Nick Smith is coming the Chesterfield Community Council #Ward09

Your new 34th District State Representative Nicholas Smith is coming to a meeting of the Chesterfield Community Council next Tuesday.

When: Tuesday, March 13, 2018
Time: 6:30 PM
Where: Tuley Park - 90th & King Drive

If you want additional information or to contact the Chesterfield organization I will refer you to their website at www.chesterfieldcommunitycouncil.org. Also a posted is embedded from Chesterfield's FB page below.

 

9th ward job fair & hiring event

9th ward job fair & hiring fair at Tuley Park - 501 E. 90th Place tomorrow Wednesday, November 15, 2017 from 9 AM to 2 PM. Refer to flyer below if you seek more information!

Silas Purnell College Expo

Coming on Saturday, September 19, 2015 at Tuley Park at 90th & King Drive. One place where our young people can decide where they may choose to further their education. This is an annual event hosted by the Chesterfield Community Council. It's something we don't often advertise enough, but is very important.

Chatham 14 Theaters: Is the Best Yet To Come

Last night at the ICE Lawndale 10 theaters, they celebrated President Barack Obama victory over Mitt Romney. I'm quite sure it was a welcomed distraction for owners Mr and Mrs. Donzell and Alisa Starks. Unfortunately, the Starks could not celebrate with patrons who frequent Chatham 14 theaters located at 210 W. 87th. as the new management company chose not to host a viewing party. For some the absence of events like this and the Starks I.C.E company managing the theater marks the end of an era. Several weeks ago my friends at The Sixth Ward Blog ran a post on the theater after noticing signs in the window stating the tenants had been evicted and other signs stating the theater will reopen under new management. Subsequently, the mainstream media got involved in the story as well as other online media outlets and the story went in every direction. At the Sixth Ward Blog we sent out emails to the owners as well as elected officials to get more information. Mrs. Starks responded and simply stated that it was a disagreement between the owners. The owners being the Starks and Mr. Michael Silver. It came as a surprise to most that the Starks had a silent partner in the business and one who was not African American. A war of words took place as representatives from both sides decided to issue press releases and speak to certain media sources. Also, some "community activist" started their own war of words and even went to the extent of asking neighborhood moviegoers to bypass the Chatham 14 and go the Lawndale 10 instead. This angered me because when the Starks came to the Chatham Avalon Park Community Council meeting in 1996 and announced the opening of what what then Cineplex Odeon ICE theaters Chatham 14 the community was elated as it brought a theater back to the community. The community had not had a movie theater since the early 1980's when the Rhodes theater closed its doors for good and was subsequently demolished. The community was very proud as the Starks grew up in the community and still have family living in the Chatham community. Mr. Starks simply stated that African Americans want to see movies like Forest Gump just like everyone else and the community should not have to travel across the city to see a movie. Also, he stated that he wanted to provide jobs to the community especially the youth. In November 1997,the Starks dreams came to fruition and the Chatham 14 along with the Lawndale 10 and the 62nd Western facility opened the public.

 For several years, the Chatham 14 was the highest grossing movie theater outside of downtown Chicago. The Starks expanded their empire to include the Meridian movie chain that included the Hyde Park and Bricktown theaters. Unfortunately, they were not received as well as they had been in Chatham and subsequently sold the Meridian theaters and after major stores such as Dominicks and Starbucks closed in the strip mall where the Lawndale 10 was located, it was closed as well. Per published reports the Starks entered into a partnership with Mr. Silver in 2007 and in January 2011, the Starks received $10 million in financing under a State of Illinois loan guarantee program to reopen the Lawndale 10 and make improvements to the Chatham 14. While many had initial concerns that the new management team would ax independent film programs such as Black World Cinema and Shortcutz, this has not been the case. The theater reopened to host the Englewood Film Festival as it had previously promised. Also, the new management team has retained all the employees of the Chatham 14 including several key employees. It has been reported that they employ almost 100 people at the location. While a security firm was relieved of their duties during the dispute, a new firm owned by African Americans has been retained. 

So it baffles me that these "community activist" who bum rushed the Shell Oil project with Ed Gardner, a block away demanding to see more African Americans want to put other African Americans in the unemployment line. Secondly, the Starks are well educated individuals, one a former investment banker and the the other a national account advertising executive. To take it back further Mr. Starks didn't become a Tuley/Cole Park basketball legend or go on to play basketball for Hales Franciscan or Western Illinois by being soft. 

So to believe they can't handle their business shows that these individuals are little faith and are not the "insiders" they claim to be. No one likes the situation and no one but the owners and their attorney's and bankers know what is really going on. This is business not tiddlywinks, so we must let the parties work it out and accept the outcome whichever way it goes. But, to prematurely cause friction in an already ugly negotiation doesn't help either party, especially the Starks, so for me until I receive official word from the Starks or their representatives I'm going to continue to go to the Chatham 14 and help keep some of my neighbors employed just as the Starks envisioned.

Events for tomorrow

There are two events tomorrow if you know about anymore events for this weekend please let us know. Place a comment in this post, send us an e-mail at blog @ thesixthward.us (or find our e-mail address in our sidebar to the right), send a tweet @thesixthward, or write on our FB page wall.

Summer festivals in the Chatham area

Sorry for some repeats, but some upcoming Summer Festivals here in our neighborhood. Let us know if there are more, and we can update this!

Carter Temple "Make Some Noise" Rally and Chatham Gospel Idol

 Saturday, July 21st, 10:00am to 4:00pm
10am-4pm
7841 S. Wabash Avenue

• Free Food
• Free Book Bags and Supplies
• Health Screenings
• Live Music and Praise Singers
• Liturgical Dancers
• Mimes* Games * Face Painting * Pony Rides
• Performances by Finalists of “Chatham Gospel Idol Contest”
• Winner will be announced

Taste of WVON

Saturday
July 21, 2012
10am
Lorraine Dixon Park
87th and Dauphin
Free
www.wvon.com

KidsFest

Kids Fest

July 28, 2012
10am-2pm

Seaway Bank & Trust
645 E. 87th
FREE


ALSO..

From Everyblock.com
Please join Good Hope MBC on 71 and Union on Saturday (July 28) from 11 -2 as we gather and clean up our neighborhood. Hotdogs and Snowcones will be for sale and we'll have a great time making our community more clean and attractive. We hope to see you there. Good Hope MBC 7101 S. Union 773 488 4900

Cook out in the park

Saturday
August 4 2012
11am-2pm
Tuley Park
Sponsored by the 6th Ward Democratic Organization
and Alderman Rod Sawyer

 

God on the Block

Saturday
August 11 10-5pm
Greater Institutional AME Church
God on the Block
78th and Indiana

Function at the Junction

Neill School Neighborhood Reunion
Friday-Saturday, August 10-11
8555 S. Michigan Avenue

Save The Date: 6th Ward Picnic

Come join the Sixth Ward Democratic Organization and Sixth Ward Alderman/Democratic Committeeman Roderick T. Sawyer for a fun-filled afternoon of food, fun, and games as they host its annual “Picnic in the Park” on Saturday, August 4 at Tuley Park located at 90th and King Dr. from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Bring your food and barbecue grills while Team Sawyer provides the entertainment and music featuring local guest DJs throughout the day! For more information, call (773) 635-0006 or (773) 516-1871.

Ward Remapping: The Return of the Independent 6th Ward

The 19th Ward is getting a lot of press attention about the ward remap hearings. In a recent Southtown article it stated that the residents of the 19th ward packed the City of Chicago remapping hearings held at Morgan Park Career Academy. 

The 6th Ward, which also has been a longtime stable community did not get press attention on this matter. At the Remapping hearings held at South Shore International Academy, the residents of the 6th ward came out and voiced their opinion and let Alderman Dick Mell know they did not want to be remapped into the 9th ward. Several African American Alderman looked perplexed as the residents responded to Alderman Mell's question. The question was "were they willing to sacrifice an African American ward versus accepting the Black Caucus proposed remap?". The residents in attendance resoundingly stated YES. This response has brought on responses calling residents of the 6th ward " bougie Negros", selfish and other nasty names.

 Also, at the monthly Park Manor Neighbors Community Council (PMNCC) meeting they made their feelings clear that they would not support any changes to the 6th ward's north and west boundaries.

 The communities of Chesterfield, West Chesterfield, and Roseland Heights might get remapped out of the Sixth Ward under the Black Caucus remap proposal. The residents of West Chesterfield, Chesterfield, and Roseland Heights are not going to stand for this. West Chesterfield and Roseland Heights have joined forces so far to begin a petition drive, with massive community support. On November 15, the Roseland Heights Community Association (RHCA) is going to have a remap forum at Temple of Glory International Church on 311 E. 95th St at 7 p.m. The RHCA president is Clevan Tucker Jr. The respective boundaries for these groups include everything south of 87th to 99th and King Drive from State to Cottage Grove.

 The key points to remember is that if Chesterfield, West Chesterfield, and Roseland Heights are remapped out of the 6th Ward that means that there will be a possibility of losing a tremendous key voter base that was instrumental in the election of Sixth Ward Ald. Roderick T. Sawyer along with key institutions such as Chicago State University, Illinois Service Federal Bank, McDade Classical School, Gillespie Elementary School, Tuley Park, Abbott Park (named after Chicago Defender founder Robert S. Abbott); Harlan High School, Shedd Elementary School, Burnside Elementary School, Seaway National Bank, and also Garrett Popcorn (which will be coming soon to the 6th Ward).

 It appears that residents of the 6th ward have revived the "Independent" title again and are not going to go along to get along. This means that Alderman Beale and State Senator Meeks political careers will hinge on the success of the mall at 115th street. It also appears the Black Caucus is going to have to go back to the drawing board and make some drastic decisions that do not include the 19th and the 6th wards, if they want any version of their map approved.

6thWardChicago: Inaugural Back to School Picnic @ Tuley Park

At 90th & King Drive starting from 11 AM to 6 PM. Let's be there for the students from our very own 6th Ward! August 20th as you know is a very busy day with various events! Refer to our calendar in the sidebar.

Let's Stop The Hypocrisy- Let's Move Forward

 This past week was an ugly week in our community. First with  knuckle heads shooting at the King Drive bus and then the attempted armed robbery of a senior citizen. Fortunately, no was seriously hurt. Mr. Edward Alexander, 85 was shot in the thigh during the scuffle with his assailant. Mr. Alexander stated he fought back because you have to take a stand at some point.

Our community has said that Crime, Education, Economic Development, Seniors and Youth are our top priorities. This upcoming Saturday, August 20th starting at 9am the 6th ward will have events that address all of the above issues. Unfortunately, there was a lack of coordination among the event organizers but the events are in close proximity whereas individuals can attend several if they choose.

All the events are IMPORTANT and I wish that the event organizers asked their supporters to be respectful of all the events on that day. Acting a fool on social networking sites, posting over other events and making petty comments is disrespectful and unnecessary. All the "drive by community activist" need to relax because people are going to choose what events they want to attend and there is more than enough time for individuals to attend more than one.

This is the time for our community to show everyone we really care and let people like Mr. Alexander and the Wortham family that their act were not in vain. and are just not giving lip service to the issues that affect our community.

Save the Date: August 20, 2011 IMPORTANT EVENTS IN THE 6th WARD

Save The Date: August 20th, 2011 will be a busy day in the 6th ward:

The Thomas Wortham Family Educational Walk
Join the Wortham Family, Thomas Wortham Education Foundation, Chicago Police Department , CAPCC and others as they walk from 75th King Drive to Cole Park (85th King Drive) to Stop The Violence in our community and raise awareness on the value of education.
Starts: 9:30 am
Cost: Free

GCA Host Chicago Police Superintendent Garry McCarthy
Where: Carter Temple 7858 S Wabash
When: 11:00am
Cost: Free

The 6th Ward Back To School Picnic
Join the Honorable Roderick T. Sawyer, Alderman of the 6th Ward for the 1st annual 6th Ward Back To School Picnic.
Where: Tuley Park 90th King Drive
Starts: 10 AM to 6 PM
Cost: Free


Chatham Yard Sale Flyer (1)
Chatham Yard Sale
Where: 80th Michigan
When: 8am- 6pm Sat and Sun
Cost: Free to enter

Coffee & Cake Benefit for the Kusanya Cafe

When:Saturday, August 20th

Where:Hamilton Park Cultural Center 

513 W. 72nd Street

Time: 4pm-6pm

Cost: Free-Donation Requested

Cole Park Classic

Where:Cole Park 85th King Drive

Time : 12:00 pm

Cost: Free

Chicago News Report: Missing child alert: 8-year-old girl vanishes from Tuley Park

I should've actually attempted to post this yesterday. I hope there's an update to this as to whether or not authorites or the family know this little girl's location:

Police are searching for an 8-year-old girl who disappeared from a Far South Side park.

The little girl, who was reported missing around 9 p.m., was last seen at Tuley Park, 501 East 90th Place, and lives on the 9100 block of South St. Lawrence Avenue.

According to authorities, the missing girl is 3 1/2 feet tall and her hair was styled in three braids.

She was last seen wearing a green shirt with a flower on the front, red pants, and black and red gym shoes.

Getting on the Map" an Open Studio Exhibit at Tuley Park Cultural Fieldhouse

Thanks to our reader Mrs. Hayes for the information.

‎"Getting on the Map" is an Open Studio exhibit at Tuley Park Cultural Fieldhouse as part of the city wide Chicago Artist Month activities. Open studio is every Wednesday and Thursday 11am to 5pm. Meet and greet artists living and working in Chatham, Burnside and West Chesterfield; Oscar Lester of Chicago State Universi...ty's African American Male Resource Center, Marian Hayes of Cafe Yeye-WCSU radio, Chicago State University, Chris Tomorrow, Floyd Payne, Robert Nelson and Samuel Clark. Also Jim Heard and George Hayes.

Violence is not the Way-Community hearing on violence

State Rep. Constance A. Howard(34th District) and Senator Donne
E. Trotter (17th District)will join over a dozen community based
organizations in hosting a community hearing on violence prevention
in Illinois Schools on Saturday, August 21,10:00 a.m. at Tuley
Park Field House, 90th & King Drive.

This event, title "Violence is not the Way", is designed to explore
solutions in the prevention of violence with school age children
between the ages 7 and 17 years. During this two-hour session,
community members and professionals trained in conflict resolution
will have the opportunity to present testimony on ways to eradicate
some of the violence in various communities.

This event is co-sponsored by the American Majestic Eagles, Black
Star Project, Chatham Avalon Park Community Council, Chesterfield
Community Council, Concerned Citizens of Burnside, Cottage Grove
Heights Community Coalition, Greater Chatham Alliance, Park Manor
Neighbors, Princeton Park Homeowners Association, Pullman Civic
Association, Roseland Heights Community Organization, Tuley Park
Advisory Council, Vernon Park Civic Association and West Chesterfield
Community Association.

For more information: 773-783-8800 (34th District Office) or
773-651-3958 (Chesterfield Community Council)

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!

Clout City: Park District Balks at Gun-Rights Group Meeting

You know in the past week (perhaps even the past month) or so I've have taken a look at any story that focuses on what the city plans to do if the US Supreme Courts strikes down the city's gun control ordinance. It seems for the most part the Daley administration seems to have no plans to allow citizens in Chicago to own a gun at all. In a recent city council police & fire committee hearing it appears that the committee was loathe to hear anyone in favor of allowing city residents to own handguns.

Not long after the death of Officer Thomas Wortham there was a story about Chatham residents expressing their wish to own a handgun at home. Of course who knows if this is a passing trend or a call for allowing individual citizens a right to own a handgun for their self-defense.

Well recently there would have been a meeting in our community to discuss at the very least concealed carry as mentioned in this post from Clout City. Read the comments because the one who attempted to get a permit to host said meeting at our own Tuley Park (Gerald Vernon) believed that Ald. Lyle may have found an excuse to scuttle this meet. Her comments were posted in the article as Mick Dumke made contact with her:

UPDATE: I first heard about the planned town hall meeting when Sixth Ward alderman Freddrenna Lyle groaned about it during a City Council hearing. But when I followed up with her Friday, she said she had nothing to do with the decision to yank the permit. "I have never spoken to anyone about this," she says.

Tuley Park is in Lyle's ward. Lyle is a strong backer of gun control but said Illinois Carry should be allowed to hold its meeting. "They want to go into a community touched by the violence because it's an easier sell," she says. "But those people have a right to meet and it's up to us who disagree with them to show up and make another argument."

But the crux of this story involves the lotheness of may in our city especially the mayor and many on the city council to allow individual citizens to own handguns with the belief that banning them would solve the issue of violence that we've had in this city since the weather warmed up. I've been reading a lot of posts written by Dumke on this issue and he's right we need to re-examine whether or not the gun ban is truly effective. Surely there are other means to keep a criminal from committing a gun crime.

Either way let's hope that if the Supreme Court rules that Chicago's gun ban ordinance is unconstitutional that we can actually have a debate on whether or not it's been effective. Hopefully no one will get shut out of this debate either.

Also Ald. Lyle is right. We want to hear not only from people who are opposed to gun control, but also from those who are in favor of gun control. So let Mr. Vernon have his meeting at a venue of his choosing and the same for those who are in favor of gun control.

Movies in the Park -- 6th ward area movies

Sent to us from Mike Harris, from the recommendation of Uptown Update (Thanks, UU!)

Mike did a great job plugging the information into a map to help us find locations throughout the city

Friday, July 30, 2010
Guess Who's Coming To Dinner NR
Tuley Park
501 E. 90th Pl.
312.747.6763
(This movie is a part of Chicago Park District's Cultural Center "Film 'n Fun" Series)


Thursday, August 12, 2010
Cloudy With A Chance of Meatballs PG
Lorraine Dixon Park
8701 S. Dauphin Ave.
312.747.6763


Saturday, August 21, 2010
The Blind Side PG-13
Avalon Park
1215 E. 83rd St.
312.747.6015


Monday, August 30, 2010 The Blind Side PG-13
Grand Crossing Park
7655 S. Ingleside Ave.
312.747.6158

The full list of Movies in The Park is available here.

Just wondering...

Why does Cricket Hill (on the North Side, east of Uptown) have so many movies (6 movies! 3 definitely for kids, 3 more geared for adults)?

Why do we have the same movie playing twice in our area?

Don't Forget: 6th Ward Annual Bike Ride

Myering Park
7140 S. King Drive
June 5, 2010
Registration 8:00am
Ride: 9:00am- 12:00pm

Bikers will bike to Tuley Park (90th King Drive) and back to Myering Park. Light Refreshments will be served.

Southside Little league Late Registration

South Side Little League (503-B) was founded in 1955 and has been going strong ever since. SSLL plays at Tuley Park (91st and King Drive) and Cole Park (85th and King Drive) serving boys and girls ages 5 to 16.

Two additional registration dates have been added: April 10, 2010 and April 17, 2010 at Tuley Park from 12:00pm to 2:30pm. Do not forget to ask about SSLL raffle, with cash prizes of $250, $175, and $75.

For more information https://southsidelittleleague.org/homepage.html

Items from the Chesterfield Community Council newsletter

View this month's edition here!

TULEY PARK TO LOSE THE LIBRARY

Chicago Public Library will permanently close the Tuley Park Library on Wednesday, November 25. Patrons are encouraged to utilize the library on 79th & King Drive or 95th & Halsted. We will miss this staple in our community.

CRIME

On Monday, Oct. 26, late afternoon, a male claiming to be a Utility worker attempted to gain access to a home on the 300 block of East 90th Street. The resident was unable to verify the individual identification and refused entry. The Utility Company denied sending anyone to the residence. BE AWARE OF YOUR SURROUNDINGS AND VERIFY THE IDENTITY OF PERSON(S) REQUESTING ENTRY INTO YOUR RESIDENCE

Also noted in this newsletter is that Illinois Service Federal (ISF) bank has celebrated 75 years in business and has a branch on 87th & King Drive with a main branch at 4619 S. Martin Luther King Drive. Also noted is continued opposition to the Family Dollar across the street from the ISF branch at 87th & King Drive in the storefront that was once home to Grocery Basket.

An event to note is that on December 15th is a Kwanzaa/Christmas Party.