceanera”, a Mexican fiesta tradition. Family, friends and guests were invited to start the celebration by attending Mass at St. Pancratius Church, 4025 S. Sacramento Ave., Chicago.

Michelle Calderon

MICHELLE, dressed in a beautiful Aqua colored grown, was escorted to the front of the altar by her Chambelanes of Honor Rafael Ramirez and Chambelanes [escorts]Jose Serna, Martin Watson, Pedro Blanco, Joseph Ruiz, Josem Gonzalez and Luis Melendez. Mariachi musicians played during the procession and Mass.

A RECEPTION of 400 guests celebrated the evening with food, refreshments, Mariachi music and danced to Banda “Karibe” music.

MICHELLE, graduate of Brighton Park Elementary, a freshman at Kelly High School. She has been an honor roll students since Pre-K and is recipient of the Citizenship Award; an award given for helping other students. Michelle’s mother, Norma, said: “Michelle loves to sing; and is in the choir. She also enjoys playing soccer and dancing”. Michelle will be travelling to Mexico in December with her family.

A TEN COUNT: Retired Hector “Macho” Camacho, 50, a Puerto Rican boxer tragically died of a heart attack in San Juan, Puerto Rico on Nov. 21, 2012. He received a serious gunshot wound to his face causing Camacho to be brain dead. “It would be a miracle recovery medically we can do nothing,” said Rafael Rodriguez Mercado, president of the Medical Sciences Campus.

Hector Camacho

FLASHY CAMACHO was a skillful and colorful showman of a boxer. He would enter the ring dressed as a gladiator, an Indian, or cowboy. He won 88 fights, losing only six. The fans loved to see Camacho fight because he was a slugger and his punches were fast. “His fights were nothing short of violent performance act”, it was reported.

HE FOUGHT Edwin Rosario, Julio Cesar Chavez, Ray Mancini, Jose Luis Ramirez, Vinny Pazienza, Oscar DeLa Hoya, Sugar Ray Leonard lost to Greg Haugen. For refusing to touch gloves at the start of the final round, Camacho lost a point fighting Haugen.

IT IS a tradition in the sport of boxing when a boxer dies he is given a “Ten Count” by hitting the ring bell slowly 10 times signifying that he is out. This is done while family, boxing officials and fans stand silently in memory of the boxer.

Hector was famous for saying, “It’s Macho Time.” Yes, it was. May he rest in peace.

A Celebration: Blanca M. Vargas-Magana, CEDA Service Julieta Bolivar, HUD HOPE Meeting, 26th Ward Ald. Roberto Maldonado, Marine Math & Science Academy

2012-11-20T19:00:00.000-06:00

Blanca M. Vargas-Magana

A CELEBRATION: Blanca M. Vargas-Magana will be honored Tuesday, Dec. 4, 2012 for her 35 years of dedicated service in Illinois State Government. Everyone is cordially invited to join Blanca at Lobo de Mar Restaurant, 5503 W. Cermak Road in Cicero, IL from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. In lieu of a gift, guests are asked to donate $50.00 to the LULAC National Scholarship fund by making their check payable to: LULAC #5004, P.O. Box 508472, Cicero, IL 60804.
BLANCA is well-known in the Mexican and Latino community in Illinois for her activism and advocacy for Latino empowerment. She joined the League of United Latin American Citizens [LULAC] in 1972 and has served in many elected and appointed positions. LULAC is the largest and oldest Hispanic organization in the United States; serving all Hispanic nationality groups.
SINCE 1993, Blanca has served as LULAC National Vice President for the Midwest, National Chaplain, Illinois State Director,President of the Local LULAC Council of Cicero. Currently, since 2009, she serves as a member of the Board of Directors for National LULAC Educational Centers and in 2012 Illinois Deputy State Director for Women.
SINCE 1973, to the present, Blanca built her career professionally in the State of Illinois Government by serving in Spanish Speaking Affairs; and since 1981, she was the Community Relations Liaison for the Department of Human Rights. In this position, Blanca developed numerous community outreach programs and participated in many events to increase awareness of the services and benefits provided by the State to protect human rights.

BLANCA has a long history of community involvement too numerous to mention. To name a few she conducted U.S. Citizenship workshops, Voter’s Educational Registration Drives, Senior Citizens Rights, Veterans and persons with Disabilities workshops. In 2003, Blanca co-chaired the LULAC of Illinois Education Summit on Hispanic high school dropout and awarded scholarships to high school and college students.
ON ADVISORY COUNCIL: Blanca is a member of the Cook County State’s Attorney Anita Alvarez Hispanic Advisory Council, MALDEF of Chicago, Cook County Complete Count Committee for the U.S. Census 2010. Politically, Blanca was elected delegate for Jimmy Carter in 1980 and for John Kerry 2004 National Democratic Convention representing the 5th Congressional District.
SHE CHAIRED the 2007 LULAC National Convention in Chicago Navy Pier, Co-Chaired 2011 National Women’s Convention and helped coordinated the National Commission’s Domestic Violence conference. Blanca was honored with LULAC National Life Time Membership; LULAC National Membership Expansion; LULAC National Youth Program and National LULAC Women’s Commission’s Women Hall of Fame; National LULAC for the Elderly in Chicago and was awarded the CARESS in Public Service; Mexican Community Service and Life Achievement by MALDEF and the OTHLI Award by the Mexican Government on Foreign Affairs from President Vicente Fox.
BLANCA has two daughters Bianca and Sarah and a brother named Martin. She is a 30 year resident of the Town of Cicero.
MEMBERS ON BLANCA’S celebration committee are: Yanet Bahena, Alfonso Barrera, Rose Mary Bombela, Julie Contreras, Nelida Smyser DeLeon, Hilda Frontany, Omayra Giachello, Antonia D. Gamez, Cynthia Guerrero, Esperanza Gonzalez, Guillermo Hincapie, Angelina Huerta, Elda Leal, Jose L. Lopez, Bianca Magana, Sarah Magana, Adrian Mendieta, Estelle Michopoulos, Zeke Montes, Pedro Pineda, Maria Ponton, Fernando Pavon, Hilda M. Ramos, Jesus J. Reyes, Maggie & Joe Rivera, Lupita Rodriguez & Eduardo Rodriguez, Mike Salazar, Jose A. Valdes, Micaela Vargas, Roberto & Hilda Vargas, Micaela Vidana, Evelio Mora and Martha Fragozo.
FOR MORE information and to RSVP contact Rose Mary Bombela, LULAC Illinois State Director at 312/437-6644 or email: rbombela@hotmail.com

Julieta Bolivar

CEDA SERVICE: Julieta Bolivar, bilingual intake volunteer for Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Incorporated [CEDA], will be accepting applications from low-income families for financial assistance for gas and energy bills. Julieta will be at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th Street this Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Ayuda de luz gas para familias le bajos ingresos. REQUIREMENTS:

Social Security numbers for all members of the household
Current gas and electric billing statements
Most recent employment payroll check stub
A print-out of SSA and SSI benefits
If paid in cash bring in a letter from employer stating payroll status on employers letterhead which includes Employer name, address and telephone number. NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY.

HUD MEETING: Baltazar Enriquez, President of the “Helping Others Progress Economically” [HOPE] organization is sponsoring an open public meeting starting at 6:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 29, 2012 at HOPE office, 3610 W. 26th St. A HUD Representative has been invited to answer questions relative to HUD guidelines.

THE AGENDA: The purpose of the meeting is to help homeowners save their home from foreclosures and/or their home from a bank takeover. “We are asking homeowners to attend the meeting to learn how they may protect themselves from the loss of their home to a bank,” said Enriquez.
ENRIQUEZ is a certified HUD Housing counselor and HOPE is a non-profit organization which has been in existence five years in the Little Village area. “Based on our experience, we have learned some banks have treated some of their mortgagees unfairly,” said Enriquez.
FOR MORE information, call Enriquez at 773/522-2552 or log www.hope4younow.org
26th WARD NEWSLETTER: Alderman Roberto Maldonado announced he has been lobbying strongly to relocate Marine Math & Science Academy, 145 S. Campbell Ave. The goal is to move the academy into the building which currently houses Ames Middle School, 1920 N. Hamlin Ave. Maldonado said, “As the Alderman and a parent, I feel it is my duty to provide our children with a viable option to get a quality education in the 26th Ward”.

Roberto Maldonado

MARINE MATH & Science is a level 2 school which has seen significant growth in graduation rates. “A high school diploma is no longer sufficient to reach the American Dream. Our parents deserve a high school in our ward which will send the majority of their graduates to college”, said Ald. Maldonado.
MARINE MATH & Science, with 92% of their graduates accepted into four year colleges, has delivered both academic and programmatic support to families who need to make college a reality. In 2012, Marine's graduates received approximately $4 million dollars in scholarship awards. As part of their college counseling program, seniors are required to have 3 admissions letters in their file.
MARINE MATH & Science students are over 60% Latino and many of these students come from the 26th Ward. “Relocating or expanding this school will not only benefit the current students but give the 26th Ward its first high school that provides a safe learning environment,” said Ald. Maldonado.

Marine Math & Science students stand in attention for an early morning drill.

OHMS Club, Purple Heart Medal, South Chicago Vietnam War Memorial, Anna Garcia, CEDA Service, Happy Thanksgiving

2012-11-13T09:00:00.000-06:00

“ORGANIZED HISPANICS MAKING
STRIDES” CLUB

Left to right: Jaime Garcia, OHMS Board member; Marco Calderon, President;
Eric Aponte, Sgt. at Arms; Silvana Tabares, Ruben Almendarez, Tresurer;
Joe Blanco, Vice-President; Jose Barrios, Vice-President

O.H.M.S. is the acronym for “Organized Hispanics Making Strides.” In electrical terms, an OHM is a unit of electrical resistance equal to one volt. The 20 active club members are Latino Union electricians members of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Union, Local 134. President of the OHMS Club, Marco Calderon, has been an IBEW Local 134 member for over twelve years; and the president of OHMS for the past six. “Our mission is to promote more Latinos for apprenticeship positions and ultimately to become journeymen members of Local 134”, said Marco.
ON SATURDAY, Nov. 3, 2012, the OHMS club sponsored a Candlelight Bowl fund-raiser in the Town of Cicero. They also hold a an annual Toy Drive, plus the OHMS members volunteer in the “Rebuilding Together” program; a program designed to help low income families with electrical repairs.
IN THE POLITICAL arena the OHMS club members support candidates seeking public office who support the aims and goals of IBEW Local 134. “We try to promote the involvement of our members in IBEW Union affairs,” said Marco.
STATE REPRESENTATIVE Silvana Tabares [D-21st District] was a special guest at the Candlelight Bowl. “A member of my family is an electrician and several members are Teamsters. I am pro-labor,” said Silvana. Tabares thanked the OHMS members for their support.
THE OHMS Club meets at 7 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month at the ShyWays S.A.C., 2272 S. Blue Island Ave. For more info call Marco at 312/735-0406.

PURPLE HEART: The first purple heart medal was called the Washington’s Badge of Military Merit and was established in 1782. It was a purple-colored, heart-shaped cloth badge. It was awarded to soldiers in the Continental Army for both heroism and meritorious service. Only three have been known to be presented.
AFTER THE American Revolution, the Continental Army was disbanded and the “purple heart” was forgotten for 150 years. Gen. Douglas MacArthur in 1932 revived the purple heart award as a full-sized medal. MacArthur looked at Washington’s purple heart badge as inspiration. The new purple heart had an entirely different purpose.
THE PURPLE HEART medal is awarded to U.S. military soldiers wounded in combat by the enemy. The medal itself is heart-shaped, with the profile of President George Washington in white on a purple background. Recipients are eligible to join The Military Order of the Purple Heart, a veteran organization.

THE VIETNAM WAR Memorial monument, 3201 E. 91st St., South Chicago bears the names of eight Purple Heart recipients: Antonio C. Chavez Jr., Peter Rodriquez, Joseph A. Quiroz, Michael S. Miranda, Dennis J. Rodriguez, Alfred Urdiales, Charles Urdiales Jr. and Edward Cervantes.
OTHER MEXICAN-AMERICAN recipients of the Purple Heart are as follows: Jose M. Lopez, Ferdinand Marcos, Kristian Menchaca, Ron Benavidez [Medal of Honor], Angel Mendez, William Miranda, Lupe Martinez, Robert Cardenas, Benito Garcia, Pedro Cano, Joe R. Martinez, Felix Z. Longoria, Jr., Baldomero Lopez, Agustin Ramos Calero, Joe Sanchez, Carlos Lozada, Manuel Perez Jr. [Medal of Honor], Emily Perez, Victor M. Franco Jr., Fernando Luis Garcia, Marcario Garcia, Victor Franco Sr., Tommy Gomez, David M. Gonzalez. There have been 1.7 million Purple Hearts awarded.

Anna Garcia

DIABETES DAY: Anna Garcia, Dietitian and Certified Diabetes Educator, from St. Anthony Hospital Diabetes Center, administered diabetes screening tests to twelve people last Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 at the Little Village Community Council. The attendance was sparse due to the heavy rain storm Saturday.
ANNA GARCIA has worked at St. Anthony for the past four years. She was born in Chicago and lives in the Garfield Ridge neighborhood. She graduated from Whitney Young High School, attended the University of Champaign-Urbana earning a degree in psychology and at the University of Chicago [U.I.C.] a degree in Human nutrition.
TO PREVENT DIABETES Anna recommends making healthy food choices and control meal portions. “Eating healthy foods like whole grains, lean meats, lots of vegetables and fruits can help prevent becoming a diabetic,” said Anna.
GARCIA is a registered dietitian [RD], license dietitian [LD]and a certified dietitian educator [CDE]. Co-worker, Jose Rodriguez, Community Relations Assistant from Saint Anthony Hospital also helped with the diabetes screening test assisting Anna Garcia. Jose can be contracted at 773/484-4397.

Ayuda de luz gas para familias le bajos ingresos.

CEDA SERVICE: Julieta Bolivar, bilingual representative from the Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County, Incorporated [CEDA] will be accepting applications from low-income families for financial assistance for gas and energy bills on Saturday, Nov. 24, 2012 from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th Street.
REQUIREMENTS:

Social Security numbers for all members of the household
Current gas and electric billing statements
Proof of Income of the last 30 days
Employment Check Stubs
If paid in cash bring in a letter from employer stating payroll status on employers letterhead which includes Employer Name, address and telephone number

A Victory: Re-election of President Barack Obama, Halloween Children, November Diabetes Awareness Month, Noche de Los Muertos, OHMS Candlelight Bowl, Fly the American Flag Veterans Day

2012-11-07T09:30:00.000-06:00

A VICTORY: The re-election of President Barack Obama is a victory for all of America. He will move America forward. The middle class, seniors, veterans, unions, small businesses, military, schools, students, unemployed, underprivileged, immigrants, uninsured and the forgotten do not have to fear for Obama’s agenda has been clinched for the next four years.

STRENGTHENING THE economy continues to be one of Obama’s top priorities. A stronger economy means more jobs for Americans. But these jobs must be jobs located here in America, not outsourced overseas.

PRESIDENT OBAMA understands he has a tough road ahead of him, with a Republican controlled Congress, however the political gridlock must stop.

UNDER PRESIDENT Obama’s leadership progress can be accomplished; he has proven himself time and again since 2008. The political bickering must stop. Balance and respect must be restored in American politics; this is a national issue imperative for America to survive globally. America, as a united nation, must demonstrate to the world how a government, with different political ideologies can govern democratically for the betterment of the country. The American people depend on our political leaders to meet in the middle and make a country stronger for every American, not a selected few. Let’s hope our leaders can finally work together.

AMERICAN CAN only become a stronger nation if the politicians can work together to move America forward.

Congratulations to all the winners in the General Election of Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012.

Risa, 4, [giraffe] &
Jaron Bush, 4, [Incredible]

HALLOWEEN: Every year children, along with their parents, in the Little Village neighborhood come out in Halloween costumes on Oct. 31st to roam down 26th Street from Kedzie Ave. west to Kostner Ave. Visiting stores and shouting “Trick or Treat” the children all look cute in the costumes. Most of the stores, restaurants, and businesses open during that time have treats for the children.

MORE THAN 800 children visited the Little Village Community Council office for their treats. Candy distribution into the Halloween bags was done by volunteers/students from Farragut Career Academy and Cristo Rey High School.

LVCC received candy and/or a donation to purchase Halloween treats from: Charles Hernandez, Cicero Democratic Committeeman; Mario Martinez [Violetas], Walgreens, TCF Bank, State Senator Steve Landek [11th District], State Representative Silvana Tabares [21st District], Victor M. Franco Jr. [Military Order of the Purple Hearts].

Alex Juarez, 7,
a.k.a. Capt. America

LVCC thanks its sponsors.

DIABETES: The month of November is National Diabetes Awareness Month. If you would like to be screened for diabetes, St. Anthony Hospital personnel will be providing free diabetes screening. The event is this Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. No appointment is necessary.

SYMPTOMS OF Type II diabetes may include:

Extreme thirst
Frequent urination
Drowsiness, lethargy
Sugar in urine, tested by your doctor
Sudden vision changes
Increased appetite
Sudden weight loss
Fruity, sweet, or wine-like order on breath
Heavy, labored breathing

IF YOU HAVE any one of these symptoms, call your doctor or come and get your FREE diabetic screening this Saturday at the LVCC. Diabetic screening is also available for children.

PREVENTION begins with annual physical exams, routine eye exams and a healthy lifestyle.

FOR MORE information on Diabetes Screening Day, call 312/286-3405

Mara Castillo places
a cross on the alter

THE “NOCHE DE LOS MUERTOS” event held on Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 at the Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza in Little Village was a success. The event was attended by 90 parents, students and children some wearing mask and carrying paper flowers for the dead [“flores de mueto en papel]. A moment of silence was observed by all.

SPEAKERS were State Rep. Lisa Hernandez, Post Commander Joe Ramirez, August Sallas, Maria Alvarez and Mike Rodriguez. All the speakers spoke against violence in the community. A public altar was dressed with small crosses, articles and photos of the deceased.

FOOD AND REFRESHMENTS were served to all the attendees. The event was sponsored by the Chicago Youth Network and coordinated by Mara Castillo and Jessica Suarez.

“ORGANIZED HISPANICS MAKING STRIDES” CLUB: OHMS, is a Latino Union member’s club within the Electrical Workers Union, Local 134. They sponsored a Candlelight Bowl fundraiser at the Grand Palace Bowl, 5330 W. 256th St., Cicero Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. More than 100 guests and members attended the Candlelight event. A raffle, Mexican food, and refreshments made a fun-filled evening for everyone.

PRESIDENT OF the OHMS Club is Marco Calderon who has been an IBEW Local 134 member for over twelve years; and president of OHMS for the past six. “Our mission is to promote more Latinos for apprenticeship positions and ultimately to become members of Local 134”, said Marco.

IN ADDITION to a Candlelight Bowl, the OHMS club sponsors an annual Toy Drive and members are involved in the “Rebuilding Together” program which helps low income families who need electrical repairs. Politically, the OHMS club members help public candidates by following the lead of the IBEW Local 134. “We try to promote the involvement of Latinos in Local 134,” said Marco.

SPECIAL GUEST at the Candlelight Bowl was State Representative Silvana Tabares [D-21st District]. “One of my family members is an electrician and I have several who are members of the Teamsters Union. I am pro-labor,” said Silvana.

Left to right: Jaime Garcia, OHMS Board member; Marco Calderon, President;
Eric Aponte, Sgt. at Arms; Silvana Tabares, Ruben Almendarez, Treasurer;
Joe Blanco, Vice-President; Jose Barrios, Vice-President

THE OHMS Club meets at 7 p.m. every second Tuesday of the month at the ShyWays S.A.C., 2272 S. Blue Island Ave. For more info on OHMS, call Marco at 312/735-0406.

FLY THE AMERICAN FLAG
VETERANS DAY, SUNDAY, NOV. 11, 2012

Early Voting, "Noche De Los Muertos" Mara Castillo, Movie Review "Argo" Tony Mendez, ASCE Award Frank Avila, OHMS Local 134 Candlelight Bowl, Diabetes Screening, St. Agnes School Fundraiser, Operating Engineers Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner

2012-10-31T10:00:00.000-05:00

EARLY VOTING

Deadline to vote early is Nov. 3, 2012. You can vote early Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all of the 50 wards. All you need to show the election judge is a photo ID. The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012. Questions? Call 312/269-7900 or log on to chicagoelections.com for more information.

Mara Castillo

REFLECTION: A walkathon “Noche De Los Muertos” [Night of the Dead] will begin at 5 p.m. Friday, Nov. 2, 2012 from the Little Village High School, 31st St. & Kostner Ave. to the Manuel Perez Jr. Memorial Plaza, 26th St. & Kolin Ave.

AT 7:00 p.m. a group of parents and students, dressed in white shirts and carrying candles, will begin walking to a public altar at the plaza; where there will be a moment of silence. The Altar, decorated by students with “flores de mueto en papel” [paper flowers for the dead], will be on public display for two days. The walkathon, sponsored by the Chicago Youth Network of Little Village, is extending an invitation to the public to attend this event. The event is free.

GUEST SPEAKERS at the “Noche de Los Muertos” are State Representative Lisa Hernandez, Manuel Perez Post 1017 Commander Joe Ramirez, Enlace Mike Rodriguez, Rev. Jose Maria G. Maldonado, LV Community Council President August Sallas, Pastor Dr. Guillermo Mendez and Maria Alvarez, Canta-Autor.

ORGANIZING the walkathon is Mara Castillo, a CPS Community Representative and Jessica Suarez, an advocate and UIC student. “We are celebrating life with reflection of the deaths of those who have died from a shooting or by violence,” said Castillo. Castillo continued, “There were 700 shootings in Chicago with 504 murders. In Little Village there were 29 homicides in 2012, an increase from last year.” The walkathon is to bring violence awareness for our youth to remember the 29 people who passed away in Little Village. The theme of the walkathon is “Di No A La Violencia y Si A La Paz!” [No more violence and Yes to Peace].

SPECIAL THANKS is given to the Manuel Perez Jr. Post 1017 for free hot dogs, Little Village Chamber of Commerce, CPS, CTU, Mirame, Oxala Fine Art and Dafme Tamales.

CHICAGO YOUTH Network is working with students by giving them service learning hours for their involvement in the community. “At the same time the students are learning about issues,” said Jessica Suarez. For more information call 312/371-7890

Tony Mendez Ben Affleck

MOVIE REVIEW: Tony Mendez, Mexican-American, is the real CIA agent behind the real “Argo” movie which stars Ben Affleck, playing as Mendez.
THE MOVIE “Argo” is a true story. It was a ruse to rescue six American diplomats who were “house guests” of the Canadian Embassy during the Iran hostage crisis when Jimmy Carter was president in 1979-81. It is intense, gripping with suspense as a thriller. The storyline is unbelievable with full of risks by CIA agent Mendez.
I give the movie three stars.
ANTONIO JOSEPH Mendez is a retired CIA intelligence officer, an author and an artist. He lives with his family and works in his studios and gallery on his forty acre farm in rural Washington County Maryland.
IN JANUARY 1980 Mendez was awarded the Intelligence Star for Valor for single-handedly engineering and conducting the rescue of six U.S. diplomats from Iran during the hostage crisis. The rescue operation involved creating a fake Hollywood film production company, complete with personnel, scripts, publicity and real estate. The caper worked to help the six American diplomats escape from Iran with Canadian passports.
MENDEZ retired in 1990. He was promoted to SIS-2, the equivalent of a two star General in the military. He earned the CIA's Intelligence Medal of Merit, Intelligence Star and two Certificates of Distinction. He also was awarded the Trailblazer Medallion in September 1997 on the fiftieth Anniversary of the CIA, he was one of fifty officers, chosen from the tens of thousands who had worked at CIA over the years. In October 2000, Mendez was awarded the Order of the Sphinx which is the Interallied Distinguished Service Cross for serving the Allied cause for freedom behind enemy lines.

(L-R) Jackie Avila, Quinn Avila, Sherry Avila,
Commissioner Frank Avila, and Audrey Avila

ASCE AWARD: Frank Avila, Commissioner with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago [MWRD], was named the “2012 Citizen Engineer of the Year” by the American Society of Civil Engineers of Illinois [ASCE]. Avila was presented his award during the ASCE dinner meeting on October 10, 2012 at the Union League Club in Chicago.
AVILA RECEIVED the award for his contribution and advancement to the science and profession of civil engineering. Leo X. Morand, Chairman of the Illinois Section of the American Society of Civil Engineers Awards Committee, said: “It is with great enthusiasm that we honor Commissioner Avila this year. He has embodied the engineering profession in a public agency that provides a vital service throughout Cook County. We are proud he has served in an admirable fashion and is a credit to our profession.”
COMMISSIONER AVILA expressed his gratitude for the recognition. “I am deeply honored by the tribute. I hope my work has contributed to the improvement of water quality, aquatic life and the lives of everyone living in Cook County.”
COMMISSIONER AVILA was elected to the Board of Commissioners of the MWRD in 2002 and re-elected in 2008. He is Chairman of the Engineering Committee and the Committee of Maintenance and Operations. He works to protect the health and safety of the public and protect the quality of water in the Chicago area waterways. Avila’s top priorities include cost-effective wastewater treatment, flood prevention, the regulation of waste disposal to protect our waterways including eliminating toxic chemicals from the source to prevent endocrine disruption. Congrats Commissioner.
A FUND-RAISER: The OHMS Club of the IBEW Local 134 is hosting a Candlelight Bowling event on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. The event will be held at the Grand Palace Bowl, 5330 W. 35th St., Cicero, Illinois 60804. Three games, shoe rental, food and raffles and cash bar. Dinner is at 8 p.m. and bowling at 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person. For tickets contact Ruben Almendarez at 708/269-1512. Or, email bendidez@sbcglobal.net [anytime] for more information or confirmation. If unable to attend the event, and would like to make a contribution towards a raffle prize, or just a donation, feel free to call Ruben.
DIABETES SCREENING: St. Anthony Hospital will host diabetic screening on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. No appointment necessary. For more info call 312/286-3405.

SANTOS 2012: St. Agnes of Bohemia School, 2643 S. Central Park Ave., will host their annual fund-raiser celebrating their school. The event will be held at St. Ignatius College Prep, 1076 W. Roosevelt Road, Chicago on Thursday, Nov. 15, 2012 from 6:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
THIS GALA event will be an evening of music, dinner and cultural dances by school students. The traditional Mexican dance, known as folkorico, is in its second year at St. Agnes. Children from first through fourth grade will perform the traditional Mexican dance. The children have a great sense of pride in their heritage when they dance, and are able to learn about their Mexican culture.
THE SAINT Agnes of Bohemia Catholic School serves the Little Village community in which the average household income is $29,000. Support for the school ensures that all children have the opportunity to attend Saint Agnes School regardless of their family’s financial situation. Proceeds from the event will go to Saint Agnes of Bohemia Scholarship Fund. Tickets are $80. Make check payable to St. Agnes of Bohemia School. For more information call 773/522-0143 or email gfiscal@school.stagnesofbohemia.org

FUND-RAISER: The International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 143-143B of Chicago Public School Engineers and Central Office Payroll- Financial Services announced their Annual Corned Beef and Cabbage dinner will be held Friday, Nov. 9, 2012 at 6 p.m. Plumber’s Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd., Chicago.
  DONATION/Tickets $50 each. Tickets must be purchased by Oct. 29, 2012. Tickets will not be sold at the door. No one under the age of 21 will be admitted. Tickets may be purchased from Chairman Richard Perez, Robert Caccioppo 773/534-4073, Bill Goebig 773/534-3448.

Democrat Silvana Tabares, Vincente Fernandez, LV Runners, "Octoberfest" Veteran's Event, OHMS IBEW Fundraiser, Diabetes Screening, Vote Early, Happy Halloween

2012-10-23T08:00:00.000-05:00

Silvana Tabares

VOTE TABARES: Silvana Tabares is the Democratic nominee for State Representative of the 21st District in the Tuesday, Nov. 6th General Election. She is a tireless campaigner who has visited all of the neighborhoods in her district. The neighborhoods include Brighton Park, Garfield Ridge, Little Village and suburban areas of Cicero, Stickney, Riverside, Lyons, Summit, McCook, Bedford Park and Bridgeview.

TABARES SPENT her whole life on the South West side of Chicago, the place she calls home. Silvana said, “growing up in Brighton Park instilled a sense of commitment and responsibility for my neighbors”; a commitment which continues to steer her today. She was raised under the guidance and support of her single mother. “I learned the meaning of perseverance and hard work by my mother’s example,” said Silvana.

AFTER GRADUATING from Lourdes High School, Silvana said she knew she had to pursue a path which would help bring the critical issues of her community to the forefront.

TABARES RECEIVED her Associate’s Degree from Richard J. Daley College and her Bachelor’s Degree from Columbia College Chicago. She began her career in journalism. “I began my career by giving back to the community,” said Tabares. Working as a youth educator with WRTE Radioarte 90.5 FM, Tabares taught the skills of radio broadcasting to local youth. “My professional skills helped me prepare young people for employment, and I felt responsible to help them by increasing opportunities for the next generation,” said Tabares.

SILVANA began working at the EXTRA Bilingual newspaper in 2008 and was the managing editor of the paper. The EXTRA newspaper received numerous awards under her direction and leadership. Silvana believes her real accomplishments were building bridges within the community, increasing awareness of issues concerning public safety, economic opportunity, education and galvanizing community input around those issues.

AS THE DEMOCRATIC candidate for the Illinois Office of State Representative of the 21st District, Silvana will bring her experience and dedication to the office. Silvana’s unmatched passion and drive instilled by her upbringing and tempered by her experience, will continue to direct her efforts as the State Representative of the 21st District.

ELECT SILVANA TABARES and Punch 31.

Vicente Fernandez

MEXICAN ICON: Alderman George A. Cardenas [12th Ward] honored living legend and Mexican icon Vicente Fernández, 72, at a special street dedication event in Little Village on Monday, Oct. 22, 2012. The event was held near the famous Mexican Arch on 26th St. & Albany Ave. Although rain poured down on the crowd of 2,000, it did not stop Fernandez from going on with the show. The rain did cause a problem with the audio equipment, forcing Fernandez to sing acapella. The crowd roared.

TO HONOR the cultural icon, Alderman Cardenas unveiled new street signs designating the part of 26th Street between 2800 West and 3199 West as “Vicente Fernandez Avenue”. The music legend was given a key to the City and a Proclamation proclaiming the week of October 20-27 as “Vicente Fernández Week” in the City of Chicago.

VICENTE FERNANDEZ, known as Chente or El Rey de la canción ranchera [the King of ranchera music] and Mexico’s most famous singer and movie star visited Little Village (the largest Mexican community in the Midwest) to announce his retirement from show business. On Sunday, Oct. 21, 2012 at the Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, Fernandez held a sold-out performance. The dedication event was hosted by Ald. George Cardenas [12th Ward]. State Senators Tony Munoz and Iris Martinez also attended the street dedication.

Some of the runners: Elizabeth Mejia, Veronica Montes, Martin
Aspera, Freddy Macedo, Jessica Vergara, Carmen Vergara,
Yesenia Mariscal, Lalo Castillo, Frankie Monreal, Josie Cruz,
Juan Cruz, Christina Carreto Alex Rosa, Mr. Montoya

LV RUNNERS: Little Village resident Cristina Carreto is one of the organizers of a group of runners and walkers in the LV neighborhood. The group varies in size from 25 to 35 participants. The newly organized group meets every Tuesday, Thursday evenings and Saturday morning to run/walk. “We just like to run, said Cristina, and I was surprised to see how many people like to run.”

THIS PAST Saturday, the group met in front of the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. and did their warm-up exercises in the Castellanos Elementary school playground. They began running/walking from 26th St. & Central Park Ave. west to Kostner Ave. and returned back east to Albany Ave. and then back to 26th St. & Central Park Ave.

A MEMBER of the group Josie Cruz said, “I’m just a walker -- for now.”

VETERAN’S EVENT: The First Annual “Octoberfest” will be held on Sunday, October 28, 2012, beginning at 12:00 Noon at the Manuel Perez, Jr. American Legion Post 1017, 2658 S. Hamlin Ave., Chicago, IL 60623. Donation: $10.00 per plate. Everyone is invited.

MENU INCLUDES: Sauerkraut, Potato Pancakes, Bratwurst/Franks, Pickles/Jalapenos, German Chocolate Cake, Glass of [Berghoffs] German Keg Beer. Beer sponsor Moreno’s Liquors. Raffle, prizes, 50/50 and German Beer Steins.

SPONSORS: Dr. Hector P. Garcia AMVETS, Post 326, Manuel Perez, Jr. American Legion Post 1017, M.A.V.A. Mexican American Veterans Association, Military Order of the Purple Hearts. Tail Gate: 12:00 Noon Game Bears vs. Panthers.

FOR MORE information contact: Herr Albert Villasenor [773]522-5471.

A FUND-RAISER: The OHMS Club of the IBEW Local 134 is hosting a Candlelight Bowling event on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012. The event will be held at the Grand Palace Bowl, 5330 W. 35th St., Cicero, Illinois 60804. Three games, shoe rental, food, raffles and a cash bar. Dinner is at 8 p.m. and bowling at 9 p.m. Tickets are $35 per person. For tickets contact Ruben Almendarez at 708/269-1512. Or, email bendidez@sbcglobal.net [anytime] for more information or confirmation. If unable to attend the event, and would like to make a contribution towards a raffle prize, or just a donation, feel free to call Ruben.

DIABETES SCREENING: St. Anthony Hospital will be doing diabetes screening on Saturday, Nov. 10, 2012 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. Flu shots may be available. No appointment necessary. For more info call 312/286-3405.

TO VOTE EARLY, you need to show the election judge a photo ID. Questions? Call 312/269-7900 or log on chicagoelections.com for more information.

Vote Obama Biden, Election Day Nov. 6th, Early Voting Monday, Oct. 22, Latino Wards, Halloween House, Boxing

2012-10-16T09:00:00.000-05:00

“LEADERSHIP YOU CAN TRUST!”

THE RE-ELECTION of Democratic candidates President Barack Obama and Vice President Joe Biden hinges on a massive Latino voter turnout. The stakes are high and the Latino vote, Latino’s being 17% of the population, is the critical swing vote in this Presidential election on November 6, 2012. Every Latino and/or Latina who is able to vote MUST vote in this election. The power of the Latino vote in America politics must be heard and respected. Latino political leaders, community leaders and civic leaders must strongly tell their respective constituents the importance of voting for President Obama and Vice President Biden.

PRESIDENT OBAMA and Vice President Biden represent leadership you can trust in governing the future of America for the next four years. Obama and Biden genuinely care about the middle class, seniors, veterans, unemployed, sick and the underprivileged. Both Obama and Biden are honest men who continue to work in the best interest of ALL Americans.

Vice President Joe Biden

LET ME REMIND you that in his first term of office, President Obama quickly took action to save America from another economic depression. Obama’s predecessor former Republican President George W. Bush left office with a disastrous bankrupted economy with high employment and a foreign policy in which all European leaders disrespected America; damaging the image and respect of America within foreign affairs. The Bush administration put America into two costly wars—Iraq and Afghanistan-- costing American taxpayers BILLIONS of dollars, not to mention the lives lost of our sons and daughters fighting those wars.

WITH RESPECT to Social Security benefits, Medicare and Affordable Care Act, a.k.a. “Obamacare”, President Obama and Vice President Biden will protect these benefits. Obama’s record is clear, he saved the auto industry, put restrictions on the SEC to prevent further “ponzi’s schemes,’ ended the war in Iraq and had terrorist Osama bin Laden killed on May 1, 2011. AND, Obama is committed to end the war in Afghanistan in 2014. In just four years, President Obama’s leadership has restored the respect and trust of America’s foreign policies with foreign leaders. We must vote to continue moving FORWARD!

UNFORTUNATELY, the Obama administration has been unable to promote their political agenda because of the gridlock in Congress caused by the members of the Republican Party. Ever since the Republican members took control of the Congress they have stonewalled all of Obama’s economic measures which would have put Americans back to work, giving the middle class and small businesses tax relief. It is the Republicans who are keeping America from moving ahead, economically. America’s middle class are suffering from the politics of the Republican Party.

ON IMMIGRATION: The only solution in solving the illegal immigration of undocumented people in America is to give them full amnesty. However, President Obama is unable to support this solution because America’s immigration laws, policies and politics prevent him from supporting amnesty. Obama’s administration continues to challenge Republican controlled states from passing illegal immigration laws, like Arizona, causing hardship to undocumented families. Obama supports the Dream Act, an Act which gives work permits to “dreamers”, students over the age of 18, who ‘dream’ of becoming working professionals. But this is not enough.

A BIPARTISAN Congress is needed to give amnesty and full citizenship to illegal immigrants. President Obama has tried to work with Republicans in the Congress, but to no avail. Historically, America has given amnesty to undocumented immigrants under different circumstances. Today, the MAJORITY of undocumented immigrants in America are working, law abiding and consumers who pay sales taxes. Again, in my opinion, these reasons alone qualify them for citizenship. It is time to solve the immigration problem because it continues to drain the resources of America as families suffer.

I STRONGLY URGE EVERYONE TO VOTE ON NOV. 6TH, AND I STRONGLY URGE YOU TO VOTE FOR THE TEAM OF PRESIDENT OBAMA AND VICE PRESIDENT BIDEN!

ELECTION DAY: The General Election is Tuesday, Nov. 6, 2012, Chicago voters will vote for:

President & Vice President of the United States
Representatives in U.S. Congress (all districts)
State Senators (all districts)
Representatives in the Illinois General Assembly (all districts)
Commissioners (3) for the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
Judges (Illinois Supreme, Appellate and Circuit Courts)
Cook County State's Attorney, Circuit Court Clerk and Recorder of Deeds
Members of the Cook County Board of Review (tax appeals) (all districts)
Retention of Judges
Voters also will decide referenda questions, including:
whether to amend the state Constitution regarding pensions;
whether to have the state fund Chicago teacher pensions as is the practice elsewhere in the state; whether to advise the federal government to amend the constitution to allow for banning corporate campaign contributions; and,
whether to allow Chicago to aggregate [to collect into one mass] electrical service.

EARLY VOTING: Be an “early voter” which starts on Monday, Oct. 22 to Nov. 3, 2012. You can vote early Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in all of the 50 wards. Here are the locations to vote early in the eight Latino wards:

WARD 1: Goldblatts Building, 1615 W. Chicago Ave.

WARD 12: McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Road.

WARD 22: Piotrowski Park, 4247 W. 31st St.

WARD 25: Chinatown Library, 2353 S. Wentworth Ave.

WARD 26: Humboldt Park Boathouse, 1359 N. Sacramento Ave

WARD 30: Kilbourn Park, 3501 N. Kilbourn Ave.

WARD 31: Portage Cragin Library, 5108 W. Belmont Ave.

WARD 35: Independence Library, 3548 W. Irving Park Rd.

To vote early, you need to show the election judge a photo ID. Questions? Call 312/269-7900 or log on chicagoelections.com

BOO!

HALLOWEEN DECORATED HOUSE AT 2702 S. SPAULDING AVE. IN LITTLE VILLAGE

BOXING FANS: The 'Slug Fest' DVD showing between Chico Corrales vs. Jose L. Castillo fought on May 7, 2005 is this Saturday, Oct. 20th at 2 p.m., at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. FREE ADMISSION.

Open House Chicago-Museum of Mexican Culture and History, Expungement Workshop, LV Muddy Park, 25th Annual IAHSE Conference, DVD Boxing Show Chico Corrales vs. Jose L. Castillo

2012-10-10T09:30:00.000-05:00

Emiliano Zapata

OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO: Visitors are cordially welcome to the Museum of Mexican Culture and History, 3610 W. 26th St. listed on the Chicago Architecture Open House Chicago tour list for this Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. William Luna, Historian and Curator of the Museum, will be greeting the visitors.

THE MUSEUM of Mexican Culture and History has original photos of the Mexican Revolution of 1910 with Emiliano Zapata and Pancho Villa, Mexican cowboy photos and gear, sombreros’, beautiful color portraits of twelve Aztec Emperors, MAYA calendars, history and paintings, army equipment and photos of Mexican-American Generals and heroes. The traveling museum boards, featuring history on Mexico and Mexican-Americans, will also be on display.

“OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO” is sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation and features 150 cool places to visit in Chicago. The experience offers behind-the-scene access to over 150 buildings, in over a dozen communities, across Chicago. You can see some of Chicago’s great places without the wait!

CAROLINE STEVENS, is Open House Chicago Program Coordinator and may be contacted at 312/922-3432, ext. 317. For more information log onto openhousechicago.org Curator Luna may be contacted at 773/551-4750.

Rep. Hernandez & Adam Monreal

ON RECORD: The 2nd Annual Little Village Expungement Workshop held last Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 had 101 attendees. Attendees came to the free workshop for assistance on how to expunge their criminal record. “The workshop was a huge success,” said Attorney Jorge Montes, one of the co-sponsors of the event.

WORKSHOP SPONSORS were the Little Village Community Council, Attorney Jorge Montes, State Sen. Steve Landek, State Rep. Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, Blanca Jara, Liaison from Cook County Clerk of the Circuit Court, Dorothy Brown; Baltazar Enriques, HOPE Organization; Carlos Charneco, Illinois Dept. of Employment Security; Rosana Tanon, Secretary of State Office; Ambrosio Medrano, Pilsen community and Reggie Gonzales, Illinois Latino Voice.

SPECIAL GUEST were Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County and Attorney Adam P. Monreal, Chairman, Illinois Prisoner Review Board. Both Clerk Brown and Chairman Monreal spoke to the attendees. Monreal stayed to help several attendees with their issues. “Chairman Monreal works very closely with me in Springfield on matters pertaining to the expungement of records,” said State Rep. Lisa Hernandez.

Chairman Adam Monreal
at the Workshop

ATTORNEYS at the workshop were Attorney Jill Roberts, Cabrini Green Legal Aid; Attorney Juan L. Baltierres, J. Fausto Gonzalez and Eric Shah from Stone & Associates.

ALSO PRESENT at the workshop were Luis Gonzalez, Employment Service Program Manager, Illinois Dept. of Employment Security; Garry Smith, Assistant Chief Deputy Clerk, Criminal Division, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County/Dorothy Brown; Tanya Fernandez, Expungement Manager, from the office of Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County. Cicero Supermercado Torres, owner Adolfo Linares, made a generous donation of water and soda for the workshop. A 3rd Annual workshop is being planned for next year.

MANY THANKS was extended to all those who supported the Expungement Workshop and made it a success by August Sallas, President, Little Village Community Council.

MUDDY PARK: The park at Little Village Academy, 2620 S. Lawndale Ave. is in desperate need of a renovation. Parents and students at the Little Village Academy are circulating a petition seeking support to help renovate their school park. “Every time is rains our park gets flooded and becomes a hazard for our students, said Principal Lillian Lazu, it needs to be upgraded”.

TWO STUDENTS have already been injured at the park. One girl student fell and broke her permanent tooth another received three stitches on the base of his head. Kids in the area play soccer at the park using it as a neighborhood park.

FOR YEARS, the school has been asking for assistance from CPS and Alderman Ricardo Munoz [22nd Ward] in hope of funding a new turf, similar to that of Gary Elementary.

“TAKE A LOOK at the picture of our park and see how our children are forced to play in a muddy field,” said Nora Avila, Parent Advocate/LV Academy. The petition reads, “Our community does not have many parks available and the small park at Little Village Academy is a hazard to our children. Please sign our petition to help us transform our muddy field into a beautiful park which our children and families can enjoy”.

FOR MORE information call Nora Avila at 773/534-1899.

IAHSE CONFERENCE: The 25th Annual Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees Training Conference held Friday, October 5, 2012 at the Hilton Chicago Hotel was a successful event. More than 500 people attended.

WELCOMING ADDRESS was given by Jose M. Prado, IAHSE Board Vice President; the Presentation of Colors made by the Illinois Dept. of Correction Color Guard; invocation by Father Manuel Dorantes, Associate Pastor, St. Clement Church; Master of Ceremonies was by IAHSE Counsel Jorge Montes, Esq.

Left to right: Willie Delgado, Toni Berrios, Juan Andrade,
Martha Lopez, Tony Munoz

SPEAKERS were Martha L. Lopez, IAHSE Board President; David Vaught, Director, IL Dept. of Commerce & Economic Opportunity; Judy Barr Topinka, Illinois State Comptroller; Juan Andrade, President, U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute [USHLI]; Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President and Community Service Award was presented to Carlos Mauricio Olea, Un Buen Doctor Magazine.

LEGISLATIVE WORKSHOP: Speakers at the Illinois Legislative Latino Caucus workshop were State Rep. Toni Berrios, State Sen. Willie Delgado, State Sen. Tony Munoz, President Toni Preckwinkle and Juan Andrade. All the Hispanic legislators and Andrade expressed the importance of the Latino vote.

Luis Alberto Urrea

LUNCHEON PROGRAM: Lunch was served in the Grand Ballroom and speakers were: Invocation by Father Marco Mercado, Director, Archdiocese of Chicago Hispanic Ministry; Dan Rutherford, Illinois State Treasurer; Welcoming Remarks by Martha L. Lopez, IAHSE Board President; Government Service Award was given to Edwin Reyes, 8th District, Cook County Commissioner; the Hilda Lopez-Arce Hero/ine Award was given to Oscar Chacon, Executive Director, National Alliance of Latin American & Caribbean Communities; Labor Leader, Henry Bayer, Executive Director, Council 31 AFSCME and keynote speaker, Luis Alberto Urrea, an Award-Winning Writer.

SEVEN WORKSHOPS, all dealing with issues affecting the Latino community, were conducted during the conference. Speakers were Angel Herrera, Jorge Bermudez, Reynaldo Infante, Barbara Baird, Anel Gonzalez, Josette Heredia-Carmona, Mayra Soto-Gonzalez, Arturo Castro, Jim Exby, Lori Pietropaoli and Carlos Gutierrez.

THE PROGRAM INCLUDED a Job Fair, Exhibit Area, Networking Reception, raffles and dance. It was an informative and gala event. We congratulate the officers and members of IAHSE for putting on a great conference.
RESCHEDULED: The DVD 'Slug Fest' showing between Chico Corrales vs. Jose L. Castillo is rescheduled for Saturday, Oct. 20th at 2 p.m., at the Little Village Community Council 3610 W. 26th St. FREE ADMISSION.

Free Expungement Workshop, Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees State Conference, Martha L. Lopez, Open House Chicago, William Luna, State Sen. Landek's Fall Fest, CTU Strikers, Wildcats Mass, Slugfest "Chico" Corrales

2012-10-02T14:00:00.000-05:00

Jorge Montes & Blanca Jara at the
1st (2003) Annual Expungement
Workshop

FREE WORKSHOP: The 2^nd Annual Little Village “Expungement Workshop” will be held this Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at New Life Church, 2657 S. Lawndale Ave. The purpose of the workshop is to help ex-offenders with information on how to clean-up their criminal record. Six lawyers will donate their time to assist, give advice and offer free consultations to ex-offenders. The workshop is bilingual and open to the public.

ADULTS AND JUVENILES will learn from experts how to apply for clemency, sealing records and expungement. Other services available for ex-offenders will be information on employment, job training, and health care. Participants must bring their rap sheet to the workshop.

HOSTING the expungement workshop is the Little Village Community Council in conjunction with Attorney Jorge Montes, State Senator Steve Landek, State Representative Elizabeth “Lisa” Hernandez, State Representative Democratic candidate Silvana Tabares, Blanca Jara, Clerk of the Circuit Court office and H.O.P.E. organization [Baltazar Enriquez] and Carlos Charneco, Illinois Department of Employment Security, Rosana Tanon, Secretary of State office and SER Jobs for Progress.

FOR MORE INFORMATION call Attorney Jorge Montes at 312/850-9844 or 312/286-3405.

Martha L. Lopez

STATE CONFERENCE: The Illinois Association of Hispanic State Employees [IAHSE] will host their 25th Annual IAHSE Conference and Dance; “A Leading Voice—Enlightening a New Generation”. The event will be held this Friday, Oct. 5, 2012 at the Hilton Hotel Grand Ballroom, 720 S. Michigan Ave. from 6:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m.

THE CONFERENCE will conduct a state legislator’s session, workshops, an award luncheon and job fair. There will be plenty of networking opportunities and information on upward mobility. The celebration dance will have live music presented by Everaldo y Su Flota and DJ music by D.J. Lopez.

TICKETS are $20 or two for $50. Cash bar. VIP reserved tables $500. Call the Hilton Chicago at 312/922-4400 for reservations. Parking is $22 onsite. Call IAHSE office 312/814-8942 or go the website: www.iahse.org and email: jahse.assoc@illinois.gov

IAHSE has a membership of 500, mostly state employees. Board meetings are held monthly and the mission of IAHSE is to properly serve the Latino communities statewide, involvement with getting bilingual pay for state workers, passed the Hispanic Employment plan requiring state agencies and universities to report on their efforts to hire more Latinos.

William Luna

IAHSE BOARD of Directors are Martha L. Lopez, President; Jose M. Prado, Vice-President; Veronica Aguirre, Secretary; Rosario Guerrero, Treasurer and Carlos Charneco, Past President.

OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO: The Museum of Mexican Culture and History, 3610 W. 26th St. has been listed on the Chicago Architecture Open House Chicago tour list for Saturday, Oct. 13 and Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Historian and Curator of the Museum, William Luna, may be contacted at 773/551-4750.
CHICAGO ARCHITECTURE Foundation is presenting the “Open House Chicago” featuring 150 cool places to visit. The experience will offer behind-the-scene access to over 150 buildings, in over a dozen communities, across Chicago. See Chicago’s great places and spaces without the wait!
CAROLINE STEVENS is Program Coordinator for Open House Chicago and the event is sponsored by the Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago. Phone: 312/922-3432, ext. 317. For more information log on openhousechicago.org

August Sallas, Silvana Tabares, Steve Landek

FALL FEST: State Senator Steven Landek [11th District] and the Democratic Party of Lyon Township hosted “Fall Fest Open House” Sunday, Sept. 16, 2012 at the Democratic Party of Lyons Township Office, 7678 W. 63rd St. in Summit, Illinois. Friends, supporters and visitors enjoyed an old-fashion cookout while meeting many November 2012 Democratic candidates.
DEMOCRATIC candidates at the cookout were U.S. Congressman Dan Lipinski, Speaker of the House Michael Madigan, State Representative Michael Zalewski, State Representative [21st District] candidate Silvana Tabares, Recorder of Deeds candidate Karen Yarbrough, Cook County Assessor Joe Berrios, Cook County Commissioner 16th District Jeffrey Tobolski, Judicial candidates Ed Maloney and Terry Gallaher, Township Supervisor William “Bill” Mundy and Lyons Township officials and local officials. Sen. Landek represents part of the 22nd Ward/Little Village. More than 150 people attended the cookout.

Striking teachers at Castellanos Elementary

CTU STRIKERS: Starting on Sept. 10, 2012 and for seven days the Chicago Teacher’s Local 1 Union members went on strike. Here are some Little Village teachers who walked off their jobs in protest of the unfair treatment by CPS. CTU members began voting on a 3-year contract Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2012. CTU President Karen Lewis refuses to predict if the contract will be ratified, but hopes it would.
WILDCATS: The Fraternal Order of St. Francis Wildcats will celebrate a Memorial Mass at 9:00 a.m. on Sunday, Oct. 14, 2012 at the John Paul II Newman Center, 700 S. Morgan St. at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The celebration is in memory of Wildcat members and some friends of the Wildcats who have passed. Included in the Mass will be the memory of Father Pat McPolin who died this year. After Mass a breakfast will be served in the dining room. For more info contact Memorial Mass Chairman Rudy Aguirre at 708/749-2814.

Diego "Chico" Corrales

GRANDES PELEAS: A DVD slugfest from video archives of the bouts between boxer Diego “Chico” Corrales vs. Jose L. Castillo and Julio Cesar Chavez vs. Miguel Angel Gonzales will be featured in a matinee showing at 2:00 p.m. at the Little Village Community Council, 3610 W. 26th St. The matinee will be Saturday, October 13, 2012. Free admission.
CORRALES was an American boxer. He received the prestigious “Fight of the Year” award for his acclaimed lightweight bout with Jose Luis Castillo on May 7, 2005. Both boxers fought toe-to-toe throwing hard combinations and power punches throughout the entire fight. A rematch between Corrales vs. Castillo was dubbed “The War to Settle the Score.” Corrales, 29, was killed riding a 2007 Suzuki motorcycle in an accident near his Las Vegas home May 7, 2007. If you are boxing fan, mark your calendar now, you don’t want to miss seeing this fight.

Teacher's Huelga/Strike, CTU President Karen Lewis, CTU Strike Is Over, Passports, Veteran Albert Gonzales, Sr. Fundraiser

2012-09-19T10:00:00.000-05:00

President Karen Lewis, Chicago Teachers Union

HUELGA/STRIKE: Based on my union experience, a strike is usually the result of lack of compromise by both sides. In a Union environment, management will attempt to change work rules without negotiating with the Union, rescinding on previously agreed upon wages, benefits and/or changing working conditions. Within a contract, this is illegal.

LABOR PEACE is dependent on all contractual changes being agreed upon by both parties; and must be reduced to writing. The Chicago Teachers Union, Local 1 had good reason to strike. The Chicago Board of Education officials cannot implement new working conditions without negotiating with the Union. The rescinding of the 4% wage increase by CPS, agreed upon in the teacher’s last contact, was an illegal action against the teachers.

A NEGOTIATED contract is a binding agreement signed by both parties. Neither party can arbitrarily breach a contract. Legally, CPS must negotiate with the Chicago Teachers Union, as the bargaining agent of 29,000 Union teachers, all changes of working conditions, benefits, wages and work rules. CTU teachers have the right to receive a complete copy of a proposed contract, to read, and vote on it. Teacher’s rights must be respected.

Striking teachers at Farragut Career Academy

IN SUPPORT of their just cause, I visited eight CTU picket lines, out of the 14 elementary schools and two high schools, in the Little Village neighborhood. I spoke with strikers and photographed them at Farragut Career Academy, Kanoon Elementary, Castellanos, Gary, Little Village High School, Cardenas Elementary, McCormick Elementary and Ortiz de Dominguez Elementary. The red T-shirts worn by Union’s rank-and-file members demonstrated solidarity and support for their Union leadership. The nation saw the sea of red during televised marches and rallies this past week; most notably around Buckingham Fountain.

CTU PRESIDENT, Karen Lewis, and her team did an excellent job of implementing the strike called on Monday, Sept. 10, 2012. Lewis’ team made all the right moves by informing, preparing, motivating and mobilizing their membership for the strike; which was no easy task. No Union wants to take its membership out on strike; it’s the last recourse a Union is forced to take.

Striking teachers at Little Village High School

APPARENTLY, the Mayor and CPS officials didn’t take the teachers seriously. A strike could have been averted if CPS and the Mayor had respected the teachers and their profession. CPS and the Union must bargain in good faith and with mutual respect. The Mayor, CPS and the CTU must not have a contentious relationship because it hurts the system and the school children. .

PAYING FOR the teacher’s contract is a real concern for CPS and the Mayor. The financing of Chicago schools is a State problem. On July 1, 1974, our State legislators enacted a law creating a State Lottery as the panacea for funding our school system. What is the State Legislature doing with State lottery monies? Why can’t our State Senators and Representatives fight for lottery money to fund our Chicago schools?

Striking teachers Cardenas Elementary

AMERICA GIVES billions of dollars in foreign aid. What I don’t understand is why our nation cannot provide American cities “aid” for education. America spent billions of taxpayer’s money to fight a war in Iraq and rebuild it. Plus billions on a war in Afghanistan for the past 10 years!

MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL should request a federal grant from President Obama to subsidize Chicago Schools. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan, former CPS CEO, should also be called upon to help bring federal money to the Chicago school system.

GOOD NEWS: The teacher’s strike is over.

Striking teachers at Gary Elementary

Norma, David Calderon & Family
applying for U.S. Passports

PASSPORTS: “Passport Day” in Little Village sponsored by the Little Village Community Council on Saturday, Sept. 15, 2012 was a success. Fifty-six adults and children applied for passports. United States Postal Service personnel: Antoinette Lewis, Retail Specialist, Reginald Hollingsworth, Retail Specialist and Dortheen East, Sales & Service Associate did an outstanding job of assisting the residents of Little Village with filling out passport forms and processing applications. All of the applicants appreciated the service.
EXPUNGEMENT: The 2nd Annual Expungement Workshop is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 6, 2012 at New Life Church, 27th St. & Lawndale Ave. Doors will open at 8:00 a.m. and close at 5 p.m. Ex-offenders will have an opportunity to learn how to clean-up their criminal record. Six attorneys will be at the workshop. Admission is free and the workshop is open to the public.

FUNDRAISER: Family and friends of Albert Gonzales, Sr. are hosting a fundraiser at Studio 63, 7225 W. 63rd St., Summit, IL. The event will be this Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012 starting at 8:00p.m. The cost of a ticket is $10 and can be purchased in advance by contacting Laura Staatz at 630/388-9270.

Albert Gonzales, Sr.

FUNDS raised will help Al’s family defray his medical expenses. Al has been seriously stricken with cancer. He is a veteran of the U.S. Air Force and a member of the Manuel Perez Jr. American Legion Post 1017. He has helped and supported veterans and veteran’s causes.
FOR DECADES, Al has worked in public service. During the Thanksgiving he helped feed the homeless at the Daley Center and has served in many positions at Queen of the Universe Parish on Sundays.
AL IS an active member of the St. Francis Wildcats, an organization that raises funds for scholarships for young adults. Al has served as Chairman of their Yearly Ad Book.
COMMANDER JOE Ramirez of the Manuel Perez Jr. American Legion Post 1017 is urging all veterans and friends of Al Gonzales Sr. to attend the fundraiser. “Al deserves our support,” said Joe. To contact Commander Ramirez call 312/415-2653.

Labor Day, Jorge Ramirez, Jesse M. Rios, Jose A. Caez, Jose Guerrero, Hispanic Labor Leaders, Painter Garin Baker, Painting of Union Ironworkers, Happy Labor Day

2012-08-30T00:00:00.000-05:00

LABOR DAY: In celebration of Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 3, 2012, I would like to give recognition to the many dedicated Hispanic Labor Leaders. All of these Hispanic Unionists have fought and are fighting to continue the improvement of wages, hours, working conditions and benefits for workers. Their dedication, hard work and involvement in their Union helped create the middle class in America.

I CAN ATTEST to the fact that organizing and representing workers requires hard work and perseverance. My experience is based on the fact that I was formerly the President of the Chicago Typographical Union No. 16/CWA 14408, elected during the1985 Chicago Tribune strike. I have the distinction of being the only Mexican-American elected President of CTU #16. For 10 years, I was elected the Recording Secretary and Organizer of my Union and served as delegate in both the State AFL-CIO and Chicago Federation of Labor for 17 years. Also, for 12 years as Secretary Treasurer of the Chicago Allied Printing Trades Council. In total I was elected 13 times to Union office.

IN 1973, State AFL-CIO President Stanley Johnson appointed me to represent Illinois Hispanic labor at the National Constitutional Convention of the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement [LCLAA] held in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It was an honor for me to represent Hispanic labor of Illinois. Presently, I am the President/founder of the Hispanic American Labor Council. HALC was organized October 21, 1973.

Jorge Ramirez
President, CFL

ALL OF THE Hispanic labor leaders whom I have had the honor of knowing over the many years in my Union career have a common trait; they are all active within their Unions. They hold the positions of Union Officers, Business Managers, Presidents, Vice-President, Secretary-Treasurer, Sgt.-at-Arms, Trustees, Union Representatives, Organizers, Shop Stewards and Union delegates; and each of them work faithfully in organizing campaigns, negotiating contracts, serving as strike captains or coordinators, attending many Union meetings, serving on Union committees and participating in Union elections. They spend weeks, months and years toiling in the field to organize the unorganized worker. Their involvement is the backbone of their respective Unions.

HERE are their names and Union affiliations:

JORGE RAMIREZ, son of Mexican immigrants, is President of the Chicago Federation of Labor. Ramirez has a law degree from the Chicago-Kent College of Law and graduated as a student scholarship athlete from the University of Texas at El Paso in 1993 with a double major in marketing and computer information system.

Jesse M. Rios
Sgt. -at- Arms, CFL

RAMIREZ was previously the Secretary-Treasurer of the Federation. Prior to joining the CFL, was elected Vice President and served as Executive Director of Local 1546 of the United Food and Commercial Workers International. He serves on numerous commissions and boards.

JESSE M. RIOS, formerly the President of the American Federal Government Employees Union, Local No. 648 [AFGE] and presently serving on the Executive Board of the Chicago Federation of Labor holding the position of Sgt. of Arms. He was an active Union member with the United Auto Workers Union prior to becoming the President of Local 648. He is very knowledgeable on issues affecting Unions and the middle class. Jesse is the Vice-President of the Hispanic American Labor Council and he lives in Pilsen.

Jose A. Caez
Business Mgr.,
IBEW 1031

JOSE A. CAEZ is the Business Manager/Financial Secretary of the IBEW Local 1031. Jose’s Union was the largest electrical workers Union in the State of Illinois. He has been active in his Union for many years and served on numerous Union committees. Presently, he is a delegate to the Chicago Federation of Labor and serves on the National Labor Council for Latin American Advancement [LCLAA] Executive Board and Treasurer of the Hispanic American Labor Council.

Jose Guerrero
Nat. LCLAA Ex. Bd.

JOSE GUERRERO is a member of the Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 241. He was formerly the Vice President of Local 241 and active in Union affairs for many years. He is presently a member of the Executive Board of the National Labor Council for Latin American Advancement [LCLAA]. In his retirement, Jose remains a strong advocate for the causes of the United Farm Workers of America. Jose said: “I’m proud to be a Union member”.

HISPANIC LABOR LEADERS past and present: Francisco Montalvo, Jr., UPE Local 2287, University Professional Employees; Ricardo Loza, SEIU Local 73; Victor E. Gonzalez, Chicago Teachers Union, Local 1; Leo Velez Panatsis, HERE Local 450; Niebes Guerrero, Operating Engineers, Local 143; Joe Govea, I.B.E.W. Local 134; Geno Rodriguez, Teamsters Local 714; Raul Cantu, UFCW 881; Oscar Davila, Carpenters, Local 10; Rene Rodriguez, Sheet Metal Workers’ Local 73; Hector Hernandez, Teamsters Local 700; Herman Cortez, Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 308; Able Camacho, ATU 241.

ANDY GASCA, Bricklayers Union; Charles Cordero, UAW Local 719; David B. Torres, County Municipal Employee’s, Supervisors & Foreman Union, Local 100; Henry C. Flores*, Plumbers, Local 130; Ramon Bercerra, IBEW 134; Ronald Maydon, SEIU 73; Julia A. Gutierrez, I.B.E.W. 134; John Chico*, United Steel Workers of America, Local 65; John G. Agrela, Sheet Metal Workers Union, Local 115; Ruben Almendarez, IBEW Local 134; Christina Barillas, Plumbers Local 130; Angel Del Rivero, Operating Engineers, Local 150; Luis Tovar, IBEW 134.

JOHN GARCIA, ILGWU; Alicia Padilla, Teamsters Local 743; Fred Hernandez, Local I.U.E.C. Local 2; Arthur A. Velasquez, United Brotherhood of Carpenters & Joiner of America; Philip Gonzalez, AFSCME Local 368; Daniel C. Gasca Jr., H.E.R.E. Local 1; Mike Garcia*, I.B.E.W. Local 134; Maurico Villasenor, Plasters Local 74; Jose M. Reyes, Plasters Local 5; Eleazar Garza, Plaster Union, Local 5; Sergio Segura, United Steel Workers; Carlos Quinones, Plumbers Local 130; Sylvia Salas, ASFME Local 2856; Jose Barrios, IBEW 134; Juan Jose Hernandez, Laborers Local 681; Jose L. Hernandez, Laborers Intl. Local 681, Joe Sallas, Ironworkers Local 1; Alfredo Martinez, United Steelworkers of America; Hortensia Cartlidge, SEIU #73.

JOSE ZAMARRIPA, Jr., Laborers Local 681; Robert Mendez*, Machinist Union; Fernandez Ruiz, Jr., Laborers Union; Leo Esparza, Local 118; Juan J. Hernandez, Laborers Local 2; Miguel Arias*, National AFL-CIO Representative; Robert Murillo*, USWA Local 65; Daniel Cabrera*, SEIU; James Ramirez, Teamsters Local 710; Eli Medina, SEIU Local 73; Peter Mendoza, AFSCME Local 1866, Sergio Monterrubio, UFCW 881. Hispanic labor leaders are the unsung heroes in our society; struggling in the trenches of the labor movement. *Deceased.

In celebration of Labor Day is this oil painting of Union ironworkers by a realist painter, Garin Baker, New York, New York 1961. This painting hangs on the wall in the Galter Pavilion, second floor, at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Chicago. A wall plaque reads: “Baker painted large urban cityscapes…At the core of his work is his understanding of people and their relationship to the environment. Baker’s work celebrates the human spirit.”