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Dear Neighbor,
I’m excited to share that our PeacePalooza music festival was a great success! Held at Oakwood Beach, this free event aimed to promote safe summer fun, offer a safe space for young people to gather and address the uptick of teen gatherings that have resulted in a lot of violence in the 4th Ward, particularly at 31st Street Beach.
The festival featured musical performances from over 20 artists, inflatables and games, free food from local businesses, and resources from 50 city organizations and anti-violence groups. Our goal was to create a fun and educational space for youth, providing life-saving information on de-escalation tactics and emergency first aid through partnerships with organizations like Ujimma Medics and Stop the Bleed.
We also had resource tables addressing violence from all angles, offering job opportunities and information on youth organizations. By providing alternative activities, we aim to prevent violence and support our community.
The festival included live performances from passionate artists, many of whom are Chicago natives. Their generous contribution of time and talent was instrumental in making PeacePalooza a success.
We were thrilled to see thousands of attendees enjoying the festival, with all our free meals and much of our clothing distributed. Many vendors and artists have shared their positive feedback, and it was heartwarming to see so many of you engaged with the music, food, and activities.
A huge thank you to our vendors, workshop leaders, and artists for their support. And a special thanks to all the community members who attended and made the event memorable. We hope PeacePalooza made a meaningful impact and look forward to future opportunities to come together for a better community.
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Image from Ujimma Medics Workshop | |
New Dental Studio in Bronzeville | |
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I am excited to welcome a new Black woman-owned dental studio, Haven Dental Studio, to the 4th Ward! Dr. Naana Mensah's mission is to redefine dental care and set a new standard in oral health.
They are open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday from 8 AM to 5 PM CST. You can reach them at 773-915-0006 or visit them at 706 E. 47th Street, Chicago, IL 60653. For more information, please visit their website: Haven Dental Studio.
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Extended Parking Permit Vicinity for Lake Meadows
For community safety purposes, we have extended the summer parking restrictions in the in the vicinity of Lake Meadows. Permits and guest passes are available at our office at 928 E. 43rd St. We are open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Kenwood Pedway Community Meeting
Next Thursday, August 8, my office will be holding a virtual community meeting to discuss the ongoing Kenwood Pedway project at Kenwood Academy High School. The meeting will occur on Zoom at 6:00 p.m. You must register for the event to be able to attend the meeting. I hope to see you there!
Register using the QR code below, or by following this link.
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Save The Date - Back-to-School Bash
On August 24, I will be hosting my second Back-to-School Bash as Alderman. Last year, over 1,000 residents attended the event as we passed out backpacks and free resources, along with free food and games. Paper shredding will also be available. All are welcome!
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Senior Bingo Event
On Thursday, August 15, my office will be hosting a Senior Bingo Day at Insight Hospital, starting at 2 p.m. Join us for a fun afternoon of bingo, with prizes and popcorn to enjoy. Come spend the day with friends—we hope to see you there!
Sign up at this link.
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Get a CityKey ID at Our Mobile Printing Day
Join the Office of the City Clerk, Anna M. Valencia, on Saturday, August 24 from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Insight Hospital to get your CityKey ID printed! The CityKey is a valid government-issued ID card that also acts as a Chicago Public Library card, a Ventra card, and offers various other benefits. Having a printed CityKey card could be a valuable resource for you, so I hope to see you here!
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Police Appreciation Event
It was great to collaborate with the CPD Recruitment & Retention Team on our first ever "Police Appreciation Field Day"! This event successfully acknowledged and celebrated CPD officers and provided them with a fun day of activities, food, and entertainment. Thank you to all of the officers for coming out, and thank you to all of the vendors and sponsors! We couldn't have done it without all of your support.
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Community Impacts of the Lollapalooza Festival
Lollapalooza will be returning to Grant Park during the first weekend in August. As a courtesy to the Grant Park community, the festival organizers shared with us some details for this year’s festival.
Lollapalooza will open each day at 11:00 a.m. beginning Thursday, August 1 through Sunday, August 4. The venue closes each evening shortly after 10:00 p.m. There will be various street and sidewalk closures that can be found here.
At the request of Chicago public safety authorities, Grant Bark Park will remain closed from Wednesday, July 17 through Monday, August 10. During that time, there will be a temporary dog park available for use southeast of Grant Skate Park.
The Grant Park tennis and pickleball courts will close on Monday, July 29 at 5:00 p.m. and reopen on Tuesday, August 6 at 6:00 a.m. Beginning Wednesday, July 17, courts can be accessed from the 11th Street bridge walking north, along the west sidewalk of Columbus Drive. Courts will not be accessible via Balbo from the north as the sidewalk between Balbo and the 9th Street yard is closed.
If you need assistance with anything related to Lollapalooza, any questions answered, or any information provided, please contact info@lollapalooza.com. To report a concern during the event, please use the following Neighborhood Answering Service: (312) 500-2646.
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DNC Toolkit
The Democratic National Convention is approaching! It will take place from August 19 to 22 at the United Center and McCormick Place. The city of Chicago and the organizers of the DNC hope to minimize impacts and disruptions to local residents, businesses, and organizations in advance of the convention, so they have put together this toolkit to share with the community. This addresses frequently asked questions and provides information on areas that will be impacted. For more information, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications website (Chicago.gov/OEMC) is serving as the hub for local information and impacts and will be frequently updated.
Below is more information on roads that will be closed. In the red-highlighted areas, pedestrian traffic is restricted, and vehicles must be screened to enter the yellow-highlighted sections.
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Hyde Park Township Reassessment Notices
Reassessment notices for the Hyde Park township will be mailed out starting Tuesday July 30. Property assessments distribute who pays how much of the property tax levy. If these assessments seem unfair, an appeal can be filed. Appeals can be filed as soon as 5 p.m. on that day. All appeals are due by September 11. Read more about the reassessments here.
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Sumac Park Playground Rehabilitation
Improvements are coming to Sumac Park soon! Beginning in the fall, the Park District will be rehabilitating the Sumac Park Playground. They will be cleaning and leveling the pavement, and adding a new soft surface on the ground. The full scope of the project is in the image below.
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State of the Loop
The Chicago Loop Alliance just released their Quarter 2 State of the Loop Report! Here are some key takeaways.
- Weekend pedestrian traffic is up on State Street in the Loop, exceeding pre-pandemic 2019 levels by 28%, +11% on Saturdays, and a whopping +55% above those pre-pandemic levels on Sundays.
- Overall, including weekdays, pedestrian traffic is only 10% behind 2019 levels on State Street. If you’ve been on State Street recently, you can feel the excitement and hustle in the air.
- CTA reports increases, and cycling has more than doubled since 2019 with an increase of +119%.
- Our office occupancy exceeds the other major metros, New York City and Los Angeles, by +4 and +8%, respectively.
- Arts and culture exceeded 1 million attendees in the Loop in Q2, up 4% from the same period in 2023, representing nearly $300 million in direct economic impact.
Read the rest of the report here!
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New Crosswalk at State & 8th St
I am excited to announce safety improvements at State and 8th St. After residents alerted us that the south leg of the intersection was a common pedestrian crossing but that there was no crosswalk, I requested that CDOT study the intersection to see what improvements could be made. Now that I have heard back from CDOT, I have approved funds for a new crosswalk and ADA curb cuts at the intersection. Keep a lookout for construction to begin soon.
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Street Sweeping
Please keep an eye out for no parking signs, and please move your car to allow the Streets and Sanitation staff to clean the streets. Streets and Sanitation will do their best to hang signs at least 48 hours before sweeping begins. A full calendar of planned sweeps is below. If you would like to sign up for email updates on when your block will be swept click here.
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Parking Passes Available for Oakenwald and Lake Meadows
Seasonal parking passes for the Oakenwald and Lake Meadows parking zones are now available for pickup at 928 E 43rd St. Season-long stickers and one-day guest passes are available. Residents can get up to 10 guest passes. Ticketing of cars without seasonal parking passes is now being enforced in these zones. Ticketing of cars without seasonal parking passes is now being enforced in these zones.
In order to pick up your pass, please bring proof of residency, either an ID with a current address or mail to your address with your name and the license plate number of your vehicle(s). One individual can pick up all the passes for their household, but you cannot collect passes for neighbors. My office is open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. If you have any questions, please email ward04@cityofchicago.org or call 312-744-2690.
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Government Services Dashboard
The Office of the Inspector General has a new website that shares all the government services and government districts for every address in the city. You can find contact information for your elected officials, police beat, zoning information, and more all at one convenient site. To access it, visit: https://igchicago.org/information-portal/data-dashboards/city-services-by-address/
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Construction on Your Block
Construction on your block, and you don't know why? Check out ChiStreetWork.Chicago.Gov for a full list of permitted construction projects on your block and surrounding areas. You can also sign up for alerts when new projects are announced.
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Health and Fitness Fair
On August 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., join State Senator Mattie Hunter for the 20th Annual Family Health & Fitness Fair. There will be free physicals, giveaways, and more! I hope to see you there.
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National Night Out
Join the 1st and 18th Police Districts for National Night Out on Tuesday, August 6. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m., N. State St. will be full of food, music, and fun for everyone. I hope to see you there!
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Faith-Based Institution Development Program
Join State Representative Sonya Harper at the Faith-Based Institution Development Program. The Faith-Based Institution Development Initiative aims to create a network that links all 6th District faith-based leaders and organizations. It provides economic and financial assistance to these institutions and connects them with relevant state agencies for further support. The next meeting will be on Saturday, August 10 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chosen Bethel Family Ministries.
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Chicago Labor Day Festivities
The Chicago Federation of Labor will be hosting their annual Labor Day Parade & Eddie Fest on August 31, 2024, in the historic Pullman Neighborhood. The parade will start at noon, and run along Cottage Grove Ave. from 103 St. to 114 St. It will be followed with free family fun at Eddie Fest, located at Arcade & Pullman Parks. Use the QR code below to learn more!
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Hyde Park Dinner Crawl
Experience Hyde Park on this dinner crawl! The Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce is hosting a dinner crawl that will make stops at 10 local eateries to enjoy special tastes from each venue prepared for this event. This event will occur Tuesday, August 6, from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.
Register for tickets in advance here!
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Youth Leader Activation Summit
I am thrilled to announce that registration for the Youth Leader Activation Summit is now OPEN! Hosted by the Mayor’s Youth Commission, this year’s event will take place on Saturday, August 3, at UIC (750 S. Halsted St., Chicago, IL 60607).
The Youth Leader Activation Summit aims to empower Chicago's youth, ages 14–19, to take action and positively impact their communities. Attendees will have the opportunity to hear from various youth leaders, engage with local organizations and programs that promote youth leadership, and connect with peers from across the city.
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FOLLOW ME ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Follow me on Instagram by clicking here or on Facebook here to stay engaged in the 4th Ward.
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PUBLIC SAFETY INFORMATION | |
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Police Beat Meetings
The Chicago Police Department holds regular beat meetings for residents to learn about their local crime statistics and to share ideas with local officers. To find which beat you live in, click here. If you live in the First District, you can find the meeting calendar by clicking here. For a calendar of Second District beat meetings please email caps.002district@chicagopolice.org.
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Community Emergency Response Team
The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program through the Chicago Office of Emergency Management and Communications educates volunteers about disaster preparedness for the hazards that may impact their area. These free classes train volunteers in basic disaster response skills to support first responders when professional services are overwhelmed. Click here for more information.
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OEMC Safety App
Download the Chicago OEMC app for updates on big city events like the upcoming Democratic National Convention and Lollapalooza. The app will also send out emergency alerts for severe weather conditions and other public safety threats. The app is free and available for both Apple devices and Androids, and I urge you to download it today!
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Suspicious Activity Reporting and If You See Something, Say Something
The OEMC wants to remind everyone to please be aware of their surroundings in large gatherings, at work, places of worship, critical facilities, and online, and to report suspicious activity. If you notice something suspicious, please call 9-1-1. "If You See Something, Say Something" is a national anti-terrorism public awareness campaign that emphasizes the importance of reporting suspicious activity to law enforcement authorities.
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District Council Public Meeting
Attend the 1st District Council Public Meeting on August 6 at 6 p.m. Public safety in downtown Chicago will be the focus of this meeting. There will be opportunities to share personal interests, needs, and concerns. This meeting will take place at 6 p.m. on August 6 at the Glessner House (1800 S. Prairie Ave.).
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BUSINESS AND CAREER OPPORTUNITIES | |
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Chicago Department of Public Health Requests Proposals
The Chicago Department of Public Health has recently released a new $3 million request for proposals for qualified hospitals and community-based organizations to deliver hospital-based violence intervention programming and wrap-around services to victims of violence who are at risk of repeat violent injury. The full request for proposals is attached here.
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Community Development Grants
The Department of Planning and Development is accepting another round of applications for Community Development Grants until August 9th, 2024. Community Development Grants support small businesses, nonprofits and property owners for local commercial, mixed-use and light manufacturing development. Interested businesses and nonprofits can learn more and apply here.
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Chicago Department of Public Health Job Opportunities
The Chicago Department of Public Health is hiring! Available jobs include Medical Director, Building Construction Inspector, Administrative Assistant, Public Health Nutritionist, Behavioral Health Assistant, Director of Program Operations, Director of Administration, and Laboratory Technician. Interested candidates can apply here.
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South Side Pitch
There are four more weeks until applications close for the 11th annual South Side Pitch! South Side Pitch is a shark-tank style pitch competition where small businesses from all over the South Side compete for cash prizes totaling over $34,000! To be considered a contestant, you must apply by Monday, August 5, by 11:59 pm CT.
Apply here!
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The Cook County Board of Elections is Hiring
The Cook County Board of Elections is currently seeking resumes for 2 positions for the upcoming voting cycle. They are seeking an Election Judge Trainer (Career Connect Job Order #32868) and an Election Preparation Judge (Career Connect Job Order #32869). Candidates for these positions must be registered voters and Cook County Residents. Candidate registration ends Monday, August 5.
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Chicago Star Award
The Chicago Treasurer's Office recently announced the Chicago Star Award, an initiative dedicated to recognizing and uplifting small businesses that play a pivotal role in shaping the economic and cultural landscape of Chicago. Nominations for the Chicago Star Award are open NOW and remain open until 11:59 p.m. Central on September 2, 2024. Submit a nomination or learn more here.
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Full List of City Contracts Open to Bid
There are many City of Chicago contracts that are open to be bid on by vendors. To access the list click here.
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Small Business Fund Webinar
On August 1, new Small Business Improvement Fund applications will open for the 43/Cottage Grove TIF and the Bronzeville TIF. Applications will open starting at 9 a.m. on August 1, and they will close at 5 p.m. on August 30. Program participants can receive grants for 30 to 90 percent of project costs, with a maximum grant of $150,000 for commercial properties and $250,000 for industrial properties. To learn more, check out this website and/or register forthis webinar.
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The U.S. Census Bureau is Hiring | |
The Chicago Fire Department is Hiring
The Chicago Fire Department is hiring a paramedic. Applications will be open until 11:59 p.m. on August 23. Apply here!
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City Law Department is Hiring
To learn more about open full time positions click here. For information on the Department's various clerkship and internship opportunities click here.
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Mise en Place Culinary & Hospitality Workforce Program
Looking to start a career in the hospitality industry? Enroll in Mise En Place culinary training program in Bronzeville. Our 4-week kitchen and classroom program provides a range of skills to prepare individuals for success in the industry. All applicants must be 16+ years of age, be unemployed or underemployed, provide valid ID, income and residency documents. To apply email jasmineew@romesjoy.com or click here.
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HR Jobs with the City of Chicago
The Chicago Department of Human Resources is hiring for a variety of jobs. To see open positions and the job descriptions click here.
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Summer Jobs for Young Adults | |
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Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative is Hiring
Garfield Park Rite to Wellness Collaborative (GPRWC) is a not-for-profit organization guided by the mission to cultivate wellness by addressing the spiritual, socioeconomic, political, and physical needs of Chicago’s Garfield Park community through engaged cooperative participation among all community residents and other stakeholders. The GPRWC has been evolving over the past five years, bringing together residents, nonprofits, healthcare organizations, and faith-based and other leaders that work and live in Garfield Park. Now, they're hiring a new Executive Director!
Apply for the position here by Friday, August 2, at 12 p.m.!
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Chicago Department of Aviation Jobs
The Chicago Department of Aviation is hiring. Positions they are looking to fill include Airport Operations Center Coordinator, Information Security Manager, and Financial Analyst. For more information on these positions, follow this link.
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Chicago STEAMbassadors is Hiring | |
Chicago Parks District is Hiring | |
CTA Second Chance Program | |
City Colleges of Chicago are Offering Free Computer Science Classes | |
Chicago Youth Centers is Hiring | |
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Local Nonprofit The CornerStore Chicago Seeks Assistance
Congratulations to The CornerStore Chicago, a Black-woman-led nonprofit, for being invited to be a vendor at this year’s Lollapalooza to discuss mental health! This is a fantastic opportunity to spread their message, offer support, and connect with thousands of people seeking better mental health and wellness.
However, they need assistance to make this happen. They are currently waiting for an invoice, which is delaying their ability to purchase necessary items. They are seeking donations to fund the supplies and resources needed for their booth. Your contributions will help them raise mental health awareness, support their programming, and make a meaningful impact on festival attendees.
Some of the best ways to support the CornerStore Chicago, include buying from their Amazon wishlist, linked here, following instructions on their website, and sending payments through Zelle, at connect@thesornerstorechicago.com.
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Farmers Market Schedule
Chicago Farmers Markets sell fresh seasonal produce, flowers, prepared foods, unique Chicago-made products, and rare finds. Visit Chicago’s longest-running farmers market on Daley Plaza, the historic Maxwell Street Market, and community markets in neighborhoods across Chicago.
- South Loop Farmers Market (632 S. Dearborn St.): Saturdays, starting May 18, 9 a.m.–1 p.m.
- Insight Farmer's Market (2525 S. Michigan Ave.): Saturdays, starting August 17, from 10 a.m.–3 p.m.
- Bronzeville Farmers Market (4700 S. King Dr.): Sundays, from July 14–October 20, from 10 a.m.–2 p.m.
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Local Tennis Club is Fundraising for New Courts
The Chicago Prairie Tennis Club (CPTC), which was founded in 1912, is one of the oldest African American tennis clubs in the country. Now CPTC needs our help to reach their $50,000 to resurface their courts in the Lake Meadows area. To learn more and to donate click here.
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Chicago Seniors Connected Brochure
Attached is the Chicago Seniors Connected brochure for the summer. Read more of it here!
| Chicago Park District July Calendar | |
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City College Invites You to Explore Careers Utilizing the Metaverse
Kennedy-King Colleges’ Dawson Technical Institute is excited to offer the Metaverse Intro to Construction Virtual Reality class this summer using Interplay Learning tools.
Designed for young minds aged 9 to 14, this course offers an immersive dive into the Metaverse's impact on the construction industry. Through interactive lessons, hands-on projects, and eye-opening field trips, students will unlock the secrets of construction's many stages. They'll also explore the vast array of careers within the construction industry, from architects and engineers to project managers and skilled tradespeople.
To register, you must have a CCC Student ID, which can be obtained here.
Register for the class here!
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Healing Arts Chicago Summit
Get Involved with Healing Arts Chicago's Summer Celebration on July 27 at Malcolm X College! DCASE is seeking volunteers to help on the day of the event, and community partners to participate in the Resource Fair.
Register HERE to Attend
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Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Vendor Fair
The Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church Outreach Ministry is hosting a vendor fair! Available products will include cosmetics, hair care, health services, food, Tupperware, paintings, clothing, jewelry and more. To participate as a vendor, please contact Maxine Toliver at 773-995-1119.
Where: Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church (4501 S. Vincennes Ave.)
When: Saturday, August 3, from noon to 4:00 pm
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Kennedy King College Open Swim Lessons
Kennedy-King College is pleased to announce that Chicagoans can dive into the fun with its Open Swim Continuing Education class. Participants can swim laps, water walk, and exercise. Participants must be at least 18 years old, and the class is free and open to the public with advance registration. Swimmers at every skill level, from beginner to advanced, are welcome to access the pool. All participants will be given a swim skills assessment before they can start the class. To register, click here and fill out the Continuing Education application.
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Free Tennis Lessons from the US Tennis Association | |
Harper Court Music Series | |
Harper Court Jazz Series - Noon Performances | |
Bronzeville Summer Nights | |
HIV Testing and Treatment for Black Women, By Black Women | |
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Summer EBT from The Greater Chicago Food Depository
This summer, Illinois will be implementing Summer EBT, a new federal program that provides a grocery debit card to eligible families with school-aged children. For the most up-to-date information about eligibility and enrollment for children, follow the link here.
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