The Chicago Traveler

Chicago is known worldwide for its architecture, but that doesn’t mean Windy City residents don’t appreciate “amber waves of grain.”
Openlands is a local, independent, non-profit conservation society that preserves and enhances public open spaces in northeastern Illinois. Since its beginning in 1963, the organization has secured more than 45,000 acres of land for public parks, forest preserves, and urban gardens.
You can do your part by volunteering in one of their many projects, including farmers markets in Humboldt Park and community gardens in Austin, Humboldt Park, Pilsen, and Lawndale. You can also get certified to care for and maintain the city’s …read more

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Soaring gas prices and global warming issues remind us that we need to take care of our planet and be as fuel-efficient as possible. Our newest Travel & Culture Channel member, Liz Lewis, provides all kinds of great information on how to travel eco-responsibly at Traveling the Green Way. Welcome Liz!

Photo credit: b5media

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• Jim Jeffries, an Australian comedian whose R-rated humor has headlined the Edinburgh Fringe and Just for Laughs, performs at the Lakeshore Theatre. (May 8-9)
• At the new exhibit Smart Home: Green + Wired, visitors can explore a real, three-story sustainable “green” home in the Museum of Science and Industry’s backyard featuring energy-saving techniques and environmentally friendly materials. (ends Jan 4)
• Watch an informal fashion show featuring styles from Erin Gallagher and other local boutiques at Mom and Me Fashion Tea. Located at the Four Seasons Hotel, guests can enjoy tea, finger sandwiches, scones, and (for an extra fee) champagne. …read more

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• Save up to 80% on high-end jeans at The Warehouse Sale, located on the second floor of Navy Pier. At least 20 denim designer labels are available for men and women. Come early and RSVP at http://www.thewarehousesale.com/. (Apr 18-19)
• Spring brings new fashions and accessories to Ultimate Girls’ Night Out. Hosted by Sheque, the ladies-only event at Le Passage & The Drawing Room includes three hours of beauty services, chocolate, Barefoot wine, Rain vodka martinis, and champagne. Beauty services include manicures, massages, makeovers, and eyebrow waxing. Half of all proceeds benefit the International Center of Deafness and the Arts. …read more

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Do the planet a favor and participate in tonight’s Earth Hour. This international event asks households and businesses to turn off their lights and non-essential electrical appliances for one hour tonight at 8:00 p.m. (CST) until 9:00 p.m.
Governments, businesses, and individuals on six continents will participate in Earth Hour. Chicago is the World Wildlife Fund’s flagship city for the United States. We can conserve electricity and lower carbon emissions just by turning off the lights for 60 minutes. Expect a dark Wrigley Field marquee, dim Michigan Avenue storefronts, and even an unlit Sears Tower.
By working together, each of us can …read more

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