Operation Help a Hero Collection. The Operation Help a Hero drive to collect household items to help homeless veterans make the transition from shelters to transitional or permanent housing continues through July 15. Drop off basic items needed to set up a home at the 19th Ward Office, 10400 S. Western, or at Jewel-Osco stores.
Food Pantry Seeks Funding for Expansion. After 36 years of serving our community, the Maple Morgan Park Community Food Pantry has acquired additional space and will be expanding. The space needs renovation, and the pantry is seeking donations to fund the work. The pantry serves 1,200 hungry families in the 60643 and 60655 zip codes. Send donations to Maple Morgan Park Community Food Pantry, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago 60643. 773-239-3013.
Meditation at the Castle. Red Lotus Meditation Sangha hosts group meditation Sundays, 7:30 p.m., Beverly Givins Castle, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. Newcomers welcome; free. The evening begins with 30 minutes of guided meditation followed by a Dharma talk and a loving-kindness meditation. Info: redlotussangha.org
Rollin’ Rec at Local Parks. The Chicago Park District Rollin’ Recreation van offers sports, gymnastics and fitness activities for the whole family Tues., July 2, 12 to 1:30 p.m., Barnard Park, 10431 S. Longwood Dr., and Wed., July 10, 4 to 5:30 p.m., Crescent Park, 2200 W. 108th Pl. Free. No registration required.
Smith Village Open Mic. Smith Village hosts an Open Mic Afternoon, Sun., July 7, 4 p.m., Smith Village Community Hall, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Singers, musicians, comedians and other entertainers are welcome to perform. Sign up your act with Debbie Parks, dahp2002@aol.com or 773-574-9727. Free for audience.
CAPS Meetings. All area residents are encouraged to get involved in CAPS meetings. For information, call the 22nd District CAPS office, 312-745-0620, email at Caps.022District@ChicagoPolice.org, or stop by the 22nd District Police Station, 1900 W. Monterey. Court Advocacy Subcommittee, Wed., Jul. 10, 1:30 p.m. 22nd District Police Station. Beat 2213, Thurs., Jul. 11, 6:30 p.m. Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. Domestic Violence Subcommittee, Thurs., Jul. 25, 10:30 a.m. 22nd District Police Station. Beats 2211 and 2212, Thurs., Aug. 1, 6 p.m. 22nd District Police Station.
Mercy Circle Open House. Mercy Circle, 3659 West 99th St.,invites prospective residents, their families and friends to tour its community and learn about the lifestyle it offers Sun., July 14, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. During tours, visitors can see common areas including the dining rooms, library, fitness center and PT suites, as well as the chapel where Mass is offered six days each week. Mercy Circle offers all levels of care including short-stay rehab. Info: 773-253-3600.
Meeting Topic is Palliative Care. Lisa Jackson, patient care administrator of Vitas Healthcare, will talk about determining with a doctor’s help when a loved one may need hospice or palliative care and where to get it at a meeting of the memory care support group Tues., July 16, 6:30 p.m., Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl. The free support group is open to caregivers of people who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease or dementia and will include time for open discussion. Reservations: 773-474-7300 or familyandfriends@smithvillage.org.
‘Urinetown’ Auditions. Auditions for the upcoming Beverly Theatre Guild production of “Urinetown” will be held Tues., July 16, 7 to 10 p.m., Victory Gardens Theater, 2433 S. Lincoln Ave., and Wed., July 17 and Thurs., July 18, 7 to 10 p.m., Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th St. Callbacks will be held Sat., July 20, Morgan Park Academy. Performances are in October. Audition appointments: www.wejoinin.com/sheets/rfdfu.
Utility Bill Clinics. The 19th Ward Office and Citizen’s Utility Board (CUB) will host clinics where people can have their utility bills reviewed to make sure they are not overpaying, Thurs., July 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and Tues., July 23, 6 to 8 p.m., 19th Ward Office, 10400 S. Western. People should bring gas, phone and electric bills; there is no cost for this service. Information on energy efficiency programs will also be available. Reservations: Anairis Boror, 312-263-4282 ext. 111. aboror@citizensutilityboard.org; put 19th Ward 7-18 or 19th Ward 7-23 in subject line.
Simmerling Gallery Exhibits. The Black Sox – A Century Later, an exhibit featuring works by Thom Ross chronicling the people involved with the 1919 White Sox throwing the World Series continues through July 21 in the Simmerling Gallery, Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. On July 28, An Alternate View, photographs printed on Gum Birchromate by Barbara Eberhard opens in the gallery and continues through Sept. 8.
Castle Tours. Have you ever wanted to know more about the Castle and see inside? Enjoy a guided Givins Beverly Castle Tour Sun., July 21, 2 to 4 p.m., 10244 S. Longwood Dr. A suggested donation of $10 goes toward restoration of the Castle’s turrets, roof line and facade.
‘A Few Red Drops.’ On Sun., July 28, 2 p.m., one day after the 100th anniversary of the Chicago Race Riot of 1919, the Ridge Historical Society (RHS) will host Chicago author Claire Hartfield speaking in the Smith Village Community Hall, 2320 W. 113th Pl., about her book, “A Few Red Drops: The Chicago Race Riot of 1919,” covering the incident and the complicated issues leading up to it. Light refreshments served. Admission $5 for RHS members, $10 for non-members. Reservations suggested: ridgehistory@hotmail.com or 773-881-1675.
Resume Writing Workshop. Dr. Sander Marcus, Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Certified Professional Résumé Writer, will present a workshop on how to write an effective resume and cover letter Tues., Aug. 6, 6:30 to 8 p.m., Woodson Library, 95th and Halsted. Participants may bring a copy of their resume and cover letter for review, time permitting.
New Beverly Fitness Festival. Beverly CoLab Fitness Festival, Sat., Aug. 10 at Morgan Park Academy, 2153 W. 111th St. Sample fitness classes from top local studios, and enjoy the morning sipping, shopping and sampling from Beverly/Morgan Park restaurants, salons and retailers.
Property Tax Appeals. The Cook County property tax appeal office is tentatively scheduled to open Aug. 12. Notices will be sent to residents and there is a 30-day window to file an appeal. Another opportunity to appeal property taxes will be open by the Cook County Board of Review in the fall. Info: any Cook County Assessor office or online at www.cookcountyassessor.com. Appeal forms are available at the 19th Ward Service Office.
VIA Resource Event. The VIA Resource Extravaganza, Sat., Aug. 17, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., featuring music, games, and an opportunity to sell and swap treasures. Info/table reservations: Carroll Vaughn, vaughncal@sbcglobal.net.
