The story of the Foster Sisters is now up at the Chicago Tribune

The Chicago Tribune has published the story about the Foster sisters.

You can find the story at http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/local/breaking/ct-met-south-side-homeless-sisters-20180502-story.html

If you are interested in a hard copy we suggest going to a convenience store RIGHT NOW. I (JP Paulus) bought the last one at the Starbucks at 87th & the Dan Ryan. But if you are near others, i was informed that at the end of the day, they often throw out that day's paper.

We thank all of the community members who helped contribute to the story, and welcome any responses and reactions to the story, not just in the comments, but even as a guest blog post.

We especially want to thank Lolly Bowean , Abel Uribe and others at the Chicago Tribune as well as everyone who helped us on the social networking site Next Door to make this happen.

We have posted on these sisters before, such as in January when we noticed that their tarp and belongings were abandoned, to the initial report of possibly (now confirmed) one of them dying, and the obituary of Susan Foster.

EnglewoodRising.com is live #englewoodrising

Was announced last night via Mrs. Aysha Butler ig (@mrs_englewood) who is the President of the Resident Association of Greater Englewood. There have been hints of this with other posts on ig with photos of Englewood Rising billboards around greater Englewood - which had been regrammed on The Sixth Ward's ig.

Support the good folks of EnglewoodRising.com and with great hopes that this will prove to be a success in rebranding that community.

The website is live! #EnglewoodRising

A post shared by Ay-Sha (@mrs_englewood) on Apr 26, 2017 at 9:26pm PDT

So this blog is almost 10 years old

Or at least it will be as of November as this blog started in November 2007. Perhaps as we go through the course of the year we can note some of the stories we have tracked over the years here. We got some heavily trafficked post here. But I can't believe that this blog has been in publication for 10 years.

We're almost as old as Uptown Update for example, a great Chicago neighborhood blog from that north side community.

So congrats to myself (Levois), JP Paulus, Worlee, and even Mr. Zack Isaacs who joined us very briefly. Can we make it another 10 years is an obvious question?

BTW, here is our first post from November '07

An Unpleasant but Necessary Conversation: High Rise Apartment Buildings in Chatham

When you speak of high rise apartment buildings in Chatham the conversation ends abruptly. Many will tell you that there are zoning laws that do not permit high rises. Some base there answer on past events as when CHA wanted to build high rises on land that includes the 87th Cottage mall and Chatham Co-ops in the 50's and were denied. Others base their answer that past residential zoning ordinances had restrictions on height. The fact is that many of these restrictions have been relaxed over the years to allow projects in the best interest of the community to move forward(i.e. Senior building next to Pirie).

While there are still some zoning restrictions for some areas, the restrictions do not include the entire community. The conversation is not new as developers have made proposals in the past but none were warmly received and did not move forward.

The conversation is necessary because current trends indicate that young professionals are not as interested in single family homes as they were in the 70-90s. Today young professionals 21-40 place a higher value on "walkable communities" with amenties such as parks, shopping, restaurants, etc. They are less likely to own vehicles but rather use ride sharing, car sharing, taxi and public transportation. They also are attracted to "on demand" services such as food delivery, dry cleaning/laundry, maid service, etc.

While we do not have the desired amenities at this point but we can make the community more attractive to some of these businesses by increasing the target demographic and if you want to take it there YES , gentrifying the community. A recent review of high rise buildings revealed that businesses are aggressively marketing to these buildings and residents by offering onsite free classes, cocktail parties, BBQ's, etc.

While there are many positives there are some negatives. Primarily they are developers and density. In the past there were questions concerning the developers and in other cases the project would have been too dense for the area in which it was proposed. Finding the right developer who is interested in developing a MARKET RATE project that will fit the landscape of the community will be a challenge but not an impossibility.

Overall, not having the conversation limits the community's ability to grow and prosper. It is everyone's desire to see a new mix of businesses along our business strips and frankly move out some undesirable events that are happening (loitering, criminality, etc).

So let's start the conversation.

LSC Elections extended

We just want to remind everyone that the deadline for Local School Council candidate applications has been extended until March 14.

Many of our schools need members. Please consider being a part of it. If you're a CPS parent, you can still join your local school's council as a community representative.

CHICAGO – Chicago – Chicago Public Schools (CPS) today announced that it has extended its Local School Council (LSC) election candidate filing deadline from February 26 to March 14, giving parents and community members an extra two weeks to submit their nominating forms. Elections will take place on April 7 for elementary schools and April 8 for high schools during report card pick-up from 6:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m.

"I strongly encourage any parent or community member who is passionate about education and helping our students reach their fullest potential to run for their Local School Council," said CPS CEO Byrd-Bennett. "Getting involved at the school level is great way to have a positive impact on your community and helps the District achieve its overall goal of ensuring 100 percent of our students are college-ready and 100 percent are college-bound."

LSC representatives serve as an important link between a school's administration, the community, CPS and students, and play a significant role in decision-making to boost student academic achievement. Elected LSC representatives will serve a two-year term, beginning at the start of School Year 2014-2015 (SY14-15). Each LSC is made up of six parents, two community members, two teachers, one non-teacher staff member and the school's principal. High School LSCs also have a student representative.

Parents and community members who are interested in running for their LSC must submit nominating forms at their respective school by March 14, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. Those eligible to run for their LSC include parents whose children attend the school, community members, and the teachers and non-teaching staff from the school.

The forms, along with additional information, can be found at www.cps.edu/lsc, in the main office of any CPS school, CPS Network Offices, and the Office of LSC Relations located at CPS' downtown headquarter. For more information, please call the Office of LSC Relations at (773) 553-1400.

The Chicago Public Schools serves approximately 400,000 students. It is the nation's third-largest school system

The original press release is here:
http://www.cps.edu/News/Press_releases/Pages/PR1_02_24_2014.aspx

YOU helped a local couple in their adoption process!

We wrote about John and Nicole Anthony on October 10 regarding the adoption resources contest they were a part of. We encouraged you, our readers, to vote for them via Facebook.  They won that contest, thanks in part to your help!

Nicole and John Anthony of Chatham with their 3-year-old Golden Doodle Maestro, whom they adopted from a friend in Washington who was breeding and selling puppies to fund an in-vitro fertilization procedure. The Anthonys considered in-vitro fertilization before deciding on adoption, which they say is less expensive and more reliable option.



(photo by DNAinfo/Lizzie Schiffman)



Read more: http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20121127/chatham/community-rallies-facebook-contest-support-couples-dream-of-adoption##ixzz2De1sldcq

Lizzie Schiffman of DNAinfo.com interviewed me (JP Paulus) to talk about how the blog impacted voting. She did a great job withthe story.

You can find the article here, entitled "Facebook Contest Helps Couple Get Closer to Dream of Adoption "

Congratulations to the Anthonys on winning and helping their next steps to building their family!   And thanks to Lizzie and DNAinfo for the write-up. We will post more on them in the future, as they report on our neighborhoods!

Urban Partnership Community Shred Day

Community Shred DaySaturdayJune 16, 20129am-12pmUrban Partnership Bank7925 S Cottage Grove (Parking Lot)UPB -- Community Shred Day

Emanuel says community must join fight against gangs

The Chicago Tribune reports that Mayor Emanuel was in our neighborhood today.

Check out the story here:
Emanuel says community must join fight against gangs

Online petition to keep Englewood's Post office open

The Residents' Association of Greater Englewood (R.A.G.E.) is promoting a petitionto keep their Englewood post offices open.

Here's the text:

The US Postal Services has served notice to the customers of the Englewood Post Office of a proposal to discontinue the retail services at the Englewood and Ogden Park post office. The Postal Service proposed action will not serve the best interest of our postal customers. We protest the loss of our postmaster and community identity. Our position is to fight to keep these services in our neighborhood as it impacts many of our seniors and residents who regularly use these services.

And here;s the link:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/keepenglewoodpostofficesopen/signatures

Vote for Cottage Grove Planters Project in Pepsi's Refresh Project!

From the founder of Cottage Grove Planters

The Cottage Grove Planters Project that I spearhead has been selected for the Pepsi Refresh Project Grant Contest. If we get enough votes, the Cottage Grove Planters Society could win $5,000 to continue the work of planting flowers and installing student's artwork on the sides of the large planter pots that line Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago, Illinois.


Please vote for this community beautification project. That money will help us purchase flowers and ensure that 13 more public schools can participate in improving their environment.
Simply go to: http://www.refresheverything.com/. If you have a facebook account, just click that to log in, if not you have to create a Pepsi account.

Click the "Communities" tab at the top and then select the $5,000.00 category and then click "Near You" on the drop down tab by "Shuffled Ideas" Look for "Beautify and add children's artwork to the Cottage Grove Planters"Then just click "Vote for This".

Please help us by voting for us, emailing this message to everyone you know and asking them to vote for us and remember, everyone can vote up to 3 times a day. If you buy Pepsi products, you can get up to 100 extra votes to use to vote for us with a unique "Power Vote" code found under the cap of specially-marked Pepsi bottles and specially-marked Pepsi 12 pack and 24 pack can packaging.
Thanking you in advance,

Leiana J. Thomas Gary, Founder

http://www.cottagegroveplanters.org/

It would be great if we could win it! It was ranked #12 as of Wednesday night.

2011 ELECTIONS: check the numbers

I hate to contradict Worlee, becuase he is right in that Rod Sawyer won and we need to move on.

But I would like to remind us of the fact that this race was won by LESS than 1 percent of the vote (just 1/2 percent). 102 votes (an update from election night's 124 votes). That's less than 2 votes per precinct. 

Had people gotten 5 less SEIU mailers, 3 less phone calls, or had 1 person talk to them one-on-one, it might have gone the other way.

When you see the results on the Chicago Board of Elections website, you will see that Sawyer won 31 precincts, and Lyle won 33. So it's not an overwhelming mandate (unlike, say, Bernie Stone in the 50th).

We do need to move on, but with the realization that our neighbors may not have agreed with us. (Or even those who voted the way we wanted them to, may have done so for the wrong reasons).

Let's really try to understand their concerns and interets, and see how we can forge ahead.

From what I have seen so far, I believe Rod Sawyer will strive for that. Let's strive with him, and with our neighbors. All of them.

Free Pancakes at Mather's More than A Cafe

Print out the following coupon for free pancakes (until Dec. 10) at Mather's More than a Cafe

Your neighborhood place for fresh, made-to-order, delicious meals priced


right for your pocket book. We offer a full menu including breakfast, lunch,

and daily specials. Stop in today!

HOURS: Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. • Kitchen Hours: 8:30 a.m.–2:45 p.m.

Saturday: 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. • Kitchen Hours: 8:00 a.m.–1:15 p.m.

33 E. 83rd Street

Chicago, IL • (773) 488.2801

Click to see our full menu

Pastor John Warner of Crerar Presbyterian goes home to be with the Lord

Pastor John Warner was the longtime Pastor of Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church . According to the son of a recent guest preacher (and who worked at Crerar himself), Pasotr Warner had broken his neck, and had been out for some time (explaining the number of guest preachers in recent weeks), but finally went home to be with the Lord a few days ago.

The Chatham Avalon Park Community Council blog had a brief entry on Thursday

Condolences to the family of Pastor John Warner the longtime Pastor of Crerar Presbyterian Church 8100 S. Calumet.Pastor Warner was an active Pastor at a progressive Church, Crerar. When ever the pastor would say " The doors of the church are open" it was truly meant. Numerous block clubs, community organization, accepted his hospitality, beyond that, Pastor Warner was a quite storm that provided both inspiration and direction to his church and our community, he will be greatly missed.

What's next for Crerar? I live literally down the block, and am interested in not just the history of Crerar (which added to the building as recently as 1989) , but also the future.

As a side note, Natalie Moore, reporter for WBEZ (Chicago Public Radio) was a part of Crerar and knew Pastor Warner well. (She honored him in her latets Facebook status).

St. Dorothy Catholic Church

I was walking by St. Dorothy Catholic church and snapped these phots. What struck me was how "un-Catholic" it sounded...or at least an adapted Catholicism like the Faith Community of St. Sabinas.

What struck me on the signs:

• Healing Services (like a Pentecostal church)
• Liturgical Dance (not what you think of when you say Catholic)
• Faith Community (rather than parish)
• "Black Jesus"

I am certainly not criticizing these things.  Rather, I think these things are great. But it makes me interested to find out mor eabout the churhc, and how they relate to not only the Chatham community, but especially other Christian churches.

Does anyone have any other information or stories about the church?

We would love to hear them!

Funeral arrangements for Pastor James Demus III ; Homegoing of Rev. Joseph McAfee

Mark S Allen posted this on his blog on ChicagoNow. The photo is from Park Manor Christian Church's website

"Dedicated to my friend, mentor, colleague, ally, clergy-activist partner for over 20 years. What you taught me and what we worked on through the years with PUSH and other efforts will live on in me and those like me that God blessed you touch. I will miss you buddy !"

The viewing of Rev. James L. Demus' body will be held Sunday, September 26, 2010, from Noon to 5 p.m. at the Cage Funeral Home, 7651 S. Jeffery, Chicago, IL 60649.

Visitation services for Rev. Demus, 57, who died last Thursday, will be held noon, Monday, September 27, 2010 at the Park Manor Christian Church, 600 E. 73rd St., where he was senior pastor. Funeral services will follow at 1 p.m. with burial held at the Mount Hope Cemetery, 115th and Fairfield.

At 6 p.m., Sunday, September 26, 2010, there will be a 25th anniversary gala held at the Doubletree Hotel, 5000 W. 127th Street, Alsip, IL, celebrating the life and works of Rev. James L. Demus, III. For further information, call the church at: 773-483-2115 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting              773-483-2115      end_of_the_skype_highlighting or e-mail: parkmanorchristianchurch@yahoo.com.


Reverend James L. Demus III


Biography


Long time Chicagoan, Reverend James L. Demus III has served Park Manor Christian Church in Chicago, IL for the past quarter century. Under his leadership Park Manor Christian Church has flourished as one of the largest, most influential African American congregations in the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). He has personally mentored a legacy of twelve "Timothy's" spread throughout the United States, touching numerous lives during his ministerial career.


An activist at heart, Reverend Demus has reached out beyond the walls of the church to address social justice issues such economic disparity, education equality and political inclusion to enrich and empower the lives of the underserved. Well known in religious and political circles, Reverend Demus is a renowned preacher, spiritual teacher, religious scholar, motivational speaker, social justice activist, entrepreneur, corporate consultant, and church growth advocate.


He was the co-convener of the now historic Million Man March - opening up the doors of Park Manor to jumpstart diversity and cohesion amongst different denominations and religious orders. This decision to work together with Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam as a team materialized into One Million Black Men coming together in solidarity and faith in Washington, D.C.


A former teacher and long-time advocate for the Chicago Public Schools, Reverend Demus has always shown a special interest in children, whom he credits for leading him to the ministry. Over the years he has sought to promote and improve academic excellence. As an apprentice of Reverend Jesse L. Jackson, he worked as Special Assistant to the President for PUSH and as Assistant Director of the Push Excel Program: a program designed to encourage children and teens to succeed and take responsibility for their education.


He has been and remains a champion for improving the spiritual, social and leadership skills of America's youth. He has hosted workshops, tutoring, and church/community based programs through his church and the now defunct Blue Gargoyle Youth Service in Chicago.


Reverend Demus is the co-founder of the Ministerial Alliance Against the Digital Divide (MAADD), a group that focuses on promoting and improving access to technology and the internet. According to Mayor Daley, "Technology can enhance opportunity, improve knowledge and workforce skills, expand economic development and encourage innovation."

To expand their reach to the community, MAADD recently launched the "community pulpit" blogs to provide timely information about various social justice issues. Reverend Demus was among the first to speak up when auditors discovered $5 million dollars worth of computer equipment was stored in a warehouse unused for several years after SBC had purchased the material with the intent of donation to the Chicago Public Schools.


To boost economic development and help black-owned businesses create jobs, he helped to revive the Black Expo along with the late Reverend Bernard Taylor under the umbrella Black Expo Chicago and National Black Expo.


Reverend Demus has been active in local, state and national politics, increasing voter registration, and has used his influence to elect numerous local, state and national political figures such as Presidents William Clinton and Barack Obama. In 1984, he was a National Democratic Party's Rules Committee Member which resulted in better representation for women, young people and minorities--Super Delegates.


Reverend Demus earned a bachelor's degree in education from Northern Illinois University in 1975, and a Masters of Divinity degree from McCormick Theological Seminary seven years later. He also received a Certificate of Award in Faith-based Community Development from Harvard University in 1999. He has served as the Executive Director of the Chicago South Side Branch of the NAACP and is Co-Convener of the Disciples Justice Action Network (DJAN).


Reverend Demus is the recipient of numerous awards and certificates including the prestigious Community Service Fellowship of the Chicago Community Trust. He is a strong believer in the "power of prayer." Additionally, he believes there's power in Black Churches and not just the spiritual kind. He remains a successful advocate for human rights and social change.


Rev. Demus is survived by his loving wife Eleanor Demus, two sons, Joshua Von Demus and James L. Demus IV, two step-daughters, Robyn L. Cushingberry and Marie C. Babb-Fowler, step-son Lamont Sharp, two sisters, Alice Jean Sithole (Washington, D.C.), Gwendolyn Miller (Eric) (Chicago, IL), a brother, Obediah Demus (Marva) (Cincinnati, OH), grandchildren, Anna J. Chapman-Demus, Candyce L. Black, Brittany Thompson, and Andrew Babb-Fowler.

==========
In addition to Pastor Demus' homegoing, Rev. Joseph McAfee went home to be with the Lord in early September.  Rev. McAfee ran for alderman in the neighboring 8th Ward. However, his  church, Central United Community Church,  is on Cottage Grove near 85th. Mark S Allen also blogged about Rev. McAfee's funeral. 

Brothers and sisters, from all the grassroots organizing movements that led up to the foundation for the first Black Mayor to the first Black to be elected United States President, the Rev. Joseph McAfee was a legendary religious leader and activist and it was indeed an honor and privelage to have been a student, friend, and activist colleague with Rev. McAfee for over 25 years in Chicago. I cannot think of any Civil Rights or Black empowerment movement in any area in Chicago where you did not find the presence of Rev. McAfee. He indeed leaves a legacy of other young activists and those in the ministry who his leadership example will carry on in all of us he and his activism touched directly and indirectly. He was indeed a champion for the least of Gods people.

6th ward picnic THIS Saturday at Tuley Park

Just a reminder that THIS Saturday, July 17, is the annual 6th Ward picnic.

It's located at Tuley Park, 501 E. 90th Place, and will take place 11am - 5pm.

Last year they had free food & music, as well as activities for kids. They will also have a marketplace, so be prepared to shop.

If you have any questions, please contact Picnic Coordinator Francine Smith at 773-846-7006


Anyone want to meet up at 1pm? If so, we'll try to work out some details as to where.

p.s. Don't forget to buy your city sticker TODAY!

Where is the Chatham Community Garden?

The pictures here are from the 65th Woodlawn Community Garden. The land is owed by First Presbyterian Church and 10 x 10 lots are leased to residents for $35 a year. To decrease poaching they have planted various vegetable plants on the outside that are Free to the public.

Can't we do this?

OPEN BLOG: Would you like to do a meet-up?

The first idea is to do a meet-up at our local movie house, Chatham 14.

In 2009, JP proposed to do a meet-up for Star Trek. Unfortunately that didn't get off the ground but we still hope to do something and support our neighborhood movie house.

If there is interest, we will have to work out some details and logistics. JP seems to favor going to local restaurants and then go to a show. That's one start although I would forgo that and just have the meet-up at the theater itself.

Also we may have to decide whether or not this should be a matinee or evening show. We also have to decide if this is something that can include either the whole family from children to the elderly or at the very least should we only do an event for adults.

In addition while we want to encourage neighbors to join this meet-up it WILL be open to anyone who reads this blog, especially if they live in the Chicago area and looking for somewhere to go.

QUESTION: Would you be interested in a Chatham 14 meet-up? What movies would you like to see? In answering that second question you don't have to limit yourself to current releases. You can propose an old movie that has already graced the silver screen in the past.

At the prayer vigil

To be honest, it didn't seem like too much like a prayer vigil (only about 10 minutes of prayer).

This was more of a show of support for the family and neighbors who knew Officer Worthem and his family. That's OK, because this was less than 24 hours after this happened, and healing and a sense of community are definite needs at this time.

Many people lingered after the prayer, and it seemed like neighbors were re-connecting with each other.

There will be a greater focus on the prayer aspect on Friday 28 at Ruggles school. Click the link for info. We encourage you to come out to that and to know your neighbors and listen to how the Lord wants to lead you in our community.

Get Involved- Go to your Community Meetings!

Recently there has been a lot of talk about what community group is overseeing what area and some people have no clue what community group represents their area. Here is a list of community groups and the areas they post as their service areas. Please, do not let geography stop you from participating.

Englewood Collaberative Council (67th State to 75th Racine)
773-723-5440

Park Manor Neighbors Community Council (69th State to 79th Cottage Grove)
773-783-2850
Meeting : First Monday each month St. Columbanus 71st Calumet 6:30pm

Greater Chatham Alliance (formerly WIM) (79th State to 87th King Drive)
773-483-6398 email: gcahonor@sbcglobal.net
Meeting: Third Saturday each month St. James Lutheran Church 8000 S Michigan 11:00 am

Chatham Avalon Community Council (75th State to 87th Cottage Grove)
866-272-1215 website:http://www.capcc.org/
Meeting: Second Monday each month Northern Trust Bank 7800 S State 6:30pm

Chesterfield Community Council (87th State to 95th Cottage Grove)
773-651-3958 website: http://www.chesterfieldcommunitycouncil.org/
Meeting: Third Tuesday each month Tuley Park Fieldhouse 501 E 90th St. 6:30 pm

West Chesterfield Community Association 91st State- 95th King Drive)
773-264-1578
Meeting: First Monday each month 9351 S Michigan 6:00pm

Roseland Heights Community Association
773-468-5181 e-mail niksmif@hotmail.com
website: http://www.neighborhoodlink.com/Roseland_Heights/home
Meeting: Fourth Tuesday of each month Wesley United Church 201 E.95th st 7pm

Please verify times and meeting places because they can change.