New Eastside News November 2020

VOL. 8 NO. 11

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New Eastside NEWS H BAKING NEW GROUND Streeterville NEWS H CHICAGO STAR

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November 2020

Creating custom cookies for neighbors, a booming business

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Chicago residents making the best of a pandemic situation

West Loop NEWS

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Filming in Streeterville for 21 years, a talk with Judge Mathis

New Eastside NEWS Streeterville NEWS STREETERVILLE West Loop NEWSWEEK Page 7

Restaurants offer deals for Thanksgiving Feast Page 14 presents

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New Eastside resident Megan Morgan shows off her custom-made, Chicago Bears-themed cookies. Photo courtesy of Megan Morgan

NOVEMBER 14-22

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Enjoy exclusive deals from over 30 participants.

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New Eastside NEWS Streeterville NEWS How to Contact Us

West Loop NEWS info@chicagostarmedia.com 200 E. Randolph St. Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 690-3092 Publisher and Editor: Elaine Hyde elainehyde@chicagostarmedia.com Director of Brand Development Jay Kopp jaykopp@chicagostarmedia.com Staff Writers: Daniel Patton Angela Gagnon Nuria Mathog Copy Editors: Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design: Bob Oswald Community Contributor: Jon Cohn

Subscriptions info@chicagostarmedia.com Advertising Contact Jay Kopp jaykopp@chicagostarmedia.com New Eastside News and Streeterville News are published by Chicago Star Media.

New Eastside News and Streeterville News are monthly papers that use 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 Nov. 1, 2020 Copyright ©2020. All rights reserved.

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| LETTERS TO THE EDITOR | A thank you to the community As a 15-year resident in the neighborhood, I just wanted to pass along a few thoughts to the readers.

First of all, I want to thank all the first responders and essential workers who worked and sacrificed so much for us during this pandemic. From the folks at the fire station to the checkers at the grocery stores and so many others— your efforts have been (and still are) appreciated.

Also a thank you to the residents: early on, the mask wearing and social distancing could be inconsistent but I have noticed an increase in compliance. The sooner we all do this, the better off we will be as a community.

Finally, thank you to your paper—keeping us posted with helpful updates of neighborhood news … and even providing some fun stories and laughs as well. Keep up the great work!

P. Williams

New Eastside paper keeps residents informed The New Eastside newspaper has been a very informative resource to my family in planning social virtual events that it publishes each month. It also keeps us well informed about our neighborhood happenings.

We appreciate the fact that

A glimpse from the scenic Sawmill Creek overlook in Waterfall Glen. Photo by Angela Gagnon

each issue has interesting news and events that we would not have known, had it not been for this terrific resource.

Thank you for keeping us up to date on news and introducing some of the hidden gems in our neighborhood.

Thanks for all your hard work.

Vijay Sarathy Konkimalla

Maintaining a clean city lets residents enjoy Chicago’s beauty As an avid runner in the City of Chicago, I see, hear and

experience many of the daily activities in our local neighborhoods. Last winter and early spring, while the times were quiet with our lockdown, I noticed an abundance of trash blowing throughout the city parks and streets. I thought this would have been a great time to clean up the neighborhoods, thinking they would stay trashfree with fewer people out; however, this was not the case.

I was pleasantly surprised and impressed with the beautification efforts made in our city in early summer. Plants and flowers were planted in our parkways and pots filled

with color along our city streets. Trash seemed to find receptacles. I believe we all woke up from our daze and many locals and city workers made an effort to make Chicago proud. This was wonderful considering we weren’t doing it for the absent tourists, but for ourselves.

I am hoping efforts will continue as the holidays approach. Many of our normal activities will be missed, so I hope we will be able to bundle up, run, walk or drive through our city streets and enjoy all its festive beauty.

Linda Neely

| MASK POLICY | Chicago Star Media safety policy Chicago Star Media follows numerous precautions to maximize the health of its staff and readers. The company requires masks to be worn and proper social dis-

tancing to be maintained at all meetings and functions. It also requires staff writers and photographers to observe these precautions while conducting indoor interviews and taking photographs. Chicago

Star Media allows masks to be removed for photographs that are taken outdoors, provided that the subject and the photographer remain at least six feet apart from one another.

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| NEWS BRIEFS | Skating Ribbon to re-open on reservation-only basis Ice skating at Maggie Daley Park is set to resume in November with the long-awaited re-opening of the Skating Ribbon, which will now require advance reservations.

Starting Nov. 11, park visitors will be able to begin making reservations for a time slot at the rink, which is scheduled to open to skaters Nov. 20. Because of COVID-19 social distancing restrictions, the number of skaters will be limited to 180 per skating session, and reservations will be taken for up to two weeks from the date the order is placed.

Skaters can choose to rent or bring their own skates. Rentals, which are available in child’s size 7 through men’s size 12, typically cost $16, though the price will increase to $20 during peak holiday season, Dec. 21 through Jan. 3. A standard locker costs $5 to rent for the day and a large locker is $8.

James Loewenberg Courtesy of Magellan Development Group

Chicago visionary James Loewenberg, 1934-2020

The Skating Ribbon at Maggie Daley Park is set to open to the public on Nov. 20. Reservations at the rink will be available from Nov. 11. Photo by Alan Scott Walker

Joffrey Ballet to debut virtual ‘Nutcracker’-themed production

The popular Christkindlmarket held at Daley Plaza will be online only this year because of COVID-19 concerns. Photo by Erik Cooper

Christkindlmarket goes virtual this winter Christkindlmarket in downtown Chicago is transitioning to an online format this year out of concern for guests’ safety, site organizers have announced.

The annual German-style market, traditionally held at the Daley Plaza, has been hosted by German American Events, LLC, since 1996 and is known for its selection of international food, beverages, handcrafted gifts and other items, as well as the traditional souvenir mug.

In a statement on its website, the market announced that this year’s “Home for the Holidays” version of the event will run from Nov. 1 through Dec. 31 and include an online marketplace, activities and family-friendly events.

In the meantime, site visitors can pre-order Christkindlmarket boxes, which contain treats such as chocolates, German snacks, candles and ornaments.

While in-person performances at The Joffrey Ballet may be on hold, ballet aficionados can still embrace the holiday spirit through the dance company’s “Pulling Back the Curtain: The Nutcracker,” a virtual family-friendly production that gives viewers a behindthe-scenes look at the beloved Christmas classic.

The event will stream online at 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 7, and includes performance footage and interviews with dancers at The Joffrey Ballet. Interested attendees are asked to RSVP by Friday, Nov. 6, by contacting Amanda Berrios at amanda@silvermangroupchicago.com or (847) 421-8517.

The program’s debut launches a season filled with Nutcracker-themed events, starting with the projection of classic Nutcracker scenes at Art on the Mart, held at 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza from Nov. 12 through Dec. 30.

Throughout the month of December, the PBS documentary “Making a New American Nutcracker” will be available for streaming. Additional virtual programming will also be released in December, with details to come.

Supporters of The Joffrey Ballet are invited to participate in a silent auction that features Joffrey memorabilia, a private cooking class from Chef Adam Reed, jewelry from Diana Widman Designs and more. Proceeds will go toward the Joffrey’s Crisis Stabilization Fund, ensuring the organization’s continued survival during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Architect, real estate developer and Magellan Development Group Chairman Emeritus Jim Loewenberg passed away from cancer on Oct. 14. A Chicago-born graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Loewenberg helped transform a former rail yard into what is now the city’s Lakeshore East neighborhood.

Created with Magellan Development founder Joel Carlins, the original 2001 Lakeshore East plan was designed to include “4,950 residences, 2.2 million gross square feet of commercial space, 1,500 hotel rooms, a six acre public park and an elementary school,” according to Magellan’s website.

Since then, the idea has become an award-winning, 28-acre neighborhood on Lake Michigan just south of the Chicago River.

The Aqua Tower, GEMS World Academy Chicago, and the Vista Tower are just a few of the visually refreshing mid-rises and skyscrapers located in Lakeshore East. Boasting revolutionary concepts, stunning colors, and world-class heights, the buildings also help create a unique sense of tranquility that runs throughout the 4.6-acre Park at Lakeshore East in the center of the neighborhood.

Additional examples of Loewenberg’s talent can be seen in high-rises like Ontario Place, One East Delaware Place and One Superior Place just north of Lakeshore East. Other achievements include the Illinois Real Estate Journal’s Award of Excellence and the ULI Chicago Lifetime Achievement Award.

Loewenberg was inducted into the Chicago Real Estate Hall of Fame in 2009.

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| FEATURES |

New Eastside baker creates custom cookies

By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer For many, the holidays inspire a natural desire to bake. For New Eastside resident Megan Morgan, last year’s holiday baking season led to a new hobby.

“Last Christmas, my mom and I attempted to make and decorate sugar cookies. We kind of became obsessed with getting better, so we made cookies for every holiday and sometimes just randomly so we could practice,” Morgan said.

For the past year, Morgan has worked to perfect her baking and cookie decorating skills. She offers her customized creations delivered locally to the neighborhood.

“Typical requests include birthdays, graduation and grat-

Morgan’s homemade cookies are often pet and appreciation themed.

New Eastside resident Megan Morgan baked and decorated cookies for neighbors celebrating National Coffee Day. Photos courtesy of Megan Morgan

itude,” Morgan said. “A recent order I did was a large order for National Coffee Day. I thought that was a really cool idea and had fun baking them because I could get creative with designs.”

Though Morgan can accom-

modate almost any request, she says she finds herself making a lot of gratitude-themed cookies to give to family and friends. She recently filled an order for an apartment complex that wanted to thank their residents for stick-

ing with them this year.

“The cookies were a fun, safe way to do so since they are individually wrapped,” Morgan said.

The start-to-finish process for creating the cookies usually takes a couple of days and can be “pretty lengthy,” Morgan said.

“The baking is the quickest part of the process,” Morgan ex-

plained. “The decorating takes a couple of days since most batches include multiple layers of frosting that need to harden before moving on to the next. The base layer goes pretty quickly, and the details in the top decorative layer take a little bit longer.

“I think that this will remain a hobby, as I have a full time job, but I hope to continue making cookies for people to enjoy,” she added. She especially enjoys getting creative with designs and seeing the finished product after a long process.

Originally from Crown Point, Ind., Morgan moved to Chicago a year ago and works downtown as a consultant.

Contact Morgan at morganmeg22@gmail.com to place a cookie order.

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| FEATURES |

Making the best of a pandemic situation

By Daniel Patton Staff Writer Social distancing has pushed people a lot further away from one another than the six-foot recommendation issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In-person activities have gone online, but declining online entertainment revenues suggest that fans may be experiencing a kind of virtual fatigue. So where is all of the extra “me time” going? Downtown residents and visitors explain how they’re making isolation productive. l

JP and Renee Phillips, Memphis, Tenn.

AT&T Technician JP Phillips and his wife Renee, a dental assistant, are essential workers from Memphis, Tenn. They came to Chicago for a weekend vacation to celebrate their anniversary.

Other than wearing a lot of personal protective equipment, they said that their lives have not changed much. “I went to work everyday,” Renee said.

“PPE all the way,” JP added.

Regarding the lack of close personal contact, Renee said, “it didn’t really bother me not to have people around.” Her husband felt the same way. But for Thanksgiving, Renee said they plan to celebrate like they always have.

“I’m most definitely gathering at the table with my family,” she said. “I risk COVID for them, so we’re going to be at the dinner table.”

Erik Greeno, Chicago Musician Erik Greeno is a pianist and composer who creates music inspired by classic and hip-hop genres—“Like, if you took The Cure and fused it with a little Metallica and some NWA with modern-day beats.” While preparing to perform near the Michigan Avenue bridge, he said that the initial shock of the pandemic had “affected the people around me and their energy and how they feel about the world and themselves and their jobs.”

“It was kind of disbelief that all of this could happen,” he continued. “Regardless of what political side you’re on, just the intensity of everything—whether it’s like the riots or whether it’s like COVID or whatever—just the whole magnitude.”

For Thanksgiving, Greeno intends to be with his family, but he’s not sure about doing it in person. “I haven’t thought that far,” he said. “With everything going on, it’s, you know, even the next day sometimes isn’t necessarily planned.”

Natalia Holguin and Joshua Hampton, Chicago Lack of traditional entertainment has left big holes in the lives of Natalia, who is searching for a job, and Joshua, a sales representative. “We like to go to Lollapalooza, and they were supposed to have Warped Tour again this year, Riot Fest, all that,” Natalia said. “I miss the movie theaters,” Joshua said.

Natalia prefers to hang out with a “close group of friends and that’s it” because “they’re safe.” Joshua has stayed in touch with people through “a lot of social media.”

Natalia said she is looking forward to “a giant apple pie with my family” on Thanksgiving. Joshua, who stays away from meat, said he will most likely “eat, like, macaroni” with “no one else” besides his mom and dad. “Sorry grandma, you’re not invited,” he said.

Ellen Medeiros, Printers Row, and Jose Ellen Medeiros, a student at Midwestern Career College, relocated to Chicago from Brazil in 2016. She and her friend Jose were walking her golden retriever, Sage, along Michigan Avenue when she explained how the pandemic has changed her life.

“Once you’re used to living in Chicago—and it’s a city that is always busy during summer, it’s one of the best—being away for every single event that the city is always giving us, it’s complicated,” she said. “Our life, it’s not the same. I don’t feel safe on public transportation. I don’t feel safe walking in public.”

On a positive note, she said that being away from other people has allowed her to improve in “so many ways.”

“I think that I learned how to be alone a lot better,” she said. “I like reading more. I pay attention to music more. I learned new things, especially cooking a lot of complicated Brazilian dishes.”

Jose, a Brazilian-born photographer who lives in California— where “everything’s closed”— expressed hope that the isolation will fuel noble inspirations. “Coronavirus is bad, but it’s an opportunity to save the world.”

For Thanksgiving, they each plan to attend “Friendsgiving” celebrations. “We are going to follow the American culture with the types of food and all that,” Medeiros said. “But we will put in a little bit of the Brazilian culture.”

Kevin Smith, Uptown Kevin Smith, a construction worker from Uptown, refuses to let the pandemic interrupt his regular routine.

“I really feel like the COVID is bull—,” he said. “Everybody gets sick once a year.”

Much of his confidence stems from the fact he believes he contracted the virus last year. “I got sick in November,” he said.

Smith recovered, but that did not stop his employer from taking preventative action. “March came, they laid everybody off,” he said.

While earning COVID relief funds “on top of ” unemployment, Smith continued life as usual and even made a couple trips to California.

But he disagrees with authorities “shutting the whole world down.

“The people who are dying … they were going to die any damn way,” he said.

“These masks are not going to save you.”

Still, he respects the wishes of his mother, who he “didn’t see for a while.”

“My opinions are my opinions, but I’m still not going to be around my mom,” he said. “I don’t want to be all ‘now-I-killed-my-mom.’”

He said his family will be together on Thanksgiving.

“We’re all going to get around each other,” he said.”We’re all going to, you know, do the normal stuff.”

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| LOCAL LEADER |

Behind the scenes with Judge Greg Mathis The honorable celebrity describes his journey from the streets of Detroit to Chicago’s NBC Tower.

17 years old. While he

By Daniel Patton was behind bars, his Staff Writer mother told him that Judge Greg Mathis she was suffering from earned a top-five rating cancer. A few months as a justice for Michilater, the sickness endgan’s 36th District until ed her life and changed 1999 when he became his forever.

Judge Mathis, host of the Alice Lee Mathis Emmy Award-winning worked two jobs to court TV show. The send the future judge honorable celebrity has and his three older traveled far from Herbrothers to Peterson man Gardens, the public Warren Academy, a 7th housing projects where Day Adventist school. he grew up. But in a lot Cleaning bedpans at of ways, he never left. night and houses by “The Gardens” was day, she taught them considered one of the how to achieve. most dangerous areas Her fourth son in Detroit before it went on to graduate was gradually demolfrom Eastern Michiished and replaced by gan University, earn Gardenview Estates, a law degree at the a community of University of Detroit low-to-moderate-inMercy, and become come single family the youngest elected homes and apartments, district court judge in beginning in 1996.

Michigan. In May, he Mathis was a key will be honored with a contributor to the star on The Hollywood rehabilitation effort.

Walk of Fame.

He founded a youth “Most of my success agency in the basein life I’ve attributed to ment of a neighbormy mother,” Mathis said. hood church before Now, he shares the demolition began. He wisdom he learned at built the nearby Mathis Greg Mathis hosts the court show “Judge Herman Gardens with Community Center, Mathis.” Photo courtesy of Greg Mathis the people who seek where “learning is justice in his NBC Tower Herman Gardens. ” encouraged and positive courtroom.

It is also the neighactivities are a way of life.”

“The housing that we built borhood where Mathis What do you love most acquired the gun that would about your mother? some 15 years ago is thriving,” he said. “I give a reunion land him in Wayne County The priority she placed every summer for all the past Jail for a concealed-weapons charge when he was Continued on page 12 and current residents of the

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EETERVILLE WEEK 8 / NOVEMBER 2020

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NOVEMBER 13-27

presents

STREETERVILLE WEEK NOVEMBER 14-22

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(see page 8 for more details)

Kick-off event Saturday, November 14, 12:30 – 2 p.m.

Local street performers will entertain passersby in and around Ogden Plaza.

Hosted by Marley Kayden of WGN-TV’s “Chicago’s Best”.

Visit chicagostarmedia.com/sw for a complete list of participating businesses and musical lineup.

To ensure the safety of the artists and others who are enjoying the music, please walk by and observe social distancing measures.

Masks required. Visit Chicago Star Media’s Facebook page for updates.

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The inaugural Streeterville Week is a community-focused event in support of local businesses. Enjoy premium discounts and offers at Streeterville restaurants, hotels, gyms and other neighborhood businesses.

NOVEMBER 2020 / 9

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Vikram Konkimalla, child actor

Vikram Konkimalla made his theatrical debut in 2019 with his performance as “Tiny Tim” in Goodman Theatre’s production of “A Christmas Carol,” a role he will reprise this December as part of the theater company’s upcoming audio rendition of the classic play. He is passionate about theatre and has performed in several plays and musicals at his school. Outside of acting, Vikram is a skilled dancer, pianist and artist with training in areas such as tap dance, hip-hop, gymnastics and tumbling. He is also a talented speed stacker who has participated in tournaments and competitions such as the 2019 AAU Junior Olympics in Greensboro, N.C., where he earned four Junior Olympic medals. Vikram appears in the book “Let’s Meet Chicago: Real Kids in the Windy City,” a compilation of interviews with children in the city.

Andrew David, singer

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Andrew David, formerly known as Andrew Johnston, is a singer whose voice and style can be described as a mixture of Sam Smith, Bruno Mars and the greats of Motown. His debut single “No Limit,” released in 2018, was inspired by his journey toward self-realization and discovery. Following a performance at Apollo Amateur Night in New York when he was 17, Andrew went on to launch a musical career that includes performances on the Magnificent Mile and at the Bourbonnais Friendship Festival and Kankakee County Merchant Street Music Festival. He has also made appearances on “Steve Harvey” and season 13 of “America’s Got Talent.” Andrew often performs at weddings, birthday parties and other private engagements .

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Derrick Tate, saxophonist

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Derrick Tate, a Chicago-based musician and music educator, discovered a lifelong passion for music when he began playing the clarinet at 10 years old. His dedication to challenging himself and improving his skills as a student led him to receive the John Philip Sousa Band Award when he was 14.

Derrick first picked up the saxophone in high school to learn more about the art of jazz and has given performances throughout the community and abroad, playing in Europe in 2008 and performing in England, Germany and Austria the following year. Derrick is a graduate of Berklee College of Music, where he served as a mentor and ensemble leader for high school student musicians as part of the college’s mentoring program.

Saigon Sisters

Nurlan Zhetiru, cellist

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Nurlan Zhetiru was born in Almaty, Kazakhstan, and began playing the cello at age 7. He attended the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory, where he took master classes from esteemed cellists Oleg Sendetsky, Denis Severin, David Pia, Valentin Erben and David Geringas. After graduating in 2016, Nurlan was selected as a member of Kazakhstan’s main orchestra , the Astana Opera Symphony orchestra, and performed at many of the country’s most significant concerts. In 2019, he received a Chicago College of Performing Arts scholarship and moved to the United States to continue his career as a cellist, chamber musician and orchestra member.

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10 / NOVEMBER 2020

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| FEATURES |

Planning for the post-pandemic Chicago Renaissance

By Daniel Patton Staff Writer A post-pandemic Chicago Renaissance will include young people starting businesses, yearround dining alfresco, and a revitalized State Street, according to a pair of experts who spoke at a recent forum hosted by the Chicago Loop Alliance (CLA).

The Global Trends Affecting North American Downtowns forum featured Brad Segal, president of Progressive Urban Management Associates (PUMA) and Lesley Roth, director of urban planning at Ratio. The hour-long presentation was part of the Chicago Loop Alliance’s Downtown Futures Series.

The speakers presented a glasshalf-full scenario for urban renew-

Amy Shouder’s heated outdoor glow chairs for Chicago’s “Winter Dining Challenge” are designed to add warmth and color throughout the city Photo courtesy of Amy Shouder

al with ample evidence to back it up. After declaring the world has been turned “upside-down” by the pandemic and the protests, Segal said the economic stress is inspiring innovations that will ultimately benefit the city.

“This has really been a game-changer,” he said. “We’re predicting an 18-month-tothree-year rebound coming out of this.”

According to Segal, demands for affordable downtown rent

and socially-conscious products are accelerating the “demise of many retail formats that were already in trouble” such as “department stores, legacy brands (and) outdated shopping malls.”

They are also creating “a surge in

entrepreneurship from younger demographics.”

Segal mentioned State Street in particular as a specific location of impending rebirth.

“This is a really exciting time in the design world,” Roth said The city’s once-thriving commercial and retail streets appear to be the most impacted by COVID restrictions, but they are also fertile ground for new ideas, she explained.

Reimagining thoroughfares to contain less vehicular traffic and more room for pedestrians, stores, restaurants and retail activity will increase “connection and interaction,” she said. Ultimately, the process would inspire “an opportunity to be more inclusive and create a space where people do feel a sense of belonging.”

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| NEWS |

Residents bring ideas to police at ‘Community Conversation’

By Daniel Patton Staff Writer More than 100 participants joined two separate Zoom discussions hosted by the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy and the Chicago Police Department (CPD) last month.

Designed to solicit feedback, gain insight and generate ideas for developing 2021 CPD Strategic Plans for districts throughout Chicago, the “Community Conversations” connect members of the police force directly

with the people they protect.

“It’s not a meeting—it’s a conversation,” Sgt. Christoph Schenk said before the start of the 18th District discussion on Oct. 8. “The department will not be successful unless it engages in true partnerships with the community it serves.”

After dividing attendees into ten virtual “breakout rooms,” officers posed questions and took notes from Community Policing HQ Headquarters, 3510 S. Michigan Ave., while small groups of residents shared their experiences and ideas.

Neighborhoods within the 18th District include Streeterville, the Magnificent Mile, River North, the Gold Coast and Lincoln Park. Neighborhoods within the 1st District include New Eastside, the Loop, Printers Row and the South Loop.

In both districts, motorcycle noise and drag racing were cited as major causes of concern, grief and frustration.

Other problems, according to 18th District residents, included loud gatherings of people drinking in the street, loitering,

prostitution, drug dealing, and an increase in homelessness.

At least one person mentioned that they were afraid to go out at night due to the activity.

Another said gunfire had been heard near one of the neighborhood hotels.

Residents of the 1st District said problems include burglary, robbery, shoplifting, aggressive panhandling and rowdy groups of Divvy bike riders. One person was concerned about large groups of maskless customers waiting to enter restaurants.

The most common advice for police was to increase the number of officers on foot patrols within the neighborhoods. One person suggested creating a police ambassador program that pairs officers with residents. Another said an information system to inform residents of nearby activity would be helpful.

After reviewing and discussing the information, representatives from both districts will summarize and explain next steps to residents during follow up Community Conversations in November.

| LOCAL LEADER |

Judge Mathis

Continued from page 7 on education and spirituality and hard work. We really didn’t have to stay in the housing projects if she did not invest in my education. My brothers and I rebelled and got in trouble for a while. But when we decided to turn our lives around, we had the tools to do so. If a guy comes from prison with a fourth, fifth, sixth grade reading level, totally failed by society in every way, it’s hard to recover. But if you have that basic quality education and a sense of right and wrong, morality and values, you can revert.

How do your teenage experiences make you a good judge?

Having seen and participated in most facets of the street life, I have a unique knowledge and insight as to how that life works. For the most part, we’re referring to self-destructive tendencies and lifestyles.

Folks that come before me who are involved in drugs, or have a dispute involving criminal activity, someone coming to me trying to con me, I have the unique ability to know when I’ve been played.

How did you persevere during the time you were denied a law license?

After passing the bar, they denied my

license for the conviction I had, which had already been expunged. During that time, I focused myself in other ways to keep fighting and go where opportunity existed: politics. After I did get my license (via a Michigan Supreme Court ruling), I practiced a few years and then was able to go back to the other career I had cultivated and call on my sources to support me in running for judge.

How did you gain a foothold in Detroit politics?

Through grinding it out and showing that I could be of value as a hard worker. I had a degree in political science, which doesn’t create a whole lot of opportunity. I was getting concerned knowing that. I got hired for an unpaid internship with (city council member) Clyde Cleveland my senior year. I commuted twice a week on the Greyhound from Eastern Michigan, an hour each way, on my own dime, working all day and hustling and showing my worth. It was that type of tenacity that had me noticed.

How did you evolve as a judge while on the bench in Michigan?

My first day, I thought I might have been nervous, but I’ve always had strong confidence, bordering on arrogant. They don’t give you a seminar about what to do.

You’re a lawyer, you know the filings, and so

you should know. I hadn’t practiced every facet, but that did not bother me. Nothing intimidates me. It comes from my mother.

When did you start wearing those thick, round-rim glasses?

I began wearing my rim glasses when I began interning. They’ve changed in various forms, but I’ve had round-rim glasses ever since coming out of college to prove that I was a professional and let people know that I was a little professorial.

How did the “Judge Mathis” show come about?

When I was running for office, the media came after me for my criminal background.

It was expunged, but they asked me about past convictions on my application for the bar—I said “no.” Then it said what about expunged convictions? And I said “yes.” It kind of defeated the purpose of expungement, and that’s how I won my right to practice. When I won, it was like a one- or two-day national success story—I was the youngest judge in Michigan history, elected by virtue of a denial by Main Street society—and I started getting calls from producers, agents and Hollywood types.

How can the U.S. Justice System improve its treatment of African Americans?

We need to vote for prosecutors and judges and police chiefs who are fair.

We have to reform the criminal justice system’s bias towards Black and poor. We have to reduce bail for nonviolent offenders or eliminate it altogether, which also saves money for taxpayers.

And the police?

The overwhelming majority of police do good things, but there is a minority that is either subconsciously or consciously biased against Black men. It comes from portrayals of Black men in the media: violent, dangerous predators who engage in criminal activity. The police have that stereotype, and then they create the stereotype that the community has about the police. That creates fear. But if the community likes the way you treat them, it’s a friendlier environment.

How would the presidential debates be different in your courtroom?

Oh my goodness, President (Donald) Trump and I would have a ball clowning with each other. Unfortunately he’d be threatened with contempt and jailed. Or, if I don’t have the power to jail him, I’d have the power to have the microphone shut off. Or, it would be the same sentence that Kenan Thompson handed down when he played me on the sketch on Saturday Night Live: I would order him to pay $10K and say something nice about Nancy Pelosi.

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| COMMUNITY CORNER |

Doorperson of the Month Rogelio Roger Gomez, Aqua Tower, 225 N. Columbus Drive

By Daniel Patton Staff Writer Roger Gomez is pursuing an accounting degree while working as a doorperson at the Aqua Tower, but that does not mean he intends to move on after graduation.

“If there’s any way I can stay and grow within Magellan, that would be awesome,” the Northeastern University student said. “It is such a great company, starting with our property manager Debbie Graf and going all the way up to our CEO David Carlins. It’s a great environment.”

He is equally fond of the “awesome and generous” people he serves on the job at 225 N. Columbus Drive.

“We’re there to help the residents and visitors feel like they’re at home and safe, most importantly, so they can always feel that warmth coming in,” he said. “You build a lot of relationships and, in a way, it feels like a whole big family.”

Gomez, the oldest of three sons raised in Albany Park, has cherished the value of family his whole life. His mother, who owns a cleaning company, is from the northern region of Mexico and his father, who helps run the company, is from the southern state of Guerrero.

“I am definitely proud of my parents,” he said.

His first job in property services came through a

Aqua Tower’s Roger Gomez is Doorperson of the Month.

Photo by Daniel Patton

referral from an uncle, who owns a construction company and learned about a relief doorperson position while on a job on the north side. After working at the location for a couple months, Gomez learned that the Aqua Tower “happened to be looking for someone” while he was helping his mother clean for some tenants in the New Eastside building.

“I got pretty lucky with landing a position with so much responsibility at such a young age,” he recalled.

Besides helping to develop his “speaking ability with the public,” the job has allowed him to meet celebrities and CEOs who are “super down-to-earth and some of the nicest people I’ve ever met.”

When not at work, Gomez can be found hanging out in River North venues with friends or playing guitar, a hobby he picked

up in sixth grade. There’s also homework, but for him that’s really not work at all.

“I went into college not knowing what to do and took the 101-level of accounting,” he said. “I found that it came easy to me and I enjoyed it.”

As the first person in his family to attend college, he said that education is a “big deal.”

Besides his instinctive knack for accounting, his mother is inspiring him to graduate.

“My mom’s like my GPS,” Gomez said. “She has made me a person who is not afraid to work toward his dreams.”

To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@ chicagostarmedia.com with their name and why you think they should be the doorperson of the month.

Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.

NOMINATE YOUR DOORPERSON

Email info@chicagostarmedia.com with the name of your favorite doorperson and why you think they should be the doorperson of the month.

Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.

New Eastside NEWS Streeterville NEWS West Loop NEWS

14 / NOVEMBER 2020

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| FEATURES |

III Forks Prime Steakhouse 2-8 p.m. | 180 N. Field Blvd., (312) 938-4303, 3forks.com/ location/chicago Choice of spice rubbed turkey, roasted beef tenderloin, or maple-glazed Atlantic salmon for entrée, plus starter and dessert. $54. Reservations strongly recommended.

Bub City – River North

11 a.m.-8 p.m. | 435 N. Clark St., (312) 610-4200, bub-city. com/chicago Smoked and fried turkey, choice of BBQ meat, all-youcan-eat holiday sides and a slice of pie. $39.95 per person.

Carryout feasts for 4-8 people also available for $175 and $275.

Reservations required. Carryout orders by Nov. 25 for pickup on Nov. 26, 9 a.m.-1 p.m.

The Capital Grill

11 a.m.-9 p.m. | 633 N. Saint Clair St., (312) 337-9400, thecapitalgrille.com Slow-roasted turkey with brioche stuffing, plus sides. Adults $43, children $15. Carryout feasts for 4-6 also available. Reservations recommended; must be pre-ordered on or before Nov. 24 for pickup between Nov. 23-25.

FireLake Grill House and Cocktail Bar

11:30 a.m. - 8 p.m. | 221 N. Columbus Dr., (312) 477-0234, firelakechicago.com Rotisserie cider roasted turkey or prime rib or brown sugar cured ham, plus starters and sides and pie for dessert. $55.

Reservations recommended.

Carryout orders must be submitted by Monday, Nov. 23, 2 p.m.

The Goddess and Grocer

8 a.m.-3 p.m. | 901 N. Larrabee Ave., 1127 N. State St., (773) 292-7100, goddessandgrocer.com Options include Turkey for Two ($75), Family Matters (serves 6 for $195), All In The Family (serves 12 for $395), and a huge list of a la cartes.

Orders must be placed by Friday, Nov. 20 for pickup on or before Nov. 26, 8 a.m.-3 p.m.

Joe’s Seafood, Prime Steak & Stone Crab

12-7 p.m. | 60 E. Grand Ave., (312) 379-5637, joes.net/chicago Sliced turkey breast with leg and thigh confit and pan gravy, plus a bounty of sides and dessert. $64.95 per person, $32.95 for children aged 5-12. Carryout dinner for four is $250.

Reservations recommended.

Orders must be placed by at 5 p.m. Nov. 18 for pick-up on Nov. 25, 11 a.m.-7 p.m.

Osteria Via Stato

11:30 a.m.-3 p.m. | 620 N. State St., (312) 642-8450, osteriaviastato.com Peacock Farms roasted Amish turkey, plus holiday sides and apple crostata for dessert. $59.95. A la carte items and platter for 6-8 guests also available. Orders must be placed 72 hours prior to pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 25, 4-8 p.m. or Thursday, Nov. 26, 11 a.m-3p.m.

River Roast

Noon-7:30 p.m. | 315 N. LaSalle St., (312) 822-0100, riverroastchicago.com Herb brined and roasted turkey plus starters, sides and

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| EVENTS |

Area venues cooking for Thanksgiving The recipe to a stress-free Thanksgiving is simple. It begins with ordering food from a restaurant and ends with dessert.

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dessert. $65. Reservations required. Pickup options also available for parties up to 10 at exploretock.com/riverroast.

RPM Italian

12-9 p.m. | 52 W. Illinois St., (312) 222-1888, rpmrestaurants.com/rpm-italian-chicago Slagel Family farm turkey and traditional holiday accompaniments. Cooked and ready-to-go menu for four also available for $185.

Reservations strongly recommended; orders must be placed 48 hours in advance for pickup on Wednesday, Nov. 25 or Thursday, Nov. 26 from noon to 6 p.m.

RPM Steak

Noon-8 p.m. | 66 W. Kinzie St., (312) 284-4990, rpmrestaurants.com/rpm-steak-chicago Slagel Family Farm turkey plus RPM signatures like coal-roasted king crab and sides. $95 for adults, $45 for children aged 12 and under.

Carryout feast for four also available for $225. Orders must be placed 48-hours in advance for pickup Thursday, Nov. 26 from Noon-7:30 p.m.

Shaw’s Crab House – Chicago

11 a.m.-7 p.m. | 21 E. Hubbard St., (312) 527-2722, shawscrabhouse.com Seafood appetizers, herb roasted turkey breast and sides followed by Alaskan king crab legs and three dessert choices. $59 for adults, $15 for children aged 6-12. Carryout menu also available. Reservations recommended. Orders must be placed via tock by 9 a.m. Nov. 25 for pickup on Thursday, Nov. 26, Noon-6 p.m.

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

Nov. 1

Dia de Los Muertos Virtual Celebration In this Day of the Dead celebration, viewers can learn about the history of this Mexican holiday.

Hear from speakers in both Mexico and Chicago, enjoy performances of traditional dances and songs and see videos from the Chicago artists who created La Ronda Parakata.

Register in advance. Hosted on Zoom by the Field Museum. 4-6 p.m., free, online, (312) 922-9410, fieldmuseum.org/our-events

Nov. 2

Architect Talk: The Boundary-Breaking Designs of Jeanne Gang Architect Jeanne Gang, founding principal of Studio Gang, will detail the studio’s collaborative approach and highlight built projects, design concepts and new undertakings that foster a more livable, equitable city. Register at architecture.org/programs-events.

Hosted on Zoom by the Chicago Architecture Center, 6 p.m., $25 for members of the public (includes CAC admission) and $18 for CAC members.

Nov. 11

Red Cross Blood Drive The Mid-America Club is partnering with the American Red Cross for a Blood Drive Day. Use the sponsor code MAC to book your time slot. Bring a photo ID or blood donor card or two other forms of ID. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 80th floor of the Aon Center, 200 E. Randolph St., (312) 861-1100, midamerica@clubcorp.com

Nov. 12

Community e-Meeting Ald. Brian Hopkins, Ald. Walter Burnett and the Department

of Planning and Development co-sponsor a meeting to review the proposed plan for JDL Development’s North Union site on the Near North Side, which includes the purchase and redevelopment of 8.1 acres of land from the Moody Bible Institute. 6 p.m., free, online, bit.ly/35MKwHF

Nov. 17

1st District Community Conversation - part 2 The second of two community input meetings to create the Chicago Police Department’s 1st District Strategic plan, hosted on Zoom by the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS). 6-8 p.m., free, online, (312) 745-4290, eventbrite.com

Nov. 18

S.I.P. “Social Interactive Playtime” Join us for a safe night of networking at our “Community in the Sky.” Make new, valuable connections while practicing social distancing and enjoying our amazing views. Registration is required and space is limited. RSVP to our Membership Director at (312) 856-9484 or email melissa.czyz@ clubcorp.com. Business-casual attire. 5:30-7:30 p.m. 80th floor of the Aon Center, 200 E. Randolph St., (312) 861-1100, midamerica@ clubcorp.com

Nov. 19

18th District Community Conversation - part 2 The second of two community input meetings to create the Chicago Police Department’s 18th District Strategic plan, hosted on Zoom by the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS). 6-8 p.m., free, online, (312) 742-5778, eventbrite.com

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| NEWS BREAK |

Some random thoughts for some rough times

A

s this issue comes out in early November, we will be right smack in the middle of election mania. Coupled with the closure of Jon Cohn COMMUNITY in-person dining CONTRIBUTOR and other pandemic related stressors, it’s sure to be a volatile, if not hostile, period of time. (I hope I am wrong.)

While understanding the dutiful importance of being involved, aware, and active in our country’s current events, I chose this month to go the other way. Borrow-

Jumble

SIUFTGNF UKMPPIN ARGVY LOOABFLT

ing the famed Monty Python line, “And now for something completely different,” I present to you, in no particular order, and of no particular importance, some random thoughts and questions to maybe get your mind off the potential mayhem of this month. Let’s call it “productive distraction.”

When Chicago police on Michigan Avenue gather in large groups on a normal peaceful day, are they actually discussing policing strategy? And those officers on horses that look so cool, so stoic, so confident. It’s very impressive. But when nature calls and their horse ingloriously releases right on the street. Then? Not quite so cool.

Speaking of “cool,” if things start to open

back up and folks go back to the office, how cold are they willing to get while waiting to get into office buildings with the current city-mandated two-person maximum capacity on elevators? The line to enter could stretch outside for city blocks.

New Chicago motto: Arrive to work at 8 a.m., in your office by 11 a.m.

While we’re on big buildings, has anybody else heard the “loud hush” hovering over the towering Vista Building? Reports are that the first residents will begin moving in this month.

Quiet on this too, but is it OK to have a “man crush” on new Bulls head coach Billy Donovan? Just asking for a friend.

Now that I have completed my “first-

time-for-a-64-year-old-man” challenge by getting a pedicure, I am looking for suggestions for a next “first time.” Email me with ideas, but before your write, no, I am not jumping out of a plane.

Finally, how about a special thank you to our hardworking, last-minute census takers. I am sure they encountered a variety of creative resistance techniques (trying to be nice here) as they knocked, knocked, knocked their way across all city neighborhoods. But, sincere thanks gang, for this much needed service.

Now…back to the real news.

Jon Cohn is a New Eastside resident.

Email ideas for Jon to info@chicagostarmedia.com

Community photo NRAYBECRR MDSAEH IENNDR

Send photos and captions of things going on in the neighborhood to info@chicagostarmedia.com for a chance for your photo to be featured. Photographers will receive $25.

English settlers who came to North America on the Mayflower.

Previous puzzle answer: A large rounded orange-yellow fruit with a thick rind, edible flesh. PUMPKIN

Where am I?

Do you know where this is?

If you think you know these spots, email us at info@chicagostarmedia.com.

Answer to October Where am I? The Lakefront Trail at Dusable Harbor.

SOAR Streeterville Clean Up participants pose for a group photo Sept. 26 after spending the day cleaning up South Streeterville. Photo by Gail Spreen

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www.chicagostarmedia.com NOVEMBER 2020 / 16