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Life Chain Demonstrations

CHICAGO, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--Life Chains will form along roadsides and at key intersections throughout the state today, as Christians stand publicly to pray silently for an end to abortion. These peaceful demonstrations last for just one hour, and are intended to send the prayerful message that abortion is not God's best for women or for their unborn babies.

Life Chains are planned from 2:30 to 3:30 on today in a number of communities, including: Aurora, Bolingbrook, Chicago (Archer Ave), New Lenox, along Ogden Ave (in Berwyn, Brookfield, LaGrange, Lyons, and Western Springs), along Ogden Ave (in Darien, Downers Grove, Naperville, and Woodridge), Orland Park, Round Lake, St. Charles, Waukegan, and from 2:00 -3:00 pm at Lake Forest Hospital and Lutheran General Hospital.

Of particular note is the Life Chain gathering planned for the area surrounding the Christ Hospital complex in Oak Lawn (4440 W. 95th St.). With over 1,000 participants at this location last year, there is hope that as many as 1,500 like-minded individuals will share in forming a Life Chain around Christ Hospital this year. Some organizers are encouraging participants to dress in patriotic colors and to carry a small American flag to show respect for the human life that was lost in the terrorist tragedies last month.

Chicago Salvation Army Volunteers in New York

CHICAGO, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--Because of the magnitude of the World Trade Center recovery operation in New York City, and the round-the-clock support services required by the workers at "ground zero," officers and employees of The Salvation Army Chicago Metropolitan Division boarded airplanes for New York City this week to assist with the massive relief effort that is still underway. "Our officers, volunteers, and staff on the east coast have put forth a tremendous effort to feed, clothe, counsel, and attend to the many needs of the thousands of individuals working at the disaster site," said Colonel William A. Roberts, Salvation Army Chicago Divisional Commander.

Roberts continued, "our Chicago support services personnel will be a welcome sight to everyone involved with the recovery work." According to Roberts, in addition to serving on emergency canteens and mobile feeding kitchens, the Chicago team will also assist with stress management counseling for firefighters, police officers, and other emergency services workers. "We hope and we pray," Roberts concluded, "that The Salvation Army can continue to support all the workers who are sacrificing so much to help bind this terrible wound to our nation."

State Farm Contributions to Sept. 11th Tragedy

CHICAGO, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--In response to the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks, contributions have poured in from State Farm Insurance Companies' employees, retirees, agents and their staffs toward relief efforts for survivors and families of victims. Company officials said that as of Friday, donations by associates to the Red Cross, with company matching, totaled $2,870,312.

"Shortly after these devastating events, it became clear that our associates wanted to help," said Ed Rust, chairman and CEO of State Farm Insurance Companies. "Just as I'm proud of our agents and claim representatives who are doing what they can to help people recover from the events of Sept. 11th, I'm proud of our associates who've demonstrated our good neighbor philosophy with these cash donations." State Farm's support of the Red Cross has been ongoing. Last year State Farm donated $1 million to the organization and, unrelated to the events of Sept. 11, pledged an additional $2 million over the next four years.

Chicago Historical Society Ponders Disasters

CHICAGO, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--The search for meaning in the face of catastrophe has long helped survivors reconnect to their communities, and refocus the way they live in those communities. Four special programs sponsored by the Chicago Historical Society encourage participants to remember and learn about events that have left their mark on history, and the collective rebirth that helps heal and rebuild communities.

A program to be presented Monday is titled: Family Fire Day: Great Chicago Fire Commemoration

Commemorate the 130th anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire with a day of family entertainment and activities. Families with children of all ages can listen to fascinating personal stories of the fire, as told through performances and music; see artifacts from the fire's remains and illustrations of the city's rebirth; participate in crafts and games; learn fire safety and enjoy some favorite Chicago treats. Free event.

Fitzgerald & Corzine Call for Airline Equity Stake

CHICAGO, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--Continuing their drive to ensure U.S. taxpayers receive something in return for providing $15 billion in cash and loan guarantees to the troubled airline industry, U.S. Senators Peter G. Fitzgerald (R-IL) and Jon Corzine (D-NJ) are urging Treasury Secretary Paul O’Neill and other members of the Air Transportation Stabilization Board (ATSB) to demand that airlines that accept federally guaranteed loans, in return, provide taxpayers with an equity stake in their companies. Fitzgerald and Corzine went on to explain that providing federally guaranteed loans at a price—stock in their companies—would deter airlines from seeking loans guarantees they do not need.

“Hard working U.S. taxpayers should not be asked to bail out the airline industry with absolutely no strings attached,” the senators wrote this week in letters to Secretary O’Neill and other ATSB members, urging them to take advantage of this key provision. “If the federal government is going to guarantee as much as $10 billion in loans to the industry, the taxpayers deserve something in return and should be vigorously protected.” Fitzgerald and Corzine said that requiring the airlines to provide the federal government with equity in their companies would help compensate taxpayers for the risk they assume in guaranteeing loans to the industry.

Traffic Fatality

LACON, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--A Marshall County man died in a single car accident late Friday night near Lacon. Sheriff’s investigators say 21 year-old Ryan S. Holler of Lacon was driving south on Route 26 when his vehicle left the roadway and hit a culvert. Holler was thrown from the vehicle as it rolled several times the investigators say. A passenger 22 year-old Eric P. Head was injured. (CN Affiliate WEEK TV)

Wheaton Woman Named CWA Director

ROSEMONT, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--The world's largest womens group is getting a new president. Wheaton Illinois resident and Talk Show hostess Sandy Rios will assume duties October 15th as head of Concerned Women for America. (CWA) In a going away bash for Ms. Rios in Rosemont Friday, Attorney General Jim Ryan led a veritible who's who of social activists and politicians attended. The event concluded with former Hindu turned Christian, Dr. Johnson, asking everyone to lock arms in a teary-eyed prayer as a final send off for one of Illinois' great broadcast talents, as she heads to Washington DC to begin her new responsibilities. CWA has 600 000 members nationwide.

Attorney General Ryan responded to questions from the audience concerning his views on women's issues... specifically if he intended to seek a pro-life running mate for Lt. Governor. Ryan ducked the conservative acid test question saying, "I will look at the whole individual," stopping short of promising it would be a pro-life candidate. Sensing his answer was not satisfactory, he added, "I've always been pro-life and I am as pro-life as anyone in this room." and then changed the subject and volunteered the statement, "I'll never sanction adoption by same sex couples." "But homosexuals must be respected."

2nd Annual Life Chain

OAK LAWN, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--The second annual large-scale protest of abortion policies at Oak Lawn's Christ hospital is set for today. Over 1,000 people participated in the "Life Chain," last year. Organizers say, "Preliminary response indicates that there will be more participants this year." The demonstration is scheduled to begin at 2:30pm at the hospital which is located at 4440 W. 95th St.

Fire Safety Week

CHAMPAIGN, IL. October 7, 2001 (CN)--National Fire Prevention Week, which begins today. Illinois Illinois has adopted the National Fire Protection Association's Standard Life Safety Code to serve as the statewide rules for fire prevention and safety. In an effort to ensure that the Office of the Illinois State Fire Marshal and the Illinois fire service at-large are represented in the Life Safety Code process. Kenneth Wood, fire protection engineer is a member of both the Life Safety Code's Technical Committee on Education and Day Care Occupancies and the Technical Committee on Fire Protection Features. Illinois fire chiefs and fire service members are encouraged to him to express their concerns or opinions pertaining to future Life Safety Code development or interpretation.

Chicago Council Addresses Housing Needs

CHICAGO, IL. October 7, 2001 (CN)--The Chicago City council this week passed three affordable housing initiatives, creating more than $800,000 in new housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents, including an amended ordinance that was passed earlier this year. Up to $410,000 in developer subsidies was approved for Lawndale Christian Development Corporation (LCDC) under the New Homes for Chicago program for the construction of Canaan Homes, 20 single-family homes and seven two-flats on 14 City-owned and 11 privately-owned lots in the 22nd and 24th Wards.

Another ordinance approved the use of TIF funds to acquire the parcel at 4254 West North Ave. to provide parking and open space for the adjacent Lions Hotel, which is being converted into a new 60-unit Single Room Occupancy (SRO) building. These developments are intended to build on the City's mission of providing housing options for diverse populations of individuals and families throughout Chicago and are a vital part of the city's efforts to increase housing opportunities for all residents.

Oak Ridge Walk

SPRINGFIELD, IL. October 7, 2001 (CN)--The sixth annual history walk through Oak Ridge Cemetery has been scheduled from noon to 3 p.m. today. The walk, titled "Echoes of Yesteryear," will feature volunteers in period costume stationed at historically significant locations throughout the cemetery. They will give interpretive presentations at the gravesites of many historic figures, including:

• Bluford Wilson, a Civil War veteran and railroad attorney who became known for his role as a prosecutor in the Whiskey Ring scandal.
• Rosa Kun, a widowed owner of a Springfield brewery.
• Mattie Rayburn, the wife of Bishop William Rayburn. Her monument is second in height only to the Lincoln Tomb at Oak Ridge.
• George Hamer, a railroad employee who has a very intricately carved monument at his grave for himself and his family.
• Augusta Kellogg, owner and operator of a brothel in Springfield's notorious Levee district.
• Dr. R.E.W. Adams, a Springfield homeopathic physician who was a temperance advocate and abolitionist.
• Jane Pellum, a washerwoman who once lived in Abraham Lincoln's neighborhood.
• Christiana Prickett, the daughter of Springfield lawyer David Prickett, who lived in the family home on the site of what is now the Supreme Court building.

The walk is sponsored by the Sangamon County Historical Society with assistance from the city of Springfield and the Oak Ridge Cemetery Board of Managers. There will be free transportation along the cemetery walk route.

Post Human Genome Research

CHAMPAIGN, IL. October 7, 2001 (CN)-- A lecture titled, "Post-Genomics and the Concept of Race in Science: Tensions, Contradictions and Resolutions,"will be conducted today at the Univeristy of Illinois. The speaker will be Troy Duster, a Chancellor’s Professor and director of the American Cultures Center at the University of California at Berkeley, and a professor of sociology at New York

Duster will talk about how scientists are struggling with the meaning of race in the aftermath of sequencing the human genome. The leaders of that effort have noted that all humans are alike in 99.9 percent of their DNA, and they have said that proves that race has no meaning. Yet, the genome has produced new fields such as pharmacogenomics, which is working to produce ethnically and racially targeted pharmaceuticals. The lecture will be presented in the Illini Union, 1401 W. Green St., Urbana.

Deja Vu at Gurnee

GURNEE, IL. October 7, 2001 (CN)--Six Flags at Gurnee announces the opening of yet another prototype, record setting thrill ride -- Deja Vu -- the world's tallest and fastest suspended looping boomerang coaster. Deja Vu is the second of two new roller coasters to open this year at Six Flags Great America, an amazing and unprecedented capital expansion for the Midwest's premier theme park. Gary Story, president of Six Flags noted, "One of the most anticipated coasters of the year, Deja Vu is big time thrills at its best and a tremendous addition to the coaster line-up at Six Flags Great America." Deja Vu will open to the public today, which is opening day for the Park's annual Halloween spooktacular, Fright Fest.

Youth Charity Horse Show

SPRINGFIELD, IL. October 7, 2001 (CN)--The 18th annual Youth Charity Horse Show is scheduled daily, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. through Monday in the Illinois State Fairgrounds Coliseum. The show is a top-level competition with national judges, open to equestrians 18 years and under. This year, more than 250 children will participate from Missouri, Iowa, Indiana and Illinois. The 102 different classes include all disciplines of riding (dressage, hunter/jumper, saddleseat, western) and not only strictly competitive classes but "fun classes" like egg and spoon, stick horse, musical chairs and costume classes. The beneficiary of the show is Braveheart Therapeutic Riding Center. Braveheart is a not-for-profit association that offers horseback riding instruction to people of all ages with physical, emotional, mental and/or social difficulties.

Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show

SPRINGFIELD, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--The eighth annual Gem, Mineral and Fossil Show, sponsored by the Lincoln Orbit Earth Science Society, is scheduled for today in Springfield. This year's show, the largest of its kind in downstate Illinois, features "Fossils - Trapped in Time." Centerpiece of the exhibit is the Chicago Field Museum of Natural History's amber collection. In addition, there will be exhibits of faceted stones, jewelry, fossils, minerals and private collections. Those attending can see continuous demonstrations of gemstone faceting, fossil preparation, sphere making, geode cracking, flintknapping and other lapidary arts.

Dealers will offer gift items, books, tools, fossils, jewelry and more for sale. Other attractions include a silent auction, kids' activities, hourly prize drawings, a food concession and free parking. Attendees will have a chance to win the grand door prize - a Labradorite sphere. The show times are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.today in the Illinois Building at the Illinois State Fairgrounds.

Surveying at New Salem

PETERSBURG, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--"Surveying at New Salem," featuring an 1830s surveying crew and a display of antique and modern surveying instruments, is scheduled for 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today at Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site. A party of men will be "viewing" (surveying) a road through the New Salem village using period surveying instruments. The surveyors will explain to the general public their use of the instruments and the practice of surveying during the 1830s.

The Illinois Professional Land Surveyors will have a display of antique and modern surveying instruments in the New Salem Visitors Center. The event is free and open to the public. Lincoln's New Salem State Historic Site is located on Illinois 97 about two miles south of Petersburg.

Hi Rise Evacuation Plan Detailed

CHICAGO, IL. October 7, 2001 (CN)--Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley has released details for a new high rise building emergency evacuation ordinance that will create improved safety regulations. Provisions in the ordinance include required safety drills no less than semiannually in non-residential buildings and no less than annually in residential buildings. If an emergency is identified in a specific location or floor, then a minimum evacuation of five floors below and two floors above the identified area will be necessary. In cases where the origin or extent of an emergency is uncertain, a full evacuation of the building will be required.

"We recognize that many people feel uneasy about working and living in high rises following the events of September 11 and we know we must do all we can to ease those fears and also put in place the best plans for evacuating those types of buildings," said Cortez Trotter, Director, Office of Emergency Communications.

(Details of the new evacuation plan include:)

• APPLIES TO ALL HIGH RISE BUILDINGS OVER 80 FEET, OF RESIDENTIAL ASSEMBLY, OPEN-AIR ASSEMBLY, BUSINESS, MERCANTILE OR INDUSTRIAL OCCUPANCIES.
• REQUIRES A WRITTEN, EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLAN BE FILED WITH THE OFFICE OF EMERGENCY COMMUNICATIONS.
• REQUIRES DESIGNATION OF ON-SITE EMERGENCY PERSONNEL.
• DEFINES DUTIES OF EMERGENCY PERSONNEL.
• DELINEATES THE REQUIRED COMPONENTS OF THE PLAN INCLUDING THE POSTING OF EVACUATION ROUTES IN ALL ELEVATOR LOBBIES.
• DESIGNATES THE LOCATIONS WHERE PLAN MUST BE MAINTAINED AND AVAILABLE FOR REVIEW.
• REQUIRES SAFETY DRILLS NO LESS THAN SEMIANNUALLY IN NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND NO LESS THAN ANNUALLY IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.
• REQUIRES DISTRIBUTION OF WRITTEN EVACUATION MEASURES TO EVERY EMPLOYEE IN NON-RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS AND EVERY RESIDENT IN RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS.
• REQUIRES IDENTIFICATION OF FLOORS IN INTERIOR EXIT STAIRWELLS AND ELEVATOR CAR DOORS.
• PROVIDES FOR PENALTIES OF $500-$10,000 FOR EACH VIOLATION/EACH DAY.
• DESIGNATES COMPLIANCE DATES:
  • FILING THE PLAN: 60 DAYS AFTER PASSAGE AND PUBLICATION
  • SAFETY DRILLS: 180 DAYS AFTER PASSAGE AND PUBLICATION
  • STAIRWELL I.D.: 180 DAYS AFTER PASSAGE AND PUBLICATION
  • ELEVATOR MARKING: 180 DAYS AFTER PASSAGE AND PUBLICATION

Chicago Marathon Advisory

CHICAGO, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)--The Chicago Police Department reports that several streets will be affected by the LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon which kicks off at Grant Park at Columbus and Monroe at 7:25 a.m. today. The following street closures are in effect for this event:

Columbus Drive: From Balbo Drive to Roosevelt Road
Open: Monday, October 8 at 6:00 a.m.

Columbus Drive: From Balbo Drive to Congress Parkway
Open: this evening, October 7 at 6:00 p.m.

Balbo Drive: From Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive.. is closed until at 6:00 p.m.

Columbus Drive: Congress Parkway to Jackson Blvd.
Close: Sunday, October 7 at 4:00 a.m./Open: Sunday, October 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Columbus Drive: Monroe Street to Jackson Blvd... is closed until at 11:00 a.m.

Columbus Drive: Randolph Drive to Monroe Street... is closed until at 9:00 a.m. (cars turn east or west on Monroe)

Congress Parkway: Michigan Avenue to Columbus Drive.. is closed until at 11:00 a.m.

Jackson Blvd: Michigan Avenue to Lake Shore Drive.. is closed until at 11:00 a.m.

Monroe Drive: Michigan Avnue to Lake Shore Drive.. is closed until at 9:00 a.m. (cars turn east or west on Monroe from Columbus)

The City's free trolley service continues the fall schedule; however, temporary service changes occur today for the Chicago Marathon, which includes Metra/Navy Pier & Metra/Museum Campus service start time change from 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Also, the Metra/Museum Campus & Michigan Avenue routes will not have direct access onto the Museum Campus. Trolleys will load and unload at Roosevelt and Indiana at the pedestrian entrance to the Museum Campus.

OCTOBER CALENDAR

Get Organized Week - Oct. 7-13. National Association of Professional Organizers, www.napo.net

Home-Based Business Week - Oct. 7-13. American Association of Home Based Businesses, www.aahbb.org

National Chili Week - Oct. 7-13.

World Egg Day - Oct. 12. American Egg Board, www.aeb.org

National School Lunch Week - Oct. 14-20.

National Character Counts Week - Oct. 15-21.

Source: Chase's Calendar of Events

Weekly Weather Summary

CHAMPAIGN, IL, October 7, 2001 (CN)-- The month of October started out feeling like summer again as above normal temperatures dominated the state through Wednesday. Temperatures averaged two to four degrees above normal, while average high temperatures were anywhere from four to eight degrees above normal. Traci Westfall with the Midwestern Regional Climate Center in Champaign says, "Most areas in the southern half of the state reached high temperatures in the low 80's on Tuesday and Wednesday. But Fall decided to return as two cold fronts passed through the Midwest on Thursday and Friday reducing the daily high temperatures into the 50's and dropping low temperatures near the freezing mark for most of the state." Very little precipitation fell across the Midwest this week, with Illinois experiencing zero precipitation until Thursday, which aided in the harvest. As the cold fronts approached the state and passed through, scattered showers, with a few imbedded thunderstorms, dropped up to a half an inch of precipitation.

Weather

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