By William S. Bike
CITY CHAMPION
Marco Liang of Armour Elementary School won the 400-meter run at a meet at Lane Tech High School recently, making him the City of Chicago champion.
DOWELL HONORED
The Bronzeville Trail Task Force and its board of directors recently honored Pat Dowell, 3rd Ward alderperson, with its Oscar Stanton DePriest Award.
STORY TIME
The Canaryville Library,642 W. 43rd St., hosts story time for youngsters age five and younger and their caregivers on Thursdays from 10:30 to 11:30 a.m. Call (312) 747-0644.
CHICAGO LOOP AMBASSADORS
The Chicago Loop Alliance has expanded its Ambassador Program, which focuses primarily on State Street, to patrol the central Loop from Dearborn to Canal Streets and Ida B. Wells to Wacker Drives through Saturday, Oct. 7. Ambassadors wear yellow and black uniforms while they provide directions; greet and engage visitors, workers, and residents; conduct business check-ins; observe and report negative behavior; provide information on wayfinding for those shopping, dining, and exploring; and assist individuals in need of social services or experiencing homelessness. The unarmed ambassadors receive training in de-escalation, allowing them to help deter unwanted behavior and illegal activity and prevent violence throughout the community. For information, log on to https://loopchicago.com/.
SIDE BY SIDE
Side by Side with the Chicago Philharmonic will be held Saturday, July 15, at Ping Tom Park, 300 W. 19th St. Members of the public can register to join and play music. Rehearsal runs from 3 to 5 p.m., followed by the concert at 6 p.m. Register at https://tinyurl.com/SidePhilharmonic.
150 AND COUNTING
The Chicago Public Library will host a variety of free and fun events to celebrate its 150th anniversary through Sunday, Aug. 6. Log on to chipublib.org/summer or call (312) 747-4780.
SUNDAYS ON STATE
Chicago Loop Alliance will resume Sundays on State, which will close parts of State Street in the Loop to vehicle traffic on the Sundays of July 16 and August 13. Sundays on State is free and open to the public and will take place this year with an expanded footprint on State Street from Lake to Adams Streets. Those who register to attend Sundays on State are automatically entered for a chance to win a $1,000 Loop staycation package. Learn more and register for free at LoopChicago.com/Sundays.
HEALTHTEXT INVITE
If you have a health-related issue you would like Gazette Chicago to cover as part of its Chicago HealthText series of articles, text (773) 969-9443 and let us know what you want us to write about.
SUMMERDANCE
Chicago SummerDance runs select dates from Saturday, July 15, through Sunday, Sept. 10, 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.
WOMEN’S PARK NEWS
Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave., will host events throughout the summer. Get details at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/chicago-womens-park-and-gardens#Events.
The park will present the Shakespeare play Cymbeline on Friday and Saturday, July 7 and 8, at 6 p.m., and Sunday, July 9, at 2 p.m.
The park will host the Kalapriya Outdoor Mela Fair, with South Asian food and a bazaar, on Sunday, July 16, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Lakeside Bank will present VanderCook College of Music’s Graduate Concert and Jazz Bands on Thursday, July 20, for the 16th annual South Loop Concert in the Park. The Toddlers, Tunes & Turtles program will begin at 5:30 p.m. A family drum circle demonstration, where kids can enjoy interactive creative music making with their families using rhythm, song, and dance, begins at 6:30 p.m. followed by the concert at 7 p.m. Bring your lawn chairs and blankets, pick a spot to sit, and listen to the sounds of famous marches, showtunes, movie themes, and concert band classics. There will be kids’ activities, a face painter, balloon artist, and giveaways as well.
For information, call (312) 328-0821.
CHINATOWN SUMMER FAIR
The Chinatown Summer Fair, 2200 S. Wentworth Ave., will be held Saturday, July 29, noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 30, 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 Avenue. Log on to www.ccc-foundation.org/summer-fair/ or call (312) 326-5320.
SPEED CAMERA
The Chicago Department of Transportation has installed a new speed camera at 630 W. Root St.
DE LA SALLE NEWS
De La Salle Institute students went on a service learning trip to the Blackfeet Nation in Montana in May and June to help students broaden their worldview, become more empathetic, and work on being agents of change.
De La Salle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to dls.org.
DEPAUL PROF HONORED
DePaul University professor, Change Agents co-founder and executive producer, and film producer Judith McCray has received a 2023 Leaders for a New Chicago Award. The award recognizes past accomplishments and promotes and advances a range of leaders whose influence will inform decision making across the city of Chicago. McCray develops and produces award-winning programming and documentaries that examine racism, civil rights, education, politics, and history—exposing narratives often overlooked in conventional media coverage.
FARMERS MARKETS
Farmer at the Green 320,320 S. Canal St., 3 to 7 p.m. Tuesdays, through Oct. 24. Green City Market West Loop,115 S. Sangamon St., 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Nov. 18. Growing Solutions Farm,2200 W. Campbell Park Dr., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Wednesdays, and 2 to 6 p.m. Fridays, through Oct. 10. Illinois Tech Farmer’s Market, 3421 S. State St., 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 21. Maxwell Street Market,800 S. Desplaines St., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 29. Pilsen Community Market,1821 S. Blue Island Ave., 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays, through Oct. 30. South Loop Farmers Market Grant Park,1201 S. Michigan Ave., 4 to 8 p.m. Thursdays, through Sept. 28. South Loop Farmers Market Printers Row,1201 S. Michigan Ave., 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, through Oct. 14.
GAZETTE CHICAGO HONORED
The blog Feedspot named Gazette Chicago to its 2023 list of the Best 40 Chicago Magazines and Publications. See https://blog.feedspot.com/chicago_magazines/?feedid=5460597. Among other publications on the list are Chicago Magazine, Chicago Sun-Times, Chicago Tribune, Crain’s Chicago Business, and Chicago Reader.
SPINOSAURUS
The Field Museum is now the only place in the Western hemisphere to see the world’s largest predatory dinosaur. See the Spinosaurus cast now displayed in the museum’s Stanley Field Hall, suspended twelve feet above the ground in a swimming pose to evoke its reign as a prehistoric river monster. The museum is at 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Call (312) 922-9410 or log on to www.fieldmuseum.org.
FIESTA DEL SOL
Fiesta del Sol,the largest Latino festival in the country, runs Thursday through Sunday, July 27 through 30, on eight blocks of Cermak Road in the Pilsen Historic District. Enjoy four days of Latin food, performances, and amusement park rides and games. See www.fiestadelsol.org or call (312) 666-2663.
GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS
Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., will lead a walking tour of the Motor Row Historic District along Michigan Avenue on Saturday, July 8, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. Tickets are $25. On Sunday, July 16, from 2 to 4 p.m., it will lead a walking tour of the Prairie Avenue Historic District; tickets are $30. Wayne Messmer will headline the courtyard jazz concert on Wednesday, July 26, from 5:30 to 8 p.m.; tickets are $15. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit glessnerhouse.org or call (312) 326-1480.
DANCE OF PSYCHE
Greektown has a new outdoor art exhibit, a kaleidoscope of butterflies titled the Dance of Psyche. Enjoy 26 sculptures showcasing creativity from 13 professional and emerging artists, two Chicago area high schools, and 11 local Greek language schools. This colorful mix of works lines Halsted Street from Monroe to Van Buren Streets through spring 2024.
ASCEND PROGRAM
Illinois Institute of Technology has launched its Ascend program to broaden access to higher education. This collaboration with City Colleges of Chicago offers graduating high school seniors a cost-effective and flexible path to pursue their academic journeys. Students begin their college experience at a partner institution, and upon successful completion of the first year, transition to full-time study at Illinois Tech to finish their bachelor’s degree. For information, log on to iit.edu.
SCHOLARS HONORED
LINK Unlimited Scholars hosted its annual Scholar Celebration ceremony in June at the Zhou B Art Center to honor its Class of 2023 scholars’ accomplishments. Sponsored by Old National Bank, the celebration culminates the LINK Unlimited Scholars four-year high school fellowship, which delivers programming through a culturally responsive lens for Black students across Chicago. Scholars receive one-on-one mentoring and attend academic, college, career, and leadership workshops as well as retreats, courses, and community service events. For information, log on to https://linkunlimited.org/our-scholars/.
LOLLAPALOOZA
Lollapalooza will take over Grant Park Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 3 through 6, on nine stages with more than 170 bands from around the world highlighting alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal, hip hop, and electronica. Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar, and Odesza will headline, and visitors also can enjoy 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 15th annual Millennium Art Festival at Michigan Avenue and Lake Street will be held Friday through Sunday, July 14 through 16, 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.
MUSIC SERIES
The Millennium Park Summer Music Series happens on select Mondays and Thursdays through Monday, August 21, 6:30 to 9 p.m. in Millennium Park’s Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Gates open at 5 p.m. with a pre-show at 5:30 p.m. Entrances are on Randolph and Monroe Streets. This series presents a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists. Log on to https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park9.html.
FILM SERIES
The Millennium Park Summer Film Series shows films on Tuesdays through Aug. 29 at 6:30 p.m.; gates open at 5 p.m. at the Randolph Street and Monroe Street exits. Seating is available at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion or simply lounge on the Great Lawn. Films are projected on a 40-foot LED screen. For a list of films, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park7.html.
WRITERS’ CONFERENCE
The Northwestern University Summer Writers’ Conference offers programming for writers of all genres and backgrounds. The conference returns this year on Friday and Saturday, July 21 and 22, online. Participants will learn from award-winning authors; Northwestern faculty will teach all workshops. Interested writers also can schedule individual manuscript consultations with conference faculty. Registration will remain open throughout the duration of the conference. Tuition options range from $30 to $150, depending on how many sessions in which one enrolls. For more information about the conference or registration visit www.sps.northwestern.edu/summerwriters or email [email protected].
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 11:30 a.m. in Spanish, and 6 p.m. in English (the evening Mass is in the parish garden and leashed pets are welcome), as well as a Saturday evening Anticipatory Mass at 5 p.m. in English.
Mass is held at 6 p.m. in the church on Mondays followed by the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St. On Friday, Mass is held in the church at 6 p.m., followed by Adoration and Confessions.
OLHF offers a Friday Food Pantry for area residents facing food shortages. Contact the parish office or just 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.
NEW AIR CONDITIONING
Quinn Chapel, 2401 S. Wabash Ave., now is air conditioned for the first time in its 131-year history. The new system was a collaborative effort between ComEd, the church, and Slipstream, a Midwest nonprofit that finds, tests, and scales climate solutions in buildings and communities. For more information, call (312) 791-1846 or log on to https://quinnchicago.org/.
RANDOLPH ST. MARKET
The Randolph Street Market will be held Saturday and Sunday, July 29 and 30, at 1341 W. Randolph St. from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Log on to randolphstreetmarket.com.
SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS
The Illinois Water Polo Hall of Fame recently inducted former Saint Ignatius College Prep water polo coach Mike Cashman into the hall. Cashman played water polo at St. Rita High School, Iona College, and Northwestern University before coaching the water polo team at Saint Ignatius College Prep for 11 years, where he twice earned Illinois Water Polo Coach of the Year.
The school is at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Call (312) 421-5900 or log on to www.ignatius.org.
ST. PETER’S GALA
St. Peter’s Church in the Loop will host its ninth annual gala Thursday, July 13, from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Union League Club, 65 W. Jackson Blvd. Tickets are $225 per person, and there will be silent and live auctions. For information call (312) 372-5111 or log on to stpetersloop.org.
POMPEII SHRINE NEWS
The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii now offers a touchless way to participate in the ritual of lighting a candle to place special intentions in the sanctuary. Candles for intentions and memorials received by Friday at 3 p.m. will be lit before the 8:30 a.m. Sunday Mass and included as part of the Prayers of the Faithful Intercessions. Candles remain lit in the shrine’s sanctuary for approximately 5 to 7 days. Log on to www.givecentral.org/location/78/event/26977 to make a donation and offer an intention.
The Italian Festa Under the Stars is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 26, with hors d’oeuvres at 5:30 p.m. followed by a buffet dinner and dessert. The evening also includes wine and entertainment.
For information, email [email protected] or call (312) 421-3757, ext. 310. The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St.
ICE CREAM SOCIAL
The South Loop Neighbors will host an ice cream social on Thursday, July 20, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Printers Row Park, 632 S. Dearborn St. All are welcome.
SUNDAYS ON STATE
Sundays on State returns Sunday, July 16 and Aug. 13, with portions of State Street closed to vehicular traffic on those dates for a free, interactive, internationally acclaimed Loop block party. Information is available at https://loopchicago.com/events/sundays-on-state/.
UPS DONATES $1 MILLION
The UPS Foundationon June 13presented a check for $1 million to three local non-profit agencies: West Side United,Metropolitan Family Services,and Erie Neighborhood House.The check represents a grant investment to address health inequity on the South and West Sides through workforce development programs facilitated by the three agencies. The agencies will use funding to train 300 candidates to enter the workforce, help them find jobs with advancement opportunities, and offer ongoing support after they are hired. For more information, call (219) 501-6393.
WOMAN MADE GALLERY NEWS
Woman Made Gallery, 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Suite 4A, has two upcoming art shows. The Tickled Pink show is online only at https://womanmade.org/tickled-pink/#tab_see-the-work and runs through Sunday, July 30. The show Absurdity: in Dada We Trust opens with a free reception on Saturday, July 22, and runs through Saturday, Aug. 19. Gazette Chicago Associate Editor Anne Nordhaus-Bike has art pieces in both shows. Log on to https://womanmade.org/, or call (312) 738-0400. Dial 354 to enter the building.
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].