Chicago Shakespeare in the Parks returns Aug. 4 to Eckhart Park with a free, 75-minute production of "Romeo and Juliet." A specially equipped truck rolls into the park at 1330 W. Chicago Ave. A stage unfolds and a company of professional actors shares Shakespeare’s story. The 6:30pm performance is part of an annual Chicago Shakespeare Theater summer tour. Other locations include Humboldt Park, 1301 N. Sacramento Ave., on Aug. 11. The series opens July 26-28 at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. Adapted and directed by Marti Lyons, the abridged staging features Nate Santana as Romeo and Emma Ladji as Juliet. The feud between the Capulets and Montagues divides a city. From these two proud families, Romeo and Juliet fall in love. Can these star-crossed lovers bring peace to Verona? Since the first park tour six years ago, more than 100,000 Chicagoans have seen the free performances. This year's presentations are sponsored by the City of Chicago, Chicago Park District, B...

Rep. Mike Quigley speaks to EVA members at the Happy Village. East Village Association membership meeting July 10, 2017 Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. By Michelle Hayward Healthy Soil Compost; Openlands tree grants Michael VanDam opened the July 10 meeting at 7pm at the Happy Village and introduced Business Minute: Healthy Soil Compost turns household compost into fine dirt. Firm provides bucket for organic waste, picks up weekly or biweekly.  $28/month for onetime pickup; $40 weekly. Firm diverts about 10 tons a month from landfills. Megan Humphrey from Openlands gave presentation on neighborhood tree grants . Openlands is the oldest metropolitan conservation group in the country, focused on Chicago and Illinois.  In Chicago, it gives grants for planting trees.  Neighborhood associations can apply and Openlands will provide 40 trees to be planted within 2 or 3 blocks of one another. This area is a native oak and hickory forest.  Sites need to be in a parkway or a Chicago p...

Foxtrot is hoping to open a Wicker Park location at 1714 W. Division this fall. It's seeking the East Village Association's support in its request to the alderman to lift the packaged goods liquor moratorium between Milwaukee Avenue and Wood Street. Its presentation follows. The agenda for Monday's membership meeting, at 7pm at Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott: President's Welcome Business Minute – Devon Kondziela, Healthy Soil Compost Megan Humphrey from Openlands on trees and neighborhood tree grants Mike LaVitola, Foxtrot Introduction and Q&A Vote on Division Street Liquor Moratorium PPD Updates: St. Boniface Schools/ Polish Triangle New Business Read more >>

Foxtrot Market, 900 W. Armitage, is scouting Division Street sites where only restaurants have been allowed new liquor licenses. East Village Association board of directors meeting June 12, 2017 Vora Certified Public Accountants, 1708 W. Chicago Ave. By Michelle Hayward Liquor License Moratorium Mike LaVitola of Foxtrot presented his concept for an upscale boutique grocery store. There are two locations in Chicago: Lincoln Park and Fulton Market. His request is for EVA to approve a lift of the the moratorium on new packaged goods licenses from Wood to Ashland on both sides of Division Street. Foxtrot also seeks an incidental license to serve beer and wine on premises at night. A specific location for the market has not been named. Serving coffee, beer and wine. Selling packaged wines, beers and liquors. Offering groceries and lifestyle goods. Ald. Proco Joe Moreno and Foxtrot have discussed attaching a binding Plan of Operation to the license. The Planning, Preservation ...

Ben Gould of the Illinois Public Health Institute outlines a potential state tax on sugary drinks with EVA members at Happy Village. East Village Association membership meeting June 5, 2017 The Happy Village, 1059 N. Wolcott Ave. Food for thought was served al fresco from the Happy Village patio Monday. The menu included servings from a local restaurateur, a health-policy organizer and a public-safety volunteer. The first course for EVA members was an introduction to chef Laurel Khan, owner of Curious, a Chef's Playground . The former chef at fine dining resturant Tru returned to Chicago from Chehalis, Washington, to serve for the past three months at 2020 W. Chicago Ave. The neighborhood's reputation drew Khan to bring her whimisical approach to comfort food here. Curious is an intimate space for 40 diners, open for now Tuesday through Sunday, and BYOB—though Khan says has plans for a creative wine list. The main dish was served by Ben Gould, community organizing man...

Proposed replacement for a single-family home on Thomas would be higher than either of its neighbors, inviting future teardowns. By Michelle Hayward East Village Association board of directors meeting May 8, 2017 Bath House Cultural Center, 1019 N. Wolcott Ave. Michael VanDam called the meeting to order. Agenda: Presentation from 1538 W. Thomas (Planning, Preservation & Development) Other PPD Updates/Marq on Noble Inter-Group Candidate Forum (request from Lyn Wolfson at Chicago Grand Neighbors Association) June Membership Meeting -- ideas Safety/Security Update 1538 W. Thomas EVA board was visited by attorney Stephen Barrios, developer Walter/Vladimir Zeleni, property owner Ernesto Rubio and Victor Drapszo of Red Architects. Rubio is seeking to amend a zoning restriction for his property to be redeveloped in the middle of the block on Thomas. Rubio purchased the property in 1998 and currently resides there. The single-family property is between a three-story and a...