Operation Help a Hero. There are several hundred homeless veterans in Chicago, and those who leave transitional housing to move into permanent homes often do not have the basic items they need to set up housekeeping. Through June 30, the 19th Ward office 10400 S. Western, will collect household items and toiletries to be donated to veterans in need. Items range from soap, shampoo and razors to cleaning products to shower curtains, towels and laundry hampers Ward office hours are Mon. through Fri., 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Info: 773-238-8766 or ward19@cityofchicago.org.
Far South Side Cartoonists Take Talent on the Road. Dave Gruba and Rene Castellano, creators of the Far South Side comic strip in The Villager and the talent behind Instant Press Comics, will join Jim and Pat McGreal, creators of the SIBZ and Future Shock cartoons, for a presentation on comics and comic strips Thurs., June 16, 3 p.m., Smith Village, 2320 W. 113th Pl. The events are open to the public.
Flea Market on the Lawn. Beverly Unitarian Church, 10244 S. Longwood Dr., will host the popular Flea Market on the Lawn Sat., June 11, 9 a.m.to 2 p.m. Vendors can rent a space for $25. Shoppers will be delighted to find bargains galore. Info: 312-618-1814.
BAPA Parent University Unlocks the Joy of Early Learning. BAPA Parent University invites parents of young children to Unlocking the Joy of Early Learning, a talk by veteran educator Marie Kielty, Sat., June 11, 10 a.m. to noon, Mount Greenwood Branch Library, 11010 S. Kedzie Ave. Admission is free. Kielty will explain how to lovingly engage a child in hands-on play that develops early literacy and early numeracy.
Mixed Media Art Journaling Workshop at BAC. Local artist Mary Lou Haynes will present a 2-day workshop exploring using mixed media to transform the blank pages of a journal into a fun book of art and personal expression Tues., June 14 and Thurs., June 16, 1 to 4 p.m., Beverly Arts Center (BAC), 2407 W. 111th St. Techniques to be covered include assemblage, laminating, frottage, collage, under-journaling, resists, glazing, masks, stenciling and doodling. Cost: $78 ($70 for BAC members). Register at the BAC or online www.beverlyartcenter.org. Haynes is a member of several artist groups including the Art Journal Enthusiasts, ABC Altered Books and Artist Trading Cards. She has coordinated a number of arts events including animation screenings and festivals, founded and organized artist workshops and retreats and served as a juror for the Chicago International Film Festival. Info: lulu-too-beaucoup.blogspot.com.
Congratulations McAuley Scholarship Winners. Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School has awarded more than $125,000 in scholarships to the incoming Class of 2020, with more opportunities available in the fall. Scholarships are funded through donors,and award students for scoring well on the entrance exam, being a legacy student, completing community service hours, planning to study music and more. Congratulations to scholarship recipients from local schools: Abigail Graeber (St. John Fisher), Meara Haggerty (St. Cajetan), Tierney Harkins (St. John Fisher), Molly Keller (St. Barnabas), Josephine Keller (St. John Fisher), Mary Kenah (St. Cajetan), Janie McGann (St. Cajetan), Katelyn Moyer (Christ the King), Grace Niego (St. Cajetan), Brigid O’Shea (St. John Fisher), Alysia Reed (St. Cajetan), Kaitlyn Regan (St. Cajetan), Mary Russell (St. Walter), Kylie Sullivan (St. Cajetan), Meara Tolley (St. Cajetan), Emerson Toosley (St. Cajetan), Elizabeth Urchell (St. John Fisher) and Emily Weber (St. Cajetan).
LCMH Babysitting Class is June 20. Babysitting Safe and Secure, a babysitting training class presented by Little Company of Mary Hospital, will be held Mon., June 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at BAPA, 1987 W. 111th St. Children ages 11 to 14 will learn safe babysitting skills from a certified babysitting instructor. $60. Registration required; space is limited. Registration/instructions: 708-423-5774.
Book Signing and Reading. Javanna Plummer, author of “Mo’s Mix,” will be reading from and signing copies of her book Mon., June 20, 6 p.m., Beverly Branch Library, 1962 W. 95th St. The book tells the story of a career woman with an impatient boyfriend and a baby on the way, who has to decide how she will proceed with her life. Admission is free. Info: 312-747-9673.
Pullman Garden Walk. The Historic Pullman Garden Club, Historic Pullman Foundation and Pullman State Historic Site will bring visitors back to the Victorian era during the 22nd Annual Garden Walk: A Garden Tour and Tea, Sat., June 25, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tours begin at the Pullman National Monument Visitor Center, 11141 S. Cottage Grove Ave. Tickets are $12 in advance or $15 at the door and include a light tea on the veranda of the Hotel Florence. The tour features public gardens including the Gateway Garden, a part of the NeighborSpace community garden network, select private gardens, plus the community food garden and urban gardens. Info: historicpullmangardens@gmail.com or 773-568-2441
Drum Circle: A Participatory Drum and Percussion Experience. People have rediscovered the power of shared music making to increase the immune response, express emotion, stimulate the brain, and nurture the spirit. A Drum Circle led by a music therapist will be held Sun., June 26, 3 to 4:15 p.m., Beverly Therapists office, 10725 S. Western. Musical training not required. $10 donation will benefit A New Direction. Space is limited. Info/reservations: Pat Harthun, 312-835-7976.
MS Society Open House. The National Multiple Sclerosis Society will host an open house Wed., June 29, 6 p.m., BAPA Community Room, 11109 S. Longwood Dr. Neighbors interested in learning more about this organization and its work are encouraged to attend. Registration required: 800-344-4867.
Beverly Art Walk: Call for Entries. Aug. 1 is the submission deadline for artists and venues interested in participating in the 2016 Beverly Art Walk on Sat., Oct. 1, 12 to 7 p.m. Last year, more than 150 artists and artisans participated, and nearly 6,000 attended. This year, the event is expected to be bigger and better. Details/applications: info@beverlyarts.org
Employers Invited to Job Fair. Area employers are invited to meet potential employees and network about current and future opportunities at a hiring fair Wed., July 20, Saint Christina School, 3333 W. 110th St. The event is presented by Sen. Bill Cunningham, Rep. Fran Hurley and the Illinois Department of Employment Security, and is open to veterans only from 9 to 10 a.m., and open to the general public 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Limited space; employers must reserve at www.senatorbillcunningham.com. Info: 773-445-8128.
