Community Caring Conference

Project Thrive is working to form a consotium that will help organize and support efforts to bring more diversity to the Labor Trades.  The goal is to provide a pre-apprenticeship program that will assist hopefuls in meeting the basic qualifications to test and enter into local trades apprenticeship programs.  Tri-City Building and Trades has been very instrumental in helping to plan this project.  other supportive needs for apprenticeship candidates are job readiness, life skills training, drug testing/counseling, mentoring, case management and follow up for at least one year.  This is a natiional effort, and the funding for these projectts is veyr competitive.  Any organizations or individuals that are interested in assisting with this project are encouraged to call Angela at 786-0345.

You MUST have your address numerals on your house.  You may have them other places on your property, but they must be on the home.  Numerals which can be seen from the street by emergency persnnel can be purchased at hardware stores for a few dollars.

A 2010 Census form will be coming to your home this Spring.  You're being asked to answer the 10 questions and return it immediately.  The Federal government distributes more than $400 billion annually to state and local governments . . . based on the census data you provide.  This money can be used to improve your city, school, and even your neighborhood.  Your iformation will not be shared with anyone, includiing other federal agencies and law enforcement entities.  If you don't fill itout, a Census Worker will come to your door asking the same questions.  We hope you'll help yourself, your neighbors, you city, and your country by participating.  To learn more, visit www.2010census.gov.

The new, updated Neighborhood Watch packets are ready.  The "Watch" has a mini-city directory (much easier to read then the phone book), a list of City officials, a ward and precinct map, a list of nuisances and who to call to complain.  It also contains the names, addresses and phone numbers of neighbors.  You have to be part of a Block Club to get a Neighborhood Watch.  Call CCC at 786-0345 to start a Club or get a "Watch" if your Club is active.  You'll then get Neighborhood Crime Watch signs for your block.

"I say G-Y, you say O-O-O-O-O!" was the chant shouted by more than 200 GYO candidates, organizers and supporters of the program in the rotunda hall of the Illinois State Capital building on February 25th.  GYO is a state-funded program that is preparing over 500 men and women to become a new generation of community centered teachers.  With the State's budget in such turmoil, this program could face some deep cuts.  GYO participants hoped to get the attention of state legislators to encourage them to continue fuding for FY2011 of at least 3.5 million dollars.  While the event seemed to be a success, program participants are very aware of the long fight ahead of them.  "This is probably the toughest year ever," State GYO Coordinator Stephen Andrews said.  Numerous other educational programs and public schools are seeing significant cuts in their funding.  In addition to the rally, GYO candidates are making personal calls on their local representatives to gain support.

Come to our dinner meeting!  CCC will host its ANNUAL MEETING at 6 pm Tuesday, March 30th at Broadway Presbyterian Church, 23rd Street & 7th Avenue.  New board members will be elected and childcare will be provided.  It will be  a POTLUCK, so bring a dish to share.  CCC will furnish meat and beverages.  Here's your chance to tell the CCC Team and Board what changes or goals you'd like to see.  You can also meet with police officers.  You'll have the chance to become an official member of CCC, easily and quickly, helping us keep neighborhoods clean, safe, and quiet.  The meetiing will start by 7 pm, and yo ushould be on your way home by 8:30.  The Block Club of the Year and the CCC Hall of Fame recipient will also be announced.  If you're interested in serving a 2-year Board term, applications are available.  For more information about Board duties, call Connie at 786-0345.