Extra Newspaper

PRCC Plans to Turn Abandoned Property into Apartments, Workspaces for Artists

  • BY TODD M. FREIMUTH
  • After years of planning, the Puerto Rican Cultural Center announced last week that a new development on the 2700 block of West Division Street will seek to revitalize the area and usher in new economic development.

    • The newly named Paseo Boricua Arts Building will move into the long since abandoned buildings at Division Street where the Ashland Sausage Company was once located. The buildings will receive an entire refurbishing and an updated facade.

    "For a decade, this site, which housed the Ashland Sausage Company, sat vacant. The only activity it saw was gang graffiti going up on its walls and the city's graffiti blasters taking it down," said Ald. Roberto Maldonado at the unveiling last week. "But thanks to [PRCC Executive Director] Jose Lopez's vision, this building will be re-imagined, reinvented and revitalized as a place for local artists to live and create."

    Continue reading.
    When you do your Holiday shopping at AmazonSmile, Amazon donates 0.5% of the purchase price to Puerto Rican Cultural Center

    Bookmark the link http://smile.amazon.com/ch/23-7347778 and support us every time you shop.

    From Puerto Rican Cultural Center & Programs

    Sentido Pesáme

    The Puerto Rican Cultural Center, and Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos Puerto Rican High School wish Maritza Nazario and family their most sincere condolences on the passing of their Mother, Carmen Figueroa Rivera. She was survived by her children Nilda, Papo, Wiso, Elba and Maritza Nazario Figueroa. 

    She passed on March 3rd at her home in Corozal, Puerto Rico.

     

    BACCA offers Math, English and Yoga!
    After School Program on the Move!

    By Christian Roldan, Barrio Arts, Culture and Communication Academy

    Batey Urbano is delighted to present the After School Program for high school students in the Humboldt Park community and near-by neighborhoods.  Our priority is to improve the academic performance of the youth and orientate them toward a better future. Batey Urbano provides a safe and educational space where youngsters can do their homework, with the help of tutors, and with access to computers and the internet.  Students can also participate in cultural and artistic activities (painting, yoga, ping-pong, etc).

    With the collaboration of the local restaurants Café Colao and Nelly's, students are offered delicious food.  Students are tutored in Math, English, Spanish, and essay writing, Monday to Friday (3pm-6pm), as well as Yoga instruction on Tuesdays at 4:15pm. Batey Urbano would like to welcome high school students to come study with us and to bring friends  along to take advantage of this excellent program!

    Affordable Care Act Program prepare for Special Enrollment Period for Tax Season

    By Mayra Estrella, Affordable Care Act program

    If you or your family did not have health coverage in 2014 and had to pay a penalty (also known as a shared responsibility payment) because you were not covered, you may be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) during the end of the tax season, from March 15 through April 30. This SEP is available if you:

    ·       Are not currently enrolled in coverage through the Marketplace for 2015

    ·       Attest that you filed your 2014 tax return and had to pay a fee for not having health coverage in 2014, and

    ·       Attest that you first became aware of the fee, or understood how the fee would affect you, after the end of the 2015 Open Enrollment Period (after February 15, 2015) in connection with preparing your 2014 taxes.

    If you enroll in coverage through this tax season SEP before the 15th of the month, coverage will be effective on the first day of the following month. If you enroll in coverage after the 15th of the month, coverage will begin on the first day of the second following month. For free, in-person help from a trained professional (English and Spanish speaker), you can call the Puerto Rican Cultural Center at 773-227-7794 or 773-661-9077.


     

    Move for Life! Coming April 4th

     

    By Leony Calderón

    Move for Life!  is an annual one day community-driven outdoor event to kick-off the Spring/Summer physical activity seasons. Saturday, April 4th 2015, from 12:00pm-4:00pm. Join us as we Kick-off the Spring with an afternoon of physical activity; walking, biking, Zumba, Yoga, Pilates, games, boot camp, nutrition information, music, games and much more.

    Free and For all Ages!

    Service Providers join us and showcase your physical activity, nutrition program to the community. To register or volunteer 773-342-0855 Moveforlife@prcc-chgo.org.


     

    Health Education at the 

    Diabetes Empowerment Center Every Wednesday!

    By Leony Calderón

    Health Education Every Wednesday, from 12:00pm to 1:00pm.

    Manage, Control and Prevent Diabetes.  Ask Doctors, Residents, Nutritionist, Pharmacist and Dietitian Your Pressing Health Questions.

    Weekly Topics

    • *       Diabetes 101
    • *       Medication Education
    • *       Nutrition Class
    • *       Intro to Diabetes & How the Body Works
    • *       Protecting Your Eyes
    • *       Protecting Your Feet
    • *       Oral Health
    • *       Using The Glucose Meter & Meds
    • *       Heart Health Education
    • *       Physical Activity and Diabetes

    Diabetes Empowerment Center, 2753 W. Division St. 773-342-0855

    Free and Bilingual.


     

    Educación de Salud todos los Miércoles de 12:00pm a 1:00pm

    Manege, Controle y Prevenga la Diabetes. Haga Preguntas a los Médicos, Residentes, Nutricionistas, Farmacéuticos y Dietista Acerca de Su de Salud.

    Temas Semanales

    • *       Diabetes 101
    • *       Educación Medicamentos
    • *       Clase de Nutrición
    • *       Introducción a la Diabetes y Cómo funciona el cuerpo
    • *       Proteja sus ojos
    • *       La protección de sus pies
    • *       Salud Oral
    • *       Uso del medidor de glucosa y Medicamentos
    • *       Educación para la Salud del Corazón
    • *       Actividad física y la diabetes 

    Gratuito y Bilingüe.

    Centro de Empoderamiento Contra la Diabetes, 2753 W. Division St. 773-342-0855


     

    Heroes for a day

    By Zenaida Lopez, El Rescate Transitional LGTBQ Housing

    On February 24th, Election Day in the city of Chicago is as challenging as your worst day at work, however it was an exciting day for the three residents of El Rescate who were serving as first time Election Judges. Kayla Toledo, Donald Jefferson, and Ricky Santiago all signed up for this most important role in the elections, without Election Judges no polling place can open or operate. In addition, another resident, Mari Rivera, participated in the GOTV campaign, knocking on doors letting voters know the address of their assigned polling place. 

    Early Tuesday morning the residents were all up and out ready to work as Election Judges, making sure the polling places were ready, and able to open on time.

     

    During the resident's weekly meetings the youth were educated on the electoral process, staff made sure that the residents were well informed on the importance   of Participatory democracy. This included being able to participate in the   political decisions that affect their lives. The importance of having a voice and letting their vote be their voice, and understanding that their vote can help mold the political future of the community.  Staff encouraged the residents to have a vision of their future and what's at stake for programs such as El Rescate, and have a part in which person they want to run their government. 

     

    As the poles closed later that evening, all the residents were tired from a long days work, but all agreed that they would like to participate in future elections." I'm ready for the next one", said Donald Jefferson. Congratulations to the twenty resident who either voted early or cast their votes on election day. 

    Women and Trans Night Keeping Busy

    By Emily, West Town Bikes

    Women and Trans Night has been on a break for the last six weeks, but we have still been keeping ourselves busy as ever working hard to train eight new volunteers who have been participating in the 2015 open shop since the start of the year!

     

    We are so proud to have this new group of inspiring women join us at WTB, and they are an incredible addition to the wonderful group of volunteers that we already have on our team.  Not only are all of these women passionate about WTB and the work that we do in the community, but they each bring a tremendous amount of invaluable experience and skill of which they are eager to share with everyone here.  Not only will this group be providing assistance to attendees during open shop, but they will be working hard to build and maintain program fleet bikes throughout the community while also promoting and engaging others through WTB-promoted activities and outreach events we have planned during the spring and into the summer.

     

    We look forward to starting up Women's Night again on Wednesday, March 4th.  We also plan on hosing a casual event in mid-March to celebrate our new volunteer team and give a proper "Kick Off" to the upcoming 2015 season. 

     

    Stay updated with WTB news and events by visiting our WTB Facebook page or email Emily@westtownbikes.org for more information. 

     

    Hoorah for women wrenching on bikes! 

    - Emily

    The Risk is Not Knowing. Get Tested. Our Team is Ready

    By Jonathan Contreras, Integrated Paseo Boricua

     Integrated PASEO |Office Line: 773-772-5455

    1044 N Francisco Street | Chicago, IL 60622

    On Sale Now

    November Chicago Magazine "Why José López Stands Between Gentrification and Humboldt Park"

    Be sure to pick up the November issue of Chicago Magazine, which features an interview by Puerto Rican Cultural Center ED José E. López conducted by Elly Fishman.

    Puerto Rican Cultural Center Calendar of Community Events

     

    Thur. Mar 26th 10am, Rollout of CPS Parent University with CEO Barbara Byrd Bennett at Roberto Clemente Community Academy, 1147 N. Western Ave. (By invitation only.)

     

    Thur. Mar 19th 6-9pm, Celebration of 12th Anniversary of Batey Urbano, Poetry Slam featuring Nuyorican Poet, Willie Perdomo, at the National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts & Culture. 3015 W. Division St. $15 donation (light refreshments)

     

    Thur. Apr. 2, 6pm National Museum of Puerto Rican Arts and Culture and Puerto Rico Tourism Company open exhibit "Calibán", 3015 W. Division St. with

     

    Fri. Apr. 3, Good Friday March, Assemble Congress and Michigan, 12noon

     

    Fri. Apr 3rd 2pm, Luncheon w/Nelson Denis, author, War Against All Puerto Ricans, $15 donation, Nellie's Restaurant, 2458 W. Division St.

     

    Sat. Apr 4th 12pm-4pm, Move for Life in Humboldt Park, sponsored by Diabetes Empowerment Center

     

    Mon Apr 6th Luncheon/Forum with President of the Puerto Rican Bar Association, Mark Bimbela and Alejandro Torres Rivera, 2701 W. Division St. ($15-$25 Sliding scale donation.)

     

    Apr 6-10  Pa'lante Conference at UIC/UPRS, "Puerto Rican Identity in the Age of the Diaspora."

    * Mon. Apr. 6th, 9-10am, Nelson Denis, author, War Against All Puerto Ricans, Rafael Cintrón Ortiz Latino Cultural Center (LC-B2)

    * Tues. Apr. 7th, Cultural Presentation

    * Wed. Apr. 8th, 9-10am, Film, ISABEL, and presentation by Melissa Montero, filmmaker. Rafael Cintrón Ortiz Latino Cultural Center (LC-B2)

    * Thu. Apr. 9th, 5:30pm, Noche de Poetas featuring Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Gabriel Miranda. Rafael Cintrón Ortiz Latino Cultural Center (LC-B2)

    * Fri. Apr. 10th, 9-10am, Music/Forum featuring Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Gabriel Miranda. Rafael Cintrón Ortiz Latino Cultural Center (LC-B2)

     

    Fri. Apr. 17th 6pm-7pm, Book Presentation by Dr. Edwin Meléndez, Puerto Ricans at the Dawn of the New Millennium at 2701 W. Division St.

     

    Sat. Apr. 18, 1pm, Luncheon, A Panel Discussion with Dr. Antonia Darder, Dr. Angela Valenzuela and Dr. Jason Irizarry "Towards a New Discourse on Latino Pedagogy." ($10-$15 Sliding scale donation)

     

    Sat. Apr 25th Hostos College, 500 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY

    National Conversation on Puerto Ricans in the Age of the Diaspora on the 50th Anniversary of the Death of Albizu Campos with a community concert featuring Roy Brown and El Topo (leaving Chicago on Fri. Apr. 24th)

     

    Tues. May 19th Naming of Dr. Steve Whitman Greenhouse at Dr. Pedro Albizu Campos High School. (Time TBA)

     

    Fri. May 29th Event commemorating Oscar López Rivera's 34 yr. Anniversary of his arrest, La Casita de Don Pedro & Doña Lolita, 2625 W. Division St.

     

    Sat May 30th NY Rally for Oscar Lopez Rivera's 34 yr. anniversary of his arrest (leaving Chicago on Fri May 29th)
    Los Tequis

    ProjectLibre

      ProjectLibre is an open source alternative to Microsoft Project. It is also the new updated version of OpenProj. We were the developers of OpenProj A compliment to Apache OpenOffice and LibreOffice. We have a community site as well at http://www.projectlibre.org  It has been downloaded over 500,000 times in 200 countries and was just won InfoWorld "Best of Open Source" award. ProjectLibre is compatible with Microsoft Project 2003, 2007 and 2010 files. You can simply open them on Linux, Mac OS or Windows. ProjectLibre has been rewritten and added key features:
     

    • Compatibility with Microsoft Project 2010

    • Gantt Chart
      • New and updated version of OpenProj with hundreds of updates/bug fixes
    • Earned Value Costing
    • PERT Charts
    • Project Management software
    • RBS Chart
    • New version of OpenProj
    • Download ProjectLibre

    • From Our Community Partners

    Dueling Accounts of the 

    Sierra Leone Civil War Fair

    By Roberto Clemente Community Academy staff

    In 9th grade World Studies classes, we are focusing on the Sierra Leone Civil War. We are reading two novels intermittently; A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Child Soldier and The Bite of the Mango. Both of these novels are from the perspective of teenagers. A Long Way Gone is from the perspective of a child solider who fought in the Sierra Leone Civil War and committed horrific acts of violence. The Bite of the Mango is from the perspective of a victim of the rebels employing child soldiers. While students are reading the novels, they are preparing for the upcoming PARCC exam by answering PARCC-style text-dependent questions. Students are also working on creating claims and evidence (or arguments) using knowledge gained from the book.

     

    Student Ana Rojas reports that she loves this unit. "Reading these books is extremely interesting because it makes you feel like you are in the story and really helps you understand the perspective of both of the main characters."  Angelique Davis is also thoroughly enjoying reading the novels. "I really like the story. It pulls you into the situation. There are many stories that are boring, but I can actually stay up for this one and am excited to find out what happens to the main characters."

     

    Once the students are done reading these novels, they will be conducting research in the school computer labs to learn about other crimes against humanity or human rights violations. They will be focusing on what has been done and what can be done in regards to helping the victims in these situations. Students will continue their work with writing arguments, creating claims, and supporting them with evidence while writing a research paper.

    From Norwegian American Hospital Newsletter

    Midwife Care especially for Teen Girls

    From Norwegian American Hospital staff

    Obstetricians/gynecologists and pediatricians are the two groups of doctors who come to mind when talking about teenage pregnancy prevention. But, don't overlook certified nurse-midwives. Midwives have education in midwifery and nursing and can offer education to young girls on family planning, reproductive health, teen pregnancy, contraception and protection against sexually transmitted infections.

     

    The Midwife Associates of Norwegian American Hospital can help adolescent girls from puberty to college. They want girls to feel comfortable and willing to discuss hard issues in a non-judgmental fashion as they facilitate their care. Very often a young girl may feel more at ease talking to someone outside her family, and midwives are comfortable initiating conversations that other people in a teen's life tend to avoid.

     

    This is evident in the questions they ask, the language they use, the time they spend listening, and in their thoroughness as they conduct physical exams. A midwife can act as a transitional figure, providing support for, and offering knowledge to a girl when she is ready to hear it. The Midwife Associates maintain complete confidentiality, and they help girls think about how to maintain and even improve communication with their parents.

     

    Knowledge ultimately empowers adolescent girls to trust their bodies and to engage in preventive and health sustaining practices. For more information or to schedule an appointment to meet individually with a certified nurse-midwife, contact 773-292-5976.



    SAVE THE DATE-31ST CHICAGO LATINO FILM FESTIVAL

    A Charlie Minn Film

    Opens at Regal City North in Chicago on 

    Friday, March 13th for a minimum one week run.

    WWW.ESELCHAPO.COM


    The Campaign to Free Oscar López Rivera has 

    its own e-newsletter- The Water's Edge/La Orilla del Mar

    Published every two weeks- next issue will be published 3-24-2015

     

    WRITE TO OSCAR LOPEZ, #87651-024

    FCI Terre Haute,  PO Box 33

    Terre Haute, IN,  47808 

    Puerto Rican Cultural Center
    o. 773/342-8023 f. 773/342-6609
    info@prcc-chgo.org

    "Live and Help to Live"