Sun-Times: DCFS investigating death of 3-month-old girl in Chatham

The things that go on in our community. Is there anyway to know a child is being neglected is in need of intervention?

Emergency crews responded about 3:35 p.m. to the 7600 block of South Prairie and took the girl to University of Chicago Medical Center, according to police.

The girl was pronounced dead at 4:06 p.m., according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. A ruling on the cause and manner of her death was not immediately made following an autopsy Wednesday and was pending further investigation.

A spokeswoman for the state’s Department of Children and Family Services said the agency was investigating an allegation of neglect. The agency has not had prior contact with the family.

Area South detectives were conducting a death investigation.

CBS Chicago: 9 Chicago Kids Found Alone In Squalid Home Without Food Or Heat

I'm posting this because in a great society as we have in this great nation - yes I know many of you would debate this - this shouldn't happen. And this is without a doubt very terrible.

Chicago police said officers were called to a home in the 900 block of West 59th Street shortly before 1 p.m., when they were notified of a child allegedly left alone. Once inside, they found nine children, ranging in age from an infant to a teenager.

The two-flat has several broken windows, but no heat, and police said there was no food for the children to eat.

“We have never seen those children. We did not know they were hungry. We did not know they were being neglected,” said Apostle Willie Shears, with God’s Divine Glory Ministry, a church located just steps from the home. “We were totally unaware, and it’s a shock to us. We would have reached out. We would have helped them in any way that we could have helped them.”

The children were taken into protective custody.

“At one time, there were families in that building, and they were outgoing, they was doing food, they was doing barbecues at night, they was literally partying and everything. So it seemed as if there was nothing wrong,” Shears said.

Parents in the neighborhood were in disbelief.

Check out the rest of the story with the magic words Dept. of Children and Family Services DCFS

The Illinois Department of Children and Family Services said it is investigating the parents for allegations of neglect. The children were being placed with family members under a DCFS-monitored safety plan.

DCFS confirmed the kids are children of two mothers, and range in age from 3 months to 17 years.

What would you do if you observed such an unfortunate situation?

Via Newsalert!

#halloween haunted house

5th district haunted house at 727 E. 111th St. on Oct. 31 from 4 PM to 8PM all children must be accompanied by an adult

Summer Program Fair at McCormick Place

The following press release was sent to us.

Summer Program Fair by Worlee Glover

The event is Summer Program Fair Saturday March 29, 2014 McCormick Place East Lakeside Ballroom 2301 S King Drive Admission: FREE

EVENT: SMG Chatham to host an Oscar viewing party

Photo of Chatham 14 by Wendell Hutson

Of course this event coming soon to the Chatham 14 will benefit a charity via DNA Info:

A charity serving children with disabilities will benefit this year from an Oscar-viewing party being held for the first time at the Chatham 14 Theaters.

The party will raise money for the nonprofit Variety the Children’s Charity of Illinois. The private organization partnered this year with Studio Movie Grill, which owns the Chatham 14 Theaters, for the event.

The viewing party starts at 6 p.m. March 2 at the South Side theater, 210 W. 87th St. Tickets are $40 per person or $70 for couples.

The 86th annual Academy Awards will be shown on one movie screen and 150 seats are available, said Venisha White-Johnson, director of operations and community relations for the theater.

"You will feel like you are at the Oscars with the red carpet treatment you will get. And who knows, there may be a few celebrities on hand, too," Johnson-White said.

Tickets must be bought online by Feb. 25.

UPDATED 2/20/2014 12:08 AM Let me add that Worlee over at Concerned Citizens of Chatham has also promoted an event on Thursday at the Chatham 14 for Black World Cinema, a sci-fi film starring and produced by Harry Belafonte entitled The World, The Flesh, & The Devil. Check Worlee's post for more information and hopefully you will plan to attend.

Get a free popcorn, for donating a coat at Chatham 14 Theaters

Photo Credit: DNAinfo/Wendell Hutson

Until December 20, 2013 if you donate a coat that's either new/clean but gently used please drop it off in the Chatham 14 lobby. The cineplex is located at 210 W. 87th Street and not only are they accepting coats they want toy donations as well. According to this article from DNA Info:

For every new or "gently"' used coat donated during the theater's first annual winter coat drive, the theater will give away a voucher good for a large popcorn.

Venisha White-Johnson, director of operations for the Chatham 14 Theaters, said while the theater has done food drives in the past, the coat drive started after she saw so many kids coming to the movies in shoddy jackets.

"I see kids coming to the theater with coats too small, worn out and in some cases not suitable for cold weather," she said. "Times are hard for everyone, especially single mothers, so having a coat drive seemed more appropriate."

The donations are being accepted daily 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. through Dec. 20 at the theater at 210 W. 87th St. A voucher that can be redeemed anytime is given for every coat donated, and there is no limit to how many coats a person can donate.

Well we call for donations to food pantries this year, and now donations for winter coats. More than one way to provide a blessing for someone this holiday season!

Ruggles playground slide -- still NOT fixed!

On May 28, I reported how Ruggles playground has had a slide that has been broken for several months (possibly as early as last summer),

That 311 case number was 13-00586860, and it was left on May 15.

I called on Wednesday, July 24 (2 months later). No action has been done, but I have a new case number  = 13-01016700.

I won't go over the whole post (we have more photos there as well), but hundreds of SMALL CHILDREN use that park every day over the course of this summer, and especially during the school year.  How long will this problem stay a problem?

Please call 311 to get updates, as well as Alderman Rod Sawyer's office.

Leap Frog vows to donate $3000 to help 3rd grade student in toy drive

This was forwarded to us by Chinta Strausberg an update on the Beasley School 3rd Grader who wants to send toys to children affected by hurricane Sandy.

On Anderson Cooper’s show, Leap Frog vows to donate $3,000 to help Third grade Beasley School Center student launches toy drive for Hurricane Sandy children

Sam Love, a 9-year-old third grade student at Beasley Elementary Magnet Academic Center, 5255 S. State Street, Thursday appeared on the Anderson Cooper show along with his father, Victor Love.

Anderson surprised Samuel by announcing that Leap Frog heard about his toy drive to help Hurricane Sandy victims and will donate $3,000 towards his project.

So touched by the ravages of Hurricane Sandy, Samuel is holding a Christmas party Saturday, December 15, 2012, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at his father’s restaurant, Josephine’s Cooking (aka Captain Hardtimes), 436 E. 79th St.. where Love is asking the public to bring toys for the children in New York.

After watching news reporters showing the devastation Hurricane Sandy has caused, Love sent a note to his principal, Dr. Kim Brasfield, asking for her support in his holding a toy drive for the children who is facing a bleak Christmas. “Since I get so much for Christmas, I think these children should get some toys, too,” said Love.

"When a child places socially responsibility on his or her shoulders to care for others in the world, it is inspiring,” said Brasfield.

School officials agreed to support his toy drive if he would cover the cost of mailing the toys to New York. “I agreed to do that,” said Love who is the grandson of Josephine Wade, who along with her son, Victor Love, Samuel’s father, owns the Josephine Cooking (aka Captain Hardtimes) Restaurant, 436 E. 79th St. in Chicago.

Samuel’s father said, “I am so proud of my son, and I am hoping that the public will support this very worthy cause.”

Admission to Samuel Love’s toy drive is free with a toy or $10.00 if you have no toy.

South Side Third-Grader Launches Toy Drive for Hurricane Sandy Victims - DNAinfo.com Chicago

South Side Third-Grader Launches Toy Drive for Hurricane Sandy Victims - DNAinfo.com Chicago

Unlike most children his age, Samuel Love is not spending too much time thinking about all the gifts he might get for Christmas.

Instead, the 9-year-old is busy organizing a local toy drive to benefit New York children affected by Hurricane Sandy.

“Christmas is a time of giving and sharing. Not many kids my age think about that, but I do, and that’s why I want to make sure kids in New York have a good Christmas,” the third-grader said.

The student at Beasley Elementary School, 5255 S. State St., lives in the Pill Hill neighborhood on the South Side. He said he thought of holding a toy drive after watching footage of the damage caused by Hurricane Sandy on TV.

“That’s when I started thinking about how those kids might not get any gifts this year because their parents can’t afford it,” Samuel said.

Some more info if you want to help this young man out!

He is asking the public to drop off new, unwrapped toys all this week at his school or at Josephine’s Cooking, 436 E. 79th St., a soul-food restaurant in Chatham owned by his grandmother Josephine Wade.

On Saturday, Samuel is hosting a Christmas party at Josephine’s Cooking from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There is a $10 donation required to get in the door, but “if you bring a toy admission, is free,” he said.

He has set a goal of collecting 3,000 toys to distribute to needy kids in New York. Those who attend the Christmas party will be treated to a free buffet lunch. There will also be a Santa Claus on hand to take photos with children for $10. All monies raised will be used to purchase new toys and then shipped to either a military base or a children’s charity in New York for distribution, according to Samuel’s father, Victor Love.

Let's help the young man out and give other children a Christmas this year!

Local School Councils need YOU as a candidate

Tomorrow is the NEW extended deadline for LSC elections. Thousands of slots remian open.
The map doesn't specify the need, but these include parent representatives (who can live anywhere in the city, as long as a child is a student), but also community representaives (who live within the school's immediate area. Contact the school for details). Community reps can include grandparents who do NOT have custody of a student in the school, but they need to live within the boundaries.

 In the 6th Ward, these include (according to the map):

• Deneen
• Dixon
• Ashe
• Neill
• McDade (surprisingly!)
• Gillespie
• Harlan
• Bennett
• Lenart (also a surpise)
• Westcott
• IDOC/Healy HS (8007 S. Cottage Grove)
• Harvard
• Yale
• Parker
• Banneker
• Robseson
• Kershaw
• Reed
• Hinton

You may also run in OTHER schools, such as Ruggles or Burnside, but they have at least have enough candidates to fill open slots, but a CIVIL election with more options is preferred.  These elections do NOT have to be like our recent local elections. Not at all -- but rather ways for parents to see other motivated leaders they can choose from to help their school.

Click on the map on CPS's web site  to find your local/child's school.

The process is quick and you can even download your forms ahead of time.

Elections are April 18 and 19 (for elementary and hig schools, respectively.).

Election judges are also needed. This is a temporary paid position, and you are not tied geographically.

For any questions about this information , call the Office of Local School Council Relations at 773-553-1400

And let the blog know by comment or at blog (at) thesixthward (dot) us

RELEASE: Alderman Sawyer Concerned by new library hours

A press release form the Alderman's office regarding the new decison to shut down all neighborhood branches on Monday:

ALDERMAN SAWYER CONCERNED BY NEW LIBRARY HOURS

Alderman Roderick T. Sawyer of the 6th Ward expressed concern at the last second change to library hours. This week the library announced that instead of being closed on Monday and Friday mornings that the libraries would just be closed for the full day on Monday.

During the recent budget session there was much debate about the hour change for libraries including whether Monday and Friday mornings were the best to be closed because of low traffic and whether individual libraries could close on their slowest hours rather than system wide set hours. “It was not stressed that the entire idea was contingent on union concessions that had not been discussed,” Alderman Sawyer said. “As one of the 28 Alderman who signed the letter to protest the original cuts I would not have believed the compromise was sufficient if I knew it would leave out neighborhood libraries with a closed week day.”

Alderman Sawyer along with 27 aldermanic colleagues signed a letter expressing serious reservations with the city budget. Alderman Sawyer stated that he went to council the day of the budget vote still unconvinced but determined to give Mayor Emanuel the benefit of the doubt that we were making necessary financial efficiencies without serious impacts to service. This budget also included changes to garbage collections; the 911 center and city run mental health clinics that concerned the alderman.

Currently the plan is for branch libraries to only be open from Tuesday Through Saturday, except the Regional Libraries that would retain their regular hours.

“We all know we are in difficult economic times but the bait and switch is not a good way to negotiate, I am concerned about what this means for the other cuts we approved,” Sawyer said. “It is not productive to release drastic cuts in the press as a way to try to pressure city workers to cutting a deal the way you want. I have spoken to the Mayor’s office and they ensure that the press reports are not correct, however I remain committed to trying to restore all funding as well as providing the tools for people to effectively seek employment at their public libraries.”

For More Information Contact Lesley Chinn
lrchinn33@gmail.com (773) 746-9044

Wives United In Prayer - School Supply Drive

A recent e-mail sent to us by a Carmen Collins of Wives United in Prayer (WUIP) let's us know about another event to take place on the South Side August 20th. The school supplies drive will take place at Avalon Park located at 1215 E. 83rd Street outside the boundaries of the 6th Ward, but expected to help support students in 6th ward schools as well.

Hello:

First, I want to thank you for keeping us "Concerned Citizens of the 6th ward" updated with your blog.  My husband and I are proud Chatham residents but can't help but to shake our heads at the increase in crime.  The lack of family values and pride that I was accustomed to when growing up in Chatham seems to be diminishing as new "blood" penetrates our beloved community.  As a young black married woman, this inspired me to want to give back to the community even more.  Yes, I serve on some boards to benefit the youth, but this didn't feel like enough to me.  So I created a not profit called Wives united In Prayer.  We've been in  existence for two years now and have various events throughout the year to show Marriage still matters to our younger generations.  We also focus on giving back to the community. Last September, we collected over 75 pairs of shoes to needy families.

Please find the attached flyers about our upcoming event to support students in the 6th ward.  We hope to provide (also asking for any school donations) at least 100 back to school bags for students.  Please feel free to contact me with any questions and post the flyers.  You can also advise any women interested in gaining more information about our organization and how to get involved can contact us via email or the phone number listed below.

Thanks for all that you do!  Be encouraged!

Carmen Collins
Wives United In Prayer, Founder & President
Prayer, Support & Encouragement Unites Us, Christ Leads Us.

Check out the flyer below and feel free to send this organization an e-mail at info[@]wivesunitedinprayer[.]org and visit their website at www.wivesunitedinprayer.org if you seek more information.
School Supply Donate

UPDATED: Coming this Saturday...Kidsfest

Seaway Kidsfest

UPDATE 11:05 AM A representative for Garrett Popcorn Shops had posted a comment this morning in this post about being there to pass out bags of Chicago Mix to attendees at KidsFest. Thanks for the information.

To take place at Seaway Bank & Trust Company, here's a press release:

CHICAGO (July 22, 2011) – Seaway Bank and Trust Company will host its second annual “KidsFest” on Saturday, July 30, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Main Bank, 645 East 87th Street.

It promises to be another fun day at Seaway. Live entertainment includes Mayfair Performing Company, the Chicago Urban Children’s Choir, and the East Sea Martial Arts Program of St. Mark United Methodist Church. There will be plenty of face-painting and laughs, compliments of Cleo the Clown. Children can explore a real Fire Department Engine, and the Story Bus will roll in with interactive exhibits for 3 to 6 year olds. Tri-Wellness by E’a will also be on hand with interesting health tips. There will be plenty of refreshments. Children up to 13 will get a free hot dog lunch and free book bag giveaways, while quantities last. Children can also register to win prizes, including the grand prize of a laptop computer.

“The KidsFest is just one way we support our legacy as a community-based bank, while giving back to the community,” said Walter E. Grady, President and CEO of Seaway Bank.

“Once again, parents will have a great time exposing their children to stimulating and educational activities,” stated Seaway Marketing Officer Claudette Harris.

Community residents are urged to come and bring the entire family. Guests will also be encouraged to open up a Young Savers account for children, with only a $5 initial deposit, and to learn more about the Bank-at-School program sponsored by Seaway Bank at four elementary schools.

The Seaway Bank KidsFest is open to the public. For more information, call (773) 602-4865.

Sun-Times: CPS, Groupon partner to get kids school supplies

Surely there are those students in our community who could use some school supplies:

A first-of-its-kind program aimed at providing Chicago students with school supplies will launch Tuesday through a partnership between the Chicago Public Schools and Groupon.

“Kitz for Kids” will be available through Groupon’s daily e-mail and at Groupon.com/Chicago between Tuesday morning and Thursday night. The program seeks people to pledge in increments of $12 to buy supply kits for students.

“Our goal is to take every one of these kits and put them in the hands of our students,” said CPS communications chief Becky Carroll.

More than 85 percent of CPS students this year will come from low-income families, and more than 15,000 students will be homeless, according to the school system.

CPS is collaborating with Groupon’s “G-Team,” a segment of the Chicago-based Web company aimed at connecting people to their communities, on the project. The pre-made kits will provide students with more than 30 types of school supplies, including folders, notebooks, paper, pens and a paint set.

And there is also Seaway Bank's Kidfest this coming Saturday where free backpacks with school supplies will be given out. I need to hurry up and post that flyer!

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.

Lighter started Englewood house fire that killed three children

[VIDEO] from ABC 7. The fire took place at 6758 S. Emerald Ave.

Write up from the Sun-Times:

A mother and father fought desperately to save their 10 childrens’ lives but couldn’t rescue three of them when a fire that was started accidentally by one of the children quickly spread through their Englewood home early Thursday.

Just minutes after one of Stacey Austin and Samantha Sims’ young children accidentally started the fire while playing with a disposable cigarette lighter, the 2 1/2-story frame home near 68th and Emerald on the South Side was engulfed in flames.

“I tried to get my babies out . . . but it was too late by that time,” said a distraught Austin, who was sleeping when the fire broke out just after 2 a.m.

Austin said he tried to douse the flames with water he brought from the kitchen in a pot.

Firefighters found 4-year-old Joseph Austin, his 2-year-old sister Dashiyah Austin and 10-year-old brother Stacey Austin Jr. in a back bedroom on the first floor. Dashiyah was dead. Joseph and Stacey Jr. were rushed to the University of Chicago Comer Children’s Hospital but died there.

Austin said he and his wife thought everyone was out safely but realized after they were out that three were still inside.

“There were so many of them, 10 of them,” said the children’s mother, Samantha Sims, crying outside what remained of her home. “I tried so hard to take care of them.”

“He was just the happiest little fella I ever met in my life,” Austin said of the boy named after him.

Chicago Fire Department. spokesman Larry Langford said the fire began when one of the couple’s 10 children, playing with a lighter in his bedroom, accidentally started his bunk bed on fire. It quickly spread to the rest of the room, despite the parents’ attempts to extinguish the blaze using pots full of water, Langford said.

My heart goes out to this particular family. 

Missing 11-year-old boy found safe - Chicago Sun-Times

Missing 11-year-old boy found safe - Chicago Sun-Times

Glad to hear that this young man is safe but what causes an 11 year-old child to be suicidal. Well at any age something is wrong, but for a child there is really something wrong. Now that he's been found let's hope he gets all the help he needs.

CTA Holiday Train 2010

UPDATE 3:17 PM - Got a message via Tracey Swartz on Twitter with regards to the Holiday Train:

hi sixth ward, santa will be taking fotos with riders at 95th red line stop on saturday between 1:50 p.m.-2:20 p.m.: http://bit.ly/cGPk65

Will you be there on Saturday? - Levois

The Chicago Transit Authority should be setting up their schedule for the Holiday Train, featuring a special car for Santa Claus, very soon.

I took my daughter last year to the Holiday Train, and it was fun. Just the cost of an El Ride, we were able to get to Belmont & took some photos.

The Holiday schedule will be posted here.

This Saturday, families can take photos from 1:45pm - 2:15pm at the 95th street station.

Some suggestions for those considering doing it this year:

1. Go to the beginning of the trip (whether it's Howard or 95th). Even just 2 stops into the "tour", at 79th, the train was quite crowded already.
2. Plan to be there at least 15 minutes ahead of schedule. It will be a lot less stressful.
3. There is a time to get a photo taken next to Santa & in front of the trains. This ride, it was at Belmont. But note-- it's only about 4 minutes to do so. So take your photos & hop back on! (we wound up missing it after the photos)

The dates, times and directions for the 69th, 79th, 87th and 95th el stops:

(Nov 20-21 Sat-Sun- Northbound)

• 95th = 2:42pm   and   7:08pm
• 87th = 2:44pm   and   7:10pm
• 79th = 2:46pm   and   and 7:12pm
• 69th = 2:48pm   and   7:14pm

(Dec 15 Wed - Northbound)

• 95th = pm
• 87th = pm
• 79th = pm
• 69th = pm

(Dec 17 and 20,  Fri and Mon- Northbound)

• 95th = pm
• 87th = pm
• 79th = pm
• 69th = pm

Any families want to meet up this year?

Fall Family Festival (Halloween alternative) on Friday October 29

St. Mark United Methodist Church is hosting its annual Fall Family Festival on Friday, October 29th, 6pm- 8:30pm

Activities include games (with plenty of candy for prizes), crafts, food. Even more is planned than last year's festival, which was well attended.

Admission is free, but children need to be accompanied by an adult.


Costumes are welcome. However, they should be family-oriented (no devils, monsters, Freddy Krueger, etc.)

For more information, contact the church at

8441 S. St. Lawrence Ave


Chicago IL

773-846-2992

Office@stmarkumcchicago.org



If you have other Halloween / Halloween alternative activities, let us, TheSixthWard blog, know!



Halloween / Halloween Alternative activities

Where is Ryan Harris's Mural?

Syron Smith who just so happens to be a candidate for 15th Ward Alderman in the 2011 election talks to Christine (sp?), the former governor of zipcode 60621, to discuss the issues at Lowe & Marquette Road. It was near that intersection where in July 1998 Ryan Harris' body was found.

They talk about an undone alley, the lack of attention to overgrowth of weeds and bushes, and even a mural to memorialize Ryan Harris that was never created.