A u g u s t 2 0 2 4
GLENWOOD DID YOU KNOW...
“Freedom and justice cannot be parceled out in pieces to suit political convenience. I don’t believe you can stand for freedom for one group of people and deny it to others.”
- Coretta Scott King
*At the February 6, 2024 village meeting, I shared that several surrounding cities and villages recognized and scheduled events celebrating Black History Month. I expressed disappointment that Glenwood, a village that is over 70% African American, did not have any events scheduled to recognize the contributions of residents to the town and society, therefore; I created this newsletter to highlight as many as possible in this and future issues as well as other community concerns.
- D e b o r a h B i r m i n g h a m , M E d , M A
The 2024 Democratic National Convention will be historic as V.P. Kamala Harris accepts the nomination for President of the United States. When President Joe Biden decided to not seek reelection, he endorsed V.P. Kamala Harris, a Black and South Asian to run for president. Within hours of the announcement, Win With Black Women held a Zoom call which raised over $1.6 million within 24 hours, Black Men for Harris followed the next day, raising $1.5 million dollars. White Dudes for Harris, White Women for Harris, Cat Ladies for Harris, Republicans for Harris and several other organizations joined in providing money for the historic campaign
Nine Black historic fraternities and sororities, also known as The Divine Nine, began to mobilize to get out the vote for Harris, who is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority. The Harris campaign has given joy and excitement to voters throughout the country The campaign has raised over $300 million dollars and now exceeds more than 100,000 volunteers. Harris’ campaign has people talking about hope, change and a brighter future.
Though voters are rightfully expecting better things such as education, jobs, affordable housing, and fairness in government from the federal level, the power for a better quality of life begins at the local level. The local level is where your Voice + Vote = Victory for you, your children, and future generations. Voters need to be proactive instead of reactive by researching and studying the record of candidates. Our children must understand every VOTE MATTERS.
Double Click the highlighted links below to learn more about your local elected officials.
Illinois Judicial Council
U.S. Senators
U.S. Congress Rep
Brookwood School District 167
Homewood School District 153
Village Board
Cook County Assessor
Many voters are excited for the 2024 election and they understand that in order to have victory, they must organize, register others to vote and work hard to achieve a November win. Are you willing to do the same?
Project 2025 is a historic movement, brought together by over 100 respected organizations from across the conservative movement, to take down the Deep State and return the government to the people. Its Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise, published in April 2023, is a product of more than 400 scholars and policy experts from around the country. The book offers a menu of policy suggestions to meet our country’s deepest challenges and put America back on track, including:
Secure the border, finish building the wall, and deport illegal aliens
De-weaponize the Federal Government by increasing accountability and oversight of the FBI and DOJ
Unleash American energy production to reduce energy prices
Cut the growth of government spending to reduce inflation
Make federal bureaucrats more accountable to the democratically elected President and Congress
Improve education by moving control and funding of education from DC bureaucrats directly to parents and state and local governments
Ban biological males from competing in women's sports
More About Project 2025
T h e R i g h t H a s a N e w V i s i o n f o r A m e r i c a
A v i s i o n o f a n A m e r i c a w h e r e y o u r j o b i s a l l o w e d t o w o r k y o u
o v e r t i m e w i t h o u t p a y a n d w o r k p l a c e d i s c r i m i n a t i o n c a n g o o n
w i t h o u t p u n i s h m e n t .
A v i s i o n o f a n A m e r i c a w h e r e H e a d s t a r t p r o g r a m s a r e n o l o n g e r
a n o p t i o n f o r y o u r c h i l d a n d o u r p u b l i c s c h o o l s a r e s t r i p p e d o f
f e d e r a l f u n d i n g .
A n d a v i s i o n o f a n A m e r i c a w h e r e M e d i c a r e i s a n o p t i o n o f t h e
p a s t a n d p r e s c r i p t i o n d r u g p r i c e s c o n t i n u e t o s k y r o c k e t w i t h
l i t t l e t o n o h e l p f r o m t h e f e d e r a l g o v e r n m e n t .
T h i s i s n o t a d r i l l ; i t ' s a 9 0 0 - p a g e m a n i f e s t o w r i t t e n b y t h e
H e r i t a g e F o u n d a t i o n , a w e l l - r e s o u r c e d p o l i t i c a l t h i n k t a n k i n
W a s h i n g t o n , D C , b e h i n d m a n y c o n s e r v a t i v e a n d r i g h t - w i n g
p o l i c i e s . T h e H e r i t a g e F o u n d a t i o n o p e r a t e s u n d e r t h e g u i s e o f
p r o m o t i n g " f a m i l y v a l u e s , " " A m e r i c a n p a t r i o t i s m , " a n d l i m i t e d
g o v e r n m e n t , b u t i t s t r u e g o a l i
G L E N W O O D ’ S N E W E S T L E A D E R
B R Y S O N J A Y W E L L S S M I T H C L A S S O F 2 0 2 4 C O N G R A T U L A T I O N S !
N E X T U P . . . M a j o r : A g r i c u l t u r e B u s i n e s s
G L E N W O O D ’ S N E W E
Jenaya Cole
Marian Catholic H.S. Brookwood School Dist. 167
In the realm of youth sports, where dreams are nurtured, skills honed, and victories celebrated, there emerges a shining star – Jenaya Cole.
Hailing from Glenwood, Illinois, Jenaya’s passion for volleyball burns bright, propelling her on a path of growth, challenges, and triumphs both on and off the court. This article delves deep into Jenaya’s journey as a middle blocker, showcasing her talent, determination, and the transformative power of sports in her life.
Finding Love and Purpose on the Court:
For Jenaya Cole, volleyball isn’t just a game; it’s a calling. With three years of dedicated play under her belt, Jenaya’s recent seasons with Marian Catholic High School and Epic United Club Volleyball have solidified her love for the sport Standing tall at 5’5 1/2 feet, her journey to becoming a middle blocker and middle back (DS) is a testament to her commitment and passion for the game.
Challenges Faced and Lessons Learned:
As a middle blocker, Jenaya faces a unique set of challenges that test her agility, timing, and mental fortitude. The precision required to make crucial blocks and deliver powerful spikes demands unwavering focus and quick reflexes. During the recent EXACT Sports Camp, Jenaya honed her skills, learning the importance of footwork, timing, and maintaining a strong stance to optimize her performance on the court.
Cultural Roots and Community Impact:
Jenaya’s journey is not just about personal growth; it’s also a celebration of diversity and inclusivity. Coming from a rich cultural background, Jenaya brings a unique perspective to the sport, enriching the volleyball community with her artistic flair and easy-going nature. Her affinity for cheering and motivating teammates underscores the positive impact of sportsmanship and camaraderie in fostering a sense of unity within the team and the broader community.
Aspirations and Future Goals:
With her sights set on playing for a Division 1 school, Jenaya’s journey is one fueled by ambition and dedication. Her commitment to excellence, coupled with her innate talent and love for the game, positions her as a promising prospect in the world of volleyball. Through hard work and unwavering determination, Jenaya aims to blaze a trail of success, inspiring fellow athletes and enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion:
In the vibrant tapestry of youth sports, Jenaya Cole emerges as a beacon of hope, resilience, and talent. Her journey as a middle blocker exemplifies the relentless pursuit of excellence, the joy of competition, and the transformative power of sports in shaping individuals and communities. As we cheer for Jenaya’s continued success and growth, let her story serve as a reminder of the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream, work hard, and believe in the power of sports to uplift and inspire.
Jenaya Cole, a rising star in volleyball, a true embodiment of grace, skill, and co
E D H A D N O T T
E D
Many of us have been following the story about Tiffany Henyard, the Mayor of Dolton. We all can agree that her behavior is shameful and that taxpayer funds have been wasted.
Let us discuss some wasteful spending right here in Glenwood that has not been reported. I will leave it up to you to decide why it’s not been reported.
The first transaction where funds have been wasted is Glenwood Oaks Restaurant aka Glenwood Management. In December of 2020, a redevelopment agreement was drafted by the Village attorney with the assistance of staff. The agreement called for a $300,000 loan at zero percent interest rate with 50% of the loan to be forgiven. That means that $150,000 will never be paid back into the Main Street TIF. That also means that at a market rate of 5% the Village would have received $25,000 to $50,000 in interest payments were also lost. Therefore, the total loss to the Main Street TIF is $175,000 to $200,000 on just one transaction. Why was this very favorable deal made with your Village government?
Simple he allowed them to place a large sign for the President Gardiner and his slate in front of his restaurant and he contributed $750.00 just months before this redevelopment agreement was signed. I was the only NO vote.
The second transaction where funds were wasted is Tuscan Gardens. The redevelopment agreement was signed in December of 2021. The restaurant was given a loan limit of $400,0000 but thankfully never received that much from the Village. The restaurant received around $270,000 at zero percent interest with 50% of the loan forgiven. This transaction cost you the taxpayer $135,000 in loan forgiveness and at 5% interest $15,000 to $50,000 in interest. Therefore $150,000 to $185,000 has been lost. To add insult to injury the owner came before the Board in 2023 and was awarded a two year stay on making any payments to the Village. In fact, no payments have been made for 18 months and the owner has stated that he will not pay. The owner of course donated $450.00 two months before the redevelopment agreement came to the Board. He also allowed large signs in front of his restaurant and hosted campaign events for the Glenwood First Party.
The third transaction is with Glenwood Plaza LLC. This transaction began in July of 2021. The original plan called for the rehab to be completed in six months. In fact, there was a $200,000 incentive offered by the Village for said completion. Fast forward to August of 2024 and the property is just now under construction. In the meantime, your Village Board approved a 2year extension and did NOT collect the $200,000 penalty that was required in the redevelopment agreement. I had asked the Village Attorney to hold the $200,000 penalty in an interest-bearing account and that when they defaulted the money would have gone directly to the Village. The owners received a 2-year extension and you, the taxpayer, lost $200,000.
Why would the Village do this? It was done in exchange for a $1,500 campaign donation right before the extension was granted.
When you add these three transactions together, the total income loss is $525,000 to $585,000. There is no excuse for this kind of pay to play politics in Glenwood. We can do better but we need people with integrity.
List of terms
Assessed Value.
State Equalizer
Local Tax Rate
Homeowners Exemption
Senior Exemption
Do you understand how your tax bill is created?
The Assessed Value is provided by the Cook County Assessor with the blessing of the Cook County Board and Commissioners. The Assessor uses an automated value model to estimate the value of your home. In the appraisal profession qualitative and quantitative analysis is used to value your home. The Assessor has stated that they do not use MLS data, nor do they use data from the Cook County Recorder which is in the same building.
The State Equalizer was increased to 3.0163. That increase was approved by your state legislators.
The Local Tax Rate is calculated by the Cook County Clerks Tax Extension unit. It is the combined rate of all the local taxing bodies. Again, your Cook County Commissioners and government are responsible for this.
The Homeowners Exemption was decreased. Do you know how the formula is calculated? The exemption is calculated by multiplying $10,000 by your local tax rate of 14.743%. Would it not have been smart for your elected officials to change the formula so that the homeowner’s exemption would have increased. Ask yourself why this is all so complicated?
Does anyone know how the Senior Exemption is calculated? The Senior Exemption is calculated by multiplying $8,000 times the local tax rate of 14.743%. Why is the Senior Exemption also decreased and less than the Homeowner’s Exemption? Again, your Cook County Government is not working in your best interest. Contact your Cook County Commissioner Donna Miller.
The latest tax bill is the most egregious attempt to increase the number of South Suburban Residents losing their homes to either foreclosure or tax sale. This will reduce the sales volume and reduce the value of your homes. This will cause more investors to buy homes at lower prices and turn Glenwood into a rental home market. It’s up to you to fight or not.
The Village of Glenwood has a good deal of culpability in this. The Village of Glenwood has made zero interest loans with 50% of the loan forgiveness. One lucky recipient has stated that they won’t even pay back the 50% that they borrowed. No action has been taken by the Village of Glenwood for a loan that is over one year in arrears. The Village of Glenwood has an arrangement to give the Anytime Fitness developer Ralph Edgar a 60% rebate on his taxes. Would you like a 60% rebate?
There are options. File an appeal, then the Board of Appeals, then lawsuit or PTAB. Those are your options. Lastly, I have asked that President Gardiner declare a 4 million dollar TIF Surplus and that those funds be used to give each owner occupied resident of Glenwood a $500.00 tax rebate. Please join me in support for this long overdue tax relief.
https://www.rainbowpush.org/events
https://www.rainbowpush.org/events
https://www rainbowpush org/annual convention agenda
W O M E N I N S P I R E G L E N W O O D
P a s t o r N e l l i e B r i g g s b
J o i n m e i n g e t t i n g o u t t h e v o t e f o r P r e s i d e n t i a l N o m i n e e
V . P . K a m a l a H a r r i s 2 0 2 4
D E M O C R A C Y
By Langston Hughes
Democracy will not come Today, this year
Nor ever
Through compromise and fear.
I have as much right As the other fellow has To stand
On my two feet And own the land.
I tire so of hearing people say, Let things take their course. Tomorrow is another day. I do not need my freedom when I'm dead. I cannot live on tomorrow's bread.
Freedom
Is a strong seed Planted In a great need.
I live here, too. I want freedom Just as you.
d w i n K i n g
President Brookwood Point Homeowners Association
lt on a strong foundation. It’s a foundation built around shared values, active participation and a sense of community. It is incumbent upon us all to continue this legacy that has been established.
Community involvement is crucial in creating and maintaining vibrant, forward thinking, resilient communities. As cultures evolve, it is important for the community to be architects in the evolution. Each of us, as Glenwood residents, play a vital role in maintaining the quality of life, preserving property values and fostering a sense of community. There is an educator that said, “idealization is only as great as actualization”.
The next step after having an idea, seeing issues, is to act with a sense of urgency. The specific action that I’m asking for is for residents to get actively involved with your Homeowners Association. Glenwood has four that represent the different subdivisions. We cannot afford to allow apathy to guide us as this leads us down unknown paths blindly
If we are going to grow as a community, we must employ all to get involved.
Brookwood Point 1st Wednesday of the month @ Hickory Glen Fieldhouse - 7PM
Glenwood Manor 1st Thursday of the month @ Arquilla Park Fieldhouse - 7PM
Glenwood Estates 2nd Wednesday of the month @ Arquilla Park Fieldhouse - 7PM
MOST BEAUTIFUL BLOCK AWARD
M O S T I M P R O V E D C U R B A P P E A R A N C E R U N N E R U P 1 s t P L
2 4 8 D A N T E “ P a r t i c i p a t i o n s t r e n g t h e n s a c o m m u n i t y ” 1 1 0 0 B L O C K O F 1 9 1 S T P L A C E A V A L O N & 1 9 2 N D P L A C E
C U R B A P P E A L
5 2 8 D a n t e
2 5 1 G r e e n w o o d 8 4 7 E . 1 9 3 r d P l .
3 0 4 G r e e n w o o d 8 3 5 E . 1 9 2 n d S t .
BEAUTIFICATION - C.U.P.P.
CLEAN UP PAINT PLANT
Let’s work together with our neighbors in beautifying our home, block, and community.
Share some of your perennials
Volunteer to plant flowers
Give gardening tips.
Attend homeowners association meetings
Share photos of beautification project
Top Issues Facing Glenwood Residents - Survey
Please click the link to take the survey
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4A4UICl8Vp5FseADgFqLyGC EJijXsPGN54q5jY2BNbDA/viewform?pli=1
ENVIRONMENTAL - WATER & AIR STREETS
FIRE & EMS TRANSPARENCY LIGHTING
INFRASTRUCTURE
LEADERSHIP
FINANCES OF THE VILLAGES
SENIOR & YOUTH PROGRAMS
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
CRIME & PUBLIC SAFETY
CAREER OPPORTUNITIES
a v i d K e n y o n
A f r i c a n A m
D i d y o u k n o w t h e
f i r e m a n ’ s p o l e o r
e r i c a n H i s t o r y
s l i d i n g p o l e , o n e o f t h e
s i g n a t u r e f e a t u r e s o f
U S f i r e s t a t i o n s , w a s
i n v e n t e d i n C h i c a g o b y
a n A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n ?
D a v i d K e n y o n , a
C a p t a i n w i t h t h e C i t y ’ s
f i r s t A f r i c a n A m e r i c a n
e n g i n e c o m p a n y ( # 2 1 )
c a m e u p w i t h t h e i d e a
i n 1 8 7 8 .
B e f o r e 1 8 7 8 , s p i r a l s t a i r c a s e s o r s l i d i n g c h u t e s w e r e c o m m o n ,
b u t n o t v e r y f a s t . E n g i n e C o m p a n y # 2 1 c r a f t e d a p o l e o u t o f a
G e o r g i
D e s p i t e b e i n g r i d i c u l e d b y t h e i r f e l l o w f i r e f i g h t e r s , o t h e r s
s o o n r e a l i z e d t h a t C o m p a n y 2 1 w a s u s u a l l y
T h e p o l e s d r a s t i c a l l y i m p r o v e d f i r e r
a c r o s s t h e n a t i o n
C . E d w a r d P a i g e I I I o f
B l a c k H i s t o r y E v e r y d a y
GLENWOOD FIRE & POLICE COMMISSION
ission is in recruiting mode NOW.
Did you know: the commission WAS being stripped of its duties via an ordinance authored by the Fire Chief & the Village Administrator, TWICE.
Did you know: your trustees rejected that 1st ordinance.
Did you know: the Mayor STOPPED the 2nd attempt recently! The preposed ordinance to strip the commission of its duty to appoint new candidates for Firefighters & Policemen.
Did you know: the Fire Chief has proposed another ordinance to reorganize the entire Fire Department. The trustees approved it.
Did you know: the commission system was designed to eliminate discrimination and to QUALIFY First Responders.
Did you know: the Fire & Police Commission system is the established procedure for hiring firemen & policemen nationwide for more than 60 years.
“..If it ain’t broke don’t fix it”…
Stay tuned Greg Ray
This newsletter was created to highlight individuals whose contributions to the community and society are recognized and greatly appreciated as well as sharing important issues.
“The one thing you’ve got going; Your vote” -Shirley Chisolm
“Women who fought and sacrificed so much for equality and liberty and justice for all, including the black women who are often overlooked, but so often prove they are the backbone of our democracy ”
- Kamala Harris
“It’s time to take the “Men Only” sign off the White House Door ” - Carol Moseley Braun
“Make no mistake about it: Change is hard, but change is necessary ” -Lorie Lightfoot
“If’s it’s not a fit place for women, it is unfit for men to be there.”
- Sojourner Truth