Volume 4/2014 (December 2014) Now You Know! A Monthly Online Newsmagazine Serving The Citizens of The Village of Hazel Crest What's Inside The President s Point Holiday Happenings in Hazel Crest Remember to Celebrate Kwanzaa Xmas Tips News Briefs Hazel Crest Scheduled Events for December 2014 Call To Action Writers & Editorial Guideline "Now You Know"! - President s Point The President's Point As we enter into our winter months, December brings us sacred holidays of many religions. There will be many joyful festivities and gathering of families celebrating life and the creator, who each worship in their own way. As a Christian I love Celebrating Christmas, the celebration of the birth of Jesus the Christ, our savior. It is a time that we as Christians reflect on who we are and how blessed we are. It is a time of giving and forgiving. This Christmas my wife Diane and I will be hosting the Joy of Christmas Concert, December 20, 2014, 12:00-3:00 pm, at Full Gospel Christian Assemblies International, located at 3451 W. 175th St., Hazel Crest, Illinois. Apostle Ron Wilson and First Lady, Pastor Barbara Wilson have graciously allowed us to hold this event at their Church. Some of our featured musical artists will be, Cliff Dubois and Divine, Hillcrest High School Choir, Latosca Walker, and more. The Joy of Christmas Concert is our way of allowing the citizens of Hazel Crest and surrounding communities to join us in celebrating the joys of Christmas through music. So, no matter what religion you practice, or if you enjoy music that will move your soul, come and join us as we celebrate life and the creator we worship in our own way. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays Vernard L. Alsberry, Jr. President Village Of Hazel Crest. Continued on Page 2 1 P a g e
--- President's Point - Continued Holiday Happenings in Hazel Crest Special guest speaker was State Senator Mike Hastings a veteran and officer in the Iraq war. Entertainment was provided by the Hazel Crest High School Choir. We must all make every effort and take every opportunity to honor our nation s war veterans, not just on Veterans Day, but every day. Hazel Crest Senior Commission Kicks Off Holiday Party On November 20, Hazel Crest President Vernard L. Alsberry, Jr. and representatives from the Hazel Crest First Party, provided 155 turkeys to residents of Hazel Crest over the Thanksgiving holiday. He was joined by Hazel Crest First Party Candidate for Village Trustee and Village Clerk Mary Grant, and fellow Trustee Candidates Ben Ramsey and Sandra Clayton. Park District Candidate Marlon Rias was also on board along with School Board 144 Candidates Katy Taylor and Java Rogers. Hazel Crest Clergy Commission Hosts Prayer Vigil Also on November 20, the Look and Live Church in Hazel Crest was the site of a prayer vigil, attended by more than 20 residents. The Clergy Commission will continue to host Monthly prayer vigils to pray for unity in the community and love for our neighbors. Nation's Vets Honored by Hazel Crest Veterans Commission Veterans hold a special place in the hearts and minds of all Hazel Crest residents. They were remembered this year in a special ceremony at Hazel Crest Village Hall, sponsored by Village President Alsberry and Commonwealth Edison. For the second year running, the Hazel Crest Senior Commission planed a holiday dinner and Christmas Party on Friday, December 5. Sponsored by Village President Alsberry, all were invited to the Sr. Center, 3000 W. 170 th Pl., Hazel Crest. This event took place from 11:00-2:00 pm. Annual Tree Lighting Gala a success The evening of Friday December 5th from 6-8 pm; the Hazel Crest Fire Station was filled with festive decorations, music and children of all ages as they awaited the lighting of the Village's Holiday Tree and most importantly Santa Clause!!! The excitement of over 200 residents quickly spread when Santa arrived by Hazel Crest Fire Truck; and continued with the lighting of our tree containing thousands of colorful lights. Each child received a stocking filled with a toy and lots of goodies. All participants were treated to hot chocolate and cookies. Holiday tunes were provided by the Prairie Hills Junior High School Band under the direction of Christopher Smith; and the Hillcrest High School Symphonic Choir under the direction of Bonnie Mootrey.. Continued on Page 3 2 P a g e
--- President's Point - Continued This year s Tree Lighting Ceremony was hosted by the Hazel Crest Community Relations Commission: The commission s members include Chair, Irma Holloway, Denise Brady, Mike Brady, Sandra Blunt, Tincie Harris, Demetra Kirsey, Barbara Martin, Debra Pearson and Sandra Slayton. Hazel Crest Fire Chief Charles Jackson, Hazel Crest firemen and Hazel Crest Public Works provided the necessary labor to set up the holiday celebration and displays. This event was sponsored by the Village of Hazel Crest, and US Bank - Monica Rogers Branch Manger. President Alsberry Hosts Annual Fundraiser We hope to see you on Sunday, December 7 from Noon - 4:00 pm. at the Glenwoodie Golf Course and Banquet Hall. This event features live entertainment and vendors selling holiday gifts. Event donation is $50.00. See Page 10 for detail or visit our website www.alsberry.org 3 P a g e
Remember to Celebrate Kwanzaa Umoja (Unity) Unity stresses the importance of togetherness for family and the community. This is reflected in the African saying, I am We, or I am because We are. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination) Requires that we define our common interests and make decisions that are in the best interests of our family and community. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility) This reminds us of our obligation to the past, present and future. Also, that we have a role to play in the community, society, and world. Even now, almost 50 years after it was first celebrated in 1966, many people still profess confusion about the origin and importance of Kwanzaa. Some think it is an African holiday. It s not. Others think it is a religious holiday. It s not. Kwanzaa is a Swahili term literally meaning, First Fruits of the Harvest. It grew out of the activism and turbulence of the Civil Rights era. It was founded by Maulana Ron Karenga, a California-based activist and college professor, who is still alive. In order to avoid a conflict and the inevitable comparison with the Christmas holiday; Kwanzaa begins on December 26 and ends on January 1. It culminates with a feast and gift giving. Many African Americans celebrate both holiday periods. The 7-day period is best known for The Seven Principles, one of which is observed each day. In Swahili they are known as Nguzo Saba. They are: Ujamaa (Cooperative Economics) Emphasizes our collective economic strength. Encourages us to meet common needs through mutual support. Nia (Purpose) Encourages us to look within ourselves and to set personal goals that are beneficial to the community. Kuumba (Creativity) Makes use of our creative energy to build and maintain a strong and vibrant community. Imani (Faith) Focuses on honoring the best of our traditions. Draws upon the best of ourselves. Helps us strive for a higher level of life for humankind. Affirms our self-worth and confidence in our ability to succeed and triumph in righteous struggle. Wherever you live there will be a Kwanzaa celebration near you. After your Christmas activities; take time out to relax with your family and celebrate the First Fruits of the Harvest. 4 P a g e
Now You Know! Xmas Tips Be Responsible - Shop for What You Need Don t Shop Until You Drop The numbers are in and despite all of the pressure on consumers, the numbers are down about 11% from last year. They only took in about $51 billion, instead of the almost $57.5 billion last year. Almost 134 million people hit the streets, spending their hard-earned cash. This means that between now and Christmas the advertisers will really have their eye on you. By now you re totally immersed in the holiday season Bombarded with messages demanding that you shop here, buy this, buy that. Messages demanding that you spend like there is no tomorrow. Well, for most of us there is a tomorrow. It s in January. Why don t we just all agree that the only regrets we will have in January is the cold weather. And it will only be cold outside, not inside, because you spent your January heat money in December. Well if you insist on spending like there is no tomorrow; let s at least remember the real purpose of the Christmas season Giving thanks and doing for others less fortunate than yourself. Black Friday Weekend Has Come and Gone So we know that you re likely to be out there waving that plastic around. We just want you to be careful. First and foremost, be on the lookout for criminals, especially pickpockets. They re out in big numbers this time of year, so be cautious. Also, be careful with whom you share your personal financial information. Credit card hackers are really busy this time of year, not just trying to steal your information, but also the data that you share with the businesses where you shop. And, when you get to your vehicle with all of your new stuff; make sure you lock yourself in. Nothing makes a Christmas Grinch happier than being able to steal a carload of gifts for which you have already paid. Christmas Celebrations.com has been kind enough to prepare a list of helpful tips, to help you make the most of your shopping experience.. Continued on Page 5 5 P a g e
--- Xmas Tips - Continued 1. Don t Wait Until the Last Minute - This helps you avoid spending a lot of extra money two or three days before Christmas. 2. Shop in Off-Peak Hours - You will be less stressed and pay more attention to the money you are spending. 3. Take a List - Don t just take it, read and follow it. 4. Set a Budget - Think about how cold it will be in January with no heat. 5. Look for Sales - This should be obvious. Just remember, at some point you ll have to make a decision. Don t be afraid to walk away if you can t get the price you want 6. Buy Extra Gifts - Say what! You know that someone who is not on your list is going to give you a gift. Avoid that awkward moment. Disappear for a minute and return with a gift for that special person. 7. Shop Online - This is an increasingly popular option, especially with next day, and in some cases same day delivery. However, some of us just can t break old habits, even when you can save money. 8. Save Receipts - Comes in handy when you receive something that s broken, with missing pieces Oh let s face it. At least once a year you re going to receive something that you just don t want 9. Reward Yourself - You have to treat yourself as if you are a VIP. What better way than to spend some of your money on yourself? Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa & Happy New Year From the Folks at Now You Know! 6 P a g e
Brief Reflections on Ferguson Now You Know! News Brief As we close out 2014 it seems appropriate to gain some understanding of what Ferguson represents in the broader sense. It s important to note that a small Missouri town, outside of St. Louis, that few of us had even heard of a few short months ago, has become the symbol and object of protests, not only across the United States, but around the world. Like many we had hoped that the Grand Jury report would offer some clarity as to what actually happened on that day, this past August. But it didn t. What we are left with is a dead teenager, unarmed and shot down in the prime of life grieving parents and other family and friends; and both peaceful and violent protests, including looting, playing out across the country, including Chicago. When we take a look at Ferguson, what do we see? We see America. We see many other areas poised to become the next Ferguson. Other cities and municipalities where the police force and city government fail to reflect the rich diversity of the local population. The aftermath of the unrest in Ferguson and elsewhere has reached the highest levels of government. Many are calling on President Obama, to visit Ferguson. On December 1st the president convened a group of politicians, activists and law enforcement officials at the White House to discuss ways to address the widespread tension that exists between police forces and citizens across the country. He said Ferguson laid bare a problem that is not unique to St. Louis or that area, and is not unique to our time. And that is a simmering distrust that exists between too many police departments and too many communities of color. As we enter the new year, we can only hope and pray that justice will prevail. But while we are hoping and praying, remember that the municipal elections are looming. Many important offices will be at stake in Chicago, but more importantly in the Southland, where most of you live. If you are dissatisfied with your local municipal government, that second Tuesday in April, is the time to make yourself heard. If diversity of power is not reflected in the place where you live, that second Tuesday in April, is the time to make a change. The recent events in Ferguson and the aftermath, are the most compelling reasons we can think of to go and register so you can vote this coming April. And then once registered, Get out and Vote! 7 P a g e
Hazel Crest - Good Place to Live & Do Business Hazel Crest is a good place to live and do business. If you had any doubt check out the recent edition of Livability Chicago Southland Illinois published by The Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce. There you ll find not one but two Hazel Crest entities featured. Advocate South Suburban Hospital is profiled on P. 22. In addition to offering traditional in-patient and out-patient services, Advocate is also recognized for offering, cutting-edge technologies and a Wound Care and Hyperbaric Medical Centers. And the facility is also home to a Transitional Employment Program that helps developmentally disabled teens to prepare for the Workforce, according the magazine. And on P. 25 Mi-Jack Intermodal, is also featured. Started in 1954 by CEO Jack Lanigan, Sr., the company is named for his two sons, Michael and Jack. Livability describes Mi-Jack as, developing new technology for intermodal transportation, offering operating services and construction equipment. Mi-Jack also employs more than 2,000 employees and along with Advocate South Suburban are Hazel Crest s largest employers. New State Treasurer to Assume Office Congratulations to incoming State Treasurer Mike Frerichs, as he prepares to take office in January. In the most hotly contested state race, the new treasurer promises to bring fresh ideas to this most important office Democrat Frerichs won with 48.1 percent of the vote to 47.8 percent for Republican challenger Tom Cross, according to the Associated Press. More than 3.5 million votes were cast statewide, the third closest statewide election since 1900, according to the AP. The win for the soon-to-be former Illinois State Senator, is all the more dramatic since Cross enjoyed a lead of nearly 20,000 votes on election day. Hazel Crest President Alsberry elected VP of Southland Regional Mayoral Black Caucus (SRMBC) Founded in 2013 the SRMBC is a nonprofit civic and political organization whose membership includes the leadership of several municipalities in the Southland. Markham Mayor David Webb, is the recently elected president. Continued Page 8 8 P a g e
--- News Brief - Continued According to their Bylaws, the mission of the SRMBC includes shaping public policy and advocacy for the minority municipalities of the Cook County Southland and educating local elected officials about leadership and governance issues. Their mission also includes, serving as a centralized clearing house to acquire resources, funding and program information to serve families of the southland region from birth through senior years." 9 P a g e
Hazel Crest Events for December 2014 FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 - HAZEL CREST SENIOR COMMISSION'S CHRISTMAS PARTY 11:00-2:00 PM Senior Center 3000 W. 170th PL An afternoon of food and enjoyment. Last year Santa stopped by and gave gifts to all the nice seniors. Sponsored by the Hazel Crest Senior Commission FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 - LIGHTING OF THE HOLIDAY TREE CEREMONY 6:00-8:00 Hazel Crest Fire Station 2903 W. 175th St., singing holiday carols and celebration Light Refreshments served. Sponsored by the Hazel Crest Community Relations Commission SATURDAY, DECEMBER 7 - PRESIDENT VERNARD ALSBERRY JR. CHAMPAGNE HOLIDAY LUNCHEON WITH A GRAND VENDOR BAZAAR & MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT 12:00-4:00 PM Glenwoodie Golf Course, 19301 S. State St. Glenwood, IL. Everyone is invited to come out and enjoy an afternoon of champagne, good food, entertainment and holiday shopping. Sponsorship Levels: $1,000 to $2,500. Individual Lunch Ticket: $50.00. email: mayoralsberry@alsberry.org or visit the website www.alsberry.org SATURDAY, DECEMBER 13 - VILLAGE COMMISSIONER'S CHRISTMAS PARTY 12:00-4:00 PM Flossmoor Country Club 1441 Western Ave., Flossmoor, IL. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 20 - PRESIDENT VERNARD & FIRST LADY DIANE ALSBERRY'S HOLIDAY MUSICAL 2014 12:00-3:00 PM Full Gospel Christian Assemblies International, 3451 W. 175th Street A wonderful afternoon of spiritual enjoyment and a great occasion for community fellowship. The Holiday Musical is free of charge and President and First Lady Alsberry are giving gifts to all the senior citizens in attendance. 10 P a g e
Now You Know Call To Action Now You Know! needs you. The Village of Hazel Crest is home to a number of organizations and entities that contribute to our well-being and development. We want to regularly report on your meeting dates, activities, goals, objectives and outcomes. This Call To Action includes, but is not limited to Homeowners Associations and Committees and Commissions. We want to represent any recognized entities that are working on behalf of Hazel Crest. We will make every effort to publish Now You Know! the first week of every month. Deadline for submission is the 2 nd Friday of the month, by midnight. So, if you would like to contribute copy for the January 2015 issue, send no later than Friday, December 12, midnight. Meeting the deadline is especially important for time-sensitive information. Please keep articles between 250-1,000 words, as space will be limited. Depending on the size of the font, about 4 double-spaced pages equal 1,000 words. We recognize that sometimes it will not be possible to meet the deadline. In that case, both the importance and timeliness of the submitted information will be considered. In many instances late information can be rolled over to the next issue. Sometimes not. So we urge you to make every effort to meet the copy deadline. See Editorial Guidelines in this issue. Please submit only the highest quality pictures with captions, explaining the significance. Editor s Note - Obscenities, defamatory, unsigned and excessively self-serving articles will not be printed. Now You Know! is a publication dedicated to the progressive activities of the Village of Hazel Crest. Group copy writing instruction will be offered to those wishing to sharpen their informational messages. Please submit articles, and inquiries to: Walter M. Perkins at: wp@informationpluspro.com. We are working on a process which will enable pictures to be uploaded to a common drive, and will provide that information. 11 P a g e
Writers & Editorial Guidelines 1. Keep to the 250 1,000 word limit. Get copy in on time. 2. Check copy for grammar and spelling before submitting. 3. Know what you want to say and say it. 4. Write as concisely as possible. 5. Substitute small words for large ones whenever possible. 6. Use words and phrases that your audience is likely to understand. 7. Don t be unnecessarily redundant. Don t use different words to convey the same thoughts. 8. Don t use jargon that only those who do similar work understand. 9. Write as if you were having a conversation with your audience. 10. Don t talk down to your audience. 11. Be accurate as to names, titles, degrees and addresses (where relevant). 12. Write with passion, not anger. 13. Make sure your information is accurate. 14. Don t curse, defame, disparage, or violate anyone s privacy. 15. Don t write anything that you will regret, if it is published. 16. Separate your personal opinions from what is factual. 17. Be specific about your information sources. 18. Humor doesn t always work. Satire doesn t always work. 19. If someone tells you something confidential, maintain their trust. 20. Remember that you are writing to either inform, educate or inspire people to do or not do something. 21. Use pictures that help support the story. 22. Include captions with pictures to help tell the who, when, where, what, why and why story is important. That s it for now. We ll see how it goes Citizens To Elect Vernard Alsberry Jr., P.O. BOX 743 Hazel Crest, IL 60429, E: mayoralsberry@alsberry.org Website: www.alsberry.org Editorial Services by Information Plus Professional Services Formatting and design by RRJ Web Solutions 12 P a g e