DOWNTOWN — You can now grab rolled ice cream in Uptown, this fall might have even prettier leaves than usual and a Chinatown native is inspiring Chicago's kids.
Catch up on what's happening around the neighborhoods:
[LaneTech.org]
Lane Tech Finds Homecoming Opponent — Itself
ROSCOE VILLAGE — Left without a homecoming opponent when Whitney Young Magnet High School suddenly pulled the plug on its football season, Lane Tech finally found a foe ready, willing and able to fill the gaping hole in its football schedule.
The school will play itself — unofficially.
[DNAinfo/Howard Ludwig]
These Frankenstein-Faced Pumpkins Will Creep Out Your Neighbors
MORGAN PARK — Feel like someone is watching you while shopping at County Fair Foods? It might just be the produce.
The independent grocery store at 10800 S. Western Ave. bought 90 "Pumpkinsteins" Friday and displayed half of them near the two entrances.
[DNAinfo/Joe Ward]
From St. Therese To Harvard, Yi Wei Tells Students How To Change The World
CHINATOWN — Yi Wei's journey took her from the streets of Chinatown to Harvard University and eventually to every corner of the globe. Now, the St. Therese Chinese Catholic School graduate is back at her alma mater to tell kids how they can attain the same level of success.
Wei, a 2002 graduate of St. Therese, 247 W. 23rd St., was welcomed back to the school Monday with a reception and a question-and-answer session with students. She talked about her time as a underprivileged, immigrant kid growing up in Chinatown — where she played violin on street corners to raise money for her family — to her days at St. Ignatius College Prep, Harvard and beyond.
[DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser]
What On Earth Happened To This Wicker Park Tree? Art Baffles Locals
WICKER PARK — An old tree in Wicker Park has sprouted some very unusual parts.
Located in Wicker Park's namesake park at 1425 N. Damen Ave., the tree was recently adorned with puffy handmade objects that appear to be made of stuffed nylon, ribbon, black and red threads and buttons.
[DNAinfo/Josh McGhee]
Rolled Ice Cream Now Served: Ice Station Opens On Argyle
UPTOWN — After a soft opening earlier this week, Ice Station is now open for business.
The rolled ice cream shop, which opened in the former home of Seafood Hot Pot at 1130 W. Argyle St., will celebrate its grand opening Friday, according to its manager.
[Provided/Found Footage Festival]
Super Weird Found Footage Festival Comes To Music Box Theatre
LAKEVIEW — When Nick Prueher was a teenager working at a McDonald's in Wisconsin, he found an old training video for janitors in the break room that turned out to be the genesis of the Found Footage Festival.
"It was called 'Inside and Outside Custodial Duties,' and it was so remarkably dumb," Prueher said with a laugh. "It was like, this crew trainer was really perky and training this dopey trainee, and I was like, 'This cannot stay in the break room. This needs to be seen by the world.'"
[DNAinfo/Linze Rice]
Colvin House Transformed: Check Out The Landmark's New Look
EDGEWATER — After suffering decades of neglect as a private residence, the freshly renovated historic Colvin House is nearly ready to open as a co-working space, open to the public.
Angela Valavanis, owner of Creative Coworking in Evanston, bought the property at 5940 N. Sheridan Road last year for $1.15 million. It has been a Chicago landmark since 1994.
[DNAinfo/Kelly Bauer]
This Fall's Leaves Might Be Even More Beautiful Than Usual. Here's Why
DOWNTOWN — It's supposed to be fall ... so, why aren't the leaves all red and gold?
Well, they are changing. Slowly.
Fall leaf colors don't peak until mid-October and early November for Chicago and the rest of northern Illinois, according to the National Weather Service. But trees do start to change color in late September (so you might be able to find a few bright spots around the neighborhood if you're feeling antsy).
[DNAinfo/Alisa Hauser and Windy Kitty website]
Bucktown Cat Cafe And Adoption Center Aims To Open By Halloween
BUCKTOWN — A gathering spot to hang out with cats and to possibly even adopt one or two will be opening soon in Bucktown, after a planned location in Lincoln Park did not happen.
Located at 1746 W. North Ave., The Windy Kitty Cat Cafe and Lounge is owned by artist and Irving Park resident Jenny Tiner.
Tiner, who signed a five-year lease on the storefront last week, said Monday that she plans to open The Windy Kitty Cat Cafe by the end of the month.
