Arts, Education and Community Development Slated for This Week in McKinley Park

David Kachalon brings his harmonica workshop to the farmers market on Sunday, July 21.The National Latino Education Institute (NLEI) is signing up students for two new programs designed to connect young people with industries that are desperately seeking workers for positions in well-paid careers. The Renewable Energy Training Program Enrollment signs up students for NLEI's new ENERGIA project, which provides fundamental training, field experience and job placement assistance in new energy industries such as solar and wind power. The Medical Office Specialist Program Enrollment gets students into the healthcare industry through its training program and prep for certification exams. Enrollment for both programs run 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday at the institute until August 23: Prospective students are encouraged to drop in, learn more and sign up.

Help onboard the next slate of neighborhood development leaders at the McKinley Park Development Council Meeting at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, at the field house in McKinley Park. Elections for new council board members join updates on the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's neighborhood development plan, scheduled for release later this year. 

Learn to blow the blues at the Farmers Market Concert: David Kalchalon Harmonica Workshop at noon on Sunday, July 21. Part of the McKinley Park Farmers Market, the workshop and concert pair with Bocce Ball and Yoga at the Farmers Market, fueled by the fresh goods at the market, including coffee, pastries and other ready-to-eat items.

Enrollment is active this week for the ENERGIA job training program at the National Latino Education Institute. Marz Community Brewing Company creates and releases a panoply of new beers on a regular basis, all graced with colorful label designs drawn by local artists. The Juicy Brews Art Festival pays homage to this commercial art on Sunday, July 20, with a showing of original label artwork paired with unlimited pours from Marz and other local and national breweries. 

The Young Victoria Film Screening continues the Community Cinema series at the McKinley Park public library at 2 p.m. on Saturday, July 20. Young scientists can learn how their favorite sports games work and can be improved through better physics during Game on with Mad Science of Chicago at the library on Wednesday, July 17.

LEGO at the Library offers another great recurring event for young neighbors on Tuesday afternoon, July 16, at the library. Kids @ Play on Thursday morning, July 18, brings fun, games and social play to the library for children up to 7 and their caregivers.

Young anglers can get Hooked on Fishing on Saturday morning, July 20, at the McKinley Park lagoon. Presented in cooperation with 9th District Chicago Police Department Commander Don Jerome, the event is designed to promote positive interactions between neighborhood youth and police.

Adult nightlife lovers can jump into local fun this week starting on Tuesday, July 16, at Loteria Night at One City Tap. Marz Community Brewing Company continues its smooth live music the next evening with Jazz on Marz with the Jazzeros on Wednesday, July 16, a weekly feature in the tap room.

One City Tap continues its one-two weekend lineup with Karaoke Night on Friday, July 19, and the all-night-long Sabado Gigante dance party on Saturday, July 20.

These are just some of the great neighborhood events happening in McKinley Park this week. Check the full calendar, featured events, showcase events and events dashboard for more.

The Young Victoria screens on Saturday, July 20, at the McKinley Park public library.