NPN Jana

It’s a night to be supported, to ask questions and share resources, and to be with other parents who get what it’s like to deal with special challenges for their kids. Parents of kids with all types of developmental differences welcome (sensory processing disorder, autism, ADD/ADHD, PDD-NOS, mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, Down syndrome, physical disabilities, medical issues, etc.). Parents/family only, please (no therapists, students or business owners). The Zoom link will be included in your eticket. Register for upcoming dates in 2023 here: July - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. August - virtual September - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. October - virtual November - This event is in person at Gigi's Play House, 3948 N. Lincoln Chicago, IL 60613. December - virtual Do you live south of the Loop and want help starting NPN's Developmental Differences Parent Support Group in your neighborhood? Email Amy at amy@npnparents.org to discuss!

Come for music class, stay for ice cream! Kids who attend this event receive one free kid scoop with purchase of one adult scoop!! Join us at Jeni's Spendid Ice Creams for a fun and active music class for the whole family! Work up an appetite and earn that ice cream with non-stop interactive songs and activities! For families with children ages 0-6 years old to enjoy with a parent or caregiver. Admission is $18 per child. RSVP required. Please go here to register. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: erin@themusicplayhouseofchicago.com.

Hyde Park Art Center, the renowned non-profit hub for contemporary art located on Chicago’s vibrant South Side, is hosting a day of free immersive art exhibitions and activities as part of their series Center Days, an all-ages program filled with artmaking activities, workshops, and artist talks. This month’s program, fully in-person on Saturday, December 10th from 1-4 p.m., is centered around the current exhibitions Ground Floor, Joseriberto: BoboDeco, and Regarding the Missing Objects which features its own tour with the curator, artwork activations by exhibiting artists, classic holiday performances by Four Coast Ensemble and all-age artmaking, while offering open studios from the art center’s new roster of resident artists in 2022. The event is free and open to the public, and pre-registration is encouraged at hydeparkart.org. Advanced registration is required, please go here to register. Parking is available outside the main entrance on Cornell Ave. If the lot is full, you can park on the street anywhere around the Art Center; however, it can take 10-15 minutes to find a spot. These are external partner events. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: maggie@silvermangroupchicago.com.

Why won't my toddler stay in his bed? Why is my toddler getting upset when we are going to do things she enjoys? How do I encourage using the potty? Get answers to your questions about toddler and preschooler behavior and development at Smart Love's 'In the Pursuit of Happiness' free parenting webinars. Parents can ask specific questions or get a general understanding of the meaning behind the behavior as Dr. Carla Beatrici, Smart Love's Director of Clinical Services, offers tips on how to respond in a manner that strengthens your relationship with your child and helps to create a happier, healthier home life. This a free, online event. Additional sessions: School-Age Children: January 19, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m. Teens: May 18, 2023 @ 10:00 a.m. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: amber.guenther@smartlovefamily.org.

40+ Moms, bring your little ones and enjoy some playtime at Horner Park. Partners and significant others are welcome too. Share some memories or even a few lessons learned with other understanding moms. This group welcomes all 40+ moms with children newborn - 5 years. Meeting place will be near the southwest side of Horner Park by the children's nature play area (look for colorful soccer cones). We may move to other play areas after the meeting starts. Day of contact info will be provided after registration. Please sign up for this group to attend. NPN members only. Please provide cell phone number as texts will be sent for weather cancellations. You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.

Designed and led by Chicago artists, Family Days are monthly programs at the MCA for all families and youth. Enjoy FREE admission while taking part in workshops, open studio sessions, gallery tours, and performances. Family Days are organized by Christiana Castillo, Manager of Learning, Youth Interpretive Programs. If you have any questions about Family Day programming, please email Christiana Castillo. Admission is free to Family Day attendees. MCA admission is always free to anyone under 18. No RSVP required. ASL interpretation is provided. November 12, Express Yourself Through Movement: Engage in programs and activities focused on movement and self-expression. December 10, Uplift: Engage in programs and activities focused on uplifting visual art-making and bomba and plena performances (11:00AM - 3:00PM). Paid parking available at parking garage 161 E Chicago Ave. These are external partner events. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: sypervaiz@mcachicago.org.

Join us for Play Day for a Cause! This free event has great games and fun activities for your kids while supporting Metropolitan Family Services, a non-profit with a mission to empower families to be the best that they can be. We will be accepting donations of winter clothing for children and adults such as hats, gloves, coats, scarves, boots, sweaters, etc. With a focus on empowering families and children, Kiddie Academy Educational Child Care and Metropolitan Family Services are working together to give every child what they deserve: a chance to succeed. The event is free and open to the public. Donations are appreciated, but not required to attend. No RSVP required. Free parking in shared parking lot right in front of the building. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jackie.sheahan@kiddieacademy.net.

Join St. Benedict Preparatory School at our open house: In-person Preschool Open House for the 2023-2024 school year. Meet the teachers and explore the school! See how St Benedict's century-long tradition of superior education in a vibrant Catholic community can influence your child to become an inspiration to others, to learn fearlessly, to lead responsibly, and to serve joyfully. No RSVP required. Street Parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jgallagher@stbenedict.com.

Join St. Benedict Preparatory School at our open house: Grades K-7 Open House for the 2023-2024 school year. Meet the teachers and explore the school! See how St Benedict's century-long tradition of superior education in a vibrant Catholic community can influence your child to become an inspiration to others, to learn fearlessly, to lead responsibly, and to serve joyfully. No RSVP required. Street Parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jgallagher@stbenedict.com.

Greektown Chicago hosts a special free cheer event for the 2022 Chicago Marathon at the corner of Gladys and Halsted Streets. The marathon passes through Greektown twice, at Miles 14 and 17, giving viewers two chances to support their favorite runners. Celebrate the ancient Greek origins of the marathon at Greektown’s event, which includes a sign-making station, complimentary coffee and Greek pastries, and a DJ playing Greek and American music all day to keep the energy flowing. Marathon spectators are encouraged to grab a bite to eat in Greektown during or after the event at one of the neighborhood’s popular restaurants. All are welcome, no RSVP required. Free side street parking in Greektown available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: nicole@silvermangroupchicago.com

The St. Helen Carnival brings rides, live music and food to the 2300 block of Augusta Blvd. in Ukrainian Village. This a three day event and includes October 1, 2022 12:00PM to 10:00PM and October 2, 2022 12:00PM to 7:00PM Admittance is free for all and no RSVP required. Street Parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: Mbj2307247@aol.com.

Irish Community Services holds a free weekly community playgroup for kids and their caregivers! Meetings are held every Tuesday from 10:00am - 11:30am at the Irish American Heritage Center. Activities include games, crafts, dance, music, and more! This is a recurring event and will meet weekly. Every Tuesday 10:00am - 11:30am This is a free event. All are welcome, no RSVP required. Free Parking available in lot. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: khowlett@irishchicago.org

40+ Moms, bring your little ones and enjoy some playtime at Horner Park. Partners and significant others are welcome too. Share some memories or even a few lessons learned with other understanding moms. This group welcomes all 40+ moms with children newborn - 4 years. Meeting place will be near the southwest side of Horner Park by the children's nature play area (look for colorful soccer cones). We may move to other play areas after the meeting starts. Day of contact info will be provided after registration. Please sign up for this group to attend. NPN members only. You will receive an email confirmation after you register. Questions? Contact Cathy at giantjumperee@gmail.com.

In-person high school fair hosted by Chicago School GPS at the British International School of Chicago. Knowing how to cast your net wide and increase your options is KEY to a successful Chicago high school search. Join Chicago School GPS as we bring together over 35 participating public, private and boarding high schools & resources, each with unique qualities that you may not have known about prior to coming to our Hidden Gems Fair. PLUS, you can meet helpful resource vendors and partake in informative breakout sessions that will give you clarity on the high school process. Join us for an afternoon designed to make your high school journey a successful one! Our invaluable breakout sessions offer insights for Middle School Parents and Students on topics such as: • Navigating the high school admissions process • Entrance test tips & strategies • International Baccalaureate programs demystified • Planning for success in High School & beyond Go here to view our growing list of 2022 schools and businesses. $15/family via online prepaid registration Go here to register. Need based Fee Waivers Available! Pre-Register online by 10/1/22 or pay $25/family at the door. Parking available at Roosevelt Parking garage, 1115 S. Delano Ct. with 2 hour parking validation. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: info@chischoolgps.com or 312.324.4774.

NUBAO is non-profit organization founded by graduate students at Northwestern University dedicated to educating, exciting, and inspiring Chicago Public School students and teachers about neuroscience and STEM. We will be hosting our 11th Annual STEM Neuroscience Fair on Saturday, October 1st from 9am - 4pm. This event is a FREE open house style event where students of all ages and their families/chaperones can stop by to learn about the brain through hands-on demonstrations and fun activities. Advanced registration required. Please go here to register. Parking available at Lurie Medical Research Building with parking vouchers provided. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: nubrainawareness@gmail.com

Join Us For an After-Hours Benefits Webinar on SSI, SSDI, HFS, DHS, PUNS, and more - Understanding the Alphabet Soup of Government Programs and Benefits brought to you by Family Benefit Solutions in partnership with Anixter. This interactive informative session will focus on the who, what, where, and when of the four major government benefits, how working may affect them, how they may change over a lifetime and how to protect them. This is a free, online event. RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: BGlavaz@anixter.org

Chicago’s only chalk art festival Chalk Howard Street is proud to announce its entertainment programming and vendors list, as it makes a full return outdoor and in person for the first time since 2019. National and local street artists, neighbors, families, and street art lovers will transform the street surface into a creative canvas on Saturday, August 27, 2022 from 11 a.m.– 8 p.m., on Howard Street between Paulina and Ashland, east of the Howard Red Line ‘L’ stop. This free-admission street art festival features live music, local vendors, food and drinks, while offering striking and immersive street art experiences as well as street squares available for public purchase. The live music lineup includes DJ Slacky J (12-3 p.m.), Fruteland Jackson (3-3:45 p.m.), Kreyol Roots (4-4:45 p.m.), Urban Rhythm Band (5-5:45 p.m.), Cally & the Snag (6-6:45 p.m.), and Four Star Brass Band (7-7:45 p.m.). An interactive dance performance by professional dance artists from Synapse Arts Collective will take place from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. to enliven pedestrian intersections and invite residents of all ages, abilities,and identities for a suite of creative and therapeutic dance movements. Art, food, retail, and nonprofit vendors include and are not limited to Afterglow Art LLC, Athena Board, Game Cafe, Cricket Wireless, DELFA CHI Art, Designs By Uchita, Highest Dimensions 2D mixed media art, Legacy Barber College school and barbershop, Made with Love Organic Vinegar, Nourishing Hope, Silver Smith Solutions, and Small Business Advocacy Council. Chalk Howard Street returns to full scale outdoor for the first time since the festival’s 2019 debut, after being held in alternative forms from 2020-21 due to the pandemic that included Virtual Chalk Howard Street that highlighted local businesses, a pop-up in-person live chalk art drawing session, and a self-guided walking tour Walk Chalk Howard Street. This is a free event and no RSVP is required. Neighborhood parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: louise@silvermangroupchicago.com

Printers Row Lit Fest, the largest outdoor literary showcase in the Midwest, returns with 100% free programming for book lovers. Printers Row Lit Fest features new, old, rare, and hard-to-find literary treasures in tents stretching out over five blocks of Dearborn Street from Polk Street north to Ida B. Wells Drive in Chicago’s historic Printers Row neighborhood, in addition to engaging literary events with local and national bestselling authors and more than 100 independent and diverse booksellers—plus spoken word performances, readings, writing workshops, and more. This year’s festival features a dedicated poetry tent with programming by The Poetry Foundation and a multitude of events geared towards children and young adults. Programs include Theatre on the Hill Presents Choose Your Own Once Upon A Time, an opportunity for children to decide the fates of their favorite fairy tale characters in a live, interactive theatrical event, and Carlos Theatre Productions presenting bilingual Latin American theater for children. The Poetry Foundation will host child-centric programming including a presentation of the fantastically illustrated The Book of Questions featuring the poetry of Pablo Neruda with illustrator Paloma Valdivia and translator Sara Lissa Paulson. Meanwhile, parents can hear Dr. Dana Suskind in conversation with Heidi Stevens about her recent book Parent Nation: Unlocking Every Child's Potential, Fulfilling Society's Promise. This event takes place, Saturday, September 10 and Sunday, September 11, 2022 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. This is a free event and no RSVP required. Street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: katy@silvermangroupchicago.com

Chicago’s popular Taste of Greektown festival returns for its 32nd year this summer with the city’s largest celebration of Hellenic cuisine and culture, Friday, August 26 through Sunday, August 28, along Halsted Street from Adams to Van Buren. The neighborhood’s acclaimed Greek restaurants are the stars of the show, along with Live music and entertainment, Greek dancing, unique shopping and retail, family-friendly activities and more. Opa! The neighborhood’s acclaimed Greek restaurants are the stars of the show, including 9 Muses Bar and Grill (315 S. Halsted Street), Artopolis Bakery, Cafe and Agora (306 S. Halsted Street), Athena Restaurant (212 S. Halsted Street), Mr. Greek Gyros (234 S. Halsted Street) and Spectrum Bar & Grill (233 S. Halsted Street). Live music and entertainment at Taste of Greektown includes Hellas 2000 on the Devanco Foods main stage on Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm as well as Saturday and Sunday from 2 pm to 10 pm, playing a mix of traditional and nostalgic tunes as well as more updated, modern Greek music. On the second stage, DJ Yianni will play music on Friday from 5 pm to 10 pm and on Saturday and Sunday from noon to 10 pm. The 5th Annual Devanco Foods Gyros Eating Contest takes over the second stage on 6 pm on Saturday. The 32nd annual Taste of Greektown festival is presented by the Greektown Chamber of Commerce with additional support from Greektown SSA #16. The festival will be open Friday, Aug. 26, from 4-10 p.m.; Saturday, Aug. 27, from Noon-10 p.m.; and Sunday, Aug. 28, from Noon-10 p.m. An optional $7 donation is suggested for attendees. No RSVP required. Paid Parking available at 765 W. Adams St., Arkadia Tower Garage. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: nicole@silvermangroupchicago.com

PlayWorks Therapy, Inc. is a pediatric therapy clinic providing a variety of clinical therapies to children ages 0-12 and is conveniently located in the Roscoe Village neighborhood at the Bradley Business Center.

Join Erikson Institute’s Center for Children and Families (CCF) in a conversation about how to help young children manage their stress or anxiety in the wake of the Highland Park shooting and ongoing gun violence across Chicago and the surrounding areas. This is a free, online event. RSVP is required. Please go here to register. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: ccowie@erikson.edu.

Spend part of your weekend at the Poetry Foundation with Poemtime, a weekly story time that introduces poetry through fun, interactive readings, songs, and art projects! Children ages two to five and their caregivers are invited to join library assistant Evalena Friedman for a lively morning of poetry. Walk-ins welcome; registration recommended. This event is free and has additional dates available: Saturday, August 13, 2022, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Saturday, August 20, 2022, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM Saturday, August 27, 2022, 10:00 AM - 10:30 AM This a free event, but RSVP is recommended. Please go here to register. Paid street parking available. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: eoconnellthompson@poetryfoundation.org

Join us for a story time with Curious George! This event is FREE and our very special character will be available for photos in between readings and crafts. This a free event. No RSVP required, but you can find more information about this event here. Free parking in lot in front of building (shared with McDonalds). This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: jackie.sheahan@kiddieacademy.net.

For nearly 40 years City Home Vacuums and More has been providing expert service to Chicagoland! We are a one stop shop for vacuums, central vacuums, air purifiers, humidifiers, repair and more! Two great locations to better serve you! Lincoln Park: 2646 N. Lincoln Avenue, Chicago, IL 60614 773.348.4500 Oak Park: 148 N. Oak Park Avenue, Oak Park, IL 60301 708.660.9800 Stop by or call to find out more!

Enjoy FREE Kemps Moose Tracks Ice Cream to help raise $10,000 for the Greater Chicago Food Depository. The event will take place downtown Chicago at Pioneer Court. 10,000 scoops of Moose Tracks will be served as a part of the largest ice cream social around: the 10,000 Scoop Challenge. For each scoop served, Moose Tracks will donate $1 to the Greater Chicago Food Depository, with the hopes to raise $10,000 for vital community programs. Paid parking is available at or near Pioneer Court. This is an external partner event. Please contact the organization directly with any questions or concerns: akirn@lambert.com