Physics

⛪✨ **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. ✨

*Before and After, an instant drama* **Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 PM, January 30-February 21** Life is defined in moments. *Before and After* explores the story leading to a life-changing event and the impact of that instant on all that is to follow. Are we truly changed by the big moments in our lives, or are we only revealed? No two performances are ever the same, but every show is an instant drama created before your eyes. Theatre Momentum is the **only** theatre in Chicago dedicated to dramatic improvisation. Join us for a night of grounded instant theatre. Fridays/Saturdays, 7:30 PM (doors open at 7 PM) January 30-February 21 All tickets $5! Studio Momentum, 1541 W Belmont Ave ### **Get your tickets!** **[https://www.theatremomentum.com/shows](https://www.theatremomentum.com/shows)**

We will meet to discuss “the Passenger” by Cormac McCarthy. As a misunderstood loner, I am drawn to McCarthy with a seemingly magnetic pull. I want to give a description that defies non attendance, but I feel like the less we know before we start reading the better. We will discuss the first two chapters.

Help cook a special birthday lunch for seniors at Little Brothers: Friends of the Elderly. This is a celebration event where you will meet many seniors in their 70's, 80's and 90's and some even over a hundred years old! Come help make their birthday a very special one. Both experienced and non experienced volunteers are welcome. All cooking and plating instructions will be provided on site and it is easy. All volunteers must be 14 years or older. Minors must get their parents' or legal guardians' permission to participate. This birthday luncheon helps relieve isolation and loneliness among the elderly by providing a delicious meal in a social interactive space. There is a live band or DJ for music with singing and dancing. Volunteers will meet at their main office location at 355 N Ashland Ave, Chicago, IL 60607. We will start cooking at 9 am and be ready to serve by noon. We will cook 80 to 100 meals to serve on site. Volunteers will meet in the kitchen. The shift time is flexible. If you have to come later or leave early, that's OK. Please dress appropriately to work in a kitchen. Wear closed toe shoes with non slip bottoms, like sneakers. Slacks, jeans or long pants. No shorts or tank tops allowed. You will be asked to wear a hair net or you can bring a baseball cap or hat to manage your hair. You can also bring your own apron if you own one. There is free street parking in the area, usually west of Ashland Ave and the surrounding side streets. It is also near CTA bus routes and Pink line. About our organizations: A 501(C)(3) organization, Fight2Feed’s mission is to make a difference by changing the rise of food insecure communities by fighting hunger one block at a time. The non-profit has over 650 volunteers with presence in Chicago, Kansas City, San Diego, Atlanta and Indianapolis. For more information, to donate or volunteer, visit fight2feed.org (http://fight2feed.org/), like on Facebook (http://facebook.com/fight2feed) or follow on Twitter (http://twitter.com/fight2feed). Fight2Feed combines donated restaurant resources with the mobility of food trucks and volunteer driven cars to delivery food to where food is needed the most in our city. Our organization is 100% volunteer run and supported. We have served over 55,000 meals to people in need in the last 3 years, and have rescued thousands of pounds of surplus food in 2017 from restaurants and other events to be redistributed to hungry citizens in need. Since 1959, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly, Chicago Chapter’s mission, philosophy, programs and activities remain focused on alleviating loneliness among elders. The need for social interaction is critical to the human spirit—we believe that nurturing the soul is as important as feeding the body. And, while the number of elders served has grown by more than 35% in the last five years, our mission remains firm – to relieve isolation and loneliness among the elderly. Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly was started in France in 1946 by Frenchman Armand Marquiset as les petits frères des Pauvres (Little Brothers of the Poor). The organization served elderly Parisians who had lost their savings and family members in World War II. His motto, flowers before bread, expresses the spirit that man does not live by bread alone; it is the human touch that makes life worth living. Today, Little Brothers – Friends of the Elderly serves elderly in seven US cities and eight countries around the world. The Chicago Chapter is located at 355 N. Ashland Avenue in a multi-purpose facility purchased in 1998. This facility is transformed regularly into a place of celebration for holidays, Wednesday luncheons, and countless social gatherings held all year long.

⛪✨ **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. ✨⛪✨ **A Medieval Jewel in Edgewater: St. Gregory the Great Church Visit** 🕯️🏛️ 🌿 *An Inspiring Afternoon Inside One of Edgewater’s Most Beautiful Historic Churches* ✨ Join us for a special guided visit to **St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church**, a beloved Catholic landmark in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood. Known for its striking architecture, breathtaking sanctuary, and deep roots in the city’s immigrant history, St. Gregory offers a powerful glimpse into faith, community, and neighborhood life on the North Side. 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 spaces, stunning stained glass, sacred imagery, candlelight, and stories that connect Catholic tradition with the development of Edgewater itself. ✨ *** **🕰️ Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost** 📅 **Saturday, February 7, 2026** ⏰ **11:00 AM – 1:00 PM** 📍 **St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church** 5545 N. Paulina St. ⏱️ 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 beautiful historic sanctuary 🎨 Religious art and stained glass 🕯️ Candles, devotional elements, and sacred symbolism 📜 The story of the parish and Edgewater’s immigrant Catholic communities 🏛️ Architectural details reflecting early 20th-century church design This visit takes place entirely **inside the church and immediate grounds**. *** **📖 About St. Gregory the Great Roman Catholic Church** St. Gregory the Great has served Chicago’s North Side since **1904**, when Luxembourger immigrants petitioned for the creation of a new parish to serve the rapidly growing Edgewater community. As the neighborhood evolved from lakeside farmland into a vibrant residential district, the parish quickly became a spiritual and cultural anchor. The current church building, completed in the **1920s**, is officially classified as **Norman Gothic** in style — reflecting French influences on English architecture following the Norman Conquest of 1066. It stands as one of the finest examples of **Gothic Revival architecture** in the Archdiocese of Chicago. At the dedication ceremony, **George Cardinal Mundelein** famously described St. Gregory’s as *“a medieval jewel in a modern setting.”* Every artistic and architectural element within the church — from paintings and sculpture to arches, shrines, and stained glass — carries symbolic meaning. The interior invites visitors on a spiritual journey from **darkness to light, Alpha to Omega, life to death to rebirth**. The founding pastor, **Msgr. Michael Klasen**, created a booklet titled *The Church Beautiful*, explaining the symbolism behind the church’s design and sacred artwork — many of which we will discuss during our visit. Named for **Pope St. Gregory the Great**, the 6th-century pope known for strengthening the early Church, promoting sacred music (Gregorian chant), and expanding Christian education, the parish reflects his legacy of faith, beauty, and teaching. Over the decades, St. Gregory has served generations of immigrant families — including Luxembourger, Irish, German, Polish, and later Latino parishioners — mirroring the evolving story of Edgewater itself. Today, the church remains an active and welcoming parish, celebrated for its magnificent interior and enduring role in the neighborhood. *** **🍽️ 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 along Bryn Mawr, Ashland & Ravenswood • Residential side streets often available • Area can be busy due to lakefront & Loyola — arriving early is recommended • SpotHero or ParkWhiz also 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 opportunity to experience Catholic faith, sacred art, and Edgewater history — all inside one of Chicago’s most beautiful neighborhood churches.** ✨🕯️🏛️**Gold, Icons & Tradition: St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church Tour** ✨⛪ 🌿 *An Inspiring Afternoon Inside One of Chicago’s Most Beautiful Orthodox Landmarks* ✨ Join us for a special guided visit to **St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church**, a stunning sacred space on Chicago’s North Side and a beloved spiritual home for generations of Greek-American families. This church is known for its **breathtaking interior**, rich Orthodox symbolism, and powerful sense of tradition and community. This immersive experience explores **Orthodox faith, iconography, ritual, and immigrant history**, all within an awe-inspiring setting filled with sacred art and architectural beauty. This is a **stationary guided church visit — no walking route or neighborhood stroll** — allowing us to slow down and truly absorb the **art, architecture, iconography, and spiritual atmosphere** of this remarkable church. Expect vivid icons, gold accents, candlelight, incense, and meaningful stories of faith and immigration — all shared in a respectful and informative setting. ✨ *** 🕰️ **Schedule, Meeting Info & Cost** 📅 **Saturday, January 31, 2026** ⏰ **1:00 PM – 3:00 PM** 📍 **St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church** 5649 N. Sheridan Rd., Chicago, IL ⏱️ Visit length: \~90 minutes 💰 **Cost: $15 per person** 💵 **Cash strongly preferred** (Zelle/Venmo/PayPal are accepted if needed so I can submit one group donation) ⚠️ **All attendees must check in with me at the start of the tour and submit payment directly to me so I can give to the church** 📸 Photography is allowed — please be respectful of the sacred space and follow any onsite guidance. 🎤 Private guided experience arranged for our group. *** 🌟 **What We’ll Experience** ⛪ A beautiful Orthodox sanctuary filled with sacred atmosphere 🎨 Traditional Orthodox iconography and stunning artwork 🕯️ Candles, incense, and sacred ritual elements 📜 The history of the parish and its immigrant roots 🏛️ Architectural and artistic details that reflect Orthodox tradition and spiritual meaning This visit takes place entirely **inside the church and its immediate grounds**. *** 📖 **About St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church** Built in **1926**, **St. Andrew’s Greek Orthodox Church** has been a spiritual and cultural anchor on Chicago’s North Side for nearly a century. As the surrounding neighborhood evolved through generations — shaped by waves of immigration, lakefront growth, and the vibrant mix of communities that define this part of the city — St. Andrew’s remained a steady presence, offering faith, tradition, and connection. The church reflects the deep roots of **Greek-American families** who helped build and strengthen Chicago, creating a home away from home where language, customs, and religious life could be preserved and passed down. For many, St. Andrew’s was not only a place of worship, but also a gathering space for community life — a setting for baptisms, weddings, memorials, celebrations, and the rhythms of Orthodox holidays that continue to shape the parish today. Like many Orthodox churches, the interior is designed to **teach and inspire through symbolism** — from icons of Christ and the saints, to sacred imagery that fills the space with meaning and beauty. Whether you come for the history, the art, or the spiritual atmosphere, St. Andrew’s offers a powerful glimpse into how immigrant communities helped shape the cultural landscape of Chicago — one neighborhood and one church at a time. Located near the **lakefront** in the **Edgewater/Loyola** area, the church sits in one of Chicago’s most welcoming and diverse neighborhoods — a community known for its mix of longtime residents, students, immigrants, and beautiful residential streets. With its close connection to the shoreline and North Side energy, this setting makes the visit feel both peaceful and distinctly Chicago. *** 🍽️ **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; cash preferred but Zelle, Venmo, PayPal accepted) *** 🚇 **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 is available in the surrounding area (please always check posted signs) • Metered parking may be found along nearby main streets, including Sheridan • Residential side streets nearby often have additional parking options • This area can be busier due to proximity to the lakefront and Loyola/Edgewater, so consider arriving a little early or us SpotHero or ParkWhiz *** 📝 **RSVP & No-Show Policy** ✔️ Please keep your RSVP updated ✔️ Cancel promptly if your plans change ❌ Repeated no-shows may result in removal from future events *** ✨⛪ **Join us for a meaningful opportunity to experience Orthodox faith, sacred art, and community history — all inside one of Chicago’s most beautiful spiritual spaces.** ✨ ***

💗 Let’s celebrate Valentine’s Day starting with a yummy breakfast. Yay! 💗 LOCATION Portage Park Breakfast Place 5040 W Montrose Ave, Chicago **meeting 915 for 930 seating** **It's cash only as we will have separate checks.** Google maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/XnGCasE2Vr7BoBYE7?g_st=ic Valentine’s Day is one of my favorite holidays and getting people together to celebrate is the best. Come celebrate with us. After breakfast if anyone wants to continue with more spontaneous fun I’m a yes. Let’s bring ideas to breakfast. 🙂 Happy Valentine’s Day. We look forward to celebrating with you. 💗

⛪🔔 **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.**

**Join us on Sundays at 10:30am in person and online!** Cityside Center for Spiritual Living is a diverse and inclusive, nondenominational New Thought spiritual center - welcoming EVERYONE! Come join us on Sundays for our celebration service where music, meditation and an inspirational message all a part of this joyful gathering. For more details visit: [https://cityside.me/](https://cityside.me/) Come check us out! **Available in person:** 4619 N Ravenswood Ave Suite 202, Chicago IL 60640. **and ONLINE:** [https://cityside.me/watch/](https://cityside.me/watch/) Visit our website at [https://cityside.me/](https://cityside.me/) to learn more about us!

**Quick Note: This event is in person and on zoom. Although we would love to see you, we are providing the zoom link here for those of you can't come: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88158217522?pwd=cGxNeDR2eCthN0k2d2tlSk1sMnViQT09** Today, we see that injustice abounds, in many forms, throughout our society. The most visible forms all have racial undercurrents. If this is surprising, it shouldn’t be. Various segments of our American society have historically been perpetrators of egregious racial attacks, upon people of color since its inception – especially Black people. Unfortunately, not enough people in our society accepted the reality of the country’s unwarranted persecution upon some of their fellow citizens as fact. Now, a wave of egregious disenfranchisement attacks are being experienced by others, in much the same way that Black people have endured for many decades. As a society, in the past, we never accepted the fact that such a thing could happen in America. As we watch this violence unfolding in our “protected” communities, are we ready, today, to believe Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s admonition that, “injustice anywhere, is a threat to justice everywhere”?; are we ready to cross those artificial barriers of race, to take counsel and establish true friendships with people of all races, so that we can build stronger and better communities, which promote justice and equity for all? …. Bahá’ís are encouraged to see in the revolutionary changes taking place in every sphere of life the interaction of two fundamental processes. One is destructive… the other… integrative; both serve to carry humanity, each in its own way, along the path leading towards its full maturity. The operation of the former is everywhere apparent--in the vicissitudes that have afflicted time-honoured institutions, in the impotence of leaders at all levels to mend the fractures appearing in the structure of society, in the dismantling of social norms that have long held in check unseemly passions, and in the despondency and indifference exhibited… by individuals… also by entire societies that have lost any vital sense of purpose. Though devastating in their effects, the forces of disintegration tend to sweep away barriers that block humanity's progress, opening space for the process of integration to draw diverse groups together and disclosing new opportunities for cooperation and collaboration. Bahá’ís,.. strive to align themselves, individually and collectively, with forces associated with the process of integration, which,… will continue to gain in strength, no matter how bleak the immediate horizons.... (Universal House of Justice) The Baha’i teachings advocate for racial amity as a fundamental aspect of humanity's unity and progress towards equality and justice: “…Racism is a profound deviation from the standard of true morality. It deprives a portion of humanity of the opportunity to cultivate and express the full range of their capability and to live a meaningful and flourishing life, while blighting the progress of the rest of humankind. It cannot be rooted out by contest and conflict. It must be supplanted by the establishment of just relationships among individuals, communities, and institutions of society that will uplift all and will not designate anyone as “other”. The change required is not merely social and economic…, above all moral and spiritual….” (Universal House of Justice, 2020, July) Let’s explore ways that we can develop and maintain the kinds of cross-racial friendships needed to build and sustain a unified and peaceful society. Baha’is are working through-out the world to advance all of humankind toward unity and justice. This is a safe space. All respectfully shared views are welcome.

**Valentine’s Sound Bath** Doors open at **7:30 PM** We’ll begin at **8:00 PM** with a light, playful connection ritual, followed by an **hour-long immersive sound bath** you can melt into. Skip the clichés and do Valentine’s Day differently. Come after dinner, get cozy, and sink into an experience designed for closeness, ease, and shared presence. Whether you arrive with a partner, partners, friends, or solo, this night is about slowing down, feeling good, and enjoying the moment. No fixing. No forcing intimacy. Just warmth, sound, and space to land. **Pricing:** **$45 per person** *Sliding scale available - [reach out](https://www.guideandseekchicago.com/contact) if cost is a barrier.* Bring **yoga mats, pillows, and blankets**\- the cozier\, the better\. **Space is limited**, so RSVP early. An evening for slowing down and being close, however that looks for you. .. Please **Dial #307** on the intercom when you arrive. Session will happen in suite 309

**🎟️ 🎶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!**

Join Golden Glove Champ and Pro Judge Andrew for a fun and informative group boxing class at a real MMA gym. It takes a couple minutes to prep, so try to arrive no later than 8:45am sign-in! $20 for meetup members ($30 normally)

Well this is on the day after Valentine's day on Sunday for a change, come celebrate Galentine's Day with us at our favorite woman owned brewery in IL. It's currently the only woman owned brewery in IL but hey it's still our favorite and we women should support women making beer. Please update your RSVP if needed to keep our headcount accurate. Eris is named for the goddess of chaos and they make excellent cider. In Greek mythology, Eris, the goddess of discord, is associated with a golden apple that started the Trojan War. It was founded by two excellent brewers who happen to be women. Menu: https://www.erischicago.com/menu

Join the Roberta Buffett Institute's [Equality Development and Globalization Studies (EDGS) Program](https://www.edgs.northwestern.edu/) for a discussion on the role of the family environment in shaping one's trajectory toward violent extremism with Buffett-EDGS Visiting Scholar [Haula Noor](https://fis.uiii.ac.id/about-us/faculty-members/haula-noor/). Lunch will be served beginning at 12:15 p.m. Professor Noor will preview her forthcoming book exploring the socialization and moral formation of would-be extremists through their families, in contrast to conventional scholarship on radicalization which focuses on individual motives. Drawing on data from in-depth interviews with and observations of 31 families of jihadists and convicted terrorists from across Java, Indonesia, she will share empirical evidence on the complexities of ideological transmission within family structures, relationships, and resources. She will argue that family contexts both directly and indirectly shape early pathways to radicalization by either reinforcing or disrupting loyalty to, or drifting from, extremist ideologies. Professor Noor ultimately seeks to demonstrate how these familial dynamics influence individuals' decisions to join or refrain from radical activities, as well as how parenting practices may prevent the transmission of extremist ideologies. **About the Speaker** [Haula Noor](https://fis.uiii.ac.id/about-us/faculty-members/haula-noor/) is in residence from January 19 through February 28, 2026 and is hosted by Brannon Ingram, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Faculty Associate with the Roberta Buffett Institute's [Equality Development & Globalization Studies (EDGS) Program](https://www.edgs.northwestern.edu/). Noor is a lecturer and the Secretary of the Doctoral Program at the [Faculty of Islamic Studies, Universitas Islam Internasional Indonesia](https://fis.uiii.ac.id/) (UIII). She also serves as the Co-Director of the [Center of Islam & Global Challenges](https://fis.uiii.ac.id/research-and-collaboration/center-of-islam-and-global-challenges-igc/) at the Faculty of Islamic Studies, UIII. Apart from this position, she is the Program Director on Good Governance at KiPRAH Indonesia and is a researcher at the [Pusat Pengkajian Islam dan Masyarakat, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah Jakarta](https://ppim.uinjkt.ac.id/publikasi/). Previously, Noor was a research fellow at the [ISEAS Yusof Ishak Institute, Singapore](https://www.iseas.edu.sg/). She earned her PhD in International, Political, and Strategic Studies from the Australian National University (ANU), focusing on the role of family dynamics in jihadist radicalization. Her expertise encompasses gender and terrorism, family psychology, Islamic studies, and the intersection of Islam, security, and democratic governance. Noor has published extensively on issues of radicalization, religious authority, and women's roles in terrorism. During her appointment, Haula will work on shifting her PhD dissertation on "The Family Context and Its Role in Making Jihadists in Indonesian" into a publishable monograph. Please register for free at: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/edgs-talk-the-making-of-an-extremist-with-haula-noor-phd-tickets-1981949270621?aff=PlanitPurple. Act sooner rather than later, while there are still seats left. Please also RSVP here to help us find one another at the event.

**Abstract:** The Advanced Photon Source (APS) is an X-ray light source at Argonne National Laboratory where researchers perform imaging, diffraction and spectroscopy experiments at 68 specialized beamlines. APS recently completed a major upgrade that made it the brightest synchrotron in the world and upgraded many of the beamlines to take advantage of the dramatically brighter, more coherent beam. These new capabilities are increasing the facility’s raw data production from <10 PB/year before the upgrade to >100 PB/year once all instruments are back online. To meet this data challenge, the APS Beamline Data Pipeline project team is partnering with beamline staff to develop and deploy science data pipelines that use a common set of open-source software tools (many written in Python) to link instruments with the Polaris supercomputer at the Argonne Leadership Computing Facility (ALCF) for data processing. This talk will describe the APS data systems, our file-based and streaming pipeline templates, and some of the open-source software we use to extract scientific insights from beamline data. **Audience Takeaway:** Open source Python data acquisition and analysis tools are ubiquitous at the APS. Many of the packages that are mentioned can be found at [https://github.com/AdvancedPhotonSource](https://github.com/AdvancedPhotonSource). This is a *hybrid* event. To attend online, join us on Zoom here at 6pm: [https://numfocus-org.zoom.us/j/89399976851?pwd=UEgMUZXdYmKdK1x1dIPL6hwUYnp7NW.1](https://numfocus-org.zoom.us/j/89399976851?pwd=UEgMUZXdYmKdK1x1dIPL6hwUYnp7NW.1) **Sponsor**: Grainger will provide the meeting site, as well as snacks for the onsite participants. * **Address:** 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, 18th Floor, Chicago, IL 60654 * **Grainger's Overview:** W.W. Grainger, Inc., is a leading broadline distributor with over $17 billion in revenue. At Grainger, We Keep the World Working® by serving more than 4.5 million customers worldwide with maintenance, repair, and operating (MRO) products and services delivered through innovative technology and deep customer relationships. Our machine learning team builds broadly across search, recommendations, product matching, computer vision, and generative AI. * **Logistics**: To access the Grainger office, we require **first and last names** of those who RSVP'd by **Feb 11**. Please take the main elevators at the center of the Mart. Attendees will then present their **IDs** when they arrive at the front desk on the 18th floor.

Join us for a fun afternoon of movie watching, discussion, and fellowship. * March 1, 2026: The Power of the Heart—Directed by Drew Heriot * June 7, 2026: Gratitude Revealed— Directed by Louie Schwartzberg * Sept 6 & Dec 6, 2026: movies TBD **Facilitators:** Mena Swanson-Eastwood & Connie Houdek **First Sundays of Every Quarter** March 1, 2026, June 7, Sept 6, Dec 6 12:00p – 2:00p **COST:** Love Offering. Registration not required. **IN PERSON:** 4619 N Ravenswood Ave., Suite 202, Chicago IL 60640

Managing AWS at scale means balancing performance, cost, and business objectives—but are you making decisions based on assumptions or evidence? Join Bob Dussault from Sycomp to discover why observability isn't just monitoring; it's the architectural foundation that enables excellence across all six pillars of the AWS Well-Architected Framework. Learn how Sycomp's Intelligent Cloud+, Intelligent Observability+, and Managed FinOps services help organizations build observable, cost-efficient infrastructure that delivers measurable business value

The US Constitution and its Framers hold a uniquely venerated position in American democracy. But as the nation marks its 250th anniversary, fundamental questions about the Constitution's role in today's world have emerged. Does the Constitution still protect the rights and freedoms it was designed to guarantee? What makes the American constitutional system different from other democracies? And what determines whether a constitution remains resilient when tested? Join legal scholars Tom Ginsburg and Aziz Huq for a conversation about what American constitutionalism means in practice today. About the Speakers This event is hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. We from the Geopolitical Forum can continue the conversation after the event, perhaps over a drink or dinner. Please register for free at: https://www.cvent.com/d/23qd5y/4W?_gl=1\*ewy5to\*_ga\*MTYyMjgyMjE4NC4xNzI5ODI4MDQ2\*_ga_2YZ9YVDY8F\*czE3NzA4NTgyOTYkbzM1MSRnMSR0MTc3MDg1ODc0OCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.\*_gcl_au\*MTE0OTc5MTUyMC4xNzY2NTI1MDAz\*_ga_R51EMY3K4S\*czE3NzA4NTgyOTYkbzM1MiRnMSR0MTc3MDg1ODc0OCRqNjAkbDAkaDA.. Act sooner rather than later, while there are still seats left. Please also RSVP here to help us find one another at the event.

The relationship between America's civilian leaders and its military is evolving, raising questions about the role of the armed forces in national life. Debates over civilian control, the military's place in politics, and the social contract between citizen and soldier are prompting a closer look at assumptions that have guided this relationship for generations. How are these boundaries shifting? What does it mean for military readiness and national security? Join Kori Schake in conversation with Leslie Vinjamuri as they examine how civil-military relations are changing as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary. This event is hosted by the Chicago Council on Global Affairs. We from the Geopolitical Forum can continue the conversation and hang out past 6:30, the scheduled end time of the event, perhaps over a drink or dinner. Please register for free at: https://www.cvent.com/d/x3q8gt/4W?_gl=1\*1p4sx7l\*_ga\*MTYyMjgyMjE4NC4xNzI5ODI4MDQ2\*_ga_2YZ9YVDY8F\*czE3NjYyMDU3MTQkbzI5NSRnMSR0MTc2NjIwODcxMSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.\*_gcl_au\*MjA0NjkxMjA2Ni4xNzU4NzA1Mzgx\*_ga_R51EMY3K4S\*czE3NjYyMDU3MTQkbzI5NiRnMSR0MTc2NjIwODcxMSRqNjAkbDAkaDA.. Act sooner rather than later, while there are still seats left. Please also RSVP here to help us find one another at the event.

This presentation challenges the common tendency to treat ideology as a pejorative label reserved for explicit doctrines or political positions. Instead, ideology is examined as a pervasive and often unavoidable feature of human social life—one that operates largely beneath conscious awareness and shapes interpretation, judgment, and moral reasoning in subtle but powerful ways. The presentation reformulates ideology as a cultural and social phenomenon, offering a more empirically grounded account than conventional, belief-centered definitions. Building on this reformulation, the analysis makes the case for studying capitalism not only as an economic arrangement, but as a pervasive and often subliminal cultural ideology. It introduces original conceptual tools that make visible a cultural process through which market values increasingly displace human values under capitalism’s expansive cultural influence. While it is widely recognized that capitalism affects social and psychological life, this account examines how capitalist ideology spreads through cultural practices, embeds itself within ethical reasoning, and comes to organize moral evaluation around market imperatives. The discussion raises a central question: whether a market-oriented ideological environment can genuinely sustain humane moral frameworks, or whether ethical reasoning must first recognize how capitalist ideology has captured cultural processes in order to reclaim intentionality and reorient moral life around human values and human well-being, rather than relying on the hope that market priorities will incidentally serve them. **Judah Venturi** Judah Venturi is an independent philosopher and writer whose work engages contemporary social and cultural conditions through sustained philosophical analysis. Drawing from philosophy alongside psychology, neuroscience, anthropology, sociology, and economic theory, his writing examines ideology, capitalism, and moral reasoning at a fundamental level, seeking to move beneath surface-level explanations and short-term solutions. He is currently developing a book that introduces original concepts for understanding how capitalism operates as a pervasive cultural force shaping values and ethical judgment. In addition to this work, Venturi is actively publishing essays and presenting his ideas through public lectures and interviews, contributing to a growing body of contemporary philosophical discourse. **Join Zoom Meeting** [https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83984283081?pwd=pDQEeWHCvVNPiazdLF34pU1S8gcaQ0.1](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/j/83984283081?pwd%3DpDQEeWHCvVNPiazdLF34pU1S8gcaQ0.1&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw2XOMB6Dlz_W0X1cqZUURcz) View meeting insights with Zoom AI Companion [https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid=a3d6e67c-ecb3-4486-8205-58ed25a08888](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/launch/edl?muid%3Da3d6e67c-ecb3-4486-8205-58ed25a08888&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw0d9hz5EKd4epEXBuUb0DRM) Meeting ID: 839 8428 3081 Passcode: 005807 --- One tap mobile +13126266799,,83984283081#,,,,\*005807# US (Chicago) +13092053325,,83984283081#,,,,\*005807# US --- Join by SIP • [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) Join instructions [https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/83984283081/invitations?signature=2zvQs4eN6zUITnjhUTgCE_GZj8uoSVr_kGSKLFYf4N0](https://www.google.com/url?q=https://us06web.zoom.us/meetings/83984283081/invitations?signature%3D2zvQs4eN6zUITnjhUTgCE_GZj8uoSVr_kGSKLFYf4N0&sa=D&source=calendar&usd=2&usg=AOvVaw3N4X9FCdRBwzgTT0lptQ-f)