our neighborhood times (ont)

12
By Christa Torres ONT Editor Announced back in December of 2011 by Governor Pat Quinn, ground that was once used for environmental dumping will be turned into the Millennium Reserve. The million- dollar project will cover more than 140,000 acres of land and will be showcased as the nation’s largest open space project. During Governor Quinn’s announcement, nearly $18 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! Program will be used to improve recreational facilities in the area. The state will also be partnering with the city of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and other groups on a number of projects that will help restore and conserve the Calumet area’s natural resources. “The investments we make in Chicago’s lake front, our river and our parks are an investment in our people, creating jobs, attracting tourism and enhancing our quality of life,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a press release to the city. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Quinn and Congressman Quigley, this project will open up a whole new horizon for our kids to play, to grow and to discover the incredible natural beauty of Illinois that is their right and inheritance.” The Millennium Reserve is a reflection of the Obama Administration with the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative in mind. It will bring together Federal, State, Local organizations and stakeholders together in a partnership that will build and expand work that is outlined in the Calumet Open Space Reserve Plan. With regard to the Calumet area, the Millennium Reserve will preserve approximately 4,000 acres of land and water that support large populations of water birds. Marshes and open lands will also be connected via hiking and biking trails “We are best known on the Southeast Side for our industrial history but we do have significant open space and wetlands,” said 10th Ward Alderman John A. Pope. CONTINUED INSIDE ON PAGE 5 ! 7 ! 7 ! 7 ! 7 ! 7 ! 7 k j Eden Place Sand Ridge Thorn Creek Pilcher Park Little Red Schoolhouse Grand Illinois Trail Lakefront Trail Rock Island Trail Major Taylor Trail Thorn Creek Trail Old Plank Road Trail November 18, 2011 Lake Michigan Illinois Indiana I & M Canal Trail I & M Canal Trail acial Trail Old Plank Road Trail Burnham Greenway Burnham Greenway Gap Tinley Creek Trail I & M Canal Trail Southern DuPage County Regional Trail Thorn Creek Trail Tinley Creek Trail Illinois - Michigan National Heritage Corridor Grand Illinois Trail Pullman State Historic Site American Discovery Trail State of Illinois Illinois Department of Natural Resources Millennium Reserve: ! 7 Nature Centers Trails Existing Planned Grand Illinois Trail Millenniun Reserve Lands Publicly Owned/Managed Green Space Millennium Reserve Project Zones Core Boundary Expansion Zone Calumet Core Project Area and Expansion Area February 9, 2012 Issue 02 / Vol.5 Promoting the voice of our Community HEGEWISCH, EAST SIDE, SOUTH CHICAGO, SLAG V ALLEY , V ETS PARK, SOUTH DEERING AND BUSH PRSRT STD ECRWSS U.S.POSTAGE PAID EDDM Retail *****************ECRWSS**** RESIDENTIAL CUSTOMER Southeast Side to Welcome Millennium Reserve www.facebook.com/ontnews Winter Coat Drive 2 In My Humble Opinion Page 9 The Gray Movie Review Page 11 Tony Garcia, Certified Public Accountant Income Tax Preparation Preparación de Impuestos Accounting Services Fast Refunds (773) 731-9303 10716 S Ewing Ave. Chicago, IL Deadline for TIF- Neighborhood Improvement Program Grant money is fast approaching Program Overview The Tax Increment Finance- Neighborhood Improvement Program (TIF-NIP) is a Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED). The program provides home repair grants for both single and multi-family residences. Grants are primarily for exterior repairs however; up to 30 percent of the grant may be used for interior repairs that are health and safety related. Grant amounts are based on the number of units per residence. You must be the owner-occupant of the residential property (1 to 4 dwelling units) in the South Chicago TIF district, which means you have to both own and live in the property as your principal residence. You must have property insurance and be current on your City of Chicago water bill and not have any unpaid City of Chicago parking tickets. CONTINUED INSIDE ON PAGE 9 Winter Coat Drive 2 was held on January 7, 2012 at Just Jim’s Bar and Grill. The coat drive was a project put together by two local community residents, Carlos Quiñones and Juan Huizar Jr. in association with Mix Masters and Miguel Colon. "Together we were able to collect over 250 coats for families in our community”, said Mr. Huizar. Our Lady of Guadalupe provided staff and many volunteers who helped at the event and helped to distribute the donated winter coats. “Thank you to those that donated winter coats, may God bless you all”

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Promoting the voice the community.

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Our Neighborhood Times (ONT)

By Christa TorresONT Editor

Announced back in December of 2011 by Governor Pat Quinn, ground that was once used for environmental dumping will be turned into the Millennium Reserve. The million-dollar project will cover more than 140,000 acres of land and will be showcased as the nation’s largest open space project. During Governor Quinn’s announcement, nearly $18 million from the Illinois Jobs Now! Program will be used to improve recreational facilities in the area. The state will also be partnering with the city of Chicago, the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County and other groups on a number of projects that will help restore and conserve the Calumet area’s natural resources. “The investments we make in Chicago’s lake front, our river and our parks are an investment in our people, creating jobs, attracting tourism and

enhancing our quality of life,” said Mayor Rahm Emanuel in a press release to the city. “Thanks to the leadership of Governor Quinn and Congressman Quigley, this project will open up a whole new horizon for our kids to play, to grow and to discover the incredible natural beauty of Illinois that is their right and inheritance.” The Millennium Reserve is a reflection of the Obama Administration with the America’s Great Outdoors Initiative in mind. It will bring together Federal, State, Local organizations and stakeholders together in a partnership that will build and expand work that is outlined in the Calumet Open Space Reserve Plan. With regard to the Calumet area, the Millennium Reserve will preserve approximately 4,000 acres of land and water that support large

populations of water birds. Marshes and open lands will also be connected via hiking and biking trails “We are best known on the Southeast Side for our industrial history but we do have significant open space and wetlands,” said 10th Ward Alderman John A. Pope.

CONTINUED INSIDE ON PAGE 5

!7

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Eden Place

Sand Ridge

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Grand Illinois Trail

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rail

Major Taylor Trail

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Old Plank Road Trail

November 18, 2011

0 1 2 3 4 5

Miles ´

LakeMichigan

Illin

ois

Indi

ana

I & M Canal Trail

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Tra

il

Wau

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ee G

laci

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rail

Old Plank Road Trail

Bu

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GapTinley

Creek

Trail

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RegionalTrail

Thorn Creek Trail

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orridor

Grand Illinois Trail

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State of IllinoisIllinois Department of Natural Resources

Millennium Reserve:

!7 Nature Centers

TrailsExisting

Planned

Grand Illinois Trail

Millenniun Reserve Lands

Publicly Owned/Managed Green Space

Millennium Reserve Project ZonesCore Boundary

Expansion Zone

Calumet Core Project Areaand Expansion Area

February 9, 2012 Issue 02 / Vol.5

Promoting the voice of our Community

HegewiscH, east side,soutH cHicago, slag Valley,Vets Park, soutH deering

and BusH

PRSRT STDECRWSS

U.S.POSTAGEPAID

EDDM Retail

*****************ECRWSS****

RESIDEnTIAl CUSTOMER

Southeast Side to Welcome Millennium Reserve

www.facebook.com/ontnews

Winter Coat Drive 2

In My Humble Opinion

Page 9

The GrayMovie Review

Page 11

Tony Garcia,Certified Public Accountant

• Income Tax Preparation • Preparación de Impuestos• Accounting Services • Fast Refunds

(773) 731-9303

10716 S Ewing Ave. Chicago, IL

Deadline for TIF-Neighborhood

Improvement Program Grant money is fast

approachingProgram Overview The Tax Increment Finance-Neighborhood Improvement Program (TIF-NIP) is a Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED). The program provides home repair grants for both single and multi-family residences. Grants are primarily for exterior repairs however; up to 30 percent of the grant may be used for interior repairs that are health and safety related. Grant amounts are based on the number of units per residence. You must be the owner-occupant of the residential property (1 to 4 dwelling units) in the South Chicago TIF district, which means you have to both own and live in the property as your principal residence. You must have property insurance and be current on your City of Chicago water bill and not have any unpaid City of Chicago parking tickets.

CONTINUED INSIDE ON PAGE 9

Winter Coat Drive 2 was held on January 7, 2012 at Just Jim’s Bar and Grill. The coat drive was a project put together by two local community residents, Carlos Quiñones and Juan Huizar Jr. in association with Mix Masters and Miguel Colon. "Together we were able to collect over 250 coats

for families in our community”, said Mr. Huizar. Our Lady of Guadalupe provided staff and many volunteers who helped at the event and helped to distribute the donated winter coats. “Thank you to those that donated winter coats, may God bless you all”

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Bulldog Brewing Co.1409 119th Street. Whiting, IN 46394

P: 219.655.5284 E: [email protected] Hours: M-Tr & Su: 11am - midnight F-Sa: 11am - 3am • Kitchen Hours: M-Su: 11am - 9pm

bulldogbrewingco.com

BULLDOG BREWING will have a band everySaturday in February, come on out and have a good time!!!

Every Monday is 1/2 price growler refillwith a purchase!!!

Feb. 4th from 9pm to 1am Acoustic Ninjas

Feb.5th SuperBowl Sunday FREE Foodcome watch the game with us!!!

Feb. 11th from 9pm to 1amDave and Lisa

Feb. 14th Valentines Day- Come in and try our Valentines day Specials!

Feb. 18th from 9pm to 1amAllen Wronko

Feb 25th from 9pm to 1am Nicole Jamrose

ASH WEDNESDAY- we will start with ourlenten specials. We will have a fish fry every Fri-day until the end of lent. Please come join us!!!

The Bulldog StoryWe have a higher standard for Ale.

There’s no assembly line here, just a hardworking brew master and his skilled comrades mastering the craft of our quality driven brew. When the whistle blows, it’s beer unleashed. Hidden in the shadows of Whit-ing’s historic industry, we are here to celebrate the blue-collar worker. Raising our mugs to neighbors and cherishing the values that founded small town America. We’re loyal to brewing good beer with rich flavor. Whether you’re here for dinner or just a little down time, we invite you to roll up your sleeves and pull up a seat. We’re proud to have you here.Good Beer. Crafted for hardworking people.

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LOCAL EVENTS

CONTENTS

Dan Lira, [email protected]

Sam Gomez, General [email protected]

Brian Grabinski, Art [email protected]

Christa Torres, [email protected]

Marisa Munoz, [email protected]

Abraham Carreon, [email protected]

Juan Quintana, [email protected]

Dimitrios Saranteas, [email protected]

P.O. BOx 170168CHICAGO IL. 60617

www.facebook.com/ontnews“Promoting the Voice of Our Community”

Our Neighborhood Times is published every other week.

Advertising Information Call: 773-616-1334

Around Town P3Senator Raoul P4Clip It Coupons P7Violence Awareness P 8

In My Humble Opinion P9Bowen Wrestling P 10 Annunciata Basketball P 11Movie Review P 11

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Only $129,9002 identical 2 bedroom units – one is rented & one is for the buyer: Updates include: roof, windows, flooring, cabinets, bathrooms, electric & more. Has appliances, basement, enclosed back porch, 55’ lot with big back yard & side drive. Great investment property too. Call today for a showing. 708-767-9894

Carol Ann SurufkaEvers Realty Group8626 Wicker AveSt. John, IN 46373708-767-9894219-365-0800 [email protected]

Ask about the Hammond Homebound Ownership program

130th and Torrence Project Update 130th Street from Torrence avenue west to the bridge will be reduced from two lanes, to one in each direction. Signs will be posted. The signals at 130th and Torrence will be re-timed. These changes will remain in effect until 2014. Torrence Ave south of 130th St will be closed to traffic starting the fall of 2012 until 2014. Alternate routes will include the Bishop Ford Expressway and Burnham Avenue.

The environmental wall along the east side of 130th St is to be completed by the fall of 2012. Police and fire officials have been notified of these actions.

For more information or questions please feel free to contact the 10th Ward Alderman John Pope's office at (773) 721-1999

The Southeast Side Environmental Task Force presents

“A Family Winter Walk”, Saturday February 11, 2012 at 1pm. Location: Eggers Grove, 11200 Ave E – End of parking lot. Join Linda, John and Kevin as they guide you on a short hike exploring Eggars Grove. You’ll learn about trees, animal habitats, historical facts and fun things to do in the woods. Kids can run, skip or walk their way along the trail. The event is for all ages and all children must be accompanied by an adult. The walk will be followed by hot chocolate and cookies at the SETF office located at 13300 Baltimore Ave. Call SETF at (773) 646-0436 for more information.

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4735 135th St. Crestwood, IL 60445

(708) 371-7200

As we begin 2012, it’s only fair that we reflect on 2011 and the progress we’ve made. Last year, as I traveled the district I noted

that for some the holiday season is one filled with grief, sorrow, and loneliness because they’ve undeservingly lost a loved one due to Illinois’ failed death penalty experiment. While I can’t change the past, I remain humble and proud that my legislation to permanently end the death penalty in Illinois has since been signed into law. This historical achievement is paving the way for other states to follow Illinois’ lead and ban the practice as well. It’s my hope that one day our entire country will join the rest of the civilized world and end state-sanctioned homicide. The death penalty abolition can’t be the end of our work to fight for the innocent in Illinois however. Our record

on the death penalty only highlights the holes in our criminal justice system and its alarming statistics on wrongful convictions. In an investigation of eighty-five cases, the Better Government Association reports that since 1976, innocent men and women served a total of 926 years for crimes they did not commit. These are only the cases where men or women have been exonerated. We can’t continue along this pattern and that’s why I’m partnering with the Better Government Association and taking aim at mandating practices that will minimize wrongful convictions. Recently, there’s been a lot of attention by the Chicago media about the hurdles and hiccups of the ward remap process. As Chairman of the Senate Redistricting Committee, I led an open process along with Rep. Currie to produce a state legislative map and congressional map which reflects the diversity of our state and has met the approval of the courts. By now, you’re probably aware of my disdain of how our friends in Chinatown were impacted by legislative boundaries that diluted their influence in legislative

elections and I’m happy to report that the community is now within one district which will allow them to influence the outcomes of future elections. This accomplishment wouldn’t have been possible if Representative Currie and I had not led the effort to pass the Illinois Voting Rights Act of 2011. unlike the gridlock we’re currently seeing in Washington, members on both sides of the aisle have begun to work together to address the problems at hand in Springfield. Together, we’ve implemented new work rules to help attract shows to McCormick place, passed a budget on a bi-partisan basis, put kids first with an education overhaul and I even received broad bi-partisan support on my legislation to reform workers compensation. Most recently, during the fall veto session, I partnered with Republican Leader Tom Cross to pass legislation to eliminate pension double dipping abuses committed by select union leaders that were not in the interest of rank and file members who’ve worked hard to earn their pensions. During

the veto session, we also increased the earned income tax credit to lessen the tax burden on the working poor. Without a doubt it’s been a productive year but it’s a testament to what we can do when we work together. These accomplishments shouldn’t be undervalued and I’m thankful for your support over the last year. I truly am honored to serve each of you and have the opportunity to fight for you in Springfield. As you know, getting things done in Springfield isn’t always easy but as I look back at our results it’s clear that the late nights and miles back and forth were definitely worth it. I hope that you’ve had a wonderful holiday filled with warmth and cheer and I look forward to continue working with each of you to get more done in 2012!

Sen. Kwame Raoul13th Legislative DistrictTwitter: @KwameRaoul

Senator Kwame Raoul’s Year in Review

Page 5: Our Neighborhood Times (ONT)

By Christa TorresONT Editor

CONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

“That’s what this project seeks to do. Maximize the relationship and the coexistence of marshes and wetlands, the industry and of course the residential community. The mayor and governor have put together this project and this program that allows for maximizing efforts, financial and interests by various parties to improve the entire community.” The Calumet Core phase of the Millennium Reserve will contain a number of projects including the Burnham Greenway Trail Gap – Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP), Park and Recreational Facility Construction, Indian Ridge Marsh – u.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago Park District projects, Forest Preserve District of Cook County and Calumet

Heritage Area Historic Trails. The Burnham Greenway Trail Gap – CMAP will connect the city of Chicago with the village of Burnham and other south suburbs. It will provide two bridges over the CSX Railroad and Grand Calumet River that is currently not connecting. Park and Recreational Facility Construction will support targeted investments in recreational and community infrastructure. The Indian Ridge Marsh is a 145-acre site that had originally been a marshy area along the shoreline of Lake Calumet. The major features of restoring the marsh will be to preserve the existing rookery for the endangered black-crowned night heron, improve the existing aquatics, while creating new habitation features. The Chicago Park District has also recently acquired more than 680 acres of open space that will be transitioned to preserve native landscape. Nearly 60 percent of the natural land

in the Millennium Reserve: Calumet Core area is owned by the Forest Preserve District of Cook County. The district plans to invest more than $4.5 million to improve on expansion, new trails, renovate historic buildings and improve parking and access to Cook County preserves. The Calumet Heritage Partnership, Chicago’s Field Museum and the National Parks Conservation Association will be partnering with other interested stakeholders to plan development of historical trails and locations on the Calumet region.For more information regarding the Millennium Reserve Initiative, visit http://www2.illinois.gov/gov/millennium-reserve.

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DO YOU HAVE A STORY TO TELL?

If So, Share It Here: [email protected] For A Chance To Get Published In ONT.

Southeast Side to Welcome Millennium Reserve Can’t Wait For The Next Edition Of ONT?

JOIN US ONLINE HERE:www.facebook.com/

ontnews

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City of Chicago Observes February as Teen Dating Violence Awareness and

Prevention MonthBy Anne Sheahan 312.743.2031

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month, and Chicago is joining a national effort to raise awareness about abuse in teen and young adult relationships. Teen dating violence and abuse is a pattern of destructive behaviors used to exert power and control over a dating partner.

“Teen dating violence is a significant form of abuse that affects millions of young people every year,” said Jennifer Welch, deputy commissioner, Chicago Department of Family and Support Services. “It’s critical that we raise awareness about this issue among young people and their parents to not only stop the abusers, but also the destructive effect it can have on young victims.

Each year, approximately 1.5 million high school students nationwide experience physical abuse from a dating partner. Violent relationships in adolescence can have serious ramifications by putting the victims at higher risk for depression, substance abuse, eating disorders, risky sexual behavior and further domestic violence.

While there are many warning signs of dating abuse, some of the most common behaviors of abusers include indicators such as:

• Constant emotional abuse• Extreme jealousy or insecurity• Volatile mood swings• Isolating victims from family or friends• Physically abuse • Possessiveness

Throughout February, organizations and individuals nationwide are coming together to highlight the need to educate young people about relationships, teach healthy relationship skills and prevent the devastating cycle of abuse. Individuals and organizations

interested in learning more about Teen Dating Violence Awareness and Prevention Month can visit the Break the Cycle website at www.teendvmonth.org.

Individuals interested in more information about teen dating violence, or those in need of non-emergency domestic violence assistance, can call the City of Chicago Domestic Violence Help Line at 1-877-TO-END-DV (1-877-863-6338 and TTY 1-877-863-6339).

Established in 1998, the Help Line is a service of the DFSS Division on Domestic Violence. Help Line advocates provide callers with general domestic violence information, safety planning support, and referrals to over 400 domestic violence agencies in Chicago and throughout Illinois. The service is confidential and multi-lingual. It operates under a partnership agreement with the Chicago Metropolitan Battered Women’s Network.

The Chicago Department of family and Support Services is dedicated to enhancing the lives of Chicago residents, particularly those most in need, from birth through the senior years. For more information about the Chicago Department of family and Support Services, call 312-743-0300 or visit www.cityofchicago.org/fss.

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L.59Deadline for TIF-Neighborhood Improvement

Program Grant money is fast approachingCONTINUED FROM FRONT PAGE

Program Overview Continued The Tax Increment Finance-Neighborhood Improvement Program (TIF-NIP) is a Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED). The program provides home repair grants for both single and multi-family residences. Grants are primarily for exterior repairs however; up to 30 percent of the grant may be used for interior repairs that are health and safety related. Grant amounts are based on the number of units per residence. You must be the owner-occupant of the residential property (1 to 4 dwelling units) in the South Chicago TIF district, which means you have to both own and live in the property as your principal residence. You must have property insurance and be current on your City of Chicago water

bill and not have any unpaid City of Chicago parking tickets. Applications are not on “first come first served” basis but the deadline for submittal is 5pm on Friday, February 17, 2012. All completed applications, including those sent by FAX must include the proof of owner-occupancy, insurance and household income.

Single Family Program The single family program requires that homeowners have a household income at or below 100 percent of the area median income (AMI). If the household income is between 100% AMI -140% AMI, the homeowner must match, dollar for dollar, the grant amount.

Multi Family Program The multi family program requires that building owners structure their rents so they are affordable to households at or below 80 percent of AMI.

Deadline for TIF-Neighborhood Improvement Program Grant money is fast approachingProgram OverviewThe Tax Increment Finance-Neighborhood Improvement Program (TIF-NIP) is a Department of Housing and Economic Development (HED). The program provides home repair grants for both single and multi-family residences. Grants are primarily for exterior repairs however; up to 30 percent of the grant may be used for interior repairs that are health and safety related. Grant amounts are based on the number of units per residence.

You must be the owner-occupant of the residential property (1 to 4 dwelling units) in the South Chicago TIF district, which means you have to both own and live in the property as your principal residence. You must have property insurance and be current on your City of Chicago water bill and not have any unpaid City of Chicago parking tickets.

Applications are not on “first come first served” basis but the deadline for submittal is 5pm on Friday, February 17, 2012. All completed applications, including those sent by FAX must include the proof of owner-occupancy, insurance and household income.

Single Family ProgramThe single family program requires that homeowners have a household income at or below 100 percent of the area median income (AMI). If the household income is between 100% AMI -140% AMI, the homeowner must match, dollar for dollar, the grant amount.

Multi Family ProgramThe multi family program requires that building owners structure their rents so they are affordable to households at or below 80 percent of AMI.

Single-Family Programunits per Building Maximum Grant Amount

1 $12,5002 $17,5003 $20,0004 $22,500

Multi-Family ProgramBuilding Size Grant Amount Maximum Grant Amount

5 + unit buildings $5,000 per unit $100,000 per building

Applications can be obtained by calling Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) 24 hours at (800) 456-0982. You can also pick up applications at the 10th ward Alderman’s office locate at 3522 E. 106th Street.

Applications can be obtained by calling Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago (NHS) 24 hours at (800) 456-0982. You can also pick up applications at the 10th ward Alderman’s office locate at 3522 E. 106th Street.

WANT TO CONTRIBUTE?If So, Send It Here: [email protected] For A Chance To Get Published In ONT.

By Sam GomezONT Genaral Manager

Speed Cameras

Safety or Revenue With children in mind Governor Quinn passed SB0965, a senate bill that allows the city of Chicago to begin using speed cameras starting July 1.

Accidents that happen around schools, churches and parks are a tragedy in the highest regard, especially when fatalities are involved but these types of accidents are usually caused by drivers driving way in excess of posted speed limits. Although strategic placement of speed cameras will definitely cause the majority of us to adhere to posted limits, those that are involved in these types of accidents usually have no regard to the speed limits in the first place.

I am 100 percent in favor of the safety of our children, but to attempt to paint this legislation solely in that regard is ridiculous. Let us be honest with ourselves here, this is also about money.

The city needs it; the state needs it even more. In a recent Forbes.com article, the city of Chicago was ranked as 6th most miserable city to live in America. Although this ranking took into account factors like weather and gridlock, it also took into account how much we pay in taxes, parking fees and fines.

Chicago and the state of Illinois already carry some of the highest personal and corporate tax rates in the country. We also have some of the highest per hour parking rates in the u.S. and now, the state of Illinois and the city of Chicago have just passed legislation that will not only increase safety, but also increase the fines we will pay exponentially.

As of 2011, 190 intersections in the

city of Chicago were equipped with red-light cameras which generated over $69 million for the city in 2010. Speeders going 6 to 10 mph over the limit would face $50 fines. Those going 11 mph and over would face the full $100 ticket.

Speed information collected with seven existing red-light cameras by the Chicago Department of Transportation last spring found that 25.7 percent of the 1.5 million vehicles caught at intersections within one-eight mile of a safety zone were traveling above the 30 mph speed limit. Mayor Rahm Emanuel said, “Since day one as Mayor, my top priority has been to ensure that Chicago’s children can focus on their studies, not worry about their safety.”

While there is no dollar amount that can take the place of the safety and the lives of our children, to simply say this was 100% about safety, while not mentioning the fact that this measure will undoubtedly raise nearly $100 million in revenue is amiss.

using the eighth of a mile buffer around school grounds and parks could literally mean hundreds and hundreds of potential locations for these speed cameras to be placed. Not only does this have the makings of record numbers of additional fines to our residents but it also opens up a much larger conversation with regard to privacy. Many states in the u.S. have already banned the use of red-light cameras due to constitutional concerns. Cities such as Houston and Los Angeles have already pulled the plug on their red-light cameras due to constitutional concerns.

Am I in favor of the safety of our children? Emphatically my answer is yes, however, in my humble opinion, this is one of those “slippery slope” types of legislative decisions. But, who would dare raise an objection when it comes to the safety of our children, right?

In My Humble Opinion

Sam Gomez

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LOCAL SPORTS

By Abraham CarreonONT Sports Correspondent

George Washington High School’s gym was packed with a crowd on hand to watch the boys wrestling regional finals on Saturday, February 4. Those that were there witnessed a dominating performance by Bowen High School. The wrestlers competed on two wrestling floors and as the tournament progressed into its later stages, it was as if a Bowen wrestler was competing for every weight class title. Bowen had 11 wrestlers that competed in the championship round, with eight taking first and one 3rd place finish. The wrestling team scored a total of 243 points,

which was enough to take 1st place by a landslide. Gwendolyn Brooks came in 2nd place with 126 points. All three of last weekend’s city champion winners had impressive performances to win the final. Both Ronzel Darling (22-0) and DeQuence Goodman (32-0) won in the second period, while Rudy Johnson (30-2) took down Simeon’s, Deshaun Brown, after just 21 seconds. Darling, who made history last week by becoming the second Public League wrestler to win four consecutive titles, said that winning city last week for the 4th time wasn’t the chip on his shoulder, but winning state is. “I expect to win. Last time I lost in the semis,” Darling said of State. “I’ve learned from my mistakes.”

Goodman also goes into every match expecting to win. Last year in State, he brought home Bowen’s first wrestling medal since 1942 when he came in 4th place. While it was a great achievement, Goodman looks at it as a disappointment because he expected to win. This time he’s going to State in two weeks taking it “one match at a time.” Goodman is the top-ranked 220-pounder in the Class 2A. Darling is ranked third in the state and Johnson is ranked ninth in their respective weight classes. Collectively, the school is ranked 22nd in the Class 2A team rankings.They showed how dominating they can be this past weekend while also showing they can stick together in defeat. At one point, just minutes

before his match, Darling cheered on a fellow wrestler at another mat in a consolation match. In the 120-pound final match, Bowen’s Montate Thomas nearly made a spectacular comeback after injuring his wrist. The wrist clearly bothered him and one of his teammates urged him on from the sideline, screaming to him, “Pain is only temporary, but championships last forever.” A pretty good motto.

Bowen Wrestling Team Dominates in Regionals

Advertising InformationCall: 773-616-1334

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By Juan and Elizabeth QuintanaONT Sports Correspondents

In December the Annunciata Lady Raiders 6th grade basketball team finished up the season with an overall record of 18-0 that included playoffs. The championship game was played by Annunciata vs. St. Florian at St. Florian in Hegewisch with the Lady Raiders winning 29-16. All the girls played with heart and determination as Desiree Vega and Ashley Bravo lead the pack with 10 points each. Taylor Jaksich had 4 points and 11 assists as well as 5 steals. Carly Sanchez led the team in rebounding with 8. Karli Miller, who scored all 16 points and had 11 rebounds, led St. Florian.

Megan Verzoni of Annunciata won the 6th grade free throw contest making 5 out of 10. Congratulations to the Lady Raiders on their fantastic season. Annunciata’s 8th grade girls came in 3rd place at the St. Florian tournament last month. The 8th grade girls finished the season with a 1-12 record in the SSC league but played hard. Katie uzoras took home the 8th grade free throw championship and also most of the girls that played basketball also play softball. Keep a lookout for them this spring at the Rowan Park East Side Girls Softball league and Mann Park Girls Softball League. Don’t forget to come out and support the local leagues.

ANNUNCIATA BASKETBALL

Pictured here, Back three; .Desiree Vega, Ashley Bravo, Michelle VegaFront three Megan Verzoni, Taylor Jaksich, Carly Sanchez

By Brian GrabinskiONT Art Director

THE GREY (2012)

In Theaters on 27 January 2012 (uSA) R | 117 min - Action | Adventure | Drama - DVD release to be announced.

SYNOPSIS: In Alaska, an oil drilling team struggle to survive after a plane crash strands them in the wild. Hunting the humans are a pack of wolves who see them as intruders.Director: Joe CarnahanWriters: Joe Carnahan (screenplay) & Ian Mackenzie Jeffers (screenplay)Ian Mackenzie Jeffers (short story "Ghost Walker")Stars: Liam Neeson, Dermot Mulroney and Frank Grillo

REVIEW: I now have three favorite Liam Neeson movies, Taken, unknown and The Grey!

This movie is one fierce, unforgiving and nerve-rattling thriller. A relentless action adventure that is consistently tense and exciting. This film manages to slow down the gears of kinetic thrills just long enough to touch on characters’ back stories, endurance and their struggle to survive.

Grey is most certainly the color of this desolate snowy world. This film may seem like your standard Man vs. Wild thriller, but this is something all its own, something much heavier and more substantial.

A must see for any Action | Adventure Movie fan!

On a scale of 1-10, I give this one a 9.My 2¢ -B

Liam Neeson Dances with Wolves!

ABOUT ME: My name is Brian Grabinski and I consider myself to be a big movie buff. I’m a fan of multiple genres and I plan on covering a wide variety of films during my time as your friendly neighborhood movie reviewer. Everyone shares their own opinions when it comes to movies but, hopefully my reviews will assist you in finding the right films to entertain.

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