Austin Weekly News 062823

We

Austin shootings dropped last summer as peace-buildin e orts grew

Active e orts, modest funding support connections block-by-block

By JOSE ABONCE

Contributing Reporter

Between 2018 and 2020, Austin ranked first in Chicago in the number of homicides and shootings — collectively categorized by the city as “serious victimizations.” A one-year assessment of Chicago’s Our City, Our Safety violence reduction plan identified Austin as the community most affected by violence.

While some are demanding a greater police presence or aggressive policing tactics to combat gun violence, members of the Austin community are trying alternative solutions. Rather than solely relying on police to address public safety challenges, it is embracing novel, peace-building ef forts, which activate public spaces through neighborhood block clubs, gardening programs, and additional resources for youth and families.

Austin activist chosen to ll

Brandon Johnson’s county board seat

Backed by mayor, Tara Stamps wins seat

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

The Democratic Party selection committee chose union activist and for mer Chicago aldermanic candidate Tara Stamps to succeed Brandon Johnson on the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

The meeting, held June 20 at The Carleton Hotel in Oak Park, 1110 Pleasant St., lasted a little over three hours, with about half of it involving interviews of

See TARA STAMPS on pa ge 8

IGOR STUDENKOV

Finalists wait for the 1st Cook County District Selection Committee to chose the successor for Brandon Johnson’s seat on the county board (Le to right: Tommie Johnson, Ira Acree, Tara Stamps, Zerlina Smith-Members, Claibor ne Wade)

Are you caring for a spouse, parent, relative, or friend?

We are here to help!

Caregiver Services Programs include FREE services such as:

Are you caring for a spouse, parent, relative, or friend? We are here to help!

Are you caring for a spouse, parent, relative, or friend? We are here to help!

Are you caring for a spouse, parent, relative, or friend?

We are here to help!

Education & Training: Learn new skills to care for you and loved ones

Caregiver Services Programs include FREE services such as:

Caregiver Services Programs include FREE services such as:

Caregiver Services Programs include FREE services such as:

Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like clothing, furniture, grab bars, eyeglasses, technology, and hearing aids

Education & Training: Learn new skills to care for you and loved ones

Education & Training: Learn new skills to care for you and loved ones

One-on-One Counseling: Help with decisions, self-care, and support

Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like clothing, furniture, grab bars, eyeglasses, technology, and hearing aids

Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like clothing, furniture, grab bars, eyeglasses, technology, and hearing aids

Support Groups: Share your stories, successes, and challenges caring foryour loved ones with fellow caregivers

One-on-One Counseling: Help with decisions, self-care, and support

One-on-One Counseling: Help with decisions, self-care, and support

Respite: Take a short-term break with help at home from a professional caregiver or caregiver of your choice or a nursing home stay for the person receiving your care

Support Groups: Share your stories, successes, and challenges caring foryour loved ones with fellow caregivers

Support Groups: Share your stories, successes, and challenges caring foryour loved ones with fellow caregivers

Respite: Take a short-term break with help at home from a professional caregiver or caregiver of your choice or a nursing home stay for the person receiving your care

Respite: Take a short-term break with help at home from a professional caregiver or caregiver of your choice or a nursing home stay for the person receiving your care

Programs are for individuals of any age who are caring for:

Programs are for individuals of any age who are caring for: A Chicago resident age 60+ OR under age 60 with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related

Programs are for individuals of any age who are caring for:

A Chicago resident age 60+ OR under age 60 with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related

Contact the DFSS Senior Services Division Information and Assistance Unit aging@cityofchicago.org • 312-744-4016

A Chicago resident age 60+ OR under age 60 with Alzheimer’s Disease or Related Contact the DFSS Senior Services Division Information and Assistance Unit

Contact the DFSS Senior Services Division Information and Assistance Unit aging@cityofchicago.org • 312-744-4016

Starbucks opens Austin shop, a rst outside of Galewood

Community store program geared to disinvested neighborhoods

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

Starbucks quietly opened a store in Austin, 4925 W. North Ave., during the second week of June.

This is the first West Side Starbucks outside of Galewood, which had a location 7112 W. North Ave. for years, and another opened in March at 2001 N. Harlem coffee shop chain told Austin Weekly News the new location is part of its “community store” program. The idea is to eng invest in communities that historically haven’t seen much investment by with local nonprofits, hiring locall ing with local, preferably minority-owned contractors and hiring local artists to paint interior art.

The West Side doesn’t have many coffee shops. Lawndale Christian Health Center operates the Green Tomato Café at 3750 W. Ogden Ave., and Beelove Cafe opened in 2021 at 1111 S. Homan Ave. in Homan Square. More recently, Momentum Coffee, a Chicago Black-owned coffee chain, opened a North Lawndale location at 2644 W. Ogden Ave., and it plans on opening an Austin location inside the new Broader Urban Involvement & Leadership Development (BUILD) Chicago headquarters in Austin, at 5112 W. Harrison St.

While there have been several attempts to open coffee shops in Austin, only one has succeeded so far. Urban Essentials Coffee Café had a soft opening on Juneteenth at 5300 W. Chicago Ave.

Starbucks’ Community Store program launched in 2015. One of its first community stores opened in Chicago, in the South Side’s Englewood neighborhood, at 806 W. 63rd St. Since then, it ramped up its commitment to expand its stores. Its current goal is to open 1,000 community stores worldwide by 2030.

The chain determines where to open community stores based on the American Human Development Index, an economic indicator developed by economist Mahbub

ul Haq. The index looks beyond economic signs to incorporate factors such as life expectancy, educational attainment, median earnings, race, gender and geog raphy.

The new Starbucks opened in the Washington Square shopping plaza at the northeast corner of Austin, inside a building that was previously a Pizza Hut location. There is already a Starbucks a few blocks north in the neighboring Hermosa community, at 1941 N. Cicero Ave.

The new Austin store has a drive thru, and the building has been remodeled to include a large counter and a seating area with multiple power outlets in the north third of the building. A colorful mural decorates the west wall.

Starbucks spokesperson Tiana Noble was unable to find the specific information about the Austin location, including who its community partners are, who painted the mural, what local contractors were involved and how the store approached local hiring, by deadline. But she said that the standard procedure for every community development store is to work closely with

community partners, because local organizations know their communities the best. For the Englewood store, for example, Starbucks worked with Teamwork Englewood, a community service nonprofit.

Noble described the murals inside the company stores as one of the elements that make them distinct from corporate-owned stores.

“We really pride ourselves in being able to connect with local artists and local muralists that have roots in the community and are able to embody [the community],” she said.

Noble said Starbucks puts a lot of research into finding vendors that “strongly reflect the community” where the store is located “in addition to aligning with Starbucks values.”

Local hiring, she said, is another important component.

“Community stores create environments for Starbucks partners (employees in the Starbucks parlance) to connect with, engage and re present the neighborhoods they serve,” she said.

Senior Editor Bob Uphues

Sta Reporters Igor Studenkov, Francia Garcia Hernandez, Amaris Rodriguez

Digital Manager Stacy Coleman

Reporting Partners Block Club, Austin Talks Columnist Arlene Jones

Design/Production Manager Andrew Mead

Editorial Design Manager Javier Govea

Designer Susan McKelvey

Sales & Marketing Representatives

ourdes Nicholls, Marc Stopeck, Kamil Brady

Business & Development Manager Mary Ellen Nelligan

Circulation Manager Jill Wagner

Publisher Dan Haley

Special Projec ts Manager Susan Walker

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Chair Judy Gre n Treasurer Nile Wendorf Deb Abrahamson, Gary Collins, Steve Edwards, Darnell Shields, Sheila Solomon, Eric Weinheimer

HOW TO REACH US 141 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Park, IL 60302 PHONE 773-626-6332 • FAX 708-467-9066

CIRCULATION Jill@oakpark.com

ONLINE www.AustinWeeklyNews.com

Austin Weekly News is published digitally and in print by Growing Community Media NFP. It is distributed free of charge at locations across Austin and Gar eld Park. Our hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Adver tising rates are available by calling our o ce. Printed entirely on recycled paper. © 2023 Growing Community Media NFP.

IGOR STUDENKOV

COFFEE NOT PIZZA: A former Pizza Hut has been converted into Austin’s rst Starbucks (not counting Galewood).

Soup and Bread fundraisers raise money for West Side, west suburban food pantries

Fundraisers held monthly at Forest Park’s Exit Strategy Brewing

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

For Katherine Valleau, a for mer teacher and Forest Park School District 91 board member, and current co-owner of Exit Strategy Brewing, helping to reduce hunger and food insecurity is deeply personal.

“I feel very strongly about food stuff,” she said. “I taught here in town, and, like, seeing a 10-year-old coming in hungry, it would just wreck you.”

Social responsibility, Valleau said, was always an important part of Exit Strategy’s ethos. And when she was asked if she would be interested in hosting Soup and Bread fundraisers, which raise money for local food pantries by offering all-you-can-eat, home-cooked soups, Valleau embraced it with gusto

The fundraisers kicked off in March, and they have been held every third Tuesday of the month from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. So far, they’ve raised funds for Oak Park’s Beyond Hunger food pantry, 848 Lake St., Forest Park’s Mohr Community Center food pantry, 7640 Jackson Blvd., Elmwood Park Community Food Pantry, 2334 N. 75th Ave., and North Lawndale’s Stone Temple Baptist Church, 3622 W. Douglas Blvd. The July 18 event will raise money for the Westchester Food Pantry, 1938 S. Mannheim Rd

The August event will raise money for the Food Aid Festival, which will take place on Aug. 27 at Oak Park’s Scoville Park, Lake Street and Oak Park Avenue. Beyond that, Valleau said Soup and Bread Forest Park will continue to look for opportunities to raise money for pantries on the West Side and west suburbs. After all, food insecurity exists everywhere, and opportunities to help abound.

Soup and Bread launched in Chicago in 2009 amid the Great Recession. Chefs, caterers, and home cooks were invited to donate soups and bread that could be shared in a communal meal. For a donation, participants could eat as much as they wanted, and the proceeds went to Chicago food pantries.

The original Soup and Bread events were held at Chicago’s Hideout bar, and they have

since expanded to other parts of Illinois and across the country. Forest Park had its first Soup and Bread fundraiser in 2013.

Ironically, the COVID-19 pandemic, which worsened food insecurity, also put a damper on the events – there was simply no way to hold them amid lockdowns, masking and social distancing.

Last winter, with the pandemic receding, a group of west suburbanites started talking about bringing it back. Valleau said that Brad Knaub, co-owner of Carnivore Oak

Park, 1042 Pleasant St., approached her to see if she would be interested in hosting the fundraisers.

“And I said – 100%, absolutely,” she recalled.

Beyond Hunger was a natural first choice, given its history in the area. Valleau was the one who suggested the Forest Park food pantry for April.

“We started with Beyond Hunger, for our first month. We raised $1,300,” she said. “It just went into a giant wad of cash for Be-

yond Hunger, and they were able to use it for hundreds and hundreds of meals. Next month, we did the Forest Park food pantry. We raised another $1,300. They were able to buy all the shelf stable products.”

Valleau said each fundraiser has an average of “8 to 14 soup makers set up a buffet of all kinds of soups.” They get support and donations from several Oak Park businesses – the aforementioned Carnivore, the Daly Bagel, 130 Chicago Ave., Karl’s Craft Zoup and Zesty Catering. Valleau said attendance fluctuates, and it’s not unusual to have repeat participants.

“I think our highest count has been 90 to 100 people,” she said. “We always clean out the soup We don’t have leftover soup, it’s always gone. It’s wonderful, we want that.”

In addition to the monthly fundraisers, Soup and Bread Forest Park did a fundraiser on May 16 for asylum-seekers who have been arriving in Chicago from Central and South American countries. This was a supply drive since many of the refugees came with little more than the clothes on their backs.

“That whole shuffleboard table,” Valleau gestured to her left, “it was full of donations for the refugees coming into the police stations, coming into the area. There were toiletries and diapers and feminine products. Someone brought a suitcase and the inside of it was full of socks and underwear. If you’re in an unsafe situation, you’re not sticking around to pack. And it took multiple trips, 2 to 3… it ended up going to different churches after police stations guided us to take it [there].”

She said the organizers will sit down and figure out what to fundraise for next. Valleau would like to keep hosting the fundraisers at least through the end of the year, and hopefully beyond. After all, she doesn’t expect the need to go away any time soon.

“The idea that oh, this is only a big city problem, or in this pocket of the city -- absolutely not,” Valleau said. “Food insecurity exists all around us, anywhere. You’re not going to find a community that doesn’t have a need. Every community has a need. And we cannot wear blinders to that. We cannot be so naive as to think that we live in X zip code and therefore we cannot have that ‘problem.’”

TODD A. BANNOR

Soup and Bread food bank fundraiser at Exit Strategy Brew ing in Forest Park.

Residents argue police oversight at 25th Police District Council meeting

By IGOR STUDENKOV Staff Reporter

As the 25th Police District Council met on June 22 at the Amundsen Park gym, 6200 W. Bloomingdale Ave., the argument about how much oversight police should have erupted in public view – and the recently appointed 25th District commander

Rev. Dr. Reginald E. Bachus, Pastor

5200 W. Jackson Blvd., Chicago, IL  60644

Nelson Pere z didn’t shy away from responding.

want everyone in the neighborhood to have it.”

Chicago filmmaker Merawi Gerima, who volunteered for Green’s campaign, said while “it is important to say that we want to come to the tabl e,” it was important that getting this far was a struggl e.

“CCPSA was fought tooth and nail by the police union,” he said. “The elections were fought tooth and nail. T hose candidates were here because they defeated [Fraternity of Police] backed candidates.”

773-378-6600

773-378-660

fbcchicago.org • facebook.com/friendshipbcchicago

JOIN US FOR ONLINE SERVICES

• FACEBOOK @FriendshipBCChicago

• YOUTUBE @ e Friendship Baptist Church of Chicago

Sundays - 9:30 am Sunday School • 11:00 AM Worship Service

Wednesdays - 6:00 pm Bible Study

T he district councils were created as part of a police oversight refo rm package approved in July 2021. T he elected three-member councils are meant to serve as intermediaries between the community and the police, sharing concerns, complaints and suggestions. T hey also send re presentatives to the city-wide Community Commission for Public Safety and Accountability, which, among other things, reviews any proposed changes to police department policies and can propose its own changes

T he 25th District is the largest and the most demo graphically diverse police district on the West Side. It encompasses the section of Austin north of Division Street, including all of Galewood, parts of West Humboldt Park, about a fourth of Lo g an Square and small portions of Avondale and Dunning, and all of Montclare, Belmont-Cragin and Hermosa community areas. T he council that was elected reflects that diversity – special needs healthcare professional Angelica Green hails from North Austin, activist Saul Arellano lives in West Humboldt Park and event org anizer Jacob Arena lives in Avondale

T he contention at the meeting was how police are perceived in minority communities – and the opinions did not necessarily break down along racial lines. As during the district council’s first meeting on June 1, some residents actively supported the police, while others wanted the council and the of ficers in attendance to be mindful of the oftenfraught history of police-community relations

Pere z, a long-time 25 th District police officer who was promoted to district commander on June 16, addressed that history in his comments to the council.

“Growing up in Humboldt Park and Lo g an Square, I feared the police, until I became one, and I realized that you can be the change from within,” he said. “I police with respect.”

“One thing I heard you say commander -- you police in respect,” Green commented later during the meeting. “I

This was a reference to the other two candidates in the race, Edgar “Edek” Esparza and Pericles “Perry” Abbasi, who both received FOP endorsements.

This led Hermosa Neighborhood Association Executive Director Alma Kreuser, a re gular at 25th district police meetings, to reiterate her re gular complaint – that the police were being “demonized.”

“All I hear is [people] going after the police,” she said. “We have to stop using those phrases and start working with the police.”

This led resident Laura Garcia to note that issues facing minority communities were consequences of deliberate policies that went beyond just police – and took issue with Kreuser’s implication that criticism of the police was damaging “Holding someone accountable -- we hold our children accountable; we hold our loved ones accountable -- that doesn’t mean we don’ t care,” she said. “Holding police accountable doesn’t mean we don’ t want to work with them.”

During the district council election campaigns, all candidates who spoke to Austin Weekly News said one of their major challenges was that many voters had no idea what district councils were and what they would do. T he issue persists four months after the election. Several residents attending the June 22 meeting appeared unaware that the elections even took place and what powers the district councils had. T he council members made a point of explaining their responsibilities early during the meeting. There was also some confusion about what the district encompassed .

Some confusion remains about district council’s role

“The” Friendship BAPTIST CHURCH

Are you 55 and Older Caring for a Child Under 18 or Loved One

(19-59) with a Disability?

Are you 55 and

Are you

Older

55 and Older Caring

Caring for a Child

Grandparents or Older Relatives

Under

for a Child

Under 18 or Loved

Raising Children Program

18 or Loved

One (19-59) with a Disability?

FREE support services include:

One (19-59) with a Disability?

Grandparents or Older Relatives

Raising Children Program

Grandparents or Older Relatives

Raising Children Program

Education & Training: Learn about topics such as legal services, financial literacy, and strategies to support the emotional and educational development of the child.

FREE support services include:

FREE support services include:

topics such as legal services, financial literacy, and strategies to support the emotional and educational development of the child.

Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like school supplies, technology, uniforms, furniture, clothes, after-school or summer camp fees.

Education & Training: Learn about topics such as legal services, financial literacy, and strategies to support the emotional and educational development of the child.

Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like school supplies, technology, uniforms, furniture, clothes, after-school or summer camp fees.

self-care, decision-making, and ways to cope with stress when feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of raising children unexpectedly.

One-on-One Counseling: Discuss self-care, decision-making, and ways to cope with stress when feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of raising children unexpectedly.

One-on-One Counseling: Discuss self-care, decision-making, and ways to cope with stress when feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of raising children unexpectedly.

Support Groups: Share your stories, challenges, & successes caring for your loved ones.

Support Groups: Share your stories, challenges, & successes caring for your loved ones.

Education & Training: Learn about topics such as legal services, financial literacy, and strategies to support the emotional and educational development of the child.

Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like school supplies, technology, uniforms, furniture, clothes, after-school or summer camp fees.

Gap-Filling Funds: Help buying essential items like school supplies, technology, uniforms, furniture, clothes, after-school or summer camp fees.

Support Groups: Share your stories, challenges, & successes caring for your loved ones.

One-on-One Counseling: Discuss self-care, decision-making, and ways to cope with stress when feeling overwhelmed with the challenges of raising children unexpectedly.

Support Groups: Share your stories, challenges, & successes caring for your loved ones.

TARA STAMPS Mayor’s

the six finalists chosen from among applicants. Accordin to the committee chair, Illinois Sen. President Don Harmon (D-39th), one candidate was eliminated quickly, but it took five rounds of voting before the committee agreed to suppo Stamps. She was sworn in immediately and will serve unti at least the end of 2024. If she wins the March 2024 Democratic primary and that year’s general election, Stamps will be able to serve out the remaining half of Johnson’s ter m.

Rory Hoskins, Forest Park’s mayor, was the only elected official to throw his hat in the ring. He said that, if selected, he would continue to serve as mayor, but would give up tha office if he won the March 2024 primary. After Stamps was selected, Hoskins told this newspaper that he wished Stamps well, and that he won’t run against her in 2024.

The 1st District spans the city and the suburbs, including all of Austin, Oak Park, Forest Park, Maywood and Bellwood.

Stamps was born in Cabrini-Green. A daughter of civil rights activist Marion Stamps, she told the committee that taking pa ing. Stamps became a Chicago Public Schools language ar teacher in 1996, and, aside from taking two years of her

the committee that she was a “mentor-teacher” to Johnson while he was attending what was then known as the Jenner Elementary Academy of the Arts. She currently works as elopment

tamps became an activist in her mma Mitts (37th) in 2015 and

Cook County board seat becomes vacant, the ommittee made up of ward and township committeepersons from their political party get to choose the successor ommitteeperson’s vote was worth the equivalent of umber of votes Johnson got in their ward or township during the 2022 election. Harmon, who serves as the Township committeeperson, and County Clerk rbrough, the Proviso Township committeeperson, held 58.72% of the vote. On the city side, 2nd ommitteeperson Tim Egan and Alds. Walter BurJason Ervin (28th), Chris Taliaferro (29th), Scott uespack (32nd) and Mitts attended the committee meeting. Ald. Daniel LaSpata (1st) and 26th Ward Committeeperson Angee Gonzalez Rodriguez were absent, but they gave mon their proxies.

During the meeting, Mitts said she supported Stamps’ can, and Stamps said she supported Mitts in retur n. “Solidarity is our own superpower,” Stamps told Mitts. “I’m here to be in lockstep with you to create a better, stronger, safer West Side.”

Hoskins was re-elected to his second term as mayor this April. He had previously served as a Forest Park village commissioner. He ran unsuccessfully for the Illinois House several years ago. During the committee interview, Hoskins said that he was a social worker in the 1990s, working with ustin. Hoskins said his constitupplication

18

Certificate

IGOR STUDENKOV

Once r ivals, Tara Stamps is congratulated by Ald. Emma Mitts.

Aside from Stamps and Hoskins, the finalists included Rev. Ira J. Acree, co-chair of the Leaders Network, a faith-based West Side social justice group and pastor of Greater St. John Bible Church; for mer 29th Ward aldermanic candidate and Cook County president candidate Zerlina SmithMembers, Managing Deputy Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Tommie Johnson and activist Claiborne Wade, who is originally from Austin but moved to Forest Park two years ago.

The Foxboro Room was packed with supporters for all candidates, the majority of whom came from the West Side. Acree, Smith-Members and Stamps got particularly loud applause. The candidates were interviewed one at a time. All were asked whether they felt they would be able to raise the money for their election campaign if they were selected and whether they would run against the selected candidate if they weren’t.

Johnson, Stamps and Smith-Members said that, if they weren’t selected, they would run for the seat, while Wade said that he was so confident in his chances that he wouldn’t even consider what happens if he wasn’t chosen.

“I’m absolutely going to run, because I’m uniquely qualified to continue the progressive measures that [Brandon Johnson pushed for] in the commissioner seat,” Stamps said.

She said she was able to raise nearly $250,000 during her previous campaigns and she expects to be able to sur pass that.

“I’m happy to call on the support of the mayor and labor, so that we have a competitive race” Stamps said, adding that she was confident that they’d come through.

Hoskins said that he got “funding commitments” since he expressed interest in the position to raise the necessary funds. He said that, if he wasn’t selected, he would support the appointee in the election.

All finalists were asked how they would balance the interests of Chicago and suburban portions of the district. Stamps said that she was no stranger to the suburbs, saying she volunteered at Proviso Township and spoke at Oak Park’s 19th Century Club. She said she sees herself as “bridge-builder” and she would bring it to all parts of the district.

Hoskins reiterated his experience on the West Side and said he would be willing to listen and lear n.

“If appointed, I look forward to working with you and other [elected officials] to see where I can be helpful,” he said.

The finalists were asked to describe their two major priorities if selected. Stamps said

she would prioritize public safety – something that, based on her experience growing up in Cabrini-Green, required investment in programs. She also wanted to work toward expanding affordable housing in the city and the suburbs, something that, she believed, was especially important for seniors struggling to pay their bills

Hoskins had similar priorities, saying that he would focus on expanding social services, especially when it comes to assisting homeless residents. He would also prioritize economic development, saying that, while Chicago and larger home rule municipalities get federal funding directly, smaller municipalities like Forest Park and Maywood get their funding through the county-driven process. He wanted to make sure the economic developments interests of such communities don’t get overlooked

“I noted the absence of other suburban mayors seeking appointment, I decided to explore seeking the appointment,” Hoskins said.

Har mon said that, while there is precedent for county commissioners holding other offices at the same time, “I think that practice is going out of favor” and asked Hoskins if he would step down as mayor if selected, whether it was now or “right after the primary election.” Hoskins confirmed that he would, and said that he didn’t believe he would have trouble balancing the duties of two offices in the meantime,

“We have a very able village staf f in Forest Park,” he said. “[Being a mayor] is essentially a part-time position. I don’t have to be hands on.”

Harmon also quizzed Stamps on her support for a commuter tax during her 2019 campaign. Stamps said she would keep an open mind.

“I’m prepared to analyze what’s in the best interest of our constituents,” she said, adding that, as a for mer teacher, she appreciated the importance of growing and lear ning

After the interviews, the committee went into executive session, which lasted around 90 minutes. The staff had all the finalists lined up. As Harmon announced Stamps’ selection, a significant part of the remaining crowd erupted in cheers.

When asked what might have put her over the top, Stamps told reporters that it was her record as a “servant leader” and the service to the community

Mitts told this newspaper that she was happy for her one-time opponent.

“Instead of getting the [aldermanic] seat, there’s another opportunity for her to get another seat, so everybody is happy,” she said.

“We need unity in the community, and we need to fight together for the opportunities.”

SHOOTINGS DROP

New ideas take hold

from page 1

Notably, Austin’s shootings significantly declined during the summer of 2022 when gun violence typically peaks. A Click analysis on serious victimization data from Chicago’s Violence Reduction Dashboard during warmer weather months in Austin (Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend), found a 37% reduction in homicides in 2022 compared to 2021.

Bradly Johnson, chief community officer for BUILD, an Austin-based violence prevention organization, says bringing resources to neighborhood blocks considered “hot spots” helps reclaim public spaces.

“Taking over a space, really pouring in resources into an area typically forgotten and helping neighbors come out and become a neighborhood leads to people meeting each other, talking, and safer neighborhoods,” he said.

Chicago ended 2021 with 804 homicides — the most in 25 years. However, homicides totaled 701 in 2022. City leaders credit improved police-community relations and significant investment in anti-violence programming for the reduction, but the impact is difficult to measure.

During a community meeting with Austin residents, faith-based leaders, and service providers in the early months of last summer, Andre Parham, commander of Austin’s 15th police district, called the early downward trend in gun violence “historic.” The 15th police district covers much of Austin. He credited the reduction in shootings to the ongoing collaboration with the police department and the community-led efforts aimed at improving public safety

“The real answer to violence reduction is, it really takes a village,” Johnson said. “It’s about all the partners that collaborate to work together. It’s about a police department that is willing to take a backseat and actually listen and not just take the strong ar m for everything.”

Like many Black communities during the 1970s and 1980s in Chicago, Austin was neglected through disinvestment in businesses, housing, and jobs. The ongoing War on Drugs over several decades also led to the community being aggressively policed and residents feeling the effects of a punitive justice system. According to Austin Forward. Together (AFT) community plan, $500 million was spent on incarceration of Austin residents over a five-year period between 2005-2009.

In the last few years, non-profit service pro-

viders, like BUILD and Westside Health Authority, have launched development projects totaling $100 million intended to expand access to services and programs for youth and families ranging from workforce training to after school programming

The renewed investment in Austin expand beyond physical development projects and in cludes public safety as well. The Par for Safe and Peaceful Communities (PSPC) is a coalition of more than 50 funders providin rapid-response grants to communities li Austin to reduce violence. Since 2016, it has invested nearly $7 million in small, nity-based organizations to reduce violenc

The grant recipients are neighborhood groups addressing violence at a h level, like block clubs. These community-led efforts are what police leadership praised as a contributor to the 72% reduction in shootings, down to 19 from 67, in the early summer months of last year, a pattern organizers would like to replicate this summer

Creating safe spaces in Austin

Austin resident Dollie Sherman, 66, is using violence reduction funds from that group to promote peace on her street. The 600 North Lorel block club, otherwise known as “The Garden of Love,” received about $35,000 over the last few years to maintain gardens, employ youth to work in the gardens, and facilitate peace-building programming

Sherman, or “Ms. Dollie” as she is affectionately known, is reclaiming public spaces on her block to create a greater sense of safety among residents and show love to all neighbors. “We extend our hospitality… to

all races, cultures, youth, and seniors,” she said.

Ms. Dollie and Marty Caple, who is now deceased, began organizing community dinether to get we first started, not a lot of ould come herman said. ould try to eople involved.

flier the ut people ould not come ough door knocking and relentless engagement her neighbors, she has turned that around and now dozens of residents show up for events

Monica Dawson, 41, and her daughter, Phillissa Dawson, 21, moved to the 600 block of North Lorel in October 2017. Not long after, Sherman stopped by to invite them to the block’s Halloween party.

“It was like the perfect introduction,” Dawson said. “I got to meet people that without this block party, I probably wouldn’t even know their names. Everybody was out. It was very unifying. It made us feel very welcome.” Dawson said.

Phillissa Dawson added, “It used to be dangerous. You did not want to get to know anybody with all the crazy stuff that used to happen. Other blocks are not unified.”

Today, the block club hosts more than com-

munity dinners. Two for merly vacant lots have been acquired by the block club and transformed into community gardens to establish a safe space to employ youth and for neighbors to come together year-around.

Phillissa Dawson remains involved in the youth programming “Ms. Dollie” brings to her neighbors.

“It all started with Ms. Dollie taking me to peace circles every week. I then got trained in restorative justice,” she said. “I was seeing the disparities in my community. Since then I have worked with After School Matters, BUILD, Territory, and Project Exploration. It all kind of happened when Ms. Dollie watered my seed.”

Neighbors in the block club have a greater sense of safety through “Ms. Dollie’s” efforts. “I see cohesiveness, I see trust, I see people speaking to each other which is so minute but is so valuable. People who did not come out, they come out now and they help,” she said.

Will the downward trend continue?

Austin saw a reduction in shootings last summer and hopes to continue that trend this year. However, gun violence will remain a steep challenge. Seizures of firearms with illegal attachments continue to spike across Chicago.

Sherman once again applied for funds to continue reducing violence in her community. She finds out later this month whether she will receive another grant. Her efforts to bring neighbors together may be having an impact on gun violence on her block.

The Click’s analysis of serious victimization data from Chicago’s Violence Reduction Dashboard found there have been no shootings on the 600 block of North Lorel since she began bringing neighbors together in the summer months of 2017. Meanwhile, 14 shootings have occurred in a one block radius since 2017.

“Those blocks are not as unified as our block. When you don’t know your neighbor and no relationship is established, you might fear your neighbor,” Phillissa Dawson said.

Investment to reduce violence and revitalize Austin will continue. Monica Dawson sees changes on her block and a nearby commercial corridor.

“A bank is being developed right down the street from our block. We are so excited about that. There are a lot of changes that have been made on Chicago Avenue. A nice basketball court that kids could go to in the summer that is beautifully decorated. You see art and murals everywhere. You come to our block, there is a big mural on the corner We are trying to build it up, come together, and live in peace.”

DOLLIE SHERMAN

PROVIDED

GROWING C ALM: Small neighborhood gardens prov ide food, safe space and jobs for youth.

Center Stage in Austin

Youth from across Austin took the stage Saturday night for the third annual Austin’s Got Talent show sponsored by the 15th District of the Chicago Police Department. It was a range of performers – Spoken Word to rap, singing and performance art –on stage at the Kehrein Center for the Arts, 5628 W. Washington Blvd.

Auyana Hobson (le ) singing, Aniya Yound (center) playing the guitar, and Anita Martin (right) singing her heart out during the third annual Austin’s Got Talent.

PHOTO S BY SARA JANZ

Miqahyken Collins (above) mid Spoken Word per formance and Children of Virtue (le ) per forming on stage during the third Austin’s Got Talent on June 23.

Pavers can be savers

Ihave never been afraid to take on any home improvement project. Over the past couple of years, my backyard has suffered as I’ve worked on projects while using it as a storage area. I recently decided to extend the patio out 40 inches x 20 feet.

My initial plan was to use cement paver molds. I diligently dug up and removed all the grass from the area, but upon doing my detailed research, one bag of concrete mix would fill up two molds. My basic estimate would be that I would need at least 10 bags of concrete mix. I quickly lost the desire to have to mix up that much concrete, even if I was doing it one bag at a time.

My next idea was to get a contractor to pour the concrete. I reached out to a couple of different people and they pretty much both gave me the same price. Around $1,700. In my mind since the area had already been dug up, I thought I would seen something a little cheaper. But their price is their price. Plus the concrete would need to be cured and that would delay my being able to move furniture on it. So I went wn my checklist to my next option.

JONES

ears ago, I got tired of mowing the little grassy area between my front sidewalk and my neighbor’s gangway. I had some free paver bricks and decided to put them down. It worked out well, even though the number of pavers I had wasn’t enough for that small area. But I managed gular solid bricks to supplement rs.

My next decision was what kind of

pavers to use. The bigger 18 x 18-inch pavers weigh about 40 pounds. Plus they were pricy. I’ve been a major advocate of recycling building materials. Thankfully I found a lady online who had about 200 paver bricks and she was offering them at 3 for a dollar. It took me two trips over two days, but I got the 200 bricks moved from her backyard to mine. Although I had removed all the grass from the area, I now had to dig down several inches. I ended up moving all the extra dirt to different areas of my back yard. I needed 12 fifty-pound bags of paver base and 12 bags of sand. Thankfully, people at the store helped load the stuf f into my car. But I had to unload it by myself. I began working on it last Tuesday, and by Wednesday I was laying down bricks. As the pile of stored bricks got smaller, I noticed I was barely halfway done with the area. Oh snap, I was short about a hundred bricks. I began to scour the internet for people selling bricks who were not too far away. Finally I found someone in Romeoville who had about a hundred bricks for the best price of all — free. Although the bricks were green, they were the exact same as the ones I was using. Plus he had a bunch of scalloped cement-edgers. Once home, I began a process of switching out some of the lighter bricks with the green ones.

My goal was to be completely done on Friday. But because of the delay in my running out of bricks, I ended up finishing on Saturday.

Here’s a photo of the finished project.

Dana ompson Jr. per forming on the dr ums.

Pegg y Whitehead singing.

Sole (above) per forming, and Final Explosion - Jackpot Jigga (right) rapping.

CLASSICS

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

MORTGAGE ASSETS

MANAGEMENT, LLC F/K/A

REVERSE MORTGAGE

SOLUTIONS, INC.

Plaintiff, -v.-

GEORGIA MAE ELLIS, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA -

SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ILLINOIS

HOUSING DEVELOPMENT

AUTHORITY, STATE OF ILLINOIS

Defendants 2021 CH 04050

2629 W GLADYS AVE

CHICAGO, IL 60612

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on June 3, 2022, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 20, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 2629 W GLADYS AVE, CHICAGO, IL 60612

Property Index No. 16-13-224-012-

0000

The real estate is improved with a multi-family residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption.

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 794-

9876

THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236-

SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales.

CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C.

15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100

BURR RIDGE IL, 60527

630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-21-00797

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2021 CH 04050

TJSC#: 43-2308

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2021 CH 04050 I3222426

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

DEUTSCHE BANK TRUST

COMPANY AMERICAS F/K/A

BANKERS TRUST COMPANY, AS TRUSTEE FOR SAXON ASSET

SECURITIES TRUST 2000-4, MORTGAGE LOAN ASSET BACKED CERTIFICATES, SERIES 2000-4

Plaintiff,

-v.-

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

the above cause on December 12, 2019, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 12, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 1501 N. PARKSIDE AVENUE, CHICAGO, IL 60651

Property Index No. 16-05-207-017-

0000

The real estate is improved with a single family residence.

The judgment amount was $166,764.59.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales.

For information, contact Alexander Potestivo, POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610, Chicago, IL, 60606 (312) 263-0003. Please refer to file number 112866. THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. POTESTIVO & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 223 WEST JACKSON BLVD, STE 610 Chicago IL, 60606 312-263-0003

E-Mail: ilpleadings@potestivolaw.com

Attorney File No. 112866

Attorney Code. 43932

Case Number: 18 CH 16085

TJSC#: 43-60

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

below, the following described mortgaged real estate: P.I.N. 16-26-216-035-0000. Commonly known as 2434 South Drake, Chicago, IL 60623. The mortgaged real estate is improved with a single family residence. If the subject mortgaged real estate is a unit of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by subsection (g-1) of Section 18.5 of the Condominium Property Act. Sale terms: 10% down by certified funds, balance, by certified funds, within 24 hours. No refunds. The property will NOT be open for inspection.

For information call Sales Department at Plaintiff’s Attorney, Manley Deas Kochalski, LLC, One East Wacker Drive, Chicago, Illinois 60601. (614) 220-5611. 20-003647 XOME F2 INTERCOUNTY JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION intercountyjudicialsales.com

I3222618

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION

REAL ESTATE FOR SALE

The real estate is improved with a residence.

Sale terms: 25% down of the highest bid by certified funds at the close of the sale payable to The Judicial Sales Corporation. No third party checks will be accepted. The balance, in certified funds/or wire transfer, is due within twenty-four (24) hours. The subject property is subject to general real estate taxes, special assessments, or special taxes levied against said real estate and is offered for sale without any representation as to quality or quantity of title and without recourse to Plaintiff and in “AS IS” condition. The sale is further subject to confirmation by the court.

Upon payment in full of the amount bid, the purchaser will receive a Certificate of Sale that will entitle the purchaser to a deed to the real estate after confirmation of the sale.

15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

You will need a photo identification issued by a government agency (driver’s license, passport, etc.) in order to gain entry into our building and the foreclosure sale room in Cook County and the same identification for sales held at other county venues where The Judicial Sales Corporation conducts foreclosure sales. For information, examine the court file, CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. Plaintiff’s Attorneys, 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100, BURR RIDGE, IL, 60527 (630) 7949876 THE JUDICIAL SALES CORPORATION

One South Wacker Drive, 24th Floor, Chicago, IL 60606-4650 (312) 236SALE

FRANCIS JULIEN, ETHEL JULIEN

A/K/A ETHEL HOLLOWAY

Defendants

18 CH 16085

1501 N. PARKSIDE AVENUE

CHICAGO, IL 60651

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in

The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information. If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 15-1701(C) OF THE ILLINOIS MORTGAGE FORECLOSURE LAW.

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 18 CH 16085 I3222222

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF COOK COUNTY, ILLINOIS COUNTY DEPARTMENTCHANCERY DIVISION US BANK NA; Plaintiff, vs. JOSE GALLEGOS AKA JOSE L. GALLEGOS; TERESA GALLEGOS;

Defendants, 20 CH 1960

NOTICE OF SALE

PUBLIC NOTICE IS HEREBY

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above entitled cause Intercounty Judicial Sales Corporation will on Tuesday, July 25, 2023 at the hour of 11 a.m. in their office at 120 West Madison Street, Suite 718A, Chicago, Illinois, sell at public auction to the highest bidder for cash, as set forth

M&T BANK

Plaintiff, -v.ROBERT D. ZATOR, STATE OF ILLINOIS - DEPARTMENT OF REVENUE, UNITED STATES OF AMERICA - SECRETARY OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, ONTARIO STREET LOFTS CONDOMINIUM ASSOCIATION

Defendants

2022 CH 12109

411 W ONTARIO ST APT 323 CHICAGO, IL 60654 NOTICE

GIVEN that pursuant to a Judgment of Foreclosure and Sale entered in the above cause on April 26, 2023, an agent for The Judicial Sales Corporation, will at 10:30 AM on July 31, 2023, at The Judicial Sales Corporation, One South Wacker, 1st Floor Suite 35R, Chicago, IL, 60606, sell at a public sale to the highest bidder, as set forth below, the following described real estate:

Commonly known as 411 W ONTARIO ST APT 323, CHICAGO, IL 60654

Property Index No. 17-09-128-0171115

Where a sale of real estate is made to satisfy a lien prior to that of the United States, the United States shall have one year from the date of sale within which to redeem, except that with respect to a lien arising under the internal revenue laws the period shall be 120 days or the period allowable for redemption under State law, whichever is longer, and in any case in which, under the provisions of section 505 of the Housing Act of 1950, as amended (12 U.S.C. 1701k), and subsection (d) of section 3720 of title 38 of the United States Code, the right to redeem does not arise, there shall be no right of redemption. The property will NOT be open for inspection and plaintiff makes no representation as to the condition of the property. Prospective bidders are admonished to check the court file to verify all information.

If this property is a condominium unit, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale, other than a mortgagee, shall pay the assessments and the legal fees required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/9(g)(1) and (g)(4). If this property is a condominium unit which is part of a common interest community, the purchaser of the unit at the foreclosure sale other than a mortgagee shall pay the assessments required by The Condominium Property Act, 765 ILCS 605/18.5(g-1).

IF YOU ARE THE MORTGAGOR (HOMEOWNER), YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO REMAIN IN POSSESSION FOR 30 DAYS AFTER ENTRY OF AN ORDER OF POSSESSION, IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION

You can also visit The Judicial Sales Corporation at www.tjsc.com for a 7 day status report of pending sales. CODILIS & ASSOCIATES, P.C. 15W030 NORTH FRONTAGE ROAD, SUITE 100 BURR RIDGE IL, 60527 630-794-5300

E-Mail: pleadings@il.cslegal.com

Attorney File No. 14-22-09272

Attorney ARDC No. 00468002

Attorney Code. 21762

Case Number: 2022 CH 12109 TJSC#: 43-1867

NOTE: Pursuant to the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act, you are advised that Plaintiff’s attorney is deemed to be a debt collector attempting to collect a debt and any information obtained will be used for that purpose.

Case # 2022 CH 12109 I3222938

BUILD IS OPEN LATE ALL SUMMER STARTING JUNE 26TH!

Our new home at 5100 W Harrison is open and excited to host the neighborhood. Youth and Community members are all welcome to join us for safe, fun, and FREE evening activities.

Open Gym, Open Art Studio, Open Mics, Game Nights, Movies, Food Art, Fitness, Fireside Chats in the Peace Garden, and more.