Check out this great river piece on Mike Stephen's Outside the Loop with Friends' executive director, Margaret Frisbie (the segment starts at minute 9:43).  Mike's piece captures the magic of the river and opportunity presented through Great Rivers Chicago where individuals from across the city and the region are invited to imagine a vision for Chicago's Rivers.

The banner's up for Friends' 10th Annual Big Fish Ball coming to the Merchandise Mart on Thursday, June 4. The festive event features river animals, delicious food, and festive cocktails complete with a river view. For tickets to the gala or the boat cruise after-party contact Archita Singh at (312) 939-0490, ext 10.

This weekend the second phase of the Chicago Riverwalk is set to open, providing riverfront access and amenities ranging from kayak rentals and "touch and go" boat parking to restaurants and wine bars.