Jones Center Celebrates Landmark Status with Mayor Gonzalez

Nothing changes through generations of children. They still get excited when visitors come and see them at .

Monday was no exception, as Mayor David Gonzalez toured the Center, children got up and wanted their picture taken with him. Gonzalez came to see what new projects they were working on and to help put a new sign on the building.

Yes, it's official. Almost 100 years in the making, the .

"It's very important to preserve our history," said Gonzalez. "I served on the Jones Center for a short time under Sam Ciambrone's administration. The Rev. (Eugene) Zigler, his passion was the Jones Center, I remember sitting in the board with him and all he wanted was to help the children. If it wasn't for people like Rev. Zigler, this center would never exist. Every time I walk in this place, I think of him."

The mayor and executive director Cheryl Roop of the Jones Center discussed where they should put the new sign. Jennifer Fisher, from the Chicago Heights Historical Advisory committee smiled as the sign was uncovered.

"I'm very excited to get the Jones Center land-marked and to get the sign to them," said Fisher. "We are really proud of them using a historical building and making it work. It's a beautiful place, it's a loved place. The center has been really important in keeping the neighborhood vibrant." 

As conversation among the guests turn , Gonzalez reached out to extend some help.

"We're going to sit down with the Jones Center and see how we, as a city can get involved," Gonzalez said. "We would like to help raise funds for the capital roof fund. This is a very important community center that helps these children throughout this area."