Sunnyside Mall is a fantastic outdoor community space in the Sheridan Park neighborhood of Uptown…read more I understand it used to be a questionable area, but the neighborhood association has revitalized it in recent years. It's a pedestrian strip between Beacon and Magnolia, paved, with several seats built in various placed around the mall. I'm sure the neighbors use this for all sorts of events. I've been here because my trainer, Dana (see my WHPStudios review), has been doing Saturday morning body strength classes here. Since they're super affordable ($15) I finally made it over here. Today there were just a couple of us but I know in other weekends there's been as many as 10 people at the classes. It's a really lovely, peaceful setting--quiet, with lots of shade from all the trees, and the weather has been great so for someone who doesn't love to work out, it made for a nice morning.

What a hidden gem in the northside Chinatown on Argyle! It took the wonderful Stir Friday Night's…read moreresidency to bring me to enjoy their wonderful variety show (every other Friday night) at their new residency here. The venue is comfortably spacious, clean, organized and offers a delicious array of coffees, matcha, teas and I highly recommend the tasty delicate pork croissant banh mi. Highly encourage your patronage and support of Stir Friday Night, longest running Asian American comedy troupe for over 30 years, now led by the talented and devoted director, Jonathan Lee-Rey. Famous alumni include Steven Yuen, Danny Pudi, Suzy Nakamura and many others. Plenty of tables, lounge areas to relax and enjoy a bite and drink etc. Metered and valet parking available.

Came by for their Stir Friday Night Variety Show/Community Showcase which is outside their normal…read moreopen hours. The evening we went they had a singer, 2 comedians, a local business, and some of the Stir Friday Night cast doing their thang. Haibayo was slinging the drinks and snacks including some drink specials. Jeremy C. had the Vietnamese iced coffee, I had the mango sticky rice drink, and we shared the croissant banh mi which I might actually enjoy more than an actual banh mi?? Is that even possible?? The vibes in the cafe/community space are so cool, one of the most unique spots I've been to in a while. All around an entertaining evening in a really neat spot with unique and tasty food and drinks. They're currently hosting these events every 2 weeks, be sure to check out Stir Friday Night's website to book tickets! But really also just stop by to visit this place during their actual open hours during the day because it's so chill and cool.

No notes on this place???? Came here for table tennis. They…read moredo have TT and it is upstairs. Although today being a holiday all activities are canceled. Nice older facility with tennis court and a basketball court. They do have activities for everyone.

Madge Lockwood's massage works miracles. She performed multiple modalities on my aching body. First…read morelymph drainage: a soft relaxing massage which quickly put me to sleep. On my injured shoulder she had a special procedure to break up scar tissue. One treatment and what had been sore for years felt good as new! She's attentive and always on time. Her practice is giving your body real medicine. She is a true healer. I cannot describe in words the mental and emotional transformation that took place after a few sessions of working with her. TREMENDOUS! : ) ( :

Best massage I have ever had (and I've been getting massages for almost 30 years). Mark Penzien is…read morea remarkable masseur. He's very careful about the amount of pressure he uses on you. He also asks very specific questions prior to the massage using information about your daily activities, your work, and any medical issues you might have to create the a massage session that will provide you with both relaxation and muscle healing. He's also a very friendly guy! I'm writing this an hour after my massage and I can't remember the last time my shoulders and upper back were this relaxed. I'm looking forward to my next massage here.

As a long time Evanston resident, I have been to both the original location and now the new and…read moreimproved multi-purpose facility. All the new amenities at current location are awesome: library, walking track, ice rink, gym and community rooms. I went to Robert Crown for their Kwanzaa Celebration, which had food, dancing and vendors. The community event was a success; it was great to see neighbors and friends there. I find the center organized and welcoming. An awesome family friendly community center.

What a beautifully modern and well maintained ice rink. I'm not sure if this place is funded by the…read moretaxpayers or what, but I've never been to a library, gym, and 2 sheet skating rink all in one building. Though the seating is bench style, there are plenty spots to go around. You can also view the ice from the lobby, but the temperature is controlled in the arena, so you won't feel as cold as in other smaller rinks. The locker rooms were really clean, I'm guessing that since this is funded by the city, they invest in keeping it that way. There's also a decent amount of parking in the main lot and automatic doors, which is good when you're carrying a bag of equipment. I like this place, but don't live close enough to frequent it. I'll be back when my son has another game here.

I always picked Humboldt park over Wicker park any day. I used to look at the lagoon at night and…read morethink and reflect. I loved attending the Puerto Rican fests with friends. I enjoyed walking the park with snow on the ground.

This Fieldhouse, along with the one in nearby Garfield Park is a "must visit" if you are at all…read moreinterested in Chicago history and architecture. As a community member, it's a "must visit" if you want to get involved with some cool local events and to check out what's going on in the neighborhood. If you are just interested in the fitness center, that's cool too. It's a long rectangular room that looks out over a lagoon and charges a monthly or an annual fee. When I first spotted this building against the dramatic clouds and bright blue sky yesterday, my spirit soared. I don't even care if that's silly talk because that's how enamored I was with the view. "What is this place?" I had to pull in the lot and go inside. What I found were crafty-colorful witches greeting me.... I roamed along to where some voices were coming from and before I knew it, I was standing in an "old-school" gym/basketball court/auditorium. The space looked out of "Dead Poet's Society" or so like that. I backed up toward the wall to take a photo and whoa!! radiant heat from the grate (looks original!) on the wall. I was wrapped in all kinds of warmth. Further wrapped figuratively, by the one lady employee who saw me marveling at this place. She began telling me all about the programs, the fitness center and you could tell she loved her job, the city of Chicago and the place she worked. Thank you, Chicago Park District for keeping this kind of gem alive and housing such awesome community spirit here. http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/humboldtpark/ excerpt re: architecture: "In 1928, the West Park Commission contructed a fieldhouse in Humboldt Park. The structure was designed by architects Michaelsen and Rognstad, who were also responsible for other notable buildings including the Garfield Park Gold Dome Building, the Douglas and LaFolette Park Fieldhouses, and the On Leong Chinese Merchant's Association Building in Chinatown. In 1934, Humboldt Park became part of the Chicago Park District, when the city's 22 independent park commissions merged into a single citywide agency." (I'm learning why I love Paris so much...many nooks of Chicago were based on Parisian design: the Midway Plaisance in Hyde Park is another notable area: http://www.chicagoparkdistrict.com/parks/Midway-Plaisance-Park/ )

The Greenhouse is open to the public and they do have a staff in duty if there's any questions…read moreabout the garden. They have a selection of plans and flowers. Next to it they have this beautiful park for the kids to play in the playground. Also they have tennis courts and you can improvise and play pickleball as well. Definitely a great value of time to keep this garden beautiful.

The locals know to go here for the annual organic greenhouse plant sale, which was Saturday 5/20…read moreand Sunday 5/21. Get there early, as the nicer and larger plants sell very quickly. Also, it's cash only, and make sure you bring your own boxes to carry your plants. The volunteers are really nice and helpful here. Prices started at $3 for the smaller plants and went up from there. The organic green house not only offers children's and adult classes, they also have a wonderful community garden which is open Thursdays and Saturdays from 10 am to 12 pm. it is also the only teaching greenhouse from the Chicago Park District, located within the grounds of Kilbourn Park. They seek to connect people to nature, teach sustainable gardening practices, and promote fresh and healthy food to people of all ages through garden-based programming. Kids can enjoy the Garden Buddies program for toddlers, plus the Harvest Garden and Eco-Explorers programs for youth. Adult gardeners can attend a continuing education series and other workshops sponsored by The Friends of Kilbourn Park Organic Greenhouse. Although the park is one of the smaller ones in the city, they have a soccer field, tennis courts, playground, basketball court, Kilbourn Park also offers different after school programs for kids and a summer camp that is quite good.

I wish this was my alderman and my ward. I was in the office today getting my city sticker. How…read moreconvenient for them to set up a service where you could go and pick one up, no additional charge. Simple, easy- and they were even giving lemonade to people standing in line. My alderman and staff are currently taking the day to prepare to walk in the parade tomorrow. Joe is frequently on Every block Chicago- talking with residents and responding to problems. People may not like the answers, but he knows what is going on and has a handle on things. I will switch with you in a second!!

I like Alderman Moore's office. They communicate regularly w/me via this email about neighborhood…read morehappenings and distribute meaningful literature. Alderman Moore's office is interested in community improvements. I appreciate that very much.