CHICAGO NEIGHBORHOOD NEWS: Lakeview, Lincoln Park, Bucktown and Wicker Park, Chicago Loop, Lincoln Square, Evanston

Lakeview: Start your New Year right with a calming Meditation Workshop at the Japanese Culture Center. The workshop is this Saturday, January 19 from 12-2 pm. Zazen, the practice of meditation is a transformative process that aims to deepen our connection to the mind and body. With regular practice, meditation and breath training can significantly reduce stress, improve mental clarity, and cultivate a well-grounded state of awareness. This introductory workshop is recommended for anyone new to zen meditation or working to deepen their existing practice. The workshop is $30 per student. Tickets can be purchased in advance here.

Lincoln Park: Join Oyster Bah for a New Year’s Resolution Dinner with Church Street Brewery. On Monday, January 28, dinner will begin at 6:30 pm. The four-course beer dinner is $49.95 per person, plus tax and gratuity. All courses will be expertly paired with one of Church Streets unique brews! Some menu items include sushi grade ahi tuna, filet mignon, steamed whole Maine lobster, potatoes, grilled corn, and more. Purchase your tickets here!

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Join 2 Towns Ciderhouse for a Tap Takeover and Meet the Maker during Chicago Cider Week! On Wednesday, February 6 from 7-10 pm, 2 Towns founder and head cider-maker Dave Takush will be at Mac’s Wood Grilled from 7-8 pm. You’ll play a game of “Stump the Cider-Maker”. If Dave can’t answer your cider-related questions, you’ll score 2 Towns swag! There will be pours of four featured ciders and you get to keep the glass (while supplies last!). Find more information on their Facebook page.

Chicago Loop: Continue to ring in the New Year with a fun and festive Girl’s Night Out! Join Chicago Housewives on Thursday, January 31 for a VIP Girl’s Night Out from 4-7 pm. You’ll socialize, shop local vendors, enjoy cocktails, and eat delicious food from Latinicity. The event is free to attend, but you do need to register on Eventbrite. You can do so here! The event is at Latinicity, located at 108 N State Street, on the 3rd floor.

Lincoln Square: It’s not too early to start preparing for Valentine’s Day! Mark your calendars for the Lovetails Valentine’s Market on February 9 from 12:30 to 5 pm. Shop local, while enjoying a beer from Dovetail Brewery! Vendors include jewelry by Sacred Art, candles by Adorn Chicago, face and body treatments by Scrub Me, vegan treats by Tubby Taste, and much more. Find more information here.

Evanston: Celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. at the Evanston Public Library! This Monday, January 21 from 11 am to 4 pm, gather in the Children’s Room to remember and celebrate the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Two films will be shown: Martin’s Big Words at 12:45 and 1:45 pm; March On! at 1:15 and 2:15 pm. From 2:30-3:30 pm, Young, Black & Lit will be giving away 150 children’s books featuring black main characters to attendees. YB&L’s mission is to put books that center, reflect, and affirm black children into the hands of local youth. Reverend Eddie P. Reeves will read Dr. King’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech at 3 pm. There will be a community sing at 3:20 pm, led by Marlene Meyer. Find more information on the library website.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO