By William S. Bike
WINNING ESSAY
Thalia Avila, a fifth grade Embers Academy student, won $200 for her first place essay and poster about her grandfather, Frank Avila, which Thalia submitted to the Arab American Association for Engineers and Architects, Illinois Chapter, an organization encouraging young people’s interest in engineering. See https://aaaea.org.
YOUTH FOOTBALL
The Canaryville Lions Youth Football tackle football team is accepting applications for youth football coaches and staff for the fall 2022 season. The Lions belong to USA Football and Chicagoland Pop Warner Little Scholars. Interested individuals may apply at www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3388082.jsp. Located in Canaryville since 1994, the Lions program provides competition for children ages seven through 15. The 2022 season starts Monday, Aug. 1. Register to play at www.youthfootballinchicago.org. For additional information call Adam Campbell at (312) 961-1806.
hold her poster about him. The poster and essay won a first prize of $200.
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 Gazette Chicago cover? Text (312) 487-2372 or (773) 969-9443; or text HEALTH to (312) 487-2372.
SUMMERDANCE
Chicago SummerDance runs Wednesday, July 6, through Saturday, Sept. 17, in Millennium Park and at parks throughout the city. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy introductory dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by live music and dancing. For exact dates, music, and venues, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_summerdance.html.
FAMILY BIKE PARADE
ChicagoFamilyBiking.org hosts a family bike parade the third Saturday of every month at 9:30 a.m. at Palmisano Park, 2700 S. Halsted St. Enjoy rides on June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, and Oct. 15.
WOMEN’S PARK NEWS
The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet the Tuesdays of July 12, Aug. 23, Oct. 11, and Dec. 6 at 6:45 p.m. at the field house at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. The public is invited.
This year’s annual Lakeside Bank Concert in the Park, Clarke House Concert, will be held Wednesday, July 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. It starts with a drum circle for family, friends, and kids at 6:30 p.m., followed by band and jazz band performances at 7 p.m.. Go to www.vandercook.edu/event/concert-in-the-park-hosted-by-lakeside-bank-tentative-2/.
For more information, log on to www.chicagowomenspark.com, email [email protected], or call (312) 328-0821.
CHINATOWN SUMMER FAIR
The Chinatown Summer Fair, 2200 S. Wentworth Ave., will be held Saturday, July 30, noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m., followed by Asian-themed performances including kung fu demonstrations. Enjoy a petting zoo and children’s area at 24th Place and Wentworth. Log on to www.ccc-foundation.org/summer-fair/ or call (312) 326-5320.
DE LA SALLE NEWS
De La Salle Institute offers a variety of academic and athletic summer camp sessions for grade school students. Week-long sessions begin Tuesday, July 5; Monday, July 11; and Monday, July 18. Email [email protected]
De La Salle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.
FULL SCHOLARSHIPS
Exelon Foundation recently honored two Exelon STEM Leadership Academy graduates, awarding Nicole Constante a full scholarship to the University of Illinois Chicago and XiuYi Tan of Chinatown a full scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For information, call (312) 394-7417.
FIESTA DEL SOL
Fiesta del Sol runs Thursday through Sunday, July 28 through 31, on eight blocks of Cermak Road in Pilsen. Enjoy food, fun, and entertainment. See www.fiestadelsol.org or call (312) 666-2663.
SUPPORT GAZETTE CHICAGO
You can provide tax-deductible donations to Gazette Chicago through CivicLab. Go to www.tinyurl.com/Support-Gazette-Chicago to donate online or make out a check to CivicLab with “Gazette Chicago” on the memo line and mail your check to CivicLab, 1643 N. Larrabee St., Suite I, Chicago, IL 60614. For more information, call (312) 243-4288.
GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS
Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., offers 75-minute docent led tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. The courtyard jazz concert series will continue on Wednesday, July 27, with Elaine Dame. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, with music performed in two sets between 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Advance tickets required for all events. Visit www.glessnerhouse.org to purchase and for more information.
GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL
The Grant Park Music Festival runs Wednesday, June 15, through Saturday, Aug. 20. The festival showcases classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, bringing a transformative experience to concert goers and the city at large. For dates, music, and performers, go to www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2022-season.
TAX EXEMPTION
A bill by State Rep Sonya Harper (D-6th) to exempt unclaimed property sold by the State treasurer from sales tax recently became law “When the state Treasurer cannot reunite unclaimed tangible property with the legal owner after five years, the Treasurer can auction off the property,” Harper said. “Exempting these goods from sales tax makes them more accessible to the consumer and saves them money.” For Harper’s office, call (773) 925-6580.
PODCAST FINALISTS
National Public Radio named Su Ha Thi Lin, Trefena Sumoket, and Erika Flores, students at Charles N. Holden Elementary School, 1104 W. 31st St., as finalists in NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge. Their podcast is called Holden Immigrant Experience. For more about Holden, log on to www.holdenschool.org/.
LANGUAGE BETWEEN WORLDS
Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., announced a new group exhibition, Language Between Worlds, featuring five artists whose works examine racial inequality. The exhibition will be on view from Saturday, July 16, through Saturday, Oct. 29. Participating artists are Nyame Brown, Nicole Marroquin, Jessica Vaughn, and the Art Center’s former resident artists Chris Pappan and Bethany Collins. For more information, log on to www.hydeparkart.org.
DUCKWORTH, DAVIS HONORED
The Illinois Primary Health Care Association honored Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Danny K. Davis for their leadership and efforts in support of community health centers. Duckworth received the Distinguished Community Health Center Advocate Award. Davis received the Distinguished Community Health Center Champion Award. For more information, log on to www.iphca.org.
LOLLAPALOOZA
Lollapalooza will be held in Hutchinson Field in Grant Park Thursday through Sunday, July 28 through 31, on eight stages with more than 170 American and international bands highlighting alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal, hip hop, and electronica. Lollapalooza will feature interactive areas with giveaways, merchandise, a food court, and a mini-fest for children running parallel to the main concerts. Go to www.lollapalooza.com/.
MILLENNIUM ART FESTIVAL
The 14th annual Millennium Art Festival, at Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, will be held Friday through Sunday, July 15 through 17. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Browse paintings, ceramics, photography, and furniture from more than 120 artists. Log on to https://amdurproductions.com/event/2022-millennium-art-festival.
FILM SERIES
Millennium Park will show movies in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St., at 6:30 p.m. from Tuesday, July 12, through Tuesday, Aug. 30. The lineup is: In the Heights, July 12; Encanto, July 19; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, July 26; Dirty Dancing, Aug. 2; Knives Out, Aug. 9; Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings, Aug. 16; Save the Last Dance, Aug. 23; and Strictly Ballroom, Aug. 30. For information, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park7.html.
MUSIC SERIES
The Millennium Park Summer Music Series happens on select Mondays and Thursdays through August 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, it presents a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Log on to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park9.html.
MORNING STAR ANNIVERSARY
Morning Star Baptist Church, 3993 S. King Dr., will celebrate its 105th anniversary on Sunday, July 17, with services at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Call (773) 285-8111 or log on to http://morningstarbcofchicago.org/.
PIZZA CITY FEST
Pizza City Fest, Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, brings together 39 of the region’s best pizza makers (and one out-of-town guest) for two days of pizza making and appreciation, all at Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. Thanks to ten PizzaMaster ovens on site, guests will be able to see each pizza maker create, bake, and serve up remarkable pies in the hall’s massive parking lot. Along with your pizza, enjoy live music, pizza-themed art, merchandise, and a few special treats. General admission one-day and two-day passes are available at $59 and $89, respectively. For ticket information, go to https://pizzacityfest.com/about/.
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, as well as a 6 p.m. outdoor Mass in the parish garden through the end of September. 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.
SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS
The Saint Ignatius College Prep Model United Nations has been recognized by Best Delegate, the Model UN organization for both high school and college levels, in its annual high school awards. The Saint Ignatius UN team, after its 8-0 season and national championship, was one of seven teams selected for Best Club.
The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.
ST. JEROME NEWS
St. Jerome Croatian Parish invites all to the 116th Croatian Fest/Velika Gospa celebration. Spiritual preparation begins with a novena (nine consecutive days of prayer) from Saturday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 14. A different priest will lead the prayers each day.
On Monday, Aug. 15, the day will start with a 10 a.m. procession through the neighborhood ending at the church with a solemn high Mass at noon. Throughout the day there will be traditional Croatian dishes, beverages, music, and games. The evening concludes with a 10 p.m. $20,000 raffle.
Rev. Joe Grbes recently was elected provincial minister of the Herzegovininan Franciscan Province. The church is at 2823 S. Princeton Ave. Call (312) 842-1871.
CATALYTIC CONVERTER LAW
State Senator Tony Munoz (D-1st) spearheaded a measure to help reduce the number of stolen car parts by requiring people to keep record of the sale of catalytic converters. Governor JB Pritzker signed the bill into law. Call (773) 869-9050.
LOCAL GRADUATE
Near West Sider Autumn Jilek graduated from the University of Alabama in May with a degree in commerce and business administration.
REBOUND TO WORK
Attorney General Kwame Raoul began a pilot program focused on reducing the long-lasting effects of violence in communities by assisting victims of violent crime in obtaining sustainable employment. The Rebound to Work program brings together community and corporate partners to provide assistance to victims of violent crime as they work to rebuild their lives. See https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/.
ANNIVERSARY MASS
Cardinal Blase Cupich will celebrate St. Peter’s Church’s 175th anniversary Mass on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend.
The church is at 110 W. Madison St. For information call (312) 853-2376 or log on to stpetersloop.org.
ANACONDA ARRIVES
A green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is the newest arrival at Shedd Aquarium’s Amazon Rising exhibit and measures ten feet, seven inches in length. The new female anaconda, estimated to be five years old, is anticipated to grow to between 14 and 20 feet. The aquarium is at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Log on to www.sheddaquarium.org.
SHRINE NEWS
The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will hold a food drive on Sunday, July 10.
On Saturday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. to noon, the shrine will host a virtual retreat, Mary Magdalene, Fortress of Faith. Call to register.
The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757 or log on to www.ourladyofpompeii.org/.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
South Loop Neighbors will host an ice cream social Thursday, July 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Printers Row Park, 532 S. Dearborn St. Log on to www.southloopneighbors.org.
SPRING AWAKENING
The Spring Awakening electronic dance music festival is set for Friday through Sunday, July 8 through 10, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Three-day and specialty ticket packages are available at https://springawakeningfestival.com/.
STUDENT PROTECTION
Illinois college and university students now have more protection and rights if they fall behind
on debt. A new law, formerly known as SB 3032, prohibits Illinois higher education institutions from withholding a student’s transcript as a means of collecting past-due student debt. The measure also prevents institutions from withholding a student’s official transcript from a current or potential employer as a means of collecting a student’s past debt. The new law also prohibits a university that chooses to refer a student’s debt to a collection agency from reporting that debt to any credit reporting agencies, in accordance with Federal law.
SUNDAYS ON STATE
Sundays on State returns July 24 through Sept. 4, with portions of State Street closed to vehicles on select Sundays. Join this free, interactive block party, presenting local attractions. For dates, go to https://loopchicago.com/events/sundays-on-state/.
BIODIVERSITY PROJECT
The Pepper Family Wildlife Center at Lincoln Park Zoo recognized students from Tilden High School, 4747 S. Union Ave., for their work on a biodiversity research project. See https://tilden.cps.edu/.
UNION PARK MUSIC
Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., will host three music festivals. The Pitchfork Music Festival will run Friday through Sunday, July 15 to 17, highlighting up-and-coming music from around the world along with special performances from touring legends. Single day general admission tickets start at $99 while the three-day, general admission pass is $200. For more information, go to https://pitchforkmusicfestival.com. The Ruido Music Festival runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 19 through 21, with Latin alternative music headlined by Café Tacuba. Log on to https://ruidofest.com/. The ARC Music Festival runs Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4, with house music and a new immersive dance music event. Log onto http://arcmusicfestival.com for the artist lineup.
FACILITY MOVES
The Office of Secretary of State Jesse White has moved the downtown Secretary of State facility from 100 W. Randolph St. to 160 N. LaSalle St. See www.ilsos.gov for more information.
WINDY CITY SMOKEOUT
The Windy City Smokeout is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 4 through 7, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. This popular country music festival is known for drawing in the industry’s top names including Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, and Willie Nelson. The event also presents some of the world’s best pitmasters, as barbecue pros from all over the country highlight styles from Kentucky, Nashville, Missouri, and Chicago. Log on to www.windycitysmokeout.com/ for information and tickets.
COMED SCHOLAR
Local resident Kelly Lin, a senior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, received the ComEd Future of Energy Scholarship. Lin will be a first-generation college student and plans a career in environmental science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). In addition to the scholarship, ComEd also offered Lin an internship. Whitney Young is at 211 S. Laflin St. Log on to https://wyoung.org.
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.