Category Archives: Community Events
Free French Cooking Demo at Bloomingdales June 15
My Private Chef presents French Favorites
at Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store
A favorite whenever he appears, Chef Chris Tong of the private gourmet dining service, My Private Chef returns to the Bloomingdale’s for a French Bistro cooking demonstration.
Chef will prepare a mouthwatering menu and give tips about ingredients and serving. And, everyone will enjoy a taste of each dish.
Chef Chris will serve some of his favorite recipes:
- Escargot Bourguignonne
- Steak au Poivre
- Haricot Verts
- Pommes Puree
He will appear on Saturday, June 15 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. at the Bloomingdale’s Home & Furniture Store, Medinah Temple, 600 N. Wabash Avenue, Chicago, Illinois. Demo kitchen on 1.
For more information about this free Bloomingdale’s event, please call 312.324.7678
My Private Chef is enjoying popularity as one of Chicago’s favorite private gourmet dining services.
Trained in European-style fine cuisine, Chef Tong established his reputation
at fine restaurants and hotels in Florida, California, and Chicago.
Now he has adapted his impressive skills to the world of private entertaining.
My Private Chef offers enticing cuisine for a wide range of events, from
intimate dinners to weddings to corporate parties.
Chef Chris says: “Every event is different and I’ve met some wonderful people including many celebrities. Being part of very special occasions makes my
work worthwhile. I also love conducting cooking demonstrations where I get
the feeling that audience members will go home and try some new dishes!”
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
We hope to see you there!
Christmas time at Six Flags Great America!
Six Flags Great America presents –
The first-ever Holiday in the Park begins on Friday, November 23.
For the first time in the park’s 42-year history, Six Flags Great America (is) extending its operating season and inviting guests of all ages to be a part of the festivities at the new Six Flags Holiday in the Park.
“This spectacular event (features) more than one million LED lights, beautifully adorned Christmas trees, thrilling rides, enchanting shows, delicious seasonal food and dazzling park decor.” – says General Manager James Crowley.
This special seasonal event will be one of the most magical times to visit the park, featuring unique traditions and theme park thrills you can’t experience at any ordinary holiday party.
The best holiday celebration in the midwest includes millions of twinkling lights, dazzling choreographed light shows, visits with Santa, and world-class thrill rides. Read on to find out about the six biggest elements at our all-new Holiday in the Park 2018.
At this all-new seasonal event, you’ll find everything you need to celebrate the most wonderful time of year. Here are some incredible ways our holiday party is better than any other one in town.
View holiday lights – from the top of a coaster!
Sure, you could drive around your neighborhood to see beautiful light displays, but nothing quite beats the view from above. Rise up the staggering lift hill on Raging Bull to see the entire town twinkling at once. It’s the same views Santa gets!
Visit Character Storytime with some of your favorite holiday friends.
There are so many great friends to meet at Holiday in the Park. Enjoy storytime of your favorite holiday tales with some of the best like Jack Frost, Mrs. Claus and so many more.
Enjoy a fresh funnel cake – with a side of hot chocolate!
Not only can you enjoy all your favorite park fare, but we’re also introducing new seasonal selections. Keep warm with a cup of hot chocolate, coffee, and our holiday feast. Enjoy festive funnel cake flavors, holiday fudge, and decorated caramel apples.
Marvel at a 200-foot tall tree of lights.
Our stunning holiday centerpiece is much bigger than the one in your living room. This 200-foot LED light tree lights up several times each night with an extravagant show and provides a stunning backdrop for your holiday photos.
Create crafts in Santa’s Workshop.
Take the little ones to create the perfect holiday keepsake. Whether it is a handmade ornament or a color your own plush, this is definitely something the whole family will remember.
and more!
- Santa Express: Santa is here with some of his special elves. Come on in, get a photo and tell him what you want for Christmas! Santa will only be here until December 23 then he returns to the North Pole. *Additional fee for photos; personal photos are not allowed
- Holiday Treasures: Get all your Holiday in the Park souvenirs and gifts here at Holiday Treasures. From exclusive Santa hats to that perfect ornament for the tree, we have all your favorites.
- Merry Market Place: Experience this special outdoor market to find your most unique holiday stocking stuffers and gifts.
- Peppermint Swirl: Spin your cares away on this refreshing new ride experience. Enjoy the dazzling lights and music as you swirl around with your friends and family.
- Snowflake Lane: Race around in these classic bumper cars in a winter wonderland, but watch out for other drivers as they dash about.
- Letters to Santa: Take some time inside to warm up and write your holiday wish list to Santa himself.
- Sugar Plum Cookie Factory: It’s a favorite holiday tradition – decorate cookies with the entire family. Let everyone gather over this creative and sweet treat. *Additional fee applies
- Character Storytime: Settle in as a special character reads some of your favorite holiday stories.
- Dasher’s Dinner House: Enjoy a classic holiday meal to celebrate the season.
- Holiday Tree Lighting: Watch as the sky lights up when this incredible and charming tree brings holiday cheer to all of Holiday Square.
- Kalightoscope Light Show: Take in a high-energy light show surrounding you. Gaze upon the over 200ft majestic tree with state-of-the-art lights as they dance with the music of Kalightoscope.
- S’mores Stations: Grab a s’mores kit from one of our four locations in the park then head to a toasty fire pit to warm up and make your toasty treat. *Additional fee applies
- Photo Opportunities: Capture those amazing memories at our incredible photo opportunities. Stand underneath the stunning shooting star display in Metropolis Plaza or pose next to a 15ft snowman in Snowman City.
GET DISCOUNT TICKETS! The promo code is: 892HIP18 and the valid dates are December 8, 9, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31. Tickets are $29.99 plus tax (does not include parking).
World of Chocolate Chicago benefit night Nov 30
Dishing Indulgence: Chicago’s Premier
World AIDS Day Event Returns
Annual Holiday Gala Raises Funds and HIV Awareness
for the AIDS Foundation of Chicago
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago (AFC) invites Chicagoans to the World of Chocolate gala, Chicago’s premier World AIDS Day event, on Friday, Nov. 30 at Revel Fulton Market. Guests will enjoy the delicious signature creations of chocolatiers and chefs from over 23 of Chicago’s hottest restaurants, hotels and bakeries competing to win the best sweet and savory bites, as well as craft cocktails, with a panel of celebrity judges selecting the night’s best conceptions.
In addition to sampling each establishment’s creation, guests will enjoy a light buffet, specialty craft cocktails, open bar, music, a raffle and punchboard with a diverse offering of spectacular prizes.
AFC will also be partnering with Walgreens Boots Alliance in an effort to make this an eco-friendly and zero waste to landfill evening by challenging participating
“Our guests expressed great excitement surrounding last year’s International Affair theme,” explained Edward Wagner, AIDS Foundation of Chicago’s Chief External Relations Officer. “Recognizing the global impact that HIV has had, the international community must continue working together to honor those we’ve lost, ensure those living with HIV thrive, and strive to create a world where new HIV cases are rare.”
In commemoration of World AIDS Day on Dec. 1, this year’s signature celebration honors the local, national and international progress the HIV/AIDS community has made to end the epidemic. The movement has observed the Dec. 1 date as a global effort to increase public awareness, while promoting HIV related programming and dialogue. Launched in 1988, the global event followed an international summit among health leaders who saw the need for a larger discussion on HIV/AIDS in every country.
Funds raised through World of Chocolate support AFC’s work to end new cases of HIV in Chicago and beyond. Proceeds from the event will help AFC advance its mission, which includes:
· Supporting efforts to house more than 1,000 Chicagoans each year.
· Providing more than 5,000 clients with case management services.
· Training hundreds of medical professionals about PrEP.
· Empowering AFC to provide policy leadership in state and federal health equity matters
· Collaborating with people and partners across the state to achieve Getting to Zero Illinois, an ambitious plan to end new HIV transmissions in Illinois by 2030
Friday, Nov. 30, 2018, 6 to 9 p.m.
WHERE: Revel Fulton Market, 1215 W. Fulton Market, Chicago, IL 60607
TICKETS: For more information and to reserve tickets, call 312-334-0935 or visit chocolate.aidschicago.org
General Admission: $145 (includes one event ticket)
Red Ribbon Ticket: $245 (includes one event ticket, exclusive VIP entrance with a specialty cocktail, private bar and lounge access) – VIP Mile High Club Tix
Bittersweet Bliss Ticket Package: $900 (includes four event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program)
Chocolate Ecstasy Ticket Package: $2,000 (includes ten event tickets, VIP access, name recognition on event website and electronic program)
About AFC
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago mobilizes communities to create equity and justice for people living with and vulnerable to HIV and related chronic diseases. AFC envisions a world in which people living with HIV and related chronic diseases will thrive, and new HIV infections will be rare. Learn more at aidschicago.org.
Holidays at Six Flags Great America? YEP!
Spectacular lights, shows, thrilling coasters and so much more!
Enjoy the first ever Holiday in the Park at Six Flags Great America debuting November 23 – December 31!
The park will be completely transformed into a magical holiday wonderland completely immersing guests in the holiday spirit.
Drink hot cocoa with family and friends over warm fires or bring out your inner-thrillseeker and take on the biggest coasters in the park!
Holiday Attractions
- Santa Express: Santa is here with some of his special elves. Come on in, get a photo and tell him what you want for Christmas! Santa will only be here until December 23 then he returns to the North Pole. *Additional fee for photos
- Holiday Treasures: Get all your Holiday in the Park souvenirs and gifts here ar Holiday Treasures. From exclusive santa hats to that perfect ornament for the tree, we have all your favorites.
- Merry Market Place: Experience this special outdoor market to find your most unique holiday stocking stuffers and gifts
- Peppermint Swirl: Spin your cares away on this refreshing new ride experience. Enjoy the dazzling lights and music as you swirl around with your friends and family
- Snowflake Lane: Race around in these classic bumper cars in a winter wonderland, but watch out for other drivers as they dash about.
- Letters to Santa: Take some time inside to warm up and write your holiday wish list to Santa himself.
- Santa’s Workshop: It’s craft time at Holiday in the Park! Take your little ones to craft alongside some of Santa’s elves. From handmade ornaments to color your own plush, there is something for everyone. *Additional fee applies
- Sugar Plum Cookie Factory: It’s a favorite holiday tradition – decorate cookies with the entire family. Let everyone gather over this creative and sweet treat. *Additional fee applies
- Character Storytime: Settle in as a special character reads some of your favorite holiday stories.
- Dasher’s Dinner House: Enjoy a classic holiday meal to celebrate the season.
- Holiday Tree Lighting: Watch as the sky lights up when this incredible and charming tree brings holiday cheer to all of Holiday Square
- Kalightoscope Light Show: Take in a high-energy light show surrounding you. Gaze upon the over 200ft majestic tree with state-of-the-art lights as they dance with the music of Kalightoscope.
- S’mores Stations: Grab a s’mores kit from one of our four locations in the park then head to a toasty fire pit to warm up and make your toasty treat. *Additional fee applies
- Photo Opportunities
SPECIAL PRICE just for our readers! The promo code is: 892HIP18 and the valid dates are December 8, 9, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 or 31. Tickets are $29.99 plus tax (does not include parking).
Seasons Eatings
What good is a holiday celebration without the phenomenal holiday food? Thankfully, we have everything you need in order to delight in all the wonderful tastes and aromas of the season. From fireside S’mores and red velvet peppermint funnel cakes, to hot chocolate and eggnog, our Holiday in the Park-exclusive culinary treats will have you hoping the winter season never leaves.
Holiday Gifts
Need to do some last-minute shopping for that superhero-loving, thrill-seeking relative? Stop by one of our many retail locations to peruse specialty holiday stockings, or be the life of the party with our ugly sweaters and holiday t-shirts. Whether it’s completing your holiday wardrobe or filling stockings for family and friends, we have all that you need this holiday season!
Entertainment
Don’t forget all the spectacular entertainment offerings we have for the first ever Holiday in the Park!
EVIL DEAD – The Musical Nov 2 – 11
Moraine Valley hosts
‘Evil Dead: The Musical’
“Camp” isn’t what it seems to be in “Evil Dead: The Musical,” playing in the Dorothy Menker Theater at Moraine Valley Community College, 9000 W. College Parkway, Nov 2 to 11.
The musical is an Academic Theater production performed by Moraine Valley students, alumni and returning cast members. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7:30 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $15, $12 for seniors and $10 for students with ID Please note this production is for mature audiences.
Follow five college students who travel to a cabin in the woods and accidentally unleash an evil force. Described as more of a comedy and farce than horror, the musical includes hilariously campy songs and depicts how “camp” takes on a whole new meaning.
Directed by Tommy Hensel, Fine and Performing Arts managing director, cast members include Moraine Valley students Ashlyn Wiebe, of Orland Park, as Cheryl; Samm Hilger, of Burbank, as Shelly; Joe Kata, of Crestwood, as Ed; John Kladis, of Palos Hills, as Scott; and Rose Stovicek, of LaGrange, as Fake Shemp.
Moraine Valley alumni performers include R.J. Cecott, of Hickory Hills, as Ash; and Sarah Triolo, of Minooka, as Linda. Cast members who performed in the same show at Moraine Valley nine years ago are Nikki Soriano, of Chicago, as Annie; and Jim LaPietra, of Berwyn, as Jake.
The performance is based on the book and lyrics by George Reinblatt, music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris and George Reinblatt, music supervision by Cipolla, additional lyrics by Christopher Bond and additional music by Rob Daleman.
$15 General Public
$12 Seniors, Staff
$10 Students (with ID) and Children unless otherwise noted
Friday-Saturday 7:30 p.m.
Sunday 3 p.m.
For more information and tickets, call the Box Office at (708) 974-5500 or visit morainevalley.edu/fpac.
SWEET! Andersonville Dessert Crawl 2018
On Sunday, October 28, from 2-5 p.m., Andersonville will welcome guests to enjoy a sweet stroll through this delightful neighborhood as they participate in the Annual Dessert Crawl.
It’s a gourmet experience with delectable desserts at every turn. Participating restaurants are sure to “wow” visitors with delicious and decadent gourmet desserts.
Get to know the sweeter side of Andersonville at 20 different locations.
Chef Chris Tong of My Private Chef, an upscale private chef and gourmet dining service, will be serving a delicious Cranberry Mousse with Apple Cranberry Sauce with Gingersnap.
Look for him on the Veruca Salt Route at one of his favorite wine shops,
In Fine Spirits, 5418 N. Clark.
You can choose between TWO great routes. Tickets for one route are $20.00
Participants will pick up their Dessert Crawl “passport” at the Swedish American Museum – Andersonville, 5211 N. Clark Street and then proceed to the participating restaurants and stores for tasting-sized portions at each location.
For more information about the Dessert Crawl and to purchase tickets, visit
http://www.andersonville.org/events/dessert-crawl/
For more information about My Private Chef, contact Event Services at 773.370.8131 or visit our web site: www.myprivatechef.net
Want to attend for FREE? Sign-up to VOLUNTEER at check-in. Click here for more information.
More Obama Center Designs Revealed
(image: Diller Scofidio + Renfro/Courtesy University of Chicago)
Obama Drama – in the news!
As Chicago’s Obama Presidential Center heads to court this week over a lawsuit aimed at blocking its construction in historic Jackson Park, three alternative designs and locations for the presidential archive, museum, and community center emerged from obscurity on Friday. The unrealized plans come from the University of Chicago, the organization behind the winning bid for the Obama Center.
“In its initial request for qualifications, the Obama Foundation indicated that it would consider the proposals on a confidential basis, for use in its selection of a host city,” U of C spokesman Jeremy Manier said in a statement Friday, published by the Chicago Tribune. “However, in light of recent developments, the proposals will now be available in the public domain, which the University supports.”
The newly released proposals include three once secret conceptual designs. Penned by highly regarded international architectural firms, they occupy three different locations near the university’s mid-South Side campus in the Woodlawn, Washington Park, and South Shore neighborhoods.
Read the whole article and see all of renderings at Chicago Curbed!
Popular Lakeview Store to Close
A mainstay of Chicago’s punk scene, The Alley, is slated to close at the end of the month. The Lake View shop, which added a cafe in the spring, has served the community for more than three decades.
Owner Mark Thomas said he has ongoing health issues that make it hard to run a business.
“This is not the end of The Alley, as we will continue our legacy ‘online,'” Thomas said in a media release. “I will continue to search for a younger, healthier partner to carry on this strong, loved brand, hopefully in brick and mortar retail.”
Over 40 Years the store was headquarters for Counter Culture-Leather, Footwear, Jewelry, Belt Buckles Tshirts, Goth, Punk, Alt, Metal, and Motorcycle products.
Thomas has inspired other entrepreneurs with his success story: when he was 17 years old, he bought a $1,725 cashier check with money that was supposed to be for college, and purchased a jewelry casting business that he operated out of the trunk of his car. His success burgeoned from there.
“Mark has served on many community boards throughout Lakeview East and Chicago in his time here,” The Lakeview East Chamber of Commerce said in a newsletter. “His young dreams of becoming a successful business owner came true as he went on to found The Alley, Taboo Tabou, The Music Factory, The Art Colony, Blue Havana, and more.”
Thomas will be hosting a “Funeral Party” on Sunday, Oct. 21, with giveaways and discounts up to 50 percent off.
3221 N Clark St, Chicago, IL 60657
source – Patch.com
Art on the Mart reveal Sept 29th
In the spirit of Chicago’s great legacy of public art and culture, Art on theMART will be the longest-running and largest digital art projection in the world. The first-of-its-kind for Chicago, this curated series of digital artworks will be projected across 2.5 acres of theMART’s exterior river-façade.
LAUNCH – THIS SATURDAY!
Beginning at approximately 6:30 p.m., Wacker Dr. between N. Wells St. and N. Franklin St. will be closed off to traffic to enable public viewing of the projections. While viewing the inaugural program, the public will enjoy a live DJ, food trucks and a Lantern Procession presented by Light Up My Arts (LUMA8).
The art unveiling will begin at 7:15 p.m. with a fireworks show at 8:00 p.m.
Can’t make the launch? September 30 – December 30
begins at dusk Wednesdays through Sundays!
The artwork will be projected onto the river façade of theMART.
Where to view : Upper Wacker Drive between N. Wells St. and N. Franklin St. & The Jetty and Confluence areas on The Chicago Riverwalk between Wells and Lake St.
Where to enter The Riverwalk : The Riverwalk is accessible via any of the stairways along Wacker Dr. There are ADA compliant ramps providing Riverwalk access located at the east side of State St., the west side of Clark St., and the west side of Franklin St.
THE DETAILS
PROJECTORS – 34 Christie Digital Boxer 4K30 30,000 lumen projectors for a total of over one million lumens projected on the building façade.
PROJECTION SURFACE – The building façade is 556’x165′ or 91,740 ft² (over 2 acres), and the projection resolution will be 6000 x 2620.
READ MORE HERE!
Down Syndrome Dance-a-thon Sept 22
For the average family, adding additional educational and therapeutic programs to their child’s life is not necessary. However, children and teenagers with Down Syndrome often require numerous additional programs (both educational and therapeutic) in their daily routine just to keep up with their peers. These programs can be extremely costly, which is why GiGi’s Playhouse, a nonprofit organization, is dedicated to offering free programs for individuals of all ages with Down Syndrome.
In order to offer free programs, GiGi’s Playhouse relies on donations and fundraising.
YOU CAN HELP! their next fundraising event; Get Down With Down Syndrome Dance-a-Thon. It is this Saturday, September 22 from 2-5pm at DePaul College Prep in Chicago. All proceeds and donations will go directly to GiGi’s Playhouse so they can continue offering the programs to individuals with Down Syndrome in the Chicago-area.
About GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago:
GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago is part of a nationwide network of achievement centers serving individuals with Down syndrome and their families. Educational and therapeutic, GiGi’s Playhouse programs are designed by professional teachers and clinicians focusing on tangible and meaningful outcomes that improve lives. At GiGi’s Playhouse Chicago children and adults learn to read, compute, improve their health & wellness, develop career skills and prepare to live full lives, integrated within the community as co-workers, equals and friends. GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Center’s mission is to change the way the world views Down syndrome through national campaigns, educational programs, and by empowering individuals with Down syndrome, their families and the community.
About the Founder:
Nancy Gianni is the Founder and “Chief Belief Officer” of GiGi’s Playhouse Down Syndrome Achievement Centers, and the visionary behind the organization’s launch and dramatic growth. In 2002, Nancy gave birth to her beautiful daughter, GiGi. When Nancy received the Down syndrome diagnosis, her fears coupled with the negative reactions of the medical staff made Nancy believe that her life, as she knew it, was over. She soon realized that GiGi could do the very same things that her other children do! What began as a mother’s vision to change perception, and maximize her daughter’s successes, has evolved into a global movement of acceptance and achievement.
