AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/category/news/page/32/)
The telethon, organized by the new nonprofit group Renew 312, will feature singalongs, book readings and an appearance by Santa Claus to raise money for Austin. Tune in on Facebook Live from 3 to 8 p.m. Saturday.
At a community meeting hosted last weekend by state Rep. La Shawn Ford, community members discussed concerns they have about e-learning and the opioid crisis, which is hitting the West Side even harder this year than in 2019.
The tree displayed outside the 15th District police station at 5701 W. Madison St. was donated by ComEd after a city forester noticed several spruces planted a few miles away on the utility’s property. The tree that was donated was growing too close to power lines and could have at some point caused power disruptions.
The coronavirus pandemic has posed big challenges for Black communities, and local businesses are still adjusting to the challenges. Learn how three local business owners – Liz Abunaw of Forty Acres Fresh Market, Chamille Weddington of Schweet Cheesecake and James Cole of Shine King – are coping.
If two key federal agencies approve the vaccines in coming days, as expected, Chicago would receive its first doses of Pfizer’s vaccine as early as next week and Moderna’s the week after, a local health official told members of the Leaders Network. Members of the group asked what the city is doing to build confidence and trust among the African American community to take the vaccine. Chicago health officials are reaching out to community ambassadors, partners and organizations, incudling churches on the West Side, to help educate residents and encourage them to get vaccinated.
Austin Coming Together is one of several organizations involved in a new initiative unveiled Monday by Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago’s Office of Racial Equity and Justice. The “Together We Heal” initiative calls on all residents to play their part in fostering connection, restoration and learning around the topic of racial healing. Chicagoans are encouraged to join in this challenge by hosting candid conversations, healing circles and other activities. The challenge will run from now until the end of January with a culminating, virtual healing summit that will reflect on progress made and build a path forward together.
The “Everyday Activists” project entails interviewing and taking photos of West Side heroes who are too often unheard and overlooked. Once the pandemic has subsided, organizers plan to hold two in-person exhibits – one in Austin and the other in Oak Park. Another project titled “Austin has the Mic” also aims to empower Austin residents to share their stories and help depict the community in a more authentic and positive light.
Reesheda Graham Washington, the keynote speaker at this year’s multi-faith Thanksgiving service organized by the Community of Congregations and held Sunday night on Facebook Live, urged nearly 100 attendees to pattern their lives after Jesus. “How might we get curious about living a more abundant life?” asked the serial entrepreneur who operates Live Café in Oak Park.
An empty and under-utilized lot is being transformed into a vibrant space for residents and businesses to set up shop and relax. Once finished, the lot will have a basketball court, a plaza for pop-up markets, a lawn for seating, a spot for food trucks and a mural painted by local artists.
A “no shave” in November event will bring men together to talk about their health while raising awareness about cancer. Stop by AJ Styles Beauty & Barber Salon, 6624 W. North Ave., from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 22. Also this month, uninsured and underinsured Austin residents can get a free prostate screening at Loretto Hospital.