The North Lawndale FREE 1211 S. Western, Suite 203 Community News Chicago, IL 60608 Since 1999, More News, More of Your Issues, and More of Your Community Voices and Faces. Serving North Lawndale, East & West Garfield, Austin, Pilsen, Humboldt Park, Near Westside & South Lawndale PUBLISHER : STRATEGIC HUMAN SERVICES VOLUME NO. 12 - ISSUE NO. 10 ISSN 1548-6087 March 18- March 24, 2010

PROVIDING INFORMATION ON RESOURCES AND EVENTS THAT IMPROVE THE LIFESTYLE OF INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES IN OUR COMMUNITY POWER-PAC Ask Parents to Help Them Give CPS Discipline Nicholas Short INSIDE Fed up with the methods participant with the guide, urging Chicago’s Public schools use to them to use it to their advantage. The THIS ISSUE discipline their children, citing them guide introduced ideas and solutions as too harsh, parents and members that parents can use to combat oly emple of POWER-PAC decided to come the CPS method of punishment: H T up with a few solutions of their own. suspensions, expulsions and arrests. POWER-PAC, which stands for Among its ideas are POWER-PAC’s Community Parents Organized to Win, Educate Recommendations: and Renew-Policy Action Council, 1. End out-of-school suspensions. Church of God held a training session at Power 2. Reinstate recess and breaks in House Charter School on Tuesday the school day. PAGE - 4 evening on March 16 to help parents 3. Implement prevention programs. discover what they can do to stop 4. Provide training on discipline Chicago Public Schools from sending policies. Westsider its students on a road that leads to 5. Parents need to be involved in prison. oversight and accountability. Facing POWER-PAC is a citywide Participants listened to POWER- organization uniting low-income, PAC members, parents and students eckles immigrant and working families who spoke about how CPS is setting R to help ensure that children are students up to fail by using extreme receiving the guidance and education punishments that will prevent them Power - Pac’s Parent-to-Parent Training on Restorative Justice in Chicago Homicide they need—conversed with parents at from attending class and discourage Public Schools. They also distributed their new guide for parents (on table) the session about the discipline code them from learning. One speaker each other and express their opinions were more participation from parents, Charges of Chicago’s schools. Parents were said, “If young people are fighting in about what schools and parents need reestablishing recess and improving allowed to share knowledge, stories, school, if young people are not going to do. One tactic that was used is gym classes for students, and holding PAGE - 4 and ideas that will prevent CPS from to school, if you’re trying to figure when participants were asked to more community meetings. The using zero tolerance punishments why a young person cussed out a break up into groups to develop suggestions of each group were that are more harmful than helpful to teacher, I would suggest that [you helpful suggestions. announced to everyone. their youth. not] just ask that young person ‘why One group, led by one of the One parents were very happy WORD UP The foundation for the event did you do it.’ Why don’t we ask that helpers for the event, Kellie Magnuson with the event, saying that the session was the Parent-to-Parent Guide: teacher ‘what happened?’ Why don’t (an organizer for POWER-PAC), was a “very, very, very positive” Common Sense Restorative Justice in Chicago Public we find out not just what happened was told to provide suggestions as to experience. POWER-PAC’s next Schools, a booklet that promoted but what do people need?” what the schools should do to prevent meeting will be held on Friday, April Ain’t So restorative justice—which involved But Lynn Morton, a POWER- disruption among students. Each 16 from 9:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the avoiding punitive methods and PAC leader who led the event, did not group member shouted out their UNITE Union Hall, 333 S. Ashland Common offering misbehaving students a want participants to just sit and listen. suggestions as they Magnuson wrote Ave. For a copy of the guide call chance to repair the harm he or she She and a few helpers attempted to them on a small board for everyone COFI (community Organizing and PAGE - 5 caused. POWER-PAC provided each help participants build a bond with to see. Three of the main suggestions family Issues at 312 226-5141. Paderewski School Escapes Consolidation by CPS Nicholas Short Roswell B. Mason Elementary years. Pope disapproved of CPS’s the list. “I want you to take all of School, 4217 West 18th St., as methods and suggested a different them off the list and put together a the designated receiving school. tactic. “Every school needs to be program that’s going to invite the This led to concerns that the two looked at on a case-by-case basis,” community of parents to work on schools, which are 12 blocks away he said. a plan to make it better in the city from each other, would force “I think we need to dig a little bit of Chicago,” she said. “The board Paderewski students to travel more and a little deeper to find out has a history of listening to parents, far distances through street gang why are the schools where they are but not doing what they ask.” areas. But during a CPS hearing on and approach it from that vantage She urges them to “be bold” February 5 at the board office, CPS point as opposed to just looking and do the right thing. “The law decided to cancel the consolidation at the empirical data and just says that you all need to come up for the safety of Paderewski’s cutting it. There’s got to be another with a plan for these schools. It’s students. solution to the educating of our not the school’s fault that they fail. “The board had proposed to children other than just disrupting It’s not the LSC’s fault. It’s you Paderewski Elementary School Richard M. Daley in 2004 as a consolidate the school with Mason even their social lives, to move all’s fault.” was saved, but some of the other strategy to create new schools school,” said Paderewski School from their environment into a • Though some schools were public schools in Chicago were in underserved communities, Principal Dr. Jo Ann Roberts, “but completely different environment, erased from CPS’s list, due in not so lucky. turnaround underperforming they’re not going to do that after having them be in jeopardy as it part to the protests, the board For several weeks parents, schools, and eliminate we had a hearing and they saw relates to crossing gang lines and will continue with their plans. teachers, and Local School Council overcrowding classrooms in rapidly the dangerous passage that the so forth,” he said. A CPS press release revealed on (LSC) members protested a series growing neighborhoods. But many children would have to go through, Pope was not the only one the same day as the meeting that of proposed actions made by believe that the program is not mainly the intersection at Ogden, who felt this way. About 500 it will close Bartholome De Las Chicago Public Schools officials working. Protesters conducted Pulaski, and Cermak, which is people attended a board meeting Casas Occupational High School, on January 19. The actions were vigorous demonstrations and way dangerous for the children on February 24, from 10:30 am to consolidate Helen J. McCorkle created to “to improve educational expressed their disapproval at CPS to walk through.” She does not 1 pm, to lend their support to the Elementary School into Ludwig opportunities for students at low- hearings for weeks after the board know what the board’s plans are to schools that were still on CPS’s Van Beethoven Elementary performing schools and create announced their proposal. increase the number of students at list. Wanda Hopkins of the Parents School, and phase out George operational efficiencies” according The protests helped persuade Paderewski Elementary. United for Responsible Education Schneider Elementary School. to a press release made by the CPS the board to reduce the number Working with the LSC with (PURE), was one of many speakers They will also turn around the Board. of schools that CPS has targeted. respect to gathering information who confronted the school board, following schools: George W. CPS proposed to turnaround Ignance Paderewski Elementary for the issue, Pastor David M. strongly expressing their distain Curtis Elementary School, Charles five schools, close four schools, School, 2221 S Lawndale Ave., Pope from the Brotherly Love towards CPS’s actions. S. Deneen Elementary School, consolidate four schools, and phase was among the schools that Missionary Baptist Church did She began by thanking the board Myra Bradwell Elementary School, out one school. The proposals were saved. Because of low what he could to help Paderewski for the schools they have taken off Wendell Phillips High School, and were a part of Renaissance 2010, student enrollment, CPS planned School. His church adopted the their list, but then stated that all of John Marshall High School. a program launched by Mayor to consolidate the school with school and has worked with it for the schools should be yanked from Visit us on our website at www.nlcn.org for more articles, photos, information and more. Page  The North Lawndale Community News March 18 - March 24, 2010

North Lawndale Community News The North Lawndale Winner of the 2005 SBC Beyond the Call Award Community News North Lawndale Community News The North Lawndale Community News is now published Winner of the 7th Congressional District 2004 weekly by Strategic Human Services. Our purpose is to Education Champion Award help inform our community on resources, events, and is- Presented By Congressman Danny K. Davis & sues relevant to them and our neighboring communities. Residents of the 7th Congressional District Our community includes those who live, work, worship in, and/or care about North Lawndale. Our focus is on positive, productive solutions, that will improve the lifestyle of our community members. Board of Directors NLCN Frank Bass, Chairman Dennis Deer, Director Marlo Kemp, Treasurer Creative Scott, Director ROD OUTS Carolyn Lewis, Secretary Marlone Finley, Director Vivian Lewis, Director Norman Baldwin, Director Sewerlines and Plumbing Repair 2010 Focus Betty Mason, Director Dr. Betty J. Allen Green, Director WATER GOING DOWN SLOW! Former Founding Board of Director: Larry Leonard Sinks * Toilets * Bathtubs * Catchbasins Youth & Reflection Advisory Board: Grease Traps * Sewerlines * Faucets Cong. Danny K. Davis, Rev. Randall Harris, Fred Mitchell, Laura Wash- Hot Water Tanks * Drains * Ejector The North Lawndale Community News has ten years has ington, Susan Munro, Marta Foster, Margaret Davis, Larry Leonard completed. Much has happened since October of 1999 when Sump Pump * Low Water Pressure we put out our first newsletter. Many have contributed, sup- Consulting Editors and Writers: Heating * Air Conditioning * Refrigeration ported, volunteered, written, taken photos, done research, Wilbert Cook, Bill Goosby, Fred Mitchell, Dr. Shemuel Israel, Installation & Repair Work and/or completed our workshops. We have helped many and Tamiko Bowie, Danita Bowie, Marquita Ware, Warren Polk, For More Information Call: many have helped us. David Schultz, Reggie Lewis, Angelic Jones, Mary Moran, TRAVIS (773) 491-1967 or 68 When the North Lawndale Community News began in Clemolyn (Pennie) Brinson, Priscilla Lucas, Todd Thomas, October of 1999 as the North Lawndale Community News- Kabuika Kamunga, Sophia Karalexis, X’ernona Woods, Zaki A. letter, a focus was established. First, we thanked God for Muhammad, Ben Protess, Demetrius Porter, David Tenario, S. making the newsletter possible. We stated that confidence Mike Cook, David Schultz, & Marlone Finley in the good of the people was the motivating force behind Founding CEO & Publisher: Isaac Lewis, Jr. it. Many resources and events are available to us and our Production/Layout Coordinator: Marquita Ware neigboring communities and the role of this newspaper is to IT (Information Technology) Manager: Ronnie Allen provide you with that information. Since then, the newslet- Staff Accountant: ter has become a newspaper, larger in newsprint size and Communications Manager: organizational size. Resource Project Director: John Moore In 2001, our focus targeted the “Revival of the Family”. Marketing Consultant: Dr. Shemuel Israel Many of us were then and are now concerned about the state Advertising Manager: Andre Stokes of the family in our community. We focused on providing Advertising Consultant: Jim Allen helpful and useful suggestions to strengthen and restore vi- Technical Assistant: tality to the family unit. In 2002, we targeted “Wholistic Wellness”. Our hope was Website Consultant: Lamont Simmons that everyone in our community join us as we moved in the Photography: Community members and writers direction of creating a balanced life in which family, work, Strategic Door to Door Distribution (Weekly) recreation, community participation, and spiritual endeav- Community Youth ors worked together in harmony. Circulation: 15,000 copies In 2003, we targeted “Education and Training”. As a Drop Site Distribution: Reginald Lewis and Johnny Ray community, we are dominated by results of low educational Lewis, Dominique Mack, distributed weekly over 280 levels, high unemployment, a hostile economic environ- dropsites, and over 340,685 potential readers throughout ment, and unbearable crime and murder statistics. Still, we North and South Lawndale, East and West Garfield, Hum- pushed forward to improve life in our community on many boldt Park, Austin, Pilsen and the Near West Communities. levels and by many people from within the community, as well as concerned people from outside the community. Weekly Mail Subscription Rates: $20.00 for 3 In 2004, the North Lawndale Community News focused months. $35.00 for 6 months $60.00 for 1 year $110 on helping our community acquire a better quality of life for 2 years through higher levels of reading and responsible wealth cre- ation. For Advertisement Rates In 2005, it was Technology, Business Development, and and all other inquiries contact us at: Writer’s Meetings!! Employment. We chose to include a strong focus on pro- The North Lawndale Community News viding information and articles on resources in those areas North Lawndale Community News because there was a growing unemployment rate in North 1211 South Western Avenue, Suite 203 Where: 1211 S. Western, Suite 203 Lawndale and some of its neighboring communities that are Time 6:00pm among the highest of all the 77 Chicago communities. Chicago, IL 60608 In 2006, the primary focus for SHS/ NCLN was Health, Phone: 312/492-9090 Fax: 312/492-7162 Date: April 15, 2010 Education, and Welfare. Health is essential to a good life. Free Training in Community Journalism! Education is necessary for the pursuit of happiness espe- Website: www.nlcn.org cially in an economy driven society. Welfare is unavoidable Everyone is Welcome! in showing man’s humanity (love) toward man. The North Lawndale Community News is funded by the dedicat- In 2007, the primary focus for SHS/ NLCN was People ed work and support of the community, and made possible with For More Information Call and Education. Our history of people is great. People have grants from The Steans Family Foundation,The John D. and strived to create progress in our community, raised their Catherine MacArthur Foundation, Harris Bank Foundation 312-492-9090 families, created businesses, triumphed over adversaries, The Leo S. Guthman Family Fund ( Lynne C. Rosenthal), The and worked in the community. All year long NLCN focused Soderquist Family Foundation, U.S. Department of Housing on articles related to people and education throughout our and Urban Development (HUD), J-Lab Institute, AfterSchool Ebony Unlimited Service newspaper, weblog, and website that serves the Westside of Matters , SBC (now AT&T), The Illinois State Board of Educa- Chicago. tion (State Senator Rickey Hendon), State of Illinois Depart In 2008, the primary focus for Strategic Human Services of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.DCEO through Sate an SMC Distributor and the North Lawndale Community News during 2008 was Rep. Art Turner, The McCormick Tribune Foundation, the the Church, Financial Literacy, and Technology. There are National Black Caucus of States Institute, Advocate Bethany many problems that face North Lawndale and its neighbor- Fund, and contributions from our community, advertisers, and Home & Garden Decor ing communities. Anyone of them are the most important to readers. The North Lawndale Community News was started any individual when it is his, her, or their biggest battle. with a grant from the North Lawndale Small Grants Initiative Local Charter Tours In 2009, the primary focus for SHS/NLCN was HEALTH now known as the Small Grants Human Development Corpora- & THE ECONOMY. One of the major issues of the recent tion, and the Steans Family Foundation. presidential campaign was health care. Health care costs Ebonyunlimited.com - Web have become an escalating burden for employers and con- sumers alike. Research has shown that total health spend- [email protected] - Email ing is reduced when consumers bear more responsibility for their health and the expenses related to it. One of the best ways to increase life expectancy while reducing disability is CEO - John Miller to encourage a culture of selfcare practices. Circulation Verification Council is a third party In 2010, our primary focus will be to live and reflect on our previous years of focus, as we progress to a better qual- agency that audits and verifies our circulation (773) 491-4136 ity of life. which is currently at 15,000 issues per publication. March 18 - March 24, 2010 The North Lawndale Community News Page  Page  The North Lawndale Community News March 18 - March 24, 2010 Holy Temple West Sider Facing Reckless Homicide Charge Community Ferman Mentrell Beckless - [email protected] A 23-year-old West Side paramedics to an undisclosed hospital where of cocaine Church of God man was arrested early she was pronounced dead on arrival. A 28-year-old Cincinnati, Ohio man was Saturday (13th) and charged in Quovadis was charged with one count arrested late last Tuesday (9th) and charged Charles Davis and Jimmy Brown connection with the death of a of reckless homicide; leaving the scene of with a variety of controlled-substance God has worked many miracles in my 53-year-old woman who was an accident/injury/death; criminal trespass offenses. life. He has brought me from a dark and fatally injured while crossing to land; disobeying a red circular steady Chicago police identified the man as depressed existence when he led me to the the street in the 1200 block of signal stop; failure to reduce speed, driving Oscar Davis. They say, officers from the th doors of Holy Temple Community Church North Elston. while unlicensed; and operating a motor Austin (15 District) tactical unit on patrol of God. At that time I was strung-out on Police identified the offender as Temples vehicle without insurance. pulled a Lincoln Towne car over near drugs. I’d been arrested for drugs and petty Quovadis of the 4000 block of West Hirsh. Quovadis was scheduled to appear in the corner of Madison Street and Austin theft while trying to support my habit. I was Reports indicate Quovadis was driving bond court on Monday. Word of his bond Boulevard at about 10:00 p.m. that night. sick with chronic back pain and prostate eastbound on Division Street and failed was not available as of press time. Upon approaching the vehicle, the officers problems. I was alone, hopeless, with low to stop at a red light on Elston, striking a Man shot dead noticed a strong odor of cannabis emanating self-esteem; but most of all, I had no belief Dodge Neon that the unidentified victim Area 4 Homicide Investigators were from Davis’ car. in God. was driving. A cab driver flagged down without an arrest or motive in the shooting Davis allegedly told the officers he had a After being received at (H.T.C.C.G.) I police and stated he observed Quovadis flee death of a 31-year-old man, who was found couple of bags of cannabis in his pockets. discovered that there was a God, and that the scene on foot and run into the Waste shot to death in the 3400 block of West The officers then summoned the help Pastor R.L. Carter had a unique insight into Management garage located in the 800 Chicago Avenue Sunday (14th) afternoon. of a Chicago Police Canine Unit, and with my particular problems. The Pastor has block of West Division. The unidentified victim was pronounced their help, located four (4) bricks of cocaine been in the community feeding the hungry Responding officers converged on dead on the scene by the Cook County hidden inside the driver’s side rear door. through the food program at the church, and the scene and after a brief foot chase, medical examiner’s office from a single Davis was immediately placed under arrest clothing the needy with donated clothing. apprehended Quovadis. The victim was gunshot wound to the head. and charged with possession of a controlled The Pastor also counsels those with alcohol rushed via Chicago Fire Department Ohio man seized with large quantity substance-manufacturing/delivery; See Temple page 5 misdemeanor cannabis possession and one driving citation for overtaking a vehicle on the right. In an unrelated search and seizure, Chicago police said they recovered narcotics, firearms and cash while executing a search warrant at a residence in the 1100 block of North Monitor. The Area 4 Gun Team executed a search warrant at the residence of Steven Cannon and recovered 235 grams of cannabis with a street value of $4,000; a semiautomatic handgun with ammunition of the same value; various items used for packaging narcotics and $22,000 in U.S. currency. Cannon faces felony possession of cannabis charges as well as three misdemeanor firearms charges. He was taken into custody without incident and appeared in bond court late last week. Four teens reported missing Chicago police are investigating the unrelated

(From l-r) Courtney Pipes, Enosha Walls, Lavita Davidson and Linard Herron disappearances of three teen girls and one boy, one who is known to frequent the city’s West Side. The parents of 12-year-old Enosha Walls, told police the missing girl is known to frequent the area of the 4900 block of West Iowa, 1100 North Cleveland and the 800 block o North Mohawk. She was reported missing from the 5000 block of South Michigan Avenue, where she was last seen wearing a black jacket, white shirt and blue pants. Walls is described as being 5 feet tall, weighing 150 pounds and wearing black twisted braids. Anyone with information regarding her whereabouts are asked to contact Area 1 Special Victims at (312) 747-8385 or dial “911.” Area 1 Special Victims Unit officers are also seeking the whereabouts of 15-year-old Lavita Davidson. She was reported missing from her residence in the 7300 block of South Kedzie. Davidson was reportedly headed to her mother’s place of employment downtown, exiting a CTA bus at 47th and Western Avenue last Thursday (11th). She is described as being 5’1” tall and weighing 100 pounds. The third girl police are seeking is 13-year-old Courtney Pipes. She is listed at 5’3” tall and weighing 120 pounds and was last seen in the area of 83rd and Racine. A 15-year-old boy, identified by police as Linard Herrod, a student at Richards High School, has been missing since Feb. 1. The 5’5” tall Herrod was last seen near the school and resides in the 5100 block of South Laflin. He was to celebrate his 16th birthday last week (March 8). Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts should contact Area 1 Special Victims Unit at (312) 747-8385. March 18 - March 24, 2010 The North Lawndale Community News Page 

the power of the Holy-spirit God has used Pastor found myself guided to Pastor Carter. Today I am time to contribute in more than just a practical Temple from page 4 Carter’s hand to heal the sick while teaching the not on drugs, nor am I sick or hurting with pain. I way. God has led me to tell my story and make and drug addiction problems. The counseling word of God. am in good physical condition and I haven’t been a plea for help. I am not asking in hopes of extends to marital, family, social and spiritual Nothing good happens by accident! This is arrested for drugs or theft since I found the church. gaining something personally, nor am I doing issues. This is all carried out with a healthy what I believe. And when God revealed himself That is why I am telling you my story today. My it for a feeling of self-righteousness. I feel as dose of spiritual doctrine and guidance. With to me years ago when my struggle was roughest, I church needs your help. And I feel as if it is my See page 7

(773) 826-9666

Live Retail & Wholesalers JUANITA WHITE JOHN WHITE M-W 9am to 6:30pm Th - 9am to 7:30pm 617 S. Pulaski Fri - 8am to 7:30pm Chicago, IL Sat - 8am - 6:30pm 60624 Word Up: Common Sense Ain’t So Common Calvin C. Crayton I remember as I was growing up older folks saying things like that boy just don’t got common sense or that girl got plenty of book knowledge but she ain’t got no common sense . Most of the people who lacked common sense were quite intelligent according to worldly standards , they held college degrees and carried titles like Doctor and Reverend and because the prince of this world ruled they were allowed to sit in high places and the people praised them and gave them banquets and they were introduced as men and women of God. ”For such are false apostles deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel: for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness whose end shall be according to their works.”2nd corinthians11vs13-15. I decided I would search the scriptures(not ask mommy or daddy or pastor or teacher and certainly not myself) to find out how men and women with PHDs and all kinds of Theological studies did not have common sense enough to understand that you cannot die Friday and rise Sunday and have three days and three nights.”But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”2nd Corinthians 4vs3-4. I noticed that these smarter than God Christians always had a lot of books around that they used in order to make God’s simple truth confusing “But I fear, lest by any means, as the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty, so your minds should be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ.2nd Corinthians 11vs2. “Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith but they shall proceed no futher: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as theirs also was.2Timothy3vs7-9. I wondered how these smarter than God Christians lost all their common sense (wisdom and understandin g)”Therefore, behold, I will proceed to do a marvelous work among this people, even a marvelous work and a wonder for the wisdom of their wise men shall perish, and the understanding of their prudent men shall be hid”. Isaiah 29vs14 I have noticed during this time of year that church folks throw all their common sense out the window and decide to follow their wise men and their fables instead of all God’s warnings they have lents and ash Wednesdays and good Fridays and they end it with their Easter Sunday or resurrection Sunday and they don’t acknowledge Passover even though Christ is our Passover and sense they have no common sense and they love the praises of men rather than the praises of God they gladly trade the commandments of God for the traditions of men and they think it is okay. Remember if you don’t read the book you Lose The Lesson. Word Up!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Page  The North Lawndale Community News March 18 - March 24, 2010 AT THE FLICKS David H. Schultz, film critic DIARY OF A WIMPY KID (**1/2) Given (Steve Zahn and Rachael Harris) and. intimidated After Greg and Rowley sneaks into Roderick’s the recent comedic and episodic temperament and teased by his older brother, Roderick (Devon bedroom to peek at his yearbook. Greg is of TV’s “Malcolm in the Middle” to its initial Bostick) when he’s not rehearsing in a garage rock determined to change his school image. He nucleus “Parker Lewis Can’t Lose” that paved the band. embarks on a personal quest to become the entry way for this movie based on a series of books by Greg even suffers outside of his home life as in this year’s yearbook as the class favorite “most Jeff Kinney. he enters his first day at middle school with his popular”. ”Diary of A Wimpy Kid” is a slightly warped child-like, dim witted, chubby best friend, Rowley But every attempt Greg enacts is met with yet familiar coming of age, kid life comedy with Jefferson (Robert Capron) who has no sense of comedic disastrous results with accompaniment a nostalgic satirical edge that feels relevant for the style, clothing and social graces. Yet, the seemingly from Rowley. From the misinterpretation of laughs. clueless Rowley is considered the best alternative TV wrestling to collegiate in the school gym, Stepping away from the usual teen angst in compared to a booger digging neighbor and school to joining school patrol guards to wearing a suit high school; Now, what used to be a child’s most kid who secretly seeks Greg’s companionship. and tie at school for best dress consideration that challenging period in their development has been Hoping to make a positive impression, Greg Rowley duplicates. Jude Law and Forest Whitaker in Repo Men turned back before entering high school and finds himself trapped in a school that values the Later, Greg and Rowley do some Halloween adolescent. importance of not touching a rotten, molding, trick and treating in the rich neighborhood. the foundation is laid out by. “Hotel for Dogs” The child’s trauma now gets a literal head start and sun baked cheese slice on the playground’s Where they are chased into the forbidden “devil director Thor Freudenthal who mints the right kind at middle school. Where a down trodden 11 yr old concrete could ruin any chance of child‘s gaining worshippers’ woods” by a trio of teen bullies who of energy and spirit into the film’s proceedings. kid, Greg Heffley (Zachery Gordon), a relatively acceptance and a “cool” reputation with the seek revenge for Greg accidentally damaging their While getting the most out of his juvenile stars intelligent kid for his age; with dorky parents student body.. pickup truck over the limited adult involvement. This is a kids However, Greg and Rowley’s friendship movie about kids that still families can enjoy becomes tested over these adversaries; When together without the adults feeling dumb down by Rowley suffers a broken arm caused accidentally their screen counterparts’ by Greg that turns Rowley into Mr. Poplar at But the active and visual participation of school. A jealous Greg being too self absorbed minorities (without the need to mention race) is over improving his image and dodging those now clearly omitted in this movie that isn’t fair ( for patrolling bullies. socials and box office reasons) and is not always During a rainstorm, Greg happens to use relatable beyond its humor because of its suburban Rowley’s letter monogrammed raincoat to walk upper class setting that most of us don’t have access a group of under-age kid’s home that ends up to. Still, for what it’s worth, “Diary of a Wimpy making the kids hide in a construction hole. Kid” is shrewdly funny and entertaining enough to Because of the monogram “R” on the jacket back, watch. PG; 92min. A 20th Century Fox Pictures Rowley gets blamed and stripped from his patrol Release – Presented at selected theaters guard duties. While initially, Greg says nothing REPO MEN (***1/2) In this often intense, but finally breaks down to admit his mistake that futuristic action thriller, automobiles have been sets off Rowley who breaks up with him over traded in for the latest model in mechanical human Greg’s vanity. organ transplant parts. There lies a question asked This predictably leads to the boys splitting in the film’s early moments; how can anything up to seek out rival friends that naturally doesn’t be alive and dead at the same time? This thought work out more for Greg whose still tries to comes from Remy (Jude Law) who’s partnered improve his image by audition for a role in a with his childhood friend, Jake (Forest Whitaker) school production of the “Wizard of Oz’ that turns who works The Union, a heartless manufacturer into a stage brawl. of these organ parts managed by Frank (Live “Diary of A Wimpy Kid” is genuinely funny Schreiber) whose sales department negotiates with and nostalgic that is quite relatable, even without health troubled customers for their life extending any time or era reference involved here. While products. it might be difficult to see a possible movie However, after ninety days of the signed trilogy based from Jeff Kinney’s popular books agreement, Frank sends out order forms to their that also co-executive produced this movie. Still See Flicks page 7 2010 Census Forms Arrive in 120 Million Mailboxes Across Nation: Responding By Mail Can Save Taxpayers Hundreds of Millions Asking just 10 questions and taking about an accurate Census at the same time. Mailing 10 minutes to complete, 2010 Census forms back your census form when it arrives will began arriving in 120 million mailboxes contribute to saving hundreds of millions of across the nation today — just the 23rd time taxpayer dollars,” Groves added. “It’s a lot less the country has undertaken the constitution- expensive to get responses back by mail than ally mandated population count that dates it is to send census takers to knock on doors of back to 1790. households that failed to respond.” The only civic event that includes every “It costs the government just 42 cents for a person in the country, the Census is the basis postage paid envelope when a household mails for America’s representative democracy, en- back the form,” said Groves. “It costs $57 to suring that Congress is fairly reapportioned send a census taker door-to-door to follow up every 10 years between the states. Census with each household that fails to respond.” counts are also used to redraw state and lo- Advance letters alerting households to cal legislative boundaries so that political the arrival of the 2010 Census form last week, representation is fairly distributed across their as well as reminder postcards sent later this changing populations. month, are all part of a mailing strategy that “When you receive your 2010 Census, has been proven to increase participation in please fill it out and mail it back,” Census the census by mail — a cost savings that could Bureau Director Robert M. Groves said. “It’s exceed more than $500 million. one of the shortest forms in our lifetime with Even with these changes to make the cen- just 10 questions very much like the questions sus the shortest and easiest in a lifetime, the James Madison and Thomas Jefferson helped Census Bureau still projects that it will have to craft on the very first Census.” send census takers to an estimated 48 million As America has grown and become more households that do not respond by mail. Fol- complex and more diverse, it has become lowing up door-to-door to count households more challenging over the decades to get a from May to July will require hiring about complete count of the population. The 2010 650,000 census workers. Census faces special challenges during the Participating in the census is required by current economic downturn, including the law for everyone living in the United States, housing crisis which has resulted in higher and the public is encouraged to promptly mail rates of vacant housing that must be visited to back their 2010 Census forms once they are ensure a complete count. delivered this week between March 15-17. The Census Bureau today estimated that if About 12 million addresses, mostly in rural every household completed and mailed back areas as well as Gulf Coast areas affected by their census form, taxpayers could reduce the Hurricane Katrina, began receiving hand-de- cost of taking the census by $1.5 billion. The livered forms March 1. Census Bureau saves about $85 million in oper- Census data also help determine how more ational costs for every percentage point increase than $400 billion in federal funds are distribut- in the nation’s participation rate by mail. ed to tribal, state and local governments every “Here is something every family can do year — including funding for schools, roads, to help their government save money, and get health care and other critical programs. March 18 - March 24, 2010 The North Lawndale Community News Page  The North Lawndale Community News’ CLASSIFIED MARKETPLACE Do You Have Something to Buy, Sell, Trade, Rent or Announce? Are you Looking for Employment or Looking to Hire? You Can Do it Here In the North Lawndale Community News FOR RENT Apts Available 4000 West, 1600 South, Call 312/492-9090 To Place Your Classified Ad! 2-bdrm on 2nd floor, 1-bdrm on 3rd Floor, Large Rooms, Hardwood floors, Sec 8 accepted. 773 521-5544 call up to 5:00pm Paid CHICAGO WESTSIDE HOMAN SQUARE APTS. WAITING LIST OPEN Apprenticeships 2br $880-3br$980 Tenant pays light & gas. Drawing & Painting PAID Section 8 Welcome, Pick up application at apprenticeships for Youth at URBAN 3607 W. Polk. Mon-Fri 9:30-4:30 Sat 9:30- ART RETREAT 1957 S. Spaulding 12:30 pm Ave. corner of 21st begins March 15, APARTMENT FOR RENT 2118 S. Kee- ler Nwly Rehabbed 2 BR Apts. $700-750 2010. The art class series will be 3 mo + sec, Sec.8, utilities not incl. 312-925- hours a day for 3 days a week for 10 3164 weeks. Call 773-542-9126 or email APARTMENT FOR RENT 1917 S. [email protected] an Christiana. Deluxe 2BR one BA apt. cute interview during February. Program is blk near police station & Pink Line Kedzie funded by After School Matters. stop. Greystone 2-flat, quiet bldg. Gut re- habbed in 2006. Newly painted, hdwd flrs, dishwasher, laundry in unit. No smok- ers, no pets, $900/mo 1-1/2 mos. sec. Call 773/620-4986 HELP WANTED 1807 S. St. Louis. Conveniently located A1 Garfield Extermination Must have near public transportation. Conveniently office experience 45 words per minute, located near schools. 2 bedroom units typing test given, drug test, background starting at $725 /+1 month security. Call check/no felons, salary nego., day time (773)960-3817 hours nego., need ASAP Contact Garfield concern? computer. pleasantly surprised, enlighten and APARTMENT FOR RENT 3 BDRMS in Major at 773-638-8462 I think so on the latter, which The movie occasionally stumbles entertained “Repo Men” is a poignant nice quiet building. Hardwood floors. $750 makes “Repo Men” relevant, intriguing here and there, but it’s the film’s and exhilarating movie from start to monthly. Ave. Westside location. Contact surprising and clever finale that goes Mr. Johnson at 708 837-8684 and fascinating that isn’t far from the finish that will blow your mind and Rooms For back to answer the question from the APARTMENT FOR RENT 3 BDRMS hypocrisy status in our country today make you think. film’s beginning that you won’t see in nice quiet building. 13th & Troy. $800 between big business institution and R; 111min. A Universal Pictures monthly. No Credit Check. One Month Rent the common people. coming until it happens. Release – Presented at selected This film weaves these themes and If you were expecting something theaters rent and One Month Security Upon Move- ROOMS FOR RENT 2006 S. Pulaski In. Third Floor Apt. Call 773 522-3409 or actions well throughout its story and in routine from this movie, you will be $350/month. utilities included. Men Pre- particular, Jude Law’s character. 773 419-3892 for a Showing. ferred. (773) 557-9421 APT FOR RENT 2 flat 3 bdrm 5900 W.est Remy is the top organ repo man repair of the physical church. This 100 North. Appliances. Tenant pays $1095 per in his profession whose overview is Temple from page 5 will give the community a place to month + 1 mo security. Call 708/539-1730 Flicks from page 6 to each client is “a job is just a job”. if God is asking of all of us to come go and share in the spiritual church Section 8 Welcome: Available Meanwhile his partner, Jake (Forest in-house collection agency through together and save his small church which we all house inside of us. immediately, Gut Rehab, Two and Four Whitaker) has a much more cavalier guys like Jake and Remy to track in our community.\Holy Temple To contact the church, please call: bedroom apartments for Rent in lovely 3 approach and spirited demeanor with down, stun gun, ask the delinquent Community Church of God is in dire (773) 638-0059 . To donate to the flat. Washer and Dryer Hook-up, Hardwood the same end result. customer whether or not they desire an need of repairs. The city of Chicago repair project send check or money Floors, balcony. 3100 West 1300 South Call However, on the home front, Remy’s ambulance, then they literally seize the has ordered that the building either be order to: Holy Temple Community Mr. Becker at 815-793-0726 wife Carol (Caprice van Houton) begins mechanical organ part out of the body. repaired or torn down. We all come Church of God, 4504 W. Harrison, to express verbal concern for what he Considering the current together on the war on terrorism and Chicago, Il 60644 does that threatens their marriage. climate during these recession Soon after, on a night patrol Remy the war on drugs. We give national To volunteer, donate building times with “do nothing” banks and Jake stumble onto a secret nest attention to issues like Healthcare material, or donate cash, please call and the high rate of foreclosures full of delinquent clients that bags and relief for victims of earthquakes the church for instructions on how to and the struggles for a fair and them a high percentage of organ parts and tsunamis. We share the problem do so. balanced comprehensive health that leads to an offer from Frank (Live of unemployment as a nation. Yet, To contact Pastor R.L. Carter plan bill for all. As crude as the Schreiber) to a new job position for the we lose focus concerning issues that personally, Call: (708) 712-1692, procedure and premise in this twosome. But Remy wants to be given affect us as citizens of a small and and be sure to visit the church that movie sounds. One can’t help a desk job as a sales clerk. When Remy simple space called Our Community. you will be supporting with your but ponder the possibilities. is already too invaluable to his partner So, today I am asking everyone generous donations, Sundays at 12 Is it really too far fetched, or and Frank in his current capacity. who is capable, to open their heart noon, and Friday night at 8:00 p.m. does it have merit and/or real Then, Remy suffers an unfortunate and sow a seed for the church. This (II Corinthians 9: 6-7) God Bless! life threatening accident while donation will go strictly toward the Jimmy Brown Jr. preparing to repossess the organ from a North Lawndale Insurance Agency record producer, T Bone (The Rza) mix mastering Specialize in SR 22 a future hit disk. When a faulty shock unit lands [email protected] him in the emergency ward. Where Remy receives the latest advanced heart transplant organ that he doesn’t want, but Frank replants after Remy Jasmine R. Lindsay physically removes. We can’t help but wonder Cell: 773-396-4380 what unknowingly did Remy suspect would Agent Fax: 773-289-0747 happen with this new heart Work: 773-530-2624 Well, it soon becomes apparent that the heart 3708 W. Roosevelt gives him a conscience that makes him inability 2nd Fl Suite F to work at the level he was know for, Jake tries Chicago, IL 60624 to enforce some “tough love” to get his partner back to normal; who also needs to work to keep his payments on time on the organ. Burt during a raid in a human nest of delinquent skid row customers, Remy is unable to complete HARRIS BROTHER’S his procedure and gets beat down. When he awakens, Remy stumbles into a area where he Appliance Repair rescues a singer, Beth (Alice Braga) who nearly suffers a fatal drug overdoses that later discloses * Stoves * Refridgerators * every part of her body (but her lips) is up to be repossessed. * Washer * Dryer * Naturally, since Remy has literally been locked out by his wife. Remy and Beth fall in love while (773) 368-5457 trying to find a way out that leads to the duo to breaking into The Union’s “pink room” using the organs from a shootout to help clear each Ask for Chilly other’s debt account with the company’s master Page  The North Lawndale Community News March 18 - March 24, 2010

LANE CHANGE: Ordinary Brothers Must INTERSTATE Step Up To Lead Our Children’s Future Muffler & Automotive Repair A Commentary BY TRAVLES R. LANE - [email protected] 2158 South Pulaski It’s been over a hundred years since famed black historian mostly older, wiser men of experiences well beyond my own years. (corner of Cermak & Pulaski) W.E.B. DuBois posited the idea in 1903 that African American They weren’t all like me, either. progress would be tied to the abilities of the brightest and best of its Bruno Sandroni was a wealthy white farmer my younger brother Chicago Talented Tenth of the black community, its “exceptional men.” and I worked for throughout my teen years before leaving home for By exceptional, he meant classically educated Negroes who college when I graduated high school. I learned from the long, hot could appreciate life on a much higher liberal arts level far beyond hours I worked in his cotton fields, bean fields and pecan orchards the the basic knowledge and survival skills found in the training of value of earning your own and not having to ask anyone else for the 773-522-0122 ordinary black men in the skills of trades such as carpentry and things you needed or wanted. bricklaying. I wonder what DuBois, who was born free in February, From my next door neighbor Mack Carter, a retired farmer, 1868 and died on Aug. 27, 1963, a day before Dr. Martin Luther I learned how to build and fix things myself rather than relying on King Jr.’s “I have a Dream” speech in Washington, D.C., would having to afford to pay others to do it for me. And from Mr. Tom think of his thesis today. McGrew, who Terry and I rode with to church each Sunday and to And many of our so-called black leaders (talented tenth?) today Bible class Wednesday, I was taught that even a quiet, unassuming continue to invoke DuBois’ theory as they continue to build names man could be a source of great strength and power when those he and resumes for themselves at the fatal expense of those they loved needed him. purport to lead. Now, I learned nothing from any of these nondescript men about I bring this up now, because after a 15-year-old Nathaniel becoming a lawyer, scientist, doctor or even president. But I did learn Maxon was murdered across the street from me last month, he to admire people who simply quietly made their way in life taking merely became the latest victim of the violence and destructive nothing from anyone and helping whoever they could, even two little pathologies that insidiously afflict black American communities black boys from a house of eight children whose father failed to even here and elsewhere around our nation. But I am pleased to report acknowledge sometimes while neglecting his responsibility to them. that on Wednesday (Mar. 17), I spoke with an Area Four detective I mention these two ordinary black men (there were many more) assigned to the case and he reported an arrest has been made in the who were indeed surrogate fathers to me in my youth because there case. I will report more in next week’s LANE CHANGE. are still so many of us simple, non-exceptional guys still around, That is great news and defies the norm in these cases where a even in these West Side neighborhoods where poverty, neglect and code of silence is blamed for the inability to solve them. indifference rule the day. And I thought of the power and influence Anyway, I don’t think DuBois took into account when he such plain, ordinary men could wield in a child’s life if we would advocated for college over construction skills in those days was the only take sincere interest in being the surrogate role models our little fact that life is lived on the ground not up in the clouds of higher children see every day. thoughts beyond the grasp of ordinary folk. Thus, while we do If men such as us truly took responsibility for the youngsters of have a talented tenth among us, the only thing they are leading us our neighborhoods and gave them the benefit of our experiences and to today is the opportunity to advance their own hopes of becoming concern, how many of them would be out here with guns and drugs successful politicians, entertainers or athletes. They then become scraping and scrapping in a dead-end culture that glorifies violence marketed as our heroes and so-called role models, while the vast and aggression? How many would learn as I did that a man doesn’t majority of the frustrated 90% percent of black folk simply strive have to have anyone’s adulation or respect but his own to be a success to survive. at being who he is or wishes to be? I began to recall my own childhood in Shaw, Mississippi and the Perhaps if we quit waiting on a few exceptional men to lead us to “un-talented” men who guided my growth to manhood shortly after the promised land and simply encourage the vast majority of ordinary Nate was killed. I thought of the uncle who took him skating and brothers among us to take an interest in the job, black progress in the many other men he may have known who influence his brief this country wouldn’t still be rotting in communities of calamity and time on this earth. chaos even as one of those so-called talented tenth of ours now resides The men who helped make me who I have grown to be were in the most powerful office in the land.