"Love is Learned Over Time" by Lydia Cash

Don't miss out! Our newsletter can get cut off in your email. Click here to view as a webpage.

Week of March 25

In This Issue:

·Around Ravenswood

·Community Calendar

·Eat Local, Drink Local

·Arts Corner

·Business Resources & Workshops

·Updates from SSA #31

·Now Hiring

·Offers From GRCC Members

·Volunteer Opportunities

Coming Up: BRB Aesthetic Central's Grand Opening, Pretzels on the Playground, and the Ravenswood Run Kick-Off Party.


Attention Business Leaders: Only a few tickets left for GRCC's Women Leaders in Business: Creative Coffee at Color Me Mine this Thursday at 9am!

Welcome to our new members: Build Scale Prosper, Colour.Fix.Art, Cityside Center for Spiritual Living, Compassionate Veterinary Hospice and In Home Euthanasia, Nadeau Chicago, Rooted Connections Counseling, Salon Élan Vital, Smooth House Laser, and The Silver Line.


And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: Chicago Artisan Market | INV Marketing Group, Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, CoCo Vietnamese Sandwiches & Pho, Flora 47 Peace Merchants, Gnome Brew, My Buddy's, Neighborly, Polar Hardware Manufacturing Co., The Twentieth, The Wolcott Tap, Transcend Counseling Chicago LLC, and VIN312 Winery.

Local Business Directory

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

Instagram  Facebook  Linkedin  YouTube

Around Ravenswood

·Celebrating Women's History Month in Ravenswood - This month, the GRCC had the privilege of visiting ten inspiring women-owned businesses and entrepreneurs in the neighborhood, where we sat down for brief interviews to learn about their entrepreneurial journeys, challenges, and triumphs. Read More


·"Love Is Learned Over Time" A Special Piece by Lydia Cash - During the highly anticipated return of Taste of Ravenswood, guests were treated to a unique experience: Lydia Cash created a breathtaking live painting titled Love Is Learned Over Time. Now, we’re excited to announce that this one-of-a-kind artwork is available for purchase with proceeds to benefit Ravenswood Community Services! Read More

·Block Club: District, Ravenswood’s Popular Furniture Store, Is Moving To Andersonville - "A popular Ravenswood furniture boutique is moving to Andersonville this spring. After 10 years, District is moving from 4835 N. Damen Ave. in Ravenswood to 5430 N. Clark St. in Andersonville, store owner Chris Murphy said. The Clark storefront is the former home of Getir, a Turkish grocery delivery business." Read More


·Ravenswood Run: Chicago's Favorite Neighborhood Race Returns - The 29th annual Ravenswood Run returns on 4/27/25! The event also serves as a fundraiser for Ravenswood Community Services' Food Pantry and Community Kitchen, a staple in the community that provides meals and groceries to neighbors in need. Read More

Community Calendar

·3/27-3/30, The Other Art Fair at Artifact Events- Over 100 artists come from around the city, country, and world for one weekend in this juried fine art fair hosted by Saatchi. Say hi to local Ravenswood artist Karen Remsen and use KAREN20 for 20% off your ticket. 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $20-$40 More Info


·3/29, BRB Aesthetics Central Grand Opening - Join the team at BRB for exclusive Grand Opening promotions and packages, live demos and consultations. Enjoy light bites and drinks while you mingle! 10am-7pm, 1827 W Montrose Ave More Info


·3/29, Pretzels On The Playground at German International School Chicago - Join GISC for a special family event series: Pretzels on the Playground! For this special open house event, the team will welcome families on their new nature playground for a fun time for all ages.  10am-12pm, 1726 W Berteau Ave More Info


·3/29, Del Sur Bakery Grand Opening - Del Sur Bakery will be officially opening their doors this Saturday! Experience the flavors of the Philippines with timeless Midwestern techniques in a space where tradition, creativity, and community thrive. 8am-3pm, 4639 N Damen Ave More Info


·3/29, Paint 'N Sip at Awakenings - Join Awakenings for their first Paint 'N Sip fundraiser! Wine and supplies are provided in the price of the ticket. Proceeds help provide free, trauma-informed healing arts workshops for survivors of sexual assault. 6-9:30pm, 4001 N Ravenswood Ave, Suite 204-C, $60 More Info

·3/31, Ravenswood 5K Kick Off Party -Join neighbors for an evening of running, community, and fun! Whether you're looking to run or just want to enjoy a night out with friends while supporting the neighborhood, this event has something for everyone. 6-8:30pm,1800 West Cuyler Ave, FREE More Info


·4/2, Sound of Silent Film Festival at The Music Box - Access Contemporary Music’s Sound of Silent Film Festival, now in its 20th year, is a unique event featuring new short silent films in every conceivable genre screened with newly-composed musical scores performed live! 7:30pm, 3733 N Southport Ave, $25 More Info


·4/4, New Beers Eve at Artifact Events - Enjoy a night of incredible beers, bites, and community alongside your favorite local breweries! Plus, don’t miss The Brewer, an immersive performance by Dead Reckoning Theatre Co. 6-10pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $15 More Info


·4/5, Food Freedom Unlocked at Pistachio Yoga - Join this workshop to uncover the mindset shifts and actionable strategies that will help build a healthy, stress-free relationship with food - starting today! Hosted by Francesca Meffert, Health & Certified Life Coach. 12-1:30pm, 5206 N Damen Ave, $27+ More Info


·4/12-4/13, Chicago Artisan Market at Artifact Events - The Chicago Artisan Market returns to Ravenswood for its Spring Market with 100+ talented local artisans in food, fashion, home goods & art. 11am-5pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $8 More Info



·View Our Full Community Calendar

4/17, Munch March Dessert & Appetizer Crawl


Emerge from your winter hibernation for an evening of delicious sweets and crunchy treats! This April, Ravenswood businesses are teaming up for the Munch March - an evening of bite-sized snacks, drinks, and exploration along Montrose Avenue.


Participants Include:

Buy Tickets Here

Tickets include 14+ tasting-sized portions of desserts, appetizers, and beverages, a Ravenswood canvas tote bag, and some goodies from our partners. This event is 21+ and will be held rain or shine. 5:30-8:30pm, along Montrose Ave, $26 More Info

Eat Local, Drink Local

·New Brunch Menu at Gio's Bar & Grill - Gio's is proud to serve brunch to the Ravenswood community on Thursday and Friday nights from 3:30-10pm and weekends from 11am-2pm with $20 bottomless mimosas! Plus, during the entire month of April, Gio's will be matching donations up to $200 for the Evanston Animal Shelter at check out time! Read More


·BartleBike Kickstarter - Bartleby’s is launching a Kickstarter to raise money for a smile machine, AKA a bike-powered ice cream cart! It's the most wonderful way to bring their homemade ice cream treats to outdoor events and parties around the city—insulated, cute, and eco-friendly. They have a lot of exciting rewards to offer, featuring delicious ice cream, swaggy merch, and special experiences! Read More

What's Up on Malt Row?


·4/2, Prohibition Era Cocktail Class at KOVAL Distillery - Learn about the history of spirits in the Prohibition era and KOVAL's place in the lineage of distilling post-Prohibition. Class includes the instruction and enjoyment of 3 cocktails. All bartending equipment is included! 7-8pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $75 More Info


·4/4, Malt Row Presents: Cubs Opening Day Party w/ Waco Brothers - Baseball is back– and so is the Malt Row Opening Day Party! To celebrate the Chicago Cubs home opener, the breweries of Malt Row are teaming up for another party in Wrigleyville. Join us at Gman Tavern for fresh local brews and a performance by the legendary Waco Brothers! 10am, 3740 N Clark St, FREE w/ RSVP More Info

Arts Corner

·New Spring Classes Announced at Maydel - Whether you’re looking for the gentlest possible introduction to embroidery or an in-depth technique intensive, chances are you’ll find it at Maydel. Choose from a variety of classes hosted by visiting instructors or beloved locals! More Info


·Pottery Painting Classes at Color Me Mine - Pottery painting is a truly magical and inclusive experience that transcends age and skill levels. Unlock your inner artist, create cherished memories, and take home beautiful ceramic masterpieces at Color Me Mine! More Info


·Spring Shorts at Chicago Printmakers Collaborative - These abbreviated courses focus on techniques that are not usually covered in our traditional classes. Learn drypoint, monotype, mezzotint, watercolor screen printing, or see demonstrations of a number of different printmaking techniques. Visiting Artist Sarah Smelser will be in town again to offer her very popular Monotype workshop. More Info


·Spring Registration Now Open at Lillstreet Art Center - Spring is in the air—and so are new opportunities to learn, make, and explore! Class and workshop registration is now open, with offerings across Ceramics, Metalsmithing, Printmaking, Textiles, and more. Whether you’re looking to try something new or build on your skills, there’s a seat waiting for you. More Info

Creative Calendar


·3/28, Mommy & Me Dance Class at DANCE COLONY Studios - If you’ve got a little one that’s full of vigor and energy - this 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! 9-9:30am, 4222 N Ravenswood Ave Suite 102 Door C, $30 More Info


·3/29, Intro To Sweater Repair at Jenny G's Art Supply - Learn how to repair holes in knitwear by darning a hole by hand and with a Speedweve-style darning loom. This two-hour class will guide you through the process of creating and darning a rectangular patch with yarn! 1-3pm, 1926 W Montrose Ave, $65 More Info


·3/30, Branching Out: Learn To Draw Trees With Ease at Anne Leuck Studio- Step into the whimsical world of tree-inspired art with Anne's playful workshop. Using her simple and unconventional techniques, you'll learn to draw trees of all shapes and sizes. 1-4pm, Virtual on Zoom, $97 More Info


·4/5, Macrame Wall Hanging Workshop at Indigo & Violet Studio - Learn how to make your own geometric macrame decor in this fun and customizable project! This is a great introduction to macrame with a few simple knots and optional weaving and square knots for added texture. 2:30-4:30pm, 1411 W Irving Park Rd, $60 More Info

Business Resources & Workshops

3/27, Women Leaders in Business: Creative Coffee


The Greater Ravenswood Chamber invites you to our first Women Leaders in Business event of the year! Join us Thursday, March 27 at Color Me Mine to connect with local women leaders, entrepreneurs and artisans while tapping into your creative side with a fun activity. Only a few tickets left!

Register Here

Tickets include admission, coffee from Ridman's, Lucila's world-famous alfajores, and all of the materials to paint and bring home your own coffee mug. 9-11am, 3849 N Lincoln Ave, $20 for GRCC Members/$30 for General Admission. More Info

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


·3/27, Remote Small Business Expo - BACP brings free business resources to the community for new and existing entrepreneurs looking to start or grow their business in the City of Chicago through the Small Business Expo Series. 9am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info

·4/4, Power of Capital - Presented by Chase for Business. Whether you are looking to expand, secure financing, or simply optimize your cash flow, this webinar will provide actionable insights to help you build a thriving business. Don’t miss this opportunity to gain expert knowledge and take thenext step toward financial success! 9:30am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info


·View Upcoming Free City Workshops

Updates from Special Service Area #31

·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!

Now Hiring

·NEW: 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


·GRCC Seeks Outreach & Administrative Coordinator - The Outreach & Administrative Coordinator position plans, directs and organizes key outreach and office management functions of the GRCC. More Info


·Demo Brewing Company seeks Beertender - Demo is currently looking for another beertender for weekend shifts! Their philosophy revolves around brewing in small craft batches, and we believe in variety, which is why our menu is ever-changing. More Info

·Half Acre Seeks Seasonal Taproom Associate - This is an hourly, seasonal position meant to assist where needed in the Taproom/Patio throughout the shift to aid on the floor and maintain proper pacing of guest flow. More Info


·Half Acre Seeks Key Account Manager (Off Premise) - This position’s primary duties will be to develop and improve Half Acre's sales strategies with their national off premise and regional off premise chain partners. More Info


·Half Acre Seeks Packaging Operator -New hires will be working on canning and kegging lines. It is a very hands-on, physical job with the entirety of the shift standing. 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

Offers From Our Members

·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


·Women's History Month Special at EmpowerFit Chicago - Celebrate Women's History Month with a special promotion! Women looking to enhance their strength can buy 8 personal training sessions and get 3 sessions absolutely FREE! That's a savings of $166! 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

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

·Call for Donations to McPherson Elementary's Badger Bash - McPherson Elementary School's 8th annual Badger Bash is right around the corner, on May 10 at the DANK Haus! Help support McPherson by donating items or experiences to their largest annual fundraiser. Whether it’s sports tickets, concert passes, gift cards, or unique experiences, your generous contributions will make a big difference for students and our school community. 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