ATN

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.

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. 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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

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, and church leaders hope to serve warm meals in the future. Call (773) 762-9673.

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 

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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

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/.

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.

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.

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.

HEALTH INSURANCE

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

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

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.

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

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.

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.  

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

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.

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, and church leaders hope to serve warm meals in the future. Call (773) 762-9673.

HR HOTSEAT

HRHotSeat Chicago is a free monthly online meetup of more than 1,600 human resources practitioners, service providers, students, and Chicago-area professionals in job transition who come together to expand networks and solve problems. Visit www.HRHotSeat.com or email 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 

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.

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

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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 events have been postponed or canceled.

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.

ART INSTITUTE NEWS

The Art Institute of Chicago is scheduled to present the exhibition Monet and Chicago during the summer through Monday, Sept. 7, at 111 S. Michigan Ave. Log on to www.artic.edu.

STUDENT LEADER

South Loop resident Maggie Rivera, who recently graduated from Walter Payton College prep, is one of just 300 high school students in the United States and one of just five in the Chicago area to be named a Bank of America Student Leader. She has volunteered with the Hyde Park Refugee Project and Catholic Charities. She will attend the University of Chicago.

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.

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.

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

Check out Chicago Children’s Theatre,100 S. Racine Ave., any evening from 7 to 11 p.m. to see a larger-than-life, multi-color, bright new window installation that changes the colors of the rainbow around the life-affirming message “Everything will be okay.” Chicago Children’s Theatre staff and artists created, programmed, and installed the window display using paper, stencils, and LED lights pulled from the theater’s existing production stock. See a related music video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0JBp0LtbNM. 

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.

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.

FLAG FOOTBALL

Chicago Rec Sports is registering boys and girls ages five through 14 for flag football, to be played between Friday, Aug. 21, and Friday, Oct. 16. Games will be played at the ComEd Rec Center at 1301 W. 14th St. For information go to chirecsports@gmail.com or chicagorecsports.com.

CASH ASSISTANCE

The Chicago Resiliency Fund is a cash assistance program to support Chicago residents who were excluded from federal stimulus aid in response to the coronavirus. The City of Chicago, in collaboration with Open Society Foundations and The Resurrection Project, launched the fund June 22; it will provide $1,000 per household for eligible Chicagoans, which includes, but is not limited to, undocumented individuals, mixed-status families, dependent adults, and returning residents. The fund also accepts donations. See https://resurrectionproject.org/ChicagoFund/.

DEFERRED MORTGAGE

Chicago Volunteer Legal Services can help homeowners find out if they are eligible for up to a year of deferred mortgage payments. Log on towww.cvls.org/get-legal-help/covid-19-relief/.

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.

The City has launched Chi COVID Coach, an app that allows the Chicago Department of Public Health to communicate with those who are coronavirus-positive or have symptoms. See https://covidcoach.chicago.gov/.

The City announced eligibility expansion for people to get tested for the coronavirus at six City-run testing sites, and it encourages anyone who has had a recent high-risk exposure (including participation in protests) to get tested. Diagnostic testing is free for all Chicago residents. The sites are Maria Saucedo Scholastic Academy, Horizon Science Academy Southwest, Dr. Jorge Prieto Math & Science Academy, Kennedy-King College, Gately Park, and Columbus Park. The City gives the tests between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. To learn more about the six sites and to register to get tested, log on to chi.gov/covidtesting.

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.

PROPERTY TAX ONLINE

Homeowners and business people can avoid a trip downtown by taking care of their property taxes at cookcountytreasurer.com, including making payments, searching for refunds, and verifying tax exemptions, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said. For more information, call (312) 603-6202.

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 NEWS 

Christopher Considine was the valedictorian, and Alexandra Brist the salutatorian, for the De La Salle Institute Class of 2020. Both will attend Loyola University Chicago.

De La Salle honored several faculty and staff members who celebrated milestones at the conclusion of the 2019-20 school year. Those marking five years of service: director of facilities Gino Bruno; history teacher, assistant football coach, and head boys’ volleyball coach John Grubisich; director of financial aid and head varsity baseball coach Chris Hall; French teacher and French Honor Society moderator Kenya Madison-Gabler; and English and writing teacher and chorus moderator Ania Ray. School counselor and psychology teacher Tracy Aldaz-Brewer, who coordinates and moderates the Reach Club, posted ten years of service. Those counting 15 years of service: Bethany Costello-Stebelton, who teaches French and American literature, co-moderates the French Club, and oversees the honors independent research project and program for advanced college credit and advanced placement programs; Paul Granat, who teaches art; Angelica Guzman, assistant to the Counseling Department; and Norma Ramos, who teaches calculus and geometry. Those marking 20 years of service: Eric Crosby, who teaches technical drawing, biology, physical science, and residential wiring and coaches cross country; Antonio Maldonado Jr., who teaches Spanish and is boxing head coach; and Fred Muehleman who teaches religion and coaches girls’ golf. Tom White celebrated his 25th anniversary; he is athletic director and head varsity boys basketball coach.

The Chick Evans Scholarship for golf caddies honored four members of the school’s Class of 2020 as Chick Evans Scholars. They and the universities they will attend in the fall are Andres Cuevas of the University of Kansas and Victor DeAvila, Judah Green, and Zabdiel Green of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Judges for the 2020 Illinois Fatherhood Initiative (IFI) Essay Contest named De La Salle students Ahriel Pringle, Talia Baker, and Jack Tepper winners for their essays about their fathers.

De La Salle is located at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355.

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 NEWS

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Avenue, has reopened for public tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. by advance purchase ticket only. Tickets are $20 for adults and $17 for seniors and students. On Wednesday, Aug. 26, Second City Jazz will perform a live concert in the Glessner House courtyard. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., and the music starts at 6 p.m. Bring your food, favorite beverages, chairs, and a blanket and enjoy the evening. Tickets are $12.50 per person and must be purchased in advance, as seating is limited to ensure proper social distancing. For tickets and more information, visit www.glessnerhouse.org or call (312) 226-1480.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

MERCY NEWS

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls seeks adults to be mentors for youngsters. Learn more at MercyHome.org/ChicagoGazette.

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

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.

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.

FAUCI TO BE HONORED

The National Italian American Foundation announced that in October it will present its prestigious Leonardo da Vinci Award for Leadership in Health and Science for 2020 to Anthony S. Fauci, MD, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID). Fauci graduated at the top of his Cornell University Medical College class in 1966 and became director of the NIAID in 1984 during the Reagan administration. See www.niaf.org.

SUPPORT LITERACY

Open Books’ annual fundraiser Team Bookin’ It brings together runners, readers, and walkers to support literacy. Run or walk with Open Books and Team Bookin’ It in the Race Against Violence, hosted by Strides for Peace. Register for a 5K or 8K run or a two-mile walk. All events held virtually the week of Saturday, Sept. 19, through Saturday, Sept. 26, culminating with a live-streamed party that evening. Read with Team Bookin’ It at the Open Books Read-a-Thon, which will take place virtually on Sunday, Sept. 20, featuring a team reading for 12 hours. For information, email teambookinit@open-books.org or log on to https://www.open-books.org/team-bookin-it-2020/. Open Books is at 651 W. Lake St.

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY

Holy Family and Notre Dame de Chicago parishes have combined under the name Our Lady of the Holy Family,located at 1335 W. Harrison St. Call (312) 498-9883. Sunday services are now offered at 9 a.m. (English) and 11 a.m. (Spanish). Call to register to attend.

OUTDOOR MARKET

The Pilsen Community Market will be held in Plaza Tenochtitlán, 1821 S. Blue Island Ave. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday.

PRAY BRIDGEPORT

Church congregations in Bridgeport and McKinley Park gather under the auspices of Pray Bridgeport to pray, seeking specifically to bless these neighborhoods and one another. For more information, log on to praybridgeport.com.

ART FEST

The Printers Row Art Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 5 and 6, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., on Dearborn Street between Polk Street and Ida B. Wells Drive. The Near South Planning Board is in charge. The fest and all its events are free. See printersrowlitfest.org.

PUSH EXCEL SCHOLARSHIPS

The PUSH Excel Scholarship Program assists young people who are qualified but lack the financial resources to attend college. PUSH Excel presents several awards each year through named scholarships. It has extended deadlines for the Ora Lee Sanders and Cirilo McSween scholarships to Monday, Aug. 31. Visit https://pushexcel.smapply.io/acc/r/?g=62833 and click on the green Register button to apply.

RAOUL SUES DEVOS

Attorney General Kwame Raoul is one of 16 attorneys general who filed a lawsuit against U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos and the U.S. Department of Education, challenging their unlawfully repealing borrower defense regulations and replacing them with regulations that benefit predatory for-profit schools at the expense of defrauded students. Student borrowers who have questions or need assistance can call the attorney general’s Student Loan Helpline at (800) 455-2456. Borrowers also can file complaints on the attorney general’s website at https://ccformsubmission.ilattorneygeneral.net/.

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.

RUSH GENERATIONS

Rush Generations, a health and aging program, offers classes, screenings, support groups, and other programs for older adults and caregivers. Rush will host the following programs virtually. To register and receive information about how to access them online, call (800) 757-0202. 

For questions about medications, the Medication Brown Bag Screeningcan help. Call to reserve a time slot on Wednesday, Aug. 12, between 9:30 a.m. and noon. 

Dementia and Memory Losswill feature a panel of experts discussing dementia, age-related memory loss, and Rush’s work to help build a dementia-friendly community. Join online Wednesday, Aug. 19, from 1 to 2:30 p.m. Stroke Education and Awareness, with professionals from the Rush Stroke Program, will cover stroke risks, prevention, symptoms, and how to respond if you think someone might be having a stroke. Meet virtually on Wednesday, Sept. 16, from 1 to 2:30 p.m.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

The Chicago Tribuneeditorial board named Saint Ignatius College Prep’s StringWizards program, www.stringwizards.org/, as among the finest Chicago examples of youth social equity programming. StringWizards teaches students marketable vocational skills, such as musical instrument repair, while providing access to music education.

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

STUDENT HONORS

Several St. Laurence High School students from the Bridgeport, Chinatown, East Pilsen, and Canaryville areas have made the school’s honor roll: Charlotte Bailey, Stephen Beres, Matthew Dyjak, Lucas Garcia, Ivan Huayamave, Emanuel Lopez, Fiona Sjostrom, Mary Katherine Sjostrom, Ashley Staszak, and Anthony Tado. The school is at 5556 W. 77th St. Log on to www.stlaurence.com.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii rector, the Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni, will celebrate his 45th anniversary of ordination on Saturday, Aug. 15, with a special 5 p.m. Mass, followed by a dinner for congregants outside the church. Reservations are required to attend the Mass and the dinner.

In its Summer Spirituality Series, the shrine will host Walking with Mary, the Mother of God, Saturday, Aug. 22, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Arrigo Park across the street from the shrine. The leisurely walk will allow reflection on Mary, and the event will include scripture readings, prayer, stories, and poetry. Register by Wednesday, Aug. 19.

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

FOOD AVAILABILITY

Illinois Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients now can use their electronic benefits transfer cards at Walmart.com and Amazon.com to order groceries online as part of a national pilot program. For more information, visit: DHS.illinois.gov/OnlineSNAP. 

FARMERS MARKET ONLINE 

The South Loop Farmers Market online marketplace is open for new orders of produce, meat, eggs, bread, baked goods, specialty foods, plants, beer, and other products every Friday at 9 a.m. Vendors will pack your order and have it ready for pickup on the following Thursday between 2 and 6 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Ave. Pickup fee is $10. During pickup, customers will come to the parking lot of Second Presbyterian Church and form a line outside the church’s back door. Customers must wear a mask and follow all social distancing and safety precautions. The market also will deliver to select buildings. Sign up at www.southloopfarmersmarket.com/slfm-direct.

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.

LOANS AVALABLE

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced funding updates for small businesses. The deadline to apply for Paycheck Protection Program funding has been extended to Saturday, Aug. 8. More than $130 billion in PPP funding is available for small businesses affected by the coronavirus. Disaster loans are available for Illinois businesses and residents affected by civil unrest. The deadline for applications for property damage loans is Monday, Aug. 24. The deadline to return economic injury applications is Tuesday, March 31, 2021. See sba.gov

UIC INFORMATION

The National Institutes of Health selected University of Illinois at Chicago Professor Shannon Zenk of the College of Nursing to lead its National Institute of Nursing Research.

The College of Business Administration has created the Stuart Handler Department of Real Estate.

The Oral Medicine and Facial Pain Student Clinic is located in Room 127 of the UIC College of Dentistry at 801 S. Paulina St. Clinic hours are Tuesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and Wednesdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The clinic sees patients with chronic mouth sores and pain, dry mouth, facial pain, and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders. Call (312) 355-1222.

UIC’s Learning Sciences Research Institute has been tapped to lead a two-year collaboration with 24 top Illinois science educators, who will develop clusters of items to be used on the Illinois Science Assessment, the State’s annual science test administered to students enrolled in a public school district in grades five, eight, and 11.

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/.

VEGAN PARADISE

A vegan farmers’ market called Vegan Paradise will be open Sundays through Sept. 6 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Plant, 1400 W. 46th St. Customers must register online ahead of time; type “Vegan Paradise” into a search engine to reach the website.

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.

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.

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 events have been postponed or canceled.

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.

ART INSTITUTE NEWS

The Art Institute of Chicago is scheduled to present the exhibition Monet and Chicago during the summer through Monday, Sept. 7, at 111 S. Michigan Ave. Log on to www.artic.edu.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The City has passed legislation to make June 19 an official celebration of Juneteenth from now on. That is the day in 1865 when Union troops began enforcing the end of slavery.

NEW CAC BOSS

Chicago Artists Coalition (CAC) announced that Teresa Silva, currently CAC’s director of exhibitions and residencies, has been selected as its new executive and artistic director. CAC is located at 2130 W. Fulton St. Call (312) 491-8888.

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.

CCT NEWS

Check out Chicago Children’s Theatre,100 S. Racine Ave., any evening from 7 to 11 p.m. to see a larger-than-life, multi-color, bright new window installation that changes the colors of the rainbow around the life-affirming message “Everything will be okay.”  Chicago Children’s Theatre staff and artists created, programmed, and installed the window display using paper, stencils, and LED lights pulled from the theater’s existing production stock. See a related music video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0JBp0LtbNM. 

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.

PARK DISTRICT ACTIVITIES

The Chicago Park District will offer a modified version of its popular summer day camp, from Monday, July 6, through Friday, Aug. 14, at 148 parks across the city. Families also will have the option of registering for a two-week extended camp that runs Monday, Aug. 17, through Friday, Aug. 28. Campers will engage in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math) activities, reading, and journal writing as well as modified sports and outdoor activities that observe social distancing and other public health guidance. Financial assistance is available for families who qualify. In addition to day camp, the district will offer a menu of virtual programs to keep residents active while at home. Offerings include sports, wellness, arts and crafts, and fitness programs. For more information, log on to www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

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 NEWS

The International Thespian Society is an internationally recognized theatre honor society for high school students. De La Salle Institute welcomed 13 students into the Thespians this year: Kira Cannon, Kaitlyn DeFoe, Quinn Deighan, Layla Dulaitis (Bridgeport), Ariana Hernandez (Pilsen), Amilia Isais (Near West Side), Noelle Johnson, Desmond Jones, LeeVonn Overton, Alicia Plebanski, Sebastian Solis, Dorothy Tillman, (Bronzeville), and Erin Williams.

De La Salle’s French Honor Society held its induction and cording ceremony via Zoom. Earning membership were Mackenzie Capers, Pamela Gonzalez, Sofia Leanos, and Luz Perez.

The Spanish National Honor Society inducted 17 students: Matthew Chavez, Cariana Cintron, Ivy Delgadillo, Mackenzie Gioia, Ian Hopkins, Jacob Lopez, Jill McManus, Maggie Swanborn, Isabella Brogan, Chelsea Guardiola, Olivia Hernandez, Ivan Martinez, Gianna Pawela, Olivia Perez, Rosa Perez, Monce Vazquez, and Amanda Zavala.

De La Salle named Victor DeAvila and Emily McManus the winners of the annual George Eastman Young Leaders Award based on their leadership skills and excellence in the classroom.

The school chose Cameron Laviste and Kayla Roman-Flores as recipients of the Xerox Award for Innovation and Technology.

The 2020 Mock Trial Team recently conducted its awards ceremony for this season. Jonathan Valenzuela earned the Founding Fathers Award for his accomplishments, dedication, and success over the years. Nadiyah Muhammad will serve as president of the Mock Trial Team for the 2020-21 school year, with Judith Hernandez serving as vice president.

The Greenwood Project named recent graduate Joshua Thornton a Scholar. The organization is a nonprofit committed to changing the lives of socio-economically disadvantaged youth by exposing, training, and immersing them in careers in the financial securities sector.

De La Salle chose Alexandra Brist and Jonathan Valenzuela as winners of the Frederick Douglass and Susan B. Anthony Award. The school selects recipients based on demonstrated commitment to understanding and addressing difficult social issues, leadership, dedication to community action, and strong grades and rigorous courses taken in the humanities and social sciences.

Thomas Haepp of Canaryville received the John Philip Sousa Band Award for being most outstanding musician in the senior class. 

Michael Passarelli and Autumn Rizzo won the Br. I. Austin Scholar-Athlete Award, which goes to two members of De La Salle’s graduating class for excellence in the classroom and on the playing field. Rizzo played on the softball and bowling teams while Passarelli played football and baseball.

Nina Penny and Isaiah Hernandez earned the Bausch-Lomb Award, presented to graduating seniors who excel in science.

Jamey Duncan-Whitt’s poetry won the De La Salle quarterly writing contest.

Shiwen (Cecilia) Yang and Marc Rhymes won the Kamaal Khazen Award, presented annually to graduating seniors who excel in science and mathematics.

The City of De La Salle functions as the school’s student government. The group’s leadership consists of co-mayors Sydni Schaffer and Matthew Chavez; executive officers Nicole Beach, Autumn Bell, Travis Cunningham, Frank Galvan, MacKenzie Gioia, Pamela Gonzalez, Aaliyah Johnson, Desmond Jones, and Gabrielle Thornton; secretary Felicity Sierra; and aldermen Daria Foster, Mia Loza, Mia Nunez, and Christina Wilson.

De La Salle is located at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355.

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.

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.

GLESSNER NEWS

Glessner House has opened a courtyard that allows pedestrians to look through the windows into its schoolroom, main hall, parlor, and kitchen. The courtyard is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. 

After the State and City lift stay-at-home directives, explore architecture, history, and design at Glessner House. Tours will be offered Wednesday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. In the meantime, take a virtual tour or, for information, visit GlessnerHouse.org. 

The house is located at 1800 S. Prairie Ave. Call (312) 226-1480.

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.

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.

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

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.

MERCY NEWS

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls seeks adults to be mentors for youngsters. Learn more at MercyHome.org/ChicagoGazette.

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

MERIT ONLINE CLASSES

Merit School of Music has reworked its summer offerings to allow students to experience Merit’s camps, classes, electives, and workshops while staying safe and healthy at home through online camps and classes. Merit’s summer lineup offers a wide variety including sound engineering, songwriting, voice camp, and intro to piano classes. In addition to offering financial aid to qualifying families, Merit has raised money for a COVID relief discount for families whose finances are affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Browse classes and register at www.meritmusic.org/summer.

OUTDOOR MARKET

The Pilsen Community Market will be held in Plaza Tenochtitlán, 1821 S. Blue Island Ave. from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. every Sunday.

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.

RUSH GENERATIONS

Rush Generations, a health and aging program, offers classes, screenings, support groups, and other programs for older adults and caregivers. Depending on Illinois Department of Health guidelines, Rush may offer the following programs virtually. For information and to register, call (800) 757-0202. 

If you are age 60 or older, Wellness Recovery Action Plan (WRAP) for Seniors is a free, four-week program that can help you get well, stay well, and make life the way you want it to be. It’s designed to give you tools to reduce stress and anxiety, stay happier and healthier, build on your personal strengths, and feel more hopeful, confident, and engaged. WRAP meets on Fridays, July 17 through Aug. 7, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m.

Take Charge of Your Diabetesis a free, six-week workshop for people with Type 2 diabetes. Endorsed by the American Diabetes Association, this program will help you build skills and gain confidence in managing your health and leading an active, fulfilling life. It meets on Tuesdays, July 14 through Aug. 18, from 2 to 4:30 p.m.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii is posting a novena daily during the coronavirus pandemic at www.ourladyofpompeii.org/special-covid-19-novena/.

The Summer Spirituality Series will feature Praying with St. Mary Magdalene, Apostle to the Apostle, Saturday, July 18, 10 to 11:30 a.m., led by Julie Berggren, spiritual director. 

All events are subject to cancelation, postponement, or transfer to a virtual format.

The shrine has begun offering Masses and other services in its worship space. You must register to attend.

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

FARMERS MARKET ONLINE 

The South Loop Farmers Market online marketplace is open for new orders of produce, meat, eggs, bread, baked goods, specialty foods, plants, beer, and other products every Friday at 9 a.m. Vendors will pack your order and have it ready for pickup on the following Thursday between 2 and 6 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Ave. Pickup fee is $10. During pickup, customers will come to the parking lot of Second Presbyterian Church and form a line outside the church’s back door. Customers must wear a mask and follow all social distancing and safety precautions. The market also will deliver to select buildings. Sign up at www.southloopfarmersmarket.com/slfm-direct.

ST. MATTHEW NEWS

St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church at 2108 W. 21st St. recently benefited from a Lutheran Early Response Team (LERT) visit from St. Matthew’s Lutheran Church in Hawthorn Woods, IL. Seven LERT volunteers removed a tree stump, cleaned the church grounds, painted a restroom, and washed the soup kitchen’s floor, chairs, and tables. St. Matthew’s soup kitchen, Comedor San Mateo, is in need of monetary and product donations in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. For more information, call (773) 847-6458.

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 events have been postponed or canceled.

ART INSTITUTE NEWS

The Art Institute of Chicago is scheduled to present the exhibition Monet and Chicago during the summer through Monday, Sept. 7, at 111 S. Michigan Ave. Log on to www.artic.edu.

ANTI-RACISM RESOURCES

Local resident Richard Alvarez has created an anti-racism resources website at https://antiracism-resources.com.

BENTON HOUSE INFO

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

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.

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

Check out Chicago Children’s Theatre,100 S. Racine Ave., any evening from 7 to 11 p.m. to see a larger-than-life, multi-color, bright new window installation that changes the colors of the rainbow around the life-affirming message “Everything will be okay.”  Chicago Children’s Theatre staff and artists created, programmed, and installed the window display using paper, stencils, and LED lights pulled from the theater’s existing production stock. See a related music video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V0JBp0LtbNM.

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.

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.

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.

LABOR LAW SEMINARS

The City of Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection is offering webinars on topics such as minimum wage, fair workweek, and paid sick leave on every Tuesday and Thursday in June at 2 p.m. Log on to www.chicago.gov/laborstandards.

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. 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 NEWS

Twenty young women and men from the De La Salle Institute Class of 2020 have chosen where they will further their educations next year while participating in intercollegiate athletics. Hockey: Gabe Galvez (Robert Morris University); softball: Erianna Claudio (Triton College), Kamryn Gonzalez (La Sierra University), and Alyssa Luna (St. Thomas University–Florida); baseball: Matthew Boehm (Lewis University), Jeremy Figueroa (Heartland Community College), Ben Hernandez (University of Illinois at Chicago), Isaiah Hernandez (Inspiration Academy), Lee Hodges (Morton College), and William LePretre (Millikin University); football and baseball: Michael Passarelli (Illinois Wesleyan University); football: Matthew Byrnes (Iowa Western Community College), Jamari Johnson (Eastern Illinois University), Taron Dabney (University of Indianapolis), and Devonne Phams (Concordia University–Wisconsin); football and wrestling: David Ortiz (Elmhurst College); girls volleyball: Nina Penny (Indiana Tech) and Nyiah Penny (Indiana Tech); boys soccer: Cristian Granados (Lewis University) and Manny Rodriguez (Saint Xavier University).

De La Salle has chosen Francesca Castagna as the new head coach for the Meteors varsity girls’ softball program. She has been an assistant softball coach the last two seasons.

De La Salle is located at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355.

LEGAL AID SCHOLAR

First Defense Legal Aid intern Charles Jones III has earned a summer 2020 Mansfield Scholarship at Roosevelt University.

Located at 5100 W. Harrison St., the organization provides representation to people in custody, informs people of their rights, and organizes volunteers to help.

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

GLESSNER NEWS

Glessner House has opened a courtyard that allows pedestrians to look through the windows into its schoolroom, main hall, parlor, and kitchen. The courtyard is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

After the State and City lift stay-at-home directives, explore architecture, history, and design at Glessner House. Tours will be offered Wednesday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. In the meantime, take a virtual tour or, for information, visit GlessnerHouse.org.

The house is located at 1800 S. Prairie Ave. Call (312) 226-1480.

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.

HOLY FAMILY-NOTRE DAME NEWS

While Masses are suspended due to coronavirus through the Easter season, Holy Family-Notre Dame Parish will offer Sunday Masses on the parish Facebook page at 10 a.m. Office hours are suspended. Email hfndparishcommunity@hf-nd.org for more information.

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

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.

BYRNE DETOURS

As part of the Jane Byrne Interchange reconstruction, the Illinois Department of Transportation on June 1 closed the ramp connecting the inbound Eisenhower Expressway with the outbound Kennedy Expressway. The ramp will remain closed for four months. A detour sends drivers down the Dan Ryan Expressway to Taylor Street and then back on to the Kennedy. Taylor Street is closed to street traffic between Union Avenue and Ruble Street, although pedestrians and bicyclists still may use it. IDOT also closed the inbound Dan Ryan ramp from Roosevelt Road, detouring motorists down Halsted Street to Adams Street.

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

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.

MEALS FOR FIRST RESPONDERS

Third District Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry has been dropping off meals provided by local restaurants to first responders during the coronavirus crisis. The Third District Support Fund has raised more than $5,800 to provide meals for first responders. Make a donation at www.CommissionerLowry.com/SupportFund or call (312) 603-6391.

MERCY NEWS

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls seeks adults to be mentors for youngsters. Learn more at MercyHome.org/ChicagoGazette.

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

MERIT ONLINE CLASSES

Merit School of Music has reworked its summer offerings to allow students to experience Merit’s camps, classes, electives, and workshops while staying safe and healthy at home through online camps and classes. Merit’s summer lineup offers a wide variety including sound engineering, songwriting, voice camp, and intro to piano classes. In addition to offering financial aid to qualifying families, Merit has raised money for a COVID relief discount for families whose finances are affected by the coronavirus (COVID-19). Browse classes and register at www.meritmusic.org/summer.

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.

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.

PAPPAS IMPROVES WEBSITE

Taxpayers seeking property tax refunds have new tools on cookcountytreasurer.com enabling them to file electronically instead of downloading a form and mailing it in, Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas said. Eliminating paper applications will reduce the time it takes the office to issue refunds due to overpayments, she added.

GAS WORK

People’s Gas is replacing a gas main at West 31st and South Halsted Streets through Monday, July 6. The company expects no interruption in service.

INTERNET COURSES

Public Narrative,600 S. Michigan Ave., offers courses in various locations on topics including social media, communication plans, podcasting, search engine optimization, and analytics. Call (312) 369-6400.

CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE

Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Crime Victims Services Bureau helps those dealing with the effects of crime. Call (800) 228-3368.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep’s 34th Annual Golf Classic is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, at Cog Hill, featuring golf, food, and prizes. Proceeds will go to the school’s Tuition Assistance Program. Call (312) 432-8403 or email wendy.mccarthy@ignatius.org.

The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd.

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.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii is posting a novena daily during the coronavirus pandemic at www.ourladyofpompeii.org/special-covid-19-novena/.

Rev. Richard N. Fragomeni, rector of the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, will lead a virtual retreat, Connecting Our Hearts in this Time of Distancing, on Saturday, June 6, from 9 a.m. to noon. Check in online at 8:45 a.m.

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

SHURE HELPS CPS

As students and teachers continue transitioning to online learning, having the right tools to learn from home can be a challenge. To help, Shure, an audio equipment company, donated $79,000 worth of earphones to Chicago Public Schools. The earphones are compatible with mobile phones and laptops to enable more focused learning for students and teachers who may encounter distracting noise or difficulties in hearing online lessons at home. For more information, see www.shure.com.

FARMERS MARKET ONLINE 

The South Loop Farmers Market online marketplace will open for new orders of produce, meat, eggs, bread, baked goods, specialty foods, plants, beer, and other products every Friday at 9 a.m. Vendors will pack your order and have it ready for pickup on the following Thursday between 2 and 6 p.m. at Second Presbyterian Church, 1936 S. Michigan Ave. Pickup fee is $10. During pickup, customers will come to the parking lot of Second Presbyterian Church and form a line outside the church’s back door. Customers must wear a mask and follow all social distancing and safety precautions. The market also will deliver to select buildings. Sign up at www.southloopfarmersmarket.com/slfm-direct.

SOUTH LOOP NEIGHBORS NEWS

The South Loop Neighbors chose These Extraordinary Times for this year’s photo contest theme and recommends interested participants start taking photos now. All contest entries must focus on the South Loop; SLN will provide more information later. If SLH cannot hold the photo contest in conjunction with the Printer’s Row Art Fest, it will conduct it online.

Enjoy a South Loop Sing Along every night at 8:30 p.m. Check out Hello South Loop on Facebook to find out the nightly song selection.

For information, log onto www.southloopneighbors.org.

STEVENS HONORED

Congratulations to Gazette Chicago reporterSusan S. Stevens, who received one of the inaugural Chicago Headline Club Service Awards for her decades of dedication and service to the club. According to the CHC, Chicago’s premier journalism organization, “Sue is the backbone of the Chicago Headline Club. In addition to serving as the club’s longtime secretary, she has been our institutional memory and the voice of reason during times of transition…a journalism pioneer who joined the Headline Club in 1969—the first year women were officially welcomed to join.”

CORONAVIRUS TESTING SITES

New testing sites for coronavirus (COVID-19) include Saucedo Elementary Academy, 2850 W. 24th Blvd.; Kennedy King College, 6301 S. Halsted St.; Senka Park, 5656 S. St. Louis Ave.; Gately Park, 844 E. 103rd St.; and, for first responders and health care workers only, Guaranteed Rate Field, 333 W. 35thSt.

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/.

SUMMERLAB

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools will host Summer Lab, Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 31, featuring a day camp, theatre training, summer school, sports, dance, and recreation. Log on to SummerLab.org.

UIC INFORMATION

Two education-related researchers from the University of Illinois at Chicago received nearly $1 million combined in grants from the Spencer Foundation in support of their work. The foundation presented the awards to Decoteau Irby, associate professor of educational policy studies, for his project exploring school district-level equity leadership and impact and to Amanda Roy, assistant professor of psychology, to support her investigation concerning education and work decisions among low-income, ethnic minority youth.

BLOOD NEEDED

Vitalant, the Chicago area’s largest blood center, is facing an emergency need for blood and platelets. To donate, visit vitalant.org or call (877) 258-4825.

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, x4994. The center is at 140 N. Ashland Ave. Log on to www.womenstreatmentcenter.org.

MUSEUM CAMPUS TOUR

Historian Richie Zie has posted a 20-minute tour of the Museum Campus on his website www.richiezie.com. Click on video, and then on Chicago history. In the last three months, Zie has posted 17 shows on the website.

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.

SEND INFO FOR ATN

Local schools, churches, and institutions are welcome and encouraged to send information to Gazette Chicago for inclusion in the Around the Neighborhood section free of charge. News of upcoming events; student, faculty, staff, and parishioner accomplishments; and photos of events that have occurred are welcome. Please send information to info@gazettechicago.com in the month preceding the event—for example, news promoting July events should be sent to Gazette Chicago in June. The next deadline is Wednesday, June 17, for the July 3 issue.

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 events have been postponed or canceled.

ART INSTITUTE NEWS

The Art Institute of Chicago is scheduled to present the exhibition Monet and Chicago during the summer through Monday, Sept. 7, at 111 S. Michigan Ave. Log on to www.artic.edu.

CDS, UIC HELP AREA HOSPITALS

The Chicago Dental Society and its members donated thousands of personal protective equipment items and disinfecting supplies to front-line health care workers in this area in response to the coronavirus pandemic, in an effort organized by Clark Stanford, DDS, dean of the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry and Terri Tiersky, DDS, president of the CDS. UIC College of Dentistry student volunteers collected most of the equipment to bring back to UIC, which then distributed the supplies among the four hospitals in the Illinois Medical District in Chicago: University of Illinois Hospital, John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital of Cook County, Rush University Medical Center, and Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. 

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.

HISTORY SHOWS

Richie Zie, host of the Chicago History & Automotive Heaven TV and radio show podcast, has produced television segments about historic Chicago churches, auto, motorcycle, and fire museums; a TV show about a bicycle shop operated in Chicago since 1910 with the same family; Paws Chicago; and a segment about angels. There are over 100 radio shows on Chicago history at www.richiezie.com, or go to Richiezie on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

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.

PARK DISTRICT NEWS

The Chicago Park District is partnering with the Illinois Soybean Association to produce hand sanitizer to help mitigate the spread of coronavirus among the district’s workforce and City first responders. Park District staff and other professionals who continue to perform essential functions during the State’s stay at home order are using the hand sanitizer. The ISA is contributing to the effort by helping secure raw materials and packaging needed for production. For more about the Park District, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call (312) 742.PLAY or (312) 747.2001 (TTY). 

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.

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 NEWS

The De La Salle Institute robotics team recently competed at the 2020 Midwest Regional First Robotics Competition held at Credit Union 1 Arena on the campus of the University of Illinois at Chicago. De La Salle participants numbered 23 students, with the Meteors finishing 40th in the 54-team field. Representing De La Salle were: Adam Creighton, Andres Cuevas, Victor DeAvila, Matthew Dixon, Xochitl Duron, Joel Flores, Michael Gallagher, Soley Gevorgiz, Branden Goeden, Sebastian Gutierrez, Paul Harden, Enrique Herrera, Asata Hodari, Dakota Huff-Brand, Cameron Laviste, Miriam Lopez, Christian Meyer, Ashley Naveja, Sofia Podszus, Felicity Sierra, Lukas Sonntag, Jalen Tucker, and Isaiah Washington.

Emily McManus was chosen Meteor of the Month.

Students TaKiya (TK) Howard and Janiece Dawson were chosen to the 2019-20 All-Girls Catholic Athletic Conference White Division Team in girls’ basketball.

Students, faculty, and staff have launched the What We Can Do to Make a Difference initiative to help during the coronavirus pandemic. De La Salle participants are donating food, money, and blood. For example, the Brogan family held a giving day, loading up one of its family vehicles to deliver bags filled with food to the Friendship Center, a food bank with two locations.

De La Salle is located at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355.

BIOETHICS AND COVID-19

DePaul University will host a virtual program for alumni, A Bioethicist Talks about COVID-19, on Thursday, May 14, at 5 p.m., featuring bioethicist Craig Klugman. Register at alumnievents@depaul.edu or call (800) 437-1898.

LOCAL CHAPTER HONORED

The Chicago Downtown chapter of Ducks Unlimited,the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to conserving North America’s waterfowl habitats, received the organization’s President’s Elite award for raising between $100,000 and $250,000 to protect waterfowl. For more information, visit www.ducks.org.

FUNDING FOR GOVERNMENTS

Illinois’s U.S. Senators Dick Durbin and Tammy Duckworth announced Illinois will receive $4.9 billion in state and local stabilization funds from the Coronavirus Relief Fund established by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act to help offset significant increased costs that state and local governments are facing from the coronavirus pandemic. The CARES Act’s Coronavirus Relief Fund allows state and local governments with more than 500,000 residents to apply directly to the U.S. Treasury Department for cash infusions. The City of Chicago and Cook County will receive funding.

LEGAL DEFENSE

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

For more information, call (773) 434-4162. 

GLESSNER TOURS

After the State and City lift stay-at-home directives, explore architecture, history, and design at Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave. Tours will be offered Wednesday through Sunday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. In the meantime, take a virtual tour or, for information, visit GlessnerHouse.org.

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.

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.

HOLY FAMILY-NOTRE DAME NEWS

While Masses are suspended due to coronavirus through the Easter season, Holy Family-Notre Dame Parish will offer Sunday Masses on the parish Facebook page at 10 a.m. Office hours are suspended. Email hfndparishcommunity@hf-nd.org for more information.

HR HOTSEAT

HRHotSeat Chicagois a free monthly online meetup of more than 1,600 human resources practitioners, service providers, students, and Chicago-area pro-fessionals 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 

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.

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.

MERCY NEWS

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls seeks adults to be mentors for youngsters. Learn more at MercyHome.org/ChicagoGazette.

Mercy needs groceries to help the more than 60 families that have come to the organization for help during the crisis. To donate groceries or a gift card, drop off at 1100 W. Jackson St. in the north parking lot at Jackson and Aberdeen Street on Mondays and Tuesdays between 9 a.m. and noon.

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

BLOOD NEEDED

Vitalant, the Chicago area’s largest blood center, is facing an emergency need for blood and platelets. To donate, visit vitalant.org or call (877) 258-4825.

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.

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.com.

INTERNET COURSES

Public Narrative,600 S. Michigan Ave., offers courses in various locations on topics including social media, communication plans, podcasting, search engine optimization, and analytics. Call (312) 369-6400.

CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE

Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Crime Victims Services Bureau helps those dealing with the effects of crime. Call (800) 228-3368.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii is posting a novena daily during the coronavirus pandemic at www.ourladyofpompeii.org/special-covid-19-novena/.

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

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep’s 34th Annual Golf Classic is scheduled for Wednesday, June 17, at Cog Hill, featuring golf, food, and prizes. Proceeds will go to the school’s Tuition Assistance Program. Call (312) 432-8403 or email wendy.mccarthy@ignatius.org.

The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd.

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.

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/.

SUMMERLAB

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools will host Summer Lab, Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 31, featuring a day camp, theatre training, summer school, sports, dance, and recreation. Log on to SummerLab.org.

UIC INFO

University of Illinois at Chicago undergraduate student Lopa Bhatt, a junior majoring in physics and mathematics in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, earned a prestigious Goldwater Scholarship from the Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence Foundation.

The University of Illinois College of Medicine and Vanda Pharmaceuticals are partnering to develop an antiviral drug to fight the coronavirus. Bellur S. Prabhakar, professor of microbiology and senior associate dean for research in the College of Medicine, is leading the project.

This year, 192 medical students graduated early to help meet the growing demand for physicians during the coronavirus pandemic.

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, x4994. The center is at 140 N. Ashland Ave. Log on to www.womenstreatmentcenter.org.

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 events have been postponed or cancelled.

SUICIDE PREVENTION

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Illinois Chapter will hold a volunteer gathering on Saturday, April 18, in Oak Park, IL, and a research connection event on Thursday, April 30, in Chicago. Call (312) 890-2377.

BENTON HOUSE INFO

At Benton House, 3052 S. Gratten Ave., find out about public benefits such as supplemental nutrition assistance and citizenship application help. Food pantry hours are noon to 2 p.m. Fridays. Enjoy movies most Mondays at 7 p.m., senior exercise Mondays and Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m., yoga on Tuesdays at 8 p.m., and open basketball games Wednesdays at 8 p.m. 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.

PASSPORT TO TASTE

Career Transitions Center’s Passport to Taste annual event as of press time is scheduled to be held Thursday, May 7, 6 to 9 p.m. at 625 W. Adams. St. Enjoy award presentations, wine, beer, food, and a silent auction. Tickets are $100 each. Call (312) 906-9908 or email ajenke@ctcchicago.org. 

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.

RENTAL ASSISTANCE

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

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.

CINCO DE MAYO

Chicago Latino Network will host a Cinco de Mayo celebration Tuesday, May 5, at 6 p.m. at Roof on the Wit, 201 N. State St., 27th floor. Tickets are $25 each. See www.digitallatinos.com.

GET ORGANIZED

Community Organizing and Family Issues, 2245 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 226-5141, organizes and trains parents to win improvements in schools and communities and in how to create organizations and programs. See cofionline.org.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute celebrated its 50th annual Honors Geometry Bridge Contest, in which students competed by building bridges to see which had the greatest strength and durability. Frank Galvan placed first, as his bridge held 270 pounds; Alexa Acevedo  placed second with a bridge withstanding 255 pounds of pressure, and Judith Hernandez garnered third place with a bridge that sustained 235 pounds. Galvan’s 270 pounds also earned him second place in the student category over the contest’s five decades. Acevedo’s 255 pounds ties her for third place in the student all-time category, with Hernandez sharing fifth place at 235 pounds.

Students participated in the Model United Nations Conference at the Hyatt-Regency Chicago, sponsored by the University of Chicago. Representing De La Salle were Michael Baker, Matthew Dixon, Branden Goeden, Byron Hidalgo, Desmond Jones, Ivan Martinez, Christian Meyer, Mateo Strainis, and Jonathan Valenzuela.

De La Salle recently received two plaudits from the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association for excellence in boys’ basketball. De La Salle won honors for reaching the 1,500-victory plateau, having won 1,751 games since the 1920-21 season, and the association lauded De La Salle head coach Tom White for winning his 400th career game in a 73-63 victory over Payton on Nov. 27. 

Six students participated in the 2020 Chicago Archdiocesan Math Competition sponsored by the Math Teachers Association of Chicago and Vicinity at Loyola University. Alexandra Brist, Christopher Considine, Victor DeAvila, Kayla Roman-Flores, Drayona Rollins, and Zheng (Jack) Sun represented De La Salle.

Roman-Flores won the 2020 National Center for Women & Information Technology (NCWIT) Aspirations in Computing Award. NCWIT honors young women in high school who are active and interested in computing and technology.

The Illinois Student Assistance Commission named 11 Class of 2020 members Illinois State Scholars: Matthew Boehm; Alexandra Brist (West Loop); Christopher Considine; Matthew Dixon; Michael Gallagher (Near West Side); Isaiah Hernandez (Near West Side); Nina Penny; Marc Rhymes; Alanna Saucedo (McKinley Park); John Stewart (Bridgeport); and Joshua Thornto.

De La Salle named Dominic Freddura head coach for lacrosse.

The De La Salle Mock Trial Team recently competed against 30 other high schools at an event held by the Northwest Suburban Bar Association. De La Salle student Jonathan Valenzuela won Outstanding Attorney against a field of nearly 100 students. Joining Valenzuela on the team were Peter Brennan, Isabella Brogan, Samantha Brost, Mackenzie Capers, Chelsea Guardiola, Judith Hernandez, Ivan Martinez, and Nadiya Muhammad.

De La Salle is located at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355.

LEGAL DEFENSE

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

For more information, call (773) 434-4162. 

DONATIONS WELCOME

First Trinity Chicago Lutheran Church Community Center welcomes donations of clothing, shoes, and hygiene items. Volunteers accept donations on Tuesdays from 5 to 7 p.m. and Fridays from 10 a.m. to noon. The church is located at 643 W. 31st St. Call (312) 842-7390.

PARK CLEANUP

Friends of Printers Row Park will host a cleanup on Saturday, April 18, from 9 a.m. to noon. The park is at 634 S. Dearborn St. Call (312) 742-3918. 

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.

HOLY FAMILY-NOTRE DAME NEWS

While Masses are suspended due to coronavirus (COVID-19) through the Easter season, Holy Family/Notre Dame Parish will offer Sunday Masses on the parish Facebook page at 10 a.m. The house chapel at the parish office, 1335 W. Harrison St., will be open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for personal prayer. You may park in the lot at 1334 W. Flournoy St. and enter the chapel off Harrison Street. Office hours are suspended. Email hfndparishcommunity@hf-nd.org for more information.

HONORING VETERANS

Honor Flight Chicago,a not-for-profit organization,flies veterans of the U.S. armed services to Washington, DC, at no charge for a day of recognition and sightseeing. For information on signing up a veteran for a flight, or to make a donation, log on to www.honorflightchicago.org.

HR HOTSEAT

HR HotSeat 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.

GIVE BLOOD CHALLENGE

The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers is launching the “#GiveBloodChallenge” to encourage people to take a brief trip to donate blood and then post a photo on social media (or at least post your appointment time) and tag ten friends to do the same. Contact Vitalant at www.vitalant.org or  (877) 258-4835 to schedule a donation time (can be done online) and post a photo on social media with the hashtag #GiveBloodChallenge. For more information, log on to www.illlinoisbloodcenters.com.

COLLEGE OF COMPUTING

Illinois Institute of Technology has created a College of Computing to educate students in data and computation. The new college will open June 1, ahead of the fall 2020 semester. It will house Illinois Tech’s computer science, data science, artificial intelligence, applied mathematics, cybersecurity, information technology, and management programs. Illinois Tech is at 10 W. 35th St. Call (312) 567-3000.

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

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.

VETS HONORED

Former 11th Ward Alderman James Balcer on March 8 gathered with other Vietnam era veterans at the Vietnam War Memorial at State Street and Wacker Drive to commemorate the 55th anniversary of U.S. Marines landing in Danang, South Vietnam. Balcer gave a keynote speech, joined by about ten Vietnam and other veterans. The group also visited the wall at the memorial, which lists the 2,995 Illinois military personnel killed in the Vietnam War as well as Vietnam War prisoners of war and Medal of Honor winners from Illinois.

AWARDS PRESENTED

The McKinley Park Civic Association recently presented the William H.G. Toms Community Service Award to Steve Demitro and the Educator of the Year award to Nathanael Greene Elementary School teacher Michelle McKeown. Other winning teachers were Marty Basco of Evergreen Academy Middle School, Mark Darnall of Thomas Kelly College Prep, Patrick Hunter of Horizon Science Academy-McKinley Park, Cindy Mlynarski of Burroughs Elementary School, Br. Christopher Oddo of De La Salle Institute, Miguel Patino of Blessed Sacrament Parish, and Sara Urban of Namaste Charter School. The association also recognized winning student essayists Layla Cruz, Zoe Martinez, Rosie Moreno, Giselle Rios, and Gavin Torres. For more information, email info@mckinleypark.news or call (312) 560-1115.

MENTORS SOUGHT

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls seeks adults to be mentors for youngsters. Learn more at MercyHome.org/ChicagoGazette.

LETTERS OF INTENT

Six Mount Carmel High School students signed letters of intent to play sports at various colleges and universities: football players Michael Foggie, Valparaiso University; Jalen Grant, Bowling Green State University; Aaron Lopez, Augustana College; Lance Swain, Quincy University; and Jason Thompson, Carthage College; and wrestler Alex Lelezas, Campbell University. The school is located at 6410 S. Dante Ave. Call (773) 359-0497.

MERIT GALA

Merit School of Music will honor Richard Colburn of the Negaunee Foundation and the Civitas Ensemble at its 41st annual benefit gala at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago, 120 E. Delaware Pl., on Tuesday, May 5. The gala starts with a reception at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and student-led concert program at 7 p.m. Tickets are $500 each. Log on to meritmusic.org/gala.

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.

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.com.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep reunions are set for Saturday, April 18, for the 1995, 2000, 2005, and 2010 classes.

The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Call (312) 421-5900.

POMPEII NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii offers virtual meditations as well as virtual novena prayers Wednesday through Thursday, April 1 through 9. Log on to www.ourladyofpompeii.org/news/virtual-meditation/. The church is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757.

INTERNET COURSES

Public Narrative,600 S. Michigan Ave., offers courses in various locations on topics including social media, communication plans, podcasting, search engine optimization, and analytics. Call (312) 369-6400.

RUSH GENERATIONS

Rush Generations, a health and aging program, offers classes, screenings, support groups, and other programs for older adults and caregivers. On the third Thursday of every month, including April 17, Rush’s Diabetes Support and Education Group meets to share healthful habits, establish longterm health goals, and learn about nutrition and lifestyle changes that can help participants live with diabetes. A licensed physical therapist will offer Balance Screening on Tuesday, April 21, plus tips to improve balance and reduce fear of falling. Rush’s Take Charge of Your Diabetes Workshop meets for six Wednesdays, beginning April 22, to help participants build skills and gain confidence in managing diabetes and leading an active, fulfilling life. All programs take place on the Rush University Medical Center campus on the Near West Side. For more information or to register for an event, call (800) 757-0202.

CRIME VICTIM ASSISTANCE

Attorney General Kwame Raoul’s Crime Victims Services Bureau helps those dealing with the effects of crime. Call (800) 228-3368.

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.

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 (COVID-19) 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/.

SUMMERLAB

The University of Chicago Laboratory Schools will host Summer Lab, Monday, June 22, through Friday, July 31, featuring a day camp, theatre training, summer school, sports, dance, and recreation. Log on to SummerLab.org.

BLOOD NEEDED

Vitalant,the Chicago area’s largest blood center, is facing an emergency need for blood and platelets. To donate, visit vitalant.org or call (877) 258-4825.

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, x4994. The center is at 140 N. Ashland Ave. Log on to www.womenstreatmentcenter.org.