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The state treasurer’s office recommends that Illinois residents check the unclaimed property database twice each year to make sure they’re not owed any money. In fiscal year 2019, $239 million was returned. The state holds lost or unclaimed funds until they are claimed by either the original owner or their heirs. Property is returned at no cost with the proper identification.
All are invited to the show, which will be held at 7 p.m. Jan. 11 at Church On The Block, 500 N. Laramie. Doors for “The Encounter,” presented by Marqual and Chi-Worship, open at 7 p.m.
Friendship Baptist Church, at 5200 W. Jackson Blvd., will holds its monthly community meal – open to all – from 1 to 4 p.m. Jan. 11.
West Side resident Vanessa Stokes reflects on life while on the road as she trains to run the Chicago Marathon in 2020.
Forty Acres Fresh Market will hold its monthly produce pop up in Austin on Jan. 10 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; on Jan. 11 from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.; and on Jan. 12 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The featured local chef will be Nubian Catering.
The application period is just one day – from 6 p.m. Jan. 7 through 5:59 a.m. Jan. 8. For more information, call 311 or go to www.311.chicago.gov.
Mirroring a trend across Chicago, Austin reported 10 fewer homicides in 2019. Forty-seven people were killed, down from 57 in 2018, according to the Chicago Sun-Times homicide tracker.
Residents will be able to drop off live holiday trees through Jan. 18th inside tree corrals set up at 25 designated Chicago Park District sites, including Garfield Park, 100 N. Central Park Ave., and Riis Park, 6201 W. Wrightwood Ave.
The Chicago Park District will offer free access to 69 fitness centers located in parks citywide, including Austin, and a free preview of over 25 fitness classes being offered during winter session. Free lap swim is also available at many citywide pools. Register online or sign in onsite.
The Austin African American Business Networking Association will holds its annual Kwanzaa celebration Dec. 27 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Blvd. Coleman’s BBQ will be honored as business of the year, and Darnell Shields of Austin Coming Together is the community service recipient; Marseil Jackson will receive the Delores McCain Community Award. Tickets are $50.