Artists of the Wall 2013

Press Release For Artists of the Wall 2013 

Twenty years ago there was a wall along the lake, trash strewn about, graffiti littering the 
area, and people that were questionable harassing the passersby. 

A small group of Rogers Park residents (Keith Lord, Katie Hogan, Regina Robinson, and 
Richard Kaufman) sat on Keith Lord's back porch and came up with a brilliant idea to 
change the face of this wall; An Artists of the Wall festival. 

By cleaning up the area, painting the walls, and involving the police force in the painting, 
the negative personas that were in the area disappeared while the beautification of the 
area became apparent. 

The event has, since then, turned into a celebration of Rogers Park and it’s culturally 
diverse residents. People from all over have come to paint at Rogers Park’s Artists of the 
Wall. 

Businesses, churches, police, firefighters, lifeguards and people from age eighteen 
months to eighty years old have painted one of the 154 spaces on this 5,000 square foot 
(600 feet) wall over the past twenty years. 

The Artists of the Wall festival is a one-of-a-kind, ever-changing art project, the largest 
of its kind along the lakefront and running for twenty years, something unprecedented in 
Chicago. 

Artists of the Wall doesn't just promote both amateur and professional artists, it also 
promotes musicians by having an eclectic representation of Chicago-based bands. The 
bands and musicians that have played at Artists of the Wall have shared the stage with 
Windform, the first-of-its-kind art sculpture that was placed on city property. 

“Twenty Years on the Wall” is our theme this Father's Day weekend. For years, this 
event has defined what Father's Day is to our Rogers Park dads. In the past, fathers have 
called, happiness evident in their voices, because they finally had the day with their 
children and wanted to paint one of the spaces. 

This year is special for another reason, too. Last year, one of the artists, Terrence, died as 
a victim of gun violence in Chicago. His family contacted the Loyola Park Advisory 
Council and asked that his space be left intact this year so that they can add their story to 
his art. Terrence's death has saved the lives of six others because he was an organ donor. 

Don't forget to be at Artists of the Wall, “20 on the Wall,” this Father's Day weekend 
Saturday, June 15 to promote the beautification of our neighborhood, and taking a stand 
against violence. 

Music Stage Program

Saturday, June 15 

Noon - 12:45 pm Handyman Steel Pan 

1:15 - 2:00 pm Jeannie Tanner Quartet 

2:30 - 3:30 pm Odd Folk 

4:00 – 5:15 pm Conjúnto 

Sunday, June 16 

Noon - 12:45 pm Joe Dickinson 

1:15 – 2:00 pm Eastern Blok 

2:30 – 3:30 pm Meisha Herron 

4:00 – 5:15 pm The Pratt Cattz featuring Robert Irving 

For more information please contact: 

Katie Hogan (773) 764-9302 

Founder of Artists of the Wall Festival 

Keith Lord (312) 944-6270 

Founder of Artists of the Wall Festival 

Bill Morton (773) 850-0029 

Bill Morton Promotions- Publicist

Taste Food & Wine

Taste Food and Wine has one of the most beautiful, romantic atmosphere's I've ever encountered. I can take myself out of Rogers Park and imagine myself in another country, tasting a wine at a vineyard. It has such a unique charm, I can't help but be enamored with the place. The people are very helpful, answering calls and questions non-stop, and assisting you the moment you walk in their door.

You should attend one of their Wine Tastings to see just how magnificent Taste Food and Wine is. The Wine Tastings go on every Monday and Friday from 5pm to 8pm. 

LifeStorage Rogers Park

LifeStorage is a great location with the friendliest people I have ever encountered. Always ready with a smile to assist you, and asking if you need help if you are wandering in look of something. They give you great choices and don't push you the way some places I've been to do. They are a must if you are looking for storage space or someone you know is.

Caribbean American Bakery

Caribbean American Bakery has some of the most delicious meat patties I have ever tried. Michael, the owner, is one of the nicest men I have ever met, and all of the workers I've met are nice, friendly, and very efficient.

Visit their official site.

A L Taylor

A.L Taylor & Associates is a great accounting and tax service business that reaches out and works in Rogers Park, going so far as to travel here on their own. Started by Ayton Taylor, who still works there, and continued by his son of the same name, they are a great business that does hard, diligent work.

Visit their official site here.

Howard Jewelry & Loan

Howard Jewelry and Loan had some beautiful items, going from guitars, to necklaces, to ipods, cameras, dolls... An interesting store who has lovely employees, they are more than worth a look around. You might find your own personal treasure.

V Body

V-Body Fitness is a new business in town promoting core workout programing. For those who aren't sure what that means, the quickest explanation is that it's a cardiovascular workout that helps you improve agility, flexibility, and coordination.

Randy, the owner of V Body, plans on putting some more work into the area. He plans to repaint the area and to place some turf grass towards the back door. With a smile on his face, he also mentions getting more equipment into the space that follows his current practices. 

See V-Body's Official Site

See Them on You-Tube

And Add them on Facebook

Welcoming Towbar

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Towbar, the latest addition to Jarvis Square business district! They are now open with patio seating on the south and east sides!

Installing the new signage

A new bar design!

Open to our neighborhood's friendly faces!

Towbar

1500 W. Jarvis Avenue

Chicago, IL. 60626


Towbar social media:

facebook

twitter

Artists of the Wall 2013

Press Release For Artists of the Wall 2013 

Twenty years ago there was a wall along the lake, trash strewn about, graffiti littering the 
area, and people that were questionable harassing the passersby. 

A small group of Rogers Park residents (Keith Lord, Katie Hogan, Regina Robinson, and 
Richard Kaufman) sat on Keith Lord's back porch and came up with a brilliant idea to 
change the face of this wall; An Artists of the Wall festival. 

By cleaning up the area, painting the walls, and involving the police force in the painting, 
the negative personas that were in the area disappeared while the beautification of the 
area became apparent. 

The event has, since then, turned into a celebration of Rogers Park and it’s culturally 
diverse residents. People from all over have come to paint at Rogers Park’s Artists of the 
Wall. 

Businesses, churches, police, firefighters, lifeguards and people from age eighteen 
months to eighty years old have painted one of the 154 spaces on this 5,000 square foot 
(600 feet) wall over the past twenty years. 

The Artists of the Wall festival is a one-of-a-kind, ever-changing art project, the largest 
of its kind along the lakefront and running for twenty years, something unprecedented in 
Chicago. 

Artists of the Wall doesn't just promote both amateur and professional artists, it also 
promotes musicians by having an eclectic representation of Chicago-based bands. The 
bands and musicians that have played at Artists of the Wall have shared the stage with 
Windform, the first-of-its-kind art sculpture that was placed on city property. 

“Twenty Years on the Wall” is our theme this Father's Day weekend. For years, this 
event has defined what Father's Day is to our Rogers Park dads. In the past, fathers have 
called, happiness evident in their voices, because they finally had the day with their 
children and wanted to paint one of the spaces. 

This year is special for another reason, too. Last year, one of the artists, Terrence, died as 
a victim of gun violence in Chicago. His family contacted the Loyola Park Advisory 
Council and asked that his space be left intact this year so that they can add their story to 
his art. Terrence's death has saved the lives of six others because he was an organ donor. 

Don't forget to be at Artists of the Wall, “20 on the Wall,” this Father's Day weekend 
Saturday, June 15 to promote the beautification of our neighborhood, and taking a stand 
against violence. 

Music Stage Program

Saturday, June 15 

Noon - 12:45 pm Handyman Steel Pan 

1:15 - 2:00 pm Jeannie Tanner Quartet 

2:30 - 3:30 pm Odd Folk 

4:00 – 5:15 pm Conjúnto 

Sunday, June 16 

Noon - 12:45 pm Joe Dickinson 

1:15 – 2:00 pm Eastern Blok 

2:30 – 3:30 pm Meisha Herron 

4:00 – 5:15 pm The Pratt Cattz featuring Robert Irving 

For more information please contact: 

Katie Hogan (773) 764-9302 

Founder of Artists of the Wall Festival 

Keith Lord (312) 944-6270 

Founder of Artists of the Wall Festival 

Bill Morton (773) 850-0029 

Bill Morton Promotions- Publicist

Ecodwell

Great ideas lead to great things. And so it was with Ecodwell—what began as a product, providing affordable, energy-efficient homes to the general population, has expanded to become a mindful business offering design, construction, remodel and interior design services.

At Ecodwell, the primary mission is to keep projects as green as possible while being mindful of every client’s budget and financial obligations.

Avi Ron and Petros Kyvelos are the driving force behind Ecodwell and its approach. Coming from small countries—Avi is from Israel, Petros from Holland—where people provide largely for themselves and produce very little waste, both men were astonished by the wasteful habits of American society. That’s why, with Ecodwell, they focus on minimizing waste during construction while maximizing every home’s energy efficiency.

Asked about their approach to building new homes, the men explain that the process is different every time, depending on budget, property type and desired features. But with years of experience and hundreds of projects under their belts, it’s clear they’re doing something right.

When building new homes, Ecodwell is known to create vertical spaces with a smaller base footprint; this factors into the home’s overall efficiency. Avi and Petros are highly mindful of what details can affect a structure’s use of energy and include simple-yet-effective features that maximize day-to-day sustainability.

Though the desire for green homes and sustainable construction exists, it’s not yet cost-effective for most people to invest in structures that are 100% green. Still, Ecodwell continues to fill a unique need in Chicago real estate and will be leading the way as energy efficient construction continues to gain in popularity.

Official Website

Facebook

Twitter

Bill Morton Promotions

Local small business, Bill Morton Promotions provides Branding, SEO, Radio Promotion, Political Promotion, Business Promotion, and Social Media Services to musical artists, businesses across the United States and assists those wishing to run as alderman in Chicago.

Bill had a Texan recording artist DeDe Wedekind and New York recording artist Yolanda Hinton as platinum clients and works with Kate Smith Promotions in regards to Social Media.

If you have any questions in regards to his promotion strategy and wish to hire him, visit his website: BillMortonPromotions.com 

You can also contact him at BillMortonPromotions@gmail.com or call him at (773) 850-0029

7331 N. Sheridan- A Potential Landmark

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce attended the Program Committee's Commission on Chicago Landmark's meeting at 3pm on Wednesday June 5th, to present the criteria for which 7331 N. Sheridan Road meets the potential of Historical Landmark status in a three minute presentation.

Below are the criterion that are applicable to 7331 N. Sheridan Road:

Criteria 2. Significant Historic Event- According to the encyclopedic 1924 book by H.L. Meites, History of the Jews of Chicago, Temple Mizpah was actually organized in 1919 in Mr. Holsman’s home at 7331 N. Sheridan! The synagogue building on Morse was constructed in 1924 to accommodate the congregation of 350 families.

Mr. Holsman was also a director of the Marks Nathan Jewish Home for Orphans. The Marks Nathan Home opened in the Lawndale neighborhood in 1912 during the height of the immigration boom in America. At the beginning of the twentieth century in Chicago, many poor West Side Jewish immigrants fell on hard times, or even perished, and an orphanage was needed.

Criteria 3. Significant Person- Mr. Holsman was also a director of the Marks Nathan Jewish Home for Orphans. The Marks Nathan Home opened in the Lawndale neighborhood in 1912 during the height of the immigration boom in America. At the beginning of the twentieth century in Chicago, many poor West Side Jewish immigrants fell on hard times, or even perished, and an orphanage was needed.

Also according to Meites’ 1924 tome, a well-known lawyer by the name of Nicolas Pritzker was one of the founders and a longtime advocate for the Marks Nathan Home.

Criteria 6. Distinctive Theme- 7331 N. Sheridan Road is one of the few remaining mansions along Sheridan Road following a bungalow style.

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce received signatures from the owners, employees, and residents frequenting the below list:

Morse Gyros 

Grill Inn 

Squiggley's Yarn Shop 

J.B Alberto's 

Leona's 

Towbar 

V-Tone 

Morsel 

The Glenwood 

Quest Network Services 

The Side Project 

Potin Stil 

Taste Food & Wine 

Armadillo's Pillow 

Giordanno's 

Ice Cream Shop on Morse 

Ciao Bella 

Gruppo Di Amici 

Earth Center 

New to You Thrift Shop 

Hair Salon at 6975 N. Sheridan Road 

Shiva Beauty Salon 

Chase Bank on Morse avenue 

The Common Cup 

Not once were businesses outside of Rogers Park approached. 156 people are in favor of landmark status.

we have come back from a successful event at 33 N. LaSalle. We received permission to video record our presentation and Don Gordon and Margaret Meiser spoke on behalf of 7331 N. Sheridan Road. Unfortunately, Ben messaged me informing me he had a change in plans and couldn't attend. 

Interestingly Jonathan Fine from Preservation Chicago thinks this is an excellent idea and a great candidate for landmark status and has asked us to reach out to him, which we will do. 

We spoke at 3:47pm for a little over 4 minutes and thirty seconds. 

We anticipate a response on our efforts in two to three weeks.

V-Tone

Located at 1550 W. Jarvis Avenue, V-Tone fitness has great workers who are open, friendly, and willing to assist you with any questions you may have. They provide a clean, open environment for you to work out in and have such a wide variety of equipment that their is something for just about everyone! 

Check out their site and sign up today!

http://www.vtonefitness.com/

.

Christ Covenant Ministries

Christ Covenant Ministries is one of our newest members and they are a joy to see! The chamber attended their annual Revival as well as their weekly Sunday event! They were both beautiful events, so be sure to stop in one Sunday at 10 am!

Christ Covenant Ministries

7609-11 N. Paulina Avenue

Chicago IL.60626

(Across from the Howard Train Station)

Complimentary Wine Tastings

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce President, and Autumn Davids, Chamber Secretary, have attended the wine tastings and as they both agreed, the wines were delicious, unique, and the experience was well worth it. The owners were helpful and gracious, the workers checking on those looking at the wines, and the place was crowded with great people, having fun and chatting about the wines, the location and so much more. We recommend that everyone attend and explore your tastes by tasting wine!

Importance of Social Media

Every day businesses and individuals promote themselves on social media sites, varying from Facebook to Twitter, Blogger, MySpace, Pinterest, LinkedIn, websites, etc.

Social Media can be a double-edged sword, doing both harm and good at the same time. When we make minor errors, like spelling a word incorrectly, it can change someone's view about us or our business very quickly.

Other issues frequently come to the surface. Having too many e-mails, for example, can make it difficult for someone to reach us.

Social Media should be fairly simple. It's not too complicated to connect the varying sites so that they post to one another. Just go to Google Search and many different ways to connect are open to you.

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce has the following Social Media sites:

Blogger

Facebook

Flickr

Google+

LinkedIn

Myspace

Official Website

Pinterest

Twitter

Youtube

Social Media is not the full extent that needs to be considered. Communication is key to any successful endeavor.

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce has a very quick response time. It takes us 24-48 hours to respond to all calls and e-mails.

We also send out our newsletters, filled with information, once to twice a month depending on how  many events we attend in a given month.

Lastly, we are out in the community, talking to residents and business owners frequently so that we have a keen insight to the ongoing activities of the community at large.

It takes a lot to successfully speak to another person. One has to think carefully to not insult them by using body language that is inappropriate. Poor wording choices can also harm a conversation.

I find it best to study someone you are about to approach and begin with mundane topics. If someone is staring at a balloon, ask them about the balloon. Conversations can build quickly and become fun and witty exchanges if the approach is right.

Without Social Media and Communication skills, it's difficult to approach people, and to approach them in ways that will be well-received. Pay attention to the actions you exhibit and focus on topics that keep the listener enthralled.

image received from www.mbaonline.com

Artists of the Wall

Press Release For Artists of the Wall 2013 

Twenty years ago there was a wall along the lake, trash strewn about, graffiti littering the 
area, and people that were questionable harassing the passersby. 

A small group of Rogers Park residents (Keith Lord, Katie Hogan, Regina Robinson, and 
Richard Kaufman) sat on Keith Lord's back porch and came up with a brilliant idea to 
change the face of this wall; An Artists of the Wall festival. 

By cleaning up the area, painting the walls, and involving the police force in the painting, 
the negative personas that were in the area disappeared while the beautification of the 
area became apparent. 

The event has, since then, turned into a celebration of Rogers Park and it’s culturally 
diverse residents. People from all over have come to paint at Rogers Park’s Artists of the 
Wall. 

Businesses, churches, police, firefighters, lifeguards and people from age eighteen 
months to eighty years old have painted one of the 154 spaces on this 5,000 square foot 
(600 feet) wall over the past twenty years. 

The Artists of the Wall festival is a one-of-a-kind, ever-changing art project, the largest 
of its kind along the lakefront and running for twenty years, something unprecedented in 
Chicago. 

Artists of the Wall doesn't just promote both amateur and professional artists, it also 
promotes musicians by having an eclectic representation of Chicago-based bands. The 
bands and musicians that have played at Artists of the Wall have shared the stage with 
Windform, the first-of-its-kind art sculpture that was placed on city property. 

“Twenty Years on the Wall” is our theme this Father's Day weekend. For years, this 
event has defined what Father's Day is to our Rogers Park dads. In the past, fathers have 
called, happiness evident in their voices, because they finally had the day with their 
children and wanted to paint one of the spaces. 

This year is special for another reason, too. Last year, one of the artists, Terrence, died as 
a victim of gun violence in Chicago. His family contacted the Loyola Park Advisory 
Council and asked that his space be left intact this year so that they can add their story to 
his art. Terrence's death has saved the lives of six others because he was an organ donor. 

Don't forget to be at Artists of the Wall, “20 on the Wall,” this Father's Day weekend 
Saturday, June 15 to promote the beautification of our neighborhood, and taking a stand 
against violence. 

Music Stage Program

Saturday, June 15 

Noon - 12:45 pm Handyman Steel Pan 

1:15 - 2:00 pm Jeannie Tanner Quartet 

2:30 - 3:30 pm Odd Folk 

4:00 – 5:15 pm Conjúnto 

Sunday, June 16 

Noon - 12:45 pm Joe Dickinson 

1:15 – 2:00 pm Eastern Blok 

2:30 – 3:30 pm Meisha Herron 

4:00 – 5:15 pm The Pratt Cattz featuring Robert Irving 

For more information please contact: 

Katie Hogan (773) 764-9302 

Founder of Artists of the Wall Festival 

Keith Lord (312) 944-6270 

Founder of Artists of the Wall Festival 

Bill Morton (773) 850-0029 

Bill Morton Promotions- Publicist

Going Green

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce has launched the beginning of it's Going Green campaign! If you click our "Green Campaign" tab, you can look over the green suggestions we've collected at events as well as from visiting local businesses in Rogers Park.

If you believe your business belongs on our Green Campaign page, please, e-mail Autumn Davids with a link to your website and the paragraph on the site that displays what you do that makes you Green. 

Don't have a website? Then give us your address and we'll put you up!

info@rogerspark.cc

InTheLoop Marketing Inc

Tea Powell -President and Co-founder of InTheLoop Marketing came to us to promote his business venture, and the biggest benefit I can see is the potential control of Yelp reviews.

What do I mean by that? There's an application either on your phone or your computer, that allows you to not only preview the reviews, but to also send messages to your customer base to improve reviews and thoughts about your business.

I can only imagine how great of an impact that will have on future and current business, and we can only improve the way customers think of us.

Valued customers can receive news of upcoming specials/events or even after parties at bars and other venues.

Here is the contact information, be sure to get a hold of them soon and see how they can help you!

(773) 664-9050

intheloopmktinc@gmail.com

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Energy Impact Illinois

Energy Impact Illinois is a program that helps homeowners take action to lower the cost of their energy bills and create a more comfortable, valuable, energy-efficient home. Here are a few bullet points about Energy Impact Illinois:

• Energy Impact Illinois is providing rebates to help lower energy bills and make homes more comfortable and valuable. The program is run by the Center for Neighborhood Technology and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning. We are funded by the Department of Energy through a stimulus grant called the Better Buildings project which aims at reducing energy usage in buildings across the country.
• The goal of the program is to help homeowners see what is going on in their home in terms of energy efficiency, and to provide them with means to make improvements. These upgrades make  homes more comfortable, more energy efficient, and save the homeowner money (on average $500 a year).
• For a limited time, homeowners can save 70% or up to $1,750 off of air sealing and insulating projects for their homes. Air sealing and Insulation work is the cheapest, easiest, most bang for your buck way to reduce your energy usage.
• Those owning a 2-4 unit building or single family home are eligible.
• Air Sealing and Insulation work can be done in 99.9% of homes in our area, and this is the first program of its kind that does not have an income requirement.
• Home energy efficiency assessments usually cost $400-800 but are available for $99 through this program. The assessment is FREE for those who wish to host an Energy Assessment Demonstration (I can further explain this if you're interested).
• A BPI certified contractor will inspect your home and provide an estimate for air sealing and insulation -- in addition to a laundry list of other things the homeowner can do to make their home more energy efficient.
• We handle all of the paperwork and ensure the energy efficiency work on your home is completed correctly and safely. All contractors are BPI certified (Building Performance Institute). You'll see savings on your energy bills and feel the improved comfort of your home
• Please check out our website for a more comprehensive description http://energyimpactillinois.org/residential/

Energy Impact Illinois is currently offering:

Limited-Time Offer: Get $1750 in rebates for energy efficiency improvements to lower your bills and make your home more comfortable.

If you want to lower your utility bills and have a more comfortable home, but can't afford the upfront cost, Energy Impact Illinois can help. For a limited time, homeowners can receive 70% off energy efficiency improvements, with up to $1750 in total rebates on select energy improvements to your home. Your home will stay cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter and you'll reduce your energy use significantly. There are no income restrictions for the program and all single-family homes, 2-4 unit buildings, and most townhomes are eligible.

Energy Impact Illinois is an alliance of local government, non-profit organizations, and local utilities including Nicor Gas, Commonwealth Edison focused on helping homeowners in the Chicago Metro Area and Rockford make the lowest cost, most effective home energy efficiency upgrades. Air sealing and insulating are two of the most cost-effective and permanent improvements that homeowners can make. More than half of total energy costs come from heating and cooling a home and almost all homes let too much air escape or penetrate. Most homes (even newer ones) also have incorrectly installed or insufficient amounts of attic insulation.

To learn more about the program or schedule a reduced cost energy assessment, contact your local organizer Zoe Bottger at (312) 404-2945 or zoe@energyimpactillinois.org 

Squiggly's Yarn Shop

Every one has a dream that stays alive in their head. For some, it's a visit to a foreign country, to others, it's wanting the perfect family, and for people like Rico Blanco, it was to open up his very own yarn shop.

Rico has been stitching and making beautiful crafts out of yarn for thirty-five years. He told us that everything he has done up to this point has put him in a position to open Squiggly's Yarn Shop. 

Rico goes on to tell us that owning and operating Squiggly's is in his blood. Since both his father and grandfather entrepreneurs, the entrepreneurial spirit lives on in Rico and he is having great successes, even being open for so short a time. 

Squiggly's is now the home of the Stitching Squirrels, a group that started in Evil Squirrels comics, and when Evil Squirrel's closed, moved to Gallery B1e. When Rico, a long-standing part of the group was able to open  Squiggly's doors, it's no surprise that it "seemed natural" for the Stitching Squirrels to make Squiggly's its home Thursday nights at 8pm.

As if opening up a business isn't enough, Rico created an event called Knit and Be Fit. Every Sunday at 10am and 2pm those who attend go on a thirty minute walk through town to promote being fit. 

It has to be said that Rico's dream came true and it'll be a great influence to the neighborhood. All we can say is keep up the great work!

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Squiggly's Yarn Shop- Official Website