Northeastern invites its neighbors to learn more about its conservation efforts and watch a "prescribed burn" of the tall grass prairie areas near the Physical Education Building. Weather permitting, the controlled burn will start shortly after 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 12, when faculty from Northeastern's Geography & Environmental Studies and Biology departments will briefly explain why periodic fire helps mimic the cycles of nature and encorages growth of native Illinois plant species. During the burn, which could last several hours, neighbors might see and smell smoke. Northeastern has notified police and fire departments about the event and has obtained a special permit from the Environmental Protection Agency. We hope you can join us on Thursday morning.

Northeastern, in collaboration with honorary chair U.S. Senator Mark Kirk,  is hosting its "Soy Entrepreneur" business plan competition, which will culminate with finalist presentations from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, November 20, in the University's Auditorium. Sen. Kirk is expected to attend. The winning team will receive $2,500 as well as mentoring from NEIU Entrepreneurship faculty. The event is free and open to the public. To RSVP, please visit the Soy Entrepreneur website.

Northeastern Illinois University, along with Northeastern University and University of Illinois-Chicago, has received a $17.4 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to foster meaningful cancer research, education, training and outreach in Chicago's underserved communities. The partnership of the three universities will form the Chicago Cancer Health Equity Collaborative, which was created to find solutions to cancer-related health inequities in Chicago's lower-income, minority neighborhoods. More information is available in the press release that Northeastern issued late last month.

Our neighborhood spans a large geography that encompasses businesses, institutions and residents who represent a very diverse array of viewpoints. It is important to us that we understand the issues and concerns -- about our events, programming and projects -- that can help strengthen our relationship as neighbors. We invite you to share your thoughts with us online.