Via World Sport Chicago

World Sport Chicago continues to offer opportunities for Chicago's youth to watch and experience Olympic and Paralympic sport.

On Thursday, February 11th, World Sport Chicago and the Chicago Cubs will host a community open skate at the Rink at Wrigley that will provide kids of all ages the opportunity to meet and skate with local Olympians and Paralympians.  Families will also be able to participate in demonstrations of winter Olympic ice sports such as speed skating, curling and sled hockey. Bring your own skates as rentals will not be available on-site. The event is free and open to the public so tell your friends and come on out to enjoy the fun at the Rink at Wrigley!

When: Thursday, February 11 from 5:00 p.m.. to 8:00 p.m.
Where: The Rink at Wrigley at Clark St. and Waveland Ave. (map)

Via the Commission on Human Relations   

The City of Chicago Commission on Human Relations in conjunction with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), City Colleges of Chicago, and Haitian community organizations announced planning for two workshops to help Chicago area Haitians apply for Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS status allows undocumented individuals in the U.S. to lawfully remain in the country on a temporary basis and apply for employment.

"We are pleased that the Federal Government has provided an opportunity for Haitians to apply for TPS and that the USCIS has stepped forward to help plan these workshops," stated Commissioner Dana V. Starks of the Chicago Commission on Human Relations. "Obtaining TPS status is the first step in getting many local Haitians employed and provides them with a means to help their families back in Haiti," he added.

The earthquake and aftershocks which have left areas of Haiti devastated, particularly the capital city of Port Au Prince, have also left hundreds of thousands homeless and in need of food, shelter and medical attention. The City of Chicago, under the direction of Mayor Richard M. Daley, has continued to assist the local Haitian community and the people of Haiti through a number of initiatives including appealing for donations to the American Red Cross, sending ambulances to Haiti, organizing blood drives, and other actions.

"The Mayor has made it a priority for all City departments to help support the Haitian community at this most difficult time. We think these workshops will be invaluable for many individuals and their families, both here and in Haiti," Starks concluded.

The workshops will be held:

Saturday, February 6, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Truman College, 1145 W. Wilson Ave.
Novar Hall, Room 3426

And

Saturday, February 13, 2010, 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Olive-Harvey College
10001 S. Woodlawn Ave.
Main Auditorium

Volunteer lawyers will be on hand to provide private assistance to applicants. Further information about the workshops, including what materials applicants should bring with them to apply for TPS, and information about fees and fee waivers, can be found at www.uscis.gov/haitinearthquake,www.uscis.gov/forms or by calling 1-800-870-3676. Information can also be obtained by calling the Chicago Commission on Human Relations at 312-744-4111.

Workshops co-sponsors include the Haitian Lawyers Association, Chicago Office of the Consulate General of Haiti, City Colleges of Chicago, Chicago Commission on Human Relations Advisory Council on African Affairs, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, State Senator Kwame Raoul, and Haitian community organizations in the Chicagoland area.

Via City Clerk del Valle

Get free help completing the FAFSA!  The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is needed to apply for college financial aid.

Chicago City Hall, 121 N LaSalle
Office of City Clerk Miguel del Valle, Room 107
Tuesday evenings through March 30, 2010
5:30 - 7:30pm

Via the Department of Water Management

The Dept. of Water Management is schedule to work on a sewer lining project in your area starting on Tuesday, February 2nd.  This project will rehabilitate the existing sewer and catch basin drain pipes in your area without the conventional digging method.  This sewer rehabilitation will minimize, if not eliminate, street cave-ins due to sewer collapses.  In addtion, it will bring better drainage to your area and alleviate flooding during heavy rain.  

Boundaries

The Sewer and catch basin drain pipes on W. Carmen Ave. from 1260 W. to North Broadway will be lined by a private contractor with resin impregnated liner bags.  Daily work starts at 7am and is expected to end at 7pm.  This project is expected to be completed by mid-February 2010.

What to Expect

During the sewer lining work, it will be necessary to close lanes of these streets to ensure public safety during work hours.  Equipment and materials will be on the street during the work.  If necessary, detours and alternative bus stops will be posted.  To prevent odors in your home, please pour two to three cups of water into each basement floor drain.  Durin gthe sewer lining work, please restrict your water usage as much as possible.  A City Engineer will be on site during the work to answer any questions from residents.

Any damages in the area as a result of the sewer lining work will be restored to its pre-lining state.  However, the Department of Water Management does not assume responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including: sprinkling systems, fences, flower bed and shrubbery.  Sewer lining is not complete until damaged sidewalks, parkways and streets have been repaired.

If you have additional questions, please call 311 or Alderman Shiller's office at 773.878.4646.

Via the Department of Cultural Affairs

Get ready for the 2010 Creative Chicago Expo!

Expo Vendors - Save the Date - Saturday, April 10, 2010

Saturday April 10, 2010 from 10 am - 4 pm at the Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St.

What is the Creative Chicago Expo?

The Creative Chicago Expo is a free, day-long event that connects Chicago's arts community – individual artists, businesses and organizations working in dance, music, film, fashion, theater, visual arts, literary and design – with the services, spaces, information and networks that they need.

Last year, 5,500 people attended the Expo. They met 130 Vendors, participated in 23 workshops and
connected with 40 consultants.  The 2010 Expo will be better than ever.

The Expo is an amazing opportunity for businesses, lenders, arts services, community organizations, schools and arts ed organizations, space and housing providers, health care and financial consultants and any business that wants to connect with Chicago's most creative people.

Check out the 2009 Creative Chicago Directory on CAR to see the Expo Vendors, Sponsors, Consultants and Workshops that this event has featured in the past.

How can I participate?

1. Be a Vendor.  Detailed information and a link to online Vendor Registration will be sent to you on Monday February 1, 2010. Registration deadline is Monday February 15, 2010 at 5 pm.

2. Consider Advertising or Sponsorship. Demonstrate your support through event sponsorship, and advertise in the Creative Chicago print and online directory. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it for more information.

3. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it or be one yourself. Share your expertise during one-on-one scheduled appointments in the morning or the afternoon. Check out last year's Consult-a-thon listings for examples of top discipline-specific and business categories.

4. This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it . Introduce your service or strategy to up to 300 artists. Check out 2009 Workshops, available as podcasts on CAR.