Ravenswood Neighbors Association's Neighborhood Clean Up Day

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Welcome to our new members: Blue Room Training, Cityside Center for Spiritual Living, Compassionate Veterinary Hospice and In Home Euthanasia, Nathaniel J. Baskin: Certified Personal Trainer, Peak Wealth Planning, SIDS of Illinois, and Yoga Horizons of Chicago.

And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: Big Teeth Productions, Common Pantry, Fireside Restaurant & Lounge, LaSalle Street Development, Neon One, LLC, R&A Sourdough, RENTGREAT.COM, Right at Home North Shore/Chicago Metro, SketchPad Inc., and The Attractivators.

There's a Facebook group just for Ravenswood! Click here to connect with neighbors about community issues, events, neighborhood-specific questions, and more.

·BrightBot: A Ravenswood-Made Solution for Public Health & Safety - Local manufacturer Bob Thomann, president of BrightBot, recently shared a guest post to the GRCC blog about how his machines can have a positive impact on public health in Illinois and beyond.

"Right now, BrightBots are used in hospitals, schools, dental offices, and nursing homes, providing an added layer of protection in spaces where vulnerable populations are at risk. But our mission goes beyond everyday use—we want to help Illinois prepare for future public health emergencies." Read More

·Creative Summer Camps for Kids in Ravenswood - Step into a world of imagination and exploration with camps that are designed to inspire young minds and foster their passion for creativity. The GRCC has collected exciting places in our community where fun-filled experiences and lasting summer memories await. Read More

·Block Club: Lincoln Square Car-Free Zone Extended To May As Neighbors Make The Most Of Street Closure - "The original plan was for the 4700 block of North Lincoln Avenue to be blocked off to car traffic for one week. But emergency repair work will extend the car-free zone until the middle of May, officials said." Read More

·Office of Inspector General Launches Listening Tours & Survey - The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) wants to hear from you! Share your thoughts via the OIG Listening Tours survey on how City government can better serve you. More Info

·CBS News: Crystal Cleaners and Mint Home in Chicago's Ravenswood neighborhood destroyed by fire - "Firefighters fought the still and box blaze for nearly an hour before the fire was struck out." Read More (Donate directly to support relief for Crystal Cleaners and Mint Home via their GoFundMe pages)

·4/30, Open House at Platform Coworking - Discover your new workplace! Platform Coworking recently expanded and you're invited to tour the space or work the day for free. Snacks and drinks will be provided. 10am-3pm, 4422 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info

·5/2, Not All There's Sober Soiree at Ravenswood Loft - Come join an indelible evening that's real, raw, and rooted in community for connection, laughter, and storytelling at Not All There's Sober Soiree - an event dedicated to celebrating sobriety, recovery, and the incredible community that makes it all possible. 7:30-10pm, 4437 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info

·5/3, Mom Market at Dovetail Brewery - Show ma how much you love her at Dovetail Brewery's annual Mother's Day market! From candles to ceramics, to sweets and small delights, there's something for every mom within a talented round-up of more than 20 local artists and makers. 12-6pm, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave More Info

·5/3, Annual Spring Gala at DANK Haus - DANK Haus will be rolling out the red carpet and bringing the glamor and allure of the Berlinale Film Festival and the Academy Awards. Experience the elegance and excitement of a Hollywood awards show with an evening of exquisite cuisine, a lively program, and dazzling auction items. 6-11pm, 4740 N Western Ave More Info

·5/3, Grief Group at Cityside Center for Spiritual Living - Would you like to feel more personal peace in the midst of the chaos and uncertainty? By sharing and processing our feelings of grief we re-establish our peace, regain our balance, and find our voice. Join the conversation to share and support one another in our grief. 9-10:30am, Virtually on Zoom, FREE More Info

·5/7, Meet & Greet with SpiderMeka Portraits at Regus on Ravenswood - Come out for an intimate networking and exclusive profile photo opportunity with SpiderMeka Portraits! Tour the gorgeous Ravenswood Corridor loft-style building and see up close the work spaces available for leasing. 4-7pm, 4311 N Ravenswood Ave More Info

·5/8, Board Game Meetup with Ravenswood Neighbors Association - Bring your own games or play one provided. There will be a wide range of tabletop games, from strategy to party games, one-shots, beginner to advanced, lightweight to heavyweight games, in small to large groups. Attendance is capped at 40 people, so make sure to RSVP! 6:30-10pm, 1900 W Leland Ave, FREE More Info

·5/9-5/10, SAUCED Market at Half Acre Beer Co - How do you support small businesses? At a time when the economy is in chaos, this question is more important than ever. At SAUCED, the answer is simple: You go to a night market and shop from dozens of local artists, makers, and creatives! 5-10pm, 2050 W Balmoral Ave, FREE More Info

·5/10, Anniversary Open House at BitSpace - 2025 marks BitSpace's 10-year anniversary as your favorite youth-only makerspace! Engage in activities, games, raffles, interactive exhibit, and an in-house designed video game. Join BitSpace at they share the impact of maker education over the past decade! 12-5pm, 2541 W Lawrence Ave, FREE More Info

·5/10, McPherson Badger Bash at DANK Haus - Get ready for a night of dancing, drinks, snacks, auctions, and game with a retro twist! For one night, McPherson Elementary is throwing it back to the era of neon colors, mixtapes, and classic jams. They're aiming to raise $50,000 to transform the school's outdoor space - including replacing their broken marquee and adding a vibrant mural to the building’s exterior. 7-10pm, 4740 N Western Ave, $75 More Info

·5/15, Community Fundraiser Night at Gio's Bar & Grill - Crystal Cleaners and Mint Home, two beloved local businesses, were recently devastated by a destructive fire. In support of their recovery, Gio's and the GRCC are coming together to host a special fundraising night filled with bingo, prize giveaways, and community spirit. To further aid the effort, 20% of Gio's net sales from the day will be donated directly to help the affected businesses rebuild. 6-9pm, 4857 N Damen Ave More Info

·View Our Full Community Calendar

·Mother's Day Brunch at Cultivate by Forbidden Root - Bring the special maternal figure in your life over to Cultivate in Ravenswood for a special 3-course brunch this Mother's Day! Served from 10am-5pm on May 11th, explore their exciting menu for only $30 a person! Read More

·Book The BartleBike with Bartleby's Homemade Ice Cream - Thanks to exactly 100 generous backers, Bartleby's Kickstarter campaign to raise funds for an ice cream bike was a success! With expected delivery around Memorial Day, the bike will available to rent for block parties, birthdays, weddings, and other events all summer long! Learn More

·Mother's Day Brunch at Rojo Gusano- Celebrate Mother's Day at Rojo Gusano with new brunch items and bottomless mimosas. Celebrate the holiday with vibrant flavors, exceptional service, and a lively yet welcoming venue on Sunday, May 11th from 11am-3pm! More Info

What's Up on Malt Row?

·5/2, Buen Vino y Salsa at VIN312 Winery - Join VIN312 for an unforgettable evening of Salsa dancing with a live band and wine tastings. Immerse yourself in the ambiance of full functioning urban winery hosted by the winemaker! 7-11pm, 4710 N. Ravenswood Ave. Rear, $20+ More Info

·5/7, Community Book Swap at KOVAL Distillery - Join KOVAL for a community book swap! Bring a book, write a short recommendation, meet new book loving people and discover new books. 7pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info

·5/24-5/25, Mayfestiversary - Begyle Brewing and Dovetail Brewery host their annual spring party! Celebrate Dovetail's 8th anniversary, and help raise funds for The Friendship Center food pantry. The weekend will include food trucks, live music, family-friendly fun, and of course lots of excellent beer! 11am-10pm, 1800 W Cuyler Ave More Info

·Applications Open for Lillstreet Art Center's Artist-in-Residence Program - Looking to take your artistic practice to the next level? This is an opportunity to develop your work, gain valuable teaching experience, and become part of a vibrant creative community in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood. Applications close May 1st! More Info

·Mommy & Me Dance Class at DANCE COLONY Studios - If you’ve got a little one that’s full of vigor and energy - this Friday morning movement exploration class is for you! Expect guided exercises, and fun prompts to entertain your little ones - great for little movers ages 6 months to 3 years old! More Info

·Spring Classes at Joel Hall Dancers & Center - Spring classes are in full bloom at JHDC's new studio- so why not take the first step and get moving? Whether you're looking to refine your technique, try something new, or simply find joy in movement, they have a class for you! More Info

·LGBTQ+ Support Group at Augustyn Family Services - Explore creativity, build community, and connect with your inner child through summer-camp themed arts and crafts! This weekly art-based support group for adults age 21+ will be facilitated by art therapist Ellen Oanes, LPC and begins in June. More Info

Creative Calendar

·5/4, May the Fourth Be With You Needlepoint Class at Maydel - Learn how to create your very own solar system in wool! This course will teach students how to start and stop threads utilizing a counted canvas ground, along with principles of tent-stitch shading in wool threads, by blending colors in the needle with stitching. 10am-3:30pm, 1746 W Wilson Ave, $95 More Info

·5/10, Glass Bud Vases and Micro Arrangements at Lightwriters Neon - During this 3 hour class, you’ll form glass with a torch to make a bud vase with a crew of neon specialists. Elevate one of your creations with a micro arrangement of fresh flowers and kokedama with guest artist JiaHao Peng. 10am-1pm and 2pm-5pm, 4222 N Ravenswood Ave, $150 More Info

·5/10-6/14, Gelli Printing 101 at Jenny G's Art Supply - Take this as a series or as individual classes! Taught by artist & teacher Ellen Gradman each workshop will experiment with a variety of techniques used to create mono prints on a Gelli plate. You will use found objects, stencils, stamps, and many more texture tools. 1-3pm, 1926 W Montrose Ave, $35 (individual class) or $100 (entire course) More Info

5/22, Women Leaders in Business: Spring Networking

The Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is thrilled to invite you to a special edition of our Women Leaders in Business event on Thursday, May 22 at KOVAL Distillery. This year marks the 10th anniversary of both our organization and this impactful program—so we’re celebrating in style!

Tickets include admission, your first drink, savory and sweet bites, and plenty of opportunities to get creative. 4-6pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $25 for GRCC Members/$32 for General Admission. More Info

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) recently announced that the Community Development Grant (Small and Medium sized funding) is currently accepting applications through August 15th, 2025. Apply Now.

The City of Chicago helps support business and neighborhood vitality through Small, Medium and Large Community Development Grant (CDG) awards to support a variety of eligible, business-related investments that create and maintain jobs and quality-of-life improvements for local residents. Applications are open to business owners, property owners, non-profit organizations, community developers and entrepreneurs.

Each month, Chicago's Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection hosts a variety of free business resource webinars.

·5/2, Ways to Finance Your Business - Whether you are a business owner or thinking about starting one; this webinar will teach the basics about bank financing. You will receive information about loans, lines of credit and other available resources that can help you on your entrepreneurial journey. 9:30am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info

·5/6, Get In The Know: Resources for Your Small Businesses - Join BACP in celebration of National Small Business Week to learn more about the various business resources that the Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection offers to existing or future entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their own businesses. Attendees will also have the opportunity to ask questions towards the end of the webinar. 10am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info

·View Upcoming Free City Workshops

·Landscaping Update - Each year, the Special Service Area #31 Commission contracts a landscaping service to beautify approximately 90,000 square feet of corridors throughout Ravenswood. We are happy to report that the spring flowers have been planted!

·Power Washing Update - In a continued effort to beautify our neighborhood’s commercial corridors, enhancing the overall appeal and attracting more customers to the area, Special Service Area #31 will begin offering power washing services. This year, our crews are prioritizing Clark Street and Lawrence Avenue.

·Façade Rebate Program Update - Congratulations to La Mexicana Grill (4641 N Clark St) for completing storefront improvements as part of Special Service Area #31's Façade Rebate Program!

·Security Camera Rebate Program Update - Congratulations to Pick Me Up Cafe (4882 N Clark St) and La Mexicana Grill (4641 N Clark St) for successfully installing new security features as part of Special Service Area #31's Security Camera Rebate Program!

·Sunny Kids Land LLC Seeks Infant/Toddler Lead Teacher - The Lead Teacher will plan and implement a daily curriculum, provide responsive care, and lead classroom staff to ensure a high-quality learning experience for every child. More Info

·Sunny Kids Land LLC Seeks Assistant Teacher - The Assistant Teacher will support the Lead Teacher in providing a safe, nurturing, and engaging learning environment for children, helping implement daily activities, and contributing to a positive classroom culture. More Info

·Rooted Connections Counseling Seeks Intake Coordinator - Rooted Connections Counseling is seeking an intake coordinator to manage their large referral base, request for services, and connections to their clinical team. More Info

·Maydel Seeks Retail & eCommerce Specialist - Maydel is looking for an energetic, detail-oriented person to help with in-person and eCommerce retail operations. Maydel is a fast-growing craft company whose mission is to encourage accessibility and responsibility in craft. More Info

·Common Pantry Seeks Bilingual Social Services Coordinator - The Coordinator will work with the Social Services Program Manager to provide direct supportive services and targeted referrals to clients of Common Pantry. More Info

·Half Acre Seeks Seasonal Taproom Associate - This is an hourly, seasonal position that requires availability during business hours, which includes weekends and nights. More Info

·View Our Job Board

·Careers in Manufacturing at JARC - Jane Addams Resource Corporation's free job training courses can help you gain employment in the manufacturing sector. You'll learn valuable skills, including CNC, welding, and mechanical assembly. More Info

·Mother's Day Sale at Lucila's Alfajores - Lucila's beautiful alfajores cookie gift boxes are the perfect gift for Mom on Mother's Day - use Code RAVEN10 for 10% off! Boxes can be shipped anywhere in the US or picked up locally in Ravenswood. Offer valid through 5/12/25. More Info

·Win an In-House Tooth Whitening at Juniper Dentistry - As a thank you for being part of the community, Juniper Dentistry is excited to offer a chance to win a professional in-house tooth whitening treatment! Enter by either becoming a new patient or referring a new patient. Offer valid 5/1/25-6/30/25.More Info

·Mother's Day Special at BRB Aesthetics Central - Celebrate Mother's Day all May long! Get a FREE ZO® Getting Skin Ready Kit (worth $78) when you buy a $300 BRB Gift Card. Offer valid 5/1/25-5/31/25. More Info

·Spring Promotion at Salon élan Vital - Buy 4 get 1 free single laser hair removal sessions. Plus, new massage clients will receive $10 off and can pre-book at end of the session to get $5 off your next appointment! Offer valid through 5/31/25. More Info

·Onboarding Trial at Bolt Fitness - New to fitness or looking to ease into group training with confidence? Bolt Fitness' 2-Week Onboarding Program is the perfect way to experience Bolt Fitness while receiving personalized guidance to set you up for success. Offering ongoing for new clients. More Info

·Call for Donations at the Levy Senior Center Gift Shop – The auxiliary board is getting busy bringing back everyone’s favorite way to support the Levy Senior Center by reopening their gift stop, which has been closed since the pandemic.  All proceeds from the shop directly support the many events and activities provided by the Center. Along with traditional gift store merchandise they are looking to have the new shop feature a selection of handcrafted items and artwork created by local artists and artisans - donations of either type would be greatly appreciated. More Info

·Support the Ravenswood Community Services Food Pantry & Community Kitchen - Every Tuesday, RCS distributes groceries and hot meals to neighbors. Volunteers are welcome and asked to sign up in advance (info can be found on the RCS website under the Volunteer tab). Other ways to help include donations of pasta and rice within their expiration dates, financial support for the food pantry and community kitchen, and words of encouragement posted to RCS's Facebook page. Pasta and rice donations can be dropped off Tuesdays between 1-7:30pm at 1757 W Wilson Ave. More Info

·Volunteer at The Friendship Center - The Friendship Center operates a food pantry, serves weekly hot meals, delivers groceries to seniors and other individuals who are homebound and cannot visit the pantry, and provides pet food for those in need. Volunteers are needed in a variety of roles, including in the pantry, in the kitchen, and helping with weekend deliveries. While most opportunities are for adults, the Friendship Center has two after-school programs for younger volunteers. More Info

·Call for Volunteers and Donations to Common Pantry - Chicago's longest operating food pantry is looking for new volunteers! If you can't volunteer, consider making a monetary donation. Direct monetary donations are the best way to support the pantry, as it allows them to purchase high priority supplies for their clients. More Info

Greater Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce

Ravenswood Community Council

1770 W Berteau, Suite 101 | info@ravenswoodchicago.org