Stop the Violence Meeting: Saturday Oct. 3

"You Are The Solution" Forum Presented by The Black Star Community PTA and the League of Black Parents The solutions to problems in the Black community are not outside of the Black community. The solutions are not in what we say, but in what we do. You are the solution! In Chicago and across America, we cannot stop the carnage of Black children without you! You are the solution. Join us for our "solutions" forum. Even if you do not stay for the forum, you should please come to sign-up to be part of the solution. "You Are The Solution" Forumat the Illinois Institute of Technology: Saturday, October 3, 200912:00 noon; 3201 South State Street, Chicago IllinoisPlease RSVP to Lauren at 773.285.9600 You should come to this forum prepared to do at least one of the following activities (1) Volunteer for our Student Motivation / Mentor Program and become a classroom-based mentor for 6th- through 12th-grade students at least 3 times a yearVolunteer for our Real Men Read Program and become a classroom reader for kindergarten to 3rd-grade students two times per year (2) Volunteer for our Destination College Program and become a college coach for 4th- through 8th-grade students two times per yea (3) Join our 100 Concerned Women In Action to work with a team of women helping to solve the problems of the communityJoin our League of Black Parents and Black Star Community PTA to work for and advocate for the education of all children (4) Attend Parent University classes that create outstanding parents at least 4 times per yearJoin our Million Father Movement, where fathers take their children to school or visit their child's school at least one day each month (5) Join our Take A Black Male to Worship Day, where faith-based organizations reach out to young Black men 4 times per year (6) Join our Fathers Club and take your children to free sports, athletic, cultural, educational and recreational events at least 4 times per year (7)Become a dues-paying member of The Black Star Project to support the above programs. While we are all part of the solution, this forum will feature these solution leaders:Phillip Hampton of Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy Spencer Leak, Sr. of Black on Black Love (Invited) Tio Hardeman of Cease-Fire! Rev. Franklin Ballenger of By The Hand Club for Kids Phillip Jackson of The Black Star ProjectPlease RSVP to Lauren at 773.285.9600

South Shore Opera Company of Chicago: Benefit Concert October 23, 2009

What a wonderful event to attend and support!! Steve and I will be there, please join us!

What: South Shore Opera Company's Benefit Concert: Broadway Regards! This benefit will feature Roberta Thomas, Isaiah Robinson, Andrea Morris, Kamaran-Alexis Madison

When: Friday, October 23, 2009, beginning at 5:30 p.m. (Dinner Reception: 5:30 p.m.; Concert: 7:00 p.m.; Post concert celebration with cocktails and dessert will immediately follow concert)

Location: South Shore Cultural Center-- Robeson Theatre, 7059 South Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60649

Price: $65.00 per person (make checks payable to South Shore Opera Company of Chicago (SSOCC); If you are unable to attend but would like to contribute to the Company, monetary contributions are also appreciated)

Checks should be sent to the SSOCC at 7059 S. South Shore drive, Chicago, IL 60649 (Please include your name, address, daytime telephone number, E-mail, and fax along with your check in the mail)

Attire: Black Tie

Questions? Call 773-241-6147

My Soul Café/ Give Me Some Sugar Updates- Spotlight on Local Business

My Soul Café

Neighborhood: South Shore
7201 S Exchange Ave
(at 72nd St)
Chicago, IL 60649

(773) 336-8592

If you haven't checked this little cafe out yet, you should! Steve and I had breakfast there last week-- we had croissants with egg, cheese, and sausage, and it was tasty. The croissants were delicious! The cafe also has some very yummy sounding sandwiches, a full menu of coffees, espresso, etc., and some beautiful looking cakes for dessert. We will definitely be back for lunch or dinner to try something else soon. The prices were VERY reasonable, too.


Give Me Some Sugah
2234 E. 71st Street; 773-363-9330

Steve and I purchased cookies at Give Me Some Sugah on Saturday, Sept. 26, and I just have to say, the goodies are still delicious. I must encourage you to give Chef Lenore's delicious potato chip & pecan cookies a try--they are fantastic! She said that they have been a big hit on game days and have been popular with both her male and female clientèle. We also sampled her cranberry scones and all I can say is WOW! More like a really fancy biscuit than a scone-- just great!

Props to Lenore, also, for the beautiful website. I hadn't visited the site in several months, and it has clearly been updated and now does an excellent job of highlighting the baked goods she has available. You can view the website by clicking on the link on the right, middle side of this blog page-- check it out!

AND REMEMBER-- Please support our South Shore small businesses!

Crime Statistics

For those interested in reviewing the crime stats Al DeBonnett highlighted for us at the last CAPS meeting, please review the website below:

http://chicago.everyblock.com/crime/by-date/2009-04-01,2009-08-31/streets/jeffery-blvd/6800-6899s/8-blocks/?page=43

Al compared April 1 through August 31, 2008 to April 1 through August 31, 2009. While crime was down overall in many areas, burglaries are way up! Crimes against people and homes are very frightening. Please be aware of the crime in our area and take care to be observant of those who may pose a threat to you, your neighbors, or your homes.

Thanks to Al for providing this information!

Community Alert

Outdoor Roll Call on Thursday!

When: September 24, 2009 (this Thursday), at 6:30 p.m.

Where: 7100 South Paxton

What is this? For those who have not been to a roll call, this is an opportunity to meet officers who serve our area and show them that we support them. By showing our support, we encourage them to serve the us and our neighbors to the best of their ability. You will also have a chance to meet other concerned citizens. Please plan to attend. The roll call takes no more than 15 minutes and is an easy way to show that you care about our community.


UPDATE AFTER EVENT:

There was a fantastic turnout for this event, and I believe that many there were interested in aligning to share information, brainstorm, and do what they can to make a safer South Shore. Stay tuned. . . it's a work in progress.

Breaking News: Burlary Suspect Shot by Homeowner Dies

Link to Story: http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/09/person-shot-during-possible-robbery-in-south-shore.html

September 22, 2009 7:37 AM BREAKING STORY

A man police described as a burglary suspect who was shot by a homeowner Monday morning in the South Shore neighborhood has died, authorities said this morning.

Maurice Smith, 45, of the 2900 block of East 81st Place, was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital in critical condition but was pronounced dead at 5:30 p.m., according to a spokesman for the Cook County medical examiner's office.

Smith and another unknown suspect were attempting to burglarize a home in the 7100 block of South Coles Avenue when the homeowner caught them and opened fire, said Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Robert Perez.

The other suspect fled the scene, Perez said. The homeowner has not been charged in the incident, Perez said.

Police are continuing their investigation.