One Day on Earth: 11.11.2011 For Lombard Resident Homeowners Victims of Crimes from Gardenia C. Hung-Wittler on Vimeo.

One Day on Earth on 11.11.2011, we remember Lombard Resident Homeowners Victims of Crimes in York Township, DuPage County, in the State of Illinois, United States of America. Eighteen (18) years ago, Mr. Roberto Hung, J.D. and Family purchased a Lombard home at 502 South Westmore-Meyers Road and Washington Blvd., near Saint Pius X Catholic Community Church, close to the Deicke Home For The Retarded on Division Street and Westmore-Meyers Road, in the surrounding area for Easter Seals Non-Profit Fundraising Organization for the Mentally Retarded, close to the Secretary of State Jesse White Motor Vehicles Facility, and one block north from Westmore Elementary School in District 5, for the Village of Lombard residential and business community.The same week, Mr. Roberto Hung, became sick and developed an infection in his thumb which required hospitalization at St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, Illinois.During the following years, Mr. Roberto Hung developed diabetes, high blood pressure, and began to lose his hearing and sight.In 1996, the same year Mr. Roberto Hung completed paying for his Lombard home, he was physically injured at home, when he was found unconscious after working at Dominick's in Oakbrook Terrace and The Pampered Chef in Addison, Illinois. He was injured with a traumatic brain injury, aneurysm, a cardiac stroke, and permanent disability which prevented him from working again while he lived in the Village of Lombard. Mr. Roberto Hung became a Lombard Victim of Crimes as a resident homeowner and taxpayer in York Township, DuPage County, Illinois, United States of America.

MESSAGE OF HIS HOLINESS
POPE BENEDICT XVI
FOR THE 45th WORLD COMMUNICATIONS DAY

Truth, Proclamation and Authenticity of Life in the Digital Age

June 5, 2011

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

On the occasion of the 45^th World Day of Social Communications, I would like to share some reflections that are motivated by a phenomenon characteristic of our age: the emergence of the internet as a network for communication. It is an ever more commonly held opinion that, just as the Industrial Revolution in its day brought about a profound transformation in society by the modifications it introduced into the cycles of production and the lives of workers, so today the radical changes taking place in communications are guiding significant cultural and social developments. The new technologies are not only changing the way we communicate, but communication itself, so much so that it could be said that we are living through a period of vast cultural transformation. This means of spreading information and knowledge is giving birth to a new way of learning and thinking, with unprecedented opportunities for establishing relationships and building fellowship.

New horizons are now open that were until recently unimaginable; they stir our wonder at the possibilities offered by these new media and, at the same time, urgently demand a serious reflection on the significance of communication in the digital age. This is particularly evident when we are confronted with the extraordinary potential of the internet and the complexity of its uses. As with every other fruit of human ingenuity, the new communications technologies must be placed at the service of the integral good of the individual and of the whole of humanity. If used wisely, they can contribute to the satisfaction of the desire for meaning, truth and unity which remain the most profound aspirations of each human being.

In the digital world, transmitting information increasingly means making it known within a social network where knowledge is shared in the context of personal exchanges. The clear distinction between the producer and consumer of information is relativized and communication appears not only as an exchange of data, but also as a form of sharing. This dynamic has contributed to a new appreciation of communication itself, which is seen first of all as dialogue, exchange, solidarity and the creation of positive relations. On the other hand, this is contrasted with the limits typical of digital communication: the one-sidedness of the interaction, the tendency to communicate only some parts of one’s interior world, the risk of constructing a false image of oneself, which can become a form of self-indulgence.

Young people in particular are experiencing this change in communication, with all the anxieties, challenges and creativity typical of those open with enthusiasm and curiosity to new experiences in life. Their ever greater involvement in the public digital forum, created by the so-called social networks, helps to establish new forms of interpersonal relations, influences self-awareness and therefore inevitably poses questions not only of how to act properly, but also about the authenticity of one’s own being. Entering cyberspace can be a sign of an authentic search for personal encounters with others, provided that attention is paid to avoiding dangers such as enclosing oneself in a sort of parallel existence, or excessive exposure to the virtual world. In the search for sharing, for “friends”, there is the challenge to be authentic and faithful, and not give in to the illusion of constructing an artificial public profile for oneself.

The new technologies allow people to meet each other beyond the confines of space and of their own culture, creating in this way an entirely new world of potential friendships. This is a great opportunity, but it also requires greater attention to and awareness of possible risks. Who is my “neighbour” in this new world? Does the danger exist that we may be less present to those whom we encounter in our everyday life? Is there is a risk of being more distracted because our attention is fragmented and absorbed in a world “other” than the one in which we live? Do we have time to reflect critically on our choices and to foster human relationships which are truly deep and lasting? It is important always to remember that virtual contact cannot and must not take the place of direct human contact with people at every level of our lives.

In the digital age too, everyone is confronted by the need for authenticity and reflection. Besides, the dynamic inherent in the social networks demonstrates that a person is always involved in what he or she communicates. When people exchange information, they are already sharing themselves, their view of the world, their hopes, their ideals. It follows that there exists a Christian way of being present in the digital world: this takes the form of a communication which is honest and open, responsible and respectful of others. To proclaim the Gospel through the new media means not only to insert expressly religious content into different media platforms, but also to witness consistently, in one’s own digital profile and in the way one communicates choices, preferences and judgements that are fully consistent with the Gospel, even when it is not spoken of specifically. Furthermore, it is also true in the digital world that a message cannot be proclaimed without a consistent witness on the part of the one who proclaims it. In these new circumstances and with these new forms of expression, Christian are once again called to offer a response to anyone who asks for a reason for the hope that is within them (cf. 1 Pet 3:15).

The task of witnessing to the Gospel in the digital era calls for everyone to be particularly attentive to the aspects of that message which can challenge some of the ways of thinking typical of the web. First of all, we must be aware that the truth which we long to share does not derive its worth from its “popularity” or from the amount of attention it receives. We must make it known in its integrity, instead of seeking to make it acceptable or diluting it. It must become daily nourishment and not a fleeting attraction. The truth of the Gospel is not something to be consumed or used superficially; rather it is a gift that calls for a free response. Even when it is proclaimed in the virtual space of the web, the Gospel demands to be incarnated in the real world and linked to the real faces of our brothers and sisters, those with whom we share our daily lives. Direct human relations always remain fundamental for the transmission of the faith!

I would like then to invite Christians, confidently and with an informed and responsible creativity, to join the network of relationships which the digital era has made possible. This is not simply to satisfy the desire to be present, but because this network is an integral part of human life. The web is contributing to the development of new and more complex intellectual and spiritual horizons, new forms of shared awareness. In this field too we are called to proclaim our faith that Christ is God, the Saviour of humanity and of history, the one in whom all things find their fulfilment (cf. Eph 1:10). The proclamation of the Gospel requires a communication which is at once respectful and sensitive, which stimulates the heart and moves the conscience; one which reflects the example of the risen Jesus when he joined the disciples on the way to Emmaus (cf. Lk 24:13-35). By his approach to them, his dialogue with them, his way of gently drawing forth what was in their heart, they were led gradually to an understanding of the mystery.

In the final analysis, the truth of Christ is the full and authentic response to that human desire for relationship, communion and meaning which is reflected in the immense popularity of social networks. Believers who bear witness to their most profound convictions greatly help prevent the web from becoming an instrument which depersonalizes people, attempts to manipulate them emotionally or allows those who are powerful to monopolize the opinions of others. On the contrary, believers encourage everyone to keep alive the eternal human questions which testify to our desire for transcendence and our longing for authentic forms of life, truly worthy of being lived. It is precisely this uniquely human spiritual yearning which inspires our quest for truth and for communion and which impels us to communicate with integrity and honesty.

I invite young people above all to make good use of their presence in the digital world. I repeat my invitation to them for the next World Youth Day in Madrid, where the new technologies are contributing greatly to the preparations. Through the intercession of their patron Saint Francis de Sales, I pray that God may grant communications workers the capacity always to carry out their work conscientiously and professionally. To all, I willingly impart my Apostolic Blessing.

From the Vatican, 24 January 2011, Feast of Saint Francis de Sales

BENEDICTUS XVI

© Copyright 2011 - Libreria Editrice Vaticana

This year the Office for Victims of Crime and the National Center for Victims of Crimes is planning for National Crime Victims' Rights Week during April 10-16th nationwide, sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice.

In order to remember millions of crime victims over time, the theme for this memorial is "Reshaping the Future, Honoring the Past" as a tribute to victims of crime who have suffered from abuse, heinous hate crimes, criminal disaster, persecution, harassment, injury, homelessness, and family loss of dear and loved relative members victims of crime in the U.S.A.

According to a letter by Joye E. Frost, Acting Director of the OVC, "Today, our greatest challenge may be to match, if not exceed, the legacy of past achievement in service to victims of crimes.  The Victims of Crime Act of 1984, the Crime Victims' Rights Act of 2004, and the many laws at federal and state levels stand as benchmarks of the first quarter century of the victim rights movement."

Source:  www.ncvc.org

Be there for the classic!!! Take Pace’s Soldier Field Express to the:

NFC Championship

Green Bay Packers v. Chicago Bears

Sunday, January 23, 2011

2:00 PM

Soldier Field Express departures:

Northwest Transportation Center (NWTC):                          11:30 AM

North West Point:                                                                  11:45 AM

Yorktown:                                                                               11:30 AM

Bolingbrook Park-n-Ride:                                                       11:30 AM

Burr Ridge Park-n-Ride:                                                         12:00 PM

Palos Heights Metra Station:                                                 11:50 AM

Oak Lawn Metra Station:                                                       12:15 PM

$4 one-way

(per rider)

A Historical Homestead and Museum which was the first school in Lombard and the site for the Underground Railroad, the home of Sheldon Peck, renown portrait painter, and his wife, Harriet Peck, known for gardening with herbs and medicinal plants to take care of the sick. The original deed to the house dated 1843 was signed by U.S. President John Taylor.

The Peck House is a stop on the Underground Railroad where freed slaves stopped for refuge at "designated stations" to hide from persecution.

The Peck Homestead and Museum is located at 355 East Parkside, Lombard, Illinois 60148, just at the corner of Grace and Parkside Street, by the railroad tracks. Open to the public on Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday, from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Also visit www.lombardhistory.org

Built in 1839, the Sheldon Peck Homestead is Lombard's oldest home.  The Peck Family moved to Babcock Grove from Chicago in 1837, to rural farmland westbound in a covered wagon driven by Sheldon Peck accompanied by his wife Harriet Corey Peck and five children.  Sheldon Peck purchased 80 acres of land in the County of DuPage and started building this house.  Peck's original deed is dated 1843 and was signed by U.S. President John Tyler, according to the Lombard Historical Society.  Sheldon Peck is known as an artist, portrait painter of early community settlers in Babcock Grove, later renamed as the Village of Lombard.  Mr. Peck was an early American pioneer, settler, a temperance advocate, a community leader.  He was a deacon in one of Babcock Grove's early churches.
 

"A Visit To The Sheldon Peck Homestead...is a Visit To Lombard's Earliest Days" according to the Lombard Historical Society.

Mrs. Harriet Peck was also well known and respected for her kindness and generosity, often caring for the sick in her own homestead facilities. Harriet Peck's Herbal and Medicinal Plants Garden was cultivated at the back of the Peck Homestead.

 

The Peck Family Homestead is located across the railroad tracks from the United States Post Office on St. Charles Road.



The Sheldon Peck Homestead and Historical Museum is the site of the oldest house in Babcock Grove, known today as the Village of Lombard.  It was also the first school in the community and a stop for the Underground Railroad in County of DuPage, Illinois.










Vestiges of the original iron railroad tracks still remain across the Sheldon Peck Homestead and Historical Museum at the intersection of St. Charles Road, Grace Avenue and Parkside Street.












Across the railroad tracks, pedestrians can cross St. Charles Road crossing Parkside toward the Peck Homestead and Museum, at the corner of Grace Avenue. 

 The Basilica of Our Lady Virgin de la Caridad del Cobre was built in Palma Soriano, near Santiago de Cuba , commissioned for construction by Pope Pius XI, following the honorary visit of the Holy See Pope Benedict XV in 1916, when His Holiness declared Our Lady Virgin de la Caridad del Cobre, Sovereign Patroness Saint of Cuba .  Cuban architect Félix Cabarrocas designed the new Catholic church in an architectural style reminiscent of the Revival of the Spanish Neocolonial movement, the same as the Catholic Church of Nuestra Señora del Carmen in La Habana, Cuba .  Concurrently, in 1916, the same year of Pope Benedict XV’s visit, Mr. Woodrow Wilson was re-elected as President of the United States of America . 

     During the 20^th century, the U.S.A. hosted the Exposition California-Pacific for Religious Architecture in San Diego , sponsored by Mr. Bertran Goodhue, a respected American architect for churches in the United States of America due to this architectural model pavilions which created momentum for the “revival of the Spanish Neocolonial Architectural movement” in North America , within the next two decades.  Bertran Goodhue’s architectural design for the Episcopalian Cathedral of the Santísima Trinidad in La Habana (which no longer exists) was one of the very first models of the style in Cuba and boasted of having an ornate, decorated entry in the architectural style of Spanish “churrigueresque” design, which would be imitated later in the following buildings, including non-religious structures.  At the time, the influence of the Episcopalian Church also arrived in Cuba from the United States and acquired a neutral, non-political stand.  From the first historic military occupation of the United States in Cuba at the turn-of-the-century, the Episcopalian Church had a stronger presence in Cuban and the new architectural constructions by Episcopalian Protestant Christians reflected Cuban-U.S.A. connections clearly.

     In addition, the Cathedral of Santiago de Cuba is the fourth one built over the same foundation and reconstructed with a Neoclassical façade in 1922, during the term of Pope Pius XI, who succeeded Pope Benedict XV at the Holy See in Rome , Italy .

     The Basilica of Our Lady Virgin de la Caridad del Cobre was also honored by His Holiness Pope John Paul II, who made the historical pilgrimage in 1998 from the Vatican in Rome, and crowned the statue of the Virgin de la Caridad del Cobre at the Basilica Sanctuary during his memorable visit to Santiago de Cuba and El Cobre, in Palma Soriano, Cuba.

     During the Spanish revival of religious architecture in Cuba , from 1898 through 1959, “the Republican era of Cuban history”, the architectural model of the basilica imitated the building of St. Peter’s Basilica as documented and reported by author and writer R.A. Scotty in his publication, St. Peter’s Basilica, reconstructed in 1506 at the Vatican in Rome, Italy, to commemorate the 500^th anniversary of this Roman religious relic in 2006.

     The etymology of the world “basilica” in Latin comes from Ancient Greek “basilike”, (stoa), which literally means “royal hall (portico, court)” from “basileus”, “king”.

     In architectural terms, a ‘basilica” is defined as an oblong building of Ancient Rome, Italy which has two rows of columns dividing the interior into a nave and two (2) side aisles, used as court or place of assembly.  A basilica is a church or cathedral accorded certain ceremonial rights by the Pope.  It is a Roman Catholic Apostolic Church with certain ceremonial privileges, like St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the Holy See at the Vatican in Italy—erected in the year 330 Anno Domini and pulled down in the year of Our Lord 1506 to be reconstructed as the new cathedral known as St. Peter’s Basilica today by the many Christian, Catholic faithful pilgrims and parishioners who gather for Sunday mass services and gather during religious holidays.   At Easter Sunday, last April 15^th, 2007, Pope Benedict XVI held an outdoor gathering at the end of the Easter Sunday Mass for more than a million Christian Catholics and visitors at St. Peter’s Plaza in Rome to pray for peace during times of war and violence around the world.

     Coincidentally, Pope Benedict XVI celebrated his 84th Anniversary birthday on Monday, April 16^th, 2011, within the religious Easter holiday time.

     The Vatican and Pope Benedict XVI both have expressed Christian Catholic interest, concern, and support for Cuba , its people as Cuban Roman Catholic and Apostolic faithful, and the Cuban churches who are devoted to their religious practices as Catholic Christians and worshipers of the faith.  In 2005, the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady Virgin de la Caridad del Cobre was blessed to receive a gift from Pope Benedict XVI, a new set of bells for the church bell tower on September 8^th, 2005, the anniversary of the apparition of the Patroness Saint of Cuba, sponsored by the Salesian Missions Order of Rome at the Vatican in Italy.

     For reference, “the same old bells which rung throughout the centuries used to call the copper miners and the faithful to worship at the Basilica of Our Lady Virgin de la Caridad del Cobre, and a call to praise God, our Lord Jesus Christ, his Son, and the Holy Spirit”.  These church bells have rung in proclamation of each new Pope, Bishops, Archbishops, and Cardinals of Santiago de Cuba during religious festivities and great national events heralding a new era of freedom, hope, and news, for instance, the historical world response to the proposal by the late British Prime Minister Sir Winston Churchill and U.S. President Mr. Frank D. Roosevelt who wished to include the Vatican in peace agreements at the end of the Second World War.

     On the 84th Anniversary of the building of the Basilica Sanctuary of Our Lady Virgin de la Caridad del Cobre built in 1927, we must recall the apparition and the finding of the statue of the Virgin Mary and the Christ child at sea, in the Bay of Nipe, floating on Cuban waters, near El Cobre and Santiago de Cuba.  

     In the year 1608, the story relates how Our Lady Virgin de la Caridad del Cobre was found as a statue floating on stormy waters near the Bay of Santiago de Cuba by Los Cayos when the brothers Rodrigo and Juan de Hoyos, along with a 10-year-old slave boy, Juan Moreno, returned from collecting sea salt to preserve meat for the residents of Santiago del Prado, known today as El Cobre, near Palma Soriano and Santiago de Cuba.  These (3) three seafarers in Cuban waters rowed their wooden boat safely back to land, in spite of the high tide of the waves and the strong gusts of wind blowing through the Windward Passage along the Greater Antilles, on their return to Santiago del Prado.

     The mining town of El Cobre was founded in the 16^th century, 1550 Anno Domini, as Santiago del Prado, established by Spaniards and inhabited by native Caribbean Indians, also known as “Ciboneyes and Caribes”, as well as slaves.  According to anecdotes and oral history narratives, one day in the year 1608, Juan and Rodrigo de Hoyos, two native Caribbean Indians, and Juan Moreno, a slave boy, found a small statue of the Virgin Mary carrying the Christ Child in her right arm and a gold cross in her left arm, wrapped in swaddling clothes, not wet by the storm over the waves at the Bay of Nipe in Cuban waters.  The statue of the Virgin Mary and Child was floating on a wooden plank bearing the inscription, “I am the Virgin of Charity”—in Spanish, “Yo soy la Virgen de la Caridad”.

     If 1608 A.D. were the year that Our Lady of Charity, Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre appeared, then in 2008 would be the 400^th Anniversary of the apparition in Cuban waters and a tribute to the wonders of her miraculous works documented as votes of faith at the Basilica Sanctuary of El Cobre in Palma Soriano, Cuba.  Visitors mention that the Mother of Mr. Fidel Castro and Mr. Raúl Castro left a small golden guerrilla fighter at the feet of the Virgin as her sons battled the government of Fulgencio Batista ahead of the Cuban Revolution…

     In the 17^th century, the original church at El Cobre was dedicated to Santiago de Compostela, also known as St. James, one of the twelve apostles who preached the gospel in Spain , region of Galicia , and who is honored as a patron saint on July 25^th annually.  During the Middle Ages, St. James, also known as Santiago in Spanish, was the patron saint of pilgrims and the Knights of the Crusades.  St. James was the powerful saint of the Spanish Conquest.  So, the statue of the Virgin Mary and Child was placed in a thatched hut, like a stable, instead of in the church.  But, on three (3) successive nights, the statue of the Virgin Mary and Child, Our Lady of Charity disappeared from the hut and was found on top of the hill above El Cobre in Cuba .

     The Virgin of Charity and the Christ Child resided in several small shrines until 1630, when the copper mine at Santiago del Prado, in El Cobre was closed down and the slaves were freed.  Then Our Lady, Virgin of Charity and the Christ Child took St. James’ place above the high altar in the church, a symbol of the triumph of the Cuban people over the Spanish conquerors.  In 1731, when an attempt was made to reintroduce slavery, Our Lady of Charity, Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre became a symbol of emancipation for one of Cuba ’s largest slave insurrections.  In the end, the slaves were declared to be free.  This action for freedom spread devotion further to Our Lady, Virgen de la Caridad del Cobre, Virgin of Charity.

     On the first day of the month of April in the year one thousand six hundred and eight-seven (1687), Juan Moreno at the age of 85 years reported this narrative in oral history as a notarized sworn statement, certified by ecclesiastical officials and archived for the record at the Archivo de Indias , Legajo 363, in Seville , Spain . (Source: www.ermitadelacaridad.org from the Shrine of the Virgin of Charity in Miami , Florida , U.S.A. )

Gardenia C. Hung (Wittler) has been writing prose, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction topics for the last forty-two (42) years in English, Spanish, French, and sometimes into Portuguese translation.  She has written poetry for Scholastic Magazine in Spanish encouraged by her lyrical expression and descriptive style.  Ms. Hung completed Elementary and Middle School in Santiago de Cuba with a diploma and certification in Spanish.  Then, Gardenia C. Hung continued studies in the United States of America for Middle School, grades 6th with Miss Honeywood, 7th, and 8th at Avondale Elementary School where she graduated with High Honors in Mr. Herbert Hebel's 8th grade homeroom, in Chicago, Illinois.  For Middle School English. Ms. Hung wrote original stories which received praise for writing style and authentic narrative topics, encouraged to continue studying English by Miss Kardos, her ESL teacher at Avondale Grammar School and other mentors, family, and friends.  Later at Madonna High School received, Ms. Hung received a High School Diploma with High Honors for graduation in the top ten percent of the Class of 1977 with majors in English, French, Art, History, and the Humanities in Chicago, Illinois.  Gardenia C. Hung was admitted at Northeastern Illinois University with Advanced Placement in English, French, and Spanish where she majored in Education, English, French, Spanish, Linguistics and minors in Music, Dance, and Physical Education to receive a Bachelor of Arts degree for the Class of 1982.  At NEIU, she received a summer scholarship from Laval University in Ville de Québec, Canada to major in French Linguistics, Syntax, and Phonetics. The following year, in 1983, Ms. Hung continued graduate studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago for a Master of Arts in Communications & Theatre, which included majors in Rhetoric, Ethnography, and Theatre. Gardenia C. Hung has written publications for professional associations and community groups.  In addition, Ms. Hung writes for online media CNN iReport, Triblocal, Blogger, Facebook, WordPress, TypePad, and other social media groups on the world wide web.     

All the wildlife was sleeping, all through the Zoo.  Not a creature was stirring, not even the Polar Bears... When about 1.5 million colored points of lights with music for ZooLights came to Lincoln Park to brighten the holidays, glistening and twinkling, all through the zoo's grounds, sponsored by ComEd and Charter One.  On the 16th Anniversary of ZooLights, Lincoln Park is proud of being ecologically-correct by reducing its environmental footprints through recycling, clean energy and innovative green design.  This year ZooLights displays have been replaced with LED bulbs to reduce its footprint by 2,085 pounds of carbon dioxide.

All visitors and guests are welcome after 4:00 p.m. through 9:00 p.m.  to meet Santa and take photos at the Kovler Lion House, or browse the Safari Shop for the Christmas wish list of exotic and unique holiday gifts.

There are ice artists carving to create icy cold sculptures.

Stop by the Landmark Café for a hot cocoa, chocolate, or warm spiced wine for the cold brisk walk around ZooLights.

AT&T is featuring the Endangered Species Carousel for children to enjoy a ride on their favorite wildlife at a cost of $2.75 each.

Enjoy your winterscape walking and browsing through the ZooLights musical show, free of charge, from December 17, 2010 through January 2nd, 2011 (Closed December 24-25). Located at the corner of 2200 North Cannon Drive, Lincoln Park.  http://www.lpzoo.org

Contact: Larry Ciupik, 312-922-7827

http://www.adlerplanetarium.org 

Presidential Proclamation--Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week

- - - - - - -
BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA
A PROCLAMATION

In 1948, the United Nations General Assembly adopted the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.  More than 60 years later, the Declaration reflects the world's commitment to the idea that "all human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights."  As Americans, this self-evident truth lies at the heart of our Declaration of Independence, our Constitution, and our Bill of Rights.  It is a belief that, while every nation pursues a path rooted in the culture of its own citizens, certain rights belong to all people:  freedom to live as they choose, to speak openly, to organize peacefully, to worship freely, and to participate fully in the public life of their society with confidence in the rule of law.

Freedom, justice, and peace for the world must begin with basic security and liberty in the lives of individual human beings.  Today, we continue the fight to make universal human rights a reality for every person, regardless of race, gender, religion, nationality, sexual orientation, or circumstance.  From the freedom to associate or criticize to the protection from violence or unlawful detention, these inherent civil rights are a matter of both pragmatic and moral necessity.

The challenges of a new century call for a world that is more purposeful and more united.  The United States will always speak for those who are voiceless, defend those who are oppressed, and bear witness to those who want nothing more than to exercise their universal human rights.  Our Bill of Rights protects these fundamental values at home, and guides our actions as we stand with those who seek to exercise their universal rights, wherever they live.  Countries whose people choose their leaders and rely on the rule of law are more likely to be peaceful neighbors and prosperous partners in the world community.

Part of the price of our own blessings of freedom is standing up for the liberty of others.  As we observe Human Rights Day, Bill of Rights Day, and Human Rights Week, let us recommit to advancing human rights as our common cause and moral imperative.  Let us continue to stand with citizens, activists, and governments around the world who embrace democratic reforms and empower free expression.  Together, we can advance the arc of human progress toward a more perfect Union and a more perfect world -- one in which each human being lives with dignity, security, and equality.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2010, as Human Rights Day; December 15, 2010, as Bill of Rights Day; and the week beginning December 10, 2010, as Human Rights Week.  I call upon the people of the United States to mark these observances with appropriate ceremonies and activities.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this tenth day of December, in the year of our Lord two thousand ten, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-fifth.

              BARACK OBAMA

My name is Gardenia C. Hung-Wittler, M.A., B.A.  I am graduate alumni from Northeastern Illinois University, Class of 1982.  Holy Cross High School for Boys at 3000 North 80^thAvenue, River Grove, Illinois, was my first high school teaching job as a French and Spanish High School Teacher, 9^th-12^thgrades, full-time, from 1982-1983.  As a regular High School Faculty, I was also assigned to extra-curricular activities after school, field trips, soccer games with the Gym Coach and Physical Education Staff, as well as Study Halls and Lunch Room activities, including Home Room Teacher duties, and after-school cleaning work for desks and classroom maintenance, bulletin boards, motivational resources, etc.  Holy Cross High School for Boys was my first employment as a secondary education teacher in 1982.

     Since 1982, I, Gardenia C. Hung, have continued to communicate and teach in English, French, and Spanish, as well as other languages by example, including Communications, Languages & Culture in training and development, educational presentations for professional associations world-wide, to colleagues and students in Illinois, United States of America, and in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada—at my own expenses, covering all the costs for research, development, purchase of supplies, materials, resources, airfare travels across states in the U.S.A., in Canada, and Europe, France, Germany, Spain, etc., including hotel accommodations, lodging, etc.

     I have also taught for Illinois State Community Colleges, Oakton Community College in Skokie and Des Plaines, at St. Augustine College in Chicago, Cook County, as well as at the College of Du Page in Glen Ellyn, Lombard, and other college sites in DuPage County, Illinois.

     As college faculty and curriculum design developer, I have applied research theories and hypotheses to communications, languages, and culture in context.  In addition, I have devoted a lot of personal time and professional efforts with expenses toward educational and instructional research and development for the 21^stcentury, in the field of communications, languages, and culture, as an integrated discipline which includes the processes of interpreting and translation within cultural contexts.

     In 1985, I completed my graduate thesis for a Master of Arts degree in Communications, Rhetoric, Ethnography, and Theatre.  “The Chinese in Cuba” was the topic of research and historical, ethnographical focus of a cross-cultural family which assimilated and acculturated in Cuba.

     Moreover, I have taught languages and culture as a consultant and linguist for Inlingua School of Languages in Chicago, where I also worked as a legal and medical interpreter.  In addition, I have worked as a language and cultural trainer, interpreter, and translator at the Arroyave Academy of Languages in Illinois.

     Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, 127^thStreet, and District 218 in Oak Lawn have employed me as French and Spanish High School Teacher full-time, and guest teacher for In-Service Training in Plainfield, Illinois.

     Throughout these 28 years, I have actively volunteered, at my own expense with costs paid out-of-pocket, for the State of Illinois community, in Cook County, and also in Du Page County at the 18^thJudicial Circuit Court, as a Court Advocate for the Friends of the Court in Wheaton, Elmhurst, Lombard, Bloomingdale, Addison, and surrounding areas; also, I have volunteered for the Friends of the Helen M. Plum Library in Lombard as a Newsletter Editor, Writer, and Coordinator for the Community Holiday Wreath; as well as for the Lombard Garden Club friends.  I have also given of my professional and personal time to the American Translators Association, French and Spanish Language Divisions; also volunteered at my own expenses for the College of Du Page Latin American Committee and the European Heritage Committee.  The City of Chicago has seen me usher freely and voluntarily for the annual Humanities Festival and the Chicago International Latino Film Festival and at the Cultural Center, the Newberry Library, Chicago Symphony Hall, etc.; also volunteered and contributed to the Illinois American Veterans gratis.

     As faculty and research developer, I have proposed and presented the following issues and topics as presentations before the Illinois Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages and later in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, before the International Federation of Translators (FIT) for higher learning purposes and applications of knowledge, worldwide:

1. “Communicate:  Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing in Foreign Languages,” discusses the processes of communication as interaction among people to convey a message; dynamics to promote understanding and cooperation; verbal and non-verbal exchanges; and imaging through graphic visuals.  The interaction dynamics of communication involves active output through speaking, writing, and creating images; and the passive input takes place through listening, reading, and viewing images.  In the foreign language classroom, communicative tasks for listening include rephrasing or paraphrasing questions, interpreting a message, summarizing a story; for speaking activities, we are asking questions, engaged in conversation, telling a story or a humorous anecdote; for reading, these evolve around decoding a written message or interpreting an experience vicariously, representing oral reading, and critiquing a reading selection; and for writing experiences, we require expressing thoughts in writing, narrating a story and/or writing a letter to someone.  In conclusion, the extent to which our students can speak, listen, read, and write in a foreign language determines the proficiency in communication.  Consequently, we should encourage students to “Communicate:  Speaking, Listening, Reading, and Writing in a Foreign Language” at school, at home, in the world…” (I.C.T.F.L. 2000, G.C. Hung, M.A.)

Foreign language skills in English, French, and Spanish hired me to work as a Foreign Language Teacher at the Community High School District 218 in Oak Lawn during 1988-1989, teaching French and Spanish for the Alan B. Shepard High School in Palos Heights, Illinois with an annual salary of $23,778US dollars. 

Bilingual aptitude in English and Spanish opened the door for me to work as Faculty at St. Augustine University in Chicago where I was teaching English as a Second Language, College Prep and Developmental Skills, U.S. Citzenship for the Amnesty Program, Research Writing and other language development courses which included preparation for High School General Education Development.

Afterwards, I also worked as Faculty for Oakton Community College in the Continuing Education Program, Alliance for Lifelong Learning in Skokie and Des Plaines, Illinois.  I was teaching English as a Second Language from August 1992 until March 1993.

From September 18, 1997 through October 8, 2001, I was employed as Faculty at the College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn and Lombard, teaching English Writing Development, English 101, 102, 103, 104, and 105, on campus, as well as commuting to teach Spanish for Healthcare Professionals at Good Samaritan Hospital in Downers Grove, National Chiropractic College in Lombard, also known as National University for Health Sciences, and at Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois.

In addition, I taught French and Spanish for Berlitz Schools of Languages in Chicago, Hinsdale, Oak Brook Brook Forest and York Middle School, and Schaumburg, Illinois, U.S.A.   Foreign language teaching experience at Inlingua Schools of Languages also included commuting to teach on-site visiting corporate clients, and other travelling students at home.  Arroyave Academy of Languages in Highland Park and Arlington Heights also provided teaching work for corporate clients which included translation for the General Learning Corporation in Northbrook, Caremark, Abbot Laboratories, Baxter International and other global companies promoting languages around the world.

In 1983, I was doing research as a graduate assistant at the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital Emergency Room volunteering to assist elderly senior patients to communicate from Spanish into English in order to promote Medical Communications between doctors and patients in the Emergency Room.  The University of Illinois at Chicago offered a Master of Arts graduate degree in Communications, Rhetoric, Cross-Cultural Studies, and Theatre which integrated interdisciplinary studies for graduate communications studies.  My communications interview research involved the University of Illinois at Chicago Hospital incoming elderly senior patients at the Emergency Room who did not speak English as a primary language.  The purpose of the UIC Medical Communications study program was to improve health communications between doctors and patients in the Emergency Room environment and at the hospital in general.

On Wednesday, November 5, 2008, www.villageoflombard.org, the Village of Lombard Police under Ray Byrne and Dane Cuny, including the former chief of the Fire Department headed by George Seagraves and Keith Steiskal, Lombard Department of Buildings caused criminal disaster demolition following roofing destruction and water damages and losses to the Hung Family’s Lombard Historic Brick Bungalow, www.preservehistoricestate.zoomshare.com, at 502 S. Westmore-Meyers Road and Washington Boulevard in the Village of Lombard, Du Page County, Illinois 60148-3028, in the , www.2008damagesandlossescausedbylombard.blogspot.com, United States of America.   As a result of the Village of Lombard’s wrongful actions and criminal activities in Du Page County, Illinois, I, Gardenia Hung Wittler have become homeless and destitute.  I am a Lombard victim of abuse and heinous hate crimes in Du Page County, Illinois USA.  The Village of Lombard is denying me human rights in housing under the law by refusing to provide lawful lodging and compensation as a victim of heinous hate crimes and abuse to include the criminal disaster demolition of the Hung Family home in Du Page County, Illinois USA.    

     On November 14, 2008, after meeting at the Grace Lutheran Community Church, at the corner of Princeton Street and St. Charles Road in Villa Park, Henry William Hochstatter former resident in Addison, offered to provide transportation in his TOYOTA SUV SR5 in exchange for Shell Oil gasoline in the amount of $25.00US and to cover car gasoline expenses thereafter to and from homeless shelters at local churches sponsored under PADS Action in Housing based in Wheaton, Illinois.  After November 5, 2008, I had to stay at the Motel 66 on Roosevelt Road, in Villa Park, Illinois, for one night only, since the Lombard Fire Department would not pay for my lodging after the criminal disaster demolition of my Lombard home at 502 S. Westmore-Meyers Road and Washington Boulevard in Du Page County, Illinois. 

     The Village of Lombard made me homeless by their criminal activities and wrongful actions around the Hung Family real estate property.  So I was advised by the Illinois Department of Human Services in Villa Park to go to Wheaton and register for Du Page PADS, Inc. located at 705  West Liberty, Wheaton, Illinois  60187, Telephone: (630) 682-3846, www.dupagepads.org , Shelter for the Homeless with local churches such as Peace Lutheran Church in Lombard, Grace Lutheran Church of Villa Park, Community Presbyterian Church of Glen Ellyn, Elmhurst, Downers Grove, Naperville, Carol Stream, Itasca, and other locations in Du Page County, Illinois--Photo of a Church Homeless Shelter in DuPage County, Illinois USA.

The Village of Lombard and David Hulseberg, Village Manager, have been refusing to provide lawful lodging and housing under the law following the criminal disaster demolition of my Lombard historic home owned by Mr. Roberto Hung and family in Du Page County, Illinois, in the United States of America.    

     On November 14, 2009, Henry William Hochstatter decided to rent an apartment owned by Alex King Construction, Inc. at 140 West St. Charles Road, Apartment 4B, Villa Park, Illinois  60181, USA, by referral from his cousin Charles “Chuck” Pickerill and his wife Karen Pickerill who had lived at the same building complex while leasing from Alex King, a friend of his father, former Fire Chief Charles Pickerill from the Villa Park Fire Department, Station No. 3 on Ardmore Street, near Willowbrook High School and the Islamic Foundation Center on Highridge Road in Villa Park, Illinois USA.  For the last year, during December 2008 and the remainder of 2009, Henry W. Hochstatter had been sharing lodging with Gardenia C. Hung (Wittler) at the InTown Residential Suites, at the corner of Roosevelt Road and Villa Avenue in Villa Park, Illinois USA, near the Community Christian Church of Villa Park. 

     During December 2008 and January 2009, Gardenia C. Hung (Wittler) first paid cash and credit with the VISA Chase card for the first floor lodging, Room 125, since Henry W. Hochstatter did not have any money to his name or in his pocket because his wife Joan Julia (Mueller) Hochstatter had demanded a divorce and cancelled the joint checking and savings account, while suspending his disability funds for lack of a residential address in Addison, Illinois; then, due to a traumatic brain injury disability, Henry W. Hochstatter was given Room 139 for disabled people at the InTown Residential Suites, where I, Gardenia C. Hung (Wittler) paid and shared lodging expenses to be paid by the week in cash or credit. 

     Since Chuck Pickerill did not provide enough cash or credit for Henry William Hochstatter to rent the apartment leased by Alex King Construction Inc., the Church of Christ on Villa Avenue in Addison, provided the cash deposit by check for Henry W. Hochstatter to rent the apartment on November 14, 2009.  I, Gardenia C. Hung (Wittler) helped Henry W. Hochstatter complete the leasing form in writing in front of Alex King and Andy, his secretary at the office for Alex King Realty, Inc. at 140 West St. Charles Road, Villa Park, Illinois  60181, USA.  Also, I helped to pay for the AT&T Telephone deposit for installation at the apartment since Henry W. Hochstatter did not have any money at the time.  I have been helping Henry W. Hochstatter by paying expenses he had for cable installation, groceries, car gasoline, mobile telephone, VISA CHASE credit card charges, medications, personal toiletries, etc.    

     In addition, I, Gardenia C. Hung (Wittler) helped Henry W. Hochstatter move his personal and household belongings, hard metal tools, etc. from his Addison home at 437 Natalie Drive into two (2) units at the U-Store-It in Addison and from the InTown Residential Suites, Room 139, on the second floor to the second floor, up the stairs to Apartment 4B at 140 West St. Charles, Villa Park, Illinois  60181 USA.      

     During the same time, I was helping and driving trucks, cars, SUVs, at the UHAUL in Villa Park and in Addison, while his Uncle “Charlie” Pickerill was working there transporting UHAUL Truck, Trailers, and Wagons from Chicago, Forest Park, Oak Park, Iowa City, Arlington Heights, Downers Grove, Bloomingdale, DeKalb, and other locations because Chuck Pickerill was missing  Andrew, Jacquie, and Casey Rae from his own family members, since neither Karen Pickerill, his wife, nor Kathy Nolet, were not driving any trucks anywhere—neither were Gary Nolet or Mike Nolet driving trucks for UHAUL.

     I had to pay for the UHAUL Trucks gasoline during the transportation from Iowa City to Villa Park, Illinois.    

 

      After Uncle Charlie Pickerill had a heart attack on Sunday while working at UHAUL in Addison, Illinois, following his hunting mule deer in Montana, cousin Chuck Pickerill started screaming at people at the UHAUL in Villa Park, Illinois, USA.      

     Since UHAUL in Villa Park was short staffed, I had already driven an UHAUL Truck back from Arlington Heights along Palatine Road and Route 53, after 7:00 PM in the evening with Henry W. Hochstatter, who drove back another UHAUL truck himself. 

     Underwriters Laboratories is committing a minute to safety during this holiday season at Santa’s House in the Christkindlemarket Chicago, Daley Plaza Downtown.  During the 15^thanniversary of the Christkindlemarket, UL is sponsoring Santa Claus and Mrs. Claus’ House with free pictures for visitors and children alike who want to greet Santa before Christmas in 2010.  All the children are eager to meet Santa and sit on his lap for the free pictures this holiday.  Mrs. Claus welcomed all the visitors and guests in celebration of Holidays Around the World.  While we were ushered in, we looked around Santa’s Workshop at the Christkindlemarket.  There were rolling wooden blocks with holiday toys and pictures.   Also, we found Santa’s toy factory, automated to make wooden train wagons, toys, and other holiday treats on a conveyor belt displayed behind a glass window.

     Santa Claus takes time to sit and visit with each child, guest, and visitor in the parlor by the fireplace at Santa’s House, where the pictures are taken by Santa’s helpers.    All the children share their Christmas Wish list and engage Santa in their holiday celebration at the Christkindlemarket Chicago.  Afterwards, Santa gives out the free gift of a Red Safety Light® designed by Underwriters Laboratories to promote Safety At Home and information from the Underwriters Laboratories.

     Safety At Home is a very important issue during the holidays when there are electrical colored lights displayed on the Christmas trees, windows, and around the house attached to electronic devices wired to electrical outlets.  For the purpose of safety at home, it is advised to unplug any electrical outlets attached to wired electronic devices before leaving the house.  Where the outdoor electrical displays are illuminated during the holidays, careful wiring and placement of cables and wires are recommended  for safety at home by Underwriters Laboratories.    Check outdoor and indoor electrical displays and devices, wiring and cables on a daily basis to promote Safety At Home.  For additional information, visit http://www.SafetyAtHome.com

In the 1980's, I used to work for GESA Assistance Premier, Groupe Européen located at 150 S. Wacker Drive and Adams Street, managed  by José Poquet, Executive Director for the Midwest USA, Canada, the Caribbean, Central and South America, Africa, Asia, Australia, and Europe.  I provided Customer Service Assistance to visitors from around the world on a 24-hour basis, upon request and previous arrangement.

GESA Assistance Premier
Customer Service for Travel Insurance
Letter from GESA Assistance on April 11, 1984

Dear Miss Hung:

With the present letter I am pleased to confirm the recent agreement made between yourself and our Company, Groupe Européen, S.A., registered in Brussels 1040, 38-39 Square de Meeus, Bte 8, Tel. (02) 513.91.52, Telex 22492 ASGESA Brussels.

We understand that you have committed yourself to work every Saturday, Sunday, and holiday of each calendar year. The working hours are from 9 a.m. until 5 p.m. and the hourly rate will be $5.60 (five dollars and 60/100). Your responsibility will be to man the emergency lines and arranged consequently the right service in order to help the insured in distress.

For the present time, you will be reporting any new cases or new developments on the already existing files either to Ms. Huguette Callaway or to me, depending on who is on call, and you will make sure the cases are followed properly by the evening shift.

You understand the degree of responsibility and commitment this new position offers; we rely on your knowledge and experience to face this new challenge and we count on you.

Both parties reserve the right to terminate the present agreement, giving each other a two-week notice.

We hope these terms are agreable to you and wishing both parties a mutual and fruitful relationship, we remain,

Sincerely,
J. POQUET
Executive Director