ATN

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.

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.

By William S. Bike

AFFORDABLE INTERNET

The Federal Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households $30 per month off internet bills. Log on to www.whitehouse.gov/getinternet/?utm_source=getinternet.gov.

GIORDANO DANCE

Auditorium Theatre will host Giordano Dance Chicago on Saturday, June 11. The theatre is at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. Call (312) 341-2300.

PASTOR HARRIS HONORED

Pastor Chris Harris of Bright Star Church, 735 E. 44th St., recently received an honorary degree from the Erikson Institute,a graduate school focusing on child development. For more information, log on to brightstarchurchchicago.com.

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 to 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.

DANCE FOR LIFE

Chicago Dancers United, which supports health and wellness in Chicago’s professional dance community, will hold its annual fundraiser, Dance for Life, Saturday, Aug. 13, at 6 p.m. at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., with an after-party at Venue SIX10, 610 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 341-2300 or log on to auditoriumtheatre.org.

5K RUN & WALK

Join the Center for Information and Study on Clinical Research Participation in a 5K Run & Walk on Monday, June 20, at the Lake Front Trail, Burnham Park, 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. Online registration will close on Saturday, June 18, at 6 p.m. Register online at https://www.ciscrp.org/event/2022-medical-heroes-appreciation-5k-run-walk/, in person on Sunday, June 19, at the Chicago Convention Center/McCormick Place, or onsite at Burnham Park, Monday morning, June 20. Packet pickup will be Sunday, June 19, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. in McCormick Place West, 2301 S. Indiana Ave, or Monday, June 20, from 6 to 6:30 a.m. at the Lake Front Trail.

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.

STUDENTS EARN SCHOLARSHIPS

Several local Chicago Public Schools students earned Amazon Future Engineer Scholarships of $40,000 over four years to go to college. Jones College Prep students Benjamin Cole, Lijuan Qiao, Mahrhoztal Rosier, and Julie Thai won scholarships; Benito Juarez Community Academy student Marvin Lopez was honored; and Whitney M. Young Magnet High School’s Vivian Chen received a scholarship. For information, call (773) 553-1620.

WOMEN’S PARK NEWS

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet the Tuesdays of June 7, 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. 

The park’s indoor playground has reopened. Club room rentals are available to the public.

Bollywood hip hop classes are scheduled for Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., and yoga classes are held Mondays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. with teachers from the Kalapriya Indian Center. Register at https://kalapriya.org/community-programs#classes.

The park will host the International Music Foundation’s Make Music Chicago event on Tuesday, June 21. All are welcome to bring an instrument and participate.

Registration is open for Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens programs including adult fitness, youth and toddler recreation, art classes, and day camp. 

For more information, log on to www.chicagowomenspark.com, email [email protected], or call (312) 328-0821.

ANTI-HATE

Need assistance dealing with hate crimes? The Chinese American Service League, 2141 S. Tan Ct., has an Anti-Hate Action Center that can help connect people with behavioral health and clinical services as well as legal services. Log on to www.caslservice.org/ or call (312) 725-5224.

CHICAGO RECOVERY GRANTS

The City of Chicago Department of Planning and Development awarded Chicago Recovery Grants to three Bronzeville projects. The Overton Center for Excellence, 221 E. 49th St., will receive $5 million to convert a former elementary school into office space for entrepreneurs and nonprofits. Soul City Kitchens, 5021 S. Wabash Ave., will get $1.85 million to convert a building into a culinary incubator for entrepreneurs. The Bronzeville Sustainable Commercial Center, 4131 S. State St., will receive $250,000 to build commercial space for small business. For information, email [email protected]

SUPPORT FOR FOSTER CARE

To help support foster care youth across Illinois, State Rep. Lakesia Collins, D-9th, introduced a measure to provide exit interviews to foster care youth when they leave a foster home. The bill was signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker in May. For more information, contact Collins’s office at (312) 298-9181.

LOCAL STAR

Local resident Kayla Corbett is a ball girl for the Chicago White Sox and has made several good catches on foul balls this season.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute summer camp registration is open for grade school students and incoming freshmen. The camp runs Monday, June 20, through Friday, July 22.

De La Salle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.

UNENCOUNTERED CLOUDS

Epiphany Center for the Arts is hosting Unencountered Clouds, works by Marc Benja and Jess M. Bell, through Saturday, June 25. The venue is at 201 S. Ashland Ave. Call (312) 421-4600 or log on to www.epiphanychi.com.

NATIVE TRUTHS

The Field Museum’s new permanent exhibition, Native Truths: Our Voices, Our Stories allows visitors to experience stories told by native people about self-determination, resilience, continuity, and the future. These stories come to life through historic and contemporary beadworks, ceramics, murals, music, and dance, with support from contemporary art, poetry, photography, and historical objects from the museum’s collections. The museum is at 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. Log on to www.fieldmuseum.org/.

IMMIGRANT HEALTH COVERAGE

Esperanza Health Centers is undertaking major expansion of its insurance enrollment efforts for undocumented immigrants following the State’s rollout of the Health Benefits Coverage for Immigrant Adults program. Esperanza seeks to enroll eligible immigrant adults 55 years and older who may not have had access to health insurance until now. For more information, visit www.esperanzachicago.org.

GARAGE SALE

Help support reuse and get “new to you” treasures at a garage sale at 3612 S. Halsted St. on Saturday and Sunday, June 11 and 12.

SUPPORT GAZETTE CHICAGO

You can provide tax-deductible donations to Gazette Chicago through the CivicLab. 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; or go to www.tinyurl.com/Support-Gazette-Chicago to donate. For more information, call (312) 243-4288.

WALK THROUGH TIME

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., will take visitors on A Walk Through Time on Sunday, June 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. This annual tour includes a rare opportunity to see ornate interiors at Prairie Avenue’s landmark mansions. Tickets are $50 per person. The courtyard jazz concert series resumes Wednesday, June 22, with the Suneetha Vaitheswaran Trio. 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.

ART IN GREEKTOWN

Greektown Chicago has a new outdoor art exhibit, My Painted Lyre: Seeing Music in Chicago’s Greektown, with 26 3D artworks lining Halsted Street from Monroe to Van Buren Streets through spring 2023. For more information, visit greektownchicago.org.

HUMANITY

Hilton Asmus Contemporary Gallery at 3622 S. Morgan St. from now through Saturday, July 23, is showing an exhibition of photos, paintings, mixed media, and sculpture entitled Humanity. Call (630) 803-4715 for information.

DON QUIXOTE

The Joffrey Ballet is presenting Don Quixote, a family-friendly story of adventure, romance, and the power of belief, in Lyric Opera House at 20 N. Wacker Drive through Sunday, June 12. For information, visit Joffrey.org.

LEE NEWS

Alderwoman Nicole T. Lee recently held the 11th Ward Boy and Girl of the Year ceremony. Grade 7 runners-up: MaryKate Cordin, St. Gabriel School, and Kharon Edge, James Ward School. Grade 7 winners: Molly Haynes and Dominic Scalise, Bridgeport Catholic Academy. Grade 8 runners-up: Sienna Conte and Nathan Sanchez, St. Gabriel School. Grade 8 winners: Angela Cai, Robert Healy School, and William Babich, St. Jerome School. Finalists: Joseph Hermle, Michael Marszweski, Iva Marusic, Ivan Mei, Teagan Peterson, Samantha Soung, Matthew Teneyuque, Joaquin Torres, and Yu Min Wu. 

For more information or to make an appointment with Lee, call (773) 254-6677 or see [email protected] Her office is at 3659 S. Halsted St.

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.mn. and 3:30 p.m. Call (773) 285-8111 or log on to http://morningstarbcofchicago.org/.

MUNOZ LAW ENACTED

Military sexual violence survivors will be protected and perpetrators will be held accountable thanks to a measure led by Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz (D-1st)that Governor JB Pritzker recently signed into law. Senate Bill 257 ensures survivors receive full protection no matter where they are and that perpetrators can be held accountable. Survivors receive additional employment protections as they recover. Call (773) 869-9050 for more information.

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 5 p.m. outdoor Mass in the parish garden through early fall. 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.

CAPITOL ACCESSIBILITY 

A measure to make the State capitol complex more accessible for visitors with disabilities was signed into law thanks to efforts by State Senator Robert Peters (D-13th). The new law will require both the speaker of the House and the president of the Senate to appoint an accessibility coordinator to work in consultation with the Capitol architect to address accessibility needs for each chamber. For information, call (708) 730-4283.

RUSH RESEARCH

Xiaoran Liu, assistant professor, Rush University Medical Center, received an international research grant from the Alzheimer’s Association for research on the role of diet and nutrition in preventing Alzheimer’s disease. The grant gives Liu nearly $150,000 for her work on delineating the potential mechanism by which diets or nutrients protect against cognitive decline; her work could help medical practitioners make better dietary recommendations for high-risk populations to prevent Alzheimer’s disease. For more information, contact Nancy Rainwater at (847) 324-0373.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Several Saint Ignatius College Prep teams won the Illinois High School Association Team Academic Award for maintaining a cumulative grade point average exceeding 3.0: men’s and women’s lacrosse, softball, baseball, women’s soccer, men’s tennis, men’s and women’s track, men’s volleyball, and men’s and women’s water polo.

The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.

ST. JAMES NEWS

St. James Catholic Church celebrates Sunday Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the church at 21 E. 29th St. Daily Mass Monday through Friday is celebrated at 7:30 a.m. in the Tolton Chapel at the rectory at 2942 S. Wabash Ave. All Masses are available both in person and on Zoom. Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation are offered on the first Friday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church. The Parish Office, 2907 S. Wabash Ave., is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

A safe space to explore questions of life and faith together, presented by St. James Wabash and Old St. Mary’s, will explore the meaning of love, finding true freedom, the power of prayer, and the church as community on Wednesdays in June, 7 to 8:30 p.m., through June 29; sessions held in person at Old St. Mary’s, 1500 S. Michigan Ave., with light meal provided. For more information, contact  [email protected] or go to https://bit.ly/3MxtqSg. Get all Zoom links and more information at www.stjameswabash.org. 

Email [email protected] or call (312) 842-1919 for more information.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii onSunday, 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/.

JOIN SLAC

The South Loop Advisory Council is looking for members. Email [email protected] for more information.

GRILLS NIGHT OUT

South Loop Neighbors will host Grills Night Out at Cottontail Park, 44 W. 15th St., on Saturday, June 18, at 6 p.m. Bring your own grillable items, and South Loop Neighbors will provide the grills, drinks, chips, and dessert. Log on to www.southloopneighbors.org.

ANNIVERSARY EVENT

Urban Autism Solutions will  host its 10th anniversary event, Carrots & Cocktails, Wednesday, June 22, from 5 to 7 at Growing Solutions Farm, 2200 W. Campbell Park Dr. Enjoy live music, cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and a raffle. Also, organizers will present Legislators of the Year awards to Illinois Senate President Don Harmon (D-39th), Illinois House Minority Leader Jim Durkin (R-82nd), Illinois Senator Tony Munoz (D-1st), and Illinois State Representative Lakesia Collins (D-9th). Urban Autism Solutions is at 1212 W. Flournoy St. Call (773) 377-5691.

COLLEGE BOUND

For the 13th consecutive year, 100% of the seniors at Urban Prep’s Englewood, Downtown, and Bronzeville campuses, all African-American males and mostly from low-income families, have been accepted to four-year colleges and universities.Students from the Class of 2022 won admission to 412 different four-year colleges and universities. For more information, call (773) 802-7423.

URBAN PRAIRIE HONORED

The U.S. Department of Education announced that it recognized Urban Prairie Waldorf School,1310 S. Ashland Ave.,as a Green Ribbon School for its innovative efforts to reduce environmental impact and utility costs, improve health and wellness, and ensure effective sustainability education. For more about the school, call (312) 733-5337.

ADDICTION HOTLINES

AddictionResource.net lists drug and alcohol abuse hotlines available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and confidential. Log on to https://www.addictionresource.net/addiction-hotlines/ or call (844) 616-3400.

TUTORS NEEDED

The Aquinas Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to instruct limited English proficient adults 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]

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. 

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.

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.

GET HELP

The Catholic Charities call center helps callers with a variety of needs and connects them toprograms 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.

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.

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.

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.

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 [email protected] The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street.

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.

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.

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/.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

Any Chicagoan can request an in-home vaccination for coronavirus (COVID-19) by calling the City of Chicago at (312) 746-4835. Or, find out where to get vaccinated from the State of Illinois by calling (800) 889-3931 or logging on to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/.

NEW ARTISTS

Elephant Room Gallery, 704 S. Wabash Ave., presents new exhibitions of the work of new and emerging Chicago-based artists every four-to-six weeks. Log on to www.elephantroomgallery.com.

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.

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, through Sunday, July 10. The theater is at 170 N. Dearborn St. Call (312) 443-3800.

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.

GREEN CITY MARKET

Green City Market farmers market will operate every Saturday into October from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. in Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon St.

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.

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. 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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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/.

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.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

The Jason Foundation offers free suicide prevention training to educators, other school staff, parents, physicians, clergy, community leaders, and students. Log on to www.jasonfoundation.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.

DISCOUNT PHONE, INTERNET

Under the Federal Lifeline Program, low-income consumers and veterans can receive a discount off their monthly bills for phone, broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service. See http://linkupillinois.org, call (312) 914-6701, or email [email protected]

FREE RIDE

Mount Sinai Hospital, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., offers free rides for patients to get to and from any medical appointment within the Sinai Chicago system. All residents in Sinai Chicago’s service area who need to get to any of the medical system’s hospitals, clinics, or offices for any procedure, check-up, or health appointment can now get free, door-to-door transportation services. Patients can book a ride by calling (630) 903-2949.

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.

ART OF THE BRICK

The Art of the Brick, an exhibition featuring more than 100 works of art made by Nathan Sawaya from millions of Lego bricks, at the Museum of Science and Industry, runs through Monday, Sept. 5. For more information and tickets, visit msichicago.org/visit/tickets. The museum is at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. Call (773) 684-1414.

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.

STUDENTS HONORED

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White honored Illinois students who won White’s Organ/Tissue Donor Poster Contest during a ceremony in his Statehouse office. The overall winner was Zeyneb Efe, a third grade student at Horizon Science Academy-McKinley Park. Cassandra Medrano won in the 6th-8th grade category, and Marissa Estrada won the 9th-12th grade category; both also attend Horizon Science Academy.

FCONTACT ROBINSON

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

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].

By William S. Bike

BLACK CPA SCHOLARSHIP

The Aspiring Black CPA Scholarship—a one-time national scholarship initiative established to provide immediate financial support for Black and African American accounting students and professionals pursuing the CPA credential—is seeking applicants. The Aspiring Black CPA Scholarship is supported by the Black CPA Centennial Fund. Apply at www.blackcpacentennial.cpa by the Sunday, May 1, deadline.

GOLDSBERRY PERFORMANCE

Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., will host An Evening with Renee Elise Goldsberry, who will sing pop, soul, and Broadway classics on Saturday, April 9, at 7 p.m. Call (312) 341-2300 or log on to auditoriumtheatere.org.

BIG SHOULDERS GRANT

The Big Shoulders Fund received a $15,000 grant on behalf of Northwestern Mutual wealth management advisor Fred O’Connor. The grant will support the organization’s mission to help children in need with educational opportunities, ensuring they are better prepared for longterm success. Big Shoulders is located at 212 W. Van Buren St. Call (312) 751-8337.

AUTHORS’ PANEL

Catalyst Ranch, 656 W. Randolph St., will host a panel of published authors from the Executive Learning Exchange Thursday, April 14, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Call (312) 207-1710.

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 $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.

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.

JOIN THE POLICE

The Chicago Police Department is hiring. Log on to https://home.chicagopolice.org/bethechange/.

MONEY FROM CITY

Chicago residents are eligible to apply to participate in the City’s $500-per-month income pilot program, Chicago Resilient Communities Pilot, which aims to provide 5,000 low-income households with monthly cash payments for 12 months. Applicants must be older than 18, live in the city, have experienced economic hardship due to COVID-19, and have income less than 250% of the Federal poverty level. More information is at chicago.gov/cashpilot.

WOMEN’S PARK NEWS

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet on the Tuesdays of April 26, June 7, 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. 

Club room rentals are available to the public.

Bollywood hip hop classes are scheduled for Mondays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m., and yoga classes are held Mondays at 5:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. with teachers from the Kalapriya Indian Center. Register at https://kalapriya.org/community-programs#classes.

For more information, log on to www.chicagowomenspark.com, email [email protected], or call (312) 328-0821.

CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 

Church of the Holy Family,1080 W. Roosevelt Rd., welcomes you to join the congregation for upcoming services:Palm distribution, Monday, April 11, 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Stations of the Cross, Wednesday, April 13, 8:10 a.m. Call (312) 492-8442.

GRANTS TO STOP GUN VIOLENCE

The Cook County Justice Advisory Council is seeking applicants for Gun Violence Prevention and Reduction Grants. Applications for grants of $1.5 million or less are due Monday, May 9. Log on to cookcountyil.gov/JACGrants.

HOYNE PARK SUPPORT

Cubs Charities, a nonprofit that supports sports for youth, families, and communities, will celebrate investing more than $2 million in Chicago communities through 12 ribbon cuttings this year, including one in this community supporting the Omega Delta Youth Baseball and Softball League at Hoyne Park, 3417 S. Hamilton Ave. For more information, visit www.cubscharities.org. 

CHASING LIGHT

Catherine Edelman Gallery is presenting the solo exhibition Chasing Light, featuring new work by Clarissa Bonet, through Saturday, May 14. Bonet has local ties, being a Columbia College Chicago alumna. The gallery is at 1637 W. Chicago Ave. Call (312) 266-2350.

HAROLD WASHINGTON LEGACY

Midland Authors will present Rick Kogan of the Chicago Tribune and WGN Radio and Peter Nolan of NBC-TV Channel 5 discussing Mayor Harold Washington’s legacy in honor of the 100th anniversary of his birth. Admission to the Wednesday, April 20, event is free, with cash bar; it starts at 6 p.m. at the Cliff Dwellers Club, 200 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 636-8968.

GARDNER ACCREDITED

The Gardner School of Chicago-West Loop, a preschool for children ages six weeks through five years, has earned accreditation from the National Association for the Education of Young Children. The school is at 1301 W. Madison St. Call (312) 229-4299. 

GOOD NIGHT OSCAR

Goodman Theatre,170 N. Dearborn St.,is presenting Good Night Oscar,about actor and pianist Oscar Levant appearing on the Tonight Show in 1958, through Sunday, April 24. Call (312) 443-3800.

GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS

Tours of the 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. The tenth annual Mother-Daughter Tea will take place Saturday, April 30, with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person. Advance tickets required for all tours and programs. Visit www.glessnerhouse.org to purchase and for more information.

RANKING HIGH IN HEALTH 

According to the Healthtech Index, Chicago is the third highest ranking city for telemedicine, indicating a high number of companies and industry leaders working in this area; the third highest ranking city in the index for cardiovascular healthtech; and third for dermatology. See https://moove-it.com/most-developed-healthtech-countries.

LOVING REPEATING

Hyde Park Art Center has a new exhibition, Loving Repeating: New Work by married artists and longtime collaborators Dutes Miller and Stan Shellabarger, Sunday, April 10, 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. opens

IHCC NEWS

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Morton College, is holding a job fair, Wednesday, April 6, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at Morton College, Building E via the gymnasium, at 3801 S. Central Ave., Cicero, IL. For information, contact Janet Dominguez at [email protected]

The chamber and Harold Washington College are hosting Introduction to Small Business Management, an eight-week course scheduled for Wednesdays from April 20 through June 8, 4:30 p.m. at the college at 30 E. Lake St.

Log on to https://ihccbusiness.net/upcoming-events/.

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.

RIDE CREDITS

Kids Above All, a nonprofit dedicated to building better lives for children, announced that, in partnership with Lyft, it will provide access to transportation for young people and their families through the LyftUp program. Kids Above All received $1,000 in Lyft ride credits to support its mission to ensure young people and their families in Kids Above All’s programs can use Lyft to attend doctors’ appointments, court, and job interviews as well as go to the grocery store. Log on to www.lyft.com/lyftup/programs.

MUSEUM FUNDING

The National Museum for Mexican Art will receive $750,000 for improvements and new exhibits, thanks to support from State Senator Tony Munoz (D-1st). For more information, call (773) 869-9050.

BLACK CREATIVITY

The Black Creativity Juried Art Exhibition continues through Sunday, April 17, at the Museum of Science and Industry,which has hosted the annual celebration for more than 50 years. Admission is included with museum entry. The longest running exhibit of African American art in the nation, the exhibition showcases nearly 200 works by professional artists from across the nation as well as local student artists. The museum is at 5700 S. Lake Shore Dr. Call (773) 684-1414 or log on to www.msichicago.org.

EASTER ORATORIO

Music of the Baroque will perform Easter Oratorio on Monday, April 11, at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Call (312) 552-1414.

CABRINI NATIONAL SHRINE NEWS

The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, 2520 N. Lakeview Ave., offers Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent at 12:30 p.m. followed by adoration. Remaining dates are April 1 and 8. Each Friday, the shrine will use a different text and offer prayers for intentions of peace in the world as well as everyone’s personal intentions. The Shrine is closed on Good Friday, April 15. Visit cabrininationalshrine.org for further information.

BIRD HIKE

Adults 18 and older can enjoy a free guided bird hike at Northerly Island Park,1521 S. Lynn White Dr. Experts will discuss basic birding techniques, how to use binoculars, and different points of interest. Binoculars will be available to borrow for this program. Meet at the Northerly Island Park Visitor Center at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, April 5. For information, log on to www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/northerly-island-park.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute will host its spring open house on Thursday, April 28, at 6 p.m., providing campus tours; opportunities to meet with faculty, staff, and students; and information about academics, student services, athletics, clubs, admissions, and financial aid.

The school will hold several academic and athletic summer camps this year.

Its board of trustees named Anne Marie Tirpak the school’s new president, effective in July. Tirpak previously worked at the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago, Catholic Theological Union, and Sacred Heart Schools.

De La Salle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.

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. During Lent, Mass begins at 6 p.m. on Friday followed by praying the Rosary and Stations of the Cross. The church encourages volunteers to lead both services. Adoration/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 now 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. 

Saturday, April 9, there will be a Palm Sunday Anticipatory Mass at 5 p.m. Palm Sunday, April 10, Masses will be at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish. Holy Thursday, April 14, Mass will be at 7 p.m. followed by Adoration until midnight. Good Friday, April 15, service in English at 3 p.m. and in Spanish at 7 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 16, Easter Vigil Mass at 8 p.m. Easter Sunday, April 17, 9 a.m. Mass in English, 11 a.m. Mass in Spanish.

Call (312) 243-7400, email [email protected], or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

PETERS PROVIDES FUNDING

The State of Illinois has awarded grants totaling more than $1.5 million to make improvements and improve the visitor experience to the Museum of Science and Industry, Art Institute, and Chicago Children’s Museum, thanks to support from State Senator Robert Peters (D-13th). Call (708) 730-4283.

EASTER EGG HUNT

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held Saturday, April 16, from noon to 2 p.m. at Chicago Women’s Park at 18th Street between Prairie Avenue and Indiana Avenue. Purchase tickets at southloopeasteregghunt.com. 

GRANT PARK CLEAN-UP

Rotary is partnering with the South Loop Neighbors, Chicago Park District, Grant Park Advisory Council, Chicago South Loop Explorers, 4th Ward South Loop Community Advisory Council, and 42nd Ward Office for an Earth Day clean-up at Grant Park Saturday, April 16, from 10 a.m. to noon. Log on to https://www.eventbrite.com/e/rotary-earth-day-cleanup-at-grant-park-tickets-272312392697 for information and to register.

STEM CAREERS

Otis Worldwide, OWLS Lacrosse, and HIRE360 recently held two sessions of Otis’s new STEM Kit Program at Chicago Hope Academy, 2189 W. Bowler St. Students participated in hands-on, project-based engagement and mentorship, learning directly from local Otis professionals about career possibilities available to them in STEM fields. For information, call (630) 956-4114.

ST. BASIL NEWS

St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 733 S. Ashland Ave., will celebrate services during Lent and Holy Week all leading up to Great and Holy Pascha (Easter), Sunday, April 24. Everyone is welcome to  services conducted in English and Greek. Friday, April 1, fourth Stanza of the Salutations to the Theotokos (Mother of God) 6 p.m. Sunday of St. John Climacus, April 3, Orthros, 8:15 a.m., Divine Liturgy, 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 6, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 6 p.m., followed by Lenten Lecture and Meal. Friday, April 8, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 9 a.m., Hymn to the Theotokos 6 p.m. Sunday of St. Mary of Egypt, April 10, Orthros 8:15 a.m., Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m. Wednesday, April 13, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 6 p.m., followed by Lenten Lecture and Meal. Saturday of Lazarus, April 16, Orthros 8:15 a.m., Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m., Vespers 6 p.m. Palm Sunday, April 17, Orthros 8:15 a.m., Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m., Bridegroom Orthros 6 p.m. Holy Monday, April 18, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 9 a.m., Bridegroom Orthros 6 p.m. Holy Tuesday, April 19, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 9 a.m., Bridegroom Orthros 6 p.m. Holy Wednesday, April 20, Pre-Sanctified Divine Liturgy 9 a.m., Holy Unction 3 p.m.,  Orthros of Holy Thursday 6 p.m., anointing with Holy Unction to follow. Holy Thursday, April 21, Vesperal Liturgy of the Mystical Supper 8 a.m.,  Passion Service, Reading of 12 Gospels 7 p.m. Holy Friday, April 22, Great and Royal Hours 8 a.m., Apokatheilosis/Unnailing Vespers 3 p.m, Lamentations (at the Tomb) 7 p.m. Holy Saturday, April 23, Vesperal Divine Liturgy 8 a.m., Pre-Resurrection Vigil 11 p.m. Great and Holy Pascha, Sunday, April 24, Orthros and Divine Liturgy midnight, Agape Vespers 11 a.m. For more information, call the church office, (312) 243-3738.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep encourages donations to Empower Illinois,the largest scholarship granting organization in Illinois. Empower Illinois will match your donation, then provide that doubled amount to Saint Ignatius for student tuition assistance. For information, contact Michael Lanigan, the school’s director of planned giving, at (312) 882-9459 or [email protected] 

The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.

ST. JAMES ON WABASH NEWS

St. James Catholic Church, 2907 S. Wabash Ave., celebrates Sunday Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the church at 21 E. 29th St. Daily Mass Monday through Friday is celebrated at 7:30 a.m. in the Tolton Chapel at the rectory at 2942 S. Wabash Ave. All Masses are available both in person and on Zoom. The church offers Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation on the first Friday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church. The Parish Office is open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday.

Participants will pray Stations of the Cross on Zoom Fridays during Lent at 6:30 p.m.

Holy Week liturgies are as follows: Palm Sunday Mass, April 10, 9:30 a.m. in church and on Zoom; Holy Thursday, April 14, Mass of the Lord’s Supper at 6:30 p.m. in church and on Zoom, Eucharistic Adoration from 8 to 10 p.m. in the Tolton Chapel at the rectory; Good Friday, April 15, Stations of the Cross in church and on Zoom at 3:30 p.m., Passion of Our Lord at 6:30 p.m. in church and on Zoom; Holy Saturday, April 16, Easter Vigil at 8 p.m. in church and on Zoom; Easter Sunday, April 17, Mass at 9:30 a.m. in church and on Zoom.

Access all Zoom links and more information at www.stjameswabash.org or email [email protected] or call (312) 842-1919.

ST. MATTHEW NEWS

St. Matthew Lutheran Church,2108 W. 21st St., needs donations of garbage bags, paper bags, napkins, and office supplies as well as food for the Comedor San Mateo Soup Kitchen. Call (312) 636-6496 or email [email protected]

ST. PETER’S EVENTS

St. Peter’s Church in the Loop will host Healing Hearts and Mending Lives: Forgiving in Everyday Life—Friends, Neighbors and Co-Workers on Wednesday, April 6, 12:15 to 1 p.m. All are invited to attend this discussion about restoring relationships and re-establishing trust and affection presented by the Rev. Derran Combs, OFM, PhD. Free will offering welcome. The church is at 110 W. Madison St. Call (312) 853-2376 or log on to http://stpetersloop.org.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host virtual Stations of the Cross on the Tuesdays of April 5 and 12 at 7 p.m. and live Stations of the Cross on the Fridays of April 1, 8, and 15 at noon.

The shrine will celebrate Mass with palm distribution at 8:30 and 11 a.m. on Palm Sunday, April 10; Mass at 7 p.m. and a virtual Visitation of Seven Churches at 8:30 p.m. on Holy Thursday, April 14; Liturgy of the Lord’s Passion at 7 p.m. on Good Friday, April 15; Easter Vigil at 9 p.m. on Holy Saturday, April 16; and Easter Sunday Masses at 8:30 and 11 a.m., April 17. Palm Sunday also will feature a fundraiser bake sale.

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

BUILDER’S DAY

Taller de Jose will hold its Builder’s Day celebration Thursday, April 28, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Lacuna Lofts, 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Janet Fleischhacker of CSJ Ministries will receive the Companion Award, and CARPLS Legal Aid will receive the accompaniment award. Taller de Jose, which provides accompaniment and connection to public services, is located at 2831 W. 24th Blvd. Call (773) 523-8320 or log on to tallerdejose.org.

A SEARCH FOR UNITY

The University of Illinois Chicago’s Daley Library, 801 S. Morgan St., is displaying papers, photos, and other items relating to Rudy Lozano, a community activist murdered in 1983, in an exhibit called A Search for Unity: Rudy Lozano and Coalition Building in Chicago.  For more information, call (312) 996-2716.

AGOSTINELLI APPOINTED

The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce namedCarla Agostinelli as director of development and community partnerships. For information, log on to wcachicago.org.

DRIVER’S LICENSE EXTENSION

Secretary of State Jesse White has extended expiration dates for Illinois driver’s licenses, ID cards, and learner’s permits until Sunday, July 31. For information, see www.ilsos.gov.

COLORING CONTEST

The South Loop Chamber of Commerce is holding a Coloring Contest for children up to age ten. Download coloring sheets at www.southloopchamberofcommerce.com  or www.facebook.com/southloopchamber or obtain them from the drop off boxes at the Valentine Boys & Girls Club, 3400 S. Emerald Ave.; 9th District Police Station, 3120 S. Halsted St.; or Canaryville Public Library, 642 W. 43rd St. All coloring pages are due by Monday, April 4, in the drop off boxes at one of these three locations. 

PEOPLE

Edrass Chavez, who graduated from Crane Tech in the West Haven community, received Monmouth College’s most prestigious scholarship, the Goldsborough, a full-tuition, four-year scholarship worth more than $160,000. Chavez plans on becoming a pediatric neurosurgeon.

Local resident Adam Thompson graduated with an MS in chemical engineering from Miami University in Oxford, OH.

TUTORS NEEDED

The Aquinas Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to instruct limited English proficient adults 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.

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.

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.

MAXWELL MARKET

The Maxwell Street Market,800 S. Desplaines St., will be held Sundays starting April 3 and running through Dec. 18. See MaxwellStreetMarket.us.

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.

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/.

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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.

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.

WATER BILL ASSISTANCE

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the new $42 million 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.

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.

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.

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.

DISCOUNT PHONE, INTERNET

Under the Federal Lifeline Program,low-income consumers and veterans can receive a discount off their monthly bills for phone, broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service. See http://linkupillinois.org, call (312) 914-6701, or email [email protected]

FREE RIDE

Mount Sinai Hospital, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., offers free rides for patients to get to and from any medical appointment within the Sinai Chicago system. All residents in Sinai Chicago’s service area who need to get to any of the medical system’s hospitals, clinics, or offices for any procedure, check-up, or health appointment can now get free, door-to-door transportation services. Patients can book a ride by calling (630) 903-2949.

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.

ART OF THE BRICK

The Art of the Brick, an exhibition featuring more than 100 works of art made by Nathan Sawaya from millions of Lego bricks, at the Museum of Science and Industry, runs through Monday, Sept. 5. For more information and tickets, visit msichicago.org/visit/tickets. The museum is at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. Call (773) 684-1414.

MENTAL HEALTH

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago offers support groups and other resources for individuals who may need help. Call (833) 626-4244 or visit www.namichicago.org. 

SOCIAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

The Pilsen Social Health Initiative at 1850 S. Throop St. offers a food pantry, thrift store, and onsite social worker. See www.pilsensocialhealthinitiative.com/. Call (773) 812-3150.

BACK TO BUSINESS

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have launched the $250 million Back to Business grant program to support small businesses’ continued recovery. See www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx.

ADDICTION HOTLINES

AddictionResource.net lists drug and alcohol abuse hotlines available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and confidential. Log on to https://www.addictionresource.net/addiction-hotlines/ or call (844) 616-3400. 

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. 

GET HELP

The Catholic Charities call center helps callers with a variety of needs and connects them toprograms 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. 

GET VACCINATED

The Chicago Department of Public Health is hosting multiple coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination special events across the city. Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated. All COVID-19 vaccines are free, and no insurance or ID is required. See the full list of special vaccine events at www.chicago.gov/vaxcalendar. 

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Chinese American Service League, 2141 S. Tan Ct., has launched a mental health services program in Chinatown. The agency’s Behavioral Health and Clinical Services program will provide mental health evaluations, psychotherapy, and crisis response. The league created the program to address pandemic anxiety, depression, and mental health consequences of rising levels of anti-Asian hate affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the area. Log on to www.caslservice.org/.

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 [email protected] The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street. 

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.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

Any Chicagoan can request an in-home vaccination for coronavirus (COVID-19) by calling the City of Chicago at (312) 746-4835. Or, find out where to get vaccinated from the State of Illinois by calling (800) 889-3931 or logging on to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/.

NEW ARTISTS

Elephant Room Gallery, 704 S. Wabash Ave., presents new exhibitions of the work of new and emerging Chicago-based artists every four-to-six weeks. Log on to www.elephantroomgallery.com.

EPIPHANY CENTER

The Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., is presenting the art show Agave! through Saturday, April 9. Log on to www.epiphanychi.com.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

The Jason Foundation offers free suicide prevention training to educators, other school staff, parents, physicians, clergy, community leaders, and students. Log on to www.jasonfoundation.com.

GAS BILL HELP

For Peoples Gas customers, bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Share the Warmth program. To see if you are eligible and apply, call the Community Economic Development Association at (800) 571-2332 or go to cedarorg.net.

CONTACT ROBINSON

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

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].

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. Check websites or call to make sure if particular events have been postponed or canceled.

PLANETARIUM FULLY OPEN

The Adler Planetarium will reopen its doors fully to guests on Friday, March 4. Tickets are on sale at www.adlerplanetarium.org/visit/tickets/. All visitors must buy tickets online, in advance. To see exhibitions free, the planetarium will be open every Wednesday evening from 4 to 10 p.m., with free admission for all Illinois residents with proof of residence. The museum is located at 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr. Call (312) 922-7827.

TUTORS NEEDED

The Aquinas Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to instruct limited English proficient adults 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]

SHAMROCK SHUFFLE

The Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle race weekend is set for Friday through Sunday, March 18 through 20. Packet pickup and other activities are set for the Friday and Saturday at Buckingham Fountain in Grant Park. Test your speed Saturday, March 19, at the Mile, which features recreational, competitive, and elite waves. Sunday will feature the 8K Run through the South Loop and other neighborhoods, and the 2-Mile Walk on the lakefront. Participants in both the 8K Run and 2-Mile Walk will receive a Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle Nike race shirt, knit hat, drink ticket for one Michelob Ultra at the post-race party for those 21 and older, official finisher’s medal, and event bib number and timing device. There also will be a Virtual 8K. Log on to shamrockshuffle.com.

FREE DAYS

The Art Institute of Chicago is offering free admission to Illinois residents on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through March 17. Tickets must be reserved in advance at sales.artic.edu/admissions. The museum is located at 111 S. Michigan Ave.

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.

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.

CTA GETS FEDERAL FUNDS

U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg recently announced a $912.1 million award of American Rescue Plan funds to the Chicago Transit Authority. American Rescue Plan transit funds go to transit agencies around the country to help maintain service and keep workers on the payroll as communities continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic.

CYSO GALA

The Chicago Youth Symphony Orchestra Gala will be held Saturday, March 12, at 6 p.m. at the Marriott Marquis Chicago, 2121 S. Prairie Ave. For more information, log on to https://cyso.org/gala/.

CBCAC NEWS

The Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community recently delivered 200 care packages containing masks, hand sanitizers, and snacks to the Oak at Dearborn Park, a senior housing building in the South Loop. 

CBCAC offers a new Small Business Development program that provides resources for the Chinatown business community such as counseling, help writing a business plan, and assistance in applying for grants and loans. Log on to https://cbcacchicago.org/small-business-planning.

The CBCAC is located at 2301 S. Archer Ave. Call (312) 761-9738.

CUBS GRANTS

Chicago Cubs Charities has awarded grants to the Canaryville Little League for field amenities and to the Omega Delta Youth Baseball and Softball League to install a water source in McKinley Park. Applications for the next set of grants are open at Cubs.com/DiamondProject.

DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

The Chicago Department of Planning and Development offers Chicago Recovery Plan Community Development Grants. Log on to https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dcd/supp_info/community-development-grant-resources.html.

FANFARE CHICAGO

Chicago Philharmonic will offer Fanfare Chicago on Sunday, March 27, at 3 p.m. at the Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St. Log on to https://my.harristheaterchicago.org/9555/9558. 

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute has named Keronn Walker head baseball coach and Glenn Kubek assistant coach. Walker played professional baseball in the Kansas City Royals system, while Kubek, a De La Salle alumnus, played at Calumet College of St. Joseph.

The school is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.

CELEBRATING FRANCES GLESSNER LEE

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., will host an in-person event, Celebrating Frances Glessner Lee: The Mother of Forensic Science, on Friday, March 25, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The program will include a presentation by Bruce Goldfarb, author of Lee’s biography, 18 Tiny Deaths and the unveiling of a recreation of one of her famous Nutshell Studies of Unexplained Death, crafted by local miniaturist Andrew Munao. Tickets are $18 per person and can be purchased online at glessnerhouse.org.

DOWELL ON YOUTUBE

Ald. Pat Dowell (3rd) has launched a YouTube channel to keep local residents abreast of community events. See https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCVPHrf6XqhIplJ7dXUSFr5A/videos.

LOVEDAY CELEBRATION

Pastor Cornelius Parks and Good Hope Free Will Baptist Church, 525 S. California Ave., on Valentine’s Day hosted their annual Loveday Celebration to provide hot meals and hygiene products to individuals experiencing homelessness on the West Side. Through its Community Credits program, DoorDash provided $3,000 in hot meals from local restaurants, including Ruby’s Soul Food and Chicago Chicken Shack, for attendees. For information, call (773) 533-9212.

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3rd) announced several 3rd District programs have received a combined $2.7 million to support pre-apprenticeship programs, reduce barriers to entry, and increase diversity in the construction trades for underrepresented populations. Recipients are Children First Fund, EDDR Foundation, HIRE360, Hispanic American Construction Industry Association, Lumity, Metropolitan Family Services, and  St. Paul Church of God in Christ Community Ministries. For more information, call (312) 949-1908. 

MAXWELL MARKET

The Maxwell Street Market,800 S. Desplaines St., will be held Sundays starting April 3 and running through Dec. 18. See MaxwellStreetMarket.us.

ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIPS

The Illinois CPA Society and CPA Endowment Fund of Illinois are accepting applications for more than 40 scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $4,000 each that they will award through their Accounting Scholarship Program for the 2022-2023 academic year. Submit the application by Friday, April 1, to https://thiswaytocpa.com/education/scholarship-search/illinois-cpa-society-accounting-scholarship-program/.

A HAPPY DEATH

The Monastery of the Holy Cross,3111 S. Aberdeen St., will host A Happy Death: Monastic Wisdom for the End of Life on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to noon. The monks will offer spiritual wisdom on end of life dignity, funerals, and burial. The workshop is free, but registration is required at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/a-happy-death-monastic-wisdom-for-the-end-of-life-tickets-268526338507?aff=ebdssbdestsearch.

NEW TRUSTEES

The National Museum of Mexican Art has appointed Alejandra Lara, Juan F. Ortiz, and Javier A. Reyes to the museum’s board of trustees. Lara is associate general counsel-employment at ADM. Ortiz is senior vice president, wealth management banking services at Northern Trust. Reyes is provost and vice chancellor for academic affairs at the University of Illinois Chicago. The museum is at 1852 W. 19th St. Call (312) 738-1503.

MOMS IN COLLEGE

The nonprofit organization New Moms has developed the Academic Coaching pilot, which will give 25 mothers enrolled at the City Colleges of Chicago a monthly $500 stipend, technology and supplies for school, childcare, transportation assistance, and support from an academic coach. See https://newmoms.org or call (773) 252-3253.

SHAMROCK’N THE BLOCK

Old St. Patrick’s Church will host its Shamrock’n the Block event from noon to 6:30 p.m. Saturday March 12, at 700 W. Adams St. Enjoy live music, Irish dancing, food, drinks, and kids’ activities. Attendees can enjoy the day’s festivities in tents and a heated outdoor beer garden. Singer Liam Durkin, the Chicago Garda Bag Pipes, Character Fleadh, Shannon Rovers. and the Academy of Irish Dance will perform. The Wee Ones activity zone will have a balloon artist, magician, Irish dance lessons, and crafts. Tickets are available at www.oldstpats.org/shamrockntheblock.html.

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. Adoration/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 now offers a Friday Food Pantry for area residents facing food shortages. Contact the parish office to register or come to the pantry from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. The food pantry is located behind the church at 1334 W. Flournoy St.

Call (312) 243-7400, email [email protected], or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

INSPIRING EFFICIENCY AWARD

People’s Gas has won the Inspiring Efficiency Award from the Midwest Energy Efficiency Alliance for the People’s Gas Public Sector Energy Efficiency Program, in which the Chicago Public Schools and People’s Gas delivered huge energy efficiency to 395 schools. For more information, call (312) 240-7854.

WE APPRECIATE TEACHERS

Back 2 School Illinois, which supplies youngsters from low-income families with free school supplies, has launched its We Appreciate Teachers contest. B2SI will reward 15 winning teachers with 30 Back 2 School Illinois kits full of school supplies. Anyone can submit a contest application on behalf of a teacher, including the teacher himself/herself. To participate, complete the application at https://b2si.org/we-appreciate-teachers-contest no later than Friday, April 1.

PUI TAK GRANT

The Pui Tak Center has received an outreach grant from Cook County and the Chicago Bar Foundation to help local residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. The center is located at 2216 S. Wentworth Ave. Call (312) 328-1188.

ITALIAN STORIES FILM GRANT

Got a story to tell about the Italian experience? Apply for a film grant through the Russo Brothers Italian American Film Forum. A select number of applicants will receive an $8,000 grant that serves as a production budget for the story they would like to develop and create for the screen. Documentary, narrative, fiction, and nonfiction are all acceptable formats. Apply at https://bit.ly/3HuUXkO.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

The Saint Ignatius College Prep Latinx Conference: Journey to Success will be held Saturday, March 26, from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. and provide workshops on careers, immigration, Latin dance, identity, college, and poetry. Jonathan Moreira, MD, of Northwestern University and Judge Sonia Antolec of the Illinois Court of Claims will be keynote speakers. The event also will feature entertainment, dinner, and dancing. For information, contact [email protected]

The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.

ST. JAMES NEWS

St. James Catholic Church, 2907 S. Wabash Ave., celebrates Sunday Mass at 9:30 a.m. in the church at 21 E. 29th St. Daily Mass Monday through Friday is celebrated at 7:30 a.m. in the Tolton Chapel at the rectory at 2942 S. Wabash Ave. All Masses are available both in person and on Zoom. Eucharistic adoration and reconciliation are offered on the first Friday of every month from 7 to 9 p.m. in the church. Stations of the Cross will be prayed on Fridays during Lent at 6:30 p.m. Visit the website at www.stjameswabash.org, email [email protected], or call (312) 842-1919 for more information.

ST. JOSEPH’S TABLE

St. Jerome Parish will celebrate a St. Joseph Table on Sunday, March 20, immediately following the 9:30 a.m. Mass at St. Jerome’s, 2823 S. Princeton St. Congregants will proceed to the Old Neighborhood Italian American Club at 3031 S. Shields Ave. for the table’s blessing, with food service continuing until 3 p.m. In observance of the Lenten season, the St. Joseph Table will provide only meat free dishes. While there is no entrance fee to attend the table, free will donations will be accepted at the door. For further information, call (312) 842-1871.

BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL

Sheridan McGuane Baseball and Softball is a youth community baseball and softball league and is open to players of all abilities. There are also all-star divisions for more advanced players. Saturday, April 23, is opening day and the games are played at Sheridan Park in the Taylor Street area as well as McGuane Park in Bridgeport. Register at https://sheridanmcguanebaseball.com/registration/.

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. 

ST. PETER’S EVENTS

The following events will take place at St. Peter’s Church in the Loop: Adoration every Wednesday during Lent, 2 to 4:15 p.m., concluding with benediction. Stations of the Cross every Friday during Lent, 2 p.m. Group Spiritual Direction on Tuesdays, March 8 through April 5, 1:45 to 3:15 p.m. The Way it Was: A Scriptural History of the Eucharist on the Tuesdays of March 15 and 29 and April 19, 12:15 to 1 p.m. Acts of the Apostles Part I, scripture study, presented on Zoom, noon to 1 p.m. each Friday, March 18 through May 27. Lenten Retreat on Zoom, noon to 1 p.m., the Wednesdays of March 9, 16, and 23. Author Anna Marie Kukec Tomczyk will lecture on her book We Are Eagles Thurs., March 24, 12:15 to 1 p.m. The church is at 110 W. Madison St. Call (312) 853-2376 or log on to http://stpetersloop.org.

SHRINE NEWS

During Lent, the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host virtual Stations of the Cross on Tuesdays at 7 p.m. and in person Stations of the Cross on Fridays at noon. On Sunday, March 13, it will host a food drive.

The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757.

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.

BUILDER’S DAY

Taller de Jose will hold its Builder’s Day celebration Thursday, April 28, starting at 5:30 p.m. at Lacuna Lofts, 2150 S. Canalport Ave. Janet Fleischhacker of CSJ Ministries will receive the Companion Award, and CARPLS Legal Aid will receive the accompaniment award. Taller de Jose, which provides accompaniment and connection to public services, is located at 2831 W. 24th Blvd. Call (773) 523-8320 or log on to tallerdejose.org.

PENSION IMPROVEMENT

For the first time in four years, the State of Illinois unfunded pension liability has decreased. Factors contributing were pension investments making money because of the rising stock market and the State paying its full obligation into its various public pension funds. The Fiscal Year 2023 budget includes an extra $500 million to pay a portion of the debt service owed to the State’s pension systems as well as full payment of 2023 pension obligations. Many employees at the University of Illinois Chicago and other institutions are members of State pension systems.

WOMEN’S DAY

Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, 600 E. 35th St., will hold its Women’s Day Service on Sunday, March 20, at 11 a.m. Call (312) 225-5300.

URBAN FARM GRANT 

Urban Autism Solutions has received a $20,000 grant from the Albert Pick Jr. Fund to support STEM-focused learning opportunities at UAS’s Growing Solutions Farm. The grant will pay for instruction to young adults with autism and related challenges who learn about urban agriculture and acquire transferrable job skills at the farm, located at 1212 W. Flournoy St. Call (773) 377-5691.

QUALIFYING FOR COLLEGE

Illinois community college students with a B average or better who have earned at least 36 transferable credits automatically qualify to transfer to the University of Illinois in Chicago, Springfield, or Urbana. Log on to https://admissions.uic.edu/.

GOLDEN APPLE FINALIST

Anne Boyle, who teaches Global Citizenship at World Studies at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, 211 S. Laflin St., is one of 30 finalists for a Golden Apple Award in Illinois from the Golden Apple Foundation. Boyle regularly incorporates social justice and cross-cultural initiatives into her global citizenship and world studies lesson plans by encouraging students to engage in their communities for additional insight. For more information, call (847) 962-9879.

LIBRARY FUNDING

Illinois Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White awarded more than $24,000 to the Illinois Institute of Technology Library for responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by modifying services, transforming spaces, and developing resources. For more information, call (217) 782-5984.

ADDICTION HOTLINES

AddictionResource.net lists drug and alcohol abuse hotlines available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and confidential. Log on to https://www.addictionresource.net/addiction-hotlines/ or call (844) 616-3400.

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 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]

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. 

GET HELP

The Catholic Charities call center helps callers with a variety of needs and connects them toprograms 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]

FREE CULINARY TRAINING

Impact Culinary Training provides young adults ages 16 through 24 with the tools to launch their culinary careers. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis leading up to the next cohort beginning Monday, April 4. The no-cost, 12-week training is held at the Hatchery Chicago, 135 N. Kedzie Ave. Log on to www.impactculinary.org.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Chinese American Service League, 2141 S. Tan Ct., has launched a mental health services program in Chinatown. The agency’s Behavioral Health and Clinical Services program will provide mental health evaluations, psychotherapy, and crisis response. The league created the program to address pandemic anxiety, depression, and mental health consequences of rising levels of anti-Asian hate affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the area. Log on to www.caslservice.org/.

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 VACCINATED

The Chicago Department of Public Health is hosting multiple coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination special events across the city. Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated. All COVID-19 vaccines are free, and no insurance or ID is required. See the full list of special vaccine events at www.chicago.gov/vaxcalendar. 

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 [email protected] The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street.

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.

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/.

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.

NEW ARTISTS

Elephant Room Gallery, 704 S. Wabash Ave., presents new exhibitions of the work of new and emerging Chicago-based artists every four-to-six weeks. Log on to www.elephantroomgallery.com.

EPIPHANY CENTER

The Epiphany Center for the Arts,201 S. Ashland Ave., is presenting the art show Agave! through Saturday, April 9. Log on to www.epiphanychi.com.

FOOD PANTRIES

The following food pantries provide groceries and meals to those who need them.

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.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

Any Chicagoan can request an in-home vaccination for coronavirus (COVID-19) by calling the City of Chicago at (312) 746-4835. Or, find out where to get vaccinated from the State of Illinois by calling (800) 889-3931 or logging on to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/.

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.

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 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.

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. 

SUNDAY SERVICES

Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church,600 E. 35th St., holds Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. Call (312) 225-5300.

WATER BILL ASSISTANCE

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the new $42 million 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.

ART OF THE BRICK

The Art of the Brick, an exhibition featuring more than 100 works of art made by Nathan Sawaya from millions of Lego bricks, runs at the Museum of Science and Industry through Monday, Sept. 5. For more information and tickets, visit msichicago.org/visit/tickets. The museum is at 5700 S. Lake Shore Drive. Call (773) 684-1414.

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.

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.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

The Jason Foundation offers free suicide prevention training to educators, other school staff, parents, physicians, clergy, community leaders, and students. Log on to www.jasonfoundation.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.

FIGHT OPIOID ABUSE

Malcolm X College invites individuals to become community health workers to help fight the opioid crisis. Using a $2.1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the college launched the Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program to bring care and relief to neighborhoods most affected by opioid use disorder. The University of Illinois Chicago Department of Disability and Human Development is partnering in this four-year initiative. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register for the program, visit www.ccc.edu/opioid.

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.

DISCOUNT PHONE, INTERNET

Under the Federal Lifeline Program,low-income consumers and veterans can receive a discount off their monthly bills for phone, broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service. See http://linkupillinois.org, call (312) 914-6701, or email [email protected]

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.

MENTAL HEALTH

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago offers support groups and other resources for individuals who may need help. Call (833) 626-4244 or visit www.namichicago.org. 

GAS BILL HELP

For Peoples Gas customers, bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Share the Warmth program. To see if you are eligible and apply, call the Community Economic Development Association at (800) 571-2332 or go to cedarorg.net.

FREE RIDE

Mount Sinai Hospital, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., offers free rides for patients to get to and from any medical appointment within the Sinai Chicago system. All residents in Sinai Chicago’s service area who need to get to any of the medical system’s hospitals, clinics, or offices for any procedure, check-up, or health appointment can now get free, door-to-door transportation services. Patients can book a ride by calling (630) 903-2949.

SOCIAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

The Pilsen Social Health Initiative at 1850 S. Throop St. offers a food pantry, thrift store, and onsite social worker. See www.pilsensocialhealthinitiative.com/. Call (773) 812-3150.

BACK TO BUSINESS

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have launched the $250 million Back to Business grant program to support small businesses’ continued recovery. See www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx.

CONTACT ROBINSON

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

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].

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. Check websites or call to make sure if particular events have been postponed or canceled.

BETTER MENTAL HEALTH

The American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees Council 31 helped secure $6.3 million in the Chicago City Budget for 29 new positions in the City’s mental health clinics. This 73% increase in staffing is the biggest since former Mayor Rahm Emmanuel shuttered half of the clinics in 2011. For information, email [email protected] 

PUBLIC SALARIES

The Better Government Association has compiled Illinois’s most comprehensive databaseto review, explore, and compare compensation for public employees throughout Illinois. See https://salary.bettergov.org/?.

B.I.G. BASEBALL

B.I.G. Baseball Academy, 4425 S. Western Blvd., is open to the public, offering eight indoor batting cages, batting cage rental, two pitching tunnels, a full workout area with weights and medicine balls, plyo walls with arm bands and weighted balls, wooden bats, facility rental, individual lessons, and group lessons. Memberships are available. Call (773) 397-1200 or log on to bigbaseballacademy.net.

GRANT AWARDED

The Bronzeville Historical Society earned a grant from the Gaylord and Dorothy Donnelly Foundation to have a metadata specialist organize and code the society’s collection to increase access. The society is located at 4455 S. King Dr. Call (312) 428-8033.

BLOOD DRIVE

A Valentine’s Day blood drive is scheduled for this community. Chicago Hope Academy and the American Red Cross will host a blood drive in the school’s chapel at 2189 W. Bowler St. on Monday, Feb. 14, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call the American Red Cross at 1 (800) 733-2767 or log on to redcrossblood.org, and learn how to get a $10 Amazon gift card for donating.

CBD KRATOM OPENS

CBD Kratom, the largest privately owned cannabis and kratom retail chain in the United States, has opened a shop at 643 W. Roosevelt Rd. in the South Loop. It held a grand opening weekend celebration Dec. 17 through 19. The company recently made gifts to support three local charities: the Anti Cruelty Society Animal Shelter, Project Fierce Chicago, and Resilience Chicago Sexual Assault Support as part of CBD Kratom’s Living Our Values campaign. Call (312) 508-8040.

LIBRARY NEWS

Chicago Public Library Commissioner Chris Brown and Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently announced CPL’s Sunday library service has expanded to an additional 24 sites. With these branches now opening on Sunday afternoons, every community in Chicago has access to library services seven days a week.

Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St., now is home to a collection of 88 photos of Pilsen in the early 1990s taken by Japanese photographer Akito Tsuda. The collection is available for public viewing in the Special Collections Reading Room on the ninth floor. Appointments are required to view the photos noon through 4 p.m. Mondays and Fridays. Call (312) 747-4300.

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.

POLAR PLUNGE

The Chicago Polar Plunge, benefiting the athletes of the Special Olympics Chicago/Special Children’s Charities program, will return in person to North Avenue Beach on Sunday, March 6, with a virtual option available as well. Registration is open at www.chicagopolarplunge.org.

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

The Chinese American Service League, 2141 S. Tan Ct., has launched a mental health services program in Chinatown. The agency’s Behavioral Health and Clinical Services program will provide mental health evaluations, psychotherapy, and crisis response. The league created the program to address pandemic anxiety, depression, and mental health consequences of rising levels of anti-Asian hate affecting Asian American and Pacific Islander communities in the area. Log on to www.caslservice.org/.

CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY

Church of the Holy Family, 1080 W. Roosevelt Rd., invites all to join the Saint Ignatius College Prep community for the following Masses: Fri., Feb. 4, 8:10 a.m., First Friday Mass; Wed., March 2, 8:10 a.m., Ash Wednesday Mass; and Fri., March 4, 8:10 a.m., First Friday Mass. For information, call (312) 492-8442.

COURT EXPANSION

Local Cook County Board Commissioners Alma Anaya (D-7th), Dennis Deer (D-2nd), and John P. Daley (D-11th) led the successful effort to expand county court services for domestic violence survivors. The board’s 2022 budget included amendments to address needs of Domestic Violence Court and to turn it into a 24-hour, seven-day-per-week operation. For more information, call Anaya’s office at (312) 989-2848.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute has named Marty Quinn as the new varsity head coach of the football program for the 2022 season. He most recently served as the defensive coordinator at St. John’s Catholic School in Plaquemine, LA. Quinn replaces Coach Michael Boehm, who will continue to teach and serve on the leadership team for De La Salle’s athletic program. The school also named Chris Goffer as the assistant head coach. Goffer played professional football for the Chicago Rush and the Chicago Slaughter.

The school is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.

FIELD NEWS

The Field Museum is offering free admission days for Illinois residents on all Wednesdays in February. 

The museum’s newest exhibit, Jurassic Oceans: Monsters of the Deep, will take visitors on an underwater journey to see some of the creatures that called the oceans home during the Jurassic period. The exhibit will feature more than 100 fossils and models from the Jurassic period, including giant marine reptiles that resemble the Loch Ness monster. The exhibit opens Friday, Feb. 25, and runs through Friday, Sept. 5. 

The museum is at 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. See www.fieldmuseum.org or call (312) 922-9410.

FREE COVID TESTING

Get free COVID testing, bothrapid antigen and PCR; PCR results sent within 24 hours. Gemini Labs is a City of Chicago-approved lab for onsite and in-home testing. The tests are Federally funded, so no insurance nor out-of-pocket costs required. Schedule group testing at schools (students and staff), work (employees or volunteers), and events (family, friends, and others). Call or text (872) 288-6587 to schedule a free test. 

GEM OF THE OCEAN

Goodman Theatre is presenting Gem of the Ocean,a play set in 1904 about Ester Tyler, an African-American woman providing spiritual guidance, though Sunday, Feb. 27. It also is presenting The Notebooks of Leonardo da Vinci Friday, Feb. 11, through Sunday, March 20. The theatre is at 170 N. Dearborn St. Call (312) 443-3800.

WATER BILL ASSISTANCE

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the new $42 million 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.

ENERGY ASSISTANCE

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program provides money from the Federal government to eligible ComEd customers with a one-time payment toward energy bills. Apply through LIHEAPillinois.com.

LUPUS SUPPORT GROUP

The Lupus Society of Illinois hosts a support group at Rush University Medical Center, Tower Resource Center, 1650 W. Harrison St., 4th floor, suite 04527. The group meets the second or third Saturday of the month. Call (312) 542-0002.

LYRIC NEWS

Lyric Opera of Chicago has hired Enrique Mazzola as its new music director. The orchestra will perform Verdi Voices on Sunday, Feb. 6, at 2 p.m. The opera house is at 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. Call (312) 827-5600 or log on to www.lyricopera.org.

MALCOLM X COLLEGE NEWS

Malcolm X College and the City’s health department offer a free program that trains people to be a vaccine ambassador, engaging with others to encourage them to get vaccinated against COVID-19 and answer their questions about the vaccines. Log on to https://pages.ccc.edu/apply/mxvaccine/. The College is at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd.

The college and the University of Illinois Chicago have teamed up under a five-year, $1.2 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to support undergraduate students training in biomedical research during the last two years of their studies. The Bridges to the Baccalaureate grant will provide two-year traineeships annually to four underrepresented students who transfer to UIC from Malcolm X. For more information, call (312) 355-4133.

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. Mondays and Fridays, evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

Praying the Rosary begins at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. Adoration/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 now offers a Friday Food Pantry for area residents facing food shortages. Contact the parish office to register or come to the pantry from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. The food pantry is located behind the church at 1334 W. Flournoy St.

Call (312) 243-7400, email [email protected], or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

PEPSI SCHOLARSHIPS

The PepsiCo Foundation launched its Community College Scholarship and Mentoring program for City Colleges of Chicago. The Success Matters in Life & Education (SMILE) program scholarship’s deadline to apply is Monday, Feb. 28. For more information, log on to https://learnmore.scholarsapply.org/pepsicosmile/. 

AMERICAN CONSPIRACY

Michael Polelle, a former Near West Side resident and a professor emeritus of the University of Illinois Chicago college of law, has written American Conspiracy, a political thriller mainly set on the Near West Side. For more about Polelle and his novel, visit www.mjpolelle.com.

HEAT HELP

U.S. Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-1st), Chair of the House Committee on Energy and Com-
merce’s Energy Subcommittee, announced that Illinois will receive a record $408.2 million in funding for the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) this fiscal year to help families afford energy costs. Illinois families who need assistance should call (877) 411-WARM (9276) or visit www.LIHEAPIllinois.com. For more details, contact Naomi Savin at (202) 716-6365.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep students Lainie Bradley, Emma Penner, Mary Shea, and Elizabeth Unger hosted a drive to collect warm clothing for the organization Northside Latin Progress.

The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.

BLACK HEROES OF FIRE

Glessner House, Quinn Chapel, and Friends of Historic Second Church will host a free Black History Month program on Sunday, Feb. 27, at 2 p.m. Black Heroes of Fire: The History of the First African American Fire Company in Chicago, will be presented by Dekalb Walcott Jr., author of the book of the same name, in honor of the 150th  anniversary of the establishment of Engine Company 21 in 1872. The program will take place at Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Ave. Reservations not required. For more information, visit www.glessnerhouse.org.  

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii is offering three concerts, Il Cinema, L’Opera,and Ommagio a Sinatra online through Sunday, Feb. 27. To order the concerts, call (312) 421-3757 or log on to www.givecentral.org/location/78/30968,30967,30966,30965.

The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757.

SMOKEBALL DONATIONS

Smokeball, a legal practice management software firm at 200 W. Adams St., raised and donated $45,000 during its fourth annual Season of Giving program. The funds are going to Howard Brown Health, a community-based LGBTQIA organization, and Equip For Equality, a non-profit advancing the civil rights of people with disabilities; the donations will support these organizations’ longterm development and the public services they offer. Call (855) 688-3206. 

RAVI SHANKAR PROGRAMMING

South Asia Institute, 1925 S. Michigan Ave., will offer programming related to musician Ravi Shankar on Saturdays. On Feb. 19, at 4 p.m., author Oliver Craske will discuss his book Indian Sun: The Life and Music of Ravi Shankar.On Feb. 26 at 4 p.m., the institute will show the film Ravi and Anoushka Shankar Live in Bangalore. Log on to saichicago.org or call (312) 929-3911.

URBAN FARM GRANT

Urban Autism Solutions has won a $10,000 Capacity Building Grant from Advocates for Urban Agriculture. The award will enable UAS’s Growing Solutions Farm, a 1.2-acre urban farm at 1212 W. Flournoy St., to hire a second part-time farmer. Call (773) 377-5691.

SECRETARY OF STATE NEWS

Illinois Secretary of State Jesse White announced that Illinois has extended expiration dates for driver’s licenses and ID cards an additional three months to Thursday,  March 31. See www.ilsos.gov/.

The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators recently honored White by giving him the Region 3 Customer Convenience Award for his office’s web-based appointment system at select driver services facilities.

PEOPLE

Local resident Hannah Talcott has been named to Southern New Hampshire University’s fall 2021 President’s List.

ADDICTION HOTLINES

AddictionResource.net lists drug and alcohol abuse hotlines available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and confidential. Log on to https://www.addictionresource.net/addiction-hotlines/ or call (844) 616-3400.

AMERICA’S WORKSHOP

Near West Side resident Peter Pero has written a book, Chicago: America’s Workshop.The book contains historical photos from companies such as Mars Candy, Motorola, Abbott Labs, Radio Flyer, and Rand McNally. Produced by Arcadia Publishing, it is available at bookstores and on bookseller websites. To contact Pero, email [email protected]

TUTORS NEEDED

Aquinas Literacy Center, 1751 W. 35th St., needs volunteer tutors to instruct adult learners with limited English proficiency. All instruction is one on one, and volunteers receive training. Tutoring can take place 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 her at [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. 

BUCKNER RESOURCES

Residents who want to share their thoughts or require assistance on 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]

GET HELP

The Catholic Charities call center helps callers with a variety of needs and connects them toprograms 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.

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 VACCINATED

The Chicago Department of Public Health is hosting multiple coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination special events across the city. Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated. All COVID-19 vaccines are free, and no insurance or ID is required. See the full list of special vaccine events at www.chicago.gov/vaxcalendar. 

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 [email protected] The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street.

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/.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

Any Chicagoan can request an in-home vaccination for coronavirus (COVID-19) by calling the City of Chicago at (312) 746-4835. Or, find out where to get vaccinated from the State of Illinois by calling (800) 889-3931 or logging on to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/.

NEW ARTISTS

Elephant Room Gallery, 704 S. Wabash Ave., presents new exhibitions of the work of new and emerging Chicago-based artists every four-to-six weeks. Log on to www.elephantroomgallery.com.

FOOD PANTRIES

The following food pantries provide groceries and meals to those who need them.

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.

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.

EPIPHANY CENTER

The Epiphany Center for the Arts,201 S. Ashland Ave., is presenting two art shows: Agave! Runs through Saturday, April 9, and Like Queer Animals-We Hold Your Gaze runs through Saturday, Feb. 19. Log on to www.epiphanychi.com.

FGWTP 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.

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.

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. 

SUNDAY SERVICES

Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church,600 E. 35th St., holds Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. Call (312) 225-5300.

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.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

The Jason Foundation offers free suicide prevention training to educators, other school staff, parents, physicians, clergy, community leaders, and students. Log on to www.jasonfoundation.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.

DISCOUNT PHONE, INTERNET

Under the Federal Lifeline Program,low-income consumers and veterans can receive a discount off their monthly bills for phone, broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service. See http://linkupillinois.org, call (312) 914-6701, or email [email protected]

FIGHT OPIOID ABUSE

Malcolm X College invites individuals to become community health workers to help fight the opioid crisis. Using a $2.1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the college launched the Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program to bring care and relief to neighborhoods most affected by opioid use disorder. The University of Illinois Chicago Department of Disability and Human Development is partnering in this four-year initiative. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register for the program, visit www.ccc.edu/opioid.

FREE RIDE

Mount Sinai Hospital, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., offers free rides for patients to get to and from any medical appointment within the Sinai Chicago system. All residents in Sinai Chicago’s service area who need to get to any of the medical system’s hospitals, clinics, or offices for any procedure, check-up, or health appointment can now get free, door-to-door transportation services. Patients can book a ride by calling (630) 903-2949.

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.

MENTAL HEALTH

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago offers support groups and other resources for individuals who may need help. Call (833) 626-4244 or visit www.namichicago.org. 

GAS BILL HELP

For Peoples Gas customers, bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Share the Warmth program. To see if you are eligible and apply, call the Community Economic Development Association at (800) 571-2332 or go to cedarorg.net.

SOCIAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

The Pilsen Social Health Initiative at 1850 S. Throop St. offers a food pantry, thrift store, and onsite social worker. See www.pilsensocialhealthinitiative.com/. Call (773) 812-3150.

BACK TO BUSINESS

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have launched the $250 million Back to Business grant program to support small businesses’ continued recovery. See www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx.

By William S. Bike

AFFORDABLE CARE

The open enrollment period for the Affordable Care Act runs from now to Saturday, Jan. 15. Log on to www.healthcare.gov.

ART INSTITUTE

The Art Institute of Chicago,111 S. Michigan Ave., is presenting the show Barbara Kruger: Thinking of You. I Mean Me, I Mean You, through Monday, Jan. 24, and art by Ray Johnson through Monday, March 21. Log on to www.artic.edu.

ARC GALLERY

At the ARC Gallery, 1463 W. Chicago Ave., the exhibition Go Make a Thing! runs through Saturday, Dec. 18. Call (312) 877-5760.

The gallerywill host the exhibition Body Politics from Sunday, Jan. 6, through Saturday, Jan. 19. 

See www.arcgallery.org or call (312) 877-5760.

BRIDGEPORT ART

Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St., is hosting the shows Vibrant Mechanisms, Kinetic & Sound through Friday, Jan. 7, and Art Talk through Saturday, Jan. 8. Log on to www.bridgeportart.com.

BROOKS HONORED

The Chicago Public Library Foundation honored Bronzeville-based playwright J. Nicole Brooks with its 21st Century Award for her contributions to the local cultural landscape.

HOLIDAY TEA PARTY

Chicago Children’s Theatre is presenting the Beatrix Potter Holiday Tea Party, weekends only, from now through Sunday, Dec. 19, with special performances on Thursday and Frida, Dec. 23 and 24. Regular show times and holiday show times are Saturday and Sunday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. For information log on to chicagochildrenstheatre.org or call (312) 374-8835. The theatre is at 100 S. Racine Ave.

JOB HELP

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership is expanding 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.

CPS NEWS

The Chicago Public Schools has added three area schools to its Opportunity Schools Initiative, which provides dedicated teacher recruitment and retention support to schools that have had difficulty attracting and retaining educators. The three are William H. Brown Elementary, 54 N. Hermitage Ave., Robert Nathaniel Dett Elementary, 2131 W. Monroe St., and Edward Tilden Career Community Academy High, 4747 S. Union Ave. 

The CPS announced a record high five-year graduation rate of 83.8%, up by nearly 27 percentage points from 2011 when the rate was 56.9 percent. The four-year rate saw a similar gain, increasing 26 percentage points in the same time span. Increased graduation rates among students of all racial groups led to the overall gain.

For more information, call (773) 553-1000.

COMMUNITY ORGANIZER

The Coalition for a Better Chinese American Community has named Coral Wu, an expert on environmental justice and tourism as cultural activism, as its community organizer. Coalition headquarters is at 2301 S. Archer Ave. See https://cbcacchicago.org/ or call (312) 761-9738.

COUNTY FINANCES UPGRADED

Fitch Ratings has upgraded Cook County’s credit ratings from A+ to AA-, with a stable outlook. Standard and Poor’s also moved the outlook for the County to stable from negative, and Moody’s reaffirmed its rating as well. “We appreciate the recognition of our improvement in operating results, work to increase reserves, sound financial management, notable improvement in pension funding, and work to stabilize our health system’s finances,” said Toni Preckwinkle, board president. For more information, see www.cookcountyil.gov/board-of-commissioners.

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.

ART EXHIBIT

Corbett vs. Dempsey Gallery,2156 W. Fulton St., is exhibiting artworks by Rachel Harrison through Saturday, Jan. 8. Call (773) 278-1664 or log on to corbettvsdempsey.com.

FOXX BEATS SAM’S CLUB

Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx secured a $266 million award against Sam’s Club for failure to pay taxes on the sale of cigarettes as required under the County’s Tobacco Tax Ordinance. The uncollected taxes cover a seven-year period between 2009 and 2016. See www.cookcountystatesattorney.org.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute will host its entrance and placement examination Saturday, Dec. 4, at 8 a.m.

The school is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.

EPIPHANY CENTER

The Epiphany Center for the Arts,201 S. Ashland Ave., is presenting two art shows: Agave! runs through Saturday, April 9, and Like Queer Animals-We Hold Your Gaze is up from Friday, Dec. 10, through Saturday, Feb. 19. This month, see Negatives, featuring enlarged photographic negatives by Rod Slemmons, through Friday, Dec. 31. Log on to www.epiphanychi.com.

NEXT GAZETTE CHICAGO

Gazette Chicago does not publish in January, so the next issue will come out on Feb. 4, 2022. Deadline for news will be Wednesday, Jan. 19, and deadline for advertising will be Friday, Jan. 21. See www.gazettechicago.com for additional news stories in January.

WHITE COAT

Gray Warehouse,2044 W. Carroll Ave. is hosting White Coat, an art show by Alex Katz, through Friday, Dec. 17. See www.richardgraygallery.com.

TREE LIGHTING

Greektown’s annual holiday tree lighting ceremony will be held Sunday, Dec. 12, from 3 to 4 p.m. at Elysian Field, southeast corner of Halsted and Van Buren Streets, including complimentary hot chocolate and sweets. As the tree illuminates, youngsters will sing traditional Greek Christmas carols, and DJ Yianni will play Greek and American holiday tunes. The event is sponsored by Greektown SSA #16 with additional support from the Greektown Chamber of Commerce and Chicago Greektown Educational Foundation.

FINE ART

Bert Green Fine Art,8 S. Michigan Ave., is presenting art by Richard Haley through Friday, Dec. 17. Log on to www.bgfa.us.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

A program to help people pay rent during the pandemic, the Illinois Rental Payment Program,will accept applications online from Monday, Dec. 6, though Sunday, Jan. 9, at https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org. People who apply must have an unpaid rent balance and have experienced financial hardship due to the pandemic, among other eligibility requirements. Renters needing immediate help can contact the Illinois Department of Human Services at www.illinoisrentalassistance.org/.

MC CORMICK GALLERY

McCormick Gallery,835 W. Washington Blvd., is hosting an art show by Dusti Bonge through Saturday, Jan. 8. Log on to www.thomasmccormick.com.

CRUZ ART

Monique Meloche Gallery,451 N. Paulina St., is showcasing works by David Antonio Cruz through Saturday, Dec. 18. See www.moniquemeloche.com.

NEWMAN LEGISLATION

Congressional Representative Marie Newman (D-3rd) had two of her bills included in the recent infrastructure package. The All Stations Accessibility Program will provide funds to help public transit meet or exceed accessibility standards. The Rail Center for Excellence legislation will support research on rail safety and efficiency. See https://newman.house.gov/.

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. Mondays and Fridays, evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

Praying the Rosary begins at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. Adoration/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 now offers a Friday Food Pantry for area residents facing food shortages. Contact the parish office to register or come to the pantry from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. on Fridays. The food pantry is located behind the church at 1334 W. Flournoy St.

Call (312) 243-7400, email [email protected] or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

ILLINOIS TECH HONORED

SmartAsset, a company centered around financial advice, has released its seventh annual study on the colleges that give students the best return on their educational investment. The Illinois Institute of Technology came in second in the state. For more information, log on to smartasset.com.

COMMUNITY GARDEN COMING

J.P. Paulus and his wife, Sythera Pride-Paulus, are turning a lot they own at 440 E. 46th St. into a community garden. It will open this spring.

FIX THE EISENHOWER

Following passage of the  Federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Plan, Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch and Senate President Don Harmon joined the Rebuild 290 Coalition to call for Federal funds to speed up reconstruction of the Eisenhower Expressway (Interstate 290) from Hillside to the Byrne Interchange and the Chicago Transit Authority’s Blue Line. Both legislative chambers passed Senate Joint Resolution 31, which requested Federal support to expedite engineering and construction. For information, email [email protected]

ST. BASIL SERVICES

St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church, 733 S. Ashland Ave., will hold the following services this month culminating in Christmas and Hierarchal Vespers and Divine Liturgy services for its patron saint, St. Basil the Great. All services are conducted in English and Greek.

Sundays: Orthros 8:30 a.m. and Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m.

Monday, Dec. 6, Divine Liturgy for St. Nicholas, Orthros 9 a.m. and Divine Liturgy 10 a.m.

Monday through Friday, Dec. 13 to 17, Divine Liturgy, 9:30 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 24, Royal Hours of Christmas, 8:30 a.m. Liturgy of Christmas Eve, 6 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 25, Christmas Day, Orthros 8:30 a.m. and Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m.

Friday, Dec. 31, Hierarchal Great Vespers of the Circumcision and St. Basil the Great, 7 p.m.

Saturday, Jan. 1, Hierarchal Orthros 8:30 a.m. and Divine Liturgy 9:45 a.m. for the Circumcision and St. Basil the Great.

St. Basil also will host open prayer hours each Thursday through Dec. 23 from noon to 2 p.m. to provide area residents, staff, and visitors to the Medical District a quiet place to pray, meditate, reflect, and light candles for their loved ones.

For more information call the church office at (312) 243-3738.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep presented a framed certificate of recognition on Nov. 17 to Richard von Langen, whose great-great-grandfather, Hermann von Langen, from 1867 through 1869 designed the building that houses the school, at the request of Rev. Arnold Damen, S.J., founder and president of St. Ignatius College. For years, the building’s architect had been unknown, until historical research discovered Hermann von Langen’s design. 

The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Log on to www.ignatius.org or call (312) 421-5900.

CHURCH NEEDS

St. Matthew Lutheran Church needs donations of money, materials, and workers to repair the church, which the City has charged with 11 building code violations. The church is at 2108 W. 21st St. Call (773) 847-6458.

RAVI SHANKAR PROGRAMMING

South Asia Institute, 1925 S. Michigan Ave., will offer programming related to musician Ravi Shankar on Saturdays. On Dec. 11 at 4 p.m., it will show the movies Sangeet Ratna (Jewel of Music) and Ravi Shankar’s Music Festival from India.On Jan. 8 at 4 p.m., it will host a musical workshop, Learning the Ravi Way with Sitarist Gaurav Mazumdar. On Jan. 15 at 7:30 p.m., it will present an Indian classical music concert, and on Jan. 29 at 4 p.m. it will show the film Tenth Decade: Live in Escondido about a Shankar concert. Log on to saichicago.org or call (312) 929-3911.

MARY AND CHRISTMAS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host its Mary and Christmas concert on Saturday, Dec. 4, both in person and livestreamed. Doors open at 7:15 p.m., with the concert beginning at 7:45 p.m. A variety of ticket prices are available. Register at www.ourladyofpompeii.org.

The shrine will explore four classical hymns of Advent and Christmas on four Saturdays, 10:30 a.m. to noon. On Dec. 4, the Rev. Richard Fragomeni will lecture on O Come, Divine Messiah. On Dec. 11, chaplain Julie Berggren will speak on O Come, O Come, Emmanuel. On Dec. 18, Br. Antony Julius will explore Like the Dawning of the Morning. On Jan. 8, Catharine M. Lentz, an adult faith formation expert, will address O Little Town of Bethlehem. Registration required.

The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757.

SUNDAY SERVICES

Sixth Grace Presbyterian Church, 600 E. 35th St., holds Sunday worship services at 11 a.m. Call (312) 225-5300.

TODD RUNDGREN VISITS MAYOR

Mayor Lori Lightfoot invited rock ‘n’ roll musician Todd Rundgren and his Spirit of Harmony Foundation to City Hall to discuss music education advocacy. Spirit of Harmony is a national organization founded by Rundgren and his fans to promote music education for children. For information, log on to https://spiritofharmony.org/.

SUPER CITIES CHICAGO

Super Cities Chicago is a new book by Mark Shulman that offers fun information about what makes Chicago super. From having the first skyscraper to info about great pizza, the el, and Lake Michigan and a look at the Taylor Street/Little Italy area, the book is chock full of fun facts for readers ages seven and up. The book is $14.99 and is available from Arcadia publishing at www.arcadiapublishing.com or (888) 313-2665.

JESSE WHITE NEWS

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White is encouraging students in grades four through 12 to enter the Letters About Literature in Illinois reading and writing competition, offered by the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book. The competition invites students to read a book of their choice and write a letter to the author about how the work changed their life or view of the world. For more information about the competition, contact Bonnie Matheis at (217) 558-2065 or [email protected] Information also is available at ilsos.gov/departments/library/center_for_the_book/.  

White announced the Illinois Secretary of State’s office has changed its official web address from cyberdriveillinois.com to ILSOS.gov.

SMALL WORKS

Woman Made Gallery,2150 S. Canalport Ave., Suite 4A3, will have a show of Small Works from Thursday, Dec. 2, through Monday, Dec. 20. Art by Gazette Chicago Assistant Editor Anne Nordhaus-Bike is included in the show. Art on display has been curated to showcase pieces sized and priced perfectly for gift shopping during this holiday season. Call (312) 738-0400 or log on to womanmade.org.

ADDICTION HOTLINES

AddictionResource.net lists drug and alcohol abuse hotlines available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and confidential. Log on to https://www.addictionresource.net/addiction-hotlines/ or call (844) 616-3400.

TUTORS NEEDED

Aquinas Literacy Center, 1751 W. 35th St., needs volunteer tutors to instruct adult learners with limited English proficiency. All instruction is one on one, and volunteers receive training. Tutoring can take place 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 her at [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. 

BRONZEVILLE ART TOUR

The Bronzeville Art District Art Tour is the third Friday of every month, in person and virtually, from 7 to 8 p.m. Next date is Dec. 17. Participating galleries are Blanc Gallery, Bronzeville Artists Lofts, Faie Afrikan Art, Gallery Guichard, and the South Side Community Art Center. Log on to Bit.ly/bronzevillearttour.

BUCKNER RESOURCES

Residents who want to share their thoughts or require assistance on 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]

GET HELP

The Catholic Charities call center helps callers with a variety of needs and connects them toprograms 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]

GET VACCINATED

The Chicago Department of Public Health is hosting multiple coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination special events across the city. Anyone age 12 and older can get vaccinated. All COVID-19 vaccines are free, and no insurance or ID is required. See the full list of special vaccine events at www.chicago.gov/vaxcalendar. 

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. 

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.

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.

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 [email protected] The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street.

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.

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.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

Any Chicagoan can request an in-home vaccination for coronavirus (COVID-19) by calling the City of Chicago at (312) 746-4835. Or, find out where to get vaccinated from the State of Illinois by calling (800) 889-3931 or logging on to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/.

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/.

NEW ARTISTS

Elephant Room Gallery, 704 S. Wabash Ave., presents new exhibitions of the work of new and emerging Chicago-based artists every four-to-six weeks. Log on to www.elephantroomgallery.com.

FOOD PANTRIES

The following food pantries provide groceries and meals to those who need them.

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.

EVICTION HELP

Get free legal assistance through Eviction Help Illinois by visiting evictionhelpillinois.org or calling (855) 631-0811.

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.

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.

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. 

ERC EXTENDED

The Internal Revenue Service extended the Employee Retention Tax Credit forall of 2021, and more businesses qualify under the eligibility requirements. ERC is a tax credit the IRS implemented last year as a temporary coronavirus relief provision to help businesses keep employees on the payroll. See www.irs.gov/coronavirus/employee-retention-credit.

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.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

The Jason Foundation offers free suicide prevention training to educators, other school staff, parents, physicians, clergy, community leaders, and students. Log on to www.jasonfoundation.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.

DISCOUNT PHONE, INTERNET

Under the Federal Lifeline Program,low-income consumers and veterans can receive a discount off their monthly bills for phone, broadband, or bundled phone and broadband service. See http://linkupillinois.org, call (312) 914-6701, or email [email protected]

FIGHT OPIOID ABUSE

Malcolm X College invites individuals to become community health workers to help fight the opioid crisis. Using a $2.1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the college launched the Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program to bring care and relief to neighborhoods most affected by opioid use disorder. The University of Illinois Chicago Department of Disability and Human Development is partnering in this four-year initiative. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register for the program, visit www.ccc.edu/opioid.

FREE RIDE

Mount Sinai Hospital, 1500 S. Fairfield Ave., offers free rides for patients to get to and from any medical appointment within the Sinai Chicago system. All residents in Sinai Chicago’s service area who need to get to any of the medical system’s hospitals, clinics, or offices for any procedure, check-up, or health appointment can now get free, door-to-door transportation services. Patients can book a ride by calling (630) 903-2949.

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.

MENTAL HEALTH

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago offers support groups and other resources for individuals who may need help. Call (833) 626-4244 or visit www.namichicago.org. 

GAS BILL HELP

For Peoples Gas customers, bill payment assistance is available through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program and the Share the Warmth program. To see if you are eligible and apply, call the Community Economic Development Association at (800) 571-2332 or go to cedarorg.net.

SOCIAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

The Pilsen Social Health Initiative at 1850 S. Throop St. offers a food pantry, thrift store, and onsite social worker. See www.pilsensocialhealthinitiative.com/. Call (773) 812-3150.

BACK TO BUSINESS

Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity have launched the $250 million Back to Business grant program to support small businesses’ continued recovery. See www2.illinois.gov/dceo/SmallBizAssistance/Pages/B2B.aspx.

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.

COURT EXPANSION

Local Cook County Board Commissioners Alma Anaya (D-7th), Dennis Deer (D-2nd), and John P. Daley (D-11th) led the successful effort to expand county court services for domestic violence survivors. The board’s 2022 budget included amendments to address needs of Domestic Violence Court and to turn it into a 24-hour, seven-day-per-week operation. For more information, call Anaya’s office at (312) 989-2848.

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]

By William S. Bike

ADDICTION HOTLINES

AddictionResource.net lists drug and alcohol abuse hotlines available 24 hours per day, seven days per week, and confidential. Log on to https://www.addictionresource.net/addiction-hotlines/ or call (844) 616-3400.

FESTIVAL OF LIFE

The African/Caribbean International Festival of Life will be held in Washington Park, 5531 S. King Dr., Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12. See internationalfestivaloflife.com.

ART OF BANKSY

An exhibition of more than 80 of his works at 360 N. State St. is honoring street artist Banksy through Sunday, Oct. 31. Ticket prices start at $39.99. Log on to banksyexhibit.com for more information.

STUDENT LOAN EXTENSION

The Biden Administration has extended a pause on federal student loan payments to Monday, Jan. 31. The pause was set to expire on Thursday, Sept. 30. See www.studentaid.gov.

SCALABRINI WINDOW

Casa Italia, 1621 N. 39th Ave., Stone Park, IL, will unveil a stained-glass window of Bishop John Scalabrini at 7 p.m. on Friday, Sept. 24. Refreshments will be served. Attorney John J. Lag provided the window, which he bought at Festa Pasta Vino in the Heart of Chicago community; Paul P. Rubino, MD, is funding the window’s restoration. The window’s origin remains a mystery. After the unveiling, the window will go to the Scalabrini Museum in the Italian Cultural Center. Call (708) 345-5399 to reserve a spot at the Sept. 24 event or to provide information about the window’s history.

CUBS BOOK

Gazette Chicago associate editor William S. Bike has written a book about the 1970 Chicago Cubs season, The Forgotten 1970 Chicago Cubs: Go and Glow. 

Meet the author at Madison Street Books,1127 W. Madison St., during a book signing from 1 to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26. The event includes an author talk, which will start at 2 p.m. Call (312) 929-4140.

For more information, go to www.1970chicagocubs.com. 

EAT YOUR VEGGIES

Chicago Vegandale, a vegan food festival, will be held on Butler Field in Grant Park, south Lake Shore Drive at east Monroe Street, Saturday, Sept. 11, 1 to 9 p.m. See vegandalefest.com.

PARK PROGRAMS

Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens will host Rise to Shine Yoga on Saturday, Sept. 11, at 9:15 a.m. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/154432280107.

Bridge Club for people age 60 and beyond will be held 1 to 3 p.m. on Fridays from Sept. 17 through Dec. 10. 

Circuit training for ages 18 and up will be held on Tuesdays from Sept. 14 through Dec. 7 and Thursdays from Sept. 16 through Dec. 9.

Kiddie College for three- and four-year-olds will be held Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m., from Monday, Sept. 13, through Friday, Dec. 10; and for four- and five-year-olds those same dates from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. 

Sign up at https://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/chicago-womens-park-and-gardens.

The park is at 1827 S. Indiana Ave.

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.

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.

BRONZEVILLE PARTNERSHIP

PepsiCo partnered with Bronze-ville restaurant Two Fish Crab Shack,641 E. 47th St., to offer a one-day Free Fried Shrimp Friday for the local community on Aug. 13. At the event, PepsiCo presented a $15,000 donation to Chicago nonprofit organization Polished Pebbles,which seeks to eliminate the “hope gap” experienced by young Chicago women of color who are navigating structural barriers and community violence by providing supportive services, education, and employment opportunities. For information, call Jessica Ortiz at (312) 550-0102.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

Any Chicagoan can request an in-home vaccination for coronavirus (COVID-19) by calling the City of Chicago at (312) 746-4835. Or, find out where to get vaccinated from the State of Illinois by calling (833) 621-1284 or logging on to https://coronavirus.illinois.gov/.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute will hold open houses on Wednesday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m., and Saturday, Nov. 13, from 9 a.m. to noon. The school’s entrance exam is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 4, at 8 a.m. Coffee with an administrator and a parent tour will be held at 8:30 a.m. the Thursdays of Oct. 7, Nov. 4, and 18, and Dec. 2. 

The school is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.

HOCUS POCUS

Donovan Playground Park, 3620 S. Lituanica Ave., will show the movie Hocus Pocus at dusk on Thursday, Sept. 9. Call (312) 742-7529.

FARMERS MARKETS

The following farmers markets are scheduled.

Green City Market, Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Oct. 30, 115 S. Sangamon St.

Plant Chicago, Saturdays, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., through Nov. 13, 4430 S. Marshfield Ave.

Prairie District, Thursdays, 4 to 8 p.m., through Sept. 30, 1936 S. Michigan Ave.

Printers Row, Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Sept. 25, 632 S. Dearborn St.

BIKE THE DRIVE

Fifth Third Bike the Drive, held by the Active Transportation Alliance, will offer nearly five hours of car-free biking on Lake Shore Drive on Sunday, Sept. 5. Register at 53bikethedrive.org.

FOOD PANTRIES

The following food pantries provide groceries and meals to those who need them.

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.

GLESSNER HOUSE

Glessner House,1800 S. PrairieAve., has reopened for tours. Advance tickets are required. Tour dates are Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and at 1 and 2:30 p.m.

Glessner House will host a display of fire trucks on the South 1800 block of Prairie Avenue on Sunday, Sept. 12, from 2 to 4 p.m. Chicago Fire Department personnel will bring equipment, and the Public Education Unit will distribute information on fire safety and free smoke detectors while supplies last. O’Leary’s Fire Truck Tours will provide complimentary rides through the neighborhood aboard a vintage fire truck. The event is free, with no reservations necessary. 

For more information, visit www.glessnerhouse.org.

GPAC MEETINGS

Grant Park Advisory Council meetings are held the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. This month’s meeting will be held Sept. 15. To register, go to www.facebook.com/ChicagoGPAC/?modal=admin_todo_tour.

BECOME A DOCENT

Friends of Historic Second Church/Second Presbyterian Church invites those interested to become a docent giving tours at Historic Second Church, 1936 S. Michigan Ave., by enrolling in 2021 docent training. Participants will learn about the art and architecture of Chicago’s only National Historic Landmark church. Training dates are the Wednesdays of Sept. 8, 15, 22, and 29 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 2, from 9 a.m. to noon. Training takes place at the church. Fee is $10 for all five classes in the series. Get applications at www.historicsecondchurch.org/docents. Email questions to [email protected] 

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.

$ FOR SMALL BUSINESS

The Illinois Department of Economic Opportunity provided $744,600 for the Cook County Small Business Assistance Program. In 2022, the program also will receive $500,000 from We Rise Together, a coalition of philanthropic, business, and community organizations. For more about the program, log on to www.cookcountysmallbiz.org.

ITALIAN-AMERICAN CHAMBER GALA

The Italian-American Chamber of Commerce will present its Humanitarian Award to Carole Segal, founder of Crate & Barrel, at the organization’s gala and award dinner Friday, Nov. 5, 2021, at 6 p.m. at the Bridgeport Art Center, 1200 W. 35th St.  For information, log on to www.iacc-chicago.com/gala2021 or call (312) 553-9137.

LOZANO DAY

The Cook County Board of Commissioners named July 29 as Rodolfo “Rudy” Lozano Day in Cook County. Lozano fought for labor rights, unions, and the Pilsen community before a gang member murdered him June 8, 1983. Supporters believe he was assassinated for his labor and political activities. Lozano was a strong supporter and campaigner for the late Mayor Harold Washington. The City named the Chicago Public Library at 1805 S. Loomis St. for Rudy Lozano.

IT TAKES A VILLAGE

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV), in partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC), has begun a COVID-19 testing initiative at ITAV schools around Chicago. ITAV is partnering with UIC to take on the challenge of preventing COVID-19 breakouts within schools and will be instrumental in helping UIC better understand factors associated with disparities in COVID-19 morbidity and mortality, specifically in childcare centers. For more information, call Tara Shedor at (312) 868- 0588, ext. 5013, or email at [email protected]

FIGHT OPIOID ABUSE

Malcolm X College invites individuals to become community health workers to help fight the opioid crisis. Using a $2.1 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration, the college launched the Opioid-Impacted Family Support Program to bring care and relief to neighborhoods most affected by opioid use disorder. The University of Illinois Chicago Department of Disability and Human Development is partnering in this four-year initiative. Scholarships are available. For more information and to register for the program, visit www.ccc.edu/opioid.

MINSTREL VS. PUPPET

Attend a screening and panel discussion for the movie Minstrel vs. Puppet on Saturday, Sept. 18, from noon to 2 p.m. at City Winery Chicago, 1200 W. Randolph St. The film stars and was written and produced by Hannah Bonecutter, an actress, model, and poet who is working on a Master’s of Public Health degree at the University of Illinois Chicago. Bonecutter also serves as a student advisor at UIC. The film explores the internal conflicts many women feel concerning beauty, intelligence, and social acceptance. For tickets, log on to https://bit.ly/MinstrelVSPuppetCWC21.

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.

MENTAL HEALTH

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago offers support groups and other resources for individuals who may need help. Call (833) 626-4244 or visit www.namichicago.org. 

PHOTO EXHIBIT

Resilience, a photography exhibit by Prince Nikolaos of Greece and Denmark, will make its world premiere at the National Hellenic Museum (NHM) as it reopens in September. Resilience will present 20 photographic artworks, 19 never shown before and one exhibited in London earlier this year. NHM will preview the show Saturday, Sept. 25. NHM tickets, which include admission to the exhibit, are $10. The museum is located at 333 S. Halsted St. and will reopen Friday, Sept. 24. For information, visit www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org. 

FAMILY FISHING

Northerly Island Park,1521 S. Linn White Dr., will host Family Fishing on Wednesday, Sept. 8, 4 to 6 p.m.; Saturday, Sept. 18, 9 to 11 a.m.; and Wednesday, Sept. 22, from 4 to 6 p.m. Instruction available. Call (312) 859-2395.

MENTOR COLLEGE STUDENTS

One Million Degrees (OMD) is a nonprofit built to empower Chicago area community college students. OMD is looking for new volunteer coaches. For the 2021-22 academic year, coaching sessions will continue to take place virtually, with plans to incorporate some in-person opportunities in spring 2022. Applications are open for all seven City Colleges of Chicago and some suburban colleges. Learn more about coaching and apply at www.onemilliondegrees.org/coach. For questions about the program or applications, email [email protected]

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

Our Lady of the Holy Family,1334 W. Flournoy St., will offer a special dedication Mass the evening of Friday, Sept. 17.

The church holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish. Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m. Mondays and Fridays, evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

New for the summer and fall is a special Sunday evening Mass at 6 p.m. in the parish’s garden.

Praying the Rosary begins at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. Adoration/Holy Hour and Confessions begins at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St. 

Reservations required for weekend services, or go online to participate in Masses virtually.

OLHF now offers a Friday Food Pantry for area residents facing food shortage challenges. Contact the parish office to register.

Call (312) 243-7400, email [email protected] or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

ANTI-INTIMIDATION LAW

A bill by State Senator Robert Peters (D-13th), signed into law by Governor JB Pritzker, prevents background checks on persons speaking at or participating in public meetings and hearings. In the past, law enforcement and public officials have used the threat of background checks to intimidate people and prevent their participation in public meetings and hearings. For more information, log on to www.senatorrobertpeters.com.

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 on the basis of unpaid debts, and residents who have defaulted on property tax payments or mortgage foreclosure payments. Learn more by visiting www.cookcountylegalaid.org/.

SOCIAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

The Pilsen Social Health Initiative at 1850 S. Throop St. offers a food pantry, thrift store, and onsite social worker. See www.pilsensocialhealthinitiative.com/. Call (773) 812-3150.

PITCHFORK MUSIC 

The Pitchfork Music Festival will be held in Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., Friday through Sunday, Sept. 10 through 12. See pitchforkmusicfestival.com.