AROUND THE SQUARE & MARKET SUNDAYS
LSCC & LSqFM Updates
April 5, 2022
Happy Wednesday Logan Square!
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Thank You,
The LSCC Team
Please continue to support our business community. Don't forget to send us your business updates so we can share them! For questions or concerns, contact our Executive Director, Nilda Esparza, at
773-489-3222 or email at info@loganchamber.org. Thank You!
We are excited to announce our brand new Little Peas Kids Program at the Logan Square Farmers Market this outdoor season! This program is fully funded by our community sponsor, Liberty Bank. We would not be able to bring this fun program to the neighborhood without their support and we are so grateful!
Little Peas Kids Club is a way for children to get connected with the food that is on their dinner plates and their local food system! It will launch on the opening market day and any kid can join at the welcome table, free of charge. Each Little Pea will receive the following:
- welcome swag bag
- free monthly activity that is carefully crafted to engage kids of all ages and educate them about our local food and/or food system
- one free fruit or vegetable per month from one of our LSqFM market vendors
- punch card - this loyalty card will be in each welcome bag and each kid can get it punched just for showing up to the market. (double punch if you participate in an activity!) Once their card is full, they can pick a prize out of the prize box!
- Can't wait to see you on the boulevard!
Volunteer for the LSqFM!
Volunteers play a critical role in the support and success of our Farmers Market! It's a fun way to support your local community, get to know your neighbors who share a similar passion, and get involved in the local food system.
If you are interested, but unable to attend the market on a Sunday, there may be other ways to volunteer to support the market. Email us for more information.
We appreciate your help in advance!
CHICAGO READER'S
Best of Chicago 2021 WINNER!
LOGAN SQUARE FARMERS MARKET
"BEST FARMERS MARKET"
Save the Date !
Cinco de Mayo
Chamber Member News
Pictures with the Easter Bunny!
Sunday, April 10th 10:30-12:30
The Joinery
2533 W. Homer St.
Join Caleb Jennings of the Kambs Jennings Group of Compass Mortgage & Liz Jones of Keller Williams ONE Chicago for complimentary photos with the Easter Bunny!
We will be at The Joinery taking professional photos on a first come, first serve basis.
We will then email you a link to your digital photo. Be sure to RSVP to secure yourself a spot!
Apple Blossom Online Auction for Harmony House
The Auction runs Saturday, April 16th through Sunday, April 24th. It is the purrfect time to shop for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, Graduation and Weddings. Mark your calendar so you do not miss this fabulous event. Artwork, gift baskets, home décor, jewelry and purses, pet accessories, collectibles, gift cards and more! Bid from the comfort of your own home. Winning bidders will pay by credit card through the auction website and pick up their items at Harmony House in person. Dates and hours for pickups will be listed on the auction website.
Harmony House
is a 501(c)3 organization
Investing 101 Presented by Khloe Karova of Modern Capital Concepts
Friday, April 8th 12 - 1 pm
Welcome to the First Ever Nationwide Compass Mortgage $10k Wedding Giveaway!
Here at Compass, we partner with you on the big milestone of owning your own home, but we know there are many more special milestones in life, like your wedding day!
If you are getting married or renewing your vows in 2022, we want to help make your wedding dreams come true. We are thrilled to be awarding 3 lucky couples with $10,000 each to put towards their wedding.
All couples getting married 1/1/22-12/31/22 are eligible Deadeline April 30, 2022.
For more information and to enter click here.
RCN is Changing Our Name To Reflect Who We Are & What We Do Your passions are what fuel us to keep innovating and to continue to astound you every day. Introducing Astound Broadband powered by RCN. Contact Bill Leark for special pricing 312-804-1729 or bill.leark@astound.com
Oliva Gallery Presents "56 Milwaukee"
In celebration of the 6th year anniversary of the Gallery
Named after Kimberly Oliva's high school bus line 56/Milwaukee, the exhibition features 2D and 3D artists from 90's-2000's whose creative endeavors inspired her to open up a contemporary art gallery. "I consider Milwaukee Avenue as a roadmap/time line of my life, punctuated by the electric energy from the Around the Coyote Festivals, dancing at Medusa's at Congress Theatre to hanging out at Earwax renting movies and meeting the likes of Wesley Willis. I look to 90's-2000's Wicker Park as such a vibrant catalyst in the Midwest arts scene."
March 11 through April 16, 2022
12-4pm
3816 W. Armitage Av.
First Exhibition of 2022 at the
Comfort Station
April 2nd - 23rd
Opening reception April 2nd 6-9
2579 N. Milwaukee Av.
Natalia Villanueva Linares "Mina" translates to mine in Spanish, a place to find treasures. A tripartite installation revealing the ingredients and gestures to make sacred bricks.
This year's art program consists of an exceptional group of Chicago artists whose work really resonated with our community. So naturally we wanted to share their work and showcase these artists in the heart of Logan Square!
Check out the Calendar here
Logan Parlor Updates
3251 W. Fullerton
872-206-2682
Andros Taverna Happenings
Take a look at our website to view upcoming events in our neighborhood and the latest special offerings from the team at Andros Taverna.
2542 N. Milwaukee Av.
773-365-1900
Design Harmony House's 2022 Walk T-Shirt
This is last year's winning design. Click this link to see previous Walk shirt designs. https://www.facebook.com/media/set The winner receives a $50 Amazon gift card plus three Walk t-shirts. Deadline for submission is June 12, 2022.
Rules and information here.
Coffee for a Cause Harmony House
Harmony House receives $5 for every bag of coffee sold March 28 - April 24. Scan the QR code or visit this link to order. https://perkolatorcoffee.com/collections/fundraisers
Extended Brunch at the Whale
Beginning March 5th Brunch is extended to 4:00 pm
2427 N. Milwaukee Av.
773-825-2900
Necessary & Sufficient Wishes You a Happy Spring!
We just can't wait to share our Spring menu and new offerings with you. I love Specialty Coffee and I'm totally hooked on the culture as well as the product. The first time I had coffee that delivered on the flavor promised by the aroma was Olympia Coffee Roasting Company's specialty beans. I could not have imagined then, that I would be partnering with Olympia in my own Logan Square cafe.
Our Lady of Grace School
Do you want small class sizes and strong academic programming? Our Lady of Grace School is enrolling students from PK-8th Grade!
773-342-0170
Unofficial Walk MS 2022 After Party
Sunday, April 24th 1-3 pm
Welcome Back Lounge
2423 N. Milwaukee Av.
Join us at The Unofficial AfterParty for Walk MS. Tickets are $15 and include 2 drink tokens and 5 raffle tickets. 20% of sales will be donated back to MS society.
Support Chris and purchase tickets here
Business Updates
BACP, SBA, Cook County, Federal & State of IL
BACP Updates
The BACP Small Business Center is open to limited in-person visits. Masks and social distancing will be required, and remote consultations are still strongly encouraged. Visit this BACP site for updates.
Applications for the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) CityArts Program Grant are now open!
The goal of DCASE’s CityArts Program is to encourage the attainment of artistic excellence and financial stability, and to incentivize innovation related to citywide priorities. This year’s program will include opportunities to apply for general operating grants across all artistic disciplines, as well as special project grants to support Chicago's dance community. For eligibility criteria and other details, More information and application here
BACP announced the launch of the new Chicago Business Center (CBC) Program. Through this new initiative, eight regional Chicago Business Centers have begun operating as hubs to provide business licensing assistance and other resources for small businesses in communities throughout the City. The eight Centers are open for virtual consultations with entrepreneurs today. visit Chicago.gov/CBC for more information.
Sidewalk signs will be allowed in the City of Chicago by obtaining a permit Effective March 1, 2022, sidewalk signs (e.g. A-frame, T-frame, or other temporary self-supporting type signs, placed on the public way) will be allowed in the City of Chicago by obtaining the proper City permit. Street-front businesses will now be able to use sidewalk signs to advertise their business safely and effectively from the sidewalk. The advertisement of services with sidewalk signs helps businesses draw in foot traffic from the street, providing an important boost to revenue customer traffic.Inspections, Permitting & Licensing web portal.
As of February 28, the City will remove the mask and vaccine requirements for certain public spaces to align with the State of Illinois’ previously announced plans to lift the statewide indoor mask mandate on that day.
Activities can resume without wearing a mask indoors on February 28, except where required by federal, state, local, rules and regulations, including local business and workplace guidance.
Masks will continue to be required in the following settings:
- Healthcare settings
- Congregate settings (long-term care facilities, correctional facilities, shelters, etc.)
- Public transportation (airplanes, trains, buses, taxis, ride-hail, maritime transportation, trolleys, etc.): Follow federal guidelines in effect through at least March 18, 2022
Businesses can make independent decisions to continue to implement public health mitigations, including requiring masks and vaccination.
As the City transitions its mitigation measures to remove the mask requirement, many Chicagoans will continue to wear masks in public spaces for a variety of reasons, even if they are vaccinated. For example, after 5 days of isolation or quarantine, masks will continue to be required in days 6-10 in public spaces, as they are now. The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends Chicagoans who may be immunocompromised or have a family member who is immunocompromised still wear a mask, as well residents who are unvaccinated.
The key metrics of the City used to track COVID-19 cases and hospital capacity since early in the pandemic include COVID-19 cases diagnosed per day, test positivity, and hospital and ICU beds occupied by COVID-19 patients. Visit the COVID-19 Dashboard for data. By February 28, assuming declines continue in the 7-day rolling average, the city will have been in the lower risk range for two weeks and able to lift these restrictions.
Please be kind and considerate of your fellow Chicagoans and the decisions we all continue to make to protect ourselves and those around us.
The Dept. of Business Affairs and Consumer Protections (BACP) offers free business education workshops or webinars every Wednesday afternoon and Friday morning. Due to COVID-19, all programs are currently being offered as webinars. Topics include business licensing, operations, financial resources, marketing, and more. Programs are free and open to the public and taught by industry professionals, not-for-profit agencies, and government agencies.
To register visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
Tuesday, 4/5 Webinar at 2:00 PM
Employer Workshop: Domestic Worker Contracts for Employers and Families
Office of Labor Standards will review and walk through questions and answers related to the new Domestic Worker contract requirement, effective January 1, 2022.
Wednesday, 4/6 Webinar at 3:00 PM
City Inspections - Ask Questions, Get Answers
Presented by the City of Chicago
The Chicago Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Department of Public Health, and the Department of Buildings will provide insight on how operate a compliant business in the City of Chicago. Topics covered will include how to prepare for inspections, building permits and sign display requirements, food inspection overview and necessary certificates, and zoning review procedures. Learn how to operate safely and avoid common setbacks.
Friday, 4/8 Webinar at 9:30 AM
Testing Your Why
Presented by Myeisha Grady, Business Advisor at the Illinois SBDC at the WBDC
The webinar will provide a motivation to bsuiness oweners and entrepreneurs alike to talk about the products and services to strangers to test their WHY.
Wednesday, 4/13 at 3:00 PM
Recruiting, Hiring, and Motivating Great Employees: a Bridge to a Successful Business
Presented by Score Chicago
Finding and attracting the best talent is key to building a successful business. This webinar explores various interviewing, questioning and selection best practices as well as techniques to encourage employee motivation. We'll explore ways to optimize your hiring process and the most effective ways to attract top talent.
Wednesday, 4/20 at 3:00 PM
Creating an Inclusive Workplace Culture in Times of Uncertainty
Presented by Score Chicago
Many business leaders know that diversity in the workplace can increase an organization's bottom line. Diverse teams are more creative, innovative, and higher performing. The webinar will focus on what small businesses can do to create an inclusive, diverse and equitable workplace, and how employers can benefit from creating an inclusive culture and learning new ways to achieve results, even while working remotely—to keep your business moving in the right direction.
Wednesday, 4/27 Webinar
Cybersecurity: Fundamentals to Protect Your Business and Your Employees
Presented by Score Chicago
Small businesses are often targets of cyberattacks. Cyber criminals are organized and know how to mimic your business operations to slip in undetected to obtain valuable confidential information, steal funds or shut down operations. Learn strategies to protect your business, and your remote workers, against cyberattacks. This webinar will cover prevalent cyber tactics and growing trends (phishing, email compromise and ransomware), securing remote workers or employees, protecting home networks, and providing secure video conferencing for workforce and team meetings.
Reminders and Resources:
Tips to Protect Chicago's Businesses
The City of Chicago is working diligently to ensure that our business community is prepared for the potential for events, large demonstrations, protest activity and civil unrest. You can view the proactive steps businesses can take to stay protected which include signing up for ChiBiz Emergency Alerts, joining Chicago's Public Private Partnership Initiative, and staying alert.
Neighborhood Business Development Centers
Chicago-based chambers of commerce and business support organizations, often referred to as Neighborhood Business Development Centers (NBDC), assist in the development of small businesses in Chicago, serve as liaison between local businesses and the City of Chicago, and provide neighborhood business development services. They have have a strong neighborhood network and coordinate efforts with local aldermen, the City, and other community partners. They can help start-up entrepreneurs and existing business owners. Find your local NBDC by visiting chicago.gov/NBDC.
Business Education Resources:
- To view upcoming webinars, visit www.chicago.gov/businesseducation
- To view past webinars, visit www.YouTube.com/ChicagoBACP
SBA and Business Forward Announce Launch of the “Small Business Digital Alliance”
Today, the SBA and Business Forward, Inc., a non-profit organization working with small business leaders in support of policies promoting America’s economic competitiveness, announced the launch of the Small Business Digital Alliance. A joint public-private co-sponsorship, the SBDA will connect small businesses with critical tech resources to start and expand their e-commerce business to scale for success. The new initiative will also feature a series of free briefings and training to help small businesses access and utilize these digital tools to reach new markets, find diverse talent, improve operations, and raise capital.
In celebration of Women’s History Month, join the SBA's Office of Women’s Business Ownership and the Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center for the virtual Women’s Business Summit on March 29-30, 2022. The free event will include power-packed panels, inspirational fireside chats, and 'Ask an Expert' workshops to help you build, scale, and grow your business. Panels and discussion topics include:
Innovation and Investment, Building an Equitable Recovery Framework for Women Entrepreneurs, From Essential Worker to Essential Entrepreneur: CARE Economy Entrepreneurship Opportunities, The $100B Marketplace: Contracting Opportunities for Women-led Firms, Exporting & E-Commerce, The Changing Landscape for Entertainment and Hospitality Industries
Small business owners: If your company is located in a designated historically underutilized business zone, it may be eligible for set-aside government contracts.
Venturize: Small business resources and loan options during COVID-19. Visit our educational portal
Attention: Women in business! Register for upcoming webinars to learn how to get certified for the Women-Owned Small Business federal contracting program, what to do after you're certified and more.
The SBA and Public Private Strategies Institute have teamed up to provide small business owners and leaders with a series of webinars that will cover resources to help small businesses grow and thrive. Reg
Stay up to date via Twitter & SBA.gov
We will continue to share details about additional economic aid being administered by the SBA for small businesses and other eligible organizations as soon as they are determined. Stay up to date by following @SBA_Illinois on Twitter and visiting us online at www.sba.gov. More specifically, the best source of accurate information on the Economic Injury Disaster Loans, which are available through Dec. 31, 2021, and other grants it is www.sba.gov/disaster.E-mail questions to illinois.do@sba.gov.
Community News
Ballet Folklorico de Chicago's 3rd Anniversary Celebration
Sunday, April 24th 3- 6
Copernicus Center
5216 W. Lawrence Av.
Join us to celebrate Ballet Folklorico de Chicago's 3rd anniversary! We will perform live with Mariachi Monumental de México and La Banda Reyna de Chicago. Tickets are only $10.
For more information and purchase tickets
1st Ward Spring Clean-Up!
Join the 1st Ward office in our annual spring clean-up on Saturday, April 23rd from 10am - noon. We will join volunteers across the City for Chicago's annual Clean & Green Day of Service in honor of Earth Day. Sign up for one of our five meeting locations at tinyurl.com/1stSpringClean
Sound of Silent Film Festival
Saturday, April 16th 7:15 PM and
Saturday, April 23rd 8:00 PM Central (virtual presentation)
Music Box Theater
3733 N. Southport Av.
ACM’s popular Sound of Silent Film Festival, now in its 17th year, is a unique event featuring new short silent films in every conceivable genre screened with newly-composed musical scores performed live.
On April 16th, we will present a new program of modern silent films live at the Music Box Theater, and virtually the following week. The virtual presentation will also be available on demand from that point forward. If you enter MAABOARD as the coupon code when checking out, you'll get $10 off
For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://acmusic.org/events/sound-of-silent-film-festival
Introduction to Small Business Management
IHCC, CCC and HWC have worked diligently to develop a course of instruction that will enable small businesses to operate efficiently, effectively and profitably. Registration for the program is now open. Training will begin on Wednesday, April 20th through June 30th. The program includes 8-weekly sessions from 4:30pm to 7:00pm at Harold Washington College, 30 E. Lake, Chicago, IL. The program is designed for business owners, managers or key employees of small businesses and it has a cost of $450 per individual. In addition to classroom instruction, program participants will have access to ongoing mentoring and tutoring by IHCC's Business Advisors to ensure that the skills learned in the classroom are applied to the business immediately and effectively. Please contact Jacob Perez at 312-425-9500 if you have questions or need additional information. You can also register for the program here.
Applications Are Now Open For We Will Chicago Volunteers and Community Partners
The City of Chicago's We Will planning team is seeking individuals and organizations to help develop the major themes, issues, and policy guidelines that will be included in the citywide plan.
The team is being led by staff from the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), the Office of the Mayor, and other City departments, public agencies and stakeholders.
Questions or comments? Emal; WeWill@CityofChicago.com
Minnekirken
"Fourth Sunday" Concert Series
Minnekirken will be hosting a free concert on the fourth Sunday of every month at 1pm (after coffee hour). Due to the current Covid protocols, we will require proof of vaccination at the door. We will also be collecting canned and dry good food donations for Logan Square Mutual Aid. The table for the donations will be at the door.
Jobs Available at the Park District
Full Time, Part-Time and Seasonal Jobs
Visit our website
Spring in the Parks
Be on the lookout for all the Spring programs the Chicago Park District will be offering. Check their website
Chicago Public Library Events
This Fall and Winter the Chicago Public Library (CPL) will be hosting a variety of virtual programs, distributing grab-and-go kits, and developing take-home resources, as well as web-based options for participation in summer programs for children, teens, and adults. Please check online for regular event updates.
Free Tax Prep Help
The City of Chicago is committed to ensuring that hardworking Chicagoans can access free tax services to file their returns and claim their tax refunds. The City of Chicago works with its nonprofit partner, Ladder Up, to offer free tax help throughout the tax season and at various points in the off-season.
Ladder Up is excited to open 13 tax sites throughout the Chicagoland area and is offering in-person and drop-off services to clients for the 2022 tax season.
Grants Available for Small Businesses
Allies for Community Business has partnered with several public and private organizations to provide grants to small businesses over the last several years. Since April of 2020, we have provided over $477M in grants to 23,000 small businesses in Illinois and Indiana
As new grant opportunities arise, we will post them here along with instructions on how to apply.
Visit our website.
Greencorps Chicago is Now Recruiting for the
2022 Season
The city-wide program offers seven to nine months of employment and on-the-job training in ecological restoration, green infrastructure, tree care, and landscaping. Training happens both in the classroom and in the field with the Chicago Park District, the Forest Preserve District of Cook County, and other project partners. Greencorps is a green industry employment and training opportunity for individuals with barriers to employment.
Diabetes Online Prevention Program
Mondays: 12:00-1:00pm via Zoom
Meeting ID: 836 4304 3905
Passcode: 635386
No computer? You can scan the QR code using your
Financial Management Webinar in Spanish
Acompáñenos el martes, 12 de abril en este taller gratuito en español, presentado por Wintrust Bank y organizado por la Cámara de Comercio de Albany Park. En este taller aprenderemos todo lo que debe saber sobre cómo manejar las finanzas de su pequeño negocio y Wintrust nos dará tips y guías para gerenciar nuestras empresas.
CUÁNDO: martes, 12 de abril a las 4 PM
DÓNDE: vía Zoom
Chicago's Citywide Clean & Green
Saturday, April 23rd all day
The Department of Streets and Sanitation (DSS) invites Chicagoans to a citywide annual Clean and Green Day of Service to clean and beautify neighborhoods..
During Clean and Green, residents and local organizations help revitalize areas in their community by doing tasks such as collecting litter, removing weeds and clearing vacant lots. Residents and groups interested in volunteering for Clean and Green are asked to first identify a worksite, and then call their local aldermanic office or 3-1-1 to register their volunteer group
It Starts With You
Join CPD Expanded criteria
View requirements and apply here..
Koz Park Spring Benefit
Thursday, April 7th 7 - 10
Reed's Local
3017 W. Belmont
Enjoy food from local restaurants, drinks with friends, and help us bring free movies and music to Kosciuszko Park this Summer!
For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/koz-park-spring-benefit-at-reeds-local-tickets-274704086317
Street Cleaning Starts April 1st
Chicago's street sweeping season will begin April 1st and run through mid-November. If a street is scheduled for sweeping, a temporary no parking sign will be posted along the route the day before service to ensure curb-to-curb cleaning. Some arterial streets may already have permanently posted signs that specify a once-per-week period when parking is prohibited due to sweeping.
Residents who need more than one day notice of street sweeping should contact their local ward sanitation office.
More information can be found here
Easter Egg Hunt at Unity Park
Saturday, April 16th 10 -12
Unity Park
2636 N. Kimball Av.
In case of rain, event will be held at Grace Church, 3325 W Wrightwood
4 Easter egg hunts: one every half hour from 10-12noon open to kids of all ages; kids will trade eggs in for toys and candy! Fun games and activities for the family! Special appearance by the Easter bunny! This is a FREE event
Shredding & Electronic Recycling
Saturday, April 9th 9-12
Avondale-Logandale School
Parking Lot
3212 W. George
Ald. Ramirez-Rosa in partnership with 33rd Ward Alderman Rossana Rodriguez-Sanchez, State Representative Will Guzzardi, and State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas will be hosting a FREE paper shredding & electronics recycling day Services available include:
on-site document shredding, electronics recycling, prescription drug take-back.
Earth Day at Unity Park
Saturday, April 23rd 10-1
Unity Park
2636 N. Kimball Av.
Join UPAC for our annual Earth Day event. Volunteers are encouraged to join us as we clean up trash and prepare the park for Spring/Summer. Our theme is "Plant a Flower, Take a Flower" and children can plant a flower at the park and in return will be given one to take home.
Earth Day at Koz Park
Saturday, April 23rd 10-12
Kosciuszko Park
2732 N. Avers
Pitch in with your neighbors to give our trees some TLC and clean up the park. All are welcome, no matter the age.
Children's Easter Egg Hunt at Palmer Square Park
April 16th 10am-Noon
Or until supplies run out
Palmer Square Park
3000 W. Palmer Bl.
Come find hidden eggs in the Park and bring them to our registration desk, at the Tot Lot to exchange for candy and prizes.
A Celebration of the Minnekirken Facade Renovation
Sunday, April 24th 11-1
Norwegian Lutheran Church (Minnekirken)
2614 N. Kedzie
A celebration of the Minnekirken facade renovation
The Norwegian Lutheran Church (Minnekirken) will be hosting an event to celebrate the recent renewal and renovation of the Church facade and windows. Seating will be limited so guests are asked to RSVP office.nlmc@gmail.com or phone 773-252-7335
The event begins at 11am with the regular church service following by a catered lunch and then a concert at 1pm.
Logan Square Chamber of Commerce | 2808 N Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL 60618
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