Established 1948

Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot and Chicago Fire Department (CFD) Commissioner Richard C. Ford II held a graduation ceremony for 88 Firefighter EMTs as part of the City’s latest efforts to maximize emergency medical resources in the fight against the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19). The class of graduates will begin their assignments as soon as possible, further building on the more than 4,900 firefighters and paramedics in Chicago that work every day to keep residents safe.

“The men and women of the Chicago Fire Department have been on the front lines of a crisis that is entirely without precedent in our city. And yet, it’s moments like these that speak to how much we need each of them in our lives,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “While we continue to encourage everyone to stay home during these difficult times, these candidates graduating today will be out there every day to protect us and ensure our fellow residents remain safe.”

This graduation ceremony recognizes newly recruited firefighters who started classes in November of 2019. The graduating class includes 16 military veterans, 14 former Chicago Police Officers and 26 former graduates of Chicago Public Schools. The 88 new Firefighters are 43% minority, and seven are females.

Full story available in the Beverly News

A new initiative begun by the students, faculty and staff of De La Salle Institute is entitled “What We Can Do To Make a Difference.”

With Dean of Social Sciences John Brogan and others guiding the project, the Meteors have chosen to assist those most in need during this most difficult time.

Not only are those at De La Salle supporting local entities, but the Meteors are also making donations of food, money and blood.

For example, the Brogan family held its own recent giving day in which it loaded up one of its family vehicles and delivered bags filled with food to a family friend in need as well as to the Friendship Center, a food bank with two locations on Chicago’s North Side.

Full story available in the Beverly News

In an effort to celebrate the city’s high school seniors who will not have a traditional graduation this spring, Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot, in partnership with Citadel, announced she will host Chicago’s first-ever, virtual citywide high school commencement celebration in mid-June. Long-time Chicagoan and global icon, Oprah Winfrey, will give the commencement address at the virtual event.

“We are thrilled and honored to have Oprah Winfrey joining us for this incredible moment with Chicago’s high school seniors,” said Mayor Lightfoot. “The times we are living in are historic and stunning, forcing us all to take a deep look at who we are as a people and our place in the world. No one knows this better than Oprah, and I join all of Chicago in looking forward to hearing the wisdom she’ll be sharing with our incredible young people as they take this unforgettable next step on their life’s journey.”

Full story available in the Beverly News

The Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago, is in need of your help. If you are looking to donate, their shelves are in need of: hot and cold cereals, bottle water, canned tuna, canned chicken, canned salmon, condiments, bottle juice, wrapped frozen packaged meats, bar soap, dish detergents, Kleenex tissue, pancake mix, corn muffin mix, spaghetti, pastas, Stove Top dressing, mac and cheese, disposable face masks, latex gloves (L & M), hand sanitizers, Clorox wipes, diapers and hygiene items. 

They are also in need of monetary donations to help out with discounted and tax-exempt bulk food purchases from the Greater Chicago Food Depository and local businesses. Checks, cashier checks and sealed cash envelopes are welcome. Make checks payable to: Maple Morgan Park Food Pantry, 11030 S. Longwood Dr., Chicago, IL 60643-4012. 

They will have a safe, contact-free drop-off event on Wednesday, May 6 from 12 to 4 p.m. Curbside drop-offs only in the parking lot. 

For more information, contact 773-239-3013. 

Full story available in the Beverly News