Local block club announces scholarship, youth job training and community events during Calumet City council public comment

Rochelle Marsalais, representing the United Campbell Avenue Block Club — which she said now operates as Unity in our Community Nonprofit Organization — used the council's public comment period to outline the group's upcoming events, describe recent youth programming and announce a $1,000 scholarship awarded to a graduating TF North student.

Marsalais told the council the organization will host a summer 'open closet extravaganza' in July where it traditionally donates clothing and shoes; she said the group also donated six boxes of canned and boxed goods for the event. She described a recent youth employment training seminar, done in partnership with the Calumet City youth program, that covered interview techniques, resume writing and workplace appearance; the panel included Michelle Tillman, Kenny Jones and resident Eva Holder. Marsalais thanked Will Tillman and another speaker for talking with students about setting goals.

Marsalais said the group established the Robert F. McGee scholarship this year, held a creative writing/essay competition for graduating high school seniors, and awarded a $1,000 scholarship to a TF North graduate who will attend Roosevelt University in the fall; she said the organization wrote a check and mailed it to Roosevelt to support the student.

She also said she had been appointed to the SCAC committee and that the group partnered with a social group called "Kicking It With Kendra" for a recent fitness and fellowship event that included jump rope, hula hoop and line-dance activities. Marsalais urged residents to volunteer and become involved in neighborhood efforts, saying "if we work together as a unity, we can make this city great again."

There was no formal council action tied to Marsalais's comments; they were delivered during the public-comment portion of the agenda.