Another Bridgeporter in Scalise film 

Dear Editor: 

I am writing you to expand on your article concerning local film writer and producer Reno Scalise (see May 2 Gazette). 

My daughter, Marissa Meo, is an aspiring actress and at ten years old has been working on films for a few years now. We were contacted for her to act on background on the movie Baby on Board and jumped on it. Marissa loves to work in the business and takes roles as much as her school schedule will allow.

While on the set we overheard some officials of the movie talking and as I sat with my daughter I overheard Mr. Scalise’s name. I dismissed this as my hearing what I wanted to hear.  My daughter and I continued with her duties and completed the day. She enjoyed her time on set and the actors, (including Heather Graham and John Corbett) couldn’t have been more pleasant.

We returned home and moved on with our lives. Later, we ran into a mutual friend of Reno and ourselves. We learned much to our amazement that Reno in fact had written and produced this movie! As well as my wife’s family and I know Reno, we had no idea. This movie was kept so quiet that we worked on it and never knew! 

I think that is a testament to the honesty of purpose that Reno had while making this movie! Bridgeport is indeed a tight community, but when discretion is needed there is no problem obtaining it! I found it amazing that we worked this thing and never knew it was Reno. 

Frank Meo
 

Thanks from Marillac House

Dear Editor:

Thank you so very much for posting our announcement about the basketball tournament at Marillac House on May 17.

It may be all in a day's work for you but for us, it is such a great joy! It is always amazing to us that after 93 years of serving on Chicago's West Side that many of our community do not know who we are or what we do. So, each time you are able to put our news in the paper it is helping us get our story out there. All that to say, thank you, thank you, thank you.

Sr.Maureen McGrath,O.P.
Marillac House Social Center
212 S. Francisco Ave

 

Fight elder abuse
 
Dear Editor:
 
Many seniors living in our community are victims of elder abuse, including physical, mental, sexual, emotional and financial exploitation. The Illinois Department on Aging reports that four to five percent of seniors living in Illinois are victims of abuse, and that in most cases, they endure more than one form of abuse at a time. Unfortunately, few cases are reported.

            I would like to take this opportunity to remind local residents of two State programs that provide assistance for seniors and their families.

            First, the Elder Abuse and Neglect program works to prevent abuse, neglect, and financial exploitation of seniors living in the community. The program provides investigation, intervention, and follow-up services to victims, and stresses the mentally competent older adult’s right to make their own decisions.

            Second, the Illinois Long Term Care  Ombudsman program protects and promotes the rights and quality of life for people living in long-term care facilities. This program informs residents and their families of their rights, resolves complaints, and advocates for good individualized care.  The program services any resident of a long-term care facility, families and friends of persons living in long-term care facilities, facility staff, and the members of the community.

            In addition, the Illinois Department on Aging has sponsored the Break the Silence Campaign, aimed at helping raise awareness of the signs of elder abuse and how to report this crime. Since the induction of the campaign three years ago, the number of reported elder abuse incidents has increased by 1,300.

            Signs of elder abuse include untreated injuries, scratches and cuts; sudden change in behavior; a caretakers' refusal of visitors; dehydration; poor hygiene; and sudden changes in financial or banking practices. 
If you suspect that a senior is being abused please call the 24-hour Elder Abuse Hotline at (866) 800-1409. You may also contact my constituent services office at (773) 373-9400.

Sincerely,
Elga Jefferies
State Representative, 32nd District
(217) 782-2023
(773) 373-9400