-
Greater Chatham Initiative Recognize First Responders
- Reprint Carl West, TruthBTold Newsletter, May 28, 2018
GCI honors and thanks neighbors, past and present, who have served in Chicago’s Fire and Police Departments and Emergency Medical Services.
-
New one-stop shops for education, employment to target city’s troubled youths
- Reprinted from Chicago Tribune, by Maudlyne Ihejirika, May 26, 2018
The city is targeting with significant new grant initiatives expected to be announced Thursday, including half a million dollar grant to launch a Reconnection Hub in Roseland for youth disengaged from school or employment.
-
17th Ward Alderman Honors Veterans During South Side Memorial Day Parade
- Baldwin Media Group, May 25, 2018
The South Side Memorial Day Parade remembers our nation’s fallen heroes in this year’s inaugural procession marching through the Auburn Gresham neighborhood on May 28.
-
Father Pfleger celebrates birthday by standing on street asking Americans to put down guns
- Reprinted POSTED 4:45 PM, MAY 22, 2018, BY MELISSA ESPANA, SEAN LEWIS AND CNN WIRE, UPDATED AT 10:15, May 23, 2018
Father Pfleger celebrates birthday by standing on street asking Americans to put down guns
-
Is this the #1 secret to healthy weight loss?
- Cassie Richardson, May 23, 2018
The key to shedding pounds may lie where you least expect it.
-
The Truth About Your Evening Nightcap
- Cassie Richardson, May 18, 2018
Having an after-work beer or an evening glass of wine to help de-stress and wind down may not be the best idea. Find out why.
-
Chicago State University Board of Trustees Name Zaldwaynaka Scott as the 25th President of the University
- Reprint Carl West, TruthBTold Newsletter, May 11, 2018
The Chicago State University Board of Trustees today announced Zaldwaynaka Scott as the 25th President of the University.
-
GED Class Orientation, Scott Joplin Parent University, May 11th!
- May 9, 2018
GED Classes are being held at Auburn Gresham GOLD School, Scott Joplin Elementary School. Classes start next Tuesday May 15th, be sure to sign up today! Orientation is Friday, May 11th, 9:30am, at Scott Joplin, 7931 S. Honore.
-
ComEd Customers Have Saved More Than $3 Billion by Making Smarter Energy Choices
- May 8, 2018
CHICAGO (April 30, 2018) – Every one of ComEd’s more than 4 million customers could put about $15 toward groceries every week for a year with the money they have saved thanks to the company’s energy efficiency program. That’s more than $3 billion total since the program started in 2008.
Residential, commercial, and industrial customers have used 27.9 million fewer net megawatt-hours of electricity because of ComEd’s energy efficiency offerings – enough to power 3.1 million average homes for a year. Offerings range from free assessments of homes and businesses to rebates and incentives for buying or investing in products or changing habits that reduce energy consumption.
“More and more customers are discovering that they can take advantage of ComEd programs to take greater control of their energy use, save money, and reduce their carbon footprint,” said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO of ComEd, “and we’ve seen the power of smart and creative ideas that show customers the way. Our energy efficiency program has grown substantially over the past 10 years, and it will continue to grow for at least the next 10, allowing homeowners, businesses, and other facilities to save even more energy and money.”
Reducing energy consumption also benefits the environment by reducing carbon emissions that contribute to climate change. As a result of ComEd’s energy efficiency program, customers have avoided 38.9 billion pounds of carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere. That’s equivalent to planting enough trees to cover more than half of the state Illinois or taking 3.7 million cars off the road for one year.
With a full portfolio of offerings, ComEd’s energy efficiency program since 2008 has empowered customers to:
• Buy 114.9 million efficient bulbs.
• Complete 72,000 business projects, helping many companies meet their environmental goals.
• Recycle 380,000 appliances, such as fridges and freezers.
• Complete 314,000 energy assessments.
• Receive 420,000 rebates on smart thermostats, appliances, lighting, and more.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency earlier this month recognized ComEd’s energy efficiency leadership for a ninth year in a row.
The Future Energy Jobs Act, enacted in Illinois in 2017, allows ComEd to increase customers’ ability to have a positive impact on their finances and the environment. The legislation significantly expands the company’s energy efficiency program, increasing funding from $250 million in 2017 to $440 million by 2030.
To learn how ComEd helps residential customers save, visit ComEd.com/WaysToSave. For business customers, visit ComEd.com/WaysToSave/ForYourBusiness.
###
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with approximately 10 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 4 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
-
Big Green Learning Space Comes to AG Gold School
- Derris Cameron, May 7, 2018
New Big Green Learning Space Comes to AG Gold School.
-
Black Panther's Hidden Health Message?
- Cassie Richardson, May 4, 2018
Why you may want to emulate the hair care of the women in Marvel Studio's record-breaking megahit.
-
CWEG Summer Camp Taking Registrations
- Reprinted from Bean Soup Times, Toure Muhammad, May 4, 2018
CWEG summer camp mission is to cultivate young minds for excellence and success by establishing a foundation with positive interaction for children ages 8-13 years old. Early registration $270 NOW, Late registration $475.
-
Save the Date Auburn Gresham GOLD Camp 2018 Registration Opens Soon!
- May 4, 2018
Registration for Auburn Gresham Gold (AG GOLD) Summer Camp, will open for registration soon! Space is limited so be on the lookout! Download the flyer and pass the word.
-
Help CPS Chief Thank a Teacher During Teacher Appreciation Week 2018
- May 1, 2018
Teachers educate, inspire, and transform their students’ lives each and every day. Let's say, “Thank You!”
-
Mercy Home is here to help you and your child in need.
- Mercy Home for Boys & Girls, May 1, 2018
Mercy Home for Boys & Girls is anticipating residential openings this summer for kids who are 11-16 years old and at risk.
If your child is struggling at home or in school, or has faced difficult experiences, such as grief, loss, unstable living environments, or traumatic events, Mercy Home may be the solution.
-
One Summer Chicago Youth Jobs Apply Online Until May 21st
- May 1, 2018
Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle are proud to announce One Summer Chicago -- a collaborative effort between the City, County, civic and business communities to provide summer programming for youths.
-
Advocate Trinity Hospital Receives Greenhealth Award
- Cassie Richardson, Apr 26, 2018
Hospital Honored for Excellence and Innovation in Health Care Sustainability
-
Advocate Trinity Hospital Celebrates National Volunteers Week
- Cassie Richardson, Apr 23, 2018
Hospital honors 55 volunteers for valuable contributions
-
ComEd’s “Construct” Graduation Highlights Diverse Candidates for Local Construction Work Jobs
- Apr 17, 2018
On Friday, ComEd hosted a graduation ceremony for the largest graduating class of CONSTRUCT, a nine-week job training program aimed at getting more diverse candidates into local construction and energy jobs.
CONSTRUCT, organized by ComEd in conjunction with 38 construction industry companies, two local utilities, and eight social service agencies, offers participants the information and guidance needed to compete for entry-level construction and project management jobs in construction and energy-related fields
“Jobs are the lifeblood of our communities, providing them with economic strength and vitality. We understand the importance of being a local employer and we are proud to offer a pathway to our industry for people of our communities,” said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO of ComEd. “We applaud the 2018 graduates and look forward to their participation in the construction workforce of the future.”
The 2018 CONSTRUCT class is the sixth group to go through the program since its inception in 2013. Career guidance, life skills training, and practical education about the construction industry are part of the program, as well as increased knowledge of requirements for entering construction-related fields successfully. The 2018 curriculum was updated with courses focused on the growing need for project management skills in the Construction industry, along with additional courses in high-rise construction. Additional coursework related to renewable energy, including solar, was added in 2017.
CONSTRUCT offers instruction and access to special sessions where students can hear from and meet company representatives. There is the opportunity to job shadow, and to attend a career fair to learn about a range of potential job opportunities in the industry. To date, more than 400 students have participated in the program, including the 109 new participants this year. The success and continued growth of this program is due in great measure to the construction industry companies that are looking to hire local, diverse candidates to join their workforce.
Participating companies include: Intren, Labor organizations - IBEW Locals 9, 15, 134, 196 and Chicago Area Laborers, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, ABB, Inc., Aldridge, Ardmore Roderick, Builders Association, Burling Builders, “D” Construction, Inc., David Mason + Associates, d’Escoto, Inc., Electric Conduit Construction, Environmental Design, Inc., F.H Paschen, Groundhog Utility Construction, HBK Engineering, Henkels & McCoy, John Burns Construction Co., KDM Engineering, Lindblad Construction, LiveWire, Magellan Development Group, James McHugh Construction, Meade, Midwest Access Solutions, MJ Electric, MZI Group, Inc., Nash Brothers Construction Company, Inc., NPL Construction, Olenick & Associates, Osmose Utilities Services, Inc., PMI Energy Solutions, Primera Engineers, Rabine Group, The BarTech Group, Trice Construction Company, United Scrap Metal, V3 Companies and Trinidad Construction. ??
“All the contractors, the companies involved, you just don’t meet these people every day; it’s priceless,” said Dexter Allison, a 2014 graduate of the program, whose sons Damier and Dexter, Jr., are part of the 2018 program. “For our family, it’s been the opportunity of a lifetime.”
“I learned a lot throughout the program, but I gained the most confidence from my job shadowing experience,” said Gregory Rounds. “I’m really excited to go out there and find a job that I really love, that I can make a career out of.”
Understanding the need to help knock down barriers to entry for construction-related fields, CONSTRUCT launched in May 2013 out of a partnership between ComEd, Intren and the labor unions. What began with ComEd, 10 companies and three social service agencies has grown to include Illinois’ other major utilities - Nicor Gas, Peoples’ Gas, 38 companies and eight social service agencies.
To complete the program, participants must attend at least 95 percent of the full-day classes and take the select, required tests. Upon completion of the program, participants can choose any number of career paths, from applying to work with the participating companies and satisfying any applicable union requirements, to applying to work with ComEd or employers in other sectors.
While completion of the program does not guarantee a job, individuals who complete the program successfully are trained to be qualified, knowledgeable, and ready to compete for construction jobs in Illinois.
Anyone interested in applying should contact the agencies directly. The agency contact numbers are:
ASPIRA of Illinois
773-252-0970
Austin Peoples Action Center
773-378-8760
Chicago Urban League
773-285-5800
National Latino Education Institute
773-247-0707, ext. 223
Quad County Urban League
630-851-2203, ext. 222
St. Sabina’s Employment Resource Center
773-783-3760
SER Jobs for Progress
773-542-9030
YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago
773-955-3100
###
Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with approximately 10 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.9 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
-
Taxes for Barbers and Beauticians
- Reprinted from Chicago Defender, Constant W. Watson, III Defender Guest Columnist, Apr 6, 2018
Whether you are a shop owner or a booth renter (independent contractor), you need to know your federal tax responsibilities...
-
PARENT ENRICHMENT SERIES FOR ACADEMIC SUCCESS STARTS 4/11 at SCOTT JOPLIN, SIGN UP NOW!
- Coretta J. Pruitt "CJ", Apr 4, 2018
Parent Enrichment programming which will be held beginning NEXT WEDNESDAY (4/11/18) at the PARENT UNIVERSITY of AG Room 217 at Scott Joplin. Click link to download the flyer!
-
Auburn Gresham Free Tax Site Season 2018, It's a Wrap!
- Apr 3, 2018
Auburn Gresham Free Tax Site is OPEN through Tuesday, April 17, 2018. The Tax Site is a first come first serve, so plan accordingly!
-
First Ever Mesothelioma Race for Justice in Illinois
- Apr 2, 2018
Chicago, IL (April 2, 2018) - Vogelzang Law, a Chicago-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing victims of mesothelioma throughout the US, will host its first Annual Mesothelioma Race for Justice on September 22, 2018 in tribute to National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The 5K race will be held at the Lake County Forest Preserve Half Day location in Vernon Hills, IL at 9 a.m. The proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
“Vogelzang Law is proud to present the 2018 Mesothelioma Race for Justice, benefiting the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. It is exhilarating and gratifying to help bring the mesothelioma community together and heighten awareness of this debilitating disease. There is something undeniably unifying and exciting about a sporting event, so in the name of community, competition, health and awareness, we encourage you all to enjoy the race,” said Caylei Vogelzang, Director of Business Strategy.
The silent auction will begin at 7:30 a.m. on race day. Shortly after that, an opening ceremony will be held to welcome all attendees and the race will commence at 9:00 a.m. During the race, volunteers will distribute Gatorade and water to participants. At 11 a.m., the winners of the silent auction will be announced, and the event will officially end at noon. Post-race, attendees will enjoy refreshments, awesome goodie bags and a huge after party. Each 5K participant will also receive a race medal.
“It is my honor and privilege to step into the role of race director for the Mesothelioma Race for Justice 5K. Through the years as Public Relations Manager at Vogelzang Law, I have seen the devastating and cruel effects of this disease first hand. I have also seen the inspiring stories of hope and perseverance in one day finding a cure. Through the funds raised for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, my belief is that one day we can find that cure. I have been fortunate to see the brave families our firm has represented, who in the face of fear and adversity, are willing to stand as a community, support one another, and reach out to other families that have been affected by this disease. This race is our contribution to their tenacity,” said Race Organizer and Vogelzang Law’s Public Relations Manager Mirela Stefanescu.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) devotes extensive efforts to funding mesothelioma research in hopes of finding better treatment options and a cure. They have awarded over $10 million to 106 high-quality, promising research projects in six different countries.
"We’re thrilled that Vogelzang Law is sponsoring a race to benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. The funds raised will support the Foundation's programs, including research, patient support throughout diagnosis, treatment, and beyond; and financial aid for travel to obtain new treatment options," said Melinda Kotzian, CEO of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
A keynote speaker and leading the race will be Chris Hagn, who lost his father to mesothelioma. Chris’s personal, heartfelt story will inspire other families who are going through or have gone through similar experiences as him.
The registration fee for the race is $45. Everyone who registers will receive a race day shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line. Packet pick-up will take place at the Fleet Feet Deerfield location, dates and times will be announced closer to race day.
Sponsors for the event are MARF, Fleet Feet, Rush University, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, Hinckley Springs, Lifeway, Safe + Fair Food Company, the Chicago Wolves and Gilda’s. Anyone who wishes to volunteer or be a sponsor is welcome to sign up.
Registration is now open. Visit www.mesotheliomaraceforjustice.com.
#
About Vogezlang Law
Vogelzang Law, we represent and advocate for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of asbestos exposure. With over 16 years of experience in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, we have the specialized knowledge and resources needed to litigate complicated cases and the compassion to advocate wholeheartedly for our clients.
About MARF
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) devotes extensive efforts to funding research for better treatments and a cure for Mesothelioma. They have awarded over $10 million to 106 high-quality, promising research projects in six different countries. This funding has helped 240 pieces to be published as a result of these research projects and on average, 600 people are helped every month by these efforts. MARF funds research in early detection, prevention, and treatment of Mesothelioma, and they have firmly supported the ban of asbestos since their establishment.
-
Asbestos-caused cancer blindsides family
- Nikoleta Morales, Mar 30, 2018
Christian F. Hagn, Jr. from Chicago wishes he had known more about asbestos before he abruptly lost his 66-year-old father, Christian A. Hagn, Sr. (1938-2004), to mesothelioma.
“My dad got exposed on the job. I hope I wasn’t exposed, too,” said Christian, Jr. “Companies know that asbestos is killing people, but they keep it on the low. My dad had no protection. They told him it was just dust. Just clean your face, wash your clothes in the laundry, and everything will be fine. It was cheaper for them to lie.”
Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer most commonly found in the lining of the lungs, and it is caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. The most common way people are exposed is in the workplace. Electricians, plumbers, pipefitters, insulators, boilermakers, bricklayers, iron workers, and mechanics are at risk. Jobs like mining and mixing raw asbestos into a wide range of products releases deadly clouds of asbestos fibers. The result of prolonged exposure often goes unnoticed for many years until it becomes fatal.
Christian Sr. worked for 22 years as a skilled pipefitter for Union Local 597, using his craft at a number of US companies. Born in the mountainous Bavarian region of Germany, Christian Sr. followed his dream to live in the US and eventually immigrated in 1957. Christian Sr. found work in various refineries, factories and plants in the US where he was exposed to asbestos. While much of his exposure occurred during the 1960s and 1970s, he did not experience any symptoms of the disease until over 30 years later.
“I remember that day very clearly,” remembers Christian Jr. “I thought I was taking my dad to the doctor to treat a cold. To my surprise, the doctor walked into the room and asked my father if he had worked with asbestos before, and he said yes.”
On October 30, 2004, a doctor diagnosed Christian’s father with mesothelioma: “Based on what we see wrapped around your lungs, you have six months.” Christian Sr. responded: “Six months for what?” “Six months to live,” said the doctor. “You have mesothelioma.”
Christian Sr. passed away one hour before Christmas Eve on Dec. 23, 2004, less than two months after receiving the diagnosis. The funeral service was held a few days after Christmas Day. Instead of celebrating the holidays with his father, he was mourning his loss. This is the day that changed Christian’s life forever.
“My dad passed away before my son turned three. He barely knew his grandfather. He barely remembers his image, and that hurts because you are never going to get your loved one back.”
Christian was devastated after losing his father to mesothelioma. He said: “I didn’t even know how to spell mesothelioma or even what type of cancer this was prior to the loss.” He found hope again when he met with attorney Nicholas Vogelzang from Vogelzang Law.
“He showed me how to get the justice I deserve. The reality is you will never get your family back, but you can get the companies that took them away to pay. If it wasn't for Nick caring, these companies would have gotten away,” said Christian.
With the money Christian received from the settlement, he invested in real estate and soon began giving back to other families. "You have to save the money and be smart," he said. "I got into real estate and I used the money to help others. I bought homes as investment properties for other families to help them and their kids to go to better schools.”
Even though Christian lost his father to mesothelioma, he remains hopeful and in peace. “Thanks to Nick and his law firm, I can say that if you are smart with your money you get from the settlement, you can set it aside for future generations and college tuition, which is what I did for my son,” said Christian. “I was a son of a victim and it amazes me how some people are afraid to pursue and go after these companies for compensation.”
After speaking with other pipefitters, Christian shared that many people are also afraid to sue because they think they are going to hurt the union and affect their pensions, which is not the case. “Companies that made or work with asbestos have to pay something. Otherwise, it would have been a total loss - not only a family member loss, but also a financial loss,” said Christian.
Christian is dedicated to spreading awareness about asbestos and mesothelioma in order to help others.“I found an asbestos tile when I was doing a house restoration one day and I told the contractor to stop working and to get out. The contractor did an asbestos test and sure enough it came out positive. Asbestos had to be professionally removed and it still exists today, but people are not aware and it is very deadly,” he said. “I want to speak to other families who are going through the same experience. I try to do the right thing in life. I recommend Nick and I appreciate all the help and the excellent job he did. I can’t thank him enough.”
If you or someone you know is going through mesothelioma and wants to get in contact with Christian, visit Vogelzang Law’s Forum: http://178.62.243.197/community/.
Nicholas Vogelzang, Lead Counsel, of Vogelzang Law has represented more than 200 families with every imaginable type of asbestos exposure throughout the country, resulting in more than 200 million in settlements and verdicts. He is committed to helping families fight and get the justice they deserve. There is no cost to file.
For more information on asbestos, mesothelioma, and how you can get help, visit www.vogelzanglaw.com or call 312-466-1669.
-
ComEd's Construct Program Creates Greater Opportunities through New Project Management Track
- Reprinted from TruthBTold, Karina Rosado / Purple Group, Mar 28, 2018
ComEd's Construct Program Creates Greater Opportunities through New Project Management Track.