AustinTalks (http://austintalks.org/tag/austin/page/21/)
The Art Xellence Pilot Summer Program, the Dream Investment Project, and Lunch N Learn are among 71 projects across Chicago to receive a total of $135,500 grants from The Chicago Community Trust.
West Siders are invited to a birthday celebration and tribute 10:30 a.m. July 18 to the South African leader. The event, which will be held at 4800 W. Chicago Ave., is sponsored by state Rep. La Shawn Ford, Westside Health Authority, CBC, West Side Historic Preservation Society, Institute for Nonvioence Chicago, New Jerusalem Lodge of M.W.P.H.G.L. of Illinois, Ceasefire, SSF AVE 72, Tia L. Ford, West Side Democracy for America, Saint Martin De Porres and Fathers Who Care.
Everyone is welcome Saturday, July 15 for a ride through Austin. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at 5100 W. Harrison Street, with bikers setting off at 10 a.m.
The seven – all located along Chicago Avenue, the “Soul City Corridor” – are receiving more than $558,000 out of $5 million being distributed citywide under the new Retail Thrive Zone program.
Community development expert Valerie Leonard will be the guest speaker July 12 at Gone Again Travel & Tours, 5940 W. Chicago Ave., as residents continue to discuss how to use blues and soul to develop the West Side.
Longtime West Side resident James Bowers says the community should seize the opportunity to turn the Laramie State Bank Building into an arts, culture and history museum.
All are welcome July 8 and 9 at the GlennArt Pasture in the 400 block of North Waller Avenue. See Austin from a different perspective.
Ben’s Bar-Be-Cue, located at 5931 W. North Ave., may be the first Austin restaurant to be part of the annual food festival, which runs from July 5-9.
Stop by from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for a day of fun, free food and activities. The parade starts at Cicero and Jackson at 11 a.m.
Join in on the discussion June 7 from 6 to p.m. An expert panel will explore the ways this rich tradition can help draw visitors to Austin.