3700 N. Halsted St. #2-SChicago, IL 60613773.975.0264

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AsiAns And Friends FundrAiser

Features Lyric Opera Singer

Asians and Friends Chicago will present a musical buffet of entertainment at its upcoming “No Business Like Monkey Business” fundraiser to support its Gay Pride Parade float and its national chapter’s International Friendship Conference or “IFCON 2016,” which will be held here in the Windy City over Labor Day.

The May fundraising event will coincide with celebrations commemorating Asian Pacific Islander month, and will be held on Sunday, May 22, 2016 at 1pm at Sidetrack, 3349 N. Halsted Street in Chicago. A donation of $20 or more will get donors a drink ticket and admission to the Sunday “Fun-day” entertainment.

The event’s headlining performer is Rodell Rosel, a touring operatic tenor who is set to appear this season in Lyric Opera of Chicago’s “The Magic Flute” and “Das Rheingold.” Other performers include Joel Camden, currently featured in “The Little Mermaid” at Jedlicka Performing Arts Center in Cicero, Ill., and Angel Abcede, who has performed with the Wilmette, IL based Light Opera Works.

Special give-away gifts and support for this event have come from Level 257 in Schaumburg, IL, the Lynfred Winery in Roselle, IL, and Party City, Rockaway, NJ..

“It’s a big year for Asians and Friends Chicago,” said Angel Abcede, president of the Chicago chapter of Asians and Friends. “Our organizing committee worked for a good six months before last Labor Day to present Chicago as the conference’s next host city, and we’ve been working hard ever since to bring in our fellow chapters from around the country and the world.”

Asians and Friends Chicago is a proud 2010-2011 inductee into the Chicago Gay and Lesbian Hall of Fame, a two-time “Best Organization” winner in the Gay Pride Parade and the host of the 2016 International Friendship Conference (IFCON). Visit www.ifcon2016.org or Asians and Friends Chicago’s website at www.afchicago.org. For more information, call their hotline at (312) 409-1573.

[Photo:] Rodell Rosel

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Join The Anti-Cruelty Society for Bark in the Park 22 on SATurdAy, MAy 21 AT Soldier Field!

Bark in the Park is the Society’s single largest fund-raising event of the year. Walking in Bark in the Park shows you care, but raising funds for the animals shows them you care. More than 75% of our funding comes from compassionate individuals like you. Bark in the Park is more than a walk, it’s a chance to make a difference and save lives!

The walk steps off at 9am where participants will enjoy sweeping skyline views as you stroll along Chicago’s famous lake front path surrounded by fellow animal lovers and their canine companions. The walk will be followed by a morning of fun and long-lasting memories with your pooch on the Stadium Green. Take part in the celebration complete with canine agility courses, product samples from small business sponsors, dog massages, a pawdicure spa, caricature drawings, arts and crafts, relay races, family friendly activities, plus free snacks, souvenir photos, 50/50 cash raffle, and much more!Canine influenza virus (CIV), also known as dog flu, remains in the Chicago area. This virus has sickened thousands of dogs since spring of 2015 and shows no signs of disappearing. An effective vaccine has been developed and is now available at private veterinary offices throughout Chicago. We urge dog owners to discuss vaccination with your veterinarian, especially if you use dog parks or play groups, or use grooming, boarding, or daycare facilities.

For more information and to register visit www.barkinthepark.org

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If you are looking to spice things up in the bedroom or perhaps preparing for someone’s bachelor/bachelorette party, you may have noticed that one shop on the strip with all the goodies is no longer at the same location. Not to worry, everyone’s friendly adult novelty shop Batteries Not included has moved a few blocks north, it's now located just north of Waveland Avenue on Halsted Street. We wanted to find out how things were going at their new location, so we popped in with our clipboard in hand.

Drew, who works the shop during the day, gave us a short tour of the new place tells us “We have our adult items here in the front so customers can be in and out if they know what they want. We are also nearby in case anyone has any questions.” As we continue on our mini tour, Drew points out a fun assortment of gift items and explains, “We have cards, magnets, buttons, stickers and some Chicago souvenirs. Right now we have candles, but we'll have different gifts displayed depending on the season. More than likely Pride gifts will be here soon.”

Next we take a look at the back of the store which contains all of the bachelor and bachelorette party

supplies. Drew tells us that he wants everyone to feel welcome no matter if they are gay, lesbian, bi, straight, male or female. “We want to help everyone find exactly what they want.”

We also spoke with Derek, who works the evening shifts. Derek tells us that things are always interesting on Halsted St. at Batteries, especially during the late hours since they are located a few doors north from the Center on Halsted and neighbors with Kit Kat, Cell Block and Salsita. He’s all about customer service and loves to hear from people about what they like, which helps him to give better recommendations. Derek says, “It's nice that people wave as they pass by, I always wave back. I want them to be happy as they are strolling by or when previous customers come to check out the new location.”

Since Batteries Not included is open late, you can stop in any time day or night to pick up those last minute items you might need later for your hot date. Remember gifts are a nice touch and it's always good idea to be prepared for when the lights are low and the night is in full swing.

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