"Inspired Youth" Program Searching For Volunteer Tutors

Photo from Inspired Youth'sFacebook page

The Sun-Times has a great article today on Inspired Youth, one of our favorite volunteer programs in Uptown.

"Roberto Sanchez used to get C’s in math. Now, the 11-year-old gets A’s because of a North Side-based tutoring program — Inspired Youth Tutoring.

'I used to have a lot of problems with math, but tutoring helped me a lot,' Roberto said." Read the entire article here.

If you are interested in helping a child do better at school by tutoring him or her a couple hours a week, we strongly suggest you look into this 30-year-old program.  Kids and tutors meet at Bezazian Library and the Margate Park fieldhouse during afternoons, evenings and weekends.

Want more info?  Check out the "Volunteer" page on Inspired Youth's website.

Inspired Youth Seeks Tutors

Photo courtesy of Inspired Youth website

Inspired Youth provides one-on-one tutoring/mentoring to low-income public school students on Chicago’s North Side. Altogether we serve around 100 youth ages 5-18. With educated adults or high school students as tutors, we focus on school homework and extra reading, writing, arithmetic which the program provides.  The goal is to give students the academic skills and emotional foundation to graduate from high school, go to college, and become productive citizens.

The Tutoring Program takes place at the Bezazian Branch of the Chicago Public Library, 1226 W. Ainslie, between the Argyle and Lawrence el-stops, just west of Broadway.

Volunteer tutors are needed Wednesday, 3:30-5pm, and Thursday, 3:30-5pm, when we work with 1st through 4th graders.  We also need volunteers on Mondays, 6:30-7:50pm, when we work with 5th through 8th graders and a few high school students. 

To learn more, visit www.inspiredyouthchicago.org or email inspiredyouth2@gmail.com.

Volunteer Tutors Needed - Wednesday Afternoons

From Ald. Osterman's newsletter:

"Inspired Youth Tutoring Program, which has been operating in Uptown and Edgewater for close to 30 years, seeks volunteers to help elementary students with school homework and basic skills—reading, writing, and arithmetic. Tutors work with one or two students and are needed on Wednesday afternoons to work with 1st-4th graders from 3:30-5:00 p.m.

Sessions are held at the Bezazian Branch of the Chicago Public Library, 1226 W. Ainslie, 1 block S. of the Argyle el-stop, just west of Broadway."

Check out Inspired Youth's Facebook page here.

Shots Fired (Idiots' Spring Ritual)

The past few days, since the weather got nice, the gangbangers are out and trying to settle a whole winter's worth of built-up grudges. If you hear shots fired, call it in! Even if you don't see anything, the cops can figure out where things were happening by the locations given by people calling. The police also figure out where to send resources, ie, cops, based on the number of 911 calls. So, here we have it:

• Saturday around 6pm, "Closest I've ever been to gunshots. A man in a black mask and grey hoodie walking North on the West side of Magnolia just South of Wilson fired at least five shots near the intersection and then fled South on Magnolia. As far as I saw no one was harmed."
• Friday night around 10:30pm. Shots were fired around 4616 North Beacon. No one was injured, but a parked car took a bullet.
• Thursday afternoon around 3pm, a 26-year-old man was shot in the leg after he left McDonald's on Wilson and Sheridan. He has a long list of arrests and is gang affiliated. His prior behavior got him banned from McDonald's property. He entered the store and was told to leave by the security guard. Shortly after leaving the store, four men approached him on the street and shot him. He is in good condition after being taken to the hospital.

We hate this crap. We urge you to keep calling 911, as we do. Go to CAPS. Speak to your aldermen. Speak to your police officers. The aldermen and the cops are doing what they can to work against the gangs, leaning on the housing providers to evict felons from taxpayer-funded housing, and on the businesses to keep them from being de facto gang hangouts. There have been multiple major drug busts in the 46th and 48th Wards. Several of the most notorious gang members have lost their housing in Uptown and others are incarcerated. But -- obviously -- there's still a significant gang presence. Residents need to keep calling 911 and keep up with what's going on to combat it.

There are a lot of youth programs to help keep kids out of gangs. Volunteer at the Boys & Girls Club, at Inspired Youth, at Alternatives, at Christopher House. It won't stop the kids who are already "in the life," but it may help a kid make a smarter decision a little down the road.

"Brave New Circus" At Alternatives On Sunday

CircEsteem & The Chicago Youth Circus dare you to come see a Brave New Circus. Inspired by Aldous Huxley, this first ever youth created, directed, and produced circus show addresses ideas of individuality and subverting the dominant paradigm. These lessons are taught by a clown who stumbles through a perfectly ordered world and creates chaos. 

Circus acts include high skilled club juggling, gym wheel, trapeze, trampoline, and acrobatics and are presented by the CircusTeens. These young performers are part of CircEsteem's youth employment in the arts program that hires the most talented and skilled teen performers and teachers. Collectively, they have performed thousands of shows throughout the United States, Germany, Austria, and Argentina and include a Junior World Champion on the Gym Wheel.

Don't miss this great opportunity to support local, grassroots, social circus in action.  Sunday, February 28th at 4pm, at Alternatives Inc. (4730 N Sheridan).  Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for kids.  For more info, please contact CircEsteem at 312-731-HAHA or visit http://www.circesteem.org/.

Volunteer Tutoring Opportunities

We just found out about a program called "Inspired Youth" that's looking for tutors to help local Uptown kids, from 1st grade through high school, with their reading and writing skills. It's all local: sessions take place at the Bezazian Library on Ainslie, and the Margate Park fieldhouse. Tutoring hours are in the afternoon, evenings and Saturdays. Interested? Read more about it here. In addition to the literacy tutoring, there are choir volunteer positions, and even piano tutoring during the summer.

Help Build The Bricolage

Put your mark on Uptown... literally! "Chicago Public Art Group artists and youth from Alternatives, Inc. are creating a bricolage (direct application mosaic) on both sides of the Foster Ave. underpass at Lake Shore Drive. This project is made possible by Alderman Mary Ann Smith. CPAG Youth from Alternatives Inc. are recruited through After School Matters summer youth employment program. The mural is a Native American inspired theme. Native American artists from the Edgewater community and Mitchell Museum of the American Indian consulted on the design and are also working on the project.

The community is invited to participate in the fabrication of the murals Monday – Thursday and Saturdays in July between the hours of noon and 4:00 PM. Anyone who would like to participate just needs to show up and check in with the lead artists Tracy VanDuinen or Todd Osborne. All neighbors are welcome."

UU note: It's going up FAST. Lots of progress in just the past three or four days. If you want to be part of the experience, we'd recommend making it sooner than later.

Walk, Nibble, Drink, Shop And Be Entertained On Wilson On Friday Night

Are you ready for the fifth annual Winter Walk on Wilson? Enjoy music, treats, and pop-up shops as you meet friends and neighbors.

"Business Partners - The Chamber for Uptown is hosting our 5th Annual WINTER WALK ON WILSON on Friday, November 30 from 5-8PM. This FREE event features sweet treats, warm drinks, and menu samples offered by local Uptown businesses as well as live holiday music along the Wilson commercial corridor from Clark to Sheridan.

We’re pleased to announce this year’s event will also feature a variety of vendors at the Chicago Market's Holiday Pop-Up Market at their new home inside the historic Gerber Building.

Bring the kids and take a selfie with Santa! FREE with RSVP!

5:00 - 7:30 PM.  Stroll along Wilson Avenue and enjoy holiday treats and live music at participating businesses including (see map below):

• Hence Interiors
• The Mukase African Restaurant
• Heritage Outpost
• The Public Barber
• Kal'ish
• Longacre
• First Sip Cafe at Aardvark Insurance Agency
• Pokiology
• Haitian American Museum of Chicago
• Chicago Market
• Tesfa Ethiopian
• Uptown Church
• Everybody's Coffee

LIVE MUSIC provided by Kreyol Roots, The Peoples Music School, Old Town School of Folk Music, Coffee Jazz Collective, Side by Side, and more!

click to enlarge

7:30 PM. Join us inside the Chicago Market (corner of Wilson & Broadway) for the UPTOWN HOLIDAY REVUE featuring performances and holiday show previews by local arts organizations including Black Ensemble Theater, Pride Films and Plays, Barrel of Monkeys, and Inspired Youth Singers (students from Uptown’s own Goudy, McCutcheon, and Disney elementary schools)!

8:00 PM. AFTER-PARTY at Nick's On Wilson (1140 W. Wilson) with holiday drink specials!"

More information is here. And RSVP, too!

JVN Night Closes Out The 2022 Argyle Night Market Season

Thursday, August 25th, is the final Argyle Night Market of the 2022 season (how is that possible?!) and, as is tradition, it's a time to celebrate an Uptown legend, John "Vietnam" Nguyen.

"Final Argyle Night Market - JVN Night

As the Argyle Night Market draws to a close, we will once again be honoring the memory of John Vietnam Nguyen (JVN), a young rapper and activist from Uptown Chicago. Though he died way too young while still a student attending the University of Madison-Wisconsin, he accomplished so much with a positive attitude that inspired and encouraged youth and adults alike. 

Join us for JVN Night on Thursday, August 25th as several youth performers, hip hop artists, and friends of John will be taking the stage in his memory. One life, one love.  

Uptown United would like to say a special thank you to Alderman Harry Osterman for his long-time support of the Argyle Night Market. Not only have he and his team been instrumental in the success of this weekly event, but Alderman Osterman also played a pivotal role in bringing the Argyle Night Market to life.

As this will be his last night market in office, please join us in expressing gratitude for all he has done for Argyle while in office.

August 25th Market Vendors & Participants

FOOD:

• Immm Rice & Beyond
• Pho Xe Lua
• Tasty Chicago Food Truck
• Urban Tables
• Nuts To Go
• Olga's Aguas Frescas

RETAIL:

• BWYB Products
• ChicagoSeb Designs
• Common Skies
• Eternal Harmony Vegan Wellness
• Fook Hing Hot Chili Oil
• Jewelry by Carlotta
• Plastic Beach Collections
• Sandry's Holy Coffee
• Sammi Ohlson - Artist
• We Each Belong

SERVICES:

• 48th Ward
• Chicago Market - A Community Co-op
• Chiro One Wellness
• JVN Project
• Rocket Tattoo
• South-East Asia Center
• The Gambacorta Law Office, LLC
• The Institute of Cultural Affairs
• Uptown United & Uptown Chamber

FAMILY:

• Fun & Free Kids Activities provided by Uptown Church & Bezazian Library PLUS free face painting!  

August 25th Entertainment Line-Up

• 5:30pm: Drum Circle
• 6pm-9pm: JVN Night featuring a variety of youth performers, hip hop artists, and friends of John Vietnam including Elephant Rebellion, Smiley Gatmouth, Tee Spirit, Crash Prez, Jezi, plus breakdancing & more!  

CircEsteem Presents "High School"

The CircusTeens of CircEsteem invite you to come see High School, a circus show. Inspired by real life experiences, this second annual youth-created, directed, and produced circus show addresses ideas of individuality and the struggles of high school.

Circus acts include juggling, gym wheel, trapeze, trampoline, and acrobatics and are presented by the CircusTeens. These young performers are part of CircEsteem's youth employment in the arts program that hires the most talented and skilled teen performers and teachers. Collectively, they have performed hundreds of shows throughout the United States, Germany, Switzerland and Argentina.

Don't miss this great opportunity to support local, grassroots, youth created social circus in action.

Saturday, February 26 at 5pm and Sunday, February 27 at 3pm, at Alternatives Inc., 4730 N Sheridan.

Tickets are $10 for adults and $7 for kids. Tickets can be purchased at the door and all proceeds go directly to the CircusTeens.

Pegasus Players Present Chicago Premier: "The Shape Of A Girl"

Pegasus Players is proud to present the Chicago Premiere of Joan MacLeod’s one-woman show, The Shape of a Girl. Based on true events, The Shape of a Girl will be performed at Pegasus Players, 1145 W. Wilson Avenue in the O'Rourke Center at Truman College, February 26 – April 12, 2009. The official opening night is Monday, March 2, 2009 at 8:00 pm.

Starring Alice Wedoff, this one-woman show deals with the code of silence and tacit complicity surrounding the Reena Vick murder in Canada in 1997 (which inspired the play). Vick was bullied and eventually murdered by a group of teenage classmates in Victoria. The play deals with the fine line that separates this extreme act and the everyday occurrences happening in our schools and communities. Directed by Ilesa Duncan, Alice Wedoff plays Braidie, a fifteen year old girl who takes the audience through her compelling observations and reflections, laced with humor, heartache, and the tough choices of youth.

The Shape of a Girl will be held February 26 to April 12. Previews will be Thursday, Feb. 26, Friday, Feb. 27 and Saturday, Feb. 28 at 8pm, and Sunday, March 1 at 3pm. Opening Night will be Monday, March 2 at 8pm. Performances will be Thursdays through Saturdays at 8pm and Sundays at 3pm at Pegasus Players, 1145 W. Wilson Avenue in the O'Rourke Center at Truman College, Chicago. Tickets for the preview performances are $15. Tickets for the regular run are $17 for Thursdays and Fridays; $25 for Saturdays and Sundays. Senior and student discounts are available. Tickets may be purchased by calling 773-878-9761 or online at www.pegasusplayers.org.

Pivot Arts Festival Returns To Uptown

The Pivot Arts Festival, which spotlights the performing arts in Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park, will take place May 28-June 15th for its second annual celebration.

This year's theme is "Art Meets Science" and tickets are on sale now. Sponsors include Alternatives, Inc.; FLATSstudio; Francesca’s Bryn Mawr; Lickity Split Custard and Sweet Shop; and Loyola University’s Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

Events take place all over the north lakefront communities, but we'll highlight the Uptown performances here.  You can check out the entire schedule at http://pivotarts.org/calendar.

Friday, May 30th

ECOLOGY OF EATING at Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.

• We Gotta Eat. Written and Performed by Shannon Matesky. Directed by Chuck Smith.  Actress Shannon Matesky (Hit the Wall) weaves together a potluck of humorous and moving stories about the underclass that will engage your heart in the practice of understanding.
• Worthy. Created and Directed by Dani Bryant. Devised by Knife & Fork.  The empowering stories of Uptown’s Alternative Youth teens inspire this newly devised piece.

Saturday, May 31st

ECOLOGY OF EATING at Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.
(See descriptions of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)

THE ACOUSTICS OF HOUSE - A TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE KNUCKLES. Recreating the House music scene of the 1980s, this unique event is part performance, part dance party. Food and drinks available for purchase.  Sponsored by Crew Bar & Grill and Brooklyn Brewery.
FLATSstudio • $15 must be 21+ with valid ID to enter.
1050 W. Wilson Avenue • Doors open at 8 p.m.
Performances include:

• 8 p.m. DJ Jo de Presser
• 8:30 p.m. Honey Pot Performance and High Concept Laboratory present Juke Cry Hand Clap, A House music-inspired dance performance by Honey Pot Performance
• 9:30 p.m.  DJ with live music
• 10 p.m. Baathhaus, the queer-performance-art-group-band combines popular music with glitter and gore – creating an electrifying performance. 

Sunday, June 1st

ECOLOGY OF EATING at Alternatives, Inc. • $15
4730 N. Sheridan Road • 7 p.m.
Two shows about food and the stories of Chicagoans whose voices often go unheard.
(See descriptions of We Gotta Eat and Worthy from Friday, May 30.)
Special Event: On The Table. You are invited to share dinner with the artists of Knife & Fork and engage in lively conversation following the 7 p.m. performance.

Saturday, June 7th

Uptown Walking tour presented by Chicago Architectural Foundation • $15 or FREE for members. Wilson Avenue Theater, 1050 W. Wilson Avenue • 10:30am.  A special two-hour walking tour in the heart of Uptown includes the artistry of terra cotta ornamentation and Jazz Age entertainment venues. tickets.architecture.org

* * * * *

In addition to the Uptown sites, there will be performances at Loyola, Independent Spirits, Lickity Split, Senn High School's front lawn, About Face Theatre, Uncommon Ground, Metropolis Coffee’s Roasting Garage and other locations.  No admission fee is in excess of $15.

Second To Last Argyle Night Market Of The Season Tonight

From Uptown United:

• Feel the rhythm at 5pm with drum circle at the base of the Sheridan Road stage...
• followed by Kuumba Lynx, who seek to empower youth and their communities with their Hip-Hop sounds in partnership with...
• Elephant Rebellion,  a collective of artist, writers, and activists inspired by, and in honor of John Vietnam Nguyen.
• Fresh and prepared foods, arts, crafts, desserts, accessories, and activities are among the diverse offerings this week from vendors which include vintage collectibles from Sylvia's Backroom as well as Phoenix Bean, Lyons Fruit Farm, Hai Yen Restaurant, and the pure deliciousness of Beijo de Chocolat. 
• Thursday - 5pm to 9pm
• On Argyle Street  at Sheridan Rd