CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS – Portage Park, Ravenswood, West Loop, Evanston, Lincoln Park

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PORTAGE PARK

45th Ward Alderman John Arena is hosting a free Shred-a-thon event this evening, Thursday 9/15, in the Hoyne Bank parking lot at 4729 N. Milwaukee from 5:00 – 8:00 p.m. Shredding documents that include personal information such as social security numbers and account numbers can help declutter your home and prevent identity theft. For your information so that you may be prepared for potential audits, the IRS recommends holding on to your income tax records and supporting documents for either 3 years following the date of filing or the tax return’s due date, whichever is later, or up to 7 years if you file a claim for a loss from worthless securities or bad debt deduction.

RAVENSWOOD

Queen of Angels Catholic Parish is celebrating their Harvest Jam in the parking lot of the church located at 2330 W. Sunnyside Ave. tomorrow, Friday 9/16, from 5:00 – 10:00 p.m. and Saturday, 9/17, from 12:00 noon – 10:00 p.m. There will be live music, family-friendly activities including carnival games and an inflatable obstacle course, and food and drinks for purchase. Don’t miss the results of this year’s cook off challenges on Saturday with the Chili competition at 3:00 p.m., Grill Master competition at 4:00 p.m., and Pies & Cocktails competition at 5:00 p.m. Adult admission is $10, kids 12 and under get in for free.

WEST LOOP

Chicago’s fine taste for art festivals continues with the West Loop Art Fest this weekend. The works of  167 juried artists will be featured and available for purchase plus local food vendors and live music. A donation of $10 is suggested for entry to this two day event taking place along Washington Boulevard between Aberdeen and Halsted Streets. There also will be interactive art tents for all ages to try their hand at making a masterpiece. Saturday 9/17 festivities begin at 11:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. Sunday 9/18 hours are 11:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Artists booths will be open only until 7:00 p.m. on each day but the live music and food vendors will continue until event closing times.

EVANSTON

Downtown Evanston is taking a temporary break from selling their Gift Cards that can be used at over 100 Evanston retailers. Improvements are being made so that they will be more user-friendly for customers, businesses and Downtown Evanston staff. I’m sure these kinks will be ironed out in time for the holiday season. In the meantime, all existing Downtown Evanston Gift Cards will continue to be honored at participating stores. Just keep in mind that after 1 year of inactivity after purchase, the value of the gift card will decrease by $2.50 per month. Follow this link for more information and to check the balance of your existing Downtown Evanston Gift Card.

LINCOLN PARK

Warm temperatures are persisting through September making it possible to keep on strolling the neighborhoods for more wine. The Lincoln Park Chamber of Commerce is celebrating their 2nd Lincoln Park Uncorked Wine Stroll next Thursday, 9/22, from 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. $40 advanced tickets, or $50 at entry on the day of the event, allows you to sample wines curated by Bodega Ramos Fine Wine & Spirits (1134 W. Diversey Pkwy) and complementary snacks from local eateries that will be stationed at 14 participating businesses along Lincoln Ave. from Fullerton Ave. to Diversey Pkwy. and continues east on Diversey. Begin the adventure at 2464 N. Lincoln Ave. to check in and receive your tasting glass and guide. 21+ only.

CATHY MALLERS & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO