City of Chicago

To Usher in the Fall, Brews, Brats & Brass Gets a New Name and a New Vibe – Introducing the Fall Forward Festival in Hyde Park September 14-16

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Chicago, Ill – Eat, Drink, Be Events is revamping and renaming its Brews, Brats & Brass Oktoberfest to the Fall Forward Festival in Hyde Park taking place from September 14-16. Attendees will enjoy even more top-notch food ranging from salty to sweet, live music, and full bars.

The Fall Forward Festival includes autumn beer and ciders along with amazing Jack Daniels cocktails all wrapped around an intimate whiskey tasting, amazing food, live music and great drinks.

It’s the same level of fun with a new name just in time to pay homage to the end of summer and the transition into fall. This year’s musical acts include  Lee Farmer, Gemini Jones, MYS Michelle ,DJ Shon Dervis and Ernie Adams and more, with food featurings from Krave Chicago, Surf’s Up and Prime Catering plus much more.

“Serving as the official festival representing the “last hurrah” of the summer,  the weekend is intended to bring our community together while celebrating how it has and will continue to ignite our future, especially right here in Hyde Park” said Wallace E. Goode, Jr., Executive Director of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce.

The event is presented by Eat Drink and Be Events, The Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce and Jack Daniels.

The festival takes place on 53rd and Lake Park West (behind Hyde Park Bank-across from Promontory).

Schedule is Friday 5pm-10pm, Saturday 2pm-10pm, Whiskey Sampling is from 3pm-6pm,

Sunday 2pm-8pm with Whiskey Sampling running from 3pm-6pm.

Admission is $15 which includes one beer or wine ticket. $30 for a three day pass and $25 for the Whiskey Tasting Pavilion to experience a fantastic variety of balanced and flavorful whiskey options to try including the very popular Jack Daniels.

ABOUT EAT, DRINK & BE EVENTS
Eat, Drink & Be Events is a socially conscious Chicago-based special event company that focuses on bringing high quality food and beverage events to emerging communities.

ABOUT HYDE PARK CHAMBER OF COMMERCE
The mission of the Hyde Park Chamber of Commerce is to assist local member businesses in conducting their business in our community. As a resource for member businesses, the HPCC provides information regarding the programs and services offered by various City of Chicago agencies, acts as an advocate for its members’ interests within the community and to the City of Chicago, offers a forum for members to meet with other local business leaders to discuss their business interests and community matters. HPCC’s work for its members and with other community organizations has resulted in a healthy and strong business community in Hyde Park.

ABOUT JACK DANIELS

Jack Daniel’s is a brand of Tennessee whiskey and the top-selling American whiskey in the world. It is produced in Lynchburg, Tennessee, by the Jack Daniel Distillery, which has been owned by the Brown-Forman Corporation since 1956. Jack Daniel’s is distilled in a process that gives it the title of a Tennessee whiskey, a term recognized by the federal government in 1941, almost 80 years after Daniel started distilling the stuff. The process is different from other American whiskeys in that the spirit is filtered through layers of sugar-maple charcoal. At the distillery, visitors might see huge piles of maple wood being burned on “ricks.” The wood falls into itself as it is burned, making charcoal. The whiskey is then filtered through it over a period of four days, then through white wool to remove any of the charcoal.

Follow the festival on facebook, instagram and twitter. Tickets are on eventbrite

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Housing Application Workshops Available for Senior Citizens

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Spanish Coalition for Housing (SCH), a partner of the Chicago Housing Authority (CHA)’s Community Alliance is offering seniors and caregivers free educational workshops throughout Chicago in the neighborhoods of Belmont Cragin, Gage Park, East Side and New City.  Highly skilled bilingual coordinators will explain what documentation is needed, the waiting process, and how to fill out the new online-only application using computers. Through this process, SCH has been successful in helping over 400 seniors apply for affordable senior housing units.

 

A year and a half ago Angelica Garcia finally moved into the home of her dreams and hasn’t stopped smiling since. “I received a letter in the mail stating I was approved to move into the Wicker Park Apartments. I was so happy I couldn’t believe it finally came true.” SCH provided one-on-one application assistance including accuracy of information and follow up with CHA to ensure her application was processed.

 

“It was a long wait, but getting the home I wanted was worth it. Thanks to Spanish Coalition for Housing the application process was easy.” Garcia, 73, is originally from Mexico and is a single, retired mother with one son. She moved to Chicago 45 years ago and has worked for factories most of her life. 

 

“SCH is here to help seniors like Ms. Garcia, access valuable information and resources that support their affordable housing needs. Through the Community Alliance program, we are here to help seniors gain information, know their options and navigate CHA’s senior housing application process”, said Lydia Rodriguez, SCH-CHA Community Alliance Coordinator. 

 

The next workshops available are: 

  • June 1, 2018 –  10:30 am, Chicago Public Library, 3710 E. 106th Street (East Side)
  • June 7, 2018 –  4:00 pm , Chicago Public Library, 2807 W. 55th Street (Gage Park)
  • June 7, 2018- 3:00 pm, West Belmont Public Library, 3104 N. Narragansett Avenue (Belmont Cragin)
  • June 11, 2018- 1:00 pm, Kelvyn Park Satellite Senior Center, 2715 N. Cicero Avenue(Belmont Cragin)
  • June 13, 2018- 11:30 am and 12:30 pm, Chicago Public Library, 2807 W. 55th Street (Gage Park)
  • June 13, 2018- 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm, Chicago Public Library, 5440 S. Racine Ave  Chicago IL 60609 (New City)
  • June 14, 2018- 3:00 pm and 5:00 pm, West Belmont Public Library, 3104 N. Narragansett Avenue (Belmont Cragin)
  • June 14, 2018 –  2:00 pm, Chicago Public Library, 3710 E. 106th Street (East Side)
  • June 14, 2018 –  12:00 pm, Casa Hidalgo, 4600 S. Wood Avenue (New City)
  • June 20, 2018- 1:00 pm and 2:00 pm, Chicago Public Library, 5440 S. Racine Ave  Chicago IL 60609 (New City)
  • June 21, 2018– 12:30 pm, Chicago Public Library, 2807 W. 55th Street (Gage Park)
  • June 21, 2018 –  12:00 pm, Casa Hidalgo, 4600 S. Wood Avenue (New City)
  • June 27, 2018– 11:30 pm, Chicago Public Library, 2807 W. 55th Street (Gage Park)

Here are important things to consider that are discussed at the workshops including how to qualify for senior housing:

 

  • You must be 60 years or older to apply but can only be housed at age 62. However, if you have a disability, you can apply and be housed at age 55
  • Income for 1 person cannot exceed $44,250 and $50,600 for a 2 person household
  • A criminal background check of the last 3 years is required for single or double occupancy
  • A studio or 1 bedroom are the only options available for senior housing
  • You must only select 1 out of the 46 different senior housing locations (see here for a map listing http://www.thecha.org/residents/public-housing/find-public-housing/?pt=2)

 

For a complete list of available workshops in your neighborhood visit http://sc4housing.org/cha-community-alliance/ or call Spanish Coalition for Housing offices: north location (773-342-7575), south location (312-850-2660) and southeast location at 773-933-7575. For individuals who would like to apply for senior housing on their own, they can visit https://applyonline.thecha.org.

 

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About SCH – Spanish Coalition for Housing is a 501-c3, U.S. Dept. of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) certified Housing Counseling agency that was founded in 1966 and has grown exponentially in the years following. SCH sees and successfully serves over 10,000 clients each year.

ComEd’s “Construct” Graduation Highlights Diverse Candidates for Local Construction Work Jobs

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On Friday, ComEd hosted a graduation ceremony for the largest graduating class of CONSTRUCT, a nine-week job training program aimed at getting more diverse candidates into local construction and energy jobs. 

 

CONSTRUCT, organized by ComEd in conjunction with 38 construction industry companies, two local utilities, and eight social service agencies, offers participants the information and guidance needed to compete for entry-level construction and project management jobs in construction and energy-related fields

 

“Jobs are the lifeblood of our communities, providing them with economic strength and vitality. We understand the importance of being a local employer and we are proud to offer a pathway to our industry for people of our communities,” said Anne Pramaggiore, president and CEO of ComEd.  “We applaud the 2018 graduates and look forward to their participation in the construction workforce of the future.”

 

The 2018 CONSTRUCT class is the sixth group to go through the program since its inception in 2013. Career guidance, life skills training, and practical education about the construction industry are part of the program, as well as increased knowledge of requirements for entering construction-related fields successfully. The 2018 curriculum was updated with courses focused on the growing need for project management skills in the Construction industry, along with additional courses in high-rise construction.  Additional coursework related to renewable energy, including solar, was added in 2017.

 

CONSTRUCT offers instruction and access to special sessions where students can hear from and meet company representatives. There is the opportunity to job shadow, and to attend a career fair to learn about a range of potential job opportunities in the industry. To date, more than 400 students have participated in the program, including the 109 new participants this year. The success and continued growth of this program is due in great measure to the construction industry companies that are looking to hire local, diverse candidates to join their workforce.

 

Participating companies include: Intren, Labor organizations – IBEW Locals 9, 15, 134, 196 and Chicago Area Laborers, Nicor Gas, Peoples Gas, ABB, Inc., Aldridge, Ardmore Roderick, Builders Association, Burling Builders, “D” Construction, Inc., David Mason + Associates, d’Escoto, Inc., Electric Conduit Construction, Environmental Design, Inc., F.H Paschen, Groundhog Utility Construction, HBK Engineering, Henkels & McCoy, John Burns Construction Co., KDM Engineering, Lindblad Construction, LiveWire, Magellan Development Group, James McHugh Construction, Meade, Midwest Access Solutions, MJ Electric, MZI Group, Inc., Nash Brothers Construction Company, Inc., NPL Construction, Olenick & Associates, Osmose Utilities Services, Inc., PMI Energy Solutions, Primera Engineers, Rabine Group, The BarTech Group, Trice Construction Company, United Scrap Metal, V3 Companies and Trinidad Construction. ??

 

“All the contractors, the companies involved, you just don’t meet these people every day; it’s priceless,” said Dexter Allison, a 2014 graduate of the program, whose sons Damier and Dexter, Jr., are part of the 2018 program. “For our family, it’s been the opportunity of a lifetime.” 

 

“I learned a lot throughout the program, but I gained the most confidence from my job shadowing experience,” said Gregory Rounds.  “I’m really excited to go out there and find a job that I really love, that I can make a career out of.”

 

Understanding the need to help knock down barriers to entry for construction-related fields, CONSTRUCT launched in May 2013 out of a partnership between ComEd, Intren and the labor unions. What began with ComEd, 10 companies and three social service agencies has grown to include Illinois’ other major utilities – Nicor Gas, Peoples’ Gas, 38 companies and eight social service agencies.

 

To complete the program, participants must attend at least 95 percent of the full-day classes and take the select, required tests. Upon completion of the program, participants can choose any number of career paths, from applying to work with the participating companies and satisfying any applicable union requirements, to applying to work with ComEd or employers in other sectors.

 

While completion of the program does not guarantee a job, individuals who complete the program successfully are trained to be qualified, knowledgeable, and ready to compete for construction jobs in Illinois.

 

Anyone interested in applying should contact the agencies directly. The agency contact numbers are:

 

ASPIRA of Illinois

773-252-0970

 

Austin Peoples Action Center

773-378-8760

 

Chicago Urban League

773-285-5800

 

National Latino Education Institute

773-247-0707, ext. 223

 

Quad County Urban League

630-851-2203, ext. 222

 

St. Sabina’s Employment Resource Center

773-783-3760

 

SER Jobs for Progress

773-542-9030

 

YWCA of Metropolitan Chicago

773-955-3100

 

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Commonwealth Edison Company (ComEd) is a unit of Chicago-based Exelon Corporation (NYSE: EXC), the nation’s leading competitive energy provider, with approximately 10 million customers. ComEd provides service to approximately 3.9 million customers across northern Illinois, or 70 percent of the state’s population. For more information visit ComEd.com, and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

 

 

First Ever Mesothelioma Race for Justice in Illinois

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Chicago, IL (April 2, 2018) – Vogelzang Law, a Chicago-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing victims of mesothelioma throughout the US, will host its first Annual Mesothelioma Race for Justice on September 22, 2018 in tribute to National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The 5K race will be held at the Lake County Forest Preserve Half Day location in Vernon Hills, IL at 9 a.m. The proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. 

 

“Vogelzang Law is proud to present the 2018 Mesothelioma Race for Justice, benefiting the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. It is exhilarating and gratifying to help bring the mesothelioma community together and heighten awareness of this debilitating disease. There is something undeniably unifying and exciting about a sporting event, so in the name of community, competition, health and awareness, we encourage you all to enjoy the race,” said Caylei Vogelzang, Director of Business Strategy.

 

The silent auction will begin at 7:30 a.m. on race day. Shortly after that, an opening ceremony will be held to welcome all attendees and the race will commence at 9:00 a.m. During the race, volunteers will distribute Gatorade and water to participants. At 11 a.m., the winners of the silent auction will be announced, and the event will officially end at noon. Post-race, attendees will enjoy refreshments, awesome goodie bags and a huge after party. Each 5K participant will also receive a race medal.

 

“It is my honor and privilege to step into the role of race director for the Mesothelioma Race for Justice 5K. Through the years as Public Relations Manager at Vogelzang Law, I have seen the devastating and cruel effects of this disease first hand. I have also seen the inspiring stories of hope and perseverance in one day finding a cure. Through the funds raised for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, my belief is that one day we can find that cure. I have been fortunate to see the brave families our firm has represented, who in the face of fear and adversity, are willing to stand as a community, support one another, and reach out to other families that have been affected by this disease. This race is our contribution to their tenacity,” said Race Organizer and Vogelzang Law’s Public Relations Manager Mirela Stefanescu.

 

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) devotes extensive efforts to funding mesothelioma research in hopes of finding better treatment options and a cure. They have awarded over $10 million to 106 high-quality, promising research projects in six different countries.

 

“We’re thrilled that Vogelzang Law is sponsoring a race to benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. The funds raised will support the Foundation’s programs, including research, patient support throughout diagnosis, treatment, and beyond; and financial aid for travel to obtain new treatment options,” said Melinda Kotzian, CEO of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.

 

A keynote speaker and leading the race will be Chris Hagn, who lost his father to mesothelioma. Chris’s personal, heartfelt story will inspire other families who are going through or have gone through similar experiences as him.

 

The registration fee for the race is $45. Everyone who registers will receive a race day shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line. Packet pick-up will take place at the Fleet Feet Deerfield location, dates and times will be announced closer to race day.

 

Sponsors for the event are MARF, Fleet Feet, Rush University, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, Hinckley Springs, Lifeway, Safe + Fair Food Company, the Chicago Wolves and Gilda’s. Anyone who wishes to volunteer or be a sponsor is welcome to sign up. 

 

Registration is now open. Visit www.mesotheliomaraceforjustice.com.

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About Vogezlang Law

Vogelzang Law, we represent and advocate for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of asbestos exposure. With over 16 years of experience in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, we have the specialized knowledge and resources needed to litigate complicated cases and the compassion to advocate wholeheartedly for our clients.

 

About MARF

The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) devotes extensive efforts to funding research for better treatments and a cure for Mesothelioma. They have awarded over $10 million to 106 high-quality, promising research projects in six different countries. This funding has helped 240 pieces to be published as a result of these research projects and on average, 600 people are helped every month by these efforts. MARF funds research in early detection, prevention, and treatment of Mesothelioma, and they have firmly supported the ban of asbestos since their establishment.

 

Defendant’s ‘Lack of Personal Jurisdiction’ Defense Denied

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A Cook County Court will see a case against a North Dakota company, thanks to a momentous order by Honorable Judge Clare E. McWilliams granting personal jurisdiction to the Illinois forum.

The February 20th order in the John C. Clark v. A.W. Chesterton Company, et al. case sets a new precedent for Illinois residents seeking trial in their home state and offers a more efficient path to justice in mesothelioma and asbestos cases.

While working as an employee of the Illinois-based United Conveyor Corporation, John C. Clark was contracted for a job for the North Dakota Great River Energy company.  As such, he traveled back and forth between the two states. For the duration of his contract with GRE, Clark was subjected to asbestos exposure both on the job and upon his return home to Illinois, where the “take-home exposure” from asbestos dust on his clothes and shoes continued to damage his lungs.

Seeking relief from his injury, Clark sued GRE in Illinois court, only for the company to attempt to have the case dismissed over a personal jurisdiction dispute.

Judge McWilliams’ order denies GRE’s claims that personal jurisdiction cannot be established in Illinois and company requests to relocate the trial to North Dakota or Minnesota due to their location. Such claims would allow the company to put a greater burden on the injured party, forcing Clark to relocate the case.

In her order, the judge stated that because GRE worked with an Illinois company, and allowed employees to travel back into the state without establishing proper safety precautions that prevented asbestos exposure in Cook County, the case should be tried in an Illinois Court. As Clark’s injury occurred in Illinois, the state will have jurisdiction and be allowed to try the case.

The decision also protects Clark’s chances of obtaining “efficient and effective relief”, allowing him to remain in Illinois and avoid the expenses of multiple lawsuits across state lines.

This development marks a historic victory for asbestos and mesothelioma victims seeking legal recourse. Many employees who have suffered occupational exposure to asbestos traveled out-of-state for their jobs, frequently in professions like construction or industrial work. A multijurisdictional case, in which a Plaintiff must seek trial in every state in which they worked and suffered exposure, can be lengthy and complicated, causing undue stress and financial difficulty to injured parties seeking justice.

Judge McWilliams’ decision in Clark v. A.W. Chesterton creates a model which future mesothelioma cases may follow and outlines a swift and uncomplicated path to justice for victims of asbestos exposure. Thanks to Judge McWilliams, Illinois workers seeking redress for injury inflicted by out-of-state companies may be able to remain in their home state for trial.