Chicago Star August 2021

CANDID CANDACE: Ravinia Festival hosts elegant Gala

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CHICAGO STAR

VOL. 1 NO. 6

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Steve Dolinsky’s sweet, creamy and salty dessert

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West Loop NEWS

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New Eastside NEWS Streeterville NEWS Sky high dreams for Chicago Page 2

View of the city from high atop Navy Pier’s iconic Centennial Wheel. Courtesy of Navy Pier by Heidi Zeiger Photography

2 / AUGUST 2021

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West(312) Loop NEWS 690-3092 PublisherEastside and Editor New NEWS Elaine Hyde elainehyde@chicagostarmedia.com Streeterville NEWS Director of Brand Development Jay Kopp West Loop NEWS jaykopp@chicagostarmedia.com Associate Editor Nuria Mathog Contributing Editor Candace Jordan Staff Writer Angela Gagnon Copy Editors Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design Bob Oswald Community Contributors Jon Cohn Jacqueline Davis Bridget McGuire

Subscriptions info@chicagostarmedia.com Advertising Contact Jay Kopp jaykopp@chicagostarmedia.com Chicago Star is a monthly paper that uses community writers and contributors. The views expressed by community contributors are their own. Chicago Star Media does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. Chicago Star Media is independently owned and operated.

Published Aug. 1, 2021 Copyright ©2021. All rights reserved.

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SHAPING CHICAGO

City continues to grow, transform Despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, downtown Chicago has had a transformative year, with new crown jewels shaping the city’s iconic skyline and a number of businesses, like our very own Chicago Star, making their debut.

The Chicago Star, which was previously published as “New Eastside News” was founded nine years ago in a part of the city called Lakeshore East. We grew alongside this fledgling neighborhood, seeing it blossom into the bustling hub of top hotels and residences to become an award-winning architectural masterpiece.

Lakeshore East had several recent developments: The 101-story St. Regis Chicago began welcoming residents, and Lendlease and Magellan Development Group announced the topping off of Cirrus and Cascade, a pair of towers surrounded by parks and gardens.

Magellan co-founder and former CEO Joel Carlins said he has seen a “resurgence” in Chicago’s real estate market in the past two months, with customers seeking living spaces with close access to all of their needs in the city.

“Here in Chicago, we have no fires, no floods, no earthquakes,” he said. “It’s more concentrated, and I think more concentration is going to lead to more jobs.”

Chicago Star staff includes Jay Kopp (from left), Angela Gagnon, Candace Jordan, Elaine Hyde, Nuria Mathog and Jon Cohn.

For Carlins, continued progress on development projects and the debut of new businesses downtown are promising signs for the city’s future.

“There’s still a lot of vitality in Chicago,” Carlins said.

“When you have, with this timing of what’s going on in the world, St. Regis willing to go forward and [wanting] to have a presence in Chicago, I think that’s a very good sign.”

Along with the skyline, some of the city’s most popular attractions and cultural institutes have gotten a brand-new look.

This spring, Skydeck Chicago at Willis Tower reopened with an immersive museum showcasing Chicago’s rich culture, and the Chicago Cultural Cen-

ter unveiled new amenities and art exhibitions after undergoing significant renovations.

Several new hotels have opened since the start of the pandemic, notably Nobu Hotel Chicago in the West Loop, Sable at Navy Pier and the Pendry Chicago. The Canopy

by Hilton Chicago Central Loop and Hilton Garden Inn Central Loop are scheduled to open later this summer.

Armed with vaccine cards in our wallets, our first intrepid steps onto an alien reopened Chicago have changed into a confident jog. Discover the hidden jewel that is Pinstripes’ charming outdoor patio, enjoy free summer concerts during “Rockin’ in the Park” in Rose-

mont, support Chicago’s new and old restaurants (like Mesa Urbana, Adalina, Robert’s Pizza, Avli, Venteux and more), party like it’s 1994 at “Sundays on State” and take the fam to Maggie Daley Park, where there is always something fun for everyone.

We strive to be your go-to source for what’s going on in the city. We hope you will support us, and local journalism, by joining our family.

Become a subscriber or a Chicago Star member, a treasured advertiser or “like” us on social media. Contact us here: info@chicagostarmedia.com Together, let’s look to new horizons and build a better Chicago.

Sincerely, The Team at Chicago Star

BOARD MEMBERS Manolis Alpogianis, America’s Dog & Burger Franchise Systems President Leslie Hindman, Founder Hindman Auctions Paul Iacono, Chicago Dowel Co. Israel Idonije, Founder of iF Charities Tom Kehoe, Kehoe Designs Michael Kutza, Founder Chicago International Film Festival Sherren Leigh, Founder Today’s Chicago Woman

Sargent M. McCormick, International Harvester Alexander Pissios, President Cinespace Chicago Film Studios and Cinecares Foundation Amanda Puck, Director Strategic Brand Development, Mariano’s Maureen and Marc Schulman, President Eli’s Cheesecake Company

Chef Art Smith, Chef/Author/ Co-founder Common Threads Bonnie Spurlock, Founder Associated Publications Howard Tullman, G2T3V Phil Vettel, Former Chicago Tribune Food Critic Dionne Williams, Owner/Founder of D. Williams PR Group Robert Zentner, Philanthropist

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| THE BULLETIN |

A round up of Chicago's top stories Magnificent Mile series to feature outdoor concerts “Meet Me on the Mile,” a new outdoor series presented by the Magnificent Mile Association in conjunction with the city of Chicago, will celebrate the city’s reopening and support cultural institutions and local businesses through summer programming. Among the upcoming events are concerts from 4-6 p.m. at Garden Plaza, 875 N. Michigan Ave., and 5-7 p.m. at Pioneer Court, 401 Michigan Ave., on Aug. 5 and Aug. 19. Learn more at themagnificentmileassociation.com.

will be located at 1620 North Wells St. HideSeek offers attractions such as rooms bursting with bubbles and floor-to-ceiling slinkies that have a life of their own.

General admission tickets are $35; children (ages 4-12) $27. Free admission for children under the age of 3. For more info, visit gohideseek.com.

Navy Pier’s Chicago Children’s Museum reopens to public Families can now visit the popular Navy Pier museum from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, as well as select holidays. The museum encourages guests to purchase tickets and make member reservations in advance.

Neon and Light Museum set to open in River North The new Neon and Light Museum pop-up invites guests to stand in, under and around some 70 professional neon and light-based sculptures in a dramatic immersive exhibition opening in River North, 325 W. Huron St. on Thursday, Sept. 9, for a limited eight-week run.

Visit neonandlightmuseum.com for more information.

Chicago schools, officials take precautions against Delta variant Immersive pop-up experience HideSeek will open Aug. 7 on Wells Street.

Playful new pop-up comes to Chicago HideSeek, an immersive pop-up experience that makes everyone feel like a kid again, will open to the public on Aug. 7 and run through Oct. 31. The pop-up

Chicago Public Schools has announced that all students, teachers, support staff and visitors will be required to wear masks or cloth face coverings when they return to school Aug. 30, regardless of vaccination status. City officials have added Florida, Louisiana and Nevada to the travel advisory list and continue to encourage Chicagoans to get the COVID-19 vaccine as Delta variant cases rise.

State Street will close to traffic on select Sundays this summer for a free citywide block party.

Sundays on State: City-wide block party comes to Loop Chicago’s most iconic street, State Street, will close to traffic from Lake Street to Madison Street on select Sundays this summer and transform into an open street full of surprises. Attendees will enjoy a free, interactive citywide block party while enjoying art, culture, active recreation, shopping, food, drinks and local attractions.

Events run from 11a.m.-8 p.m. Aug. 8, Aug. 22, Aug. 29, Sept. 5 and Sept. 12. Register online for a chance to win a $1,000 Loop Staycation package.

Pop-up seltzer shop arrives at the Loop A new pop-up shop has launched at the Kimpton Gray Hotel, 122 W. Monroe St., featuring a variety of seltzer brands and more than 25 flavors. The shop, which runs through Aug. 8, is open 5-9 p.m. Fridays and 2-7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

City works to prevent lead exposure According to Second Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, the city’s water management department is now accepting applications for two programs designed to replace lead service lines: the Homeowner-Initiated Program and Equity program. Applications and additional information can be found at LeadSafeChicago.org.

Jazzin’ at the Shedd returns Aug. 4.

Jazzin’ at the Shedd returns with more animal encounters The midweek Jazzin’ at the Shedd series returns Wednesday, Aug. 4, with a festival-worthy lineup of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles.

Enjoy the music, watch live animal training sessions, listen to a live narrated dive and get eye-to-eye with animals while chatting with caretakers. Visit sheddaquarium.org.

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AUGUST 2021 / 5

| EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@chicagostarmedia.com

Aug. 5

All Aboard for the Opera Join Shoreline Sightseeing for a relaxing scenic cruise featuring live music from members of the Chicago Lyric Opera.

Tickets include two drink tickets and light appetizers. Cruises depart from the Shoreline dock located at Polk Bros Park, with boarding set to begin 15 minutes before the departure time. Frank Babbitt will serve as the event’s MC. This concert is not affiliated with Lyric Opera of Chicago. Purchase tickets at allevents.in

Aug. 6

LatinXt Music Festival Navy Pier’s annual celebration of modern Latin music is free, open to the public and features artists from the Latin America diaspora artists and Chicago’s music scene.

5:30 p.m. Friday, Aug. 6, Navy Pier Beer Garden, and 2 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 7, Wave Wall platform and Polk Bros Park Lake stage, 600 E. Grand Ave., navypier.org

Aug. 8

St. Jude Dream Chicago The inaugural St. Jude Dream Chicago, an immersive, live event experience at Millennium Park, will deliver St. Jude’s mission moments while showcasing the best in Chicago food, fashion and cultural entertainment with a special performance

by The Temptations. Featuring two separate ticketed experiences, St. Jude Dream Chicago’s daytime activities include a trip back in time to St. Jude’s founding, a fashion bazaar and restaurant tasting experiences. Attendees to the evening session will enjoy these same experiences, plus a night of epic entertainment at the Pritzker Pavilion, including performances from the Chicago Mass Choir, Broadway actress Jessica Vosk and The Temptations, all with the Chicago skyline as its backdrop. Afternoon experience: noon-3 p.m.; evening experience: 3-5:45 p.m., with entertainment starting at 6 p.m. Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., vfundraise.com

Start Your Morning

Aug. 14

World Naked Bike Ride The 18th annual World Naked Bike Ride is an international clothing-optional event where participants ride en mass bringing attention to freedom from oil while also promoting positivity. The event is bareas-you-dare; anything from body paint to underwear to fanciful costumes are encouraged. Chicago’s past events included many hundreds of cyclist and numerous skaters and covered over a dozen miles of high visibility city areas. Check-in from 6-8 p.m., ride at 8 p.m., location to be announced, chicagonakedride.org

Aug. 20

Music by the Fountain at First Presbyterian The Elaine Dame Duo, featuring guitarist Andy Brown, will give a free performance at Fourth Presbytarian Church as part of the church’s annual outdoor series. The event will take place in the church cloister or the sanctuary, in the event of rain.

Fourth Presbytarian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., (312) 787-4570, elainedame.com

Aug. 21

ON THE SUNNYSIDE

Start your mornings with a frothy cappuccino accompanied by a few breakfast room favorites - petit waffles, avo-toast or egg skillet, while easing into the start of the day with a crossword puzzle, catching up on the headlines or taking in some history on the counter-side, where Marilyn Monroe

Chicago Open Water Swim Swim Across America - Chicago Open Water Swim will host its annual swim at Ohio Street Beach. The organization has donated more than $1.8 million in support of cancer research and clinical trials at the Rush University Cancer Center, and each year, more than 280 swimmers, spectators, volunteers, supporters and

Olympians come together for the event.

Registration opens at 6:30 a.m., mandatory safety talk at 7:45 a.m., rolling start at 8:20 a.m., Ohio Street Beach, 400 N. Lake Shore Drive, swimacrossamerica.org U.S. Navy Blue Angels This new and reimagined show, which will take the place of the Chicago Air and Water Show this year, features a special solo demonstration by the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. The event is part of the city’s “Open Chicago” initiative. Noon-1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 21, and Sunday, Aug. 22. The city recommends viewing the show from the lakefront between Oak Street and Fullerton Avenue. For more information, visit chicago.gov

Aug. 26

Dance for Life Chicago Dancers United presents the Dance for Life 30th Anniversary Celebration on the Jay Pritzker Pavilion’s outdoor stage in Millennium Park. This year’s Dance for Life performance will feature works by DanceWorks Chicago, Giordano Dance Chicago, Chicago Dancers United is a nonprofit that provides financial relief for preventative health care and critical needs for Chicago dance industry professionals, and more. Reserved bowl seating is available with a contribution of $300 to Chicago Dancers United. All other seating is free for the first time and open to the public, with no need to make a reservation. 6 p.m., Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., chicagodancersunited.org

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Sharing Our Love of Vietnamese Cuisine

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| FEATURES |

Candid Candace CITY SEEN

RAVINIA FESTIVAL HOSTS ELEGANT GALA

John, Elizabeth, Catherine and Tom Murphy.

The Cause: Ravinia Festival’s annual gala, presented by its Women’s Board, raised nearly $750,000 for the Festival’s Reach+Teach+Play educational programs on July 18. These programs serve more than 75,000 people annually throughout Chicagoland and help ensure that many area schools and communities receive equitable access to music. Ravinia supplies teachers, instruments, and other needs to help start and maintain elementary school orchestras in Chicago Public Schools and Lake County schools.

Marta Aznavoorian

Kai Nugen and Matt Mgen.

The Setting: The evening began on the North Lawn with a cocktail reception, followed by a Chicago Symphony Orchestra concert led by Ravinia’s Chief Conductor and Curator Marin Alsop. The concert featured Emmy, Tony and Grammy Award-winning singer Cynthia Erivo as a soloist in a program of her design called “Legendary Women’s Voices.”

Cynthia Erivo and Marin Alsop receive flowers from Reach+Teach+Play students.

The Scene: Following the concert, more than 500 guests enjoyed a sit-down dinner in an elegant tent decorated by The Flower Firm with summer florals, candlelight and five oversized, golden chandeliers enriched with greenery that added to the Festival’s ongoing “Shines On” theme. Photos by Patrick Gipson and Dan Piotrowski

Gala co-chairs Mindy Meade DeStefano, Marilyn Vender, Ellen Falkof and Onnie Scheyer.

Ravinia Festival president-CEO Jeff Haydon and Kathryn Haydon.

David and Jane Casper, Dr. Lisa Moore and Kwame Raoul.

Jessie Montgomery, Cynthia Erivo and Marin Alsop.

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AUGUST 2021 / 7

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AUGUST 2021 / 9 ADVERTISEMENT

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Summer in a Glass

By Amanda Puck for Mariano’s There are certain foods that just taste like summer. Walking through the produce section at Mariano’s is like a journey through summer flavors: ripe tomatoes, succulent peaches, corn slightly charred on the grill, and my favorite, sweet, juicy watermelon!

When sliced up, it’s a staple at barbecues and picnics — but watermelon is actually more versatile than that. It’s delicious on the grill, adds a vibrant flavor to summer salads, and is a fun and unexpected addition to salsa.

It’s also the perfect flavor for a bright, refreshing summer cocktail!

So grab a bottle of ABSOLUT Watermelon! The flavorful base pairs super well with other bright, summery flavors. Here are a few recipes, created by mixologist Ariel E. Neal for our recent Mariano’s Tastemaker Kitchen event.

Try them out, serve them up to your friends, and keep those summery flavors flowing all season long!

Absolut Watermelon Fizz 2 ounces Absolut Watermelon ½ ounce agave Flavored lime soda Add Absolut Watermelon and agave to a glass with ice and stir. Top with flavored lime soda. l

Absolut Spicy Watermelon Cooler 1 ½ ounce Absolut Watermelon ½ ounce jalapeño syrup ½ ounce lime juice Combine all ingredients into a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and pour into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with watermelon slice and lime. l

Frozen Watermelon Bellini Absolut Watermelon sorbet* Mumm Napa sparkling wine Mint sprig Scoop sorbet into a 5-ounce glass and top with sparkling wine and a sprig of mint. *To make the sorbet, combine 2 pounds fresh-cut watermelon, 1/2 cup simple syrup, 1/2 cup Absolut Vodka and juice from 2 medium limes in a blender.

Process until smooth. Chill for at least 2-3 hours before using. Makes 1 quart. l

SCAN THE CODE AND CHECK US OUT >>

312-577-7600

To learn more about Mariano’s Tastemaker Kitchen events, check out our Facebook page or go to https://www.opentable.com/r/marianos-tastemaker-kitchen-chicago.

10 / AUGUST 2021

CH I CA G O S TA R

| ADVICE |

| FOOD |

Wife turned off when husband is online

Dear Candid Candace: How do I get my husband off his phone or iPad? I’ve tried everything! I think he has an addiction. Every time we are watching a movie or even enjoying coffee he’s got his iPad or phone on so I’m seeing the top of his head not his face. He says it’s work or an important news story, but I catch him on social media just scrolling or surfing the web. The best times we’ve had is when we go out of town to a place where there is no WiFi. But those places are becoming harder to find! How do couples manage this so that they have quality time together without devices coming in between them?

—Desperately Seeking to Disconnect and Reconnect Dear Seeking: Sadly, this is such a prevalent problem that there is even a name for it, “phubbing” aka phone snubbing which is the act of denying your partner time and attention in favor of connecting with your screen. Paying more attention to your phone than your spouse telegraphs to them that they are not as important as the device in your hand. Agree to leave your phones behind or, at the very least, in your pocket or purse. Tell your partner how this makes you feel. Let him/ her know that this simple act is undermining your relationship and that you need more in-person time. As a last resort, ask your partner if you could tape their phone to your forehead so you could pretend they’re looking at you when they talk.

Dear Candid Candace: I have a friend who broke up with her husband over a

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year ago. I know she is lonely, but she claims she is not interested in meeting a new person. Are there any legit online sites I can lead her to that she can check out that may make her, at least, consider dating? I’m really concerned about her emotional health...she’s so lonely.

—A helpful, hopeful friend Dear Helpful, Hopeful: First off, your friend being a recent divorcee, will need to decide in her own good time if and when she would be ready (and willing) to begin dating, if ever. Many times, when a couple has been married for a long time, they may never want to date again. I know you want the best for your friend, but only she

James Beard Award winner Steve Dolinsky. Photo by Todd Rosenberg

Get Cookin’ with... Steve Dolinsky

By Candid Candace Jordan

W

knows what that would look like. You— maybe something as simple as spending more time with her would be the best course of action at this time. And, as far as suggesting online dating sites, I just advise you to thoroughly check out any sites you’re considering, read loads of reviews, and ask friends you know who have had success for suggestions.

Send questions to: CandidCandace@ ChicagoStarMedia.com. Follow Candid Candace (Candace Jordan) on Facebook, Insta, LinkedIn and Twitter.

ith 13 James Beard Awards under his belt, one could safely say that Steve Dolinsky is an expert when it comes to anything food-related. Fans probably first discovered him as the food reporter for ABC-7 Chicago where his popular “Hungry Hound” series ran for 17 years, covering a range of food and drink-related topics.

Steve is the producer and host of “Pizza City”—a bi-monthly podcast featuring some of the nation’s greatest pizza makers, and he was previously a co-creator and co-host of “The Feed Podcast” with Chef Rick Bayless, a weekly show that ran from 2014 to 2019 and garnered a James Beard Award for best podcast in 2015.

Steve’s latest passion is proving to the country that Chicago is the greatest town for pizza. His book, “Pizza City, U.S.A.: 101 Reasons Why Chicago is America’s Greatest Pizza Town” (Northwestern University Press), took him to 185 spots throughout the Windy City discovering the best places for “slices and squares.”

From this book, a fun-filled pizza tour was born that, of course, takes visitors to our city’s best pizza spots.

Besides being the ultimate foodie, Steve also loves biking, reading The New Yorker (but skipping the fiction section)

and volunteering his time for charitable organizations in the Chicago area that focus on hunger relief, including Share Our Strength and Meals on Wheels.

His biggest and breaking news is that beginning Aug. 5, he will be returning to TV appearing on NBC-5 Chicago every Thursday at 10 p.m. as a food reporter!

This easy, delicious recipe for a quick dessert, “Dessert Crostinis,” is one of Steve’s go-to’s for dinner guests.

Dessert Crostinis I like this dessert idea, because it combines sweet, creamy and salty in a unique way you wouldn’t normally expect. It’s also a great last-minute treat as long as you keep a jar of Nutella and some fresh ricotta on hand in the fridge.

This recipe will feed about four people. l

l l l

1 French baguette, sliced into 1/2 inch rounds (about 10 slices) - you could slice the entire baguette and freeze leftover slices until ready to use 1/4 cup Nutella 1/2 cup fresh ricotta cheese Pinch of sea salt (preferably Maldon)

Toast the slices of baguette until firm, barely browned. Spread each slice with a thin layer of Nutella. Top each round with a small dollop of ricotta. Sprinkle each with a pinch of sea salt. Enjoy!

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AUGUST 2021 / 11

| LOCAL LEADER |

Dr. Ian Smith shreds diet myths

By Nuria Mathog Losing weight can be a particularly challenging goal, but Dr. Ian Smith believes it’s an objective anyone can accomplish with the right plan and a supportive community.

Smith, a Harvard-educated physician known for his roles as host of “The Doctors” and medical contributor on “The Rachael Ray Show,” is also a New York Times bestselling author who has written more than a dozen books on dieting. In April, Smith released his latest book, “Fast Burn: The Power of Negative Energy Balance,” which highlights his signature nine-week diet program with a focus on accessible, affordable food.

The Fast Burn program has an active online community where dieters come together to share their experiences, support one another, discuss their favorite recipes and more. Smith encouraged readers interested in starting the diet to join his “Fast Burn Challenge” Facebook group and follow him on Instagram at @doctoriansmith.

“What I’ve learned from many years is that people who lose the most weight and keep it off the longest are those who have some type of support system,” he explained. “I believe that the Facebook group, which is full of positive energy and great sharing of ideas ... and the Instagram platform are great ways to help you through the program.”

While Fast Burn discourages participants from eating certain foods, such as fried foods and soda, the plan still allows dieters to enjoy a variety of items forbidden by other diet programs, including alcohol, pizza and pasta, Smith said. Each week of the program offers a different experience to help dieters stay focused.

“I have always believed that the more you deprive people

of things, the more they want them and the less compliant they’re going to be on your program,” Smith explained.

Before Smith published his Fast Burn plan, around 2,000 people took part in a trial run of the program. The results were significant: participants reported an average weight loss of 15-17 pounds in nine weeks, in addition to reduced midsection fat and lower blood pressure, blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

“The reason they lost a lot of that fat around their midsection was because of the intermittent fasting component of the program, because that drives the body into your fat stores and the body will use that fat, which is a storage form of energy,” Smith said. “The body will break down the fat and convert it into fuel or energy that the body can use.”

Beyond just the numbers on the scale, Smith stressed the importance of achieving NSVs, or non-scale victories, through weight loss and exercise.

“I want people to be able to get to their gate from the checkpoint without being winded if they’re running late and not feel like they’re about to collapse when they get there,” he said.

Above all else, Smith said, the focus of Fast Burn is flexibility, rather than rigidity. As he put it, “it’s not about how you fall down—it’s about how you get up.”

“I wrote the program so that it is a forgiving program,” he explained. “And so if you mess up one day or a couple days, no problem. Keep right on going.”

In the era of COVID-19, maintaining a strong immune system is more important than ever, Smith noted. Weight loss, rest, vitamins and stress reduction all work in tandem to keep

Dr. Ian Smith Photo Credit T. Smith

this crucial bodily system as strong and healthy as possible.

“I think this is a great time for people, as we near hopefully the end of this pandemic tunnel, to turn the lens on ourselves and make ourselves the priority,” he said. “And boosting our immune system and losing weight at the same time—those are two things that are going to be very beneficial to a lot of people.”

Sophie Xu Language: English & Mandarin +1 312.989.2354 sophie@corcoranurban.com 400 E Randolph St Suite 500, Chicago

Check out our podcast Switching Gears where Maggie and Curt chat with some of our favorite Chicagoans

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Celebrating Streeterville History

Remembering the night in 1886 when “Cap” Streeter ran his boat aground. It is how our Neighborhood got its name!

Our 3rd Annual “Run A’Ground” Event was hosted by Gail Spreen & Sculptor Dennis Downes on July 15th at the gorgeous rooftop bar, The Streeterville Social, at the Loews Hotel.

Thanks to everyone who turned out! It was a great time!

(312)925-7668

Gail@StreetervilleProperties.com

BRUNCH Saturday – Sunday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

312.265.1328 465 North McClurg Ct. M robertspizza.com DINE IN, TO GO, DELIVERY

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| COMMUNITY CORNER |

Doorperson of the Month Lorenzo Anaya, 500 E. Lakeshore Drive

By Jacqueline Davis Community Contributor Chicago native Lorenzo Anaya first arrived at 500 E. Lakeshore Drive a little more than two years ago, eager to begin his new position assisting residents and securing the building, among other responsibilities.

Before joining 500 East Lakeshore in 2019, Anaya worked for SERVPRO, as a fire and flood restoration associate. He left this role in search of a full-time schedule and was introduced to the doorperson and concierge position by a friend of his wife.

The job has been an enjoyable experience so far.

“Everything from my time here has been great and everyone has been a pleasure,” Anaya said.

“I like to deal with all different types of people when it comes to nationalities, occupations and just seeing different kinds of people everyday, even dogs as well, as it’s a dog-friendly building here.

“I love dogs and all kinds of breeds,” Anaya continued. “I would have one of each if I could.”

He is also a big fan of the food in Streeterville, highly recommending Carson’s BBQ, particularly the Greek chicken.

Of his many responsibilities, Anaya says safety comes first.

“You always have to be alert of your surroundings no matter where you’re at, as well as being mindful

Lorenzo Anaya, a door staff member at the 500 E. Lakeshore Drive building, is the August Doorperson of the Month. Photos

by Jacqueline Davis

of everyone’s wellbeing,” he said. “And at the same time, not get sick and stay healthy.”

After wearing a mask for well over a year, Anaya said he recently got vaccinated and is enjoying spending time with the residents face-to-face.

“It’s nice to see everyone’s faces again, and to see the smiles on their faces,” he said. “I strive to help as many people as I can, and it’s always a pleasure helping everyone out. I want to send a special shout out to the resident who nominated me—it’s truly an honor.”

To nominate your favor-

500 E. Lakeshore Drive in Streeterville.

ite doorperson, email info@ chicagostarmedia.com with their name and why they should be the doorperson of the month. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.

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C HIC AG O S TAR

AUGUST 2021 / 15

| NEWS BREAK |

Lakefront lifeguards: the city’s unsung heroes

W

hat a difference a year makes for our Chicago beaches that were empty last year, even on the most gorgeous of Jon Cohn summer days.

COMMUNITY Now back in full CONTRIBUTOR swing, crowds pack in and enjoy everything from the sand and sun to the water and waves. It’s a beautiful sight to see.

None of the fun in the sun happens, though, without the unsung heroes of the Chicago lakefront: the Chicago Park District lifeguards. Their job is to serve

and protect everything from the sidewalks to the waters.

The main epicenter of lifeguard activity is the central station in a trailer at Oak Street Beach. This is where directives are given, jobs are assigned and emergencies are taken care of.

Pedro has been on assignment at the beach for 14 years. A battle-tested veteran, he has worked his way up to captain after starting out as a regular lifeguard. He is now one of the “main men” at the trailer headquarters.

“I love being outdoors,” Pedro said. “I love the view of the beach and the city. It does get a little hectic sometimes and I have seen some crazy stuff over the years.

Just last week the police had a confron-

tation with a guy making balloons on the beach, which was kind of interesting, and another guy who was dangerously swinging nunchucks around. I also had to perform CPR on a guy.”

So much for the dull life of a lifeguard.

Pedro said there are three different lifeguard rotations: boat, ledge and tower.

Boat is close to the shore boat patrol; ledge is standing and patrolling the long stretches of sidewalk along the shoreline, where people sometimes jump in for a quick swim; and tower is the traditional beach chair up-high position.

He said they rotate jobs over the course of a day to keep the guards fresh and aware.

High school and college-aged students are the primary source of lifeguards, but you have to be at least 16 years old. College-aged Byron was recently working the ledge. He has been a lifeguard for seven years and still enjoys it.

“I like being outside and I enjoy helping people,” he said. “On one real high-wave day I had to jump in and save someone, so that was kind of exciting.”

Our lakefront is guarded by some of the most heroic of us, but be safe out there folks...that’s the kind of excitement we don’t need.

Jon Cohn is a New Eastside resident.

Email ideas for Jon to info@chicagostarmedia.com

Community photo

Jumble

Send photos and captions of things going on in the neighborhood to info@chicagostarmedia.com for a chance for your photo to be featured.

SVEWA NSTUNA NBDAARS NEXGRILA OVNATCIA KNFRTLAEO A wooden promenade across a beach: Previous puzzle answer: A type of handheld firework. SPARKLER

WHERE AM I? Do you know where this is?

If you think you know this spot, email us at

info@chicagostarmedia.com

Answer to July Where am I? Reader Terry Lastovicka correctly identified the north side of the Aon Center as the location of last month’s photo.

Ravinia Festival has returned stronger than ever with a schedule that will have attendees seeing “stars.” Photo courtesy of Ravinia Festival

16 / AUGUST 2021

CH I CA G O S TA R

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