Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall L Senior/Youth and Family May 5Th - May 9Th, 2016 Services Center 14323 Halsted Ceremony May 7, 2016 at 10:00 A.M

THORNTON TOWNSHIP THORNTON FCUS

MAY 2016 Follow Thornton Township news on: 333 E. 162nd Street • South Holland, IL 60473 • 708-596-6040 • www.thorntontownship.com INSIDE Faith, Battle Women Job Dignity, and Against of Fair THIS Respect Hunger Honor 2016 Conference Page 4 Page 5 Page 8 & 9 ISSUE Page 2 TOWNSHIP PROPERTY TAX REFUND COMING

’m happy to announce that for the 9th time since I became Supervisor, the township finds itself in a I financial position to be able to issue a property tax refund to owner/occupiers of class 2, single family homes or apartment buildings of 6 units or less. I have always made fiscal accountability and transparency the cornerstone of my administration, because Upcoming I have never lost sight of the fact that taxpayers deserve and should expect nothing less. I am extremely proud of my record in working to meet the critical needs of thousands of our neighbors Board who rely on township government to help improve the quality of their lives, while paying assiduous attention Meetings to being fiscally responsible to taxpayers. It’s important for you to know that in addition to the numerous public service offerings Thornton Township offers on a daily l Tuesday May 10, 2016 basis to assist residents, that we provide food baskets to over 3500 families each month; offer lawn maintenance assistance to nearly 800 seniors who can no longer physically complete the work; provide summer employment for approximately 100 high l Tuesday May 31, 2016 school students to perform the service – giving them an alternative to idleness while fulfilling service to our community; provide l June 21, 2016 weekly curb-to-curb transportation services for seniors and, through our General Assistance Department, help those who have l July 19, 2016 lost jobs and exhausted unemployment benefits, to pay their utilities or rent, while helping retrain them for a new career. l August 16, 2016 To date, we have helped approximately 65 of our neighbors find new jobs with such firms as Ed Miniat Corporation, Ford Motor Company, Best Motel & Suites and CEDA to name a few. The Township The fact is Thornton Township provides real service to help thousands of township families to improve the quality of their daily buildings will be lives and we do it all for less than five cents. closed: Only five cents of every property tax dollar you pay goes to Thornton Township to provide all of these public service l Memorial Day – programs and more – just 5 cents. Monday May 30, 2016 And, because of the deep commitment I and the Township Board of Trustees have to budgeting tax dollars wisely, we can l Independence Day – once again provide a tax refund to those who help pay for our work. Monday July 4, 2016 Soon you will receive in the mail an application for the tax refund. The deadline for submission will be June 30, 2016. I urge every homeowner to apply for this property tax refund because I believe those dollars are better off in your pockets. Please be watching your mail for the Property Tax Refund Packet. Office Locations Sincerely, l Thornton Township Town Hall 333 East 162nd Street South Holland, IL 708-596-6040 Frank M. Zuccarelli l Senior Center Thornton Township Supervisor 1420 Huntington Drive Calumet City, IL 708-596-6040 Ext. 3190 Vietnam Memorial Moving Wall l Senior/Youth and Family May 5th - May 9th, 2016 Services Center 14323 Halsted Ceremony May 7, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. Riverdale, IL 3000 W. 170th Place, Hazel Crest 708-596-6040 Ext. 2000 For more information call 708-335-9600, ext. 106 l The Food Assistance Center 15340 Page Avenue Harvey, IL 708-596-6040 Ext. 3180 l ZAP 16910 Westview South Holland, IL 708-596-6040 Ext. 4001

Frank M. Zuccarelli, Supervisor Presorted Std U.S. POSTAGE Joyce M. Washington, Norbert Cipowski, Jacqueline E. Davis-Rivera, Geary DePue, SouthPAID Holland, IL Trustee Trustee Clerk Highway Commissioner Permit No. 618 People working Gerald “Jerry” Jones, Stafford C. Owens Cassandra Holbert, RESIDENTIAL with people. Trustee Trustee Assessor C.I.A.O. CUSTOMER 2 CLERK’S CORNER: JACQUELINE E. DAVIS-RIVERA ASSESSOR’S OFFICE: CASSANDRA HOLBERT

uring these difficult times with the loss of jobs, unemployment here has been a change in the Disabled Veterans Dand school closings, it’s vitally important that we speak thru THomeowner Exemption. Please read the following and our vote. Register to vote now! Gather information on the can- contact your Thornton Township Assessors Office at (708)596- didates, be an informed voter. Save the date November 8, 2016: 6040 ext. 3175 should you need additional information. General Election Day. Veterans who have a disability rating of 30% are now eligible With summer rapidly approaching, just a friendly reminder that for this exemption and those who have a rating of 70% or more my office is here to serve you by providing the following services: disability are totally exempt from property taxes. If you are a veteran with a service-connected disability, you may be eligible for this exemption l Register to vote in the Clerk’s Office. on your primary place of residence. l Sale of Cook County vehicle stickers to residents of the unincorporated area. Please note that this exemption must be applied for each year and is deducted on your 2nd installment property tax bill. l Notary Public (Notarizing documents for Township residents at no charge) The following chart shows changes in exemption amounts based on percentage l Sale of Illinois hunting and fishing licenses, waterfowl stamps and salmon stamps. of disability between the current law and the new law: l Distribution of manuals and travel information such as bus schedules, train Taxable Years Percentage of Disability Exemption Amount schedules, maps and brochures. 2011-2014 (Tax yrs) 70% and greater $5,000 l Assist the Cook County Clerk’s Office with the Deputy Registrars Programs and other 50% - 69% $2,500 programs as needed. 2015 and after (Tax Yrs) 30%-49% $2,500 l Manages the coordination and distribution of Township handicap placard 50% - 69% $5,000 applications and permits. 70% and greater Total Exempt I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your support by volunteering, your attendance at the Annual Town Meeting, our Senior Luncheons and various VERY IMPORTANT: This amount will be deducted from your Equalized Assessed Township events. We are happy to provide time when Senior Citizens and the residents Value (EAV), which is the partial property value on which your taxes are computed. of Thornton Township can come out and have a good time. We are looking forward to The EAV is NOT the dollar amount of your taxes and its reduction is NOT THE seeing you, at the Days in the Park Picnics. DOLLAR BY WHICH YOUR TAX BILL may be lowered. The Clerk’s Office is open Monday thru Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Our phone number is (708) 596-6040 ext. 3123 or ext. 3118. For more information please call or visit the Assessors office at: If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to contact my office. Thornton Township Hall Blessings in all ways and have a safe and wonderful summer. 333 East 162nd Street, South Holland (708) 596-6040 Ext. 3175

Office hours Monday – Friday 9:00 am - 4:00 pm NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY Faith, Dignity, and Respect Conference

ecently a delegation from Thornton Township visited Charleston South Carolina, Department have changed in the 9 years since he became Chief. R to both honor the Emanuel AME Church and to learn from them and community Three breakout sessions covered the topics of mental health, social justice, and law leaders how they were able to maintain peace and unity in the community subsequent enforcement. Sharronne Ward, President & CEO of Grand Prairie Services, Dr. to the mass shooting that took the lives of nine church members last June. Constance Y. Williams, Executive Director of Illinois Division of Mental Health, and That trip resulted in Thornton Township sponsoring a community-wide conference Rev. Dr. Ozzie Smith spoke of the importance of mental health access and training, and on February 5th, 2016. The “Faith, Dignity & Respect Conference” brought together the stigma of seeking treatment. Dr. Stanley Howard, Founder and President of the nearly 300 civic, educational, religious and local law enforcement leaders in an effort Law and Civics Reading and Writing Institute and Dr. Bambade Shakoor-Abdullah, to reduce and prevent violence in the local communities of Thornton Township. Researcher of Violence & Trauma and Inner City Schools gave presentations on the Keynote speaker Gregory G. Mullen, Chief of Police for Charleston, South Carolina challenges of pursuing social justice. Chief Greg Baker and Lt. Shawn Staples of the gave a presentation on the community response to the horrific murders at the Emanuel South Holland Police Department gave an overview of the ‘Law in Your Community’ AME Church in Charleston. Mullen said the relationships between police and the workshops by NOBLE (The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives), community that kept the peace immediately after the murders were built years before. which give citizens information on the law, their rights, and police procedures. Mullen gave examples of how the image and purpose of the Charleston Police

Attendees register for “breakout sessions” Breakout session led by Dr. Bambade Shakoor- that covered topics of mental health, social Abdullah. justice and law enforcement.

Keynote speaker Gregory G. Mullen, Chief of Speaker and Thornton Township Supervisor Police for Charleston, South Carolina. Frank M. Zuccarelli.

Lansing Good Neighbor Parade Stepper’s Family Day Watch for these Township Picnic May 7th Cook-Out & Bar-B-Que’ August 14th upcoming events June 26th in Thornton Memorial Day Parades Taste of Thornton Township Harvey Independence Day Parade Township... South Holland & Thornton August 20th May 30th July 4th 3

Senior/Youth and Family Services Ask Dr. J – Thornton Township Responds

his past fall, we requested responses from the Community to broken, you must first be “healed” in order to be able to help someone else effectively. Tthe question “Can a village that is broken raise a child to be I always questioned that African proverb because I used to feel that it was not the healthy, educated, and productive.” This question was raised in whole village’s responsibility to raise a child that they did not birth but I now have a light of the many social ills with which our communities grapple, clearer understanding of its meaning. I believe we are all put on this earth to help one especially around violence, drugs, and disparity issues. Please another in some shape, form, or fashion. We have a responsibility to pass along find the below responses from some of our conscientious information and to teach others the lessons that we have learned, so in that sense community stakeholders: we will be raising a child by passing on knowledge and wisdom to other generations. I believe that you can learn from a person’s mistakes without having to make those Your recent article in “Focus” regarding the controversial question—”Can a village same mistakes yourself. I don’t want everyone to personally raise my child but I do that is broken raise a child to be healthy, educated, and productive?” reminded me like to use a persons example when talking to my child. I like to show my child that of the account of Cain and Abel in Genesis 4:9. After Cain murdered his brother out you can make a better choice than that person did or either you can choose to go of jealousy, God questioned Cain, “Where is Abel your brother?” Cain’s response, “I down the path of your choosing and deal with the consequences that come. In this do not know; am I my brother’s keeper?” In the New Testament the Lord Jesus told day and age, there are a lot of broken villages out here and those of us who can add The Parable of the Good Samaritan. See Luke 10:25-37. Samaritans were despised to the healing of the village should. I have been through my own personal broken by the Jews, so the story crosses all cultural lines. Those we would expect to help a stage and I am grateful to be healed at this point and be a part of the healing process brother Israelite who was robbed, beaten, and left for dead–the Jewish religious of the village I live in and work in. leaders in this story, could not be bothered at the time, while a hated Samaritan not T.H. only attends to the Jewish man’s wounds, but puts him on his own donkey, takes him to the inn, and pays the bill for however long he needed to recover. How many did it After reading the article on Community Violence in the Fall, 2014 edition of Focus, take to help someone in need? Just one. Recently a young white girl shared with me I offer the following feedback. In addition to the issues outlined, the feelings of how her mother picks up some teenage boys from a bad neighborhood in Chicago helplessness, hopelessness, and powerlessness fueled by acts of racism or the Heights and brings them to soccer practice. One of the boys (African American) is perception of racism by many members our community, must be considered as high living with his grandmother in a half-burnt home. He was getting in with the wrong on the list of causes contributing to the violence we now see. crowd and headed for a life of drugs and crime. This one act of kindness and interest “Solutions.” As pointed out there is no one “solution” or “fix” to the issue of com- by another person in the name of Christ turned this boy’s life around. How many munity violence, however, an approach to reducing the distrust among community people did it take? Just one. Cultural differences do not hinder the ministry of love in members is to treat each member with dignity and respect; To empower each the name of Christ. member with feelings of their value without regard to race, creed, origin, gender, This whole discussion is of great concern to me, because I see our nation pouring sexual orientation, belief, faith, politics, religion or wealth; Hope is to be strengthened so much money into our social problems, but we fail to address the real problem. We by all community members feeling that opportunities and benefits are equally have taken the Bible out of the schools and prayer out of the schools, and in some available; Help can be felt to be genuine when community leaders are perceived to cases churches have set the Bible aside as well, and then we wonder why we have be acting in good faith and not solely for their political and personal gain. so many problems today. I am convinced that if our schools encouraged prayer, invited Sincerely, A.R. prayer walkers, had regular Bible reading to begin the day, invited Christians to mentor Absolutely NO. Homes are broken.But this was going to happen over 60 years ago. children at risk without keeping them from sharing the Good News about Jesus Christ, The powers that be knew that if they could tear down the family structure that respect that we would see amazing results within a very short time. But we would rather be and moral decency would not be the norm for the generation that would be born. politically correct than have our young people know the truth about the holiness of With all the highly educated people we have now, children are still dying in the God, our sin problem, and the amazing good news of Jesus Christ, the one and only streets, drugs are rampant in our communities... pedophiles are roaming the Internet, Savior and Lord. jobs are leaving, single mothers are raising young men and there is no structure in the We have tried all sorts of ways to deal with the violence and brokenness all around homes so they join the gangs. Same sex marriage want to adopt children and raise them. us, but when will we understand that we were made to live our lives according the Seriously? Until we are spiritually awake and turn to the God of Abraham, Isaac Word of God. The Old Testament prophet Isaiah prophesied concerning the idolatrous and Jacob... and learn about who we are and why all of this evil has befallen us and people of God,”… should not a people inquire of their God? Should they inquire of we can’t escape it no matter what neighborhood we move in to, we will never know the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they will not what our purpose is in this short time we have on this earth... until we turn to the Lord speak according to this word, it is because they have no dawn…” Isaiah 8:19-20. and change our behavior as a nation of people our children will continue to suffer at The answer to a broken village is the Lord Jesus Christ, Dr. J. Read the Gospel of the hands of evil doers. John to learn more about him. Can a broken village afford not to “lay out our fleece A question was asked a long time ago… Why doesn’t God do something about of wool” (see the story of Gideon in Judges 6:36ff) to see if our brokenness is due to this? The answer is He gave you the wisdom to fix it yourself, but we don’t want to our rejection of God’s rule in our lives. I challenge our village to incorporate Bible believe in God’s word. reading and prayer in our schools first thing every day for six months to find out what The Bible teaches us in 2 chronicles 7:14. If my people who are called by my name great things God will do for a village which seeks Him? will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways. C. S. Then will I hear from heaven and I will forgive their sins and heal the land. Firstly, thank you for taking time to write a timely and meaningful article in the The Lord gave us a choice. Now it’s up to us to us to fix what is broken and our November 2015 Thornton Township FOCUS newsletter. I totally agree that a village children are truly broken. It starts by keeping God’s commandments. needs to be united. The challenge is… agendas to be set aside for the greater good Thank you for your time. A.H. of the village community. The doing of ‘that’ seems to be quite difficult in today’s We found the responses to be not only fascinating; but, very much aligned with the social, economic and political climate. It’s partly due to stressors brought on by Illinois’ Township’s Faith, Dignity, and Respect Initiative. The Faith, Dignity, and Respect lack of jobs, broken family structure and limited resources. Initiative (FDRI) is a comprehensive plan that provides both prevention and inter- Being a praying woman, I try to see the cup half full rather than half empty and vention strategies to combat violence and help to heal our families and communities. remain hopeful that somehow, someway, there will be evidence of more shared Led by Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli’s vision for what the Township should be, the morals, values and ethics in the village. FDRI has been buoyed by the support of various local, national, and international I pray for waves of progress that seem almost as effortless as the change of faith-based and community leaders. This past winter we hosted a conference at South seasons. I pray for a time when justice is fair and appropriate because it is derived Suburban College’s Performing Arts Center where hundreds of community members from consensus that is achieved regardless of race, wealth or political gain. A time received vital information on Community Policing, Mental Health, and Social Justice when the village understands that the children must be raised in order to truly grow issues. This Spring we are rolling out a new Community Crisis Response Program into responsible, compassionate and fair-minded adults. Yes, I pray for that time (more information to follow in an upcoming Focus) and will be providing relevant when the village is no longer harnessed with poverty, lack and hopelessness and value-added services to our popular Days In the Park in respective communities instead is thriving with the freedom to dream and take pride in defining its success throughout the summer months. Lastly, we are also planning a youth conference in because the village decides to embrace the hard work of prosperity, success is a late August 2016. The conference will be held at South Suburban College. Our non-negotiable goal and any other existence is unacceptable. anticipated target audience will be high school juniors and seniors attending schools I look forward to your “Ask Dr. J.” sound-off column and welcome an opportunity in School Districts 205 and 215. to meet with you to discuss how I may be able to possibly lend my skills, talents and We are interested in hearing from the Thornton Township residents. Please continue abilities to Youth and Family Services of Thornton Township. to send us your feedback, questions or situations to [email protected] Sincerely Positive on Purpose, M.W. handful of responses will be published in future editions of the FOCUS newsletter. I read your article in the Focus newspaper entitled “Can a broken village raise a child”? I would have to agree with you and also answer “no.” I believe if you are 4

General Assistance Thornton Township Battles Hunger

n Saturday, April 9, 2016, the Thornton Township Food Assistance Center spon- the United Way as part of the April Food Day event held on April 1st at the Tinley O sored a “COMMUNITY DAY” celebrating United Way’s April Food Day. Free Park Convention Center. In all, the United Way collected about 96,000 pounds of food groceries were given out! and several area food pantries were the beneficiaries of the communities’ generosity.” “Since the food that we were giving “Thornton Township received close to 12,000 pounds of food. Volunteers and Food away came through the United Way, Assistance Center staff sorted through those donations to organize and inventory normal restrictions were lifted and we what was received. On Saturday, April 9th the food was set on tables inside the Food made sure that more people had some Assistance Center parking lot to allow community residents to come through and extra supplies for their pantries,” said Troy select items that they wish to take home for their families,” stated O’Quin. O’Quin, General Assistance and Food Experts on hunger in Illinois said that 1 of 6 Americans faces hunger. Statistics Assistance Center Manager for Thornton from Feeding America stated that 15% of Illinoisans live with food insecurity, Township. struggling sometimes during the year to According to United Way officials, local get the food they need. food pantries estimated that the need for Zuccarelli commented from a report food and toiletries has more than doubled issued by the Thornton Township Food As- in the past five years. United Way is a sistance Center said, “This is the largest nonprofit organization that works with food pantry outside of the Greater almost 1,200 local United Way offices Chicago Food Depository.” The Township throughout the country in a coalition of delivers food to over 1,400 homebound charitable organizations to pool efforts in fundraising and support. seniors per month. It serves over 1,200 Thornton Township Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli said, “We have made a households that come to the pantry each concerted effort to provide the Township month. Also, it serves approximately Food Assistance Center with the 2,600 households equaling 7,800 people necessary resources to battle hunger in each month. Thornton Township.” “Our commitment to solving the problem of hunger in Thornton Township is second to reducing and eliminating Thornton Township unemployment. This Saturday’s Community Day was one of many steps to battle Preparation: hunger in Thornton Township,” stated Zuccarelli. Community Day Thornton Township is the largest township in Illinois consisting of 17 municipalities O’Quin explained, “Over the month of and approximately 185,000 residents. Thornton Township is one of 30 townships in March, Thornton Township participated Cook County, Illinois. The municipalities are suburbs located south of the City of in collecting food that was then given to Chicago, Illinois. Job Readiness Flint Water Crisis

s you drive through Thornton Township you will notice new business development ownship governments are often attacked due to the fact that the Township often A all through the region. From Portillo’s and the new Walmart Supercenter in Tserves the neediest in the area. Thornton Township is no stranger to this fact in Homewood to TMRJ Holdings and other new factories in South Holland we are seeing that we serve the seniors, the disabled and the jobless on a daily basis that live right a resurgence of business and the time is ripe for us to jump on the emerging trend and here in our community. So when the Flint, Michigan water crisis was hitting the news equip a local workforce for the opportunities that exist. The economic growth that is and media outlets across the country our Supervisor, Frank M. Zuccarelli, reached out beginning has led to the proactive response from the Supervisor to launch an aggres- directly to Supervisor, Karyn Miller, from Flint Township to see how we could be of sive job readiness program through the Township’s General Assistance Department. assistance. Supervisor Zuccarelli then met with groups from Thornwood Alumni to Recently, Thornton Township and South Suburban College have formed a partner- Walts Food Centers and began to form a plan that is still ongoing today. Many organ- ship aimed at moving people from the un- izations reached into their pockets and began to buy and collect water which was employment lines into the workforce. This then transported to Flint Township all by volunteers from Thornton Township. This partnership is more than just a philosophy water distribution went directly to the forgotten residents that live outside the city in that it is actually equipping people with limits and had limited resources to get to the water that had been pouring in from the skills needed to fill the jobs that are in around the nation to the city of Flint. and moving to our community. Through this Supervisor Zuccarelli was overwhelmed by the giving nature of the Township staff program the General Assistance office is that all gave of their time to go and unload all the water that had been collected. We beginning a transformation from a locally are continuing to deliver water to Flint Township and stand committed to supporting administered welfare program to a robust them through this crisis. Job Readiness and Development program. Supervisor Zuccarelli has dedicated staffing and resources to this initiative and through effective business partnerships have seen some incredible results in the infancy of this new program. The new process in the General Assistance Department will include enrolling everyone that enters the program into South Suburban College. All General Assistance clients will receive educational testing and those that have not acquired a high school diploma will be able to take adult education classes held at the Thornton Township Food Assistance Center. Over 38 clients have successfully enrolled and begun classes that will assist them in not just getting a job but beginning a career! Currently 26 clients are enrolled in the first Job Readiness Class which is the first step in the new training process. By the end of April we will have over 30 clients certified to operate a lift truck and those clients will be ready to fill some of the factory and manufacturing jobs located throughout our thriving industrial complexes in the Township. The goal behind this new initiative is to help a greater number of people with General Assistance but to keep them on our roster for a shorter period of time as we get people trained and equipped for the jobs in the Township. 5 Women’sThornton HistoryTownship Celebrates Month

(Back Row) Frank Zuccarelli and Joyce Washington with Women of Honor recipients (l. to r.) An overflow crowd attended this year’s Thornton Township Supervisor Frank M. Jackie Bange, Shirley Drewenski, Pamela Christmas and Congresswoman Robin Kelly. Women’s History Month Celebration. Zuccarelli addresses the attendees. rank M. Zuccarelli, Supervisor and the Thornton Township Human Relations Com- “Best Hard News Feature” and in 2009 she was selected to receive the “Peter Lisagor” Fmission hosted a Women’s History Month Celebration on Saturday, March 5, 2016. award for hard news and in-depth reporting. In addition to coverage of local stories, Thornton Township Trustee and Chairman of the Human Relations Commission Joyce Jackie’s experience has taken her to exotic on-site locations, such as France and Africa. Washington said, “Frank Zuccarelli has led one of the most aggressive celebrations - Jackie is actively involved in several charitable organizations. She serves on the more than any township in the State of Illinois and maybe in the country. We honor board of “Michael Matters”, an organization helping to fight brain cancer. Jackie is women once a year to show their accomplishments. People seem to forget that women also involved in the fundraising efforts for “A Safe Place”, a domestic violence are as strong as men. Women are the backbone of our society.” prevention organization. Jackie’s strong belief that we can all impact someone’s life is Thornton Township honored four women for their contributions to history and society. displayed through her continual mentoring at Elmhurst College and other local schools, The women honored are: Robin Kelly, US Congresswoman representing the 2nd District as well as serving at her local food pantry. of IL; Jackie Bange, Weekend Anchor for WGN-TV; Shirley L. Drewenski, Alderwoman Life-long resident of the South Suburbs is 1st Ward Alderwoman Shirley L. Drewenski of for City of Harvey 1st Ward; and Pamela Christmas, Special Needs Advocate. the City of Harvey. Born in Harvey, Illinois in 1962, she is the youngest of five children. She One of the most prominent Awardees is Congresswoman Robin Kelly. A New York is a natural advocate serving as a community volunteer for over 30 years, such as catechism native, Robin moved to Illinois after high school to attend Bradley University in Peoria, instructor for St. John Church, fundraising coordinator for various organizations, volunteer for where she earned her B.A. in Psychology and an M.A. in Counseling. She later received New Hope Center serving people with developmental disabilities, and an active member of a Ph.D. in Political Science from Northern Illinois University. She currently lives in Matteson the Democratic Organization where she developed an interest in public service. with her husband, Dr. Nathanial Horn and has two adult children, Kelly and Ryan. Shirley has over 35 years of experience in a leadership role. She received her Since her election in 2013, she has worked to expand economic opportunity and Associate Degree from Thornton Community College, now SSC, in 1982, and later in promote public safety, sponsoring numerous bills on job growth and ending gun violence. life, returned to school to complete her bachelor degree from Purdue University. She is Jackie Bange, WGN-TV News Weekend Anchor received an award. In 1990, Jackie also a certified facilitator and master trainer from Langevin Learning Service. moved to WMAQ TV in Chicago. In 1993, she joined the WGN-TV News team as a In 1995, she was elected to the Calumet Union Drainage District 1, the first woman reporter. Jackie is an award winning journalist, reporter and currently the weekend anchor to serve as Chairman/Commissioner of the district. In 2011, Shirley Drewenski also for the station’s primetime newscast “WGN News at Nine”. In 1995, Jackie also anchored became the first female to serve as the 1st Ward Alderman in the City of Harvey. She the WGN Morning News show. Jackie’s strong reporting skills have resulted in top is currently serving her second term. recognition in her field and numerous prestigious awards. In 2005, she won the award for Also selected as an Awardee, is Pamela Christmas, a Special Needs Advocate.

Thornton Township’s Black History Month and MLK Celebrations hornton Township hosted a Black History artin Luther King, Jr. day was celebrated Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Derrick Wells, Senior TMonth Celebration titled ‘Re-Defining “The M on January 18th, 2016. The event was Minister, Christ Universal Temple spoke of the Village”‘ on Friday, February 26th. There were hosted by Thornton Township, The Thornton Town- legacy and mission of Dr. King. South Suburban performances by Najwa Dance Corp and Thornton ship Human Relations Commission, School District College President Don Manning spoke of the High School’s New Generation of Men, and 205, and South Suburban College. importance of education. After Thornton Township keynote speaker Donna Manteca spoke of the role The District 205 Honor Band and Choir per- Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli emphasized the of a village in raising the youth. formed music selections, Thornridge student importance of a strong community, the Top Teens Rodney Jackson performed an excerpt from “A of America presented a generous donation of food Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier,” and for the Thornton Township Food Assistance the Thornton H.S. New Generation of Men per- Center. formed a steppers routine. 6 Thornton Township’s After School Program REQUEST A Believing In and service BANNER Supporting Students Got A Plan? That’s the theme for this year’s After School Program. After School staff Justin, Derrick and Bobby attend an award ceremony for participants Jorryn & Melanie to encourage them to stick to the plan of doing well in school.

COLLEGE/EXPOSURE WEEK When everyone else is relaxing and sleeping in during spring break, Thornton Township is waking up earlier and loading up the vans to spend the day with After School Program participants. For the past two years, Thornton Township’s After School Program has been using the spring break to further set our children up for success. We call this time “College Week” for 6th - 8th graders and “Exposure Week” for 3rd - 5th graders. Each day we participate in activities intended to stir up our youth to live positive diverse lives. Activities this year included visits to Columbia College, a photography studio, a recording studio, University of Chicago, swimming at the Salvation Army Kroc Center, Culinary & Automotive programs at the College of DuPage, and a fun trip to *PLEASE READ OVER QUALIFICATIONS FIRST* North Riverside Mall Theater to see Zootopia. To request a Silver Star Service Banner for a wounded or ill service member or veteran, please print legibly or type and completely fill out the form. ONE (1) FREE 8.5” X 14” Service Banner per recipient. Veterans MUST reside within Cook County to participate in the June 29th, 2016 Silver Star Banner Ceremony, with this application completed and received by the office of Cook County Veterans Affairs no later than June 1st, 2016.

*Qualifications for the Silver Star Service Banner Program* Silver Star Families of America define wounded as the “Definition of war zone as determined by the Department of Defense”: Any Armed Forces personnel either currently serving honorably or those who have served honorably from ANY war, who having served in a war zone has been wounded by enemy action or who have been injured or contracted a serious illness that could be rated at Back row: After School staff Justin, Derrick and Bobby; Front: Participants Jorryn & Melanie. least 10% disabled by the Department of Veterans Affairs. All wounds, injuries or illnesses must have originated in a war zone, including: Purple Heart Saturday, June 25, 2016 recipients, victims of friendly fire, injured in a war zone, and those who suffer Thornton Fractional North High School from PTS, TBI, Agent Orange Effects and Gulf War Syndrome. Calumet City ______Name Fight the Battle ______Address Against Cancer

______hornton Township Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli actively supports the Relay for City State Zip TLife at Thornton Fractional North in Calumet City. ______The Relay for Life is the main fundraising event benefiting the American Cancer Phone Society. What is a Relay For Life? It is an overnight “Relay-type of walk” where ______teams come out and take turns walking throughout the night to bring awareness that Rank Branch Cancer Never Sleeps. The Relay for Life is a great event for those of all ages who have gone through ______the fight, a chance to inspire others, a wonderful support system for families and Date of Combat Injury/Illness caregivers, and an outlet to meet others who understand what it is to be touched ______by cancer. No matter who you are, there’s a place for you at Relay. Each dollar raised, Location of War Zone/country where injury and/or illness occurred helps save lives. We need to find a cure during our lifetime. ______For more information about Thornton Township’s Relay Team contact Brunu’ Nature of injury/illness from combat/conflict zone Sheppard at 708/596-6040 ext 3142. ______Do you have an email address? If yes, Email address 31st Annual “I hereby authorize the photographer and The Silver Star Families of America (SSFOA) to use the images without regard for reimbursement or acknowl- edgement. Photographs will become the property of The Silver Star Families of Hunger America to use at their discretion.” The Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs will return all pictures to SSFOA recipients. Walk ______Saturday, June 25, 2016 Signature: he Thornton Township Food Assistance Please send Application, Short Biography and Pictures to: TProgram will be participating in the Greater [email protected] or Chicago Food Depository 31st Annual Hunger Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs Walk on Saturday, June 25, 2016 at Jackson Cook County Building Rm. 801 | 118 North Clark Street | Chicago, IL 60602 Park in Chicago. If Thornton Township residents want to walk To confirm your attendance or for more information regarding the 2016 with us, they can contact us at 708-596-6040 Silver Star Banner Program, please contact Cook County Veterans Affairs: ext. 3185 and leave a message stating that they Bill Browne at (312) 603-6423 or Audrey Mollo at (312) 603-2221. are interested in participating. We will return their call to register them. We have room for 80 The Silver Star Families of America - www.silverstarfamilies.org - and space is on a first come first serve basis. Registration deadline to participate “Silver Star Shining for Sacrifice” Honoring our combat wounded, with Thornton Township is May 21st. injured, and ill troops and veterans from 2004-2016 7 Change you can believe in…

and take to the bank. Thornton Township is sending you a property tax refund. That’s right. If you’re an owner/occupier of a single family home or apartment building of six units or less, Thornton Township will be refunding to you a portion of the property taxes you’ve paid to the township.

Soon, you’ll receive in the mail an application for the refund. Be sure to fill it out and return it to Township Supervisor Frank M. Zuccarelli’s Office on or before June 30, 2016.

For more information call (708) 985-3190. Thornton Township… getting what you pay for, plus change back. 8 Save The Date Thornton Township & South Suburban JobFCollege Communityair 2016 Tuesday, May 24th 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. South Suburban College Fitness Center 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois www.ssc.edu

Co-Sponsored by: Congresswoman Robin Kelly State Senator Napoleon Harris Illinois State Representative Elgie Sims Commissioner Stanley Moore Saturday, August 20, 2016 and: 9:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Featuring

Calumet City Village of Mayor Michelle South Holland Markiewicz Qualkinbush Village President Don A. De Graff For Information Call: Maryland Eggleston 708-596-2000, ext. 2391 Thornton Township [email protected] 333 East 162nd Street Over 55 employers will attend, including:

South Holland, IL 60473 l 1st Choice Home Health Agency l New Hope Center Please Bring Lawn Chairs l Student Transportation of America l Two Men And a Truck l GCA Services l Lake Book Manufacturing l JMJ Talent Solutions and Staffing l Walgreens l Childcare Careers l The Roomplace l Children's Habilitation Center l Panda Restaurant Group l Cook County Sheriff l TCF Bank l Country Side Health Care l South Chicago Parents & Friends l Metropolitan Water Reclamation l First Student District of Chicago l UPS l Macy's Logistics and Operations Job Fair 2016 is Accessible to Persons With Disabilities

Job seekers should bring copies of their resume and dress appropriately. • You must MAKE AN APPOINTMENT Monday – Thursday by calling (708) 596-6040 ext. 2015 9AM – 3PM • Appointment will be at Dates: 14323 S. Halsted in Riverdale, IL June 13, 2016 – August 4, 2016 • $60 fee due at time of enrollment Component Types: cash please Scholastic • Social • Leisure (fee includes activities and ﬁeld trips) Physical • Career Focus

• Parent/Legal Guardian • Child • Utility bill (proof of residency) • State ID/Driver’s License • Social Security Card • $60 CASH

94 9 Writing An Interviewing Effective Rules of Thumb Resume ALWAYS ere are some “thumbs up” tips on doing your best you. This will give you the leverage to negotiate for a l Always print your resume on standard Hwhen interviewing with company representatives. better salary and benefits. letter size, white paper. l Be honest! You will be in better shape with employers l Prove you can do the work by giving a few examples l Always leave plenty of space between who want you for what you can bring them and who of when you have used skills similar to the ones paragraphs adequate margins. you are. needed in the job. Examples of your skills can l Always use conventional English. Use eliminate the interviewers hiring risk. l Be yourself! Use your own words and style when one- or two-syllable word for clarity. preparing your interview answers. A good bit of self l Stress reliability and flexibility. Tell the interviewer that l Always use short paragraphs — pref- confidence comes from being yourself. you are willing to work on any shift, including week erably no longer than five lines. ends, holidays and overtime... but be ready to do it! l Have well-practiced opening and closing statements l Always make sure the resume and the for the interview. Remember this quote, “People l Research the company. Never go into an interview cover letter are error-free. Proofread remember best what they hear and see first and last.” without knowing a little about the company, its and have others proof read too. products and the general demands of the job. Your job is to make sure that the interviewer l Always revise a resume to fit the remembers you and only you. Employers appreciate people who have spent some specific position for which you are time learning about their company. l If asked a complex interview question, break it into applying. l Talk about your successes, results and achieve- smaller parts. By doing this you will be able to answer l Always include your significant contri- each of the single parts much easier than you would ments. An interview isn’t the place for false modesty. butions at each one of your jobs. the entire question. Make your brain and mouth work If you won’t talk about your success, the employer will l Always allow the most space to the together. never know about it. If you can prove it, it’s not bragging but rather a fact. work experience that is most relevant to l Never talk about money until you receive a job offer. the position for which you are applying. Once you get an offer, you know the employer wants l Always list your activities with professional, trade and civic associations — but only if they are appropriate. l Always keep a permanent file of your Dress for Success achievements, no matter how inconse- quential. This is the basis for a good he moment we set eyes on someone, our minds quickly make an evaluation or judgment. The same is true for the potential resume, and is essential information to Temployers who must assess applicants in a very short period of time. Like it or not, your outward image, your attitude and negotiate a raise or promotion. your confidence level are all affected by the clothes you wear. The proper image at an interview will give you a real edge over l Always give each of your references a the competition. copy of your resume. The safest look for both men and women at an interview is traditional and conservative. Dress for the position you want, not l Always send a brief, customized letter the one you have. Remember, you must feel comfortable in what you wear in order to present a confident image. with each resume. l Always re-read your resume before Guidelines for men: Guidelines for women: every interview, chances are the l a two-piece suit is preferable; l jackets should be well-tailored and stylish; interviewer did just that too. l suit colors should be navy through medium blue or l skirts should fall at or no more than 2 inches above the knee; l Always keep it short (one page). charcoal through light gray; l blouses should be long-sleeve (solid colored); l Always list any special training you l always wear a long-sleeve shirt that is white, cream l the color of your shoes should always be the same or a may have had. or pale-blue; darker tone than your skirt; l the tie should complement your suit; l keep an extra pair of pantihose in your purse; NEVER l shoes should be either black or brown leather. l an excellent accessory for women is a briefcase as a l Never give reasons for termination or symbol of authority; leaving a job on the resume. You’re far l belts should match or complement the shoes you select; better off explaining it in person. l as far as jewelry goes... less is more. l Never take more than two lines to list hobbies, sports and social activities. l Never state, “References Available On The Successfully The Successfully Request.” It’s assumed and clutters up Dressed Man Dressed Woman the resume. Other things to leave out include your social security number, Clean, trimmed Minimal or your spouse’s occupation and your Attractive, head and no cologne personal philosophies. facial hair Minimal controlled hair style or fresh Light shirt make-up l Never use exact dates. Months and shave and perfume Moderate years are sufficient. jewelry l Conservative Clean Never include your company phone No food, gum tie fingernails number unless your immediate boss is or cigarettes with no aware of your departure. chipped Clean, Empty polish l Never include your height, weight or pressed pockets suit or remarks about your physical appear- No food, tailored ance or health. gum or dress Clean, Clean nails pressed cigarettes l Never list your high school or grammar business school if you’re a college graduate. suit l Never state your objectives on your Conservative resume unless the resume is targeted hosiery to that position or occupation. without Polished runs l Never use professional jargon or buzz Matching pumps in words. socks good repair l Never provide salary information on Shined shoes the resume. l Never lie. 10 SENIOR SERVICES

RX TRANSPORTATION

he Thornton Township Senior Transportation Program operates a curb-to-curb service for township seniors age 60 and older. Senior TOur service complies with allSenior American With Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements. Service is available from 7:00 a.m. to 6:15 p.m., Monday – Friday to any point within the township and designated medical facilities only. Appointments are made on a first call, first serve basis. Medical appointments are given priority status. Residents are asked to call the township dispatch office with any changes to your appointment. Suggested donation for each one-way ride is $1.00. An Exact Fare Only Policy is also in place to avoid the bus drivers from having to handle money on the busses. To schedule a ride, call 708-339-9980

For further information on the program, call 708-596-6040, Ext. 4011

Senior Transportation Schedule The following is a list of the only major medical facilities outside the township that riders may be transported to. l DaVita Comprehensive Renal Service, 222 Douglas, Hammond l Governors Highway Clinic, 17901 Governors Highway, Homewood Blood Pressure l South Suburban Hospital, 17800 Kedzie, Hazel Crest Screenings l MetroSouth Medical Center, 12935 South Gregory, Blue Island Daily 10:00 am - 3:00 pm l St. Margaret Mercy Healthcare Center, (North) 5500 Hohman Avenue, Hammond Thornton Township Hall l Hammond Clinic, 7905 Calumet Avenue, Munster Calumet City Senior Center l Community Hospital, 901 MacArthur Blvd., Munster and Riverdale Senior Center

Shopping is also provided to the following locations on these specified days: l Monday: Halsted Street Shopping Area (Homewood) Cholesterol and l Tuesday: Jewel, Walt’s & Aldi’s (South Holland), Ultra Food & Walmart (Lansing) 2:00 pm Return Glucose Testing l Wednesday: River Oaks, East & West (Calumet City) 2:00 pm Return Monday through Friday l Thursday: K-Mart (Lansing) 9:00 am - 3:45 pm l Friday: Food 4 Less (Dolton), Almar Plaza (Dolton), and Pete’s Fresh Market (Calumet City) Thornton Township Hall All township bus drivers have CDL (Commercial Drivers Licenses) and must comply with all IDOT (Illinois Department of Two hour fasting is required and Transportation) regulations and guidelines. results are given within three minutes. “Funds (in whole/part) for this program were provided through an award from the Suburban Area Agency on Aging under Title III of the Older Americans Act, as administered through the Illinois Department on Aging There is a nominal fee to help cover and Federal Administration on Aging. Thornton Township does not discriminate in admission to programs or activities or treatment of employment in programs or activities in compliance with the Illinois Human Rights the cost of materials. Act; the Age Discrimination Act; the Age Discrimination in Employment Act; and the U.S. and Illinois Constitutions. If you feel you have been discriminated against, you have the right to file a complaint.”

Flu Shots Thornton Township, in cooperation 55/Alive Mature Income Tax Service Exercise Class with the Respiratory Health Driving Course Association of Metropolitan Chicago, Thornton Township, in conjunction This class provides light to moderate This is a 2-day instruction administers flu shots once a year to with A.A.R.P., assists persons 65 years aerobic workouts course that refines existing safe, senior citizens age 65 and older and of age and older with federal to aid seniors in maintaining defensive driving techniques. also those individuals who are and state income tax preparation. health and fitness. chronically ill. Call for date and form. This service is provided every 55/Alive teaches preventive Friday beginning on the first Friday A certified instructor measures to use when driving of February through the end currently conducts this class that saves lives. Upon completion, of the tax season in April. a certificate is provided that will Monday and Friday Senior Health entitle participants to receive a car Senior Center Insurance Program insurance premium discount. Calumet City (S.H.I.P.) This free program is sponsored by the This course is currently offered at 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Illinois Department of Insurance and the Senior Center in Calumet City. Senior Committee provides counseling to seniors. This on Aging Wednesday public service is designed to help Upcoming dates This committee meets monthly Thornton Township Hall answer questions, and organize and Tuesday, May 17, 2016 to advise the township of the in the lower level assist in the filing of insurance papers Wednesday, May 18, 2016 needs and concerns of to Medicare and supplemental their senior community. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. insurance companies. The service Tuesday, June 21, 2016 also provides assistance in Wednesday, June 22, 2016 They also serve as volunteer Tuesday and Thursday comparisons of supplemental 8:45 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. coordinators for luncheons and class is scheduled at the insurance plans and affordable special township events. A list of Senior Center in Riverdale Med D drug plans. Now serving $15 for AARP members members is available at either the you at three (3) locations. $20 for non-members Township Hall or Senior Center. 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. 11 SENIOR SERVICES

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Pinochle Club Senior Luncheon Information and Every Tuesday 12:00 pm to 3:00 pm Referral Program Program Calumet City Senior Center Thornton Township senior citizens, Senior Senior citizens can obtain 60 years of age and older, are Bunco Club Trips forms and receive current entitled to attend one luncheon per Every Thursday 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm information regarding Medicare week at your designated town Calumet City Senior Center A variety of one day trips are forms, Social Security forms, luncheon site. There are currently Pinochle & Bunco: $3 per person sponsored throughout the year legal services, housing, Illinois thirteen luncheon facility sites Bingo to theaters, dinner shows, Living Will Act forms, and Illinois located throughout the township. 1st Wednesday Every Month professional sporting events, Statutory Short forms such as There is a nominal fee charged per 1:00 pm to 3:00 pm touring and gambling boats. durable power of attorney for meal. The luncheon program is de- Calumet City Senior Center health care and property. signed to provide a place to meet $5 per person Due to the popularity of new friends in a social setting, eat these trips, seniors are Other information affecting a nourishing meal and to keep you Bid Whist Club requested to reserve local seniors will also be informed of current information af- FREE Every Tuesday tickets in advance. disseminated as the information fecting seniors. Proof of residency and 9:00 am to 3:00 pm becomes available. Now serving Riverdale: Thornton Township age are required when you sign up. you at three (3) locations. Senior/Youth & Family Center For information call 708-596-6040, Ext. 3170 or 3190.

Tuesday l Harvey: Ascension Church, Benefit Access Application (BAA) 15234 Myrtle State of Illinois Formerly Circuit Breaker Identification Card l Lansing #1: Eisenhower Center, 2550 178th Street A program providing assistance with license plates and Twice a year, Thornton Township in conjunction with the Secretary of l Lansing #2: Thornton Township bus fares for qualifying seniors and persons with disabilities. Senior Center, Assistance in preparing your claim is available beginning State’s Office, offers seniors 65 years 1420 Huntington Drive annually in mid-February. Call for information or to make an appointment. of age and older an opportunity to get 708-596-6040, Ext. 3170, 3190 or 2000. their I.D. card at the township. l Hazel Crest, American Legion Call for information and requirements. Hall, 17034 Park Avenue Now serving you in three (3) locations. (708)-596-6040, Ext. 3170 or 3190.

Wednesday l Dolton: Park Fieldhouse, 721 Engle Street l Riverdale: Thornton Township Senior / Youth & Family Center, 14323 S. Halsted Upcoming Events l Homewood: Freedom Village, 935 Maple Thornton Township Senior Center 1420 Huntington Drive, Calumet City, IL

Thursday Tickets for events are sold on a first come – first serve basis. l Calumet City #1: Thornton Township Senior Center, For more information call 1420 Huntington Drive (708) 596-6040, EXT. 3190 OR 3170 l Calumet City #2: Downey Park, Stewart Ave & Jeffery Ave l South Holland: Thornton Township Hall, 333 E. 162nd l Burnham: Village Hall, 13925 Entre Ave

Lunch & Movie Days are open to all senior Township residents. Call (708) 596-6040, ext. 3170 for movie dates and listings.

Wednesday Lunch & Movie Day Location: l Thornton Township Senior Center, 1420 Huntington Drive, Calumet City Dance Friday, May 6th, 2016 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Thursday Lunch & Movie Day Location: $15 per person l Thornton Township for Township residents Senior/Youth & Family Services $20 Per person Center, 14323 Halsted, for out of Township residents

Riverdale Includes dinner and live entertainment nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn 12 An Open Letter to the Taxpayers of Thornton Township Some Look At Problems Through the Wrong End of a Telescope

erhaps you read one or two of the recent Chicago Tribune articles criticizing unspeakable tragedy, there is no substitute for witnessing and feeling the depth of PThornton Township’s recent visit to the Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South support, unity and cohesion that does exist there between residents and law Carolina. enforcement. More to the point, the mutual trust that exists. It’s true that Thornton Township invested approximately $150,000 on: There are profound lessons to be learned from this whole situation, lessons that l A public service campaign urging that the Emanuel AME Church of Charleston, SC are best learned firsthand, not through some ‘digital device.’ be considered for a Nobel Peace Prize. Critics fail to mention that in the wake of our trip to Charleston, that Thornton Township organized a community conference, bringing together nearly 300 of our l An outreach trip to Charleston, SC to meet with local community, religious, law enforcement and civic leaders. township’s educational, religious, civic leaders and law enforcement officials. What is not true is that this outreach effort was a waste of taxpayer dollars. Quite At this conference, Charleston’s Chief of Police was the keynote speaker. He led the the contrary. discussion that, along with several of those who took part in the trip, shared what they First, as I’m sure most will agree, the fabric of our community has been frayed by learned and identified tangible steps that can be taken within our own township, to strained relationships between township residents and local police departments. move our policies and our people closer to the same kind of cohesive, positive situation Throughout our nation and here within our community, violence – particularly gun that exists in Charleston. violence – seems to escalate almost daily. Basic civility and respect for one another is In addition, a second, similar conference is currently being planned for Thornton under siege. Township’s youth to attend and participate in, with the opportunity for those young We continually see examples of excessive use of force by police in cities all across people to earn community service credits toward high school graduation. America – by individual police officers who have tarnished the good work and The value of these conferences cannot be over stated or over estimated. It is just this dedication provided daily by thousands upon thousands of professional, caring law kind of conversation and interaction that can begin to cultivate the collaboration, mutual enforcement officials. respect and understanding necessary to promote unity and peace, change minds, affect We need to recognize that the acts of violence and racial hatred committed across attitudes and help ensure non-violent responses to hateful and violent acts, should they our nation, can also take place here in Thornton Township. That’s why we need to ever happen here. magnify and extend our efforts to address these issues, in order to avoid the violent Our entire effort to advance the cause of unity, peace, and mutual respect is proactive outpourings that have taken place in Ferguson, Baltimore, New York, Cleveland and and preventative in nature. We aren’t simply reacting to the latest piece of bad news. other communities as a result of violent acts. Instead, we are looking at ways to prevent bad news from happening in the first The Charleston outreach initiative was the genesis of our commitment to do more place – as was the case in Charleston. than just sit on our hands when it comes to advancing peace, unity and mutual respect It may be hard to assign a dollar value to such a preventive approach, but surely here at home. allocating less than one-tenth of one percent of the township’s budget to circumvent What we identified through our effort was an unconventional, invaluable source for violence and encourage communication for peace and unity, is a positive investment. solutions and optimism – both in short supply these days, not just in Thornton Township Avoiding the cost of violence in dollars and human lives is critical, regardless of how – but throughout the country. unconventional some may feel our efforts might have been. It is incumbent upon us to find new ways to ensure that violent actions are not In my view, those who’ve criticized compounded by violent reactions. this effort, are looking at the issue through If reaching out to the congregation of the Emanuel AME Church and the residents the wrong end of a telescope. of Charleston, SC for insight, inspiration and some innovative thinking seems like a stretch, well, maybe that’s exactly what’s called for. It has been suggested that instead of making the trip to Charleston, that a Skype call Last March, in one day in Chicago, fifty people were shot in less than an hour. would have produced the same benefit without the expense. But the idea that a Skype Which one of those who criticized our trip to Charleston so quickly and narrowly, is call could even approach the impact of firsthand experience at the church and willing to promise that such violence or something similar to what has happened around community where the horrible murders occurred, speaking face to face with those the nation too often lately, would never happen here? involved is, at best naive. Extraordinary times often call for what might be seen by some as extraordinary There is no substitute for sitting and talking in person, on site, with key people measures. involved in this remarkable story of nearly community-wide unity, support, forgiveness Thinking outside the box becomes imperative when life inside the box is so much in and peace. need of healing and hope. The people of Charleston – led by the congregation of the Emanuel AME Church and If we can gain new understanding and discover new strategies to help our own the Charleston Police Department – are doing something very right, something communities as a result of this Charleston outreach effort, surely expending less than dramatically different than most other communities where violent acts have taken place. one-tenth, of one percent of our budget toward that end is a bargain. Surely it’s incumbent upon us to take a look, firsthand, at the insight, wisdom and whatever else it was that set this community apart from others, in the hopes that we might be able to apply their formula and learning to our own community. To get a visceral sense, to truly absorb what has gone on and continues to go on Frank M. Zuccarelli within that church and community in the aftermath of last year’s horrific and Thornton Township Supervisor A Safety Advisory for Senior Citizens in Thornton Township enior residents who are utilizing Thornton Township’s ZAP (Zuccarelli Assistance SProgram) senior lawn care service are advised to watch out for scammers and thieves posing as ZAP members. When someone comes to your door claiming to be with ZAP remember… l Look for the Thornton Township emblem on the doors of the white pick-up trucks. Trucks will always be parked in the driveway or in front of the residence. l Be sure the crew is wearing official burgundy Thornton Township shirts and hats. l ZAP members will NEVER ask for payment at the door. l A ZAP crew will provide lawn service even if no one is home. WHEN IN DOUBT, DO NOT ANSWER THE DOOR. For more information, questions, and feedback on the ZAP lawn care program please call (708) 596-6040 ext. 4001.