ATN

By William S. Bike 

TUTORS NEEDED

Help adult immigrants learn English at Aquinas Literacy Center. Volunteer as a one-on-one tutor for just 90 minutes per week at 1751 W. 35th St. You do not have to speak another language; all tutoring is in English. Register in advance to begin tutoring. For more information, email [email protected] or call (773) 927-0512. 

AUDITORIUM NEWS

Auditorium Theatre will host a jazz-gospel performance of Handel’s Messiah on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4. It will present the song and dance performance Step Afrika! on Saturday, Jan. 14. The theatre is at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. Call (312) 341-2300.

SOCCER PROGRAMS

The Chicago City Soccer Club offers youth soccer programming. See chicagocitysoccerclub.com.

REPAIR FAIR

Get broken items and clothes repaired at the Chicago Tool Library/Chicago Association of Realtors Repair Fair at the Richard J. Daley Branch Library, 3400 S. Halsted St., on Saturday, Dec. 3. Call (312) 747-8990.

HEALTH JOB OPPORTUNITIES

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership announced 11 community based organizations (CBOs) that will serve as local employers for the City of Chicago’s Community Health Response Corps, funded by the Chicago Department of Public Health, which awarded a $19.2 million grant to the partnership. The Resurrection Project, 1805 S. Paulina St., is one of the CBOs that will serve as an employer under the partnership. The University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health, Sinai Urban Health Institute, Malcolm X College, and the Illinois Community Health Workers Association partner in this work and will create an Earn-and-Learn program allowing corps members to use 7.5 hours per week of paid work time toward a public health or healthcare career. For more information, log on to https://chicookworks.org/.

MEETINGS SET

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 5:45 p.m. at the fieldhouse. All are welcome. The park is at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. Call (312) 328-0821.

HOLY FAMILY NEWS

Church of the Holy Family and Saint Ignatius College Prep will host a Feast of the Immaculate Conception Mass on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 8:10 a.m., and a Solemnity of the Epiphany Mass on Friday, Jan. 6, at 8:10 a.m. A coffee reception will follow each Mass in the church office center’s Tully room. RSVP for Mass and reception at (312) 492-8442, ext. 3. The Cardinal’s Christmas Concert will be Sunday, Dec. 4, at 2 p.m. Performance is free and no tickets are necessary. The church is at 1080 W. Roosevelt Rd.; Saint Ignatius College Prep is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd.

CAREER CENTER

The City of Chicago Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities has launched a career center at 2102 W. Ogden Ave. To sign up for services, email [email protected] or call (312) 746-5773 and select prompt no. 3.

HONOR GRANTS

Cook County awarded $1.4 million in Honor Grants, a program spearheaded by the Cook County Department of Veterans Affairs, to expand programming offered by nonprofit organizations that serve veterans and their families. Locally, the Chicago Lighthouse received $100,000, and the Illinois Medical District Guest House Foundation Road Home received $50,000. For information, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/honorgrants.

DELASALLE NEWS

DeLaSalle Institute will hold its high school entrance exam makeup session on Saturday, Dec. 10, at 8 a.m. Enjoy the school’s Christmas concert on Wednesday, Dec. 14, at 7 p.m. DeLaSalle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.

FIRST UNITED NEWS

First United Methodist Church at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington St., second floor, will host a performance by the Chicago Chamber Choir on Sunday, Dec. 11, at 3 p.m. The Longest Night worship service will be held Saturday, Dec. 17, at 5 p.m. Advent 4: Mary, Love, and Charles Wesley, a special music and arts worship service, will be held Sunday, Dec. 18, at 11 a.m. Christkindlmarket Caroling with the Temple Choir will be Wednesday, Dec. 21, at 12:10 p.m. in Daley Plaza. Events on Christmas Eve, Saturday, Dec. 24, feature lessons and carols at 4 p.m.; family lessons and carols at 5:30 p.m.; and a candlelight service at 7 p.m. A Christmas Day service on Sunday, Dec. 25, will be held at 11 a.m. St. Luke’s UMC Youth Choir will sing on Wednesday, Dec. 28, at 12:10 p.m. A Watch Night worship service will be held Friday, Dec. 31, at 5 p.m. The Epiphany Sunday service on Sunday, Jan. 1, will be at 11 a.m. Call (312) 236-4548.

GOOD HOPE THANKSGIVING

Good Hope Free Will Baptist Church hosted its annual Thanksgiving celebration Nov. 12, in which church members and community volunteers gave out 300 frozen turkeys and served more than 500 hot meals to community members. Throughout the day, church members and volunteers also delivered hot meals to those in need throughout the West Side and neighboring communities, including those experiencing homelessness. DoorDash provided $3,000 to help buy both the frozen turkeys and the hot meals. The church is at 525 S. California Ave. Call (773) 533-9212.

GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., offers 75-minute docent-led tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. The house will be decorated for Christmas through Saturday, Dec. 31. Several holiday related events are planned, including a gingerbread decorating party for children on Saturday, Dec. 3. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.glessnerhouse.org.

HOMEOWNER ASSISTANCE

The Illinois Emergency Homeowner Assistance Fund is accepting applications for mortgage assistance of up to $60,000. Log on to www.open-communities.org/ilhaf.

ICNC FUNDRAISER

The Industrial Council of Nearwest Chicago will hold its annual fundraiser at the Hatchery on Thursday, Dec. 8, at 5 p.m. featuring celebrity chef Rick Bayless as keynote speaker. The Hatchery is at 135 N. Kedzie Ave. Call (312) 421-3941.

JOFFREY NEWS

Joffrey Ballet will perform the Nutcracker Saturday, Dec. 3, through Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr. Call (312) 386-8905.

ASSESSOR PROGRAMS

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi notes homeowners often are unaware of programs such as the Veterans with Disabilities Exemption, Returning Veterans Exemption, and other property tax reduction programs. In some cases, homeowners can apply for past property tax savings from previous years. In Cook County, this process is called a Certificate of Error, allowing homeowners to correct up to three years in property tax savings. For more information visit cookcountyassessor.com.

MOLD-A-RAMA

Mold-A-Rama, a new exhibit at the Museum of Science and Industry, tells the story of the retro machines that make plastic figurines right before your eyes. For more than 60 years, Mold-A-Rama machines have pumped out hundreds of varieties of collectible plastic novelties while providing guests a peek into mass production. The exhibit runs until fall 2023. The museum is at 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Log on to www.msichicago.org for more information.

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St., holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish. Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m.; Monday and Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

Mass is held at 6 p.m. in the church on Mondays followed by the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St. On Friday, there is a 6 p.m. Mass in the church followed by Adoration and Confessions.

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

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

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep held a special Mass Nov. 14 at Holy Family Church in support of the school’s junior varsity hockey team. Sixteen students were hurt, three critically, when a semi-trailer truck hit the team’s bus on Nov. 12. Warsaw, IN, police said the driver of the semi, Victor Santos, failed a sobriety test.

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

ST. JEROME PLAY DATE

St. Jerome School, 3017 S. Wells St., will hold its Christmas Play Date on Tuesday, Dec. 6 from noon to 1 p.m., and parents and their preschool and kindergarten children are invited. Enjoy refreshments, games, a visit from St. Nick, and get information about the school’s Early Learning Campus. Call (312) 291-9023.

SHRINE EVENTS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii on Saturday, Dec. 3, will host its Mary and Christmas concert. It will begin with a pre-concert buffet at 6 p.m. The concert will run from 7:45 to 9 p.m., followed by a champagne and pastry reception.

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

FREE BOOKS FOR KIDS

Open Books Pilsen provides free books for children; adults pay whatever they want when they purchase books. The store is at 905 W. 19th St. Call (312) 243-9776.

HELP FOR VETERANS

Veterans Guide helps veterans obtain proper disability compensation, financial assistance, information on the GI bill, and other government services. See veteransguide.org/.

READING, WRITING COMPETITION

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White encourages students in grades four through 12 to enter the Letters About Literature in Illinois reading and writing competition, offered by the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book. The competition invites students to read a book of their choice and write a letter to the author about how the work changed their life or view of the world. The deadline for submission is Thursday, Dec. 15. For more information, call (217) 558-2065 or email [email protected], or log on to ilsos.gov/departments/library/center_for_the_book/.

By William S. Bike 

AUDITORIUM NEWS

Auditorium Theatre will host the Cuatro Festival on Saturday, Nov. 5; United Kingdom bands London Sued and Manic Street Preachers on Wednesday, Nov. 16; and Too Hot To Handel, a jazz-gospel performance of Handel’s Messiah, on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4. The theatre is at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. Call (312) 341-2300.

FREE BALLET

Ballet 5:8, a female and minority-led ballet company, will perform Ver la Música, Oír la Danza at the National Museum of Mexican Art on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 1 and 3 p.m. Performances are free to the public, but tickets must be reserved in advance at https://www.ballet58.org/calendar/ver-la-musica-oir-la-danza-1pm. The repertoire includes the dance Mi Familia. The museum is at 1852 W. 19th St. 

SOCCER PROGRAMS

The Chicago City Soccer Club offers youth soccer programming. See chicagocitysoccerclub.com.

FAMILY BIKE PARADE

ChicagoFamilyBiking.org hosts a family bike parade the third Saturday of every month at 9:30 a.m. at Palmisano Park, 2700 S. Halsted St. The next ride is on Nov. 19.

THANKSGIVING PARADE

The Chicago Thanksgiving Parade will be held Thursday, Nov. 24, from 8 to 11 a.m., traveling up State Street from Ida B. Wells Drive to Randolph Street. This free family tradition showcases marching bands, floats, staged performances, equestrian units, cultural performance troupes, and inflatables, all led by celebrity hosts and featuring a visit from Santa.

REPAIR FAIR

Get broken items and clothes repaired at the Chicago Tool Library/Chicago Association of Realtors Repair Fair at the Richard J. Daley Branch Library, 3400 S. Halsted St., on Saturday, Dec. 3. Call (312) 747-8990.

MEETINGS SET

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet on Tuesday, Dec. 6, at 5:45 p.m. at the fieldhouse. All are welcome. The park is at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. Call (312) 328-0821.

CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

All are invited to worship at Church of the Holy Family with the Saint Ignatius College Prep community at any of the church’s upcoming Masses, including First Friday Mass on Nov. 4 at 8:10 a.m. 

Join the Saint Ignatius Choir and Orchestra for their annual Christmas concert at the church on Thursday, Nov. 17, 7 to 9 p.m. Admission is free.

The church is located at 1080 W. Roosevelt Rd.

Parking for all events is available on May Street just west of the church. For more information, contact Development Director Wendy McCarthy at [email protected] or (312) 492-8442, ext. 3.

CAREER CENTER

The City of Chicago Mayor’s Office for People With Disabilities has launched a career center at 2102 W. Ogden Ave. To sign up for services, email [email protected] or call (312) 746-5773 and select prompt no. 3.

STAR SCHOLARS

City Colleges of Chicago’s current Star Scholarship cohort is the largest ever enrolled at CCC, with 1,597 new students across all seven colleges. Students qualify for the Star Scholarship if they graduate from high school with at least a 3.0 grade point average, and the Star Scholarship covers up to three years at City Colleges. The Star Scholarship is open to any Chicago Public Schools student and partner Big Shoulders Fund schools. To learn more, visit www.ccc.edu/starscholarship.

MOTORCYCLE BUSINESS FUNDED

A local motorcycle business will renovate and expand its sales and service center through a $1.59 million City of Chicago Neighborhood Opportunity Fund grant approved by the City Council. Planned for 1901 S. Western Ave., the improvements will include upgrades to an existing showroom, new classrooms and offices, and creating a rooftop event space. The $3 million project by Motoworks Chicago expects to retain and create 30 permanent jobs. The Neighborhood Opportunity Fund allocates fees paid by downtown construction projects toward business improvement projects in Chicago’s West, Southwest, and South sides. 

ARTS GRANTS

ComEd and the League of Chicago Theatres awarded $160,000 in funding to local community arts organizations across the region. Locally, the organizations presented grants to the Auditorium Theatre, Cerqua Rivera Dance Theatre, and the Kalapria Center for Indian Performing Arts. For more information, call (312) 925-0978.  

CHICAGO KIDS DIG

Dozens of youngsters attended the inaugural Chicago Kids Dig hosted by real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering and construction firm Clayco, in partnership with Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital. The event took place at a Clayco jobsite at 170 N. Green St. and gave patients, their families, hospital staff, and friends of Lurie Children’s the opportunity to learn about and operate (with assistance) a variety of heavy machinery such as rollers, bulldozers, excavators, and telehandlers in a giant sand box, along with other interactive activities with support from professionals. For more information, log on to www.claycorp.com.

DELASALLE NEWS

DeLaSalle Institute hosted its inaugural Historically Black College & University (HBCU) College Fair in October, attended by 12 colleges and universities and more than 250 students from all grades. Meteor graduates have enrolled at HBCUs in greater numbers in recent years. DeLaSalle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.

COLLABORATION EXPANDS

DePaul University and Rush University, the Center for Community Health Equity’s co-founders, will expand their collaboration into science, education, and technology by exploring opportunities together for seminars, courses, academic programs, research, internships, and practica.

11TH WARD NEWS

The 11th Ward Organization, Alderman Nicole Lee, and County Commissioner John Daley will host document shredding, electronic recycling, and prescription drug disposal Saturday, Nov. 5, from 9 a.m. to noon at 34th Street and Shields Avenue.

They will host a blood drive on Saturday, Nov. 19, at Armour Square Park, 3309 S. Shields Ave., 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. For more information, call the ward office at (773) 254-6677 or log on to www.versiti.org. 

PHANTASMAGORIA

Art by Mikey Mosher entitled Phantasmagoria is on display at the Catacombs at Epiphany Center for the Arts through Saturday, Nov. 19. See https://epiphanychi.com/mikey-mosher-phantasmagoria/. The center is located at 201 S. Ashland Ave.

CALUMET VOICES

Calumet Voices-National Stories, an exhibition at the Field Museum, includes flora, fauna, and fossils from the museum’s Calumet collections; a nine-foot-tall steel plate crafted during World War II by women welders; and carved figurines depicting industrial might, fragile ecosystems, and human stories of the Calumet region’s last 100 years. The exhibition opens Friday, Nov. 11. The Field Museum is at 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. Log on to www.fieldmuseum.org.

GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., offers 75-minute docent-led tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. The house will be decorated for Christmas from Wednesday, Nov. 23, through Saturday, Dec. 31. Several holiday related events are planned, including a gingerbread decorating party for children on Saturday, Dec. 3. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.glessnerhouse.org.

PUBLISHER HONORED

Mark J. Valentino, editor and publisher of Gazette Chicago, received the prestigious Vicariate III 2022 Bishop Quarter Award at Holy Name Cathedral from the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago on Oct. 2. Cardinal Blase Cupich and the seven Vicariate Bishops of the Archdiocese presided. The archdiocese recognized Valentino for his lifelong commitment to Notre Dame de Chicago Parish, now known as Our Lady of the Holy Family Parish.

LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT

The Health & Medicine Policy Research Group recently presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to Bronzeville resident Sista Yaa Simpson, a community epidemiologist for the Association of Clinical Trial Services and Department of Public Health. 

JOFFREY NEWS

Joffrey Ballet will perform the Nutcracker Saturday, Dec. 3, through Tuesday, Dec. 27, at Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker Dr. Call (312) 386-8905.

PARK FUNDED

Touhy Herbert Park, at 2106 W. Adams St., will receive up to $3.5 million from the Central West TIF district to support ballfield and landscape improvements, playground upgrades, a new water feature and entry plaza, and removing an outmoded comfort station. The City also will add new lighting, benches, and paved pathways throughout the park.

FRANCE HONORS FUNDRAISER

The Republic of France on Oct. 8 promoted Carla Knorowski, chief development officer for the Naval War College Foundation, to the rank of Officer in its National Order of Merit. France recognized Knorowski for raising funds for arts, culture, and education, particularly for her body of work and efforts to restore and rebuild historic Notre-Dame Cathedral in Paris, France. Knorowski serves on the board of directors of the Friends of Notre-Dame de Paris (FoND), which she joined in 2019. Knorowski’s mother, Mary Mastrantonio, grew up in the Polk and Carpenter Streets area. For more information, email [email protected].

NEW NURSING OPTIONS

Malcolm X College (MXC) and Illinois State University’s Mennonite College of Nursing (MCN) have entered into an academic partnership to provide more options for MXC students to pursue their BSN degrees. The Dual Enrollment option allows students to take MCN’s online RN to BSN classes while taking their MXC nursing courses. The Pathways option provides pre-admission into MCN’s RN to BSN program, saving students a spot for up to two years after graduation. MXC is at 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Call (312) 850-7000.

MORNING STAR NEWS

Rev. Henry A. Barlow will celebrate his 43 rd year of preaching at different churches in the Baptist Church community and will celebrate his seventh year as pastor at Morning Star Baptist Church of Chicago at 3993 S. King Dr. on Sunday, Nov. 27, all day. Call (773) 285-8111.

FREE CONCERT

Music of the Baroque will present Reginald Mobley Sings in a free concert at the Kehrein Center, 5628 W. Washington Blvd, at 7 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17. For information, log on to https://www.baroque.org/Seasons/2022-2023/mobleysings.

NATIONAL HELLENIC NEWS

See three art shows at the National Hellenic Museum. Resilience presents photography and a multisensory installation by Greece’s Prince Nikolaos through Friday, Dec. 30. Gather Together: Chicago Street Photography by Diane Alexander White runs through Saturday, April 30, and offers photos of ethnic and cultural festivals and parades. Storytelling in Cloth and Light presents a series of textiles and photographs. The museum is at 333 S. Halsted St. Call (312) 655-1234 or visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org.

OPEN HOUSES

Francis W. Parker School, 330 W. Webster Ave., will hold an admissions open house for the Upper School (grades nine through 12) Saturday, Nov. 12. RSVP to fwparker.org/admission-events or call (773) 353-3000. The school is at 330 W. Webster Ave.

INNOVATION HUB

Rush University System for Health and Medtronic will partner to create an innovation hub designed to bring together people from industry and academic medicine to lead research and develop technology and treatments for patients with complex digestive diseases, along with enhanced fellowship training. Rush is at 600 S. Paulina St. Call (312) 942-7100.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep hosts eighth grade shadow days. It will have an open House on Sunday, Nov. 13, and hold its entrance exam on Saturday, Dec. 3, from 8 a.m. to noon.

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

ST. LAURENCE SCHOLARSHIP

St. Laurence High School announced a new scholarship for first responder and military families. Beginning with the Class of 2027, sons and daughters of active police officers, firefighters, nurses, paramedics, and military members will receive a $1,000 award for their freshman year. The school is at 5556 W. 77th St. in Burbank, IL. Call (708) 458-6900.

WEDDING BELLS

Longtime Gazette Chicago reporter Ivette Sandoval married Felipe Charry on Oct. 8.

SHRINE EVENTS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host Finding Your Heart Through Grief and Loss, an In-Person Pilgrimage at the shrine at 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, Nov. 5.

It will commemorate military veterans at the 11 a.m. Mass on Sunday, Nov. 13. After the Mass, the Little Italy Chicago Neighborhood Association will provide refreshments and show the movie 5,000 Miles from Home in the shrine hall; the movie, produced by the Italian-American Veterans Museum,  documents experiences of Italian-American World War II veterans in Chicago. The museum’s executive vice president, Paul Basile, will speak at the event.

The Shrine will hold a Mass of thanksgiving for first responders on Sunday, Nov. 20, at 11 a.m., followed by coffee in the shrine hall.

On Sunday, Dec. 3, it will host its Mary and Christmas concert, followed by a buffet dinner.

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

NEW PRINCIPAL

San Miguel School has named Grant Gorman its new principal. Gorman has worked as a bilingual teacher, instructional coach, and administrator at San Miguel and elsewhere. The school is at 1954 W. 48th St. Log on to www.sanmiguelchicago.org. Call (773) 890-1481.

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. 

PROMOTION

Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez has promoted Lucia Calderon to chief of staff. She formerly had served as director of community relations. For Sigcho-Lopez’s office, log on to www.25thward.org.

JEWISH NETWORKING NIGHT

Spertus Institute will host a Jewish Community Networking Night for business and personal networking at 5 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 17, at 610 S. Michigan Ave. The evening includes food and improv entertainment by Becca Barish. Log on to www.spertus.edu/programs-events/networking-night.

FREE MBA

The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Scholars Program is designed for people who work in a nonprofit or government organization. Scholarships are available covering up to 100% of tuition. Civic Scholars participate in specialized programming. Apply at www.chicagobooth.edu/mba/civic-scholars.

HELP FOR VETERANS

Veterans Guide helps veterans obtain proper disability compensation, financial assistance, information on the GI bill, and other government services. See veteransguide.org/.

READING, WRITING COMPETITION

Secretary of State and State Librarian Jesse White encourages students in grades four through 12 to enter the Letters About Literature in Illinois reading and writing competition, offered by the Illinois State Library’s Illinois Center for the Book. The competition invites students to read a book of their choice and write a letter to the author about how the work changed their life or view of the world. The deadline for submission is Thursday, Dec. 15. For more information, call (217) 558-2065 or email [email protected], or log on to ilsos.gov/departments/library/center_for_the_book/.

Send news of events held “around the neighborhood” by the 15th of the month before the month they are to occur to William S. Bike, Around the Neighborhood, Gazette Chicago, 1335 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-3318, fax (312) 243-4270, or email [email protected].

By William S. Bike

AUDITORIUM THEATRE NEWS

The Auditorium Theatre will present Ghostbusters in Concert Saturday, Oct. 8; Cloud Gate Dance Theatre of Taiwan Friday and Saturday, Oct. 14 and 15; and singer-songwriter Charlie Puth Thursday, Nov. 3. The theatre is at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. Call (312) 341-2300 or log on to www.auditoriumtheatre.org.

FREE BALLET

Ballet 5:8, a female and minority-led ballet company, will perform Ver la Música, Oír la Danza at the National Museum of Mexican Art on Saturday, Nov. 12, at 1 and 3 p.m. Performances are free to the public, but tickets must be reserved in advance at https://www.ballet58.org/calendar/ver-la-musica-oir-la-danza-1pm. The repertoire includes the dance Mi Familia. The museum is at 1852 W. 19th St. 

OPEN HOUSE CHICAGO

The Chicago Architecture Center will present Open House Chicago the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 15 and 16, with more than 150 sites participating. Log on to www.openhousechicago.org

FAMILY BIKE PARADE

ChicagoFamilyBiking.org hosts a family bike parade the third Saturday of every month at 9:30 a.m. at Palmisano Park, 2700 S. Halsted St. The next ride is on Oct. 15.

DONATE TO GAZETTE CHICAGO

The Chicago Independent Media Alliance #WeAmplifyChicagoVoices campaign seeks to raise $100,000 that will benefit Gazette Chicago and other local independent media. Money raised goes directly to Gazette Chicago or other media of your choosing, or you can choose to split your donation among several or all. The campaign runs from now through Monday, Oct. 17. Make your donation at savechicagomedia.org and help Gazette Chicago and other media continue to tell the stories that matter to you.

ACCESSIBLE PLAYGROUND

The Chicago Public Schools at the Wilma Rudolph Learning Center, 1628 W. Washington Blvd., unveiled a new Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessible playground for the West Loop school that serves about 100 students in preschool through eighth grade who have cognitive and physical disabilities. Officials dedicated the playground to Debbie Kim, a former student at the school who went on to become a beloved teacher there. The ADA compliant playground features a swing for wheelchair users—the first of its kind in the CPS.

MEETINGS SET

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet on the Tuesdays of Oct. 11 and Dec. 6 at 5:45 p.m. at the fieldhouse. All are welcome. The park is at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. Call (312) 328-0821.

ENROLL IN COLLEGE

City Colleges of Chicago has upcoming eight- and 12-week classes, with enrollment deadline on Thursday, Oct.  20. Because of all the scholarship and no-cost offerings, right now is the best time to enroll for certification classes, college-credit classes, and free English as a second language courses, and you can even earn your Illinois High School diploma at City Colleges. For more information visit ccc.edu/apply.

FIGHTING DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

The Cook County Board and Cook County Justice Advisory Council have created an initiative funded by the American Rescue Plan Act to provide programming and support services to those affected by domestic violence; offerings include counseling as well as legal, advocacy, and housing support. For information, call (312) 603-6400. Organizations may apply for grants under the program at www.cookcountyil.gov/JACGrants?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery.

BEWARE OF COMED SCAMS

ComEd and the Better Business Bureau have observed increased scammer activity. Scammers contact ComEd customers by phone, text, or email, demanding payment to a particular account under the threat of immediate service disconnection. ComEd will never call or come to a customer’s home or business to ask for direct payment with a mobile payment app or cash card, nor will ComEd ever ask for a Social Security or bank account number. All ComEd employees have company IDs. ComEd urges anyone who believes they have been a target or victim of a scam to call ComEd at 1 (800) 334-7661. To learn more visit ComEd.com/Scams.

NEW PRESIDENT

DeLaSalle Institute installed Anne Marie Tirpak as president on Sept. 18. Tirpak is the first layperson and first woman to lead the school in its 134-year history. DeLaSalle is at 3434 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 842-7355 or log on to www.dls.org.

MOBILE TOWN HALL

The 11th Ward organization will host a mobile town hall at McGuane Park, 2901 S. Poplar Ave., Thursday, Oct. 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The public will be able to purchase dog licenses, city stickers, and parking permits and receive flu shots and covid vaccines. Call (773) 254-6677.

PHANTASMAGORIA

Art by Mikey Mosher entitled Phantasmagoria is on display at the Catacombs at Epiphany Center for the Arts Friday, Oct. 7, through Saturday, Nov. 19. See https://epiphanychi.com/mikey-mosher-phantasmagoria/. The center is located at 201 S. Ashland Ave.

RAINBOW FENTANYL

Gateway Foundation and the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency are warning of a new, brightly colored fentanyl in the U.S., for which drug dealers are targeting young adults and children. “Distributed in pill, powder, or block form, this deadly wave of rainbow fentanyl looks like candy,” and “even when ingested in small amounts can be deadly,” said Marc Turner of the Gateway Foundation. For more information, contact the foundation at (877) 381-6538 or log on to gatewayfoundation.org.

FIELD MUSEUM NEWS

The Field Museum will offer free admission days on Tuesday and Wednesday, Oct. 11 and 12. Death: Life’s Greatest Mystery, a new exhibition, will highlight different ways humans and animals interact with death. The exhibit opens Friday, Oct. 21. For the full in-person and virtual programming calendar, visit the Field Museum’s website. The museum is at 1400 S. Lake Shore Dr. Log on to www.fieldmuseum.org.

GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS

Docents at Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., conduct 75-minute tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Haunted tours of historic Prairie Avenue will be offered on the evenings of Friday and Saturday, Oct. 28 and 29, between 6:30 and 9:30 p.m. Tickets are $18. Also on Saturday, Oct. 29, Lifeline Theatre will present readings of Edgar Allan Poe’s terrifying poems and stories, with performances at 5 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $30. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.glessnerhouse.org.

CHEER THE MARATHONERS

Greektown Chicago will host a special cheer event for the 2022 Chicago Marathon on Sunday, Oct. 9, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the corner of Gladys and Halsted Streets. The marathon passes through Greektown twice, at miles 14 and 17, giving viewers two chances to support their favorite runners. For more information, visit GreektownChicago.org.

Viewers also can watch from the Mercy Mile Cheer Zone from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., at  Mercy Home for Boys & Girls. This free,  family-friendly event will feature food and refreshments plus carnival games for the kids, a rock-climbing wall, a bounce house, a DJ, and more. Bring your whole family to the Mercy Mile at 1140 W. Jackson Blvd., near mile 17 of the race, and cheer for your favorite runners—especially the Mercy Home Heroes.

STATUE DEDICATION

The public is invited to the installation of a bronze statue of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini in the north garden of Holy Name Cathedral, 735 N. State St., on Saturday, Oct. 15. For information, call (312) 787-8040.

RUMMAGE SALE

The Ladies Aid of Holy Cross Lutheran Church is holding day two of their rummage sale on Saturday, Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church assembly hall at 3116 S. Racine Ave. Items available include kitchenware, books, DVDs, hardware/tools, home decor, seasonal decor, and toys. Free admission.  For more information or questions, call (773) 523-3838.

NEW CHIEF OF STAFF

State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-3rd) has named Abierre Minor chief of staff. Both are graduates of Monmouth College.

CHAMBER GALA

The Italian American Chamber of Commerce will host its gala and award dinner Friday, Nov. 4, at 6:30 p.m. at Cine Studios Chicago, 2429 W. 14th St. The event will honor William J. Catalona, MD, of Northwestern University; Jeffrey Sanfilippo of John B. Sanfilippo & Son Inc.; and Richard J. Augustine Sr. of RJ Augustine & Associates. For more information, log on to www.rjacpa.com.

VOCAL SCHOLARSHIP COMPETITION

The Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia offers a chance for students to participate in a scholarship and Italian operatic concert event. The center welcomes operatic vocalists of all nationalities and ethnicities to compete for the scholarships. The competition will take place on Saturday, Oct. 15, at the center at 1621 N. 39th St., Stone Park, IL. Completed application must be received by Tuesday, Oct. 11. See https://casaitaliachicago.org/vocal-scholarship-2022-application-form/. If you have any questions, call (708) 345-5933 Ext. 2.

BEYOND BORDERS

Joffrey Ballet begins its season with Beyond Borders, a mixed repertory program, with ten performances from Wednesday, Oct. 12, through Sunday, Oct. 23, at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Upper Wacker Dr. Call (312) 386-8905 or log on to joffrey.org.

BAROQUE HEROES

Music of the Baroque will present Baroque Heroes, a music and dance performance, at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 11, at the Harris Theater at 205 E. Randolph St. Log on to www.baroque.org.

NATIONAL HELLENIC NEWS

See three new art shows at the National Hellenic Museum. Resilience presents photography and a multisensory installation by Greece’s Prince Nikolaos through Friday, Dec. 30. Gather Together: Chicago Street Photography by Diane Alexander White runs through Saturday, April 30, and offers photos of ethnic and cultural festivals and parades. Storytelling in Cloth and Light presents a series of textiles and photographs. The museum is at 333 S. Halsted St. Call (312) 655-1234 or visit nationalhellenicmuseum.org.

OPEN HOUSES

Francis W. Parker School, 330 W. Webster Ave., will hold admissions open houses this fall on three Saturdays at 10 a.m.: Lower School (junior kindergarten through grade 3) Oct. 15; Middle School (grades six through eight) Oct. 22; and Upper School (grades nine through 12) Nov. 12. RSVP to fwparker.org/admission-events or call (773) 353-3000. The school is at 330 W. Webster Ave.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Actor Danny Trejo recently visited Saint Ignatius College Prep, speaking to students about how God turned his life around. Trejo is best known for the movie Sky Kids. The school is located at 1076 W. Roosevelt Rd. Call (312) 421-5900, or log on to www.ignatius.org.

SAN MIGUEL FUNDRAISER

San Miguel School will hold a fundraiser at the Old Post Office, 433 W. Van Buren St., featuring drinks, music, and games of bocce and pool, on Friday, Oct. 28, at 6:30 p.m. The school is at 1954 W. 48th St. Call (773) 890-1481.

SOUNDS OF THE SOUTH LOOP

Second Presbyterian Church will present Sounds of the South Loop on the Saturdays of Oct. 29 and Dec. 17 at 7:30 p.m. The Oct. 29 performance will feature the Silver Rose Duo with Kim Fleuchaus on flute and Julie Goldberg on guitar. The Dec. 17 performance will present Gaudete Brass. Admission is free, and guests are encouraged to make a free will donation of $15 or more to support the church’s Sacred Places and Safe Spaces Capital Campaign. The church is at 1936 S. Michigan Ave. Call (312) 225-4951.

LOCAL RESIDENT HONORED

Near West Sider Angela Valentino earned dean’s list honors at Emerson College in Boston, MA. She is a theatre and performance major.

WCA NEWS

The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce will hold a celebration at the Old Post Office, 433 W. Van Buren St., on Wednesday, Oct. 19. Log on to www.wcachicago.org.

HELP FOR VETERANS

Veterans Guide assists veterans with obtaining proper disability compensation, financial assistance, information on the GI bill, and other government services. See veteransguide.org/.

By William S. Bike

AFRICAN FESTIVAL OF THE ARTS

The 33rd annual African Festival of the Arts will be held Friday, Sept. 2, through Monday, Sept. 5, at Washington Park under the theme of Back to Culture, Back to Tradition. Enjoy entertainment, food, art, a replica African village, and family fun. Advance general admission is $30, and admission at the gate is $40. Weekend passes and senior and youth discounts are available. Log on to www.africanfestivalchicago.com or visit www.AIHUSA.org for additional performance and ticket information.

KID MARKET

The Antique Taco Kid Market, with child vendors ages five through 12 selling crafts and other items, will be held Saturday, Sept. 17, from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Antique Taco Bridgeport, 1000 W. 35th St. For more information, call (773) 823-9410.

AUDITORIUM NEWS

Auditorium Theatre will host Too Hot To Handel auditions for its Handel’s Messiah Choir on Tuesday, Sept. 6, from 7 to 9 p.m. at Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams St. Parking is free at 625 W. Adams St. Singers selected during auditions will perform Messiah at the theatre on Saturday and Sunday, Dec. 3 and 4. To audition, register at https://tinyurl.com/2p83zpmv.

The theatre, at 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr., will host the British rock band Porcupine Tree on Tuesday, Sept. 20. Call (312) 341-2300.

END HOMELESSNESS

A Safe Haven will host a global virtual run/walk to raise funds to end homelessness from Saturday, Sept. 10, through Sunday, Sept. 18. The organization is at 2750 W. Roosevelt Rd. Call (773) 435-8300.

BIKE THE DRIVE

Celebrate biking during Bike the Drive on Sunday, Sept. 4. Grab your bike and ride the car-free 30-mile course on Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Log on to https://bikethedrive.org for more information or to register.

FAMILY FEST

Bright Star Church and Community Outreach will host the Greater Bronzeville Family Fest on Sunday, Sept. 11, from noon to 6 p.m. at Armstrong Park, 4433 S. St. Lawrence Ave. Enjoy free food, live music, and giveaways. RSVP required. Go to brightstarcommunityoutreach.com or text familyfest to 55469.

BULLS FEST

The Chicago Bulls announced the inaugural Bulls Fest, which will take place outside the United Center on Saturday and Sunday, September 3 and 4, during Labor Day weekend. Admission is free. The fest will feature a three-on-three basketball tournament for youth, teen, adult, and wheelchair basketball teams as well as a Bulls-themed art exhibit, food, drink, live music, and the Luvabulls. Log on to www.nba.com/bulls/bullsfest for more information.

CHICAGO HEALTHTEXT

Gazette Chicago frequently runs health-related articles as part of Chicago HealthText, a collaboration between DePaul University and Chicago Independent Media Alliance. See https://chihealthtext.org/ for more information. Do you have a healthcare or health-related issue you would like Gazette Chicago to cover? Text (312) 487-2372 or (773) 969-9443 or text HEALTH to (312) 487-2372.

FIGHT LUPUS

The Chicago Illinois Lupus Walk and Fun Run will be held Sunday, Sept. 18, in Lincoln Park. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m., with step-off at 10 a.m. The Lupus Society of Illinois is at 411 S. Wells St. Call (312) 542-0002 or [email protected].

WOMEN’S PARK NEWS

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens advisory council meets at 6:45 p.m. on the Tuesdays of Oct. 11 and Dec. 6 at the field house at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. The public is invited. 

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

MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Collaborative Arts Institute of Chicago’s 11th annual Collaborative Works Festival, Song of Chicago, will offer three concerts featuring Chicago composers, poets, and performers. Hear the opening concert Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 7 p.m. at Ganz Hall at Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., featuring works by Chicago composers. The second concert showcases Chicago’s Black composers on Thursday, Sept. 8, at 7 p.m., also at Ganz Hall. The third concert, on Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. at the Epiphany Center for the Arts, 201 S. Ashland Ave., will explore Carl Sandburg’s anthology of folk songs. Visit https://www.caichicago.org/2022-Festival.html for more information.

RACIAL EQUITY WEEK

Cook County’s fourth annual Racial Equity Week will be held with virtual and in-person events scheduled from Monday through Friday, Sept. 12 through 16, with the theme, Many People, One Goal. Organizers will post updates and registration links for Racial Equity Week events at www.engagecookcounty.com/racialequity.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute has named Rich Barnotes, a 2010 alumnus, as varsity lacrosse head coach.

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

FREE DENTAL EXAM

Delta Dental of Illinois will offer free dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, sealants, and X rays to children age five and younger on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Malcolm X College’s Dental Hygiene Clinic, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Log on to https://dentistby1.com/illinois/events/parentregistration/ to register.

CHANGING FACE OF SCIENCE

The Field Museum has launched an exhibition series, the Changing Face of Science, to highlight work by scientists and science educators who are women or people of color, along with these scientists’ passion for advancing knowledge of life on Earth. The first exhibit highlights the late Lynika Strozier, a scientist who worked in the Field Museum’s DNA lab. The museum is at 1400 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Call (312) 922-9410 or log on to www.fieldmuseum.org.

SUPPORT GAZETTE CHICAGO

You can provide tax-deductible donations to Gazette Chicago through CivicLab. Go to www.tinyurl.com/Support-Gazette-Chicago to donate online or make out a check to CivicLab with “Gazette Chicago” on the memo line and mail your check to CivicLab, 1643 N. Larrabee St., Suite I, Chicago, IL 60614. For more information, call (312) 243-4288.

GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., offers 75-minute docent led tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. Glessner also will present two courtyard concerts this month. On Tuesday, Sept. 20, at 6 p.m., Chicago Symphony Orchestra principal cellist John Sharp and friends will perform; tickets are $50. On Wednesday, Sept. 28, at 5:30 p.m., the jazz series sponsored by Lakeside Bank will conclude with Second City Jazz; tickets are $15. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.glessnerhouse.org.

RUMMAGE SALE

Holy Cross Ladies Aid will hold a rummage sale on Saturday, Sept. 10, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the church assembly hall at 3116 S. Racine Ave. Get deals on kitchenware, books, DVDs, hardware and tools, home decor, seasonal decor, toys, and many other items. Free admission. For information or questions, call the church office at (773) 523-3838.

LANGUAGE BETWEEN WORLDS

Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., presents Language Between Worlds, featuring five artists whose works examine racial inequality. The show runs through Saturday, Oct. 29. Participating artists are Nyame Brown, Nicole Marroquin, Jessica Vaughn, and the Art Center’s former resident artists Chris Pappan and Bethany Collins. For more information, log on to www.hydeparkart.org.

HEALTH BENEFITS

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services is expanding the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults program to provide healthcare coverage to undocumented immigrant adults and certain legal permanent residents. Apply at www.ABE.illinois.gov or call (800) 843-6154.

BUSINESS EXPO

The Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce will hold its business expo on Thursday, Oct. 20. Mingle with exhibitors and enjoy networking, procurement opportunities, and workshops. Log on to https://ihccbusiness.net/.

SELENA TRIBUTE

Millennium Park,in conjunction with the National Mexican Museum of Art, will host a Selena tribute concert on Friday, Sept. 9, at 6 p.m. at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Admission is free. Bring a blanket or chair. See https://nationalmuseumofmexicanart.org/events/the-selena-tribute-concert.

FIDDLER ON THE ROOF

Lyric Opera,20 N. Wacker Dr., will perform Fiddler on the Roof Saturday, Sept. 17, through Friday, Oct. 7. Call (312) 827-5600 or log on to www.lyricopera.org.

RESILIENCE

The National Hellenic Museum will celebrate its grand reopening with the world premiere of Resilience, a photo and art exhibition of 19 new works by Prince Nikolaos of Greece, Friday, Sept. 16, through Friday, Dec. 30, that explores Greece’s relationship with nature and environmental preservation. The museum is at 333 S. Halsted St. For more information, visit www.nationalhellenicmuseum.org/resilience or call (312) 655-1234.

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

Our Lady of the Holy Family,1334 W. Flournoy St., holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish, as well as a 6 p.m. outdoor Mass in the parish garden through the end of September.

Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m.; Monday and Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

On Mondays, the Holy Rosary follows Mass at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St. On Fridays, Adoration and Confessions follow the 6 p.m. Mass.

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

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

LIT FEST

The 37th Printers Row Lit Festival runsSaturday and Sunday, Sept. 10 and 11, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. in historic Printers Row on South Dearborn Street, between Ida B. Wells Drive and Polk Street. Over the decades, the event has grown into the Midwest’s largest book festival. For a list of 2022 authors, artists, and performers, see https://printersrowlitfest.org.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep will hold a freshman/sophomore family Mass at 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 11, in Tully Hall, followed by dinner.

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

ST. JAMES ON WABASH NEWS

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

NEW PENGUINS

Shedd Aquarium has two new southern rockhopper penguins in the Polar Play Zone, Tussock and Pinguino. The aquarium is at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Log on to www.sheddaquarium.org.

VISITATION

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii is open for visitation Monday through Friday, 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The shrine is at 1224 W. Lexington St. Call (312) 421-3757 or log on to ourldayofpompeii.org.

TASTE OF FULTON MARKET

The second annual Taste of Fulton Market will be held Thursday, Sept. 29, from 5 to 10 p.m. at 952 W. Fulton Market. Log on to www.TasteofFultonMarket.com or call (312) 374-3686.

WCA NEWS

The West Central Association Chamber of Commerce will present the Madison Row Fest on Saturday, Sept. 17, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Madison Street between Morgan Street and Racine Avenue. Enjoy family activities, beverages, shopping, and live music. 

WCA will host a networking event on Wednesday, Sept. 21, at the Tabu Rooftop Pop-Up, 401 N. Morgan St., from 4:30 to 7 p.m.

Log on to www.wcachicago.org.

By William S. Bike

SCOTT HESSE TRIO

Fred Anderson Park, 1611 S. Wabash Ave., will host a concert by the Scott Hesse Trio Sunday, Aug. 14, at 6 p.m. For information, log on to www.chicagoparkdistrict.com.

BIKE THE DRIVE

Celebrate biking during Bike the Drive on Sunday, Sept. 4. Grab your bike and ride the car-free 30-mile course on Jean Baptiste Point DuSable Lake Shore Drive. Log on to https://bikethedrive.org for more information or to register.

FAMILY BIKE PARADE

ChicagoFamilyBiking.org hosts a family bike parade the third Saturday of every month at 9:30 a.m. at Palmisano Park, 2700 S. Halsted St. Enjoy rides on Aug. 20, Sept. 17, and Oct. 15.

CHICAGO JAZZ FESTIVAL

The Chicago Jazz Festival runs Thursday through Sunday, Sept. 1 through 4, citywide and in Millennium Park. Schedule highlights include Henry Threadgill and Zooid, Bill Frisell, William Parker and his quintet, Miguel Zenón, Linda May Han Oh, and Jazzmeia Horn. See www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_jazz_festival.html.

PARK RENOVATED

The Chicago Park District has renovated Margaret Hie Ding Lin Park. Located at 1735 S. State St. The park features resurfaced basketball courts with a DePaul University motif and will provide programming opportunities for the community. The park is named for Margaret Hie Ding Lin, MD, a physician who worked in the nearby Chinatown neighborhood.

POLICE NEWS

Coffee With The Commander, with 12th District Chicago Police Commander Beth Giltmier, will be held Monday, Aug. 8, at 10 a.m. at West Town Bakery, 1916 W. Chicago Ave. All are invited.

Friends of Chicago Police officer Jaime Avila are running a GoFundMe campaign to defray his medical expenses. Officer Avila was shot July 1 on the 1300 block of West Taylor Street. Go to www.gofundme.com/f/fundraiser-to-help-officer-avila.

CHICAGO HEALTHTEXT

Gazette Chicago frequently runs health-related articles as part of Chicago HealthText, a collaboration between DePaul University and Chicago Independent Media Alliance. See https://chihealthtext.org/ for more information. Do you have a healthcare or health-related issue you would like Gazette Chicago to cover? Text (312) 487-2372 or (773) 969-9443; or text HEALTH to (312) 487-2372.

SUMMERDANCE

Chicago SummerDance runs through Saturday, Sept. 17, in Millennium Park and at parks throughout the city. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy introductory dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by live music and dancing. For exact dates, music, and venues, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_summerdance.html.

WOMEN’S PARK NEWS

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens advisory council meets on the Tuesdays of Aug. 23, Oct. 11, and Dec. 6 at 6:45 p.m. at the field house at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. The public is invited. 

Midsommmer Flight will perform A Midsummer Night’s Dream on Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12 and 13, at 6 p.m., and Sunday, Aug. 14, at 2 p.m.

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

SUPPORT GAZETTE CHICAGO

You can provide tax-deductible donations to Gazette Chicago through CivicLab. Go to www.tinyurl.com/Support-Gazette-Chicago to donate online or make out a check to CivicLab with “Gazette Chicago” on the memo line and mail your check to CivicLab, 1643 N. Larrabee St., Suite I, Chicago, IL 60614. For more information, call (312) 243-4288.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute will hold freshman parent orientation Tuesday, Aug. 9, from 1 to 2 p.m.

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

SONIC STORY

Art by Lewis Achenbach entitled The Sonic Story Continues is on display at the Sanctuary Hallway at Epiphany Center for the Arts Friday, Aug. 5, through Saturday, Sept. 17. See https://epiphanychi.com/lewis-achenbach-the-sonic-story-continues/. The center is located at 201 S. Ashland Ave.

GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., offers 75-minute docent led tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m., 1 p.m., and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. The courtyard jazz concert series continues Wednesday, Aug. 24, with Wayne Messmer. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, with music performed in two sets between 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Advance tickets required for tours and concert. Enjoy a free ice cream social, sponsored by Lakeside Bank, on Sunday, Aug. 28 from 2 to 5 p.m. Visit www.glessnerhouse.org to purchase and for more information.

GRANT PARK NEWS

The Grant Park Music Festival runs through Saturday, Aug. 20. The festival showcases classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, bringing a transformative experience to concert goers and the city at large. For dates, music, and performers, go to www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2022-season.

Enjoy performances at the Spirit of Music Garden in Grant Park, 601 S. Michigan Ave., at 6 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Aug. 11 through 13, and Thursday and Friday, Aug. 18 and 19.

HARPER FELLOWSHIP

Rep. Sonya M. Harper (D-6th) is one of 48 state-level officials nationwide who will participate in the 2022 CSG Henry Toll Fellowship in Lexington, KY. The Council of State Governments considers this fellowship the nation’s premier leadership development program for state government officials. To contact Harper’s office, call (773) 925-6580.

LANGUAGE BETWEEN WORLDS

Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., announced the exhibition Language Between Worlds, featuring five artists whose works examine racial inequality. The show runs through Saturday, Oct. 29. Participating artists are Nyame Brown, Nicole Marroquin, Jessica Vaughn, and the Art Center’s former resident artists Chris Pappan and Bethany Collins. For more information, log on to www.hydeparkart.org.

SUNDAY IN THE PARK

Lyric Opera of Chicago on Sunday, Aug. 21, at 7 p.m. will perform Sunday in the Park with Lyric, a free concert at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park. Bring your blanket, snacks, and  friends and family to this free, fun, and friendly summer event. Seating is first-come, first-served. For more on Lyric log on to www.lyricopera.org.

SHREDDING EVENT

Lakeside Bank will hold a shredding event for papers and files on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to noon at 3855 S. Halsted St. For more information, call (866) 892-1LSB or log on to LakesideBank.com.

AI BOOTCAMP

McDonald’s USA will host a Mark Cuban Foundation Artificial Intelligence Bootcamp for high school students over four consecutive Saturdays starting Oct. 22 and ending on Nov. 12.. The free AI Bootcamp at McDonald’s headquarters in Chicago will introduce underserved students to basic AI concepts and skills. The student and parent applications are open now at markcubanai.org/application. Students do not need any prior experience with computer science, programming, or robotics to apply and attend.

SHAKESPEARE IN THE PARK

Midsommer Flight Shakespeare Performances will present A Midsummer Night’s Dream Friday through Sunday, Aug. 12 through 14, at Chicago Women’s Park and Gardens, 1801 S. Indiana Ave. Friday and Saturday performances are at 6 p.m., with Sunday’s performance at 2 p.m. Free, but donations accepted. Log on to www.midsommerflight.com.

MERCY HOME DONATIONS

Mercy Home for Boys & Girls transforms the lives of at-risk young people by providing them with a safe place to live, healing from emotional trauma, academic tutoring, life skills development, career exploration, and encouragement from dedicated youth-care professionals. This back-to-school season, you can help Mercy Home’s kids start the school year off right by giving a gift that will provide crucial resources to help them succeed. Every dollar of your gift will be matched with $2 by a generous friend of the home. Learn more at MercyHome.org/Gaz.

FILM SERIES

Millennium Park will show movies in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St., at 6:30 p.m. through Tuesday, Aug. 30. The lineup is: Knives Out, Aug. 9; Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings, Aug. 16; Save the Last Dance, Aug. 23; and Strictly Ballroom, Aug. 30. For information, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park7.html. 

MUSIC SERIES

The Millennium Park Summer Music Series happens on select Mondays and Thursdays through Aug. 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, it presents a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Log on to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park9.html.

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St., holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish, as well as a 6 p.m. outdoor Mass in the parish garden through the end of September. Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m.; Monday and Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

Mass is held at 6 p.m. in the church on Mondays followed by the Holy Rosary at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St. On Friday, there is a 6 p.m. Mass in the church followed by Adoration and Confessions.

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

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

ART FEST

The Printer’s Row Art Fest will be held Saturday and Sunday, Aug. 13 and 14, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Dearborn Street from Polk to Harrison Streets. It will feature paintings, street art, jewelry, photography, and mixed media along with food and drink. The event is sponsored by the Greater South Loop association and South Loop Neighbors. Admission is free. Call (847) 926-4300.

LOAN FORGIVENESS

Public service workers may be eligible for student debt forgiveness under the Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The program expires on Monday, Oct. 31. For more information, log on to afscme.org/member-resources/student-debt-resources.

JUNETEENTH HONOREES

At Racial Equity, the second annual Juneteenth Illinois Celebration at Malcolm X College, health awards went to local dignitaries Congressman Danny K. Davis; Congressman Bobby Rush; State Senator Mattie Hunter; Ngozi O. Ezike, MD, president and CEO of Sinai Chicago; and David Ansell, MD, senior vice president, Rush University Medical Center. For more information, log on to www.juneteenthillinois.com.

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

Saint Ignatius College Prep will hold its freshman orientation and parent welcome reception and its transfer student orientation Thursday, Aug. 18, from 9 to 10 a.m. 

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

FEAST OF SAN ROCCO

The 102nd anniversary Feast of San Rocco di Simbario will be held Saturday, Aug. 13, and Sunday, Aug. 14, at St. Therese Church, 218 W. Alexander St. A novena will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday. On Sunday, people will gather at 8:30 a.m. in front of the church for a 9 a.m. procession to gather candlehouses, followed by a 10:30 a.m. solemn high Mass, 11:30 a.m. procession through the community, and 4 p.m. benediction. Caliendo’s Band Napoletana will play in the processions. Call (312) 842-6777.

ST. JAMES ON WABASH NEWS

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

ST. JEROME NEWS

St. Jerome Croatian Parish invites all to the 116th Croatian Fest/Velika Gospa celebration. Spiritual preparation begins with a novena (nine consecutive days of prayer) from Saturday through Sunday, Aug. 6 through 14. A different priest will lead the prayers each day.

On Monday, Aug. 15, the day will start with a 10 a.m. procession through the neighborhood ending at the church with a solemn high Mass at noon. Throughout the day enjoy traditional Croatian dishes, beverages, music, and games. The event concludes with a 10 p.m. $20,000 raffle.

Rev. Joe Grbes recently was elected provincial minister of the Herzegovinian Franciscan Province.  The church is at 2823 S. Princeton Ave. Call (312) 842-1871.

NEW PRINCIPAL

St. Jerome Catholic School, 2801 S. Princeton Ave., has named Mary Hyland as the school’s new principal. Hyland most recently served as interim principal and preschool teacher at St. Jerome and previously taught second grade at Frances Xavier Warde School. She earned degrees from DePaul University and Loyola University Chicago. For more information, call (312) 842-7668.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will host a Prayer Walk with Mary, the Mother of God, Saturday, Aug. 13, from 9 to 10:30 a.m. in Arrigo Park, across the street from the shrine.

It will host its UnWine Italian Festa Under the Stars fundraiser Saturday, Aug. 27, at CineCity Studios at 2429 W. 14th St. beginning at 5:30 p.m. with hors d’oeuvres, followed by a buffet dinner, dessert, and musical entertainment. Complimentary valet parking included. To request an invitation, RSVP by Friday, Aug. 19, or for more information, email [email protected].

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

ANNIVERSARY MASS

Cardinal Blase Cupich will celebrate St. Peter’s Church’s 175th anniversary Mass on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend. The church is at 110 W. Madison St. For information call (312) 853-2376 or log on to stpetersloop.org.

MENTAL HEALTH LINE 

The State of Illinois has expanded its mental health safety net with the 988 crisis line. You can call or text 988 to speak with a counselor at any time.

TASTE OF GREEKTOWN

Taste of Greektown will be held on the 300 block of south Halsted Street between Van Buren and Adams Streets. Dates are Friday through Sunday, Aug. 26 through 28. Events occur Friday and Sunday, 4 to 10 p.m., and Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. Log on to https://chicagoevents.com/events/taste-of-greektown/.

SUNDAYS ON STATE

Sundays on State returns through Sept. 4, with portions of State Street closed to vehicles on select Sundays. Join this free, interactive block party, presenting local attractions. For dates, go to https://loopchicago.com/events/sundays-on-state/.

FEST ITALIANA

Onesti Entertainment will bring back the Taylor Street Festa Italiana Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 11 through 14, on Taylor Street east of Ashland Avenue. Enjoy Italian food, entertainment, and merchandise. Hours are 5 to 11 p.m. Thursday, noon to 11 p.m. Friday, and noon to 9 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. See https://festivalnet.com/45890/Chicago-Illinois/Festivals/Taylor-Street-Festa-Italiana.

UNION PARK MUSIC

Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., will host two music festivals. The Ruido Music Festival runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 19 through 21, with Latin alternative music headlined by Café Tacuba. Log on to https://ruidofest.com/. The ARC Music Festival runs Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4, with house music and a new immersive dance music event. Log onto http://arcmusicfestival.com for the artist lineup.

THREE ON DEAN’S LIST

Three students from this community made the Dean’s List at the University of Iowa this year: Isabella Heltmach and Joseph Powell of the Tippie College of Business, and Katherine Kuzas of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

WINDY CITY SMOKEOUT

The Windy City Smokeout is scheduled through Sunday, Aug. 7, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. This popular country music festival is known for drawing in the industry’s top names including Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, and Willie Nelson. The event also presents some of the world’s best pitmasters, as barbecue pros from all over the country highlight styles from Kentucky, Nashville, Missouri, and Chicago. Log on to www.windycitysmokeout.com/ for information and tickets.

ADDICTION HOTLINES

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

AFFORDABLE INTERNET

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

BUSINESS LOANS

Allies for Community Business, 135 N. Kedzie Ave., offers loans and lines of credit to small businesses of from $500 to $100,000. Log on to https://a4cb.loanwell.com.

TUTORS NEEDED

The Aquinas Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to instruct limited English proficient adults learners for 90 minutes per week. The center is at 1751 W. 35th St. All instruction is one on one, with training provided. Tutoring can be in person, online over Zoom, or a hybrid of both. Knowledge of a second language is not required; all instruction is in English. For more information, contact Sabrina Poulin, volunteer coordinator, at (773) 927-0512 or [email protected].

BENTON HOUSE INFO

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

BOULEVARD NEWS

The Boulevard of Chicago at 3456 W. Franklin Blvd. provides medical respite care and housing services for homeless adults discharged from area hospitals. Call (773) 533-6013 or log on to www.blvd.org.

BRIGHT STAR RESOURCES

Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Church have a trauma helpline and provide professional development, emotional support, and child and family services. Log on to brightstarcommunityoutreach.com/. Donations welcome. The church is located at 4518 S. Cottage Grove Ave. The toll-free Bright Star Community Outreach trauma counseling helpline is (833) TURN123. The helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence. 

GET HELP

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

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

Catholic Charities operates several food pantries. 

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

Log on to catholiccharities.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email [email protected].

BUSINESS HELP

ChiBizHub helps entrepreneurs find what they need to start and grow their businesses. See https://chibizhub.com/.

CHICAGO CITY MARKETS

Chicago City Markets will be held at various locations through October. See ChicagoCityMarkets.us.

JOB HELP

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership has expanded the youth and young adult services its network provides to this community. The partnership provides help for young adults seeking employment, training, and career pathway opportunities at the American Job Center (AJC) at 1700 W. 18th St. Services are offered by appointment only. Call (773) 318-2224.

CUBS BOOK

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

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

DANCE FOR LIFE

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

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services reports that Community Services Block Grant Scholarships are available for those enrolled or planning to enroll in college or vocational training. Call (312) 747-0327.

GET $50

The Chicago Department of Public Health’s in-home coronavirus vaccination program, Protect Chicago At Home, is open to all Chicago residents age five and older. The department is offering $50 gift cards to those receiving a new dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Call (312) 746-4835.

RIGHT TO RETURN

Former Chicago Housing Authority residents who were displaced by the CHA’s Plan for Transformation and who want to return to the CHA may receive help from Antwain Miller at the Lugenia Burns Hope Center. Call (773) 291-8621 or email antwain.mille[email protected]. The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street.

CHICAGO SHARES

Chicago Shares vouchers are now accepted at more Chicago area Jewel-Osco stores. Individuals can purchase the vouchers and then give them to needy folks encountered on the street. Chicago Shares, each worth $1, are an alternative to providing change. Recipients can use the vouchers for food and necessities but never for alcohol or tobacco. While Jewel-Osco stores make up the majority of vendors, other stores accept the vouchers as well. For more information and to purchase Shares, visit www.chicagoshares.org.

SEEKING YOUNG LEADERS

Chicago Votes offers the Civic Leaders Program, a leadership development program for young people who have experienced incarceration, training them to serve as leaders in the organization’s legislative advocacy, court watching, and voter registration efforts. Chicago Votes is located at 234 S. Wabash Ave. Log on to https://chicagovotes.com.

JOB PLACEMENT

The Community Based Organization Collective received a $1 million grant from Google.org to help place hundreds of jobseekers on the South and West sides into in-demand careers, such as in the tech economy. Log on to www.cbocollective.org/ for more information.

GET ORGANIZED

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

VETS’ EXEMPTIONS

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office provides property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities and returning veterans. Log on to cookcountyassessor.com or call (312) 443-7550.

RENTER AND LANDLORD HELP

If you are a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs, or if you are a landlord trying to stay afloat, help may be available. State and local programs are distributing dollars for such needs. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov to find programs. See also ChiCookilRentHelp.org or call (833) 221-9821.

LEGAL AID

Cook County officials and partners run Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt, a county-wide initiative to help residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. Services are provided pro bono for Cook County residents without legal representation and are offered to tenants facing eviction, landlords dealing with an eviction, debtors being sued for unpaid debts, creditors wishing to sue based on unpaid debts, and residents who have defaulted on property tax payments or mortgage foreclosure payments. Learn more by visiting www.cookcountylegalaid.org/.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

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

HUMANITY

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

NEW ARTISTS

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

FOOD PANTRIES

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

Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, 2942 W. Lake St., (773) 940-2960.

Chosen Tabernacle Full Gospel, 4310 S. Champlain Ave., Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., (888) 834-9414.

Church of St. Paul and the Redeemer, 4945 S. Dorchester Ave., Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., (773) 624-3185.

Hyde Park SDA Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Drexel Blvd., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2909.

Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, 4242 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., (773) 548-7500.

Kenwood UCC Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Greenwood Ave., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:30 to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2861.

Operation Pull Grant Memorial, 4017 S. Drexel Blvd., Tuesday, 1 to 3 p.m., (773) 285-5819.

Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St. (enter from parking lot behind the church), Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., (312) 243-7400.

THE OUTSIDERS

Goodman Theatre will present The Outsiders, a musical set in Tulsa, OK, in 1967 about young people trying to find their place in the world, through Sunday, July 10. The theater is at 170 N. Dearborn St. Call (312) 443-3800.

GWTP JOB TRAINING

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

GREEN CITY MARKET

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

FARM FRESH

Growing Solutions Farm will offer vegetables, herbs, and flowers for sale three times a week in this area: at 2200 W. Campbell Park Dr. on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. through Oct. 26 and at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 15 through Oct. 9. Call (773) 519-0404.

HARMONY NEWS

Harmony Community Church, 1908 S. Millard Ave., has a community center for youth programs and events. The church offers reading, tutoring, fine art, music, and dance programs. It also has a food pantry. Call (773) 762-9673.

HUMANITY

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

HR HOTSEAT

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

WATER BILL ASSISTANCE

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a Low-Income Household Water Assistance Plan, under the Help Illinois Families initiative, to help low-income families unable to pay water and sewer bills avoid shutoffs. Apply for assistance by contacting the real-time assistance hotline service at (833) 711-0374.

By William S. Bike

WINNING ESSAY

Thalia Avila, a fifth grade Embers Academy student, won $200 for her first place essay and poster about her grandfather, Frank Avila, which Thalia submitted to the Arab American Association for Engineers and Architects, Illinois Chapter, an organization encouraging young people’s interest in engineering. See https://aaaea.org.

YOUTH FOOTBALL

The Canaryville Lions Youth Football tackle football team is accepting applications for youth football coaches and staff for the fall 2022 season. The Lions belong to USA Football and Chicagoland Pop Warner Little Scholars. Interested individuals may apply at www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3388082.jsp. Located in Canaryville since 1994, the Lions program provides competition for children ages seven through 15. The 2022 season starts Monday, Aug. 1. Register to play at www.youthfootballinchicago.org. For additional information call Adam Campbell at (312) 961-1806.

CHICAGO HEALTHTEXT

Gazette Chicago frequently runs health-related articles as part of Chicago HealthText, a collaboration between DePaul University and Chicago Independent Media Alliance. See https://chihealthtext.org/ for more information. Do you have a healthcare or health-related issue you would like Gazette Chicago cover? Text (312) 487-2372 or (773) 969-9443; or text HEALTH to (312) 487-2372.

SUMMERDANCE

Chicago SummerDance runs Wednesday, July 6, through Saturday, Sept. 17, in Millennium Park and at parks throughout the city. Dancers of all ages and skill levels are invited to enjoy introductory dance lessons by professional instructors, followed by live music and dancing. For exact dates, music, and venues, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/chicago_summerdance.html.

FAMILY BIKE PARADE

ChicagoFamilyBiking.org hosts a family bike parade the third Saturday of every month at 9:30 a.m. at Palmisano Park, 2700 S. Halsted St. Enjoy rides on June 18, July 16, Aug. 20, Sept. 17, and Oct. 15.

WOMEN’S PARK NEWS

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet the Tuesdays of July 12, Aug. 23, Oct. 11, and Dec. 6 at 6:45 p.m. at the field house at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. The public is invited. 

This year’s annual Lakeside Bank Concert in the Park, Clarke House Concert, will be held Wednesday, July 13, from 6 to 8 p.m. It starts with a drum circle for family, friends, and kids at 6:30 p.m., followed by band and jazz band performances at 7 p.m.. Go to www.vandercook.edu/event/concert-in-the-park-hosted-by-lakeside-bank-tentative-2/.

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

CHINATOWN SUMMER FAIR

The Chinatown Summer Fair, 2200 S. Wentworth Ave., will be held Saturday, July 30, noon to 10 p.m., and Sunday, July 31, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. This neighborhood street festival will open with a lion dance procession at 12:30 p.m., followed by Asian-themed performances including kung fu demonstrations. Enjoy a petting zoo and children’s area at 24th Place and Wentworth. Log on to www.ccc-foundation.org/summer-fair/ or call (312) 326-5320.

DE LA SALLE NEWS

De La Salle Institute offers a variety of academic and athletic summer camp sessions for grade school students. Week-long sessions begin Tuesday, July 5; Monday, July 11; and Monday, July 18. Email [email protected].

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

FULL SCHOLARSHIPS

Exelon Foundation recently honored two Exelon STEM Leadership Academy graduates, awarding Nicole Constante a full scholarship to the University of Illinois Chicago and XiuYi Tan of Chinatown a full scholarship to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. For information, call (312) 394-7417.

FIESTA DEL SOL

Fiesta del Sol runs Thursday through Sunday, July 28 through 31, on eight blocks of Cermak Road in Pilsen. Enjoy food, fun, and entertainment. See www.fiestadelsol.org or call (312) 666-2663. 

SUPPORT GAZETTE CHICAGO

You can provide tax-deductible donations to Gazette Chicago through CivicLab. Go to www.tinyurl.com/Support-Gazette-Chicago to donate online or make out a check to CivicLab with “Gazette Chicago” on the memo line and mail your check to CivicLab, 1643 N. Larrabee St., Suite I, Chicago, IL 60614. For more information, call (312) 243-4288.

GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., offers 75-minute docent led tours on Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays at 11:30 a.m. and 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20. The courtyard jazz concert series will continue on Wednesday, July 27, with Elaine Dame. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, with music performed in two sets between 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Advance tickets required for all events. Visit www.glessnerhouse.org to purchase and for more information.

GRANT PARK MUSIC FESTIVAL

The Grant Park Music Festival runs Wednesday, June 15, through Saturday, Aug. 20. The festival showcases classical music performed by a world-class orchestra and chorus, bringing a transformative experience to concert goers and the city at large. For dates, music, and performers, go to www.grantparkmusicfestival.com/music/2022-season.

TAX EXEMPTION

A bill by State Rep Sonya Harper (D-6th) to exempt unclaimed property sold by the State treasurer from sales tax recently became law “When the state Treasurer cannot reunite unclaimed tangible property with the legal owner after five years, the Treasurer can auction off the property,” Harper said. “Exempting these goods from sales tax makes them more accessible to the consumer and saves them money.” For Harper’s office, call (773) 925-6580.

PODCAST FINALISTS

National Public Radio named Su Ha Thi Lin, Trefena Sumoket, and Erika Flores, students at Charles N. Holden Elementary School, 1104 W. 31st St., as finalists in NPR’s Student Podcast Challenge. Their podcast is called Holden Immigrant Experience. For more about Holden, log on to www.holdenschool.org/.

LANGUAGE BETWEEN WORLDS

Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., announced a new group exhibition, Language Between Worlds, featuring five artists whose works examine racial inequality. The exhibition will be on view from Saturday, July 16, through Saturday, Oct. 29. Participating artists are Nyame Brown, Nicole Marroquin, Jessica Vaughn, and the Art Center’s former resident artists Chris Pappan and Bethany Collins. For more information, log on to www.hydeparkart.org.

DUCKWORTH, DAVIS HONORED

The Illinois Primary Health Care Association honored Senator Tammy Duckworth and Congressman Danny K. Davis for their leadership and efforts in support of community health centers. Duckworth received the Distinguished Community Health Center Advocate Award. Davis received the Distinguished Community Health Center Champion Award. For more information, log on to www.iphca.org.

LOLLAPALOOZA

Lollapalooza will be held in Hutchinson Field in Grant Park Thursday through Sunday, July 28 through 31, on eight stages with more than 170 American and international bands highlighting alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal, hip hop, and electronica. Lollapalooza will feature interactive areas with giveaways, merchandise, a food court, and a mini-fest for children running parallel to the main concerts. Go to www.lollapalooza.com/.

MILLENNIUM ART FESTIVAL

The 14th annual Millennium Art Festival, at Michigan Avenue and Lake Street, will be held Friday through Sunday, July 15 through 17. Hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Browse paintings, ceramics, photography, and furniture from more than 120 artists. Log on to https://amdurproductions.com/event/2022-millennium-art-festival.

FILM SERIES

Millennium Park will show movies in the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St., at 6:30 p.m. from Tuesday, July 12, through Tuesday, Aug. 30. The lineup is: In the Heights, July 12; Encanto, July 19; Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, July 26; Dirty Dancing, Aug. 2; Knives Out, Aug. 9; Shang-Chi and the Legend of the 10 Rings, Aug. 16; Save the Last Dance, Aug. 23; and Strictly Ballroom, Aug. 30. For information, go to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park7.html. 

MUSIC SERIES

The Millennium Park Summer Music Series happens on select Mondays and Thursdays through August 18, 6:30 to 9 p.m. Organized by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events, it presents a wide variety of music from established and emerging artists at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion. Log on to www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/millennium_park9.html.

MORNING STAR ANNIVERSARY

Morning Star Baptist Church, 3993 S. King Dr., will celebrate its 105th anniversary on Sunday, July 17, with services at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. Call (773) 285-8111 or log on to http://morningstarbcofchicago.org/.

PIZZA CITY FEST

Pizza City Fest, Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24, brings together 39 of the region’s best pizza makers (and one out-of-town guest) for two days of pizza making and appreciation, all at Plumbers Union Hall, 1340 W. Washington Blvd. Thanks to ten PizzaMaster ovens on site, guests will be able to see each pizza maker create, bake, and serve up remarkable pies in the hall’s massive parking lot. Along with your pizza, enjoy live music, pizza-themed art, merchandise, and a few special treats. General admission one-day and two-day passes are available at $59 and $89, respectively. For ticket information, go to https://pizzacityfest.com/about/.

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St., holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish, as well as a 6 p.m. outdoor Mass in the parish garden through the end of September. Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m.; Monday and Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

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

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

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

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

The Saint Ignatius College Prep Model United Nations has been recognized by Best Delegate, the Model UN organization for both high school and college levels, in its annual high school awards. The Saint Ignatius UN team, after its 8-0 season and national championship, was one of seven teams selected for Best Club. 

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

ST. JEROME NEWS

St. Jerome Croatian Parish invites all to the 116th Croatian Fest/Velika Gospa celebration. Spiritual preparation begins with a novena (nine consecutive days of prayer) from Saturday, Aug. 6, through Sunday, Aug. 14. A different priest will lead the prayers each day.

On Monday, Aug. 15, the day will start with a 10 a.m. procession through the neighborhood ending at the church with a solemn high Mass at noon. Throughout the day there will be traditional Croatian dishes, beverages, music, and games. The evening concludes with a 10 p.m. $20,000 raffle.

Rev. Joe Grbes recently was elected provincial minister of the Herzegovininan Franciscan Province.  The church is at 2823 S. Princeton Ave. Call (312) 842-1871.

CATALYTIC CONVERTER LAW

State Senator Tony Munoz (D-1st) spearheaded a measure to help reduce the number of stolen car parts by requiring people to keep record of the sale of catalytic converters. Governor JB Pritzker signed the bill into law. Call (773) 869-9050.

LOCAL GRADUATE

Near West Sider Autumn Jilek graduated from the University of Alabama in May with a degree in commerce and business administration. 

REBOUND TO WORK

Attorney General Kwame Raoul began a pilot program focused on reducing the long-lasting effects of violence in communities by assisting victims of violent crime in obtaining sustainable employment. The Rebound to Work program brings together community and corporate partners to provide assistance to victims of violent crime as they work to rebuild their lives. See https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/.

ANNIVERSARY MASS

Cardinal Blase Cupich will celebrate St. Peter’s Church’s 175th anniversary Mass  on Sunday, Aug. 14, at 11 a.m. All are welcome to attend. 

The church is at 110 W. Madison St. For information call (312) 853-2376 or log on to stpetersloop.org.

ANACONDA ARRIVES

A green anaconda (Eunectes murinus) is the newest arrival at Shedd Aquarium’s Amazon Rising exhibit and measures ten feet, seven inches in length. The new female anaconda, estimated to be five years old, is anticipated to grow to between 14 and 20 feet. The aquarium is at 1200 S. DuSable Lake Shore Dr. Log on to www.sheddaquarium.org.

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii will hold a food drive on Sunday, July 10. 

On Saturday, July 23, 10:30 a.m. to noon, the shrine will host a virtual retreat, Mary Magdalene, Fortress of Faith. Call to register.

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

ICE CREAM SOCIAL

South Loop Neighbors will host an ice cream social Thursday, July 21, from 5 to 7 p.m. in Printers Row Park, 532 S. Dearborn St. Log on to www.southloopneighbors.org.

SPRING AWAKENING

The Spring Awakening electronic dance music festival is set for Friday through Sunday, July 8 through 10, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. Three-day and specialty ticket packages are available at https://springawakeningfestival.com/.

STUDENT PROTECTION 

Illinois college and university students now have more protection and rights if they fall behind 

on debt. A new law, formerly known as SB 3032, prohibits Illinois higher education institutions from withholding a student’s transcript as a means of collecting past-due student debt. The measure also prevents institutions from withholding a student’s official transcript from a current or potential employer as a means of collecting a student’s past debt. The new law also prohibits a university that chooses to refer a student’s debt to a collection agency from reporting that debt to any credit reporting agencies, in accordance with Federal law.

SUNDAYS ON STATE

Sundays on State returns July 24 through Sept. 4, with portions of State Street closed to vehicles on select Sundays. Join this free, interactive block party, presenting local attractions. For dates, go to https://loopchicago.com/events/sundays-on-state/.

BIODIVERSITY PROJECT 

The Pepper Family Wildlife Center at Lincoln Park Zoo recognized students from Tilden High School, 4747 S. Union Ave., for their work on a biodiversity research project. See https://tilden.cps.edu/.

UNION PARK MUSIC

Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., will host three music festivals. The Pitchfork Music Festival will run Friday through Sunday, July 15 to 17, highlighting up-and-coming music from around the world along with special performances from touring legends. Single day general admission tickets start at $99 while the three-day, general admission pass is $200. For more information, go to https://pitchforkmusicfestival.com. The Ruido Music Festival runs Friday through Sunday, Aug. 19 through 21, with Latin alternative music headlined by Café Tacuba. Log on to https://ruidofest.com/. The ARC Music Festival runs Labor Day weekend, Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 3 and 4, with house music and a new immersive dance music event. Log onto http://arcmusicfestival.com for the artist lineup.

FACILITY MOVES

The Office of Secretary of State Jesse White has moved the downtown Secretary of State facility from 100 W. Randolph St. to 160 N. LaSalle St. See www.ilsos.gov for more information.

WINDY CITY SMOKEOUT

The Windy City Smokeout is scheduled for Thursday through Sunday, Aug. 4 through 7, at the United Center, 1901 W. Madison St. This popular country music festival is known for drawing in the industry’s top names including Miranda Lambert, Tim McGraw, and Willie Nelson. The event also presents some of the world’s best pitmasters, as barbecue pros from all over the country highlight styles from Kentucky, Nashville, Missouri, and Chicago. Log on to www.windycitysmokeout.com/ for information and tickets.

COMED SCHOLAR

Local resident Kelly Lin, a senior at Whitney M. Young Magnet High School, received the ComEd Future of Energy Scholarship. Lin will be a first-generation college student and plans a career in environmental science and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math). In addition to the scholarship, ComEd also offered Lin an internship. Whitney Young is at 211 S. Laflin St. Log on to https://wyoung.org.

BUSINESS HELP

ChiBizHub helps entrepreneurs find what they need to start and grow their businesses. See https://chibizhub.com/.

CHICAGO CITY MARKETS

Chicago City Markets will be held at various locations through October. See ChicagoCityMarkets.us.

By William S. Bike

AFFORDABLE INTERNET

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

GIORDANO DANCE

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

PASTOR HARRIS HONORED

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

YOUTH FOOTBALL

The Canaryville Lions Youth Football tackle football team is accepting applications for youth football coaches and staff for the fall 2022 season. The Lions belong to USA Football and Chicagoland Pop Warner Little Scholars. Interested individuals may apply at www.volunteermatch.org/search/opp3388082.jsp. Located in Canaryville since 1994, the Lions program provides competition for children ages seven to 15. The 2022 season starts Monday, Aug. 1. Register to play at www.youthfootballinchicago.org. For additional information call Adam Campbell at (312) 961-1806.

DANCE FOR LIFE

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

5K RUN & WALK

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

CHICAGO HEALTHTEXT

Gazette Chicago frequently runs health-related articles as part of Chicago HealthText, a collaboration between DePaul University and Chicago Independent Media Alliance. See https://chihealthtext.org/ for more information. Do you have a healthcare or health-related issue you would like Gazette Chicago cover? Text (312) 487-2372 or (773) 969-9443; or text HEALTH to (312) 487-2372.

STUDENTS EARN SCHOLARSHIPS

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

WOMEN’S PARK NEWS

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet the Tuesdays of June 7, July 12, Aug. 23, Oct. 11, and Dec. 6 at 6:45 p.m. at the field house at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. The public is invited. 

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

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

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

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

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

ANTI-HATE

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

CHICAGO RECOVERY GRANTS

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

SUPPORT FOR FOSTER CARE

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

LOCAL STAR

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

DE LA SALLE NEWS

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

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

UNENCOUNTERED CLOUDS

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

NATIVE TRUTHS

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

IMMIGRANT HEALTH COVERAGE

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

GARAGE SALE

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

SUPPORT GAZETTE CHICAGO

You can provide tax-deductible donations to Gazette Chicago through the CivicLab. Make out a check to CivicLab with “Gazette Chicago” on the memo line and mail your check to CivicLab, 1643 N. Larrabee St., Suite I, Chicago, IL 60614; or go to www.tinyurl.com/Support-Gazette-Chicago to donate. For more information, call (312) 243-4288.

WALK THROUGH TIME

Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., will take visitors on A Walk Through Time on Sunday, June 12, from 1 to 4 p.m. This annual tour includes a rare opportunity to see ornate interiors at Prairie Avenue’s landmark mansions. Tickets are $50 per person. The courtyard jazz concert series resumes Wednesday, June 22, with the Suneetha Vaitheswaran Trio. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. for picnicking, with music performed in two sets between 6 and 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person. Advance tickets required for all events. Visit www.glessnerhouse.org.

ART IN GREEKTOWN

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

HUMANITY

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

DON QUIXOTE

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

LEE NEWS

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

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

MORNING STAR ANNIVERSARY

Morning Star Baptist Church, 3993 S. King Dr., will celebrate its 105th anniversary on Sunday, July 17, with services at 11 a.mn. and 3:30 p.m. Call (773) 285-8111 or log on to http://morningstarbcofchicago.org/.

MUNOZ LAW ENACTED

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

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

Our Lady of the Holy Family,1334 W. Flournoy St., holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish, as well as a 5 p.m. outdoor Mass in the parish garden through early fall. Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m.; Monday and Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

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

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

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

CAPITOL ACCESSIBILITY 

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

RUSH RESEARCH

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

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

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

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

ST. JAMES NEWS

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

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

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

SHRINE NEWS

The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii onSunday, June 5, will host its Festa della Repubblica Mass at 11 a.m., followed by a street procession to Garibaldi Park, 1520 W. Polk St., for a wreath-laying ceremony, street festival featuring a DJ, classic Italian auto show, and historic photo exhibit. Food will be available for purchase.

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

JOIN SLAC

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

GRILLS NIGHT OUT

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

ANNIVERSARY EVENT

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

COLLEGE BOUND

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

URBAN PRAIRIE HONORED

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

ADDICTION HOTLINES

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

TUTORS NEEDED

The Aquinas Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to instruct limited English proficient adults learners for 90 minutes per week. The center is at 1751 W. 35th St. All instruction is one on one, with training provided. Tutoring can be in person, online over Zoom, or a hybrid of both. Knowledge of a second language is not required; all instruction is in English. For more information, contact Sabrina Poulin, volunteer coordinator, at (773) 927-0512 or [email protected].

BRIGHT STAR RESOURCES

Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Church have a trauma helpline and provide professional development, emotional support, and child and family services. Log on to brightstarcommunityoutreach.com/. Donations welcome. The church is located at 4518 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

The toll-free Bright Star Community Outreachtrauma counseling helpline is(833) TURN123. The helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence. 

BUSINESS LOANS

Allies for Community Business, 135 N. Kedzie Ave., offers loans and lines of credit to small businesses of from $500 to $100,000. Log on to https://a4cb.loanwell.com.

BENTON HOUSE INFO

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

BOULEVARD NEWS

The Boulevard of Chicago at 3456 W. Franklin Blvd. provides medical respite care and housing services for homeless adults discharged from area hospitals. Call (773) 533-6013 or log on to www.blvd.org.

GET HELP

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

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

Catholic Charities operates several food pantries. 

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

Log on to catholiccharities.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email [email protected].

JOB HELP

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership has expanded the youth and young adult services its network provides to this community. The partnership provides help for young adults seeking employment, training, and career pathway opportunities at the American Job Center (AJC) at 1700 W. 18th St. Services are offered by appointment only. Call (773) 318-2224.

BUSINESS HELP

ChiBizHub helps entrepreneurs find what they need to start and grow their businesses. See https://chibizhub.com/.

CHICAGO CITY MARKETS

Chicago City Markets will be held at various locations through October. See ChicagoCityMarkets.us.

CUBS BOOK

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

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

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services reports that Community Services Block Grant Scholarships are available for those enrolled or planning to enroll in college or vocational training. Call (312) 747-0327.

GET $50

The Chicago Department of Public Health’s in-home coronavirus vaccination program, Protect Chicago At Home, is open to all Chicago residents age five and older. The department is offering $50 gift cards to those receiving a new dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Call (312) 746-4835.

CHICAGO SHARES

Chicago Shares vouchers are now accepted at more Chicago area Jewel-Osco stores. Individuals can purchase the vouchers and then give them to needy folks encountered on the street. Chicago Shares, each worth $1, are an alternative to providing change. Recipients can use the vouchers for food and necessities but never for alcohol or tobacco. While Jewel-Osco stores make up the majority of vendors, other stores accept the vouchers as well. For more information and to purchase Shares, visit www.chicagoshares.org.

RIGHT TO RETURN

Former Chicago Housing Authority residents who were displaced by the CHA’s Plan for Transformation and who want to return to the CHA may receive help from Antwain Miller at the Lugenia Burns Hope Center. Call (773) 291-8621 or email antwain.mille[email protected]. The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street.

SEEKING YOUNG LEADERS

Chicago Votes offers the Civic Leaders Program, a leadership development program for young people who have experienced incarceration, training them to serve as leaders in the organization’s legislative advocacy, court watching, and voter registration efforts. Chicago Votes is located at 234 S. Wabash Ave. Log on to https://chicagovotes.com.

JOB PLACEMENT

The Community Based Organization Collective received a $1 million grant from Google.org to help place hundreds of jobseekers on the South and West sides into in-demand careers, such as in the tech economy. Log on to www.cbocollective.org/ for more information.

GET ORGANIZED

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

VETS’ EXEMPTIONS

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office provides property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities and returning veterans. Log on to cookcountyassessor.com or call (312) 443-7550.

RENTER AND LANDLORD HELP

If you are a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs, or if you are a landlord trying to stay afloat, help may be available. State and local programs are distributing dollars for such needs. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov to find programs. See also ChiCookilRentHelp.org or call (833) 221-9821.

LEGAL AID

Cook County officials and partners run Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt, a county-wide initiative to help residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. Services are provided pro bono for Cook County residents without legal representation and are offered to tenants facing eviction, landlords dealing with an eviction, debtors being sued for unpaid debts, creditors wishing to sue based on unpaid debts, and residents who have defaulted on property tax payments or mortgage foreclosure payments. Learn more by visiting www.cookcountylegalaid.org/.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

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

NEW ARTISTS

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

FOOD PANTRIES

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

Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, 2942 W. Lake St., (773) 940-2960.

Chosen Tabernacle Full Gospel, 4310 S. Champlain Ave., Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., (888) 834-9414.

Church of St. Paul and the Redeemer, 4945 S. Dorchester Ave., Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., (773) 624-3185.

Hyde Park SDA Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Drexel Blvd., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2909.

Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, 4242 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., (773) 548-7500.

Kenwood UCC Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Greenwood Ave., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:30 to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2861.

Operation Pull Grant Memorial, 4017 S. Drexel Blvd., Tuesday, 1 to 3 p.m., (773) 285-5819.

Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St. (enter from parking lot behind the church), Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., (312) 243-7400.

THE OUTSIDERS

Goodman Theatre will present The Outsiders,a musical set in Tulsa, OK, in 1967 about young people trying to find their place in the world, through Sunday, July 10. The theater is at 170 N. Dearborn St. Call (312) 443-3800.

GWTP JOB TRAINING

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

GREEN CITY MARKET

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

HARMONY NEWS

Harmony Community Church, 1908 S. Millard Ave., has a community center for youth programs and events. The church offers reading, tutoring, fine art, music, and dance programs. It also has a food pantry. Call (773) 762-9673.

FARM FRESH

Growing Solutions Farm will offer vegetables, herbs, and flowers for sale three times a week in this area: at 2200 W. Campbell Park Dr. on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. through Oct. 26 and at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 15 through Oct. 9. Call (773) 519-0404.

HR HOTSEAT

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

LOVING REPEATING

Hyde Park Art Center has an exhibition, Loving Repeating: New Work by married artists and longtime collaborators Dutes Miller and Stan Shellabarger, through Saturday, Sept. 3. Loving Repeating addresses the presence and absence of human touch experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in an immersive installation incorporating the artists’ signature style featuring silhouettes of each other’s bodies. Exhibition admission is free. For latest exhibition hours, visit www.hydeparkart.org. The center is at 5020 S. Cornell Ave.

GIVE BLOOD 

The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers encourages people to give blood. Contact Vitalant at www.vitalant.org or (877) 258-4835 to schedule a donation time. 

WATER BILL ASSISTANCE

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity has a Low-Income Household Water Assistance Plan, under the Help Illinois Families initiative, to help low-income families unable to pay water and sewer bills avoid shutoffs. Apply for assistance by contacting the real-time assistance hotline service at (833) 711-0374.

MORTGAGE HELP

The Illinois Housing Development Authority received approval from the U.S. Department of the Treasury for its Illinois Homeowner Assistance Fund program to aid Illinois homeowners who have struggled to pay their mortgage due to COVID-19. The state is accepting applications from homeowners for grants of up to $30,000 to eliminate or reduce past-due mortgage and property tax payments. Apply at https://www.illinoishousinghelp.org/.

LOW-COST INTERNET

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

SUICIDE PREVENTION

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

LADIES OF VIRTUE

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

LATINO UNION

Latino Union of Chicago collaborates with low-income workers to improve their social and economic conditions through employment opportunities. Log on to latinounion.org or call (312) 491-9044. For those looking to hire workers, call (773) 588-2641.

RENTERS’ SERVICES

The Lawyers Committee for Better Housing provides eligible renters with supportive services and free legal aid. The LCBH also offers Rennie the Chatbot at rentervention.com to help with people’s housing problems. The LCBH is located at 33 N. LaSalle St. Call (312) 347-7600 or log on to www.lcbh.org.

DISCOUNT PHONE, INTERNET

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

FREE RIDE

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

EMPOWERING LATINAS

Mujeres Latinas en Accion empowers Latinas through service and advocacy. Their domestic violence crisis hotline is (312) 738-5358 and their rape crisis hotline is (888) 293-2080. Mujeres is located at 2124 W. 21st Pl. Call (773) 890-7676.

ART OF THE BRICK

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

EMERGENCE

South Side Community Art Center,3831 S. Michigan Ave., has a new exhibition, Emergence: Intersections at the Center, about how the center acted as an anchor for Black LGBTQIA artists from the 1940s through the 1980s, on display through Saturday, July 2. Call (773) 373-1026.

STUDENTS HONORED

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

FCONTACT ROBINSON

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

Send news of events held “around the neighborhood” by the 15th of the month before the month they are to occur to William S. Bike, Around the Neighborhood, Gazette Chicago, 1335 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-3318, fax (312) 243-4270, or email [email protected].

By William S. Bike

BLACK CPA SCHOLARSHIP

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

GOLDSBERRY PERFORMANCE

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

BIG SHOULDERS GRANT

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

AUTHORS’ PANEL

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

CARMELA FULL OF WISHES

Chicago Children’s Theatre, 100 S. Racine Ave., will offer the world premiere of Carmela Full of Wishes, April 23 to May 22. Show times are Saturdays and Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. Run time is 60 minutes, with no intermission. Tickets are $32 at chicagochildrenstheatre.org.  

GET $50

The Chicago Department of Public Health’s in-home coronavirus vaccination program, Protect Chicago At Home, is open to all Chicago residents age five and older. The department is offering $50 gift cards to those receiving a new dose of the Pfizer vaccine. Call (312) 746-4835.

CHICAGO HEALTHTEXT

Gazette Chicago frequently runs health-related articles as part of Chicago HealthText, a collaboration between DePaul University and Chicago Independent Media Alliance. See https://chihealthtext.org/ for more information. Do you have a healthcare or health-related issue you would like to see Gazette Chicago cover? Text (312) 487-2372 or (773) 969-9443, or text HEALTH to (312) 487-2372.

JOIN THE POLICE

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

MONEY FROM CITY

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

WOMEN’S PARK NEWS

The Chicago Women’s Park & Gardens Advisory Council will meet on the Tuesdays of April 26, June 7, July 12, Aug. 23, Oct. 11, and Dec. 6 at 6:45 p.m. at the field house at 1801 S. Indiana Ave. The public is invited. 

Club room rentals are available to the public.

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

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

CHURCH OF THE HOLY FAMILY 

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

GRANTS TO STOP GUN VIOLENCE

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

HOYNE PARK SUPPORT

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

CHASING LIGHT

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

HAROLD WASHINGTON LEGACY

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

GARDNER ACCREDITED

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

GOOD NIGHT OSCAR

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

GLESSNER HOUSE NEWS

Tours of the Glessner House, 1800 S. Prairie Ave., have resumed. Enjoy tours on Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and at 1 and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 per person, or $17 for seniors and students. The tenth annual Mother-Daughter Tea will take place Saturday, April 30, with seatings at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $55 per person. Advance tickets required for all tours and programs. Visit www.glessnerhouse.org to purchase and for more information.

RANKING HIGH IN HEALTH 

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

LOVING REPEATING

Hyde Park Art Center has a new exhibition, Loving Repeating: New Work by married artists and longtime collaborators Dutes Miller and Stan Shellabarger, Sunday, April 10, through Saturday, Sept. 3. Loving Repeating addresses the presence and absence of human touch experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic in an immersive installation incorporating the artists’ signature style featuring silhouettes of each other’s bodies. Exhibition admission is free. For latest exhibition hours, visit www.hydeparkart.org. The center is at 5020 S. Cornell Ave. opens

IHCC NEWS

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

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

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

FARM FRESH

Growing Solutions Farm will offer vegetables, herbs, and flowers for sale three times a week in this area: at 2200 W. Campbell Park Dr. on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and Fridays from 2 to 5 p.m. from June 1 through Oct. 26 and at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., on Sundays from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., June 15 through Oct. 9. Call (773) 519-0404.

RIDE CREDITS

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

MUSEUM FUNDING

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

BLACK CREATIVITY

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

EASTER ORATORIO

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

CABRINI NATIONAL SHRINE NEWS

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

BIRD HIKE

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

DE LA SALLE NEWS

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

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

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

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

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

Our Lady of the Holy Family,1334 W. Flournoy St., holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish. Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m.; Monday and Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

Praying the Rosary begins at 6:30 p.m. on Mondays. During Lent, Mass begins at 6 p.m. on Friday followed by praying the Rosary and Stations of the Cross. The church encourages volunteers to lead both services. Adoration/holy hour and confessions begin at 6:30 p.m. on Fridays. Tuesday through Thursday Masses are at 8 a.m. in the chapel at 1335 W. Harrison St. 

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

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

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

PETERS PROVIDES FUNDING

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

EASTER EGG HUNT

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

GRANT PARK CLEAN-UP

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

STEM CAREERS

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

ST. BASIL NEWS

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

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

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

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

ST. JAMES ON WABASH NEWS

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

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

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

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

ST. MATTHEW NEWS

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

ST. PETER’S EVENTS

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

SHRINE NEWS

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

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

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

BUILDER’S DAY

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

A SEARCH FOR UNITY

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

AGOSTINELLI APPOINTED

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

DRIVER’S LICENSE EXTENSION

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

COLORING CONTEST

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

PEOPLE

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

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

TUTORS NEEDED

The Aquinas Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to instruct limited English proficient adults learners for 90 minutes per week. The center is at 1751 W. 35th St. All instruction is one on one, with training provided. Tutoring can be in person, online over Zoom, or a hybrid of both. Knowledge of a second language is not required; all instruction is in English. For more information, contact Sabrina Poulin, volunteer coordinator, at (773) 927-0512 or [email protected].

BENTON HOUSE INFO

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

BOULEVARD NEWS

The Boulevard of Chicago at 3456 W. Franklin Blvd. provides medical respite care and housing services for homeless adults discharged from area hospitals. Call (773) 533-6013 or log on to www.blvd.org.

CUBS BOOK

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

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

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services reports that Community Services Block Grant Scholarships are available for those enrolled or planning to enroll in college or vocational training. Call (312) 747-0327.

CHICAGO SHARES

Chicago Shares vouchers are now accepted at more Chicago area Jewel-Osco stores. Individuals can purchase the vouchers and then give them to needy folks encountered on the street. Chicago Shares, each worth $1, are an alternative to providing change. Recipients can use the vouchers for food and necessities but never for alcohol or tobacco. While Jewel-Osco stores make up the majority of vendors, other stores accept the vouchers as well. For more information and to purchase Shares, visit www.chicagoshares.org.

MAXWELL MARKET

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

SEEKING YOUNG LEADERS

Chicago Votes offers the Civic Leaders Program, a leadership development program for young people who have experienced incarceration, training them to serve as leaders in the organization’s legislative advocacy, court watching, and voter registration efforts. Chicago Votes is located at 234 S. Wabash Ave. Log on to https://chicagovotes.com.

LEGAL AID

Cook County officials and partners run Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt, a county-wide initiative to help residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. Services are provided pro bono for Cook County residents without legal representation and are offered to tenants facing eviction, landlords dealing with an eviction, debtors being sued for unpaid debts, creditors wishing to sue based on unpaid debts, and residents who have defaulted on property tax payments or mortgage foreclosure payments. Learn more by visiting www.cookcountylegalaid.org/.

GET ORGANIZED

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

VETS’ EXEMPTIONS

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office provides property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities and returning veterans. Log on to cookcountyassessor.com or call (312) 443-7550.

GWTP JOB TRAINING

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

HARMONY NEWS

Harmony Community Church, 1908 S. Millard Ave., has a community center for youth programs and events. The church offers reading, tutoring, fine art, music, and dance programs. It also has a food pantry. Call (773) 762-9673.

GIVE BLOOD 

The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers encourages people to give blood. Contact Vitalant at www.vitalant.org or (877) 258-4835 to schedule a donation time. 

HR HOTSEAT

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

FOOD PANTRIES

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

Above and Beyond Family Recovery Center, 2942 W. Lake St., (773) 940-2960.

Chosen Tabernacle Full Gospel, 4310 S. Champlain Ave., Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., (888) 834-9414.

Church of St. Paul and the Redeemer, 4945 S. Dorchester Ave., Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., (773) 624-3185.

Hyde Park SDA Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Drexel Blvd., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2909.

Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, 4242 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., (773) 548-7500.

Kenwood UCC Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Greenwood Ave., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:30 to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2861.

Operation Pull Grant Memorial, 4017 S. Drexel Blvd., Tuesday, 1 to 3 p.m., (773) 285-5819.

Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St. (enter from parking lot behind the church), Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., (312) 243-7400.

WATER BILL ASSISTANCE

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the new $42 million Low-Income Household Water Assistance Plan, under the Help Illinois Families initiative, to help low-income families unable to pay water and sewer bills avoid shutoffs. Apply for assistance by contacting the real-time assistance hotline service at (833) 711-0374.

LADIES OF VIRTUE

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

LOW-COST INTERNET

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

LATINO UNION

Latino Union of Chicago collaborates with low-income workers to improve their social and economic conditions through employment opportunities. Log on to latinounion.org or call (312) 491-9044. For those looking to hire workers, call (773) 588-2641.

RENTERS’ SERVICES

The Lawyers Committee for Better Housing provides eligible renters with supportive services and free legal aid. The LCBH also offers Rennie the Chatbot at rentervention.com to help with people’s housing problems. The LCBH is located at 33 N. LaSalle St. Call (312) 347-7600 or log on to www.lcbh.org.

DISCOUNT PHONE, INTERNET

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

FREE RIDE

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

EMPOWERING LATINAS

Mujeres Latinas en Accion empowers Latinas through service and advocacy. Their domestic violence crisis hotline is (312) 738-5358 and their rape crisis hotline is (888) 293-2080. Mujeres is located at 2124 W. 21st Pl. Call (773) 890-7676.

ART OF THE BRICK

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

MENTAL HEALTH

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

SOCIAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

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

BACK TO BUSINESS

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

ADDICTION HOTLINES

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

BRIGHT STAR RESOURCES

Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Church have a trauma helpline and provide professional development, emotional support, and child and family services. Log on to brightstarcommunityoutreach.com/. Donations welcome. The church is located at 4518 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

The toll-free Bright Star Community Outreachtrauma counseling helpline is(833) TURN123. The helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence. 

GET HELP

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

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

Catholic Charities operates several food pantries. 

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

Log on to catholiccharities.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email [email protected].

JOB HELP

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership has expanded the youth and young adult services its network provides to this community. The partnership provides help for young adults seeking employment, training, and career pathway opportunities at the American Job Center (AJC) at 1700 W. 18th St. Services are offered by appointment only. Call (773) 318-2224. 

GET VACCINATED

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

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

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

RIGHT TO RETURN

Former Chicago Housing Authority residents who were displaced by the CHA’s Plan for Transformation and who want to return to the CHA may receive help from Antwain Miller at the Lugenia Burns Hope Center. Call (773) 291-8621 or email [email protected]. The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street. 

RENTER AND LANDLORD HELP

If you are a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs, or if you are a landlord trying to stay afloat, help may be available. State and local programs are distributing dollars for such needs. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov to find programs. See also ChiCookilRentHelp.org or call (833) 221-9821.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

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

NEW ARTISTS

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

EPIPHANY CENTER

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

SUICIDE PREVENTION

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

GAS BILL HELP

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

CONTACT ROBINSON

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

Send news of events held “around the neighborhood” by the 15th of the month before the month they are to occur to William S. Bike, Around the Neighborhood, Gazette Chicago, 1335 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-3318, fax (312) 243-4270, or email [email protected].

By William S. Bike

Editor’s note: At press time, future events listed in Around the Neighborhood still were scheduled, but changes are happening on a daily basis. Check websites or call to make sure if particular events have been postponed or canceled.

PLANETARIUM FULLY OPEN

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

TUTORS NEEDED

The Aquinas Literacy Center needs volunteer tutors to instruct limited English proficient adults learners for 90 minutes per week. The center is at 1751 W. 35th St. All instruction is one on one, with training provided. Tutoring can be in person, online over Zoom, or a hybrid of both. Knowledge of a second language is not required; all instruction is in English. For more information, contact Sabrina Poulin, volunteer coordinator, at (773) 927-0512 or [email protected].

SHAMROCK SHUFFLE

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

FREE DAYS

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

CHICAGO HEALTHTEXT

Gazette Chicago frequently runs health-related articles as part of Chicago HealthText, a collaboration between DePaul University and Chicago Independent Media Alliance. See https://chihealthtext.org/ for more information. Do you have a healthcare or health-related issue you would like to see Gazette Chicago cover? Text (312) 487-2372 or (773) 969-9443, or text HEALTH to (312) 487-2372.

CHICAGO SHARES

Chicago Shares vouchers are now accepted at more Chicago area Jewel-Osco stores. Individuals can purchase the vouchers and then give them to needy folks encountered on the street. Chicago Shares, each worth $1, are an alternative to providing change. Recipients can use the vouchers for food and necessities but never for alcohol or tobacco. While Jewel-Osco stores make up the majority of vendors, other stores accept the vouchers as well. For more information and to purchase Shares, visit www.chicagoshares.org.

CTA GETS FEDERAL FUNDS

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

CYSO GALA

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

CBCAC NEWS

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

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

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

CUBS GRANTS

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

DEVELOPMENT GRANTS

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

FANFARE CHICAGO

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

DE LA SALLE NEWS

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

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

CELEBRATING FRANCES GLESSNER LEE

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

DOWELL ON YOUTUBE

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

LOVEDAY CELEBRATION

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

PRE-APPRENTICESHIP

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

MAXWELL MARKET

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

ACCOUNTING SCHOLARSHIPS

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

A HAPPY DEATH

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

NEW TRUSTEES

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

MOMS IN COLLEGE

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

SHAMROCK’N THE BLOCK

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

OUR LADY OF THE HOLY FAMILY NEWS

Our Lady of the Holy Family,1334 W. Flournoy St., holds Sunday Masses at 9 a.m. in English and 11 a.m. in Spanish. Saturday evening Mass is at 5 p.m.; Monday and Friday evening Mass is at 6 p.m. 

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

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

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

INSPIRING EFFICIENCY AWARD

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

WE APPRECIATE TEACHERS

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

PUI TAK GRANT

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

ITALIAN STORIES FILM GRANT

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

SAINT IGNATIUS NEWS

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

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

ST. JAMES NEWS

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

ST. JOSEPH’S TABLE

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

BASEBALL AND SOFTBALL

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

BENTON HOUSE INFO

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

ST. PETER’S EVENTS

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

SHRINE NEWS

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

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

JOB HELP

The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership has expanded the youth and young adult services its network provides to this community. The partnership provides help for young adults seeking employment, training, and career pathway opportunities at the American Job Center (AJC) at 1700 W. 18th St. Services are offered by appointment only. Call (773) 318-2224.

BUILDER’S DAY

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

PENSION IMPROVEMENT

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

WOMEN’S DAY

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

URBAN FARM GRANT 

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

QUALIFYING FOR COLLEGE

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

GOLDEN APPLE FINALIST

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

LIBRARY FUNDING

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

ADDICTION HOTLINES

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

BOULEVARD NEWS

The Boulevard of Chicago at 3456 W. Franklin Blvd. provides medical respite care and housing services for homeless adults discharged from area hospitals. Call (773) 533-6013 or log on to www.blvd.org.

BUCKNER RESOURCES

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

BRIGHT STAR RESOURCES

Bright Star Community Outreach and Bright Star Church have a trauma helpline and provide professional development, emotional support, and child and family services. Log on to brightstarcommunityoutreach.com/. Donations welcome. The church is located at 4518 S. Cottage Grove Ave.

The toll-free Bright Star Community Outreachtrauma counseling helpline is(833) TURN123. The helpline assists those experiencing trauma caused by exposure to violence. 

GET HELP

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

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

Catholic Charities operates several food pantries. 

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

Log on to catholiccharities.net, call (312) 655-7700, or email [email protected].

FREE CULINARY TRAINING

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

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

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

CUBS BOOK

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

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

SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

The Chicago Department of Family and Support Services reports that Community Services Block Grant Scholarships are available for those enrolled or planning to enroll in college or vocational training. Call (312) 747-0327.

GET VACCINATED

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

RIGHT TO RETURN

Former Chicago Housing Authority residents who were displaced by the CHA’s Plan for Transformation and who want to return to the CHA may receive help from Antwain Miller at the Lugenia Burns Hope Center. Call (773) 291-8621 or email antwain.mille[email protected]. The center is located at 710 E. 47th Street.

SEEKING YOUNG LEADERS

Chicago Votes offers the Civic Leaders Program, a leadership development program for young people who have experienced incarceration, training them to serve as leaders in the organization’s legislative advocacy, court watching, and voter registration efforts. Chicago Votes is located at 234 S. Wabash Ave. Log on to https://chicagovotes.com.

GET ORGANIZED

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

VETS’ EXEMPTIONS

Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi’s office provides property tax exemptions for veterans with disabilities and returning veterans. Log on to cookcountyassessor.com or call (312) 443-7550.

LEGAL AID

Cook County officials and partners run Cook County Legal Aid for Housing and Debt, a county-wide initiative to help residents resolve eviction, foreclosure, debt, and tax deed issues. Services are provided pro bono for Cook County residents without legal representation and are offered to tenants facing eviction, landlords dealing with an eviction, debtors being sued for unpaid debts, creditors wishing to sue based on unpaid debts, and residents who have defaulted on property tax payments or mortgage foreclosure payments. Learn more by visiting www.cookcountylegalaid.org/.

RENTER AND LANDLORD HELP

If you are a renter having trouble paying your rent, utilities, or other housing costs, or if you are a landlord trying to stay afloat, help may be available. State and local programs are distributing dollars for such needs. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau in rental assistance to help renters stay housed during the pandemic. Visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau at consumerfinance.gov to find programs. See also ChiCookilRentHelp.org or call (833) 221-9821.

NEW ARTISTS

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

EPIPHANY CENTER

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

FOOD PANTRIES

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

Chosen Tabernacle Full Gospel, 4310 S. Champlain Ave., Thursday, 1 to 3 p.m., (888) 834-9414.

Church of St. Paul and the Redeemer, 4945 S. Dorchester Ave., Wednesday, 3:30 to 5:30 p.m., (773) 624-3185.

Hyde Park SDA Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Drexel Blvd., Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2909.

Kenwood Oakland Community Organization, 4242 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., (773) 548-7500.

Kenwood UCC Soup Kitchen, 4608 S. Greenwood Ave., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday, 9:30 to 10 a.m. and noon to 1 p.m., (773) 373-2861.

Operation Pull Grant Memorial, 4017 S. Drexel Blvd., Tuesday, 1 to 3 p.m., (773) 285-5819.

Our Lady of the Holy Family, 1334 W. Flournoy St. (enter from parking lot behind the church), Friday, 1:30 to 3:30 p.m., (312) 243-7400.

CORONAVIRUS VACCINATION

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

GWTP JOB TRAINING

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

HARMONY NEWS

Harmony Community Church, 1908 S. Millard Ave., has a community center for youth programs and events. The church offers reading, tutoring, fine art, music, and dance programs. It also has a food pantry. Call (773) 762-9673.

HR HOTSEAT

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

GIVE BLOOD 

The Illinois Coalition of Community Blood Centers encourages people to give blood. Contact Vitalant at www.vitalant.org or (877) 258-4835 to schedule a donation time. 

SUNDAY SERVICES

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

WATER BILL ASSISTANCE

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity recently announced the new $42 million Low-Income Household Water Assistance Plan, under the Help Illinois Families initiative, to help low-income families unable to pay water and sewer bills avoid shutoffs. Apply for assistance by contacting the real-time assistance hotline service at (833) 711-0374.

ART OF THE BRICK

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

RENTERS’ SERVICES

The Lawyers Committee for Better Housing provides eligible renters with supportive services and free legal aid. The LCBH also offers Rennie the Chatbot at rentervention.com to help with people’s housing problems. The LCBH is located at 33 N. LaSalle St. Call (312) 347-7600 or log on to www.lcbh.org.

LOW-COST INTERNET

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

SUICIDE PREVENTION

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

LADIES OF VIRTUE

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

FIGHT OPIOID ABUSE

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

LATINO UNION

Latino Union of Chicago collaborates with low-income workers to improve their social and economic conditions through employment opportunities. Log on to latinounion.org or call (312) 491-9044. For those looking to hire workers, call (773) 588-2641.

RENTERS’ SERVICES

The Lawyers Committee for Better Housing provides eligible renters with supportive services and free legal aid. The LCBH also offers Rennie the Chatbot at rentervention.com to help with people’s housing problems. The LCBH is located at 33 N. LaSalle St. Call (312) 347-7600 or log on to www.lcbh.org.

DISCOUNT PHONE, INTERNET

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

EMPOWERING LATINAS

Mujeres Latinas en Accion empowers Latinas through service and advocacy. Their domestic violence crisis hotline is (312) 738-5358 and their rape crisis hotline is (888) 293-2080. Mujeres is located at 2124 W. 21st Pl. Call (773) 890-7676.

MENTAL HEALTH

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

GAS BILL HELP

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

FREE RIDE

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

SOCIAL HEALTH INITIATIVE

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

BACK TO BUSINESS

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

CONTACT ROBINSON

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

Send news of events held “around the neighborhood” by the 15th of the month before the month they are to occur to William S. Bike, Around the Neighborhood, Gazette Chicago, 1335 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-3318, fax (312) 243-4270, or email [email protected].