The Little Birdie with the Big Mouth

#AFewGoodMen Twitter Party June 15, 2011

 
I have the great honor of moderating the #AFewGoodMen Twitter Party, hosted by my BFF Kesi Reed and her Phenomenal Not for Profit Healing Hands Healing Hearts, Inc.  Kesi is launching her organization with an online event to honor and recognize four leaders of the African American community who are helping to Heal and Help our underserved youth. 

So, on June 15th, please join me and Healing Hands Healing Hearts,Inc  along with I AM YOU and Skin Deep Ministries as we honor these four prestigious men during the 1st Annual #AFewGoodMen Twitter Party.   Each of the men being recognized have consciously and proudly accepted the calling of being positive male role models in our communities.  They have each generally given of their resources, in money, time and notoriety, to bring not only awareness but also Real Solutions to the issues challenging our youth today.

   We Will Salute:

  
  Common ( @Common) and the Common Ground Foundation

 

 

  Steve Harvey ( @IamSteveHarvey) and the Steve Harvey Foundation

 

  Tom Joyner ( @TJMShow) and the Tom Joyner Foundation
 

   Russell Simmons (http://www.twitter.com/UncleRush) and the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation
 

Come help us celebrate the efforts of these #AFewGoodMen and their Foundations and recognize  #AFewGoodMen in Your Community:

When:  June 15th, 2011
Where: Twitter - Hashtag #AFewGoodMen  
Time : 7PM – 9PM EST

 

We’ll have fun Q&A  discussions, helpful ideas for your Father’s Day celebration, music, recipes for Sunday's BBQ and Creative Cocktails provided by Drinks On Me, Inc!

We'll also have  Tons of Giveaways!!!!
The first giveaway will be at the start of the party!
 A $50 Amazon Gift Card!

Find Out More & RSVP at:

http://bit.ly/HHHHAFewGoodMen

Be sure to follow #AFewGoodMen Honorees and be prepared to tell us about #AFewGoodMen in your community that are making a difference!
Tweet you on the 15th!!
 
Cheers!
Ms. Genevieve

#AFewGoodMen Twitter Party Honors Common, Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner & Russell Simmons

**IMMEDIATE RELEASE**

#AFewGoodMen Twitter Party Honors Common, Steve Harvey, Tom Joyner & Russell Simmons

June 3, 2011 Chicago, IL  – On Wednesday June 15^th from 7 -9PM EST, Chicago based NPO Healing Hands Healing Hearts, Inc, will hosts the 1^st Annual #AFewGoodMen  Online Twitter Party, recognizing the accomplishments and ongoing initiatives of four nationally known philanthropists:

• Common (@Common) and the Common Ground Foundation
• Steve Harvey (@IamSteveHarvey) and the Steve Harvey Foundation
• Tom Joyner (@TJMShow) and the Tom Joyner Foundation
• Russell Simmons (@UncleRush) and the Rush Philanthropic Arts Foundation

Kesi Reed, Founder and Executive Director of Healing Hands Healing Hearts, emphasizes that this event is all about Gratitude. “This Father’s Day we want to give honor and thanks to these Community Healers who are notable and prestigious men that have stepped up and embraced the responsibility of being positive male role models for our youth,” says Mrs. Reed.   “These men have created incredible organizations that are truly enriching the lives of underprivileged and underserved youth by giving them the resources to visualize and create a life of unlimited possibilities.  Their programs are turning big dreams into fantastic reality and this is our way of giving our Honorees a Big Community “Thank You!”

The online soiree is Co Hosted by Shawn Spencer, Founder of  I Am You ( @IamYounfp ) ,  E. Free, Founder of  Skin Deep Ministries ( @urbeautyshines)  and moderated by Chicago Twitter Personality “The Little Birdie” Ms. Genevieve ( @ms_genevieve ).  In true party fashion, the cyber celebration will also include food and cocktails (recipes), music, last minute gift ideas, and multiple prize giveaways to participants actively tweeting during the party.

Using the Twitter hashtag #AFewGoodMen, partygoers will participate in Father’s Day themed Q&A recognizing the Honorees as well as #AFewGoodMen in their own local communities.  Twitter Followers will also be prompted to Tweet testimonials and messages of appreciation to the Twitter Accounts of the Honorees in support of their ongoing efforts. 

More Information can be found at: http://bit.ly/HHHHAFewGoodMen

Follow on Twitter at @Hands_Hearts http://www.twitter.com/hands_hearts

 

About Healing Hands Healing Hearts

Healing Hands Healing Hearts is a non-profit youth outreach organization based in Chicago Illinois. Healing Hands Healing Hearts promotes and provides community youth events and resources geared toward serving and mentoring inner city youth. 

Website: http://healinghandshealinghearts.homestead.com

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/hands_hearts

Contact:  Healing Hands Healing Hearts, Inc. Kesi Reed, Executive Director , 347-871-4325, healinghandshealinghearts10@gmail.com  

 

About I Am You, NFP

I AM YOU is a Chicago Based Not For Profit. I AM YOU provides programs to at risk females aged 16-24.  Programs and services include Mentoring, Etiquette, College and Career Exploration and Development, Customer Service Training and Concentration in Entrepreneurship Creation.

Website:  http://wwwiamyounfp.org/

Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/IamYounfp

Contact:  I Am You, NFP,  Shawna Spencer, Shawna@iamyounfp.org

 

About Skin Deep Ministries

SkinDeep Ministries is a non-profit organization with a mission to empower girls and women from the inside out in every aspect of their lives through mentoring, interactive workshops, live events, and community development opportunities

Website: http://www.skindeepministries.com/

Twitter:  http://www.twitter.com/urbeautyshines

Contact: Skin Deep Ministries, E.Free, Founder, efree@skindeepministries.com

###

 

Media Contact

Genevieve Gonnigan

Marketing Director

Healing Hands Healing Hearts, Inc.

ggonnigan@gmail.com

773.387.9857

Twitter: @Ms_Genevieve

Olé!! Tacos & Cheap Drinks Daily in Chicago!!

I LOVE TACOS!!!

        

I Really Do.... I could eat them every single day.  To me, there's no such thing as a "bad" taco - You, my friend, are just not hungry enough.  I love Tacos as much as I love a cheap drink.  Lucky for me (and you), here's a list of little known Chicago joynts you can walk into with less than $10 and walk out full and fully buzzed!  Ole to THAT!!

Monday

 

Reggies Music Joint

2105 S State St

Chicago, 60616

http://www.reggieslive.com/musicjoint/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/reggieslive

Facebook:    http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=7007336183

 

Not too far from the Redline 22nd/Cermak stop, lies Reggies Music Joint, record store/sports bar/performance space/dip off spot.  The drinks and food here are great on any given day, but stop in here on Mondays when they offer Tacos for $1 and 1/2 off all tap Beers AND Reggies Vodka cocktails for $3. 

 

 

Tuesday

 

260 Sports Bar

260 W. 26th St

Chicago, 60616

http://www.260sportsbar.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/260sportsbar

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/260SportsBar

 

The city's renowned Ricobene family (yes, the Ricobene's of the famous breaded steaks and pizza) has opened up a fantastic sports bar near their 26th street location (a few doors down and a few floors up).   260 offers great food & drink specials all week long and I swear somebody's Grandmomma is in the back making the guacamole!  Drop in on Tuesdays when Tacos are $2 and Sauza Tequila Cocktails and Coronas are $2.  Did I mention free wi-fi??

 

 

Wednesday

 

Houndstooth Saloon

3369 N Clark

Chicago, 60657

http://www.houndstoothsaloon.com/

Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/people/Houndstooth-Saloon/1076744603

 

I've yet to head up to Houndstooth but have always heard great (though a bit slurred) reviews of this place. Most notably, their fine way to get over Humpday with $1 Tacos ( AND $3 apps) and $4 Margaritas and 1/2 off all drinks!!!

 

 

Thursday

 

Moe's Cantina

3518 N Clark & 155 W Kinzie

Chicago

Website: http://www.moescantina.com/

Twitter:  http://twitter.com/moescantina

Facebook: http://www.moescantina.com/facebook.htm

 

Drinking Deals always abound on the Northside and it's always a good time at Moe's Cantina.  Get an early start on the weekend and stop in on Thursday whenTacos are $1 and Margaritas and bottles of Sol & Dos Equis are $4!!

 

 

Friday

 

Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill

300 W 26th St

Chicago, 60616

Website:  http://www.resercom.net/348/menu

 

Also in the Bridgeport area, Carbon Live Fire Mexican Grill!!  The Tacos here fresh and delicious and average $2.50 everyday.  They offer a Fantastic Menu (try the side o beans) and most folks don't know, they also serve $3 margaritas but if you're into splurging or you know you're going back up to the counter anyway, go ahead and get the $5 cup!  

 

 

Cheers!

Ms. Genevieve

Sweet Events for Sweetest Day Chicago!

 Ahhhh  Love!!!! The recent warm, sultry nights have given us all one last opportunity at an “Indian Summer” Fling with life before the Hawk settles into our fine city for the remainder of 2010.  I hope you took the opportunity to snag-a-boo to keep you warm this winter.  Lucky for us Midwesterners, Sweetest Day is this Saturday, and will give us an opportunity to…Seal the Deal *wink*

I’ve always heard that Sweetest Day was a throwback to the Sadie Hawkins Dances where the Girl asked the Boy out on a Date.  So, Ladies, go on and grab your guy by the arm and take a chance on love at one of these Sweet Chicago Events:

 

Start the Day together at the Sweetest Day Breakfast fundraiser hosted by the Chicago Tappers Blind Bowling League at the Chicago Lighthouse for the Blind. Tix are only $10 and can be purchased at the door.  For further information, call Doris (Candy) Epps at (773) 573-4270 or (773) 731-4313. 1850 W Roosevelt Rd Chicago 60608

Catch a Dinner and A Show at the always festive Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament!  No pretenses, just good food and good times!  There are Two Shows on Saturday and still available at half price at GoldStar ($21.26 - $36.11)  2001 N Roselle Rd Schaumburg, IL
 

 Guarantee the Fireworks!! Snag a table at Cite, 70 floors above the city at the Top of Lake Pointe Towers with its 360 degree panoramic view of Chicago’s skyline and Navy Pier offers an Outstanding Backdrop to an Exquisite meal.  Call 312-644-4050 or make a reservation at OpenTable while there’s still time!  505 N Lake Shore Drive Chicago 60610

OR

Set sail for Love on the Spirit of Chicago Buffet Cruise! This cruise includes Dinner,  Live Music and a 2 ½ hour cruise where you can head out on the Observation Decks and Enjoy the Fireworks Show!! Boards at 7PM Departs from Navy Pier at 7:30. Tix are $90.90 and are Going FAST!!! Call 866-273-2469 to get yours!

 

Let the Sparks Fly!

Ms. Genevieve

FREE (((HUGS))) Today!!

  Today is Free Hugs Day! So here's a BIG (((HUG))!!

 

 

Did ya feel it?? :-)  Ya know, I've always loved the spirit behind this campaign, but I, personally, could be a bit prone to running and freaking out if a stranger comes up on me trying to give me .... A Hug.

A few years ago, I heard a chirp about a T-Shirt that could actual Give you a Hug from a loved one.  Aptly named - The Hug Shirt.

Here's how it works:

From the site - "Embedded in the shirt there are sensors that feel the strength of the touch, the skin warmth and the heartbeat rate of the sender and actuators that recreate the sensation of touch, warmth and emotion of the hug to the shirt of the distant loved one."

How Cool is That???

More info on the Hug-Shirt at: http://www.cutecircuit.com/products/thehugshirt/

More on the Free Hugs Campaign at: http://www.freehugscampaign.org/

 

Be Well,

Ms. Genevieve

Gotta a Minute?

 Check out this fantastic video of the campaign that started the Free Hug Movement

  

Well Whet My Whistle Matey! - Cheers to This Week's Chicago Events!

With the Fall brings the beautiful changing colors of the leaves, crisp breezes, and an array of Wine Festivals and OktoberFests. It's a Fantastic time to get out and enjoy our fine city!

 

Here are a few events this week, both local and journey worthy, to whet your curiosity...

 

 

Cheers!

Ms. Genevieve

 

 
Sept 15 - 17

Berghoff OktoberFest

The 25th annual outdoor bash features live music and raffle prizes. Bring cash for German food and beer sold by the Berghoff, including its Oktoberfest and Weiss brews.

11am-9PM Free Entry

219 S Dearborn - Chicago

Info:  http://www.theberghoff.com/public_events/Oktoberfest1.aspx

 

 

Sept 16

3rd Annual Jarvis Square Wine Affair 

An Enticing selection of 40 wines from around the world.

6:30 - 9PM $35 adv/$40 door 

1506 W Jarvis Ave, Rogers Park - Chicago 

Info:  http://www.localwineevents.com/events/detail/332113/chicago-third-anual-jarvis-square-wine-affair

 

Sept 17 - 18

The Naperville Wine Festival

This two day festival features more than 240 domestic and international wines from more than 40 exhibitors.

4:00-10PM $35 entry fee/$25 adv  $10 designated driver

Naper Settlement 523 S Webster - Naperville, IL

Info:  http://www.napervillewinefestival.com/

 
Sept 19

Booty Crawl - International Talk Like a Pirate Day

Dress like a pirate for the fourth annual crawl to six Lincoln Park bars. Includes trolley service, a buffet, rum punch and domestic drafts.

6:00-9PM $15

Starts at 810 W Diversey - Chicago

Info:  http://www.bar1events.com/index.php?BarID=6&Page=34&EventID=330

Grandparents Day 9.12.10 - Chicago Events

My Mom always calls to remind me about Grandparents Day. I never really think of her as a Grandparent because she's so young (Freshly Fifty!). But, she's the epitome of 2nd Mommyness. I would have certainly gone MAD by now had it not been for her constant support not only in raising Me, but also helping me raise my two sons.

Be sure to take time out to Thank your parents for the great job their doing helping you be a better parent!

　

Here are some fun events going on around town to help Celebrate GrandParents Day Sept 12th:

　

Let's Go to the Movies! - Grandparents pay kids prices at the Show Place Icon when accompanied by their grandkids 150 W Roosevelt Rd - http://exm.nr/cr22Om

Graue Mill's 9th Annual Cornfest - Celebrate with an old-fashioned family picnic! Lots of food will be provided by Uncle Bub’s BBQ, along with roasted corn on the cob, delicious homemade pies and sweet taffy apples. Plenty of entertainment, including games, races, a fishing tournament and a giant woodpile so kids can use hammers, nails and paint to create whatever they want! 11:30 to 4 pm. Free, with tickets available for all food, drinks and activities. - Graue Mill, 3800 York Rd Oak Brook, IL - http://bit.ly/9ark9t


Circus in the Parks - featuring the Midnight Circus and a whimsical assortment of acrobats, aerialists, clowns and contortionists. Circus in the Parks is a collaborative community fund raising effort. To purchase tickets and for more info visit www.CircusintheParks.com. Saturday 2pm/5pm; Sunday 1pm/4pm. $15.00, children under 2 are free. Gompers Park, 4222 W. Foster Ave, Chicago

Welcome...Me!

Hello Everyone!

Thanks to all who have come over to TypePad to find me ...either from Vox, Twitter or Fantastic Circumstance. 

For those of you who know me, it will come as no surprise that this blog will be primarily about the Fantastic Goings Ons happening in Chicago.  From time to time, I will also post about organizations and other fine individuals who need a little help getting the word out. 

I look forward to getting to know a new slew of folks and am glad to also be back among friends.

Be Well,

Ms. Genevieve

New Years Eve Happy Hour TweetUp - Chicago

My good friend Don at Just Grapes , in Chicago's West Loop neighborhood, has graciously allowed me and a "few friends" to #Tweetup for Happy Hour at his Wine Shop on New Year's Eve.  Hey, what's a Few Friends between Friends?? 

So Come Meet and Mingle w/ Me ( @ms_genevieve )
&
 My Tweeps
@aakomas @MrMixologist & @YoungChef
for the
Final Happy Hour & TweetUp of the Year !

NYE Happy Hour TweetUp

New Year's Eve

12.31.09

at

Just Grapes

560 W Washington
Chicago IL 60661

5:30 - 7:30 PM CST

Just Grapes

The Just Grapes Tasting Bar is a great spot because not only do they have a Fantastic Selection of Wines but they also have the only Automated Self Serve Tasting Machines in the Midwest!  So, when you come in, you'll purchase a Rechargeable Tasting Card, and then, with the push of a button, proceed to taste up to 24 different wines!

The taste prices ranges from .50 cents to $5 and you can load up your card with any amount $10 - $100.

Just Grapes also offers weekly discounts which you can receive when you TEXT "GRAPES" to #39970 and you can find out about weekly tastings by Following Don at Just Grapes on Twitter @JustGrapes

Stop by After Work or Before you Head Out to your NYE Bash
&
Let's Taste a Few Good Wines
&  .

Raise A Glass to Toast to New Friends & A Prosperous New Year!!

See Ya There,
Gen
@ms_genevieve

"You Are the Solution" Forum 10.03.09

"You Are The Solution" Forum
Presented by
The Black Star Community PTA and the League of Black Parents
 
The solutions to problems in the Black community are not outside of the Black community. The solutions are not in what we say, but in what we do. You are the solution! 
 

In Chicago and across America, we cannot stop the carnage of Black children without you! 
 
 
"You Are The Solution" Forum
Illinois Institute of Technology
Saturday, October 3, 2009
12:00 noon
3201 South State Street
Chicago, Illinois
Please RSVP to Lauren at 773.285.9600
 

You are the solution.  Join us for our "solutions" forum.  Even if you do not stay for the forum, you should please come to sign-up to be part of the solution and be prepared to do at least one of the following activities:

1.Volunteer for our Student Motivation / Mentor Program and become a classroom-based mentor for 6th- through 12th-grade students at least 3 times a year

2.Volunteer for our Real Men Read Program and become a classroom reader for kindergarten to 3rd-grade students two times per year

3.Volunteer for our Destination College Program and become a college coach for 4th- through 8th-grade students two times per year

4.Join our 100 Concerned Women In Action to work with a team of women helping to solve the problems of the community

5.Join our League of Black Parents and Black Star Community PTA to work for and advocate for the education of all children

6.Attend Parent University classes that create outstanding parents at least 4 times per year

7.Join our Million Father Movement, where fathers take their children to school or visit their child's school at least one day each month

8.Join our Take A Black Male to Worship Day, where faith-based organizations reach out to young Black men 4 times per year

9.Join our Fathers Club and take your children to free sports, athletic, cultural, educational and recreational events at least 4 times per year

10.Become a dues-paying member of The Black Star Project to support the above programs. Click here to join.

While we are all part of the solution!!

This forum will feature these solution leaders:

•Phillip Hampton of Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy
•Spencer Leak, Sr. of Black on Black Love (Invited)
•Tio Hardeman of Cease-Fire!
•Rev. Franklin Ballenger of By The Hand Club for Kids 
•Phillip Jackson of The Black Star Project

http://www.blackstarproject.org/home/

Please RSVP to Lauren at 773.285.9600