Events, Information, Opportunities
FREE, FUN AND CHEAP REPORT
March thru First Week in April 2023
Events, Information, Opportunities
March
12 – Daylight Savings Time ”Spring Forward” – set clocks forward 1 hour
20 – Meteorological Spring
HOLIDAYS
6 – Casimir Pulaski Day
On Monday, the city of Chicago and Cook County will observe Casimir Pulaski Day, in honor of the Polish-born cavalry officer killed in the Revolutionary War. One of the United States’ first cavalry commanders, Pulaski brought organization and proper training to the Continentals, securing the titles of “The Father of American Cavalry” and “Soldier of Liberty.”
Following a recommendation by Benjamin Franklin, Pulaski traveled to North America to help in the American Revolutionary War. He distinguished himself throughout the revolution, most notably when he saved the life of George Washington.
Public schools in Chicago and many suburbs will close. Libraries: All Chicago public libraries will be closed.
Casimir Pulaski Day is a legal holiday in Illinois, celebrated on the first Monday of March. Thus, it will be observed on 6th March 2023. Outside Cook County, businesses and schools remain open and follow normal working hours.
The epicenter of the celebrations takes place at the Polish Museum of America in Chicago, where Chicago’s, Illinois’, and the nation’s largest Polish communities are paid homage by city and state officials.
It’s especially interesting to learn about the parallels between Pulaski’s struggles for freedom against Poland’s foreign oppressor and America’s. He fought and died for some universal American values, so it doesn’t matter what state you’re in!
25 – Poliish Culture & Cuisine
In anticipation of the May 20 opening of Chicago History Museum Back Home: Polish Chicago exhibition, join the Guild of the Chicago History Museum on a morning filled with Polish history and culture.
Celebrations & Observances
National Women’s History Month
Diabetes Alert Day (fourth Tuesday of the month) and World Tuberculosis Day(March 24, 2023). National Doctors’ Day on March 30th, 2023.
National Obesity Month
Irish-American Heritage Month. Interesting Book: How the Irish Saved Civilization – the story of how an isolated island, too small and barbaric for the Romans to bother with, played a heroic role in saving Western civilization. It is a story of transition and movement–classical to medieval–a hinge of history that hasn’t been studied much before.
City of Chicago Birthday
March 4, 1837 Chicago was granted a city charter by the State of Illinois;
it was part of the larger Cook County.
6 – PURIM (one month before Passover)
For Ashkenazi ( Eastern European) Jews, perhaps the most widely held food tradition on Purim is eating triangular-shaped foods such as kreplach and hamantashen pastries. Kreplach are pasta triangles filled with ground beef or chicken and hamantashen are triangles of pastry dough surrounding a filling often made with dates or poppy seeds.
Triangular-shaped to signify Haman’s hat. (Some Jewish communities say the cookies are shaped like Haman’s pockets or his ears, but we’ve always associated them with his hat. Haman, an official of the Achaemenid Empire who was planning to have all of Persia’s Jewish subjects killed, as recounted in the Book of Esther (usually dated to the 5th century BCE).
On Purim it is customary to listen to the biblical Book of Esther, also known as the Megillah in Hebrew, read aloud in synagogue, put on comic productions of the story of Purim called purimspiels (Yiddish for “plays”), dress up in costumes, and give gift baskets, mishloach manot, to friends.
17 – ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Traditional Irish Foods to Make This St. Patrick’s Day. The first food that likely comes to mind when you think of Ireland is potatoes—with good reason.
Colcannon… traditional Irish dish consisting of mashed potatoes with cabbage or kale…and Champ is mashed potatoes with chopped spring onions (scallions) and milk. Colcannon is Champ, with the addition of cabbage and sometimes some herbs.
Irish Soda Bread. … The essential ingredients in a traditional Irish soda bread are flour, baking soda, salt, and buttermilk. The acid in buttermilk reacts with the base of the baking soda to provide the bread’s leavening. This leavening from buttermilk and baking soda is what gives the bread its name: “soda bread.”
Boxty. … a traditional Irish dish made of mashed and grated potatoes in a thick buttermilk batter that are pan-fried. What is this? It is a bit like a cross between a hash brown and a pancake
Irish Stew. … traditionally uses mutton or lamb and has a rich, thick beer based broth. Purists will argue that a real Irish stew consists only of mutton, onions and potatoes but the reality is that any combination of carrots, potatoes, celery, turnips, swedes, parsnips, leek, kale and cabbage are perfectly acceptable – and traditional – additions to an authentic Irish stew.
Black Pudding (blood Sausage) … This humble pudding made from pork fat and blood and sometimes oatmeal or barley were originally made to sell at local markets, to supplement the income of the farm. It also fed the family as part of a traditional breakfast with home-produced rashers and sausages. Ireland has raised black pudding to culinary heights.
Coddle. … A hearty coddle is made from leftovers and therefore is without a specific recipe (this leads to heated debate from purists and the new fusion brigade) and typically consists of roughly cut spuds, sliced onions, rashers and sausages. There are actually two types of coddle – brown and white. White coddle is made with water while brown coddle is made with oxtail stock cubes. The ingredients include potatoes, onions with either ham, sausages or bacon. Some people add carrots (although traditional coddle fans would be against this.)
Boiled Cabbage. … Bacon and cabbage (Irish: bagún agus cabáiste) is a dish traditionally associated with Ireland. The dish consists of sliced back bacon boiled with cabbage and potatoes. Smoked bacon is sometimes used. The dish is served with the bacon sliced, and with some of the boiling juices added. When Irish immigration to the United States exploded, immigrants found the cost of pork in this country to be prohibitively expensive, so they began cooking beef instead. As a result, bacon and cabbage is technically the more traditional Irish dish; corned beef and cabbage is the Irish-American variant
Barmbrack.- a rich currant bun or cake. Irish version of a king’s Cake.
Irish Gaelic bairghean breac, literally, speckled cake, from bairghean cake, loaf (from Old Irish bairgen bread) + breacspeckled, from Old Irish brecc; akin to Latin perca perch Barmbrack is a traditional Irish sweetened bread. In Gaelic it’s known as báirín breac, or “speckled loaf” due to the way it is dotted with raisins. The tradition was to add to the cake mixture a pea, a stick, a piece of cloth, a coin, and a ring. Each item is supposed to carry a message for those concerned; to find a pea means you won’t marry over the next year, a small piece of cloth foretells poverty, a ring means one would be wed within the year, a matchstick to “beat your wife” warns of an unhappy marriage and a coin represents great wealth. Oct 22, 2015 History.com
St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in Ireland for more than a millennium. It was a time to cut loose during the Catholic Lent season, and as such it quickly became synonymous with Irish food and drink. When immigrants from Ireland moved to the U.S. (and other places), they brought the tradition of St. Patrick’s Day with them, and it morphed and modernized into what it’s become now.
The shamrock has long been a piece of Irish iconography because it symbolizes “the rebirth of spring.” According to Time, shamrocks are a trefoil plant, and were worn by poorer Irish citizens to church ceremonies on St. Patrick’s Day in order to look nice. It has a deeper significance as it relates to St. Patrick’s Day, too, since St. Patrick himself is said to have used the shamrock’s three leaves to explain the Christian concept of the holy trinity.
18/19 – ST. JOSEPH’S DAY
St. Joseph’s Day Pasta, also called Sawdust Pasta or Carpenter’s Pasta, made with bread crumbs sautéed in butter to resemble wood sawdust. Cheese isn’t used, symbolic of the food shortage experienced in the origin legend of the tradition.
Maccu is a traditional fava bean soup often served on San Giuseppe day. It was thought that the fava bean was the crop that saved Sicily from starvation after St. Joseph ended the notorious drought.
When Sicily underwent a major drought that threatened a massive famine. The locals prayed to their patron saint to bring them relief in the form of rain. In exchange, they promised to honor St. Joseph (the husband of the Virgin Mary) with a proper banquet. Sure enough, he answered their prayers. In return, they feasted on local foods such as fava beans, which thrived after the rain, as well as many sweets. Since the feast occurs in the middle of Lent, it is a meatless celebration.
Vowed to feed those without much food to thank for their blessing. Ever hear of this one? After fleeing to Egypt with Mary and Jesus, St. Joseph found himself selling pancakes to provide for the sustenance of the family, once landed in a foreign land. From here the tradition would have originated that would see in these sweets the typical symbol also of the Father’s Day, in honor of Saint Joseph.
Generally, a statue of St. Joseph is placed at the head of the table and is surrounded by gifts of various foods, citrus fruits, and of course, breads. On the feast day, an open house is held, inviting friends and family to join in the celebration of eating the gifts left on the table.
The pastry is rooted in the Roman festival of Liberalia, which was celebrated on March 17 in honor of Bacchus and Silenus, the gods of wine and wheat. To pay homage to them, Romans threw a festival for which prepared wheat pancakes and the wine flowed freely. This is probably one of the many “purification rites” at the beginning of the agricultural season.
Cauliflower fritters or pancakes prepared in Rome, Lazio, and Umbria also originate from the pagan Liberalia festivities. At the Church of San Giuseppe dei Falegnami al Foro, the Brotherhood of the Carpenters (Saint Joseph’s profession) organized solemn celebrations and banquets where pancakes and cream puffs were served. Romans still refer to the holiday as “San Giuseppe frittellaro,” and they eat beignets named as such.
Tortelli from Lombard..sweet ball-like donut holes and the Bolognese ravioli…also with sweet fillings
Tuscany-rice fritters
Columbia, Philippines, Viet Nam and Poland also celebrate.
22 – RAMADAN
Check out Devon Avenue. Ramadan, Arabic Ramaḍān, in Islam, the ninth month of the Muslim calendar and the holy month of fasting. Islamic tradition states that it was during Ramadan, on the “Night of Power” (Laylat al-Qadr)—commemorated on one of the last 10 nights of Ramadan, usually the 27th night—that God revealed to the Prophet Muhammad the Qurʾān, Islam’s holy book, “as a guidance for the people.” For Muslims, Ramadan is a period of introspection, communal prayer (ṣalāt) in the mosque, and reading of the Qurʾān. God forgives the past sins of those who observe the holy month with fasting, prayer, and faithful intention. It is more broadly interpreted as the obligation to refrain between dawn and dusk from food, drink, sexual activity, and all forms of immoral behavior, including impure or unkind thoughts. Thus, false words or bad deeds or intentions are as destructive of a fast, as is eating or drinking.
After the sunset prayer, Muslims gather in their homes or mosques to break their fast with a meal called ifṭār that is often shared with friends and extended family. The ifṭār usually begins with dates, as was the custom of Muhammad, or apricots and water or sweetened milk
The end of the Ramadan fast is celebrated as Eid al-Fitr, the “Feast of Fast-Breaking,” which is one of the two major religious holidays of the Muslim calendar (the other, Eid al-Adha, marks the end of the hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca that all Muslims are expected to perform at least once in their lives if they are financially and physically able). In some communities Eid al-Fitr is quite elaborate: children wear new clothes, women dress in white, special pastries are baked, gifts are exchanged, the graves of relatives are visited, and people gather for family meals and to pray in mosques.
26 – Free Day Chicago History Museum
activities that all center on women’s role in shaping Chicago.
FINANCES
17 – Money Management Workshop
Independence Library- 4024 N. Elston Avenue, Chicago IL 60618
Phone: (312) 744-0900
Access Living will be facilitating this 10 week money management workshop. Participants will meet once a week. Registration is required. Topics Include:
- Learn how to budget and understand your credit
- Begin to improve your credit
- Learn how to set and complete financial goals
CIVIC INVOLVEMENT
7 – Annual Wrigley Field Community Meeting 6-7:30pm – IN PERSON
19th District Police Station’s Community Room
This meeting will bring together representatives from the Cubs, CPD, the Office of Emergency Management and Communications, and other city departments. Presentations on the Cubs’ 2023 schedule, parking rules, lighting and sound restrictions, and more will be discussed.
15 – Voices for Justice, Speaker Series
6-7pm Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Main Branch
Legendary Chicago City Council Member and community activist Helen Shiller to speak on her book Daring to Struggle, Daring to Win as part of their celebration of Women’s History Month. Shiller will be in conversation with Sylvia Ewing.
FOOD
1 – National Pancake Day – IHOP – free pancakes for donation to Children’s Miracle Network – local Children’s Hospitals (Tip your server on true cost)
March 10th, and March 31st
St. Benedict Parish| 2215 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60618 Fish Fry Dinner events this Lent in Beaven Hall.773-588-6484 |
Our Knights of Columbus Council 15052 is sponsoring. We hope you will join us on the following Fridays of Lent: March 10th, and March 31st, from 5-8 p.m.
All you can eat cod fish dinner comes with fries, coleslaw, mac n cheese, along with a drink and dessert. $15 for adults and $5 for children.
St. Joseph’s Table; Seder Meal, Easter Community Meal
Call closer to date for Details
12 – Enter or Just Eat: Bethany UCC Chili-Dessert Cook Off
Bethany United Church of Christ and Pilgrim Lutheran Church and School are partnering to host a Chili Cook-Off/Dessert Bake-Off on Sunday, March 12, from 4-6 p.m. Use the sign-up here to enter: Chili-Dessert Cookoff 2023.
Plan to bring the family and as many friends as you can gather for an evening of all-you-can-eat chili and baked goods – and friendly competition! At Pilgrim (4300 N. Winchester). Admission is free, but they encourage everyone to bring cash, and “vote” on the best entries with small bills!
All proceeds support the congregations’ work with Refugee One to welcome and resettle refugee families in Chicago. For questions or more information, contact Judy Beaupre at jhbeaupre@yahoo.com.
18 – All You Can Eat Spaghetti Dinner
4-7pm Ravenswood Fellowship-UMC Church
4511 N. Hermitage, $15 ticket
The Greenhouse Inn
Misericodria on 6300 N. Ridge Ave-south of Devon
Sunday Brunch 9:30am-2:00pm and Gift Shop
American diner with a classic menu at the Misericordia home for developmentally disabled adults.
Service options: Dine-in · Takeout · No delivery
Phone: (773) 273-4182 Reservations suggested
Closed Easter & Mother’s Day
Every Friday – St. Matthias Fund Raiser (2300 W. Anslie near Western Ave.)
The Atlantic 5062 N. Lincoln Ave. – Lincoln Square
Every Friday The Atlantic offers an all-you-can-eat fried fish buffet that includes battered Irish cod, fries, vegetables, mac ‘n’ cheese and salad. It goes from 5:30 to 9 p.m. Adults eat for $12 and kids for $6. Non-Catholics welcomed and encouraged. Proceeds go to St. Matthias Church.
21 – National Ag Day turns 50 in March 2023.
Do you know what you are eating?
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ FDA regulates foods – other than meat, poultry, and processed egg products -that are regulated by USDA Food & Medicine policies
It regulates all foods and food ingredients introduced into or offered for sale in interstate commerce except for meat, poultry and some egg and catfish (which are regulated by USDA); ensures the safety and effectiveness of all drugs, biological products including blood, vaccines and cellular and gene therapy product tissue and tissue products, allergenics. USDA provides leadership on food, agriculture, natural resources, rural development, nutrition, and related issues based on public policy, the best available science, and effective management.
31 – St. Alphonsus – Festival Hall
1429 W Wellington Ave 6-9pm
stalphonsuschicago.org or https://www.givecentral.org/location/39/event/36528
Fried beer-battered cod, chips, macaroni and cheese, coleslaw
$15/adults; $7/children ages 5-12; free/children 4 and under; BYOB; non-alcoholic drinks and desserts for sale.
Trinity Irish dancers performing at 6 PM and 8 PM. Raffle Prizes! Games for kids and adults!
FUN
Chicago Public Library – Free Film Screenings throughout the Month
Current Academy Award Nominees, Winner of AARP Older Adults , and Women’s History Month themes, look up on Chipublib.org
Now-thru April 7
on Fridays during Lent for our traditional Irish Fish Fry. Meals include fried cod, French fries, coleslaw, and peas. Fish Fries run every Friday (except March 17) $17 adults; $12-children under 12
.All you can eat Food is served between 6:30 and 9PM.
Live music begins at 8PM.
2 – Intergenerational Talent Show
The Center on Halsted | 3656 N. Halsted 5:00-8:00 p.m.
Got talent? Sign up for the intergenerational talent show at Center on Halsted!
Open to performers of all types: singers, dancers, musicians, comedians, drag queens and kings, etc.
To RSVP, email Todd Williams.
3-12 – Regal Cinema Offers $6 Tickets for Oscar-Nominated Movies Academy Awards season always stirs up excitement but there’s more to be thrilled about with super cheap $6 tickets for the 10 films nominated for “Best Picture” at Regal City North and Regal Webster Place. The Regal Best Picture Film Festival runs from 3/4/23 thru 3/12/23.
4 – Learn How To Preserve Your Collections 1-3pm
Gerber/Hart Library and Archives, 6500 N. Clark
Join staff from CPL’s Northside Neighborhood History Collection and Gerber/Hart Library and Archives to learn how to care for your personal archives. Bring something from your collection, such as a concert flyer or a photo of you and your friends and learn how to keep it safe for years to come.
Gerber/Hart staff will lead a behind the scenes tour of Gerber/Hart’s archives, library, and special collections, one of the largest LGBTQ collections in the U.S. Since 1981, Gerber/Hart has preserved and made accessible the LGBTQ history of Chicago and the Midwest.
NNHC staff will share tips on how to care for letters, photographs, scrapbooks, digital files, stories, and other materials. There will be plenty of time for questions.
Attendees will receive one Archival Starter Kit: 1 letter sized archival box, archival file folders and photos sleeves and a sheet with collection care tips.
Register through eventbrite
This event takes place in person. Masks are strongly encouraged in all CPL locations.
5 – International Women’s Day Concert
2:30pm – Good Shepherd Lutheran Church, 611 Randolph Street, Oak Park, IL
Tickets & info: https://www.choosechicago.com/event/second-annual-international-womens-day-concert-a-tribute-to-women-in-the-arts/
6 – Chicago Park District Spring Classes Registration-Now
Special classes for Seniors-Some FREE
March is Women’s History Month and the Chicago Park District is spotlighting Chicago parks named after women who have made an incredible mark on history, culture, and society. View our 6-part video series, “Named in Their Honor,” as we feature several parks across Chicago that have been named in honor of women who have been instrumental in shaping the city’s legacy.
11 – The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce
8am-2pm Over a dozen St. Patrick’s Day events Lakeview East and along Clark: https://lakevieweast.com/saint-patricks-day-2023/
11 – Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Downtown Parade
March 11, from 1-11 PM!
One of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the country, the annual downtown St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates the patron saint of Ireland. The parade starts at Balbo and Columbus Drive and proceeds north on Columbus to Monroe Street.
11 – Rogers Park West Ridge Historical Society
The Board Election will be at the RPWRHS Annual Meeting
To be considered for a spot on the ballot, submit an application by clicking here. If you have any questions, email info@rpwrhs.com.
12 – Northwest Side Irish Parade begins at Onahan School and is free. Located on West Raven Street. Onahan Elementary School is situated nearby to the fast food restaurant Superdawg and the railway station Norwood Park station.
Buy a ticket for the optional after-party for dinner and family fun. The Northwest Side Irish is a celebration Irish tradition, community and faith. The NWSI celebrates it 20th St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2023
The official NWSI Official After Party will take place on Sunday March 12, 2023 at Zia’s Social 6158 N Northwest Highway from 1:00pm to 5:00pm CST. tickets prices are as follows —– $50.00 for adults 21 and over includes cocktails, beer and wine, a full Irish buffet, entertainment with the Chicago Garda Pipes, Trinity Irish Dancers, face painters, DJ and raffles $25.00 for non drinkers, 10.00 for kids 13 and under includes door prize raffle, kids buffets and soda.
The NWSI 20th celebration will include past and new celebrity guests!
March 15 through April 19 “High Lights” Writing and Storytelling Workshop
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. on Zoom
This free, 6-week writing and storytelling workshop for those aged 55+ is a partnership between Edgewater Village and Northlight Theatre. Participants will generate and share through writing prompts, discussion, and peer feedback. Read more details and register soon at evchicago.org/programs as space is limited. Register only if you can attend all the dates.
17 – Irish American Heritage Center St. Patrick’s Festival
1 – 11pm $10
They will celebrate actual St. Patrick’s Day with music and fun in the Fifth Province from 3PM to 11PM.
The festivities and are packed with traditional and contemporary Irish music, dance, food and drink for purchase, and children’s activities – including Wiggleworms performances! We also have a day of Irish Dance Schools in the Mayfair Theatre and an Arts and Craft Fair with vendors selling Irish gifts.
And plenty of good fun and music all month long…
Our Thursday Night Music Sessions featuring the best in traditional Irish session music run regularly in Fifth Province Pub from 7-9PM. Stop by for some food, cocktails, and live music in front of the fireplace.
We have live music every Friday and Saturday in the Pub.
18 – Free Piano Concert
Bezazian Branch- 1226 W. Ainslie Street, 60640, Phone: (312) 744-0019
Alexander Reyes is a Chicago-based classical pianist. He studied piano at Kutztown University of Pennsylvania with acclaimed Greek pianist Maria Asteriadou. His musical interests are situated within the realm of 20th century classical music, and include frequent excursions into jazz and popular song. This event will feature compositions by Philip Glass, Carla Bley, and Frederic Chopin, as well many others.
18 – 22 Chicago Flower & Garden Show
… feature gardens throughout the Festival Halls of Navy Pier, presented by 811 Chicago and Peoples Gas
25 – Patricia Liddell Researchers: Preserving Family History
1:00– 1:45 PM Online event
Join the Harsh Research Collection and the Patricia Liddell Researchers (PLR) for an online presentation, “Ask an Archivist.” A professional archivist will answer all your questions pertaining to preserving your family legacy.
Register for Patricia Liddell Researchers: Preserving Family History. Registration closes March 24 at 12:00am Register for event
28 – Create Your Memory Jar- or a Gift
4-6pm Chicago Public Library- Independence Branch
Jessica Kimpel (312) 744-0900 jmccarney@chipublib.org
During the workshop, presenter Sharon Hyson guides you to collect your dreams, wishes, hopes and goals for inclusion in your Memory Jar. We’ll cover the jar with clay and then use small mosaic pieces and charms along with a guided imagery exercise. Then you’ll have the opportunity to use decorative papers, pressed flowers, clay and collaged text as well. Feel free to bring small charms or mementos for inclusion. Registration required: Jessica Kimpel
(312) 744-0900 jmccarney@chipublib.org
30 – Free screening of “On the Basis of Sex.”
5:30-7:30pm Sultzer Regional Library
Young wife, mother and lawyer Ruth Bader Ginsburg battles the U.S. Supreme Court for gender equality and women’s rights. She works with the American Civil Liberties Union to argue cases on behalf of both men and women, demonstrating that discrimination “on the basis of sex” is unconstitutional. Her trailblazing work paved the way for her to become a beloved Supreme Court Justice.
TRANSPORTATION
CTA REPAIRS – CLOSUERS If you have any questions or concerns about the work activity, please contact: RPM@transitchicago.com or call (331) 303-2499.
The Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) and City of Evanston aim to offer all residents an affordable, accessible and fun transportation option. D4E provides a one-time $5 Annual Membership to qualifying residents. The program also incorporates a cash payment system for those individuals who do not have debit, credit card, or prepaid card required for a standard Divvy membership. Join today as Chicago resident or Evanston resident.
HOUSING
Check out housing close by-references from current & past residents and staff-not just marketing dept. Drop in for tour, have meals-no just on “best day” they choose. Visit several times-negotiate for amenities you want. Do they raise cost at time of renewal? Fore-warned is forearmed.
Housing Opportunities & Maintenance for the Elderly (H.O.M.E.) was one of 11 organizations to receive a Program of Distinction certificate in December, recognizing its intergenerational programming. The certificate was awarded by Generations United, a national nonprofit aiming to foster intergenerational advocacy, collaboration, and programming. H.O.M.E. was the only organization in the Midwest to receive this distinct status. The designation will make H.O.M.E. eligible for additional benefits, including national recognition and participation and acknowledgment in virtual showcases.
H.O.M.E. operates the Nathalie Salmon House out of Rogers Park, which provides comfortable intergenerational living across its five floors. Nathalie Salmon’s 54-unit building is home to 43 seniors (aged 62 and older or 55 and older with a disability), 6 resident assistants (at least age 18), and 4 families with children. Nathalie Salmon’s innovative housing option for seniors moves beyond the senior-only housing and helps provide an aging population with more opportunities for social connection across generations and to live with family members who may not be seniors themselves.
Two of Westminster Place’s most popular residences are available now, offering a rare opportunity to live the good life in their Life Plan Community- including weekly housekeeping, transportation, maintenance, a generous monthly credit for dining , services, and more! Plus, limited time complimentary $3,000 for moving & relocation services. Check it out.
ENVIRONMENT
4 – Did you know that the average American consumer discards about 80 lbs. of textiles annually? Can you imagine what that looks like?
Family Tree Thrift’s next donation date is scheduled for March 4th, from 10 am-2pm weather permitting. Please consider donating your gently used housewares, toys, clothing and more
Check your local thrift store, charity rummage sale- Ward run swap for donation and /swap dates.
SENIOR SERVICES
8 – Northside Providers Council Meeting
9:00-10:30 a.m.
Chicago Methodist Senior Services is our host agency.
Catherine Durkin Robinson, owner and end-of-life doula at Anitya Doula Services, will be our guest speaker, presenting on “Death Anxiety: What Are We So Afraid Of?” Physical, emotional, and spiritual suffering and comfort care (for those three types of categories) at end-of-life will be discussed. Additional information about death doulas and how they comfort and support people will also be provided.
Meeting agenda:
1) Welcome/introduction
2) Host agency overview
3) Guest speaker presentation
4) Member updates
To join the Zoom Meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84056030543?pwd=NVZGRFBwdFlnMDlxaUQwaUJlYzZEQT09
Meeting ID: 840 5603 0543
Passcode: 351867
To just call in:
312-626-6799
Meeting ID: 840 5603 0543
23 – Tech Talk 1-2pm Edgewater Branch- 6000 N. Broadway, Phone: (312) 742-1945 This new monthly program helps older adults and new users understand their personal computer, phone, or tablet. They will discuss the successes and pitfalls of using technology and how to resolve challenges when they arise. Hosted by Michael Kennedy, a retired technology educator. Held in partnership with Edgewater Village Chicago.
HEALTH
4 – “Go Run,” a free series of organized and timed 1 mile and 5K community run is back for the season!
9 AM at Warren Park, 6601 N. Western. Register at www.cararuns.org/gorun.
“Go Run” is a community-based initiative that serves to activate neighborhood parks and to strengthen communities by encouraging an active lifestyle through running and volunteerism.
9 – Learn more about Medicare
6-7pm Northown Branch – 6800 N. Western Avenue
Chicago IL 60645
Looking for a fun, no-pressure way to learn more about Medicare? Come to an upcoming event where we’ll answer your questions about Medicare.
Michael Land from UnitedHealthcare will help you explore your Medicare options. Leea Tomele-(312) 744-2292 – lyelich@chipublib.org
9 – How Brain Works & Aging : An Elephant Never Forgets 12:30 PM 1:30 PM Edgewater Public Library – Community Room.
Learn how the brain works and how aging affects memory. Are there ways to promote mental fitness and brain health? Presenter Joan Richman Ente, A.M. will demonstrate “brain games” that support and refresh mental acuity and discuss techniques that can help improve memory. Joan is Care Director at Renewal Memory Partners and a veteran social worker and private geriatric care manager with over 30 years’ experience.
This is an in-person presentation. Please register for this in-person presentation at reference desk or on the library’s website above.
29 – Healthy Aging & Hearing
2-2:30pm –Chicago Public Library-Main Branch & Zoom
Carol (312) 747-4400 clebras@chipublib.org
This hybrid program is a half hour presentation by Dr. Uzma Akhtar, PhD, an educator, researcher, and an audiologist, who studies aging and hearing. With aging comes with a lot of changes, including changes in hearing. Aside from typical age-related changes in hearing, our listening environments and habits can sometimes make things even worse. Because of this, we recognize how important it is for adults of all ages to learn more about healthy hearing habits. This is a half hour educational presentation followed by a Q & A.
Attend in person at the Harold Washington Library Center
400 S. State Street, Room 7N-5, 60605
EDUCATION
11 – The Chicago Covenants Project
11-12:30pm Rogers Park-West Ridge Historical Society
Free Zoom Program requires registration.
Learn about this racial discrimination in Cook County
Rogers Park/West Ridge Historical Society
http://www.rpwrhs.org info@rpwrhs.org (773) 764-4078
12 – Interfaith MLK Racial Justice Bus Tour in Chicago
Visit the MLK Exhibit Center at Legacy Apartments, honoring Dr. King’s legacy of fighting redlining and housing inequality, as well as Chicago’s first permanent memorial commemorating Dr. King and the Chicago Freedom Movement’s presence and impact in Marquette Park and the Chicagoland area.
Followed by dinner & interfaith/interracial conversation at Chicago’s Beth Shalom B’nai Zaken Ethiopian Hebrew Congregation. Sarah Petersen will be among the small group conversation facilitators following the tour.
The bus tour begins and ends at Beth Emet The Free Synagogue at 1224 Dempster in Evanston on Sun, March 12th, 2-7pm. Free and open to the public! Register here.
26 – Law at the Library
6-7pm Zoom- discussion about Women’s issues.
A Law at the Library program features a presentation by an experienced attorney followed by a brief question and answer session. This program is in partnership with the Chicago Bar Association and Evanston Public Library.
Registration Required: adultservices@chipublib.org at least 24 hours before the event. Only one registration per household is needed. You’ll receive an email link to the secure Zoom meeting about 24 hours before the meeting. Automatic transcription is included in all CPL events using Zoom.
28 – Understanding and Using all the resources/things/events that the Chicago Public Library offers
Talk about things we wish we knew!
Need to research a new car? Search Consumer Reports online!! What about book clubs? You Bet! What about in-person crafting? We got it!
The library is full of ways to make life easier and more fun and sometimes you just need a guide to help you find it.
How to Attend : Jenny (312) 744-9573
This event takes place on Zoom. Register at least 24 hours before the event. Only one registration per household is needed. You’ll receive an email with a link to the secure Zoom meeting about 24 hours before the meeting. Automatic transcription is included in all CPL events using Zoom.
APRIL
Earth Day (April 22) First Day of Spring (April 20)
April Birthstones: 2016 U.S.: diamond
Mystical birthstone: opal
Flower, U.S.: pink sweet pea
Flower, Britain: sweet pea, daisy
Zodiac Signs: Aries and Taurus
Money Smart Week – Live and virtual programs-
Money Smart Week is a national public education program coordinated by the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago that empowers people with the knowledge and skills to make better-informed personal financial decisions.
– How to stretch Retirement Savings-
– Retirement Reboot, by Mark Miller, published January 10 of this year, focuses on holistically planning for retirement security. The last chapter of the book includes policy recommendations on Social Security, Medicare and more.
-Congressional Legislative up-date on Social Security, Medicare
Civic Engagement
4 – Municipal Mayoral Run-off Elections
FOOD
Hot Cross Buns Day occurs on the Friday before Easter.
Hot cross buns are spicy sweet breads made with currants. They are marked with a cross on the top. And they are traditionally eaten on Good Friday in the British Isles, Australia, Canada, India, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa and some parts of America. The Friday before Easter is called Good Friday, a Christian holiday.
Superstitions:
Sharing a hot cross bun will ensure friendship. Half for you and half for me, Between us two shall goodwill be.
Bread baked on Good Friday will hardened in the oven and keep all year to protect the house from fire.
Hanging a hot cross bun in the house on Good Friday offers protection from bad luck and evil spirits in the coming year.
Hanging one in the kitchen will ensure all future breads that year will baked perfectly.
Taking hot cross buns on a sea voyage will protect against shipwreck.
2-8 Holy Week-Palm Sunday
It has been a practice among Roman Catholics to abstain from eating meat every Friday during lent, and the entire holy week.
“Maundy” comes from the Latin mandatum, meaning “command.” This day commemorates Jesus’s last supper with his disciples. During that meal in the upper room, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and gave them a new commandment: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34)
5 – Passover
This day commemorates Jesus’s last supper with his disciples. During that meal in the upper room, Jesus washed his disciples’ feet and gave them a new commandment: “Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another” (John 13:34)
- Roasted shank bone, representing the sacrifice of the Paschal lamb
- Karpas, or fresh green vegetables (typically parsley), representing the hope and renewal of spring; these are to be dipped in salt water
- Maror, or bitter herbs (typically horseradish), representing the bitterness of slavery
- Chazeret, another form of bitter herbs (typically romaine lettuce)
- Charoset, an apple and nut paste, representing the mortar used by the Israelite slaves in Egypt
- An egg, representing spring and the renewal of life
In addition to the Seder plate, on the table is unleavened bread (matzah), similar to what the Israelites took with them during their flight out of Egypt, and salt water, which represents the tears of the Israelite slaves.
If you aren’t Jewish and don’t celebrate Passover, you can still partake in a Seder supper. Some churches incorporate the Seder meal in Maundy Thursday observances, as the Last Supper may have been a Passover Seder, though theologians and historians have differing opinions.
EASTER FOODS
1. Chocolate eggs – Symbolizes: New life, rebirth, fertility, and the brightness of spring
2. Hot cross buns
Symbolizes: The cross on top symbolizes the crucifixion, the spices may also symbolize spices used to embalm Jesus after the crucifixion.
3. Simnel cake
Symbolizes: The eleven who went to heaven. Simnel cake is usually topped with 11 balls of marzipan, to represent the twelve apostles, minus Judas Iscariot, who betrayed Jesus with a kiss.
4. Roast lamb
Symbolizes: Purity and goodness, and also Jesus’ sacrifice.
History: Long before Easter was a Christian tradition, the lamb was the main meal of the Jewish Passover. This usually falls around Easter so when Christianity was born, converting Jews brought the tradition along. It’s neat too, since Jesus is the ‘Lamb of God’ and he sacrificed himself at Easter.
5. Easter bread
Symbolizes: The end of the Lenten fast, and peace and good luck in the coming year.
History: Bread has always been important at Easter, a symbol of Christ’s body during holy communion, and The Last Supper. Easter bread varies wildly by country but it’s very common for people to share and give traditional bakes as gifts. In Greece, Turkey, and Eastern European countries there is plaited wreath bread with brightly dyed eggs pushed into the dough. In Germany and the Netherlands, people eat Osterbrot or stol, which is like Christmas stollen. Italian delis sell a version of panettone which is usually shaped like a dove of peace.
6. Easter bunny bakes
Symbolizes: Fertility, and possibly the virgin birth.
History: The Easter bunny (or at least his cousin the Easter Hare) has been busy delivering eggs to children since the 1600s, originally in Germany. And just like Santa, he traditionally decided whether children were naughty or nice first. Rabbits are a symbol of fertility because they reproduce prolifically. Hares were originally thought to be hermaphrodites, which meant they were associated with virgin births.
7. Carrots
Symbolizes: Springtime, plenty and food for the Easter bunny
History: It’s probably not as common as leaving them out for reindeer at Christmas, but traditionally children would leave out carrots for the Easter bunny. It makes much more sense, too. Reindeer wouldn’t naturally eat carrots – but bunnies definitely would. British carrots are available all year round, so it also makes a handy side dish for your Easter feast. And they’re not limited to savory dishes. Carrot cake became popular during the Second World War, when sugar was rationed. In recent years, carrot cake with white frosting, decorated with mini eggs or little marzipan carrots, has become one of the most popular Easter food traditions.
8. Cooked ham
Symbolizes: Feasting. There’s no deeper meaning here – in some parts of Northern Europe ham was the meat that was most readily available at this time of year, so it became the Easter tradition.
History: Spring celebrations to celebrate new seasons and rebirth predate Christianity, and eating ham at this time probably does too. There is evidence people were eating it in Germany as early as the sixth century. In America it’s now the most popular choice for Easter Sunday lunch.
9. Pretzels
Symbolizes: Prayer
History: Originally pretzels were a Lenten snack, which appeared on Ash Wednesday (the day after Pancake Day) and were eaten up until Easter Sunday. Early Christians did not eat dairy products during Lent, and pretzels were made simply from flour, salt and water. The word means ‘little arms’ because it’s meant to look like arms locked in prayer.
10. Boiled eggs
Symbolizes: Fertility, the tomb of the resurrection and, when dyed red, the blood of Christ.
History: Decorating eggs is an ancient craft. Ostrich eggs from the Paleolithic era have been discovered with engraving on them. Early Christians used to paint chicken eggs red to symbolize Christ on the cross. Over the years it has become an Easter food tradition to paint emptied eggs as a fun Easter craft for kids, and hang them on trees for decoration. More recently, cracking the eggs open has come to represent the opening of Jesus’ tomb after the resurrection, which is why it’s common to eat hard or soft boiled eggs on Easter morning. In the North of England, egg jarping is a traditional Easter game that involves knocking the pointed end of a hard boiled egg against opponents eggs. The last egg to crack is the winner.
11. Spiced Easter biscuits
Symbolizes: The crucifixion.
History: Special Easter biscuits are a common Easter food tradition from the South-West of England. Slightly-spiced, sultana currant biscuits are made in the West Country to celebrate the festivities. Original recipes included cassia oil in the belief that it was used to clean Jesus’s body after his crucifixion, and spices have the same connotation. These Easter biscuits can be left as they are, but often take on Easter-themed shapes or decorations – like the Easter bunny.
12. Decorated Easter cakes
Symbolizes: New life and spring
History: Chicks, lambs and flowers are all popular motifs on easter cakes. Like many Easter traditions, these probably reflect the pre-Christian pagan traditions of Eostre and the coming of spring. In more recent times, flowers and baby animals like chicks, ducks, rabbits and lambs have all become important motifs for all kinds of Easter decorations – including Easter food traditions.
13. Lamb shaped butter or cakes
FUN
3 – Free Film screening of ” Dead Poets Society”. new English teacher is introduced to an all-boys preparatory school that is known for its ancient traditions and high standards. He uses unorthodox methods to reach out to his students, who face enormous pressures from their parents and the school. With their teacher’s help, the students learn to break out of their shells, pursue their dreams and seize the day.
The room is limited to 20 attendees and registration is recommended. Please register online or at the Edgewater Branch reference desk. Walk-ins will be taken on a first come, first served basis. Katy (312) 742-1945 edgewater@chipublib.org
LAST MONTH’S REPORT
Northside AARP Community Group 