* CeaseFire Week Hopes To Sets The Tone

by Lois Laine

Sunday, June 4, Ceasefire Week begins with its kick off event at the United Church of Rogers Park (1445 W. Morse Ave.). Ceasefire, which operates in four beats in the 24th District, has events planned for each day of the coming week.

Ceasefire was started by the University of Illinois School of Public Health and has been operating in Chicago since 1995. Since that time, police beats that have had a Ceasefire presence have experienced a measurable decrease in shootings, which is the single mission of Ceasefire.

Ceasefire Week is celebrated throughout city neighborhoods where Ceasefire is operating. The first week in June is chosen to coincide with the final two weeks of school. They hope that involving the community before children are out of school will set the tone for the summer and engage communities to become more involved.

At 1pm the festivities begin with an outdoor barbeque at the United Church of Rogers Park. Community members are invited to attend.

On Monday, June 5 from 7-8:45pm the Organization of the Northeast will hold its annual convention at St. Andrew's Auditorium (5649 N. Sheridan Rd.) where there will be roundtable discussions about neighborhood issues. This is open to the public.

On Tuesday at 6pm, join Ceasefire at Loyola Park (1230 W. Greenleaf Ave) for a basketball tournament and a barbeque.

Wednesday and Thursday, in beats 2422 and 2431 there will be community walks beginning at 7pm. Beat 2431 will have an open roll call probably under the "el" and the march will start from there. The meeting place for Beat 2422 is not yet fixed, Ceasefire is waiting for a response from that beat's CAPS facilitator.

Friday from 1-9pm, at Gale School Park there will be a talent show and resource fair. (Perhaps next year it will be at the new Gale School Community Center).

Finally, on Saturday June 10, the week ends with another basketball tournament and barbeque at Pottawatomie Park (7340 N. Rogers).

Come out to one event or to all events and show your support for Ceasefire and your commitment to neighborhood safety. It's a great way to meet new people.