- River North Clean Streets - Benefiting disadvantaged Chicagoans
- Public Safety Information
- Announcements and Community Information
- Volunteer Opportunities
- More from our Sponsors - Father's Day & Thursday Night Specials
- Events
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For four years, RNCS has done important work that has benefited hundreds of disadvantaged Chicagoans, and our community at large. In 2016, River North Clean Streets (RNCS) partnered with Cara Collective and their social enterprise, Cleanslate, to provide training, support and transitional employment to people affected by poverty (and often the challenges of recovery, domestic violence, episodic homelessness, and incarceration). Through the performance of much-needed weekend street cleaning services, RNCS interns rebuild hope, self-esteem and opportunity for themselves and their families.
Since our founding, we are very pleased with the results we have achieved together:
- Weekend cleaning services were performed on up to 26 of River North’s neediest blocks
- 1,710 bags of trash and 734 bags of recyclables (over 30 tons) have been removed from our streets
- 305 hard-working RNCS interns have participated in the program
- 101 interns secured permanent employment at an average hourly wage of $13.76
Under normal circumstances, funding for our services is provided by a group of generous and civic-minded local businesses and individuals who have agreed to become block or program sponsors in exchange for promotional consideration, however, the majority of RNCS sponsors exist in our hospitality sector, which, sadly, has been devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Understandably, most were unable to continue supporting philanthropic causes while struggling to keep their doors open and their staff employed. It seemed inevitable that we would be forced to suspend operations for this year and attempt to resume in 2022.
Late last year, we began reaching out to a handful of prominent local organizations in the hope that one or more would consider providing emergency funding. We are thrilled to report that three of them have answered the call! We wish to express our heartfelt appreciation to Verilife, Salesforce and Sunnyside for their invaluable support during this challenging period. Their generosity will enable us to continue operations through the 2021 season, which runs from May 8 through October 31. These firms, along with a number of individual block sponsors, epitomize good corporate citizenship and have enabled us to continue making River North cleaner, safer and more beautiful, while creating life changing opportunities for our excellent crew members. In 2021 we will be servicing 38 River North blocks.
2021 Benefactors
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With the anticipated advent of vaccines and therapeutics, our expectation is that community life will eventually return to a level of normalcy and RNCS will be able to resume its original funding model in 2022.
Interested in learning more or sponsoring a block? It's not too late. We'll prorate your sponsorship to the number of weeks left in the year. You can sponsor a block for only $26.00 per weekend.
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YOU CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
Keep informated - follow CPD
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May 2021 CAPS Beat Meetings
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We encourage all River North residents to participate
in their CAPS Beat Meetings.
Save the dates for May!
What is CAPS? CAPS stands for Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy. CAPS is a partnership between police and community that is the foundation of community policing. CAPS uses Beats to develop relationships between the community and the police.
CAPS meetings offer city residents an opportunity to address crime and safety issues directly with the beat officers who patrol their neighborhood, as well as to provide ongoing feedback, which help the police to monitor crime issues. The beat meeting is a chance to meet your neighbors and come up with strategies that affect the community.
Beat Meetings are currently held by ZOOM until further notice.
CLICK HERE to view the full 2021 schedule of District 018 CAPS Beat Meetings.
CLICK HERE to view the full 2021 shedule of District 012 CAPS Beat Meetings.
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Coffee with the Commander
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Thank you to everyone who stopped by NNUP's "Coffee with the Commander" on May 19. These casual meetings are a great opportunity to meet Commander Jill Stevens, our 18th District Community Policing Officers and your neighbors. Stay tuned for the next one!
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Eurostar Hotel License Second Discipline Hearing
Wednesday - May 26 9:30 a.m.
The City of Chicago Law Department recently filed a public nuisance disciplinary case against Eurostar Magnificent Mile Hotel, located at 660 North State Street, the details of which were reported in Reilly Reports on April 16, 2020.
Please click HERE to review the list of charges, which relate to specific incidents of public nuisance and noncompliance with COVID guidelines. These charges will be resolved via the Mayor’s License Discipline Commission (MLDC) at a “virtual” hearing.
The Rules and other information about the MLDC hearings being conducted on the Cisco Webex platform are available on BACP’s website here. If you wish to stay up to date on the matter, please use the information below to virtually access the meeting on Wednesday, May 26, 2021 at 9:30 AM.
Meeting Number: 187 915 6506
Passcode: 1234
Join by Phone: (312) 535-8110
Access Code: 187 915 6506
Please continue to report any issues requiring immediate Police attention in real-time by calling 9-1-1.
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Mental Health Awareness Webinars
presented by 18th District CPD
You are invited to a Zoom webinar. Please join one or both webinars to discuss the important topic of Mental Health. See attached flyer above for more information. please note…This is NOT a series. Similar content will be presented in each of the webinars. The Zoom ID is the same for both.
When:
Topic: Mental Health Awareness
Please click the link below to join the webinar:
Or One tap mobile :
US: +13126266799,,82103220328# or +13017158592,,82103220328#
Or Telephone:
Dial(for higher quality, dial a number based on your current location):
US: +1 312 626 6799 or +1 301 715 8592 or +1 646 558 8656 or +1 669 900 6833 or +1 253 215 8782 or +1 346 248 7799
Webinar ID: 821 0322 0328
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Faith Walk
Join the 18th District Commander
on May 28th at 5:00 p.m.
Walk, talk and pray with fellow members of the near north community. Through the walk, there will be different points of prayers. These points of prayer are signficant to the near north community and will be lead by Rev. Blakey, Ms Warfield, as well as other members of the local interfaith pastorial community.
The walk begins at 1160 N. Larrabee and proceeds to 1300 N. Hudson, the Chicago Fire Department (548 W. Division Street), Cambridge/Oak, and continues South along the River Walk ending at Montgomery Ward Park.
Meet at the 18th District Station - 1160 N. Larrabee - The Walk begins at 5:00 p.m.
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The Chicago Police Department urges you to register your bike. Registration can help CPD recover your bike if it is lost or stolen. Users of the older registration database will need to re-register as a new user. You will not need to re-enter old registrations.
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Support Our First Responders
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Announcements/Information
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Bark From The Heart 2021: Open Your Heart to Animals in need throughout the entire month of May! It has been a challenging year for The Anti-Cruelty Society and this important event raises critical funds to continue to care for thousands of pets who need our help. Until it is safe for us all to gather together, we’re once again asking participants to fundraise virtually on Saturday, May 22.
Follow along by using #Bark2021 on social media. Fundraise as an individual or form a team with your friends and family now until the end of May. Earn Bark From The Heart gear with each fundraising milestone. Learn more at www.anticruelty.org/bark
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New Documentary
on Area Homelessness
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The Chicago Help Initiative recently co-produced the documentary, I HAVE A NAME, with director Lucia Mauro. The film focuses on individuals facing homelessness and the meaningful work of The Chicago Help Initiative and partners. Click here to view the film, and enter password "bestdoc2020".
Click here to DONATE and support CHI's mission.
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The Chicago Park District is looking forward to providing Chicago’s youth a fun-filled Summer of Possibilities through their 2021 Summer Day Camp program.
Every summer their staff and campers look forward to reconnecting by engaging in fun, safe, and inclusive activities. You can start planning your summer by viewing all of these summer programs online.
- Online registration began Monday, May 10 for parks west of California Ave. and Tuesday, May 11 for parks east of California Ave.
All camp activities are designed to comply with social distancing measures.
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Get Growing Expo
- The inaugural Expo, located on Pioneer Court (Michigan Ave. and the river) in The Magnificent Mile district, kicks off on Friday, June 4 and runs through Sunday, June 6.
- Event #2 will be held in a park area in the North Lawndale community adjacent to the Stone Temple Baptist Church and community peace garden June 11-13.
- Event #3 will be showcased inside Brookfield Zoo, June 18-20.
Each expo will highlight a variety of topics related to horticulture, house plants, small space gardening, natives and more.
Get Growing Foundation is looking for volunteers to help with this unique opportunity! Volunteers will help with set-up, garden vignette maintenance, Plant Truck Chicago support, terrarium kit creation and more. If you are interested, complete the form to submit your information. You may sign up for multiple events, days, and times.
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Pitch in for the Parks
Ward Park Clean-Up
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Save the date for our next Ward Park Clean-up. Watch for registration information to be posted soon on our website and in our newsletter - Saturday, June 26 - 9:00 a.m. to 11:00.
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The Anti-Cruelty Society is more than a shelter. They are a comprehensive animal welfare organization whose mission is to build a community of caring by helping pets and educating people.
Check out adoptions, fun virtual events and volunteer opportunities.
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Make & Donate Bag Lunches
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Volunteers are also needed to donate bagged lunches.
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Welcome New & Returning RNRA Sponsors
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Featured on My River North mobile app!
Check out their deals!
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Download the FREE
My River North Mobile App
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Check out the deals on the My River North mobile app! Over 50 Sponsors!
Download the app FREE
The “My River North” mobile app provides convenient access to River North news, events and resources, plus special discount offers at a variety of participating local businesses.
Show the deal on the app to the participating business, hit "REDEEM" and enjoy the discount!
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FNCU Complimentary Webinar - Buying a Home
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ChiTeen Lit Fest May 16 - 22
ChiTeen Lit Fest is a for-teens by-teens gathering that aims to provide a safe and creative space for young adults to unlock and discover their unique voice through literary arts. ChiTeen Lit Fest seeks to bring together young people from across Chicago and celebrate their talents as they express themselves through exceptional and honest art.
During the virtual fest this year teens can attend workshops, meetups, listen to special guests, perform at an open mic and much more. This annual event is hosted by the Chicago Public Library. For more information, please visit their website.
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Switch on Summer - May 22 - A Virtual Celebration
Get ready for ComEd’s 7th annual Switch on Summer, which celebrates the start of summer with the turning on of Chicago’s iconic Buckingham Fountain! The virtual event will take place on Saturday, May 22.
To learn more about Switch on Summer, please click here.
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Join Near North Unity for their monthly meeting via ZOOM on May 24 at 6:00 p.m.
The Zoom Link will be posted here closer to the meeting date or you can follow NNUP on Facebook.
The Near North Unity Program (NNUP) was formed in November 2010. NNUP seeks to promote and strengthen community cohesion in Chicago’s Near North community and to connect existing sub-communities into a resilient neighborhood by building upon local strengths through planning, organizing and human development.
Near North is defined by the following boundaries: North Avenue to Chicago Avenue, Wells Avenue to Halsted Street.
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DAME MYRA HESS MEMORIAL CONCERTS
Free from International Music Foundation
The Dame Myra Hess Memorial Concerts are made possible through the generosity of the A.N. and Pearl G. Barnett Family Foundation, the Peggy and Steve Fossett Foundation, the Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, the Sage Foundation, the Pauls Foundation, and the Union League Club of Chicago.
Broadcast live on WFMT 98.7 fm and streamed live at www.wfmt.com.
WEDNESDAYS - TIME: 12:15 pm – 1:00 pm
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Free Tuesday Night Rush Hour Concerts are Back!
St. James Cathedral (65 E. Huron St.)
June 1 through August 17, 2021 - 5:45 p.m.
Rush Hour Concerts is a free weekly concert series on Tuesdays at 5:45 pm - June through August at St. James Cathedral (65 E. Huron).
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SOAR Farmers Market Kicks Off on June 1st!
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The SOAR Farmers Market kicks off at MCA Plaza on Tuesday, June 1, operating weekly from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. rain-or-shine through October.
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Gilda's Club Gala - June 10 - Yes and.......
Gilda’s Club Chicago invites you to an evening of laughter on Thursday, June 10th at 6:00 PM CT for Yes, and… An Improvised Gala. Take a break, have some laughs and be a part of Gilda’s Club's mission of providing social and emotional support for anyone impacted by cancer. Your support will help us continue to bring our free virtual programs.
Follow this link to our webpage where you can register for the show, sponsor us or participate in our silent auction - http://bit.ly/yesand21
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Old Town Art Fair - June 12 & 13
Because of capacity limit regulations, pre-registration will be required for entry to the Fair. Pre-registration opened on Saturday, May 8.
Safety measures for the 2021 Art Fair include a larger footprint for adequate room to move around, placing artist booths six feet apart, hand sanitizing stations throughout the Fair, signs encouraging social distancing and mask-wearing, and designated space for food vendors.
The OTAF suggests a $12 donation to allow the Old Town Triangle to continue funding for multiple organizations throughout Chicago. Proceeds from the Art Fair are returned to the community through grants to schools, charities, and other non-profit organizations.
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Wells Street Art Festival
August 14-15
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The Old Town Merchants and Residents Association has made the decision to move forward with the 2021 Wells Street Art Festival on August 14 & 15, 2021. This highly-anticipated neighborhood tradition is back, and ready to showcase everything Old Town has to offer.
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Is your Property an RNRA Member? Talk to your Property Manager to join today!
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The more properties that join, the stronger our voice!
RNRA is a not-for-profit community organization established in 1997 to protect and enhance the quality of life for those who call River North their home. We are proud to represent over 21,000 residents – the highest membership level in RNRA history!
Once a property joins, all of its residents become members. If you aren’t a member, talk to your Property Manager or Community Manager about joining. We are more likely to be heard if we speak with one voice.
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