CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – Portage Park, Lincoln Square, Lakeview, Loop, Evanston

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PORTAGE PARK

Turning the Page is an educational nonprofit organization that began in Washington D.C. in 1998 and expanded to Chicago last year with an office at 906 S. Homan Ave., 6th Floor, in the Lawndale neighborhood. The organization works to improve schools through advocacy and fundraisers and they  offer family engagement programs to help children strengthen literacy skills while at home as well as school. This summer they’re bringing their fundraising bookstore concept to the Portage Park neighborhood for a limited time only. Carpe Librum, Seize the Book is a “pop up” bookstore at 4047 N. Milwaukee Ave. that will remain open through Labor Day, 9/5/16. Used books, CDs, and DVDs are donated by the public and sold for $1 – $4 each with all proceeds benefitting Turning the Page and their programs which in turn help Chicago Public Schools. Hours of operation are Tuesday – Friday: 11:00a.m. – 7:30p.m. and Saturdays & Sundays: 11:30a.m. – 6:00p.m. Drop by to support a great cause by making purchases or donations of gently used books, CDS, and DVDs. No magazines, periodicals, VHS tapes, or large books sets (like encyclopedias) will be accepted.

LINCOLN SQUARE

The Old Town School of Folk Music and Lincoln Square Ravenswood Chamber of Commerce is bringing the Square Roots craft beer and music festival to Lincoln Ave. between Montrose and Wilson Avenues this weekend for 3 days of fun. There will be 2 outdoor stages and indoor concert spaces within Old Town School of Folk Music (4544 N. Lincoln Ave.) along with open jam sessions, family-friendly activities, craft beer and food vendors. Suggested gate donations of $10 for adults, $5 for seniors/kids, and $20 for families will help fund Old Town School of Folk Music scholarship programs and the Chamber of Commerce’s farmers markets and free concerts. Square Roots begins tomorrow, Friday 7/8, 5:00p.m. – 10:00p.m., Saturday 7/9 12:00p.m. – 10:00p.m., and Sunday 7/10 12:00p.m. – 9:00p.m. Don’t forget to wear your dancing shoes!

LAKEVIEW

We regret to inform you of the closing of Newport Bar & Grill at 1344 W. Newport Ave. after 20 years of solid sports bar entertainment. The final day of operation will be in a couple weeks on Sunday 7/17 so there’s still time to take in a few games and several beers before the bitter end. In fact, they are inviting everyone for $1 Sweet Heat Tequila shots from now until July 17th. It will be replaced by the newer trend of bank/cafés with a Capitol One Cafe serving Peet’s Coffee coming soon.

LOOP

RSVP a week in advance for the third installment of Activate this season, the Loop alley pop-up experience, with this year focusing on tantalizing the 5 senses. Next week’s party takes place in the Hard Rock Alley at 230 N. Garland Ct. and focuses on the sense of smell. I know that doesn’t sound appetizing when talking about a party in an alley but this experience promises an exploration of “scent-scapes” created by local artists plus a flower temple, aerialist work by Eve Vandergrift, music, Jamaican cuisine from Mr. Brown’s Lounge, and more. Activate is always free to attend but bring cash to purchase beer, wine, rum punch, and food. If you RSVP through the link above, you will receive 1 free beer or wine ticket. 21+ only, of course.

EVANSTON

More advance notice for a super event next weekend along Evanston’s lakefront – the 31st annual Evanston Ethnic Arts Festival sponsored by the City of Evanston Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department and the Illinois Arts Council. This two-day festival takes place at Dawes Park located on Sheridan Rd. at Church St. on Saturday and Sunday, 7/16 and 7/17, from 12:00p.m. to 7:00p.m. for both days. Admission is free to experience music, dance, family activities, art, and more. Some of the countries that will be showcasing musical, dance, spoken word and even puppet performances include Spain, Ireland, Pakistan, Japan, Tahiti, India, Guatemala, Brazil, Russia, and more to celebrate the diverse community that inhabits Evanston. International cuisine will also be available for purchase so come hungry and ready so support your neighbors.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO