New Group: South Shore Neighbors

This Group will focus on bringing members of our community together. If we know each other, we can strengthen this neighborhood and return it to its former glory. You may not know that just down the block, there is handyman who could easily install your ceiling fan, or a neighbor who would make a great friend lives just around the corner. Let's connect with each other!

First Meeting: Sunday, September 13, 2009
Time: 5-7 p.m.
Location: 6829 S. Crandon

For more information, call Yvonne Dixon at 773-493-1156

Meet & Greet Safety Discussion: Tues., 8-18-09

When: Tuesday, Aug. 18 at 5:30 p.m.
Where: 7043 S. Clyde
What: A discussion among neighbors, with emphasis on security services. A security service representative who sells personal and building security goods will be in attendance.

AUGUST's CAPS MEETING

NEXT MEETING: Monday, Sept. 21, 2009, at 7 p.m. at the South Shore Cultural Center

RECAP of AUGUST MEETING:

(1) Our focus problems are: 67-71st streets on Merrill, Clyde and Paxton; AND the 6900 block between Oglesby and Crandon with a focus on the break-ins at 2300 E. 69th Street

(2) We have made progress over the past month: 84 adult arrests, 10 juvenile arrests, and a whopping 2652 calls for service for 151 incidents. We need to keep upping our calls, being willing to identify the perps, and getting the crime off our streets!

(3) If you are confused or have a question about upcoming testimony or a court date and can't seem to reach the right person at the Prosecutor's office, call the CAPS office at 312-747-7004 (they can tell you the dates that show up in their system, which is linked to your address).

(4) If you are concerned about the vacant lot and the area near the post office around 70th and Paxton, please call the Alderman's Office at 773-324-5555 (to request fencing); or 911 to report crime you may witness!

(5) There have been multiple break-ins in the Crandon/ Paxton/ and 69oo Block stretching between Oglesby and Paxton. We need to be on the look out-- help your neighbors and ID the perps.

DID YOU KNOW? If a citizen is not willing to identify a burglar as exiting a property with the stolen goods, the police only have the power to charge the burglar with possession of stolen goods!? Even if the police find hot items in the perps' hands, they are powerless to charge the criminal with a felony. . . That's where we come in-- WE NEED CITIZENS WILLING TO I.D. the criminals. You can remain anonymous, but you must see the perp break in or exit the dwelling with the goods in hand AND REPORT ALL OF THAT TO THE POLICE! They can't do their jobs without our help.

(6) Sub-committee Meetings: DAC 2nd Monday of the month @ 7 p.m.; Court Watch First Wednesday of the Month @ 7 p.m.; Senior Citizens Third Thursday of the Month @ 2 p.m.; Housing Third Wednesday of the Month @ 11 a.m.; Youth every Wednesday @ 4 p.m.

High Rise and Condo Safety Seminars

Do you know how to keep your property safe from crime? Learn ways you can help be part of a safe and healthy community at one of the following seminars:

1718 South State, Thursday, Sept. 3, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m.

3510 South Michigan, Thursday, Sept. 10, 2009 @ 6:30 p.m.

For more info call the CAPS implementation office at (312) 745-5900

3rd District's Annual Flee Market

Date: Saturday September 12, 2009
Address: 7040 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
Time: 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.

A $25.00 fee is required if you would like to set up your own table at this event. Electronics, jewelry, household goods, artwork, toys, books, movies, clothing, purses, and more will be available. Call the CAPS office for more info at 312-747-7004.

Paxton Community Cleaners!

A New South Shore Company was born last week: Paxton Community Cleaners (PCC).

Formed by a tight knit group of adolescent people who decided they would create their own Summer Jobs, most of the pre-teens live on Paxton, hence the name.

Andrea, Andre, Andrianna (siblings), Sierra, Christine, and Avianna founded the company by making lists of jobs they'd be willing to do for some extra money.
They list things such as gardening, cleaning up outside, landscaping and lawn care (watering & mowing), washing dishes, going for walks with pets and/or humans, cooking, baking, and creating art.

Last week, when approached by the Founders, they created a job of cleaning the area in front of our homes for 4 days, Thursday through Sunday, as well as planting two hostas in my front yard. Using latex gloves we had on hand, the crew helped themselves to recycled trash bags, filled them and disposed of them.

On Sunday, they each recieved $5, a price we'd negotiated beforehand. On Monday, Andrianna, affectionately known as Mommy, asked if they could still work -- they were bored and wanted some constructive focus. We decided that they'd create lists of skills they'd be willing to offer and post them here -- on KISS.

So Neighbors, if you have the ability to support community building and the children in our village, I urge you to do so. You can contact myself, Steve or Carly via email or this blog, or you can fax: 773.435.6326 with your project, contact info, and the type/amount of compensation you're willing to offer. Got a skill your willing to teach? Bring it on. Make your class as formal or informal as you like. Feel like mentoring? The more the merrier. Maybe one day we'll see increased pride in our community through youth leadership initiatives like the Paxton Community Cleaners.

As for potential costs, keep this in mind: When I told 'Mommy' I couldn't afford to 'hire' them for any cleanups this week, she said "That's ok -- you don't have to pay us, we just want something positive to do." and that, my friends, is 'Priceless.'

5th Annual Spa Day Event: June 23, 2009

Where: South Shore Cultural Center (7059 S. South Shore Dr.)
Time: Thursday, June 23 from 11 a.m.-3:30 p.m. (you must arrive on time to ensure spa service)

NO CHILDREN PLEASE

This is an invitation only event, compliments of the Chicago Police Dept. 3rd District Domestic Violence & DAC Subcommittees. Please contact Officer Angela Browner at 312-747-7004 for more details

Free food, manicures, pedicures, massages, and more will be available!

National Night Out-- August 4, 2009

Where? 7200 S. S. Chicago Ave
Time: 6 p.m., Tuesday Aug. 4, 2009

The Chicago Police Dept. 3rd District invites you to attend this special event! Please come out to show your support, promote peace, and have pride in our community!

Special performances: South Shore Drill Team, "Ray of Hope" Performing Arts Studio, Vocals by "Thiana"

Sox vs. Angels Game August 6-- Sign up!

When: Thursday, Aug. 6, 2009 (1:05 p.m. game)
Where: U.S. Cellular Field (333 W. 35th St.)
Cost: $21 per person

Sign up and come along with the Chicago Police Dept. Senior Subcommitte to the Game! For more info, contact Officer Donald Gadson or Officer Angela Browner at 312-747-7004 OR contact Latoya Jones at 773-933-7654

RSVP Now, Seating is limited!

Next Kiss Cleanup: Saturday May 2, 9:30 a.m.

It is time for spring cleaning!

Now that winter is finally over we need to have another neighborhood cleanup. During our previous clean-up efforts, neighbors got together to get the trash off of our streets. You may have seen us out in our bright yellow t-shirts! Join us on Saturday, May 2nd and help us make our neighborhood a better place.

DATE: Saturday, May 2, 2009
TIME: 9:30 am - 1:00 pm (if can't get there at 9:30, just come to the park when you can and someone will be there to direct you to a cleanup group)
PLACE: Park at the corner of 69th and Oglesby

61st Street Farmer's Market

Spring is here and the Farmer's Market is getting started again on May 16. Check out the flyer below for more information (you can click on it for a bigger picture):

Great Activity for Kids

Plane Rides for Kids Ages 7-17

at Gary/Chicago Airport

Location: Gary Airport
Date: 2nd Saturday of the Month
Time: 9:00 am

Free shuttle bus at CTA Train Stop
Roosevelt Road (12th Street) & Wabash

CONTACT INFORMATION:

Chicago - (312) 409-5621
Gary - (888) 235-9824

http://www.taichicago.org

Roll Call Tonight -- BE THERE! (UPDATED LOCATION)

Where: Corner of Merrill Ave & 67th Street
When: 5:30 p.m., tonight, Tuesday April 21

This must be a show of force. There are far more good people in our community than their our criminals-- Let's show our police officers that we support them and will work with them to report crimes! If we don't care about crime in our neighborhood, who will?

Support Beth in Court-- Thursday April 23

Case: State of Illinois v. Tyrwon Miles

Location: 26th & California-- Circuit Court Room 303 (Court room of the Honorable Mary Margaret Brosnahan)

Time: 9:00 a.m. on Thursday morning, April 23, 2009

If you are available on Thursday, please take some time out of your day to support Beth. She is a member of our community who is standing up against violence in our community by testifying against a vicious attacker. The only way to beat the criminals is to make sure that witnesses, like Beth, stand up against their attackers and get them off our streets.

April CAPs Meeting

CAPs Meeting Tomorrow

Free Concert @ Cultural Center Feb. 22

Opera!

Reminder-- Events for Youths. . .

THIRD DISTRICT YOUTH EXPLORERS

When: Every Wednesday, 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m.
Where: 3rd district auditorium, 7040 S. Cottage Grove
What: Fun events like skating; bowling parties; info regarding upcoming events (Lock-ins approaching at fun locations like Safari Lnda and Hollywood park); visiting elderly citizens in our neighborhood senior building, College tours, and MORE!

Contact Officer Parlor or Nakia Fenner at 312-747-5477

SAVING HOMES, SAVING FAMILIES, SAVING LIVES

From the 3rd District CAPS Office:

An Area-wide Housing Symposium

Area 2: January 27th, 2009 Tuesday 3:OO PM to 6:OO PM 5th District Police Station Auditorium - 727 E. 111th Street

Join us as we strive to make 2009 a better year for Home Owners and Buyers!! Information and direct services will be available on mortgage assistance and financing options for home owners and landlords. A representative from the State Treasurer's Office will discuss State programs designed to provide direct assistance for home owners. Representatives will be available from financial institutions to provide information on Short Sales, Foreclosures, Not for Profit Partnership Programs, Below Market Place Rates and Public Safety (Police) Incentives. A representative from the Chicago Police Department's Detective Division will discuss ways YOU can Protect Yourself from Fraud.

Your financial future is in YOUR hands!!! Make the right choice and join US!

For additional information please contact the Office of the Chief of Patrol Field Group A:

Sgt. Saadia Griffin Carter 312-745-6231