Bon Femmes & Vintage Royalty at WGN Daytime Chicago

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Week of February 17

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

·Doing Good in the Neighborhood

·Volunteer Opportunities

Coming Up: Level up at the Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention, celebrate 10 years of smoked beers at Dovetail, and try your hand at stained glass in a beginners' class at Indigo & Violet Studio.



Attention Business Leaders: Registration is now open for the GRCC Winter Social and Open House at Ravenswood WorkCenter on February 26th! Get Your Tickets

Welcome to our new members: Badabing Wings Zone, BienMeSabe Venezuelan Cafe & Restaurant, Bunny Ears Art House, Charlie Young Photography, Coffey Bros. Moving, Cooney & Conway, detaiLAB, Forge Film Acting, LC Phở Restaurant, True Self Therapy Chicago, and Vertera Financial.


And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: Andrea Harney Marketing & Photography LLC, Better World Collaborative, Bolt Fitness, G & G Law LLC, G.V. Jewelry, Illinois Engraving & Mfg. Co., Indigo & Violet Studio, Mechanista, North Park University, Peak Wealth Planning, Six Point Pet, Three Raven Counseling, and Wintrust Bank - Ravenswood.

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

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Around Ravenswood

·WGN Daytime Chicago: Bon Femmes & Vintage Royalty: Hands - On Earring Making Workshop - "Omotola Akinbiyi and Meena Osei-Kuffour, the owners of Bon Femmes Boutique & Vintage Royalty joined us to talk about an upcoming earring-making workshop." 🎥 Watch Now


·WGN Daytime Chicago: Spoken Café’s Community Supper Mondays - "Spoken Café hosts Monday Community Suppers, featuring a new dish each month, to encourage donations and raise awareness for local food pantries. Co-owner Sidonie Gaudé joined us to share the details and a taste of this month’s featured dish." 🎥 Watch Now

·Registration Open for The 30th Annual Ravenswood Run - Celebrate 30 years of the Ravenswood Run 5K! Sign up today to support Ravenswood Community Services, with every registration helping fund its Food Pantry & Community Kitchen and provide meals and groceries for neighbors in need. More Info


·Block Club: Mahjong Is Having A Moment — And Uniting Chicagoans In Chinatown And Beyond - "Some come for the community, some for the culture and still others for the competition. Whatever the draw, mahjong is having a moment right now — and the city has many ways for residents to pick up the hobby."  More Info

Community Calendar

·2/18, Soft Opening at Paper Bunny Press - Check out Ravenswood's newest stationery and gift store! Whether you’re celebrating a win, sending a hug, or just need a greeting card that gets your mood exactly right, Paper Bunny Press is here to keep it real — and keep it fun. 10am-6pm, 4956 N Damen Ave More Info


·2/20, Sober Self-Defense Workshop at Bender Martial Arts and Fitness - Participants will build confidence and practical skills through self-protection fundamentals in a supportive, beginner-friendly environment. 9:30-10:30am, 5547 N Ravenswood Ave Suite 102, FREE More Info


·2/20, Mardi Gras Bash at Platform 47 - Mardi Gras isn't over yet! Cap off your week with a visit to Platform 47's Fat Tuesday Bash with music by the Four Star Brass Band. 8:30pm, 4709 N Damen Ave, FREE More Info


·2/21, Intro to Tai Chi with AllPaths Wellness - Gentle, flowing movements for balance, flexibility & stress relief. Perfect for beginners of all ages & fitness levels. Learn basic postures, breathing & mindful movement. 1-2pm, 4511 N Clark St, $23+ More Info

·2/22, Extra Life Chicago Gaming Convention at Artifact Events - The 4th Annual ELCGC is your destination for gaming, cosplay, live entertainment, and community fun, all while supporting the patients and families at Lurie Children’s! 11am-6pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $20-$30 More Info


·2/28, Common Pantry's Gospel Brunch - The 2nd annual Gospel Brunch features amazing vocalists and soul-warming helpings of southern comfort food benefitting Common Pantry and Mays Music Centre. 11am-1:30pm, 3855 N Lincoln Ave, $75 More Info


·3/7, Ravenswood Elementary FAME Gala at Live Bash - Enjoy an evening of karaoke and refreshments to celebrate the growth of the FAME program and increase support for Ravenswood Elementary! 6:30-10:30pm, 1801 W Berteau Ave, $25-$150 More Info


·3/13, Middle Grade Book Club at Time and a half Books - 5th-8th graders are welcome to join Time and a half's first Middle Grade Book Club! Young readers will discuss “The Eyes & the Impossible” by Dave Eggers, enjoy Bartleby's Ice Cream, and vote on the next title. 7-8pm, 4839 N Damen Ave, FREE More Info


·View Our Full Community Calendar

Eat Local, Drink Local

·Special Lunch Promo at Mimi's on Lincoln - Need lunch plans? Mimi's has you covered with a soup + sandwich or salad for just $15 when you stop in Tues-Fri between 11:30am and 1:30pm. Srsly, name a more iconic duo. More Info


·Vote for the Best Brewery Tour in USA Today's 2026 Reader's Choice Awards - The competition is tight, but the choice is clear. Vote Dovetail for the best brewery tour! Vote once per day until voting ends on Monday, February 23 at noon ET. The top 10 winners will be announced on Wednesday, March 5. More Info


·Do Good Cocktail for a Cause at Long Room Chicago - The Do Good Cocktail For A Cause this month is Bitter Blanc. For every sale of this cocktail, $1 will be donated to My Block My Hood My City, whose mission is to inspire youth, empower communities, and build a better world. More Info

What's Up on Malt Row?


·2/20, Comedy Night at KOVAL Distillery - Grab a cocktail, settle in, and enjoy a laid-back evening in the tasting room. This month, ticket proceeds will benefit Nourishing Hope, providing food, mental health, and social services to Chicagoans in need. 6:30-8:30pm, 4241 N Ravenswood Ave, $25 More Info


·2/22, Thank You For Smoking at Dovetail Brewery - It's time to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Dovetail's rauchbier with live German music, food from Beard & Belly, gravity keg pours, first dibs on guest smokies, and more! 10am-12pm, 1800 W Belle Plaine Ave, $39 More Info


·2/26, Lord of the Rings Trivia at Half Acre Beer Co - Fly, you fools...to the Half Acre taproom, so you can flex your Middle Earth knowledge! This could be even more epic than the Battle of Helm's Deep. 6:30-8:30pm, 2050 W Balmoral Ave, FREE More Info

Arts Corner

·The Jackie Wilson Story at Black Ensemble Theater - Experience this tribute to the most dynamic entertainer of all time, Mr. Excitement – Jackie Wilson. This award-winning production continues its historical run as it opens BET's 50th Anniversary season! More Info


·Spring Registration at Lillstreet Art Center - Spring starts here! Lillstreet's Spring session registration is now open, and the best way to guarantee your place is to enroll early. Explore the full schedule and sign up today! Classes start March 31. More Info


·Spring Classes at Chicago Printmakers Collaborative - Check out spring classes at CPC! Subjects include mezzotint, letterpress work, monotype, and watercolor screenprinting. Register now to secure your spot! More Info


·Spring Break Camp(s) at Joel Hall Dancers & Center - Students will dive into activities and lessons based in Ballet, Jazz, Music Theatre, Contemporary, and Hip Hop dance classes that will give them new creative outlets! More Info

Creative Calendar


·2/21, 47th Ward Artist Resource Panel at Sulzer Library - Local artists and creatives are invited to learn about grant opportunities, artist supports like workshops and residencies, and what reviewers are looking for from funded artists.1-2pm, 4455 N Lincoln Ave, FREE More Info


·2/21, Regulation in Uncertain Times at Jenny G's Art Supply - This expressive arts session is for those seeking connection and emotional or physical regulation. You will be guided through visual art activities and a tiny bit of writing. 3:30-5pm, 1926 W Montrose Ave, $25 More Info


·2/25, Stained Glass Jewelry Workshop at Indigo & Violet Studio - Get a behind-the-scenes look at the stained glass-making process! Tickets include the production of 3 charms to be used in your choice of: earrings, necklaces, keychains, a small window hanging, and more! 6-8:30pm, 1411 W Irving Park Rd, $70 More Info

Business Resources & Workshops

2/26, Winter Social at Ravenswood WorkCenter 


Emerge from your winter digs and take advantage of this unique opportunity to meet and connect with local professionals, makers, and business leaders! Take guided tours of the Ravenswood WorkCenter for a behind-the-scenes look at this dynamic hub of innovation and industry. Learn about the Workforce Solutions Program while enjoying bites from Rojo Gusano and sips from Dovetail Brewery.

Tickets include admission, refreshments, and exclusive tours of the Ravenswood WorkCenter. A limited number of tickets are available! 5-7pm, 1801 W Berteau Ave, $20 for GRCC members/$28 for general admission More Info

3/12, Avoiding Burnout: Resilient Leadership in Times of Change


Join us at Joel Hall Dancers & Center for an empowering and interactive workshop created for small business owners and leaders navigating challenge, uncertainty, and change. Led by licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Bianka Hardin of Centered Therapy Chicago, this workshop offers a supportive space to explore how to lead with resilience, presence, and intention during demanding times. 

Tickets include admission, snacks from La Mexicana Grill and entry into a door prize raffle. 3-5pm, 4511 N Clark St, $5 for GRCC members/$15 for general admission More Info

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


·2/20, Sustaining Team Resilience Amidst Organizational Change - In this session, leaders will explore how to lead change without sacrificing people, culture, or mission, honor the emotional and human impact of organizational transitions, and embed resilience and restoration into change processes. 9:30-11am, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info

·2/27, Networking That Actually Grows Your Business - In this session, participants will break down networking into a practical growth system entrepreneurs can use to generate referrals, build strategic partnerships, and increase community visibility without feeling salesy or awkward. 9:30-11am, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info



·View Upcoming Free City Workshops

Updates from Special Service Area #31

·2025 SSA #31 Annual Report - From rebate programs for local businesses and beautification efforts, wayfinding signage and public art, take a look at the services and initiatives from this past year. Read More

·New Ravenswood Bike Racks Installed - Ravenswood–branded bike racks have officially been installed throughout the neighborhood! Made possible by Special Service Area #31, these new racks enhance accessibility, support biking, and reinforce Ravenswood’s unique neighborhood identity.

Now Hiring

·NEW: Healing to Action Seeks Base-Building and Development Organizer

- HTA is hiring a bilingual Base-building and Leadership Development Organizer to support in developing a powerful network of leaders who can provide support to marginalized survivors and initiate creative grassroots campaigns to reduce the prevalence of gender-based violence in their communities. More Info


·Accurate Products Seeks Purchasing & Customer Service Personnel - Accurate Products Inc. is seeking a motivated, detail-oriented person to manage purchase orders and customer communications. More Info


·Color Me Mine Seeks Full- and Part-Time Team Members - Are you passionate about creativity and customer service? CMM is seeking vibrant individuals to join their team! Previous customer service experience is a plus. More Info

·DANK Haus Seeks Part-Time After Care Teacher - DANK Haus is looking for a part-time After-Care Teacher to help create a fun, safe, and engaging environment for preschoolers. Weekdays from 3-5pm! More Info


·Joel Hall Dancers & Centers Seeks Studio Assistant (Youth) - JHDC is seeking a studio assistant to support in-person studio and programmatic work! Ideal for high school candidates excited about the arts and seeking 4-10 hours of work per week. More Info


·The Friendship Center Seeks Programs & Volunteer Coordinator - This role is responsible for working collaboratively to manage volunteers and facilitate TFC’s Home Delivery, Hot Meal, and Pet Food Pantry programs. Full-time position is ideal for organized, committed individuals. 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

·Studio Sale at Ponnopozz - Celebrate Ponno's 8th birthday with this exclusive studio sale! Happening 2/23/26-3/3/26 only. Subscribers to the email list get first dibs! More Info


·Memberships Now Available at The Rooted Space - TRS is excited to launch their new membership program! More ways to save, more reasons to move. Find your favorites or try something new every day. The more you come, the more you save! More Info


·Pet Dental Deals at Urban Pooch - February is PET DENTAL MONTH! Every Tuesday and Thursday, enjoy "Chomps-Day Deals" and get 25% off bagged dental treats and buy-3-get-2-free A La Carte Dental treats. More Info


·New Member Offer from Urban Athlete - Sign up for a 4-month VIP membership contract for only $150/month (includes unlimited classes) or a 25 class-pack for $425 ($17/class!) More Info

Doing Good in the Neighborhood

·Pilgrim Lutheran Parish Fundraiser for Refugee Families - The students, parents, and congregation of Pilgrim Lutheran Parish recently raised money and collected essential household items for refugee families being supported by Exodus World Service! Learn More


·Demo Brewing Celebrates Successful Double Community Fundraiser - In December, Demo held a fundraiser event for Chicago Canine Rescue and Ravenswood Community Services Afterschool Program, raising hundreds of dollars and lots of food & supplies for both problems. About Demo


·Sock & Winter Accessory Drive at The Eco Flamingo - From now until the end of April, The Eco Flamingo is accepting donations for The Wool Gathering Project of new or used (in good condition) socks and winter accessories that will be distributed to the Friendship Center. Read More

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

·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. . 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. Other ways to help include donations of pasta and rice, financial support for the food pantry and community kitchen, and words of encouragement posted to RCS's Facebook page. 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