Category: Local News

Northeastern Illinois University and Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater will host the Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation Choir from Rome at Northeastern Illinois University’s Auditorium, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., at 11:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 22. For almost 50 years, Cardinal Domenico Bartolucci, choirmaster of the Sistine Chapel Choir, oversaw the music of the sacred liturgies of the successors of St. Peter. The choir established in his name now disseminates and promotes knowledge of the most celebrated composers of religious music from the Renaissance to present day.

This event marks one of the choir’s first performances in Chicago and will include a special tribute to Dame Libby Komaiko, late founder of the Ensemble Español. Dancers will accompany the choir for a unique performance of “Habanera” from Bizet’s “Carmen.” With the patronage of the Pontifical Institute of Sacred Music, the choir will also perform selections of sacred music, favorite Italian opera arias and an excerpt from Bartolucci’s original opera, “Brunellesco.” The opera, written in celebration of Filippo Brunelleschi, who is known for building the Brunelleschi Dome in Florence, is set to debut in Italy in 2023.

“Northeastern Illinois University values diversity and multiculturalism,” Northeastern President Gloria J. Gibson said. “I am excited for our campus to host the Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation Choir, with a special performance by Ensemble Español. This is a wonderful way to celebrate our diversity through the arts.” Don Rossi Nuccio, former Ensemble Español board member and executive director of the non-profit Latino Art Beat is responsible for bringing the groups together. Nuccio is also helping the choir plan the staging of “Brunellesco.”

“Many of the people who perform Spanish dance are Catholic,” Executive Director of Ensemble Español Jorge Perez said. “With this performance, we will be able to connect our art with our faith, honor our beloved founder, Dame Libby, and do so at our home, Northeastern Illinois University. We are honored to be able to be a part of this historic event.” This engagement is courtesy of Northeastern Illinois University, Ensemble Español Spanish Dance Theater and Latino Art Beat.

The event is free and open to the public. Tickets are required as seating is limited. Masks will be required to be worn while on campus, per the University’s interim COVID-19 policy. Tickets are currently available to the public at neiu.edu/tickets, in person at the University’s Welcome Desk and Box Office or by calling (773) 442-4636.

The Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) is reminding taxpayers that the upcoming deadline for filing 2021 state individual income tax returns is Monday, April 18, 2022. To aid in IDOR’s anti-fraud efforts, taxpayers filing their IL-1040’s through MyTax Illinois, must use a registered MyTax Illinois account. If they do not have a registered account, they may create one by choosing “sign up” in the login box at MyTax Illinois and follow the instructions. The ID number will be mailed to them within 10 days after being requested. While IDOR strongly encourages electronic filing, taxpayers can always file a paper return if they choose. If a taxpayer electronically files an error-free return, they should receive a direct deposit refund in approximately four weeks. While the state of Illinois does grant an automatic six-month extension to file an IL-1040 each year, taxpayers must still pay any money owed on their returns by April 18 to avoid penalties and interest. To assist taxpayers with last minute questions, IDOR will also have extended telephone hours on Friday, April 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. and Monday, April 18 from 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. For the most up-to-date information, forms, schedules, and instructions for the 2022 tax season, please visit IDOR’s website at: tax.illinois.gov.

Next month Steppenwolf for Young Adults rereleases its popular audio adaptation of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter, free to all Chicagoland teachers and students April 25–May 22, 2022. Based on the bestselling novel by Erika L. Sánchez and adapted for audio from the stage play by acclaimed playwright Isaac Gómez, the production is co-directed by ensemble members Sandra Marquez and Artistic Director Audrey Francis and features a cast including ensemble member Karen Rodriguez. Originally released in April 2021 to students and audiences worldwide as part of the Steppenwolf NOW virtual stage, Steppenwolf for Young Adults (SYA) revives its audio adaptation of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter to provide a high-quality theatrical experience for its classroom partners and Chicagoland students this spring. The restreaming of I Am Not Your Perfect Mexican Daughter is available April 25–May 22, 2022, for free to all Chicagoland teachers and students through Steppenwolf for Young Adults, along with a companion Study Guide. For more information on how to register for the audio adaption at, visit www.stepenwolf.org.

By: Ashmar Mandou

Chicago Alderman Raymond Lopez announced early Wednesday morning that he plans to run for mayor in 2023 via Twitter, writing “Chicago: I’m in!” In a statement to media Ald. Lopez said, “I love my City and like most Chicagoans, I am sick and tired of watching Chicago flounder at the hands of rudderless ship. The time is now to provide our great City with the compassion and leadership it deserves. I’m in, and I hope Chicago will join me.” Lopez has been a critic of Mayor Lori Lightfoot over the past years. Lopez has been representing the 15th Ward, which includes parts of Brighton Park, the Back of the Yards, and West Englewood, since 2015 and has been vocal about his support of police cracking down on gang related activity. Currently Mayor Lightfoot has not officially announced her run for re-election next year, but did say to “stay tuned.”

Upon Ald. Lopez’s announcement, one Alderman did share his thoughts on the news. “Alderman Lopez has a sorry track record of voting against policies to improve Chicagoans lives, against efforts to reform our city government, against efforts to improve equity, and against efforts to pave the way for Chicagoans to live safer lives in the midst of a global health crisis,” said Ald. George Cardenas (12th Ward). “His close partnership with Ald. Burke should alarm Chicagoans who have yearned for a city government free of corruption and back door deals. Ald. Lopez has tried to roll back policies to keep first responders safe from COVID-19, and has consistently demeaned and attacked Chicago’s status as a welcoming city for the immigrants who make Chicago home. He should spend less time appearing on Tucker Carlson and more time focused on keeping his own community safe.  We need a leader who will keep us moving forward toward a post-COVID Chicago that lowers crime, brings new jobs and opportunities to the city and gives Chicagoans a leg up.”

The Chicago Department of Housing (DOH) announced the selected service providers for a new program to help vulnerable renters facing eviction. The Right to Counsel (RTC) Pilot Program will provide legal representation at no cost to eligible low-income tenants at risk of or subject to eviction or lockout in Chicago. The RTC Pilot Program services will be provided through two legal aid groups, one led by the Lawyers’ Committee for Better Housing alongside Legal Aid Chicago and the Coordinated Advice and Referral Program for Legal Services (CARPLS); and the other through Beyond Legal Aid, both selected through a Request for Proposals (RFP) issued by DOH in November 2021. Both contracts will be awarded on a one-year basis, renewable for up to two additional years, at the discretion of the City based on the respondent’s performance.   The three-year pilot program, supported by $8 million of Emergency Rental Assistance Program 2 (ERAP2) housing stabilization services funding, will play a pivotal role in preventing and minimizing the disruption and damage caused by the eviction process.  To be eligible, tenants must meet all four of the following criteria:  

1. Have an income less than or equal to 80 percent of the area median income based on household size. 
 
2. Be a tenant currently residing in a property intended for residential use.   

3. Be part of a household in which one or more individuals have experienced a reduction of household income, incurred significant costs, or experienced other financial hardship during or due, directly or indirectly, to the coronavirus pandemic.  

4. Be part of a household where one or more individuals can demonstrate a risk of experiencing homelessness or housing instability.  

The Right to Counsel Pilot Program will provide the following services:  

• Evaluation of potential tenants’ eligibility for receiving RTC services, tracking those determinations and outcomes, and coordinating with the CCLAHD program to ensure as much as possible those most in need achieve a fair outcome in their case.  
  
• Providing full-scale eviction defense services, in court or out of court, to eligible tenants who meet prioritization criteria for limited scope or extended representation beyond the brief legal services already available to City residents through the CCLAHD program. DOH will determine prioritization criteria for extended representation in consultation with partners to maximize the impact of the RTC services.  

By: Ashmar Mandou

Among his time working his way up the ranks of the Chicago Typographical Union No.6, to working as a public servant working under the administration of Mayor Richard M. Daley, to serving as president of the Little Village Community Council, August “Augie” Sallas was the epitome of tenacity and compassion. Sallas spent the majority of his life dedicated to uplifting his community of Little Village by orchestrating a plethora of social services to all those in need of an opportunity. “Nothing gave me greater joy than to see the lives of residents from Little Village change for the better,” Sallas once said.

Throughout his years, Sallas sacrificed, worked tirelessly, motivated youth, created safe spaces, and diligently addressed the social injustices that occurred in Little Village. He lived in Little Village, worked in Little Village, dreamed of Little Village, and quickly became the embodiment of the love and spirit of Little Village. Born in 1935 on the South Side of Chicago to Mexican immigrants, Sallas spent the majority of his formative years at the North Side of Chicago Angel Guardian Orphanage (AGO), when both of his parents passed away. “I learned a lot living in that orphanage,” Sallas once said to Lawndale News. “I learned about how children deal with grief, I learned about human nature, I learned the importance of building a sense of community.”

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to one of the greatest local heroes of Chicago, Augie Sallas, 86, who passed away on April 1st, surrounded by loved ones. Sallas leaves behind a tremendous legacy through the people he inspired, the opportunities he created for the youth of Little Village, and through his work to build a stronger sense of community. We thank you, Augie Sallas for all your contributions and achievements over the years. We thank you for paving the way for others to follow suite in the realm of public service. We are indebted to you for all your generosity and kindness. And we hope to live our lives in the same manner you lived yours, with integrity, honesty, and dignity.

“Whether it was his years as a labor organizer or working in public service, nothing made Augie happier than helping improve the lives of the residents of his community. We owe him a debt of gratitude for his tireless efforts on our behalf.” -State Representative Lisa Hernandez

“The Little Village community has lost a tremendous advocate as we mourn Augie Sallas’ passing. As President of the Little Village Community Council, Augie dedicated himself to making the lives of our community members better – whether it be through youth development programs or connecting families with support systems. Augie cared deeply about Little Village, and he inspired many. I am personally grateful for his years of leadership, and I extend my deepest condolences to his family and friends.” –Alderman George Cardenas

“August Sallas was human nature, a born mentor, an inspired public servant and lived his life dedicated to the community he loved so much, Little Village.” -Iris Y. Martinez, Clerk of the Circuit Court of Cook County.

“Augie Sallas was one of a kind. He led a life dedicated to public service, always working hard to champion the Little Village community he loved with all his heart. As a leader in the Little Village Chamber of Commerce, he championed economic development along 26th Street and was known for his kindness and caring towards every senior citizen he ever encountered. He was also loved and respected for his dedication to youth. His boxing program helped thousands of youth work out their frustrations in the ring instead of in the streets. Augie will be sorely missed, but fondly remembered. May he rest in peace, in God’s glory.” –Illinois State Comptroller Susana A. Mendoza

“Augie Sallas inspired me to live my life the way I do now. To elevate the perspective of our community, value our contributions and treat people with dignity.” -Cesar Rolon, President – Imagen Marketing Consultant

“Augie Sallas was a major Latino labor leader and was always on the front end of Latino activism. He was a small business owner and gave a lot of his time to the community, volunteered his time at community events and held boxing classes for the youth. I considered him a friend of mine and appreciated him being a big supporter of veterans.” –Assistant Majority Leader Tony Munoz

La Universidad Northeastern y el Grupo de Teatro de Danza “Ensemble Español” serán anfitriones del Coro Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation de Roma en el Auditorio de la Universidad Northeastern Illinois, 3701 W. Bryn Mawr Ave., a las 11:30 a.m. y 7:30 p.m., el viernes, 22 de abril. Por casi 50 años, el Cardenal Domenico Bartolucci, maestro de coro del Coro de la Capilla Sistina, supervisó la música de las liturgias sagradas de los sucesores de San Pedro. El coro establecido en su nombre ahora disemina y promueve el conocimiento de los más celebrados compositores de música religiosa del Renacimiento hasta nuestros días.

Este evento marca una de las primeras actuaciones del coro en Chicago e incluirá un tributo especial a Dame Libby Komaiko, fallecida fundadora del Ensemble Español. Los bailarines acompañarán al coro para una actuación única de “Habanera” de “Carmen” de Bizet. Con el patrocinio del Instituto Pontifical de Música Sagrada, el coro interpretará también selecciones de música sagrada, árias de la favorita ópera italiana y un extracto de la ópera original de Bartolucci, “Brunellesco”. La ópera, escrita en celebración de Filippo Brunelleschi, conocido por construir el Domo Brunelleschi en Florencia, está programado para debutar en Italia en el 2023.

“La Universidad Northeastern Illinois valora la diversidad y el multiculturalismo”, dijo Gloria J. Gibson, Presidente de Northeastern. “Estoy entusiasmada de que nuestro campo sea anfitrión del Coro Cardinal Bartolucci Foundation con la actuación especial de Ensemble Español. Esta es una forma maravillosa de celebrar nuestra diversidad a través de las artes”. Don Rossi Nuccio, ex miembro de la junta de Ensemble Español y director ejecutivo de la organización no lucrativa Latino Art Beat es responsable de reunir los grupos. Nuccio está también ayudando al plan del coro en la puesta en escena de “Brunellesco”.

“Muchas de las personas que actúan en el baile español son católicos”, dijo el Director Ejecutivo de Ensemble Español, Jorge Pérez. “Con esta actuación podremos conectar nuestro arte con nuestra fe, honrar a nuestra querida fundadora Dame Libby y hacerlo en nuestra casa, Northeastern Illinois University. Nos sentimos honrados de poder ser parte de este histórico evento”. Esta presentación es cortesía de Northeastern Illinois University, Ensemble español Spanish Dance Theater y Latino Art Beat.

El evento es gratis y abierto al público. Se requieren boletos ya que el cupo es limitado. Se debe usar mascarilla mientras se encuentre en el campo, de acuerdo a la política interina de la Universidad sobre el COVID-19. Los boletos están disponibles al público en neiu.edu/tickets, en persona en el Escritorio de Bienvenida o en la Taquilla de la Universidad, o llamando al (773) 442-4636.

Illinois Department of Revenue (IDOR) recuerda a los contribuyentes que la próxima fecha límite para hacer la declaración de impuestos es el lunes, 18 de abril 2022. Para ayudar en los esfuerzos anti-fraude de IDOR, los contribuyentes que hagan su declaración IL-1040 a través de MyTax Illinois, debe usar una cuenta MyTax de Illinois registrada. Si no tienen una cuenta registrada deben crear una seleccionando “sign up” en la caja de entrada de MyTax Illinois y seguir las instrucciones. El número de identificación (ID) les será enviado dentro de 10 días después de haber sido solicitado. Aunque IDOR recomienda hacer la declaración en forma electrónica, los contribuyentes pueden hacerla en papel, si así lo deciden. Si un contribuyente registra electrónicamente un reembolso sin errores, debería recibir el reembolso en aproximadamente cuatro semanas. Aunque el estado de Illinois concede una extensión automática de seis meses para registrar una forma IL-1040 cada año, los contribuyentes deben pagar todavía cualquier dinero que deban en sus declaraciones para el 8 de abril para evitar penalidades e intereses. Para ayudar a los contribuyentes con preguntas de último minuto, IDOR ampliará también sus horas telefónicas el viernes, 15 de abril, de 8:00 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. y el lunes, 18 de abril, de 7:30 a.m. a 7:00 p.m. Para la mayoría de información actualizada, formas, programas e instrucciones para la temporada de impuestos del 2022, visite la red de IDOR en: tax.illinois.gov.