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.
ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES
Local resident Richard Alvarez has created an anti-racism resources website at https://antiracism-resources.com. You also can find his resource list at www.gazettechicago.com.
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.
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected].
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 [email protected] or (312) 746-7291.
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.
CITY NEWS
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.
The City has passed legislation to make June 19 an official celebration of Juneteenth from now on. That is the day in 1865 when Union troops began enforcing the end of slavery.
NEW CAC BOSS
Chicago Artists Coalition (CAC) announced that Teresa Silva, currently CAC’s director of exhibitions and residencies, has been selected as its new executive and artistic director. CAC is located at 2130 W. Fulton St. Call (312) 491-8888.
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.
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.
PARK DISTRICT ACTIVITIES
The Chicago Park District will offer a modified version of its popular summer day camp, from Monday, July 6, through Friday, Aug. 14, at 148 parks across the city. Families also will have the option of registering for a two-week extended camp that runs Monday, Aug. 17, through Friday, Aug. 28. Campers will engage in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities, reading, and journal writing as well as modified sports and outdoor activities that observe social distancing and other public health guidance. Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. In addition to day camp, the district will offer a menu of virtual programs to keep residents active while at home. Offerings include sports, wellness, arts and crafts, and fitness programs. For more information, log on to www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.
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 NEWS
The International Thespian Society is an internationally recognized theatre honor society for high school students. De La Salle Institute welcomed 13 students into the Thespians this year: Kira Cannon, Kaitlyn DeFoe, Quinn Deighan, Layla Dulaitis (Bridgeport), Ariana Hernandez (Pilsen), Amilia Isais (Near West Side), Noelle Johnson, Desmond Jones, LeeVonn Overton, Alicia Plebanski, Sebastian Solis, Dorothy Tillman, (Bronzeville), and Erin Williams.
De La Salle’s French Honor Society held its induction and cording ceremony via Zoom. Earning membership were Mackenzie Capers, Pamela Gonzalez, Sofia Leanos, and Luz Perez.
The Spanish National Honor Society inducted 17 students: Matthew Chavez, Cariana Cintron, Ivy Delgadillo, Mackenzie Gioia, Ian Hopkins, Jacob Lopez, Jill McManus, Maggie Swanborn, Isabella Brogan, Chelsea Guardiola, Olivia Hernandez, Ivan Martinez, Gianna Pawela, Olivia Perez, Rosa Perez, Monce Vazquez, and Amanda Zavala.
De La Salle named Victor DeAvila and Emily McManus the winners of the annual George Eastman Young Leaders Award based on their leadership skills and excellence in the classroom.
The school chose Cameron Laviste and Kayla Roman-Flores as recipients of the Xerox Award for Innovation and Technology.
The 2020 Mock Trial Team recently conducted its awards ceremony for this season. Jonathan Valenzuela earned the Founding Fathers Award for his accomplishments, dedication, and success over the years. Nadiyah Muhammad will serve as president of the Mock Trial Team for the 2020-21 school year, with Judith Hernandez serving as vice president.
The Greenwood Project named recent graduate Joshua Thornton a Scholar. The organization is a nonprofit committed to changing the lives of socio-economically disadvantaged youth by exposing, training, and immersing them in careers in the financial securities sector.
De La Salle chose Alexandra Brist and Jonathan Valenzuela as winners of the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award. The school selects recipients based on demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues, leadership, dedication to community action, and strong grades and rigorous courses taken in the humanities and social sciences.
Thomas Haepp of Canaryville received the John Philip Sousa Band Award for being most outstanding musician in the senior class.
Michael Passarelli and Autumn Rizzo won the Br. I. Austin Scholar-Athlete Award, which goes to two members of De La Salle’s graduating class for excellence in the classroom and on the playing field. Rizzo played on the softball and bowling teams while Passarelli played football and baseball.
Nina Penny and Isaiah Hernandez earned the Bausch-Lomb Award, presented to graduating seniors who excel in science.
Jamey Duncan-Whitt’s poetry won the De La Salle quarterly writing contest.
Shiwen (Cecilia) Yang and Marc Rhymes won the Kamaal Khazen Award, presented annually to graduating seniors who excel in science and mathematics.
The City of De La Salle functions as the school’s student government. The group’s leadership consists of co-mayors Sydni Schaffer and Matthew Chavez; executive officers Nicole Beach, Autumn Bell, Travis Cunningham, Frank Galvan, MacKenzie Gioia, Pamela Gonzalez, Aaliyah Johnson, Desmond Jones, and Gabrielle Thornton; secretary Felicity Sierra; and aldermen Daria Foster, Mia Loza, Mia Nunez, and Christina Wilson.
De La Salle is located at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355.
LEGAL AID
First Defense Legal Aid, located at 5100 W. Harrison St., provides representation to people in custody, informs people of their rights, and organizes volunteers to help.
For more information, call (800) 529-7374.
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.
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.
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 [email protected] for a calendar of upcoming events.
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.
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.
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.
OUTDOOR MARKET
The Pilsen Community Market will be held in Plaza Tenochtitlán, 1821 S. Blue Island Ave. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday.
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.
RUSH GENERATIONS
Rush Generations, a health and aging program, offers classes, screenings, support groups, and other programs for older adults and caregivers. Depending on Illinois Department of Health guidelines, Rush may offer the following programs virtually. For information and to register, call (800) 757-0202.
If you are age 60 or older, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) for Seniors is a free, four-week program that can help you get well, stay well, and make life the way you want it to be. It’s designed to give you tools to reduce stress and anxiety, stay happier and healthier, build on your personal strengths, and feel more hopeful, confident, and engaged. WRAP meets on Fridays, July 17 through Aug. 7, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.
Take Charge of Your Diabetesis a free, six-week workshop for people with Type 2 diabetes. Endorsed by the American Diabetes Association, this program will help you build skills and gain confidence in managing your health and leading an active, fulfilling life. It meets on Tuesdays, July 14 through Aug. 18, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.
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/.
The Summer Spirituality Series will feature Praying with St. Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostle, Saturday, July 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m., led by Julie Berggren, spiritual director.
All events are subject to cancelation, postponement, or transfer to a virtual format.
The shrine has begun offering Masses and other services in its worship space. You must register to attend.
The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757 or log on to www.ourladyofpompeii.org.
FARMERS MARKET ONLINE
The South Loop Farmers Market online marketplace is 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.
ST. MATTHEW NEWS
St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church at 2108 W. 21st St. recently benefited from a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) visit from St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods, IL. Seven LERT volunteers removed a tree stump, cleaned the church grounds, painted a restroom, and washed the soup kitchen’s floor, chairs, and tables. St. Matthew’s soup kitchen, Comedor San Mateo, is in need of monetary and product donations in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For more information, call (773) 847-6458.