WOW!  What a weekend Chicago has planned for us!!  There’s no shortage of summer fun around here as we welcome in the month of August.

Our biggest event this weekend is the multi-day festival Lollapalooza held in Grant Park (337 E. Randolph St.) in The Loop featuring an array of musicians with Twenty One Pilots, J Balvin, and others scheduled for Saturday, and Ariana Grande, Flume, and others for Sunday.  Learn everything you need to know to make the most out of your fest experience by going to the “Tips for the Weekend” on their website.  Kidzapalooza will be back as well with activities for kids and parents alike.  Also with the introduction of a new Pizzeria in the Park, a second GA+ Lounge, and so much more, this year’s fest won’t disappoint!  And for those who want to keep the party going afterwards, checkout the Official 2019 Lollapalooza Aftershows!!

Returning for its 2^nd year to the West Town neighborhood on Hubbard Street between Paulina and Wood Streets is the Chicago Brewing District’s Dancing in the Streets.  Besides featuring a robust craft beer menu curated by the local brewers, wine, and spirits, this event also features live jam bands, local food, makers and artisans, family activities such as trampolines, games, t-shirt tie-dying, and more!  Plus Canine Crews will be onsite with doggie bandana tie-dying and dog activities along with See Spot Run offering fun supplies and swag for the furry members of the family!!

It’s Family Season at Soldier Field (1410 S. Museum Campus Dr.) in the South Loop this Saturday (4:30 p.m.) as the 2019 Meijer Chicago Bears Family Fest takes the field.  Enjoy a team scrimmage, tons of fun activities for the whole family, fireworks, and more as our beloved Chicago Bears take the field for the first time this season!  Other activities include appearances by alumni, Staley Da Bear, pony rides, petting zoo, rock wall, face painting, and so much more!!

Chicago’s Old Irving Park neighborhood is hosting its 6^th annual Beer & BBQ Challenge at St. Viator Elementary School (3644 N. Kedvale Ave.) this Saturday (1:00 p.m.-5:00 p.m.).  Attendees and expert judges will cast their votes across 40 beer samples and 20 BBQ tastings for the best beer, BBQ, and beer & BBQ pairing!  All you need to do is sample good local craft beer, taste some of the best BBQ in the city, and vote on the best pairing of the two!!  It’s that simple!!!

Chicago’s historic Edgewater neighborhood will be celebrating all things North Side with their 6^th annual Edge Fest this Saturday and Sunday at North Broadway Street and West Thorndale Avenue.  Flavorful cuisine, award-winning entertainment, and lots of family fun take center stage at this fest!  There’s even a pet parade on Sunday at 4:00 p.m.  It’s a one-of-a-kind experience unlike any other on the city’s North Side!!

Celebrating its 19^th annual summer in the Jefferson Park neighborhood is Jeff Fest Arts and Music Festival this Saturday and Sunday at Jefferson Memorial Park (4822 N. Long Ave.). There will be tasty food, live music by local and national acts, and arts & crafts. The Kids’ Zone area on the north side of the park features a ton of cool activities for families as well as a Community Stage with local performers and acts!  This fest has become one of Chicago’s most anticipated music festivals of the summer!!

This weekend’s Movies in the Parks are:

Saturday
“The LEGO Movie 2” – Sauganash Park (5861 N. Kostner Ave.) – Sauganash
“Ralph Breaks the Internet” – Ogden Park (6500 S. Racine Ave.) – Englewood
“Monsters University” – Rowan Park (11546 S. Avenue L) – East Side

WOW — Hope to See You Out There Having Fun!!

With such beautiful weather, there’s no better time to get outside and move! This week’s Summer Series features three fantastic fitness events. 

The first is the Cowalunga Charity Bike Tour! Held from Saturday August 3 to Monday August 5, the tour raises funds and awareness for Respiratory Health Association. RHA’s mission is to prevent lung disease, promote clean air, and help people live better through education, research, and policy change. You can choose to ride 18 or 65 miles in one day, 130 miles in two days, or 190 miles over three days. The start line is at Gurnee Mills Mall (6170 W Grand Ave, Gurnee IL).  All routes are one-way with full SAG and medical support and include two daily rest stops, breakfast and dinner, and bus and bike transportation back to the start line. Free overnight parking is available onsite at Gurnee Mills for the event’s duration. There are various registration options- but registration closes Friday at 10 am, so don’t wait! Find more information and register here.

Mark your calendars for Compass to Care Childhood Cancer Foundation’s Back to School Bubble Fun Run! On Saturday August 17, this family-friendly event has something for everyone. The Kids Races start at 8 am, the 5K starts at 8:15 am, and the 1 mile walk starts at 8:30 am. There will be foaming bubbles at the start line, finish line, and throughout the course! Medals will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers. Free event t-shirts and drawstring bags are guaranteed for the first 200 participants. Find more information here and get ready to run!

Get ready for an evening of yoga and relaxation like you’ve never experienced! Unwind in a rustic barn at Emerson Creek at sunset. After your yoga class, you’re welcome to enjoy a glass of wine and unwind by the fire pits. Small bites will be provided but the event is BYOB. Bring your mat, invite your friends, and get ready for a beautiful night of yoga and wine! Classes are on select Wednesday nights: August 21, September 18, and October 16. Reservations are required and tickets are $35. Register here now.

RACHEL HOOVLER & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Several studies have shown that stress is almost a national epidemic. Whether it is work, family, or money problems we all seem to be under more stress than ever. That coupled with the thought that we need to be doing something every moment of the day doesn’t leave any time for rest and de-stressing. Chronic stress can contribute to heart disease and digestive issues. Stress causes shallow breathing rather than deep, relaxed breathing. Meditation along with breathing can really help. YouTube has guided breath work meditation or you can Google classes in your area. Here’s a simple exercise to get you started.

Sit in a chair with support and make sure you’re comfortable. Put your hand on your belly and breathe through your nose for a count of five, filling your belly full of air. Breathe out through your nose till you feel empty. Do this for 3 or 4 more breaths. Practice this exercise twice a day and soon you’ll find yourself breathing better throughout the day. While you do your exercise, imagine an image of peace and calm. While you breathe in, peace flows in, as you breathe out, release all your stress.  

Aroma therapy can be a good addition to your breathing exercises. It is thought essential oils have an effect on your brain and limbic systems and create a feeling of well being. Another effect can be in the hypothalamus, releasing the feel-good chemical serotonin. Lemon, lavender, and oil of bergamot are all essential oils used in aromatherapy. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

Lakeview: The Lakeview Chamber of Commerce presents a special summer series- Concerts on the Curb! Each Wednesday evening on Marshfield between School and Roscoe, you can enjoy the sounds of talented Chicago musicians while celebrating Lakeview businesses and community. From 5:30 to 8:30 pm, attendees can enjoy live music, local food, craft beer, and family friendly activities. It is free to attend and open to people of all ages! The series runs until August 28. You can find the full line-up of performers here.

Lincoln Park: Mark your calendars now for one of the most unique events of the year: The Chicago Air and Water Show! On August 17 and 18 from 10 am to 3 pm, the Air and Water Show celebrates 61 years of daredevil thrills in the air and on the water at North Avenue Beach and along the gorgeous lakefront. There are over 2 million audience members annually, making this the largest free admission air and water show of its kind in the United States. This year’s headliners include the U.S. Navy Blue Angels and the Royal Air Force Red Arrows. Find more information here.

Bucktown and Wicker Park: Patrick Lives On hosts fun and engaging mission-driven events that provide financial assistance to at-risk junior high and high school students for after-school programs or camps. They produce two fundraisers annually. This fall, on September 7, you can attend the Patrick Lives On 4th Annual Variety Show Fundraiser. This is a fabulous evening featuring cast members from Chicago P.D., Chicago Fire, and Chicago Med. There will be singing, dancing, stand-up, improv, music, food, drinks, and a live auction. Doors open at 5:45 pm for VIP ticket holders and 7:45 for general admission. Buy your tickets here!

River North: The River North Design District hosts the 5th Annual Fall Gallery Walk on September 6 and 7! This year, the RNDD partners with The River North Arts District Galleries to feature artists paired with designers. The walk is comprised of 33 locations with special events through River North featuring 35 artists and 23 designer vignettes. This year’s philanthropic partner is buildOn and a portion of the proceeds will provide the experience of equal and safe education for the children of a community in a developing country. The walk will feature showrooms exhibiting designer vignettes from Chicago’s top designers and artwork from Chicago’s brightest art stars. Showrooms will have extended hours on September 6 until 9 pm. The gallery walk is free and open to the public; the VIP kickoff party and after party are $35 each or both for $60. Find more information here.

Andersonville: Taste of Andersonville is almost here! On Wednesday August 7 from 6-9 pm, sample the neighborhood’s dining delicacies and drinks at this annual fest. There are two routes: the Spoon Route and the Fork Route. The Spoon Route includes First Slice Pie Cafe, Octavio Cantina and Kitchen, Black Cat Kitchen, Stone Fox Chicago, Stout, and more. The Fork Route includes Bar Roma Chicago, Hutch American Kitchen and Bar, Lady Gregory’s, Simon’s Tavern, The Wooden Spoon, and more. Tickets are on sale now for $30 for each route or $35 the week of. Buy your tickets now here.

Oak Park: Support the Animal Care League of Oak Park at their Sidewalk Sale! On Saturday August 3 from 11 am to 6 pm, stop by the Animal Care League’s 2nd Chance Thrift Shop for carnival games, adoptable cats, great deals, and unique finds. The 2nd Chance Shop will take over the sidewalk in front of the store on Harrison for a fun-filled day of shopping to support the animals. All proceeds will benefit the lost and homeless animals in ACL’s care. Find more information here.

RACHEL HOOVLER &  DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO

It’s that time of year: West Nile Virus has been detected in some mosquitos in the Chicagoland area. West Nile virus (WNV) is the leading cause of mosquito-borne disease in the continental United States. About 1 in 5 people who are infected develop a fever and other symptoms like body aches. It resembles the flu.  About 1 out of 150 infected people develop a serious illness that can sometimes be fatal. It causes encephalitis or meningitis that causes inflammation of the brain and membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include tremors, high fever, headache, muscle weakness, numbness, and even paralysis. West Nile Virus is especially dangerous to people over 60 and anyone with other health issues.

It’s best for those over 60 with health issues to avoid being out at peak mosquito times like early morning and evening. If you need to be out, wear long sleeves and pants. Use heavy duty mosquito spray like Deep Woods Off. Woods and areas with ponds and other water are especially high danger areas. Permethrin is an insecticide used to treat your clothing. Spray pants, shoes, and boots. You can also buy camping equipment, clothing, and other gear already treated with permethrin. The protection lasts through several washes. 

You can keep mosquitos at bay in and out of the house with a few tips and tricks. Outside, remember water is not your friend. Mosquitos lay eggs near and in water. Make sure there are no places where standing water stays for more than 3-4 days. Use an outdoor rated insecticide around the yard, paying special attention to areas where mosquitos rest. They love dark humid areas, like under lawn furniture. It’s best to use air conditioning in the house if you are in the danger group. Keep screens in good shape. Tape around window air conditioners so mosquitos can’t get in. Now, there are companies that will spray and take care of mosquitos on your property. Even if you are not in the danger group, it’s great to be able to enjoy your backyard without pesky mosquitos. 

West Nile Virus is rare but can be fatal if contracted. Following these few, simple guidelines can greatly reduce the risk of contraction. 

KATHLEEN WEAVER-ZECH & DEAN’S TEAM CHICAGO