Chicago’s 2nd Walmart Breaks Ground
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in News
Several dignitaries were on hand for the Walmart groundbreaking. (L to R) Former State Senator Howard Brookins, Sr., Willie Brown, A.C. Brown Construction Company, Inc., Labeed Diab, vice president and general manager, Walmart, Ald. Howard Brookins, Jr. (21st), Julie Murphy, senior vice president, Walmart U.S., Sandra Harrison, president, West Chatham Improvement Association, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-14), Rev. Dr. Howard Randolph, New Faith M.B. Church, Ald. Roderick Sawyer (6th), William Garth, Sr., publisher, Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc., and State Rep. Monique Davis (D-27). (Photo by Thelma Sardin)
by Thelma Sardin
Several elected officials, dignitaries and community residents were on hand Monday afternoon for the groundbreaking of a new Walmart Supercenter in Chicago’s Chatham neighborhood. The Supercenter will be the second Walmart location to open in Chicago, the first store opened on the city’s Westside in the Austin neighborhood in 2006.
Among the notables present was William Garth, Sr., Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group, Inc., State Rep. Monique Davis (D-27), Jesse Ruiz, vice president, Chicago Board of Education, State Senator Emil Jones III (D-14) and Alderman Howard Brookins, Jr. (21st).
The future store is a part of the “Chicago Community Investment Partnership,” a five year plan to open several dozen Walmart stores in the city.
In addition, the plan will approximately create 10,000 jobs and 2,000 unionized construction jobs. Furthermore, the initiative will generate more than $500 million in sales and property taxes and develop charitable partnerships worth $20 million, according to a recent press release.
The Chatham Walmart Superstore is scheduled to open in spring 2012 and will be located at 83rd and Stewart.
Walmart will open eight more stores in several neighborhoods including West Loop, West Englewood and Pullman by spring 2013.
The Chatham store is expected to create 400 jobs and provide South side residents with an additional option for cost-friendly groceries.
Additionally, a Walmart Express store located a few feet from the future Walmart Supercenter location opened on July 27.
Ald. Brookins had been the driving force behind bringing the city’s 2nd Walmart to his ward.
“This day has been a long time coming –it’s just one more step we are taking to ensure the economic vitality of West Chatham and the South side,” said Ald. Brookins. “This Supercenter will help residents living in nearby food deserts have easy access to reasonably priced quality produce—something that we are working very hard to ensure for ALL Chicago residents.”
The construction of the Walmart Supercenter is being overseen by two minority-owned companies—Powers & Sons and UJAMAA Construction. Jimmy Akintonde, president, UJAMAA Construction said more than 350 construction jobs will be created as a result of the project and the selection process will remain inclusive and local, the release stated.
Jimmy Akintonde, president, UJAMAA Construction, Inc. addresses the audience during the Walmart groundbreaking. Akintonde's company is managing the construction of the new Walmart through a joint effort with Powers & Sons Construction. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)
“Walmart continues to create opportunity for minorities within the construction industry,” said Akintonde. “Through a close working relationship with Walmart, Alderman Brookins and the community, we have awarded 40 percent of all subcontracts on this project to M/WBE [Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise] companies, many of whom are local contractors like ourselves with offices in close proximity to this site.”
According to Julie Murphy, senior vice president, Walmart U.S., the future Walmart store will allow the mega retailer to spur local economic development in Chicago.
Julie Murphy, senior vice president, Walmart U.S. addresses the audience during the Walmart groundbreaking on July 25. According to Murphy, the future store plays an important step in allowing Walmart to pursue additional opportunities to spur local economic development in the city of Chicago. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)
“At Walmart, we continually see an opportunity to serve more customers across the United States and this is especially true in a city like Chicago where residents are underserved. [Residents] need convenient access to fresh affordable food and… economic growth,” said Murphy. “Walmart’s mission is to create jobs and to lower the cost of living for Chicago residents,” she added.
Community representatives also shared their exuberance of the Walmart coming to their neighborhood.
“We welcome the fact that Walmart has come into our community and given us new economic development and jobs. We want to thank Alderman Brookins…it has been a long fight,” said Sandra Harrison, president, West Chatham Improvement Association.
High School Freshmen Prepare for College
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in Community Focus
Social justice adocate, Thomas N. Todd, Esq. (left) and Chicago Public Schools' Area 24 Chief Area Officer, Harrison Peters (right) discuss education during the Freshman Connection day at CSU. (Photo Credit: Wanda Wright)
by Thelma Sardin
On July 14, approximately 600 high school freshmen from Chicago Public Schools (CPS) spent the day at Chicago State University (CSU) as college students.
Several secondary institutions participated including Bowen High School, Julian High School, Simeon Career Academy, Chicago Vocational Career Academy, Kennedy High School, Morgan Park High School and Hyde Park Academy.
Students received one-on-one interaction with CSU college professors about college academia, special college tours, and instructional activities, according to a recent press release.
The students visited the university via a CPS initiative, Freshman Connection, a summer bridge program for incoming high school freshmen. The day at CSU was a part of the program.
Although the students are at least four years away from attending college, CSU officials believe the Freshman Connection program is highly beneficial. The university’s administration say the initiative allows students to have “a long-range plan beyond high school graduation.”
Dr. Wayne Watson, CSU President collaborated with CPS officials to bring the students to the university and introduce them to college life.
“Chicago State University students have historically achieved academic success in the disciplines of education, arts & sciences, business, pharmacy and health sciences,” Watson stated in the release. “The CSU community has a responsibility to connect with the younger generation and help them make the necessary preparation in their lives now so that they can accomplish the same outstanding academic achievements as the CSU students.”
Social justice advocate and attorney, Thomas N. Todd was invited by Dr. Watson to provide the students with a motivational message. The Civil Rights activist was president of the Chicago chapter of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1971 and president of Operation PUSH from 1983 to 1984. In addition, he is also well-known for his oratorical skills; during the 1983 and 1987 mayoral campaigns of the late Chicago Mayor Harold Washington, Todd often warmed up crowds prior to Washington’s entrance.
According to the release, Todd encouraged students to invest in a higher education career to ensure their future financial stability and success. He told the students that once they earn a college degree no one can take it away from them.
Several CSU officials recently discussed with the Citizen the importance of reaching out to incoming high school students and bridging the gap between high school and college.
“We’re focusing on… connecting kids all the way from grade school to an end goal of a bachelor’s degree,” said Matthew Harrison, director of admissions.
Students in the Freshman Connection program meet with CSU faculty and staff. (Photo Credit: Wanda Wright)
CSU has also recognized trends among high school students and post-secondary education. By connecting with high school freshman, the university hopes to see more high school graduates enroll in college.
“We also know that in high school, we lose about 50 percent of the students who start freshman year …we believe if we start to connect or engage the students early in their high school career and expose them to college and talk about career opportunities, they will be more likely to select a college right after high school,” said Angela Henderson, vice president of enrollment management.
This year was the first time CSU partnered with CPS for the Freshman Connection initiative; however the university looks forward to working with the public schools in the future.
“We hope to continue [the] partnership with the Chicago Public Schools every summer. It was [a] great opportunity and great experience for the students. Dr. Watson would highly recommend that we continue to do this and hopefully each summer it gets better,” said Henderson.
Dr. Watson and several of the university’s deans were present for the program. Henderson said this made the students extremely appreciative and honored that esteemed individuals were interested in and care about their academic choices.
“They walked around the campus with an element of pride,” Henderson said of the students’ reaction to the event.
For more information about CPS’ Freshman Connection program please log on to www.chooseyourfuture.org/freshman-connection
CSU is currently registering for the upcoming fall 2011 semester. For more information, please contact the Office of Admission at 773-995-2513 or log on to www.csu.edu
First Lady Announces Commitments to Expand Access to Healthy, Affordable Food
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in Global News
First Lady Michelle Obama recently announced nationwide commitments from major food retailers to open or expand more than 1,500 stores to help provide healthy, affordable food to millions of people in areas that do not currently have easy access to fresh, nutritious food.
Special from The White House:
At a recent White House event, First Lady Michelle Obama announced nationwide commitments from major food retailers to open or expand more than 1,500 stores to help provide healthy, affordable food to millions of people in areas that do not currently have easy access to fresh, nutritious food. Across the country, 23.5 million Americans – including 6.5 million children – live in underserved communities that do not have readily available fresh foods for reasonable prices.
One of the key pillars of the First Lady’s Let’s Move! initiative is to make access to quality, affordable food available so families can get the nutritious meals they need to stay healthy and fight childhood obesity. During the announcement, the First Lady spoke about the importance of ensuring parents have a choice when shopping for healthy food.
“We needed to confront this problem head on. Because we can give people all of the information and advice in the world about healthy eating and exercise. We can talk all we want about calorie counts and recipes and how to serve balanced meals. But if parents can’t buy the food they need to prepare those meals, if their only options for groceries are in the corner gas station or the local minimart, then all that is just talk… Instead, they should have fresh food retailers right in their communities -– places that sell healthy food at reasonable prices, so that they can feed their families in the way that they see fit, because when they have those choices, that can have a real, measurable impact on a family’s health, and we all know that. Studies have shown that people who live in communities with greater access to supermarkets eat more fresh fruits and vegetables, and they have lower rates of obesity.”
Hair Care Company Gives Back
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in Community Focus
by Thelma Sardin
Multicultural hair care company, Avlon Industries, Inc. is committed to giving back to underserved communities. The corporation has identified the link between the significance of serving devastated populations and those in need. As a result, Avlon has donated time, services and monetary assistance to programs that support women and children in disadvantaged areas.
Headquartered in west suburban Melrose Park, the company is well-known for its KeraCare products.
Avlon’s products are available in North America, South America, the Caribbean, Africa, Western Europe, and some Eastern European countries.
On June 25, Avlon presented a check for $1,500 to the Maywood Tennis Association for its Sponsor-A-Kid program, and on July 6, the company donated over $1,900 worth of KeraCare® products to provide free hair care services to seven women at the Amani House.
The Maywood Tennis Association (MTA) provides youth with opportunities to cultivate life skills through the game of tennis. The MTA exposes youth to a cadre of positive influences that will prepare them for a better future, according to a recent press release.
Amani House is a shelter for homeless women and children and is part of the Christian Community Health Center. The shelter is located in Chicago’s Auburn Gresham neighborhood.
Avlon researches ways they can become involved in serving underserved areas and use local organizations as a barometer for the service they provide.
“Community-based organizations tend to tailor their programs to the needs of the people living in a particular area, so it helps us understand in what capacity we are needed,” said Ned Washington, Avlon’s Director of Sales.
Washington described the importance of both MTA and Amani House and why Avlon decided to help the organizations.
“MTA uses tennis as a way to help children develop decision-making skills and life lessons. MTA also promotes and instills a healthier lifestyle for children to become active and healthy teens and adults. We believe these tools are invaluable and necessary, and are proud to support MTA’s mission,” he said.
The corporation was able to assist the seven women at Amani House through a partnership with the Faith Community of St. Sabina.
“We were introduced to the [partnership] with St. Sabina through a former hair Avlon technician. She was seeking a product donation to conduct hair care services for the women housed at the Amani House. We were immediately interested, and wanted to take it a step further by offering all of their resident’s products for future use. We are constantly looking for ways to provide basic essentials, such as shampoo and conditioner, for women who do not readily have access to them,” said Washington.
Teaming with St. Sabina, Avlon donated KeraCare®shampoos, conditioners and styling products for the stylists to cleanse/condition, blow dry and style each woman’s hair.
Avlon has philanthropic philosophy that guides its charitable endeavors.
“Our philanthropic philosophy is based on the belief that a successful organization has a responsibility to contribute to the well-being of their communities. Therefore, we seek to build and support relationships with local non-profit organizations that improve the quality of life for individuals and communities that surround us,” Washington said.
He added that Avlon’s role in the community is to “enhance and provide assistance to those in need by utilizing our resources….As multicultural hair care company, we believe all people should have a fighting chance.”
For additional information on Avlon Industries Inc. and its products log on to www.avlon.com.
Gerald Frazier, Sr.
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in Good Citizenship
According to Frazier, volunteering in the Black community is imperative. “There is so much work to be done in our communities to improve the quality of life...However, it is essential that we engage and embrace volunteerism to save our children from the negative culture that now permeates too many of our communities,” he said. (Photo Courtesy of Gerald Frazier, Sr.)
Occupation: Associate Director of Real Men Charities, Inc.
Why does he stand out?
Frazier first began volunteering over 35 years ago as a little league baseball coach.
Currently, he is the associate director of Real Men Charities, Inc. (RMC). RMC hosts the annual ‘Real Men Cook’ Father’s Day celebration. The mission of Real Men Charities, Inc. is to positively improve the way the world celebrates family and community by increasing the proportion of opportunities for committed and detached males to become involved, responsible, and committed fathers for the good of all communities, families and youth.
Frazier represents Real Men Charities a couple of times a week at meetings, cooking or doing healthy cooking demonstrations.
The father of six says although people are always on the move, volunteering does not have to be a chore. Moreover, Real Men Charities, Inc. is committed to creating opportunities for individuals to give back.
“…We are building a structure that anyone—males in particular—will have opportunities to volunteer in their community on a variety of issues. We must remind ourselves that these are our communities and it’s our responsibility—with the assistance of organizations and elected representatives—to keep them clean, safe and vibrant,” Frazier said.
Boyz II Men Celebrate 20th Anniversary With New CD
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in Entertainment
Boyz II Men brought their Motown-Philly harmonies to the masses when they made their debut with ``Cooleyhighharmony'' in 1991. Photo Momento Mori
NEW YORK (AP) -After 20 years, Boyz II Men haven’t reached the end of the road in their music career. In fact, the group is preparing to celebrate their milestone anniversary this fall with a new album, including reworked versions of their classic hits.
“Nothing too extreme or dramatic, but we’ve added a few things here and there,” says Shawn Stockman of their upcoming project.
Boyz II Men brought their Motown-Philly harmonies to the masses when they made their debut with “Cooleyhighharmony” in 1991; propelled by hits like “End of the Road” and “It’s So Hard to Say Goodbye to Yesterday,” the Philadelphia-based group’s first album sold more than 9 million copies. Their sophomore CD, “II,” sold 12 million copies.
Stockman says the group – which originally included Wanya Morris, Nathan Morris and Michael McCary – had no idea how huge their achievements were.
“We were so busy just working … we didn’t think too much about how it would impact the world, which is probably a good thing, because it kept us sharp and kept us focused, even to this present day,” he said. “Looking back, it’s a great thing. It’s hard to talk about it because it’s something that we think it’s a great milestone in our careers, but we’re still hungry, and we still feel like we have so much more to contribute, musically and otherwise.”
The group – which became a trio after McCary left – still records and performs regularly. Their last CD, 2009′s “Love,” had them performing standard love songs.
They have never replicated the sales, or the radio success, of those first two multimillion-selling albums. Still, Stockman says they haven’t stopped being successful.
“It wasn’t the kind of thing where we made flop albums, and someone got on drugs, and then all kind of craziness happened. The industry just changed, and tastes changed,” he said. “We didn’t fall off. … Time and how things have gone in the industry and in life, it kind of preserved us to be able to have some sort of success.”
The trio’s upcoming album, “Twenty,” will feature new songs and new renditions of some of their best-known work.
“We’ve always been true to our love songs, and the type of music that we do, we feel this type of music is timeless,” he said. “It’s our 20th anniversary, so we wanted to not only give our listeners something new, but our new listeners I guess an anthology.”
Stockman hopes the group will capture a younger generation, but also a few fans they may have lost along the way.
“We hope that those people that we’ve touched before, we’ll be able to touch again, because they haven’t gone anywhere, they’ve just grown up,” he said.
Nekesha Mumbi Moody
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New Law Protects ‘Good Samaritans’
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in Community Focus
Gov. Quinn recently signed legislation to help protect trained individuals who provide cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) to a person having a heart attack or suffering cardiac arrest. House Bill 1549 was an initiative of the American Red Cross and American Heart Association. (Photo Credit: American Red Cross Chicago)
by Thelma Sardin
In matters of life and death, correctly performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can save a person’s life. On July 18, Gov. Pat Quinn signed legislation (House Bill 1549) that would allow individuals to perform CPR on heart attack and cardiac arrest victims without having to worry about liability.
More than 300,000 people suffer sudden cardiac arrest in the U.S. every year. According to the American Heart Association, less than 8 percent of people who suffer cardiac arrest outside the hospital survive. CPR provided immediately after sudden cardiac arrest by a trained bystander can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival.
“Citizens who have been trained in CPR should not be reluctant to use their training to help another person in an emergency,” stated Quinn in a recent press release. “CPR saves lives, and we want those who are able, to step up and help their fellow citizens in a crisis without fear of a lawsuit. This law protects good Samaritans and will protect lives.”
The new law is effective immediately.
MayoClinic.com defines CPR is a lifesaving procedure that keeps oxygenated blood flowing to the brain and other vital organs until more definitive medical treatment can restore a normal heart rhythm.
According to the American Red Cross, one quarter of Americans say they have been in a situation where someone needed CPR.
Theresa Reese, Territory Aquatic Specialist and CPR Instructor for the American Red Cross recently spoke to the Citizen about the importance of CPR and more.
Reese says it is good for people to know CPR if an emergency arises.
“[It’s good to know CPR,] just in case if there is any type of emergency. It’s very important to have a very quick response time.”
In cases of heart attack and cardiac arrest each fraction of time counts. Reese says the quicker the procedure is done, a victim’s risk survival rate increases.
The Red Cross offers classes for CPR training and certification nationwide; however, the classes are not free and prices vary.
“…We offer community service classes on a regular basis. We have centers that offer these classes. It does cost and it varies in range upon what you take. We have [classes] that start around $70 and then go all the way up to $90-$95,” said Reese.
The Red Cross played a significant role in getting HB 1549 signed into law, according to Reese.
“The American Red Cross had a huge role in regards to getting the Good Samaritan law passed through. We had our people talking with Governor Quinn and trying to get the [law] passed …along with doctors in the community and some other organizations.”
Reese added it ‘s important for people not to be afraid to perform CPR because of the fear of liability.
“…It’s very important that everybody is able to and not afraid of performing these skills.”
In addition, she said the law allows trained individuals to respond without hesitation in case of an emergency.
“The quicker you respond to somebody…for every minute you perform CPR …you increase the level of survival by 10 percent.”
The American Heart Association does not have a minimum age requirement for people to learn CPR. The organization states on its website that the ability to perform CPR is based more on body strength rather than age.
Studies have shown that children as young as 9 years old can learn and retain CPR skills.
House Bill 1549, sponsored by Rep. Jil Tracy (R-Quincy) and Sen. A.J. Wilhelmi (D-Joilet), was an initiative of the American Red Cross and supported by the American Heart Association.
To find CPR classes in your area log on to www.redcross.org/cpr or www.heart.org/cpr
HOROSCOPES: JULY 21 -27, 2011
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in Horoscope
ARIES
If you feel blessed this week, don’t be surprised. With last week’s soul vibration you were able to see a wonderful truth about yourself. Did you look? If you did then this week that truth will shine in everything you do.
Soul Affirmation: The earthiness of my being reflects the sunshine of my soul.
Lucky Numbers: 8, 10, 47
TAURUS
You may feel a bit frustrated that some of the miscellaneous items from your “to do” list reappear for this week. Chill. Find ways to exert excess stress positively. Everything you need to get done will be done. You’ve got what it takes! Continue to shine!
Soul Affirmation: Another day in which to rejoice is upon me. ah-h-h-h-h!
Lucky Numbers: 3, 4, 14
GEMINI
The sincere emotions that should have flowed through you last week will begin to glow more brightly this week. No matter what the emotions were, you can find the good in them this week. If you have to search deeply, do so. The good is there in abundance this week.
Soul Affirmation: My emotions provide me a pathway into the sunshine of my being.
Lucky Numbers: 5, 9, 17
CANCER
Energy is higher than it was last week. You might feel like the sunshine inside yourself provides blinding light. Walk into it. There are no dangers. Put dark glasses on your soul vibrations and be cool. This day is too light, too bright.
Soul Affirmation: I love myself when I am laughing!
Lucky Numbers: 12, 33, 42
LEO
You might get negative answers to an important question this week so you should have a backup plan. And you should know that in the long run it is better that the answer was not yes. Be daring! Make efforts to move beyond your comfort zone. You’ll be glad you did.
Soul Affirmation: I will ask joy to marry me.
Lucky Numbers: 19, 22, 36
VIRGO
Don’t waste your shine on solitude. Get out and let other people see it this week. The cheerfulness that should have come into your life last week is looking for places to express. Find them. Your winning ways can win big this week.
Soul Affirmation: People love me, yes they do.
Lucky Numbers: 1, 2, 4
LIBRA
You like to shine. Everyone might not know it but you like to be a little superficial and playful. That side of your soul vibration is pleading for expression this week. Listen to the plea. Give it a chance but be careful of the sensitive feelings of those who experience you in another way.
Soul Affirmation: Light from my soul shines in many directions.
Lucky Numbers: 25, 40, 55
SCORPIO
Some say optimism is fantasy. Suppose the good thing you’re optimistic about never comes. This week you’ll know that the joy of anticipating it is joy enough. Just the certainty of coming goodness is present goodness. The joy of tomorrow is available this week.
Soul Affirmation: The certainty of coming goodness is goodness.
Lucky Numbers: 26, 21, 30
SAGITTARIUS
The joy that you get from good results can make you a hero this week. Others will easily see how valuable your soul vibration is to them. It will be easy for them to see why they are glad they know you. Feel pride in your ability to move towards distant goals.
Soul Affirmation: The sunlight of my spirit shines in the land beyond the horizon.
Lucky Numbers: 14, 31, 44
CAPRICORN
Did you enjoy what flowed in last week? Tell someone about it. Sure you like to gossip. So what. Enjoy going over in conversation what you enjoyed in consciousness last week. Did you make the consciousness into reality? You could have. You still can.
Soul Affirmation: Things are as I know them to be.
Lucky Numbers: 33, 43, 53
AQUARIUS
Well enough of being satisfied and being still and letting the wealth inside yourself be your joy. Spend some of that wealth. Get into your real bank account. Use some hard cash and buy something to make you look as good as you feel.
Soul Affirmation: Jewelry reflects the beauty of my feelings about myself.
Lucky Numbers: 18, 35, 50
PISCES
You find that waiting pays off, doesn’t it. Now is a better time to charge ahead. Good communication is favored. You’ll be more convincing. Others are more eager to work with you. Love is easier. Business is easier. People give approval in ways that they would not have last week.
Soul Affirmation: A day of rejoicing is upon me. I celebrate.
Lucky Numbers: 5, 23, 30
Chief Judge Evans’ Appointments Go Into Effect
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in Uncategorized
Court of Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans recently announced he has appointed Circuit Judge Grace G. Dickler, who had been serving as the Presiding Judge overseeing the recently established Domestic Violence Division, as Presiding Judge of the court’s Domestic Relations Division. At the same time, Evans also announced he has appointed Circuit Judge Sebastian T. Patti, a former supervising judge of the First Municipal District’s Housing Section and Appellate Court justice, to succeed Judge Dickler as Presiding Judge of the Domestic Violence Division.
Evans said, “Before I asked her to lead the new division dedicated to domestic violence last year, Grace Dickler had amassed almost two decades of experience as a judge in the Domestic Relations Division; only one other judge of those judges currently assigned to that division of the court has served there longer.” He continued, “Judge Dickler also has first-hand experience with the Domestic Relations Division system wide, having first served in the Richard J. Daley Center and later in the suburban Second Municipal District in Skokie. The depth and range of her experience and perspective, in addition to her practical wisdom and administrative skills, make Grace Dickler an ideal choice to now head the Domestic Relations Division.” Evans also acknowledged Judge Dickler’s considerable progress in helping the court to provide both victims and perpetrators of domestic violence with court based services that seek to end the cycle of violence.
Recently added services include much expanded free legal representation for victims without lawyers and the development of a questionnaire to assist in the on-site assessment of the needs of victims entering the courthouse. Criminal defendants are now also required to appear in court more frequently to ensure they are complying with court orders. In announcing his appointment of Judge Sebastian T. Patti to succeed Judge Dickler as the Presiding Judge of the Domestic Violence Division, Evans added, “Judge Patti has been blazing trails in the Circuit Court since he became a circuit judge in 1995. He served a decade as the effective and respected supervising judge of the high profile Housing Section of the First Municipal District, and most recently, he was selected by the Illinois Supreme Court to serve as a Justice for the Appellate Court of Illinois, First District.” Evans further, “Sebastian Patti is an individual of great ability, intelligence and integrity, and I have the utmost confidence that the Domestic Violence Division will benefit under his direction.”
The appointments went into effect July 18.
Evans established the Domestic Violence Division in 2010 to improve processing of civil and criminal domestic violence matters by combining them in a single court division and to better coordinate the delivery of court and community-based services to all those involved in domestic violence disputes. The Circuit Court’s Domestic Relations Division hears matters concerning dissolution of marriage and civil union, as well as issues involving child custody and visitation, parentage and child support.
Legal Forms Help Library Patrons ‘Take The Law Into Their Own Hands’
Posted on 26. Jul, 2011 by citizen in Uncategorized
Gale, part of Cengage Learning and a leading publisher of research and reference resources for libraries, schools and businesses, recently announced new updates to Gale LegalForms, its online legal resource designed to help public library patrons, law students and practicing lawyers create accurate and reliable legal documents.
All LegalForms products now include the Law Digest module, which contains law summaries for each state as well as a detailed, yet easy-to-understand, legal question and answer (Q&A) section. Enhancements have also been made to the user interface, making the resource easier to navigate.
“The updated Gale LegalForms product is delivering real-world legal information to customers in usable and customizable formats. The new features are providing additional value to our customers with the specific intent of simplifying the understanding of common law transactions and the forms used to represent them,” said Gerald Sawchuk, publisher, public library solutions, Gale. “Gale LegalForms is now even easier to use with summaries of the major laws in language everyone can understand.”
Gale LegalForms offers an easy-to-use, state-by-state and step-by-step approach to addressing basic legal matters, such as developing a will, conducting real estate transactions including rental or lease agreements, and more. Users have access to thousands of customizable online legal documents that are available anytime from any place. Many of the forms can be used across all 50 states, while the resource also includes forms unique to each particular state. Coupled with the straightforward interface, users avoid hours of research often required to develop legal documents. Users can simply locate the appropriate form that’s needed by using the homepage links, download the form and plug in their information.
Gale LegalForms now also includes a Law Digest module which contains access to a collection of case law summaries for all 50 states that can be used for research. Within each Law Digest, entry users can find additional resources, including government organizations and their contact information, a bibliography for further research, and links to related subjects. The Legal Q&A section also houses a collection of real attorney-provided legal answers to questions from everyday people.
For more information, please visit http://www.gale.cengage.com/LegalForms/.
