Latest news with #MainLibrary
Miami Herald
43 minutes ago
- Business
- Miami Herald
Need help paying rent? Financial assistance waitlist opens up soon in Miami-Dade
Miami-Dade County residents who need help paying their rent have the opportunity to apply for housing assistance in apartments located in buildings participating in the Project-Based Voucher program, which makes certain rental units affordable for low-income tenants. Applications to join the waitlist for the Project-Based Voucher program will be accepted online only starting Monday, June 9 on the county's website. Applications are available in English, Spanish and Creole. Under the program, tenants pay 30% of their adjusted monthly income, plus applicable utilities, during their participation. Although rental prices have adjusted in Miami-Dade County and there is more rental inventory, the average rental cost stands at $2,719 per month, according to the most recent report from the RentCafe website. Differences between the Project-Based Voucher program and Section 8 The Project-Based Voucher program is tied to the apartment, and when the tenant moves out, they don't take it with them, but rather make room for another person in need. Section 8, on the other hand, is granted to the individual, who can transfer it when moving to another project in the private market that accepts that type of subsidized housing plan. The waiting list for the Project-Based Voucher program focuses on buildings or developments with multi-room apartments, many of which serve residents with tenant vouchers (Section 8) and people requiring supportive services, seniors, people with disabilities and formerly homeless residents. Some of those buildings are located in Little Havana, downtown Miami, North Miami, Miami Gardens, Opa-locka and South Miami, to name a few neighborhoods in the county that have apartments dedicated to the housing assistance plan. The need for affordable housing has become a crisis since the rise in rents during COVID-19, leading thousands of Miami-Dade residents to sign up for the Section 8 waitlist. In 2021, more than 90,000 people signed up, and in 2024, when the list reopened, 70,000 people applied on the first day alone to join a waitlist that had space for 5,000. How to apply for the housing voucher program Applications can be completed online from Monday, June 9 at 8 a.m. to Friday, June 20, at 11:59 p.m. Those without computer access can complete their application at the public libraries that offer this service: the Main Library in downtown, 101 W. Flagler St., Miami North Dade Regional Library, 2455 NW 183rd St., Miami GardensWestchester Regional Library, 9445 Coral Way, MiamiMiami Beach Regional Library, 227 22nd Library, 14850 SW 280th St., Homesteadand at various Community Resource Centers throughout the county. One application per household is allowed. Once you have provided all the information on your application, you will receive a confirmation number to acknowledge successful submission. Those selected will receive notification from the Miami-Dade County Housing and Community Development Department by email or to the address provided when completing the application. Priority is given to those on the 2024 waiting list, including homeless individuals, veterans, vulnerable populations, households with special needs, and individuals with mobility, hearing or vision impairments. Income limit for housing assistance Individuals 18 and older are eligible to apply for the Project-Based Voucher program waiting lists. Each year, the income limits that allow applicants to receive assistance change, and for 2025 they are: single person, $43,400 household of two, $49,500household of three, $55,570household of four, $61,950household of five, $66,950household of six, $71,900 More information can be found on the county's website. You can also call the program office at 786-654-8440 Monday through Friday during regular business hours.
Yahoo
4 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
Community news: Gary library programs and Dining with Diabetes
The City of Valparaiso is extending a warm welcome to newcomers with the introduction of a New Neighbor City Services Guide, encouraging new or relocating residents to enjoy all the city has to offer. The digital guide, available online, introduces Valparaiso's services, provides a map of neighborhoods and shares city highlights. The Guide also includes a handy quick links page connecting residents to city departments, pathways maps, city calendars and educational opportunities. The New Neighbor City Services Guide will be distributed to new residents and those relocating within the city via a postcard with a link to access the digital guide. It also is available online at or on the Community Engagement page at New summer hours are in effect at the Gary Public Library Woodson Branch, 501 S. Lake St., through Aug. 9. The branch will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Friday. The Kennedy Branch is currently closed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Hours at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., remain the same, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to attend a special Water Safety Talk from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Main Library. Special guest speaker will be a representative from Blue Flow Great Lakes Organization. The program is free. For more information contact 219-886-2484, Ext. 104. The annual Summer Reading Program 'Color Our World' begins June 14 at all units of the Gary Public Library. The six-week program, for students in pre-school through 12th grade, continues until July 26. Complete rules and sign-up sheets are available at all library units or on the library's website, A special Summer Reading Program Kick-Off will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 in the parking lot of the Main Library. The event will feature food, games, face painting, author Ben Clement, The Gary Literacy Coalition, the Gary Police and Fire Departments as well as a variety of local vendors. All units of the Gary Public Library will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth Holiday. Library service will resume on June 20. Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for a free program on 'Prevention and Diagnosis of Plant Disease' with Nikky Witkowski at 6 p.m. June 12 at Purdue Cooperative Extension – Lake County, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point (building adjacent to Lake County Government Center). The session will explore effective prevention strategies that help reduce the risk of plant disease before it starts. From choosing disease-resistant plant varieties and maintaining proper watering techniques to improving soil health and ensuring adequate air circulation, the program will cover practical, eco-friendly methods that support long-term plant wellness in both indoor and outdoor environments. Contact lakecountymastergardeners@ to reserve a space or register at Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Safe Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, 1232 W. State Road, La Porte. The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. The event will feature a free meal for the whole family as well as music with a live DJ, games, raffle prizes, giveaways and a few surprises. The event is free, but registration is required. Registration is available at or by calling 219-488-1380. Purdue Extension – Lake County will be offering Dining with Diabetes sessions from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 8 through 29 at the Purdue Extension office, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. Adults with type 2 diabetes and those who are at risk as well as family members, caregivers and support persons are invited to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from Lake County Indiana Health Department there is no cost to Lake County Indiana residents. Participants are encouraged to attend all class sessions. Taught by Health and Human Sciences Educator Linda Curley, the program includes: planning meals and snacks with delicious and healthy recipes; cooking demonstrations and food sampling; motivation and support by connecting with others who are living with diabetes; ideas for staying active; and an understanding of how diabetes affects overall health. Register by calling Purdue Extension at 219-755-3240 or email dmcook@
Chicago Tribune
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Gary library programs and Dining with Diabetes
The City of Valparaiso is extending a warm welcome to newcomers with the introduction of a New Neighbor City Services Guide, encouraging new or relocating residents to enjoy all the city has to offer. The digital guide, available online, introduces Valparaiso's services, provides a map of neighborhoods and shares city highlights. The Guide also includes a handy quick links page connecting residents to city departments, pathways maps, city calendars and educational opportunities. The New Neighbor City Services Guide will be distributed to new residents and those relocating within the city via a postcard with a link to access the digital guide. It also is available online at or on the Community Engagement page at New summer hours are in effect at the Gary Public Library Woodson Branch, 501 S. Lake St., through Aug. 9. The branch will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Thursday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, and closed on Friday. The Kennedy Branch is currently closed until further notice due to unforeseen circumstances. Hours at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., remain the same, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday. The public is invited to attend a special Water Safety Talk from 2 to 4 p.m. Monday at the Main Library. Special guest speaker will be a representative from Blue Flow Great Lakes Organization. The program is free. For more information contact 219-886-2484, Ext. 104. The annual Summer Reading Program 'Color Our World' begins June 14 at all units of the Gary Public Library. The six-week program, for students in pre-school through 12th grade, continues until July 26. Complete rules and sign-up sheets are available at all library units or on the library's website, A special Summer Reading Program Kick-Off will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. June 14 in the parking lot of the Main Library. The event will feature food, games, face painting, author Ben Clement, The Gary Literacy Coalition, the Gary Police and Fire Departments as well as a variety of local vendors. All units of the Gary Public Library will be closed on Thursday, June 19 for the Juneteenth Holiday. Library service will resume on June 20. Join the Lake County Master Gardeners for a free program on 'Prevention and Diagnosis of Plant Disease' with Nikky Witkowski at 6 p.m. June 12 at Purdue Cooperative Extension – Lake County, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point (building adjacent to Lake County Government Center). The session will explore effective prevention strategies that help reduce the risk of plant disease before it starts. From choosing disease-resistant plant varieties and maintaining proper watering techniques to improving soil health and ensuring adequate air circulation, the program will cover practical, eco-friendly methods that support long-term plant wellness in both indoor and outdoor environments. Contact lakecountymastergardeners@ to reserve a space or register at Children and their families are invited to join in the fun at the free Safe Kids Day from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. June 13 at the LaPorte County Family Resource Center, 1232 W. State Road, La Porte. The interactive event will include a variety of activities along with educational booths with information about keeping kids safe, healthy and happy. The event will feature a free meal for the whole family as well as music with a live DJ, games, raffle prizes, giveaways and a few surprises. The event is free, but registration is required. Registration is available at or by calling 219-488-1380. Purdue Extension – Lake County will be offering Dining with Diabetes sessions from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. or from 1:30 to 3 p.m. on Tuesdays, July 8 through 29 at the Purdue Extension office, 2293 N. Main St., Crown Point. Adults with type 2 diabetes and those who are at risk as well as family members, caregivers and support persons are invited to attend. Thanks to a generous grant from Lake County Indiana Health Department there is no cost to Lake County Indiana residents. Participants are encouraged to attend all class sessions. Taught by Health and Human Sciences Educator Linda Curley, the program includes: planning meals and snacks with delicious and healthy recipes; cooking demonstrations and food sampling; motivation and support by connecting with others who are living with diabetes; ideas for staying active; and an understanding of how diabetes affects overall health. Register by calling Purdue Extension at 219-755-3240 or email dmcook@
Chicago Tribune
12-05-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Community news: Kids College registration and cancer counselor training
Indiana University Northwest will host Kids College, a free two-week, on-campus summer enrichment program from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 9 through 20 at 3400 Broadway, Gary. With the theme 'My Story. My Voice,' the program is designed to inspire and empower middle school students—especially those from historically underrepresented and low-income backgrounds. Participants will choose one of six 'majors,' led by Northwest faculty, staff, students and local community partners: medicine; visual arts; performing arts; technology; civic leadership; or business. Capacity is limited to 70 students on a first-come, first-serve basis who meet the eligibility requirements: students receiving free/reduced lunch who are enrolling in the sixth, seventh or eighth grades at the start of the fall 2025 academic year. Registration deadline is Thursday. Register at For more information, contact the IU Northwest Kids College team at kciun@ or 219-980-7299. Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point will host Pink Ribbon Connection, a free peer counselor training for breast cancer survivors. The goal of the new program is to connect patients and survivors. Training will take place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday at Franciscan Health Breast Care Center Crown Point on the third floor of the Burrell Professional Center, 1205 S. Main St., Crown Point. Enter through Door D. A complimentary pizza and salad dinner with soft drinks will be served. Peer counselors offer emotional support and a source of comfort for anyone undergoing breast cancer treatment. Participants in the peer counseling program need not be Franciscan Health patients. To register and for more information, call 219-757-5741. The Gary Public Library will host a variety of upcoming programs for the community. MakerSpace sessions at the Main Library, 220 W. Fifth Ave., include: 3-D printing from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday and on May 21; Arts from 1 to 3 p.m. on Wednesday, and on May 19 and 21; Cricut from 4 to 6:30 p.m. on Thursday and on May 22; Open Lab Noon to 4 p.m. on Saturday and on May 23; Sewing 1 to 3 p.m. Thursday and on May 20 and 22; and Small circuits from 2 to 4 p.m. on May 20. Registration is required at 219-886-2484, Ext. 332. Check the library's website, for a list of exact dates or changes to the schedule. The public is invited to attend the final concert of the library's Sunday Jazz Concert Series from 3 to 5 p.m. on May 18 at the Main Library. Co-sponsored by the Greater Gary American Jazz Association, special guest will be the Thomas A F Matecki Band featuring Thomas Matecki, keyboard and flute; Di Kobe Berry, vibes; Ronald Dennis, drums; and Reginald Johnson, bass. Free Sunday Jazz Concerts are presented the third Sunday of each month, September through May. Entrance is on the north side only, free parking in the north parking lot. The library will be closed, no library service will be available. Seating is limited. The Woodson Branch, 501 S. Lake St., will host local author Ben Clement from 5 to 6 p.m. May 22. The longtime Gary resident will share one of his children's books in a live reading and a Q&A session. Call 219-938-3941 for more information. Valpo Shows will launch their newest event: The Memorial Day Market Craft and Vendor Show from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 24 and from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 25 at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 E. Division Road, Valparaiso. More than 140 vendors will showcase their unique crafts and artisanal goods, from handmade treasures to one-of-a-kind finds. The event will include a dedicated children's activity corner, entertainment, food trucks and a HDTV giveaway, with the drawing to be held at 2 p.m. on the 25th. Winner need not be present to win. General admission is $5; seniors and U.S. veterans $3; and children younger than 12 are free. More information is with Mark Halliar at ValpoShows@ The annual Dunes Dash 5K Run/Walk and Kids Fun Run will be held from 8 to 11 a.m. on May 31 on the trails of the Indiana Dunes National Park at West Beach, 376 North County Line Road, Gary. An Indiana Dunes National Park pass will be required to enter the parking lot. A park pass may be purchased at the gate, in advance on the registration page, or in-person at the Indiana Dunes National Park Visitor Center, 1215 N. State Road 49, Porter. All funds raised will be used to support Save the Dunes mission to enhance and protect the biodiversity of our natural spaces through advocacy, conservation and community engagement. Race registration is now open at
CBS News
06-05-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
San Jose artist uses tattoos to celebrate his Japanese culture
A photo exhibit featuring traditional Japanese tattoo art, called "American Irezumi" is coming to San Francisco's Main Library in October, featuring the work of San Jose tattoo artist Takahiro Kitamura. Last December, dozens of his clients who have served as his canvas for the past 27-years, came together for the photo shoot in the South Bay. "There's a lot of emotions here," said Kitamura who is known as Taki. "All I feel is like so much gratitude and respect for like the trust they have given me." The trust begins inside his tattoo studio, State of Grace Tattoo, in San Jose's Japantown where his clients travel as far away as Sacramento every month to get work done on their tattoo body suits. Sal Reynaga's tattoo journey with Taki began in 2012, as part of a healing process from his past. "I served from 2000 and 2004 in the US Marine Corps, and I did most of my time in Iraq," said Reynaga. "Times were tough when getting back. It was hard to adjust to civilian life, and it was real tough getting back to normal." Today, he describes his tattoos as his suit of armor protecting him from the realities of the world. "It's my form of wearing my uniform, my suit, my armor suit," said Reynaga. "It represents perseverance, strength, and honor. I wear it for the all the people I served with." It is responsibility Kitamura takes to heart, when helping his clients tell their stories. "Sal for example you know has done military service, so the idea of the samurai was very important to him," said Kitamura. "I try to take into account their wishes… and what they are trying to convey and then mix in things, that I've learned from my culture." Part of that culture stretches back more than 200-years. The original Japanese woodblock prints, that Kitamura uses for many of his tattoos, created by one of Japan's master artists, Utagawa Kuniyoshi. "He was really known for warrior prints, Suikoden warriors, he lived during the Edo Period," explained Kitamura, who is also wears a tattoo body suit. "I get a lot of joy tattooing Kuniyoshi prints on people. I think they are made to fit the body perfectly." For Kitamura, he hopes the photo exhibit will not only educate people on the history of Japanese culture, but also help erase some of the stigma of tattoos. He says, in Japan the tattoo is often associated with the Yakuza and organized crime. "I think it is getting better over time, but I think they have had a very troublesome history," said Kitamura. "Tattoos were used by the government to mark criminals, so right away there was a stigma." He believes, tattoos are more accepted here in America. "If you go through my clients, I have all kinds of people I tattoo a lot of law enforcement, US marshals TSA agents, working police officers, retired police officers, and then regular working people who are in business and finance," said Kitamura. The "American Irezumi" photo exhibit is to open at the San Francisco Main Library on October 2nd, and will be on display for six months. Allison Wyckoff, Director of Exhibitions describing the photo display: "American Irezumi is the name given to what tattoo artist and State of Grace owner Takahiro (Taki) Kitamura spent the better half of his life pursuing. In Japanese, irezumi means 'inserting ink' and is a common word for tattooing. The Japanese tattoo has been instrumental in Kitamura's journey toward understanding his hybrid identity, and he is not alone. Like the artists and sitters featured in the exhibition, Kitamura continues to learn lessons about culture, art, perseverance, humanity and life through tattooing. This journey is taken together with his clients, many of whom are on a similar path of understanding and growth. In his quest to become a traditional Japanese tattooer, Kitamura understands his identity as a Japanese American tattooer, bringing his hybrid identity and experience to his practice through American Irezumi—being comfortable in your skin: your tattooed skin. The exhibition exemplifies the concept of American Irezumi, capturing hundreds of hours of commitment over a twenty-five-year span, and the community built over that time. Through photographs and interviews with over twenty-four artists in the Bay Area and beyond, hand-carved masks, sculptures, tattoo tools and a hand-painted mural, American Irezumi explores the rich stories of identity, place and cross-cultural embodiment and experience."
