By Vivian Malli 

ABLA KIDS LEARN ABOUT COMMUNITIES

Participants in the ABLA Homes' After School Matters summer program viewed other communities and cultures in learning about diversity. Youngsters visited the Pilsen and Taylor Street/Little Italy neighborhoods, learning of the struggles of Mexican and Italian immigrants, and went to Grant Park to see sculptures of legs called “Agora,” created by Polish artist Magdalena Abakanowicz, as part of also learning about the importance of Polish-Americans. The children also toured Millennium Park to see the diverse residents and visitors in Chicago, and constructed collages for others to view concerning stereotyping and racism within their own race, said Deverra Beverly, president of the ABLA Local Advisory Council.

ACCESS WINS LEED

 

Access Living headquarters, 115 W. Chicago Ave., earned Gold LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Access Living is a center for people with disabilities. Call (312) 640-2100.

 

BANNED BOOKS WEEK

 

Celebrate the freedom to read with exhibits, readings, and special events during the American Library Association’s Banned Books Week, Saturday, Sept. 27, through Saturday, Oct. 4. Festivities kick off with a free Read Out event on Saturday, Sept. 27, from noon to 4 p.m. at Pioneer Court, 401 N. Michigan Ave., between the Tribune Tower and the Chicago River. Authors Judy Blume, Newberry Medal winner Lois Lowry, Justin Richardson, Peter Parnell, Stephen Chbosky, and Chris Crutcher will sign books and perform readings from their banned or "challenged" books. Call (312) 280-4223.

 

SOPPRESSATTA CONTEST

Frank Balestri's second annual Soppressatta contest will be held at Tony O's Studio 31 Lounge, 5147 S. Archer Ave., on Sunday, Sept. 28, at 4:30 p.m. Bring one pre-sliced homemade soppressatta to enter. Registration begins at 5:45 p.m. followed by judging at 6 p.m. with trophy prizes. Win homemade gift baskets and a homemade soppressatta press in the contest raffle. Cost is $10. Call (773) 282-8913.  

CARS4CHARITIES 

Donate your car to your favorite charity through Cars4Charities, which guarantees that charities receive a minimum of 65% of the sale price of donated vehicles. Cars4Charities handles the entire donation process, including providing the donor with all necessary tax paperwork and free vehicle pick-up. Call (866) 448-3487. 

JACKSON BLVD. TOUR

 

Learn about high Victorian architecture on the West Jackson Boulevard Historic District Tour hosted by the Chicago Architecture Foundation on Sunday, Sept. 21, from 2 to 4 p.m. The tour starts at the southwest corner of Jackson Boulevard and Laflin Street and continues through the 1500 blocks of west Jackson and west Adams Street. Cost is $13, $3 for members. Call (312) 922-3432.

 

RENTAL HOUSING EXPO

 

The Chicago Department of Housing will host its Rental Housing Expo on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Van Buren St. Call the City Help Line at 311.

HUMANITIES BENEFIT

See three grande dames of jazz, opera, and Broadway—Barbara Cook, Dianne Reeves, and Frederica von Stade—share the stage on Friday, Oct. 3, at 8:30 p.m. for the Chicago Humanities Festival Benefit. Cocktails begin at 5:30 p.m. at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave., followed by dinner at 6:30 p.m. and a premier raffle. Benefit evening tickets begin at $500; tables of ten begin at $5,000 each. Call (312) 661-1028, ext. 16, to reserve by Tuesday, Sept. 19. Call (312) 494-9509 for concert-only tickets, which start at $150 for the main floor, $125 lower balcony, $65 upper balcony, and $25 gallery.  

PARK ROUND-UP

The Chicago Park District will host the following events:  

            Douglas Park, 1401 S. Sacramento Dr., will host a free jazz concert by Michael Ross & KCR Ensemble on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 6 to 8:30 p.m. 

            Tadas Birutis of Lifebird Nature Tours will lead a free bird watching workshop on Saturday, Sept. 13, at 9 a.m. at Northerly Island, 1400 S. Lynn White Dr. Call (312) 742-5039.

            See the best in urban gardening and enjoy horticultural exhibits at the eighth annual county fair hosted by Garfield Park Conservatory, 300 N. Central Park Ave., on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The event will include children’s activities, a petting zoo, harvest competitions, food, and live music for the entire family. Admission is free. Call (312) 746-5100.

              

LIBRARY ROUND-UP

 

The Chicago Public Library will hold a variety of events at local branches:

               The Canaryville branch, 642 W. 43rd St., will host Understanding the Reverse Mortgage on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 6:30 p.m.

               The Harold Washington Library Center, 400 S. State St., will host the following events, which require registration. Call (312) 747-4200.       

               Award-winning journalist Alan Weisman will speak about and sign his bestseller, The World Without Us, on Monday, Sept. 8, at 6 p.m.

               Learn how to apply for retirement, spouse, or disability benefits online at the Social Security Online event at Wednesday, Sept. 10, at noon.

               Sing with Bill Hooper in his Active Music for Children class for ages two through eight on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 11 a.m.

               Listen to Junot Diaz talk about his Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, The Brief and Wonderous Life of Oscar Wao, on Friday, Sept. 12, at 6 p.m.    

               The Family Science Fair Workshop will be held Saturday, Sept. 13, at 2 p.m. and Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 6:30 p.m. for students in grades six through ten.

               Macaroni Soup: Active Music for Kids is a children’s concert for ages two through eight by Carole Peterson and will be held Monday, Sept. 15, at 11 a.m.

               See a live webcast with author Philip Roth about his new book, Indignation, on Tuesday, Sept. 16, at 7 p.m. The first 48 attendees will receive a ticket entitling them to buy a first-edition, signed copy of Indignation at the event.

               Join climatologists Richard Alley, Wallace S. Broecker, and George H. Denton and Going Green environmental reporter Ginger Zee in the panel discussion Climate Change: Slow or Surprising? on Wednesday, Sept. 17, at 6 p.m. 

               The Law at the Library series continues Monday, Sept. 22, at 12:15 p.m. with an experienced attorney who will give free legal information on child support.

               Bestselling author Naomi Wolf will lecture and sign her latest book, Give Me Liberty: A Handbook for American Revolutionaries, on Tuesday, Sept. 23, at 6 p.m. 

               Travel writer and novelist Paul Theroux will speak about and sign his new book, Ghost Train to the Eastern Star: On the Tracks of the Great Railway Bazaar on Wednesday, Sept. 24, at 6 p.m.

               The Science Career Workshop for students in grades six through 12 will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, at 7 p.m.

               Nelson Sosa presents a music program for all ages, The Key to Latin America, with hands-on participation using traditional instruments, on Thursday, Sept. 25, at 11 a.m. 

               The Roberts Marionettes perform The Secret Garden for ages five through 12 on Wednesday, Oct. 1, at 11 a.m.

 

ROOSEVELT BOOK SALE

The Roosevelt Branch of the Chicago Public Library, 1101 W. Taylor St., will hold its annual used book sale on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. featuring a wide selection of books, some CDs, and videos along with raffle items. Call (312) 733-4263.

 

NEW SCHOOL PRESIDENT

 

De La Salle Institute will install its new president, the Rev. Paul E. Novak, on Saturday, Sept. 6, at 3 p.m. followed by a reception at the school’s campus at 3455 S. Wabash Ave. Parking is available in the Illinois Institute of Technology lot located on 35th Street. Call (312) 842-7355, ext. 319.

NEW LUTHERAN PASTOR

The Rev. Harry Therwanger will be installed as the new pastor of First Immanuel Lutheran Church, 1124 S. Ashland Ave., on Sunday, Sept. 14, at 3 p.m. Call (312) 733-6886. 

HAYNES FUNDRAISER

Christopher Haynes, Bridgeport resident, husband, and father of three, suffered a fatal heart attack at age 45 on Dec. 22, 2007. He was a basketball, baseball, and volleyball coach. He had served as president of the Bridgeport Catholic Academy Sports Committee, was co-founder and coach of the Bridgeport Bombers, and was a coach at the Mike White Basketball League. Residents can help Haynes’s family by attending a fundraising benefit on Saturday, Oct. 4, from 6 to 11 p.m. in Nativity of Our Lord Church Hall, 3700 S. Union Ave. Donations of money, prizes, and sponsorships are welcome. Call Kevin Healy at (773) 386-8100 or Cheryl McKendrick at (312) 907-3032. 

HELLENIC ROUND-UP

 

The Hellenic Museum and Cultural Center (HMCC) will host its second annual A Night in the Kouzina chef’s tasting event on Thursday, Sept. 18, from 6 to 10 p.m. at River East Art Center, 435 E. Illinois St. The Kouzina will feature Greek wine tastings and tasting samples of Mediterranean cuisine. Cost is $65, $85 at the door. Tastings for premium Greek wines cost an extra $10.

            The Three Sisters book lecture will feature authors Bess Makris Stamatakos, Elaine Makris Daniels, and Efthalia Makris Walsh on Sunday, Sept. 7, at 3 p.m. at HMCC,  801 W. Adams St., 4th Floor. Cost is $10, $8 for members. Call (312) 655-1234. 

DANCE THERAPY

Hubbard Street Dance Chicago, 1147 W. Jackson Blvd., will launch its 12-week Saturday dance therapy series for patients with Parkinson’s disease and related movement disorders on Saturday, Sept. 6, from 1 to 2:15 p.m. in a partnership with Rush University Medical Center. Call (312) 850-9744.

 

LUNCH WITH SCALIA

 

Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia will be the luncheon speaker at The John Marshall Law School, 315 S. Plymouth Ct., on Tuesday, Sept. 16, during the 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. conference honoring the legacy of Judge Howard T. Markey. Cost is $195, $95 for judicial, government, and academic professionals. Attorneys can register for six CLE credits. Call (312) 987-1420. 

 

JONES FUNDRAISER

The Friends of Jones and Cyrano's Cafe On The Riverwalk have joined forces for their first major fundraiser for Jones College Prep High School on Friday, Sept. 19 at Cyrano's Cafe On The Riverwalk located at 233 E. South Riverwalk Plaza. Great food and fun is promised. The event begins at 5 p.m. Tickets are $60 in advance and $75 at the door. Call (773) 534-8600, x26053, or e-mail foj@jonescollegeprep.org.  

LIGHT THE NIGHT WALK

 

The Illinois Chapter of the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society will host its 2008 Light the Night Walk fundraiser on Saturday, Sept. 13, in Upper Hutchinson Field in Grant Park at the corner of Columbus and Balbo Drives. Registration starts at 5:30 p.m., followed by step-off at 7 p.m. Call (312) 568-7729.  

 

ANTIQUES FAIR

 

More than100 world-renowned dealers will display their fine art the Merchandise Mart International Fall Antiques Fair to be held Friday and Saturday, Oct. 3 and 4, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; Sunday, Oct. 5, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Monday, Oct. 6, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza. The fair is open to the public. Cost is $15. Call (312) 527-7933.

 

ALTERNATE CANCER TREATMENT

Find out how to complement standard cancer treatments with Chinese medicine before, during, and after cancer treatment at Mercy Hospital and Medical Center’s Acupuncture and Cancer Outcomes, the first presentation in its free Oncology Wellness Series, featuring licensed acupuncturist and Chinese herbologist Pamela Policastro on Wednesday, Sept. 10, at 5:30 p.m. at 2525 S. Michigan Ave., Room 203/204. Registration required. Call (312) 922-3011, ext. 227. 

LURIE AWARDED

  The Lurie Garden in Millennium Park recently earned the 2008 top design award from the American Society of Landscape Architects, besting hundreds of entries from around the world.

 

 

NATIVITY OF OUR LORD

The Nativity of Our Lord Parish, 653 W. 37th St., will host ABC: Adults Becoming Catholic on Thursday evening, Sept. 11, for people converting to Catholicism and for Catholics who never received the sacraments of Communion and/or Confirmation. Admission is free.

            Weekend Masses at Nativity are celebrated Saturday evenings at 5 p.m. and Sundays at 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 5 p.m. Call (773) 927-6263.

 

PILSEN FARMERS MARKET

 

Come meet the farmers, bakers, crafters, and artists at the Pilsen Community Farmers Market in the parking lot of Chicago Community Bank, 1800 S. Halsted St., every Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Sunday, Oct. 26. Call (773) 495-0029.

 

PRAIRIE BLOCK PARTY

The Prairie District Neighborhood Alliance (PDNA) will celebrate the 30th anniversary of Prairie Avenue with the 2008 PDNA Block Party Festival on Saturday, Sept. 6, from noon to 6 p.m. on the 1800 Block of Prairie Avenue, including the Glessner House and Women's Park. Entertainment includes an organ grinder with his monkey companion, Victorian fashion show, art fair, barbershop quartet, and children's activities. Cost is $10 for adults, $5 for ages two through 12. 

CTA SUMMIT

 

The Randolph/Fulton Market Association will host a Chicago Transit Authority Morgan/Lake Streets el station summit on Tuesday, Sept. 9, at noon at Club Royale, 205 N. Peoria St. Call (312) 458-0789. 

NEW ROOSEVELT TRUSTEES

Roosevelt University has elected seven new members to its board of trustees: Bill Zwecker, Lynn Lucchese-Soto, Julie Latsko, Matthew Walsh, Andy M. Carter, William J. Haskins, and Kenneth D. Donat II.  

RUSH ROUND-UP

Rush University Medical Center is offering a free preventive heart screening on Monday, Sept. 22, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. in an outside tent at the south end of the Professional Office Building, 1725 W. Harrison St. Call (888) 352-RUSH.

            A study from the Rush Memory and Aging Project indicates that physical frailty is approximately two times more prevalent in Alzheimer’s patients than older persons without the disease. 

               Rush researcher Thomas DeCoursey’s findings that the proton channels of basophils, a rare type of white blood cell, can manipulate the release of histamine during allergic reactions may lead to new approaches for treating asthma and allergic reactions with fewer side effects.

            Ziyad M. Hijazi, MD, director of the Rush Center for Congenital and Structural Heart Disease, recently became the 31st president of the Society for Cardiovascular Angiography and Interventions.

            The new Coleman Foundation Comprehensive Clinic for Gastrointestinal Cancers offers patients an individualized treatment plan for full-spectrum care made possible by a team approach with experts in gastroenterology, medical oncology, surgery, radiation oncology, pathology and psychosocial oncology, nutrition, and genetics. Patients also have access to complementary therapies such as acupuncture, biofeedback, nutritional and herbal counseling, massage, and yoga. Call (312) 942-2700.

               Orthopedic surgeons at Rush University Medical Center are offering a new minimally invasive, gender specific implant called the M/L taper hip prosthesis, which features Kinectiv technology and permits building artificial hips customized to patients’ needs. Call (888) 352-RUSH.

 

MOTHERS CLUB ANNIVERSARY

 

The Mothers Club of St. Adalbert’s Church will celebrate its 55th anniversary on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 4 to 10 p.m. at the Apollo 2000, 2875 W. Cermak Rd. Open bar starts at 4 p.m. followed by dinner and dancing at 5 p.m. Cost is $40 for adults, $15 for ages 12 and younger. Tickets available at the rectory, 1650 W. 17th St. Call (312) 226-0340.

 

2ND WARD COMMUNITY FITNESS DAY

 

The 2nd Ward will hold its Community Health and Fitness Family Awareness Day on Saturday, Sept. 20, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Tommy Gun’s, 2114 S. Wabash Ave. The event includes free basic health screening by Mercy Hospital, snacks, music, clowns, face painting, free massage, free pedometers from State Farm, raffle prizes, and awards.  Volunteers, sponsors, and vendors are welcome. Register at the door from 9 to 9:30 a.m. Call (773) 509-6842.

 

SOUTH LOOP PICNIC

 

Come for music and games at the eighth annual South Loop Community Picnic sponsored by the Dearborn Park Advisory Council and State Representative Kenneth Dunkin on Saturday, Sept. 6, from noon to 5 p.m. at Mary Richardson Jones Park at 13th Street and Plymouth Court.  

K9 KARNIVALE

Dog lovers and pooches will come for games, contests, prizes, food, and fun when the South Loop DogPac hosts its third annual K9 Karnivale on Sunday, Sept. 14, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Grant Bark Park, 900 S. Columbus Dr. between Balbo Drive and Roosevelt Road. Call (312) 264-5630.

SOUTH LOOP LOFTWALK

 

South Loop Neighbors seeks volunteers and sponsors for LoftWalk 2008 on Sunday, Oct. 5. Call (312) 409-1700.

 

UNDER THE WIRE CELEBRATION

 

The Pilsen art boutique Under the Wire (UTW), 2210 S. Halsted St., will host a wine and cheese kickoff celebration of its recycled Flying Paper jewelry line on Friday, Sept. 12, from 6 to 10 p.m. with a two-week, 50% off sale on all discontinued strung freshwater pearl designs. UTW is open Wednesday through Saturday, noon to 5 p.m. Call (312) 733-9350 or visit www.underthewire.biz.       

               Pilsen artist Anne Farley Gaines continues her exhibit, Outdoor Visions: Stadiums and Gardens, at UTW through Saturday, Sept. 23. 

USDA LISTENS

The United States Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service Midwest Regional Office will host a local listening session open to the public to gather input for the 2009 reauthorization of the Child Nutrition Programs; the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and Children (WIC); and the WIC Farmers’ Market Nutrition Program. The session will help the USDA better understand the needs and concerns of program cooperators and participants at the State and local levels and will be held Wednesday, Sept. 10, from 1 to 4 p.m. at its conference center, 77 W. Jackson Blvd., 20th Floor. Call (312) 353-6664. 

UIC ROUND-UP

 

The new Heart and Mind Clinic at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center screens and treats heart patients for depression using a research-based protocol that helps patients survive longer and suffer fewer subsequent cardiac events. Call (312) 996-6480.

               UIC professor Richard van Breemen has won the 2008 Harvey W. Wiley award, the top scientific honor presented by the AOAC International, the Association of Analytical Communities.

               The UIC College of Medicine was named one of the Best Schools for Hispanics in the September issue of Hispanic Business magazine.

               Community members are welcome to Experience UIC! on Saturday, Sept. 6, on the campus at 750 S. Halsted St. The event will feature a replica of the Vietnam War Memorial Wall; presentations by UIC experts on health, finance, green living, and politics; a picnic; entertainment, games, and sports clinics for kids; outdoor music and dance lessons; and campus architectural tours. Call (312) 996-8535. 

NEW CUSTOM CLOTHIER

Andrea Vangna Custom Clothiers has opened a new store for men’s and women’s custom fashions at 306 S. Dearborn St, in the historic Monadnock Building. Call (312) 431-0779. 

WCA ROUNDUP

An After-Hours Business Networking session sponsored by the West Central Association is scheduled for Tuesday, Sept. 9, from 5 to 6:30 p.m. at the Palace Grill, 1408 W. Madison St. The free event will include drinks and snacks compliments of the Palace Grill.

            WCA will hold a gala fundraiser at the Metropolitan Club atop Sears Tower on Thursday, Sept. 25, to celebrates its 90 years of service to business and the community. The event will begin at 6 p.m. with a reception followed by dinner and a program with television personality Bill Kurtis serving as master of ceremonies. Sponsorship opportunities are available.

RSVP for either event by e-mailing officewca@aol.com, calling (312) 902-4922, or faxing (312) 902-4538. 

PEOPLE

Near West Side resident Susan E. Lawler has been elected to a three-year term with Union League Club of Chicago’s board of directors and will chair the club’s membership committee.

            Debbie and Rino Scalise of the Near West Side recently welcomed Isabella Frances Scalise, who was born July 28 and weighed 7 lbs., 7 oz. and measured 20-1/2 inches long. She joins siblings Daniela, five, and Dominic, three.

 

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.