Blog

Lunch Bunch

January 11, 2015·Comments closed

Lunch Bunch members dine at The Roost.

When: Third Thursday of the month: 12 – 1:30 p.m.
Check the calendar for upcoming dates
Organizer: Pat Garrity
RSVP: 773-633-8312 or email: info@forwardchicago.org

Whether you enjoy fresh seafood, Mexican, Chinese or good old American fare, Forward Chicago’s Lunch Bunch is for you!

We meet monthly at a different neighborhood restaurant to do what smart folks do — support local businesses! A great meal, including tax and tip, usually costs $14-$18.

Not only do we relish trying new restaurants, but just as importantly, we enjoy meeting neighbors. Folks of all ages come together to catch up, share a meal and enjoy one another’s company. Join us for lunch and more!

Got a question? Get in touch!

Forward Chicago Activities

Games People Play

January 11, 2015·Comments closed

When: First and third Friday of the month: 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Check the calendar for upcoming dates
Location: Sulzer Library Community Room / 4455 North Lincoln Ave.
Organizer: Tanya D.
Got a question? Get in touch!

We invite game lovers of all ages. Beginner, intermediate and expert — all are welcome!

Bring your favorite games or join a game in session. You’ll find lovers of board games, bridge, chess and more.

Forward Chicago Activities, Lifelong Learning

Craft Circle

January 9, 2015·Comments closed

When: Third Wednesday of the month: 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m.
Check the calendar for upcoming dates
Location: Sulzer Library Community Room / 4455 North Lincoln Ave.
Organizers: Betty R. & Maureen Laskowski
Got a question? Get in touch!

Knitters, quilters, embroiderers, all are welcome. Some months we have guest speakers, and other months we work on projects together. In this monthly group, we get a lot done!

We’ve convened a service project for the new Lincoln Square Friendship Center (LSFC), and we worked with the Girl Scouts to make over 100 bags for customers and donors of the LSFC Food Pantry.

This exciting project was made possible by fabric donations and the kind hearts of our crafters and other community members, who donated supplies and sewed between meetings.

We also learn together. Maureen and Betty taught knitting and crocheting to our group, and people went home to make squares for blankets. These lovely squares were put together to create afghan blankets for refugees moving to our community, a project of Heartland Human Care Services.

We are so pleased to learn new things and to put our skills to good use. We also have seen the many lovely projects put together by Craft Circle members. Come join us!

Forward Chicago Activities

Ideas into Action

January 7, 2015·Comments closed

When: Third Saturday of the month: 9 – 10:30 a.m.
Check the calendar for upcoming dates
Location: St. Matthias Convent / 4927 N. Claremont Ave. (Free street parking)
Organizer: Mary Ann Illarde
Got a question? Get in touch!

On the third Saturday morning of most months, Forward Chicago hosts Ideas Into Action. Our work focuses on aging in the community and support as we age.

Each gathering attracts a diverse group of people and ideas, and we begin with friendly conversation and tasty treats at St. Matthias Convent.

Discussions have included innovative ideas and resources on such topics as health and wellbeing, accessible arts, sustainable housing, and finances. Join us as we plan and create programs and events that help keep us active, engaged and influential in our communities.

Forward Chicago Activities

Flexible Book Club

January 7, 2015·Comments closed

When: Fourth Monday of the month: 6 – 7:30 p.m.
Check the calendar for upcoming dates
Location: Belle Plaine Commons, Community Room
2335 W. Belle Plaine Ave. (Parking on Belle Plaine)
Got a question? Get in touch!

Flexible Book Club began with the “The Second Wind” book and tour by Dr. Bill Thomas, who blew into town in May of 2014.

Dr. Bill’s messages about out-growing adulthood and looking out for ageism were very well-received. The theater experience was different than a play, with the “actors” coming out to the lobby to meet the theatergoers during intermission! Anyone who saw the movie “Alive Inside” learned the impact music can have as we age. “The Second Wind” tour was a unique experience for all of us — interactive and thought-provoking for all.

We convened afterward to discuss next steps for how to think more holistically about our futures, as we age. We’ve evolved into the Flexible Book Club: Rather than everyone reading the same book, pick a book, article or particular website that interests you, and come ready to discuss, listen and learn.

It is great to meet people with such varying viewpoints that open our minds to different ideas and possibilities. Come join us for very lively discussions!

Forward Chicago Activities

Dinner Club

January 7, 2015·1 comment

Enjoying dinner club on the deck.

When: Second Thursday of the month: 6-8 p.m.
Check the calendar for upcoming dates
Organizers: Pat Garrity
RSVP: 773-633-8312 or email: info@forwardchicago.org

Love local BYOB restaurants and trying new places? Join Dinner Club as we tour the neighborhood!

We meet the second Thursday of the month and dine around the world. From Spanish at Artango Bistro and Indian at Paprika, to Turkish at Cafe Orchid and Italian at Caro Mio, we have enjoyed lovely meals while supporting local businesses and getting to know our neighbors.

We sometimes share items and sometimes order on our own. Usually the cost of dinner is around $25-$35, and the company is just delightful. People usually bring wine or beer to share.

We are planning more adventures — hope to see you soon!

Got a question? Get in touch!

Arts & Culture

Have You Seen the Open Wall Gallery? It’s Fab!

December 10, 2014·0 comments

A changing gallery of original artwork created by our neighbors is on display in Alderman Ameya Pawar’s office at 4243 N. Lincoln Ave.

Instead of showcasing maps or institutional posters, the office walls are curated by Open Wall, artists who came together to create a gallery for neighborhood artists.

Every three or four months, a new collection is hung on the walls of the 47th Ward Service Office.

Local Programs & Services

Friendship Pet Food Pantry: Support for our Neighbors & Pets!

December 10, 2014·0 comments

by Dara Salk

Hunger is a real issue for people who live on fixed incomes or are having financial difficulty. We are very fortunate to have several well-run food pantries in the neighborhood and generous neighbors who volunteer their time.

When people have trouble making ends meet, and they have pets, they may struggle to provide nutritious food to their furry companions. Many pets are relinquished to shelters because their owners can no longer afford food or veterinary services.

Pet food pantries are few and far between, however, which is why Friendship Pet Food Pantry (FP2) was founded.

Reflections

A Thanksgiving Inventory

November 26, 2014·0 comments

Photo / Hey Paul Studios (CC)

With all the recent news, it is increasingly hard to not be frustrated. There are a plethora of wonderful things about our great nation, yet many promises left unfulfilled to so many.

It would be easy to go on an extended rant, but I won’t. No, instead I thought I would write about what I am thankful for.

Family …

I have an amazing wife. I am constantly inspired by her intellect and compassion. In a society where apathy has become the norm, she stands out. She gets behind issues she believes in and rallies other people to her cause.

Chicago History, Neighbor Profiles