Environmental Activism

Looking for a spot to run your D&D campaign? We have a great table ready to host! We are keeping the time open for you to choose what works for you and your players. Reach out with any questions or suggestions! Zemi Coffee offers a wide range of drink options from coffee, to tea, to hot chocolate. Along with Puerto Rican empanadas and pastries to fuel your players! Email [email protected] with any questions!

Come join other parents after drop off at The People's Cafe! Talk school shop on all the happenings, events and current events. Parents go through very similar experiences and it's great to connect to your school community. Mondays and Fridays after drop off!

Life is better with friends and photos! So grab your favorite people and join us to create your own "love story" scrapbooks that celebrate friendship, community, and personal memories. Where: Little Italy Branch Library When: February 13th, 2-4 pm We will provide essential scrapbooking materials, including paper, scissors, a variety of adhesives, markers, and decorative supplies. You are encouraged to bring any personal photos or mementos you wish to include in your project. Sign up mandatory -https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSemKtm2eIXwDIpRvQS8n2r4X9PiAeKQ9sYW8ccC4Ui39Mb-tA/viewform

A wood-fired, social sauna seating 16 people, along the lake and inside Chicago's parks, with an Aufguss session to cap off every sauna day. What to bring: \- Water\, preferably with electrolytes/lemon to replenish\. \- Swimsuit/athletic clothes\. \- Towel\(s\) for sitting inside the sauna and for drying off\. There is a changing tent and a shower for rinsing off available. Looking forward to welcoming you! \- Maria Tkacz\, Founder of Harbor & Hoyage @harborandvoyage More info & booking at harborandyoyage.com

Join us in Millennium Park for a **FREE** workout at The Bean. We are an inclusive workout group with chapters throughout the world. Whether you are a multi-marathon runner or a mom just getting back into the swing of things, and everything in between, we only ask of everyone to **#JustShowUp!**

**Join us at our TECH MIXER AND SOCIAL for afterwork drinks, networking with tech workers in Chicago and meet people from Chicago and all over the world 🌏🎉** Tech, AI, Data, and more \~ Whether you're a seasoned tech veteran or just starting out, let's create the ideal afterwork place to meet and chill with other workers in tech - find that new job, expand your network, share ideas, and stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the industry. Let's inspire, innovate, and shape the future of technology in Chicago! 🍺🥃 Afterwork drinks 📍 **Hopsmith Tavern** \- 15 W Division St\, Chicago 🕕 **5:30pm** onwards **every** **Friday** 🎫 just $4 entry online or $8 at the door! (helps us to run the event inc. Meetup costs etc!) 🔗 [Link to Eventbrite](https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1379224400309?aff=meetup) WhatsApp community in the Eventbrite link above *Chicago tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community career jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup Chicago tech social mixer afterwork drinks AI connect network data IT programming cybersecurity digital nomad blockchain crypto big data science computer networking community career jobs entrepreneur industry product design startup*z

Join us Sunday morning as we travel to GERMANY and pick up Lincoln Square! We will meet at Lincoln Square’s Entry Gateway (on North Lincoln Avenue and West Lawrence Avenue). Here's what you can expect when you join a Litter Caterpillars event: * A conversation with new friends, filled with kindness and warmth * Every rule and tradition has been crafted and chosen to maximize friendship and fun * To quickly see your own impact on the neighborhood and city around you AGENDA: 9 am: The volunteers gather at the designated meeting location 9:00 - 9:10 : Each person introduces themselves, leads us in a stretch, and states what they are manifesting for the week 9:10 - 10:55 : Partner up and pick up trash! Rules: * Half of the people are on bag duty, half are on grabber duty. No one is allowed to be independent. * Every time you finish filling up a bag, change your role, and change your partner 10:55 - 11 am: Reflection and the Goodbye Ceremony - We all look backwards and notice how dirty things were, and how clean things are now! We take a deep breath and feel calm and happy. Finally, for the goodbye ceremony, we all put our left hands in the middle and chant "You'll never feel bitter, when you're picking litter!!" Hope to see you there! P.S. Afterwards, you are invited to grab lunch with us! No pressure to join though!

Hosted by the Forest Preserves of Cook County. Join us for a stroll through the Forest Preserves at sunrise. https://fpdcc.com/event/sunrise-stroll/

⛪✨ **Heaven in Brick & Gold: Inside St. Barbara Catholic Church** 🕯️🏛️ 🌿 *A Polish Cathedral Masterpiece:* *An Inspiring Morning Inside One of Chicago’s Grandest Historic Churches* ✨ Join us for a special guided visit to **St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church**, a spectacular and deeply historic Catholic landmark on Chicago’s South Side. Known for its monumental scale, ornate interior, and strong ties to the city’s Polish immigrant community, St. Barbara offers an unforgettable look at faith, artistry, and neighborhood history. This is a **stationary guided church visit — no walking tour** — allowing us to slow down and truly appreciate the church’s architecture, artwork, symbolism, and history in a peaceful and reflective setting. Expect soaring ceilings, dramatic altars, rich stained glass, devotional shrines, and stories that connect Catholic tradition with Chicago’s industrial and immigrant past. ✨ *** 🕰️ **Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost** 📅 **Saturday, February 14, 2026** ⏰ **10:00 AM – 12:00 PM** 📍 **St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church** 2859 S. Throop St., Chicago ⏱️ Visit length: \~90 minutes 💰 **$15 per person** 💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted as I submit one group donation) ⚠️ All attendees must check in with me at the start and submit payment directly to me so I can provide **one group donation** to the church. 📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any guidance from our hosts. 🎤 **Private guided experience arranged for our group.** *** 🌟 **What We’ll Experience** ⛪ A breathtaking historic sanctuary 🎨 Elaborate religious art, murals, and stained glass 🕯️ Side altars, candles, and devotional elements 📜 The story of the parish and Chicago’s Polish Catholic community 🏛️ Architectural details of the Polish Cathedral–style tradition This visit takes place entirely **inside the church and immediate grounds**. *** 📖 **About St. Barbara Roman Catholic Church** Founded in **1910**, **St. Barbara Parish** was established to serve Polish immigrants who settled near Chicago’s booming industrial corridor of rail yards, factories, and stockyards. Named for **St. Barbara**, patron saint of miners and workers in dangerous trades, the parish became a spiritual refuge for laboring families seeking faith, stability, and community. The current church building, completed in the **1910s**, is a stunning example of the **Polish Cathedral style** — a uniquely American expression of Catholic architecture characterized by monumental scale, classical influences, lavish ornamentation, and an emphasis on beauty as an act of devotion. Inside, the church is richly adorned with: * Grand altars * Painted ceilings and murals * Sculptural details * Stained glass honoring saints, sacraments, and Polish religious heritage Every element was designed to inspire awe, reinforce Catholic teaching, and reflect the pride and sacrifice of the immigrant community that built it. For generations, St. Barbara served as a cultural, spiritual, and social anchor — hosting baptisms, weddings, funerals, festivals, and daily worship that shaped neighborhood life. As demographics evolved, the parish continued to adapt while preserving its extraordinary artistic and architectural legacy. Today, St. Barbara remains an active parish and a treasured landmark — one of Chicago’s most impressive examples of early 20th-century Catholic church design. *** 🍽️ **Optional Coffee or Lunch After the Visit** Those interested are welcome to join me afterward for coffee or lunch at a nearby neighborhood spot. 🍽️ Options will be shared closer to the date. ⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks. *** 👟 **What to Bring** • Camera • Respectful attire • $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated) *** 🚇 **Getting There** Public transportation is easy and encouraged. Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner: [https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/](https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/) *** 🚗 **Parking** • Street parking available nearby (check posted signs) • Metered parking on nearby main streets • Residential side streets often available • Area can be busy — arriving early is recommended • SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful *** 📝 **RSVP & No-Show Policy** ✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated ✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change ❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future event participation *** ✨⛪ Join us for a meaningful Valentine’s weekend experience exploring Catholic faith, immigrant history, and sacred art — all inside one of Chicago’s most awe-inspiring neighborhood churches. ✨

**🎟️ 🎶Theater Week Stop 3: $30 tix-Trial in the Delta: Murder of Emmett Till🎭** *Chicago Theater Week 2026 Play #3 - $30 Tix-* *Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till @Kimball Arts Center* **Chicago Theater Week Play #3** 🎶 *Trial in the Delta: the Murder of Emmett Till* 📅 **Saturday Feb 14, 2025** ⏰ **7:30 PM** 📍 **The Kimball Arts Center \|** 1757 N. Kimball Ave, Chicago, **🎟️ General Admission Seating** Our **3rd & final stop** for Chicago Theater Week is **Trial in the Delta: The Murder of Emmett Till**, a powerful, award-winning live docu-drama presented by **Collaboraction** in their brand-new **House of Belonging** in Humboldt Park. This immersive production brings the **1955 murder trial of Emmett Till** to life using the **recently unearthed trial transcript**, placing audiences inside the courtroom for a **deeply human, radically honest** examination of a case that changed America forever. Actors sit among the audience, taking the stand as witnesses for both the defense and prosecution — including **Mamie Till-Bradley** — creating a stunning, immediate, and unforgettable experience. New this year! Tickets are available on Hottix, no special codes needed! 🎟 **Theater Week Deal via Hot Tix** • **$30 tickets + fees (normally $55.00)** — no special code • **Limited quantity — WILL sell out** 👉 Buy here: https://hottix.org/shows/collaboraction-in-the-kimball-arts-center/trial-in-the-delta-the-murder-of-emmett-till/ ✔️ Select **2/14/25 General Admission – 7:30 PM** \| **The Kimball Arts Center** **-reg price $55.00 for $30! so $25.00 savings!** Any issues calls Hot tix helpdesk at Phone: **(312) 977-9483 or** Email: **[[email protected]](mailto:[email protected])** ⚠️ **Important Ticket Rules** · You must buy your own ticket · **DO NOT RSVP YES until ticket is purchased** · GA seating — we’ll meet in the bar & sit together · High probability of value-priced tickets selling out!! - buy asap! I’ll arrive around **7:00 PM to grab seats as general admission.** *I may grab a meal nearby earlier & I will post a comment of where I will go for those who wish to meet & grab a bite. Check back for updates* 🍷 **Food & Drinks** • No food served and no outside food allowed • Full bar available (wine, spirits, non-alcoholic drinks allowed in theaters) • If you want to eat, plan to do so before the show — many nearby options • Some of us may grab a bite. I’ll post updates closer to the date **Trial in the Delta: the Murder of Emmett Till** 🎶 About the Production On September 20, 1955, testimony began in the murder trial of two members of Emmett Till’s lynch mob. What happened during that trial — and in the weeks and months surrounding it — would help ignite the Civil Rights Movement. Written by Willie Round & G. Riley Mills, directed by Anthony Moseley & Dana Anderson, this production is drawn directly from The State of Mississippi vs. Roy Bryant and J.W. Milam trial transcript. It plays as a live courtroom reenactment, featuring top Chicago actors seated among the audience. Join us as we witness this vital story — and stay to discuss its impact and legacy. **🏛️ About Collaboraction & the Kimball Arts Center** Collaboraction celebrates **30 years** of innovative, socially conscious theater and opens its new **House of Belonging** in Humboldt Park. The space includes: • 🎭 99-seat flexible studio theater • 🍷 50-seat cabaret with café/bar • 🏙️ Located next to the **606 Trail**, where Logan Square meets Humboldt Park Collaboraction’s work is grounded in **KEDA** — *Knowledge, Empathy, Dialogue, and Action* — theater for social change. **Kimball Arts Center** Kimball Arts Center is a hub of Chicago creativity located next to the 606 Trail, where Logan Square meets Humboldt Park. Home to a collection of independent businesses for over 15 years. Always inclusive. Always open-minded. 🚗 Parking: Metered street parking nearby; SpotHero/ParkWhiz recommended 🚇 CTA accessible https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/ ❗ **No-Show Policy** 3 no-shows without RSVP updates = 3-month event freeze. 🎭✨ **This is a true Theater Week steal — grab your ticket before it’s gone!**

🕺💃 Chicago Dancers – Your Friday Night Fix is HERE! 💃🕺 Join us on the **1st & 3rd Fridays** of every month for an unbeatable Latin dance social at Dennis PaSamba Dance Company! **What’s on the menu:** • **2.5 hours of guided dance lessons** – Dive deep into authentic Salsa, Bachata, and Cumbia (we rotate focus – fun, structured moves for every level) • **1.5 hours of open dance practice/social** – Apply what you learned, dance with the group, and keep the rhythm alive! • **Total vibe:** 4 hours of pure fun, connection, and groove! **Why this is such a steal:** • Drop-ins welcome – No commitment, just show up! • No partner necessary – We rotate so everyone dances with everyone • All levels welcome – Beginners to advanced – try it out, you'll love it! • Only **$15 cover** – Full lessons + social dancing! Come solo or with friends – kick off your weekend with smiles, new moves, and great people. Bring clean indoor shoes (leave street ones at the door for smooth floors!). **When:** 1st & 3rd Fridays (next ones: check calendar – doors open early!) **Where:** 4820 W. Irving Park Rd, Chicago, IL 60641 (Six Corners – easy free street parking!) **Reserve your spot or get info:** 📲 Text/call: 717-PASAMBA (717-727-2622) 🌐 Click here for details & to join: [https://dennispasamba.com/events-salsa-bachata-cumbia-classes-chicago/](https://dennispasamba.com/events-salsa-bachata-cumbia-classes-chicago/) Over 33 years teaching authentic Latin dance + 500+ 5-star reviews – this is Chicago's friendly spot to loosen up and groove! Tag a friend who needs this Friday energy! Who's coming? Drop "I'm in!" below or reply with questions. See you on the floor! ✨ #SalsaChicago #BachataChicago #CumbiaChicago #FridayDanceSocial #LatinDanceChicago #DennisPaSamba #DropInDance #NoPartnerNeeded #BeginnerDanceChicago #SixCornersChicago #DanceSocialChicago These hooks put the **2.5 hours lessons** front and center as the main draw, then reinforce with the 1.5 hours practice to show the complete experience. Pick #1 or #2 for flyers—they’re super clear and compelling. If you want one tweaked for a specific upcoming date or more urgency, let me know! Let's pack those Fridays! 🕺💃

⛪🔔 **Bells, Stone & Sky: Rockefeller Memorial Chapel Carillon Tower Tour** 🏛️✨ 🌿 *An extraordinary afternoon inside one of Chicago’s most iconic Gothic landmarks* ✨ Join us for a rare and unforgettable guided visit and **carillon tower tour** at **Rockefeller Memorial Chapel**, one of the most magnificent collegiate Gothic buildings in the world and a crown jewel of the University of Chicago campus. This special experience begins with an introduction to the chapel’s history and architecture before taking us **inside the tower itself** — offering an up-close look at the mighty carillon bells, the inner workings of the instrument, and breathtaking views from above. This is a **stationary guided visit and tower tour** (not a walking tour), but it *does* involve stair climbing — allowing us to focus deeply on **architecture, engineering, music, and vertical exploration** in a truly unique setting. Expect soaring stone vaults, massive bronze bells, mechanical marvels, a live music demonstration, and panoramic skyline and lake views. ✨ *** **🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost** 📅 **Sunday, February 15, 2026** ⏰ **1:00–3:00 PM** 📍 **Rockefeller Memorial Chapel** 5850 S. Woodlawn Ave., Chicago ⏱️ **Visit length:** \~90 minutes 🎤 **Private guided chapel & carillon tower tour** 💰 **$15 per person** 💵 Cash strongly preferred (Zelle / Venmo / PayPal accepted) ⚠️ All attendees must **check in with me at the start** and submit payment directly so I can provide **one group donation** to the chapel. 📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful and follow any guidance from our hosts. *** **🌟 What We’ll Experience** ⛪ Rockefeller Memorial Chapel’s awe-inspiring Gothic interior 🔔 Introduction to the chapel’s history, architecture, and musical legacy 🏗️ Behind-the-scenes access to the carillon tower 🕰️ The tower’s mechanical room and historic regulator clock 🔔 Up-close views of the **72-bell carillon** (over **100 tons of bronze**) 🎶 A live demonstration of how the carillon is played 🏛️ The playing cabin where the carillonist performs 🌆 Seasonal **360-degree views** from the top of tower *(weather/university permitting)* *** **🔔 Stair Climbing & Accessibility Note** This tour involves climbing **271 steps**, roughly equivalent to **20–22 stories**. The staircase is a **narrow spiral with no elevator**, and the experience may not be suitable for those who are afraid of heights or claustrophobic, or for anyone with knee issues, mobility concerns, or difficulty with stair climbing. We ascend at a **leisurely pace with multiple breaks**, and there is no pressure to reach the top. Participants are welcome to turn back at any point. Guests who choose not to climb (or who stop early) may remain on the main floor and still enjoy the **carillon playing demonstration via live video and audio feed**. *** **📖 About Rockefeller Memorial Chapel** Rockefeller Memorial Chapel was funded by **John D. Rockefeller Jr.** as a memorial to his father, **John D. Rockefeller Sr.**, the principal benefactor of the University of Chicago. Designed by renowned architect **Bertram Grosvenor Goodhue**, the chapel was completed in **1928** and stands as one of the finest examples of **collegiate Gothic Revival architecture** in the United States. Conceived as a **non-denominational sacred space**, the chapel reflects medieval English cathedral influences combined with early 20th-century American craftsmanship, serving as a symbolic and spiritual anchor of the university. *** **📖 About the Carillon Tower Tour** Rockefeller Memorial Chapel houses **one of the largest carillons in the world**, consisting of **72 massive bronze bells**. The largest bell weighs **36,926 pounds** and measures **117 inches in diameter**. The tour begins with a **10–15 minute introduction** on the main floor, covering the chapel’s history, architecture, and the role of the carillon. From there, participants ascend the tower via a **271-step spiral staircase**, taken at a relaxed pace with frequent stops. Along the way, we will: • Walk above the chapel’s false ceiling (attic catwalk) • Pass through the mechanical room housing the original regulator clock and pneumatic chime system • Stand beside the largest bells • Enter the playing cabin, where the carillonist performs using hands and feet Beyond the cabin, a short additional staircase leads to the top of the tower, where sweeping views of **Chicago’s skyline, Lake Michigan, northern Indiana, and the University of Chicago campus** are visible *in season and when permitted*. *** **🍽️ Optional Coffee or Late Lunch After the Visit** Those interested are welcome to join me afterward at a nearby Hyde Park favorite such as **Medici**, **Noodles Etc.**, or **Salonica Restaurant**. 🍽️ Options will be finalized closer to the date. ⚠️ Please bring cash — some venues may not split checks. *** **👟 What to Bring / Wear** • Camera • Comfortable shoes (stairs!) • Respectful attire • $15 tour fee (exact change appreciated) *** **🚇 Getting There** Public transportation is encouraged. Use Google Maps or CTA Trip Planner: [https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/](https://www.transitchicago.com/planatrip/) *** **🚗 Parking** • Limited street parking nearby (check posted signs) • University area can be busy — arriving early is recommended • SpotHero or ParkWhiz may be helpful *** **📝 RSVP & No-Show Policy** ✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated ✔️ Cancel promptly if plans change ❌ Repeated no-shows may affect future event participation *** ✨🔔 **Join us for a rare opportunity to explore sacred architecture, musical engineering, and sky-high views — all inside one of Chicago’s most extraordinary landmarks.**

Hi let’s meet at Mirabella Italian restaurant for a pre-Valentine’s Day. I hear their food is pretty good . I already made a reservation for 10 people. Hope to see you there on Friday.

Citizens' Climate Lobby is offering a **free** film screening of **[The People vs Climate Change](https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p097sbzc)**, a documentary that follows members of the UK’s first ever Citizens' Assembly on Climate Change, where 108 ordinary Brits are tasked with deciding how the country should meet its climate goals. Through their debates, doubts, and transformations, the film offers an intimate and relatable portrait of the challenges of tackling climate change—as well as a glimpse of what a greener future could look like. After the screening, attendees are invited to the Davis Theater bar for socializing and discussion. CCL Chicago chapter leaders will be present to facilitate conversation. Doors open at **6:00 pm**, screening begins at **6:30 pm**. We encourage guests to arrive early to grab drinks and snacks before heading into the theater! The Davis Theater meets ADA standards for accessible seating (we will be in Theater 3; more info [here](https://davistheater.com/accessibility/)).

Help us restore precious woodland habitat by removing invasive species and participating in a brush pile burn. Followed by s'mores! Ages 12 & up. Equipment provided. NOTE: Please call us at 708-868-0606 or email [email protected] to register. Meet in the lobby of the Sand Ridge Nature Center. Please dress comfortably for the weather and bring a water bottle if needed. Water fountains and ADA-accessible bathrooms are available inside the Sand Ridge Nature Center. Some trails are ADA-accessible. Please request any other accommodations upon registration.

This inaugural meeting will be an opportunity to get to know each other. We'll introduce ourselves, talk about upcoming meetings, and share over some good coffee and conversation.

Join us this Sunday morning as we travel to BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA and pick up West Ridge! We will meet on the corner of North Western Avenue and West Lunt Avenue. Here's what you can expect when you join a Litter Caterpillars event: * A conversation with new friends, filled with kindness and warmth * Every rule and tradition has been crafted and chosen to maximize friendship and fun * To quickly see your own impact on the neighborhood and city around you AGENDA: 9 am: The volunteers gather at the designated meeting location 9:00 - 9:10 : Each person introduces themselves, leads us in a stretch, and states what they are manifesting for the week 9:10 - 10:55 : Partner up and pick up trash! Rules: * Half of the people are on bag duty, half are on grabber duty. No one is allowed to be independent. * Every time you finish filling up a bag, change your role, and change your partner 10:55 - 11 am: Reflection and the Goodbye Ceremony - We all look backwards and notice how dirty things were, and how clean things are now! We take a deep breath and feel calm and happy. Finally, for the goodbye ceremony, we all put our left hands in the middle and chant "You'll never feel bitter, when you're picking litter!!" Hope to see you there! P.S. Afterwards, you are invited to grab lunch with us! No pressure to join though!

**Do you know someone who is an AMAZING environmental advocate?** On the last day of Black History Month, we are celebrating some of our local **"Black Voices" who fights for the rights of ALL people to enjoy the great outdoors.** Weather permitting, we will Start with a **short memorial hike along the Major Taylor Trail** and explore the beautiful aqueducts built by Black American men during the Great Depression. **Located in the pavilion**, **a panel of local conservation and** **environmental heroes** will be discussing their projects and how we ALL can do our part to ensure our communities do not become environmental collateral damage. **Supplies will be available for creating environmental journaling and vision boards will be available to document your 2026 commitments.** Refreshments will be served. Come out and meet some of our local GREEN HEROES, In Our Nature! **\*\*\*If you know someone or YOU would like to be considered as a panel speaker or have a TABLE for your (nature-based) organization,** **please contact Claudia G.**

Join me for a casual evening to talk about the issues that matter most to Cook County! This is your chance to share your ideas, ask questions, and connect with our grassroots campaign. This campaign is powered by neighbors like you, no big donors, just people who care about our community. We’re also collecting **optional** canned food donations for *Mission of Our Lady of the Angels Food Pantry*. Every can helps a local family in need, and I’ll match each can with a $1 donation, up to $500. Let’s connect, share ideas, and make a difference together.

Our annual Darwin Day Celebration is the premier event of our year, and will be held again at a favorite venue, Friendly Tap. Join us for appetizers and birthday cake, take a selfie with a life-size Darwin cutout, play evolution trivia, and more. Drinks available for purchase. We look forward to seeing you there!