ROCK OF AGES CHURCH PRESENTING FREE EASTER CONCERT APRIL 3

Pastor Marvin E. Wiley and Rock of Ages Baptist Church in Maywood are presenting an Easter Celebration Concert on Saturday, April 3, 6:00 PM, at 1309 Madison Street in Maywood. Admission is free and the public is invited to attend.
    The program features combined choirs, Voices of Praise, Celebration of Life, plus the Youth and Children’s Choirs. The event also features speeches and poems performed by the Precious Lambs Children’s Ministry.

ALD. MITTS HOLDING 37th WARD JOB & SERVICE FAIR MARCH 13

Alderman Emma Mitts and Bethel New Life are sponsoring the Annual 37th Ward Job & Service Fair on Saturday, March 13, 9:00 AM-1:00 PM, at Bethel New Life’s Amberg Hall, 1120 North Lamon. Numerous employers seeking to hire workers will be interviewing at this Job Fair, so bring resumes and dress to impress. Information booths will also be staffed, providing information on City programs and various local agency services available to residents. For information, call the 37th Ward Service Office at 773/745-2894. This event is free and open to all residents.

HSI HOLDING ANNUAL AFRICAN AMERICAN CELEBRATION OF LIFE FEB. 26

On Friday, February 26, Habilitative Systems, Inc., is honoring its heritage in HSI’s annual African American Celebration of Life. The event features entertainment, vendors, Afrocentric fashions, food, and fun. This year’s theme is Across the Decades Serving; Still Building.
    The celebration is being held at 415 South Kilpatrick Avenue. For information, call 773/854-8313.

WHARP GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING FEB. 22

The Westside HIV/AIDS Regional Planning Council (WHARP) is holding its monthly membership meeting on Monday, February 22, 10:00 AM, at The Prevention Partnership, 5936 West Lake Street.
    Guest speaker is Marcus Wilson, speaking on the topic: HIV and People of Color (in recognition of Black History Month). Admission is free and the public is invited. Breakfast refreshments will be served and everyone is welcome.
    For information regarding WHARP, call Regina Hampton, Vice Chairperson, at 773/921-8100, ext. 4952.

MALCOLM X COLLEGE LAUNCHING KARNAK WELLNESS INSTITUTE FEB. 20

Malcolm X College and its President Ghingo W. Brooks are officially opening the Karnak Wellness Institute on Saturday, February 20, 3:00-4:45 PM, at the Malcolm X College Campus Cultural Center, 1900 West Van Buren Street. The event is free and the public is invited to attend.
    The Karnak Wellness Institute is named for the temples of Karnak in ancient Egypt. The Karnak Wellness Institute at Malcolm X College is bringing together the most respected thinkers and practitioners of our time to conduct workshops and seminars for the community on a wide spectrum of subjects each Saturday from February 20 through May 15.
    At the ribbon cutting ceremony, the Karnak keynote speakers will be presented. These include: U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis (IL-7), Dr. Carl Bell, Dr. Edyth E. Young, Bertha Paul Buchanan, Dr. Leonard Ingram, Hunter H. Adams, Roy Walker III, and Andre Grant.
    Free parking is available in the Jackson Boulevard lot.

U.S. REP. DAVIS ACCEPTING BLACK CAUCUS SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONS

Congressman Danny K. Davis (IL-7) is now accepting Congressional Black Caucus Scholarship applications for CBC Spouses Education and Cheerios Brand Health Initiative Scholarships, and the Wal-Mart Strive for Excellence Scholarships.
    To request a CBC Spouses Scholarship application, contact Congressman Danny K. Davis’ office at 773/533-7520 or visit the CBCF website: www.cbcfinc.org. Choose CBC Spouses and print out an application. Deadline for submitting an application is April 23, 2010, 6:00 PM, to Congressman Danny K. Davis, 3333 West Arthington Street, Chicago, Illinois 60624. Incomplete applications will be returned.

AUSTIN COMPLETE COUNT COMMITTEE MEETING FEB. 25

The next meeting of the Austin Complete Count Committee to ensure an accurate census count of all Chicago West Side residents is Thursday, February 25, 3:30 PM, at The Friendship Baptist Church, 5200 West Jackson Boulevard.
    Reggie Bachus is Chairman of the committee. For an agenda and information on the organization, call 773/227-8478. The public is encouraged to join and participate.

ALD. MITTS HOLDING MINI CONSTRUCTION FORUM AT 37th WARD MEETING FEB. 25

Alderman Emma Mitts (37) is hosting a mini Construction Information Forum on the new remodeling project at the city’s only Wal-Mart on Thursday, February 25, during the monthly ward meeting at Julia Ward Howe School, 720 North Lorel Avenue, starting at 6:00 PM.
    Representatives of Wal-Mart and General Contractor Ujamaa Construction, Inc., will present plans for the project to the community, outline proposed project pre-development specifications for specialty trade contractors, and answer questions.
    Hosted in conjunction with Empowerment Consulting, this mini forum is part of the meeting agenda, which also includes a presentation by the Cook County Assessor’s office. For more information, contact the 37th Ward Service Office at 773/745-2894.

DELTA SIGMA THETA SORORITY PRESENTING CHANGING THE DESTINY OF MEN OF COLOR FEB. 20

The Chicago Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is presenting STATE OF EMERGENCY: Changing the Destiny of Men of Color on Saturday, February 20, 2:00-4:00 PM, at Sinai Community Institute, 2653 West Ogden Avenue. This event is free and the public is invited to participate. Information booths open at 1:15 PM.

COMMISSIONER COLLINS OFFERING FREE LEGAL CLINIC FEB. 20

On February 20, Street Justice, Inc., in conjunction with Cook County Commissioner Earlean Collins, is conducting a free legal clinic at 5943 West Madison Street, from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. For an appointment, call 312/217-9656 or 773/385-8981.

DISPROPORTIONATE JUSTICE IMPACT COMMISSION HOLDING PUBLIC HEARING FEB. 22

The Illinois Disproportionate Justice Impact Study Commission is holding a public hearing on minority contact with the criminal justice system relating to drug laws and how they are applied. The Commission is seeking public input on this subject.
    The hearing is Monday, February 22, 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon, in the Thompson Center, 100 West Randolph Street, Room 16-503.
    All visitors must present a government-issued photo ID card to enter. Oral testimony is limited to three minutes per individual. Written testimony will be accepted. For information, call 312/573-8210.

ETA PHI BETA HOLDING RED & GOLD GALA FEB. 20

The Alpha Lambda Chapter of Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., is presenting its annual Red & Gold Gala on Saturday, February 20, 1:00 PM, at the Crystal Light Banquets, 8400 South Cicero Avenue, Burbank. Frankie G. Albert is President and Grace E. Bowers is event Chairperson. The public is cordially invited to attend. For ticket information, call 773/224-7049.

HILLTOP SPEAKERS HOSTING OPEN HOUSE AT MARS HILL CHURCH FEB. 16

The Hilltop Speakers, a chapter of Toastmasters International, is holding a free Open House on Tuesday, February 16, 6:30-8:30 PM, at Mars Hill Baptist Church, 5916 West Lake Street, Lower Level. Everyone desiring to improve their verbal communication skills are invited to attend. Theme of the gathering is Diverse Expressions of Love. There will be fun, food, and prizes.
To RSVP or obtain further information, e-mail Debra Simpson at: thehilltopspeakers@yahoo.com, or call 312/342-1938.

NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY CELEBRATING AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY MONTH THROUGHOUT FEBRUARY

In observance of Black History Month during February, the North Austin Branch Library is presenting The Art of the Cartoon, featuring Michael Burton, on Saturday, February 6, 1:00-2:00 PM. This program is free and appropriate for ages 8 and older. Learn how to draw cartoons. Reservations are requested for this free program. Call 312/746-4233 to sign up.

DOROLYN ACADEMY OF MUSIC OFFERING THEATRE WORKSHOP

Dorolyn Academy of Music is presenting a new 9-week Theatre Workshop for people ages 8 to adult. The course teaches improvisation techniques, monologue preparation, character analysis, audition material, and other instruction in acting skills.
The class meets on Saturdays from 1:00 to 2:30 PM beginning January 23 and ending March 27. Dorolyn Academy is located at 411 South Boulevard, Oak Park. The course fee is $85.00 per month. For information, call 708/383-7888.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH POETRY SLAM AT NORTH AUSTIN LIBRARY FEB. 20

The next Open Mic Poetry Slam at the North Austin Branch Library, 5724 West North Avenue, is Saturday, February 20, 2:30-4:00 PM. Admission is free and all poets are encouraged to perform their works. This is also an opportunity for writers to network and share information on becoming published authors.
For information, stop in at the library or call 312/746-4233.

CLARK PLAYGROUND PRESENTING ARTIST TALENT SHOW AT AUSTIN TOWN HALL FEB. 26

Linda McWright and Clark Playground are presenting an Artist Talent Show on Friday, February 26, 6:00-9:00 PM, at Austin Town Hall Park, 5610 West Lake Street. The showcase features dance, hip-hop, R&B, and gospel acts. Performers will appear at The Legendary Regal Theatre. This event is sponsored by the Chicago Park District, ComEd, CTA, KidSmart, and Great Kids.
Tickets are $3.00 per person. For information, call 773/287-7794.

YOUTH BASEBALL, BASKETBALL, CHEERLEADING & AFTER SCHOOL PROGRAMS FORMING AT LAFOLLETTE PARK

Registration is open for Westside All Star Baseball. LaFollette Park, Garfield Park, and Amundsen Park are combining their programs to provide one of the largest and most exciting baseball programs in Chicago. Children and teens can each join one of up to 52 teams for ages 5-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-15, and 16-18. Positions will fill up fast, so register now. The season starts May 8. Call Coach James at 773/355-7749 for information and registration.
Experienced coaches and umpires are needed. For information and to volunteer, call Coach James at 773/355-7749.
LaFollette Park is recruiting children in kindergarten through 5th grade to participate in the free Biddie Ball program. Try-outs are being held for 11 and 12 year olds to compete in the free Inner City Hoops traveling program. For information and registration, call Coach James at 773/355-7749.
The LaFollette Park Kittens Championship Cheerleading program is currently accepting registrations by interested girls ages 6-14. For information, call Coach Sherice at 773/287-0541.
Parents having a hard time finding safe childcare or wishing to have their children participate in sports and activities like basketball, flag football, soccer, floor hockey, volleyball, swimming, and wrestling should call LaFollette Park at 773/287-0541 for information and registration. Rates are just $6.00 per week.

POLICE WARN OF CHILD LURING ON NORTH CENTRAL AVENUE

Police are seeking citizen assistance in apprehending an offender reported on at least two occasions to have attempted to lure and perhaps abduct a 13-year-old girl walking to school on North Central Avenue. On Tuesday, January 19, between 8:30 & 8:45 AM, the girl was walking northbound on Central Avenue from Bloomingdale when she was approached by a male Black subject driving a silver BMW sport utility vehicle, driving southbound on Central Avenue. He pulled to the curb as the victim walked past and he told her to “get in the car.”
On Wednesday, January 20, between 8:30 & 8:50 AM, the same 13-year-old girl was walking on the 2400 block of North Central Avenue when the identical offender traveling westbound on the 5600 block of Fullerton Avenue parked and exited his vehicle. He approached the victim and told her to “get in the car.”
The offender is described as a male Black, 20-40 years of age, with a dark complexion, hair on his upper lip, diamond stud earrings in both ears, and a scar under his left eye.
The offender was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black jeans, black Michael Jordan gym shoes, a black winter hat with earflaps, and a black puffy vest. He is driving a silver BMW 4-door sport utility vehicle.
Police ask anyone with information to call 911 to report any suspicious persons, vehicles, or activity. Urge children to walk in pairs or groups, and don’t talk to strangers or approach strange vehicles.

H1N1 FLU SHOTS AVAILABLE AT WEST SIDE SITES

The Chicago Department of Public Health is offering H1N1 flu shots to all Chicagoans over the age of 6 months at three West Side locations on Saturday, January 30. Appointments are not necessary and all vaccinations are provided free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis.
The immunizations are being provided from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM on Saturday, January 30, at the following West Side sites:
• 24th Ward Service Office, 2100 South Marshall Boulevard
• 27th Ward Service Office, 1463 West Chicago Avenue
• Ronald McNair Elementary School, 4820 West Walton Street
For information, call 311.