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THE NEW SPIRIT QUARTERLY V, \ ' i VCo--' SEPTEMBER 22, 1995 EAST ST. LOUIS, ILLINOIS VOLUME III ISSUE III ENVIRONMENTAL SUCCESS Reduce, Reuse & Recycle.........Many East St. Louis residents got the message as 150 people came out to Lincoln Park to learn about recycling and environmental issues. Persons from ages 3-80 joined the New Spirit Neighborhood Office on July 15th to participate in the fun-filled day of games, activities, and educational seminars. A very special thanks to the numerous neighborhood volunteers. Catholic Urban Programs, ESL Park District and all who participated to help make East St. Louis a better place to live. PARTNERS IN PROGRESS ^ The Monsanto Fund continues to show its good neighbor relations by donating yet another $10,000 dollars to MECCO/Operation New Spirit Neighborhood Office for the demolition of derelict structures in the Goose Hill neighborhood. On September 6th, Ajrie Mosley, a leader in Goose Hill, accepted the check from Mr. Keith Miller, Environmental Affairs Superintendent of the W.G. Krummich Plant Of Monsanto located in Sauget, IL. Ms. Mosley was very excited about receiving the check and expressed the concern that not everyone has forgotten about "The Hill." Youth participating in a hula-hoop contest Youth were able to win prizes as they learned about how to "Save Our Mother Earth!" Neighborhood organizations also had the opportunity to win money for their organization's treasury. The Neighborhood Office would like to thank all those organizations who participated in the recycling contest and congratulate the following neighborhoods who received cash prizes for their diligent recycling efforts. Newspaper Recycling Winners " 1st Place~$100.00 Fairlawn Neighborhood 2nd Place~$75.00 Beacon Heights 3rd~PIace~$25.00 Olivette Park Neighborhood Can Recycling Winner South End Neighborhood~$ 100.00 The office would also like to thank those agencies who partnered with us to make this day a great success and a treat for all! Thank you Calvin Mitchell~Bonnie Robinson-- Ellen Carpenter~John Perrecone&PauI-Damon Whitehead- Brain Holtz-Jerri Jenkins-Kathy Copley-Scott Air Force Base-Belleville News Democrat-Waste ManagementMascoutah Recycling- Granpa's-Elder CadillacWalmart-Illini Printing-Harcross Pigments-Slay Industries--Monsanto-First Illinois Bank-Weeke Wholesale. Alandra Byrd (l) and Arrie Mosley (r) accept demo checkfrom Keith Miller of Monsanto. The Neighborhood Office is excited that local industry in the area is taking a bold step in social responsibility and involvement with neighborhoods of East St. Louis. However, it will take more than Monsanto to partner with neighborhood organizations in order to revitalize the 20 neighborhoods in this community. We urge other businesses and industry to become involved and be a "good neighbor." CI0TIZENS POLICE ACADEMY The East St. Louis Police Department in conjunction with the St. Clair County State Attorney's Office and the United States Attorney's Office, have developed an academy to facilitate communication between citizens and law enforcement. DSW 135284 ^ STLCOPCB4035261 THE NEW SPIRIT QUARTERLY (Academy coni.) Participates in the academy will leant basic criminal law, how the criminal justice system works and the structure of various law enforcement agencies. In addition, speakers will be brought in from other communities who have successfully organized their neighborhood against drugs and crime. The goal of the academy is to develop a new model of cooperation between law enforcement and neighborhood organizations. Classes are held on Saturdays~9:00 am11:00 am from September 16th-November 11th in the City Council Chambers in the ESL City Hall. GLAD TO SERVE My name is Angela Perry, but I prefer to be called Ann instead of Angela. I was bom, raised and still reside in East St. Louis. I graduated from Western Illinois University with a degree in Home Economics and had the opportunity to manage several women's clothing stores after returning home from college. MECCO/Operaiion New Spirit welcomes Afs. Ann Perry However in 1993,1 was offered a position which allowed me to work with residents of communities in St. Clair County. After working diligently in that position for 2 years, I now find myself at my new home, "MECCO/Operation New Spirit Neighborhood Office." So far my experience has been very exciting and challenging. Helping other people seems to be one of my best assets as well as my livelihood. I am the new "Organizer" at the Neighborhood Office, and I look forward to meeting you, you & you! A BIG DIL Many of us have not yet begun to think about the spring season. We are still waiting to make it through the holidays. Nonetheless, the Neighborhood Office and neighborhood organizations are making "A Big Dil" about the spring because we are gearing-up for the fall planting of daffodils. In the spring, the entire city has the pleasure of adoring the beauty of thousands of daffodil plants that blossom in late March. These vibrant yellow flowers can be found on street comers, medians and vacant lots through out the city. The Neighborhood Office needs your help in identifying areas that neighborhood organizations would like to beautify. Please remember: (1) The site(s) chosen must be a public spot in East St. Louis (2) A representative must assist the Neighborhood Office in the planting effort for your area (3) Site information must be submitted by OCTOBER 10th, 1995. If you or your neighborhood organization is interested in participating in the fall beautification efforts, please call the New Spirit Neighborhood Office at 874-0312. AROUND THE BLOCK Fairlawn: Residents in this area are rejoicing over the victory ofseeing structures being demolished in their neighborhood. The neighborhood organization, Citizensfor Community Concerns, had been fighting with derelict property ownersfor almost 3 years. The Land ofLincoln Legal Services joined them in their battle and now we can all witness the fruits oftheir labor. Congratulations!!!!! Olivette Park: This neighborhood organization has been successful in putting pressure on derelict property owners to clean-up their eye-sores. Because oftheir hard hitting and forceful approach, the property owner at 610 Veronica is in the process ofboarding-up and cleaning the "eye-sorer." Alta Sita: A big CONGRA TULA TIONSgoes out to this neighborhood organization who received a grantfrom the Urban Resources Partnership (URPS). This grant will be used to develop derelict land into a community park that is equipped with a walking trail and other nature sites. Being organizedfor less than a year, Alta Sita Neighbors, Inc. is definitely on the move. -- Lansdowne: The Lansdowne Improvement Association also receives "KUDOS"for being awarded a grantfrom URPS to develop pocket parks. This organization is continuing to be a viable force for positive change in Lansdowne. Emerson Park: This neighborhood also received an URPS grantfor its innovative development ofa neighborhood pumpkin/Christmas tree farm. Providing a much needed product/service in our area, Emerson Park is a shining example ofneighborhood empowerment. DSU 135285 THE NEW SPIRIT QUARTERLY "DEMO IS THE KEY TO OUR REDISCOVERY" (A REFLECTION) It has been almost a year since that phrase was chanted and echoed during the New Spirit Demolition Rally in October, 1994. As we reflect back on the situation at the time, East St. Louis was virtually doing nothing to address the vacant housing issue. However we can witness this year, that the city and other entities have taken a big step forward in being responsive to the needs of citizens. The East St. Louis Housing Authority is vigorously working to rid the city of 166 vacant properties owned by HUD. The city of East St. Louis established the Mayor's Task Force on Demolition which is in the process of tearing derelict structures down on a voluntary basis with intention to move toward a non-voluntary procedure. Land of Lincoln Legal Services has made themselves even more accessible to neighborhood organizations who would like to take individual derelict property owners to court. Local industry has partnered with neighborhood organizations to help with demolition efforts. When we evaluate what has taken place in this year to address the vacant housing problem, we realize that there truly is power in numbers. Even though citizens have been voicing their concerns "about this issue for 3 long years, action is finally being taken. This is an accomplishment for not only the neighborhood organizations but every citizen of East St. Louis. As we struggle for positive change in our community, let us keep in mind that the problems did not pop-up overnight and they can't be solved overnight. However, it is the responsibility of each of us to remain committed and dedicated to the cause of revitalizing our neighborhoods. The Neighborhood Office would like to commend everyone who has taken a leadership role and share the vision that "DEMO IS THE KEY TO OUR REDISCOVERY!" WITH OPEN ARMS....... COME SHARE WITH US Through the eyes of God and the prayer of our community "Operation New Spirit Neighborhood Office," has been blessed with yet another successful year. This year we have witnessed the establishment of "good neighbor relations with area industry, the demolishing of derelict structures, and the neighborhood clean-up of vacant lots, only to name a few. We are very proud of the neighborhood organizations for their commitment, hard work and dedication. We are also appreciative of our funders who share our vision. To celebrate our GREAT SUCCESS, we are having our 1st Open House Event. This Event will be held on Friday, September 29, 1995 from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. We arc located at 771 Vogel Place in the St. Patrick School Building on the lower level. We will have refreshments, door prizes and information on up-coming projects. We would be privileged to have YOU share this time with us. We hope to see you soon.......Everyone is WELCOMED!!!!!!!! NEW "Q" BRIEFS The partners of the Gateway Initiative and the St Louis Regional Commerce and Growth Association will hold an afternoon session to discuss the concept of Good Neighbor Dialogues between companies and nearby communities. The conference will be held on September 26th, 1:00 pm-5:00 pm at the Gateway Convention Center, Collinsville near Exit 11-DL 157. Neighborhood coalition meetings of ESL CAN is held every 2nd Saturday 10:00 a.m. at SIUE-411 Broadway. IN THE SPOTLIGHT We all know the city of East St. Louis has some very dynamic youth. However, with all of the negative publicity we find haunting our black youth, it is hard sometimes to hear about the positive things that our youth are doing. Youth cleaning-up in the Fairlawn neighborhood. If you live in or happened to visit the Fairlawn Neighborhood this summer, you would have seen positive youth in action making a difference in their community. Neighborhood youth came together this summer to help in the clean-up efforts of the neighborhood organizations. The Tiny Tots and Debris Gs' worked very hard to clean vacant lots, curbs and streets in Fairlawn. Although summer temperatures reached record breaking numbers, youth were not deterred from . accomplishing their mission. These youth are dynamic! THE NEW SPIRIT QUARTERLY FAREWELL Dear Friends, It is with very mixed emotions that I write this letter to you. I would like to say from the very start what a great and fulfilling experience this has been for me. For the almost 4 years that I have been with the neighborhood office it has been both an exhilarating and challenging time for me. I think the most uplifting part of the job has been seeing neighborhood groups become empowered and taking back their city. All of your accomplishments are too numerous to name, but just let me say that you are being recognized as a viable force within the city. I can only encourage you to strive for more and not be satisfied with just mere tokens of change. - After expressing passion for this job one might question my motives for leaving. Working with New Spirit has been a growth experience for me and many times with growth comes change. With the knowledge I have acquired. I've learned to get out of my comfort zone and challenge myself to my fullest potential both professionally and personally. My new position will be as Assistant Director of Transitional Housing with the Wheatley Branch of the YWCA in St. Louis. While I will be able to offer invaluable experience to my new position, I will always cherish the time, effort, struggle and progress that we made during my tenure with the New Spirit Organization. - Remember to stay on time, on task and on your mission! Venessa Marion CONTINUING THE VISION The Neighborhood Office has always and will continue to be dedicated to empowering the residents of East St. Louis. I am very proud and privileged to serve the 20 neighborhoods as Program Administrator of MECCO/Operation New Spirit Neighborhood Office. I look forward to helping neighborhood organizations move ahead in accomplishing the goals and visions that have been shared with the New Spirit Office. Your dedication, commitment and willingness to work for the betterment of East St. Louis, has truly kept this office and myself motivated toward continuing the struggle. Building upon the foundation that was laid by others before , I will continue to cany the vision of empowerment, the rit of commitment and the essence of integrity. . In the Spirit, Alandra Byrd The New Spirit neighborhood organizing is a MECCO effort | funded primarily by (he E SL Louis Community Fund_____ | tddod papfosj uo psiuud si fjJsuonQ juids M3N 3LLL H 'sinoi ')S 3 OS# liuuad aivd afeisod 'S'n '6jq ijoiduoN 9 02 39 Cl -IZOP.VS OiHVSMOW 009 QiLMYSilOW ifLSZOYS 3SPH S0ZZ9 11 'sinoi IS eoEid |s6oa \ll 301330 QOOHHO0HOI3N STLCOPCB4035264