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Week of March 18

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: Celebrating Women's History Month in Ravenswood, grand opening announcements, and The Other Art Fair.


Attention Business Leaders: Tickets are now on sale for GRCC's Women Leaders in Business: Creative Coffee at Color Me Mine on March 27th at 9am!

Welcome to our new members: AuthentiCITY Travel, Build Scale Prosper, Colour.Fix.Art, La Mexicana Grill, Movement Physical Therapy and Wellness, Nadeau Chicago, Performance Podiatry Partners, Rooted Connections Counseling, Ridman's Coffee, Salon Élan Vital, SCAN5, Smooth House Laser, and The Silver Line.


And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: Better World Collaborative, Chicago Artisan Market | INV Marketing Group, Chicago Printmakers Collaborative, CHIRP Radio, CoCo Vietnamese Sandwiches &Pho, DEFY Bags, Flora 47 Peace Merchants, G.V. Jewelry, KOVAL Distillery, Nature's Grace and Wellness, Neighborly, Polar Hardware Manufacturing Co., Spacca Napoli, Wave Therapeutics, and The Wolcott Tap.

Local Business Directory

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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: At Filipino Hawaiian Eatery Kanin, ‘Everybody Eats’ — If You Can Get There Before It Sells Out - "People are lining up for blocks outside of the week-old grab-and-go restaurant in Ravenswood for street-food eats like Spam musubi. For Philippines-born, Hawaii-raised Julius Tacadena, opening a grab-and-go restaurant has been a longtime dream." 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

3/20, Malt Row Hoppy Hour: Saison, From the French/Belgian Countryside to Chicago


Join us at is/was brewing for a guided tasting and conversation focused on saison. From the French/Belgian countryside to Chicago, learn about the brewing process and rich history of this unique beer style from one of the leading brewers in said style, Mike Schallau. ONLY 5 TICKETS LEFT!

Buy Tickets Here

Malt Row Hoppy Hours are presented by the Greater Ravenswood Chamber of CommerceSSA #31, and Erwin Law. 6:30pm, 5121 N Ravenswood Ave

·3/21, Spring Cleaning Book Swap at Bon Femmes - Out with the old, in with the new-to-you! Join Bon Femmes for a Spring Book Swap, the perfect way to refresh your bookshelf while sipping on drinks and chatting about your favorite (or least favorite!) reads. 5-8pm, 4917 N Damen Ave, $5 More Info


·3/22, Front Rack Mobility Clinic at Bolt Fitness - Struggling with front squats, cleans, or any movement that requires a solid front rack position? Join Bolt Fitness for a hands-on session designed to assess your front rack mobility, identify possible limitations, and provide you with a structured, progressive approach to improving your range of motion. 11:30am-1pm, 4545 N Ravenswood Ave More Info


·3/22, Open House at Lycée Français de Chicago - The LFC offers more than just excellent academics—it's an opportunity to explore a truly international education. Join them for their Open House and discover how they encourage students to become leaders of tomorrow over coffee and a complimentary breakfast. 10am-12pm, 1929 W Wilson Ave More Info


·3/23, Rendezvous Arts Presents Christian Dillingham Jazz Quartet & Printmaker Jill A. Kramer at Artifact Events - Hot jazz in March! The Dillingham Quartet rocks Artifact Events in an afternoon concert. Featured artist and print maker Jill A. Kramer exhibits her vibrant block prints on paper. 2:30pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $30 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, 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, Del Sur Bakery Grand Opening - The wait is over! Del Sur Bakery will be officially opening their doors next weekend! Del Sur unifies the flavors of the Philippines with timeless Midwestern techniques, creating memorable pastries and specialty beverages 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. Art has the power to heal! 6-9:30pm, 4001 N Ravenswood Ave, Suite 204-C, $60 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.

Buy Tickets Here

Tickets include 12 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

·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


·Cocktail Classes at KOVAL Distillery - Mix things up with fun and educational classes at KOVAL Distillery! Their friendly team leads ongoing cocktail instruction and exploration workshops. From prohibition era cocktails, to springtime gin, and all about rye, they have something for spirit-enthusiasts of any level! Read More

What's Up on Malt Row?


·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


·4/4, New Beers Eve - Enjoy a night of incredible beers, bites, and community alongside your favorite local breweries- each showcasing their finest beers and spirits for you to enjoy! Plus, don’t miss The Brewer, an immersive performance by Dead Reckoning Theatre Co. that brings brewing herstory to life—300 generations told in just three minutes! 6-10pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $15 More Info

Arts Corner

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


·3/29, 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. You will learn the best tools and materials for repairing knitwear with darning! 1-3pm, 1926 W Montrose Ave, $65 More Info


·3/29, A Stitch From Gaza at Maydel -Learn traditional Palestinian tatreez embroidery techniques with a focus on motifs from the historic Gaza region. All skill levels are welcome, whether you’re new to embroidery or a skilled practitioner. A portion of each class fee will be donated to Heal Palestine. 1-3pm, 1746 W Wilson Ave, $50 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. Get ready to unleash your creativity! 1-4pm, Virtual on Zoom, $97 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.

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.


·3/21, Behind the Mask: Stories of Courage, Growth and Strength - This session will feature the heartfelt journeys from remarkable female entrepreneurs who have triumphed over challenges, embraced growth and emerged with wisdom to share. 9:30am on Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP More Info

·3/27, Remote Small Business Expo - The Chicago Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection 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


·View Upcoming Free City Workshops

Updates from Special Service Area #31

Special Service Area #31 is now accepting applications for the 2025 Façade Rebate Program and Security Camera Rebate Program. For more information, reach out to SSA #31 Program Manager Christina Pecce.

Now Hiring

·NEW: GRCC Seeks Outreach & Administrative Coordinator - As the GRCC's Outreach & Administrative Coordinator, you should be prepared to become socially engaged in the Ravenswood community. We’re looking for someone to conduct consistent and engaging outreach while helping to keep our office organized and efficient. More Info


·NEW: 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


·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.

 

JARC hosts Application Sessions every Wednesday at 9am and 4pm. In-person sessions are on the first Wednesday of each month and virtual sessions are on the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Wednesdays. Anyone enrolled in JARC programs receives free access to math, reading, and computer tutors, as well as financial coaching and public benefits screening. 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