Tuesday, May 05, 2009

What's Good in Chicago


Hey Red Cross Readers!
How much do you love Chicago? My favorite thing about this remarkable Midwest metropolis is the seemingly limitless amount of entertainment. Especially so when the sun starts shining and the temperature is rising! That’s right, just because our focus is on safety and preparedness at the Red Cross doesn’t mean we don’t appreciate fun times. We just know how to do it right. So, if you’re looking to make the best of the time and space you occupy, here’s an update on the wonderful events that your city offers this month.

Thursday, May 16
Come out and experience a day of art, music, dance, and life at the grand opening of the Modern Wing at the The Art Institute of Chicago! Museum leaders, city officials, and the renowned architect of the Modern Wing, Renzo Piano, will be present for the brand new building’s civic dedication at 9 a.m. and ribbon cutting ceremony at 10. Performances by international and local artists will take place all day on an outdoor stage on Monroe Street as well as in galleries throughout the museum. Lecturers will be present to discuss the latest additions and interactive art programs will be available for kids and their families at the new Ryan Education Center. If you can’t make it for the event, be sure to stop by when you can and see the newest and most definitely the hottest cultural attraction in Chicago. Read about why it's so great!

Thursday, May 16 & Friday, May 17
The Chicago Green Festival, a joint project of Global Exchange and Green America, will showcase more than 350 diverse local and national green businesses at Navy Pier. More than 150 speakers will appear for insightful panel discussions and presentations on how Midwest neighbors, community nonprofits, and city departments are working together to make their cities a healthier place to live.

Every Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Saturday, and Sunday, May 14 – Oct 15
The Chicago Farmers Markets are a great place to find fresh fruits, vegetables, plants, and flowers from over 70 vendors at 20 locations throughout the city. My favorite is the Daley Plaza Farmers Market which takes place every Thursday from 11 a.m. – 3.

Sunday, May 24
Experience Chicago like never before – biking on a car-free Lake Shore Drive! The City of Chicago will open the eight lanes of Lake Shore Drive to bicyclists for the annual Bank of America Bike the Drive event. This is a benefit for the Active Transportation Alliance (formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation), a non-profit biking, walking and transit advocacy organization. Register Here to enjoy 15 miles of open road between the gorgeous Michigan Lake shore and the outstanding Chicago architecture.

But don’t forget to travel safely. Always bring a personal safety kit with you whenever you’re away from home. If you don’t have one, visit our store and find the right sized kit for you and your family. Planning on taking a dip in the lake after your bike ride? Sign up for swimming and CPR classes so you’re ready in case of emergencies.

I strongly encourage you to take full advantage of our lovely city this May and to enjoy the sunny seasons without regret. Be safe!

George J Hofmann II
Development Operations Intern at the American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

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