Notebook

By: Elsie Sy-Niebar

 

*DJNMCF celebrates 3rd Fundraiser…
*Center for Disease Control (CDC) awards $3.5 million grant to Asian Health Equity ;
*Asian Americans have the lowest cancer screening rates among ethnic groups
*FACCGC holds first batch of “Caregivers” graduation
*Billionaire Donald Trump, possible Republican presidential candidate?
*Mayor Emanuel, all set to hit Chicagoans with the highest property tax in history!
*Middle class, hit by taxation!
*Where is Johnny Tablizo?
*Lourdes Livas, PIWC 2017?

After working days and nights for almost two months — writing, inviting and soliciting support from charity-conscious friends and two weeks of doing the layout and typesetting our souvenir program book so it is ready for the printer – thanks God, We at the Dennis J. Niebar Memorial Charitable Fund (DJNMCF), had our third fundraiser last September 13, at the Four Points Sheraton Hotel. Since I am still dizzy, and Via Times’ deadline is one-week past, we will have our twopage spread publicity in October. When I woke up this morning, I was blessed with this most soothing comments about last night’s fundraiser from one of our Honorary Advisers, Don Azarias, a sharp political columnist. In part, Don wrote:

“Your celebration was one of the best, if not the best, that you and those who assisted you, had put together. Your guests that included various community leaders and a high ranking Cook County official, in the person of Karen A. Yarbrough, the Recorder of Deeds, who was also the guest speaker, were all treated to a presentation so spectacular and entertaining. It was a show that you seldom witness in a fundraiser. It was unlike any events which you savor only for a brief moment and soon forget. But that event was something that you will remember for a long time. For it was a night that showcased the true meaning of the Dennis John Niebar Memorial Charitable Fund (DJNMCF) and that’s “helping our less fortunate brothers and sisters… Don”

Thank you, Don for your much-needed balm. More next October issue in pictures. ***

FACCGC holds Caregivers graduation: The Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACCGC) held its first graduation from “Introduction to Home Care Givers” last August 8. A free-tuition training program initiated by Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, president of the FACCGC, it is partially-sponsored by the Blue Cross Blue Shield. Faculty staff is composed of Dr. Crisostomo; Dr. Alfredo Barrango, MD (licensed in the Philippines); RN; Carmen Estacio; BSE; and Emelita Breyer, Ph.D. The graduates are: Helen Tubog, Michelle Mclean, Virginia Garcia, Sally S. Belicena, Alicia Tubino, Rosalina Ramilo, Linda de la Fuerte, Bernadith Aguinaldo, Patricia Jae Ward, Anacleto Javier, Raymundo Javier, Narciso Delfin, Evelyn Pellerin, Angelina Medina, Glynn Salatan, Joeren Jade Rufo, Maribel Rufo, Lina Hernandez, Sally Richmond, Solidad Anderson, Veronica Lizardo, Gloria Key, Aurora Lizardo, and Teresa Gecijo. ***

Center for Asian Health Equity awarded $3.5 million CDC grant Federal funding will improve colorectal cancer screening rates in Cook County.The Center for Asian Health Equity, a partnership between the University of Chicago Medicine and the Asian Health Coalition, received a five-year, $3.5 million federal grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to increase colorectal cancer screenings, particularly among underserved communities in Cook County. The CDC funding will create the Cook County Colon Cancer Alliance to Reignite and Enhance Screening (Cook County CARES). It marks the first time an organization in Illinois has received CDC funding for colorectal cancer screening prevention.

“This is ultimately about saving lives,” said Karen Kim, MD, a professor of medicine and director of the Center for Asian Health Equity. “Too often, the nature of the health care system leaves a critical stone unturned for patients. This grant means more patients will have a chance at early screenings, which are directly tied to early detection and better long-term outcomes. Working to make sure people have a better chance at a longer life is a fantastic opportunity.”

Research shows colorectal cancer screenings – such as colonoscopies and sigmoidoscopies save lives. But the rates remain troublingly low. Nationwide, only 58 percent of adults between the ages of 50 and 75 have been tested for colorectal cancer, far below the Healthy People 2020 goal of 70.5 percent. Illinois ranks 36th in the nation for its screening rate of 62.5 percent, according to federal data. The statistics are even worse for minorities: Asian Americans have the lowest screening rates among ethnic groups, while African- Americans have the highest mortality rates. Overall, about one in 20 Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in the colon or rectum in their lifetime, according to the American Cancer Society.

To improve Cook County’s screening rates, the Center for Asian Health Equity will partner with three federally qualified health centers (Heartland Health Centers, Mile Square Health Clinic and Asian Human Services) and the University of Chicago Medicine to increase the number of patients who receive colorectal cancer screenings. The program will harness evidence-based methods and electronic medical records to prompt clinicians to screen patients.

“We’re working with local federally qualified health centers to target racial and ethnic minorities because these organizations have demonstrated that they have the technical capacity to offer screening and follow-up in a community setting,” said Kim, who is also the grant’s principle investigator. “Beyond that, we know these local community partners understand the targeted populations and can offer grassroots outreach to reach these patients and make sure they get the preventive screenings they need.”

Combined, the three health centers care for patients at more than 20 locations across Cook County and target low-income Asian, African-American and Hispanic groups. Additional partners include the American Cancer Society, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Illinois, Chicago Department of Public Health and Illinois Department of Public Health.

“We commend the Center for Asian Health Equity for leading this effort in Illinois,” said Nirav Shah, MD, JD, director of the Illinois Department of Public Health. “Systematic approaches are needed to reach the ambitious national colorectal cancer screening goals. We hope this program creates a roadmap for other public health groups in Illinois to follow.”

Cook County CARES is wholly funded through grant 1 NU58DP006079-01-00 from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.* **

Mayor Rahm Emanuel is all set to hit Chicagoans with the largest property tax increase: Most common complaints heard from property owners today, specially retirees (like this columnist) who live in their pensions, is high property taxes! As then a mayoral candidate, one of the promises made by Mayor Rahm was to help resolve this crisis. But guess what? Lately, the City Council floor leader told the Chicago Tribune that the mayor will increase property taxes never known in Chicago’s history “to make a major pension payment for police and firefighters next year.” The mayor also plans to include: “new garbage collection tax, a new perride fee on taxis and ride-hailing services such as Uber and a new tax on electronic cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products.”

The property tax increase on which Mayor Emanuel plans to hit the already-tax-intoxicated property owners, according to reports, is high-too-high to what he promised Chicagoans during his campaign. Past mayors’ property taxes history: 1987, under Mayor Harold Washington, property taxes rose by $79.9 million, equivalent to $167.8 million in today’s dollars considering inflation; under Daley in 2008, property taxes increased by $86.5 million, or $96 million today, considering inflation. ***

‘Middle class pays higher tax rates than millionaires,’ says Sen. Tammy Baldwin, D-WI. Last January 13 this year, a news release issued by U.S. Sen Sheldon Whitehouse, quoted Sen. Tammy Baldwin saying: “Far too long, our tax code has unfairly favored the wealthiest Americans, while middleclass families in Wisconsin have struggled to get ahead.”

According to the news, it was actually adopted from Billionaire Warren Buffet’s statement when he said he pays income tax lower than his employees. According to report, taxpayers earning below-$100,000, pay 35 percent tax of their taxable income, while the millionaires pay 30 percent. We, who fall into the “Middle Class” category are made as “sacrificial lambs” between the rich and non-tax payers who depend upon our taxes. Quo vadis? ***

Will Donald Trump win as Republican candidate?… The poll shows Donald Trump as most possible Republican presidential candidate in 2016: According to the latest news report, the Donald is now getting 17% report against Jed Bush’s 14%. However, he is narrowing the lead with Hilary Clinton, being hit by accusations of her use of her private email for highly-confidential issues of the nation when she was the SECRATERY OF STATE of the United States of America. Can she get away with this? ***

Where’s Johnny Tablizo? Excerpt from Johnny D. Tablizo’s impressive message at the Franklin Park – Manila Lions Club souvenir program for his induction as this club’s president, Johnny wrote: “With pride and humility, I accept the challenge as the club president. With passion and determination, I promise to uphold the missions and goals of the organization. The motto, “WE SERVE” will be the hallmark of my term as president…”

So, on August 14, 2015, his Lions club inducted him to office as president. Johnny, a nononsense individual, and hard working at that, will be a good president. Knowing the rule of the press, he invited me. The induction was great. He was so nice to Jean (Paredes), his wife for a decade. I was seated with them at their table. Then, Bang! One early morning, a week after Johnny’s induction, Lion Lourdes Livas, Jean and Johnny’s friends, called to tell me “Johnny is missing.”

“Johnny, who?”, I asked Lourdes.

“Johnny Tablizo, Jean’s husband. I just talked with her. She told me Johnny was not home when she got back from work. Poor Jean. I hope nothing bad happened to Johnny,” Lourdes said with concern.

“Well, I hope so, too,” I told Lourdes. After our phone conversation, I called Jean. She sounded calm but concerned. She told me Johnny left her a note. Jean read the note to me saying Johnny was leaving and ended with, “thank you for everything,” before he signed out. I advised Jean to report it to the police, who knows there might be something more than just Johnny left at his own accord.

To make this happening short, in the days which followed, Jean said she thinks Johnny really left her on his own accord. “And I must move on,” she said. Well, Jean is a very strong lady… however, it is never easy to be under her circumstances. “Moving on” is easier said than done. We, the friends of Jean and Johnny must pray for both of them. One community leader told me he and John are partners in a new business.

This guy told me: “Yes, I knew John had left Chicago. He told me he had tendered his resignation as President of the Lions Club. He is now in New York. We talk about our business. He didn’t tell me he’s leaving Jean for good. I don’t ask for more. That’s personal,” the guy told me.

Oh, well. Johnny’s leaving Jean if it’s true — is not an isolated marriage crisis happening around us. There are more, more cases like this. Some married couples we know as “happy” actually do not sleep together for months, or even years. Just few months ago, I know of two couples living under one roof but leaving separate lives with their “new loves.” Very sad.

To Johnny: hope you will come home to Jean. If not… for some reasons we — your friends who care about you and Jean, please be nice to Jean. Tell her the truth for Truth is honest. You are a respectable person, John. ***

Is Lourdes Livas a handpicked by the PIWC as executive chair in 2017? This is what I’ve been hearing. That Lourdes has no “challenger”. “Are you ready?” I asked Lourdes. With a big smile, she said: “I’ve been PIWC’s Beauty Queen Committee Chair twice and have held other positions as well, like Lions Club President. With the cooperation of all the PIWC leaders, I think I can.”

I think so, too, Lourdes. However, walk slowly with a big stick. Good luck. If you need help within my humble capacity, just ask me — your Manang Elsie.

The Falling Leaves will soon be drifting by your window and falling to the ground. Enjoy our beautiful Autumn.##

Photo at the Dennis J. Memorial Charitable fundraiser last Sept 13, with Guest Speaker, Cook County Recorder of Deeds, Karen Yarbrough, following the presentation of a Plaque of Appreciation by Elsie Sy-Niebar, Founder and President. Also in photo is Pastor John Chu, pastor at Faith Community Presbyterian Church, recipient of the proceeds. The event was held at the Four Points- Sheraton O’Hare Hotel. (photo by Edna Pavel)

Notebook columnist Elsie Sy-Niebar (seated) celebrated her Birthday with the officers of the Dennis J. Niebar Memorial Charitable Fund, at their meeting preparing for the fundraiser last Sept. 13. In photo from left are: Ben Zoleta, Lourdes Livas, Elsa Castillo, Gemma Cruz, Vilma Molina (Elsie’s sister), Dr. Ben Butuyan, Ginalene Lopez and Gabriel and Ernie Ramos.

Dr. Simeon Sevandal, president of the Surigao Association, presents a Certificate of Association to Ben Bhandari, major sponsor of Dr. Sevandal’s medical mission in San Benito, Surigao, where the late Mayor Asteria Glimane Bhandari was mayor, and where her body is buried with a beautiful mausoleum built by her husband, Ben.

Certificates of Appreciation given to Helen Tubog; Dr. Rufino Crisostomo, Deputy Consul Geeral Victor Israel, Jr., and Dr. Gerry Guzman, president, Philippine Medical Asso. of Chicago (PMAC). Carmen Estacio was graduation ceremony coordinator of the first Caregivers graduation of the FACCGC.

The first batch of Caregivers graduates of the Filipino American Council of Greater Chicago (FACCGC).

(1) HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO LIZA SORIANO (shown at center) who celebrated a Thanksgiving Birthday at their home with their Divine Mercy Group, last August 18. Husband Ray is seated at center.(esnphoto) (20 Staniel Estavillo, member of Faith Community Presbyterian Church Worship Youth Band, plays with the Yamaha eletric guitar donated by the Dennis J. Niebar Memorial Fund, also the recipient of the proceeds from the fundraisers, earmarked for the Van Ministry. (ESNphoto)

Top: Gorgeous Jetjet Grueza, president of the newly-chartered MAGNIFICENT LIONS in her stunning outfit at Ed Cabanayan’s recent “Fil-Ams Dancing with the Star.” (esnphoto) Bottom: Elsa and Nestor Castillo, dazzing performers at Ed Cabanayan’s Fil-Ams Dancing with the Stars”.

WHERE’S JOHNNY? Here’s Johnny Tablizo with his wife Jean Paredes Tablizo and friend, Vicky Fertig. Photo taken after he was sworn in as president of the Franklin Park-Manila Lions Club, last August 14, at the Sheraton Hotel Four Points.(esnphoto)

 

In photo are the attendees of at the “House Party Demo” how to use the top-of-the line “healthy cooking for a lifetime cookware” sponsored by the Health Concept Corp. of Chicago. To attend or host a demo, please call 773) 501-6696.