Friday, September 10, 2010

NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY PRESENTING MAD HATTERS FOR PRESCHOOLERS SEPT. 14

Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to the North Austin Branch Library, 5724 West North Avenue, on Tuesday, September 14, 10:00 AM, for MAD HATTERS. This is a free program of fun and stories designed to encourage young children to develop a love of reading. Participants are urged to wear their favorite hats. MAD HATTERS is sponsored by the Junior League of Chicago.
    Although this program is free, preregistration is required because space is limited. For reservations and information, call Jacqueline Primm at 312’/746-4233.

COMMISSIONER COLLINS HOSTING GARDEN BARBEQUE SEPT. 25

Cook County Commissioner Earlean Collins is hosting a Garden Barbeque fundraiser at her home, 5939 West Race Street, on Saturday, September 25, 3:30-6:30 PM. The event features music, karaoke, fun, and some of Commissioner Collins’ favorite homemade dishes.
    Tickets are $50 per person, with sponsorship levels available. Checks may be made payable to Citizens for Collins. Co-Chairs are Willie Wilson and Larry Huggins, with Dolores Thibodeaux and Sandra Robinson on the Host Committee. For reservations and information, call Reginald Brown at 630/873-0572 or 773/287-8600.

NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY PRESENTING CULTURAL PAPER MASKS PROGRAM SEPT. 25

The North Austin Branch Library, 5724 West North Avenue, is presenting a program recommended for children ages 5-12 on the topic of cultural Paper Masks. This class is being held Saturday, September 25, 2:00-3:00 PM.
    This free and fun one-hour program teaches participants about traditional uses of masks in Latin America. Children will make their own masks to take home with them.
    Although this program is free, participants must register in advance. For information and reservations, call Jacqueline Primm at 312/746-4233.

Sisterhouse: Abundance at SisterHouse

In July, SisterHouse began a small partnership with Food Donation Connection, an organization dedicated to connecting restaurants with local non-profit agencies needing food donations. This creates a wonderful mutually beneficial relationship with major corporate restaurants which would otherwise be almost inaccessible to a small organization like SisterHouse. We began by receiving Starbucks pastries 3-5 mornings a week and this has been such a blessing. Each week we send a report so that the North Ave. store’s contribution is recorded and they can take the appropriate tax deduction.

Recently, the KFC on Cermak in Berwyn needed a place to send a large donation and the folks at Food Donation Connection linked them with SisterHouse. So a whole car-load of chicken, biscuits, mashed potatoes, gravy, corn, green beans, and baked beans have just filled our freezers.  Everyone knows that feeling that comes with a well stocked kitchen; it’s yet another way to create our family style community. So we thank everyone at Food Donation Connection, Starbucks, and now KFC. Your abundance and generosity is well appreciated here at SisterHouse.

To receive more information on SISTERHOUSE’s services for women and/or volunteer opportunities, please call 773/626-0525. On Friday, September 24th we’ll be hosting our first annual Night at the Races benefiting SISTERHOUSE at the Maywood Park Racetrack at 8600 West North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL. Tickets are available for purchase by calling or emailing Bonnie Johnson sisterhousechicago@yahoo.com.

POLITICAL ACTION MINISTRY OF MT. VERNON CHURCH HOLDING BAZAAR SEPT. 25

The Political Action Ministry of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church is presenting an Outdoor Bazaar at JLM Abundant Life Community Center, 2622 West Jackson Boulevard, on Saturday, September 25, 9:00 AM-2:00 PM. Admission is free and the public is invited to shop for clothing, crafts, flowers, shoes, food, and more. Vendors will be set up outside the Center. For information and to set up a sales table, call Reva at 773/401-5929.

CONFERENCE ON MIDDLE EAST CRISIS BEING HELD AT MOODY CHURCH OCT. 1 & 2

On October 1st and 2nd, at the historic Moody Church in downtown Chicago, Chosen People Ministries will bring together New York Times best-selling author Joel C. Rosenberg and a host of other speakers, including Dr. Erwin Lutzer and Dr. Charlie Dyer, for the Inside the Middle East Crisis Conference. The speakers will offer historical and biblical perspectives on the current events and challenges in the Middle East and give practical insights on how to love Israel and her neighbors.
    Cost to attend: $59; $25 for students; 20% group discounts for four or more, available online at melissa@tcpr.net, or www.tcpr.net, or by calling 312/422-1333.

EL HOGAR DEL NINO ENROLLING CHILDREN 15 MONTHS TO 5 YEARS FOR SOCIAL SERVICES

El Hogar Del Nino/The Home of the Child, 1710-18 South Loomis Street, is a nonprofit organization located in the heart of Pilsen providing early childhood education and after school programs, plus social services to low income families and children. The agency’s primary mission is to provide comprehensive bilingual/bicultural early childhood development facilities for infants, preschool, school age children, and their families.
    Currently, El Hogar is enrolling eligible families in its programs for children ages 15 months through 5 years old. It offers Head Start for 3-5-year-olds from eligible families and welcome children with special needs. Call 312/563-0644; visit the site at 1710 South Loomis Street, or email to elhogardelnino.org@gmail.com for further information.

COMMISSIONER COLLINS & STREET JUSTICE OFFERING FREE LEGAL CLINIC SEPT. 18

Cook County Commissioner Earlean Collins (D-1) in conjunction with Street Justice, Inc., is providing a free legal clinic on Saturday, September 18, at 5943 West Madison Street, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM. For an appointment, call 312/217-9656, 773/385-8081, or email streetjustice@gmail.com.
    Legal matters handled include, but are not limited to, wills, divorces, foreclosures, criminal law, child support, civil matters, and expungement (to file, persons need their rap sheet, court disposition, and a clean drop if drug or alcohol related case).

ALD. MITTS PRESENTING 37th WARD HEALTH & WELLNESS FAIR SEPT. 11

Alderman Emma Mitts and the Chicago Department of Public Health are hosting the 37th Ward Health & Wellness Fair on Saturday, September 11, 10:00 AM-3:00 PM, at Prosser Career Academy, 2148 North Long Avenue. Admission and all services are free. The public is invited to attend.
    Back-to-school physical exams and immunizations, dental exams, vision and hearing tests, and asthma and nutritional counseling are being provided to children and teens. A variety of screenings, tests, information, and counseling services are offered for adults and seniors.
    For information, call the 37th Ward Service Office at 773/745-2894.

CITY OF CHICAGO RESCHEDULES PRELIMINARY BUDGET PUBLIC HEARINGS

The City of Chicago Office of Budget & Management announced a revised schedule for the public hearings on the 2011 preliminary budget estimates. The hearings are designed to solicit feedback from Chicago residents regarding the needs in their communities, and how they may be reflected in next year’s city budget.
    The public hearings are scheduled for:
 •    Friday, September 10, Westinghouse College Prep High School, 3223 West Franklin Boulevard.
 •    Thursday, September 16, North-Grand High School, 4338 West Wabansia Avenue.
    All hearings begin at 7:00 PM, with registration from 6:00 to 7:00 PM.

WRIGHT COLLEGE SEEKING VENDORS FOR SEPT. 12 CRAFTS FAIR

Wright College is seeking artists and crafters for its indoor 43rd Annual Craft Fair on September 12, at 4300 North Narragansett Avenue. Tables for this fair range from $65 to $100. The fair is regularly attended by thousands of shoppers because of its long history and the quality of the hand-crafted items being sold. Admission and parking are free.
    Wright College’s Center for Lifelong Learning sponsors the fair, which runs from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Tables are assigned on a first-applied-for/first-assigned basis. For information, contact Gail Toribio at 773/481-8804. Obtain vendor applications at Wright’s website: wright.ccc.edu.

COOK COUNTY HOLDING BUSINESS EXPO SEPT. 16

 The Cook County Purchasing Office is holding the 3rd Annual Business Opportunity Expo on the 1st Floor United Club in Soldier Field on Thursday, September 16, 8:30 AM-3:00 PM. The public is invited and admission is free.
    Business Opportunity Expo workshops begin promptly at 10:00 AM and include: How to Do Business with Cook County /Ethics Education; Marketing Strategies for Small Businesses; MBE/WBE Vendor Development & Training; Alternative Financing; and Doing Business With the Government via SBA’s Certification Programs. There are also opportunities to network with successful businesspeople in a variety of enterprises. Vendors will meet face-to-face with procurement representatives from various county agencies. Government, financial, corporate, and nonprofit agencies will also be represented.
For more information, visit www.cookcountygov.com/purchasing or call 312/603-3702.

25th DISTRICT PRESENTING AUTO THEFT PREVENTION WORKSHOP SEPT. 11

    The 25th Police District CAPS Office reminds drivers that the chances of having your car stolen are greatly minimized by simply removing the opportunity and taking a few precautionary measures. A free informative workshop on Auto Theft Prevention is being offered Saturday, September 11, 10:00 AM-1:00 PM, in the 25th District Auditorium, 5555 West Grand Avenue.
    Topics being addressed include:
 •    Keeping It Real: Former auto thieves will demonstrate and discuss how they selected and stole cars.
 •    Illinois State Police will instruct on how to properly secure your vehicle and how to make it less susceptible to theft.
 •    Theft prevention devices and their effectiveness.
    A number of anti-theft devices will be raffled off to workshop participants. Light refreshments will be served. No reservations are required for this free workshop. For information, call the 25th District CAPS Office at 312/746-5090.

HABILTATIVE SYSTEMS, INC. PRESENTING CARIBBEAN JAZZ WITH PIZZAZZ SEPT. 12

 Habilitative Systems, Inc. is presenting its annual fundraising event: Caribbean Jazz with Pizzazz on Sunday, September 12, 4:00-8:00 PM, at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Drive.
    Tickets are $75 per person in advance and $100 at the door. All forms of payment are accepted: cash, check, money order, and credit card. Call Sharon Moreland for information and reservations at 773/854-8313 or e-mail smoreland@habilitative.org.
    Ms Lynn Norment is Chairperson of the Fundraising Committee, Mel Brooks is the newly-elected Chairman of the HSI Board of Directors, and Donald Dew is marking his 20th year as CEO of HSI.

10TH ANNUAL GARFIELD PARK CONSERVATORY COUNTY FAIR SET FOR SEPT. 18

Experience the excitement and fun of a county fair in the middle of the city. Chicago’s original urban hoedown is being held on Saturday, September 18, 11:00 AM-4:00 PM, at the Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 North Central Park Avenue. Admission is $5. Ages 3 and under are free.
    The Garfield Park Conservatory’s County Fair celebrates the harvest and healthy communities in an urban setting on Chicago’s West Side. The connection between plants, food, and American heritage are highlighted through a variety of activities, demonstrations, and entertainment. Families can enjoy hands-on activities, games, a petting zoo, pony rides for $1.00, compost demonstrations, a harvest showcase, beekeeping demonstrations, live music, food, a farmers market with fresh produce from local farms, and much more.
    For more information, log onto www.garfield-conservatory.org or call 773/638-1766, ext. 18.

NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY PRESENTING FREE PRESCHOOL STORY TIMES IN SEPT. & OCT.

The North Austin Branch Library, 5724 West North Avenue, is offering a series of free Preschool Story Times. These programs are scheduled for 10:30 AM, Tuesday, September 7, 21, 28, October 5, 12 & 26.
    Although participation is free, space is limited, so reservations are required. For information and reservations, call Jacqueline Primm at 312/746-4233.

AUSTIN CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HOSTING 4TH GOLF IN AUSTIN SEPT. 24

The Austin Chamber of Commerce is presenting its 4th Annual Golf In Austin fundraiser on Friday, September 24. This event benefits the ACC Summer Youth Program and Holiday Parade & Tree-Lighting Celebration.
    For information regarding sponsorship or competing in Golf In Austin, call 773/854-5063.

JLM ABUNDANT LIFE CENTER PROVIDING FREE MONTHLY LEGAL CLINIC

The JLM Abundant Life Center, 2622 West Jackson Boulevard, is offering a free Legal Clinic on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, from 5:00 to 8:00 PM. No appointments are necessary and people are seen on a first-come-first-served basis.

CORNELL THIGPEN JOINS DOROLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC FACULTY

Dr. Dorothy L. Bounds, Director of Dorolyn Academy of Music, announces that Cornell Thigpen has joined the faculty of the acclaimed Oak Park school. Dr. Bounds calls Thigpen “a phenomenal musician, who brings a wealth of experience, talent, and professionalism to the table…with an extremely diverse and impressive resume that’s too thick to place in an E-mail.”
    Thigpen will be teaching technique and performance classes in piano, keyboard, and organ. Currently, he has openings for students on Wednesdays and Fridays between 2:00 and 7:00 PM. Students can arrange for lessons once or twice per week, for one or two hour sessions. For students desiring even more intensive training, Dorolyn can customize sessions with 4, 6, or even 8 hour (cumulative) sessions.
    For information and to schedule classes at Dorolyn Academy of Music, call 708/383-7888.

MARSHALL HIGH SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSN. PRESENTING STORY NIGHT SEPT. 23

The John Marshall High School Alumni Association is presenting Story Night on Thursday, September 23, 4:00-7:00 PM, at the school, 3250 West Adams Street. Parents, alumni, and community residents are invited to meet Marshall’s new administration and staff and review the school’s rich history. A program will be presented in the auditorium, a social with food and beverages is being held in the Courtyard, and school tours will be conducted. No reservations are necessary and admission is free. For information, call 773/535-8091.

KEEP YOUR SUMMER BODY ALL YEAR WITH STEP AEROBICS AT CLARK PARK

Get in shape now or keep your shape all year. Sign up for Step Aerobics at Clark Park, 4615 West Jackson Boulevard. Classes for adults ages 18 and older on Tuesday & Thursday, 6:30-7:30 PM. Fee is $15 for the 10-week session. For information, call 773/287-7794. The class forming now, space is limited.

ASSOCIATION HOUSE OFFERING CAREER TRAINING PROGRAMS

Association House, 1116 North Kedzie Avenue, is offering job training programs leading to placement in rewarding careers. Among the career fields for which training courses are provided are: College Prep Computer Repair, College Prep Certified Medical Assistant, and Customer Service & Retail Training. Orientation sessions are offered for each employment discipline. For information and course schedules, call 773/772-7170, ext. 1050. Students must be at least 18 years old.