By William S. Bike
BUSINESS LOANS
Allies for Community Business, 135 N. Kedzie Ave., offers loans and lines of credit to small businesses of from $500 to $100,000. Log on to https://a4cb.loanwell.com.
FACES OF HOPE
Association House of Chicago will hold its Face of Hope dinner Thursday, June 9, at 6 p.m. at Lacuna Lofts, 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Log on to associationhouse.org/facesofhope for more information.
Local resident and Navy Retail Services Specialist 1st Class Mario Quintana brings supplies aboard the USS Tripoli, an amphibious assault ship homeported in San Diego.
MARKETING EVENTS
Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph St., will host a meet-and-greet for Chicago’s American Marketing Association chapter Wednesday, May 11, and a career connections event Thursday, May 12, both from 6 to 8 p.m. Call (312) 207-1710.
BUSINESS HELP
ChiBizHub helps entrepreneurs find what they need to start and grow their businesses. See https://chibizhub.com/.
CHICAGO CITY MARKETS
Chicago City Markets will be held at various locations through October. See ChicagoCityMarkets.us.
CHICAGO HEALTHTEXT
Gazette Chicago frequently runs health-related articles as part of Chicago HealthText, a collaboration between DePaul University and Chicago Independent Media Alliance. See https://chihealthtext.org/ for more information. Do you have a healthcare or health-related issue you would like to see Gazette Chicago cover? Text (312) 487-2372 or (773) 969-9443; or text HEALTH to (312) 487-2372.
ARETHA RISING
Chicago Philharmonic will offer a performance by Capathia Jenkins, singing works by Aretha Franklin, in Aretha Rising on Sunday, May 29, at 7 p.m. at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Log on to https://my.harristheaterchicago.org/9560/9561.
CBCAC NEWS
The Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community will hold its annual fundraiser Thursday, May 19, from 6 to 9 p.m. at New Furama Restaurant, 2828 S. Wentworth Ave.
CBCAC has hired Lisa Liang as Youth and Community Organizer.
For information, email [email protected].
TALL ENOUGH
DePaul University’s Merle Reskin Theater through Saturday, May 21, is presenting the play Tall Enough, about a group of youngsters helping one of their friends overcome her fear of roller coasters. The theater is at 60 E. Balbo Dr. Call (312) 922-1999.
JOB PLACEMENT
The Community Based Organization Collective received a $1 million grant from Google.org to help place hundreds of jobseekers on the South and West sides into in-demand careers, such as in the tech economy. Log on to www.cbocollective.org/ for more information.
DE LA SALLE NEWS
De La Salle Institute’s spring concert begins at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 12. Graduation will be at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18.
De La Salle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.
FIELD NEWS
The Field Museum will offer free admission days the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, May 14 and 15. Free Day tickets cover basic admission and are available on-site only for Illinois residents and cannot be reserved in advance; visitors must show proof of residency.
The exhibit Poems by Eric Elshtain features nine graphic panels of poetry by the museum’s poet-in-residence. The panels are on view through April 2023 near the displays that inspired them and provide text in English and Spanish.
The museum is at 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. Log on to www.fieldmuseum.org/.
FAMILY FOCUS DINNER
Family Focus, 310 S. Peoria St., will host its annual dinner celebration on Thursday, May 19, at 6:30 p.m. at the Four Seasons Hotel. The organization will honor teacher Rose Johnson and philanthropist Elizabeth Sonnenschein. Call (312) 421-5200.
GLESSNER NEWS
Tours of Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., have resumed. Enjoy tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, or $17 for seniors and students. Special behind-the-scenes tours focusing on the house’s architecture and servants will take place on Saturday, May 21, and Saturday, May 28, respectively; tickets are $30 per person. Advance tickets required for all tours and programs. Visit www.glessnerhouse.org to purchase and for more information.
THE OUTSIDERS
Goodman Theatre will present The Outsiders, a musical set in Tulsa, OK, in 1967 about young people trying to find their place in the world, from Friday, May 27, through Sunday, July 10. The theater is at 170 N. Dearborn St. Call (312) 443-3800.
GREEKTOWN PARADE
The Greektown Parade marches down Halsted Street in Greektown on Sunday, May 22, starting at 2:30 p.m.
GREEN CITY MARKET
Green City Market farmers market will operate every Saturday from May 7 into October from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon St.
ALL IN FOR SCHOLARS
HFS Chicago will host All In For Scholars, its 11th annual spring fundraiser and poker tournament, 6 p.m. on Friday, May 20, at Galleria Marchetti, 825 W. Erie St. Enjoy a poker tournament, casino games, open bar, buffet, and raffle and auction items. Get tickets at www.hfschicagoscholars.com.
UTILITY BILL ASSISTANCE
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity encourages families in need to apply for utility bill assistance through the Help Illinois Families Program by Tuesday, May 31, at helpillinoisfamilies.com.
MORTGAGE HELP
The Illinois Housing Development Authority received approval from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for its Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund program to aid Illinois homeowners who have struggled to pay their mortgage due to COVID-19. The state is accepting applications from homeowners for grants of up to $30,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments. Apply at https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/.
JOFFREY BALLET NEWS
The Joffrey Ballet is presenting the world premiere of Cathy Marston’s Of Mice and Men with an original score by Hollywood composer Thomas Newman, plus the Joffrey premiere of George Balanchine’s Serenade,through Sunday, May 8, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. For tickets, go to Joffrey.org.
ARTS CENTER
The Lillian Marcie Center for the Performing Arts will refurbish an old warehouse at 4343 S. Cottage Grove Ave. to create a 22,500-square-foot, two-story space as the centerpiece of a larger initiative that includes plans for a Black performing arts museum, studio space, restaurant, and jazz club. The State of Illinois will cover the center’s $25 million construction cost through the Build Illinois Bond Fund.
INCLUSIVE HOSPITALS
Of the top 50 most racially inclusive hospitals in the United States, four are in this community, according to the Lown Institute Hospitals Index for Social Responsibility. They are Stroger Hospital (ranked #5 in the country), the University of Chicago Hospital (ranked #6), Mercy (now Insight) Hospital (#29), and Mt. Sinai Hospital (#39). For information, see https://lowninstitute.org/.
MAXWELL ST. FOUNDATION
Members of the Maxwell Street Foundation will participate in the Maxwell Street Market, 800 S. Desplaines St., on Sunday, May 15, selling t-shirts and books and talking to people about the Old Maxwell Street Market. Log on to https://maxwellstreetfoundation.org.
BROTHERS HAYDN
Music of the Baroque will present music by The Brothers Haydn Monday, May 9, at 7:30 p.m. at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. For tickets, log on to baroque.org or call (312) 551-1414.
FRIDA KAHLO PHOTOS
Hundreds of unpublished photos from Frida Kahlo’s personal collection are on display at Frida Kahlo, Her Photos at the National Museum of Mexican Art, 1852 W. 19th St., through Sunday, Aug. 7. Museum admission is free and hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday through Sunday and 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday. For more information, log on to https://nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/.
MOLE DE MAYO
Pilsen’s 13th annual Mole de Mayo Fest will be held Memorial Day weekend, noon to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, May 27 and 28, and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday, May 29, on 18th Street between Blue Island and Ashland avenues. The weekend features a mole cook-off, live music, and lucha libre Mexican wrestling. The event is free, but organizers ask for a $5 donation from individuals and $10 from families. Log on to www.moledemayo.org/thisyear.
Alberto Velzazquez, Amanda Assucena, and Xavier Nunez perform in Joffrey Ballet’s production Of Mice and Men at the Lyric Opera House.
ONE SUMMER CHICAGO
One Summer Chicago will provide in-person job and life-skills training for youth ages 14 to 24 from Tuesday, July 5, through Friday, Aug. 12. Apply at onesummerchicago.org.
MORTGAGE ASSISTANCE
Open Communities is administering the Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund Program (HAF), which provides financial assistance to prevent mortgage delinquencies, defaults, displacements, and foreclosures for income-eligible homeowners experiencing pandemic-related hardships. The State is accepting HAF applications from homeowners for grants of up to $30,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments. Log on to www.open-communities.org/ilhaf.
OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS
Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St., holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish. Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m.; Monday and Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m.
Praying the Rosary begins at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. Holy hour and confessions begin at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St.
OLHF offers a Friday Food Pantry for area residents facing food shortages. Contact the parish office to register or come to the pantry, located behind the church at 1334 W. Flournoy St., from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays.
Call (312) 243-7400, email [email protected], or log on to www.olhfchi.org.
CALL BEFORE DIGGING
Peoples Gas advises local residents to call 811 at least 48 hours in advance of any project that requires digging such as planting, landscaping, or installing a mailbox, deck, or fence. A service technician will come out at no charge to mark where buried utilities are located. Digging without knowing where underground utility lines are can result in serious injury, disruption of essential utility service, and costly repairs if natural gas, electric, communications, water, or sewer lines are struck. Calling 811 before digging also is required by law.
BOARD MEMBER
Michael Kaplan, senior associate at developer Related Midwest, was named to the board of the Cook County Land Bank Authority, a county agency that acquires tax‐delinquent, abandoned, and vacant properties and sells them at below‐market rates to developers who then rehab the properties. See www.cookcountylandbank.org or email [email protected].
BUSINESS ASSISTANCE
Local businesses received more than $5.2 million in funding from the Back to Business program thanks to advocacy and support from State Senator Robert Peters (D-13th).
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awards the grants and will continue to do so. Visit the DCEO website for more information on the B2B program: https://www2.illinois.gov/dceo.
SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS
Saint Ignatius College Prep will hold its graduation at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26, at the Credit Union 1 Arena at the University of Illinois Chicago.
The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.
ST. PETER’S NEWS
St. Peter’s Church in the Loop will host the Chicago Sinfonietta, performing Mozart’s Violin Concerto in G featuring Paolo Castellani, violin, and the world premiere of Nature Suite by the Rev. Robert Hutmacher, OFM,on Friday and Saturday, June 3 and 4, at 7:30 p.m. at the church, 110 W. Madison St. A donation of $25 is requested.
The church’s annual gala will be heldThursday,July 14, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd. Tickets are $225 per person and the event will feature both silent and live auctions.
For information call (312) 372-5111 or log on to stpetersloop.org.
SHRINE NEWS
The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii on Sunday, June 5, will host its Festa della Repubblica Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a street procession to Garibaldi Park, 1520 W. Polk St., for a wreath-laying ceremony, street festival featuring a DJ, classic Italian auto show, and historic photo exhibit. Food will be available for purchase.
The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757 or log on to www.ourladyofpompeii.org/.
collection of photographs the Secretary of State’s office has put online.
DEMOCRACY’S REBIRTH
University of Illinois Chicago Professor Dick Simpson has a new book out, Democracy’s Rebirth: The View From Chicago. In the book, published by University of Illinois Press, Simpson advocates increasing participation in the democratic process, expanding the middle class, and more civic engagement. See https://www.press.uillinois.edu/books/?id=73gtp7se9780252044304 to order.
SOUTH CHICAGO DANCE
South Chicago Dance Theatre will perform at the Harris Theatre, 205 E. Randolph St., on Friday, May 20, at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 each. Log on to harristheaterchicago.org.
SIXTH GRACE SERVICES
Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, 600 E. 35th St., will have its Sunday services at 11 a.m. For more information, call (312) 225-5300.
EMERGENCE
South Side Community Art Center, 3831 S. Michigan Ave., has a new exhibition, Emergence: Intersections at the Center, about how the center acted as an anchor for Black LGBTQIA artists from the 1940s through the 1980s, on display through Saturday, July 2. Call (773) 373-1026.
UAS NEWS
Local public high school students who get jobs through Urban Autism Solutions will have access to transportation thanks to a gift from Lyft. UAS is located at 1212 W. Flournoy St. Call (773) 519-0404, urbanautismsolutions.com.
JESSE WHITE NEWS
Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White announced that entry forms are available for the annual Illinois Emerging Writers Competition Gwendolyn Brooks Poetry Award. The competition is open to Illinois residents age 18 and over. Entries must be postmarked by Thursday, June 30. Cash prizes will be awarded for the first ($500), second ($300), and third place ($100) winning poems. Entry forms are at ilsos.gov/departments/library/center_for_the_book/emerging-writers.html. For more information, contact Illinois Center for the Book Coordinator Bonnie Matheis at (217) 558-2065 or [email protected].
White announced that the Illinois State Archives has placed more than 21,000 historic photographs from the Eddie Winfred “Doc” Helm Photo Collection online. Helm served as the state photographer from 1941 to 1992. The collection is available on the Illinois Digital Archives website at www.idaillinois.org/digital/collection/DocHelm/search/.
IT’S ROCKET SCIENCE
Two teams from Whitney Young Magnet School are among 100 national finalists in the American Rocketry Challenge. The students will compete against other teams at the national finals outside Washington, DC, on Saturday, May 14. The top 25 teams automatically receive invitations to NASA’s Student Launch workshop. Whitney Young’s rocket program, advised by Andrew Peterson, is making its fourth trip to the National Finals. The school is at 211 S. Laflin St. Log on to https://wyoung.org/.
TUTORS NEEDED
The Aquinas Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to instruct limited English proficient adult learners for 90 minutes per week. The center is at 1751 W. 35th St. All instruction is one on one, with training provided. Tutoring can be in person, online over Zoom, or a hybrid of both. Knowledge of a second language is not required; all instruction is in English. For more information, contact Sabrina Poulin, volunteer coordinator, at (773) 927-0512 or [email protected].
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.
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.
BRIGHT STAR RESOURCES
Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Church have a trauma helpline and provide professional development, emotional support, and child and family services. Log on to brightstarcommunityoutreach.com/. Donations welcome. The church is located at 4518 S. Cottage Grove Ave.
The toll-free Bright Star Community Outreachtrauma counseling helpline is(833) TURN123. The helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence.
CARMELA FULL OF WISHES
Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave., will offer the world premiere of Carmela Full of Wishes, April 23 to May 22. Show times are Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Run time is 60 minutes, with no intermission. Tickets are $32 at chicagochildrenstheatre.org.
GET HELP
The Catholic Charities call center helps callers with a variety of needs and connects them to programs within Catholic Charities or other agencies.
The organization offers meals to go at St. Vincent Center, 721 N. LaSalle St., Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. No pre-registration required.
Catholic Charities operates several food pantries.
A counseling/support hotline is available at (312) 948-6951. Catholic Charities also offers professional counseling at (312) 644-7725.
Log on to catholiccharities.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email [email protected].
JOB HELP
The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership has expanded the youth and young adult services its network provides to this community. The partnership provides help for young adults seeking employment, training, and career pathway opportunities at the American Job Center (AJC) at 1700 W. 18th St. Services are offered by appointment only. Call (773) 318-2224.
CUBS BOOK
Gazette Chicago associate editor William S. Bike has authored a book about the 1970 Chicago Cubs season, The Forgotten 1970 Chicago Cubs: Go and Glow.
For more information, go to www.1970chicagocubs.com.
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. Call (312) 747-0327.
GET $50
The Chicago Department of Public Health’s in-home coronavirus vaccination program, Protect Chicago At Home, is open to all Chicago residents age five and older. The department is offering $50 gift cards to those receiving a new dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Call (312) 746-4835.
RIGHT TO RETURN
Former Chicago Housing Authority residents who were displaced by the CHA’s Plan for Transformation and who want to return to the CHA may receive help from Antwain Miller at the Lugenia Burns Hope Center. Call (773) 291-8621 or email antwain.mille[email protected]. The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street.
CHICAGO SHARES
Chicago Shares vouchers are now accepted at more Chicago area Jewel-Osco stores. Individuals can purchase the vouchers and then give them to needy folks encountered on the street. Chicago Shares, each worth $1, are an alternative to providing change. Recipients can use the vouchers for food and necessities but never for alcohol or tobacco. While Jewel-Osco stores make up the majority of vendors, other stores accept the vouchers as well. For more information and to purchase Shares, visit www.chicagoshares.org.
SEEKING YOUNG LEADERS
Chicago Votes offers the Civic Leaders Program, a leadership development program for young people who have experienced incarceration, training them to serve as leaders in the organization’s legislative advocacy, court watching, and voter registration efforts. Chicago Votes is located at 234 S. Wabash Ave. Log on to https://chicagovotes.com.
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.
VETS’ EXEMPTIONS
Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office provides property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities and returning veterans. Log on to cookcountyassessor.com or call (312) 443-7550.
RENTER AND LANDLORD HELP
If you are a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs, or if you are a landlord trying to stay afloat, help may be available. State and local programs are distributing dollars for such needs. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov to find programs. See also ChiCookilRentHelp.org or call (833) 221-9821.
LEGAL AID
Cook County officials and partners run Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt, a county-wide initiative to help residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. Services are provided pro bono for Cook County residents without legal representation and are offered to tenants facing eviction, landlords dealing with an eviction, debtors being sued for unpaid debts, creditors wishing to sue based on unpaid debts, and residents who have defaulted on property tax payments or mortgage foreclosure payments. Learn more by visiting www.cookcountylegalaid.org/.
FOOD PANTRIES
The following food pantries provide groceries and meals to those who need them.
Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, 2942 W. Lake St., (773) 940-2960.
Chosen Tabernacle Full Gospel, 4310 S. Champlain Ave., Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., (888) 834-9414.
Church of St. Paul and the Redeemer, 4945 S. Dorchester Ave., Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., (773) 624-3185.
Hyde Park SDA Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Drexel Blvd., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2909.
Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, 4242 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., (773) 548-7500.
Kenwood UCC Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Greenwood Ave., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:30 to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2861.
Operation Pull Grant Memorial, 4017 S. Drexel Blvd., Tuesday, 1 to 3 p.m., (773) 285-5819.
Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St. (enter from parking lot behind the church), Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., (312) 243-7400.
GWTP JOB TRAINING
Greater West Town Training Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.
FARM FRESH
Growing Solutions Farm will offer vegetables, herbs, and flowers for sale three times a week in this area: at 2200 W. Campbell Park Dr. on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. from June 1 through Oct. 26 and at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 15 through Oct. 9. Call (773) 519-0404.
HARMONY NEWS
Harmony Community Church, 1908 S. Millard Ave., has a community center for youth programs and events. The church offers reading, tutoring, fine art, music, and dance programs. It also has a food pantry. Call (773) 762-9673.
HR HOTSEAT
HRHotSeat Chicagois 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.
LOVING REPEATING
Hyde Park Art Center has an exhibition, Loving Repeating: New Work by married artists and longtime collaborators Dutes Miller and Stan Shellabarger, through Saturday, Sept. 3. Loving Repeating addresses the presence and absence of human touch experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in an immersive installation incorporating the artists’ signature style featuring silhouettes of each other’s bodies. Exhibition admission is free. For latest exhibition hours, visit www.hydeparkart.org. The center is at 5020 S. Cornell Ave.
WATER BILL ASSISTANCE
The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a Low-Income Household Water Assistance Plan, under the Help Illinois Families initiative, to help low-income families unable to pay water and sewer bills avoid shutoffs. Apply for assistance by contacting the real-time assistance hotline service at (833) 711-0374.
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 [email protected].