Friends of the Chicago River

You know that really big river that flows through Chicago? Yup, that one, the Chicago River. Well, “Friends of the Chicago River” is the only organization solely dedicated to the Chicago River. Since 1979, this organization has been working hard to improve and maintain the health of the river system for the benefit of people, plants and animals. The Chicago River is a total of 156 miles long. Friends’ work spans the entire thing from focusing on a greener habitat to making sure the water is clean and usable for everyone to enjoy.

There are many volunteer opportunities available. Friends is always welcoming those interested in participating to make the river a cleaner place for everyone. Whether you’re looking to get your hands dirty or help work on special events there’s something for everyone. For those looking to get involved, you can sign up at chicagoriver.org.

Saturday, May 12th is Chicago River Day! This is an annual event where people can collectively make long term improvements to the Chicago River. Anyone and everyone of all ages is welcome! There are 60 locations spanning the Chicago River to choose from.

Each year, Friends of the Chicago River chooses a spirit animal to help spread awareness about the health of the river and how it affects many living creatures. This year’s spirit animal is the Monarch Butterfly, known to make very large two way migrations from Canada to Mexico, nearly 3,000 miles. Many butterflies follow the Mississippi River along with the Chicago Rivers important extension of the fly.

Working Bikes in Chicago

Summer is just around the corner and Chicago is seeing more bicycles hit the street every day. However, many of us take bicycles for granted. We buy a bicycle, ride it sometimes, but also allow it to collect dust. Sometimes, we even decide we’re just never going to ride it so we throw it out. But throwing out your bicycle isn’t the only option. You can donate it to Working Bikes to give it a new life and purpose.

Working Bikes is a non-profit organization stationed in Chicago, Illinois, but its reach goes much farther than Cook county’s borders. Founded in 1999 by Lee Ravenscroft and Amy Little, the organization continues to grow from its humble beginnings. Since its inception, Working Bikes has been refurbishing bicycles to donate to people in need in Chicago, while also providing bicycles for communities in countries such as El Salvador, Panama, Uganda, and Ghana.

 

In Chicago and around the world, these bicycles are a mode of transportation to work, school, and in scarier circumstances, medical attention. They can also be used to create electricity and tow cargo from one location to another. But access to bicycles, especially in poorer communities, tends to be very limited. Working Bikes is working to eliminate that problem because bicycles can help a community thrive.

There are several ways you can get involved with or help Working Bikes.

1. You can donate your bicycle to Working Bikes.
2. You can volunteer at their shop to help fix bicycles that will be donated to people in the Chicago.
3. You can purchase a bike at their shop.

Whichever route you decide to follow, you are helping Working Bikes and people in need.

If you want to visit Working Bikes in person, they are located at 2434 S Western Ave in Chicago. You can also visit Working Bikes online by clicking HERE.

Gwyneth Paltrow kidnaps local comic; offers life advice

Academy award-winning actress and all around model X/Y humanoid Gwyneth Paltrow was in the Windy City this past weekend. However rather than hit the Magnificent Mile for tarte de pomme and posturing as originally planned, the actress instead found herself in a bizarre stand-off/motherly intervention with the local comedy scene after Paltrow kidnapped a local comic, hijacked his Facebook account and began offering life advice.

Chicago comedian Tyler Jackson just before the abduction occurred.

What began as a chance meeting and friendly handshake between Paltrow and comedian Tyler Jackson, 26, who co-produces the monthly comedy showcase Late Late Breakfast, escalated quickly sources said. Witnesses claimed the abduction took place in a matter of seconds – in plain view of police officers – outside the NFL draft on Michigan Avenue.

Worried friends were shocked to see Jackson pop up on Facebook shortly after. “We thought he was a goner,”said Liz Maupin spouse of Danny Maupin, who together make up the rest of the Late Late Breakfast team. Their relief was short-lived however as the clearly unapologetic and brazen Paltrow began offering her services as a life-coach-food-blogger to Jackson’s social media network.

“I thought she was taunting us,” said a dumbfounded Liz Maupin, “But she answered all the questions.” Topics ranged from advice about pets, child rearing, and even celebrity dating. Liz and Danny Maupin say they became suspicious when Jackson began randomly quoting Paltrow on social media. “When I saw he was awake at 8:30am, I knew something was up,” Danny Maupin said.

The following day police had still not been able to locate the actress. Although unable to comment officially, an officer who asked to remain anonymous suggested a possible motive. “Ever since Facebook started requiring real names we’ve seen a ton of celebrities kidnapping normal people to use their profiles.” The officer claimed, “When you name your kid ‘Basket’ or ‘Dreidle’, Facebook thinks you’re making a fake profile so [they’re] doing it for their kids.” We reached out to Facebook for comment but did not receive a response prior to press time. Many believe that Jackson is still in Paltrow’s custody.

Police have asked that anyone with information contact local authorities.

To stay up to date on all the silliness going on in the Chicago comedy scene, tune in to Backstage Chatter – Wednesdays’s @ 8pm on WCRX 88.1FM 

In the meantime, here are more highlight’s from Tyler Jackson’s day as Gwyneth, SCROLL ON!