Mayor Terry Wells elected for sixth term! “It is and has been an honor to serve this fine village and I look forward to bigger and better things for this community.”
11 No. 1 | 2012-2013 VOLUME VOLUME 12 No. 1 | 2013-2014
Visit us online at villageofphoenix.org
s n i g e b 1 5 1 t c i S ch o o l Dis t r
D E C N BA LA r a e Y l o o Sch
A renovated Coolidge Middle School will be open and ready for the school year on August 6th!
Honoring the legacy of former Mayor Jim Harris
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im Harris served as Mayor of the Village of Phoenix from 1979 1989. Prior to becoming mayor, he served eight years as village trustee. The influence of Mayor Harris extended well beyond the borders of Phoenix. He served as Commissioner of the Water Reclamation District, Manager of Driver’s License Bureau for the Secretary of State’s Office, and Director for PACE. The entire village of Phoenix extends our condolences to the family of Mayor Harris, he will truly be missed.
Why do we need a Balanced School Year?
SOME OF WHAT’S INSIDE: 7| Keeping Your Hometown Feeling Like Home.
10| The History of Phoenix. 12| We salute our residents achievements. 17| Balanced School Year information.
When the students return to school after a long summer break, teachers often have to spend the first four to six weeks of the school year reviewing things that the students learned during the previous year. In a balanced school calendar, students have a shorter summer and a break each quarter. A balanced school year calendar can help children do better in school because they don’t lose as many skills during the summer. MORE INFORMATION ON PAGE 17
18| The Multi-Purpose Center:
The place to have your next event.
20| 2012 Phoenix Fest Photos. 23| 2013 Phoenix Fest Entertainment. 24| When Wedding Bells Ring. 25| Happy Birthday Wishes. 30| Reflections of Phoenix Pioneers. 35| Memory Lane:
Do you recognize anyone?
38| Salute to our honor students. 40| Balanced School Calendar. 2 | 2013-2014
Working Toward A Better Community
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he village will be starting construction soon of the Village Sidewalk Replacement Project. The funding was granted by the Cook County Community Development (CDBG) Program. We have started demolition of blight, unsafe and abandoned buildings throughout the village. We have also started preliminary work for our Sewer System Village Wide Project and construction work should be starting soon. The funding was granted by the DECO/CDBG – IKE
Stabilization Grant. The Demolition and Sewer projects are combined, but are funded as one project. The Village of Phoenix is so appreciative of all grants that we have received and we hope that you the residents are appreciative too. We will continue to strive to make our village a Safe, Clean and Healthy place to live. Should you have any questions, concerns, comments or suggestions please email me at lindacole@villageofphoenix.org.
From The Mayor’s Desk
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I would like to thank the residents of Phoenix for having faith in me to elect me as Mayor again. In April, I was sworn in as Mayor for a 6th term.
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� Greetings Residents!
trust and pray that all is well with all of you and your loved ones. Our staff continues to work hard to provide quality programs and a safe and stable community. The most important symbol of stability is in our school and you will see major changes in that area this summer. First, the renovation of Coolidge is the largest reconstruction project in the history of School District 151. You will all be amazed at how much additional space has been added, along with an abundance of new technology that will provide our children with all the tools necessary to excel. We encourage you to visit the school at some point during the school year. I am sure you will be impressed. The next major change in the school district will be the Balanced School year, which means that students will no longer get the
traditional two month summer break, but will have small breaks throughout the year. More specific details are outlined on page 17. The Barack Obama Learning Center continues to move forward, we appreciate the donations of books that have come in, our shelves are beginning to fill. We would also like to thank the many volunteers who have given time out of their busy schedule to come in and work in the library. But what else would you expect to see in a wonderful community like ours? On the economic development front we are close to securing a deal that may bring 50 jobs to the Village of Phoenix. I am not at liberty to provide details at this point but it looks promising. We hope to have a deal finalized by November, keep your fingers crossed. I would like to thank the residents of
Phoenix for having faith in me to elect me as Mayor again. In April, I was sworn in as Mayor for a 6th term. It is and has been an honor to serve this fine village and I look forward to bigger and better things for this community. My election was bitter sweet in one respect, as I was reelected this community lost a man who I consider a role model and mentor, Mayor James Harris. In 1983, Mayor Harris convinced me to run for Trustee of the Village of Phoenix. Mayor Harris would take me around to various functions with him and I was totally amazed at all of the African American heroes that he called his friends. Mayor Harris would regularly plan and strategize with great leaders such as John Stroger, Jesse White, Harold Washington and Jesse Jackson, Sr. Mayor Harris, although from a small suburban town, Continued on page 4
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Greetings Residents! Continued from page 3
held his own among these giants. James Harris would lead the charge in encouraging young people to get involved in their communities and make a difference. A great many African American office holders today will tell you that James Harris inspired them. Mayor Harris will truly be missed. We are working on several projects this summer; we resurfaced 8th avenue from 151st to 155th street. We also resurfaced a portion of 4th Avenue as well (see photo on this page). We will also continue our demolition program, fc we hope to take down 10 abandoned structures throughout the village. We are proud of the fact that we are able to complete these projects by using local contractors from our community. We are also working on a program to repair the sewers throughout the village. Many of the sewers are over 70 years old and in need of repair, we were able to obtain an $820,000 grant which will replace about 30% of our sewers. We hope to complete the rest as part of our 10 year plan. It is summer and that means it’s time to prepare for the Phoenix Fest. You may recall that last year we came very close to ending this summer tradition. The biggest problem was that we needed more volunteers to make Phoenix Fest successful. We are pleased to say that a large group of volunteers stepped up and this year we will celebrate our 21st year of the fest. But even though the fest is on this year we still need volunteers. Our festival is only as good as the people who help put it together. God bless all of you and have a wonderful summer.
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Sidewalk Replacement Program Begins
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hoenix will begin replacing damaged sidewalks on 152nd and 153rd streets. Not all sidewalks will be replaced, only those that are cracked or dangerous. No sidewalks will be replaced in front of vacant lots. If we have additional funding we will replace sidewalks in other parts of town but be advised that funding is extremely limited. We will not replace sidewalks if the damage is caused by tree roots; it is just too expensive to take down the tree. This is a slow process so please be patient while this work is being completed.
Preserving Our Roadways We are working on several projects this summer; we have resurfaced 8th avenue from 151st to 155th street. We have also resurfaced a portion of 4th Avenue as well (pictured).
From The Village Clerk The Clerk’s Office and Water Department’s Office Hours are as follows: MONDAY: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. TUESDAY: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. WEDNESDAY: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. THURSDAY: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. FRIDAY: 9:00 A.M. – 5:00 P.M. Office is open the third Saturday of each Month: 9:00 A.M. – 12:00 P.M. Vehicle Stickers The deadline to purchase vehicle stickers did not change. The deadline remains February 15th. A late fee of $20.00 is added to the regular price if you purchase your vehicle sticker late. The fee to purchase stickers is as follows: Regular price $30.00, senior citizens and disabled $15.00 (with proof of age and or disability). Truck stickers are priced according to size: $30.00, $35.00 and $40.00. Please note: All returned checks will be assessed a $25 late fee. No exceptions. Door-to-door Salespeople The Village is still experiencing door-todoor salespeople, attempting to have you change your utility service, such as gas and electricity. You as a homeowner have the right to deny anyone access to your home. If you experience a problem with door-to-door salespeople please don’t hesitate to call the Police Department at (708) 0331-2192 or the Village Hall at (708) 331-2636. All Lawn Care Contractors are required to purchase a License for cutting grass in the community. Please advise your contractor of the new requirement and advise them to contact the Village Hall for more information. Dog License Requirement Every dog owner who harbors or keeps a dog within the Village of Phoenix is required to purchase a dog tag and show proof of rabies inoculation. The fee to purchase a dog tag is $5.00, and can be purchased from the Village Clerk’s Office.
Garbage Pick up Day Garbage is picked up every Tuesday. The only time this changes is if the scavenger service observes a holiday that falls on Monday. In that case, our garbage will be picked up on Wednesday. Our scavenger service observes the following holidays: •New Years Day •Memorial Day •Independence Day (4th of July) •Labor Day •Thanksgiving Day •Christmas Day
THE PHOENIX RISING Published by: Village of Phoenix 633 East 151st Street Phoenix, IL 60426 (708) 331-1455 Editor-In-Chief Mayor Terry Wells Editorial Assistants Felicia S. Khalis Jannie Beasley Johnnie M. Lane Darnell H. Sanford Editorial Board Albert Kirklin Martina Lane-Mahaffey Elizabeth Loggins Willie Mae Smith Ernestine Proctor-Harris Judy Taylor Layout & Design Benny Williams 1-888-757-0007 Pictures by: Darnell H. Sanford Lucille Barr Edgar Khalis
Every home is allowed to place out one large item per week for pick up. Please adhere to this rule. The large items consist of furniture, mattresses, couches etc. Items such as refrigerators, washers and dryers, hot water tanks, TV’s and microwaves can be placed out for scrap trucks to pick up. These individuals who scrap usually pick up these items early. Please do not place your garbage out for pick up before Monday evening. Citations will be issued for those citizens who disregard this requirement. The Village has experienced a rash of citizens loosing their garbage containers. Therefore, please remove your garbage can back to the rear of your home, once it has been emptied. Citizens are encouraged to dispose of tree limbs, branches and shrubbery by cutting them in lengths no longer than 4 feet, tying-bundling and placing them out with your regular garbage. All residents are required to obtain a dumpster for disposing of construction material. All contractors performing construction work in the Village are required to have a license and building permit. If the homeowner is performing work, he/she too, must apply for a permit and let the building inspector make a decision as to whether a permit is required. Some contractors have had their license revoked by the State of Illinois. The Attorney General files those complaints with the Village and therefore the Village can pass that information along to its citizens.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses The Village Clerk sells hunting and fishing licenses. The fee to purchase a license is set by the Department of Conservation. The fees are posted in the Village Hall.
Board Meetings Regular Board meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. in the council room of the Village Hall, 633 E. 151st Street. During the summer months, the Board will hold one regular board meeting per month. If you have a concern and plan to attend a meeting, please call the Village Hall for the date of the next meeting.
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Phoenix Public Works
VILLAGE ORDINANCES — 2013-2014 — The summer weather is here and the Mayor and the Board of Trustees would like to remind our residents of a few ordinances:
Lawn Service
Maintaining a safe environment for our residents of Phoenix Ernestine Proctor-Harris, Chairperson Albert Kirklin, Co-Chairperson
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Mel Davis, Superintendent
he Public Works Department continues to maintain the grounds of the Village of Phoenix. We have a department that works diligently to maintain a safe environment for our residents. Thank you: Mr. Davis, Arthur, Jake, Johnny, Pete, Earl, Kelvin and Trustee Kirklin.
Trees/Bushes Each year, the Public Works Department takes on the task of cutting down trees and limbs that can be hazardous to homes and streets. During this summer, our plans are to remove as much of these problem trees/limbs that are on the parkway areas and in the alleys. New equipment has been purchased to help with the removal of trees and shrubs. Unfortunately, trees that are in your yards we cannot remove. However, if you call the Vil-
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lage hall we can give you the name of a company that would assist you in taking care of the problem. Beautification Now that spring is here, the department has enhanced the town with the addition of flowerpots that are attached to the garbage can enclosures. This will give our village a colorful floral display during the spring and summer months. If you live on the corner near a plant display, feel free to help by watering the plants. Special thanks to our resident Helen Jackson (on Miller Place) for helping with our beautification.
Any landscaping service must register at the Village Hall. The permit must be displayed whenever the landscaper is in the Village.
Car Repair
It is prohibited to repair cars in front of homes.
Basketball Hoops
Basketball Hoops are not allowed in the street. They must be kept in your private driveway.
Dog Owners
It is your responsibility to remove and discard any dog waste from our vacant lots, parkways, playgrounds and buildings. Licenses are required for each dog you own and proof of rabies inoculation. Dog tags can be purchased from the Village Hall. Enjoy the summer and be safe!
Beyond The Badge
FROM THE VILLAGE TREASURER MELBA N. FERRELL BY CHIEF GEORGE JOHNSON
Keeping Your Hometown Feeling Like Home!
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e all know that Phoenix isn’t at all like most of the communities in the surrounding suburbs. I believe the police and elected officials share a portion of this credit but the majority of the credit goes to FAMILY. Phoenix isn’t a collection of citizens or voters; it’s a collection of families, homes, friends and neighbors. Phoenix families have children; those children commonly grow up and spread their wings but eventually return to Phoenix to raise their children. It is what makes this community special. But how do we keep it this way? How do we keep the problems of our neighboring communities out of Phoenix? This is what comes to mind for me:
efit to the valued seniors in our community.
Phoenix isn’t a collection of citizens or voters; it’s a collection of families, homes, friends and neighbors. . . . It is what makes this community special. Stay Informed Have you visited the Village of Phoenix website at www.villageofphoenix.org? Here you can find all sorts of useful information, from the latest ordinances to interesting history and photos, all about Phoenix.
Know Your Neighbors To learn how the business of the Village is Is there someone new on your block? Go administered, consider attending the Village meet them. Is there a new business in Phoe- Board Meetings, they are open to the public nix Plaza? Patronize it. and held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday. Alternatively, simply read the marquee outside of the Get Involved Village Hall for a quick peek of what’s hapDid you know that Phoenix is an I-Watch pening around town. community? That means that we are organized to keep ourselves and our neighbors Keep talking to each other. Keep watchsafe. We report crime and we call the police ing out for one another. Keep calling your when we notice suspicious activity. In addi- neighbors when you haven’t seen them. Keep tion, we also provide activities for our seniors calling the police when something is wrong. through our Senior Site organization. It pro- These are the things that will keep the spirit vides a forum to exchange information on ser- of Phoenix alive…the things that will keep vices, activities and education that is of ben- your hometown feeling like home
E-Pay for your convenience We are excited that the services that you have been requesting have finally become available to you. As with everything in this world things are becoming more and more accessible. The Village of Phoenix administration wants nothing short of all the convenience for the citizens of this vilThe Village lage as well as our wants nothing other customers. short of all the We have entered convenience into an agreement with the State of for the citizens Illinois for you to make electronic payments online. Please go to our website, www.villageofphoenix.org. On the top of the page to the right, you will find e-pay. Click on the icon. It will take you to the page with my picture. Follow the instructions and you will be able to make any payment listed. If you want to come in the office to make a payment, we accept Visa, MasterCard, American Express, or Discover. You can always pay with cash, checks or money orders. We hope that you will find this service convenient and easy to use.
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Phoenix Fire Dept. Saves Lives In Many Ways Our Fire Department hosted a Blood Drive with LifeSource to help out with the blood shortage. We would like to say “Thanks” to our Residents who donated blood.
Recipients of the Life Saving Award: (from left to right) Paramedics - Kevin Tamme and Carm Welsh, EMS Coordinator - Ashley Crocetti, Mayor Wells, FF/EMT – William Deutscher, Fire Chief – Howard Fisher, (not pictured: FF/Anton Sykes, OFC/Kenneth Ray, and OFC/Jon Johnson)
Phoenix Fire Department Issues Life Saving Award In the early month of April, the Phoenix Fire Department, Police Department and Bud’s Ambulance were dispatched to Mt. Zion church for an unresponsive male, possibly not breathing. Upon arrival, crews determined that the patient’s heart and lung functions had ceased. All three crews worked together effortlessly providing CPR and the best pre-hospital care available, and within minutes, we were able to obtain a pulse. Bud’s Ambulance transported the patient to the hospital where he received a higher level of care. The family received updates shortly after the patient was in stable condition and able to open his eyes. On April 23, the crews on scene were asked to attend the village board meeting with their families, but were not told why. Phoenix Fire Chief, Howard Fisher and EMS Coordinator, Ashley Crocetti along with village officials wanted to show their appreciation for such an amazing effort and outcome. FF/EMT William Deutscher, FF Anton Sykes, OFC Kenneth Ray and OFC Jon Johnson from the Phoenix Fire and Police Departments along with Paramedics Carm Welsh and Kevin Tamme from Bud’s Ambulance were awarded the Phoenix Fire Department Life Saving Award for outstanding patient care and hard work. Together as a team they worked as one and saved the life of their patient. Congratulations to all who assisted!
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Bravest of The Brave BY CHIEF Howard Fisher
Working Together, To Make Things Better C
hief Howard Fisher received the 2013 Outstanding Community Leadership award from the Harvey Area Chamber of Commerce. Our Fire Department will continue to help the residents of our community in their time of need. Our department believes in “Our Family Helping Your Family.” Our Fire Department hosted a Blood Drive with LifeSource to help out with the blood shortage. We would like to say “Thanks” to our Residents who donated blood. Congratulations to William Deutscher, LeRon Hill and Martin Sobanski who all received the 2013 Illinois Fire Chief Association Scholarship from James Metzger Memorial and Motorola Solution Fire Office Scholarship. We also sent five members to New Orleans for Executive Leadership training for a week in May.
Summer Safety Tips As the summer is upon us, I want to remind our residents about summertime safety tips from the USFA. • Leave fireworks to the professionals. Do not use consumer fireworks. • The safest way to enjoy fireworks is to attend a public display conducted by trained professionals. • After the firework display, children should never pick up fireworks that may be left over, they may still be active. • Before using a gas grill, check the connection between the propane tank and the fuel line. Make sure the venturi tubes - where the air and gas mix - are not blocked. • Do not overfill the propane tank. • Do not wear loose clothing while grilling. • Be careful when using lighter fluid. Do not add fluid to an al-
Phoenix-Robbins Fire Academy Phoenix and Robbins Fire Departments have coordinated a joint effort to train new recruits in our own fire academy.
ready lit fire because the flames can flashback up into the container and explode. • Keep all matches and lighters away from children. Teach your children to report any loose matches or lighters to an adult immediately. Supervise children around outdoor grills. • Dispose of hot coals properly - douse them with plenty of water, and stir them to ensure that the fire is out. Never place them in plastic, paper or wooden containers. • Never grill/barbecue in enclosed areas - carbon monoxide could be produced. • Make sure everyone knows to Stop, Drop and Roll in case a piece of clothing does catch fire. Call 911 or your local emergency number if a burn warrants serious medical attention.
the village for our Cadet program ages 17-20. This program teaches young adults the fundamentals of becoming a career firefighter. If your child is interested in becoming a cadet, please have them fill out an application at the Village Hall. Phoenix and Robbins Fire Departments have coordinated a joint effort to train new recruits in our own fire academy with our Training Officer, Lt. Mickil Smith. Lt. Smith is leading our new candidates along with the help of instructors from Robbins into a new tradition entitled “Working together, to make things better.” As the Fire Chief of this wonderful department, our members will continue to provide our residents with the best fire protection and emergency care in the world. If you have any questions or conPFD Cadet Program cerns, you are always welcome to Our Fire Department is look- stop by the fire station and talk ing for young men and women in with me directly.
Fire Chief Receives Well Deserved Community Leadership Award Fire Chief, Howard Fisher Receiving the Community Leadership Award from Andrea Paxton, Director of the Harvey Area Chamber of Commerce
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History of a little village FROM PHENIX PARK TO PHOENIX
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fter the Civil War, America began to push for the prohibition of alcohol. Many Americans felt that alcohol was at the root of many of the Nations’ problems. Throughout the country states banned the sale of liquor. In 1890, a community was founded on the principle of prohibition. This town was touted during the Colombian Exposition of 1893 as a town where liquor would not be tolerated. This town was initially known as Magic City, later the town was renamed after one of its early leaders, it was known as Harvey. Although prohibitionist designed the town, it was far from being a dry community. Several liquor establishments attempted to open, thus creating problems for the community. One local businessman William McLatchy owned a large track of land East of Halsted. Several other businesses also opened along the same stretch of road all of them were either taverns or saloons. The City of Harvey seeing these businesses opening just outside of their borders and selling alcohol began a crusade to annex this section. In 1900, the town of Phenix Park was established primarily to retain its independence from the temperance minded community Harvey. The result of the election was 38 for and 18 against the establishment of the town. Village records do not indicate when the spelling change was made
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from Phenix to Phoenix or when the word Park was omitted but by 1905 all records refer to spelling as we know it today. A controversy soon erupted between the new town of Phoenix and the city of Harvey. State law required that for the town to be incorporated it must have a population of at least 300 people. The City of Harvey filed a lawsuit claiming that most of the residents that Phoenix counted were mostly hobos shipped in for the election. The courts never upheld this claim and Phoenix was allowed to incorporate into a Village on August 29, 1900. News accounts of the first election of Phoenix vary widely. One account claimed that on election day state militia were seen walking The Village’s first around carrying library was rifles in order to located in the keep the peace. basement of the Another report out Village Hall. of Chicago claims that the election was a very simple and boring affair with very few people bothering to involve themselves. On the night of August 29th the first city council of Phoenix was elected and sworn in at Jim’s Saloon. That night, the votes were counted in the saloon and the officials were sworn in there. At the turn of the century, the most popular voting places were in bars, which in most cases did not allow women to enter. By 1910, the population of the village had grown to about
500 people most of them were of Dutch or Polish Heritage. The original city limits extended South to 159th and Halsted, East to 159th and Vincennes. The Southwest section of town was deannexed to Harvey in 1962. At that point Phoenix lost about 30% of its population and 50% of its businesses and tax base. 1ST AFRICAN AMERICANS
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n April of 1913 the first African American family moved to the Village of Phoenix. Henry Strong, Sr. was the first African American child born in this community; as a matter of fact his family still resides in the Village of Phoenix. In 1915, the Jefferson family arrived. Mr. Jefferson apparently lived at a home, at 152nd and 9th Avenue. Not much else is known about Mr. Jefferson or his family. A few years later the family of Amanda Riley moved to 152nd Street on 9th Avenue a block away from Mr. Jefferson. Some members of the Riley family still reside in the Village. During the 1920s the number of blacks living in the community steadily increased. Most of them worked in the railroad yards located in Markham. Old timers said that many of the Blacks who came during the 1920s and 1930s lived in boxcars that had been discarded by the railroad companies had converted into living quarters. Those who remember the makeshift housing said that it was not as bad as
named Phoenix, Illinois one might think. By 1930, the population had grown to almost 2000 people with at least 50 different businesses throughout the Village. The first Village Hall was built in the 1920s. Most of the homes had outhouses, and wells. The Village started building its first sewer and water system during the 1920s. In the 1930s road and building projects began in the Village with the paving of Vincennes Road. In the 1930s the existing Coolidge School was built. Its current location is 155th and 7th Avenue. According to some older residents the original location was near 153rd and 7th Avenue. No records exist of the original building. In 1938, roads were paved throughout the Village as part of the Works Progress Administration under President Roosevelt. The program was designed to provide work for those rendered unemployed by the Great Depression. In 1936, work began on a new Village Hall at 15240 Vincennes Rd. The building was completed in 1938 and included the Mayor’s Office, Clerk’s Office, Public Works, City Council Chambers, Police Station, and Public Lockup. That building was demolished when the new Village Hall was built. The Village’s first library was located in the basement of the Village Hall and was started by a group of local residents. The library had difficulties due to lack of funding and occasional flooding in the basement, which destroyed many books.
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PHOENIX GREW
fter W.W.II the population of Phoenix changed drastically. The African American population soared with the large number of steel mills in the area. Some of the blacks came straight from the South, others moved away from Chicago’s heavily congested South Side and the building of the Dan Ryan expressway displaced others. Whatever the reason, the population of Phoenix soared to almost 5000 by the late 1950s. New housing was added to accommodate the large growth. The Phoenix Manor was built which consisted of new homes on the South end of town. During the 1960s another 60 homes were built between 151st to 152nd Streets between 4th and 8th Avenues. In 1960, the mostly white city council voted to de-annex the predominately white South section of town into Harvey. As a result, the city lost 1/3 of its population and 60% of its tax base. The Village has had difficulty since that time trying to recover, from the loss of most of its tax base. The mid 1960s saw blacks come to a leadership role in the village. Mr. Harper was elected Mayor in 1961, followed by L. K. Watkins and William Hawkins. During this period the Park District was established. Also during this period the schools were improved because a lawsuit was filed by a group of residents to desegregate School District 151. The following year the high school followed
and integrated Thornridge High School. The great sports team of the early 1970s at Thornridge was primarily due to the efforts of students from Phoenix. The first health clinic was established in the 1970s through the efforts of village residents. The building of the Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center and the Fire Station was completed during this period. In the 1980s under the leadership of Mayors Harris, Belmont, and Wells the Village has seen the demolition of over 80 burned or abandoned structures. The Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center has been expanded to include community programs such as the expansion of the health clinic and senior nutrition site.
The Strong Family celebrates 100 years in Village of Phoenix
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n April of 1913 the first African American family moved to the Village of Phoenix. Henry Strong was the first African American child born in this community. Today, 100 years later the Strong family roots still remain in this community. Congratulations to all of the Strong Family, Henry Jr., Melvin, Nathan, Lovey, Myrtle, David and Dennis.
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Phoenix Salutes Our Residents Achievements
Jordan Jones Graduate of the University of Illinois with a degree in Computer Science.
Eric Beasley Graduate of DePaul University with a B.S. Degree in Computer Game Development.
Feshawn Berry Graduate of Quincy University with a degree in Educational Studies.
Dr. Derrick T. Simmons, graduated from the Chicago Theological Seminary
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r. Derrick T. Simmons, Sr., Pastor of Daniel Chapel AME Zion Church in Phoenix, IL graduated from Chicago Theological Seminary on May 18, 2013. His doctoral work concentrated on family ministries. His professional Paper is entitled, “The Alienated Family within the Family: Ministry Practices for Non-Traditional Families.” Dr. Simmons writes that the traditional structure of the family is no longer the
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majority or principle model in the African American Church. A traditional family of husband, wife and children of the same parents has been replaced with single moms and dads, blended families and grandparents who have now taken the responsibility of raising their children’s children. The hope of this project is for the congregants to develop a consciousness of how God loves every family and individual. No one is alienated or excluded from
experiencing God’s love and God’s willingness to transform communities towards spiritual wholeness and community renewal. The Daniel Chapel Church family is proud of Pastor Simmons’ work and appreciate his dedication to ministry with our church family and the community at large. By LaCheryl Hubbard, Church Administrator
James Wilkins Phoenix Resident and Thornton Township H.S. Graduate, Private 1st Class James Wilkins, has safely returned home from his tour in Afghanistan. Welcome Home Soldier!
Announcing the 1st Annual Family Fun Fest The Friends of Napoleon Harris are pleased to announce our 1st Annual Southland Family FunFest. The Family FunFest will be held Thursday August 15 – Sunday, August 18, 2013. Family FunFest will be 4 days filled with Carnival Rides, Music, Entertainment, Fun, a Community Village and Sampling of the best Food in South Chicagoland. It will be held on 20 acres of land across from Beggars Pizza and next to the 147th Street Metra Electric stop in Harvey, IL. The site is in a very visible, high traffic area. ~ Napoleon Harris is the State Senator of the 15th Legislative District which spans the south side of Chicago and Suburban Communities in both Cook and Will Counties. It includes the municipalities of Dolton, Calumet City, Midlothian, Dolton, Harvey, South Holland, Riverdale, Glenwood, Homewood, Chicago Heights, Sauk Village, Crete, Ste-
~ Performances ~ Friday - August 16th Kindred The Family Soul Saturday - August 17th House Music with DJ Farley Sunday - August 18th Various Gospel Artists Additional National Artist to be added.
MaudelleTanner TannerBrown BrownBousfi Bousfield, Former Principal Principal Maudelle eld, Former Coolidge MiddleSchool Schooland andFirst First Black Black Female Female of of of Coolidge Middle of theUniversity UniversityofofIllinois Illinois Urbana-Champaign Urabana-Champaign has has New New the Dormnamed namedafter afterher her Dorm
Photo by: Provided Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield in a University of Illinois yearbook photo.
The University of Illinois' Urbana-Champaign campus is naming its new six-story residence hall after the school's first African-American female graduate, Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield. The school’s board announced the hall would be named for Bousfield, who was the only black woman on campus between 1903 and 1905. Maudelle Tanner Brown Bousfield, was the first black principal at Chicago's Wendell Phillips Academy. She was Chicago's first black elementary school principal and first black high school principal, and became the first African-American woman to graduate from the University of Illinois — in 1906. Mrs. Bousfield also served as Principal at Coolidge Middle School from 1959-1961. Our own Mrs. Buckner had the privilege of working under Principal Bousfield’s leadership during her reign at Coolidge. More than a century later, she is being honored by her alma mater. Bousfield's name will grace the newest UI residence hall, set to open this August. It will be the first major UI building to carry the name of an African-American. Mrs. Bousfield died in October 1971 at the age of 86.
ger, Oak Forest, University Park and others. Senator Harris is a graduate of Northwestern University; he is a former NFL Football player who was selected in the first round by the Oakland Raiders. Senator Harris was born and raised in the district. He is the owner of two Beggar’s pizza locations. ~ Family FunFest is inviting the business community, municipal leaders and elected officials from throughout the greater Chicago Southland to attend this celebration. Family FunFest’s Community Village will promote awareness in the areas of health, education, ant-violence, and employment opportunities. We expect in excess of 300,000 residents and visitors to attend. ~
We hope you will be able to join us for our 1st Annual Southland Family FunFest.
4H & Operations Military Kids ~ Fun Day ~ niversity of Illinois Extension 4-H Program Coordinator U worked with the Village of Phoenix Library Board of Trustees to plan a “Fun Day” for 4-H & Operation Military Kids on April 20, 2013
at the Village of Phoenix Multipurpose Center. Volunteer participation was great. We were represented by two 4-H Clubs, the Illinois National Guard Family & Youth Coordinator, the South Suburban College Recruiter, and Chicago State College professors who conducted reading sessions, 10 National Honor Society students from Hillcrest School who assisted in managing the activities with the youth, and members of the Lions Club. Those attending were greeted by the University of Illinois Youth Development Staff from Chicago & South Suburban Cook County. Extension SNAP ED Nutrition staff planned activities around healthy eating. 4-H Leader, Mary Carben and her husband and son-in-law presented a flag folding ceremony. They also provided pictures of Military Heroes in their family. Military Families attending received Family Packs presented by University of Illinois Extension and the VFW Post 2580 of Midlothian, IL. The youth attending received the Governors’ Proclamation for Military Children’s Month, 4-H & Military Kids dog tags, OMK activity books, as well as Gardening Seed Packets from Burpy Seed Company. Youth learned how to make survival bracelets and created scrap books. They played games and created several crafts with a USA or military theme. Activities were conducted under the supervision of the Village of Phoenix Library Board Trustees and the University of Illinois Extension 4-H Club Leaders and Extension Staff. We received a visit from Linda Kupferschmid Visiting Project Coordinator of the University of Illinois Extension 4-H & Operations Military Kids program, who provided the dog tags and plenty of information for Military Families regarding camps and other Extension programs. This was a great event enjoyed by all! By Geraldine Cox 4-H Program Coordinator
2013-2014 | 13
Pom-Pon Girl’s 2013 hold car wash and Tag Day to raise money for the Phoenix Fest
Pom Pon Girls Tag Day
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Phoenix Park District hold Annual Car show & Easter Fashion show
Golden Agers of Phoenix Salute the Gibson Family O n February 16th the Golden Agers of the Village of Phoenix honored Mr. and Mrs. Gibson with a Lifetime Achievement Award. Lawrence and Shirley Gibson opened a service station at 152nd in Halsted in 1973. In 1990, the Gibson’s expanded their operation into a mini mart that not only serves Phoenix
but many of the surrounding communities. Gibson’s Citgo is the oldest business in the Village of Phoenix and one of the only African American owned service stations in the south suburbs. Mr. and Mrs. Gibson still run the business on a daily basis; it is truly a family owned operation.
Gibson’s service station and convenient store.
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The Barack Obama Learning Center This is our story BY JESSICA BUCKNER
FRIENDS OF THE PHOENIX LIBRARY n continuing with our mission of supporting and assisting in the operational Isponsored needs of the Barack Obama Learning Center, the Friends of the Phoenix Library our second fundraiser, which culminated with a raffle ticket drawing held
at the Multi-Purpose Center. With the help of local businesses, citizens of Phoenix and others, the drawing garnered much-needed funds in sustaining and maintaining the needs of the library. We are happy to announce that several winners of the raffle donated a portion or the entire amount of their winnings back to the Barack Obama Learning Center. The following winners are current and past residents of the Phoenix community: Darnell Sanford ($1000 winner); Duane Anderson ($500 winner); Sharon Gatlin Jordan ($500 winner). We are now concentrating our efforts toward promoting donations toward the donor wall, which is located in the outer vestibule of the Barack Obama Learning Center. Look for us at the annual Phoenix Fest in August! Purchase a “brick” for the Donor Wall ~ SEE DETAILS ON PAGE 27!
R
esidents/Citizens of Phoenix have always moved forward. From the beginning in the basement of the Village Hall on Vincennes Road, books were donated from friends and our “First” library was born. Unfortunately, floodwaters destroyed our books. Regrettably the black history section was lost; however, the destruction did not deter us. With the leadership from a Village Trustee, we followed a different path. The Suburban Library System in Burr Ridge, IL came to our rescue! A committee was formed to access Federal Grant, Project Plus by a vote of 271 “yes” and 80 “no” by referendum in November, 1987, and a “public library district” was established which allowed us to contract services with the Harvey Public Library. The grant provided one year of funds to supply library services to Phoenix before tax money would be available. The goals we established then are the goals we are pursuing now: (1) Register all Phoenix residents for library cards; (2) Work closely with the Library Board to provide books relevant to the needs of users: continue to increase circulation of materials and improve service to youth and young adults. Our first agreement with Harvey was signed in July 3, 1988. We have made many steps forward. In February 2011 (23 years later) we signed an Intergovernmental Agreement that formed a Tri-Partnership with the Village of Phoenix, School District 151 and the Phoenix Public Library District. The Barack Obama Learning Center was born. We no longer contract with the Harvey Public Library; we are on our own. “God Bless the Child who has his own” Even though a lot of progress has been made, we will continue to need the support of the community to upgrade our services. Become a “Friend of the Library” – Volunteer - Buy a brick for our donor wall. We still need adult books and pre-primary books to age 3. Do you have your library card? At no cost, you can request books from other libraries in the area using our library card. And, we have Wi-Fi! OUR LIBRARY BOARD President Ernestine Proctor-Harris Vice-President Dorothy Carter Financial Secretary Loretta Wells Recording Secretary Martina Mahaffey Treasurer Elizabeth Loggings Friends of the Library Liaison Gloria Jean Dudley Publications Jessica Buckner DONATE A BOOK – GET YOUR LIBRARY CARD!
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BOARD OF DIRECTORS Reading is the gift that keeps on giving. Your support may be tax deductible
Patricia Payne Evelyn Perkins Michelle Miller Dorothy Owens Albertine Guy
President Vice-President Recording Secretary Financial Secretary Treasurer
COMMITTEES Communications Fundraising Albertine Guy Blevian Moore Fred Harris Michelle Miller Dorothy Owens Jr. Friends of the Library John Banks Jr. Blevian Moore Belinda McFolling Hospitality Patricia Payne Belinda McFolling Patricia Payne Library Board Liaison Evelyn Perkins Gloria Dudley
Special thanks to Ms. Julia Smith for the beautiful pictures that ~ you donated to the Barack Obama Learning Center. ~
Phoenix Library Board Back-To-School The Safe Way Fair
Saturday, August 31, 2013 12pm - 2:00pm Learn about: • Stranger Danger • Drug Awareness • Gang Awareness • Bus Safety • The Smokehouse * Bring your book bag and let the Phoenix Public Library Board fill it with school supplies! *Enter for a chance to win book bags filled with supplies. (Winner must be present to win)
Sponsors Phoenix Library Book Club September 5, 2013 7:00pm - 8:00pm
Come Join us! As we discuss... “Bad Boy Brawly Brown” By: Walter Mosley
*Book Club meets the First Thursday of every month
Annual Family Reading Night
November 9, 2013 3:00pm 5:00pm •Awards •Raffles •Free Books •Vendors •Entertainment *This event is partnered with School District 151 to recognize our students who participated in the annual reading contest.
Free food and music! The events above will be held at the William Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center, 151st & 4th Avenue.
On Tuesday, August 6, 2013, School District 151 will embark on a new adventure. That day will be the first day of school in the new Balanced School Year Calendar. In the past, students at Taft, Eisenhower, Madison and Coolidge Schools started the school year in late August. Under this traditional school calendar, the summer lasted approximately 12 weeks. When children are away from school for three months in the summer, they often lose some of the skills they learned in school. This is called “summer learning loss”. Research shows that summer learning loss is one of the reasons students fall behind in school. When the students return to school after a long summer break, teachers often have to spend the first four to six weeks of the school year reviewing things that the students learned during the previous year. In a balanced school calendar, students have a shorter summer and a break each quarter. A balanced school year calendar can help children do better in school because they don’t lose as many skills during the summer. “A balanced school year calendar can help children do better in school because they don’t lose as many skills during the summer.” What is the Balanced School Year? School District 151 has planned the Balanced School Year Calendar as a way to reduce summer learning loss and to better support student learning and achievement. All students (Pre-K through grade 8) will start school on August 6, after a shorter 7-week summer. The first intersession will be a two-week fall break in October. The second intersession will be a three-week winter break during the holiday season. The last intersession will be a two-week spring break. The school year will end on June 12, 2014. During each intersession, the district will offer one week of extra instruction for students who need additional help with their studies. This will allow teachers to help students when they first begin to struggle instead of waiting until the end of the school year. Students who do not participate in intersession programs at
school may be able to participate in enrichment and recreational programs in the community during their time off. Child care providers, businesses, the villages, and other organizations such as South Suburban College have expressed an interest in partnering with the school district to provide recreational and educational activities for students during the intercessions. Each school will provide parents with information about the programs that are available at the start of the school year and prior to each intersession.
Balanced School Year At-a-Glance • First Day of School – August 6, 2013 • Intersession 1 – October 7 – 18, 2013 • Students Return to School – October 21, 2013 • Intersession 2 – December 23 – January 10, 2014 • Students Return to School – January 13, 2014 • Intersession 3 – March 31 – April 11, 2014 • Students Return to School – April 14, 2014 • Last Day of School – June 12, 2014 SEE CALENDAR ON BACK PAGE For More Information about the Balanced School Year Calendar, please visit the School District 151 Website at www.shsd151.org. Is your child registered for school and ready to start August 6? If not, please contact the District 151 Registrar, Donnesie Hill at 708339-1516.
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Voters elect Judy Taylor as Trustee. I’m Judy Taylor a lifetime resident of Phoenix, single Mom, Grandmother, active devoted church member and a great neighbor and friend to all. I am the newly elected trustee administering and supporting the upkeep of the Public Buildings which are; Phoenix Village Hall, William Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center, Phoenix Police Station, Phoenix Fire Department and the Public Works buildings. The William Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center services many entities such as: • Rentals for all occasions • Church functions • Banquets • Parties • Weddings • Bridal showers • Baby showers • Retirement Parties • Reunions (family, class, etc.) • Repasts • Fundraisers • Dance and Exercise classes We also have a special room for smaller occasions with a capacity up to 60. Other services available at the Multi-Purpose Center are: • The Woody Winston Medical Clinic (affiliated with John Stroger Hospital and Medical Center) • Senior Citizen Food Program, Linda Cole director • Lunch served daily Mon-Fri from 11:00a.m. to 1:30p.m. at a nominal fee • Non-Seniors are also welcome Gladly looking forward to serving the entire community.
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THE MULTI-PURPOSE CENTER:
T
he Cantrell Family Hosts their Family Reunion at Broome Pavilion and The Multi-Purpose Center. A good time was had by all!
Want to learn to line dance? Join the Dancing Deva! MONDAYS Village of Phoenix William Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center 650 Phoenix Center Dr., Phoenix, IL 6:30-8:00 p.m. Beginners • $7 class fee WEDNESDAYS Village of Phoenix William Hawkins Multi-purpose Center 650 Phoenix Center Dr., Phoenix, IL 6:30-8:30 p.m. High level beginner/ Low level intermediate $7 class fee Dawn Avery, Dance Instructor 708.705.8489 dancindeeva50@hotmail.com www.Dancindeeva.com See photos of line dance party hosted by Dawn Avery and the Phoenix Fest Committee on page 22
eeks with June M
THURSDAYS Village of Phoenix William Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center 650 Phoenix Center Dr., Phoenix, IL 7:00 p.m. For more information call: Call June at 708-359-9718 email: june.beeks@gmail.com
THE CENTER FOR ALL YOUR EVENTS & FUN Congratulations to Andre and Aris Crowder whose beautifully coordinated and decorated wedding was held at The Multi-Purpose center! May God bless your marriage!
1st Lady of Phoenix
Loretta Wells celebrates her 50th Birthday with friends and family
Mrs. Pitts beautifully decorated The Multi-Purpose Center for her 50th birthday celebration
See more WEDDINGS and BIRTHDAY celebrations on pages 24 & 25! 2013-2014 | 19
“You may recall that last year we came very close to ending the fest. We are pleased to say that a large group of volunteers stepped up and this year we will celebrate our 21st year of the fest. But even though the fest is on this year we still need volunteers, our festival is only as good as the people who help put it together.� -Mayor Terry Wells
1972 State Champions were honored at Phoenix Fest!
The Entertainment Was Great!
Scenes from Phoenix Fest Line dance party hosted by line dance instructor Dawn Avery and the Phoenix Fest Committee June 30, 2013 at the Multi-Purpose Center
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Party
Phoenix
Family Festival
2013 entertainment lineup STERLING CROWN CARNIVAL August 1 - August 4 Thursday 5:00PM - 10:00PM Friday 5:00PM - 10:00PM Saturday 1:00PM - 10:00PM Sunday 1:00PM - 10:00PM
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 JAZZ & BLUES MC: Matt Lloyd
~Performances by~ •The Winning Band •Arthur Burton and the Messengers
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3, 2013 SOUL, R&B, RAP AND HIP HOP MC: Matt Lloyd Special guest appearance by: Tony Sculfield (Host of WGCI’S “The Morning Riot”)
10:00 AM
-Parade (Line-up begins at 9:30 am) 12:00 - 12:30 -Opening Ceremony 12:30 - 1:00 -Phoenix Family Fest Pom-Pon Girls -PPD Dance Squad The performances above will take place on the basketball court. ~Performances by~ •The Voices (Headliner) •Family Reunion Band •Carlos Cannon—R&B Saxophonist •The Casanova Kings •DaShawn Lyles (Formerly of Kwiet Storm) •Dope Liven •Phathom Prince and Da PVE All Stars •and other Local R&B, Rap and Hip Hop Artist •After Hours Steppers Set (10:00pm)
SUNDAY, AUGUST 3, 2013 GOSPEL
MC: Debbie Crosslin ~Performances by~ •One 4 Christ (Headliner) •Curtis Clark and Friends •Kenya Henry (2012 contestant on Apollo Live) •The Family •Odis Webster and Men of Victory •Mount Zion Voices of Praise •N’tegri-t •Daniel Chapel Choir • and other Local Choirs and Groups •Line Dance Performance by The Dancin Deevas
Park District News
2013: A Rewarding Year!
2013 has been a very rewarding year for the Phoenix Park District. We carried our “Yes We Can! Fight Childhood Obesity” campaign over into this year. All of our activities support this campaign. The Park district held its 2nd Annual Easter Fashion Show on Sunday, March 24th at the Multi-Purpose Center. The many family and friends were delighted as they watched their budding young models showcase their outfits in various scenes including, “sportswear,” “Easter best” and “black & white with a touch of red.” The fashion show was followed by a buffet of delicious healthy food offerings like salads, finger sandwiches and fruit. A great evening was had by all who attended. Our 2nd Annual Car and Bike show was held on June 8th. The cars and bikes were shining, the music was playing and the grill was blazing. The visitors that came out to view the fancy cars and bikes were also able to purchase rib tips, burgers, hot dogs and italian sausages, along with items sold by other vendors that were on site. The day ended with a raffle and the presentation of trophies for the best car, the best bike, the best engine, the best paint job and the overall best in show. The weather was beautiful for the event. The Park District hosted a summer food service program sponsored by the Chicago Archdiocese. Breakfast and lunch consisting of nutritious food items were served to individuals under the age of 18. The program was a huge success. This year the Park District hosted a summer camp for school aged children. The camp began on June 3rd and attracted families from not only Phoenix, but from surrounding communities as well. Headed by Ms. Bartholomew and staffed with three supervisors, the camp participants enjoyed movies, arts & crafts, dance, cheerleading, board games, puzzles and daily trips to the library. Each day, time was set aside for the campers to work on enhancing their read-
ing and math skills by completing age appropriate reading and math worksheets. They also conducted various science projects and the main attraction was a project where campers tracked the life cycle of three caterpillars as they turned into beautiful butterflies. The Phoenix Park District was once again the proud recipient of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources Youth Recreation Corps grant. The Illinois Youth Recreation Corps was established for making grants to local sponsors to provide wages to youth operating and instructing in recreational and conservation programs for the benefit of other youth. Under the direction of Ms. Debbie Bartholomew, the Park District was able to hire 4 Managing Supervisors and 34 youth who worked in our various recreation programs. Also, some of the young men performed maintenance work at the field house and the Broome Pavilion. The Broome Pavilion is available for rental through mid-September, weather permitting. For more information and park district news, events, photographs, etc., please call (708) 339-8443 or visit our website at www.phoenixparkdistrict.com. The park district is always seeking volunteers. If you have a talent or a craft that you would like to share with others or would just like to assist with our programs, please come out and join us. Meetings are held at 7:00 p.m. on the 3rd Thursday of each month at the park district facility at 155th & 9th Avenue.
PARK DISTRICT COMMISSIONERS President Vice-President Treasurer Director Commissioner Secretary
Mildred Garcia Lori Hagler Roosevelt Thomas Sharmin (Debbie) Bartholomew Elaine Bobo Nicole Pollard
2013-2014 | 23
WHEN WEDDING BELLS RING...
We congratulate all those who were recently joined in holy matrimony. May God bless your marriage! Alvin & Britt Nelson! April 20, 2013
Dontae & Jhzeni Fisher! June 22, 2013 at Mt. Zion Church.
Leola “Krissy” Mitchell & Mike Royster Married on May 18, 2013 in Miami, Florida. She is the granddaughter of Leola Mitchell and daughter of Patricia Mitchell.
72 YEARS of marriage
Louis & Ida McDaniel recently celebrated their 72nd wedding anniversary.
We want your wedding and birthday photos in Phoenix Rising newspaper! Call us at: (708) 331-1455 or (708) 331-2641
HOUSES of WORSHIP in PHOENIX
EVANS COMMUNITY CHURCH 723 E. 153rd Street Phoenix, IL 60426 Rev. Tyrone W. Coleman Phone 708-339-0469 Sunday School: 9:15 a.m. Worship Service: Sun. 11 a.m.
MT. ZION MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 15354 Eight Avenue P. O. Box 2545 Phoenix, IL 60426 Rev. Dr. Edward L. Jones Phone 708-339-1026 Sunday School: 9:30 a.m. Worship Service: Sun. 11 a.m.
DANIEL CHAPEL A.M.E. ZION CHURCH 15250 Third Avenue Rev. Dr. Derrick Simmons, Pastor Phone 708-339-1990. Contemporary Service: Sunday 8:00 a.m. Sunday School: Sunday 9:15 a.m. Worship Service and Children’s Morning Worship: Sunday 10:50 a.m. Monday Prayer Service: 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. Wednesday Bible Study: 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.
PEACE AND GOODWILL CHURCH OF GOD IN CHRIST 15311 Third Avenue Phoenix, IL 60426 Elder Fisher Cook, Pastor Phone 708-339-0440
FAITH FELLOWSHIP AND LOVE COGIC 701 East 151st Street Phoenix, IL 60426 Rev. Parthenia Stegall, Pastor Phone 708-342-1887
WELCOME MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 15110 Ninth Avenue Phoenix, IL 60426 Rev. S. L. Dudley, Pastor Phone 708-225-1788
NEW COVENANT MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH 15213 Fifth Avenue P. O. Box 1358 Phoenix, IL 60426 Rev. Dr. Richard D. McCreary II, Pastor Phone 708-331-3661
Sunday School: Sunday 9:00 a.m. Worship Service : Sunday 10:15 a.m
Bible Class and Deliverance Prayer Service: Thurs. 6 p.m. Sunday School: 10 a.m
Sunday School: Sunday 10 a.m. Worship Service : Sunday 11 a.m
Worship Service: Sunday 11:30 a.m. Midweek Service and Bible study: Wednesday 7:00 p.m
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WISHING YOU A HAPPY BIRTHDAY Greg Barr celebrated his 52nd birthday!
Sharisse Carter celebrated her 40th birthday!
Happy 40th Birthday Sharisse! Looking good! Happy 52nd birthday Greg! You don’t look a day over 51. Amazing!)
Herbert Boykin celebrated his
Stephanie Anderson celebrated her 5oth birthday!
88th
birthday!
Happy 50th Birthday Stephanie You wear it well gurl!
Tender celebrated his 5oth birthday!
Happy 88th Birthday Mr. Herbert Boykin! God Bless You! Happy 50th Birthday Robert “Tender” Proctor!
2013-2014 | 25
Pastor Carlos Smith and The Truth Church blessed the residents of Phoenix with a ‘gas give-a-way’ at Gibsons
Calling all 1973 Graduates of Thornridge High School I have worked tirelessly putting together Thornridge High School’s 40th Class Reunion, and I must say, it took some work! I was always on the committee but never front and center. I am my mom’s caretaker and that is a 24 hour job. In between working on the Class Reunion, I had a total knee replacement. I am now recovering very well and still in physical therapy. I started preparing for the Class Reunion in 2012 by getting the caterers, decorator, DJ and photographer on hold for a possible date. I received help with addresses from another classmate, Gabreille Rose-Golden in Harvey, who is very well known in that
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area. I chose August 2, 2013 because of Phoenix Fest weekend. I knew there would be a lot of out of town people from this area that would be coming and this would save them from making another trip back to Phoenix if I had chosen a different date. I also planned a picnic at the park with a tent along with the Fest activities. So this is my story, and the plans are coming together. I still have a few more people to reach, but we may have at least forty classmates in attendance, not including their guests. I think this is a good start and hopefully a good turn-out! See You There! -Lucille Barr-Edwards
FRIDAY, AUGUST 2, 2013 THE PHOENIX MULTIPURPOSE CENTER 6PM-11PM BUFFET STYLE DINNER & DANCE SATURDAY, AUGUST 3RD @ WELLS PARK (155th and 9th Ave.) FAMILY BARBQUE & PICNIC COST FOR BOTH DAYS $65.00 Come out and show your Falcon Class Support, Reunite with friends from the past, present and future. Celebrate your successes and journeys in life. It will be a great time for all. For more information, please contact: Lucille Barr-Edwards 708-362-9334 phone, text or email: lucilledwrds@yahoo.com
Representative Will Davis Helps Secure Summer Jobs for Phoenix Youth T
he Village of Phoenix along with several other communities applied for State funded summer jobs but we were unfortunately denied. We made a call to State Representative Will Davis and with his help were able to secure a few jobs for Phoenix youth. The Village was able to employ 15 young people while the Park District was able to employ 38. The Park
PHOENIX LIBRARY DONOR WALL Become a part of history!
District and the Village of Phoenix are two separate groups using different funding agencies and different rules for employment. Students working for the village were put to work at the Obama Library, Public Works Department and the Village Hall. We would like to thank Representative Davis for making this jobs program possible.
The Phoenix Rising Newspaper wants your input! If you have an idea for the paper, we want to know. Contact us at: (708) 331-1455 or (708) 331-2641
H o w?
Purchase a brick for the donor wall • Family members
William Hawkins Multi-Purpose Center 151st & 4th Avenue Phoenix, IL. 60426 The Café is serving something New and definitely Good for you ~ it is the “Fresh Bar”. We are serving nutritious meals with fresh items such as Fruits, Vegetables, Hot & Cold Sandwiches and Hot Homemade Soup. Our serving schedule is as follows: Monday & Wednesday – Breakfast Brunch Tuesday & Thursday – Catered Meal Fridays – Fresh Bar – Soup, Sandwich & Salad
Home Delivered Meals Driver Assistant
• In memory of loved ones • Graduating Class
Food Service Prep Assistant
• Yourself
Activity Assistant
• Company/Business Name
Clerical Assistant
PRICES? * (Brick sizes are subject to change by the company)
*Friends of the Library will notify donors if any changes occur. Contact Dorothy Owens at dorothyrowens@aol.com to purchase a brick or for additional information.
CALLING ALL OLDER ADULTS and Volunteers! The Phoenix Community Café is open daily Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. and meals are served approximately 12:00 Noon Sharp at the:
Please come out and join us for a good time and a delicious meal. There is a suggested donation for meals. Our Café is always looking for volunteers and we need your help with the following:
In Whose Name Shall I purchase a Brick?
• 2 x 8 - $200 - $399 • 4 x 8 - $400 - $599 • 8 x 8 - $600 - $999 • 12 x 12 - $1000+
CNN PHOENIX COMMUNITY CAFÉ
If you can help in any of these areas please email or give me a call. Your assistance would be greatly appreciated and I look forward to hearing from you.
Congratulations on your retirement Jerry “Baldy” Cantrell!
Should you have any questions, concerns, comments or even some suggestions please give me a call at (708) 331-2408 or send me an email at lcole@cnnssa.org. 2013-2014 | 27
Laughs, Smiles and Funny Moments in Phoenix 1960’s Phoenixites
As you read these reflections, please note that some comments included are from Phoenix residents that are no longer with us but they live on in our hearts and in our memories Jhae (Joyce) Mack - I was asked the significance of the 1960’s Phoenixites page, and what were my thoughts and concept. It’s simple....This page is dedicated to the many friends and family who often wonder what became of a childhood friend, neighbor and even a family member. 1960’s was a great era, the time of elementary and high school, hot hazy summer days, children’s laughter, bicycles blazing down the street with balloons in the spokes, some little girl walking down the street with a crushed pop can on the heel of her shoe (a replica of tap dancing shoes), playing dodge ball in the street, or “rise and fly”, playing baseball and basketball on Coolidge’s playground. Jumping rope, playing hopscotch, boys shooting marbles, not guns building tree houses and push cars (go-cars). The smell of a burger from “The Custard Stand,” or just the frozen custard cone. Listening and dancing to the juke box @ Mr. Sawyers Drugstore, going to Bar B’ Que-A-Go-Go....or Joe Tarala’s store for milk, bread, etc., sneaking to Senita’s Store on 7th Avenue to get candy, or a popsicle. Everyone knew everyone, and a punishment was making you stay inside for the day or for a week (winter or summer). We were outdoor kids, no video games, or crazy T.V. programs....We Had Imagination......Now we are able to share Memories and Life with our children, grandchildren and longtime friends we haven’t seen or spoke to in r years....and we are able to share sad moments and happy moments, we are able to comfort each other in the time of need. So Very Important......We Share Love....♥ Please share your thoughts of the memorable times you had during the 60’s in Phoenix........
go whenever I got the chance:-). I had my 1st tab at Mr. Johnson’s store, I would go and get whatever I wanted and tell him “my mama will pay you on Friday” and she did. Jimmy Belmont used to carry my books and walk me home from school and then JC would kick his butt for getting home late from school every day but he did it anyway.......I moved away from Phoenix in 1979 but this page brings so many happy memories back, I wish my children could have grown up in the kind of neighborhood we all grew up in.
Edwin Smith Real talk I love the way u put that
Shaun Tucker We cannot forget Mrs. Mancy’s
Jhae Mack @ Edwin, Thanks..........That’s what we do.....We Talk Real To Each Other.......♥
Deborah Freeman Clark I Love this site and so happy you set it up Jae. We moved to phoenix in 68’ and it was the best move we made, I remember our soon to be neighbor Yolanda Holiday climbing in the window to help the Realtor retrieve the key to this cute little green house. Coming from the West Side of Chicago my sister and I were amazed one Sunday when we came home from dinner and found our bikes still lying in the front yard! We would hang out with the Holidays, the Lanes I remember when Maxine Chapman move to 7the Ave. and my cousins the Bynums,They were older but I had a little girl crush on Jimmie Ferrell, Otis Dixon, and Greg Rose (Lol) and I almost forgot my friends the Byers that lived on the end of our block. I have such fond memories of Phoenix that I tell my grandkids about it, I could fill a couple of books :) Thanks for the memories!
Brenda Beard-Cooper I think it’s a wonderful idea, brings back so many Good memories, when families & friends looked out for each other, I love the idea ,we know what’s going on with family & friends....Love you <3 Edwin Smith I’m coming home tomorrow for my daughters graduation, I miss home a lot Jewerenda Graham Jae, I can’t say thanks enough for your 1960’ s ideal, it keeps me informed of everything that’s going on in the Ville good and bad.....and my sis Armenda Miller and Uncle Patrick Hogan say thanks sooooooo much!! luv u Jae!!!! Althea Hughes Jae, I don’t comment very much on here but I do come and read the posts from time to time and I really appreciate that you created this page. There are so many childhood memories that I have of Phoenix and you are correct the boys (and girls) shot marbles not guns. Everyone knew everyone and they knew your parents and where you lived. Big Mrs. Smith, Little Mrs. Smith, Mrs. Kelly, Mrs. Morris, Mrs. Piernas, Mr. Hines, Mrs. Buckner, Mrs. Madgett and all the other teachers had control of the class room and we got an EXCELLENT elementary education and moved on to 1st Thornton and then the later classes to Thornridge. My mother wouldn’t let me hang out at the Custard Stand or Mr. Sawyer’s but I would sneak and
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Amen...well said! Regina Jackson Ame Shaun Tucker Man oh man if they don’t know Jae they never will... Phoenix is and always will be the best (biggest) smallest village in the nation, in my eyes who ever poised to ask you that need to sit down and stroll down memory lane. Then and only then will they see and realize the significant of this page! And if they look at the members and the positive careers and achievements of a community such as ours all doubts and questions will fade away like they should lol... Rosetta Meyers Hello my homies and love ones...Jae this is so very nice of you to bring back the great times we had. My block was Fifth Ave... we use to go to The Carraway’s not knowing that I was kin to them, they always treated my family like family...The Drights were just as family also...Mrs. Studymeyer had that firm voice and that look in her eyes told me “don’t u play with me little girl”...all the Folks were great mentors to us...The Taylors Ms. Hattie, she know I love her...I will comment later...love u all...be blessed.
Vickie Rone Clark I love this site Jae, that’s how I stay connected. Just think people have been communicating that I have not seen or heard from in years!!! Jewerenda Graham @ Deb, wow that’s some good memories... @ Brenda, remember you couldn’t come out of your house without someone standing on the corner of 6th ave..... Lovey Rogers Joyce keep up the good work, I have been gone from Phoenix, since 1975 and it help me keep up with old friends. Rosetta Meyers Oops...I was under the dryer while text’n Continued on page 33
Henry Strong Sr.
Remembering Our Loved Ones ...
H
enry Strong Sr. was born October 13, 1913 to Roger and Lovey Strong in Phoenix, Illinois. Henry’s parents relocated to Phoenix in early 1900, leaving the south with their two children Virgil and Irene. They settled on 151st and 6th Avenue, where Roger Strong built the Strong Family home which is still standing today. Roger and Lovey Strong were the first African American Family to reside in Phoenix, IL, an all Dutch and Polish community. Henry Strong, Sr., was the first African American born at home in Phoenix, Illinois. He attended Coolidge School and worked as a young boy farming with his parents. As years passed, Mr. Strong met Annie Mae Porter, who moved to Phoenix from Terry, Mississippi in 1943, they were married June 1944 and added to their union seven children, Henry Jr., Melvin, Nathan, Lovey, Myrtle, David and Dennis. Through the years Mr. Strong watched sewers, streetlights, sidewalks, gas, and a water system constructed, and dirt roads become paved streets. During those early years of growing up in Phoenix there was no inside plumbing for families. Mr. Strong watched as the community grew with more and more black families migrating from the south to make a better life, although upon their arrival in Phoenix they lived in box-cars and went on to build their own homes as did Roger Strong who only had the use of lanterns in their home for light and wood burning stoves for heat and food. As a youngster, Mr. Strong and a few others would fish in the creek that flowed from Halsted Street down an alley and connected with the creek that was just North of South Suburban College. In the winter, they would ice skate on the frozen creek. Later the creek was filled in with construction material and the flow of the creek stopped. Mr. Strong was employed as a young man for Chicago and Eastern Illinois Railroad, now Union Pacific Railroad, later in life he was employed with The Harvey Cab Company and Alpha School Bus Company. Henry Strong, Sr., was well known and respected during his life in Phoenix. Mr. Henry Strong Sr. departed this life December 9, 1985. We celebrate with the Strong Family this year in saluting Mr. Henry Strong, Sr., who would be 100 years of age.
Former Mayor, James C. Harris
Jevette Hawkins
Leandra McClarin
Linda Meyers
Wanda Cooper
Corrine Hughes
Jetty Lewis
Elsie Taylor-Beard
Eric Louis Fuller
Maxine Duckworth
Inez Watkins
v Marca Watts v Fred Parham v Elnora Cole v Annie Lockhart v Bill Mack v Charles Cantrell v Fannie J. Hall v Marvin Herring v Wallace Rials v Gloria Harris v Elsie Beard v Michael Fuller v Darryl Brown v Colbert Gilford v Bernard Martin
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Reflections of Phoenix Pioneers Reflections of Homer Smith
I
was born in Phoenix in 1915. I lived in the house my parents built at 15335 8th Avenue. I graduated from the grade school then on 7th Avenue and from Thornton Township High School in 1932. My good friend and neighbor at 15333 8th Avenue was James Lawrence. We walked together to high school. His wife Alma lived next door to us before they were married. At 94, our children have insisted that my wife, Mildred, and I write our history. For me, Phoenix played an important part for my first 20 years. We had electricity for lights but nothing else. I had to carry water from the well in front of the school because my parents didn’t have a well. Everyone had outdoor toilets, no telephones, no sidewalks, and gravel roads with ditches on the side. Once we visited two other “graduates” of Phoenix, Janet DeYoung who lived on 155th Street, and her husband. She is over 90 now and they now live in Florida. Her whole family of 11 children came to Phoenix from South Dakota during the 30’s depression. Her father and older brothers used their truck to haul wood for the poor through WPA, Work Progress Administration. My mother, a widow, walked 155th Street to and from the Buda Company in Harvey every day. When the sidewalks, gas, water, and sewer came so many people didn’t or couldn’t pay the assessments and the village went bankrupt. At times she made only $25 a MONTH. Homer Smith now resides in Maryland.
Reflections of Ellis Banks
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e moved to Phoenix in 1938 from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, when I was nine years old. We lived in our uncle’s house on 4th Avenue in the basement. The town was made of mostly Polish people. There were only a handful of blacks in the community. There were few problems in town and we were treated well. My father raised hogs and chickens like so many others in the community. He also had a small moving business. He owned a pickup truck and we would move anyone who needed his services. My father Joe Banks, also would cut and saw wood and sell it during the winter months for people to heat their homes. He would
pick the wood from Bliss Steel Company, load it on his truck, cut it up and sell it. With the moving business and the selling of the firewood he did quite well. The church that we attended was New Covenant on 5th Avenue. At that time the pastor was Rev. Whitaker. The church was just a little church on the alley, nothing like what it is today. In the early 1960s we moved to Mt. Zion, which is my church home today. One thing that stands out in my mind is that Phoenix had a lot of stores and businesses. There were eight grocery stores, a bakery, several barber shops, a hardware store and a couple of shoe repair shops. Marcelleus Carraway had a cleaners in town and so did Judge Brock. In fact not only did Judge Brock administer the law he had a cleaners in the basement of his house and he even owned a restaurant in town. We also had a lot of liquor establishments in town. Most of them were on Halsted Street or across the tracks. The postmaster was Judge Atkins who ran the post office out of his house. I believe that the post office was discontinued after Judge Atkins died. The people that are most memorable to me were Judge Brock who later left Phoenix to become a state judge. He was later replaced by Judge Allen, both of whom were black. Another memorable person was film director and actor Melvin Van Peoples. He and I went to grade school and high school together. I believe his family moved away during his second or third year at Thornton. The most widely recognized person from Phoenix during that period was the great jazz and blues star Louis Jordan. He never really played in any of the clubs in this area. He was a big star, so you had to go to the Savoy or Regal Theater to see him perform. When he was in town we all made sure that we put on our Sunday best to go see him. Jordan’s wife, a lady named Fleece Brooks was from Phoenix, they lived in a house on 5th Avenue that still stands today. Talking about the history of Phoenix brings back a lot of fun memories. We sure knew how to have fun.
Reflections of Inez Watkins
I
was born in Phoenix in 1932. I was delivered by Dr. Winston, the only black doctor that this community has ever had. Dr. Winston delivered me as well as every other black child born during this period. My father Allan Sanders worked as a coal truck driver and later as a janitor and finally as an employee of Allied Steel Company in Harvey. My father later became the minister of Mt. Zion Church. I can remember that the church was originally held in a small house
“My experiences as a child were happy ones. The community was very close knit. The town was mostly Polish and they treated us as equals. We played together, went to school together and got into trouble together.”
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Reflections of Phoenix Pioneers that sat on a 25ft lot. The church owned the house next to the church that was rented out. It amazes me today to think that we could have held church services in such a small building. In the 50s, the church built the existing structure, which is next to the location of the original church. One of the most memorable people of my early years in Phoenix was Dr. Winston. He was a kind and well respected man. I remember he came to the Lawrence’s home to deliver a baby and I asked, “What are you carrying in that bag?” A baby, he would answer. After a few hours, he emerged and told us that it was a girl. As children we were amazed at his ability to make this happen. Another very respected man was Mr. Brock who served as the Village Magistrate. In fact he had an office on 3rd Avenue and married my husband Eddie and me. For entertainment there were many things for us to do. One thing was in the winter to ice skate on the pond on 153rd and 8th Avenue. We would spend endless hours skating there until the city started using this location as a dump. Trucks would come by and dump steel and bottles in the hole and we would go in and take out the pieces of steel and sell them. As a child we would also take great pleasures in waiting for the milkman to deliver the milk, we would always try to sneak around and take the cream off the top before our mother would catch us. As teenagers, we’d go visit a place called Mr. Cagers. It was a place on 4th Avenue where we would all go and dance and listen to the jukebox. Mr. Brock owned a similar type of business that was located on 5th Avenue. It also had a jukebox and played music. He also had a restaurant at this same location. As far as jobs were concerned the only jobs available during the summer months were working in South Holland picking onions and tomatoes. I am sure that most kids today would not touch this type of job but we really had a lot of fun doing this. There were also several stores in Phoenix that I can remember. One was Sanita’s store, which was located on 7th Avenue and Carr’s store, which was located on 6th Avenue. I am not sure what happened to Sanita’s store but the Carr’s eventually sold their store to Willie Ward. These were good business people who treated all of us with respect. Growing up in early Phoenix was like one big happy family. It didn’t just seem that way it was actually fact. Most of the people in Phoenix were related to one another. On 8th Avenue where I grew up, were my two aunts, two uncles, and cousins. The Long Family that lived across the street from me were not only my best friends but also my cousins. As you look around Phoenix today I don’t know that much of that had changed, it is still one big happy family.
Reflections of Iola Toler
M
y husband and I moved to Phoenix in 1936 from Chicago, we built our house on 152nd and 8th Avenue. When we moved on this block there were only two other houses on the street. Both of them were owned by Polish families. My husband Frank worked as an electrician for a company in Harvey. He worked there for many years until his retirement. I was very fortunate that with the salary my husband earned I did not have to work, that gave me an opportunity to do volunteer work in the community. One of the organizations that I joined was a group called the Goodwill Club. Amanda Riley, one of the first blacks to live in Phoenix, headed the group. This group helped parents of foster children by providing food and clothing. In the late 1950s, a friend, Ruth Steele, and I served as community representatives for both Thornton Community College and Prairie State University. In the 1960s myself and several other community residents decided that we needed recreational programs for our children, as a result we started the Phoenix Park District. We borrowed from Mutual Bank in Harvey and built the Field House and started programs for the youths. In 1965, we realized that our children were being shortchanged in their education. Phoenix and South Holland shared a school district but the bulk of the money and resources were being spent in South Holland. We filed a lawsuit in Federal Court to integrate the school district and won. School District 151 thus became the first Northern School District to integrate under court order. The following year I worked on a committee to set up a library in the basement of the Village Hall. One of the local lumberyards donated wood to build the shelves and we obtained a small grant to buy books. The library lasted for several years but the basement in the Village Hall flooded and ruined the books and we were not able to replace them. If there were a person in Phoenix that sticks out in my mind as being memorable it would be L. K. Watkins. He was second the black Mayor of Phoenix and served as a member of School District 151 Board of Education. Mr. Watkins was involved in many activities and always seemed to have the best interest of the community at heart. He was a fair, honest, Christian man who was a role model for the rest of the community. Another person who sticks out in my mind is Louie O’Neal. I believe that Mr. O’Neal’s family came to Phoenix in 1918 and he was the first black graduate
“Talking about the history of Phoenix brings back a lot of fun memories. We sure knew how to have fun.” 2013-2014 | 31
Reflections of Phoenix Pioneers of Coolidge and one of the first blacks to graduate from Thornton High School. Mr. O’Neal was also one of the first black athletes at Thornton and after graduation went away to college.
(Toler Park on 4th avenue in Phoenix was dedicated in her honor)
Reflections of Alma Lawrence
I
was born in Hollandale, Mississippi. I came to Phoenix in 1922 when I was 6 years old. I attended the original Coolidge School that was on 153rd Street and 7th Avenue. The school was nothing more than a portable trailer that was later replaced by the current building that is on 155th Street and 7th Avenue. When we moved to Phoenix, we moved on 8th Avenue. The community was mostly white. My next-door neighbor, Homer Smith, who was white, became my best friend. His mother would walk the two of us to school each day. There were only a few black families in town that I can remember. They were the Strongs, Ewings, Wrights, Jeffersons, and the Rileys. During the 1920s, several other black families moved in and many built their own homes. My uncle Junius Jones helped to build several of them. I lived in Phoenix with my grandmother because my mother died when I was 9 months old and my father stayed in Mississippi to care for our farm. Attending church was one of the highest priorities for my grandmother but there were no churches in Phoenix to attend. So she sent me to one of the churches in Harvey, Second Baptist. That was a long walk to make every Sunday. Not only was the walk a long one, but also there were no paved streets in Phoenix and no sidewalks. I would get so mad about making that walk that I many times said to myself that I was going to tell grandmother off. But I would quickly come to my senses and realize that this was not a good idea if I wanted to remain healthy. One day I asked a couple of girls what church did they attend. They told me that church was being held in one of their houses. That was all I needed to hear, I asked my grandmother if I could join this church and she agreed. I began attending this church that later became known as New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. As a child I can remember that people would fish in the creek that flowed along the side of my house. The creek began on Halsted Street and would flow down the alley and connect with the creek that was just North of South Suburban College. In the winter we would ice skate in the frozen creek, it provided fun in both the summer and winter. Later the creek was filled in with construction material and the flow of the creek stopped. It was also
during this period that Phoenix began to get sewers, streetlights and sidewalks. It is hard to believe that, in order to go out at night, we would have to use lanterns, but we did. In 1930, I married my sweetheart who happened to be my nextdoor neighbor, James Lawrence. My husband was one of the first black graduates from Thornton Township High School and he and my cousin, Louie Neal were two of the first black athletes at Thornton. Our wedding was held in a house on 8th Avenue that later became Mt. Zion Church. In fact my older brother, Allan Sanders served for over 30 years as pastor of the church. Rev. Whitaker, who later became pastor of New Covenant, performed the ceremony and Homer Smith played for the wedding. Homer’s family was such good people I have many special memories of them. Homer’s mother simply fell in love with our son. She would come by to sit with him all the time. She made us feel as if we were a part of their family. In early Phoenix, there was not a lot to do for entertainment. There was a Masons’ organization in Harvey but they never really got going in Phoenix. They were the organizations that had the best parties. So in order for us to go dancing and have fun, we would have to go to Harvey. The Masons built a hall on Broadway where they would always have events. We had a carnival that would come to town every year. The carnival would be held in the area that is now Phoenix Manor. During most of the year that area was rather wet and swampy. But, it always seemed to be dry during the carnival. If we really wanted to go out for best entertainment, we would go down to the Savoy on 47th Street in Chicago. During the summer, jazz great Louis Jordan, who lived in Phoenix, would have a picnic in the park on 7th Avenue. The entire town would close when Louis Jordan came to town. Dr. Winston, the only doctor in town, started an organized baseball league in that many of the men in the neighborhood played on, including my husband. Some of the women wanted to start our own league but they would not let us. So we had to be content with going and watching the men play. With Louis Jordan living in town, it also brought other talent to Phoenix. Hawkins Tavern was able to attract people like Dinah Washington and B.B. King before they became famous. I have many fond memories of Phoenix, my late husband James served as Village Trustee in the 1960s and later as the Health Inspector. We raised our family here and lived on the same block that we moved on in the 1920s. There is no other place I would rather live than Phoenix.
uuu
“We needed recreational programs for our children, as a result we started the Phoenix Park District. We borrowed from Mutual Bank in Harvey and built the Field House.”
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A few scenes of the 70’s Party held at Multi-purpose Center
Here are the Lansing Redbirds Our very own Jordan Jones (front row kneeling, second from the right) is part of the Lansing Redbirds Coaching Staff. Coach Jones and his team finished the season with a 34-8 record and a Illinois Babe Ruth State Championship.
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1960’s Phoenixites
contiued from page 28 on my cell...I have more to say and I haven’t got the time to read and follow all of you guys comments...time to go to work...let me say this about Art’s Roller Rink in Harvey that skating rink brought many of us even closer, we began to see more people from other parts of the world...Fred Parham as you may know is my uncle he charted buses to River View, Fun Town, Michigan City, Starve Rock and Motown... we enjoyed our child hood life...I can say this; that is why I love travelling now...holla @ yall later coming in from Alabama... Veronica Rone I just love what you said, we in Phoenix had a wonderful child hood! Let me just say about my wonderful child hood in Phoenix, me, my twin, my sister Yvonne, Duval, Wina Carraway, and Carolyn Cole all lived at 15357 8th Avenue with my grandma, Sarah Rone (will never forget that address as long as I live), well sorry to say everyone is gone except for me and my twin and my sister Yvonne. On 8th Avenue there was the ROSE bar and Mr. Pat (who was only drunk all the time) use to scare us
Pamela Herring luv them hillbilly chips Jacqueline Richardson-Nelson @ Pam.. LOL.... Donna Baker Mr. Sawyers store was part of my grade school education. He wouldn’t let us in the store if we were supposed to be in class. He was like a community father. Marcia Belton-Lucas I remember the juke-box. All the hot music playing..and everyone dancing before and after school. Patricia Kirklin-Wright Donna, I thought everybody had forgotten about Mr. Sawyer, her was on 155th between 6th and 7th ave. had to catch the bus to and from, ate baby food, had juke box in store, right if it was class x you were not allowed in the store, had to stay home for some reason one day, my mom sent me to the store and Mr. Sawyer refused to wait on me, had to get my mom to ok things, now that’s what we mean when we say “It takes a village to raise a child” Let’s get back to that people!!!!!!
so bad, he was just a nice man, but he still scared us, I was young and did not realize this. My dad built a barbeque pit and made the best barbeque, Wina, and Carolyn use to wear those poodle skirts and have parties at the house.
Rose Carraway I agree - loved Mr. Sawyer and Mr. Johnson who took over after that. Bottom of Form
Jacqui GaiaAmour Mays It takes a special person to be proactive, get an idea, and run with it...only you Joyce Mack. You never cease to amaze me girl! I love this idea of the 60’s Phoenixites, It allows us all to reflect back and enjoy the memories of our happenings in our home town, our village, our community however you prefer to refer to our base. We were small but a lot of big fun things went on there. I am so happy to be in touch with so many of our friends. Being able to reach out during good, bad, happy, and sad times is truly a Blessing. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again at the Phoenix Fest......I love you Jae, and I commend you!
Jhae Mack We danced every day in that little candy store....that is on the days you could squeeze in.....:-)
Do you remember “Mr. Sawyers Store” The Drug Store?
Jhae Mack Dancing on the squeaky floor ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫ ♫
Lennix Talmon King Let us not forget if it hasn’t been mentioned; Mr. Sawyers store on 155th street and Wards Grocery on 6th avenue; Mr. Johnson’s store across from the courts with those ice cream sandwiches that were a nickel, and the legendary “hillbilly potato chips”! Top of Form
Veronica Rone Bernadine I remember the dill pickles with the peppermint stick! LOL!
Veronica Rone Wow my cousins, Wina and Carolyn use to be there all the time, it was in the back against the wall along with dining booths, I use to get the candy, 2 for a penny.
Jhae Mack @ Roni, truly that was the best candy ever....unfortunately, the candy today isn’t the same, and I don’t care how big the candy bars get. I loved the mint Bernadine Van Thanks for the forum you created. It’s really comforting in recon- juleps and banana splits......loved his barbeque potato chips and El Fredo Pops..... necting with childhood friends. I just love reading about the remembrance of others ummmmm...yum! because I have some of the same. The Gholson family moved to Phoenix in 1956, first on 3rd Ave then Dixmoor and finally @ 15247 4th Ave. above Mrs. Fannie Hall Veronica Rone Ha ha, at Coolidge I use to win the spelling bee and would get a and wow did we have a lot of fun on fourth ave. “Ripping & Running” up & down quarter, I spent that quarter on candy, jelly beans, yep banana splits, mint juleps, the street with Juanita, Iola Tiny, Irene, Cathy, Ann, Denise to see who could run JAYS potato chips and always an orange pop! the fastest, riding our “Stingray” bikes, playing with my dolls on the porch, sleeping with the front door open during the summer nights because it was “too” hot to do Timothy Williams WE USE TO GET THE GRAPE POP WITH THE WHITE PINotherwise. It’s so good to hear some of the people you grew up with are still close WEEL, I THINK THEY CALLED DIXIE,APPLE STICK,CHUMP GUM,TWO PIECE by. My family moved for the last time to 154th St. which is where my mother is to this GUM,NUT CHEWS,AND ALL THE WINE CANDYS THAT HE HAD.THEY USE TO day. She still stay busy in her yard pulling weeds & sweeping the sidewalk just like CALL ME THE CANDY MAN.A DOLLAR COULD BY A LOT OF CANDY THEN. she did on Fourth Ave. God has truly blessed her & our family through the years & he continues to do so for which I am thankful. Thank God for “our town” of Phoenix Bernadine (Gholson) Van I remember getting those big fat dill pickles & putting a peppermint stick in the middle, getting one of little bags full of penny candy & paying and God bless all of you. only a quarter. I also remember seeing my sister Onnie dancing there all the time Jhae Mack @ Jackie and Berna, Love You Ladies.....This Page Is About Sharing, after school, that’s how I learned to dance. There were some dances I “Refused” to Caring and Loving....Thanks for SCL “Sharing, Caring and Loving.” ♥ dance back then. Some of you may remember there were some scandalous moves going on back then
Donna Baker Some of you all are just making me feel older than my age with this reminiscing.
Rita Coburn Whack I love this I had almost forgotten the store on 6th. The pickles Rose Carraway Donna - We are blessed to still be here to reminisce about growing and peppermint sticks from Sawyers were my favorites the sandwiches you could up in such a great environment... a lot of the people we grew up w/ are no longer w/ us.... get from machine worked for me across from the courts. Lovely!
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~ Memory Lane ~
DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANYONE IN THIS PHOTO?
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~ Memory Lane ~
36 | 2013-2014
DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANYONE IN THIS PHOTO?
~ Memory Lane ~
DO YOU RECOGNIZE ANYONE IN THIS PHOTO?
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SCHOOL NEWS 2013 EISENHOWER SCHOOL
16001 S. Minerva • South Holland, IL. 60473 • Dr. Rhonda Towner, Principal SECOND GRADE Honor Roll Alexander, Princess Alvarado, Diego Amos, Jadyn Bailey, Kayla Banks, Matthieu Bell, Michael Botley, Brandon Bravo, Stefanie Cholico, Aaron Claybourne, Aaron Cooper, Macaiyah Cortez, Estrella De La Torre, Belen Flores, Abigail Fredrick, Richard Glover, Ellysia Glover, J’La Gonzalez, Hector
Harvey, Christopher Haynes, Tasharie Hernandez, Angel Hill, Azariya Hoofe, Isaiah Jones, Cassidy Leon, Leslie Mack, Gianna Moore, Nia Mooyin, Makai Nosike, Stephanie Paschal, Kiara Patterson, Jeremy Powell, Dantrell Proctor, Ernest Reyes, Uleses Rimes, Brooklyn Robinson, Cayla Salazar, Juliana Sarofeem, Teresa
Sepulveda, John Sharkey, Damaya Sledge, Lauryn Tafoya, Ulices Terry Damiya Zambrano, Ana Zambrano, Astrid THIRD GRADE Honor Roll Bejarano, Nayilea Diaz, Marcelino Giron, Alan Gonzalez, Michelle Hinton, Armon Landingham, Evyn Mansfield, Kamiko Phan, Thu Rasgado, Valeria Wiley, Trinity
Wilkerson, Alanna Barjebo, Sue Gary Niona Hernandez, Alexa Osunde, Owen Brown, Terry Estrada, Angela Flores, Sandra Randall, Keachawn Taylor, Kristin Albarran, Francisco Alvarado, Nicolas Ford, Landon Ifebueme, Ryan Muldrow, Luke New, Amareya Pleitez, Katerin Aguirre, Michel Angulo, Giselle Byrd, Carlil
Davila, Jovanni Gonzalez, Estrella Guzman, Jennifer Osunde, Ukie Sims, Jordan Vega, Brenda Brown, Naomi Coffey, Dakota Ewig, Kiyla Guiterrez, Edith Jordan, Jayden Kurns, Khadari Lee, Empress Littlejohn, Aalayah Lopez, Victor Mendez, Jonathan
MADISON SCHOOL
15700 Orchid Drive • South Holland, IL 60473 •Mrs. Regina Davis-Bridges, Ed,D, Principal FOURTH GRADE Honor Roll Arranda, Christina Beard, Kobe Blanco, Daniel Bolling, Alexander Booth, Mia Boyd, Carol Bryant, Patrick Burns, Anunique Cole, Dylan Cole, Kennedi Cowyin, Aronae Craig, Jadyn Craig, Jessica Diaz, Emily Diaz, Kimberly Estrada, Cristian Estrada, Yulissa Footman, Dyamond
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Gallegos, Andrea Gardner, Cierra Gbeji, Elijah Gomez, Jasmine Herrera, Leslie Hunter, Jemil Kuyoro, Benjamin Louissaint, Matthew Martinez, Ramon McKinney, James Mendoza, Alexia Miller, Aamya Muhammad, Isis Navarro, Arianna Nosike, Christine Obichere, Khari Oduwole, Ayomide Pace, Zariana Pimentel, Cristian Pryor, Brianna
PHOENIX RISING | AUGUST 2011
Quiroz, Adriana Radcliffe, Maurice Ramirez, Kassandra Ramos, Alex Reyes, Emireth Robertson , Jayla Rodriguez, Fernanda Rogers, Lundyn Roque, Ana Sepulveda, Jasmine Shaffer, David Slater,Yasmine Stewart, Demarius Terry, Nyarai Vera, Giovanni Vuelvas, Yuriana Willis, Khamiyah Young, Christina Zambrano, Joshlyn
FIFTH GRADE Honor Roll Allen, Jasmine Bassey, David Bradley, Sonja Brown, Aniyah Byrd, Carlos Claybourne, Kiara Dillard, Jeremiah Edwards, Reginald Estrada, Mariana Gills, Curtis Gross-Roberts, Alani Henderson, Ashundra Houser, Makayla Ifebueme, Stacy Landingham, Eric Lang, Brian Lawson, Jaida Lopez, Ana
Nwokenkwo, Solange Oduwole, Temidayo Ogletree, Michaela Perkins, Courtney Plascenia, Lizeth Rasgado, Carlos Romero, Fernando Romero, Miriam Ruiz, Diego Salinas, Leonardo Sandoval, Alma Sgrignoli, India Turner, Kendall Villegas, Kevin Williams, Angelique Williams, Kenneth Young, Amiri Zambrano, Carla Zambrano, Rosaura
SCHOOL NEWS 2013 THORNTON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOL 15001 Broadway • Harvey, IL. 60426 • Principal, Tony Ratliff
THIRD QUARTER Bartholomew, Aaron Davenport, CleShae Fisher, Dyfreda Hammett, Raven N Huff, Devin Ikner, Mikal V Johnson, Lashuan Mahaffey, DeAnna Mahaffey, Destiny McHerron, Antaun D Thompson, Ariana D Watkins, Taylor Wheatley, Diamond
FOURTH QUARTER High Honor Roll High Honor Roll Honor Roll Honor Roll Honor Roll Honor Roll High Honor Roll High Honor Roll Honor Roll High Honor Roll Distinguished Scholar High Honor Roll Honor Roll
Barbee, Tyler Bartholomew, Aaron Davenport, CleShae Davenport, Nicholas Fisher, Dyfreda Hammett, Raven N Huff, Devin Ikner, Mikal V Johnson, Lashuan Kesler, Brittney M McHerron, Antaun D Thompson, Ariana D Watkins, Taylor Wheatley, Diamond
Honor Roll Honor Roll Honor Roll Honor Roll Honor Roll Honor Roll Honor Roll Honor Roll High Honor Roll Honor Roll Distinguished Scholar Distinguished Scholar High Honor Roll Honor Roll
We congratulate those who have gone on to pursue Higher Education! u India Wheatley will be attending Parkland College. u Paul Watkins will be attending Northern Illinois University. u Destiny Mahaffey will be attending St. Xavier University, majoring in Hospitality Management. u Mikel Ikner will be attending Southern Illinois University, majoring in Education. u Desiree Epps is attending Indiana State University, majoring in Accounting u James Bateman will be attending Eastern Illinois University, majoring in Communications u Devon Harris-Jackson is attending Jackson State University, majoring in Music Education u Iyala Sample is attending Monmouth College, majoring in Sociology, Anthropology & Human Services u Yamila Sample is attending South Suburban College, majoring in Fine Arts & Computer Graphics Design u Richie Thompson is attending Lindenwood University, majoring in Business Administration u Fallone Moffet is attending the University of Missouri u Aaron Bartholomew is attending Western Illinois University u Brianna Wells is attending South Suburban College, majoring in Nursing u Morgan Anderson is attending Bradley University, majoring in Law
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Mayor Terry Wells and The Village of Phoenix Salutes Coolidge Middle School Honor Roll Students 6TH GRADE Acosta, Leonardo Agwomoh, Kevin Barbee, Deja Barjebo, Decontee Boyd, Samantha Buckner, Jacoby Coupet, Franese Cruz, Abraham Diaz, Fatima Ell, Eddie Gonzalez, Stephanie Hill, Kamiah Hoofe, Kendall Ihejirika, Stedmon Jackson, Kyle Jackson, Taniya Jones, Jada
Jones, Nicholas Macias, Julie Moore, Taheed Munoz, Nayeli Murillo, Joanna Neri, Julio Nevils, Brandon Nugin, Alyssia Nwokenkwo, Emmanuella Ozonwankwo, Ifeoma Rodriguez, Alexandra Rodriguez, Ilyn Rush, Michael Salazar, Ezequiel Stephens, Damiya Turner, Benai Williams, Khaliyah
7TH GRADE Acker, Ceiria Alvarez, Verania Bassey, Jacqueline Bolling, Amber Boyd, Leah Bradley, Anthony Brown, Airyhana Brown, Shakira Ceron, Maria Cortez, Francisco Cremer, Brittany Daniels, Nikeyanna De La Torre, Angela Estrada, Lisbet Fonseca, Karen Gomez, Arianna Hernandez, Stefani
Hudson, Azaiya Luckett, Gierra Manning, D’Angelo Martinez, Ricardo Mata, Ulysses Neri, Jennifer Quiroz, Ernesto Sgrignoli, Aija Smith, Justin Walton, Imanye Mackey, Zeja Gardner, Cavon Boyd, Leah Flores, Ray Osby, Jalyn Ulloa, Monica Wordlaw, Chryssa Young-Perry, Christopher
8TH GRADE Cooper, Demetrius Gomez, Samuel Height, Lauren Jackson, Brielle
The Balanced School Year Calendar