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Archives for June 2020

Construction continues on IMD Gateway

On the Illinois Medical District’s west side, construction workers at the $300 million IMD Gateway project have not missed a beat—even during coronavirus sheltering.

Construction workers, who have what government officials consider essential jobs, are building the next phase of the district’s western entry. They are erecting stores, offices, laboratories, housing, and a Hilton-related hotel on a 9.5 acre site bordered by Harrison Street on the north and Ogden Avenue on the east.

“The retail corridor has opened in recent months,” said Ryan Gage, spokesperson for the Illinois Medical District Commission, which oversees Gateway. So far, shops include Starbucks, Jimmy John’s, Chipotle, an AT&T retailer, and Eye Q Optical.

“The good news is that Chipotle and Jimmy John’s are still open and providing food to the essential workers at the Medical District,” according to Eileen Rhodes, president of East Lake Management Group, one of the developers. Starbucks also has reopened. All three provide carry-out only and no sit-down service.

“We have a couple more retail tenants that we’re talking to about space in the retail center, but we can’t announce them just yet,” Rhodes said.

Gage said all that remains for the retail phase is finishing work on landscaping and parking lots.

As crews continue previous activity, they also are preparing the ground for the next phase. “We are still working on the design and permitting for the hotel and residential building,” Rhodes said. “No major changes to those buildings.”

Gage said current efforts are simply continuing work on “establishing a life sciences hub.” Workers broke ground for Gateway in December 2016, with construction begun in 2017.

In addition to Gateway, Medical District officials and commissioners are busy marketing vacant land in the district’s southern portion, mainly south of Roosevelt Road, he added.

Crews also are working on a new outpatient care facility for Rush Medical Center on the north side of Harrison, east of Ashland Avenue. The site formerly held student housing.

Officials advise those going to any of the construction sites to keep out of the way of workers and vehicles, stay six feet away from them, and wear a mask. For the most part, crews are working in areas fenced and covered by green screens.

For the Illinois Medical District, call (312) 738-5800 or log on to medicaldistrict.org. To contact Gateway developers, log on to eastlakemgmt.com or call (312) 842-5500. To contact County Hospital developers, log on to harrisonsquarechicago.com or call (312) 625-3120.

—Susan S. Stevens

Life in the times of COVID-19: more deaths, more partisanship, and more insanity

Let’s see, where were we? In May, when we last wrote to you we highlighted the bravery and ingenuity of local and national groups, organizations, and individuals addressing myriad challenges of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In case you missed it, please go to Gazette Chicago’s website at www.gazettechicago.com to read the May editorial. 

Where are we now? Pretty much in the same boat— unless you spent Memorial Day weekend in Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri, and other points around the country, where you hopped off your water crafts by the hundreds to have a few drinks in the lakefront bars and wade into the beachfront waters. Social distancing? We think not. Those who reveled in the Lake in the Ozarks all have been ordered to self-quarantine for 14 days. Wonder how many will do so? As of this writing, the number of deaths due to the coronavirus nationwide has now exceeded 100,000 and will keep climbing through the summer. It is most likely to be 30,000-plus above whatever figure the Center for Disease Control provides, due to deaths that have not been tracked directly to the virus or victims dying of cardiac and other-related illnesses exacerbated by the virus. 

Memorial Day 2020 had an extra solemn tone to it. Not only did we remember the bravery and sacrifice of our war dead during our nation’s history, but we stopped and bowed our heads to those who died from the coronavirus and the many heroes and heroines who have literally given their lives to care for these victims and to save the lives of hundreds of thousands of others. Not to mention every other first responder outside of our hospitals and medical centers and essential workers who are risking their lives and also dying to try and keep you safe. Keep in mind, too, the enormous stress put on these healthcare providers and essential workers—the untold story here is the mental health crisis that is developing from this pandemic. It makes one incredulous to see the selfishness of so many people who won’t practice social distancing to keep themselves, their loved ones, and these front-line heroes safe. All for what: a little fun in the sun? 

Speaking of bowing our heads. We knew eventually that the struggle to control the coronavirus would find its way into bipartisan politics at its worst. From Washington, DC, to state capitols, the debate has moved tragically from “follow the science” to follow the directives of a Republican president hell-bent on getting re-elected by refusing to fully acknowledge this international crisis and arguing it is time to “move beyond” the virus, rather than attempting to save more lives by ushering in more testing and contact tracing. But, did this really have to meander into a fight between church and state? Of course, it did. 

On Friday, May 22, President Trump said he would “override” church officials across the country who refused to reopen their places of worship. Really? Since when did the president of the United States have authority over religious entities?  Was Trump so worried about the faithful struggling to find solace during a national pandemic by wanting to gather with their fellow congregants? Was he concerned that since he can’t personally offer one ounce of empathy to his fellow Americans that maybe they could find some comfort from their pastor’s pulpit? Or, was he itching to get back to his regular schedule of Sunday worship rather than tweeting his vitriol to the masses or playing a round of golf at his own Trump National Golf Club in Virginia? Wrong, wrong, and wrong. All Trump was doing was playing to his base. 

And the media didn’t see this? Certainly not the Chicago Sun-Times, which placated Trump and played right into his hands. The very next morning, in its Saturday, May 23 edition, the Sun-Times ran a bold headline on its front cover,  “Sunday Showdown” and framed Trump with his scowl and sans a mask, bordered by Governor JB Pritzker and Mayor Lori Lightfoot on either side, with their masks diligently in place. All because once again, an uninformed Trump throws something out there that has no credence and the media rushes to give him the publicity he craves. Anyone who has been a parent or guardian knows that you don’t reward children for bad behavior by giving them a lollipop or an ice cream cone. Yet, in the era of Trump our local and national media offer sweets and treats to this petulant president day after day. 

The other major disappointment when it comes to religious groups during this time of COVID-19 is the ill-advised, ignorance, and stubbornness of some of our local ministers and pastors refusing to follow State of Illinois and City of Chicago social distancing directives and re-opening their places of worship recently. These church leaders wail that their flock needs them. Really?  Did they bother to read, or did they just ignore the reports out of Ringgold, GA, and Houston, TX, that when churches there reopened in May, they had to shut down again after members and leaders tested positive for the coronavirus? Was that worth it? Was that responsible leadership? Must have been one heck of a couple of sermons. How terribly unfortunate and unnecessary this was. 

We are grateful that Cardinal Blasé Cupich of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago and religious leaders among our Jewish and Muslim brethren are saying instead, “hold on there—not yet.” For those of you who find that gathering with fellow congregants enhances your faith, we sympathize with you. We even are empathetic to the need of pastors and ministers to have a Sunday collection to keep their ministries going. But, we implore that church leaders not open church buildings at the cost of their flocks’ lives and livelihoods. 

Here is a question for those ministers defying the science and directives: Ask yourselves what would Jesus do? Imagine Jesus, during his active ministry, preparing to gather his believers along the Jordan River and instructing his disciples to gather the masses along the hillside. “But, Teacher, there is a terrible outbreak called the coronavirus, and it is killing people by the thousands. Is this wise to do?” Peter might ask. Think about what Jesus would do in this situation. We certainly don’t think he would be reopening churches in today’s time of COVID-19. 

Basically, the decision is in your hands, not your pastor’s or minister’s. Do what is best for you and your loved ones. And, if you are getting pressure to “come back” to your place of worship before it is safe to do so, here is some advice:  find somewhere else to practice your faith. 

One last thing on this church versus state conundrum. Gazette Chicago is extremely disappointed in local businessman Willie Wilson, throwing his money behind these pastors and ministers defying the stay at home order. Fine, we know you’re a millionaire, Mr. Wilson. And we know you are planning an independent run for the U.S. Senate seat held by Richard Durbin of Illinois (after an unsuccessful run for Mayor of Chicago). But your pandering to these ill-advised religious leaders to pay their possible fines from the City for their violations shows your complete lack of understanding of this crisis. You are trying to pander to a potential base of voters just like Trump has been doing for months now, and that doesn’t put you on the right side of sound thinking either. And, you want to be a senator for Illinois? Sorry, we find you unqualified, Mr. Wilson, and will remind our readers of your actions come November. 

Once again, Federal dollars going to the wealthy and well off. Gee whiz, will this ever end? Now comes a report that $500 million will go to the most financially secure hospitals and medical canters in the nation, rather than those inner city and rural hospitals on the verge of collapse due to this pandemic. In the era of Trump, the rich get richer, no matter if you own an airline, an oil company, a behemoth like Amazon, or another Fortune 500 company. If there is one sane person left in the White House, can you please earmark these funds to institutions like Saint Anthony Hospital, Mount Sinai Medical Center, Mercy Hospital and Medical Center, and the UI Health System, right here in our community? Each day, these administrators and health care workers are on the front line of this pandemic, and they need an infusion of cash to help keep them going. The Department of the Treasury led by Steve Mnuchin is completely out of touch as to what institutions and individuals need help during this financial collapse. 

The Grim Reaper is not who you think he is. U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, too, is at fault. The Democratic Congress asked for approval of another measure to bring aid to suffering American households, but “The Grim Reaper”(McConnell’s gaudy self description, not ours), was once again ready as Gazette Chicago went to press, to let this bill die like the 200-plus others that have arrived DOA at his doorstep during Trump’s time in the White House. These bills all would aid middle-class and low-income families, by the way. This, too is leadership?  Keep in mind that The Grim Reaper is up for reelection in Kentucky in the fall. If you can spare a few dollars, consider making a contribution to challenger Amy McGrath, and help get this walking roadblock to democracy out of office. You can go to her website at https://amymcgrath.com/.

Circling back to Memorial Day 2020. It was gut-wrenchingly noticeable to see President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence make their appearance at Arlington National Cemetery sans masks. Once again, a misguided symbol to their base that all is well in America and time to get back to normal. Of course, the shortsightedness of this includes the fact that vulnerable military veterans were present. This is how we show respect to those who sacrificed to keep this country free? What a brazen lack of regard for those who have served and are trying to live out their finals days in comfort and peace—and not to have to die alone from the coronavirus. Are we stretching too much here? Just the fact that Trump and his loyal sidekick Pence (who also refuses to lead with integrity at every turn) would appear without masks sends a chilling message about their ignorance and lack of compassion and empathy. 

And to show where the president has his priorities, he goes out of his way to ridicule Democratic presidential challenger Joe Biden and his wife, Jill, for actually wearing masks on Memorial Day. Trump said it made Biden look weak and later said it actually improved his appearance. This, coming from the man who should be leading this country in its time of crisis. Shortly after his Memorial Day misbehaviors, Trump began to wage war with Twitter, for finally having the spine to fact-check his vitriolic tweets in real time. This came after, in a span of seven days, the president’s tweets became even more abhorrent, including falsely accusing MSNBC talk show host and former congressman Joe Scarborough of murder. We have an even better idea, Twitter: shut down the Trump account and maybe, just maybe, he would start acting like a grown-up and lead from the front rather than from behind his mobile phone. Will either happen?  Highly unlikely. 

Then we have State Rep. Darren Bailey (R) of that bursting metropolis, Xenia, IL, who blatantly challenged Illinois House Leader Michael Madigan (D) by refusing to wear a mask at the first day of the Illinois spring session in May. He was promptly shown the door and the next day obliged with a face covering. Meanwhile, many Americans cry foul that having to wear a mask in public harkens to the days of Adolf Hitler. Really? Can anyone truly make the argument that sane, practical measures resulting from the recommendations of scientists and epidemiologists equals the dictatorship of the worst mass murderer in history? Maybe some among far-right wing Republican legislators, right-wing media talking heads, and Trump’s loyal base could, but rational thinking Americans? 

Then came word that Rep. Bailey has joined with three other Republican downstate legislators who are calling for a recall of Governor JB Pritzker. Why? Because State Rep. Allen Skillcorn of East Dundee, IL, believes Pritzker should be removed from office because the Illinois Department of Employment Security website kept crashing when thousands of Illinois residents tried to make their unemployment claims at the outset of the COVID-19 crisis. The others are frustrated with the Priztker’s four-phase plan to reopen the Illinois economy. Their chances of getting enough State Representatives and State Senators to go along with their partisan grandstanding are slim, yet it doesn’t stop the effort here in Illinois and nationally to demean Democratic governors, who have outpaced their Republican counterparts when it comes to rationale thinking that follows the science in the time of COVID-19. 

The insanity continues. 

Where are the heroes in this Administration and within the Federal government during this crisis? We wait patiently for someone, anyone, to step up and say “Enough, the lies and the misinformed information must stop!” Could it be Dr. Anthony Fauci? What about Dr. Deborah Birx? Is there anyone else within the Center for Disease Control, the Federal Drug Administration, or within the White House to say: “No, hydroxychloroquine is not safe and neither the president nor you should use it as a preventive health regimen.” “No, we are not past the peak to reopen communities safely.” “Yes, we need a national, concerted effort to stem the spiraling numbers of deaths in our nursing homes.” “Yes, we should be vigilant when these meat packing plants reopen around the country and demand safeguards for those workers.” “Yes, every American should be wearing a mask in public to protect others, no matter where they are living.” “Yes, the coronavirus will be with us until a proven vaccine can be distributed to hundreds of millions of Americans and billions around the globe.” Can someone, anyone, speak up even though they are in fear of losing their jobs? Is the paycheck too important? We get it—we don’t want to lose the sound judgment and voice of Dr. Fauci. He seems to be the only reasonable person left to whom we can turn, besides a handful of rational governors and Congressional leaders. We yearn for the days of leaders such as Franklin D. Roosevelt, John F. Kennedy, and Jimmy Carter. They put country and Americans first. Not now, not from this administration.

Immigrants in Illinois and across the country are suffering greatly during this pandemic. Gazette Chicago’s coverage, beginning on page 8 of this issue, tells the plight of immigrants in our community facing additional pain and hardship due to the coronavirus. Our story shares some startling statistics:  that one in seven Illinois residents is an immigrant, while one in eight has at least one immigrant parent. It also shows that more than 250,000 U.S. citizens live in Illinois with at least one family member who is undocumented. This data may or may not sit well with some of you, but how about the fact that more than 20% of all business owners in Chicago are immigrants or that 19.2% of the foreign born work in “essential critical infrastructure” jobs? Many of these workers are on the front line of this crisis, yet do not have healthcare coverage at their jobs and fail to qualify for Federal aid through the Families First Coronavirus Response Act. The end result? Approximately 53% are going back to their factories and other jobs before their COVID-19 tests come in because they are desperate to put food on their tables. As of this writing, Latinos account for 42% of the coronavirus cases in Chicago. However, other immigrant groups are also suffering, including Asians and other people of color. “I am particularly aware in times like these, of how much we rely on our immigrant community to provide essential services and how much they are underappreciated,” said Peter Zigterman of World Relief Chicago. Immigrants are afraid to go to hospitals for fear of dying alone and are scared that their status could change when they step forward for assistance. Mayor Lori Lightfoot is asking immigrants to come forward and benefit from City services related to the coronavirus. If you know of an immigrant or an immigrant family that is afraid during these especially frightful times, reach out and assure them they will be cared for in a sanctuary city such as Chicago. 

Is professional sports in this country really worth it at this time? Of course, we all need distractions from the coronavirus and we are all getting a little loopy after three months of staying at home for the most part. The Chicago Bulls 1990s-era documentary, The Last Dance, held our attention for five wonderful Sunday evenings. And yes, we sympathize mightily with the workers who cut the grass, pour the beer, and provide us meals at the ballparks. But, as professional sports teams in America struggle to find ways to reopen their seasons (the National Basketball Association and the National Hockey League) or have the first umpire yell out, “Play Ball!” (Major League Baseball) and have the National Football League and the NCAA kick off their football seasons, we pray that they do so safely for the players, the managers and coaches, the stadium workers (whether the fans get to come back or not), and all of their families. Rational thinking once again must overcome the needs of billionaire owners and millionaire players to salvage the 2020 seasons. 

Congratulations to all of our 2020 graduates. We have seen virtual graduations and graduates taking photos in caps and gowns in front of their high schools and universities. We see the yard signs saying “Congratulations Class of 2020.” We ache for our young people who have yet to have the opportunity to celebrate together. We hope that this summer or fall brings you the celebration you have worked so hard for to enjoy with your families. In the meantime, we are pulling for you. Don’t lose hope and know that you can and will do great things in the years to come. We, the members of your local community, need you. You are living through the most unprecedented times in our nation’s history, yet you will come out of this stronger, together. We wish you the best in your next level of learning or as you pursue your first job after college. We are proud of each and every one of you!

Keep your chin up and reach out to others. This time of COVID-19 will continue to play itself out before us, as maddening and stressful as the days are becoming. We will continue to keep hope alive with you, pray for you, and serve you where we can. This is all so overwhelming and we wish you and yours once again the very best in the days and weeks ahead. As best as you can, reach out and help others whether it’s through a donation to a local organization or placing a call to a neighbor to make sure he or she is okay. For those who need them, seek the resources to help you manage the stress—go to our website for a list of the many resources available. Continue to practice social distancing—especially now that the warmer weather is upon us. After months of being cooped up in our homes and apartments, it is human nature to want to gather with family and friends. Take heed of our local public health officials and follow their recommendations before you wander outdoors in larger groups.

May the God you worship bless you, protect you, and heed your prayers; whether you do so in the quiet of your home or during a walk in solitude, or at a time whenever it is safe to gather again in your house of worship. Remember though, the most important thing is that God hears you no matter where you pray. 

Stay safe and secure. Again, we stress that we remain all in this together.

Around the Neighborhood: June 2020

By William S. Bike

Editor’s note: At press time, future events listed in Around the Neighborhood still were scheduled, but changes are happening on a daily basis due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Check websites or call before going out in case events have been postponed or canceled.

ART INSTITUTE NEWS

The Art Institute of Chicago is scheduled to present the exhibition Monet and Chicago during the summer through Monday, Sept. 7, at 111 S. Michigan Ave. Log on to www.artic.edu.

Third District Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry (in suit) has been dropping off meals provided by local restaurants to first responders during the coronavirus crisis.

ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES

Local resident Richard Alvarez has created an anti-racism resources website at https://antiracism-resources.com.

BENTON HOUSE INFO

At Benton House,3052 S. Gratten Ave., find out about public benefits such as supplemental nutrition assistance and citizenship application help. Call (773) 927-6420 or email info@bentonhouse.org.

BOULEVARD NEWS

The Boulevard of Chicago at 3456 W. Franklin Blvd. provides medical respite care and housing services for homeless adults discharged from area hospitals. Call (773) 533-6013 or log on to www.blvd.org.

BUCKNER RESOURCES

Residents who want to share their thoughts or require assistance on coronavirus or any issue in the community can reach the office of State Rep Kam Buckner (D-26th) at (773) 924-1755 or by email at Buckner@Illinois26.com.

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

CCT NEWS

Check out Chicago Children’s Theatre,100 S. Racine Ave., any evening from 7 to 11 p.m. to see a larger-than-life, multi-color, bright new window installation that changes the colors of the rainbow around the life-affirming message “Everything will be okay.”  Chicago Children’s Theatre staff and artists created, programmed, and installed the window display using paper, stencils, and LED lights pulled from the theater’s existing production stock. See a related music video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0JBp0LtbNM.

CCT also offers virtual theatre and learning for youngsters ages two through 13.

For information, call (773) 227-0180 or log on to chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services reports that Community Services Block Grant Scholarships are available for those enrolled or planning to enroll in college or vocational training. Contact Jenny Schuler at jenny.schuler@cityofchicago.org or (312) 746-7291.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

City of Chicago emergency rental assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship. Call 311 or use a search engine to find City of Chicago Family & Support Services online.

LABOR LAW SEMINARS

The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is offering webinars on topics such as minimum wage, fair workweek, and paid sick leave on every Tuesday and Thursday in June at 2 p.m. Log on to www.chicago.gov/laborstandards.

GET ORGANIZED

Community Organizing and Family Issues, 2245 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 226-5141, organizes and trains parents to win improvements in schools and communities and in how to create organizations and programs. See cofionline.org.

CMI RESOURCES

The Crisis Management Institute (CMI) works with schools and parents after a tragedy, such as a shooting or national event like the Sept. 11, 2001. To deal with issues related to coronavirus, the CMI launched several websites. One has resources for school counselors, counselors.cmionline.com; a second is for parents, parents.cmionline.com; and a third serves children and their parents, resources-for-kids-during-covid19. Parents can access several children’s books by Marla Koch to help children deal with quarantine by using the resources tab of the parents’ website. For more information, log on to www.cmionline.org or call (503) 585-3484.

De La Salle Institute has chosen Francesca Castagna as the new head coach for the Meteors varsity girls’ softball program.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

Twenty young women and men from the De La Salle Institute Class of 2020 have chosen where they will further their educations next year while participating in intercollegiate athletics. Hockey: Gabe Galvez (Robert Morris University); softball: Erianna Claudio (Triton College), Kamryn Gonzalez (La Sierra University), and Alyssa Luna (St. Thomas University–Florida); baseball: Matthew Boehm (Lewis University), Jeremy Figueroa (Heartland Community College), Ben Hernandez (University of Illinois at Chicago), Isaiah Hernandez (Inspiration Academy), Lee Hodges (Morton College), and William LePretre (Millikin University); football and baseball: Michael Passarelli (Illinois Wesleyan University); football: Matthew Byrnes (Iowa Western Community College), Jamari Johnson (Eastern Illinois University), Taron Dabney (University of Indianapolis), and Devonne Phams (Concordia University–Wisconsin); football and wrestling: David Ortiz (Elmhurst College); girls volleyball: Nina Penny (Indiana Tech) and Nyiah Penny (Indiana Tech); boys soccer: Cristian Granados (Lewis University) and Manny Rodriguez (Saint Xavier University).

De La Salle has chosen Francesca Castagna as the new head coach for the Meteors varsity girls’ softball program. She has been an assistant softball coach the last two seasons.

De La Salle is located at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355.

LEGAL AID SCHOLAR

First Defense Legal Aid intern Charles Jones III has earned a summer 2020 Mansfield Scholarship at Roosevelt University.

Located at 5100 W. Harrison St., the organization provides representation to people in custody, informs people of their rights, and organizes volunteers to help.

For more information, call (800) 529-7374.

GLESSNER NEWS

Glessner House has opened a courtyard that allows pedestrians to look through the windows into its schoolroom, main hall, parlor, and kitchen. The courtyard is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After the State and City lift stay-at-home directives, explore architecture, history, and design at Glessner House. Tours will be offered Wednesday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. In the meantime, take a virtual tour or, for information, visit GlessnerHouse.org.

The house is located at 1800 S. Prairie Ave. Call (312) 226-1480.

GBMA HELP

Greater Bridgeport Mutual Aid, a network of more than 150 volunteers, has organized to provide free grocery delivery, direct people to resources and information through a telephone hotline, provide digital enrichment for students during remote learning, and do neighbor support check-ins. The network serves the Bridgeport, Chinatown, Armour Square, and Canaryville neighborhoods. Services are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Request services on the group’s website at www.gbmachicago.org or by calling or texting the group’s hotline at (312) 818-1393. Donations are welcome by emailing GBMA through the organization’s website.

GWTP JOB TRAINING

Greater West Town Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.

HOLY FAMILY-NOTRE DAME NEWS

While Masses are suspended due to coronavirus through the Easter season, Holy Family-Notre Dame Parish will offer Sunday Masses on the parish Facebook page at 10 a.m. Office hours are suspended. Email hfndparishcommunity@hf-nd.org for more information.

HR HOTSEAT

HRHotSeat Chicago is a free monthly online meetup of more than 1,600 human resources practitioners, service providers, students, and Chicago-area professionals in job transition who come together to expand networks and solve problems. Visit www.HRHotSeat.com or email info@hrhotseat.com for a calendar of upcoming events.

GIVE BLOOD

The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers encourages people to give blood. Contact Vitalant at www.vitalant.org or (877) 258-4835 to schedule a donation time. For more information, log on to www.illlinoisbloodcenters.com.

BYRNE DETOURS

As part of the Jane Byrne Interchange reconstruction, the Illinois Department of Transportation on June 1 closed the ramp connecting the inbound Eisenhower Expressway with the outbound Kennedy Expressway. The ramp will remain closed for four months. A detour sends drivers down the Dan Ryan Expressway to Taylor Street and then back on to the Kennedy. Taylor Street is closed to street traffic between Union Avenue and Ruble Street, although pedestrians and bicyclists still may use it. IDOT also closed the inbound Dan Ryan ramp from Roosevelt Road, detouring motorists down Halsted Street to Adams Street.

LOW-COST INTERNET

Internet Essentials makes it possible for people receiving public assistance to qualify for low-cost internet service. Log on to internetessentials.com.

LADIES OF VIRTUE

Ladies of Virtue, 1245 S. Michigan Ave., (877) 565-7121, provides mentoring and leadership and empowering experiences, including help with school applications, for girls ages nine through 18 from underserved communities. Log on to lovchicago.org.

LATINO UNION

Latino Union of Chicago collaborates with low-income workers to improve their social and economic conditions through employment opportunities. Log on to latinounion.org or call (312) 491-9044. For those looking to hire workers, call (773) 588-2641.

RENTERS’ SERVICES

The Lawyers Committee for Better Housing provides eligible renters with supportive services and free legal aid. The LCBH also offers Rennie the Chatbot at rentervention.com to help with people’s housing problems. The LCBH is located at 33 N. LaSalle St. Call (312) 347-7600 or log on to www.lcbh.org.

MEALS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Third District Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry has been dropping off meals provided by local restaurants to first responders during the coronavirus crisis. The Third District Support Fund has raised more than $5,800 to provide meals for first responders. Make a donation at www.CommissionerLowry.com/SupportFund or call (312) 603-6391.

MERCY NEWS

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls seeks adults to be mentors for youngsters. Learn more at MercyHome.org/ChicagoGazette.

Call (312) 738-7560 or log on to www.mercyhome.org.

Several new coronavirus testing sites have opened on the South Side of Chicago.

MERIT ONLINE CLASSES

Merit School of Music has reworked its summer offerings to allow students to experience Merit’s camps, classes, electives, and workshops while staying safe and healthy at home through online camps and classes. Merit’s summer lineup offers a wide variety including sound engineering, songwriting, voice camp, and intro to piano classes. In addition to offering financial aid to qualifying families, Merit has raised money for a COVID relief discount for families whose finances are affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Browse classes and register at www.meritmusic.org/summer.

EMPOWERING LATINAS

Mujeres Latinas en Accion empowers Latinas through service and advocacy. Their domestic violence crisis hotline is (312) 738-5358 and their rape crisis hotline is (888) 293-2080. Mujeres is located at 2124 W. 21st Pl. Call (773) 890-7676.

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

The National Immigrant Justice Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave., provides comprehensive legal services to low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. It will continue to do intakes over the phone during the coronavirus crisis. Call (312) 660-1370 or log on to www.immigrantjustice.org.

PAPPAS IMPROVES WEBSITE

Taxpayers seeking property tax refunds have new tools on cookcountytreasurer.com enabling them to file electronically instead of downloading a form and mailing it in, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said. Eliminating paper applications will reduce the time it takes the office to issue refunds due to overpayments, she added.

GAS WORK

People’s Gas is replacing a gas main at West 31st and South Halsted Streets through Monday, July 6. The company expects no interruption in service.

INTERNET COURSES

Public Narrative,600 S. Michigan Ave., offers courses in various locations on topics including social media, communication plans, podcasting, search engine optimization, and analytics. Call (312) 369-6400.

CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE

Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Crime Victims Services Bureau helps those dealing with the effects of crime. Call (800) 228-3368.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep’s 34th Annual Golf Classic is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, at Cog Hill, featuring golf, food, and prizes. Proceeds will go to the school’s Tuition Assistance Program. Call (312) 432-8403 or email wendy.mccarthy@ignatius.org.

The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd.

CONTACT ROBINSON

State Representative Lamont J. Robinson (D-5th) wants to hear what residents think are the most important issues in the community. Contact him at (773) 924-4614 or at his office at 5048 S. Indiana Ave.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii is posting a novena daily during the coronavirus pandemic at www.ourladyofpompeii.org/special-covid-19-novena/.

Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni, rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, will lead a virtual retreat, Connecting Our Hearts in this Time of Distancing, on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. Check in online at 8:45 a.m.

The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757 or log on to www.ourladyofpompeii.org.

Shure, an audio equipment company, donated $79,000 worth of earphones to Chicago Public Schools.

SHURE HELPS CPS

As students and teachers continue transitioning to online learning, having the right tools to learn from home can be a challenge. To help, Shure, an audio equipment company, donated $79,000 worth of earphones to Chicago Public Schools. The earphones are compatible with mobile phones and laptops to enable more focused learning for students and teachers who may encounter distracting noise or difficulties in hearing online lessons at home. For more information, see www.shure.com.

FARMERS MARKET ONLINE 

The South Loop Farmers Market online marketplace will open for new orders of produce, meat, eggs, bread, baked goods, specialty foods, plants, beer, and other products every Friday at 9 a.m. Vendors will pack your order and have it ready for pickup on the following Thursday between 2 and 6 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Ave. Pickup fee is $10. During pickup, customers will come to the parking lot of Second Presbyterian Church and form a line outside the church’s back door. Customers must wear a mask and follow all social distancing and safety precautions. The market also will deliver to select buildings. Sign up at www.southloopfarmersmarket.com/slfm-direct.

Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas and her staff have improved the Office of the Treasurer’s website.

SOUTH LOOP NEIGHBORS NEWS

The South Loop Neighbors chose These Extraordinary Times for this year’s photo contest theme and recommends interested participants start taking photos now. All contest entries must focus on the South Loop; SLN will provide more information later. If SLH cannot hold the photo contest in conjunction with the Printer’s Row Art Fest, it will conduct it online.

Enjoy a South Loop Sing Along every night at 8:30 p.m. Check out Hello South Loop on Facebook to find out the nightly song selection.

For information, log onto www.southloopneighbors.org.

STEVENS HONORED

Congratulations to Gazette Chicago reporterSusan S. Stevens, who received one of the inaugural Chicago Headline Club Service Awards for her decades of dedication and service to the club. According to the CHC, Chicago’s premier journalism organization, “Sue is the backbone of the Chicago Headline Club. In addition to serving as the club’s longtime secretary, she has been our institutional memory and the voice of reason during times of transition…a journalism pioneer who joined the Headline Club in 1969—the first year women were officially welcomed to join.”

CORONAVIRUS TESTING SITES

New testing sites for coronavirus (COVID-19) include Saucedo Elementary Academy, 2850 W. 24th Blvd.; Kennedy King College, 6301 S. Halsted St.; Senka Park, 5656 S. St. Louis Ave.; Gately Park, 844 E. 103rd St.; and, for first responders and health care workers only, Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35thSt.

TRAUMA HELPLINE

The toll-free TURN Trauma Counseling Helpline,(833) TURN123, operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. TURN stands for The Urban Resilience Network, and the helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence. The organization also provides trained ambassadors to visit community events and schools to educate about trauma.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

If your business has experienced substantial economic injury due to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Association is authorized to issue assistance through a small business economic injury disaster loan program. This program can provide low interest loans of up to $2 million to businesses and private non-profits. See https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

SUMMERLAB

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools will host Summer Lab, Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 31, featuring a day camp, theatre training, summer school, sports, dance, and recreation. Log on to SummerLab.org.

UIC INFORMATION

Two education-related researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago received nearly $1 million combined in grants from the Spencer Foundation in support of their work. The foundation presented the awards to Decoteau Irby, associate professor of educational policy studies, for his project exploring school district-level equity leadership and impact and to Amanda Roy, assistant professor of psychology, to support her investigation concerning education and work decisions among low-income, ethnic minority youth.

BLOOD NEEDED

Vitalant, the Chicago area’s largest blood center, is facing an emergency need for blood and platelets. To donate, visit vitalant.org or call (877) 258-4825.

HIV+ WOMEN

The Women’s Treatment Center offers free assistance with online applications for enrollment into the Illinois Ryan White Part B Program for HIV+ women. Call (312) 850-0050, x4994. The center is at 140 N. Ashland Ave. Log on to www.womenstreatmentcenter.org.

MUSEUM CAMPUS TOUR

Historian Richie Zie has posted a 20-minute tour of the Museum Campus on his website www.richiezie.com. Click on video, and then on Chicago history. In the last three months, Zie has posted 17 shows on the website.

Send news of events held “around the neighborhood” by the 15th of the month before the month they are to occur to William S. Bike, Around the Neighborhood, Gazette Chicago, 1335 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-3318, fax (312) 243-4270, or email info@gazettechicago.com.

SEND INFO FOR ATN

Local schools, churches, and institutions are welcome and encouraged to send information to Gazette Chicago for inclusion in the Around the Neighborhood section free of charge. News of upcoming events; student, faculty, staff, and parishioner accomplishments; and photos of events that have occurred are welcome. Please send information to info@gazettechicago.com in the month preceding the event—for example, news promoting July events should be sent to Gazette Chicago in June. The next deadline is Wednesday, June 17, for the July 3 issue.

Special Olympics Illinois Opens West Loop HQ

Special Olympics Illinois (SOILL) opened a Chicago headquarters in the West Loop as part of its expansion and new programming to ensure that people with intellectual disabilities have opportunities for growth.

The non-profit’s Chicago office brings SOILL closer to a growing constituency in the. Roughly 53,000 people in Chicago live with intellectual disabilities. Currently, SOILL serves about 6,000 athletes, ages eight and older, of all ethnicities.

Photo courtesy NSSRA
Special Olympics Illinois, which runs sport, health, education, and leadership programs, has opened a Chicago headquarters in the West Loop.

“We are moving into the West Loop to expand our work in Chicago,” said David Breen, president. “We want Chicagoans to know Special Olympics is much more than a track meet. We are a leader in health services for people with intellectual disabilities, and we enhance life skills to build confidence.

“And with our key partners, many of whom are in the city, we can work together to bridge inclusion hurdles, so our athletes have equal opportunities to prosper as contributing adults,” Breen added.

Special Olympics offers unified school programming at 19 Chicago Public Schools. Unified Champion Schools (UCS) is an all ages, education-based program supported through the Federal Department of Education. At UCS, students with and without intellectual disabilities work together to develop skills and opportunities to build change and help their schools develop cultures of inclusiveness.

Recently, SOILL hosted a professional development seminar for schools that have implemented UCS programming and those interested in learning more. It was the first of several informational meetings SOILL plans for the year. Significant expansion plans throughout CPS are on tap for 2020, adding to the growing list of more than 280 UCS schools throughout Illinois.

Ahead of the move into Chicago, SOILL hired an outreach director to work with CPS to enlarge programming for students with intellectual disabilities and a government relations specialist to create more development and partnership opportunities for the Chicago region.

The West Loop office will provide SOILL additional opportunities to help corporate sponsors work on solutions for workplace diversity and inclusion. “Inclusion creates career opportunities for our athletes, and we are at a time when companies are looking to us for help on implementing their goals for a more inclusive workforce,” Breen said.

“Furthermore, given the area’s continued business and residential growth, our new office will help us better connect with the city’s young professionals looking to spend time with our inspiring athletes and growing our mission,” he added.

Located at 820 W. Jackson Blvd., the Chicago office will complement Special Olympics Illinois’s existing state headquarters in Normal, IL.

Special Olympics is a global inclusion movement using sport, health, education, and leadership programs around the world to end discrimination against and empower people with intellectual disabilities.

For information, contact Chris Winston at cwinston@woill.org at Special Olympics Illinois or log on to www.soill.org.

UIC 14th in QS World University Rankings: USA

The University of Illinois at Chicago is ranked 14th in the country among public universities in the listing of America’s top universities by QS World University Rankings. Overall, UIC is ranked 43rd—tied with Case Western Reserve University—out of 300 public and private U.S. universities awarding doctoral degrees.

This is the first time that the rankings by QS Quacquarelli Symonds, a global higher education research company that publishes the QS World University Rankings, focused solely on U.S. institutions. UIC’s international and national reputation is growing. UIC ranked 26th among U.S. public universities in the 2020 QS World Rankings.

Joshua Clark, UIC
QS World University Rankings: USA recognized UIC’s commitment to excellence, achievement, and diversity.

QS ranked the universities according to their research performance and career outcomes, as well as a range of indicators assessing each institution’s social impact and attempts to foster equitability, according to QS CEO Nunzio Quacquarelli.

Among the indicators QS looked at were employability, which included employment prospects of graduating students; diversity and internationalization, which looked at how the institution was striving toward being as inclusive as possible; the learning experience, which looks at the overall learning environment, student-faculty ratio, and retention and graduation rates; and research, which demonstrates how the institution is impacting knowledge creation.

“This year’s QS rankings are another strong indicator of the outstanding academic quality and reputation of UIC’s faculty and programs,” said UIC Chancellor Michael D. Amiridis. “Our commitment to excellence, achievement, and diversity is by now being recognized consistently and internationally, and our institutional reputation continues to ascend among the top public universities in the country.”

UIC ranked higher than many public Association of American Universities institutions, as well as ten of the 14 Big Ten Universities. Despite differences in the methodology, the QS rankings are consistent with the rankings of the Times of Higher Education/Wall Street Journal, which last fall placed UIC 21st among public U.S. universities.

Governor announces Restore Illinois to safely reopen State

Building on data, science, and guidance from public health experts and after consulting with stakeholders across the State of Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker announced Restore Illinois, a five-phase plan focused on saving lives, livelihood, and safely reopening Illinois after dealing with the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

“We have to figure out how to live with COVID-19 until it can be vanquished – and to do so in a way that best supports our residents’ health and our healthcare systems, and saves the most lives,” said Pritzker. “Restore Illinois is a public health plan to safely reintroduce the parts of our lives that have been put on hold in our fight against COVID-19. This is also a data-driven plan that operates on a region-by-region basis, a recognition that reality on the ground looks different in different areas of our state.”

The five-phase plan is guided by public health metrics designed to provide a framework for reopening businesses, education, and recreational activities in each phase. This initial plan can and will be updated as research and science develop and as the potential for effective treatments or vaccines is realized.

 It is based on regional healthcare availability and recognizes the distinct impact the coronavirus has had on different regions of the State as well as regional variations in hospital capacity. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has 11 Emergency Medical Services Regions that have traditionally guided its statewide public health work. For the purposes of Restore Illinois, from those 11, four health regions are established, each with the ability to independently move through a phased approach: Northeast Illinois; North-Central Illinois; Central Illinois; and Southern Illinois.

The five phases of reopening for each health region are as follows:

Phase 1 – Rapid Spread: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital is high or rapidly increasing. Strict stay at home and social distancing guidelines are put in place and only essential businesses remain open. Every region has experienced this phase once already and could return to it if mitigation efforts are unsuccessful.

Phase 2 – Flattening: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital beds and ICU beds increases at an ever slower rate, moving toward a flat and even a downward trajectory. Non-essential retail stores reopen for curb-side pickup and delivery. Illinoisans are directed to wear a face covering when outside the home, and can begin enjoying additional outdoor activities like golf, boating and fishing while practicing social distancing. To varying degrees, every region is experiencing flattening as of early May.

Phase 3 – Recovery: The rate of infection among those tested, the number of patients admitted to the hospital, and the number of patients needing intensive care unit (ICU) beds is stable or declining. Manufacturing, offices, retail, barbershops and salons can reopen to the public with capacity and other limits and safety precautions. All gatherings limited to ten or fewer people are allowed. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.

Phase 4 – Revitalization: The rate of infection among those tested and the number of patients admitted to the hospital continues to decline. All gatherings of up to 50 people are allowed, restaurants and bars reopen, travel resumes, child care and schools reopen under guidance from the IDPH. Face coverings and social distancing are the norm.

Phase 5 – Illinois Restored: With a vaccine or highly effective treatment widely available or the elimination of any new cases over a sustained period, the economy fully reopens with safety precautions continuing. Conventions, festivals and large events are permitted, and all businesses, schools, and places of recreation can open with new safety guidance and procedures in place reflecting the lessons learned during the coronavirus pandemic.

Until the coronavirus is defeated, Restore Illinois recognizes that as health metrics tell State officials it is safe to move forward, health metrics may also tell State officials to return to a prior phase. With a vaccine or treatment not yet available, IDPH will be closely monitoring key metrics to immediately identify new growth in cases and hospitalizations to determine whether a return to a prior phase is needed.

As millions of Illinoisans continue working together by staying at home and following experts’ recommendations, the result has been a lower infection rate, lower hospitalizations, and lower number of fatalities than without these measures. As the State’s curve begins to flatten, the risk of spread remains, and modeling and data point to a rapid surge in new cases if all mitigation measures are immediately lifted. The governor and his administration continue to urge all Illinois residents to follow the State’s stay at home order and to follow the guidance issued by the State and public health experts.

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