CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS - November 21, 2008

Good Afternoon, Folks!

Here's this week's take on Chicago Neighborhood News from our Team Member, Jennifer Arcand.  This week, she discusses happenings in the Chicago Neighborhoods of Lakeview, Uptown, The Loop, and Edision Park, as well as the Chicago Suburb of Niles IL.

BTW . . .  if your group or community organization is having a special event anywhere in the City of Chicago or the suburbs, send us the particulars, and we'll help publicize it.

LAKEVIEW

With the economy strained as it is, the Lakeview Chamber of Commerce is offering a great opportunity for you to discuss with their panel of experts about Making Sound Financial Choices in an Unpredictable Market.

Please bring your questions regarding business or personal finances.

St. Luke Church
Founder's Hall
1500 W. Belmont Avenue

Friday, November 21, 8:00 - 9:30 am

$15 for members, $20 for non-members

RSVP to info@lakeviewchamber.com or call 773-472-7171 if you missed the meeting and want more info.

Click here to read more about it.

UPTOWN

The Weekly Improv Tune Up is in the works.  This weekend begins a series of opportunities for local actors and improv artists.  They will lead weekly-changing workshops for all experience levels.  The classes include a complimentary draft beer and admission to "The Uptown Getdown" variety show at 8:30 p.m.; open end. 6 p.m. Sun.; $10 (21+). The Spot, 4437 N. Broadway; 773-728-8933.

Click here for details.

THE CHICAGO LOOP

Holiday cocktail class is on tap.  A mixologist will demonstrate how to concoct festive mixed drinks during a lesson and tasting.  The program includes appetizers and three drinks; through Dec. 16. 6 p.m. Tue.; $30 (reservations required). China Grill, 230 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-334-6700.

Click here for additional activities.

EDISON PARK

Thanksgiving preparations may be underway, but before you bake that turkey, you may want to partake in some pre-T-day fitness festivities.  Think about it, the typical Thanksgiving dinner-complete with sweet potatoes, stuffing and pumpkin pie, can easily total 4,000 calories.

Rita McGovern, executive director of the Edison Park Chamber of Commerce, said close to 4,000 families ran in Edison Park's Turkey Trot and Gallop Race last year.  This year she is expecting even more to participants.

"Maybe it's a license to eat a little more that day," she said.

Click here to read the entire article.

NILES

Maine Township High School District 207 recognized three seniors for their efforts in the community.   Each was presented with a 207's Best Award for Community Service. 

The students are: Nestor Zavala, of Maine West, Farrah Malik, of Maine East, and Alexandra Alvarez, of Maine South.  

Maine South Principal David Claypool said Alvarez volunteers for Lutheran General Hospital, the Maine Township mentor program and summer camp, and St. Paul of the Cross' efforts with Habitat for Humanity.  She also serves as a bilingual volunteer for a local elementary-school district.

Malik, of Maine East, participates in the Muscular Dystrophy Association, and is the standing president of Maine East's National Honor Society.

Maine West Principal Audrey Haugan said Zavala was a leader in the Hispanic Club and Key Club, where he organized fund-raisers, dance decorations.  He also volunteered for Kiwanis Peanut Day, to visit senior centers, donate food and clothing drives, and organize campus cleanups.

Click here the full story.

Here's a link to our complete Chicago Neighborhood News Blog Archive, for your review.

Enjoy the weekend - but dress warmly!  It's chilly here in Chicago!

JENNIFER ARCAND & DEAN'S TEAM CHICAGO