After the email exchange I had with Allyson on Wednesday, I feel compelled to write this review…read more First, I will take you back to September of 2010; it was not my finest hour by any means. I had graduated from college that May and had been sitting around the house collecting dust ever since. Once you have been unemployed long enough to see Family Feud go through two hosts, you know that the time had come to once again give your life purpose, so I actively began to tackle items on my bucket list. Through some research on handy-dandy Yelp, I discovered Sweatshop of Love. Last September, I started with Allyson's 'Holiday Present Prep' class (which she is repeating again this year). It is basically the class you make out of it. Everyone in the class contributes to a Google Doc list of homemade gifts that they would like to make for their friends and family. All class participants can access and alter it so everyone can encourage each other and get ideas for their gifts as well. During this 10-session course, I learned not only the knitting basics, but also how to make scarves, socks, mittens, gloves, bags, the ever popular beer cozy, and 80% of a sweater (I ran out of steam on it toward the end; smaller projects provide more instant gratification!). Granted, I was knitting like it was paying the rent and the rent was due tomorrow, but I couldn't believe the quality and amount of instruction I was able to receive for $95. Allyson is so sweet and patient; she will never say anything but encouraging things to you in class. I may not have had a job, but I still had the satisfaction of knowing I could make practical items for myself, which was (and still is) so invaluable. Almost immediately after Holiday Present Prep finished, I landed a job...and started a lunchtime knitting group. The student had become the teacher? Not quite Allyson caliber, but I knew enough to teach a group of ladies at work how to make 'Grandma's Favorite Dishcloth'. I felt like such a proud parent when my coworkers would come up to me on Monday morning and show me the progress they had made over the weekend. Anyway, this Wednesday, Allyson sent out an email regarding her upcoming fall classes, which included another item on my bucket list: learn how to crochet. Nice! If you are not ready to make that 10-week commitment, she also offers a one-night introduction to knitting and individual one or two-night projects you can choose to work on. If you are completely new to this and don't know where to begin, Allyson will also buy your supplies for the first day for an additional fee. So to sum it all up, you can learn some yarn arts at a reasonable price with a friendly group of people in a cozy coffee shop in Logan Square. If you have always wanted to learn how to knit or crochet, this is a great place to start! The only thing you stand to lose is that trip to Target when you need a new pair of socks.

The Sweatshop of Love totally rocks!…read more I had my first class with Allyson last year and she was super patient and understanding with me and my clumsy fingers. After she taught me how to knit, I wanted to take it up a notch and learn how to crochet. I went to her beginner's crochet class with a friend and we had a great time! We all chatted and drank coffee and had so much fun! She always takes the time out to help you and she never makes you feel stupid for not getting something the first (or second, or third) time. BONUS: She always sends detailed notes and instructions following a class so you don't forget what you have learned! I would HIGHLY recommend The Sweatshop of Love for your knitting and crocheting education!

I have been going to the Mosaic School since January 2025 and have taken 3 classes. The teachers…read moreare great, the atmosphere is welcoming, and I tell all of my friends and family about this place! Nowhere else in the U.S. is there an art school that has such a focus on mosaics. I've learned so much -- they provide the materials and the expertise. I've met some really wonderful people and friends and am already signed up for their stained glass class in September!

Just spent the most amazing weekend at the Chicago Mosaic School. I traveled over 500 miles to get…read morethere and it was well worth my time and effort. I felt the atmosphere to be warm and accepting, accommodating those with little experience and those who spend their lives being creative. It was a perfect balance of informational, historical and hands on Glass work. All my questions were thoroughly answered and I left feeling inspired and eager to utilize what I learned. I would recommend this school to any and all. An added bonus is the eclectic neighborhood, warm and charming teacher, Lydia, inclusive atmosphere and creative vibe that persisted throughout the class.

I've volunteered with Cradles to Crayons several times already by myself and with my kids. Their…read moremission and goals are clear and evident. They are extremely organized and can take large group of volunteers but also work with smaller ones. I highly recommend coming here as part of a group from work or even with your family especially if you have never volunteered before.

I've volunteered for countless field trips for my 3 kids over the years and Cradles to Crayons is…read moremy personal favorites. My son's class came here to help sort thru the many many bags of donations they receive. I thought the staff at Cradles to Crayons did an amazing job explaining to a group of 3rd graders how this was an opportunity to help those less fortunate and love that they also got to help with the process. We spent a few hours sorting thru piles of clothing and dividing them into different categories (winter coats, girls short sleeve shirts, skirts to name a few). The kids had a lot of fun and even got a few chuckles when they came across things like bras and thongs, which were thrown in the "recycle bin." After a few hours of work they took a tour of the amazing facility, ate lunch and the Cradles to Crayon staff wrapped it up by praising them on their hard work! My son mentioned it was a super fun day and I think he enjoyed it more than the other field trips we've taken this year (ex: Chicago History Museum). I've now been here 3 times for field trips with my kids and each time I make a note that I need to come separately of school. This time I'm determined to make the time to donate my time to this amazing organization and great excuse to clean out my closets ahead of time to make a donation!

Husband's family rotates hosting the large family holiday which alternates between Christmas and…read moreThanksgiving depending on the year. This year was our turn to host Christmas and I was stressed out about how we would accommodate everyone, which could range from 30-50 people. Not only were we passed the hosting torch from my in-laws, but we were the first to host outside of our home. I've lived in the neighborhood for almost a decade and passed this place countless times, but had no idea it was a VFW. When I reached out about renting the space, the post commander was super helpful. Husband and I took a tour and booked it. I came back once more to get photos and measurements so we could plan for the event. They have plenty of tables and chairs and the beams in the room have LEDs which we set to red and green to make it festive. We ended up with 50 people for a sit down dinner, which we did potluck. We got so many compliments on the party and the space. We had plenty of space for people to sit, food, and kids to play. The post commander was also our bartender (you can bring food, but alcohol goes through the VFW) and he was great with everyone from the older relatives to the smallest kids. We aren't up in the rotation again for 5y, but I wouldn't hesitate to host here again. They're not usually open, so you can't just show up and grab a drink at the bar, which is a shame because it's just the kind of place we would frequent. Overall this was perfect for our needs, including the price. You don't need to be a vet to rent the space.

This place just got a major overhaul. Fresh new interior and OMG, TV's galore!…read moreAlso, they host the best fish fry you will find in the state.

My grandpa joined Park Falls Masonic Lodge in 1952 and became a 33rd degree mason. Since then, my…read moregrandparents, mom, sister, and I have all been members of Masonic appendant organizations for adults and youth, so these groups hold a special place in my heart. This is a grand building in Jefferson Park! It was established in 1912. It would have been so interesting to see it in its heyday, but there are still several Masonic organizations that meet here. There's a two-story staircase outside but I don't think that is in use any longer, generally speaking. Whilst the Masonic bodies use this space for their meetings and events, I believe it is also available for rent by outside groups (as is common with Masonic temples). I've come here a few times for meetings of Betsey Ross Chapter and considered taking a dual membership, but at the time it was hard for me to commit especially since I had a commute that made meeting nights difficult. But it was nice to visit, and I enjoyed pro-temming once or twice. Parking is at a premium depending upon when or why you're here. There are a few spots at the building but to be honest I'm not sure that the parking lot belongs to the Temple, because when the temple was built it was next door to homes on both sides, so I think it's possible that the parking in fact belongs to the Secretary of State's office. Luckily, events that take place at the Masonic Temple don't tend to overlap too much with the SoS hours. There is some street parking nearby, and I'm not sure what the relationship is with the bank across the street but I think that parking is only for the bank/Gale Street Inn. But Jeff Park (the actual park) is about a block away so there's parking along the street there too. After the pandemic, where people were so isolated and whatnot, I think there remains a place for organizations like the Masons, Eastern Star, Job's Daughters, Elks, etc. It would be nice to see these organizations grow, and change, and experience a resurgence.

Jefferson Park Masonic Temple is home to numerous Masonic "Blue" Lodges, the Old Chicago York Rite…read moreBodies, and the Betsy Ross Chapter Order of the Eastern Star. 2nd Monday: Providence Lodge #711 2nd Tuesday: Oriental Lodge #33 2nd & 4th Wednesdays: North West Lodge #271 2nd & 4th Thursdays: Hesperia Lodge #411 2nd Friday: King Oscar Lodge #855 3rd Wednesday: Hellenic Lodge #1084 3rd Thursday: Betsey Ross Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star 3rd Thursday (practice room): Old Chicago York Rite 4th Tuesday: Oriental Lodge #33 4th Thursday: Old Chicago York Rite 4th Thursday: Albertus Magnus Commandery of Research No. 92

A great local Ravenswood / Lincoln Square organization helping to serve the underserved and hungry…read morein the area. By working with shipping volunteers (among others), shoppers are able to pick out food with dignity. I've only volunteered here once so far but I think they're doing some really good work. Sign up to volunteer via their website!

The Friendship Center is doing some good things for three community…read more I've always wanted to help out my neighbors by volunteering, and what a pleasure it has been to dedicate my time here. TFC treats all shoppers with dignity and respect and does it's best to provide a much-needed service to those in need. Operating in 4-hour increments, shoppers have the opportunity to pick out their choice of groceries from an assortment of items. Shopping volunteers guide them around the pantry and bag the items for the shoppers. Hot meals and delivery meals are also provided on occasion. I encourage anyone interested in volunteering to come by and help out. It could not be easier or more fun. I also encourage anyone in need to check to the website to see if they qualify.

The York Rite is the next step in Freemasonry once one has become a Master Mason. It is a…read morecontinuation of our ancient legend and reveals that which was lost. Information on joining can be found on our website (http://www.chicagoyorkrite.net) and we encourage all Master Masons to learn more about our fine organization which is conveniently located in Jefferson Park. Our website is a great resource for recent news concerning our groups as well as for learning about any of the individual organizations and degrees that we practice. However, here is a little information to get started with... The Old Chicago York Rite Bodies consist of the following organizations: *La Fayette Chapter No. 2: Mark Masters & Holy Royal Arch Freemasons *Chicago Council No. 4: Royal & Select Masters ~ Cryptic Freemasonry *St. Bernard Commandery No. 35: Masonic Knights Templar *Albertus Magnus Commandery No. 92, MKT... The only commandery of research!!! Stated meetings for St. Bernard and Albertus Magnus Commanderies occur on the 1st Tuesday of every month at 7:30pm while La Fayette Chapter and Chicago Council share the 3rd Tuesday of every month, also meeting at 7:30pm. Dinner for all 4 groups is always at 6:30pm. Location: Jefferson Park Masonic Temple 5418 West Gale Street, Chicago, IL 60630-2190 This address is easily accessible from the Kennedy Expressway (I-90), Milwaukee Avenue, the CTA's Blue Line, and Metra's Union Pacific Northwest Line. We welcome Master Masons interested in learning more about our organization as well as those who have not been able to attend meetings recently and those visiting from other York Rite Bodies. Additionally, the York Rite also has several prominent invitational (honorary) organizations located in Chicago for those who have advanced in their work with the York Rite. As the nature of these organizations implies, one must be invited and does not apply or ask to join them. *IL York Rite College No. 15: Supporting & promoting York Rite Freemasonry *St. Bridget Council No. 23, Knight Masons: Irish Green Degrees *Lux Ex Oriente Council No. 379, Allied Masonic Degrees *Even Me'Ukevet Council No. 167, Allied Masonic Degrees

The food, presentation & execution was flawless!…read more I can not say enough about Chef Jaime and foodjoy! My husband and I were first introduced to this "underground restaurant experience" last year when foodjoy hosted our wedding rehearsal dinner; a five-course chocolate themed meal that everyone is still RAVING about! Since then we have attended two other dinners ("5 Oceans" and "Breakfast Favs") and both have exceeded our expectations. I would highly recommend this type of dinning experience to anyone looking to try gourmet cuisine in a fun intimate atmosphere.

Foodjoy is a wonderful experience…read more Foodjoy and Chef Jaime made a friend's engagement and my Father's 80th birthday incredible, delicious memories.