Irene's Bagels, 1942 Montrose Ave

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Week of December 16

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: Unwind with Sound Meditation at Pistachio Yoga, create your own ceramic mug at The Pottery Loop, and explore New Year's celebrations around Ravenswood.



Attention Business Leaders: Taste of Ravenswood is back on February 6, 2026! We are still seeking Ravenswood and Music Sponsors. Learn more about Taste of Ravenswood sponsorship here!

Welcome to our new members: AYSO Region 418, Bunny Ears Art House, Chicago Makeup School, Megan Gasper PR, The Rooted Space, Third Floor Suzuki Violin, and True Precision Rehab.


And a thanks to our returning members for their continued support: AuthentiCITY Travel, Club Pilates Ravenswood, Gnome Brew, La Mexicana Grill, Law Office of Sima L Kirsch PC, Lillstreet Art Center, Lycée Français de Chicago, Performance Podiatry Partners, Rany Management, Regus on Ravenswood, Rendezvous Arts, Scan5, SensAble Kids, and St Benedict Preparatory School.

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

·Host Your Holiday Event in these Ravenswood Event Venues - Looking to host for the holidays? Keep it local! Check out our list of Ravenswood's most eligible event venues, from artist studios to breweries and more. Read More


·Get Early Bird Tickets to Taste of Ravenswood! - Fill your plate with mouthwatering local bites and sips, enjoy live music and live painting, and explore a stunning collection of vintage neon signs and classic cars. Get early bird tickets now, and bring your foodie friends! Get Tickets


·New Year's Eve Roundup: Celebrations, Memories, and More - Ring in the new year with the Ravenswood community! Enjoy our roundup of local celebrations, favorite memories from 2025, and more. We'll see you in 2026! Read More


·WGN Daytime Chicago: Traffic Jam! Swing: Preserving and Teaching Swing Dance Culture - "Traffic Jam! Swing is a non-profit organization dedicated to preserving and teaching swing dance culture. They are also releasing a debut live album this month". 🎥 Watch Here

·Local Business Spotlight: The Flower Girl Company - Every now and then, something spectacular is going to happen in your life, and you’re going to want to pair it with a floral arrangement to match! Look no further than The Flower Girl Company. Read More


·Check out the 2025 Ravenswood Holiday Gift Guide - Holiday shopping doesn’t have to be stressful. In Ravenswood, you can find the perfect something for everyone on your list without breaking the bank. Check out our gift guide for our top picks in every category! Read More


·Local Business Spotlight: Bon Femmes - The first time I visited Bon Femmes, I knew I'd be back soon. This bright, welcoming shop on Damen carries a colorful catalogue of women-owned brands, including apparel, home accents, beauty, and more. Read More


·Voting Open: 40th Ward People's Budget - 40th Ward residents ages 14 and up can vote on how to spend $1 million in public funds to make infrastructure improvements in our neighborhoods. Voting open through 12/31/25. More Info

Community Calendar

·12/19, Paw-liday Party at Trading Post Pet Supplies - Grab your fur baby and join the first-ever Paw-liday Party! Wear your cutest (or ugliest) holiday sweater for photo booth pics! Plus, make paw print ornaments and enjoy holiday treats for pups and their parents. 4-7pm, 4747 N Clark, FREE More Info


·12/20, Star Catcher Market at Mindful Baking Kitchen & Cafe - This is going to be sweet! Mindful Baking's indoor market includes several vendors, live music and a DJ, tats by Hidden Light, and--of course--plenty to eat. 3-9pm, 4201 N Ravenswood Ave, FREE More Info


·12/21, Storytime at Time and a half Books - Welcome the new season with a reading of "Bear Snores On" followed by a Winter Solstice Celebration! The whole family is invited to drink hot cocoa from Groundswell, sing songs, and make solstice lanterns. 10-11am, 4839 N Damen Ave, FREE More Info


·12/22, Christmas in Chicago Screening at Platform 47 - Bring your friends to Platform 47 for a festive movie screening where audiences can enjoy the heartwarming holiday film Christmas in Chicago! 5pm & 7pm, 4709 N Damen Ave, $10 More Info


·12/22, Sound Meditation at Pistachio Yoga - Register for an evening of deep relaxation and meditative rejuvenation. This relaxed state will be enhanced by the healing power of an immersive sound bath. 7:30pm, 5206 N Damen Ave, $27-$37 More Info


·12/24, Sweat-Mas Eve Strength & Conditioning at EmpowerFit - Get ready to Sleigh the Day! This holiday-themed session blends EmpowerFit’s signature strength training with fun, fast-paced conditioning circuits. All levels welcome! 9:30-10:30am, 1824 W Wilson Ave, $25 More Info

Ring in the New Year!


·12/30, NYE Silly Straw Class at Lightwriters Neon - Explore the studio and make 4-5 glass straws to take home! Students will make simple shapes out of neon tubing and then sip festive complimentary NA beverages. No experience necessary. 5pm or 6pm, 4222 N Ravenswood Ave, $50 More Info


·12/31, Noon Year's Eve at Artifact Events - Join Artifact Events for a joyful daytime countdown packed with music, dancing, activities, and festive moments perfect for kids and grown-ups alike. This event is designed for families looking to make New Year’s memories together. 11am-2pm, 4325 N Ravenswood Ave, $13.82 More Info


·12/31, New Year's Eve at Gio's Bar & Grill - Avoid the downtown crowds and prices and support local! Plan your night at Gio's for a special prefixe three course menu with whiskey tasting and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight. 7:30pm-midnight, 4857 N Damen Ave, $79 More Info


·12/31, New Year's Eve Masquerade Ball at My Buddy's - A five-hour hosted bar package, a prime rib buffet, and a personal champagne bottle for everyone. Yes, you read that right. This is a can't-miss event for those of you looking to ring in the new year with a little luxury. 7:30pm-12:30am, 4416 N Clark St, $134 More Info


·12/31, New Year's Bowling Bash at Timber Lanes - Join Timber Lanes for a night you won't forget! Live DJ sets, unlimited bowling, and an all you can drink bar with a champagne toast at midnight. 9:30pm-midnight, 1851 W Irving Park Rd, $50+ More Info



·View Our Full Community Calendar

2/6, Taste of Ravenswood


Take advantage of our Early Bird ticket pricing until December 31st at 11:59pm! Full ticket pricing will go into effect on January 1st, 2026.


Bring family, friends, and coworkers out for an evening sampling the best that Ravenswood has to offer! We're bringing you the neighborhood's top restaurants, brewers, and spirit makers for a fantastic, one-night-only experience in the picturesque Ravenswood Event Center.

Enjoy delicious bites and sips, live music, live painting by Alexandra Stevenson, and explore a private collection of vintage neon signs and classic cars while admiring beautiful florals by The Flower Girl Company. We can't wait to see you there!


Tickets go fast! 7:30-10pm, 4021 N Ravenswood Ave More Info


Eat Local, Drink Local

·Free Toys and Holiday Meal Kits from The Friendship Center - Pick up your Holiday Meal Kit on 12/20 between 2-5 pm at The Friendship Center. Holiday meal boxes do not count against your two monthly visits. Plus, get toys from Platform 47 and Loafer's Bar! More Info


·Vote for The Reader's Best of Chicago 2025! - Weigh in on your local favorites! Voting is open until December 31. You didn't hear it from us, but there are plenty of Ravenswood businesses on the roster this year. Read More


·Snowman-Shaped Pizzas at Chicago's - Chicago's snowman-shaped pizzas are perfectly crafted with signature flaky crust. Decorated festive style with all the holiday cheer -- it only comes once a year! More Info


·Holiday Meal Packages from Rojo Gusano - Let your friends at Rojo cook for you this holiday season! Packages are available until January 5th. Orders must be placed two days in advance and are available for pickup on the restaurant's service days. More Info

What's Up on Malt Row?


·12/23, Home for the Holidays at Half Acre Beer Co - Half Acre wants to be your home for the holidays! Bring your own main to the taproom to get free sides while supplies last. All tips will be donated to the Transformative Justice Law Project of Illinois. 5-10pm, 2050 W Balmoral Ave, FREE More Info


·12/31, Irish New Year at Begyle Brewing - Join for a fun time with the family and still be in bed at a reasonable hour! Begyle is ringing in the New Year at 6pm (midnight in Ireland). Stop by for Ireland's live NYE countdown, delicious tacos, bingo, and more! 11am-6pm, 1800 W Cuyler Ave, FREE More Info


·12/31, Roaring 20s NYE Party at VIN312 Winery - Ring in the New Year in a hidden winery! Taste delicious food, charcuterie plates, wine pours, craft cocktails, and smooth music. Dress in your best speakeasy-inspired look and step into a night of style, flavor, and fun. 8pm, 4710 N Ravenswood Ave, $65 More Info

Arts Corner

·Youth Winter Classes at Joel Hall Dancers & Center - Youth classes at JHDC cater to children ages 3-17 and run from January to March. Enroll your child for a fun way to stay active during the colder months! More Info


·Register for Winter 2026 Classes at Lillstreet Art Center! - Baby, it's cold outside! While the snow falls outside, tend to your inner fire by exploring your creative side at Lillstreet. From pottery to screen printing, there's plenty to choose from. More Info


·BitSpace Winter Break Camp - Between 12/29-12/31, young campers will design and create their custom party favors from scratch or make clocks, calendars, and goal trackers! Camp runs all three days from 9am-4pm. More Info


·WGN Midday Fix: James Sanders & Conjunto for Rendezvous Arts - "Rendezous Arts is dedicated to reshaping artistic expression, cultivating community, nurturing talent, and spreading the joys of music and art throughout Chicago." 🎥 Watch Here

Creative Calendar


·12/20, Ceramic Sip Mugs at The Pottery Loop - Join a cozy afternoon of hand building your very own custom ceramic travel mug! Your creations will be kiln-fired and ready to keep you warm all season long. 5-7pm, 1770 W Berteau Ave Suite 407, $50 More Info


·12/20-12/21, Holiday Gift Making at Bunny Ears Art House - Choose from 3 sessions of gift making! Kids will create a handmade gift and design their own wrapping paper, plus handcrafted cards and gift tags to complete the perfect present. 4541 N Lincoln Ave, $55 More Info


·12/20-12/21, Anne Leuck Holiday Open Studio Sale - Explore Anne’s vibrant paintings, ceramics, and prints for sale in her cheery loft studio. Learn about her creative self-discovery workshops, retreats, and sketchbook journaling courses! 12-5pm, 4801 N Ravenswood Ave #106 More Info

Business Resources & Workshops

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


·12/18, Empower Hour: Scratch Goods - Scratch Goods in the West Loop is known for its interactive, guided skincare experience, the Mask Bar. Their space in the West Loop is both a retail space for skincare shopping AND an event space. The Mask Bar is open for booking on their website. 2-3pm, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here

·12/19, Long-Term Marketing Strategies: Building to Last - Presented by National Association of Women Owners (NAWBO) member Bekah Carlson, Founder of Carlson Integrated. Reframe your approach! This presentation focuses on strategic building blocks at the intersection of personal branding and corporate marketing to position individuals and companies for long-term success. 9:30-11am, Zoom, FREE w/ RSVP Register Here


·View Upcoming Free City Workshops

Updates from Special Service Area #31

·Permanent Seating Installed at the Damen and Leland People Space - Permanent seating has officially been installed at Special Service Area #31’s People Space at Damen and Leland, made possible through a collaboration between SSA #31 and the 47th Ward Office, creating a more welcoming and accessible gathering place for the Ravenswood community!

·Façade Rebate Program Update - Congratulations to Mechanista (4526 N Ravenswood Ave), Anna's Thai Kitchen (1828 W Montrose Ave), PastaFi (1818 W Montrose Ave), North Park Elementary School (2015 W Montrose Ave) and 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 Lycée Français de Chicago (4702 N Ravenswood), Freyja Salon (4955 N Damen Ave), Montrose Ashland Medical Center (1624 W Montrose Ave), Sunny Kids Land LLC (4535 N Clark St), 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!

Now Hiring

·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


·Assisting Hands Chicago North Seeks Caregiver - Are you a compassionate, dependable caregiver looking to make a real difference? Assisting Hands Chicago North offers a supportive work environment, flexible scheduling, and recognition programs. More Info

·Accurate Products Inc Seeks Quality Tech - This full-time role supports the Quality Manager (QM). Ideal candidates are proficient in Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, and are fluent in English. Spanish 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



·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

·New Member Offer from Urban Athlete - New year, new you! Starting in January, 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


·Holiday Arrangements from The Flower Girl Company - The Flower Girl Company unveils its made-to-order arrangements crafted with winter textures, seasonal greens, and festive blooms. Orders can be placed now for delivery on 12/22/25 or pickup on 12/23/25 at their Ravenswood studio. More Info


·Macaroni KID Chicago Northside's Disney On Ice Giveaway - Macaroni KID Chicago Northside is giving away a Family 4 Pack of Tickets to Disney on Ice at the Allstate Arena for January 22nd at 7pm to one lucky person! Enter to win through 12/21/25. More Info


·Introductory Offer at Body Euphoria Massage Therapy - Get ahead of the winter blues, and try a Magical Intro Massage at Body Euphoria Massage Therapy! Mention the GRCC newsletter for a free aromatherapy add-on to your session. More Info

Doing Good in the Neighborhood

·Holiday Lights Recycling with Reduce Waste Chicago - Go green for the holidays! Bring disused holiday lights to one of the listed drop off locations between 12/6-1/31. Local collection points include the 47th Ward office, Erwin Law, and Bartleby's! Read More


·Indigo & Violet Studio Wreaths for Common Pantry - Indigo & Violet Studio has raised over $1600 for Common Pantry through their Winter Wreath Workshop series! The last two workshops are taking place on 12/18 and 12/22. Read More


·Holiday Diaper Drive at Body Euphoria Massage Therapy - Body Euphoria Massage Therapy is partnering with 19th District Mutual Aid to collect donations of packaged diapers. Get a $10 off coupon for every pack of diapers donated! Read More


·Ravenswood Businesses Host Donation Drop-Offs for The Friendship Center - Help fellow Chicagoans get the resources they need! Bring donations for The Friendship Center to Gio's Bar & Grill, Platform 47, Ponnopozz, and Ridman's Coffee during business hours until 12/19. More Info

Volunteer & Donation Opportunities

·Contribute to the German International School Chicago Fund - The GISC Fund enables their bilingual school right here in Ravenswood to offer an exceptional German-English education and ensures a strong future for students, teachers, and community. Every gift makes a difference! More Info


·Lycée Francais Offers World Camp Scholarships for CPS Students - The Lycée Francais has partnered with the Swiss Benevolent Society and individual donors committed to sponsoring scholarships for CPS students. Applications are now open for participation in Session 1, 2, or 3 of World Camp in Summer 2026! More Info


·The Grand Baby Project with Assisting Hands - Give the gift of comfort and connection this season. Support The Grand Baby Project and help deliver joy to seniors in memory care across Chicago North. More Info


·Support the 19th District Mutual Aid Group - The 19th District Mutual Aid Group continues to fill gaps and provide essential goods and services to new neighbors. Get involved by fundraising, donating supplies, packing welcome kits, attending advocacy trainings, or volunteering to drive. 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. . 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