Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*ON TUESDAY, NOV. 3, if you haven’t voted yet, GO OUT and VOTE TO KEEP AMERICA THE GREATEST COUNTRY IN THE WORLD! VOTE for: DONALD TRUMP for PRESIDENT! MIKE PENCE for VP!

*ENDORESED BY THE CHICAGO TRIBUNE, LET’s KEEP JUDGE AURELIA PUCINSKI ON THE BENCH

*The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) Applauds New State COVID Emergency Project

 

FROM the looks of things and into our life today, “Someone Up” There has put us into some very trying moments in our lives, brought by the pandemic Covid -19 and the 2020 Presidential Election. True, Election of the World’s Leaders are always characterized by smacking the butts of opposing parties deep-fried in “hatful personal attacks”– but never like today’s political drama between presidential aspirants — former vice president Joe Biden (D) (under President Barack Obama), with his running vice-president Kamala Harris (D), against re-electionist President Donald Trump (R) and his VP Mike Pence (R).

Indeed, our once Lovely World, today had changed so much in terms of our “love our Neighbor” attitude especially in today’s election. It is so INCREDIBLE to see some of our fellowmen wishing President Donald Trump by saying “I hope he will die” from his covid infection. In writing, they did this. What happened to the Lord’s commandment: “Love one another as you love thyself?” Why go to such extent? I admired Mr. Biden when upon knowing about President Trump catching Covid, told the press: “Mrs. Biden and I are praying for our friend, President Donald Trump.” Indeed, it was spiritually touching.

Let’s remember this: In politics we obey the Peoples’ Rules. In God, we obey His Commandment, which starts with “Love one another as you Love Me.”Amen.

* * * *

Let’s KEEP Judge Aurela Pucinski on the Bench: Lady Judge Aurelia Pucinski is a name on our Illinois First District Appellate Court we always hear. The Chicago Tribune had endorsed her for Retention on the Bench. And so do we. Judge “Aure” is the daughter of the late Ald. Roman Pucinski, a name who was very well-known among immigrant communities in Illinois. Way back when I was a newcomer to Chicago, I invited Ald. Pucinski to be our guest speaker at our FILIPINO INTERNATIONAL COUPLES’ Society (FICS), I co-founded with Margie Boerema. Then, it was kind of “difficult” to invite government officials to some small “ethnic gatherings”, but Ald. Pucinski was very delighted to join us. More so, when she learned that there were Polish guys (my late husband, Dennis Niebar and Dennis Rosa, Anita’s husband) both of Polish descent), “married to beautiful Filipinas”.

Judge Aurelia Pucinski has long years of service in the government, as follows: was elected in 2010 and her term expires in 2020.Prior to this position, she was: Circuit Court Judge, Cook County, 2004-2008; Illinois Environmental Regulatory and Review Commission, 2002-2004; Director, Illinois Department of Professional Regulation, 2002; Clerk of the Circuit Court, 1988-2000; Commissioner, Water Reclamation District,1984-1988, and Private practice attorney, 1976-1988, Among her several awards, she is a recipient of the City of Chicago’s Luminary Award for a program aiding senior citizen victims of domestic violence.

Greetings and Appeal from Judge Aure Pucinski: “Hi, how are you? May I please remind you; especially the voters that I am on the Retention Ballot for Appellate Court. I love my job and really want to keep it. Every vote counts, and I hope you will share this “dot” and my qualifications with your friends. This newest one has the Chicago Tribune endorsement– which I am very proud to have! Thanks in advance for your support. Indeed, how powerful it is for your friends to hear — that you believe I should be retained. I love my job and I am very grateful to you! Aurie” Please share Judge Aure Pucinski’s appeal with everyone who believes in Justice for All. Thank you.

***

The month of September marks the annual celebration of the “INA” or Virgen Mother, Patron Saint of Penafrancia, a lovely town in the Bikol Province in the Philippines, the town of this miraculous Virgen. In Chicago, it has been an annual tradition sponsored by the Bikol USA and the Midwest, then, led by Roger Odiamar, highlighted by a Fluvial Parade along Lake Michigan. Now under the leadership of President Evelyn Tolledo, due to the Covid 19 epidemic, the Fluvial Parade was not celebrated. With limited attendance, the BIKOLANOS held a mass and homemade dinner at the Tolledo’s residence, officiated by the Rev. Father Carlos Llagas. The Pilgrimage of the Virgen of Penafrancia is one of the most notable religious celebrations in the Bikol region back home.

The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights ICIRR Applauds New State COVID Emergency Project Project Shows State Commitment to Immigrant Inclusion

In a great victory for immigrants and for our entire state, the State of Illinois is renewing its COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project (IFSP) to provide financial help for immigrants and others who have so far been excluded from federal tax rebates and other assistance. The project, to be administered by the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights, will offer $20 million for payments to households of immigrants who have lost income and do not qualify for unemployment insurance or the IRS economic impact payments.

The $20 million IFSP fund builds on the progress made this past spring when the Illinois Department of Human Services provided $2 million for immediate assistance to vulnerable immigrants. Those funds were expended within 24 hours and were dispersed fully in June, due to the great need. Payments will be available through an online application process until all the funds are depleted. Applicants may apply to the IFSP through an online lottery during a two week period beginning October 1, 2020. Recipients who satisfy eligibility requirements will be selected randomly to receive a $1,000 assistance award.

“All of us are in this together. When we say all, we mean all, regardless or where you were born. Illinois is continuing its commitment to be a welcoming state regardless of what Trump’s agenda puts in place,” said ICIRR executive director Lawrence Benito. “This announcement recognizes that we take care of each other in this state. Immigrants have been on the front line in ensuring we have food on our tables and healthcare for ourselves and our families. Yet the federal government has excluded many of our families from assistance. This project will help our families and communities sustain themselves the next few months as we get through this pandemic.”

IFSP has helped families like Claudio’s in downstate Fairmont City. Claudio’s wife Margarita passed away from COVID-19 on June 20. Margarita had been suffering from respiratory illnesses for a while and unfortunately did not survive after two weeks in the hospital. Margarita left behind two daughters ages 10 and 2. Claudio was unable to work during the two weeks Margarita was in the hospital, and then became sick for a few days. Thanks to ICIRR program partner Puentes de Esperanza, Claudio applied for IFSP last June, and was very happy to get the news he had been approved. He is using the IFSP payment to get diapers, food, clothes, and shoes for his daughters.

In renewing the COVID-19 Immigrant Family Support Project, Illinois joins California and Oregon in providing relief to immigrant families, and cements its standing as welcoming for all. The coronavirus does not distinguish by immigration status–and neither should basic assistance for our communities.”

The Ilinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights is a statewide coalition of more than 100 organizations dedicated to promoting the rights of immigrants and refugees to full and equal participation in the civic, cultural, social, and political life of our diverse society. For more information, visit www.icirr.org. Or call Fred Tsao, senior policy counsel, (312) 332-360 * 228 S. Wabash, Suite 800, Chicago IL 60604

THROWING “POLITICAL FIRE” at each other? Could Mr. Joe BIDEN be telling President Trump, “No, you’re not fit for President, you COVID sicko”! And President Trump be yelling “Shut up and take a nap, sleepy Joe!”??? Oh, America. “God shed His Grace on Thee…from sea to shining sea.”

Please VOTE for the RETENTION of the Hon. Aurelia Pucinski on the Judicial Bench this coming Nov. 3 election.

BIKOL USA OF THE MIDWEST President, Evelyn Tolledo, with Fr. Carlos Llagas who officiated the mass
celebrating the Feast of the Virgin of “INA” of Penafrancia this month. held at the Tolledo’s residence.