Fall is the perfect time to reconnect with neighbors at community events. We have so many fun activities taking place in the community this month and I hope to see you at some of these events. Please click here to view my community event calendar to view other events.

If you can, please help support the following local organizations:

Stage 33 Presents: Keenerville, a hilarious 60-minute improvised game show hosted by Elizabeth Keener, younger sister of Catherine Keener
Stage 33 Chicago is a unique storefront theater committed to providing a professional and affordable venue for Chicago artists. With only 25 seats, Stage 33 Chicago is anticipating a sell-out crowd at all five performances. Advance ticket purchases are strongly encouraged.

When: October 14 –18, 2009; Wed.-Sat. show starts at 8:00 pm; Sun. 7:00 pm
Where: Stage 33 Chicago 3655 North Kedzie
Details: Tickets are $30 in advance ($40 at the door) and include the performance and post-show party. Click here for tickets!
Click here for more information.

(Free!) Art in My Backyard
Art In My Back Yard's third art exhibition will be held in a newly renovated storefront on Elston Ave. The show explores the American landscape through painting, drawing and video, and features 10 artists who live and work on the northwest side of Chicago.

When: Fridays, 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm; Saturdays, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm; Sundays, 12:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Where: Gallery 4201 N. Elston Ave.
Details: Free and open to the public until October 30. Click here for more information.

Take a Tour of Albany Park this Weekend!
Hosted by the North River Commission, this tour will take you through one of the nation’s most diverse and culturally rich neighborhoods. A legacy of culture, nature and movement on Chicago’s Northwest Side Albany Park has long been a port of entry for immigrants and continues to be a springboard to the middle class for new families and entrepreneurs. Today, one bustling shopping plaza is home to a Saudi Arabian bakery, Korean BBQ, Albanian-owned New York style pizza restaurant, Iraqi pita place and Jordanian jeweler.

When: Saturday, October 10; all participants must check-in between 1:00-1:20 pm; tour buses depart promptly at 1:30 pm Where: Chicago Cultural Center, Garland Room, 78 E. Washington, Street, Chicago
Details: Tours are free, but advance registration is required. Click here for more information and to sign up.

Independence Park Farmer’s Market
There are over 30 vendors at the Independence Park Farmer's Market. They bring everything including fair trade gourmet coffee, olives, fancy baked goods, cut flowers, seasonal potted plants, gourds and pumpkins, freshly made piergoes, kettle corn, honey, cheese, tamales, vegetables and fruits, salsas and pasta sauces, handmade pastas, spices and herbs, waffles made on site, knife sharpening (special $4 per knife, any size, plus watch batteries), glazed donuts, organic meats, eggs and flours, soaps, lip balms, nutritional bars, and cupcakes. Bluegrass musicians entertain and invite you to join them.

When: Sunday, October 11, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm; Arabesque Belly Dancing Studio will entertain at about 11:30 am
Where: Hamlin and Irving Park, easy parking on Irving Park Road or in the park lots
Details: Please bring a canned good or non-perishable food item and school supplies for donation to the Irving Park Food Pantry
Click here for more information.

Fall Fest & No-Scare Maze
Children can pick a pumpkin in the outdoor pumpkin patch, enjoy the petting zoo, pony rides, and inflatables. Additionally, an indoor, no-scare maze featuring costumed cartoon characters is available for children ages 5 & under. Concessions available for sale. Activities are designed to appeal to all ages.

When: Saturday, October 17, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm and Sunday, October 18, 11:00 am - 4:00 pm
Where: Athletic Field Park 3546 W. Addison St.
Details: For ages 18 months-10 years (must be accompanied by an adult). Click here for more information.

St. Viator Social Club Halloween Party
Come in costume and don't be late.
There will be food to eat and a DJ that's great!
Bring the whole family - Witches, goblins and ghouls.
To a party that's cool!
Buy your tickets in advance to our Halloween Party and Dance.

When: Friday, October 23 from 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm
Where: St. Viator Recreation Center 3644 North Kedvale
Details: There will be games, prizes and some crafts in store. The cost is $9.00 (in advance) - $10.00 at the door. Details: Order your tickets by calling the school office at 773/545-2173 Ticket price includes dinner, a beverage, games and entertainment. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Click here for more information.

Concordia Health Fair
Free flu and pneumonia shots for seniors (over 65 with Medicare B card; under 65-flu shots $25.00 and pneumonia shots $45.00). Also offered: total cholesterol screening, diabetes screening, bone screening for osteoporosis, blood pressure screening, and much more!

When: Saturday, October 10 from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm
Where: Concordia Place 3300 N. Whipple St.
Details: Additional screenings available for $5.00 each / Free for seniors over 65. For more information call (773) 463-1600 x312 Click here for more information.

32nd Annual Korean American Health Fair
Since 1977, Korean American Community Services has partnered with Swedish Covenant Hospital for an annual health fair. More than 14,000 underinsured and uninsured Korean people have the chance to receive appropriate medical exams. The health fair offers free checkups in the following areas: internal medicine, podiatry, allergy, pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, and dentistry. Moreover, the event provides consultations with pharmacists, free medications, and various screenings and lab tests at a discount.

When: October 10, 10:30 am to 1:30 pm
Where: Swedish Covenant Hospital 5145 N. California Ave.
Details: Please call to receive a time slot: (773)583-5501 Click here for more information.

Dog Blessing and Parade
A dog blessing and sidewalk parade will take place at Irving Park United Methodist Church. This free blessing for all animals will be conducted by Rev. Vickie Hadaway in the church garden located on Keeler Avenue. A doggy parade follows the service and will leave from the church and travel via sidewalks to Central Bark Doggy Day Care, located at 3358 N. Pulaski Road in Chicago . Refreshments will be served, at no charge, for dogs and people alike. Come join the fun!

When: October 10, 2:00 pm
Where: Irving Park Methodist Church 3801 N. Keeler
Details: Central Bark Doggy Day Care locations across the country have established the "Dog Bless America" fund to raise money to train service dogs for our country's wounded veterans. Click here to learn more.

40th District Fall 2009 Community Advisory Meetings
Please join me - these biannual community advisory panels give community members an opportunity to share a dialogue with the Representative about their concerns, while also giving a chance for attendees to offer helpful solutions.

When: October 20, 2009, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

• Environment, 6-6:45
• Economic Development. 7-7:45
• Transportation, 8-8:45

October 27, 2009, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

• Transparency, 6-6:45
• Human Services. 7-7:45
• Crime and Safety, 8-8:45

November 3, 2009, 6 p.m.-9 p.m.

• Education, 6-6:45
• Public Health. 7-7:45
• Human Rights, 8-8:45

Where: Meeting location will be sent no later than October17, 2009 and will be based on projected attendance. Details: An RSVP is required to attend. Please send an email to deb@debmell.org (SUBJECT: 2009 Fall CAM) no later than October 15, 2009 to secure your space.Click here for more information.

Best,

Deborah

 

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