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SATURDAY APRIL 4 | SUNDAY APRIL 5 2020
SUNDAY BREAKFAST
Kohl Children’s Museum Director of Education Erika Gray. P34
NORTH SHORE FOODIE P26
SPORTS
Farewell, handshake? Tennis coaches come to grips with likely fate of gesture. P30 FOLLOW US:
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NEWS
Keeping It Local THE VILLAGE OF WILMETTE APPROVES $375,000 TO HELP SMALL BUSINESSES IMPACTED BY THE COVID-19 CRISIS. BY KEMMIE RYAN THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
The Wilmette Village Board is leading by example on how North Shore communities can help local small businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic—by passing its own $375,000 relief package this past week. The program, which utilizes municipal sales tax rebates, will provide immediate financial support to restaurants, retail stores, and other local businesses. It is one of the only locally funded programs in the area. “We recognize that COVID-19 has placed a substantial burden on the Village’s small business community. This program will provide funds for businesses that need help now making payroll or paying suppliers,” said Wilmette Village President Bob Bielinski. Eligible businesses must meet certain requirements in order to be considered for a grant. These include: a current and valid Village of Wilmette Business License; busiContinued on PG 20
SPECIAL REPORT: Real Estate in the Time of Coronavirus THE IRONY OF LIVING IN A “SHELTER AT PLACE” MANDATE IS THAT MANY ON THE NORTH SHORE REMAIN IN A STATE OF TRANSITION, EITHER WITH THEIR HOMES CURRENTLY ON THE MARKET OR NEEDING TO FIND A NEW HOME TO HUNKER DOWN IN. THE GOOD NEWS IS THAT OUR COMMUNITIES ARE SERVED BY SOME OF THE FINEST REAL ESTATE PROFESSIONALS IN THE NATION. HERE IS WHAT THEY HAD TO SAY ABOUT HOW THEY ARE KEEPING THEIR CLIENTS SAFE AND KEEPING MOMENTUM GOING DURING THESE UNPRECEDENTED TIMES. BY SHERRY THOMAS THE NORTH SHORE WEEKEND
Like many real estate professionals on the North Shore, Jena Radnay had been following reports from China, South Korea, and Hong Kong about the coming COVID-19 pandemic as early as January. At the same time, she was also virtually monitoring the ride times at Walt Disney World, in anticipation of a spring break getaway that day-by-day, began to disappear from the realm of possibility. Then, as the first coronavirus cases began hitting the U.S. in unprecedented numbers, the Winnetka-based @properties broker and agent began to anticipate the worst. “The first Sunday in March, I went to two Costcos, two Targets, and another supermarket,” says Radnay, explaining that she bought as many hand sanitizers, disinfecting alcohol wipes, and cleaning supplies as she could get her hands on. “I saw it happening so for me, I was already one step ahead of the game.” What was once unthinkable—the literal shutdown of the state and most of the country—became an undeniable reality on Friday, March 20, when Governor JB Pritzker issued a “shelter in place” mandate for most Illinois residents, effective the following Saturday.
Only the essential services are allowed to continue operating. But the good news for residents who are being told to “stay at home” when their home lives are in transition is that real estate is among the businesses that falls in that “essential” category. Fortunately for us, we are served by some of the finest in the nation—agencies that are not only prepared for the crisis but innovating safe new ways
to keep business moving. Rachael Rohn, Chicagoland regional president of Compass, says her firm was ready to direct their agents and guide them through best practices for safety during this unprecedented moment in history. “This has proven to be an uncertain time Continued on PG 12
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