Trunk or Treat! 

Oct. 25, from 5 to 7:30 p.m., Northeast corner of Central and Harrison Street

The Office of Community Policing is hosting a Trunk or Treat in the Austin Community later this month. Come out and celebrate Halloween in a safe and fun way to trick-or-treat! Contact Officer William Martinez for more information about the event or to enter your organization’s trunk in the event: 312-743-1395 or william.martinez2@chicagopolice.org

Vendor Information Session with Chicago Park District

Oct. 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., South Shore Cultural Center

Learn about doing business with the Chicago Park District’s Department of Purchasing. The department is hosting free info-sessions to explore business opportunities with the Chicago Park District. The event is intended for MBE and WBE firms, or Minority Business and Women Business Enterprises. At the event, attendees can ask questions about doing business to representatives from the park district and other internal departments including planning and construction, cultural and natural resources, revenue and purchasing departments. For questions, contact: compliance@chicagoparkdistrict.com. 

Free Farmers Market at Loretto Hospital

Wednesday, Oct. 16, from 3 to 6 p.m., Loretto Hospital parking lot

Loretto Hospital is celebrating World Food Day with a one-day-only, free farmers market. The market will have free fresh vegetables, fruits and artisanal honey. The event is an effort from the hospital to promote health in the community, and bring awareness to health equity and food accessibility. Attendees can connect with local farmers and learn about sustainable farming practices, and talk to healthcare professionals about improving community health and healthy food access. Free produce and market items are offered while supplies last. 645 S. Central Ave.

5th District Elected School Board Candidate Forum

Monday, Oct. 21, at 6 p.m., The Collins Academy

The Chicago Westside Branch NAACP is hosting a candidate forum for the 5th District Elected School Board this month. The event is an opportunity to ask candidates questions that are running for the 5th District school-board, and hear about their vision for the district’s education system. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., early arrival is encouraged. Register for the event: https://ow.ly/I4pA50TJJA6. 1313 S. Sacramento Dr.

Fair Oaks Artisan Market

Saturday, Oct. 19, from 10 a.m. 3 p.m. 

The Fair Oaks Artisan Market will be taking place this month in Oak Park. Holiday items, handmade goods, and art made by local artisans at the event. Baked goods, coffee from Kribi coffee, and a raffle will also be at the event. The market is hosted by the Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church, and part of the proceeds will be donated to a high school senior mission trip, and local organizations including: A House in Austin, Austin Coming Together, and Bethel New Life. For more information: https://ow.ly/iZVi50TJJCm. 744 Fair Oaks Ave.

Voter Education Conversations at BUILD

Thursday, Oct. 17, from 4 to 6 p.m.BUILD Headquarters

The Broader Urban Involvement and Leadership Development, or BUILD, is hosting a voter education workshop, “My Black Card Don’t Decline”, where attendees can learn and be a part of conversations around voting. The event is hosted by BUILD’s Peace and Justice Center, Black Votes Matter, Citizen University, Westside Rising and Yrudition. The event is moderated by youth activist Kobey Loften. The event is free to attend, registration is not required. 5100 W. Harrison St.

Austin Coming Together hosting Mental Health Focus Groups

Multiple dates: Oct. 17, Oct. 19., Oct. 26, and Oct. 30, In-person and virtual

Austin Coming Together is looking for residents to talk about mental health. ACT is conducting focus groups to hear from residents on their needs and experiences relating to mental health. The focus groups will contribute to the research being done by ACT to improve access to mental health resources in Austin.

The focus group dates and locations are:

Oct. 17, at 6 p.m., located at Austin Coming Together, at 5049 W. Harrison St.
Oct. 19, at 12 p.m., located at Bethel New Life, at 4950 W. Thomas St.
Oct. 26, at 1 p.m., located at Columbus Park Fieldhouse, at 500 S. Central Ave.
Oct. 30, at 7 p.m., virtual meeting

For more information, contact Imani Lewis at mhresearcherimani@gmail.com, and Katrina Bailey at mhresearcherkatrina@gmail.com . To register: https://ow.ly/wATQ50TJJLB