Is Summer Over for Englewood??

Well, the summer is quickly coming to an end and for most of the students here in Englewood summer ends this weekend! Over 20 schools in the Englewood community have been cast as Track E (All year round schools) and start Monday, August 9th.

This may be viewed as a good or bad thing...Bad because its more time these students are subjected to a flaw system...Good because this means less kids off the street...All in all there are a few great events and activities for kids in the neighborhood to do, but the issue is getting the word out to the blocks!

For example when I am promoting for Docs & Dialogue, I make sure I hit the streets! This is when the real dialogue happens and you hear the concerns and interests of the residents.

Speaking of which Docs & Dialogue was another cultural phenomenal held July 24 at Culture Connection! Culture Connection is a hidden cultural treasure here in Englewood that is a black owned business! I was in awe that the youth who attended Docs was expose to the art, poster, clothing that are all culturally bound!

Just another experience in Englewood that was enriched with culture and networking with socially conscious folks...I love it!!

In the last weeks, Englewood welcomed thousands of students to clean up the vacant lots for national service day.

July 30, 2010 (CHICAGO) (WLS) -- College students are teaming up with local leaders to help bring a positive change to Englewood.

The students, who are from all across the country, are taking part in a service program called "Lots of Change." They spent the day cleaning vacant lots. After they finished, students took part in a rally at Sherman Park.

Mayor Daley was also there to discuss efforts to attract residents, resolve community problems... And to also express his gratitude to the two-thousand volunteers.

"I just want to thank you for the inspiration. Now, it's up to this community to be inspired. They see you come in here, and you volunteer. And now it's up to all the residents in this community to keep this park clean," said Mayor Daley.

Friday was a service day for the volunteers who are part of the International Campus Ministry Conference.The event was a response to President Obama's national call to service.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7585026

In other news, Terina Crenshaw-Hodges founder of Stay Environmentally Focus'd recently held a Community Solution Forum which focus on combating violence collectively with other organizations. This is actually what is a need a collaborative forum with folks working collectively....

Way to go Terina, she also spearheaded the "New Heritage Station Community Garden" site...link here for more info click the link or the preview the video:  http://www.chicagotribune.com/topic/wgntv-new-englewood-garden-july14,0,5039767.story?track=rss-topicgallery

Here are a few more feel GOOD family fun events happening in Englewood during the month of August:

• August 7th-9am-5pm-Unity Olympics at Ogden Park 65th & Racine
• August 21st-10am-4pm-2nd Annual Family Fun Festival @Hamilton Park Cultural Center 513 W. 72nd St.
• August 21st-2:30pm-4pm-Docs & Dialogue @Hamilton Park Cultural Center 513 W. 72nd St.
• August 21st-6pm-Midnight-Customer Appreciation Party @Culture Connection 400 W. 71st (71st & Stewart)
• August 28th-10am-3pm-Back to School Parade starting at 55th & Halsted ending at Ogden Park

Wow...what a fun filled summer and these are only a few of the events happening!! Stay tuned for more updates...As always TAKE ACTION to CREATE the life you truly desire!!