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M A H A L I A J A C K S O N S E N I O R A P A R T M E N T S R E S I D E N T S Q U A R T E R L Y NEWSLETTER June - August 2014 Volume 1 Issue 2
Mahalia Jackson Senior Apartments Residents Quarterly MJA Seniors Bridged the Digital Divide
In this issue...
In This Issue… Computer Lab Graduates 2014
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Graduates Continued Summer Events Happy Birthday’s You Should Know Smart Ideas
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Special points of interest: • Welcome To MJA • Thank You • Food Pantries • Letter from The Editor • Corny Bad Humor
January 2014 began was the technological Programs, became easier In January of 2014; Mr. Ron Sorrells (Resident Service Coordinator), opened Theself-confidence MJA. and Mahalia Jackson Senior extraordinary instructor; Computer Lab to all residents and Mr. Danyea Jones (Computer Tech Extraordinaire), came on the classroom. Apartments goal oriented, Mr. Danyea Jones. From swelled board to teach computer operations. Mr. Jones was patient, professional and compassionate fully equipped computer the starting gate; this class Each day of class the in teaching our seniors how to extend their lives from regular living to become functioning class. Mr. Ron Sorrells was destined for success. students anxiously filled “TECHNOLOGY EXPLOSION” participants. (Resident Service Each student recalls the their seats. Homework and lessons were ) Coordinator) brought this nervousness at beginning class plan to fruition and over something completely completed on time and 63 resident seniors eagerly new, but were soon put to according to directions. signed up. In fact, there ease by the techniques in Perhaps it was the of the were so many prospective how they were acquiring anticipation students that an extra this new knowledge. In a students, in knowing that classroom day had to be college atmosphere, very soon each of them incorporated in the learning how to operate a would be certified in basic syllabus. The added bonus computer, using Microsoft computer operations. > 1
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Computer Class Graduates (continued) No Matter who you are/what age you may be; it is never too late/too early to learn. Most people do not understand that education can help determine where you go in life. As seniors; there is nothing that dictates what you can pursue as a result of acquiring computer knowledge. Of course, it would be unrealistic to proclaim that in any age group, learning a new skill is going to be easy. Worthwhile knowledge usually comes with a price. The price could very well be loss of sleep, dedication, sweat, tears, struggle, or little confidence in your outcome. BUT, if you put forth a real effort and listen to instructions, do homework and be positive; you may just surprise yourself. Mr. Danyea Jones, (expressed at the graduation ceremonies), that he learned a great deal about himself also. Yes, he taught wonderfully; yet his seniors taught him “PATIENCE”. Patience is a virtue. Each student was unique in their own rights and he loved them all. Congratulations are in order once again for each graduate: Anna Sledge, Arletha King, Erselene Manuel, Lenora Lusk, Patricia Gillison, Robert Thomas, Rose Henderson, Arlene Brown, Karen Waddy, Marsha Guest, Paul Washington, Katherine Bryant, Othel Flowers, Lanis N. Robinson, Richard Thompson, and Lorene Thomas. A wealth of life experiences and knowledge resides at Mahalia Jackson Senior Apartments located 9141/77 South Chicago Ave., in Chicago Illinois and proudly graduating seniors can include computer technology, to their resume. There is a great deal to be said for senior citizens at MJA; we never give up/give in. As long as GOD provides life; we seniors will live it to the fullest. And if we should meet those people who we can compliment equally, by an exchange of knowledge; we welcome them. The consensus of the computer lab graduates of June 12, 2014 is; they were delighted to have been in this class. They agreed that Mr. Danyea Jones is a wonderful teacher, a passionate teacher, a patient teacher and a wonderful human being. There is not a small bit of doubt in our minds, that the “NEW” Computer Class, is anxious to become part of a goal oriented connection. At the conclusion of the graduation ceremonies, residents were lined up at the counter of “The Golden Diner”, ready to sign up for the computer class beginning June 19, 2014. That is a good sign. For additional information please contact Mr. Ron Sorrells (Resident Service Coordinator)-773.359.5951. (By Patricia Gillison & Marie Johnson)
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SUMMER EVENTS-By Leola Thompson. ELLIS PARK-Gospel Fest.-FREE-June 27-29-Artists: Tye Tribbett, Karen Clark Sheard, VaShawn Mitchell and Tasha Cobbs. The DUSABLE MUSEUM-June, July, August. 1. Jazz & History of Jazz-$5 donation-6pm to 10pm-Every 3rd Wednesday. 2. Stepping under the Stars-$5 donation-6pm to 10pm-Every 3rd Friday. 3. Movies in the Park-FREE-6pm to 10pm-Every 3rd Saturday. CULTURAL CENTER-Randolph & Michigan-Building Tours, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays, at Randolph Lobby.12:30pm. HEALTH FAIR-Holy Angels Church-615 E. Oakwood Blvd.-Thurs. June 26, 2014-10am to 3pm-Contact; Christine Bowden: 773.731.8835-Lunch Provided. GRANT PARK-Jazz Fest.-FREE-August 28-31-11am-8pm daily. TASTE OF CHGO. GRANT PARK-Tickets: $18-50-July 9-13-312.744.3315 (For Info)
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Our mission is to produce a quality newsletter that gives our reader’s local and national news, humorous content, and resources about seniors and for seniors; in a easy read format. Publishing is based on years of news writing experience by The Editor. We hope your experience of reading ‘The New Mahalia Jackson Apartments Residents Quarterly newsletter”; is enjoyable. We ask all residents to contribute, a poem, information, an event or a story; to the editor. All names and information will be kept confidential and will not be sold, traded or published without the writers consent. .
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MAHALIA JACKSON SENI
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Marie Johnson-Editor 9177 South Chicago Ave.-415
Phone: 312-480-8367 Email: 4375772@gmail.com
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Letter from the editor… Dear Readers; “One essential element of mental fitness has already been identified; through the computer classes you take here at Mahalia JacksonSenior Apartments. Education seems to be an elixir (fountain of youth) that can bring us a healthy body and mind throughout our golden adulthood and even longer life. What else you may not realize is that the computer learning class you’ve taken will have a long-term benefit
well beyond your first independent usage. You can proudly say to yourselves that; “I am a very special, unique, and valuable person. I deserve to feel good about myself, look what I have accomplished for myself.” Mr. Danyea Jones said, “Each one of his computer lab students were eager to learn and they caught on very quickly. It made each day that he held class; a pleasure to see my students daily.” Congratulate yourselves; you deserve it! Management, Mr.
Sorrells, WCDC and fellow residents are very happy for you. I am so proud of you that I’m busting at the seams from smiling so much. None of you sat on the sidelines, you jumped right in and began to tackle a new endeavor. Mahalia Jackson Senior Apartment Computer Lab students. CONGRATULATIONS! Sincerely, Marie Johnson, MJA Senior Newsletter Editor.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO ALL MJA JUNE, JULY, AUGUST PEOPLE There are people who you want to let know how very important they are to this world. Residents of Mahalia Jackson Senior Apartments, are some of those people. Mr. Ron Sorrells; Resident Service Coordinator, makes sure no one is forgotten or aren’t aware of how important the day of their birth is. Each month of the year; you will receive a “HAPPY BIRTHDAY” card,
So, for our summer birthday people, MJA Residents Quarterly Newsletter will dedicate this poem to each Birthday person: “Roses are red and violets are blue, you may forget your birthday but I know the date too. I will honor your special day in a very special way, which shows that I value you too. Cook yourself a wonderful dish and as you eat it, make a wish; that this day will
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come next year and if GOD Willing, I will be here to say it once again “HAPPY BIRTHDAY”, my good friend.” (By Guess Who)
“Have a Fantastic Day!”
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Thanks to GOD And let the beauty of the Lord, Our GOD be upon us all, to establish the works of our hands. Yea the works of our hands, establish it LORD that we may be of benefit to others. (PSALM 115:14-16) 14. May the LORD give you increase, you and your children. 15. May you be blessed of the LORD, Maker of heaven and earth. 16. The heavens are the heavens of the LORD, but the earth He has given to the sons of men. –Marie Johnson
Music is Good for The Soul MJA residents know that, “Music Is Good for the Soul.” On Wednesdays from 3:00pm -5:00pm (in The Golden Diner); D.j. Sweet Charlie (resident Charles Tinner) marinates our memories of “The Good Ole’ Days” with variations of R&B, Jazz & Easy Listening. On the 2nd Friday of each month (Commodity Box Day) from 9:00am-5:00pm; Paul Washington puts MJA residents in the groove with “Oldies but Goodies”. Resident of Mahalia Jackson Senior Apartments. So, come on down and drink coffee, tea, eat your lunch or just mingle while you absorb the musical transformations in The Golden Diner. See you there! –Leola Thompson
Corny Bad Humor “I was in the shower and heard a noise downstairs; my wife was out shopping, so I sensed an intruder. I grabbed my old army rifle and crept downstairs; forgetting I was naked. I came around the corner of the kitchen with the gun raised, to find my wife loading the dishwasher. “What are you doing, she screamed.” “I thought I heard a burglar”, I said. Scanning my doughy, naked body, she mumbled; “You didn’t need the gun!”–Marie Johnson
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Someone You Should Know Here at Mahalia Jackson Senior Apartments, we are blessed with the presence of very influential, wise and learned yet unknown people. Perhaps you have sat in meetings with them, or ate lunch with them in The Golden Diner or even played cards or “Bingo” together; without ever giving a thought to the uniqueness of each individual who lives at MJA. Without further ado, I would like to present “Ms. Annie Jackson; aka. “Granny Annie”. A very spry 92 years young, born May 9, 1922, this soft spoken little lady (at present is the eldest resident living in MJA) has 7 children, 16 grandchildren and 50 great grandchildren. Isn’t that a real blessing? GOD Bless her. Ms. Jackson came to reside at MJA in 2005, in 1945 she moved from Clarksville Tenn. to Chicago, Ill., Ms. Jackson said, “I liked Chicago so much that I decided to make it my home and I have been here ever since.” I asked “Granny Annie” what she contributes to her sweet personality, she said; “Love for others, no drinking, no smoking, and no room for chaos in my life”. HATS-OFF to “Granny Annie”, someone you should know.
One of the most beautiful paintings of Mahalia Jackson, is the one on the “Computer Lab” signs. An artist must be able to see the auras and unique sections of an individual’s face, in order to paint a lifelike rendition of any individual. Mr. Donnie Carter is such an artist. His sketches and portraits are breath taking. Mr. Carter is also a resident of MJA. In former years he made his artwork available for art lovers throughout Chicagoland, by displaying them in art fairs. He also does private paintings. As an artist myself; I understand what it takes to present greatness to art lovers in the form of a free hand sketch or painting. Great imagination enables an artist to do captivating things on canvas. Mr. Donnie Carter is such an individual and is someone you should know.-Marie Johnson
What Is the Best Advice Your Mother Ever Gave You “Drizzle a little olive oil all over your leftover pizza before you reheat it in the microwave –it won’t get too dry”.-Jessica “Don’t ever leave home without a quarter for a phone call”.-Ron “Remember, a woman can’t do what men do, it will ruin your reputation”.-Marie “It’s never too late to do the right thing”.-Liza Remember the best advice that you were given from Mother or Grandmother; and share it with readers of The New MJ Residents Quarterly Newsletter. Slide it under the door of
the editor, Marie Johnson 9177 #415 or give it to Mr. Ron Sorrells, 9141 #507.
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Food Pantry Listings (Courtesy of Randy Mims & Ron Sorrells.)+Bring shopping cart & Bags to carry groceries. St. Alibeles-9047 So. Harper-773.721.2056Bring ID-10am to 12pm-Fridays. Trinity Resurrection Church-9046 Mackinaw-773.768.9645-ID-8:30am 10:30am-Wednesdays.
So. to
Centro Comunitario Juan-Diego-8812 So. Commercial-773.731.0109-ID-3pm to 5pmFridays-Contact: Shawn Cartagena. Faith Tabernacle Church-8210 So. Cornell773.978.6000-ID-1pm to 3pm-WednesdaysContact: Stella Green. King of Glory Tabernacle COGIC-2314 E. 83rd773.375.3537-ID-9am to 11am-4th Tuesday of each month Contact: Ethola Holifield.
Call for Further Information:
Praise Tabernacle Deliverance Church-9511 So. Commercial-773.221.7740-ID-1pm to 3pmSaturdays.
Greater Tabernacle MBC-11240 So. Indiana Av.773-928-7737-ID-Chicago.
Haven of Rest-7901 So. Stony Island773.375.4489-ID-11am to 1pm-Wednesdays.
Glory to Glory Christian Center-12238 So. Parnell-773.568.0074-ID (Low income, working poor, seniors.
Lutheran Soc. Srv. (fruits & vegetables)-7435 So. Kingston-773.933.7654-ID-10am to 12pm2nd Monday of each month. Impact Ministry-7877 So. Coles-773.734.2428ID-4pm to 6pm-3rd Wednesday of each month. Mosque Miriam (Islam)-7351 So. Stony Island773.643.0700-ID-10am to 12pm4th Wednesday of each month. Christ Apostolic Church-8157 So. Exchange773.721.2119-ID-10am to 1pm- SaturdaysContact: Margaret Omodara.
ďƒ˜ IF YOU FIND INFO ON OTHER FOOD PANTRIES, PLEASE SEE Mr. Ron Sorrells (Resident Services Coordinator) -9141#507
Fresh Oil, NFP-2335 E. 100th St.-708.629.56889am to 11am-Saturdays-Contact: Velma Thompson. First Worldwide Ministry-7945 So. Exchange773.731.8411-ID-3:30pm to 5:30pm-ThursdaysContact: Ramon Jackson. Christ Life Chrch-8927 So. Houston773.936.1348-ID-10am to 12pm-SaturdaysContact: Gabriel Oluwakotanmi. 7
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Use Less. Save More. Get Rewards!
Smart Ideas Sponsored by CUB (Citizens Utility Board), MJA Building Council and The WCDC (Woodlawn Community Development Corp) asked Mr. Ron Sorrells (Resident Service Coordinator) to request that residents, join “The Smart Ideas” community discussion, being held by CUB on May 21, 2014, at MJA in “The Golden Diner”, to learn where they could save money on light and phone bills; by making cuts, and keep those bills under control.
For over 30 years; CUB has saved consumers more than $10 billion by blocking rate hikes and winning consumer refunds. Ms. Mary Wilson; resident of Mahalia Jackson Senior Apartments, was made aware of how to save $25 monthly, in removing unnecessary services from her phone bill (like voice call etc…) services that were tacked on to her, that she never uses.
The topics were:
Seniors Stay Smart
ComEd’s New rate beginning June 1st. Alternative electric suppliers. Rip-offs in the electricity market. Energy efficiency. How to reduce cost on electric bills.
The Chicago Police Department (Domestic Violence Program) hosted a “Safety Workshop”, on May 22, 2014 in the “Golden Diner” of MJA. It’s very important for seniors to know what “Elder Abuse” is and for everyone to know how to protect themselves. We all should learn what dangers to look out for. In general, elder abuse is a term referring to any knowing, intentional, or negligent act by a caregiver or any other person that causes harm or a serious risk of harm to any vulnerable adult.
On May 29, 2014, in “The Golden Diner”; residents (by appointment only) were asked to bring phone bills for a FREE analysis by CUB experts, who gave tips on how to cut those bills. CUB has shown consumers how to trim the cost of their bills, on an average of more than $200 per year by dropping unnecessary services and switching to low cost plans.
For all senior citizens; the first order of business is to protect your personal information. Never give Social Security numbers, bank account information, PINS), or other sensitive information to unknown contacts.
CUB has an energy saver plan at the website: www.CUBENERGYSAVER.com, where consumers (residents of MJA) can:
NEVER respond to unknown telephone calls, strange letters, unknown emails, faxes or text messages; that ask for your personal information. Try to remember the phone numbers, return address and such, so that you can report these unscrupulous people who prey on the elderly and unsuspecting citizens.
1. Connect and track your ComEd electric use. 2. Create a personal energy saving plan with recommended actions tailored for you. 3. Receive emails that show your ACTUAL savings and give you reward points for saving money. 4. How to redeem those reward points for great discounts at online stores.
It’s better to be safe than sorry!-Marie Johnson
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