logo
Park Ridge ‘Wine Walk' brings together local businesses and area residents

Park Ridge ‘Wine Walk' brings together local businesses and area residents

Chicago Tribune06-05-2025

Wine samplings, small bites, fellowship, pop-up tents and more filled Uptown Park Ridge as the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce hosted its annual 'Wine Walk' Sunday. on April 27.
Twenty-one Park Ridge businesses — both new and long-standing — participated in the event, giving more than 250 attendees a chance to explore local shops and sip various wines. Tickets were priced at $45 per person and included a business passport checklist, goodie bags, souvenirs and entry into a raffle.
'The Wine Walk has been going on since approximately 2014. Some years we do more than one a year, but this year in 2025, we'll only be doing one,' said Jackie Mathews, executive director of the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce. 'It's an opportunity to explore our beautiful city, spend time in our beautiful businesses on a Sunday, and really visit businesses people haven't been to before- or ones they haven't visited in a while.'
Since its inception, the Wine Walk has expanded, and chamber officials hope that growth continues.
'It's grown in attendance. Our businesses do such a beautiful job of really rolling out the red carpet for all those who are our guests,' Mathews said. 'They do a beautiful job of having little small bites, choosing a lovely wine, and we have options for those not partaking in wine. We've definitely made a concerted effort, thanks to our president, Jerry Kowalczyk. Since the event takes place in Uptown, we also invite businesses from North Park and South Park.'
Harp and Fiddle, an American and Irish rustic-contemporary tavern established in 2016, served as the starting point of the Wine Walk. Businesses like Don Juan's Cantina and event sponsors Cooney Funeral Home, Chris Varco at Origin Point, The McGovern Group at RE/MAX Properties Northwest set up pop-up tents on the back patio.
'We do real estate here in Park Ridge, so seeing new homeowners come to this event and actually experience Park Ridge for the first time … it's awesome seeing that,' said Cassidy Gooding, a real estate broker for The McGovern Group, an original sponsor of the Wine Walk.
'Their faces light up just talking about being able to experience it, because you don't immediately go to 21 stops on your average Sunday.'
At their pop-up tent, The McGovern Group and Chris Varco at Origin Point teamed up to offer Rosé and Spring Angel wine, along with a lip balm, headband and a special giveaway.
Park Ridge residents Kimberly Walters and her daughter, Shea Walters, attended the event for the first time, calling it a perfect afternoon to spend together.
'It's my first time at this event. I've known of it, but I can't believe this is the first time because I do love everything in Park Ridge — and wine,' Kimberly Walters said. '[Shea] just got back in town. We're like, 'oh, this would be a great event to come out and spend a nice afternoon with my daughter' and again, support everything Park Ridge.'
2 Sisters Boutique A+L, an Uptown Park Ridge shop offering trendy clothing for women and men, was stop number 20 on the walk. The owners have participated in the event since it first began in 2014, and served rosé toward the back of their shop.
'There's a lot of new faces that I haven't seen before, and then many returning faces, which has been great. I just think it's wonderful that people are out, and they might not have been here before, but they're coming in here and seeing what we have to offer,' said Natalie Amabile, owner of 2 Sisters Boutique A+L. 'The weather has really helped. Everyone is in such a great mood, which makes it very fun.'
Devin Kenny, a newer Park Ridge resident, attended with friends and it was her birthday. They spent the afternoon checking out businesses, sharing laughs, tasting snacks from local vendors and sipping some of their favorite wines.
'It's been wonderful weather, and checking out new businesses is great,' said Kenny. 'I like to get out, and we've already met brand new people. I love it.'
'I'm also newer here — five years — but I love that Park Ridge does so many things like this which helps me feel part of the community,' said Debbie Breit, who joined in celebrating Kenny's birthday. 'I didn't have that where I came from, so this is wonderful.'
The next event the Park Ridge Chamber of Commerce is preparing for is 'Market After Dark,' officials said, returning for its second year. The event is expected to feature food trucks, drinks, music, vendors and other specialties, and will take place on May 31, June 21, and August 23 at the Park Ridge farmers market footprint.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Trump Administration To Give $1,000 Boost to All Newborn Babies
Trump Administration To Give $1,000 Boost to All Newborn Babies

Newsweek

time37 minutes ago

  • Newsweek

Trump Administration To Give $1,000 Boost to All Newborn Babies

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. President Donald Trump has announced a $1,000 tax-deferred investment account for American babies born during his second term. The president revealed his plans at a roundtable at the White House on Monday, alongside several prominent CEOs, including those of Uber and Goldman Sachs. Newsweek has contacted the White House and the Democratic Party, via email, for comment. Why It Matters The president said these "Trump Accounts" are "fully funded through targeted reforms in the One Big Beautiful Bill," a piece of legislation that has faced much criticism and sparked the now-viral spat with Elon Musk. The broad budget package passed the House by one vote and is now headed to the Senate, where some Republicans have voiced concerns about certain parts of the bill, which the Congressional Budget Office has said will add $2.4 trillion to the U.S. national debt. President Donald Trump speaks during an "Invest in America" roundtable with business leaders at the White House, Monday, June 9, 2025, in Washington. President Donald Trump speaks during an "Invest in America" roundtable with business leaders at the White House, Monday, June 9, 2025, in Washington. AP What To Know The White House said the accounts will "afford a generation of children the chance to experience the miracle of compounded growth and set them on a course for prosperity from the very beginning." Every U.S. citizen born after December 31, 2024, before January 1, 2029, will receive a one-time contribution of $1,000 that will "track the overall stock market," Trump said. The accounts, which will be controlled by guardians, can allow additional private contributions of up to $5,000 annually. "This is a pro-family initiative that will help millions of Americans harness the strength of our economy to lift up the next generation. And they will be getting a big jump on life, especially if we get a little bit lucky with some of the numbers and the economies into the future," Trump said. "In addition to the substantial financial benefits of investing early in life, extensive research shows that children with savings accounts are more likely to graduate high school and college, buy a home, started a business and are less likely to be incarcerated. Trump Accounts will contribute to the lifelong success of millions of newborn babies," he added. The White House has expressed some concern about declining birth rates, with Vice President JD Vance saying on January 24 that he wanted "more babies" to be born in the U.S. In February, Trump signed an executive order expanding access to in vitro fertilization for Americans. And Transport Secretary Sean Duffy directed his department to give funding precedence to "communities with marriage and birth rates higher than the national average." The White House has also explored giving women a "baby bonus" of $5,000 to encourage Americans to have more children, The New York Times reported in April. What People Are Saying House Speaker Mike Johnson said: "It's a bold, transformative policy that gives every eligible American child a financial head start from day one. Republicans are proud to be the party we always have been. It supports life and families, prosperity and opportunity." Goldman Sachs CEO David Solomon: "This initiative gets at the core of binding those future generations to the benefits and the potential of America's great companies and markets. Early childhood investments have far-reaching benefits, and Goldman Sachs is proud to support his initiative ... Our economy's future vitality is dependent on young people understanding the power of investing for the long term." Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi: "What if we could give that same powerful, real, tangible hope that comes from having a stake in your own future and a stake in the best companies in the world to every single child that's born in this country? That's the promise of the Invest in America Act. It's not just an account; it's a launchpad. It puts the unstoppable engine of compounding to work for our kids, building a future for them from day one." What Happens Next The bill, which includes the "Trump Accounts" program, is headed to the Senate, where changes are expected as legislators aim for a July 4 deadline. The chamber has a 53-47 Republican majority, so there is only a little room for GOP dissent if the bill is to become law.

Aethero Secures $8.4M to Build the Next Generation of Space-Based Computing and Autonomous Spacecraft
Aethero Secures $8.4M to Build the Next Generation of Space-Based Computing and Autonomous Spacecraft

Business Wire

time37 minutes ago

  • Business Wire

Aethero Secures $8.4M to Build the Next Generation of Space-Based Computing and Autonomous Spacecraft

SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Aethero, a defense-focused startup building space-grade computers and autonomous satellite platforms, announced $8.4M in seed funding today. The company's seed round is led by Kindred Ventures with participation from Neo, Giant Step, O'Shaughnessy Ventures, and Alumni Ventures. 'We're delivering a full suite of autonomous systems that will power the next generation of space operations – faster, smarter, and ready to scale,' said Edward Ge, CEO and co-founder of Aethero. Aethero's computing technology is unlocking a new era of on-orbit autonomy and connectivity, empowering the US and its partners to operate more effectively in space environments and respond decisively to emerging space-borne threats. 'We're delivering a full suite of autonomous systems that will power the next generation of space operations – faster, smarter, and ready to scale,' said Edward Ge, CEO and co-founder of Aethero. 'As global competition intensifies, US leadership depends on our ability to move with strategic urgency and commercial ambition in space. We're enabling our mission-critical customers to operate at the edge and positioning American operators to lead in the most important domain of this century.' Aethero's space-grade computers and platforms use AI/ML technologies that enable satellites to learn and respond to situations in real time, supporting everything from coordinated swarm maneuvers between multiple on-orbit platforms to missile warning and tracking. This gives a major advantage when compared to traditional systems that rely on outdated processors and require significant human input, with limited software capabilities. Integrating more processing power and custom programs allows Aethero's systems to compress and process data instantaneously for significantly better AI/ML capabilities than current space computers – a critical advantage for time-sensitive defense applications and intelligence gathering. 'Aethero is redefining satellite technology by integrating advanced AI/ML software and computing to deliver unmatched performance in space,' shared Amit Pinnamaneni, CTO and co-founder of Aethero. 'Our systems fundamentally change how data is processed and decisions are made in orbit to offer more efficiency and autonomous capabilities than traditional satellite systems. Our innovative approach positions us to lead in the space sector, driving defense and commercial advancements for years to come.' New capital will fuel the additional development of next-generation space-grade hardware and software alongside two further demonstration satellite missions, enabling seamless space operations for Aethero's growing customer base across the public and private sectors. About Aethero Based in San Francisco, Aethero is building the next generation of space-grade computers and autonomous satellite platforms. Through its advanced computing capabilities, Aethero enables the US and its partners to streamline missions, cut reliance on ground control, and meet growing demands for performance and security in space. Aethero uses custom software architecture leveraging AI/ML for each customer, allowing for satellites to process data in orbit and autonomously respond to threats. With a mission to transform humanity's relationship with space through autonomous AI and advanced computing, Aethero is solidifying the US's position as a leader in national security and defense operations.

India and US advance toward interim trade deal after four-day talks, say sources
India and US advance toward interim trade deal after four-day talks, say sources

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

India and US advance toward interim trade deal after four-day talks, say sources

By Manoj Kumar NEW DELHI (Reuters) -Indian and U.S. negotiators made progress in their latest round of talks in New Delhi on Tuesday on a bilateral trade deal, having focused on market access for industrial and some agricultural goods, tariff cuts and non-tariff barriers, Indian government sources said. "The negotiations held with the U.S. side were productive and helped in making progress towards crafting a mutually beneficial and balanced agreement including through achievement of early wins," one of the sources said. The U.S. delegation, led by senior officials from the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative, held closed-door negotiations with Indian trade ministry officials headed by chief negotiator Rajesh Agrawal. Both sides discussed increasing bilateral digital trade, by improving customs and trade facilitation measures, the sources said, adding that "negotiations will continue" for early conclusion of the initial tranche of the trade pact. U.S. President Donald Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had agreed in February to conclude a bilateral trade agreement by fall 2025 and to more than double bilateral trade to $500 billion by 2030. The two sides are expected to sign an interim agreement by the end of the month, before the expiry of Trump's 90-day pause on reciprocal tariffs on major trading partners, including a 26% tariff on India. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal, currently in Switzerland for talks with European trade partners, said India is prepared to proceed with the deal by first addressing simpler issues. The next phase of negotiations could tackle more complex matters, with the goal of signing the first tranche of the bilateral trade pact by September or October, the officials added. India resisted U.S. demands to open its markets to wheat, dairy and corn imports, while offering lower tariffs on high-value U.S. products such as almonds, pistachios and walnuts, one of the sources said. India also asked the U.S to revoke its 10% baseline tariff. However, the U.S. side opposed this, noting that even Britain was subject to this under its recent bilateral trade agreement. Additionally, India sought an exemption for its steel exports from a 50% tariff. A potential 26% tariff on India would be devastating to Indian goods - including rice, shrimp, textiles and footwear, which together comprise nearly one-fifth of India's merchandise exports - and could severely hit exports and dampen foreign investment inflows. India has pledged to increase purchases of American goods, including energy products like liquefied natural gas, crude oil, coal and defence equipment. India's exports to the U.S. rose 28% to $37.7 billion in the first four months of 2025, while imports increased to $14.4 billion, widening India's trade surplus, according to U.S. government data. (Additional reporting by Sarita Chaganti Singh and Khushi Malhotra; Editing by Andrea Ricci) Sign in to access your portfolio

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store