ATN

Around the Neighborhood: August 2021

By William S. Bike

FUNDS FOR ROBERTS CHURCH

The African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation, announced its support for projects totaling $3 million that will help preserve African American landmarks including Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ, 4021 S. State St.Emmett Till’s murder at the hands of two white men catalyzed the Civil Rights Movement, and Roberts Temple is significant for its association with Mamie Till Mobley and Emmett Till as the site of Till’s 1955 funeral. The funds will cover critical structural stabilization for the 1922 church. Visit www.savingplaces.org/actionfund for more information.

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.

The University of Illinois Chicago broke ground recently on its Computer Design Research and Learning Center, which will provide needed space to accommodate UIC’s increasing undergraduate enrollment in computer science.

THE CROODS

Armour Square Park,3309 S. Shields Ave., will show the movie The Croods: A New Age at dusk on Tuesday, Aug. 24. Call (312) 747-6012.

ART OF BANKSY

An exhibition of more than 80 of his works at 360 N. State St. will honor street artist Banksy starting Saturday, Aug. 14, and running through Sunday, Oct. 31. Ticket prices start at $39.99. Log on to banksyexhibit.com for more information.

JAHN EXHIBIT

The Chicago Architecture Center has a new exhibit, Helmut Jahn: Life + Architecture, in its Skyscraper Gallery featuring several scale models of Jahn’s most notable designs, including the Thompson Center in downtown Chicago. The center is at 111 E. Wacker Dr. Call (224) 715-0387 or log on to architecture.org.

CLUELESS

Mary Bartelme Park,115 S. Sangamon St., will show the movie Clueless at dusk on Saturday, Aug. 28. Call (312) 746-5494.

CHICAGO BASEBALL MONTH

Chicago Baseball Month kicks off Friday, Aug. 6. In collaboration with Chicago baseball leaders, including founder, president, and former Major League Baseball All-Star Curtis Granderson, the Chicago Baseball and Education Foundation will bring children throughout the city together for a citywide youth baseball tournament. The month also holds training workshops, skill competitions, a celebrity 16” softball game, and a chance to meet Chicago baseball celebrities. Events will occur throughout August. For the full lineup or to register, log on to www.chicagobaseballmonth.org/.

CUBS SCHOLARSHIP

The Chicago Cubs Charities Cubs Scholars program provides $20,000 scholarships for college. Incoming scholars for this year include local student Jennifer Vergara from Jones College Prep. Log on to www.mlb.com/cubs/community/cubs-charities.

***Local student Jennifer Vergara from Jones College Prep (right) is a Chicago Cubs Scholar and will receive at $20,000 scholarship for college.***

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

CHICAGO WOMEN’S PARK NEWS

Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens will host a Star Party from 7:30 to 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Aug. 13; free yoga on Tuesday, Aug. 17, at 7:15 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 28, at 11:15 a.m.; and Chicago Architectural Center story time from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 28.

The Star Party will feature astronomy, outdoor games and activities, and marshmallows roasted over an open fire.

The park’s advisory council will meet at the field house at 6:45 p.m. on the Tuesdays of Aug. 24, Oct. 6, and Dec. 7.

The park is at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. Call (312) 328-0821.

CITY ANNOUNCEMENTS

The City of Chicago will host Night Out in the Parks, bringing hundreds of diverse and unique cultural events to neighborhood parks. Log on to NightOutInTheParks.com.

The City announced a new Equitable Transit-Oriented Development pilot program to support community-driven projects that promote healthy, affordable, and accessible development near transit. A selection committee of City staff, community groups, developers, and other experts will review and identify pilots and make selections through a two-round application process. Get applications at www.chi.gov/etod.

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 has named Jason Davidson as head wrestling coach. He also teaches applied sciences and formerly was assistant coach.

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) 747-6012.

DRAGON BOAT RACE

The annual Dragon Boat Race for Literacy at Ping Tom Memorial Park, 300 W. 19th St., is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28. A family activity run by Chicago’s Chinatown of Commerce, the race promotes Asian culture and helps neighborhood literacy programs. Log on to www.chicagochinatown.org or call (312) 326-5320.

ART EXHIBIT

Epiphany Center for the Arts will host the exhibition Thresholds-Identity: Perspectives on Y(OUR)selves through Sunday, Sept. 12. Opening reception Friday, Aug. 6, from 6 to 9 p.m. The Center is at 201 S. Ashland Ave. Call (312) 421-4600.

FEAST OF ST. ROCCO

The procession and feast of St. Rocco will be held on Sunday, Aug. 15, at St. Therese Chinese Catholic Church, 218 W. Alexander St. in conjunction with the Society of San Rocco Di Simbario. The procession will begin at approximately 11:30 a.m. after the 10:30 a.m. Mass. After the procession and benediction, there will be a meal. For more information, call (312) 842-6777.

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 the movie In Old Chicago about the Great Chicago Fire and the O’Leary family on Tuesday, Aug. 10, at 7 p.m. Cost is $10 per person or $8 for members.

Go to www.glessnerhouse.org for tour schedules, programming, and lectures.

GOLD COAST ART FAIR

The Gold Coast Art Fair will be held on Butler Field in Grant Park, south Lake Shore Drive at east Monroe Street, Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 21 and 22, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Log on to amdurproductions.org.

ZULEMA

Goodman Theatre will present Sones de México Ensemble’s Zulema in two local parks, with free admission for all. In the story, set thousands of miles from her home in Chiapas, Mexico, the title character, Zulema, goes on a musical journey to Chicago. The production runs Saturday, Aug. 14, at 3 p.m. at Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St., and Sunday, Aug. 15, at 3 p.m., 1824 S. Wood St. For information, log on to www.goodmantheatre.org.

INDONESIAN INDEPENDENCE

An Indonesian Independence Day ceremony will be held Tuesday, Aug. 17, from noon to 1 p.m. under the auspices of the Indonesian Diaspora Network-USA. Enjoy a flag raising, color guards, gamelan and angklung music, and dance performances at the Daley Center Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. For information, contact mtangkar@yahoo.com.

STUDENT WINNER

Andrew Jackson Language Academy student Senade Sodji was a winner at the Invention Convention U.S. Nationals competition. Sodji invented the Solisquito Cap, which uses a solar powered light affixed to a hat that includes mosquito netting to allow the wearer to enjoy light as well as safety from dangerous insects. Sodji had advanced from the Chicago Student Invention Convention. For information, log on to www.chicagoinnovation.com.

THE GOONIES

McGuane Park, 2901 S. Poplar Ave., will show the movie The Goonies at dusk on Tuesday, Aug. 10. Call (312) 747-6497.

NEWMAN NEWS

Rep. Marie Newman (D-3rd) secured $80,000 in federal funding for a McKinley Park business incubator. The 36Squared Business Incubator, 3636 S. Iron St., will use the funds to continue and expand services to small businesses.

For information, log on to http://newman.house.gov.

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

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 olhfparish@archchicago.org or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

ONWARD

Park No. 571,2754 S. Eleanor St., will show the movie Onward at dusk on Wednesday, Aug. 11. Call (312) 823-9135.

PRINTER’S ROW ART FESTIVAL

The Printer’s Row Art Festival, 701 S. Dearborn St., will run Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 7 and 8, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Held on Dearborn Street from Polk to Harrison Streets, the festival offers a buying opportunity for art lovers of all ages. See art in all price points by painters, street artists, jewelers, upcycling artists, artisans of all kinds, photographers, and mixed media artists. Area restaurants and bars will serve up their Chicago specialties. Go to https://amdurproductions.com/event/2021-printers-row-art-fest/ to make reservations.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep will hold its Tolton Society Summer Soiree on Friday, Aug. 6, at 6 p.m., during which the school will honor alumnus and noted ESPN sports commentator Michael R. Wilbon, Class of 1976.

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

VELIKA GOSPA

St. Jerome Croatian Parish,2823 S. Princeton Ave., will host Velika Gospa on Sunday, Aug. 15, from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. The festival includes Masses (7:30 and 9 a.m. and noon) and a procession, Croatian food (barbecued lamb and pig, cevapcici, raznici, and fritule), drinks, games for kids, a raffle ($20,000 to be awarded at 10 p.m.), bingo, and live music. Call (312) 842-1871 or log on to www.stjeromecroatian.org/.

KARATE KID

Sheridan Park,910 S. Aberdeen St., will show the movie The Karate Kid at dusk on Wednesday, Aug. 18. Call (312) 746-5369.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host a Prayer Walk with Mary, the Mother of God on Saturday, Aug. 21, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Arrigo Park, across the street from the shrine. Enjoy Scripture, prayer, stories, and poetry. Register by Wednesday, Aug. 18.

The Italian festa Unwine Under the Stars, the shrine’s fundraiser, is scheduled for Saturday, Aug. 28, at CineCity Studios, 2429 W. 14th St. Email mlp@ourladyofpompeii.org.

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

SUMMER SMASH

Come out for the Summer Smash hip-hop music festival at the Douglass Park Golf Course, 1401 S. Sacramento Ave., Friday through Sunday, Aug. 20 through 22. See starevents.com.

***Union Park will host the Ruido, ARC, and Pitchfork Music Festivals in upcoming weeks.***

TASTE OF GREEKTOWN

Taste of Greektown runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 27 through 29, on the 300 block of south Halsted Street between Van Buren and Adams Streets. Times are Friday and Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Food and spirits from neighborhood eateries will again offer the main attraction, complemented by plenty of music by Greek bands and entertainment such as games for both kids and families. Log on to https://chicagoevents.com/events/taste-of-greektown/.

UNION PARK

Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., will host three music festivals.

The Ruido Music Festival will runFriday through Sunday, Aug. 20 through 22, and spotlight Latin alternative music. Log on to https://ruidofest.com/.

The ARC Music Festival happens Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 4 and 5, with house music and a new immersive dance music event. Log onto http://arcmusicfestival.com for the artist lineup.

The Pitchfork Music Festival will run Friday through Sunday, Sept. 10 through 12, to showcase up and coming music from around the world along with special performances from touring legends. For more information, go to https://pitchforkmusicfestival.com.

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

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.

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 Aug. 18. To register, go to www.facebook.com/ChicagoGPAC/?modal=admin_todo_tour.

MEALS FOR DISABLED CHILDREN

Chicago Public Schools (CPS) students with disabilities now have access to free breakfast and lunch, thanks to a class action lawsuit filed by Legal Council for Health Justice and Disability Rights Advocates, challenging the CPS policy of denying free breakfast and lunch to its students whose disabilities require them to attend non-public schools. For information, call (312) 605-1957.

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.

LIGHT OF TRUTH

The Oakwood Shores Working Group unveiled The Light of Truth: Ida B. Wells Monument, the first monument in Chicago honoring an African American woman, on June 30. The sculpture, commissioned by the Ida B. Wells Commemorative Art Committee, a subcommittee of the group, provides a permanent monument at 37th Street and Langley Avenue, where the Ida B. Wells Homes once stood. For more information, contact committee chair Anthony Rogers at arogers@granitecos.com or mlduster@aol.com.

CRIME VICTIM HELP

Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a new statewide automated victim notification system, Illinois VINE (Victim Information and Notifications Everyday), which will allow survivors of violent crime and their families to search offenders’ custody status more easily as well as access support services and advocacy organizations. Call (866) 5-NOTIFY (866-566-8439) or visit VINELink.com. Individuals affected by a violent crime can call Raoul’s Crime Victims Assistance Line at (800) 228-3368.

ELECTRIC BUSES

Representative Bobby L. Rush (D-1st), chair of the Energy Subcommittee of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, announced that the Chicago Transit Authority will receive $6,988,646 from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Transit Administration to purchase battery electric buses and charging equipment, upgrade its South Side bus depot, and provide workforce training. For more information, call (202) 716-6365.

OFFICE MOVE

Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez moved his office to 2100 W. Cermak Rd. Call (773) 523-4100 or email Ward25@cityofchicago.org.

CHAMBER FUNDRAISER

Save the date for the South Loop Chamber of Commerce fundraiser at its annual party at Zhou B Art Center, 1029 W. 35th St., Thursday, Sept. 30, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. For information, contact Colleen Mancari at Colleenm_southloop@msn.com.

TEAACH ACT

Governor JB Pritzker signed the TEAACH Act (Teaching Equitable Asian American Community History) into law in July. The bill will make Illinois the first state to require public elementary and high schools to teach a unit of Asian American history. Asian Americans Advancing Justice promoted the bill. Call (312) 307-0840 for more information.

***Food and spirits from neighborhood eateries will be the main attraction at Taste of Greektown, complemented with plenty of music by Greek bands and games for kids and families.***

UIC INFORMATION

The I PROMOTE-IL Project at the University of Illinois at Chicago is working with StoryCenter to support birthing persons and their families in sharing their stories related to experiences of complications and challenges during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and the postpartum period. Challenges can include physical conditions, chronic disease management, delivery complications, mental health conditions, and coping with substance use. The project is recruiting birthing persons to attend a virtual digital storytelling workshop online over four weeks, which includes five two-hour group sessions and three individual sessions from Monday, Aug. 9, through Thursday, Sept. 2. For more information, contact Abby Holicky at holicky2@uic.edu.

WCA NETWORKING

The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce will hold a networking event at Time Out Market, 916 W. Fulton Market, Wednesday, July 14, at 4:30 p.m. For information, call (312) 902-4922.

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 gethelp@catholiccharities.net.

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.

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.

GWTP JOB TRAINING

Greater West Town Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.

HR HOTSEAT

HRHotSeat 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 info@hrhotseat.com for a calendar of upcoming events.

LICENSE EXTENSION

All expired Illinois driver’s licenses and identification cards will remain valid until Saturday, Jan. 1, 2022, according to Secretary of State Jesse White. For more information, go to cyberdriveillinois.com.

EQUAL PAY

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3rd) championed a newly signed law that will ensure the State fully implements the Equal Pay Act. Hunter’s Senate Bill 1847 strengthened Illinois’s Equal Pay Act application submission dates and compliance requirements. The General Assembly earlier had passed Senate Bill 1480, part of the Black Caucus’s Economic Access, Equity, and Opportunity Pillar, which created an Equal Pay Registration Certificate requirement for businesses with more than 100 employees in Illinois. For more information, call (312) 949-1908.

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.

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.

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 info@gazettechicago.com.

Around the Neighborhood: July 2021

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., Satruday and Sunday, Sept. 11 and 12. See internationalfestivaloflife.com.

Courtesy Alderman Patrick D. Thompson
*Alderman Patrick D. Thompson led a ribbon cutting for new playground equipment at McInerney Park, 4446 S. Emerald Ave.*

SHAPEN FELLOWS

Howard Brown Health has announced the inaugural class of its Gregory Shapen Public Health Fellowship Endowment Fund, supporting paid internship opportunities for underrepresented LGBTQ undergraduates with a focus on LGBTQ health. The six participating fellows, including three local ones, are all students at Chicago-area universities and colleges. The local fellows are Sana Ali of the University of Illinois at Chicago; Andre Hall of the University of Chicago; and Audre Nevar of the University of Illinois College of Medicine. Howard Brown Health exists to eliminate the disparities in healthcare experienced by LBGTQ people. Learn more at howardbrown.org.

BURNS HELPS BEETHOVEN

The Lugenia Burns Hope Center, 710 E. 47th St., recently provided aid bags containing soap, tissue, sanitizer, and face masks to families and students of Beethoven Elementary School, 25 W. 47th St. The center also provided 15 routers for internet access for the school. For more information, log on to www.lbhopecenter.com.

CHICAGO BIKE WEEK

Celebrate biking during Chicago Bike Week, Friday, June 25, through Friday, July 2. Throughout the week, Active Transportation Alliance and other organizers will provide free tips and tricks for riders of all abilities and roll out other fun Bike Week activities. Log on to https://activetrans.org/bikeweek or call (312) 427-3325.

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

PLAY BRIDGE

Chicago Duplicate Bridge has moved to Dearborn Station, 47 W. Polk St. The organization holds games seven days per week in the afternoon and evening games Tuesdays and Thursdays. See www.bridgewebs.com/chicagodbc/.

PITCH IN

The nonprofit Chicago Parks Foundation announced the second season of its citywide volunteer effort, Pitch In for the Parks!, to help keep the city’s 600+ public parks clean. This season-long, family-friendly volunteer opportunity is open for registration on an ongoing enrollment basis, with park clean-ups going on through October. Volunteers can sign up at chicagoparksfoundation.org/volunteer.

WOMEN’S PARK

Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens,1801 S. Indiana Ave.,will offer a Journey Through South Asia on Thursday, July 8, at 6 p.m. featuring live music, poetry, and folktales. Bring a chair or blanket. The Kalapriya Center for Indian Performing Arts organized the event. Call (312) 436-2789 or log on to www.kalapriya.org/events.

The park will host the Lakeside Bank Concert in the Park on Tuesday, July 20. A Night Out in the Park will feature a string quartet on Thursday, July 22. Toddlers, Tunes, & Turtles is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 5.

Call (312) 328-0821 for times and details.

BUSINESS EXPO

The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection will host a small business e-expo online on Thursday, July 22. Log on to www.ChiSmallBizExpo.com for more information.

CHINATOWN SUMMER FAIR

The Chinatown Summer Fair,2200 S. Wentworth Ave., will be held Saturday, July 17, noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 18, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., on Wentworth Avenue at Cermak Road. This neighborhood street festival, sponsored by the Chicago Chinatown Community Foundation, will open with a lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m. Log on to www.ccc-foundation.org/summer-fair/ or call (312) 326-5320.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute counts 58 of its students among the 195 semifinalists in the Illinois Fatherhood Initiative Essay Contest.

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

DUSMUMMER

The DuSable Museum of African American History will host DuSummer each Wednesday through Sunday on the Plaza of the DuSable Museum Roundhouse. Wednesdays are dedicated to DuJazz and Thursdays to DuDiaspora, featuring a mix of music exploring Latin and African rhythms during which guests are invited to dance. Fridays feature DuHouse, Chicago’s 1980s house music for underground club culture. On Saturdays, the museum will welcome DuComedy. Sundays will conclude each week’s offerings with a DuSteppin’ Day party, during which dancers and observers can put on their Sunday best and dance. The DuSable Museum is at 5700 S. Cottage Grove Ave. For more information, call (773) 947-0600 or visit www.dusablemuseum.org.

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.

FIESTA DEL SOL RETURNS

Fiesta del Sol will be held Thursday through Sunday, July 29 through Aug. 1, on Cermak Road between Ashland Avenue and Morgan Street. The festival celebrates Latino heritage and culture. This year, in addition to music, food, and carnival rides, the festival will provide COVID-19 vaccines. The event will run from 5 to 10 p.m. July 29, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. July 30 and 31, and 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Aug. 1. See www.fiestadelsol.org.

*Plant Chicago farmers market has reopened and will operate through Saturday, Nov. 13, at 4430 S. Marshfield Ave.*

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.

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.

4TH ON 53RD

The 4th on 53rd celebration will be held Monday, July 4, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Nichols Park, 1355 E. 53rd St.Enjoy music, jump rope demonstrations, arts, crafts, magic, bicycle decorations, a photo booth, and games. For more information, email 4thon53rdhp@gmail.com.

OVENS FOR COMMUNITY

GE Appliances (GEA) partnered with nonprofit Kitchen Possible to provide GE Digital Air Fry 7-in-1 Toaster Ovens to 46 households in the Pilsen and East Garfield Park neighborhoods as part of GEA’s community engagement investments with nonprofit organizations and community partners who connect people with the resources they need to be successful. Kitchen Possible teaches weekly cooking lessons to young people ages eight through 12 in underserved Chicago neigshborhoods. For more on GEA, visit www.geappliancesco.com. For more on Kitchen Possible, log on to kitchenpossible.org.

GLESSNER HOUSE IN-PERSON EVENTS

Glessner House, located at 1800 S. Prairie Ave., has resumed in-person events. On Sunday, July 18, at 2 p.m., take a walking tour of Chicago’s historic Prairie Avenue, including an interior visit to Second Presbyterian Church; tickets are $25. On Sunday, July 24, at 10 a.m., explore the history and architecture of Chicago’s Motor Row along South Michigan Avenue; tickets are $20. On Wednesday, July 28, at 5:30 p.m., enjoy a concert in the courtyard performed by Wayne Messmer; tickets are $15. For more information and to buy tickets, visit glessnerhouse.org.

ZULEMA

Goodman Theatre will present Sones de México Ensemble’s Zulema in two local parks, with free admission for all. In the story, set thousands of miles from her home in Chiapas, Mexico, the title character, Zulema, goes on a musical journey to Chicago. The production runs through Saturday, Aug. 14, at 3 p.m. at Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St., and Sunday, Aug. 15, at 3 p.m., 1824 S. Wood St. For information, log on to www.goodmantheatre.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 July 21. To register, go to www.facebook.com/ChicagoGPAC/?modal=admin_todo_tour.

GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Grant Park Music Festival is a free outdoor classical music series of summer concerts in Millennium Park. Concerts run from Friday, July 2, through Saturday, Aug. 21. Reservations are needed for all seating and can be made online or by phone. All seats are free of charge. For a complete schedule of performance dates, music, visiting artists, and updated health and safety requirements, log on to www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2021-season.

IMMERSIVE VAN GOGH

Immersive Van Gogh by Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago in the Germania Club Building, 108 W. Germania Pl., allows visitors to transport fully into Van Gogh’s most famous masterpieces such as Starry Night, Sunflowers, and the Bedroom of Arles, with large-scale projections that animate every inch of the architecture, along with music, storytelling, and the opportunity to lie down in a socially distant circle with a pillow to take it all in. Call (844) 307-4644.

HEALTHCARE COVERAGE

The Biden Administration has opened HealthCare.gov, created by the Affordable Care Act, through Sunday, Aug. 15, so all Americans can sign up for health insurance.

ART EXHIBITION

The Hyde Park Art Center is presenting the Metamorphosis of Gabriel Villa and a related virtual artist talk. This exhibition introduces the artist’s new direction in installation and clay sculpture and is available for in-person viewing from now through Saturday, July 17. Advance registration is required via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-metamorphosis-of-gabriel-villa-artist-talk-tickets-150122730127. The Hyde Park Art Center is located at 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Call (773) 324-5520.

HUMANITIES GRANTS

Illinois Humanities is accepting applications for COVID-19 Emergency Relief and Recovery Grants. More than $1 million in funding has been made possible by the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 through the National Endowment for the Humanities. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, will provide general operating support for humanities nonprofits as well as humanities-based project grants. Nonprofit organizations with annual budgets of $2 million or less are eligible to apply. The application deadline is Thursday, July 15. To apply, go to https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=ihc. For a 1 p.m. information session on Wednesday, June 9, email mark.hallett@ilhumanities.org.

INDONESIAN INDEPENDENCE

Photo by William S. Bike
*Immersive Van Gogh by Lighthouse ArtSpace Chicago allows visitors to transport fully into Van Gogh’s most famous masterpieces.*

PROPERTY TAX IMPROVEMENTS

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi will implement two changes to the tax code to extend auto-renewals for property tax exemptions for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities and to expand incentives for affordable housing providers. HB 3289 extends property tax renewal exemptions for low-income seniors and persons with disabilities; in prior years, homeowners had to file forms online or through the mail to receive these exemptions. HB 2621 expands housing options for low-income households by reducing the tax liability for those who provide affordable housing. For information, log on to www.cookcountyassessor.com.

LOLLAPALOOZA

Lollapalooza will be held in Hutchinson Field in Grant Park. The four-day music festival runs Thursday, July 29, through Sunday, Aug. 1, 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 the Kidzapalooza mini-fest for children running parallel to the main concerts and offering parents and youngsters the opportunity to catch family-friendly music. Go to www.lollapalooza.com/.

GOVERNMENT DEBT TOOL

Property owners can find out what portion of local government debt falls on them, thanks to a new online tool created by Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas. To see the new calculations, property owners can visit cookcountytreasurer.com and click the purple box on the homepage and search for their addresses and see their local debt burdens compared to home value in both dollar and percentage amounts.

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

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

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

Call (312) 243-7400, email olhfparish@archchicago.org or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

At the Chicago Catholic League Track and Field Championships, Saint Ignatius College Prep senior Malcom Bevans jumped 14.61 meters to win the event and break a 33-year-old league record.

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

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will hold a virtual retreat, Praying with Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostles, at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, July 24.

For more information, visit ourladyofpompeii.org or Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine on Facebook.

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

SLCC MOVES

The community group South Loop Chamber of Commerce has moved from its previous location at 3538 S. Halsted St. The new location is 1029 W. 35th St., 60609, in the Zhou B Art Center. To visit, turn into the driveway east of the building and park in the back. Follow the ramp on the west side of the building and ring the bell for entry. Call (773) 254-7225 or log on to southloopchamberofcommerce.com.

SMOKEOUT

The Windy City Smokeout,featuring musicians Darius Rucker and Dierks Bentley, will be held outside the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., Thursday through Sunday, July 8 through 11. See windycitysmokout.com.

Around the Neighborhood: June 2021

By William S. Bike

BENTON HOUSE INFO

At Benton House,3052 S. Gratten Ave., find out about public benefits such as supplemental nutrition assistance and citizenship application help. Call (773) 927-6420 or email info@bentonhouse.org.

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.

*De La Salle Institute has hired Carlene Klaas as dean of enrollment management.*

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.

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 Buckner@Illinois26.com.

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 gethelp@catholiccharities.net.

ART EXHIBITIONS

Chicago Artists Coalition, 2130 W. Fulton St., will present three new exhibitions, all open to the public from now through Wednesday, June 16, by appointment only from 3 to 8 p.m. For more information, call (312) 491-8888.

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

CHINATOWN WORKSHOP

Community activist Phan Le will present Chicago Chinatown, Past and Present,a 90-minute online workshop focusing on the historical, social, and political aspects of Chicago’s Chinatown, one of the few urban Chinese-American communities in the U.S. that is growing. The workshop will be held Monday, June 7, and repeated every evening through Friday, June 11, at 7 p.m.; the public is invited to sign up for any one of the evenings. Register at tiny.cc/chi-chinatown-poli-ed.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services reports that Community Services Block Grant Scholarships are available for those enrolled or planning to enroll in college or vocational training. Contact Jenny Schuler at jenny.schuler@cityofchicago.org or (312) 746-7291.

SUNDAYS ON STATE

Chicago Loop Alliance is hosting Sundays on State throughout the summer, closing a portion of State Street so groups can take it over for performances and events. For more information, log on to loopchicago.com.

CPS HOTLINES

The Chicago Public Schools administration has a Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 533-KIDS (5437) and CPS Parent Tech Support Hotline at (773) 417-1060. Or, email familyservices@cps.edu.

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.

CHICAGO WOMEN’S PARK NEWS

Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens’ advisory council will meet on Tuesday, June 15, at 6:45 p.m. in the fieldhouse.

The park will have a summer day camp from Monday, June 28, through Friday, Aug. 6. To register, go to www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/programs-memberships.

Come to the park for Make Music Chicago on Monday, June 21.

The park is at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. Call (312) 328-0821.

*The Illinois Institute of Technology finished second among top ten ranked value colleges in Illinois.*

JOBS FOR YOUTH

The City of Chicago has jobs for youth ages 14 through 24. Application deadline is Friday, June 11. Go to OneSummerChicago.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.

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/.

AMERICAN ROULETTE

American Roulette is an art exhibit at the Chase Gallery at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., on display now through Sunday, July 18. Call (312) 421-4600.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute has hired Carlene Klaas as dean of enrollment management, overseeing admissions operations and enrollment management and retention efforts.

The school also hired Gary DeCesare as the new head coach of the boys basketball program. DeCesare brings more than 20 years of coaching experience, serving most recently as director of college athletics recruiting and boys head coach at Gulliver Prep in Miami, FL.

De La Salle will host grade school summer camps in June and July.

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

FARMERS MARKETS

The following farmers markets are scheduled.

Prairie District, Thursdays, 4 to 8 p.m., June 17 through Sept. 30, 1936 S. Michigan Ave.

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

*More than 50 volunteers participated in a recent Taylor Street cleanup from Ashland Avenue to Morgan Street.*

GLESSNER HOUSE

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., will offer an author talk with Stuart Cohen about his new book, Frank L. Wright and the Architects of Steinway Hall on Thursday, June 17, at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10. The Glessner courtyard reopens for concerts this month, hosting CSO cellist John Sharp and friends playing music for string trio on Wednesday, June 9, at 6 p.m. (tickets are $50) and Second City Jazz on Wednesday, June 23, at 5:30 p.m. (tickets $15). For more information and to buy tickets, visit 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 June 16. To register, go to www.facebook.com/ChicagoGPAC/?modal=admin_todo_tour.

GBMA HELP

Greater Bridgeport Mutual Aid, a network of more than 150 volunteers, has organized to provide free grocery delivery, direct people to resources and information through a telephone hotline, provide digital enrichment for students during remote learning, and do neighbor support check-ins. The network serves the Bridgeport, Chinatown, Armour Square, and Canaryville neighborhoods. Services are available in English, Spanish, Mandarin, and Cantonese. Request services on the group’s website at www.gbmachicago.org or by calling or texting the group’s hotline at (312) 818-1393. Donations are welcome by emailing GBMA through the organization’s website.

GWTP JOB TRAINING

Greater West Town Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.

HARMONY NEWS

Harmony Community Church, 1908 S. Millard Ave., has converted its sanctuary into 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.

HEALTHCARE COVERAGE

The Biden Administration has opened HealthCare.gov,created by the Affordable Care Act, through Sunday, Aug. 15, so all Americans can sign up for health insurance.

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. Visitwww.HRHotSeat.com or email info@hrhotseat.com for a calendar of upcoming events.

ART EXHIBITION

GIVE BLOOD

HUMANITIES GRANTS

Photo courtesy City of Chicago
*Mayor Lori Lightfoot recently visited Fulton Labs, a new life science research incubator in the Fulton Market area.*

DONATION TO TUMBLERS

Impact Networking, a managed services provider, donated $35,000 to the Jesse White Tumbling Team, a program with a mission to help set at-risk youth on the path to success. Illinois Secretary of State and 27th Ward Committeeman Jesse White voiced his gratitude and appreciation to Impact CEO Frank Cucco. Impact Networking conceives, develops, and executes customized strategies and solutions to improve businesses’ technical, financial, operational, and creative aspects. Log on to www.impactmybiz.com for more information.

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.

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.

MSOMAJI’S MAGIC CARPET

Bronzeville’s Tiffany Smith has written a children’s book, Msomaji’s Magic Carpet,which she designed as an inspirational and education manual for children to dream of travel. Get the book at www.Msomajismagiccarpet.com.

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.

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

The National Immigrant Justice Center, 224 S. Michigan Ave., provides comprehensive legal services to low-income immigrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. It will continue to do intakes over the phone during the coronavirus crisis. Call (312) 660-1370 or log on to www.immigrantjustice.org.

CABRINI SHRINE NEWS

The National Shrine of Saint Frances Xavier Cabrini, 2520 N. Lakeview Ave., will celebrate the Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus with a Mass on Friday, June 11, at 4 p.m. The shrine holds weekly Mass Saturdays at 4 p.m. and Sundays at 10 a.m. and is open for weekly private prayer on Wednesdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Reservations required; coronavirus rules allow for up to 60% occupancy. To make a reservation call (773) 360-5115 or visit cabrininationalshrine.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. 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 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.

Call (312) 243-7400, email olhfparish@archchicago.org or log on to www.olhfchi.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.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep senior Marty Boyle has signed to play college baseball next school year at the University of Tampa. Seniors Lauren McDonald, Rhema Ogele, and Leah Poorman have signed to play college basketball next school year. McDonald will attend the U.S. Air Force Academy, Ogele will attend Portland State University, and Poorman will attend Middlebury College.

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

TUITION RELIEF DRIVE

San Miguel School is having an emergency tuition relief drive, and donations through mid-June will be doubled thanks to Cam Paulson, owner of Strive Village gyms, who is matching all gifts through Tuesday, June 15, up to $30,000. The school is located at 1954 W. 48th St. Call (773) 890-1481 or log on to sanmiguelchicago.org.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will offer Moving On with Grace: A Spiritual Journey for Men and Women Grieving the Death of a Spouse on Saturday, June 12, 9 a.m. to noon., featuring Amy Florian, a grief studies expert. Registration costs $20 and is due by Wednesday, June 9.

Monday through Friday, June 21 through 25, the Rev. Richard Fragomeni will present the course Death and Afterlife: Liturgy and the Promise of the Resurrection from 1 to 4 p.m. daily Cost is $300.

For more information, visit ourladyofpompeii.org or Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine on Facebook.

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

BEST VALUE COLLEGES

SmartAsset’s Best Value Colleges study ranked Illinois’s top ten best value colleges. Illinois Institute of Technology ranked second, with the University of Illinois at Chicago ranking eighth. For more information, see https://smartasset.com.

SLCC ANALYZES ONE CENTRAL

The South Loop Concerned Coalition posted a video, A Panel of Experts on One Central, on Facebook, YouTube, and the SLCC website. The coalition assembled transportation, construction, and finance experts to analyze the revised One Central housing and retail proposal for the South Loop. See southloopconcernedcoalition.org. For more information, email SLCC.volunteers@gmail.com.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

The State of Illinois is offering grants of up to $25,000 for up to 15 months of rental assistance, and the grants will not need to be repaid. The program is open to renters who have lost income due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and are at risk of losing their place to live. Landlords must start the application process, and then tenants can file for the program. A person must be a tenant in Illinois, have lost income due to the coronavirus, be behind in rent, and have a household income less than 80% of the area median income. Deadline is Monday, June 7. Log on to https://illinoishousinghelp.org/.

GRANTS FOR ORGANIZATIONS

The U.S. Department of Labor announced a funding opportunity of $3.5 million for grants to community-based organizations to increase and retain the number of women in quality registered apprenticeship programs and nontraditional occupations such as those in the manufacturing, infrastructure, cybersecurity, and healthcare. Apply for the grants at https://www.grants.gov/web/grants/view-opportunity.html?oppId=333076.

TRAUMA HELPLINE

The toll-free TURN Trauma Counseling Helpline,(833) TURN123, operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. TURN stands for The Urban Resilience Network, and the helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence. The organization also provides trained ambassadors to visit community events and schools to educate about trauma.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

If your business has experienced substantial economic injury due to the coronavirus pandemic, the U.S. Small Business Association is authorized to issue assistance through a small business economic injury disaster loan program. This program can provide low interest loans of up to $2 million to businesses and private non-profits. See https://disasterloan.sba.gov/ela/.

CLEANUP

More than 50 volunteers participated in a recent Taylor Street cleanup, from Ashland Avenue to Morgan Street, sponsored by the West Central Association, Little Italy Chicago Neighborhood Association Alderman Jason Ervin (28th Ward), and Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez (25th Ward).

YARD SALE

The South Loop Neighbors will host its annual yard sale on Saturday, June 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Dearborn Park, Plymouth Court and 13th Street.

Around the Neighborhood: May 2021

By William S. Bike

Editor’s note: At press time, future events listed in Around the Neighborhood still were scheduled, but changes are happening on a daily basis due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Check websites or call before going out in case organizers have postponed or canceled events.

BENTON HOUSE INFO

At Benton House, 3052 S. Gratten Ave., find out about public benefits such as supplemental nutrition assistance and citizenship application help. Call (773) 927-6420 or email info@bentonhouse.org.

Chicago’s first lady, Amy Eshleman, recently visited the Protect Chicago Plus vaccination clinic located at UI Health Mile Square Health Center to greet the community and provide encouraging words of support to those receiving their COVID-19 vaccines.

BOULEVARD NEWS

BUCKNER RESOURCES

Residents who want to share their thoughts or require assistance on coronavirus or any issue in the community can reach the office of State Rep Kam Buckner (D-26th) at (773) 924-1755 or by email at Buckner@Illinois26.com.

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Church provide resources related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including rental assistance and utilities support. They also 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.

BUCKNER RESOURCES

GET HELP

The Catholic Charities call center helps callers with a variety of needs and connects them to programs within Catholic Charities or other agencies.

The organization offers meals to go at St. Vincent Center, 721 N. LaSalle St., Monday through Friday at 4 p.m. No pre-registration required.

Catholic Charities operates several food pantries.

A counseling/support hotline is available at (312) 948-6951. Catholic Charities also offers professional counseling at (312) 644-7725.

Log on to catholiccharities.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email gethelp@catholiccharities.net.

ART EXHIBITIONS

Chicago Artists Coalition, 2130 W. Fulton St., will present three new exhibitions, all open to the public from Friday, May 7, through Wednesday, June 16, by appointment only from 3 to 8 p.m. For more information, call (312) 491-8888.

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

CPS HOTLINES

The Chicago Public Schools administration has established a Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 533-KIDS (5437) and CPS Parent Tech Support Hotline at (773) 417-1060. Or, email familyservices@cps.edu.

JOBS FOR YOUTH

The City of Chicago has jobs for youth ages 14 through 24. Application deadline is Friday, June 11. Go to OneSummerChicago.org.

LEGAL AID

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute will host school tours at 9, 10, and 11 a.m. on Wednesday, May 19. It will host grade school summer camps in June and July.

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

AMERICAN ROULETTE

American Roulette is an art exhibit at the Chase Gallery at Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., on display now through Sunday, July 18. Call (312) 421-4600.

COMMUNITY JUSTICE GRANTS

Expensify.org, a charity founded by the preaccounting platform Expensify, runs the Community Justice Grant Challenge, which can provide up to $100,000 in funding to ten grassroots organizations or individuals fighting injustices in their community. Expensify.org wants to partner with groups working to advance change in at least one of these areas: climate justice, food security, housing equity, reentry services, or youth advocacy. To apply, visit Expensify.org. The deadline to apply has been extended to Saturday, May 15.

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.

PEOPLE

Noah Benjamin Goldin was born April 1, weighing in at 8 lbs., 2 oz., and measuring 20 inches long. Proud mother and father are Emilia Olvera and Daniel Goldin. Noah is the brother of Eli Alexander Goldin. Proud grandparents are Steven and Hortencia Olvera and Wally and Elena Goldin.

GLESSNER HOUSE

Glessner House,1800 S. Prairie Ave. is open for tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Advance ticket required. Visit 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 May 19. To register, go to www.facebook.com/ChicagoGPAC/?modal=admin_todo_tour.

GBMA HELP

HARMONY NEWS

HEALTHCARE COVERAGE

The Biden Administration has opened HealthCare.gov,created by the Affordable Care Act, through Sunday, Aug. 15, so all Americans can sign up for health insurance.

ART EXHIBITION

The Hyde Park Art Center is presenting the Metamorphosis of Gabriel Villa and a related virtual artist talk. This exhibition introduces the artist’s new direction in installation and clay sculpture and is available for in-person viewing from now through Saturday, July 17. Villa will give a free virtual artist talkThursday, June 6, 3 to 4 p.m.,via Zoom (https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81095516013). Advance registration is required via Eventbrite at www.eventbrite.com/e/the-metamorphosis-of-gabriel-villa-artist-talk-tickets-150122730127. The Hyde Park Art Center is located at 5020 S. Cornell Ave. Call (773) 324-5520.

GIVE BLOOD

DAVIS HONORED

Impact Networking, a managed services provider, has donated $10,000 on behalf of Congressman Danny K. Davis (D-7th) to help fund scholarships for academically deserving students enrolled at the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, Davis’s alma mater. Davis expressed his gratitude and appreciation to Impact CEO Frank Cucco. For information, call (847) 785-2250.

CPD INCREASES COMPLIANCE

The Independent Monitoring Team assesses behavior of Chicago Police Department and City of Chicago employees and has found that the CPD and City have more than tripled previous compliance with a court consent decree. The CPD instituted 32 hours of mandatory in-service training for officers, conducted extensive community engagement, improved transparency, hired a language access coordinator, and created a department-wide anti-retaliation policy. See cpdmonitoringteam.com.

CHILDHOOD WORKFORCE TRAINING

It Takes A Village Family of Schools (ITAV), 806 N. Peoria St., is starting a new early childhood workforce program for Chicago youth. Participants will earn State credentials, work toward the national Child Development Associate’s credential, and receive a paid apprenticeship at an ITAV early learning worksite. The cohort will take place during summer. To sign up or learn more, visit www.itavschools.org or email Makeya Kelly at makeya@itavschools.org.

LADIES OF VIRTUE

LATINO UNION

RENTERS’ SERVICES

MAYOR’S MEDAL

Mayor Lori Lightfoot on April 20 conferred the Mayor’s Medal of Honor to individuals and organizations making extraordinary contributions to Chicago during the coronavirus pandemic. Local organizations honored include Rush University Medical Center, the Pui Tak Center, and the Back of the Yards Neighborhood Council Ballet Folklorico.

EMPOWERING LATINAS

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.

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

*Malcolm Bevans made school history at Saint Ignatius College Prep in track and field by breaking his own record in the triple jump.*

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

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

Congratulations to our Confirmandi who received the Sacrament of Conformation on Saturday, April 24! Isabel Avila, Isaura Cardenas, Diego Davila, Miabella Esposito, Pablo Gutierrez, Isabella Guzman, Jaquelin Nevarez, Venus Nava-Munoz, Anne O’Neill, Stefano Ramirez, Joshua Roman, Jayden Rivera, Gabriel Ruiz, Natalie Ruiz, Christopher Sanchez, Ariana Valdez, and Leonardo Zuno.

Call (312) 243-7400, email olhfparish@archchicago.org or log on to www.olhfchi.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.

RAOUL NEWS

Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced his office surpassed $904 million in revenue collected on behalf of the State through litigation and collection efforts in 2020. The revenue collected for the State by the attorney general’s office shows that, for every dollar of taxpayer funding the office received, it generated $25.49 for the State. For more information, call (217) 785-5726.

RUSH ROUNDUP

Rush University System for Health administered its 100,000th dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines in April, a milestone reached in less than four months. For more information, log on to rush.edu/vaccine.

Rush is at 1700 W. Van Buren St.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

The Saint Ignatius College Prep varsity sailing team finished second in the Central Fleet Qualifier.

Malcolm Bevans made school history in track and field by breaking his own record in the triple jump by almost 18 inches when he jumped 47 feet, 8 inches—the best jump in Illinois this year.

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

DONATIONS NEEDED

St. Matthew Lutheran Church/Comedor San Mateo Soup Kitchen needs donations of kitchen sinks, office supplies, garbage bags, napkins, and food. Call (773) 847-5458 or (312) 636-6496. The church and soup kitchen are located at 2108 W. 21st St.

*Rush University System for Health administered its 100,000th dose of the coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccines in April.*

ART EXHIBIT

Seeds In My Pocket is an art exhibit curated by South Shore artist Dorian Sylvain and Pilsen artist Pablo Serrano in partnership with the Chicago Art Department. The exhibit focuses on the shared journey of Black and Latino families who navigate barriers to create a sense of home and place in Chicago. The exhibit is at 1926 S. Halsted St. through Sunday, May 30. Walk-ins are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Attendees are encouraged to make reservations at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/seeds-in-my-pocket-opening-tickets-144808348669?ref=estw.

PENGUIN VISIT

Three Magellanic penguins from Shedd Aquarium recently made a special visit to Shaw’s Crab House in Chicago to celebrate and support Chicago Restaurant Week and bring attention to Shedd’s Let’s Shedd Plastic program for restaurants, aiming to combat plastic pollution. The aquarium is at 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. Call (312) 939-2438.

UIC INFORMATION

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Athletics Department received a $250,000 commitment from football letter winner and 1969 alumnus Al Ronan to establish the Al Ronan Family UIC Athletics Scholarship Fund. It will support student-athletes who demonstrate financial need, academic merit, and athletic excellence.

UIC has been named a voter friendly campus by NASPA, a national organization of student affairs administrators in higher education, and the Fair Elections Center’s Campus Vote Project. UIC received the accolade for creating student engagement programs encouraging students to register and vote a key part of its institutional mission.

Through a five-year, $2.5 million grant from the National Science Foundation, a team from the UIC Department of Mathematics, Statistics, and Computer Science will run a program to recruit, train, and develop young scientists for research careers in algebraic geometry and associated fields such as commutative algebra and topology.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

To encourage community-oriented selflessness and volunteerism, Zakat Foundation of America has set aside $20,000 in scholarships for high school seniors entering college who have engaged in community service. Applications must be submitted by Monday, May 10. Learn more at www.zakat.org/.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will offer a virtual pilgrimage to the shrine on Saturday, May 8, from 1:30 to 3 p.m., exploring the building’s symbolism, spirituality, and beauty. Visit pietre-vive.org or Pietre Vive on Facebook/Instagram/YouTube to learn more.

Rosa Mystica: A Journey of Renewal and Restoration focusing on Mary, Mother of All Nations, is scheduled for Tuesday, May 11, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. Register by 2 p.m. that day.

For more information, visit ourladyofpompeii.org or Our Lady of Pompeii Shrine on Facebook.

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

Around the Neighborhood: April 2021

By William S. Bike

NEW PHARMACY

A new pharmacy, Bridgeport Neighborhood Pharmacy, has opened at 3303 S. Halsted St. in the Knapp Medical Center. Hours are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday, and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday. Call (773) 940-2000.

NEW CAMERA

Chicago Police at the request of Alderman Patrick D. Thompsonhave installed an observation camera at the corner of Lyman and Lock Streets to combat drag racing and traffic violations.

*The North Lawndale Christian Community Center launched a coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site at Lawndale Christian Health Center Homan Square.*

PARK PROGRAMS

Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens will offer arts and crafts on Tuesdays, April 6 through June 8, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m., for nine- through 12-year-olds; story time and crafts on Wednesdays, April 7 through June 9, 1 to 1:45 p.m. for four- and five-year-olds; and fun and games Thursdays, April 8 through June 10, 3:45 to 4:30 p.m. for nine- through 12-year-olds. Register at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks-facilities/chicago-womens-park-gardens.

The park advisory council’s annual election meeting will be held Tuesday, April 13, at 6:45 p.m. Email womensparkchicago@gmail.com for more details.

The park has added an Amazon locker for easy and safe pickup of Amazon deliveries.

The park is at 1801 S. Indiana Ave.

DONUT FUNDRAISER

Children of Peace School with the help of Stan’s Donuts is doing a pre-order fundraiser from now through Tuesday, May 4. Pick-up is from 3-5 p.m. on Thursday, May 6, at the school. Place your order at https://foodtruck.pub/?id=5461. The school is at 1900 W. Taylor St. Call (312) 243-8186.

HELP FROM CITY

The City of Chicago offers free income tax form preparation help to families earning less than $57,000 annually.To schedule an appointment call (312) 588-6900 or log on to www.taxprepchicago.org.

The City offers two programs to help people replace lead water pipe service lines. People who want to hire a contractor to remove the lines can apply for the Homeowner-Initiated Program, in which the City will waive permit fees, and City crews will attach the new service line to the water main and give the homeowner a free water meter for the contractor to install. The Equity Program allows homeowners to get a service line replacement and water meter for free if they meet certain criteria, including income and amount of lead in water. Log on to www.leadsafechicago.org/lead-service-line-replacement.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute will hold open houses Monday through Thursday, April 19 through 22. Tours begin at 4 and 5 p.m.

On the Wednesdays of April 14 and 28 and May 5 and 19, De La Salle will host school tours at 9, 10, and 11 a.m.

De La Salle will host a Zoom open house on Tuesday, April 27, at 6 p.m.

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

VACCINE PARTNERSHIP

Thanks to a partnership among Esperanza Health Centers, Enlace Chicago, Latinos Progresando, and the City’s Protect Chicago Plus program, Esperanza is administering vaccines at Enlace Chicago’s headquarters at 2756 S. Harding Ave. and its clinic at 2001 S. California Ave. near Douglass Park. Esperanza is operating its two new sites six days a week, with evening hours available for residents who require scheduling flexibility. The public is encouraged to visit www.esperanzachicago.org for vaccination center updates and additional information.

VACCINATION SITE

The North Lawndale Christian Community Center, in partnership with the City of Chicago,launched the North Lawndale Community coronavirus (COVID-19) vaccination site at Lawndale Christian Health Center Homan Square, 3860 Ogden Ave., (872) 588-3000. The site opened as part of the City’s Protect Chicago Plus initiative, which aims to increase vaccine uptake in communities most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information on Protect Chicago Plus and Chicago’s vaccination distribution plans, including finding additional sites and booking a slot, visit Chicago.gov/covidvax.

Photo courtesy Kennedy-King College
*Kennedy-King College students, shown at a graduation before masks were required, have helped the institution rank among the top community colleges in the country.*

PING TOM PROGRAMS

Ping Tom Park spring programs will include badminton; aerobics (both online and at the park); water safety (online); kiddie college; and park kids after school soccer, spring break camp, team sports, track and field, and volleyball. Log on to www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/spring-programs. The park is at 1700 S. Wentworth Ave.

TOP COMMUNITY COLLEGES

Kennedy-King College is one of the country’s top ten community colleges and serves the largest predominantly Black student body on a list compiled by Academic Influence, an organization that ranks programs and institutions. In addition, Kennedy-King is first, and Olive-Harvey College fourth, among community colleges in Illinois. Kennedy-King is located at 6301 S. Halsted St. Call (773) 602-5000. Olive-Harvey is at 10001 S. Woodlawn Ave. Call (773) 291-6100.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep is offering a limited number of summer internships to graduates who want to be teachers and mentors. Email Maureen.lonergan@ignatius.org or sean.oconnor@ignatius.org.

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

ART EXHIBIT

SHRINE NEWS

Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii Holy Week events: Good Friday, April 2, noon Stations of the Cross in shrine; Passion of the Lord 7 p.m. live streamed on Facebook. Holy Saturday, April 3, 9 p.m., Easter Vigil Eucharistic Liturgy livestreamed on Facebook. Sunday, April 4, Easter Sunday 8 and 9:30 Eucharistic liturgy in Shrine, 11 a.m. Eucharistic liturgy livestreamed on Facebook.

To attend live services in the shrine, pre-register at www.ourladyofpompeii.org.

The shrine will host virtual Bible study on Zoom covering the Gospel of St. Mark on the Wednesdays of April 7 and 21 at 7 p.m. To register, go to www.ourladyofpompeii.org/blog/pilgrimages/.

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

BUILDER’S DAY

Taller de Jose will hold its Builder’s Day fundraiser online Saturday, April 17, at 6 p.m. The agency offers assistance to navigating social service agencies and is located at 2831 W. 24th Blvd. Call (773) 523-8320 or log on to tallerdejose.org.

Photo by Joshua Clark, UIC Lorraine Brown gets her first shot of the Moderna COVID-19 vaccine at the Mile Square Health Center in Englewood courtesy of UIC.

ADDAMS PARK PROGRAMS

At Addams Park,1434 S. Loomis St., Chicago Soccer Foundation and Chicago Rec Sports have designed opportunities to re-acclimate participants to several recreational sports: basketball, football, track, soccer, volleyball, field hockey, girls’ softball, floor hockey, teen club, lacrosse, and summer camp. Log on to www.chicagorecsports.com.

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.

Holy Week services are: Good Friday, April 2, 3 p.m. service in English, 7 p.m. service in Spanish; Holy Saturday, April 3, 6 p.m. Easter vigil; Easter Sunday, April 4, 9 a.m. Mass in English, 11 a.m. Mass in Spanish.

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

Call (312) 243-7400, email olhfparish@archchicago.org or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

BENTON HOUSE INFO

At Benton House,3052 S. Gratten Ave., find out about public benefits such as supplemental nutrition assistance and citizenship application help. Call (773) 927-6420 or email info@bentonhouse.org.

STUDENT AWARDS

The Association for Entrepreneurship USA (AFEUSA) is accepting applications through Friday, April 30, for the 2021 AFEUSA Student Award Program, which disburses $10,000 among 20 aspiring entrepreneurs who best demonstrate their vision, goals, and potential future success in the field of entrepreneurship. For more information about the program and requirements, visit afeusa.org/about-us/student-awards/.

BOULEVARD NEWS

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

BUCKNER RESOURCES

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 gethelp@catholiccharities.net.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

Photo by Sandra Steinbrecher courtesy Chicago Art Department The Seeds In My Pocket art exhibit is at 1926 S. Halsted St. through Sunday, May 30.

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

CISNEROS HONORED

The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame, in an event co-sponsored by the National Museum of Mexican Art, the American Writers Museum, and the Chicago Public Library, gave poet, short story writer, novelist, and essayist Sandra Cisneros the Fuller Award for lifetime achievement on March 13. The hall of fame is at 641 W. Lake St. Call (773) 414-2503.

CPS HOTLINES

The Chicago Public Schools administration has established a Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 533-KIDS (5437) and CPS Parent Tech Support Hotline at (773) 417-1060. Or, email familyservices@cps.edu.

CIVICLAB NEWS

CivicLab will hold its 2021 Civic Harambee on Saturday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Harambee is a Swahili phrase meaning “Let’s pull together.” The public is invited. To register, contact CivicLab through civiclab.us.

CivicLab is an organization promoting democracy and social justice.

GET ORGANIZED

LEGAL AID

TEEN VIDEO CONTEST

The Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago invites teenagers aged 14 through 18 to share their perspectives about the impact of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and other issues on their lives and communities through the Project Hometown High School Video Contest. To participate, Chicago teens need to produce a video lasting one to three minutes, detailing their experiences and observations and what they believe matters most as communities work to rebuild, recover, and move ahead. Teens who create the winning entries will receive cash prizes, with winning videos featured on chicagofed.org and across social media. Register for the contest and upload your contest video at www.chicagofed.org/events/project-hometown/video-contest/contest.

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.

LEGAL AID

First Defense Legal Aid,located at 5100 W. Harrison St., provides representation to people in custody, informs people of their rights, and organizes volunteers to help.

For more information, call (800) 529-7374.

GBMA HELP

GWTP JOB TRAINING

Greater West Town Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.

HARMONY NEWS

Photo courtesy Freepik The Internal Revenue Service extended the Employee Retention Tax Credit for all of 2021, and more businesses qualify under the eligibility requirements.

ERC EXTENDED

C.A.P.S. MEETINGS

Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (C.A.P.S.) meetings in the 1st, 2nd, 9th, 10th, and 12th districts, areas covered by Gazette Chicago, include the following. All meetings will be virtual.

1st District: Beat 112, Tues., Apr. 6, 6 p.m.; Beat 122, Mon., Apr. 12, 6 p.m.; Beat 124, Wed., Apr. 14, 6 p.m.; Beat 132, Tues., Apr. 20, 6 p.m.; Beat 111, Wed., May 5, 3 p.m.; Beat 113, Mon., May 3, 3 p.m. Call (312) 745-4381.

2nd District: Beat 211, Mon., Apr. 12, 6 p.m.; Beat 214, Tues., Apr. 6, 6 p.m.; Beat 215, Tues., Apr. 27, 6 p.m.; Beat 222, Tues., Apr. 13, 6 p.m.; Beat 223, Tues., Apr. 20, 6 p.m.; Beat 233, Thurs., Apr. 15, 6 p.m.; Beat 235, Thurs., Apr. 8, 6 p.m.; Beat 212, Tues., May 4, 6 p.m.; Beat 225, Thurs., May 6, 6 p.m. Call (312) 747-8366.

9th District: Beat 912, Wed., Apr. 14, 7 p.m.; Beats 913/915, Tues., Apr. 13, 6:30 p.m.; Beat 914, Wed., Apr. 28, 6:30 p.m.; Beat 923, Tues., Apr. 27, 7 p.m.; Beat 924, Tues., Apr. 6, 6 p.m.; Beat Wed., Apr. 21, 6 p.m.; Beats 931/933, Thurs., Apr. 8, 6 p.m.; Beats 932/934/935, Tues., Apr. 20, 6 p.m.; Beat 911, Thurs., May 6, 6 p.m.; Beats 921/922, Thurs., May 6, 7 p.m.; Beat 924, Tues., May 4, 6 p.m. Call (312) 747-3501.

10th District: 20th Sector beat meeting, Fri. Apr. 9, 6 p.m.; 30th Sector beat meeting, Fri. Apr. 16, 6 p.m.; Beat 1011, Thurs., May 6, 6 p.m.; Beat 1014, Tues., May 4, 6 p.m. Call (312) 747-7190.

12th District:Beat 1211, Wed., Apr. 7, 6 p.m.; Beat 1212, Wed., Apr. 7, 7 p.m.; Beat 1224, Wed., Apr. 14, 6 p.m.; Beat 1231, Wed., Apr. 14, 7 p.m.; Beat 1232, Wed., Apr. 28, 6 p.m.; Beat 1233, Wed., Apr. 28, 7 p.m.; Beat 1234, Wed., Apr. 21, 6 p.m.; Beat 1235, Wed., Apr. 21, 7 p.m.; Beat 1225, Wed., May 5, 7 p.m. Call (312) 746-8306.

To learn more about C.A.P.S. programs, visit the Chicago Police Districts website: home.chicagopolice.org/community/districts/, tab: Get Involved with C.A.P.S.

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 April 21. To register, go to www.facebook.com/ChicagoGPAC/?modal=admin_todo_tour.

The Chicago Literary Hall of Fame gave poet, short story writer, novelist, and essayist Sandra Cisneros the Fuller Award for lifetime achievement.

POKER TOURNAMENT

HFS Chicago Scholars will host its tenth annual All In For Scholars poker tournament and fundraiser virtually on Friday, April 9, at 7 p.m. Fifty/fifty raffle tickets, in which the winner will receive 50% of the proceeds, also are on sale. To register and buy tickets log on to www.hfsallinforscholars.com. The organization is located at 1074 W. Taylor St.

HR HOTSEAT

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.

GIVE BLOOD

LADIES OF VIRTUE

LATINO UNION

RENTERS’ SERVICES

Photo courtesy Scholarships.com Chicago Department of Family and Support Services offers Community Services Block Grant Scholarships for those enrolled or planning to enroll in college or vocational training.

SUMMER INTERNSHIPS

Mikva Summer Fellowships are paid summer internship positions in the offices of City, County, State, and Federal officials. Fellows work 30 hours per week for six weeks between June and August and earn $15 per hour. Deadline to apply is Saturday, April 10. Go to tinyurl.com/SummerFellows2021 or mikvachallenge.org.

EMPOWERING LATINAS

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.

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Pilsen Neighbors Community Council is seeking applications for the Guadalupe A. Reyes Fiesta del Sol Scholarship Program. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Thursday, April 16. Applicants must be of Latino heritage, enrolled in a college or university, and have a 2.5 or higher grade point average. Students must live in the area between 16th and 79th Streets and Cicero Avenue and Canal Street. The scholarship is open to citizens, DACA recipients, and undocumented students. See www.fiestadelsol.org/scholarship/.

NO LATE FEE

Thanks to a change in the law, property owners have extra time to pay their first installment Cook County property tax bills without a late fee, through Monday, May 3, 2021, Treasurer Maria Pappas said. Property owners can pay their bills by visiting cookcountytreasurer.com and entering their street address.

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.

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.

Photo courtesy City of Chicago The City of Chicago offers two programs to help people replace lead water pipe service lines.

ARCHITECTURE AWARD

The 1040 W. Fulton project team, including general contractor Summit Design + Build, has won the WoodWorks-Wood Products Council’s 2021 U.S. Wood Design Award for Regional Excellence. The winning project, 1040 W. Fulton, is home to Summit Design + Build’s new headquarters in the Fulton Market district and is a newly constructed, five-story heavy timber, mixed-use commercial building featuring first floor retail, underground parking, a shared roof deck, a green roof, a fifth floor patio, and four floors of office space. It is the first multi-story timber office building constructed in Chicago in more than 50 years. Hartshorne Plunkard Architecture, project architect, and IMEG Corp., structural engineer, also served on the award-winning team. For information, call (312) 229-4613 or log on to www.summitdb.com.

TRAUMA HELPLINE

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

UIC INFORMATION

The University of Illinois Chicago along with Protect Chicago Plus have partnered to provide 1,000 COVID-19 vaccines to residents in the Englewood neighborhood, with plans to expand to other city areas with vulnerable populations. For information, visit vaccine.uihealth.org.

The UIC Master’s of Fine Arts class of 2020-2021 is showing their works from now through Saturday, May 22, at Gallery 400, 400 S. Peoria St. For information, log on to gallery400.uic.edu.

VACCINE VISIT

Chicago’s First Lady Amy Eshleman recently visited the Protect Chicago Plus vaccination clinic located at UI Health Mile Square Health Center to greet the community and provide encouraging words of support to those receiving their COVID-19 vaccines. For more information on Chicago’s COVID-19 vaccine rollout, visit www.chicago.gov/covidvax.

WCA BOARD

The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce has added Charles Graff of CrossTown Fitness to its board. For more information, log on to wcachicago.org.

HIV+ WOMEN

The Women’s Treatment Center offers free assistance with online applications for enrollment into the Illinois Ryan White Part B Program for HIV+ women. Call (312) 850-0050, ext. 4994. The center is at 140 N. Ashland Ave. Log on to www.womenstreatmentcenter.org.

Around the Neighborhood – March 2021

By William S. Bike

BENTON HOUSE INFO

BOULEVARD NEWS

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

*The Jesse Brown Veterans Administration (VA) Medical Center is looking for volunteers to help veterans at the facility in several ways.*

VOLUNTEERS NEEDED

The Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, 820 S. Damen Ave., is looking for individuals who can volunteer for at least four hours, one day per week, consistently for at least four months. The maximum will be eight hours in one day. Volunteer hours are Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., with an occasional Saturday clinic. The position requires standing and walking. Volunteers park for free at a nearby indoor parking structure, and those who come in for four hours or more receive a meal ticket. Call (312) 569-6340 or email Denisse.montoya@va.gov.

BUCKNER RESOURCES

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 gethelp@catholiccharities.net.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

CPS HOTLINES

The Chicago Public Schools administration has established a Healthy CPSHotline at (773) 533-KIDS (5437) and CPS Parent Tech Support Hotline at (773) 417-1060. Or, email familyservices@cps.edu.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

City of Chicago emergency rental assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship. Call 311 or use a search engine to find City of Chicago Family & Support Services online.

CIVICLAB NEWS

Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy named Jonathan Peck, president and CEO of CivicLab, the 2021 Champion of Social Justice.

CivicLab will hold its 2021 Civic Harambee on Saturday, April 10, from 10 a.m. to noon. Harambee is a Swahili phrase meaning “Let’s pull together.” The public is invited. To register, contact CivicLab through civiclab.us.

CivicLab is an organization promoting democracy and social justice.

GET ORGANIZED

LEGAL AID

*De La Salle Institute has scheduled a variety of events to promote the school to potential attendees.*

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute will hold open houses Monday through Thursday, March 15 through 18 and April 19 through 22. Tours begin at 4 and 5 p.m.

On the Wednesdays of March 31, April 14 and 28, and May 5 and 19, De La Salle will host tours of the school at 9, 10, and 11 a.m.

De La Salle will host a breakfast for parents of seventh graders thinking of attending the school on Wednesday, March 17, at 9 a.m. It will hold a Zoom open house on the Tuesdays of March 23 and April 27 at 6 p.m.

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

*Chicago African Americans in Philanthropy named Jonathan Peck, president and CEO of CivicLab, the 2021 Champion of Social Justice.*

TUTORS NEEDED

The community group Earth’s Remedies is launching a free virtual learning platform for students that will include study materials, tutoring, and a curriculum. Tutors are needed. Learn more at www.facebook.com/EarthsRemedies/.

GLESSNER HOUSE

Glessner House, located at 1800 S. Prairie Ave., will host three events in March honoring Women’s History Month. On Thursday, March 11, at 7 p.m., the online presentation Murder in a Nutshell: A Frances Glessner Lee Whodunit Event will explore Lee’s nutshell studies, miniature models of death scenes created in the 1940s to train police officers and medical examiners. Tickets are $10 per person. On Saturday, March 27, at 9:30 a.m., a special behind-the-scenes tour will share what life was like for the house’s servants in a new tour exploring spaces not featured on regular tours. Tickets are $25 per person. On Tuesday, March 30, at 7 p.m., the online presentation Katharine Dexter McCormick: A Champion for Women will explore the life of this former Prairie Avenue resident and her work in higher education, the suffrage movement, and birth control research. Tickets are $10 per person. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.glessnerhouse.org.

LEGAL AID

First Defense Legal Aid, located at 5100 W. Harrison St., provides representation to people in custody, informs people of their rights, and organizes volunteers to help.

For more information, call (800) 529-7374.

GBMA HELP

*University of Illinois Chicago researchers are developing an antibody-based eye drop that contains pooled human immune globulins.*

GPAC MEETINGS

Grant Park Advisory Council meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m., so this month’s meeting will be on March 17. To register, go to www.facebook.com/ChicagoGPAC/?modal=admin_todo_tour.

GWTP JOB TRAINING

Greater West Town Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.

HARMONY NEWS

HR HOTSEAT

HR HotSeat 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 info@hrhotseat.com for a calendar of upcoming events.

GIVE BLOOD

U.S. Navy photo by Lt. Cassandra Thompson
*U.S. Navy Information Systems Technician (Submarine) 2nd Class Edgar Hueramo, from this community, assigned to Commander, Submarine Group 7, is a recent arrival to Yokosuka, Japan.*

LOW-COST INTERNET

Internet Essentials makes it possible for people receiving public assistance to qualify for low-cost internet service. Log on to internetessentials.com.

LADIES OF VIRTUE

Ladies of Virtue, 1245 S. Michigan Ave., (877) 565-7121, provides mentoring and leadership and empowering experiences, including help with school applications, for girls ages nine through 18 from underserved communities. Log on to lovchicago.org.

RENTERS’ SERVICES

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, evening Mass is at 6 p.m., followed by Adoration/Holy Hour and Confessions. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St. Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m. followed by Stations of the Cross at 7 p.m. Reservations required for weekend services, or go online to participate in Masses virtually.

During Lent, go online at 5:30 p.m. for the daily Rosary and at 6 p.m. on Thursdays for Lenten Bible study. Also during Lent, Our Lady of the Holy Family will hold a food collection for the University of Illinois Chicago Pop-Up Pantry after all Masses and services.

Call (312) 243-7400, email olhfparish@archchicago.org or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

NO LATE FEE

Thanks to a change in the law, property owners have two extra months to pay their first installment Cook County property tax bills without a late fee, through Monday, May 3, 2021, Treasurer Maria Pappas said. Property owners can pay their bills by visiting cookcountytreasurer.com and entering their street address.

WARMING CENTERS

The Pilsen Food Pantry at 1850 S. Throop St., (773) 812-3150, and Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez’s office at 1508 W. 18th St., (773) 523-4100, are available as warming centers when temperatures become frigid.

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.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host virtual Bible study on Zoom covering the Gospel of St. Mark on the Wednesdays of March 10 and 24, and April 7 and 21 at 7 p.m. To register, go to www.ourladyofpompeii.org/blog/pilgrimages/.

For a virtual Lenten day of reflection, attend Faith and Praxis: Living Out Our Baptismal Call to Social Justice, on Saturday, March 20, from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., presented by Deacons Jay Woods and Akiaou Kamina. Call the phone number below to register.

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

Photo Courtesy Office of Marie Newman
*Despite the winter weather, Congresswoman Marie Newman (D-3rd right) has been meeting with constituents in the community.*

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep will host its Women’s Society Meeting on Wednesday, March 10, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Snite Room, no. 146.

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

SOUTH LOOP NEIGHBOR NEWS

Greg Borzo, Jeremy Campbell, and Lana Reese have joined the board of South Loop Neighbors.

SOUTH SIDE STAGE

South Side Stage is a professional theater company that seeks to create a fundamentally inclusive theater based in community and the belief that every person deserves to realize their artistry. South Side Stage has a Kickstarter campaign in March to fund a year of events. On Saturday, March 6, South Side Stage will host a staged reading of André Richardson Hogan II’s Raisin Puffs, a play about three men’s perspectives based on an assault involving a former classmate. On Saturday, March 20, South Side Stage will host a Poetry Night for all lovers of language. All events currently are virtual. To attend, for more information, or to donate, go to southsidestage.org. Email southsidestage@gmail.com for more information.

UIC INFORMATION

The National Eye Institute awarded Sandeep Jain, a professor of ophthalmology at the University of Illinois Chicago, and other UIC researchers a $10.15 million grant to develop an eye drop to treat patients with severe dry eye and ocular surface disease due to inflammatory and immune system disorders. To contact Jain, email jains@uic.edu.

UIC has created a new Ida B. Wells Scholarship for high school students from 20 public and Catholic partnering schools. Call (773) 318-6630.

Around the Neighborhood: February 2021

By William S. Bike

NEW SIDEWALKS

The City of Chicago Shared Cost Sidewalk helps people obtain new sidewalks by sharing the cost of sidewalk repair with the City. The cost per square foot charged to property owners is well below what a private contractor would charge. Senior citizens and persons with disabilities may qualify for a further discounted rate. If you applied for the program in previous years but were too late to be accepted, you must apply again in 2021. Applications will be accepted by calling 311, through the City’s service request website at https://311.chicago.gov, or through the free CHI311 mobile apps on iOS Apple and Android.

***De La Salle head baseball coach Chris Hall with baseball star Ben Hernandez.***

BENTON HOUSE INFO

BOULEVARD NEWS

CORONAVIRUS RESOURCES

Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Church provide resources related to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, including rental assistance and utilities support. They also 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.

BUCKNER RESOURCES

JOURNEY OF THE SOUL

Chabad Jewish Center of the South Loop is presenting classes on the Journey of the Soul, a look at life and death, on Zoom each Tuesday from 7:45 to 8:45 p.m. through March 9. Email rabbi@jewishsouthloop.com, call (773) 412-5189, or log on to www.JewishSouthLoop.com.

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 gethelp@catholiccharities.net.

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

BETTER BRIDGE

The Chicago Department of Transportation announced it will replace the 43rd Street overpass over Lake Shore Drive and railroad tracks with a new overpass that will not have stairs and be handicapped- and bicycle-accessible. Officials expect the new overpass to open in late 2022, with a project cost of $31.5 million and 80% of funding from Federal funds and 30% from the State.

CPS HOTLINES

The Chicago Public Schools administration has established a Healthy CPS Hotline at (773) 533-KIDS (5437) and CPS Parent Tech Support Hotline at (773) 417-1060. Or, email familyservices@cps.edu.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

City of Chicago emergency rental assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship. Call 311 or use a search engine to find City of Chicago Family & Support Services online.

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.

LATE FEES WAIVED

The Cook County Board of Commissioners waived the 1.5% per month late fees on both of the property tax installments due in 2021. Now, no late fees apply to the first installment until Monday, May 3, and no late fees on the second installment until Friday, Oct. 1. To see your bill and make a full or partial payment, go to cookcountytreasurer.com and select the blue box that says Pay Online for Free.

LEGAL AID

Cook County officials and partners launched Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt, a new, 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.

Graphic courtesy Chicago Department of Transportation
***The Chicago Department of Transportation will replace the 43rd Street overpass over Lake Shore Drive and railroad tracks with a better one.***

DE LA SALLE NEWS

The National High School Baseball Coaches Association chose De La Salle Institute recent graduate Ben Hernandez for its Region 4 All-American Team. The Kansas City Royals drafted Hernandez in 2020.

LeeVonn Overton was chosen as a Meteor of the Month. Overton is enrolled in the Honors Program and ranks in the top 15% of the Class of 2022.

Dimitri Gutierrez was chosen as a Meteor of the Month. Gutierrez is active in the football, baseball, and wrestling teams as well as Theatre 100 and the Chess, French, Investment, and Fashion Clubs.

Twenty De La Salle students participated in the Benedictine University Model United Nations conference, held virtually. Cristian Meyer won Best Conference Position Paper for his written work in the Social and Humanitarian Council. Meyer also played an integral role in getting his resolution passed in his committee as he assumed the lead in all conference debates and execution of the resolution process.

The freshman and sophomore theology classes worked with the Joy of Sox organization to organize a sock drive for the homeless, sorting and bagging socks for delivery to local charitable organizations. The students collected 1,211 pairs of socks, with 132 for children, 304 for women, and 775 for men.

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

SCHOLARSHIPS FOR IMMIGRANTS

TheDream.US,a program for immigrant youth, announced its new scholarship round for the 2021-22 academic year. The organization’s expanded eligibility criteria opens applications to DREAMers who have DACA or temporary protected status or who came to the country before Nov. 1, 2015, and otherwise meet DACA eligibility criteria. Apply at https://thedream.us/scholarships/.

LEGAL AID

First Defense Legal Aid, located at 5100 W. Harrison St., provides representation to people in custody, informs people of their rights, and organizes volunteers to help.

For more information, call (800) 529-7374.

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 NEWS

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., will host two Zoom events to celebrate Black History Month. On Friday, Feb. 12, at 12:30 p.m., William Tyre will give a talk on Bishop Louis Henry Ford, one of Chicago’s most influential spiritual leaders who, for more than three decades, served as caretaker of Chicago’s oldest building, Clarke House. Tickets are $10 per person. On Sunday, Feb. 28 at 2 p.m., Christopher Reed, Chicago’s “dean of black history,” will present a program on educator and activist Booker T. Washington; this event is free, but reservations are required. Log on to www.glessnerhouse.org.

GPAC MEETINGS

The Grant Park Advisory Council holds meetings on the third Wednesday of each month at 6 p.m. For more information, log on to www.facebook.com/ChicagoGPAC/?modal=admin_todo_tour.

GBMA HELP

GWTP JOB TRAINING

Greater West Town Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.

HARMONY NEWS

HUNTER LEADERSHIP

The Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus has re-elected State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3rd) as majority caucus chair. For more information, contact Halie Owens at howens@senatedem.ilga.gov.

HALL OF FAMER

Marc Davis, a South Loop resident, recently was elected to the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association hall of fame for his career as a referee. Davis is a 1986 graduate of Saint Ignatius College Prep and a National Basketball Association referee.

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 info@hrhotseat.com for a calendar of upcoming events.

GIVE BLOOD

CUTS AND BEATS

Hyde Park Art Center is hosting a solo exhibition, Cuts and Beats, by Chicago artist and educator Cecil McDonald Jr. from now through Sunday, March 7. The exhibition of photomontages, which includes superimposing modern photos over century-old sheet music, is designed to make viewers consider the complicated histories between America and African Americans and subvert racist representation of Black artists from history. The center is at 5050 S. Cornell Ave. Call (773) 324-5520 or log on to www.hydeparkart.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.

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

***University of Illinois Chicago students, faculty, and staff continue to be scrupulous about wearing masks and taking other anti-coronavirus precautions.***

RENTERS’ SERVICES

STAY TUNED TO THE ZOO

Lincoln Park Zoo has a new YouTube series, Stay Tuned to the Zoo.
Watch the first episode at youtube.com/lincolnparkzoo. New episodes post on the zoo’s YouTube channel every Tuesday and Thursday throughout its temporary closure through Thursday, March 4. Despite the current closure, Lincoln Park Zoo members will have the chance to visit on a members only weekend Feb. 27 and 28. Log on to lpzoo.org/membership for more information.

MATH EDUCATOR HONORED

Doug O’Roark, executive director of Math Circles of Chicago, won $25,000 from the National Museum of Mathematics, the only math museum in North America, for creating the single best math lesson plan for students in a competition against math teachers worldwide. He is the first math educator from Illinois to win this award. Math Circles of Chicago provides free programs outside of regular school hours at Back of the Yards College Prep, St. Barbara’s Catholic Elementary School in Bridgeport, Gads Hill Center in Pilsen, and other locations.

EMPOWERING LATINAS

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.

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

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, Mass is at 6 p.m., followed by the Rosary; Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St.; and Friday mass is at 6 p.m. followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and reconciliation service. Reservations required for weekend services.

Call (312) 243-7400, email olhfparish@archchicago.org or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Pilsen Neighbors Community Council is seeking applications for the Guadalupe A. Reyes Fiesta del Sol Scholarship Program. The deadline to apply is 5 p.m., Friday, April 16. Applicants must be of Latino heritage, enrolled in a college or university, and have a 2.5 or higher grade point average. Students must live in the area between 16th and 79th Streets and Cicero Avenue and Canal Street. The scholarship is open to citizens, DACA recipients, and undocumented students. See www.fiestadelsol.org/scholarship/.

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.

AG RAOUL NEWS

Attorney General Kwame Raoul announced a settlement with Dish Network over calls made to people on the Do Not Call Registry. Illinois will receive more than $13 million as part of the settlement.

Raoul’s office is partnering with the FBI to establish the Attorney General’s Task Force on Unemployment Insurance Benefits Fraud. The task force for the first time allows officials to deploy State and Federal resources on a large scale to combat unemployment insurance benefits fraud.

For more information, call (217) 785-5726.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host virtual Bible study on Zoom covering the Gospel of St. Mark on the Wednesdays of Feb. 24, March 10 and 24, and April 7 and 21 at 7 p.m. To register, go to www.ourladyofpompeii.org/blog/pilgrimages/.

The shrine is accepting candle intentions. See https://www.givecentral.org/location/78/event/26977.

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

CONTACT ROBINSON

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

At Saint Ignatius College Prep, the San Ignacio Society and the Association of Latin-American Students held a holiday drive in partnership with Ald. Byron Sigcho-Lopez and local nonprofit organizations to give clothing and other items to Pilsen seniors and families in need.

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

DEAN’S LIST

Local residents Josue A. Garcia, Elizabeth Jovanovic, and Paul Rios made the dean’s list at Southern Illinois University.

BE IN A VIDEO

South Side Stage is looking for community members to be part of its Kickstarter fundraising campaign video. South Side Stage is a new theatre on the South Side committed to building a fundamentally inclusive theatre and artistic community, where no voice is silenced at any stage of the artistic process. If you are interested in filming yourself answering a few questions for their campaign video, email southsidestage@gmail.com for more details. Log on to www.southsidestage.org.

TRAUMA HELPLINE

The toll-free TURN Trauma Counseling Helpline, (833) TURN123, operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. TURN stands for The Urban Resilience Network, and the helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence. The organization also provides trained ambassadors to visit community events and schools to educate about trauma.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

UIC INFORMATION

The University of Illinois Chicago established a new research record in fiscal year 2020 with sponsored research awards surpassing the $400 million mark for the first time in the university’s history. Funding came from a variety of sponsors, including the National Institutes of Health, the National Science Foundation, the U.S. Department of Defense, and many other Federal and State funding agencies as well as foundations and the private sector.

Around the Neighborhood: December 2020

By William S. Bike

HEALTH INSURANCE

Americans still can sign up for Affordable Care Act health coverage through Tuesday, Dec. 15. Go to https://www.healthcare.gov/.

Photo by Mark J. Valentino
***Bridgeport youngsters showed off a variety of fun costumes for trick or treating on Halloween.***

SUICIDE AND SOCIAL MEDIA

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention will hold a Research Connection event on Wednesday, Dec. 9, from noon to 1:30 p.m., in which an AFSP-funded researcher, Jackie Nesi, will present research about the role of social media in adolescents’ relationships and mental health. See afsp.org.

BENTON HOUSE INFO

At Benton House,3052 S. Gratten Ave., find out about public benefits such as supplemental nutrition assistance and citizenship application help. Call (773) 927-6420 or email info@bentonhouse.org.

A CASE OF THE GIGGLES

Local author Karen Bobos has written a rhyming illustrated children’s book targeting girls ages four through seven, entitled A Case of the Giggles, in which three young magical sisters journey to find someone who can help a princess’s laughing troubles. To purchase, look online or call (309) 397-3535 or email Tia@BobosBabes.com.

BUCKNER RESOURCES

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 catholiccharties.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email gethelp@catholiccharities.net.

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

HOLIDAY MOVIES

ChiTown Movies is showing holiday drive-in movies every night in December at the drive-in located at 2343 S. Throop St. The drive-in offers a safe, family friendly holiday event as customers stay in their cars to watch a movie. Food service available. Call (312) 810-9551.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

CITY NEWS

City of Chicago emergency rental assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship. Call 311 or use a search engine to find City of Chicago Family & Support Services online.

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.

CMI RESOURCES

The Crisis Management Institute (CMI) works with schools and parents after a tragedy, such as a shooting or national event like the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks. To deal with issues related to coronavirus, the CMI launched several websites. One has resources for school counselors, counselors.cmionline.com; a second is for parents, parents.cmionline.com; and a third serves children and their parents, resources-for-kids-during-covid19. Parents can access several children’s books by Marla Koch to help children deal with quarantine by using the resources tab of the parents’ website. For more information, log on to www.cmionline.org or call (503) 585-3484.

DE LA SALLE ROUNDUP

De La Salle Institute recently held its annual Celebration of Remembrance memorial Mass to honor memories of the departed.

Student Isabella LaCoco signed a letter of intent to play college volleyball at Western Illinois University.

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

LEGAL AID

First Defense Legal Aid,located at 5100 W. Harrison St., provides representation to people in custody, informs people of their rights, and organizes volunteers to help.

For more information, call (800) 529-7374.

LAND OF SMILES

Illinois schools now can participate in a new virtual version of Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation’s Land of Smiles—the fun, educational program that teaches children in preschool through third grade about oral health care. To learn more about Land of Smiles, watch a preview, and request the virtual program, visit landofsmilesil.org. Interested teachers, school nurses, and principals can request access to the password-protected video on a date and time that works best for their school.

***Harmony Community Church has expanded its youth programs and events.***

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.

SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

Western Governors University recently surprised South Commons resident DeMonshay Galloway with a $2,500 Resiliency Scholarship, which assists students with unforeseen financial struggles presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. Galloway, a customer service representation for Micro Center, is pursuing a bachelor of science in cybersecurity and information assurance from WGU. Strategic Partnerships manager Patrick Devanney presented the scholarship virtually on behalf of WGU, which is located in Salt Lake City, UT.

GBMA HELP

HARMONY NEWS

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 info@hrhotseat.com for a calendar of upcoming events.

CUTS AND BEATS

Hyde Park Art Center will host a solo exhibition, Cuts and Beats, by Chicago artist and educator Cecil McDonald Jr. from now through Sunday, March 7, 2021. The exhibition of photomontages, which includes superimposing modern photos over century-old sheet music, is designed to make viewers consider the complicated histories between America and African Americans and subvert racist representation of Black artists from history. The center is at 5050 S. Cornell Ave. Call (773) 324-5520 or log on to www.hydeparkart.org.

GIVE BLOOD

LOW-COST INTERNET

Internet Essentials makes it possible for people receiving public assistance to qualify for low-cost internet service. Log on to internetessentials.com.

LADIES OF VIRTUE

Ladies of Virtue, 1245 S. Michigan Ave., (877) 565-7121, provides mentoring and leadership and empowering experiences, including help with school applications, for girls ages nine through 18 from underserved communities. Log on to lovchicago.org.

LATINO UNION

RENTERS’ SERVICES

EMPOWERING LATINAS

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.

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, Mass is at 6 p.m., followed by the Rosary; Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St.; and Friday mass is at 6 p.m. followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and reconciliation service. Reservations required for weekend services.

Call (312) 243-7400, email olhfparis@archchicago.org or log on to www.olhfchi.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.

RAOUL ROUNDUP

State Attorney General Kwame Raoul,along with representatives of 33 other states and the District of Columbia, announced a settlement with Apple regarding its decision to slow consumers’ iPhone speeds. Illinois will receive more than $3.4 million from Apple. For more information, log on to www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will celebrate Mary and Christmas Saturday, Dec. 5, at 7 p.m. in a virtual musical program.

Rosa Mystica will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Call (312) 534-5351 or email illinoispatrons@gmail.com.

The shrine will host a virtual Advent morning of reflection Saturday, Dec. 12, from 10 a.m. to noon. The speaker will be Terry Nelson-Johnson, resident theologian and animator of faith at Old St. Patrick’s Church.

To register, contact Cathy Lentz at clentz@ourladyofpompeii.org or call (312) 421-3757. Freewill donations accepted.

The shrine is accepting candle intentions. See https://www.givecentral.org/location/78/event/26977. The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757.

PENGUINS NAMED

Shedd Aquarium recently named its four newest penguin chicks, born earlier this year. They are Dee, Popi, Porter, and Sir Elio. The aquarium, located at 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, is open, but visitors must buy a ticket ahead of time before visiting. Call (312) 939-2438 or log on to sheddaquarium.org.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep students Ana Alonso, Malcolm Bevans, Viviana De Alba, Emanuel Demisse, Madeline Goldman, Paul Montes, and Nicole Onyemeziem were named National African American Recognition Students, scoring in the top 3.5% of students nationwide who identify as African American.

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

TRAUMA HELPLINE

The toll-free TURN Trauma Counseling Helpline, (833) TURN123, operates from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. TURN stands for The Urban Resilience Network, and the helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence. The organization also provides trained ambassadors to visit community events and schools to educate about trauma.

UIC INFORMATION

With the help of a three-year, $894,400 grant from the National Institutes of Health, University of Illinois Chicago social psychologist Sarah Ullman will lead a study aimed at better understanding how support processes from social networks affect rape victims’ adjustment, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, drinking, and relationship quality. Contact Ullman at seullman@uic.edu.

Around the Neighborhood: November

By William S. Bike

BENTON HOUSE INFO

At Benton House,3052 S. Gratten Ave., find out about public benefits such as supplemental nutrition assistance and citizenship application help. Call (773) 927-6420 or email info@bentonhouse.org.

***De La Salle principal Tom Schergen, faculty member Chris Wood, campus ministry director Emily Vogel, and meteor of the month Alexa Acevedo.***

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

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 cahtoliccharties.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email gethelp@catholiccharities.net.

CITY NEWS

City of Chicago emergency rental assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship. Call 311 or use a search engine to find City of Chicago Family & Support Services online.

GET ORGANIZED

***The National Museum of Mexican Art recently received a $3.5 million Ford Foundation grant. It currently is showing exhibitions online.***

CMI RESOURCES

The Crisis Management Institute (CMI) works with schools and parents after a tragedy, such as a shooting or national event like the Sept. 11, 2001. To deal with issues related to coronavirus, the CMI launched several websites. One has resources for school counselors, counselors.cmionline.com; a second is for parents, parents.cmionline.com; and a third serves children and their parents, resources-for-kids-during-covid19. Parents can access several children’s books by Marla Koch to help children deal with quarantine by using the resources tab of the parents’ website. For more information, log on to www.cmionline.org or call (503) 585-3484.

DE LA SALLE ROUNDUP

De La Salle Institute chose senior Alexa Acevedo as Meteor of the Month.

Acevedo is enrolled in the Honors Program and ranks in the top 17% academically in the Class of 2021.

De La Salle will host personal open house tours on the Saturdays of Nov. 7 and 21. Call (312) 842-7355.

Women’s basketball player T.K. (Takiya) Howard will attend Murray State University in Murray, KY, while women’s volleyball player Franki (Francesca) Bertucci has chosen Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL.

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

LEGAL AID

First Defense Legal Aid, located at 5100 W. Harrison St., provides representation to people in custody, informs people of their rights, and organizes volunteers to help.

For more information, call (800) 529-7374.

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.

GBMA HELP

GWTP JOB TRAINING

Greater West Town Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.

HR HOTSEAT

HRHotSeat Chicagois a free monthly online meetup of more than 1,600 human resources practitioners, service providers, students, and Chicago-area profes-sionals in job transition who come together to expand networks and solve problems. Visit www.HRHotSeat.com or email info@hrhotseat.com for a calendar of upcoming events.

PEOPLE

Congratulations to Gazette Chicago circulation staff member Jacob “Jake” Urbanowski and his wife, Karley, on the birth of their daughter, Charlette Rose, on Sep 30.

CUTS AND BEATS

Hyde Park Art Center will host a solo exhibition, Cuts and Beats, by Chicago artist and educator Cecil McDonald Jr. from Sunday, Nov. 15, through Sunday, March 7, 2021. The exhibition of photomontages, which includes superimposing modern photos over century-old sheet music, is designed to make viewers consider the complicated histories between America and African Americans and subvert racist representation of Black artists from history. The center is at 5050 S. Cornell Ave. Call (773) 324-5520 or log on to www.hydeparkart.org.

SPANISH COURSES

Instituto Cervantes is offering online Spanish courses. Also, the organization is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Email info.chicago@cervantes.org or log on to Chicago.cervantes.es.

BRONZE AFFAIR

The Kenwood Oakland Community Organization will hold its Bronze Affair virtual fundraiser on Saturday, Nov. 21, at 7 p.m. Purchase tickets by searching “bronze affair” at www.eventbrite.com.

FOOD DISTRIBUTION

The Travis Manion Foundation food distribution is moving to the fourth Saturday of the month. However, because of the Thanksgiving holiday, it will be held on the third Saturday in November, which is Nov. 21. The location will continue to be the First Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1124 S. Ashland Ave. Food will be distributed from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a first-come-first-serve basis, while supplies last, in both drive-through and walk-up settings, while maintaining CDC guidelines on social distancing.

EMPOWERING LATINAS

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.

NMMA RECEIVES GRANT

The National Museum of Mexican Art received a $3.5 million Ford Foundation grant as part of an effort to help culturally diverse institutions survive coronavirus. The museum currently is closed because of the virus but is showing exhibitions online. It is located at 1852 W. 19th St. Log on to nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org or call (312) 738-1503.

PARK OFFICIAL CHAIRS NRPA

The National Recreation and Park Association, a parks and recreation advocate organization, recently announced its 2020-2021 board of directors. Longtime board member Michael P. Kelly, who serves as Chicago Park District general superintendent and CEO, now chairs the organization. Kelly is a graduate of DePaul College of Law in the South Loop. To learn more, visit www.nrpa.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.; Mondays, Mass is at 6 p.m., followed by the Rosary; Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St.; and Friday mass is at 6 p.m. followed by adoration of the Blessed Sacrament and reconciliation service. Reservations required for weekend services.

The church has created a new parish pastoral council.

Call (312) 243-7400, email olhfparis@archchicago.org or log on to www.olhfchi.org.

BOULEVARD NEWS

BUCKNER RESOURCES

RAOUL ROUNDUP

State Attorney General Kwame Raoul is leading a coalition of 18 state attorneys general in opposing a proposed Federal Small Business Administration (SBA) rule governing the appeals process for Paycheck Protection Program loans. The rule is confusing for small businesses and puts borrowers at a disadvantage as they try to navigate appealing adverse SBA loan decisions, Raoul said. See www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov.

Raoul and other state attorneys general announced a settlement with health insurance company Anthem Inc. stemming from a massive 2014 data breach that involved more than 78 million Americans’ personal information. Raoul’s office formed part of the executive committee negotiating the settlement, and Illinois will receive more than $1.7 million.

***Pope Francis signs the encyclical Fratelli Tutti, which scripture scholar Dianne Bergant will speak about on Zoom, sponsored by the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii.***

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host its Veterans’ Day Mass, Saturday, Nov. 7, at 11 a.m.

The shrinewill host its fall spirituality seriesvia Zoom, led by the Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni, rector. EntitledFrom All Saints to Fourteen Holy Helpers, it will cover protectors from the past and intercessors for today on the Thursdays of Nov. 12 and 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

The shrine’s annual Mass of remembrance will be Sunday, Nov. 15.

Scripture scholar Dianne Bergant will speak on Pope Francis’s encyclical Fratelli Tutti on Zoom on Saturday, Nov. 21, from 10 a.m. to noon. In the encyclical, the Pope addresses the world’s failure to work together during the coronavirus crisis and calls for more human fraternity and solidarity and rejection of war.

Rosa Mystica is scheduled for Tuesday, Dec. 8, at 6:30 p.m. Call (312) 534-5351 or email illinoispatrons@gmail.com.

Attend an Advent day of reflection virtual retreat on Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, led by Terry Nelson-Johnson.

To register, contact Cathy Lentz at clentz@ourladyofpompeii.org or call (312) 421-3757. Freewill donations accepted.

The shrine is once again accepting candle intentions. See https://www.givecentral.org/location/78/event/26977. The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

The Saint Ignatius College Prep Women’s Society will host an in-person holiday shopping event Saturday, Nov. 7, from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the school. Masks and social distancing required, and advanced registration required to obtain a shopping time slot. Log on to the school’s website or email holidayeventsicp@gmail.com.

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

TRAUMA HELPLINE

UIC INFORMATION

The University of Illinois Chicago has received the 2020 Higher Education Excellence in Diversity Award from Insight Into Diversity magazine. UIC is one of 92 recipients. This is the fifth HEED award win for UIC, this time because of its continued dedication and leadership in fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion on campus and in the classroom, said Amalia Pallares, UIC’s associate chancellor and vice provost for diversity.

The university received an $8 million award from the Army Research Laboratory to support developing specialized sensors enabling drones to use different types of fuel. Researchers from the College of Engineering also will seek to advance hybrid-electric optimization, which has applications for commercial drones and other vehicle types.

UI Health surgeons performed the world’s first robotic-assisted double kidney removal, followed immediately by a living donor kidney transplant in a patient, Christopher Adamsick, 50, who needed treatment for severe polycystic kidney disease.

***Michael P. Kelly, general superintendent and CEO of the Chicago Park District, now also chairs the National Recreation and Park Association.***

TAI CHI

Instructor Chad Koch of All in Motion offers tai chi every Sunday at 9 a.m. in Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon St. All in Motion is located at 112 S. Sangamon St. Log on to www.aimgymchicago.com.

HALSTED RESURFACING

The Chicago Department of Transportation will continue resurfacing Halsted Street from Archer Avenue to 16th Street through Monday, Nov. 30.

GIVE BLOOD

LOW-COST INTERNET

Internet Essentials makes it possible for people receiving public assistance to qualify for low-cost internet service. Log on to internetessentials.com.

LADIES OF VIRTUE

LATINO UNION

RENTERS’ SERVICES

IMMIGRANT JUSTICE

CONTACT ROBINSON

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.

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

HIV+ WOMEN

Around the Neighborhood: October 2020

By William S. Bike

TAI CHI

Instructor Chad Koch of All in Motion offers tai chi every Sunday at 9 a.m. in Mary Bartelme Park, 115 S. Sangamon St. All in Motion is located at 112 S. Sangamon St. Log on to www.aimgymchicago.com.

ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES

Local resident Richard Alvarez has created an anti-racism resources website at https://antiracism-resources.com. You also can find his resource list at www.gazettechicago.com.

***Katherine A. Maki of UIC’s College of Nursing was one of the researchers who found that sleep disruption can lead to high blood pressure and other problems.***

BENTON HOUSE INFO

At Benton House,3052 S. Gratten Ave., find out about public benefits such as supplemental nutrition assistance and citizenship application help. Call (773) 927-6420 or email info@bentonhouse.org.

BOULEVARD NEWS

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 cahtoliccharties.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email gethelp@catholiccharities.net.

NURSE CONSORTIUM NEWS

The Chicago Bilingual Nurse Consortium helps foreign-educated nurses attain licensure in Illinois.

National Council Licensure Examination predictor tests are available to demonstrate probability of passing the nursing exam.

The organization’s website at www.chicagobilingualnurse.org also lists jobs available for nurses. For more information, call (773) 838-1870.

CCT NEWS

Chicago Children’s Theatre will turn its parking lot at 100 S. Racine Ave. into an outdoor drive-in to debut an all-new, outdoor, socially distanced production, Drive In Theatre: Beatrix Potter and Friends. Performances run Thursday through Saturday through Oct. 18 at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale at chicagochildrenstheatre.org at $45 per car (up to six people) or $45 for a socially distanced “pod” for families who prefer to arrive on foot with blankets or folding chairs. Space is limited to 17 cars and/or pods per show.

CCT also offers virtual theatre and learning for youngsters ages two through 13.

For information, call (773) 227-0180 or log on to chicagochildrenstheatre.org.

FAIR WORK WEEK bill

The Chicago City Council in September unanimously approved a bill requiring large Chicago employers to give workers at least two weeks’ advance notice of their schedules and compensate them for last-minute changes.

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

HALSTED RESURFACING

The Chicago Department of Transportation will continue resurfacing Halsted Street from Archer Avenue to 16th Street through Monday, Nov. 30.

CITY NEWS

City of Chicago emergency rental assistance is available for people suffering financial hardship. Call 311 or use a search engine to find City of Chicago Family & Support Services online.

WINTER SPORTS

Sign up for winter sports at the ComEd Rec Center at 1434 S. Loomis St. There will be recreational indoor soccer for toddlers, boys, and girls, and flag football, basketball, and floor hockey for boys and girls. For information, email chirecsports@gmail.com.

GET ORGANIZED

***Catholic Charities helps with a variety of needs and connects people to programs within Catholic Charities or other agencies.***

CMI RESOURCES

DE LA SALLE ROUNDUP

De La Salle Institute recently received a $183,000 grant from the Bernard Heerey Family Foundation to provide financial assistance through the Multi-Student Scholarship Program and Presidential Scholarship Program for the 2020-21 academic year.

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

LEGAL AID

First Defense Legal Aid, located at 5100 W. Harrison St., provides representation to people in custody, informs people of their rights, and organizes volunteers to help.For more information, call (800) 529-7374.

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 NEWS

Glessner House is at 1800 S. Prairie Ave. On Wednesday, Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., curator William Tyre will celebrate the 50th anniversary of Chicago’s designating Glessner and Clarke Houses as the city’s first landmarks with a presentation on Chicago landmarking and these two South Loop buildings’ preservation history. Advance tickets are required and are $10 per person. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.glessnerhouse.org.

GBMA HELP

GWTP JOB TRAINING

Greater West Town Partnership, 500 N. Sacramento Blvd.,offers job placement and training programs in wood products manufacturing and shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570.

HR HOTSEAT

14 ARTS ORGANIZATIONS

Fourteen arts organizations from Bridgeport, Bronzeville, West Town, Heart of Chicago, Pilsen, and the South Loop are part of an exhibition at Hyde Park Art Center, Artist Run Chicago 2.0, on display now through Sunday, Nov. 1. This is the art center’s first exhibition after reopening. The 14 organizations are: from Bridgeport, 062 Gallery and Co-Prosperity Sphere; from Bronzeville: Blanc Gallery, from West Town, Document; from Heart of Chicago: AMFM, Prairie, Slow, and Western Pole; from Pilsen: ACRE Projects, Annas, Chicago Art Department, Rootwork Gallery, and Tiger Strikes Asteroid; and from the South Loop, D Gallery. Other arts organizations from other neighborhoods also are represented. Log on to www.hydeparkart.org or call (773) 324-5520. The center is located at 5050 S. Cornell Ave.

MAMMOGRAM RUN/WALK

The Hyde Park Beyond a Mammogram Virtual 5K Run/Walk benefits early detection of and research on breast cancer. Participate any time between now and Saturday, Oct. 24. Register for free and log on to www.hydepark5k.org.

ADAMS BRIDGE

The Illinois Department of Transportation has closed Adams Street Bridge over the Kennedy Expressway, and the expressway ramps leading to and from it, for repairs until 2022 as part of the Jane Byrne Interchange project.

***Chicago Children’s Theatre will turn its parking lot at 100 S. Racine Ave. into an outdoor drive-in where it will debut Drive In Theatre: Beatrix Potter and Friends.***

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.

IEDC HONORS PETERS

The Illinois Environmental Council (IEC) released its Lifetime Environmental Scorecard, chronicling the average score of all votes cast on bills affecting the environment by each legislator over the course of his or her legislative career. The IEC honored Senator Robert Peters (D-13th) for his perfect voting record and Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3rd) for her 90.1% voting record. For information, call (217) 544-5954.

LADIES OF VIRTUE

LATINO UNION

RENTERS’ SERVICES

MERCY NEWS

With the Chicago Marathon canceled, Mercy Home for Boys & Girls is seeking people to run or do another sporting event in October to raise money for the home. See https://marathon.mercyhome.org/heroes-challenge/.

Call (312) 738-7560 or log on to www.mercyhome.org.

LAWN OPEN

The Millennium Park great lawn reopened with social distancing circles painted on the grass that will help groups and individuals stay six feet apart. The park is accessible from the entrance at Michigan Avenue and Madison Street from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.

EMPOWERING LATINAS

NEWMAN CENTER ANNIVERSARY

St. John Paul II Newman Center at the University of Illinois at Chicago will celebrate its 40th anniversary on Thursday, Oct. 22. The center needs a new roof, boiler, and air conditioning unit, for which management hopes to raise $40,000. To make a contribution, go to www.givecentral.org/location/464/event/12008. For information, call (312) 226-1880.

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.

FREE DAYS

Shedd Aquarium will be open free to all Illinois residents every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday in October. The aquarium is at 1200 S. Lake Shore Dr. Registration for tickets ahead of time for entry is mandatory at sheddaquarium.org or call (312) 939-2438.

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.

RAOUL ROUNDUP

Attorney General Kwame Raoul joined a multistate coalition in filing a lawsuit challenging the Federal government’s unlawful final rule curtailing requirements under the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA). The rule undercuts NEPA’s requirement that Federal agencies review and assess their actions’ impact on the environment. The final rule also limits public participation in the review process, robbing residents of vulnerable communities of the opportunity to be heard on actions that likely have adverse environmental and health effects. For information, call (217) 524-4173.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host its fall spirituality seriesvia Zoom, led by the Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni, rector. EntitledFrom All Saints to Fourteen Holy Helpers, it will cover protectors from the past and intercessors for today on the Thursdays of Nov. 5, 12, and 19, 7 to 8:30 p.m.

Attend an Advent day of reflection virtual retreat on Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. to noon, led by Terry Nelson-Johnson.

To register, contact Cathy Lentz at clentz@ourladyofpompeii.org or call (312) 421-3757. Freewill donations accepted.

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

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

The Saint Ignatius College Prep model United Nations team participated in Stevenson High School’s model UN conference on Sept. 12, with several students recognized for exceptional dramatic skills: Will Anderson, George Barkidjija, Kayla Bruckert, Natalie Bruckert, Annabelle Graham, Jack Greenwalt, Scarlett McGuire, and Padraig Troy.

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

VEHICLE REGISTRATION

The State of Illinois has suspended enforcement of vehicle registration until Monday, Nov. 2, due to the coronavirus.

TRAUMA HELPLINE

BUSINESS ASSISTANCE

UIC INFORMATION

The University of Illinois Chicago will lead Crossing Latinidades, a new consortium of 16 Hispanic-serving institutions that rank as top tier doctoral universities with very high research activity, with support from a $150,000 grant from the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation to UIC’s Department of Latin American and Latino studies and its Office of Diversity.

UIC received a $2.5 million grant to improve primary care physicians’ preparation to treat substance use disorders and mental health conditions in rural and urban underserved populations.

UIC researchers have found associations among disrupted sleep, elevated blood pressure, and changes in the gut microbiome.

VIOLET TAKES FLIGHT

Chicago based children’s book author Kenyatta Scott has written the Violet Book Series for children in kindergarten through fourth grade to make doing the right thing fun and build self-esteem in children of color. The series combats the stereotype that fathers are not present in communities of color by having Violet and her brother, Derek, learn life lessons in each book as taught to them by their dad. The latest book is Violet Takes Flight, and Scott launched it at O’Hare Airport with Tammera L. Holmes, CEO of AeroStar Avion Institute. They were the first Black women invited to hold a children’s book reading and launch at O’Hare. To buy books or for more information, log on to www.thevioletbookseries.com or contact Scott at (773) 709-2045 or kenyatta@thevioletbookseries.com.

ATN

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