The Free Store distributions of health, first aid, and household cleaning products for neighbors in need will be held Wednesdays, Mar. 1 and 15 (ongoing: first and third Wednesdays each month), 3 to 4:30 p.m., Morgan Park Presbyterian Church, 11056 S. Longwood Dr. For more information or to find out how to support the Free Store email turpincares@gmail.com.
The Chicago Park District offers free yoga for first responders Mondays, Mar. 6, 13 and 20, 6 to 7 p.m., Ridge Park, 9625 S. Longwood Dr. Bring a yoga mat and wear comfortable clothing.
Learn about local history at Ridge Historical Society (RHS), 10621 S. Seeley Ave., during open hours, Tuesdays and Sundays, 1 to 4 p.m. Docents will be available to answer your questions, give you a tour of the RHS, and tell you more about upcoming programs and events. Info: 773-881-1675.
The Chicago Bungalow Association will host a free online webinar, Basement Flooding: Reducing the Risk on Your Property, with Holly Sauter, Principal Civil Engineer at Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, Tues., Mar. 7, 6 to 7 p.m., on Zoom. Sauter will explore the causes of flooding and identify things you can do inside and outside of your home to help reduce flooding and sewer backups. Register for free at chicagobungalow.org/seminars.
Support the Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., with donations of non-perishable food, health and hygiene items, and funds at the St. Patrick’s Day contact-free drop off event, Wed., Mar. 15, 12 to 3 p.m., in the parking lot. Food items must be sealed, unopened, and unused. Checks can be made out to Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry and mailed or dropped off; donations can be made online at maplemorganparkfoodpantry.org.
Join your neighbors the fourth Monday of every month, 7 to 8:30 p.m., for a community building circle at Bethlehem Evangelical Lutheran Church, 9401 S, Oakley. Each circle will have a different theme. All are welcome. Enter through the glass double doors on Oakley.
Ald. Matt O’Shea’s St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon for 19th Ward residents, Thurs., Mar. 16. 12 p.m., 115 Bourbon St., 3359 W. 115th St. The event features live music by Liam Durkin and a Senior Citizen Irish Soda Bread Contest. $5 admission includes family style lunch. Reservations are required: 773-238-8766 or margie@the19thward.com.
The Kroc Center, 1250 W. 119th St., will hold a community blood Thurs., Mar. 16, 2 to 6 p.m. Blood donations from members of diverse communities are essential for serving patients of every ethnicity. Info on eligibility/appointments: 1-800-TO-GIVE or versiti.org/IL.
19th Ward Public Health & Safety Telephone Town Hall, Mon., Mar. 20, 7 to 8 p.m., featuring Dr. Jennifer Sao, Chicago Department of Public Health, and Commander Sean Joyce, Chicago Police Department 22nd District. Registration: the19thward.com.
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) will present free virtual presentations: Understanding Cable Options and Reducing Robocalls, Tues., Mar. 21, 1 p.m., and Home Energy Savings, Thurs., Mar. 23, 6 p.m. Reservations/info: the19thward.com.
The 19th Ward Business Breakfast, hosted by Ald. Matt O’Shea, will be held Tues., Mar. 28, 8:30 a.m., LaFiesta Restaurant, 3333 W. 111th St. Staff from the Cook County Sheriff’s Office and 22nd District Chicago Police will present information on public safety and tips to help prevent small business fraud. BAPA, Morgan Park Beverly Hills Business Association, 95th Street Business Association, and Mount Greenwood Community & Business Association will cohost the breakfast and present information on their small business services. Info: 773-238-8766.
The Middle Bee Foundation for Lupus will host its 6th Annual Lupus Walk Sat., May 10, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Dan Ryan Woods, 83rd and Western, Grove #5. Registration is $25 per person, which includes a shirt and gift bag, and is required by Fri., Mar. 31 at themiddlebeefoundation.org. Questions? Email info@themiddlebeefoundation.org.
Sheriff Tom Dart and Ald. Matt O’Shea will host the Senior Law Enforcement Academy for six weekly sessions beginning Tues., Apr. 11, 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Seniors will learn how to protect themselves from crime, communicate with law enforcement, guard against con games, and more. Sessions will be held at Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl. Free valet parking. Registration/info: 19th Ward Office, 773-238-8766, or Cook County Sheriff’s Office, 708-865-7341. For information on topics that will be covered each week, visit 19thwardmobile.com.
