WEST PULLMAN POST Volume I.1 September 2015
Monthly publication of the West Pullman Chamber of Commerce
An Open Letter to the residents, businesses, and stakeholders living
Community Stakeholders:
and working in West Pullman Community:
Vision for a West Pullman
Hello fellow residents! We are excited to begin the process to impact our community one step at a time, one day at a time, in large and measurable fashion. West Pullman Post is here to inform, educate, and impact change for our community. A united West Pullman is a strong West Pullman. Our community is diverse, our future is in our hands. Let’s be the change, starting today.
The Staff at West Pullman Post West Pullman Post is looking for energetic human beings with a knack for community journalism and photography and a verve for writing to join our publication as a freelance writer and/or photojournalist. Our publication is the go-to resource for all things West Pullman, touching on everything from personal finance and organization, to technology and wellness, political updates, community events and happenings. To apply, please send a resume, cover letter, two writing samples, and three references to westpullmanchamberofcommerce@gmail.com, with “Freelance Writer/Photojournalist” in the subject field.
In This Issue
Freedom is not free, we must roll up our sleeves and begin to do the work. We can do this!
Civics 101
2
A Case for Change 3
Bone Health
5
Community Alert
7
Food Insecurity
8
Chamber of Commerce
By Staff Our mission is simple: To work every day to make West Pullman a place where business can thrive, grow, and prosper. A community where people want to live, play, and raise their family. A place becomes a world class community for many reasons, but most notably, it is because it has a world class education system, a vibrant artist community, a great business environment, a modern and efficient transportation network, access to excellent healthcare, a sustainable environment, and a exciting place for tourism. Whew, what a mouthful! Impossible, no...will it take commitment and hard work, a resounding YES! West Pullman Chamber of Commerce, creating a world class community for all. Get involved, become a founding member. Contact the Chamber. Steering Committee today! westpullmanchamberofcommerce@gmail.com
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Spotlight On Habitat for Humanity Chicago and the West Pullman Community Action Committee About Habitat for Humanity— Habitat for Humanity Chicago is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing ministry. Habitat for Hu-
manity Chicago seeks to eliminate poverty housing and home-
This is our community. Let us begin to make our community strong & vibrant!
lessness in Chicago and to make decent shelter a
Civics, Public Office, & Government
matter of conscience and
This is the first of an ongoing series designed to inform and remind us of the role and function of those elected by the people to public office. Contrary to popular political belief, you elect those in office to represent you and the community you live in. We as a community, you as a voter have the right to self-direct your future. Let us begin the process to build a united, strong, stable, and
action. Habitat invites people of all backgrounds, races and religions to build homes together in partnership with families in need. Habitat for Hu-
manity Chicago has built ninety homes in various Chicago neigh-
successful West Pullman.
borhoods providing families with
What is a Congressional District?
safe, decent and affordable housing.
The United States is divided into 435 congressional districts—18 in
http://www.windycityhabitat.org/
Illinois—each with a population of about 710,00 individuals. Illinois has two senators in the United States Senate and 18
Partner Neighborhood - West
representatives in the United States House of Representatives.
Pullman
West Pullman is in Illinois 2nd Congressional District. Each district
Habitat for Humanity Chicago has
elects a representative to the House for a
chosen to focus work in the West
two-year term.
Pullman neighborhood of Chicago.
Representatives
are
also
called
Our major build site is in the heart of
congressmen/congresswoman.
West Pullman at 119th and Union,
Robin Kelly (born April 30, 1956, in New
just East of Halsted. West Pullman
York, NY) is a Democrat member of the
spans parts of the 34th and 9th wards
US
2nd
of the City of Chicago, and boasts the
Congressional District in Illinois. She ran
largest urban photovoltaic solar plant
House
representing
the
unopposed in the Democratic Primary on March 18, 2014.
in the United States. Home to 30,000 Chicago residents, West Pullman also contains the Major Taylor bike trail, the new West Pullman branch of the Chicago Public Library, a number of public parks, and the Salvation Army's Kroc Community Center. We meet monthly every first Wednesday. To get involved contact: Mike Granzow
Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator, Habitat for Humanity Chicago 2201 S Halsted Street, Suite 1251 · Chicago, IL 60608 312.563.0296 x18 · F 312.563.0297 mike.granzow@habitatchicago.org · habitatchicago.org
West Pullman Boundaries
A Case for Change By Staff Writer A case for change beckons West Pullman. Are you willing? Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and become the change we all so desire? There remains great opportunity for West Pullman residents, business, and stakeholders to drive destiny for this neighborhood. It will take renewed vision, private investment, a renewed pride in community, tenacity, and an attitude of asking the right questions about progress in our neighborhood of West Pullman.
West Pullman is unique. Three of our political representatives live in the south suburbs, and our neighborhood is overseen by two aldermen. The West Pullman Chamber will take on the role of business advocate, land trust management, and neighborhood association advocate. We need board members, committee leaders, and community activist to impact and influence change for the good. Most of all, we need visionaries with a strong desire to be catalyst for change. It is said that it takes a village to raise a child. Now it takes a community to create a village. Let’s begin to build a strong community! Call to get on board! westpullmanchamberofcommerce@gmail.com 1-312-810-2001
(the case for a strong working middle class in West Pullman) The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the economy added 210,000 private sector jobs in July. The unemployment rate remained unchanged at 5.3%, while wages ticked up 0.2%. But upon closer inspection, analysts at Dent Research spotted a trend — the job additions reflect a clear preference towards the highest and lowest paying industries. As for the wage increases, they mostly went to the lowest paying sectors. Despite adding thousands to their payrolls, the highest paying industries saw flat wages. Low-paying jobs had their numbers increase and received a substantial 0.5% wage boost. Take a look at the chart below. America's middle class workers saw little relief in July — both the lowest and highest paying industries dominated the month's hires. Despite yet again posting above the 200,000 level for monthly job additions, the majority fell below the median wage line. As shown on the chart, a clear u-shaped hiring pattern emerges. We rely on workers in the middle-paying industries to go out and borrow and spend. Without them being able to do so, our slow motion economic recovery will continue – something Dent Research co-founder and index creator Rodney Johnson is very concerned by. He says, "The modest wage growth in July is a positive, but the problem of hollowing out the middle class remains." Indeed.
COMMUNITY ANNOUNCEMENTS: Community Meeting for the 119th Street Corridor Plan This project is funded by the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) for the City of Chicago in association with the Far South Community Development Corporation. Thursday September 10th, 2015 6:00p—7:30pm @Joan Kroc Center
“We rely on workers in the middlepaying industries to go out and borrow and spend. Without them being able to do so, our slow motion economic recovery will continue.” Let’s begin the work to create a strong middle class in West Pullman. If you are a business owner, join the Chamber. If you are a homeowner, participate in your block club or better yet, revive your block club. If you are a block club captain/president, join the West Pullman neighborhood association. Remember, strength lies in numbers, not autonomy. Let’s begin the dialogue, let us drive our destiny! We, the people, can govern our communities and foster change.
ounces of fat-free milk will cost you 90 calories, but provide you with 30% of your daily dose of calcium. Choose a brand fortified with vitamin D to get double the benefits. Cheese: Just because cheese is full of calcium doesn't mean you need to eat it in excess (packing on the pounds won’t help your joints!). Just 1.5 ounces (think a set of dice) of cheddar cheese contains
more than 30% of your daily value of calcium, so enjoy in moderation. Sardines: These tiny fish, often found in cans, have surprisingly high levels of both vitamin D and calcium. Though they may look a bit odd, they have a
Build a strong structure When it comes to building strong bones, there are two key nu-
savory taste that can be delicious in pastas and salads.
trients: calcium and vitamin D. Calcium supports your bones
Eggs: Though eggs only contain 6% of
and teeth structure, while vitamin D improves calcium absorp-
your daily vitamin D, they're a quick
tion and bone growth.
and easy way to get it. Just don’t opt for egg whites—they may cut calories,
These nutrients are important early in life, but they may also
but the vitamin D is in the yolk.
help as you age. If you develop osteoporosis, a disease characterized by brittle and breaking bones, getting plenty of calcium and vitamin D may slow the disease and prevent fractures. Adults up to age 50 should get 1,000 milligrams of calcium and 200 international units (IUs) of vitamin D a day. Adults over 50
should get 1,200 milligrams of calcium and 400 to 600 IU of vitamin D. Get these nutrients by trying these 11 foods for healthy bones.
Salmon: Salmon is known for having plenty of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty
Yogurt: Most people get their vitamin D through exposure to
acids, but a 3-ounce piece of sockeye
sunlight, but certain foods, like yogurt, are fortified with vita-
salmon contains more than 100% of
min D.
your vitamin D. So eat up for your
Milk: There's a reason milk is the poster child for calcium. Eight
heart and your bones.
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Spinach: Don't eat dairy products? Spinach will be your new favorite way to get calcium. One cup of cooked spinach contains almost 25% of your daily calcium, plus fiber, iron, and vitamin A. Organic Whole Grain & Fruit Cereals: contain up to 25% of your daily vitamin D. When you don't have time to cook salmon or get out in the sun, cereals can be a tasty way to get your vitamin D. Among other benefits of Organic
Tuna: Tuna, another fatty fish, is a
Whole Grain & Fruit Cereals—Every
good source of vitamin D. Three ounc-
whole grain kernel consists of 3 parts:
es of canned tuna contains 154 IU, or
bran, endosperm and germ. Each part
about 39% of your daily dose of the
provides different nutrients and other
sunshine vitamin.
components that contribute to the health promoting benefits of whole grains. Whole grain foods contain all of these parts in the same amounts originally present before processing.
Bran-Outer layer of the grain that contains fiber, antioxidants, B vitamins, phytochemicals, and 50-80% of minerals in grains like iron, copper, zinc, magnesium. Endosperm- middle largest layer containing mostly carbohydrates, protein, and small amounts of some B vitamins and minerals. Germ- inner component containing healthy fats, B vitamins, phytochemicals, and antioxidants like vitamin E. Phytochemicals Fight Disease Phytochemicals are naturally occurring chemicals in plants which give plant
Collard greens: Like spinach, this leafy green often enjoyed south of the Mason -Dixon line is full of calcium. One cup of cooked collards contains more than 25% of your daily calcium.
Orange juice: A glass of fresh-squeezed OJ doesn't have calcium or vitamin D, but it's often fortified to contain these nutrients. Also, studies have shown that the ascorbic acid in OJ may help with calcium absorption, so you may be more likely to get the benefits of this fortified drink. Remember, Bones are quite literally the support system of the body, so it’s super important to keep them strong and healthy. Here’s to good bone health!
foods their color and flavor. Interestingly, in humans phytochemicals can help to protect against chronic diseases like cardiovascular disease, type 2-diabetes and cancer. Hundreds of different phytochemicals exist in whole grains.
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Bureau of Detectives – Area South Community Alert
Alert #P15-2-085CA
27 August 2015
Wanted For Residential Burglaries 005th District (Calumet) About This Crime:
This alert gives notice to citizens of the 005th District (Calumet) that numerous residential burglaries have been reported within Beats 0511, 0512 and 0513. In these incidents, entry is gained through a window that is sometimes broken by an object being thrown through it. During these incidents, jewelry, small electronics and US currency are taken.
These incidents are occurring during various hours of the day.
About The Offender:
It has been reported that witnesses have observed a subject described as male black between age 20 and 23, 5'06", short black hair, dark brown complexion exiting a window.
Safety Tips:
Report suspicious persons, vehicles, and activities immediately
Ensure all doors and windows are properly secured
Ensure the premises is well light
Keep record of serial numbers
Alert neighbors, friends and family of these crimes
If approached by a witness to an incident, request contact information
If you have any information about this incident, Please call Area South Detective Division at (312)747-8273 Reference RD#: HY392097, HY394815, HY395888, HY398908, and HY398931 7
Our mission is to provide a comprehensive response to hunger and to meet human needs in communities located on the South side of Chicago through a coordinated network providing food distribution, advocacy, and volunteers. Since 2003, the Greater Roseland West Pullman Food Network (GRWP) has provided a comprehensive and coordinated response to combating food insecurity in communities that make up Chicago’s South Side. Last year with our pantry distribution partners, we served over 96,000 Chicago area families, directly affecting over 350,000 individuals, and delivering over 3 million pounds of food. However, fighting food insecurity and malnutrition in underserved communities requires innovation and collaboration to address issues of health, education, and economic opportunity, which are some of the root causes of food insecurity. This is why GRWP Food Network collaborates with community partners to coordinate and implement a comprehensive response to combat hunger not just for today, but also for tomorrow, and for future generations.. Presently we are working with community leaders to help establish Agri-gardens for food production. We have targeted several vacant lots in the 9th ward and with the assistance of the Alderman's office and the City’s Planning Department, our hope to get approval to move forward with lot acquisition for growing purposes. Shirley Holden is the lead on this project. Miss Holden resides in the West Pullman area and has taken an interest in the revitalization efforts of the West Pullman area.
West Pullman Post está buscando un periodista comunidad creativa y organizada y / o reportero gráfico para unirse a su equipo. Usted debe residir en el área de West Pullman y tienen el deseo de unificar a nuestra comunidad. Buscando miembros de la comunidad bilingüe de ser parte del cambio! Para aplicar, por favor envíe un curriculum vitae, carta de presentación, dos muestras de escritura, y tres referencias a westpullmanchamberofcommerce@gmail.com, con "Freelance Escritor / Fotoperiodista" en el asunto. 8