CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – West Loop, Evanston, Gold Coast, Portage Park, Lakeview

article-featured-090116

WEST LOOP

Is this the next cool thing for real? Axe throwing as a party game – a Canadian idea coming to Chicago by a company called Bad Axe Throwing.  Believe it or not, there’s already 10 locations in Canada and they’re doing so well that they’re launching in the U.S. and we’re the lucky city to get the first taste this month at 165 N. Loomis St. Bad Axe is open 7 days a week by appointment only. They suggest booking at least 4 – 6 weeks in advance for weekends and 1 – 3 weeks in advance for weekdays. There will be coaches on hand to show you proper throwing techniques. Plan your next birthday party or staff appreciation event. Just leave photos of the boss in the office.

EVANSTON

Downtown Evanston is always buzzing with activity but here’s something a little different. Resident artist, Amy O. Woodbury, is holding her 16th Annual Front Yard Art Sale this weekend from 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. on both Saturday, 9/3, and Sunday, 9/4. Her front lawn is located at 1931 Colfax St. and all are welcome to at least walk by see more than 50 paintings and mixed media artwork for sale. If it rains, the sale will be rescheduled for 9/10.

GOLD COAST

The Gold Coast Neighbors Association is holding their Annual Evening on Astor Fundraiser this coming Wednesday, 9/7, from 5:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. This fancy block party, on Astor Street between Goethe and Banks Streets, has been a neighborhood staple since 1982. $5 wristbands will be available on the day of the event to grant you access to food trucks and local merchandisers participating to raise funds for Gold Coast Neighbors Association’s effort to keep the community safe and beautiful.

PORTAGE PARK

Open houses for new businesses are just as helpful as open houses for home selling, especially when it’s  a unique business like Baltic Art Studio that’s new to 4346 N. Milwaukee Ave. this summer. All are welcome to their Open House next Thursday, 9/8, from 6:00p.m. to 9:00p.m. Come to peruse the gallery and meet the talented team of artists from Lithuania who offer stained and fused glass making classes.

LAKEVIEW

The civic organization of South Lakeview Neighbors is making an open call for residents to get more involved in their community by becoming Neighborhood Block Captains and Court Advocates. Block Captains are needed to spread South Lakeview Neighbors’ news to designated areas by attending monthly meetings and distributing flyers into neighbors’ mailboxes. Training is required to become a Court Advocate to attend court hearings in support of citizens whom crimes have been perpetrated against.  The 19th District Chicago Police Department (850 W. Addison St) is holding a Court Advocacy Training  in the Community Room in a couple weeks on Thursday, 9/15, at 6:30p.m. We’re giving you ample notice so you can RSVP by the cutoff date, Thursday 9/8. Call 773-334-4066 or email Lori.trier@cookcountyil.gov to RSVP.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO