By Vivian Malli 

PHOTO SPECIALS
AG Photography, 3156 S. Wallace St., will host portrait open house for communion candidates on the Saturdays of May 3 and 10. Mother's Day package specials also are available. Call (312) 949-1770. 

DIVERSITY CELEBRATION

Georgetown, KY’s Georgetown College will honor the historically black institution Bishop College and its legacy in A Celebration of Diversity at the Art Institute of Chicago, 111 S. Michigan Ave., on Monday, May 12. Dinner starts at 5 p.m. followed by a 7:30 p.m. concert by the Chicago Sinfonietta with a dedication to the blues. Call (502) 863-7047 to request an invitation.

 

AUTISM WALK
Autism Speaks will host its fifth annual Chicago Walk Now for Autism fundraiser on Sunday, May 18, at Soldier Field, 425 E. McFetridge Dr. Registration opens at 8 a.m. Opening ceremonies start at 10 a.m., followed by a 5K walk and community resource fair with therapists, schools, recreational organizations, and child-friendly activities. Call (224) 567-8573. 

100 BLACK MEN
The 100 Black Men of Chicago (BMC) organization will host its 11th annual fundraising event on Saturday, May 3, from 7 p.m. to midnight at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, 151 E. Wacker Dr., East Tower Atrium. Honorees include NBC 5 newscaster Art Norman and City Colleges of Chicago Chancellor Wayne Watson. The R&B group Lakeside and comedian Damon Williams will perform. Cost is $150. Call (312) 372-1262. 

MARATHON FITNESS

Cardinal Fitness, 1301 W. Madison St., is recruiting runners for Pink Streak, the Y-ME breast cancer organization’s marathon running team in Illinois. Cardinal also will offer fun runs to help runners prepare for the Chicago Marathon and provide opportunities for Pink Streak to train as a team. Call (312) 226-2400. 

CAF ROUND-UP
The Chicago Architecture Foundation (CAF), 224 S. Michigan Ave., opens its river cruise season on Saturday, May 3, and continues through Sunday, Nov. 23. Certified volunteer docents guide the 90-minute tours, which highlight 53 historic and architecturally significant sites. Cruises depart from the lower level and southeast corner of the Michigan Ave. bridge at Wacker Dr. Weekday cost is $28; $30 on weekends. Group rates apply for groups of 20 or more. Buy tickets at the dock, at CAF, via Ticketmaster, or by phone at (312) 902-1500.

               Meet Julia S. Bachrach and Jo Ann Nathan, authors of Inspired By Nature: the Garfield Park Conservatory and Chicago’s West Side, on the Wednesdays of May 7 and 21 at noon at CAF. Admission is free. Call (312) 922-3432.

 

GOSPEL FESTIVAL

More than 90 performers will celebrate the best of gospel music at the 24th annual Chicago Gospel Music Festival in Millenium Park on Friday, May 30, from 4 to 9:30 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday, May 31 and June 1, from 11 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. Admission is free. Call (312) 744-3315.

 

CHA WAIT LIST

A new wait list will be created for the Chicago Housing Authority Choice Voucher Program using a lottery in which 40,000 names will be selected at random and randomly assigned a place on the wait list for vouchers for housing. Those interested must submit a completed registration form within four weeks after the lottery opens. Register by mail or online at www.thecha.org. Call (312) 786-3676. 

KELSTELOOT HONORED
Jim Kesteloot, president and executive director of the Chicago Lighthouse who is scheduled to retire in January, will be honored at the agency's 2008 Seeing What's Possible dinner on Thursday, May 15, 6 to 9 p.m., Hyatt Regency Chicago's Crystal Ballroom, 151 E. Wacker Dr. Highlights will include presentation of the Beacon of Light Award to Kesteloot. Proceeds will support 25 Lighthouse programs. For more information call (312) 997-3679 or visit www.thechicagolightouse.org.

 

CHICAGO MOVES
The fifth annual Chicago Moves Day rally invites Chicagoans to commit to a healthful and active life. To be held Friday, May 16, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St., the rally will feature the U.S. Army’s Boot Camp workout, bicycle safety information, Fleet Feet’s 40-yard dash, interactive games, health screenings, and physical trainers leading workouts in cardio kickboxing, stretching, and Latin dance. Call (312) 742-7529.

 

TOUR CHICAGO
Explore the best of Chicago with local guides on neighborhood tours sponsored by the Chicago Office of Tourism. Experience Greektown, Chinatown, and Little Italy on the Thursdays of May 29 and June 5 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tour Ukrainian Village, Wicker Park, and Humboldt Park on Tuesday, May 27, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Tours depart by motorcoach from the Chicago Cultural Center, 77 E. Randolph St. Cost is $25, $20 for seniors and students, and includes refreshments. Call (312) 742-1190 or visit www.chicagoneighborhoodtours.com.

 

PARK ROUND-UP
The Chicago Park District celebrates Mother’s Day with food, music, entertainment, arts & crafts, and dancing at the following parks: brunch is $10 at Kennicott Park, 4434 S. Lake Park Ave., on Saturday, May 10, from 1 to 3 p.m.; cost is $3 at Humbert Park, 3050 S. Lowe Ave., on Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.; and a picnic is free at Wicker Park, 1425 N. Damen Ave., on Sunday, May 11, from 10:30 to 2:30 p.m.

            Little League baseball at Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave., opens Tuesday, May 20, for children ages five through 16. Volunteer coaches and umpires are needed. Games will be played Tuesdays and Saturdays. Call (312) 746-5092.

 

LIBRARY ROUND-UP
The Chicago Public Library offers the following events, some of which celebrate Asian/Pacific American Heritage Month.                                                                       

            The Canaryville branch, 642 W. 43rd St., will host an adult book discussion of Peony in Love by Lisa See on Thursday, May 8, at 7 p.m. On Thursday, May 15, at 6:30 p.m., create a Japanese paper lantern after learning about the Lantern Festival.

            The Chinatown branch, 2353 S. Wentworth Ave., will host a homebuyer workshop on Saturday, May 3, at 10 a.m. presented by Harris Bank. Learn about Chinese culture and history at The Faces and Places of China on Saturday, May 10, at 11 a.m. Join an adult book discussion on the Chinese masterpiece The Art of War by Sun Tzu on Saturday, May 17, at 1 p.m. Sing your heart out at a karaoke event on Saturday, May 24, at 11 a.m.

            Enjoy Chinese tea and snacks at the McKinley Park branch, 1915 W. 35th St., when it hosts Art of the Chinese Tea Ceremony on Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m. presented by Bert Tan of the Chinese American Culture Foundation.                                        

            The Roosevelt branch, 1101 W. Taylor St., will host Introduction to Chinese Medicine on Tuesday, May 20, at 6:30 p.m. presented by Dean Y. Deng, MD.         

            The Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St., presents numerous events this month. See bestselling author Cornelia Funke and her world renowned translator Anthea Bell on Sunday, May 4, at 1:30 p.m. at a screening of The Thief Lord, followed by a book signing. Call (312) 683-0121.

            A concert, Speakin’ of the Blues, on Friday, May 9, at 12:15 p.m. will feature a talk with blues aficionado Barry Dolins and composer Larry Hoffman, whose work will be performed live by viola player Dominic Johnson and ensemble.

            A small business open house, Have You Been Thinking About Starting or Growing a Business?, will be held Tuesday, May 13, at 10 a.m. on the fourth floor.

            Get career counseling with licensed counselors from the Jewish Vocational Service at the workshop Ask a Career Expert on Wednesday, May 14, at 11 a.m. Call (312) 747-4400.

            Six selected patrons of the library’s eighth floor music practice rooms will perform at the Sounds of Our City concert on Friday, May 16, at 12:15 p.m.

            The Chicago Bar Association will present a Law at the Library program on estate planning on Monday, May 19, at 12:15 p.m.

            Sculptor Nicole Beck will give an artist talk and tour of her exhibit in the library on Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m. on the eighth floor.

            Learn 20 key phrases for tourists in a Conversational Japanese class on Thursday, May 29, at 1:30 p.m.

 

GOOGLE TRANSIT
Chicago Transit Authority riders now can plan their trips on bus and rail services using the Google Transit website, http://maps.google.com/chicagotransit, which is available in 11 languages. 

 

BIKE ROUND-UP

The Chicagoland Bicycle Federation urges you to ride your bike on Lake Shore Drive during the seventh annual Bank of America Bike the Drive on Sunday, May 25, from 5:30 to 10:30 a.m. The post-ride festival runs from 8 a.m. to noon and includes music, breakfast ($7 extra when you register), family activities, and bicycle celebrations. Cost is $40. Bike rentals are available from Bike Chicago, (888) BIKE-WAY, and Bobby’s Bike Hike, (312) 915-0995.

               The 2008 Bicycle Commuter Challenge invites local companies to compete for the highest percentage of employees biking for some or all of their trip to work during Bike to Work Week, June 7 through 13, hosted by the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation. Winning Bicycle Commuter Challenge teams receive prizes and are honored at a luncheon. Call (312) 427-3325.

               Attend the free Bicycle Parade & Safety Clinic at McKinley Park, 2210 W. Pershing Rd., on Wednesday, May 28, from 4 to 6 p.m. Call (312) 747-6527

 

CHEAPER PICK-UP PARKING

Effective Thursday, May 15, pick-up truck owners no longer have to pay $30 for a special parking permit to park in front of their houses, thanks to an approved ordinance introduced by City of Chicago Clerk Miguel del Valle. Call (312) 744-6861. 

MEMORIAL DAY PARADE
See area high schools’ marching bands, drum and bugle corps, veterans’ groups, Junior ROTC, and the military at the City of Chicago’s Memorial Day Wreath Laying Ceremony and Parade on Saturday, May 24, at the Eternal Flame on Daley Plaza at Dearborn and Washington Sts. The ceremony begins at 11 a.m., and the parade will step off at noon, proceeding south on State St. from Wacker Dr. to Van Buren St. Call (312) 744-3315. 

SENIOR TAX REBATE
Starting Monday, May 5, seniors and people with disabilities can go to designated City of Chicago senior centers to fill out their tax rebate applications. Call 311. 

LUNCH WITH DESMOND TUTU
Spend lunch with Archbishop Desmond Tutu at a Community Support Services fundraiser on Wednesday, May 7, from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Chicago Hotel InterContinental, 505 N. Michigan Ave. Cost is $150. VIP reception is $250, which includes a personal meeting with the archbishop, photo opportunity, and autographed copy of his book. Call (708) 688-2107. 

JOB CORPS
The Department of Labor’s Paul Simon Chicago Job Corps Center, 3348 S. Kedzie Ave., is recruiting Illinois students ages 16 through 24 for its high school diploma, GED, and career technical training programs. Students receive room, board, and basic medical and dental services. Job Corps is free for all who meet certain eligibility requirements. Students get free career counseling for up to 18 months after graduation and can receive further training by enrolling at a vocational or community college at no additional cost. Call (800) 733-JOBS or visit http://chicagoregion.jobcorps.gov.  

TOUR TIME
Great Chicago Places & Spaces is a weekend dedicated to architecture and design offering free tours. Register the morning of Saturday, May 17, or Sunday, May 18, at the Chicago Architecture Foundation/ArchiCenter, Santa Fe Building Atrium, 224 S. Michigan Ave., for a historic Maxwell St. tour from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on either day with Lori Grove, president of the Maxwell St. Foundation. Advance registration is required at www.greatchicagoplaces.us by Friday, May 9, for West Side Stories: Transformation of Taylor St. on Sunday, May 17, from 10 a.m. to noon with Peter Pero of the Maxwell St. Foundation. Call (312) 744-3315 or log on to www.greatchicagoplaces.us for more information. 

HUNGER WALK
Organize a team of walkers for the 23rd annual Hunger Walk on Saturday, June 14, at Montrose Harbor, 601 W. Montrose Ave. The 2.5 mile walk benefits the Greater Chicago Food Depository’s network of pantries, soup kitchens, and shelters. Festivities begin at 8 a.m., and step-off is at 9:30 a.m. Entertainment includes the Jesse White Tumblers, choirs, stilt walkers, jugglers, caricature artists, and face painters. Call (773) 247-3663.  

HYDE PARK ART
The Hyde Park Art Center, 5020 S. Cornell Ave., will present a free event, TalkingPoint, on Monday, May 5, at 6 p.m. featuring Naomi Davis and Martha Boyd for the Chicago/Calumet Underground Railroad Effort. Enjoy wine, cheese, and conversation about contemporary art on Tuesday, May 6, from 4 to 5 p.m. at Art Thing, a free event featuring artist Kelly Kaczynski, whose Olympus Manger Scene II is on view. Call (773) 324-5520.

 

ITALIAN ROUND-UP

The Italian American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) is hosting its 2008 golf outing on Wednesday, June 11, at the Villa Olivia Country Club, Route 20 and Naperville Rd., Bartlett, IL. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m., followed by lunch at noon, a tee-off at 1 p.m., and dinner at 6 p.m. Call (312) 553-9137, ext. 15.

            IACC is offering two $1,000 college scholarships to full time students of Italian ancestry who are between the last year of high school and the last year of college. Applications are available via www.italianchamber.us and will be accepted through July 15. Winners will be notified by Friday, Aug. 1.
            The Joint Civic Committee of Italian Americans (JCCIA), 3800 Division St., Stone Park, IL 60165, is offering a college scholarship to male students of Italian heritage who will graduate this June. Submission deadline is Thursday, May 15. Call (708) 450-9050.

            JCCIA will host the annual Italian American Queen Pageant, which is open to women ages 18 through 23 who live in the Chicago area and have never married. The queen will attend Mass at the Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii and march in the Columbus Day Parade on Monday, Oct. 13. She also will receive two round-trip tickets good for travel within the U.S. The pageant will be held Friday, July 18. Entry is free. Call (708) 450-9050.

            The Italian Cultural Center at Casa Italia will present the conference Reconstructing Italians in Chicago: Twenty Authors in Search of Roots and Branches from Thursday through Sunday, May 8 through 11, at Casa Italia, 3800 Division St., Stone Park, IL. Cost is $100. A limited number of Casa Italia sleeping rooms are available at $30 per night. Call (847) 951-9109.
            Hizzoner: Daley the First becomes the first resident production at the new Frank Sinatra Center for the Performing Arts, which opens Sunday, May 18, at 2 p.m. inside the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame, 1431 W. Taylor St. Cost is $40. Group discounts are available. Call (773) 478-1433 or log on to http://www.hizzonertheplay.com/photos.htm.

LITTLE CITY ROUND-UP
The Little City Foundation recently honored University of Illinois Extension’s AmySue Mertens with the agency’s first Mayor’s Council award for her efforts to help launch a major gardening program at Little City’s campus in Palatine, IL. Brian Bernardoni, director of government affairs for the Chicago Association of Realtors, recently was elected to the Little City Foundation board of directors.

GRANT CONTEST
Markham Vineyards is searching nationwide for local leaders to participate in its Mark of Distinction program, which will award $25,000 grants to two community projects. The program will select ten finalists and their community projects in July, and the public will vote to determine two winners. Apply via www.MarkhamMarkofDistinction.com. 

MERIT SUMMER PROGRAMS
A variety of music programs for youngsters is scheduled this summer at Merit School of Music, 38 S. Peoria St., including musical theatre and the Summer Music, Saxophone, and Low Brass Festivals. Call (312) 676-3687 or log on to www.meritmusic.org.

WATER CONFERENCE
The Metropolitan Planning Council is hosting the water professionals conference Beyond Showerheads and Sprinklers: Water Governance Solutions for Illinois on Friday, May 16, from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Union League Club of Chicago, 65 W. Jackson St. Cost is $50. Register online at www.metroplanning.org by Monday, May 12. Call (312) 863-6045.  

PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Improvements in Printers Row Park, located on the west side of Dearborn St. between Polk and Harrison Sts., have been approved to proceed immediately after the June 7 and 8 Printers Row Book Fair, said 2nd Ward Alderman Robert Fioretti. Workers will expand the park and restore the fountain; they already have installed new lights along Printers Row at a cost of $7,500, Fioretti said. 

ROOSEVELT ROUND-UP
The American Immigration Law Foundation presented a Distinguished Public Service Award to Chuck Middelton, president of Roosevelt University, to acknowledge the university’s dedication in serving disenfranchised communities.

            Terri L. Friel has been appointed dean of Roosevelt’s Walter E. Heller College of Business Administration and has been named the Walter E. Heller and Alyce DeCosta Professor of Management, effective July 1.

            Ellen O’Brien, associate professor of English and women’s and gender studies at Roosevelt, has received a grant through the Fulbright-Hays Seminars Abroad program to study women and culture in Morocco.

RUSH ROUND-UP
Rush University Medical Center received high marks in overall patient satisfaction in the Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems survey, a national survey sponsored by the federal government that allow consumers to compare hospitals on important issues based on each hospital’s own patients’ perspectives of their care.

            Rush is offering a free women’s heart screening to help women assess their cardiovascular risks on Saturday, May 3, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Registration is required for appointment-only screenings, which include an echocardiogram, an ECG, fasting blood sugar test, lipid panel, height/weight/blood pressure checks, waist circumference and BMI evaluation, health risk assessment, and a consultation with a cardiologist or cardiology clinician. Women age 21 and older who have not participated in a prior screening and are not receiving cardiac care are eligible. Call (888) 352-7874.

            Jose C. Mendez, MD, has been appointed medical co-director of the Advanced Heart Failure, Heart Transplant, and Mechanical Circulatory Support Program at Rush.

            Rush will offer a free health conference for women from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 31, at 1725 W. Harrison St. Women: Get Inspired, Get Health will address topics such as stroke, allergies, back pain, osteoporosis, skin health, and caring for the aging and will offer health screenings and yoga demonstrations. Call (888) 352-7874. 

ST. PIUS V. MISSION
Eighth graders at St. Pius V. School, 1919 S. Ashland Ave., raised $1,000 for their Lenten mission project to fund Fr. Dennis Woerter’s post-tsunami mission in the Solomon Islands. To donate, call (312) 226-6161. 

ST. RITA ROUND-UP

St. Rita of Cascia High School, 7740 S. Western Ave., offers sports, recreation, and music camps this summer. 

            Children in grade four through incoming freshmen can join Band Camp for $100 from Monday through Friday, July 7 through 11.

            Try Baseball Camp for $85 from Monday through Thursday, June 23 through 26, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

            Join Basketball Camp for $70 from Monday through Friday, June 16 through 20 and June 23 through 27, from 9 to 11 a.m. for grades five through eight. Incoming freshmen can try Basketball Camp from Monday through Friday, June 16 through 20, from noon to 2 p.m. Basketball Shooting Camp is available for $60 from Monday through Friday, June 23 through 27, from noon to 2 p.m.

            Football Camp is $75 from Monday through Friday, July 14 through 18, for incoming freshmen from 9 to 11 a.m. and grades five through eight from noon to 2 p.m.

            Lacrosse Camp is $85 and runs Monday through Friday, July 14 through 18, 6 to 8 p.m.

Soccer Camp is $50 for children in grade five through incoming freshmen from Monday through Friday, June 16 through 20, from 2 to 5 p.m.

            Recreation Camp is offered in three sessions (June 9 through 13, 16 through 20, and 23 through 27) held Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. for elementary school youngsters. Cost is $100, $180 for two sessions, and $240 for three sessions.

            Volleyball Camp is $50 for children in grade seven through incoming freshmen from Monday through Friday, July 21 through 25, from 10 a.m. to noon. Call (773) 925-7482. 

            Senior Jack Patton won a $90,000 Chick Evans Scholarship by the Evans Scholars Foundation of the Western Golf Association for academic excellence and dedicated work as a caddy at Beverly Country Club.

            Senior Tony Zych was named to the Rawlings Sporting Goods Preseason All-American Third Team, which recognizes the top 150 of the best 400 student baseball athletes in the nation.

SAFER AWARD
The Safer Foundation, 571 W. Jackson St., was recognized by the White House for its outstanding work helping non-violent offenders re-enter their communities through employment and self sufficiency in partnership with the U.S. Department of Labor’s Prisoner Re-Entry Initiative. Call (312) 922-2200. 

POMPEII ROUND-UP
The Shrine of Our Lady of Pompeii, 1224 W. Lexington St., will conduct the Sacrament of the Anointing of the Sick on Sunday, May 18, at 11 a.m. for those experiencing any serious illness (physical, emotional, or mental), for those preparing for surgery, and for caregivers and ministers of care. Candles “in memory” and “in honor” are available for survivors, those in process, and the deceased. Donation is $5 per candle.        Join a Lourdes novena commemorating the 150th anniversary Jubilee Year of the Lourdes apparitions of Mary, starting Thursday, May 22, with 7:30 a.m. Mass and running through Saturday, May 31. Call (312) 421-3757, ext. 315.

 

SUNDAY TANGO
Learn to tango in six weeks on Sundays from 3 to 6 p.m. at TangoChicago, 408 S. Michigan Ave. Cost is $100 for six consecutive classes or $25 for a single session. No partner necessary. Call (312) 788-3408.

 

SHERWOOD ROUND-UP
The Sherwood Conservatory of Music will host its ninth annual Scholarship Competition and Gala on Friday, May 9, at 5:30 p.m. with a silent auction and reception at the Arts Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario St. The live competition concert starts at 7 p.m. featuring four finalists and Chicago Tonight host Phil Ponce. Cost is $100 for adults, $20 for students younger than 18. Call (312) 427-6267, ext. 110.

            CoBank has awarded Sherwood a $5,000 grant to support the conservatory’s general operations and community outreach programs.

 

UIC ROUND-UP

The University of Illinois at Chicago's City Design Center has produced Green Schemes: Sustainable Urbanism in Garfield Park, a 96-page electronic publication that presents 80 concepts for green development such as filtration gardens, narrowed roadways, and an elevated bikeway adjacent to the Green Line tracks. The publication is available at http://www.cityofchicago.org/Environment.

               Learn from UIC women's basketball coaches in summer basketball camps.                                  

The Fundamental Camp for grades two through eight will be held Monday through Thursday, June 23 through 26, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $175 or $160 with early registration by Sunday, June 1. Elite Camps for high schoolers will be held Thursday, June 19, and Friday, June 27, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $60 per camp or $100 for both.                                  

        High School Team Camp will be held Saturday, June 21, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $50 per game. Grade School Team Camp will be held Sunday, June 22, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost is $40 per game. Camps will be held at the Flames Athletic Center, 839 W. Roosevelt Rd. Call (312) 355-1359.

 

VALENTINE CAMPS
The Valentine Boys & Girls Club, 3400 S. Emerald Ave., offers a seven-week day camp, June 16 through Aug. 1, for children ages six through 12 and play camp for five-year-olds. Morning camp runs 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., and afternoon camp runs 1 to 6 p.m. Cost is $175. Full day camp is $350 and runs from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Play camp is $280. Each camp provides a t-shirt, bag, field trip, lunch, swimming, outdoor and indoor physical activities, arts and crafts, and game room activities. All children must be members of the club (a $20 annual membership fee is required). Mandatory parent meetings take place in the auditorium on Wednesday, June 11, at 6 p.m. for play camp and 7 p.m. for day camps. Call (773) 927-7373. 

VANDERCOOK GOLF
Support the Great Teachers Scholarship with lunch, golf, prizes, and dinner at VanderCook College of Music’s third annual TrusTEE Golf Open benefit on Thursday, June 12, at the Links at Carillon Golf Course, 21200 S. Carillon Dr., Plainfield, IL. Register by Friday, May 23, to be an event sponsor. Call (312) 336-6288 x235. 

SCHOLARSHIP DINNER
Frances Xavier Warde (FXW) School will host its annual scholarship dinner on Friday, May 9, at the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St. at 6:30 p.m. The agenda includes two award presentations and a program featuring FXW graduates as well as dinner, music, and dancing. Chicago’s first lady, Maggie Daley, and Mary Ellen Caron, FXW’s founding principal, will speak. Ticket price is $350. Call (312) 798-4069.

BALLROOM FUNDRAISER
The Westside Health Authority will host a fundraising gala dinner, Austin Dances With the Stars II, on Sunday, May 11, from 3 to 7 p.m. at the Congress Plaza Hotel, Gold Ballroom, 520 S. Michigan Ave. The event will be chaired by Congressman Danny K. Davis, Governor Rod Blagojevich, and Mayor Richard M. Daley. Cost is $100, with discounts for children age 12 and younger. Call (773) 653-6537. 

WBDC ROUND-UP
The Women’s Business Development Center (WBDC), 8 S. Michigan Ave., Suite 400, is hosting the following seminars, which require pre-registration. Call (312) 853-3477. 

            The workshop Before You Start Your Business will be held Wednesday, May 14, from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. and Thursday, May 15, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $45.

            Established business owners can attend the free workshop Are You Ready for a Government Contract? on Wednesday, May 21, from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m.

            Learn how to assess your business idea’s potential at the workshop Market Research for the Entrepreneur on Wednesday, May 21, from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. and Thursday, May 22, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $45.  

            Learn how to analyze your cash flow at the workshop Financial Analysis I on Wednesday, May 28, from 5:45 to 8:45 p.m. and Thursday, May 29, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. Cost is $45.

            The International Franchise Association Diversity Institute and WBDC are sponsoring a free, all-day franchise opportunity event on Thursday, May 22, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Illinois Institute of Technology, Hermann Hall, 3241 S. Federal St. 

BASKETBALL TOURNAMENT
Marillac House Social Center at 212 S. Francisco Ave. will host the annual Willie Morris 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament for youths nine to 17 years old on Saturday, May 17. This year Calhoun Math and Science Academy, an elementary school across the street, is partnering with Marillac House. Calhoun’s principal has offered its gym and staff to help with refereeing and caring for the concessions stand. For information on the tournament, call (773) 584- 3234. For information on volunteering with Marillac House call (773) 584-3250.

PEOPLE
West Haven residents Crystal Palmer, president of the Henry Horner/West Haven Local Advisory Council, and Keith Jackson, president of the Chicago Institute for Community Organizing, were honored recently as “community heroes” for their community improvement efforts and were recognized by a City of Chicago Resolution.                              Navy Seaman recruit Terrell Hunt, a 2003 West Town Academy graduate, recently completed eight weeks of U.S. Navy basic training at Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, IL.

            Maria Mata, a tutor for Instituto del Progreso Latino at 2570 S. Blue Island Ave., was honored with an Outstanding Tutor Award at the On the Road to Literacy Conference presented by Literacy Volunteers of Illinois and the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Center for Literacy. 

            Nicole Nodi, a Whitney M. Young Magnet High School graduate, spent the fall college semester studying in Florence, Italy, in a program sponsored by the American Institute for Foreign Study.

            Jill Roberts, a Near West Side resident and student at Chicago-Kent College of Law, has received a $3,000 scholarship from the Illinois Bar Foundation.

 

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