The East Chicago Public Library celebrates El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day)
20/04/12 15:50
From our friends at the Library
The East Chicago Public Library celebrates El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day)
EAST CHICAGO (April 20, 2012 ) – As the nation’s population continues to become more diverse, the East Chicago Public Library will join hundreds of libraries in celebration of the 16th anniversary of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day).
El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), known as Día, is a celebration EVERY DAY of children, families, and reading that culminates every year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
“Libraries are a part of the American Dream, places that support family, education, self-help and lifelong learning,” said East Chicago Public Library, Interim Director, Mr. Charles Moore, “Through literacy events and programs like Día, libraries are working with parents and caregivers to raise avid readers.”
The East Chicago Public Library invites you to come join us celebrate Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) on Monday, April 30, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Main Library located at 2401 E. Columbus Drive or at the Pastrick Branch, 1008 W. Chicago Ave. Please come enjoy bilingual stories, a movie, games, a piñata and free prizes (while quantities last).
Día is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925. Children’s Day was designated as a day to bring attention to the importance and well-being of children. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy to found El día de los niños/El día de los libros.
For more information please contact Cheryl Smith at 219.397.2453 Ext. 11.
The East Chicago Public Library celebrates El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children’s Day/Book Day)
EAST CHICAGO (April 20, 2012 ) – As the nation’s population continues to become more diverse, the East Chicago Public Library will join hundreds of libraries in celebration of the 16th anniversary of El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day).
El día de los niños/El día de los libros (Children's Day/Book Day), known as Día, is a celebration EVERY DAY of children, families, and reading that culminates every year on April 30. The celebration emphasizes the importance of advocating literacy for children of all linguistic and cultural backgrounds.
“Libraries are a part of the American Dream, places that support family, education, self-help and lifelong learning,” said East Chicago Public Library, Interim Director, Mr. Charles Moore, “Through literacy events and programs like Día, libraries are working with parents and caregivers to raise avid readers.”
The East Chicago Public Library invites you to come join us celebrate Dia de los Ninos/Dia de los Libros (Children’s Day/Book Day) on Monday, April 30, from 3:30 to 5:00 p.m. at the Main Library located at 2401 E. Columbus Drive or at the Pastrick Branch, 1008 W. Chicago Ave. Please come enjoy bilingual stories, a movie, games, a piñata and free prizes (while quantities last).
Día is an enhancement of Children’s Day, which began in 1925. Children’s Day was designated as a day to bring attention to the importance and well-being of children. In 1996, nationally acclaimed children’s book author Pat Mora proposed linking the celebration of childhood and children with literacy to found El día de los niños/El día de los libros.
For more information please contact Cheryl Smith at 219.397.2453 Ext. 11.
East Chicago Housing Authority unveils its Five Year Strategic Plan for transformation of its public housing units
20/04/12 15:42
The East Chicago Housing Authority has embarked on a five year sustainability campaign to strengthen its operation and achieve sustainability. The primary goal for this effort is to transform the agency from a traditional “Public Housing” agency to a real estate owner and developer company with a mission. The mission is to provide “affordable housing” to low and moderate income residents of the City.
The Authority has provided low cost housing to East Chicago residents since 1959. Given the reality of today’s federal and local environment, the agency is engaging in this transformation process to continue its services while becoming more strategic. This is the primary purpose of the five year strategic plan; to create a road map for the agency to become more sustainable by proactively responding to market forces and diminishing subsidies from Washington.
The five year strategic plan, initiated by Ms. Beatriz Martinez, Executive Director, has established a new vision for the agency. This vision, in par with the Mayor’s Copeland’s vision for the City, promotes sustainability, partnership and a larger commitment to revitalization. The Vision was developed through a six months planning process involving community leaders, Department heads and stakeholders including many residents.
Mayor Anthony Copeland recently invited residents to a public meeting hosted by the Authority at the James W. Knight Public Safety Facility. At this meeting, representatives of the consultant team, the Arsh Group Inc., a Merrillville based Planning firm, presented different elements of the plan and timetable for implementation. In addition, Mayor Copeland and representatives of the Authority responded to many questions asked by the audience.
The Housing Authority owns 793 housing units in five different developments. Most units are built in 1960’s with the average age being about 41 years. The Five-Year Strategic Plan calls for different transformation strategies ranging from replacement of units with new modern units to total renovation. The plan also calls for new construction in several vacant sites in the City for mixed income communities. Specific activities recommended by the plan include;
1. West Calumet Complex (346 units)
In line with the Mayor’s vision, ECHA will complete a new master plan for the West Calumet Neighborhood. This plan will integrate the West Calumet Complex into the larger neighborhood to create a mixed income waterfront neighborhood.
1. Hunter Building & Nicosia Building (109 units)
The Buildings will be renovated to include site improvements, expanded amenities. Upon completion, Hunter will be a mixed-financed development with balconies views Lake Michigan.
1. North Harbor I, II (124 units)
ECHA will conduct viability assessment to determine the final use. Options include using these buildings as a part of the Mayor’s expanded efforts for homeownership, use the sites for new mixed income developments, and retain units as affordable rental housing.
1. Columbus Drive (17 units)
The Development will be retained as is initially. In the long term, the development may be combined with other units for a mixed income redevelopment effort with a combination of affordable and market rate housing.
1. New Development and Acquisition
ECHA will seek to build new affordable housing throughout the City. ECHA will coordinate these efforts with the City to create synergy and expand homeownership. In addition, ECHA will explore feasibility of developing an Assisted Living facility in the City.
1. Provision of Services
A key element of the plan is economic self-sufficiency opportunities for residents. All transformation efforts will include supportive services for residents to expand opportunity for jobs, partnerships for homeownership and opportunity to move to modern mixed income communities.
Contact:
Organization Contact Person Phone No.
The City of East Chicago Mr. Steve Segura 219 -397-8206
East Chicago Housing Authority (ECHA) Mr. Beatriz Martinez 219-397-9974, ext. 35
Mr. Ron Talley 219-397-9974, ext. 19
The Arsh Group Inc. Mr. Taghi Arshami 219-796-9050
Radio Show Schedule
20/04/12 15:38
Tune in the last Friday of the Month on WJOB 1230 AM at 8:30 a.m. with either Mayor Anthony Copeland, Department Heads or Community Leaders to talk about what’s happening in East Chicago.
FRIDAY 4-27-12 8:30am Mayor Anthony Copeland
FRIDAY 5-25-12 8:30am Pete Baranyai, Sanitary
FRIDAY 6-22-12 8:30am Mayor Anthony Copeland
FRIDAY 7-27-12 8:30am Frank Rosado, Parks & Recs
FRIDAY 8-24-12 8:30am Code Enforce. & Building
FRIDAY 9-28-12 8:30am Mayor Anthony Copeland
FRIDAY 10-26-12 8:30am Health Department
FRIDAY 11-23-12 8:30am Open/Holiday
FRIDAY 12-28-12 8:30am Open
FRIDAY 4-27-12 8:30am Mayor Anthony Copeland
FRIDAY 5-25-12 8:30am Pete Baranyai, Sanitary
FRIDAY 6-22-12 8:30am Mayor Anthony Copeland
FRIDAY 7-27-12 8:30am Frank Rosado, Parks & Recs
FRIDAY 8-24-12 8:30am Code Enforce. & Building
FRIDAY 9-28-12 8:30am Mayor Anthony Copeland
FRIDAY 10-26-12 8:30am Health Department
FRIDAY 11-23-12 8:30am Open/Holiday
FRIDAY 12-28-12 8:30am Open