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 Congresswoman Cardis
CollinsBorn Cardiss Hortense Robertson in St. Louis, Mo. in Sept 24, 1931, Cardiss Collins died at the age of 81 on Sunday, February 3, 2013. She had a well respected career as Congresswoman of the 7th District from 1973 to 1997. That seat is now being held by Congressman Danny K. Davis who succeeded her in 1997.
Cardiss Collins first became Congresswoman after running for the seat left vacant by her husband, Congressman George Washington Collins, who died in a plane crash on December 8, 1972.
Winning the seat in a special election, she went on to win 12 straight terms of office, (24 years) as Congresswoman. Collins focused a lot of her attention on the social and economic needs of the 7th district, which was changed from 6th District to the 7th upon her 1st election to office.
In the 1980’s, Collins was a strong advocate for affirmative action investigating federal agencies such as the U.S. Dept of Justice, the Federal Trade Commisson, and the National Endowment for the Humanities and finding that they were not in compliance with conditions of the cival rights act. Stating that “Laws that have been debated and passed by the courts cannot arbitrarily be negated by individuals.”She also targeted U.S. Airlines for not fairly hiring African-Americans in professional positions.
Congresswoman Collins also fought for equality and fairness targeting advertising agencies and media, the health industry, medicare and the elderly, women rights, higher education, achieving many accomplishments.
Congresswoman Collins is survived by her son, Kevin Collins and granddaughter, Candice Collins. Service will be held Monday, February 11, 2013 at Alfred Street Baptist Church, 301 S. Alfred St., Alexandria, VA 22314.
 Thomas E. Crosby, president of the Insurance Exchange, Ltd., exchanges ideas on how to start up small businesses during the Bethel Entrepreneurial Training Program.
While the State of Illinois, along with the rest of the country, struggles to deal with the slow progress of our economy, Bethel New Life Church, located at 4950 W. Thomas street, has initiated its own program to help stimulate financial success among near west side Chicago neighborhoods.
Just this past December the church started the Bethel Entrepreneurship Training Program specifically geared to help business minded individuals receive training, support and guidance in starting up their own businesses. With the support of many groups, including the State of Illinois Small Business Development Center, Bethel received over 150 applicants whose business plans had to undergo a detailed evaluation by a panel of business experts who finally narrowed the number of actual participants down to 30.
Those individuals whose business startup ideas were approved by the panel were required to attend a 15 week classroom program where they received advice, guidance and mentoring from a number of successful business owners and financial experts. The basic concepts of starting up a business, seeking a location, finances, and marketing ideas were integrated into the educational program.
After successfully completing the 15 week classroom, those students who have saved up at least $1,500 of their own seed money toward their business, will then be awarded a $6,000 grant from Bethel New Life to help with the startup costs. In addition to the grant from Bethel, there are a number of local banks who support the entrepreneurship program by offering micro-lending programs of up to an additional $10,000 to those who complete the program and quality.
The first graduating class of the Bethel New Life Entrepreneurship Training Program is slated for early April, according to Ed Coleman, vice president of Bethel’s Community Economic Development Program. “At this time we expect all 30 of our participants to successfully graduate in April and then move on to the process of starting up their own businesses,” said Coleman. “We are extremely pleased at the progress this program has made in its first year,” he added.
“We think this is a win-win program not only for the community economy, but for that of the individual investor and business owner at well,” Coleman stated. “We have received a great deal of support from local business leaders, chambers of commerce and financial institutions as well and we expect to see a number of successful businesses being started up in the west side of Chicago as a result of this program.”
Coleman added that even though the current entrepreneurship program will end in April, his office and Bethel has already begun to think about beginning a new training program in the fall. “We know there are a good number of residents who have some great ideas of starting their own business or those existing business owners who want more structure or licenses, and we can help them accomplish this while helping many become financially successful and independent at the same time.”
Inquiries on the current or future entrepreneurship programs may be obtained by calling Bethel New Life offices at 773-473-7870.
 Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center located at 1250 W. 119th Street
The Salvation Army Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center, 160,000-square-foot facility on 33 acres in the West Pullman Community has become a beacon of light in a once blighted area of the city’s far south side. The center is a state-of-the-art community and social service facility that is striving to help improve the lives of people in the community through diverse and innovative programming and activities.
The and has several gyms, a swimming pool, multiple playing fields and numerous areas for learning, recreation and church. The myriad of programming seems overwhelming at first glance, but the variety is at the core of the center’s mission.
“We’re not trying to leave anybody out,” said operations director Sadie Davis. “Even if you’ve got just one little niche you want to work on we’ve got it here.”
Having an abundance of options is also important in keeping with the family-oriented concept of the Kroc Center. Outdoor sports manager Thaddeus Moody said It’s a destination for the entire community, regardless of age.
“We have three or four generations here so we have to cater to all of these generations from seniors all the way down to the six-month old. And we have the capability of doing that here,” he said.
Seniors are some of the main beneficiaries of the center’s services and the opportunity to exercise in a structured environment is a welcome addition to the community.
“Before, I would exercise at home and I was not disciplined,” said Lee Thorne, a senior citizen member of the Kroc Center. “This is a lot better because it forces me to exercise. It’s getting me in shape and it’s very good for me.”
She also recalls how the area looked before the Kroc Center broke ground several years ago.
“I’ve lived in this neighborhood over 40 years and I’ve seen a lot of changes take place. It was a horrible place surrounded by junk — you didn’t even want to walk by it. I’m so glad this is here,” she said.
Many residents in the community share her enthusiasm for the center and about 2500 people use the center every day. Not a bad number of users, but the area has over 250,000 residents, and the Kroc Center would like to see a lot more people take advantage of the facility.
“We had a lot of members sign up right away — now we’re trying to reach out to the entire city and let many more people know that this facility is here,” said Major David Harvey, a senior Kroc Officer.
And the Kroc Center is truly available to all in the area.
“This has been a safe haven for everybody,” said Moody. “Even gang members come here and play basketball and work out. We have an excellent security staff and we haven’t had any problems.”
“Most of the kids on the street just want some attention and somebody to give them some time, and we do that here,” he said.
Jobs have also been created by the Kroc Center and 200 people are employed there. They also had 32 construction workers from the area work on the construction of the building.
Volunteers run and assist with a lot of the Kroc Center’s programs, helping with the overall development of the facility and in keeping with the altruistic nature of the Salvation Army.
“When you do something that you like doing you get that joy,” said volunteer Valencia Green. “We usually work jobs that bring us that monetary direct deposit joy you get every two weeks — but volunteering is different because you can like what you’re doing — it’s your niche.”
Green also lauds the family atmosphere at the Kroc Center.
“Your child is in a safe controlled environment. There’s always an activity and I know that the seniors are their faithfully from about 7:00am to 12:00pm. In the morning it’s a seniors building,” she said.
The center has made an impact in its seven months of existence, but the effort to affect change and have a sustained impact has just begun, Major Harvey said.
“As long as there’s kids still getting shot outside and freshmen at Fenger High School are not going to college then we’re not doing enough — we need to keep doing more,” he said.
Get Valuable Training!!! Enroll in North Lawndale Employment Network
Weatherization Specialist Training Program
24TH Ward Alderman Michael D. Chandler is encouraging residents to access the valuable training opportunity being offered at the North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN) “Weatherization Specialist” training program.The training program is funded by the State of Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) and is FREE to those that meet eligibility requirements.The training is done through a five-week program that covers the following areas: 1) Fundamentals of Building Science; 2) Proper installation techniques for residential weatherization; and 3) BPI weatherization certification. A $200.00 dollar per week stipend is also offered through the five-week training period.To qualify for the training, an applicant must meet the following eligibility requirements: 1) Possess a high school diploma or GED; 2) The ability to score at a 10th grade level or higher in reading and math; 3) Must have the physical ability to perform manual tasks associated with the position; 4) Must be a resident of the City of Chicago; and 5) Must be drug free (A Drug Test will be administered).Upon completion of training, the potential salary ranges for certified Weatherization Specialist is $13.00 to $16.55 per hour, or $27,040 to $34,634 annually.To enroll in the program, contact Felicia Griffin, Program Manager, of the Urban Weatherization Initiative at 773-265-7945 or through email at: Felicia@nlen.org. To learn more about the North Lawndale Employment Network visit: www.nlen.org. The address of the North Lawndale Employment Network is 3726 W. Flournoy, Chicago, Illinois 60624.For this and other training and employment opportunity information, please access Alderman Michael D. Chandler’s website at: www.aldermanchandler.com.
 Jason Bateman and Melissa McCarthy in “Identity Thief.” IDENTITY THIEF (**1/2)
As identified by the film’s title. This is one of those personal, unpleasant subjects that becomes ripe for humor at the exaggerated expenses and situations of others. Mellissa McCarthy continues her memorable, mischievous and outrageousness ways that led to an Oscar nomination in “Bridesmaids”. While breaking new ground in this kind of role that been usually reserved for male comics.
But how have the roles have been reversed. Essentially, If you excuse the pun; “Identity Thief” is literally Melisa McCarthy’s film to steal. While, Jason Bateman aptly plays her straight (and clueless) man in this often hilarious crowd-pleasing, occasionally bold and raunchy comedy farce.
And the latest premise that ends upturning into a road trip comedy following Seth Rogen and Barbra Streisand in “Guilt Trip”. Even though, there is also a bit of “Due Date” here that was a direct rip-off of John Hughes’ “Planes, Trains and Automobiles”.
Bateman plays meek and naïve accounts processor, Sandy Patterson who is too preoccupied doing his job that executives, investors and his company boss, Harold Cornish (Jon Favreau) benefits and give themselves financial dividends while voiding any bonuses to the workers.
In less than 30 seconds into the film, a seemingly innocent telemarketing phone call that offered free security protection leads to Bateman character easily giving up his personal information to klepto- thief and lair, McCarthy who forges his identity onto her fake credit cards that she overindulges on herself and sells to others.
Meanwhile, co-worker Daniel Casey (John Cho of “Harold and Kumar” fame) fed up along with others at Prominence Financial Group invites Bateman’s character to join in forming their own financial business as their vice president.
But when the paper trail begins to lead back to Bateman’s character with the police led by Detective Reilly (Morris Chestnut) who has to explain the territorial problems for law enforcement with the fraud being committed to the victim in Denver Colorado by the perpetrator in Florida.
With Patterson’s career and personal life in shambles, he convinces Reilly and Casey to give him one week to travel to Florida to bring back the impostor that would restore his good name and corporate job.
But upon their initial encounter, McCarthy’s character is anything but innocuous as thought by Bateman’s character. And ultimately Patterson (Jason Bateman) has to promise not to turn her over to the authorities. In order to get McCarthy‘s cooperation to get her back to Denver to help get his job back.
However, the film wastes some time on a conventional ” mobster sub plot angle” element involving two majority hit-persons, Marisol (Genesis Rodriguez) and Julian Tip “T.I” Harris in pursuit for imprisoned mobster (Jonathan Banks) who wants McCarthy “whacked” since authorities caught him through one of her fraud credit cards. And the pair naturally come in conflict with a competitor, a veteran skip-tracer (Robert Patrick) hired to bring in McCarthy for jumping bail and missing a court date.
Meanwhile, McCarthy and Bateman embark on their cross country trek back to Denver through varied encounters and situations that are caused by McCarthy’s outgoing nature compared to the uptight and inexperienced Bateman.
Yet, I almost became more enraged than amused by McCarthy’s treatment on Bateman that I think other moviegoers felt by their applause when Bateman manages to briefly retaliate. It’s a risky move that can be frustrating and alienate some of the audience since we generally enjoy McCarthy’s “outrageousness” that might go too far. Even if we understand what’s going on behind it all.
And naturally, Bateman and McCarthy become the latest screen pairing by circumstances who start out sharing uncommon bonding moments on the road that eventually leads to McCarthy’s character suddenly developing a heart toward what Bateman’s character has in his life that she never had; that also leads into a predictable “sad sack” back-story that ultimately is the key that converse her.
While McCarthy’s roguish chicanery and “free spirit” also has an adverse effect on Bateman’s character who has his first adventure in his life that makes him realize what a wimp he’s been for other to walk on and profit from.
Still, “Identity Thief” is an entertainingly funny and atrocious comedy that succeeds because of this unlikely but likeable odd couple chemistry between McCarthy and Bateman through their characters and their satirical approach to this real life fear. They provide the fun and the risqué without ripping off the audience too much. Even though the film falls into a predictable, self serving finale that smooths over the true consequences.
R; 110min. A Universal Pictures Release – Presented at selected theaters
 Jude Law and Catherine Zeta-Jone in “Side Effects SIDE EFFECTS (***)
After tackling the possibility of a global spreading, contaminating virus in “Contagion”, director Steven Soderbergh and writer Scott Z. Burns starts out taking on another phobic concern. But then shifts itself into a twisty murder mystery melodrama that takes away some of the social sting that was achieved over the virus epidemic.
For part of this film, we are a dependent society of pill poppers for any sign of instability to our mind and/or body. Representing this notion, Rooney Mara plays Emily Taylor, a woman with a mounting anxiety problem over the release of her imprisoned husband, Martin (Channing Tatum) who served four years for “insider trading”.
On the first night of his release, the couple had sex in bed; Emily’s facial reactions indicated she wasn’t into the moment as her husband. But she felt the pressure of being the couple’s only employed provider between them.
To this point after work in the public garage, Emily tries to commit suicide by purposely driving her car into the wall. The incident results in Emily becoming a head trauma patient to psychiatrist Dr. Jonathan Banks (Jude Law) who begins therapy sessions three times a week. And naturally, the doctor offers a prescription that begins Emily’s drug cycle to initially control her depression.
Dr. Banks learns her issues with depression were first diagnosed by her former psychiatrist, Dr. Erica Siebert (Catherine Zeta Jones) that he meets with for consultation and further insight into Emily’s history and learned Dr. Siebert suggested the medication known as Zoloft that was short-lived.
Later Emily reluctantly goes to a social party with Martin who is trying to re-establish his connections. Prior, Martin told his wife of his plan to begin a new business venture with another former inmate that would correct his past mistakes.
While Dr. Banks joined by other physicians has a lunch meeting with a pharmaceutical company representative who gains Banks’ support to be paid for testing their latest drug on his patients.
Now with a thriving practice and the additional income from this drug company, Dr. Banks and his recently unemployed wife can manage their fiancial affair for their family.
Then during another session with Emily discloses to Dr. Banks her displeasure over her current medication. Banks decides to offer her the experimental drug called “abliva”. But the new drug delivers a calming effect but with an alternative outcome noticed by Martin. In which Emily is sleepwalking during a kitchen chore.
Now Emily is facing a murder charge for apparently what the drug made her do. But a greater concern grows beyond whether or not Emily is a murderer. Could the physician be held responsible and be targeted for a medical lawsuit for his prescription.
This angle in the film is every doctor’s nightmare. And in some case, why man doctors fail to do enough for their patients out of fear that something they do or recommendation could lead to a malpractice suit.
It’s also mentioned early on in the film that Dr. Banks had a previous incident, in which he was accused of sexually assaulting a patient during his residence.
But meanwhile in court, a plea bargain is made that Emily is sent for a lengthy evaluation treatment at a mental institution that would be based on Dr. Banks’ findings that would help avoid jail time and proclaim her innocent.
Then Dr. Banks begins to wise up when he’s notified about a letter from his residence that could damage his career and cause his wife to walk out on him that leads Dr. Banks to travel to Virginia to meet with Dr. Siebert for some information that later would bring into play whether or not Emily was sane or not in committing murder or a crime of passion?
Director Steven Soderbergh delivers a crafty melodrama emerging from a topical issue on the medical profession and the drug manufacturers that makes these designer drugs we get TV ads that mention their effectiveness along with potential ill effects from their usage that should give moviegoers some moment to pause like they did over Soderbergh’s “Contagion”.
Easily, “Side Effects” starts out as a thought provoking, part- cautionary tale like “Contagion” that takes a few pot shots at money hungry pharmaceutical companies. But this is a movie that goes one step further.
Soderbergh’s”Side Effects” delivers its own potency, being topical enough to leave its story into the drama with an edge that manages to show concern within the text of a compelling and evolving situation with its share of twists and turns that intrigues as much as this movie fascinates into an ingenious psychological thriller.
R; 106min. An Open Road Pictures release – Presented at selected theaters
Cashier Stephanie Gill (left) takes a phone order
while café general manager Melissa Chrushfield
takes payment from North Lawndale resident
Dan Larkin
Fried green tomatoes it may not have, but North Lawndale’s Green Tomato Café offers a culinary venue filled with much more selections when it comes to those who are health conscious or have a penchant on watching their dietary habits.
The Green Tomato Café opened almost two months ago and is located at 3750 W. Ogden Avenue, actually within the building that also houses the Lawndale Christian Fitness Center. Directed by general manager Melissa Chrushfield, the café offers a wide menu of wholesome food dishes in addition to having over 200 healthy foodstuffs for sale in the café store.
Among some of the mouthwatering items offered are Café Sandwiches, including a grilled vegetable sandwich, Serious Salads, black eyed pea salad, grilled vegetables and apple slaw side dishes, homemade lemonade and iced tea. homemade soups and chicken chili, a variety of natural teas, frozen yogurt and several flavored smoothies. The café staff also offers several house-smoked whole chickens daily and has a special kids menu as well.
In addition to the nourishing and healthy plates, the menu also offers a variety of tastes for one’s palate and borrows heavily from southern style cooking – pulled chicken, fresh mixed greens, green tomato jam and barbeque sauce, while including dishes with south of the border accents including LV ensalada salad with chipotle corn salsa, and black beans, verde cruda salsa dip and cilantro lime vinaigrette dressing.
Breakfast is also a treat and includes Egg Sammies-freshly scrambled mini-omelettes on a warm roll with your choice of chorizo and muenster cheese, bell pepper, onion and spinach, and bacon and cheddar. Hashbrowns are also available at an affordable 50 cents per plate. Fresh made oatmeal, either original or cinnamon-sugar, is available and can be mixed with raisins, craisins, peanut butter or almonds.
For coffee drinkers the café provides a variety of hot brews and mixers including latte, expresso and iced coffees with flavor shots.
Two of the notable comfortable features of the café are an open fire place with small tables for dining, and customers will also have access to Wi-Fi wiring for their laptops. Despite seating for more than 150 persons, the café is usually filled with people lined up for lunch or early supper, or in the take out line. Groups can be accommodated with a reservation called in advance.
The café is open Monday/Friday at 7 a.m. and closes Monday/Thursday at 10 pm, and 9 pm on Thursday. On Saturday the café opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 3 pm. Breakfast ends at 10:30 Monday/Friday and at 11 a.m. on Saturdays.
Anyone wishing to make reservations may call 872-588-3380, or may access more information on the café’s website at www.greentomatocafe.com
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- 24th Ward Residents and Ald. Michael Chandler Protest Bike Lane Markings on Independence Blvd24th Ward residents became enraged when they woke up Monday, December 10th and realized they had received $150.00 parking tickets. 24thWard Alderman Michael Chandler stated he received a call on Sunday morning the day before from Rev. Steve Spiller of Greater Galilee Baptist Church at 1308 S. Independence and he informed him that there were five crews out putting down the bike lanes. Ald. Chandler contacted the Mayor and the City of Chicago’s Department of Transportation Commissioner Gabe Klein about the matter.On Tuesday the 11th, Chandler was told the work would stop until a scheduled meeting the next week on Monday, December 17th. On Wednesday, Chandler got a call that city construction crews were back out working again. He then instructed a member of his staff, Michael Halbert to come out and stop the work, while he was in a city council meeting. The city’s response, said Chandler, “was to try and finish the work before the meeting so the residents could see how it looks.”
CDOT began striping on Independence during the first week of December 10th, the (CDOT) painting designated city streets with newly designed bike lanes. City residents in the 24th Ward, especially along Independence Blvd. between Roosevelt Rd. and Douglas Blvd. were not notified how to use the newly designed lanes and park their cars properly.
At a press conference held on Friday, December 14th, Chandler stated “We support protected bike lanes on our boulevards. But the configuration of the bike lanes here on Independence Blvd. poses an eminent danger to our residents. Children crossing the street have to walk out into oncoming traffic, past parked cars, just to look and see if cars are coming and to judge whether or not it is safe to cross the street.” Mary Gibson, a wheel chair bound resident said, “This is a recipe for disaster.” She has to roll her wheel chair out into oncoming traffic to get into her vehicle and to exit her vehicle. Chandler said, “My constituents clearly feel that this is a safety issue and I agree with them. We do not want to wait until a child or a citizen is ran over and killed before we take action. Therefore, we demand that the current bike lane configuration on Independence be removed and replace it with the same protected bike lane that are on Douglas Blvd.”
Many residents were confused because “north of the Eisenhower Expressway cars can park on the curve and the bike lane is right outside of that,” said Chandler. Starting at Harrison along Independence to Ridgeway the bike lane is switched to next to the curve and cars have to park outside of the bike lane creating the confusion. 24th Ward resident J.C. Grant received a $150. 00 ticket for parking next to the curve. He received his ticket Friday morning around 5:00 am. “I usually park in front of my building so I can look out the window and see my car,” said Mr. Grant. There were no signs stating no parking is allowed along the curve. Mr. Grant was also asked if there had been any notice or community training about the new bike lane configuration. He said no. All tickets that were issued and taken to Alderman Chandler’s office will be given a non-suit by the Department of Revenue, according to Chandler, meaning the city will dismiss the tickets.
During the press conference many residents were given a chance to express their disagreement to the confusing bike lane configuration. Photos of the new bike lane configurations were shown at the press conference that showed them painted next to potholes along the street. A community meeting is scheduled for Monday, December 17th at Greater Galilee Baptist Church at 1308 S. Independence. An audio taping of the press conference can also be heard at the North Lawndale Community News website at www.nlcn.org.
24th ward residents and Alderman Michael D. Chandler standing on the corner of 13th and Independence Blvd. protesting against design of protected bike lanes.
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