Mothers Grieve Slain Children, Pray For Peace
Posted on 17. May, 2012 by citizen in Local News
Mothers of slain Chicago area youth and young adults were led in prayer Sunday by Rev. Michael Pfleger of St. Sabina. The mothers gathered outside the Catholic church in the Auburn-Gresham community on Mother's Day morning to remember their children and called for an end to gun violence. Photo by Rhonda Gillespie
Several mothers gathered Sunday at a memorial wall outside of St. Sabina Catholic church in the Auburn-Gresham community clutching photos of their slain children and holding on to memories of them at a Mother’s Day commemoration that called on communities to stop harboring criminals.
The mothers spoke briefly before Rev. Michael Pfleger, pastor of St. Sabina, led them on a short anti-violence march near the church.
“I just want to tell the mother’s whose children are alive, hold them tight and kiss them often,” a tearful Yvette Leyva said. She is still grieving the loss of her son Cordea Leyva.
Mary Long said the pain of losing a child, especially to violence, is “overbearing.” She lost her son Eric Williams in March when he was shot to death after leaving a fast food restaurant.
“My hope is that everyone can hear our cry,” Long said. “We need everyone to help us address this issue” of rampant violence.
Marsha Lee’s son was gunned down in south suburban Harvey. She made an appeal to President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama to put more emphasis on gun violence. She said the first lady should be as outspoken on that issue as she is on healthy eating and fitness.
“It does no good for (our children) to eat healthy when they can’t walk the street,” Lee said.
In remembrance of their late children, each of the mothers at the memorial vigil released a pink balloon with their child’s name on in it. Pfleger closed the memorial by praying with the mothers.
By Rhonda Gillespie
Two Years Later: Carolyn Wortham Remembers Fallen Son
Posted on 17. May, 2012 by citizen in Chatham, Local News
worthamfamily.jpg Carolyn Wortham (left) pictured with son Officer Thomas Wortham IV (right), daughter Sandra Wortham (center) and husband Thomas Wortham III in 2009. (Photo Courtesy of The Wortham Family.
This Saturday marks the two year anniversary of the shooting death of Officer Thomas Wortham IV. He was gunned down in front of his parents’ home in the Chatham neighborhood on the night of May 19, 2010 after an attempted robbery.
Ofc. Wortham served the Chicago Police Department for nearly three years and worked in the Englewood community’s 7th District. He had recently returned home from his second tour of duty in Iraq while serving with the Wisconsin Army National Guard.
Affectionately called “Tommy” by those who knew him best, Wortham’s slaying was another gripping reminder of the crime that stifles Chicago’s neighborhoods.
Carolyn Wortham recently told the Chicago Citizen that her son always wanted a career in public service. He was also an ardent community advocate.
Ofc. Wortham did not like the direction his childhood community was headed, according to his mother and wanted to help restore the neighborhood to its glory days. He wanted kids to enjoy the Chatham he and his sister loved as children.
Wortham and his sister, Sandra, grew up during Chatham’s height as an African-American mecca for middle class families.
Their parents, Thomas Wortham III is a Chicago police retired sergeant and Mrs. Wortham is an retired educator.
Ofc. Wortham mentored at a local school when his work scheduled allowed and at the time of his murder he had begun working with a youth ministry for young men at the family’s church, Trinity United Church of Christ.
However, among Ofc. Wortham’s greatest community efforts was working to restore Cole Park, a place he explored and enjoyed as a child.
“There were so many things about that park that he did not like,” Mrs. Wortham told the Chicago Citizen. “He began attending Cole Park Advisory Council meetings and then eventually became its president.”
Prior to his death, Ofc. Wortham had been traveling which included a visit to an annual police memorial in Washington, D.C. to commemorate the lives of officers killed in the line of duty. He had also run a race and wore the star number of Alex Valadez, a very good friend and fallen officer on his back.
On, the night of Wortham’s murder, he was at his parent’s home enthusiastically showing them pictures from his travels.
“He had dinner with us and was on his way home,” Mrs. Wortham said holding back tears. “We had a really nice conversation and night together.”
Before walking out of his parents’ home, Mrs. Wortham said her son turned to his father and said “Dad, I had the time of my life last week.”
After that, her husband walked their son to the door, something they always do when their children leave the house.
Moments later she heard her husband yell, “Call the police, they’re trying to rob him.”
During the scuffle, Ofc. Wortham was fatally wounded by a gunshot to the abdomen.
Mr. Wortham, a retired Chicago police sergeant, witnessed the shooting and exchanged shots with the suspects. One was killed; another was seriously wounded while the two remaining males fled in a vehicle. All three surviving suspects have been charged with first-degree murder and are awaiting trial.
Mrs. Wortham says that her family is hopeful the trial will not take “too long” and that those responsible for her son’s death will pay for what they’ve done.
Ofc. Wortham would want to be remembered as someone who loved to have fun and always tried to do the right thing, his mother told the Chicago Citizen.
“What he wanted ultimately is for all kids to enjoy the same childhood that he and his sister did,” she said.
After Wortham’s death, the Chicago Park District informed the family they were interested in honoring his life.
“They offered to build a new play lot and they (asked) our family be instrumental in picking out the equipment,” Mrs. Wortham said. “They did a fantastic job in terms of landscaping and making it a calm, peaceful place where people can come and bring their children.”
Residents are also happy about the playground renovation.
“The community response to the playground has been phenomenal,” Mrs. Wortham said. “Children love it. In fact, I see them go over there on cold days with their coats on, so they can go and play. I am very pleased with what the park district has done with the play lot, in terms of providing a safe, peaceful place for the kids to play and have fun.”
“Thomas lived a really good life,” Sandra Wortham said last October during the Cole Park playground dedication. “He turned down corporate jobs, waiting to hear back from the Chicago Police Department. He worked to make the world what God intended.”
By Thelma Sardin
Twitter: @ thelmasardin
NATO Expected to Disrupt ‘Business as Usual’
Posted on 16. May, 2012 by citizen in Hyde Park, Local News
The Chicago Transit Authority buses that service the area near McCormick Place will be rerouted during the NATO summit. For more information on the city’s hosting of the NATO summit, street closures, as well as Metra and CTA detours, log on to www.thechicagocitizen.com.
The city of Chicago is days away from hosting the 2012 North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), a first for an American city outside of Washington, D.C.
A recent NATO Summit impact study by Chicago-based accounting and consulting firm Deloitte estimated that the city would reap $3 million in tax revenue and, in total, $128.2 million when all services – including hotel stays and restaurant tabs – are factored in.
Mayor Rahm Emanuel has publicly expressed how pleased he is about hosting the summit and said the city would “reap the benefit” of the money and exposure that is expected to pour in.
But as the city repaves streets, shores up security and issues alerts about such city services as bus and train reroutes and road closures, some businesses and residents in immediate proximity to McCormick Place – where the summit will take place – are fretting over the impact.
Rev. James Moody Sr. and his flock at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. church, 2401 S. Wabash, will be worshipping at an alternate location Sunday. An administrative assistant at the church told the Chicago Citizen that the pastor was concerned about traffic congestion, nearby road closures and limited access, as well as other logistical challenges that are expected to arise as part of the May 20-21 event.
“We are right in the middle of all of this,” said the worker who identified herself only as Lydia. “There will be a traffic situation, parking will be monstrous and our people will not be able to get here conveniently and park conveniently.”
Mercy Hospital is located a few steps southeast of the church. A spokeswoman for the hospital said that it would business as usual there.
“We’re going to continue to run our business as usual. We know the closures … so what we’re doing is posting information around the hospital to let people know how to be able to enter Mercy during that time,” said Connie Murphy, Mercy’s vice president of marketing and public relations.
She added that the hospital doesn’t anticipate ambulance accessibility, visiting hours and other such services to be impacted.
Victor Ibitoye wishes he could say the same. The general manager of the McDonald’s located one block east of the hospital, at 2525 S. King Drive, and a stone’s throw from the McCormick Center, said he is hoping that the financial impact of having to close his restaurant’s drive-thru would be minimal.
He said the drive-thru would be closed Saturday through Monday, per the Secret Service, and the restaurant will only offer walk-in service.
“We are looking on the bright side. Probably we’ll have more people walk up,” the manager said.
But Daisy Bowers doesn’t seem so optimistic. Although Wabash Avenue won’t be closed near her Ultimate Hair salon at 2109 S. Wabash, she is sure that the parking restrictions, bus reroutes and other traffic havoc will not bode well for her business.
“It’s going to impact my business tremendously,” she said. She expects thousands of people to be “walking the streets” near her hair salon but not necessarily filing in for beauty services.
Bowers said she has not decided if she’ll remain open during the weekend of the summit’s start.
At a nearby day care center, parents were warned of the street closures and other security issues related to the summit. Staff at Loop Learning Center, 2100 S. Michigan, have not announced that the child care program would be closed but they have posted alerts and other information about the summit to help parents consider the impact.
“It’s going to be a nightmare,” said the day care center’s Carolyn Walker.
Nearby public schools will be in session, as regularly scheduled, according to Chicago Public Schools spokeswoman Marielle Sainvilus. Dunbar Career Academy high school, 3000 S. King Drive, and John B. Drake Elementary School, 2722 S. King Drive, are less than a mile away from the site of summit.
“We’ve been in meetings with CPD (Chicago Police Department) and CTA trying to work out plans to see how we can get our students to school on as much time as possible. We’re letting parents know that for that Monday they have to give themselves extra time to get their kids to school,” Sainvilius said. “We’re not anticipating anything happening … and we don’t feel our schools are at risk.
Add to that, the Chicago Transit Authority buses that service the area near the church and McCormick Place will be rerouted during the summit. The No. 1 Indiana/Hyde Park, 3 King Drive, 4 Cottage Grove , 6 Jackson Park Express, 14 Jeffery Express, 21 Cermak, and 35 35th Street buses are among the routes impacted by the summit.
Metra announced that service would be interrupted on its Electric Line — which runs from downtown, right past McCormick Place, out to the South Side, south suburbs and Indiana. Trains will not stop at McCormick place during the summit.
Expect delays, road closures, various public transportation reroutes and special changes, and other alternate plans as part of security measures surrounding the NATO summit May 20-21 at McCormick Place. Below is a list of links to city agencies to refer to for more information.
NATO Chicago Host Committee: www.chicagonato.org
Office of Emergency Management and Communication (OEMC): www.notifychicago.org .
Chicago Police Department: https://portal_chicagopolice.org/portal/page/portal/ClearPath
Chicago Transit Authority: www.TransitChicago.com
Metra: www.metrarail.com
Illinois Department of Transportation: www.travelmidwest.com
Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District: http://www.NICTD.com
U.S. Secret Service: http://www.secretservice.gov
By Rhonda Gillespie
Chicago Citizen Mourns the Loss of Paul Davis
Posted on 16. May, 2012 by citizen in Local News
Paul Davis, former Chicago Citizen Managing Editor died of prostate cancer May 9. He was 54 years old.
The Chicago Citizen Newspaper Group mourns the loss of Paul Davis, one of its own home grown former employees, who once served as the newspaper’s managing editor. Davis, who began his journey with the Chicago Citizen in 1980 when he was just 23 years old, succumbed to prostate cancer on May 9 after a courageous battle with the disease.
William Garth, CEO of the Chicago Citizen said………
Davis cut his teeth as a reporter for the Chicago Citizen during the 1980’s in the midst of a turbulent political climate in Chicago. He had just graduated from college and found himself quickly immersed in city politics covering the momentum gaining for then Chicago mayoral hopeful Harold Washington.
In 1982, Davis’ impressive reporting skills caught Washington’s eye and the congressman offered Davis a job as his congressional press secretary. Davis joined Washington’s team months before he decided to run for mayor of Chicago. Once situated in City Hall, Washington brought Davis into the fold as a Department of Streets and Sanitation administrator.
In 1996, Davis returned to the Chicago Citizen as managing editor for two years before branching off into public relations and political campaign management.
Dorothy Brown, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County remembered Davis in a statement. He once served as Brown’s campaign manager.
“I was deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Paul Davis,” Brown said. My deepest sympathy and prayers go out to his family. Paul was a professional; his contributions to the community will be missed.”
Wynona Redmond, president of the National Black Public Relations Society and a colleague and friend of Davis reminisced on the good times they shared.
“Paul had a big heart even though he was a big jokester and one of my favorite people to argue with and debate,” she said.
David Rudd, president of Black Public Relations Society of Chicago remembers Davis as a “strong advocate for his community.”
“Paul stayed close to and understood Chicago’s black community at a local level, be it as a political consultant, a journalist or one who opened doors of opportunity for those in public relations,” said Rudd. “He was about results, and I truly respected his efforts. I was proud to call him a colleague.”
Davis was the immediate past president of Black Public Relations Society of Chicago.
Rep. Constance Howard (D-34) also reflected on Davis and his many contributions.
“Those of us who knew Paul Davis, greatly, admired him for his hard work, intelligence, and dedication to improving the quality of life for his family, neighbors and community,” Howard said in a statement. “I was always impressed with the manner in which he set about achieving objectives in media, public relations, and electoral political endeavors. One of our ‘best and brightest’ has left us too soon. His energy and enthusiasm will be sorely missed by many.”
Memorial services for Paul Davis will be held Saturday, May 19, 11:00 a.m. at Stony Island Church of Christ, 1600 E. 84th St.
Davis is survived by his mother, Shirley; two brothers, Michael and Glenn; and a sister, Lynn. He was 54 years old.
By Thelma Sardin
Dawoud Bey: Picturing People
Posted on 16. May, 2012 by citizen in Around Town
Image: Dawoud Bey - Rudy Nimocks and Lindsay Atnip, Hyde Park, Chicago, 2012
Since 1975, Chicago-based photographer Dawoud Bey has developed a body of work distinguished for its commitment to portraiture as means for understanding contemporary social circumstances. Ranging from chance street encounters to studio portraits, Bey has investigated a range of methods to find increased engagement with his subjects, and the resulting candor and expression such images convey. The Renaissance Society is pleased to present a career survey of Bey’s work, including a new chapter of Strangers/Community featuring portraits of individuals from Hyde Park, Chicago, home to both the University of Chicago and the artist. The exhibition will be accompanied by a catalogue including new scholarly essays, and is being slated to travel.
Date: May 16, 2012
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Location: Renaissance Society Bergman Gallery (Cobb Hall 418), 5811 S. Ellis Avenue, Chicago
Cost: Free
Contact: (773) 702-8670
Info: renaissancesociety.org
ART SEE
Image: gallerykh.com
ART SEE – a brand new signature event hosted by Urban Gateways New Arts Forum – promises to be a sophisticated, entertaining event that is sure to attract 200+ of Chicago’s most prominent up and coming corporate and civic leaders. The evening’s entertainment includes special performances by spoken word artists as well as well as live music throughout the night at GalleryKH. Great raffle items will be available from Local Businesses!
This amazing evening in support of arts education in Chicago will feature:
• a complimentary wine reception, Goose Island beer and hors d’oeuvres,
• an exclusive tour of the abstract art group exhibit at KHGallery,
• live entertainment by Urban Gateways literary and spoken word artists,
• an exciting silent auction and raffle featuring artwork from local artists and much more!
Date:, May 17, 2012
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
Location: GalleryKH, 311 W. Superior St, Chicago
Cost: $25; Advance, $20
Info: urbangateways.org/artsee
4th annual Dangerous Curves Ahead Charity Fashion Show & Women’s Expo!
Image: dangerouscurvesahead.org
Dangerous Curves Ahead (DCA) is A-line Style Services’ annual charity event that fights homelessness with fashion while embodying the beauty in all women. Guest will enjoy a night of nibbles, cocktails, shopping, fashion and music. DCA is unlike any other event in Chicago.
Date: May 19, 2012
Time: 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Zhou B. Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St, Chicago
Cost: $25; VIP, $45,
Contact: dangerouscurvesahead.org
Info: dca2012.eventbrite.com
Diamonds in Our Own Back Yard f/ Sharon Lewis and Texas Fire
Sharon Lewis & Texas Fire play fiery and dynamic modern blues. Lewis’ style is fresh and contemporary, while building from a solid foundation of standard Delta, Texas and Chicago blues forms. Her music also incorporates elements of rock, jazz and gospel. Hear why Sharon is one of Chicago’s brightest rising stars.
Date: May 20, 2012
Time: 6:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Location: Old Town School of Folk Music, (Myron R. Szold Music & Dance Hall), 4545 N. Lincoln, Chicago
Cost: $15
Contact: (773) 728-6000
Info: oldtownschool.org
Homewood Fire Department Blood Drive
Help out in the Firefighter Blood Donor Challenge. All participating donors will receive a free T-shirt. To prepare for the blood drive, participants should eat well, stay hydrated and bring an identification card. Proper identification is required to donate blood. Appointments are recommended. To schedule your appointment, please call LifeSource at 877-543-3768.
Date: May 19, 2012
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Location: Village of Homewood Fire House, 17950 Dixie Highway, Homewood, Ill.
Cost: Free
Info: www.lifesource.org
Reflections of Motherhood
Posted on 16. May, 2012 by citizen in Local News, South End
Audrena Spence (center) is photographed with her family on her wedding day in 1996. (L to R) Audrena's brother (left), mother Lela McMillian, father, and sister. (Photo Courtesy of Audrena Spence)
For Audrena Spence, Mother’s Day and family gatherings are bittersweet. Spence lost her mother, Lela McMillan, in 2005 and says she still yearns for her mother’s wisdom.
Spence is the executive director of Metropolitan Family Services’ Calumet Center located in Roseland. She is a graduate of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School and earned a bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Social Work at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. A well-educated and accomplished woman, she hails from a heritage of service. Her mother was a well-known community organizer and Spence credits her career in social work to her mother’s activism.
“I strive to make her proud and hope that she knows everything that she has instilled in me wasn’t in vain,” Spence said.
Calling her mother a “loyal” person, Spence says her mom believed in the importance of helping family and also valued education. McMillian returned to school as an adult to complete a bachelor’s degree.
“As a young woman, my mother was instrumental in securing a plan for her family to move from Canton, Mississippi to Chicago for a better life,” Spence said. “My mother would literally give her last dollar to help someone and never worried about herself because of her Christian beliefs.”
Spence said she and her mother enjoyed many great times together.
Audrena Spence is pictured with her husband, William and children, William and Stephen. (Photo Courtesy of Audrena Spence)
“We disagreed, laughed and cried together,” she said. “My mother pushed me to strive for excellence and not accept mediocrity. She encouraged me to be determined, happy and make sound decisions. I look and act like my mother. I find myself doing the same things with my children my mother did with me. Most of all, I knew I was loved.”
The single most importance piece of advice Spence says she received from her mother is, “You only get one life – make it what you want it to be. You determine your path, future and story. You write your own story in life and determine the ending. ”
A wife and mother of two sons, William, 13 and Stephen, 11, Spence says it has been hard for her sons not having their “Grammy” around to provide love, homemade soup and cookies.
Spence believes she has a great relationship with her sons and she supplies them with “an overwhelming amount of love, nurturing and support.”
“I have open communication where my children are able to come to me – good or bad,” she said. “I’m very active in their lives; attend school functions, sporting events and other recreational activities.”
While she does has some concern for her children growing up in today’s world, Spence is comforted knowing she prays for them consistently.
“I pray that my boys grow up to be good African-American young men and that they make positive contributions in their community and the world,” she said.
Spence admits that she does see similarities in the way she raises her children and what her mother imparted in her.
“I was raised to live by example,” she said. “I teach my children to follow my example by being a positive role model for them. My mother was a great role model and made sacrifices for her children so we could attend private schools, college, dance classes, specialty camps and more.”
As mother of two young African American males, Spence is well-aware of the tragic circumstances that sometimes involve young Black men.
“My husband and I talk to our boys about making good decisions, positive life choices, and the reality of being Black in America,” she said adding that her children must understand the charge of a Black man.
“My boys know that their Blackness should not be used as a crutch, but a real understanding of their charge in life and life’s reality. Lastly as a mother, I pray the same prayer my mother said for her children, ‘Lord let me live until my children are old enough to take care of themselves.’”
By Thelma Sardin
Twitter: @thelmasardin
Dist. 205 Welcomes New Superintendent
Posted on 10. May, 2012 by citizen in Local News, South Suburban
John F. Thomas has been tapped as the new superintendent for Thornton Township High School District 205.
After the culmination of a nationwide search, John F. Thomas was appointed superintendent of Thornton Township High School District on April 18.
Thomas replaces Dr. Betheny Lyke, acting superintendent who took the helm of the district after Dr. J. Kamala Buckner resigned last June.
Thomas comes from the Chicago Public Schools (CPS) system equipped with over 20 years of experience.
Within CPS, Thomas held numerous leadership positions including, chief area officer, high school principal, principal services manager, and special needs administrator, according to information released by Thornton Township.
Thomas most recently served as an administrator at Carver Military Academy where he was previously appointed principal in 2004. Under his guidance, Carver’s academic performance improved and the school was removed from its academic probation status to good standing.
Thomas also has extensive experience overseeing multiple high schools.
In 2009, he was tapped as a chief area officer for CPS where he oversaw 13 high schools. Within this capacity, Thomas managed a combined budget of more than $100 million dollars.
He also designed a parent engagement system to increase parent and community involvement and led his team in moving four schools from level 3 probation status to a level 2 performance of good standing.
Thomas also enhanced morale at the schools’ resulting in a decrease in negative occurrences and surged student enrollment in advanced placement courses.
Moreover, in 2002, Thomas was named an Outstanding Leadership Award Semi-Finalist by the Chicago Principals and Administrators Association.
Thomas earned a bachelor’s degree in business management and a master’s degree in business administration from Alabama A&M University. He also holds a master’s degree in Urban Education from Concordia University and superintendent, chief school business official and general administrative certifications from the Illinois State Board of Education.
By Thelma Sardin
Chatham Business Association Empowers Members at Meeting
Posted on 10. May, 2012 by citizen in Chatham, Local News
John Paul Jones, community organizer for Developing Communities Project, Inc. stopped by the CBA meeting to create awareness of the possible benefits surrounding the CTA Red Line Extension. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)
Contracting opportunities and transit reform was the theme of the Chatham Business Association’s (CBA) May meeting on Tuesday. The entrepreneurial organization hosted several keynote speakers to discuss the importance of transit reform, contract procurement for minority businesses and community development.
John Paul Jones, community organizer for the Developing Communities Project (DCP) informed the CBA of transportation and capital spending underway in Chicago, specifically, the $6 billion CTA Red Line Modernization and Red Line Extension Project.
According to the CTA’s website, the proposed 5.3-mile Red Line extension would include three new intermediate stops near 103rd, 111th, and 115th streets, as well as a new terminal station in the vicinity of 130th Street. Each new stop would include bus and parking facilities.
Jones sees this as an exciting time for entrepreneurs to be a part of expansion decision making. The community organizer told the Chicago Citizen that “now” is the time for business owners to “prepare themselves to participate in the contract opportunities and land use decision making processes.”
Land usage around the Red Line extension is a major concern of Jones and he’s focused on empowering residents and businesses to voice their ideas about quality development around the project.
Jones says he’s interested in creating density around the train stations, “…more people, more buying power,” he said.
Rev. Larry S. Bullock, president/founder of the Suburban Minority Contractors Association used the CBA meeting to announce a new partnership with the organization. (Photo by Thelma Sardin)
The Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMP), DCP and Loyola University’s Center for Urban Research & Learning are partnering to start a campaign to survey how the extension and new stations can be beneficial to the neighborhoods it will serve.
CBA officials are also busy working on supplying more construction opportunities for its members.
Rev. Larry S. Bullock, president/founder of Suburban Minority Contractors Association (SMCA) announced a new “strategic alliance” with the CBA.
SMCA is a 17 year old advocacy agency that was worked with a host of local government bodies and entities including the city of Chicago and Cook County.
Bullock told the Chicago Citizen he was asked to help the CBA grow its capacity in construction at the beckon of Melinda Kelly, CBA executive director.
Bullock said SMCA’s board agreed to establish the partnership with CBA. As a result, Kelly will serve on SMCA’s board and Bullock will serve on the CBA’s board. Bullock said this cohesive network will allow both organizations to have “open communication and dialogue” so they can monitor opportunities together.
By Thelma Sardin
Twitter: @thelmasardin
CPS Culinary Students Experience a Taste of NATO
Posted on 10. May, 2012 by citizen in Local News, South End
Corliss high school culinary program instructor Chef Lois Martin waits for feedback from Nowegian Chef Tommy Rikhard Raanti as he tastes the potato salad her Corliss culinary students prepared for him as part of the Chicago's Culinary Crossroads event held May 2 at Neil F. Simeon Academy high school. The event was part of the Illinois Restaurant Association's tribute to nations that will be represented at the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago. Photo by Rhonda Gillespie
Chicago Public Schools culinary students representing five schools participated in an event May 2 that many of them say they will never forget.
As the city prepares to host the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) summit later this month, the Illinois Restaurant Association (IRA) kicked off its Chicago’s Culinary Crossroads program and placed the students alongside international chefs for a special interactive event.
The panel discussion and cooking demonstration were held at Neil F. Simeon Career Academy, 8147 S. Vincennes, and included students from Dunbar, Harper, Corliss, Southside Occupational Academy and Simeon high schools. The chefs were from the United Kingdom, Toronto, Latvia, Italy and Norway, representing renowned restaurants in their respective countries.
Harper high school senior Tameka Ross got to ask Milan, Italy Chef Eros Picco about how American Italian food compared to Italy’s cuisine. The 18-year-old is headed to the Art Institute of Chicago next fall to study culinary arts.
Other students expressed how inspired they were by some of the chefs’ personal stories of starting out and advancing in the industry.
“You can all live beyond what you come from,” Chef David Colcombe of Birmingham, UK told the students. At first he looked forward to becoming a football player but became a chef when the pigskin career fell through.
A Harper high school culinary student looks on as Milan, Italy Chef Eros Picco samples the stuffed ravioli dish she and her team prepared for him as part of the Chicago's Culinary Crossroads event held May 2 at Neil F. Simeon Academy high school. The event was part of the Illinois Restaurant Association's tribute to nations that will be represented at the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago. Photo by Rhonda Gillespie
Several students said they found other chefs’ stories relatable to their own. Most of the chefs came from modest means. Some got into the culinary industry because of their upbringing and a couple of them explained they got into it on a fluke. But all of the chefs explained that they had to work hard to advance in the industry “from the bottom up.”
Students also received information on the international chefs’ homeland cuisine. From the panel discussion, the students learned from Chef Martins Ritins of Riga, Latvia that dill is used copiously in the Eastern European country’s cuisine. They also learned that fish is king in Norway.
After talking it was time for cooking in the Simeon kitchen.
Chef Lois Martin, culinary instructor at Corliss high school, said the event offered the young culinary students “very important” cultural exposure.
Simeon Career Academy high school seniors Annie Bryant, 18, and Anshaunti Hillery, 17, prepare bacon buns from scratch to present to Lativian Chef Martins Ritins as part of the Chicago's Culinary Crossroads event May 2 at the South Side school. The event was part of the Illinois Restaurant Association's tribute to nations that will be represented at the upcoming NATO summit in Chicago. Photo by Rhonda Gillespie
“They’re so accustomed to American food and those kinds of things and being exposed to different cultures and their cuisines, it really gives them (students) an edge,” she said. “It was really good for them; really good experience for them. And it really makes them want to explore even more and that’s what’s really important, ultimately.”
Her students prepared a Norwegian meal that included pork spare ribs, apple cole slaw and potato salad. Chef Tommy Rikhard Raanti of Stavanger, Norway was pleased with what the students prepared and offered them some advice and tweaks.
“I think they did very well, good research on what Norwiegan or Nordic food is. They came up with good results,” Raanti told the Chicago Citizen.
All of the culinary students got feedback on their dishes – and lots of compliments from the chefs. Chef Picco praised Harper students’ meal that included stuffed ravioli with spinach pasta made from scratch.
Overall all, the students were pleased to be a part of the culinary event, even though they were nervous about the dishes they prepared.
“I’m learning new things and it’s not just the same old Chicago food that I’ve had all my life,” said Anshaunti Hillery, who wants to be a pastry chef. The 17-year-old Simeon senior is headed to Washburn culinary school. “It’s a very eye-opening experience because I get to see different foods from different regions.”
Chicago’s Culinary Crossroads is a dine-around program that the IRA created as a tribute to the NATO nations that will converge on the city May 20-21. The international chefs are paired with local chefs during the time they’re here.
“Food is something that’s been within every country since the country’s birth basically. So, it’s important to maintain traditions and also take new traditions in,” said Raanti. “We have so many different cultures in every country now so it’s important to accept new culinary inputs and also use tradition.”
By Rhonda Gillespie
Osteoporosis: Why Black Women Should Be Concerned
Posted on 10. May, 2012 by citizen in Chatham, Local News
In the United States, Black women are more disproportionately disadvantaged than any other ethnic group to carry diseases that lead to osteoporosis, such as lupus.
While Osteoporosis is more common among Caucasian women, African American women should also be aware of and concerned about the illness.
The National Library of Medicine defines Osteoporosis as the thinning of bone tissue and loss of bone density over time. It is the most common type of bone disease and there aren’t any obvious symptoms in the early stages of the affliction.
According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation (NOF), five percent of Black women older than 50 are estimated to have osteoporosis.
In addition, NOF cites another 35 percent of women are estimated to have low bone mass, which means their bones are getting weaker but they don’t yet have osteoporosis.
In the United States, Black women are more disproportionately disadvantaged than any other ethnic group to carry diseases that lead to osteoporosis, such as lupus.
The NOF also cites that people with darker skin make less vitamin D from sunlight than those with lighter skin and this puts Blacks at an exceptionally high risk for not receiving enough vitamin D. In fact, research suggests that more than 40 percent of African American women under age 50 don’t get enough vitamin D.
MayoClinic.com cites that warning signs and symptoms include back pain, caused by a fractured or collapsed vertebra; loss of height over time; and a stooped posture.
Osteoporosis leads to an increase risk of bone fractures typically in the wrist, hip, and spine, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
The NOF reported on its website that about 70 percent of African Americans are lactose intolerant, which can make it difficult for them to get enough calcium. Moreover, many Black women do not consume enough vitamin D causing the body to have trouble absorbing calcium.
If you lactose intolerant, it’s important to eat calcium-rich foods and/or take multivitamins to ensure your body has a sufficient supply of calcium.
Regular exercise and moderating alcoholic beverages can also help prevent osteoporosis. Women should also ask their doctors about taking a bone density test.
By Thelma Sardin
Sources: National Osteoporosis Foundation and CDC
