A Banner Year ForPhoenix!

2007 shaping up to be

Nicor Cares Day helps to enhance village

Ground breaking for the new Phoenix strip mall is scheduled for this summer!

A Banner Year ForPhoenix!

CChhiieeff DDaavviiss aanndd TThhee PPhhooeenniixxPPoolliiccee DDeeppaarrttmmeenntt eessttaabblliisshheess

Phoenix Senior Site–– PPaaggee 1100

TThhee VViillllaaggee hhoonnoorrss

A LivingLegend

–– PPaaggee 99

Photos on page 8

If a homeowner is performing construc-tion work, he too, must complete an appli-cation and let the building inspector makethe decision as to whether or not a permit isrequired. Some contractors have had theirlicense revoked by the State of Illinois due tocomplaints filed with the Better BusinessAssociation. The Attorney General filesthose complaints with us if the contractorhas been issued a citation and is not allowedto work in the State of Illinois. Therefore,we can pass that information along to ourcitizens.

2007 VEHICLE STICKERSThe deadline to display 2007 vehicle

stickers was February 15th. The fee in theamount of $10.00 is added to the regularprice if you are late purchasing your sticker.Everyone who owns a vehicle in the Villageof Phoenix is required to display a sticker ontheir vehicle. If you recently moved into thecommunity, you have 30 days in which topurchase a sticker. The fee to purchasestickers are as follows: Passenger vehicle$20.00; Senior Citizens and Disability $10.00(with proof of age and or disability); Trucksaccording to size $25.00, $30.00 and $35.00.

DOG LICENSEAll dogs are required to be licensed in

the Village. A dog tag can be purchasedfrom the Clerk’s Office. The fee to purchasea dog tag is $3.00.

GARBAGE PICKUP DAYGarbage is picked up every Tuesday.

The only time this changes is, if the scav-enger service observes a holiday that fallson Monday. In that case, our garbage willbe picked up on Wednesday. The followingholidays are observed by our scavengerservice:•New Years Day•Memorial Day•Independence Day•Labor Day•Thanksgiving Day•Christmas Day

We encourage our citizens to dispose oftree limbs, branches and shrubbery by cut-ting the tree limbs and branches intolengths, no longer than 4 feet, tie them in abundle and place them out with your regu-lar garbage. You must obtain a dumpster fordisposing of construction material. Thescavenger service is not responsible for pick-ing up any construction material. Itemssuch as drywall, paint buckets, paneling,concrete blocks, lumber and bricks will notbe picked up.

Every home is allowed to place out forpick up (1) one large item per week. Pleaseadhere to this rule. These items consist ofold furniture, mattresses, couches, etc.

Items such as refrigerators, washers anddryers, hot water tanks, TV’s andmicrowaves can be placed out for scraptrucks to pick up. These items are usuallypicked up early by those individuals whoscrap.

Please do not place your garbage out for pickup before Monday evening. Citations are being

issued for those citizens who disregard thisrequirement.

Effective July 1, 2007, the new garbagerates will increase to the following fees:

Single family $19.92Two flat $21.92Three flat $23.92

All citizens will receive a garbage totter,(large garbage can) as soon as the scavengerservice receives them.

HUNTING AND FISHING LICENSEHunting and fishing license are sold by

the Village Clerk. The fee to purchaselicense are set by the Department ofConservation. The fees are posted in theVillage Hall.

OFFICE HOURSThe Water Department and Clerk’s

Office are open (6) six days per week,Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Fridayfrom 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Wednesday andSaturday 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

BOARD MEETINGSRegular Board meetings are held on the

second and fourth Tuesday of each month at7:00 p.m. in the Council room of the VillageHall, 633 East 151st Street. All regular meet-ings are open to the public.

PUBLISHED BYVILLAGE OF PHOENIX

633 East 151st Street Phoenix, IL 60426 (708) 331-1455

EDITOR-IN-CHIEFMayor Terry Wells

EDITORIAL ASSISTANTSJannie L. Beasley Johnnie M. LaneDorothy Carter

EDITORIAL BOARDAlbert Kirklin

Arthur T. Burton Jerome Ferrell Jr. Elizabeth LogginsWillie Mae Smith

Martina Lane-Mahaffey

LAYOUT & DESIGNBenny Williams

F R O M T H E

PHOENIX NEWS 2

Johnnie M. Lane

As Village Administrator, I have dili-gently been working with the Village attor-ney to obtain demolition decrees for themost dilapidated structures in the village.At the present time 8 houses have been torndown with at least 5 more to follow.Demolition of these properties will enhanceboth the beauty and safety of our communi-ty.

The Village Trustees have begun to focusmore on the rental properties in the Village.It is our goal to have all landlords and ten-ants work to keep up their property.The trustees have passed Ordinance#111406 (Landlord Ordinance). The ordi-nance states that:A rental property must be inspected yearly,

or whenever a new tenant moves into thedwelling. Rental property must have aCrime Free Lease Addendum signed by ten-ants and owner on file at the Village Hall.

I will continue to work on projects thatwill enhance the lives of all citizens in thevillage. Please feel free to call me at theVillage Hall. I will certainly try to answerany of your concerns.

VILLAGEADMINISTRATOR

DOROTHY CARTER

VILLAGECLERK

PHOENIX NEWS 3

We hope that all is well with you andyour loved ones. This year promises

to be a banner year for our community.Several changes are in store for Phoenix thatwe believe will bring beauty and economicdevelopment in our community.

The Village of Phoenix is working with adeveloper to build a strip mall in our com-munity. The ground breaking is scheduledfor this summer. It is our hope that the stripmall will bring new businesses and spurother economic development. Another proj-ect that we hope to complete is the renova-tion of the Woody Winston Health Clinic.The renovation of the clinic was scheduledto be completed in early 2007. But the well-documented problems at Cook County haveheld up these efforts. It is our hope that wecan complete this project before the end ofthis year. On that note, the clinic was on theoriginal list to be closed, but we were fortu-nate to have the backing of our CookCounty Commissioner, Deborah Sims, whofought hard to keep our clinic open. TheVillage is eternally grateful to CommissionerSims for her efforts.

Other projects that we are currentlyworking on are the purchase of a new dumptruck for the Street Department. We are alsoworking on a program for village widegarbage cans for all residents. The thirdmajor project is a program for the installa-tion of new remote water meters in the vil-lage. We are hoping that all of these projectswill begin soon. The new dump truck has

been delivered. This will allow our streetdepartment to continue to keep our villagestreets clean. Beginning in June, we aregoing to a unified system of garbage con-tainers for all residents. This will speed upthe time for picking up garbage by ourwaste hauler.. He can simply place the con-tainer on the lift and the machine will dumpthe garbage. We are one of the few commu-nities that does not use this system. Thisprogram will make our town cleaner andprovide more efficient system of garbagecollection. The new water meters will allowfor the water department to read metersfaster and with more accuracy.

Last year we had four builders to beginbuilding homes in our community,Chiattello Builders, Evelyn Perkins, NeilParks, and Kevin Moore & Darrell Moore.The last three builders all have roots inPhoenix. All of the single-family homes atthis point have been sold and they are anx-ious to start building more. If you get achance, stop by and check out quality con-struction of these homes, you may just wantto purchase one yourself. As we are build-ing new homes, we are also still working onour demolition program. Last year eightburned or abandoned structures were torndown under our home rule program. Wecurrently have eight other structures sched-uled for demolition this summer.

We are continuing our efforts to upgradeour building department. We have added

Greetingsfrom the Mayor

Continued on page 4

PHOENIX NEWS 4

additional inspectors to handle the heavyload of inspections. Residents need to beaware that all rental units in the Villagemust be inspected at least once a year.Those who violate this ordinance are sub-ject to a fine. The Village has also estab-lished our own In House Court to dealwith violations of local ordinances. Thisprogram will begin in July 2007.

We would like to thank Dorothy Fosterand Nicor Gas for the successful NicorCares Day in Phoenix on May 19. Nicoremployees along with village residentsplanted flowers and scrubs at our seniorbuilding and around the village hall. Theirefforts have really enhanced the appearanceof both buildings. Photos on page 8.

In July we will be dedicating our newpark in Phoenix. The park will be locatedon 155th Street between Vincennces andHalsted streets. More information will becoming soon. If you get an opportunity,stop by the village hall and visit our his-toric wall. We have tried to highlight somehistoric events from our history. A specialthanks to Eddie Brown who researched the

information and designed the wall.Phoenix Fest was a great success last

year and we are in the process of workingon Phoenix Fest 2007. A special thanks toDr. Mildred Garcia, who will be our specialhonoree this year. Dr. Garcia will be cele-brating her 10th year as president. Last

year’s fest was the largest in our 14 yearhistory. We have included pictures fromlast year’s fest on pages 16, 17 and 24 soyou can share some of those memories. Itwill be tough to surpass last year, but wewill try. We hope that you will make plansto be with us on August 3-5. Our featuredperformer for this year will be the worldfamous Chi-Lites.

If you would like to become a memberof the Fest Committee, meetings are heldevery other Wednesday. For more informa-tion, call my office.

On a sad note, we are losing the servic-es of three individuals who have beeninstrumental to the success of our adminis-tration, Joseph Duval Ross, Joda Boykinand LaNita Stewart. They have chosen notto run for re-election this year. They will bedifficult to replace. We wish them well andhope that they will continue to lend theirexpertise to the Village of Phoenix.

Welcome to our new team of trustees:Elizabeth Loggins, Willie Mae Smith andMartina Lane-Mahaffey. If you get achance, please stop by the Board Meetingsand greet our newly elected officials.

Thank you and May God continue tobless our great community.

GreetingsContinued from page 3

We wish Joseph Duval Ross, Joda Boykin and LaNita Stewart

well and hope that they will continue to lend their expertise to

the Village of Phoenix.

Joseph Duval Ross

Four buildersbegan buildinghomes in ourcommunity.

See page 25 formore photos

on theReactivation

project inPhoenix!

“Several changes are in store for Phoenix that we believe will bring [or have brought] beauty and economic development in our community.”

In July we willbe dedicatingour new parkin Phoenix.See page 12.

See page 10 for more on this story.

LaNita Stewart

PHOENIX NEWS 5

PUBLIC WORKS

DEPARTMENT

JeromeFerrell, Jr.

The new dump truck has been delivered. Theemployees are so happy to now have the new trac-

tor and dump truck. They can now perform theirduties more efficiently.

PUBLIC WORKSRECEIVES NEEDEDEQUIPMENT

The Village is continuouslystriving for excellence. This

summer, the entire village willhave new water meters withmore accurate readings.These meters and thenew system will guardagainst vandalism anddetect leaks immediately.It will eliminate humanerror and the publicworks department willhave more time to devoteto other village matters.We have over 630 homesin the village includingbusinesses, with this newsystem the public works depart-ment can record all meter read-ings within an hour. Phoenix, a

place with excellent residents,deserves the best and your vil-lage officials will continue toprovide you with the best.

Residents, it isvery important thatyou pay your waterand garbage bill everymonth. If the residentsdo not pay their bill,the village has nochoice but to shut offthose who do not payfor the water they haveused. The village can-not continue to pay forthe garbage pick up

and the water consumed by theresidents and not get reim-bursed.

PHOENIX WATER DEPARTMENT:STRIVING FOR EXCELLENCE

Phoenix, aplace withexcellent residents,deservesthe best!-Elizabeth Loggins,Water Department

Trustee

It is that time of year to pre-pare for the warm weather.

We, the Village Board, wouldlike to remind our residents of afew ordinances.

Disposal of Garbage:Garbage cans should not beplaced on the curb beforeMonday evening. The canshould have a covering. If agarbage can is left out at thecurb after twelve noon onWednesday, the day after pick-up, the homeowner will beissued a citation. Each residentmay put one large item out forpickup each week. If a residentexceeds the limit, a citation willbe issued.

Dogs:If you own a dog, it is yourresponsibility to purchase a tagfor your dog and you must see toit that your dog remains on yourproperty. He must not beallowed to roam the village. Weare trying to clear our streets ofstray dogs. So if you see a stray,please call the police department.

Basketball Hoops:Basketball hoops are not

allowed in the street. If youchoose to use your own hoop, itshould be placed on your pri-vate driveway.

Please help us keep our vil-lage clean and safe for our chil-dren.

-Willie Mae Smith,Trustee of Ordinaces and Resolutions

VILLAGE ORDINANCESAND RESOLUTIONS

PHOENIX NEWS 6

The Phoenix Fire Department has received another fire engine from the City of Chicago. It wasdonated August 5, 2006. Now we have three working fire engines to support the village. In

2006, we received a grant to purchase hose, small tools and other firefighting equipment for thedepartment. We are still looking for people who are interested in becoming firefighters.

ENGINE CO. 1706

BY FIRE CHIEF BRANDON TURNER, JR.

FIRE DEPARTMENT NEWS

Fire Department people you should know•Deputy Chief Mike Jones has been a member of the Phoenix Fire Department for almost 16years. He has dedicated his entire life to this fire department and represents us very well. We arevery proud of his hard work and time that he has put in all these years.

•Captain Howard Fisher has been a member of the Phoenix Fire Department for 16 years. He iswell decorated in his fire service profession. He is responsible for helping to obtain F.E.M.A. grantsfor the past three years for our Fire Department. He cares very much about the well being of ourcitizens and the department.

•Captain Donald Jimerson has been a member of the department for 11 years. He has put extend-ed time in making sure that all of our equipment is in working order. He was responsible for help-ing to obtain the two fire engines from Chicago that was donated.

Phoenix Fire Fightersparticipated in the LibraryBoard Safety Day for the

Village in 2006!

PHOENIX NEWS 7

BEYOND THE BADGE

Village OrdinancesThe Police Department has begun to strictly

enforce all Village Ordinances in order to help keepthe Village of Phoenix a desirable community inwhich to reside. Please do your part by: 1. Keeping yards free of refuse. 2. Placing garbage in approved covered containersin order to prevent infestation of rodents and squir-rels. 3. Removing junk vehicles and large items fromyards. 4. Keeping homes and/or trim painted. 5. Keeping grass trimmed and weeds cut. Warningnotices and/or citations up to $500.00 will be issuedto violators. Please help to keep the Village ofPhoenix beautiful!

Phoenix Senior SiteThe Police Department has established the

“Phoenix Senior Site” program which is gearedtowards senior involvement in the community. Alllocal seniors are encouraged to participate andattend scheduled meetings in order to learn moreabout: Fraud Against the Aging, Identity Theft,Senior Law Enforcement Academy and variousprograms available to senior citizens. These meet-ings often have guest speakers with pertinent infor-mation for seniors. For more information you arewelcome to call the Police Department (708-331-2193) and leave your contact information forCorporal G. Bowman or you can email him at gbow-man@ppdil.us. (More on page 10.)

Unlicensed Locksmith ActivityWe are seeking your assistance in addressing a

public safety issue that has been affecting more res-idents than ever before—the growing number ofunlicensed locksmith activity. Certain individualsand companies are attempting to take advantage ofdesperate homeowners who have been inadver-tently locked out of their homes, or who have hadto change the locks on their door due to break-ins,fraud or other illegal activities that have compro-mised their security. Many or these unlicensedbusinesses are located in other state but have localtelephone numbers. Once you call for assistancethey will send an unlicensed locksmith to yourdoor who in turn, charges exorbitant fees for thework performed. If you should happen to come in

contact with such company/persons, please reportthe incident to the police immediately.

Cook County Digital Photography ProjectThe Cook County Department of Office

Technology has contracted with Mobile VideoServices, Inc. to digitally photograph the exteriorof every residence and business in Cook Countyand validate each address. The goal of this pro-gram is to validate property addressed to identifyhomes and businesses for fire, police and medicalemergency response; improve the overall qualityof property tax appraisals; assist homeowners andbusinesses with “before” photos in case of losses;save taxpayers money by making the property taxadministration process more efficient and toenhance emergency management recovery reportsnecessary for state and federal assistance. The dig-ital photography will be collected from white win-dow vans with digital photographic equipmentlocated on each side of the vehicle. Each van willhave a driver and a photographer inside and amagnetic sign on each side of the van that reads:Cook County Digital Photography Project. Eachperson involved in the project will have CookCounty information flyers to provide to anyoneinquiring about the project.

Operation Safe HavenThe Police Department is an active participa-

tion in “Operation Safe Haven” – a program wherea distressed parent who is unable or unwilling tocare for an infant can give up custody of babies upto thirty days old safely, legally and anonymously.This can be done without fear of arrest or prosecu-tion. All that is required is that the baby bebrought to the police station, showing no signs ofintentional abuse. No name or other information isrequired.

New Police PersonnelThe Village of Phoenix Police Department wel-

comes new police officers; •Cory Byrdlong •George Hillman•Chester Miller.

Dispatchers include; •Maria Fisher

BY POLICE CHIEF MELVIN DAVIS

PHOENIX NEWS 8

“We would like to thank Dorothy Foster and Nicor Gas for the successful Nicor Cares Day in Phoenix onMay 19. Nicor employees along with village residents planted flowers and shrubs at our senior buildingand around the village hall. Their efforts have really enhanced the appearance of both buildings.”

PHOENIX NEWS 9

The ribbon cutting and dedicationof Iola Toler Park and Playground

was held on October 7, 2006.Mrs. Toler helped to start the

Phoenix Park District and was one ofthe women who led the fight to inte-

grate School District 151. In 1965, theyfiled a lawsuit in Federal Court to inte-grate the school district and won.School District 151 thus became thefirst Northern School District to inte-grate under court order.

The Village of Phoenix honors

Iola TolerA LIVING LEGENDA LIVING LEGEND

Mrs. Barr(right) and

Mrs.Browning(left) also attended

the Toler Park dedication!

PHOENIX NEWS 10

Cook County Sheriff, TomDart and Cook CountyCommissioner, Deborah Simsjoined forces on Saturday,January 27, 2007 in order to“meet and greet” several mem-

bers of “Phoenix Site.” PhoenixSite is a group overseen by thePhoenix Police Department, inefforts to inform senior citizensof various programs and organ-izations that can be of assistance

to them. During his visit,Sheriff Dart supplied seniorswith free cellular telephones,activated and programmed todial 911 on a 24- hour basis.Commissioner Sims discussedher efforts to save the WoodyWinston Medical Center inhopes that it will not be affectedby Cook County budget cuts.Also on hand to meet and speakwith local seniors was Phoenix

Mayor, Terry Wells and Chief ofPolice, Mel Davis. If you are asenior citizen needing informa-tion on how to obtain a free“emergency only” cellular tele-phone, please contact thePhoenix Police Department(708-331-2193) and leave yourcontact information for CorporalBowman. If you have access tothe internet, you can submit anemail to gbowman@ppdil.us.

COOK COUNTY VISITS ‘PHOENIX SITE’(L-R) Cook County Sheriff, Tom Dart; Phoenix Chief of Police, Melvin Davis andPhoenix Mayor Terry Wells

(L-R) Cook County Sheriff, Tom Dart; Phoenix Mayor Terry Wells andCook CountyCommissioner, Deborah Sims.

Sherriff Dart(above) andMayor Wells(right) assistsenoirs with theuse of emergency cellphones andother matters.

PHOENIX NEWS 11

The National Golden Age Club of PhoenixRobert Jackson, President

The National Golden Age Club meetingsare held every first Saturday of each

month at 11:30 a.m. at the William HawkinsMulti-Purpose Center, 650 East PhoenixCenter Drive (151st Street and FourthAvenue) Phoenix, IL. 60426. The dues are$15.00 annually.

Each year the club awards a scholarshipto an outstanding student who is a residentof the Village of Phoenix and will be gradu-ating from high school this year and havebeen accepted by a college or university.The interested students must fill out ascholarship application and submit theiracademic information along with the appli-cation. The application forms for 2007scholarship will be available May 1, 2007.

The 2006 scholarships were awarded toJennifer Harris, first place, attendingBenedictine University, Lisle and NatashaBerry, second place, attending NorthernIllinois University, DeKalb.

The club held its 22nd Annual BlackHistory Celebration on February 17, 2007.Our heartfelt thanks to the supporters ofthe 2007 celebration. The Phoenix ParkDistrict donated a $25.00 and a $10.00 giftcertificate for our raffle. The winner of theGolden Age Club $25.00 money hat rafflewas Barbara Horton. The winner of the$10.00 gift certificate was Barbara Hortonand the $25.00 gift certificate was won byMonica Lane.

Natasha Berry (left) received National Golden AgeClub Scholraship during Phoenix Fest 2006.

Each year the club awards a scholarship to an outstand-ing student who is a resident of the Village of Phoenix.

Memorable NicknamesFrom The Village Phoenix

Smirt Bobby Dog Black PowerBootsy Bicycle Willie DustyPumpkin Dago Huck a BuckA Moe Cookie Blue JuiceKick Shot Crow CatmanBud Kid PopsFire Bug Tiny The BeastLop Turtle ShockGrubbs

Hey, what was their real names anyway?How did they get that name?Can you think of any others?

Phoenix Best!•BEST BAR-B-Q: Huntley Williams•BEST ATHLETE: Derrick Jackson•BEST LOOKING: Nee Nee Carraway (1970’s)

Melvin GholsonVicki Mitchell

MEMORY LANELetter from Mr. Robert Clodfelter,

a former Phoenix resident who now lives in Arizona

2-27-07

Mr. Mayor of Phoenix Village,

I have seen on the web the experiences of people that lived inPhoenix in the old days. I was there from 1943 ‘till 1959. I wouldlike for you to include my time there also. I also have many morestories. Thank you very much.

I lived at 15130 2nd Avenue with my brother Jim and my sisterJulie. We lived with my Grandma in the house that my Grandpabuilt. I started Coolidge grade school in grade one in 1948. Theteacher’s name was Mrs. Retnor. I remember Grace Volze, I thinkshe was the third grade teacher. Tony was the janitor who retiredand Mr. Banks took over. Does anyone remember the Banks DriveIn? When I started school there were only a few blacks there,when I graduated in 1956, as I remember, I and Casey Cetnar werethe only whites. It didn’t matter though, we just didn’t discernbetween black and white. I grew up with black people and theywere my best friends. We were all just kids and all we knew is howto have fun. I look on the web and see a street named after SteveGalberth, on 4th Avenue, we used to play together. Do you remem-ber Wayne Tellis, Forest Tellis, Bill Hawkins, Joe Hawkins, CaseyCetrar, Zetha Strickland, Fredrick Philips (Empty) ShadrakWoods, good old Shadrak we were buddys. How about JohnTrumps Shell Station. I worked there for a year.

Robert (Bob) Clodfelter

PHOENIX NEWS 12

The residents are invited to attend the monthlyPark District Board Meeting every thirdThursday of the month at 7:00 p.m. at the ParkDistrict field house.

Phoenix Park District: 155th St. & 9th Ave.Phoenix, IL. 60426 Phone 708-339-8443

The Park District commissioners are as follows:•Patrice Burton, President•Dr. Mildred West-Garcia, Vice-President•Tonya Renee Anderson, Secretary

PARK DISTRICT NEWS

There’s still time to enjoy the Park Districtsremaining field trips for the summer!

The William and Jessica Buckner Park and Playground Near CompletionWe are in the Final stages for the completion of our newest park located at 155th street between Vincennes

Road and Halsted. The William and Jessica Buckner Park and Playground will be officially dedicated this summer!

Open House!Builder, Neil Parks will conduct an open

House on August 4, 2007 at 15366 EighthAvenue at 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

This is the second house completed by ParksConstruction. Please come by and take a look atthis beautiful home.

PHOENIX NEWS

Library Board Trustees :Jessica Buckner Loretta Wells Dorothy Carter Ernestine Proctor-Harris Martina Lane-Mahaffey Tonya Renee Anderson Elizabeth Loggins

PHOENIX LIBRARY BOARD NEWSPhoenix Library Board hosted Safety Day 2006!A day of learning about Safety the fun way!

13

Other Special Events held in 2007:

Wed., April 11, 2007: Harvey Library Field

Trip

Fri., April 13, 2007Library Movie Day atPhoenix Village Hall

Wed., June 6, 2007Trip to see “The Color

Purple”Library Board Summer Activities!

(Above Photo) On June 6, 2007, ThePhoenix Library Board sponsored atrip to see “The Color Purple.”

(Right Photo) The summer enrich-ment program sponsored by thePhoenix Library Board is conduct-ing Spanish Classes at the WilliamHawkins Multi-Purpose Centerevery Monday and Wednesday 2:00p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

PHOENIX NEWS 14

Brittney BrooksBrittney Brooks currently have a 3.8 GPA and rank 28 in

her senior class. She is vice president of Students AgainstViolence Everywhere, Vice President of National HonorSociety, and was been elected senior class Vice President.She is also a member of the Thornton Speech Team. Theteam is ranked 4th in the State of Illinois. Brittney is a mem-ber of Big Brother/Big Sister, a distinguished scholar for thepast 3 years, on the honor roll every year since she enteredhigh school. She has also been honored by the following:Chicago Urban League; and was awarded a Dell laptopcomputer and printer; honored by the National Honor Roll,National Honor Society, National Society of High SchoolScholars and Who’s Who among American high school stu-dents. While maintaining high grades and participating inafter school activities, Brittney has been working part timesince March. She will be attending Illinois State University.

Cory CantrellCory Cantrell was in the play“History of Stax Records”

Gregory WynneGregory Wynne graduated form Thornton

Township High School on May 19, 2007 with aclass rank of 13 and a cumulative G.P.A. of 4.125.He was a member of the Spanish Honor Society,“Top Cat” and a Distinguished Scholar. His extracurricular activities consisted of wrestling, base-ball and marching band. Gregory volunteered atthe Phoenix Summer Library events; was a vol-unteer worker during Harvey’s Mayoral election;tutored kids in economics at Brooks MiddleSchool; and worked in the sound room at church.He was awarded a scholarship to IndianaUniversity. He was accepted at BelmontUniversity, Butler University, Indiana Universityand Middle Tennessee State University. He willattend Middle Tennessee State University in thefall of 2007.

Michael StanleyMichael Stanley is a 2007 grad-uate of Seton Academy’s firstcoed class. He will attendNotre Dame in the fall of 2007.He has received the followinghonors: •On the Dean’s List•President’s Education Awardfor Educational Excellence•Illinois State Scholar Award•National AcademicAchievement Award•National Honor Society•Class Rank #5 of 84

Claude RialsClaude Rials a maintenance worker in

the Village of Phoenix, was presented aspecial achievement award on May 15,2007, during the Outstanding WorkerAwards Luncheon, held at the PalmerHouse Hilton Grand Ballroom. SuburbanArea Agency On Aging (now AgeOptions) placed Claude in the Village ofPhoenix April 14, 2004 as a Title VEnrollee. He proved himself to be a verygood worker. The Village of Phoenixhired him as a Village employee.

Karla L. BeardKarla L. Beard played thepart of Sarah in thePorchlight Musical Theatreproduction.

Tiffany W. Ross Tiffany W. Ross graduated from

Eastern Illinois University on May 5, 2007with a Bachelor of Science degree inFinance.

Brandon HerringBrandon Herring is a junior at

Thornton Township High School. He is amember of the Speech Team and theNational Honor Society. He ranks in thetop10 in his class and has a 4.1 overallgrade point average. He introduced JudgeMathias during the assembly when he vis-ited Thornton High School on April 3,2007.

Michael BerryMichael Berry was draft-

ed by the Minnesota Vikingsin 2007 NFL draft.

Rocky HillRocky Hill was named The

Hammond Times’ BoysBasketball Coach of the year. Healso received the same honor in1995.

Coach Hill completed his sec-ond year at Crete-Monee HighSchool with a 13-12 season. Theyear before he became head bas-ketball coach at Crete-Monee, therecord was 2-18. Coach Hill hasalso coached at Thornton HighSchool and most recently atJulian High School in Chicago.

PHOENIX SALUTES OUR RESIDENT’S

ACHIEVEMENTS

Jordan Jones Jordan Jones is one of the

top students at Seton Academywith a 3.9 GPA. He is a memberof a traveling all -star team thatwill play in several southernstates including Florida andTexas.

PHOENIX NEWS 15

Terry R. Wells

Village President since 1993

Johnnie M. Lane

Village ClerkResident of Phoenix since 1961

Albert Kirklin

Village Trustee and Chairperson ofPolice & Fire

Arthur T. Burton, Jr.

Village Trustee and Chairperson ofPublic Property

Jerome Ferrell, Jr.

Village Trustee and Chairperson of Public Works Department Martina Mahaffey

Village Trustee and Chairperson of The Finance Department

Dorothy Carter

Village Administrator

Elizabeth Loggins

Village Trustee and Chairperson of Water Department Willie Mae Smith

Village Trustee and Chairperson of Ordinance and Resolution

Your Elected Officials

THE PEOPLE YOU SHOULD KNOW!

A Day of Food,

Family,and Fun!

A Day of Food,

Family,and Fun!

Phoenix Fest Basketball Tornament!

Phoenix Fest Pom Pons!

South Holland vipers!

Phoenix Fest Honorees!

Dr. J Kamala BucknerSuperintendent of School

District 205

Rev. Tyrone M. ColemanPastor of

Evans Community Church

Frank M. ZuccarelliThornton Township

Supervisor

More Phoenix Fest Photos on page 24

l Tornament!

nd vipers!

Greg Rose and the band!

PHOENIX NEWS 18

Four Ladies and A President!Ladies from the Village of Phoenix get an opportunity to chit chatwith Former President Clinton while attending the National SchoolBoard Conference (NSBC) in San Francisco, Ca. President Clintonwas scheduled to speak on childhood obesity. From right to left isLinda Hawkins, Eileen Grays, Eluette Lewis and Brenda Lloyd allgrew up in the Village of Phoenix!

SUPPORT OUR LOCAL BUSINESSES

• Superior Rug & Upholstery Cleaners• Whisperwood Funeral Chapel• Brown Brothers Auto Repair• Smitty’s Lounge• D & D Construction Co.• Phoenix Fabrication• Gibson Citgo & Quick Mart• Moses Wills Trucking Co.• D. Anderson Contracting Inc.• R. Williams Contracting• P & R Quick Stop• Sister2Sister Catering & Soul Food Carry Out• Rudy’s Auto Repair• KTM Electronics

Smiling FacesDaycareCenter

15113 S. Halsted(708) 331-9133Infant PreschoolsAfterschool Program

New Restaurant in PhoenixThe Grand Opening of Gil’s Barbecue Chickenand Fish will be held on August 3, 2007!

1982 Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for Village of Phoenix Fire Station. The Event was hosted byMayor James Harris and the Board of Trustees. Special guest included:

• Rev. Jesse L. Jackson• Rev. Richard D. McCreary II• Congressman Gus Savage• Cook County President John Stroger• Kahalia Ali, wife of Heavyweight Champion Muhammad Ali• Amanda Riley, Centurion

PHOENIX NEWS 20

MEMORY LANESchool District 151 1972 Yearbook • Do you recognize anyone in these photos?

MEMORY LANEDo you recognize

anyone in these photos?

MEMORY LANEDo you recognize

anyone in these photos?

MEMORY LANE

PHOENIX NEWSPHOENIX NEWS 24

• Waste Management• Club 22 • Bank Financial• ComEd (An Exelon Company)• Heritage Community Bank• Comcast• National Golden Age Club• Ingalls Memorial Hospital• Thornton Township• MB Financial Bank• South Suburban College• Sunset Paving• Community Nutrition Network• F.C.E.A.• Gibson Citgo• Kane McKenna & Associates• New Covenant M.B. Church• Derrick Jackson• Harris Bank Of Crete, IL.• Chicago Beer Distributing Co.• Hooters Of Lansing• Richmond GMAC Real Estate• Phoenix Fabrication & Supply• River Oaks Ford• Hiskes, Dillner, O’Donnell,

Marovich & Lapp, LTD

Phoenix FamilyFestival ThanksOur Sponsors

for 2006!

2006 marked the fifthyear the Renegade RidersMotorcycle Club has pre-sented Christmas gifts tolocal children. We are sograteful for their supportin helping to make a joy-ous Christmas for the chil-dren of our community.

The Renegade Ridersjoined us at Phoenix Fest!

Buckner Family reunion was held at Phoenix Fest 2006!

Phoenix Fest was a great success last yearand we are in the process of working onPhoenix Fest 2007. Last year’s fest was thelargest in our 14 year history. Our special closing act for this year will be the world famous Chi-Lites!

FIVEYEARS

OFGIVING

Marvin Anderson

Jannie L. Beasley

Joda Boykin

Arthur Burton

Kenneth Carraway

Dorothy Carter

Vera Carter

Paulette Clark

Linda Cole

Tiaunna Dickens

Jerome Ferrell

Mildred Garcia

Mildred Herron

LaBrenda Hoyle

Robert Jackson

Johnnie M. Lane

Monica Lane

Martina Mahaffey

Sherri Miller

Jimmie Mitchell

Darrell Moore

Gerald Pollard

Duval Ross

Frances Rucker

Marcus Smith

Ruth Stephenson

William Stephenson

Bernadette Stewart

Gertrude Walton

Angelne Weir

Deneen Weir

Loretta Wells

Terry Wells

Roosevelt Williams

Alex Peterson

The Village thanksthe Phoenix

Festival Committee

PHOENIX NEWSPHOENIX NEWS 25

SOUTH SUBURBAN REACTIVATION PROJECTCOMES TO THE VILLAGE OF PHOENIX

The new homes continue to pour into the Village of Phoenix. Developer Evelyn Perkins and RichmondGMAC’s Groundbreaking Ceremony took place on the same day as Chiattello’s Construction Ribbon-cutting cer-emony in Phoenix! Other builders in attendance were Kevin Moore, Darrell Moore and Neal Parks. Cook CountyCommissioner Deborah Sims and Cook County Assessor, James M. Houlihan were also in attendance.

PRESS RELEASEAunt Martha’s Youth Service Center, a not-for-profit social

service agency, is looking for energetic, loving and committedpeople to join our team of foster parents for children ages 10 to 17.

If you are interested, or know someone who is, please callDarcy Boyd now for a one-on-one orientation at 708-535-2934.

26

PRESS RELEASE

Digital Deity, Inc. Contact: Risteen L. Gates15339 Ninth Avenue 708-341-1666Phoenix, IL. 60426-2516

UFO based TV pilot wins awards

Phoenix, IL – Digital Deity, Inc has won a 2007 Aegis Award for a30-minute video produced for cable and satellite television. TheAegis Awards are the video industry’s premier competition forpeer recognition of outstanding video productions and non-net-work TV commercials.

“Ufology Today – the Tinley Park Lights” was honored in the“Documentary” category for its outstanding production quality bya distinguished panel of judges representing industry professionalsfrom around the country.

Imagine that you had the freedom to go into the field; talk to peo-ple who lead shadowy lives like characters from The X-Files, andsearch the night skies over UFO hotspots for visitors from anotherplanet! Picture yourself on a moonlit night strolling across one ofAmerica’s most haunted cemeteries searching for ghosts. Chicagobased Digital Deity, Inc. has created a television series that allowsviewers to vicariously to do just that.

Winner of the 2007 Aegis Award for ‘documentary programming”and the 2007 Videographer Award for “televisionprogramming/documentary”, U.T. as the twin themed series iscalled stands for Ufology Today and Uncanny Traveler. UfologyToday was created by Illinois State Director of MUFON (MutualUFO Network) Sam Maranto and award winning producer RisteenGates. When asked if a series about UFOs co-created by a high-ranking member of MUFON would be seen as propaganda, SamMaranto said, “For the last 60 years there has been enough negativepublicity on the subject that if we get a few moments in, so what?The playing field will never be equal, and it is about time that peo-ple know the truth.”

Arabella Santiago and Tamara Carey host Ufology Today and thecompanion series Uncanny Traveler. “I had worked with Tamibefore, and she is a great young talent,” said Digital Deity, Inc. pres-ident Risteen Gates. “I had known Abbie for about six months, andwhen U. T. was created she was my first choice to join Tami as co-host.” Regarding questions about the potential slanting of half ofthe series based on its MUFON ties, Risteen Gates said, “Abbie andTami are the viewer’s window into both series. Each show rapswith them giving viewers their impressions of what they thinkbased on what they’ve seen, and they have my assurance theirthoughts will not be changed in edit.”

U.T. is an hour-long format series featuring seven episodes ofUfology Today and seven episodes of Uncanny Traveler.Negotiations are currently underway to air a 30-minute version ofthe series on Colours TV seen nationally on Dish Network. DigitalDeity, Inc. was founded by Risteen L. Gates and is located in SouthSuburban Phoenix, Illinois.

Alberta Ross celebratesthe big ‘90’!!Phoenix resident Alberta Ross celebrated her 90th birth-day this year and we all wish her many more!

Dorothy Owens and husband celebrate herretirement June 2, 2007 after 39 years of serv-ice to the children of School District 151!

PHOENIX NEWS

PHOENIX NEWS 27

VILLAGE OF PHOENIX CHURCH DIRECTORY

Evans Community Church723 E. 153rd Street, Phoenix, IL. 60426Phone 708-339-0469Rev. Tyrone W. Coleman, Pastor

Sunday School every Sunday 9:30 a.m.Worship Service every Sunday 11:00 a.m.<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Daniel Chapel A.M.E. Zion Church15250 Third Avenue, Phoenix, IL. 60426Phone 708-339-1990Rev. Derrick Simmons, Pastor

Sunday School every Sunday 9:15 a.m.Worship Service and Children’s Morning Worship everySunday 10:50 a.m.Monday Prayer Service 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.mWednesday Bible Study 11:30 a.m. and 7:00 p.m<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church15354 Eight Avenue P. O. Box 2545Phoenix, IL. 60426Phone 708-339-1026Rev. Edward L. Jones, Pastor

Sunday School every Sunday 9:30 a.m.Worship Service every Sunday 11:00 a.m.<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church15213 Fifth Avenue P. O. Box 1358Phoenix, IL. 60426Phone 708-331-3661Rev. Dr. Richard D. McCreary II, Pastor

Worship Service every Sunday 11:00 a.m.Midweek Service and Bible study every Wednesday 7:00 p.m.

Peace and Goodwill Church of God in Christ15311 Third Avenue, Phoenix, IL. 60426Phone 708-339-0440Elder Fisher Cook, Pastor

Sunday School every Sunday 9:00 a.m.Worship Service every Sunday10:15 a.m.<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Welcome Missionary Baptist Church15110 Ninth Avenue, Phoenix, IL. 60426Phone 708-225-1788Rev. S. L. Dudley, Pastor

Sunday School every Sunday 10:00 a.m.Worship Service every Sunday 11:00 a.m.<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Faith Fellowship and Love COGIC701 East 151st Street, Phoenix, IL. 60426Phone 708-342-1887Rev. Parthenia Stegall, Pastor

Bible Class and Deliverance Prayer Service: Thursday at6:00 pm.Sunday School every Sunday 10:00 a.m .

<><><><><><><><><><><><><><><>

Fellowship of Love Christian CenterRev. Derrick M. White, PastorThey no longer hold their services in Phoenix. They have been blessed to have their own church locatedat: 7210 Meadow Lane Hammond, Indiana(1 block east of Hohman Avenue between 172nd Streetand 173rd Street)

Reverend Tyrone W. Coleman, Pastor of Evans CommunityChurch in Phoenix take further root in the community withthe building of his new home!

The Village of Phoenixjoins the families inremembrance of theirloved ones.

Jacqueline Long, 2006Lula McClain, 2006Joseph Hawkins, 2006Elma Cottrell, 2006Rodney Jenkins, 2006Fred D. Moore, 2006Mabel Ruth Martin, 2006Corine Lewis, 2006Donte Miguel Jenkins, 2006Thomas R. Martin, 2006Jesse Henry, 2006Heural Griffith, 2006Vetrice P. Wells, 2006Kathryn Price, 2006Vivian Jones Cantrell, 2006Justine Hagler-McCullough, 2006 Eddie Ramon Mason, 2006Angela Renee Hicks, 2006Barbara Ann Reed, 2006Sheila Carraway, 2006Dell Perkins, 2006Dee Strong, 2006Vernita Miller (Anderson), 2006Earl Rucker, 2006Charles Edward Gibbs, 2006Remel Wheatley, 2006Joseph Bulik, 2007Clarence Scott, 2007Rosalind Darlene Smith, 2007Andrew L. Wilson, 2007Sallie M. Arnold, 2007Lucille Richmond, 2007Annette Elizabeth Chandler Broome,2007 Carolyn McGregor Scott, 2007Darlene L. Ball, 2007Gertrude “Reed” Glass

If we missed anyone, please accept ourapologies. You may call us at 708-331-1455 toreport any omissions.

Justine Hagler-McCullough

Annette ElizabethChandler Broome

PHOENIX NEWS 28

Future President?Mayor Terry Wells meets with Senator and possibly the next President, Barack Obama.

The Village of Phoenix WelcomesCook County E.T.S.B./E-911

Cook County E.T.S. B/E-911 held its first monthly meeting onJuly 13, 2007 in the Village of Phoenix. The event was hosted byChief Melvin Davis who serves as Chairman of the Advisory

Committee. Also in attendance were Morrie Farbman, Director ofthe E.T.S.B. Board, Al Pritchett, Chairman of the E.T.S.B. Board, BillLittle, E.T.S.B. Board and Mayor Irene Brody of Robbins.

Read Any Good Books lately?Try one of these great titles published by BW Publishing

SEIZED BEYOND ADDICTIONBy Gloria ChaseHave you or a loved one been affected by crack cocaineaddiction? Ever wonder why it seems to seize the userbeyond normal addiction? This book practically and bibli-cally examines cocaine addiction and gives ways to kickthe habit so the user can get back to life as God intended!ISBN 978-0-9796180-5-5 $17.95

What is Means To Put On The Full Armor of GodBy Benny WilliamsBrilliantly written for the mature Christian.This wonderful book examines and explains the meaningof God’s armor that He gives to the righteous to win all oflife’s battles as outlined in the sixth chapter of Ephesians!ISBN 978-0-9796180-0-0 $12.95

MOTHER EARTH’S ABCA Must Have Children’s BookBy Sunshine YoungChildren of all ages can explore nature the animalkingdom, and go through the alphabet with this col-orful and brilliantly illustrated book!ISBN 978-0-9796180-2-4 $14.95

Order these and many other books at www.bwpublishing.com or call 1-312-396-1492

THORNTON PROM 2007PHOENIX NEWS 29

THORNTON PROM 2007Thornton students dress up for their big night out!

es

PHOENIX NEWS 30

Honors•Jonathan Ragland 9th grade•Stephen Watkins 12th grade•Dominque Wheatley 10th grade•Aaron Beasley 10th grade•Tilmon Williams 10th grade

High Honors•Brittney Brooks 12th grade•Chiquita Kinnard 11th grade•Feshawn Berry 11th grade•Cory Glass 12th grade•Jasmine Hikes 10th grade•Janai Hudson 11th grade•Erica Jackson 12th grade

Distinguished Honors•Dominique Fite 9th grade•Nathan Holmes 12th grade•Jacquetta Jackson 9th grade•Paige Lewis 12th grade•Ebony Snoddy 10th grade•Angela Wynne 9th grade•Curtisha Brown 11th grade•Brendan Gilbert 11th grade•Aisha Burton 11th grade•Brittani Nolan 11th grade•Gregory Wynne 2th grade

HONOR ROLL FIRST SEMESTER

A Honor Roll•Alexis Moffett

A/B Honor RollJohnny WashingtonSteph’Von RogersD’Andre FullerPersephone ColeAngel Hill

Kendria JenkinsSakihya DardenDeAnna MahaffeyDeAndre MahaffeyJalyn Spencer

Super Citizens•Persephone Cole•Juwan Murray

MADISON SCHOOL15700 Orchard Drive

South Holland, IL. 60473-1397Ms. Regina Bridges, Principal

HONOR ROLL

EISENHOWER SCHOOL16001 S. Minerva

South Holland, IL. 60473Dr. Ronda Towner, Principal

HONOR ROLL

Kenneta CyracusDino MendinoCheyenne EzellD’Aunniah PowellBrittanee Foster

Samuel TaylorJovan FultonAriana ThompsonAndrea Holmes

THORNTON TOWNSHIP HIGH SCHOOLDr. Betheny J. Lyke, Principal

15001 Broadway Avenue Harvey, IL. 60426

PHOENIX NEWS 31

COOLIDGE SCHOOL155TH Street & 7th Avenue

Phoenix, IL. 60426Mrs. Patricia Payne, Principal

FIRST QUARTER HONOR ROLL FIRST QUARTER HONOR ROLL

•James Wilkins•Maurice Miller•Taylor Wells•Shantorri Wells White•Brianna Wells

•Tyrell Vaughn•Kahil Slater•Dasia McBryo•Erica Dillard

COOLIDGE SCHOOL HAPPENINGS!Many good things have happened this year under the

continuing leadership of Mrs. Patricia Payne, ourPrincipal. During the month of October, our entire schooltook a trip to Thornridge to see a spectacular drama presen-tation from the drama depart on the works of Shakespeare.

In November, School District 151 and the Phoenix PublicLibrary Board collaborated with their annual Reading toSucceed contest, which carried over into their family readingnight. Coolidge student participation exceeded this yearmore than previously.

The Black History program was held in February, dedi-cating and reflecting upon famous women of our past, pres-ent and future. During this program, the students and stafftook a special moment to say “Thank You” to Mrs. DorothyOwens, who has dedicated forty years of her teaching careerto School District 151. The celebration was wonderful! The

word got out and many of her former students took part inthe celebration that night. Mrs. Owens will be retiring thisyear, but bets are still out that she won’t be able to stay away.

On April 30th, Taylor Wells took 2nd place in the poetrycontest at Thornwood. Go Taylor!

Those “hottest” happenings was in June. Our symphon-ic band was chosen to participate in a competition at DisneyWorld in Florida. The Band Parents Association worked veryhard to raise funds to assist those students with their trip toDisney.

Finally, congratulations to our very own Loretta Wellswho was recently elected to our District 151 School Board.She is currently president of our Band Parents Association.

Upcoming events are: Spring Band Concert at ThorntonHigh School.

Color photo of Coolidge Honor Roll Students on back Page!

Coolidge symphonic bandwas chosen to participate

in a competition at DisneyWorld in Florida. The BandParents Association workedvery hard to raise funds toassist those all students withtheir trip to

Phoenix Salutes TheAccomplishments ofCoolidge Students

Coolidge Honor Roll Students!