Family
We s t P u l l m a n P o s t
Around town and across town, family is the mainstay of any community. Happy Holidays, from our family to yours!
Volume I.4 December 2015
Monthly publication of the West Pullman Chamber of Commerce
Hello West Pullman and our neighbors!
Michigan Avenue Lights
In This holiday Issue
Clean Eating
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Winter Road Safety
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Civics, Public Office, & Government
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Holiday Recipe
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Special Report: Manufacturing vs. High Wages
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As we begin yet another season I want to take the time to say ‘thank you ‘ to the community groups and organizations working to improve the quality of life in West Pullman. We live in a beautiful community and despite the work that lies ahead, we shall walk and work this journey together. After a hectic summer, our streets along the 119th street corridor between Halsted and Wentworth are finally walkable. As we move into the end of the year, 2016 promises to be a year of the beginning of sweeping demands for change in our beautiful City. No longer will the status quo suffice for many across our communities. The winds of change and a rise in consciousness is stirring. As you plan for the upcoming holiday season, take time to say ‘I love you’ often. Give hugs and say hello to the stranger on the street walking past. Don’t measure success by how someone is dressed, where they live, the type of automobiles they drive, or their educational status. Let’s get past the outward appearances and the rudeness that have started to define Chicagoans as observed by many outsiders. Let’s truly get back to community, real, sustained outreach, warmth, and Chicago hospitality. We have it, let’s not reserved it for the few but spread Love to all. May this holiday season be one of love, reflection, and a commitment to become the change we all desire. See you around the neighborhood.
Shirley Holden, Editor-in-Chief
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High Wages Do Not Have an Impact on Manufacturing Competitiveness in the United States: A Special Report News from EPI
High wages are not behind the decline in U.S. manufacturing competitiveness, according to a study conducted by the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). Exchange rate policies, not high wages, are why U.S. lags China and Germany in export performance, a new EPI report released today. Instead, currency manipulation and unfair trade practices are to blame for the loss of 5.4 million U.S. manufacturing jobs between 1997 and 2013.
Sallis Designs International, Ltd. Shirley Holden, Principal Global Society of International Designers (GSID) President Midwest Chapter Chicago, IL 60628 * 312-810-2001 * hsdesigns2006@gmail.com www.sallisdesignsltd.com Residential Interiors * Hotel FF&E * Restaurant Design * Contract * Residential Home Design *High Fashion Window Treatments * Commissioned Furniture Pieces * Lighting Design Inlay Flooring Design & Fabrication * Custom Cabinetry * Home Theatres * Façade Restoration What is Clean Eating? By Jaime Taylor
Although there is no real definition for the term ‘clean eating’, this concept centers around simplicity.
Clean eating is not a diet or eating plan defined by strict eating rules. You don’t have to add or subtract or calculate calories and fat. Clean eating is a very easy and simple lifestyle to adopt, a return to days of how your grandparents and their parents actually experienced food. Clean eating is all about eating foods in their most ‘natural’ state. This means avoiding processed foods, foods loaded with preservatives, foods with lots of high fructose corn syrups and other ‘processed’ sugar additives, foods with high levels of bad fats, and most importantly, foods stripped of their nutritional value and/or injected with chemical names you can’t pronounce, let alone recognize. As I mentioned earlier, clean eating isn’t an exact phrase with standard rules. There are several applications and interpretations around clean eating. I will share with you that I have adopted for me and my family. (continue on page 3) 2
In the report, EPI Director of Trade and Manufacturing Research Robert E. Scott argues that because high wages are not to blame for manufacturing job loss in the United States, the U.S. can rebuild manufacturing without cutting manufacturing wages. Scott looks to countries like Germany—which has among the highest manufacturing wages in the world while maintaining a stable share of world exports and suffering only minimal manufacturing job losses—for strategies to rebuild manufacturing in the United States.
has also grown faster in Germany than the United States—between 1997 and 2013, compensation grew 3.3 percent a year in Germany, versus 2.9 percent a year in the United States. If high wages alone were sending production to China, then German exports would have declined, instead of holding steady between 1997 and 2013. During this time period, China quadrupled its share of world exports of manufactured goods from 3.9 percent to 17.6 percent through policies such as intentional currency manipulation and the illegal subsidization and sharing of cyber espionage findings with Chinese companies. Germany’s share declined only slightly from 11.0 percent to 10.4 percent, while the U.S. share fell by nearly one-third, from 13.7 to 9.5 percent. This is the proof that high wages should not be the target of policies aimed at rebuilding U.S. DISTRICT 5 CHICAGO POLICE BEAT ASSIGNMENT
“The idea that high wages in the manufacturing industry are causing job losses is common, but incorrect,” said Scott. “Pushing manufacturing jobs into the low-wage, nonunion south is a raceto-the-bottom strategy that should be rejected. Instead, we need to fight currency manipulation by countries like China and take a page from Germany and Europe to rebuild American manufacturing.” Thanks to policies that benefit and support the manufacturing sector, Germany has sustained high wages and a stable share of world exports of manufactured goods despite Chinese currency manipulation and growth. In 2013, hourly compensation in Germany was $48.98, more than one-third higher than in the United States ($36.34). Compensation 7
dry and the dough begins to pull away from the sides of the pan, 25 to 27 minutes.
3. Meanwhile, melt the chocolate with the cream in a double boiler or in the microwave (30 second bursts, keep stirring after each burst, until smooth). When the crust is baked, transfer the pan to the rack. Pour the warm chocolate ganache over the warm crust and spread evenly to within 1/2inch of the edge (an offset spatula is a good tool to use for this). Scatter the toffee pieces evenly over the ganache and gently press them into the chocolate. If you're using festive sprinkles, sprinkle those on top and gently press into the chocolate too. Yield: 16 wedges Prep Time: 25 min + cooling time Cook Time: 25 min Chocolate Toffee Wedges Festive, delicious, and a mighty good coffee dunker... Ingredients: 1 stick (or 8 Tablespoons ) unsalted butter, at room temperature 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar 1/4 teaspoon salt 1 large egg yolk 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract 1 cup all-purpose flour 5 ounces bittersweet or semisweet chocolate, chopped 3 Tablespoons heavy whipping cream 1/2 cup packaged toffee pieces (or chopped Heath or Skor bar) festive sprinkles, optional Directions: 1. Position an oven rack on the middle rung. Heat the oven to 350 degrees F. Lightly grease the bottom and sides of a 9 1/2-inch tart pan with a removable bottom. 2. In a large bowl, combine butter, dark brown sugar and salt. Beat with an electric mixer on medium speed until well-blended. Add the egg yolk and vanilla and beat just until combined. Pour in the flour and beat on low speed until the dough begins to clump together. Scrape the dough into the prepared pan, scattering the pieces evenly. Using your fingertips (lightly floured, if necessary), pat the dough onto the bottom (not up the sides) of the prepared pan to form an even layer. Bake until the top looks
4. Let cool completely until the chocolate is completely set, about 4 hours at room temperature or about 2 hours in the refrigerator. Remove the outer ring of the tart pan and cut the "cookie tart" into 16 wedges. Serve the wedges chilled or at room temperature.
What is Clean Eating? (cont.)
Getting Ready for Winter—Safe Rules to Follow
By Jaime Taylor
Staff Writer
Unrefined, whole grains (no processed breads and grains).
An abundance of fresh, local, organic fruits and vegetables.
Free-range and grass-fed meats and dairy. It took me three years to totally make this switch as this was an expensive area to change. In reality, this type of meat and dairy is very nutritious and filling. I find that we actually eat less meat and over time, saves money.
Meals are vegetable centered instead of meat centered.
Lots of water and we make our own no-calorie drinks using water and natural fruit for flavoring.
Healthy choices when baking and steaming.
Tips: *The wedges freeze well. Store in an airtight container and divide layers with wax paper.
Use of olive oil instead of processed vegetable oils (most of the corn and soybeans used in vegetable oils are derived from genetically modified corn and soybeans . Canola oil is a genetic variation of rapeseed developed in the 1960’s using traditional plant-breeding methods to make the rapeseed more palatable. Most canola oil is also from genetically engineered seeds, about 93% in the USA. Coconut oil, butter (gets a bad rap), avocados and oils from organically derived animals are good choices.
December 10 - Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago Holiday Party Join ICNC for our end-of-the year celebration at the Garfield Park Conservatory. ICNC's holiday party is our largest and most popular event. After working hard all year, take some time to meet your neighbors and fellow business owners over drinks and appetizers.
The bottom line is to choose foods in their natural state as a basis for meal preparation. And if you don’t know how to do this, look for your local farmers and urban markets in 2016 and purchase your food at these markets. The markets also provide cooking demonstration and educational components in your quest to eat clean. When you keep things simple, meals are more healthy. When meals are more healthy, you become more healthy. Happy eating!
Thursday, December 10 Time: 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM Location: Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park Ave. RSVP required. Contact Elizabeth Valentine 312-421-3941
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Throughout the winter, especially during adverse weather, motorists should be building extra time into their schedules before heading out. As part of the “Winter Weather – Get it Together” campaign, all travelers are encouraged to follow a few simple rules and tips during the coming months: • Always wear a seat belt. It’s the law in Illinois. • Slow down. Slower speeds, slower acceleration, slower steering and slower braking all are required in winter driving conditions. • Drop it and drive. Put down the handheld devices – it, too, is the law in Illinois. • Don’t crowd the plow. A snow plow operator’s field of vision is restricted. You may see him, but he may not see you. • Avoid using cruise control in snow and ice. • Watch out for black ice on roads that appear clear but can be treacherous. • Be especially careful approaching intersections, ramps, bridges and shady areas. All of them are prone to icing. • Do not travel during bad weather unless absolutely necessary. If you do have to make a trip, check the forecast and make sure someone is aware of your travel route. Consider taking public transportation if it is an option. • Prepare an emergency car care kit that contains jumper cables, flares or reflectors, windshield washer fluid, a small ice scraper, traction material, blankets, nonperishable food and a first aid kit. • Carry a cell phone and a car charger in case of emergency. • Follow Scott’s Law. Slow down and move over for stopped emergency, construction and maintenance vehicles. 3
Overnight Winter Parking Ban Goes Into Effect
Hello West Pullman and our neighboring communities,
It’s that time of year again, and no we are not talking about Christmas. You don’t want to wake up or leave work and find this unpleasant surprise awaiting. Chicago's annual winter overnight parking ban goes into effect on Tuesday, Dec. 1 and runs through March 31, 2016. The parking ban will be enforced during the hours of 3 to 7 a.m. and impacts 107 miles of critical arterials throughout the city. So be mindful of where you park and look for those oh so delightful signs!
The mission of West Pullman Post is simple: to bring together this beautiful community of residents, business, and stakeholders, bringing one voice in reshaping our community. The newsletter serves as a communication tool to impart information, knowledge, and opportunity for not only West Pullman, but our neighboring communities as well. Our goal is to go from newsletter format to either newsprint or magazine format starting with February 2016 issue. For now the focus is to build capacity among readership and community engagement. I look forward to this journey.
Shirley Holden, Founder & Editor-In-Chief
WEST PULLMAN FIRST ANNUAL CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY Monday December 7, 2015 6pm to 8pm SS Peter & Paul Church in the north Courtyard 12425 S. Halsted Street, Chicago 60628 Join Santa Claus at the courtyard of St Peter & Paul Roman Catholic Church for the First Annual West Pullman Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony. All residents are invited to bring their families and friends for an evening of caroling, dinner, hot cocoa, and fun. We will also collect toys and food for distribution to those in need this holiday season. We look forward to kicking off this year’s holiday season, see you at the tree!
Sponsored by: SS Peter & Paul Church Habitat for Humanity Chicago
Civics, Public Office, & Government By Staff Writer (reprinted from November issue)
This is the third of an ongoing series designed to inform and remind us of the role and function of those elected by the people to public office. The next three years starting in 2016 mark the beginning of an election cycle starting with the White House and ending in State and local governments. As a community it is not too early to begin to take note of challenges we face. As we take note, we must also ask the hard questions that only we as a community can address. As we move forward as a community, let us begin to think about the future and the impact upcoming elections will play in shaping our community. And while we are thinking remember this, if participation in the election process is not exercised, you can be certain that change will not occur. If you cannot vote due to a criminal record, there are programs in place to help restore your right to vote. If you committed a criminal act as a juvenile, here are the steps you can take to clear your name. Note that certain crimes are not eligible for expungement. Youth who are arrested and/or successfully complete their involvement with the juvenile justice system and do not commit new crimes may have their records expunged or erased. Even if a youth is arrested and the case does not go to court, the arrest record needs to be expunged. Arrests are more likely to show up on a background check when a person consents to a background check when applying for employment. When a record is expunged, it is as if the crime never occurred. Each law enforcement agency expunges or destroys their records on the youth. Expungement includes erasing both police records and court records if the case proceeded to court. If an inquiry is made on a youth's criminal background and the records were expunged, the answer back to the person or entity making the inquiry, will be that "no records exist."
ENFORCEMENT AGENCY. THEN COMPLETE THE EXPUNGEMENT PAPERWORK FROM THE OFFICE OF THE CLERK OF THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY. THERE ARE FEES INVOLVED IN GETTING JUVENILE RECORDS EXPUNGED BUT THE COURT CAN MAKE A DETERMINATION THAT A PARTY IS INDIGENT AND UNABLE TO PAY FEES. WHERE TO GET HELP WITH JUVENILE EXPUNGEMENTS:
Juvenile Justice Division Office of the Presiding Judge 2245 West Ogden Avenue Room 8004 Chicago, Illinois 60612 (312)433-6990
Juvenile Expungement Help Desk Cook County Juvenile Court Center 1100 S. Hamilton Avenue, Ground Floor Chicago, Illinois 60612 First come, first served Walk-in hours: Mondays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Tuesdays: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. Thursdays: 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. For more information and appointments, call (312) 229-6359 www.cookcountycourt.org/ABOUTTHECOURT/ JuvenileJusticeChildProtection/JuvenileJustice/ ExpungementInformation.aspx
WHAT CAN NEVER BE EXPUNGED OR ERASED Findings of Guilty for:
Greater Roseland West Pullman Food Network
First Degree Murder Felony Sex Offenses Certain Traffic Offenses such as: Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs or Reck-
West Pullman Post, your community newsletter Dr. Sharon Crowe, Educator & Researcher Want to get involved? Contact Shirley Holden @ 312-810-2001 or Larry Campbell @ 630-886-6876 4
less Homicide TO BEGIN THE EXPUNGEMENT PROCESS, FIRST OBTAIN A HISTORY OF ALL ARRESTS FROM THE ARRESTING LAW
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