CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – Portage Park, Lakeview, Loop, Old Town, Oak Park
PORTAGE PARK
Let’s stand in solidarity with the Chicago Police and Fire Department during the 4th annual Rock the Badges fundraiser organized this year by former 45th Ward Alderman, John Garrido. This musical and kid-friendly event takes place this Saturday, 8/6, at the Copernicus Center (5216 W. Lawrence Ave.) from 12noon to 11:00p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $5, or $10 at the door, to see 10 bands, each of which includes at least one police or fire department member. Usually the event is highlighted by a Battle of the Bands between the police and fire departments but not this year, due to a shortage of fire department entries. Instead this year is special because it kicks off with an escorted two-hour 70-mile motorcycle ride. Traffic will be controlled so that the group can ride as a pack for the 35-mile ride and turnaround through the City and choice suburbs. Registration for the motorcycle ride starts at 10:00a.m. on the day of the event, $20 per motorcyclist and $15 per passenger. Proceeds from the ride and festival will be donated to Ignite the Spirit and The Chicago Police Memorial Foundation, both charities that support members that have been injured on the job or families of those killed in the line of duty.
LAKEVIEW
Flagship Tavern & Grill at 1622 W. Belmont Ave. is gearing up to for the 2016 Summer Olympics with an invitation to Happy Hour at 6:00p.m. tomorrow, Friday 8/5, for the opening ceremony. For $25 or $30, the “Happy Hour for a Cause” package gives you two drinks and a food item. $5 raffle ticket prizes will also be featured during the event and a portion of the proceeds will benefit Fight Ataxia. Flagship will display all Olympic basketball and men’s and women’s soccer games throughout August.
LOOP
It’s time for the new month’s Activate party, brought to you by Chicago Loop Alliance. These parties pop up in designated alleyways in the Loop and offer a lively urban experience that showcases local art, music and culture. The theme for 2016 has been exploring our five senses. Touch, Hear and Smell were the focus of previous months. August will be the month to SEE. The party is tomorrow, Friday 8/5, from 5:00p.m. to 10:00p.m. in Couch Place Alley (170 N. State St.). Follow this link to RSVP and receive one free drink. More beer and wine will be available for cash purchase only during the event.
OLD TOWN
Chicago Hot Dog Fest is this weekend, 8/5 – 8/7, on the east side of Old Town at Stockton Dr. and LaSalle St., across the street from the Chicago History Museum (1601 N. Clark St.) which will also benefit from proceeds. Admission is free but keep in mind that “Dog Dollars” will be needed to purchase food and drink items. Follow the link above to take advantage of Dog Dollar Discount Packages that are only available before the event begins. Come for 3 days of live music and performances, 11 hot dog vendors and fun and games for the whole family.
OAK PARK
Illinois has already been ahead of the curve with minimum wage at $8.25 in comparison to the national minimum of $7.25. Then to being 2016, the minimum was raised to $10. Now Oak Park has a chance to make another leap if a newly proposed ordinance is approved to increase to $12 for employees and contractors of the village of Oak Park starting 2017. According to OakPark.com, a chapter of the nationwide movement known as “The Fight for $15” has been demonstrating outside of the village hall for the past year to influence the Village Board of Trustees to support their cause. Hopefully their goal can be attained one step at a time and this is a sign that Oak Park is heading one step in the right direction.
CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO
