The Little Birdie with the Big Mouth

"You Are The Solution" Forum
Presented by
The Black Star Community PTA and the League of Black Parents
 
The solutions to problems in the Black community are not outside of the Black community. The solutions are not in what we say, but in what we do. You are the solution! 
 

In Chicago and across America, we cannot stop the carnage of Black children without you! 
 
 
"You Are The Solution" Forum
Illinois Institute of Technology
Saturday, October 3, 2009
12:00 noon
3201 South State Street
Chicago, Illinois
Please RSVP to Lauren at 773.285.9600
 

You are the solution.  Join us for our "solutions" forum.  Even if you do not stay for the forum, you should please come to sign-up to be part of the solution and be prepared to do at least one of the following activities:

1.Volunteer for our Student Motivation / Mentor Program and become a classroom-based mentor for 6th- through 12th-grade students at least 3 times a year

2.Volunteer for our Real Men Read Program and become a classroom reader for kindergarten to 3rd-grade students two times per year

3.Volunteer for our Destination College Program and become a college coach for 4th- through 8th-grade students two times per year

4.Join our 100 Concerned Women In Action to work with a team of women helping to solve the problems of the community

5.Join our League of Black Parents and Black Star Community PTA to work for and advocate for the education of all children

6.Attend Parent University classes that create outstanding parents at least 4 times per year

7.Join our Million Father Movement, where fathers take their children to school or visit their child's school at least one day each month

8.Join our Take A Black Male to Worship Day, where faith-based organizations reach out to young Black men 4 times per year

9.Join our Fathers Club and take your children to free sports, athletic, cultural, educational and recreational events at least 4 times per year

10.Become a dues-paying member of The Black Star Project to support the above programs. Click here to join.

While we are all part of the solution!!

This forum will feature these solution leaders:

•Phillip Hampton of Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy
•Spencer Leak, Sr. of Black on Black Love (Invited)
•Tio Hardeman of Cease-Fire!
•Rev. Franklin Ballenger of By The Hand Club for Kids 
•Phillip Jackson of The Black Star Project

http://www.blackstarproject.org/home/

Please RSVP to Lauren at 773.285.9600

Winner of three awards at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival, including the Grand Jury Prize and Audience Award in the U.S. Dramatic Competition, Lee Daniels "Precious" won a standing ovation at the Cannes Film Festival on Friday where it played to an enthusiastic crowd in the festival's Un Certain Regard sidebar.

Daniels' harrowing film is the story of an illiterate black teenager from Harlem, who is abused by her parents, pregnant with her second child and struggling to get through high school and break out of the welfare cycle she's been born into.

Daniels said before the screening of his film, which is adapted from the Novel "Push" by Sapphire , that he was "deeply honored" to be in Cannes. "It is a dream, and it is a far cry from where I came from," he told the audience.

The film stars Gabourey Sadibe, Paula Patton, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and Mo'Nique. 

Produced by Oprah Winfrey and Tyler Perry. 

"Precious" will be released nationwide November 6.

  "How can I, a young Black man, understand how to worship, except if a man teaches me?" 

"Take a Black Male to Worship Day"  76.28.09

Blackchurch

The Black Star Project's Million Father Movement is partnering with the most dynamic force in the Black community--the Black church! On Sunday, June 28, 2009, we are asking older men to guide younger men towards spirituality, fatherhood, prosperity and high-quality family living.  How can they know, except that some man would guide them?  (Acts 8:31 )
 

 "Take a Black Male to Worship" at your faith-based institution on your day of worship nearest to Sunday, June 28, 2009

We are especially asking fathers, grandfathers, foster fathers, stepfathers, uncles, cousins, big brothers, mentors, deacons, trustees, male choir members, significant male caregivers and family friends to join The Black Star Project  in this movement.  Women and men of all ethnicities are also encouraged to "Take a Black Male to Worship Day."   This movement of men and women, spirits and ideas, is designed to help save the lives and the spirits of young Black males and is being led by Black churches, mosques, temples and synagogues across America. 

Please ask your faith leader to ensure that your faith-based institution participates in this event.  If you wish to participate in or lead the effort in your city or in your congregation on Sunday, June 28, 2009, (or your day of worship near this date):

To receive a complete organizing kit

Please call Mr. Bruce Walker at The Black Star Project 

 773.285.9600

or email blackstar1000@ameritech.net

National Mom's Night Out

National Mom’s Nite Out is the first nationally organized celebration just for moms on May 7th! Intended to bring together today’s moms, physically and virtually, National Mom’s Nite Out will unite over 150 social media groups, companies, local playgroups, mommy bloggers and mother social networks in giving moms a well deserved night off. 

The evening will consist of over 400 local events held across the country, as well as mom-organized parties and virtual activities. The night of the event moms can join in the fun through online chats, Skype and Twitter tweet-ups.

Need to knows:

Official Song: Mothers Day Today (by Jill Gioia) available on iTunes and momsniteout.com 

Official Drink: Mamatini, Momopolitan and Mamajitos - Recipes

Official Food: Chocolate (of course ! )

Here a few Chicago Events to enjoy your Mom's Nite Out May 7th:

All My Love - Tony Fiorentino's new dramedy about open relationships.  When Ellen, a middle-aged divorcée and sexual psychiatrist, decides to explore the world of polyamory, the audience is exposed to the effect it has on her jealous boyfriend, secondary lover, his wife, and her two teenage daughters (one's suicidal and one's coitophobic). All My Love explores different "lovestyles" and questions Western society's strict adoration of and adherence to standard monogamy. If nothing else, the show spends a surprisingly quick 2-plus hours intelligently and wittily acknowledging both sides of a very sordid argument. (flavorpill)  -  http://www.diamanteproductions.com

Price $26 ( 13.50 if you Buy at Goldstar )  Theatre Building Chicago 1225 W Belmont Ave 773.327.5252

Cocktails and Skyline Sail - Your mini-adventure awaits! Indulge in some of Chicago's supreme pairings aboard Tall Ship Windy, your majestic ship for the evening.  Enjoy cocktails on a breathtaking skyline cruise as you toast to the launch of French in Chicago and travel to the Chicago Lighthouse, then on a relaxing sail.  Continue your evening at the free after party at Chibar with magnificent views of downtown as you sip on refreshing cocktails and enjoy mouth-watering appetizers.  For more Information call 773-354-1563,  email info@greatlakesevents.net or go to http://www.frenchinchicago.eventbrite.com/

Price $35 Boarding 7:30 for 8pm departure  Navy Pier 600 East Grand Avenue Chicago

Frankie’s Brings the Old Neighborhood to the New Neighborhood - The mothers from The Women’s Piemontese Society will create the dishes they have been preparing for decades. Lettuce Entertain You’s Director of Wine and Spirits, Alpana Singh will enhance this meal by handpicking wines to be paired with each course. The cocktail reception will begin at 6 p.m. and at 6:30 p.m. guests will feast on specialties such as Antipasto Plate, Ridiche Salad, Tomato cream and wild mushroom Risotto, Beef short rib with polenta, Salmon with brown butter and capers, Lemon Fritter with spring fruit and assorted italian cookies . Guests will receive a take home bag with a bottle of wine, recipe book with stories, loaf of bread and Frankie’s gift certificate.  http://tinyurl.com/d2ya6f

Price $75 per person all inclusive Reservations required 312.266.2500 Frankies 900 N Michigan Ave Chicago, IL

Great Chef's Tasting Party - The 17th Annual Great Chef's Tasting Party at the Sheraton on North Water St. Cocktails begins at 5pm with a cocktail reception and silent auction.  Dinner starts at 6PM and ends at 9PM. A ton of restaurants are participating and it should prove to be another in a season of wonderful deals that showcase the variety of Chicago restaurant talent for a good cause. Wristbands from the event will act as complimentary express entry passes to Underground Nightclub ( 56 West Illinois St. Chicago)

Price $100 ($85 when you Enter "foodies09" in the coupon code area when ordering tickets ) 
Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers 301 East North Water Street, Chicago

How Stress Is Affecting Your Life and What To Do - ChicagoHealers Practitioner Offers Information About Increasing Your Body’s Resistance to Stress. We are all in the battle against stress. (Especially Mom's!) If you have a strong resistance to stress you will be healthy, if you don’t, you will breakdown with a variety of health problems. If you suffer from fatigue, headaches, neck, shoulder or back pain, digestive problems, hormone imbalances, allergies, asthma or recurrent infections, you do not want to miss this workshop hosted by Dr. Steven Arculeo. Learn how to increase your body’s resistance to stress naturally so you feel great and avoid a health crisis. 7:00pm

Free  Chicago Public Library – Sulzer Branch 4455 North Lincoln Avenue Chicago, IL 60625 (312) 643-2461

KDK Crawl  - Your chance to experience all four KDK restaurants– Marché, Opera, Gioco and Red Light – in one evening.  Participants will travel by trolley to dine at each acclaimed dining destination.  Each stop will feature a signature cocktail and specialty from the restaurant so that participants may experience cuisines from all around the world and all around Chicago.  Selections include: gruyere beignets, shrimp dumplings, mushroom wontons and wild boar parpadelle.  KDK Crawl begins at Marché at 6:30 and will end across the street at Red Light ending at 9:30. Participants will travel via Trolley to the South Loop to experience Opera and Gioco.

Price $50 Reservations required Call Marché at 312-226-8399  833 W. Randolph St. Chicago, IL 60607

Ladies Night Out!  - A Private Cocktail Reception at Cagney's from 6-8 featuring complimentary wine tasting, $5 manicures, $4 glasses of wine, 1/2 price bottles of wine, 1/2 price speciality cocktails. 

Free Entry Cagney's 2142 N Clybourn Ave Chicago, IL  773.857.1111

Pump It Up - Pump It Up will host parties at their stores. This will be a fun night for just dad and the kids (caregivers too) so that mom can enjoy her night off. Pizza and drinks will be offered so mom doesn't have to worry about feeding the family! 
Available at Crystal Lake- 847-854-3737   Glenview- 773-904-7867   Lisle- 630-435-5867

Renew Grand Opening - Michigan Avenue’s newest eco-spa Renew holds its grand opening party from 6 to 9 pm with complimentary mini manicures, pedicures, and facials; 30-minute massages; lip and eyebrow waxing; make-up artistry; massages; and cocktails. The event also features eco-friendly designs from Roslyn. 

Complimentary  Renew 980 N. Michigan Ave Chicago Illinois 312-526-3891

Tap into Taste - From 7pm - 10pm Chef Sam Burman prepares a five-course dinner with beer pairings from Chicago's Half Acre Beer Company. On the menu: blue prawn salad with Xtra Pale Ale, fried clams with lager, country pate with Daisy Cutter Pale Ale, venison sausage with Baume Stout and sticky toffee pudding with Baume Vanilla.

Price: $55. Reservations required 312-410-9800 Bluprint 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza Chicago, IL 60654

If you are seriously stuck at home,  join the online mommy communities such as Momlogic and TheMotherhood, as they will be hosting virtual parties and follow @momsniteout on Twitter ( #MNO-09 )!

For more information on National Mom's Nite Out visit - http://www.momsniteout.com/

From the creators of the award winning website Black and Married With Kids.com comes a ground breaking documentary set to challenge negative stereotypes surrounding marriage and family in the black community. 

Happily Ever After

Release date: Summer 2009

April 23rd to May 10th
Webster's Wine Bar - 1480 Webster Ave Chicago
Tickets - $18 (includes wine flight)
http://2ndstory.serendipitytheatre.org/

Visit Jones' Good Ass BBQ and Foot Massage

http://www.jonesgoodassbbqandfootmassage.com/

Taste of Mexico

Click Here to Donate Now

Chicago White Sox Family Field Day

Enjoy a great day for the whole family while helping to support Chicago White Sox Charities on Saturday, May 16 for the annual Family Field Day at U.S. Cellular Field.

Spend an hour playing catch on the outfield grass at U.S. Cellular Field, visit the home and visitor dugouts and bullpens and pose for photos at home plate.

Three time slots are available:

9:30 a.m.–10:30 a.m.
11:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m.

$25 per adult
$12 for children 13 & under

Time slots are filling quickly, so reserve your tickets for this very special day today!

GARAGE SALE
Plus, don't forget to stop by the White Sox Garage Sale, taking place from 9:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m.

Admission to the Garage Sale is free!

Fans can shop for game-worn and used equipment - including autographed and/or team-issued jerseys, pants, hats, bats and gloves from current and former players, collectible publications and much more! All proceeds benefit Chicago White Sox Charities.

For more information and to make your reservation, click here or call 312-674-5121.

Joe and Judd

The guys at the office treated me to a belated b-day lunch at the newly opened Birchwood Kitchen, which is co-owned by our former Co-Worker, Judd Murphy.  Birchwood is a great addition to the up and coming Bucktown and serves creative "grown up" sandwiches such as the yummy Gruyère grilled cheese loaded with gooey cave-aged gruyère, caramelized onions, dijon mustard and (optional) baked ham.  They also whip up a fantastic Goat Cheese sandwich that is complemented with roasted pickled beets (made in house), arugula and a phenomenal Walnut Pesto that sets the whole thing OFF!!!

The Birchwood Kitchen also offers fresh meats and cheeses by the pound from their deli and they have a great offering of baked goods, if you have any room left after the humungous sandwich. And...they also serve my favorite meal...  WEEKEND BRUNCH!!! Whoo Hoo!!!  Brunch offerings include not only the standard fare of the Belgian Waffles, Quiche, Smoked Salmon, etc but the guys get creative with a Breakfast Salad (baby spinach, roasted red potatoe, tomato, bacon & poached eggs), Polenta (manchego cheese, sunny eggs, pine nuts) and The Croque Madame (baked ham, gruyere, fried eggs, greens served on a grilled sour dough). 

Birchwood Kitchen is BYOB so whip up your own mimosa's , grab your friends and head over to the spot you've been waiting for...and say Hello to Judd for me!

Birchwood Kitchen
2211 W North Ave
Chicago
773.276.2100