On Saturday Sept. 22nd. 2012, I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Ron C. Walters, A New Gospel Artist. He was one of the Performers for the {M. M. W. G. is} which is The Mighty Men & Women Of God Hosted by John BarBush. Dr. Larry Love is the Foundation of the Organization. Ron was waiting very patiently during the show for his chance to perform for a nice size audience at The U.I.C. FORUM on Roosevelt and Halsted. It was a beautiful Evening filled with much talent, mostly from Chicago. Which I will follow- up with on a story in the next issue. So, I decided to get a small Interview with looked like an Actor or a Model. But, he is a very Humble Christian Man. Not all Gospel Artists are Black. Ron is white and just as well versed in the Bible as anyone else. By the way, he seemed very serious and committed. I was Impressed by his patience as I Interviewed him. He took his time and told me his story. I asked Ron was he married? He said that he was married to the same woman for 11 years and has 7 children: 4 girls and 3 boys. But, is now Divorced. But, still loves his family very much.
TAKEN 2 (**) One would think that this family with its lethal CIA operative dad, Bryan Miller (Liam Neeson) would have learned their lesson from their last European trip. But when the father to the Albanian kidnappers that were killed by the agent for kidnapping his teenage daughter for the sex slave trade market. The terrorist father, Murad (Rade Serbedzija) is determined to avenge the death of his sons by killing the agent. Still the sequel offers some ridiculous circumstances help bring these fathers together that begins when Brian visiting his ex-wife (Famke Janssen) to pick up his daughter (Maggie Grace) to help her practice for her upcoming driver’s test.
– Erin Nixon (right) event director for the BBF KnitIN fundraiser, enjoys the company of Michael Lopez, the only male supporter to participate in the first ever event on Saturday, September 22nd.
On Saturday, September 22nd, the Better Boys Foundation of North Lawndale added more than $2,000 to its operating budget thanks in part to some supporters who love to knit. On that Saturday for more than four hours, over 30 people participated in the BBF inaugural “KnitIN”, a special fund raiser, the first ever of its kind for that organization. Coordinated through the efforts of Erin Nixon, a professional artist who oversees the knitting program at the BBF, the fund raiser included 26 adults, four youths and one lone male at the organization’s center located at 1512 S. Pulaski Road.
Members of the first graduating class at North Lawndale College Prep (Class of 2002) include (from left), Cassandra Horn, Joseph Berry, Jerry Banks and Nitane.
Anyone familiar with the history of west side neighborhoods are probably well aware of the key role North Lawndale has played in the development of Chicago as a successful international city. There have been many high lights in North Lawndale’s storied history, and one of the most brightest of all has been the establishment and development of North Lawndale College Prep (NLCP) School. On Saturday, September 22nd, NLCP held a special alumni dinner at Pompeii’s restaurant on Taylor Street, to celebrate the 10 year anniversary of the school’s first graduating class in 2002.
As Alderman of the 24th Ward I want to make sure you are aware of the opportunity to secure your Empowerment Zone Federal tax credits. These credits can translate directly into a tax refund, but you must act soon as time is running out. Don’t permit your credit dollars to go unclaimed. I encourage you to take advantage of this Federal tax credit and tax refund opportunity. It is money that belongs to you as a business owner operating in the Empowerment Zone. In these challenging economic times, this opportunity should not be missed. You may be able to put money in your pocket that you didn’t even know was available to you. It is so easy and requires little of your time. You can realize the cash benefits while staying focused on your business.
Anyone who lives in North Lawndale knows firsthand that life here is a struggle. Our unemployment rate of over 17% is more than twice the national average. This does not include discouraged workers or those who are unable to work. About 40% of the population lives below poverty levels. Two of our police districts rank among the top in the city with respect to crime. Many of our schools are under-utilized, underresourced and under-performing. As a result, they are first in line to be closed, turned around and otherwise de-stabilized. At times, it seems that some of our elected officials are unwilling take the bold actions that are necessary to bring about the necessary changes that will create a sustainable community.
Youth and Adults residents enjoying troy block club picnic (Beverly Tinsley in dk USMC sweatshirt)
On Saturday September 14th The Police Officers of the 10th District Police Dept. Held a Picnic in the Community for the Residents of the 24th WARD. The Picnic & Barbeque was held on the Block of 19th and TROY. This was a Celebration for the work and efforts of everyone in The Block Club including the Officers who conducted a STING to rid the area of the DRUGS and DRUG Dealers.
There is a Block Club that meets On the last MONDAY of every month, to discuss changes and come up with solutions to maintaining their safety and security on their Block. Also ways to keep it clean. Alderman MICHAEL CHANDLER of the 24th ward was in attendance To support everyone’s efforts and success. Also in attendance was: The President of The Block CLUB, Ms. Beverly Tinsley, The Secretary Barbara Holman, Pastor Fluker, many Uniformed Officers, & The Commander/ Director of CAPS Mr. RONALD HOLT,.
Ron C. Walters , a 37 year Old Gospel singer, even though he looks 27, with a soulful voice and a humble spirit came to Chicago Thursday for a weekend to perform and promote his new CD, Here is My Life featuring his debut single “I Can’t Go For That.” The single is a remake of the 1981 Hall and Oates hit with God being placed in the lyrics. Ron Walters was escorted by Chicago by Tom Hayes of Krunchtime Productions also stopping in at the North Lawndale Community News office., a white guy raised in a black community, Ron has all the cultural benefits of a soulful voice. With a clean cut beard and humble personality he is a light that is set on a hill. Ron’s statement is “it’s not me it is by the Grace of God.”
Chicago Public School Teachers seven day strike has come to a halt with the Chicago Board of Education, as both parties finally reached an agreement. “I think this has been an opportunity for people across the nation to have their voices to be heard, and I think we’re moving in the right direction,” Chicago Teachers Union President Karen Lewis said. With both parties having come to a compromise, so now the question being raised are what effect did the strike have on those living in urban communities? Chicago is the nation‘s third largest school district with about 600 public schools. About 42 percent of the city’s 400,000 public school students are African American, and 44 percent are Latin American, with about 87 percent coming from low-income families, according to district figures. Illinois has a massive achievement gap. Only 15 percent of Black students are proficient readers and only 9 percent are proficient in math at 4th grade. For Hispanic students those numbers are 18 and 19 percent respectively, and for low-income children it is 16 percent for both math and reading.
24TH Ward Alderman Michael D. Chandler Encourages Residents To Register, Participate and Vote in Upcoming Election Activities FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (CHICAGO): 24TH Ward Alderman Michael D. Chandler is strongly urging 24th ward residents to register, vote and become involved in activities connected with the upcoming General Election on November 6, 2012. “This is a very important election for our community,” stated Chandler. The re-election of President Barak Obama is critical to protecting important programs such as Social Security, Medicare and Healthcare. We need to have the strongest turnout possible to show our support for President Obama and the initiatives he has accomplished so far his first term in office and looking forward to achieving in his second term”.
