By Hayley Carlton 

WOMEN WITH DISABILITIES
Through Access Living, the Empowered Fe Fees, an activist group of young women with disabilities, will present films on dealing with bullying and sexual activity for people with disabilities at Columbia College, 1104 S. Wabash Ave., at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 13. Call (312) 253-7000, ext. 190.

VOLUNTEERS SOUGHT
The Winter Festival of Around The Coyote, to be held Thursday, Feb. 8, through Sunday, Feb. 11, seeks volunteers to help work the festival in a variety of locations including the Flatiron Building, the Around the Coyote Gallery, Preferred Lofts on Milwaukee Avenue, Dulcinea, Double Door, and Rodan. Volunteers will receive a t-shirt and an all-access pass to the festival, which includes admission to all festival parties. Call (773) 342-6777.

LUNAR NEW YEAR
The Asian American Coalition of Chicago will host its annual lunar new year celebration, “Roar With the Boar 2007/4705,” on Saturday, March 3, at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare, 9300 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. in Rosemont. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m.; opening ceremonies are at 6:30 p.m., with a dinner show including entertainment and an awards ceremony following. Log on to www.aacchicago.org for more information.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Black History Month will be celebrated in several Chicago Park District facilities. Events are scheduled as follows:

Through Wednesday, Feb. 28, Humboldt Park, 1440 N. Sacramento Ave., (312) 742-7549. Artwork on African-American history. Admission is free.

Friday, Feb 16, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Lake Meadows Park, 3117 S. Rhodes Ave., (312) 747-6287. Pre-teen club open microphone poetry. Admission is $2. Recommended for ages 11 to 12.

Saturday, Feb. 17, noon to 2 p.m., Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., (312) 746-5494. Guest speakers and special performances. Admission is free.

The Chicago Public Library will have a variety of Black History Month programs in February. For information, log on to www.chicagopubliclibrary.org.

ARTS ACADEMY RAISES FUNDS
Chicagoans can get a preview of The Chicago Academy for the Arts’ award-winning performers before the students take their show on the road to D.C.'s John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. On Monday, Feb. 12, at 7 p.m., the students will give a one-night only performance of their Kennedy Center program to help raise funds to underwrite the trip. The benefit performance will take place at the Chicago Center for the Performing Arts, 777 N. Green St. For more information, call (312) 421-0202.

ARCHITECTURE FOUNDATION ROUND-UP
The Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., offers a variety of programs open to the public. Call (312) 922-3432 for more information or visit www.architecture.org.

The sustainable architecture lunchtime lecture series, co-sponsored with the Chicago Center for Green Technology, is free and open to the public. It is held the second Tuesday of every month at 12:15 p.m.

Bus tours of significant architectural sites will be held Saturdays at 9:30 a.m. through March 31.

Lunchtime building tours will be held at 12:15 p.m.. A tour of the Auditorium Building will be held on the Mondays of Feb. 5 and Mar. 12. A tour of the Fine Arts Building will be held Thursday, March 1.

Additional tours of the Auditorium Building will be held at 9:15 a.m. on the Saturdays of Feb. 17 and March 24.

CHINATOWN CHAMBER ROUND-UP
The Chicago Chinatown Chamber of Commerce (CCCC) will host several events this month. Call (312) 326-5320 for more information or visit www.Chicagochinatown.org.

A new traffic light has been installed at the intersection of Archer and Wentworth Avenues. The CCCC and other Chinatown community organizations negotiated with the City to install the new light, which went up late last year.

A Chinese lunar new year Celebration will be held on Thursday, Feb. 15, at 11:30 a.m. at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place. Tickets are $75 and $125. The theme is "Breaking Barriers: Celebrating Asian American Women in Illinois." Honorees will included Iraq War veteran Tammy Duckworth, Judge Sandra R. Otaka, and Alpana Singh, host of Check Please! on WTTW Channel 11.

There will be a Chinese lunar new year after hours networking party on Wednesday, Feb. 28. It is sponsored by Citibank and will be held at the Citibank Chinatown Square branch.

SWEETS FOR SIGHT
Indulge in chocolate martinis, chocolate fondue, champagne, and more. The Chicago Lighthouse Young Philanthropists Board (YPB) will present its annual “Sweets For Sights” Wednesday, Feb. 8 at the Melting Pot, 609 N. Dearborn St., from 6 to 8 p.m. Guests can shop for Valentine’s Day gifts at the silent auction. All proceeds benefit children who are visually impaired. Tickets, $20 for YPB members and $25 for non-members, can be purchased only at the door. Call Naomi Tselepis at (312) 997-3679.

TOURING BRONZEVILLE
Chicago Neighborhood Tours will offer a tour of Historic Bronzeville on Saturday, Feb. 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The tour will talk about the history, citizens, and modern-day renaissance of the community and include guided tours of the DuSable Museum of African American History and the Little Black Pearl Art and Design Center, and an opportunity to view artworks at Gallery Guichard. Chicago Neighborhood Tours depart from the Chicago Cultural Center’s 77 E. Randolph St. entrance and cost $25 for adults and $20 for children, students, and seniors. For more information call (312) 742-1190.

PARK DISTRICT ROUND-UP
The Chicago Park District celebrates Valentine's Day with numerous dances, parties, and a talent show for all ages. Contact each individual park for additional information. Following is the schedule of events:

Valentine’s Day party, Thursday, Feb. 8, 6 to 7:30 p.m. Stanton Park, 618 W. Scott St., (312) 742-7896. Admission is free; recommended for ages 13 to 17.

Valentine's Little Cupid Tot event, Saturday, Feb. 10, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Skinner Park, 1331 W. Adams St., (312) 746-5560. Admission is free; recommended for ages three to five. Event includes games, sing-a-long, arts and crafts, and prizes.

Family Valentine's Day dance, Tuesday, Feb. 13, 6:30 to 7:30 p.m., Smith Park, 2526 W. Grand Ave., (312) 742-7534. Admission is free; recommended for all ages.

Valentine's Day party, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 3 to 5 p.m., Touhy-Herbert Park, 2106 W. Adams St., (312) 746-5562. Admission is free; recommended for ages six to 12.

Valentine's Day sock hop, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 3 to 6 p.m., Wentworth Gardens Park, 3770 S. Wentworth Ave., (312) 747-6996. Admission $1; recommended for ages six to 12.

Valentine's Day party, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 3 to 6 p.m., Lake Meadows Park, 3117 S. Rhodes Ave., (312) 747-6287. Admission $2; recommended for ages six to 12 Children will enjoy arts and crafts, games, and snacks.

Valentine's Day party, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 4 to 6 p.m., Pulaski Park, 1419 W. Blackhawk St., (312) 742-7559. Admission is free; recommended for all ages. Includes music, dance, arts and crafts, photo opportunities, and snacks.

Valentine's Day dance, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 5:30 to 8:30 p.m., Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton St., (312) 746-5083. Admission is $4 at door, $3 with flyer; recommended for ages 13 to 17.

Valentine’s Day teen dance, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 6 to 7:30 p.m., Union Park, 1501 W. Randolph St., (312) 746-5494. Admission is free; recommended for ages 13 to 17. Teens will enjoy music, snacks, and more.

Valentine’s Daddy-Daughter/Mommy-Son dance, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 6 to 8 p.m. Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave., (312) 742-7553 Admission is free; recommended for all ages. Event includes entertainment, photos, raffles, and snacks.

Valentine’s Day party, Wednesday, Feb. 14, 4 to 6 p.m., Williams Park, 2710 S. Dearborn St.,
(773) 287-7658 Admission free; recommended for ages six to 12.

The Park District invites families to the annual Polar Adventure Days, an admission-free event taking place on Saturday, Feb. 24, from noon to 4 p.m. at Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn White Drive, on Chicago’s Museum Campus.Visitors will have the opportunity to come face-to-face with native birds, enjoy horse-drawn carriage rides, watch ice sculpture carvings, and create nature-inspired crafts. Snow shoes and cross country skis will be available if there are at least three inches of snow. Call to confirm, as some events are dependent on the weather. For more information, call (312) 742-PLAY.

LIBRARY ROUND UP
The Chicago Public Library Harold Washington Center, 400 S. State St., now offers expanded evening hours. The library is now open until 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday. The library’s Friday and Saturday hours (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.) and Sunday hours (1 to 5 p.m.) remain the same.

"How to Handle Troublesome Tax Issues" will be presented on Thursday, Feb. 8, at noon.

This month’s Law at the Library series will cover “Changes in Tax Law.” It will be held on Monday, Feb. 26, at 12:15 p.m. on the library’s seventh floor.

The Daley Branch Library at 3400 S. Halsted St. will present a session on "Reverse Mortgages" on Saturday, Feb. 24, at 1:30 p.m.
Call (312) 747-4050.

HONOR A TEACHER
If you know a Chicago Public Schools teacher who is an outstanding citizen, help him or her earn $5,000 for his or her school by nominating the teacher for a MetLife Foundation Ambassadors in Education Award. The award honors middle and high school educators who build partnerships and improve communications between the school and its stakeholders, including students, school staff, families, local government, community groups, and businesses. Wednesday, March 14, is the deadline for nominations. For more information about the award, visit www.ncl.org/metlife/index.html  or call (303)-571-4343.

CLARKE HOUSE TOURS
The Clarke House at 1827 S. Indiana Ave. is Chicago’s oldest home. Built in 1836, this Greek revival style house shows what life was like for a middle-class family in Chicago during the city’s formative years before the Civil War. Tours are ongoing, Wednesday to Sunday at noon, and 1 and 2 p.m. Wednesdays are always free. Call (312) 744-6569 for more information.

SUMMER INTERNS SOUGHT
Students enrolled in college or business technology schools and in good academic standing are encouraged to apply for summer internships with City Clerk Miguel del Valle’s office. Applications for student internships with the Clerk’s Office will be accepted online only at www.cityofchicago.org/careerworks through Friday, Feb. 9. The paid internship is a temporary position for full-time employment during the summer. The entry rate is $7.50 per hour. The position is listed as “Student Intern–City Clerk” on the City of Chicago’s Human Resources web page. Student applicants must be actual residents of Chicago, but those attending colleges or business schools outside the City still are eligible to apply.

STUDENT PERFORMS IN NYC
De La Salle Institute announced that student David Perez, a member of the Chicago Children's Choir, recently participated in a performance of the nationally televised program From the Top: Live from Carnegie Hall - A Showcase of the Nation's Top Young Classical Musicians, which will be on PBS in April. The taping of the episode with the Chicago Children's Choir took place in front of a live audience at Carnegie Hall, New York.

BLUES BIRTHDAY
Blues singer and bluesman Fernando Jones will celebrate the blues on his birthday on Wednesday, Feb. 7th at Willie Dixon’s Blues Heaven Foundation, 2121 S. Michigan Ave., from 6 to 9 p.m. Cost is a $5 donation. Call (312) 808-1286 for more information.

FREE CAREER TRAINING
The Greater West Town Training Partnership offers free three-month training programs for low-income individuals. Students can choose between cabinetmaking or shipping and receiving. Call (312) 563-9570 or visit www.gwtp.org for more information.

REAL ESTATE AND BUSINESS COUTSES
Malcolm X College's Business and Industry Services Department, 1900 W. Van Buren St., will offer a course, How to Start a Non-Profit Organizations, Tuesday, Feb. 13, and Thursday, Feb. 15. A Real Estate Investments course will be offered Tuesdays, April 10 through 24. The Buying Foreclosure Property course will be offered Tuesdays from May 1 to 15. Cost of courses is $75 each. Call (312) 850-7310 or e-mail dburton@ccc.edu.

FREE ASTHMA CLASS
Mercy Hospital and Medical Center is sponsoring a meeting of the Better Breathers, a free class for children and adults. In a fun and informative atmosphere, participants learn how to become partners with their healthcare provider to better control asthma and live well. It will be held on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at 2525 S. Michigan Ave. in Room 233. For more information, call (312) 567-2600.

VALENTINE’S CONCERT
Music in the Loft presents a special Valentine's concert. Stefan Milenkovich, violin; Ani Aznavoorian, cello; and Marta Aznavoorian, piano, perform romantic works by Chopin, Brahms, Mendelssohn and “Voyageto Amasia” by Eric Hachikian. It will be held on Sunday, Feb. 11, at 3 p.m. at 1017 W. Washington Blvd. Cost is $22, or $10 for students. Call (312) 243-9233 or visit www.musicintheloft.org

NAVITITY OF OUR LORD ROUND-UP
Nativity of Our Lord Catholic Church, 653 W. 37th St., will have a variety of activities for February. For more information call (773) 927-6263 or visit www.nativitybridgeport.org for more information.

Ash Wednesday, Feb. 21: Masses at 6:50 and 8:30 a.m. and 6 p.m., plus a prayer service at 30 p.m.

Stations of the Cross and adoration/benediction of the Blessed Sacrament every Lenten Friday 6 to 7 p.m.

Regular Sunday Masses 5 p.m. Saturday; 8 and 10 a.m., noon, and 5 p.m. Sundays.

Mass every weekday at 6:50 and 8:30 a.m., and Saturdays at 8:30 a.m.

Bingo Wednesday evenings beginning at 6:45.

AWARD DINNER
The Neighborhood Housing Services of Chicago Annual Awards Dinner will be held on Thursday, March 1, at Navy Pier. For more information call Mary Carlson at (773) 329-4141.

SKATING PARTY
Parkways Foundation and the Chicago Park District will hold an afternoon of ice skating in the park to benefit 2007 Youth Summer Programs. Proceeds will make it possible for many children to receive summer day camp scholarships in local parks. It will be held at the Daley Bicentennial Plaza Ice Rink, 337 E. Randolph St. on Saturday, Feb. 17, from 1 until 4 pm. Cost is $25 per person or $80 per family. Ticket price includes skating, skate rental, lessons, food, and beverages. Reservations can be made by contacting the Parkways Foundation at (312) 742-4808 or tickets can be purchased onsite.

STUDENT LEADERS
Junior Karli Breyer and sophomore Jessica Maes were chosen to represent Queen of Peace at the Rotary Youth Leadership Activity recently. The students participated in the Outdoor Wisconsin Leadership Synergies. During the three-day program, students participated in a variety of activities intended to build leadership, teamwork, and life skills as well as trust building and group problem solving skills.

NEW BOOKS
A new postcard book about Chicago hotels operating between the Great Chicago Fire of 1871 and World War I, considered to be the coming-of-age period for hotels in the city's history, has just been published by two Roosevelt University professors. The book, Early Chicago Hotels, by Brooke Portmann, an assistant professor of humanities, and William Host, an assistant professor of hospitality management, features postcards and stories about more than 90 hotels operating during the period.

In his new book, The Power and Paradox of Physical Attractiveness, Gordon L. Patzer, dean of Roosevelt University's Walter E. Heller College of Business Administration, describes how each person's physical attractiveness plays an important role in our society, often with unexpected consequences. Published by Brown Walker Press, the 330-page book offers a scholarly examination of appearance.

RUSH ROUND-UP
“How Ethnicity Plays a Role in Women’s Heart Health” is the topic of a lecture that will be held at Rush University Medical Center on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in the Searle Conference Center, Fifth Floor of the Professional Building, on the Rush campus, 1725 W. Harrison St. The free conference will outline individual risk factors based on ethnicity. Breakout sessions for African-American, Asian, Caucasian, and Hispanic groups will follow the main presentation.

“Diabetes: Prevention and Management” is the topic of a lecture that will be held at Rush on Wednesday, Feb. 7, from 10:30 a.m. until noon in the Searle Conference Center. The free conference will discuss the latest treatment options for diabetes and the best ways for diabetics to manage their health. The conference also will be held in Spanish on Thursday, Feb 8, from 10:30 a.m. until noon.

Refreshments and free parking are available for registered attendees for all above sessions. To register, call (888) 352-RUSH (7874).

Rush in conjunction with the 2BigHearts Foundation, is offering a free women's heart screening to help women assess their cardiovascular risks. The screening includes an echocardiogram, an ECG, fasting blood sugar, lipid panel, height/weight/blood pressure, evaluation of waist circumference and BMI, health risk assessment, and a consultation with a cardiologist or nurse practitioner. The screenings will be offered by appointment only on Saturday, Feb. 24, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and people must register for an appointment time by calling (312) 942-8378. Eligibility is limited to women 21 years of age or older who have not participated in a prior screening and are not currently receiving cardiac medical care.

SUPER BOWL PARTY
St. Basil Greek Orthodox Church will host a Super Bowl Extravaganza fundraiser Sunday, Feb. 4, at Joe's Be-Bop Café, Navy Pier, 700 E. Grand Ave. The festivities, beginning at 3:30 p.m., will include an open bar, a buffet diner, a raffle, and an opportunity to watch the game while benefiting the church. Tickets are $135 per person for bar, dinner, and raffle or $100 per person for bar and dinner only. Call (312) 243-3738.

ST. MARY OF PERPETUAL ROUND-UP
St. Mary of Perpetual Help Parish will hold a 125th anniversary pilgrimage to Rome with the Rev. Donald Craig from Sunday, May 20, to Saturday, May 26. For Information call (773) 927-6646 or e-mail DonaldCraig@aol.com or contact Best Catholic Pilgrimages & Tours at 1 (800) 908-BEST (2378) or e-mail info@bestcatholic.com. Cost is $1,895.

St. Mary of Perpetual Help Church has a special web site for upcoming events regarding its 125th anniversary. The address is http://www.smph125.com.

TANGO CHICAGO ROUND-UP
TangoChicago, 408 S. Michigan Ave , will hold a Valentine’s Day dance and dinner event on Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 6:30 p.m. for "absolute beginners" or at 7:30 p.m. for seasoned dancers. Class ends at 8:30 p.m., followed by dinner and dancing past midnight. Dinner will include a choice of chicken or seafood and will overlook Grant Park. Cost is $75 per person or $125 per couple. Pre-paid reservations required.

Celebrate Fat Tuesday at TangoChicago on Tuesday, Feb. 20, with revelry, fun, fat foods and, Argentine Tango. Beginners will learn tango basics, meet new people, and enjoy a great party with TangoChicago "regulars." No partner or prior dance experience necessary. Cost is $25 per person. To Register for either event call (312) 788-3408 or log on to www.tangochicago.com 

FREE DENTAL EXAMS
The fourth year dental students at the University of Illinois at Chicago College of Dentistry, 801 S. Paulina St., will be taking boards exams this February and March and seek patients to work on. If you would be interested in a free dental screening, call (312) 355-0381.

WEST LOOP MIXER
The West Loop Community Organization holds a social mixer for residents and businesses in the West Loop on the third Thursday of every month. This event is hosted by a restaurant or gallery and is an enjoyable way to see friends and meet your neighbors. For more information on this event and other business networking mixers, visit www.westloop.org or call (312) 666-1991.

WOMEN’S BUSINESS
The Women’s Business Development Center, 8 S. Michigan Ave., will hold various seminars in the month of February. These include a free presentation on Wednesday, Feb.13, entitled "Is Certification Right For You?" It will be held from 9:30 a.m. until noon. Pre-registration is required. Other seminars include “Effective Communication Skills to Grow Your Business,” Thursday, Feb. 15, from 5:45 until 8 p.m. (cost: $20); and “Is This The Dream For You? The Ins and Outs of Owning a Franchised Business,” which will be held in two parts on the Wednesdays of Feb. 21, and 28 from 6 to 9 p.m. both nights. Cost is $50 for both nights or $45 for one night. Call (312) 853-3477, ext. 0, for more information.

PEOPLE
Nicholas Brown, associate professor of English and African American studies at the University of Illinois at Chicago, has received a Fulbright Scholar grant to lecture and research in Brazil. Brown, a resident of Pilsen, will be based at the University of São Paulo for one semester beginning in March.

Thomas and Julie Davino have announced the birth of their second son, Raphael Thomas Davino, born on Nov. 28. Proud grandparents are Ralph and Rosemarie Davino and Barbara Lafferty. He is the great-grandson of Marie Davino.

 

Send news of events to be held “around the neighborhood” by the 15th of the month before the month they are to occur to Hayley Carlton, Around the Neighborhood, Gazette, 1335 W. Harrison St., Chicago, IL 60607-3318, fax (312) 243-4270, or e-mail pr@nearwestgazette.com.