Macrobiotic

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

Have you checked out the Chicago Vegan Baker's Market happening monthly at Frera Desserts? If not, you're in for a treat! Feel free to arrive a bit early to grab a cozy drink and chat with other members, then the market kicks off at 12pm. A variety of products will be sold by different vegan vendors, from sweet to savory. Hope to see you there! 🧁🥐🍞🍕🍰

Three, three, three streets in one! We'll meet at[ Deko Cafe](https://cafedeko.com/contact2.html), 715 S. Dearborn St and then head over to Franklin and walk north. Franklin turns into Orleans at the river and ends at Wisconsin. These two streets combined aren't long enough for a decent February walk so we will head north to Webster and go south on Hudson Ave, ending at Erie St. The 6.67 mile point to point route can be found [here.](https://routes.rungoapp.com/route/ldXgSUN1dd) Hudson Ave, named for the English navigator Henry Hudson, who explored America from about 1607 - 1611. He discovered the Hudson River in 1610. Orleans St. was named for either New Orleans, LA, or the French city of Orleans on the banks of the Loire River. in 1429 Orleans was under siege by the English. They were turned back by Joan of Arc. How do Hudson and Franklin tie into New Orleans, Orleans or Mardi Gras? Well, I'll tell you. Or I should say, ChatGPT will tell you this: *The most direct and concrete connection between the names **Hudson** and **Franklin** with Mardi Gras is through a single historical figure and a specific event:* *The strongest link is a historical figure who brought the names together during a major Mardi Gras season:* * ***Mary Hudson Vandegrift*** *(originally Mary Evelyn Hudson) was a successful businesswoman who founded the Hudson Oil Company.* * *In **1965**, she was crowned **Queen** of the **Krewe of Venus**, which was the first all-female Mardi Gras krewe established in New Orleans.* * *The archival records of her Mardi Gras experience explicitly mention her husband, **Frank Vandegrift**.* *The record states that a scrapbook album relating to the event includes correspondence and ephemera surrounding both the 1965 Mardi Gras celebration and her **20th wedding anniversary to her husband, Frank Vandegrift** (1898-1977).* My lunch suggestion is Mr. Beef on Orleans and Huron. I have yet to dine at this iconic Chicago staple made popular lately by the high-intensity show, The Bear.

💗 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. 💗

**\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **Friendly reminder** This group is for vegans, or those who are interested in learning about veganism and/or going vegan. The goal of this group is to build a community of vegans who meet up mostly in the NW suburbs. **\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*\*** **Lunch** At 12:00pm, let's meet at Blind Faith Cafe, an iconic vegetarian restaurant and one of the OGs! Blind Faith Cafe is located at 525 Dempster St, Evanston. This is not a 100% vegan place, but there are lots of vegan options. If you aren't vegan, please order vegan to be considerate to those who are and to respect the mission of the group. Check out the menu here: [https://www.blindfaithcafe.com/menus/lunch](https://www.blindfaithcafe.com/menus/lunch).

**Build Your Knitting Skills One Beautiful Square at a Time! 🧶✨** **Ready to move beyond basic stitches and unlock the full potential of your needles? Our comprehensive Knitting Skill Builder Course is designed for beginners who know the basics and are ready to become confident, versatile knitters. This progressive series is the perfect way to systematically learn essential techniques in a fun, supportive environment.** You'll master 12 stunning stitch patterns, from simple textures to intricate **cables** and **lace**, all while creating a gorgeous sampler you can assemble into an afghan, pillow, or blanket. Your knitting journey starts here! **In this sequential course, you will learn:** **· 12+ Foundational Skills:** Includes increases, decreases, bobbles, and twisted stitches. **· How to Read Patterns & Charts:** Unlock the ability to tackle thousands of new projects with confidence. **· Iconic Stitch Patterns:** Master ribbing, moss stitch, lace, cables, and more. **· Professional Finishing:** Learn how to seam your beautiful squares into a finished heirloom piece. **This class is perfect for you if:** You can cast on, knit, and bind off (we can refresh these!) and are ready to tackle your first patterns. **Class Details:** · **When:** Every Sunday, 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM · **Format:** Drop-in, at-your-own-pace series. Jump in any time! **Materials Needed (Please Bring):** · US 6 - 9 **[knitting needles](https://dyehardyarns.com/collections/chiaogoo "Chiaogoo Knitting Needles, Crochet hooks and Tools from Dye Hard Yarns Oak Park in Chicago")** · **[DK](https://dyehardyarns.com/collections/dk-weight-yarns "DK Weight yarn from Dye Hard Yarns Oak Park in Chicago")** or **[Worsted weight](https://dyehardyarns.com/collections/worsted-weight-yarn "Worsted Weight yarn from Dye Hard Yarns Oak Park in Chicago")** yarn (approx. 140 yds per square; light-medium solid colors show stitches best) · **[Cable needle](https://dyehardyarns.com/collections/stitch-marker-and-progress-keepers/products/cocoknits-tools-notions-and-accessories?_pos=1&_sid=cb430c75b&_ss=r&variant=37797535187121 "Cocoknits Cable Needles from Dye Hard Yarns Oak Park in Chicago")**, **[tapestry needle](https://dyehardyarns.com/products/darning-needle-tapestry-needle?_pos=1&_psq=tap&_ss=e&_v=1.0 "Darning Needles and Tapestry Needles from Dye Hard Yarns Oak Park in Chicago")**, **[stitch markers](https://dyehardyarns.com/collections/stitch-marker-and-progress-keepers "Stitch Markers and Progress Keepers from Dye Hard Yarns Oak Park in Chicago")**, **[scissors](https://dyehardyarns.com/products/scissors-chiaogoo?_pos=1&_psq=sciss&_ss=e&_v=1.0 "Chiaogoo Scissors from Dye Hard Yarns Oak Park in Chicago")** **Investment:** · Drop-in Rate: $35 per session (single Square) · **SAVE BIG!** Pre-pay for the full series and receive the pattern booklet + a **BONUS Finishing Lesson** for free! Stop dreaming about complex patterns and start knitting them. Build your skills, your confidence, and your community with us every Sunday! **Paying in installments?** Select **[Shop Pay](https://dyehardyarns.com/products/knitting-skill-builder-course-in-chicago-learn-cables-lace-charts)** at checkout on our website: Dyehardyarns.com to split your fee into 4 interest-free payments! **Transform Your Knitting. One Stitch at a Time.** *7yrs to adult. \*Children must be old enough to sit comfortably focused and intent on learning for an hour.\**

I am hosting a Valentine’s Weekend Double Feature! This is Event #1 We will be coming together at Mahari (in Hyde Park) for a brunch to enjoy a melody of African, Caribbean, Creole, Afro-Latin, and Soul Food cuisines being offered in the menu. **This is a limited RSVP event, due to the incredible response I have been able to secure additional seats but those interested must direct message (DM) me to request a spot after adding yourself to the waitlist** 🙏🏽 **Cost: Please come prepared to Zelle or Pay in Cash 💵, I recommend having between $60-$80 if you plan to pay in cash to cover tax + tip.** Is there Parking 🅿️…this restaurant is located in the mini-market (where the Walgreens is) so you should be able to park there or street parking. Is there a dresscode? No, but for those who would like to wear red/pink as this event does fall on Valentine’s Day 💕 that is totally fine with me.

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.

🍽️ **BYOB Dinner at Zaab E Lee with Yumi** 🌿 ✨ Authentic Thai & Isan (Northeastern Thai) Cuisine 📅 **Saturday, February 14, 2026** 🕖 **7:00 PM** 📍 **Zaab E Lee (Thai Restaurant)** 3021 W. Lawrence Ave, Chicago 📞 (773) 856-6242 👩‍🍳 **Host: Yumi** 🤝 **Multi-Meetup Group Event!** 🔗 Zaab E Lee Website [https://zaab-e-leechicago.online/](https://zaab-e-leechicago.online/) 🔗 Yelp [https://www.yelp.com/biz/zaab-e-lee-chicago](https://www.yelp.com/biz/zaab-e-lee-chicago) 🍷 **BYOB** ✅ Bring wine or beer to share with the group ✅ Don’t forget a corkscrew just in case ✅ As this is a large group dinner, please be patient with ordering & wait times *** 💵 **CASH ONLY for Group Checks** ✅ No separate checks ✅ Please bring cash ✅ Add **32% to your total** (12% tax + 20% tip) ❌ Credit cards are too complicated for large groups — thank you for helping keep things smooth! *** 🌶️ **About Zaab E Lee** Zaab E Lee is a beloved neighborhood spot known for **bold, authentic Thai and Isan flavors** — spicy, tangy, and deeply satisfying. Favorites include: 🍜 Papaya salad (som tum) 🍗 Larb and grilled meats 🍲 Curries, noodles, and classic Thai comfort dishes This casual, no-frills restaurant is all about **big flavors, generous portions, and serious spice** — a go-to for locals who want Thai food done right. 🚇 **GETTING THERE** 🚌 Use CTA Trip Planner or Google Maps for transit 🚗 Driving? SpotHero or ParkWhiz may help. Metered street parking is also available nearby. *** 🚫 **NO-SHOW POLICY** • Please RSVP or update your status by event start time • **3 no-shows = 3-month RSVP restriction** • Always check in with the host — especially for large group events ✨ **Hope to see you then!** Thanks, **Yumi**

\*\*\*Open Level\*\*\* Class schedule: * Wednesdays-7:00pm * Saturdays-9:00am About Gosia: Gosia Ryzewska is an experienced yoga teacher and devoted student of Kriya Yoga, which focuses on self study, self-control, purification and meditative attunement. She teaches variety of classes, workshops, and in the past was assisting and co-teaching teacher trainings. Her focus is on proper alignment, movement of energy, and breath, as it is necessary tool to enter deeper layers of our being. She graduated from Temple Kriya Yoga programs and is teaching since 2006. Her approach takes her students on the journey through self-exploration, which is significant in developing a deeper understanding of transcending everyday consciousness. Gosia’s love for Vedic studies , chanting and sounds of singing bowls will be experienced in her classes as well. Pricing * Drop in \~ $22 * Pack of 10 \~ $200 * Pack of 25 \~ $380

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)

Welcome to the inaugural meetup for the **Chicago Microsoft Foundry User Group**! Below is the agenda for March 3rd, 2026: **Introduction to the Chicago Microsoft Foundry User Group** * With our inaugural event, we will have a quick introduction to the user group, discuss our purpose, and our focus on Microsoft Foundry * **Speaker**: Jason Sears, Head of Engineering at Origin Digital **Overview of Microsoft Foundry** * David Giard will take us through an introduction to Microsoft Foundry, and discuss how the platform accelerates AI-driven solutions across industries. * **Speaker**: David Giard is a former accountant and a former biochemist, who has been developing solutions using Microsoft technologies for over three decades. Currently, David helps companies solve hard technical problems in his role as a Microsoft Partner Solution Architect. David has been very active in the developer community, speaking at numerous major conferences, code camps, and user groups around the world; helping to lead user groups; and helping to organize conferences and other geek events. He is the host and producer of the mildly popular online TV shows "Technology and Friends" and "GCast". He is the co-author of the Wrox book Real World .NET, C#, and Silverlight. You can read his latest thoughts at [davidgiard.com](https://davidgiard.com). His hobbies include video, photography, sports, and embarrassing his sons. **Leverage Microsoft Foundry in Practice to Realize AI Use Cases across the Enterprise** * Microsoft Foundry is much more than just an AI playground. In this talk, Chris Domino will discuss how Foundry can be leveraged in a modern cloud architecture and serve as the backbone for realizing AI use cases and workloads across the enterprise. There is a lot of value to be derived for both engineers and stakeholders when Foundry is viewed through an enterprise lens. * For this example, we’ll focus on creating an HR Policies agent to enable employees to ask policies and procedures related questions and get answers in real time for content housed in SharePoint. We will also focus on an expertise finder within the enterprise to search for colleagues by skill. * Within Foundry, we will connect an Azure AI Search tool, create agents, and orchestrate them together in a workflow. Finally, we’ll secure everything with an Entra ID app and interact with these agents and consume this workflow through an enterprise portal which serves as the landscape for AI use cases and workloads across the enterprise. * **Speaker**: Chris Domino is a senior architect with over 20 years of experience in transforming complex business challenges into strategic opportunities using Microsoft's technology stack, including cloud, web, big data, and M365. Beyond architecture, design, and code, Chris’ enthusiasm for technology extends to thought leadership and mentorship. He has authored a book on code-first SharePoint architectures, delivered keynote presentations at industry conferences, contributed to open-source initiatives, and mentored emerging talent. Additionally, Chris has been commissioned by Microsoft in the past to collaborate with a team of subject matter experts to design, debate, and develop certification exam questions, ensuring rigorous standards and industry relevance. We're looking forward to this initial meetup! If you're interested in speaking at an upcoming meetup, please email me at [email protected].

Network over a drink with Chicago's biotechnology professionals and build a community of biotechnologists, entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts. We're continuing our series of networking opportunities to discuss challenges, opportunities, and frustrations while enjoying an evening with your professional peers from around Chicagoland. We're so excited to announce that our March Fermenter will be at MATTER Chicago right within the Merchandise Mart. MATTER is mobilizing a community of healthcare innovators who aspire to heroic change. While MATTER does focus on healthcare innovation, we want to highlight the overlap and reliance between the healthcare community in Chicago and our city's biotech sector. We'll make sure to update this page with more information about parking and accessibility in the coming days. The Biotech Fermenter is an event that is open to everyone, and the organizers strongly believe that working in a biotechnology future should be accessible to all Chicagoans, regardless of race, gender expression, sexual identity, national origin, or any other protected class. The Biotech Fermenter is a space for open and friendly sharing of ideas, and we are all responsible for ensuring everyone feels safe and respected. We are committed to hosting inclusive events, and will not tolerate any actions or attitudes contrary to our deeply held beliefs in inclusivity. By attending this event, you are agreeing to uphold this standard and acknowledge that the organizers reserve the right to restrict attendance. If you have any concerns about another person's behavior, you may file a report via email with the organizers Andy Scarpelli ( [email protected] ) and Ryan Brown ( [email protected] ). We are committed to ensuring that the Biotech Fermenter is a safe space for all, and will take precautionary measures or responsive actions to uphold these ideals. Additional Information from MATTER: **ADDRESS** 222 W Merchandise Mart Plaza, **Suite 228**, Chicago, IL 60654 **LOCATING MATTER OFFICE** MATTER’s new office is located in **Suite 228** on the second floor of The Merchandise Mart, accessible via elevators or the Grand Staircase in the South Lobby. The entrance is immediately west of Marshall’s Landing on the south side of the main corridor, just before the escalators. Please ask security in the main lobby if you need assistance navigating to our space. Once you arrive at MATTER, please sign in at the front desk before heading to your room reservation. **TRANSPORTATION** TheMART is directly serviced by both Brown and Purple lines of the “L” trains and is a short distance from lines that service O’Hare and Midway airports. The Ogilvie and Union transportation stations and many CTA bus stops are also within walking distance. **PARKING** MATTER validates parking for the public parking garage located at 210 N Wells Street at the rate of $13.00 for 12 hours, on a first-come, first-serve basis. If you arrive after 3pm, it is $8 validation. **Remember to bring your parking garage ticket to MATTER to validate it at check-in.** Metered parking is also available along Kinzie Street. Please be advised that parking in either of theMART’s access drives will result in your vehicle being towed or ticketed. We also recommend SpotHero or BestParking for any of the surrounding parking spots and garages. Handicapped parking is available on the north side of the Mart on upper Kinzie. Please inform your MATTER contact, so they can contact Mart security about a longer visit and ensure a spot is made available.

KIRTAN EXPERIENCE at Moksha Yoga Center Heart-opening mantra meditation • Live music • Community Dear friends, you’re warmly invited to an uplifting evening of call-and-response kīrtan, reflection, and shared spiritual atmosphere with the Bhakti Life Network. Saturday, February 21, 2026 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM Location: Moksha Yoga Center 2528 W Armitage Ave, Chicago, IL 773-235-9642 [email protected] Register here: [https://www.mokshayoga.com/.../kirtan-experience-dec.../...](https://www.mokshayoga.com/mec-events/kirtan-experience-dec-2025-600/?occurrence=2026-02-28&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExQ2tPSEc1c1dEd05jaWdsTXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR7rbCBpfveRmNUYj0QXVYd6UFZbdD1L6ukIdhik89owkGUiO02VJqflq8yeZg_aem_OGB34w5XglkOIEH4TVmSvg) What to expect: 1) Guided mantra meditation 2) Live kīrtan with harmonium, mṛdaṅga & voices 3) Short spiritual insights to deepen the experience 4) A welcoming, peaceful space for all backgrounds FREE vegetarian dinner served This is a donation-based program — your contributions help us continue offering these uplifting gatherings to the community. No experience with yoga, chanting, or meditation is needed. Just come as you are. Bring a friend and let sacred sound open the heart.

Within the Chicago Psychedelic Buddhism Meetup group, we had been talking for a long time about creating a monthly integration group. We are hosting the twelfth meeting for that purpose! This time we're meeting on a weeknight and it will be inside a private residence. We'll also have a potluck for anyone who wants to participate (but not required to bring food). This is at Alexandra's house in Lincoln Park, the same place where we had the holiday party in December. Come for 90 minutes of discussion on integration as an opportunity to either talk about experiences that you have had during psychedelic ceremony, or to decide whether a psychedelic journey would be right for you. We will offer a judgment-free space where you can talk with others on a similar journey, and hopefully continue to find purpose from any ceremony that you have participated in. This event will be located within a private residence near W Belden Ave and N Lakewood Ave (Lincoln Park neighborhood). Please RSVP for exact address. It will be sent to you 24 hours before the event. We'll begin at 7:00 PM and end around 8:30 PM.

Let's meet at Mediterranean restaurant Ema in Chicago for an early dinner on Sunday the 22nd at 5 PM. The menu features a selection of mezze, Mediterranean small plates, with an emphasis on Hummus & Spreads, Raw, Vegetable and Kebabs. Signature dishes include Hummus w/ Lamb Ragu, Pan-Roasted Romanesque Cauliflower, House-made Stracciatella, Green Falafel with Tzatziki, Grilled Octopus and Lamb & Beef Kefta Kebabs. Check out their menu at: https://emarestaurants.com/chicago/menus

\*NOTE: The $2 meetup fee is charged to pay for fees charged by [Meetup.com.](http://Meetup.com.) The payment can be made via Cashapp/PayPal/Zelle - I will PM you payment details upon RSVP.\* \*NOTE: Shattaz Jerk Bar & Grill is BYOB.\* Menu: https://s3-media0.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/2KN6_ocz4HH5nQSNahgEYw/o.jpg Table for 12 at Shattaz Jerk Bar & Grill, a Jamaican restaurant in Irving Park. The menu is full of jerk-seasoned dishes like chicken wings, shrimp, and pork wraps, plus other dishes like rasta pasta, oxtails, and curry goat. In addition, the menu features other traditional Jamaican dishes like chicken soup, ackee & saltfish (Jamaica's national dish), callaloo & festival, and escovitch snapper.