New Eastside News July August 2015 Newsletter

VOL.2 NO.7

A NEWSLETTER FROM THE NEW EASTSIDE COMMUNITY

Got a story tip or question? Call 708-628-3652

July/August 2015

www.neweastsidecommunity.com

Will the dogs have their day?

By Angela Gagnon | Staff Writer

While Maggie Daley Park was honored with an official park dedication ceremony on Saturday, June 13, one group was left out of the fun: the dogs.

The new Maggie Daley Park has a strict no-dog policy, an issue that local dog owners have been very vocal about since the park opened last December. Before the park opened, officials had previously assured residents that the new park would be dog friendly. The ban caught some local dog owners by surprise.

Opposition to the dog ban came to a head this June during the

dedication ceremony with the Rally to Restore Access to Maggie Daley Park. The rally was held on East Randolph Street, right outside the park where dog owners, accompanied by their pets, held signs in protest that read “Dogs are family” and “Please don’t shut us out of the whole park.” One park visitor remarked, “This was the cutest protest I’ve ever seen.”

The current ban on dogs in Maggie Daley Park it makes it difficult for dogs and owners to access the lakefront. Dog owner Shannon Christian, who was at the rally, said

“there is no access anymore to the lakefront or South Grant Park.” New Eastside resident Shelley Brazee, who also attended the rally, added, “I cannot go anywhere now [with my dog] except around and around Lakeshore East Park.”

The Rally brought dog owners and supporters together in an attempt to share disapproval of the Park District’s ban on dogs in the park. Christian said one goal of the rally was educational.

“We’re really trying to help people see the nuances of the arguments, and it’s not just either dogs all over the park Turn to Dog, Page 4

Call 708.628.3652

By Tracey Lewis | Staff Writer

Photo by Tracey Lewis Instructor Cole O’Beirne, in yellow kayak, taking people kayaking on the Chicago River

Urban Kayaks has been in business for five years. They have three locations: the Riverwalk between Lake Shore and Columbus Drives, Chinatown near Ping Tom Memorial Park, and they are expanding to a third location this summer on the Riverwalk next to Flander’s at Clark and Wacker Streets. Urban Kayaks

Dog owners brought their furry friends to advocate for access through Maggie Daley Park at a rally outside the park on June 13, 2015.

info@neweastsidecommunity.com

East Riverwalk South activities

As we all know, summer in Chicago is short-lived so we need to take advantage of outdoor activities while we can. Here are our top three picks of things to do on The Riverwalk on the south bank of the Chicago River, which is the section between Lake Shore Drive and Columbus Drive.

Photo by Shawn Taylor

Interested in Advertising?

Reach 10,000 people in the New Eastside.

FREE

Turn to East Riverwalk, Page 4

Calendar of Events New Eastside P10

2 / JULY/AUGUST 2015

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M N A T U R A L

CHICAGO PET FRIENDLY REAL ESTATE

P

home advisors for the entire family

E T

Beautiful, Functional & Energy Saving Shades Total Shade offers high performance and trendsetting style, design, and automation shade systems. Since 1996, the company continues to create, manufacture and install innovative custom shading systems. Our clients include some of Chicago's most iconic buildings.

Total Shade Benefits Energy Savings Up to 45% Guards Against Glare Maintains View When Shades are Down Protects Furniture and Floors

Sales Team 312 . 895 . 0898 sales@totalshade.com www.totalshade.com

w w w. To t a l S h a d e . c o m

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

JULY/AUGUST 2015 / 3

NEWS

By Tracey Lewis | Staff Writer

How to contact us

info@neweastsidecommunity.com

(708) 628-3652 Publisher: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com

Additions to the landscaping at Lakeshore East Park

New Eastside resident to direct classical radio scripts

Dan Koz, Lakeshore East Park volunteer, has been overseeing new plantings and improved areas for dogs to relieve themselves. Some of the new plantings and boulders are just outside the elevator on the west side of the park.

There are also areas where the old turf has been dug up.

These areas are being dug deeper to improve filtration and fresh turf will be put on top. Koz says the turf will have “better filtration and double the number of sprinkler systems for better rinsing.” Also, these areas will be powerwashed with hot water every two weeks to keep them cleaner. Koz mentioned that Lakeshore East Park was the leader in Chicago in adopting this kind of turf.

On Thursday, July 23, the SAG (Screen Actors Guild) and AFTRA (American Federation of Television and Radio Artists) Senior Radio Players will perform three classic radio scripts beginning at 7:00PM in the Chicago Cultural Center’s Claudia Cassidy Theater, 78 E. Washington St.

Managing Editor: Tracey Lewis tracey@neweastsidecommunity.com Co-Editor: Jessica Ainlay jessica@neweastsidecommunity.com Copy Editors: Shanti Nagarkatti, shanti@neweastsidecommunity.com Kari Greczek Staff Writer: Angela Gagnon angela@neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writer: Ophelia Dodds ophelia@neweastsidecommunity.com Community Contributors: Elizabeth Johnston, Serena Wadhwa, Michael Oz, Reemaa Konkimalla, Jon Cohn,Wayne Lorentz, Oksana Persidina, Margaret Schmidt, Jennifer Johnson, Dan Koz, Karen Carpino, Shanti Nagarkatti, Mary Cummings

New Eastside News is published bi-monthly by New Eastside Community. New Eastside News uses and values community writers and contributors.

Views expressed by community contributors are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of New Eastside News.

The New Eastside News does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. The New Eastside News is independently owned and operated. Copyright © 2015. All rights reserved.

Photo by Tracey Lewis

Photo by Tracey Lewis

Two of the three scripts will be directed by Parker Gronwald, a resident of Chicago’s New Eastside who has been a performer for more than 50 years. Mr. Gronwald is an integral part of this group, with his rich baritone voice serving as the announcer as well as many of the characters.

Admission is free and seating is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Condo sales to start soon for Wanda Vista Tower

Yellow stripes and speed bumps added around New Eastside

According to a newly issued renovation permit, the sales center for the new condominiums is going to be at the Coast in Lakeshore East. The proposed 10,000-squarefoot center will include, offices, a reception area, and bathroom and kitchen models for prospective buyers. In addition the sales center will offer promotional materials for the new hotel.

Yellow stripes were added to the curbs in front of the fire hydrants on the sidewalks around the park in Lakeshore East to deter drivers from parking in front of the fire hydrant. In addition, speed bumps have been added to the west side of the drive around the park to slow down vehicles. There are other speed bumps located on Harbor Drive and the east side of the park. According to Dan Koz, park volunteer, “The master association has been working with the city to get those humps and markings in. We’ve also requested better markings at the crosswalk and would like a hump at the end of Benton Drive.”

Rendering: Studio Gang

New Ferris wheel to be built on Navy Pier This fall the current Ferris wheel built in 1995 at Navy Pier will be removed and be replaced with a Ferris wheel that is 49 feet taller at a cost of $26.5 million. The new Ferris wheel will have temperature-controlled gondolas, which will allow it to be used year round. They will be blue in color and seat up to 10 passengers versus the current capacity of six people. The new Ferris wheel will open in summer 2016 and have a capacity of 180 people per ride.

Photo by Tracey Lewis

4 / JULY/AUGUST 2015

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

East Riverwalk South activities

Top self-serve frozen yogurt spots

East Riverwalk continued from Page 1 offers tours and rentals. Their most popular tour is the Historic Chicago Tour, which departs from the New Eastside location at 435. E. Riverwalk

By Shanti Nagarka i | Community Contributor

South. The two-hour tour is $65/ person. For more information about other tours or renting a kayak go to: www.urbankayaks.com

The frozen yogurt (froyo) trend appears to be going strong with no shortage of self-serve spots around the New Eastside. Here is a roundup to help you chill when the temperature rises...just add your favorite topping.

Red Mango Frozen Yogurt – 151 E. Randolph St. @ Millennium Metra Station, (312) 291-8211, $0.54/oz. Opened in April, this location features six seasonal flavors (three tart and three sweet) and a variety of toppings. The watermelon sorbet is summer in a cup. Additional treats include products from Argo Tea and hot sandwiches and wraps.

Island Party Hut

Froyo Chicago – 233 E. Michigan Ave., (312) 291-9692, $0.55/oz. A family-owned business, this Pedway spot is a favorite among nearby office workers for an afternoon pick-me-up. All flavors and toppings are organic, with some vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free choices. The classic tart and vegan coconut flavors are popular choices. With 80 rotating froyo flavors and 50+ toppings, the only limit is your imagination. There is also a createyour-own smoothie option, allowing beverages to be customized with addins and nutritious superfoods.

TCBY and Mrs. Fields – 32 E. Randolph St., (312) 629-1001, $0.59/oz.

Photo by Tracey Lewis

Walgreens – 151 N. State St., 1st floor, (312) 863-4249, $4.99/8 oz. cup,

Wood deck patio at Island Party Hut

This relaxed patio with an island-themed setting opened in May of 2015 at 355 East Riverwalk South. Reggae music is piped through speakers around the deck with tables and umbrellas. On the menu are appetizers, wraps, salads and items from the grill ranging in price from $9-

$13. This is a great place to just relax and watch people on the river or the path.

On Saturdays and Sundays there is live music from 7:00PM-11:00PM. There is no cover charge. For more information go to: www.islandpartyhut.com.

Wheel Fun Rentals East Riverwalk from Page 1 Wheel Fun Rentals recently opened a new location on the Riverwalk right by the Columbus Ave Bridge this month at 305 E. Riverwalk. Hop on a Surrey, a covered four-person bike, and ride up and down the lakeshore, rain or shine.

You can rent a single Surrey for $24/

This one-year-old dual branded store across from Macy’s is generous with its taster cups, all the better to sample flavors like Italian tart and honeyflavored Greek froyo. The topping selection is smaller than at other places, but it gets high marks for creativity: candy-coated chocolate pebbles that look like the real thing!

hr or a Double Surrey for $35/hr. There are also some other fun bikes called Choppers and the Quad Sport, which rent for $13/hr. To find out out more about their bikes and rates go to: wheelfunrentals.com/Locations/ Chicago-2

$5.99/12 oz. cup (toppings included) Part of the flagship Walgreens Upmarket Café, this location features such standards as Dutch chocolate, nonfat vanilla, and peanut butter. Pricing is by the cup, including toppings. Once you’ve created your frozen masterpiece, belly up to the counter overlooking State Street to people watch.

Froyo – 446 N. State St., (312) 755-4486, $0.59/oz. Feed your late night craving at this spot open until 11PM weekdays and midnight Friday-Saturday.

Choose from 14 flavors; vanilla, chocolate, and red velvet cake are always on hand, while seasonal selections rotate into the mix. Froyo’s 46+ toppings include mango and other fresh fruits, candy, and organic nuts. The décor is bright and seating is plentiful.

What is your favorite froyo indulgence?

Tell us at shanti@neweastsidecommunity.com.

Will the dogs have their day?

Dog continued from Page 1 or dogs completely out of the park.

There is a middle ground. We want to discuss it with public officials so we can find a solution.” For Brazee, the goal of the rally was to gain access to the lakefront when walking her dog.

“All I want to do is walk through. The nice path by Cancer Survivors Park goes straight down to the stoplight [to cross over to the lakefront]. Put fences in and just let us walk to the light.”

Photo by Tracey Lewis Double Surreys for rent

CEO of the Chicago Park District, Michael P. Kelly, emphasized that the CPD does aim to create a way

for dog owners to reach the lake that way, but as of now, can’t make any promises. “The park district is not reconsidering lifting the dog ban,” Kelly has said. “I am hopeful that when we finish the northeast corner of Peanut Park, we can get folks somewhere through there to get to the lakefront and Grant Park.”

He hesitates to make the statement official as an agreement can’t be reached, but assures local residents that that is indeed the goal.

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

COMMUNITY PHOTOS Thank you so much to those of you who sent us photos! We’re looking for more photos for our next newsletter. Please submit your pictures to info@neweastsidecommunity.com

New Eastside resident Yidan Ding playing on the rope and slide crater of Maggie Daley Park Submi ed by Alina Liao

DOORMAN OF THE MONTH Doorman Calvin Booker has been working at the Heritage for more than 10 years and has over 30 years of experience in the service industry.

to make it fun and interactive, and the ability to adapt and manage situations that arise from time to time, as well as an ability to understand people in general.

Community Voices Hello New Eastside Community News: As a two-and-a-half- year-resident of the Lakeshore East neighborhood on East South Water Street I need your help.

Motorcycle gang activity--specifically drag racing, loud music, and gunshots—have become an extreme problem on Upper Wacker Drive this summer, especially in the evening. I have seen motorcycle gang and gunfire activity increase steadily, while the Chicago Police Department’s response to this activity has declined.

Just recently, my neighbors and I called the CPD a total of seven times and have been told: “It’s a busy evening and there’s nothing [they] can do.” A call was subsequently made to the Chicago Tribune and we were told that a reporter will be investigating this issue and interviewing residents for more details.

I know multiple former residents of this area who have moved in part because of this noise.

Is there something we can do as residents to encourage the gangs to convene elsewhere and resolve this issue?

Thank you, Kate Liebelt

Cute pet alert

Photo By Ophelia Dodds

Name: Thor Lives in: North Harbor Tower Breed: Siamese fighting fish Food: Freeze dried worms & Antarctic krill Good habits: When he sees people, he splashes around to get attention Bad Habits: Waiting too long to eat his worms Personality: Skittish & playful Owner: Macie and Xander Jones Fun fact: He has rocks from the Tasman Sea and Hawaii in his tank.

July 11th Sushi Roll Dogfish Head

What do you enjoy about your job?

The interaction that I have with such a wide variety of people from whom I learn every day, building positive relations with the residents, being there for them when they need me and being able to offer high-quality services, have made my job as a doorman very encouraging, productive and enjoyable.

How do you deal with stress in your job?

Keeping cool is the key thing, and having a positive attitude has helped me in dealing with stressful situations.

Clavin Booker by Reemaa Konkimalla

What qualities do you think are important in a doorman?

People-skills that allow me to interact with a wide variety of people, humor

JULY/AUGUST 2015 / 5

How would residents at the Heritage describe you?

Hmm… Dependable, alert and very active. Some say I have a great warm smile and a fantastic sense of humor!

Corrections The Meet your neighbor: David Warren article in the May/June issue listed the phone number as (880) 724-7758. The correct phone number is (800) 724-7758.

August 8th Boom Shakalaka Goose Island

OUR MONTHLY Y TAP

TAKEOVERS NOW COME WITH A SIDE OF

LIVE MUSIC…

September 12th 8-Track Two Brothers

October 10th Forget Hannah Oktoberfest Doors open at 7pm; all shows start at 9pm. *$5 Cover

TRADITION GASTRO PUB + KITCHEN 160 N. Franklin Chicago, IL (312) 263-0260

6 / JULY/AUGUST 2015

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

New hotels walking distance to New Eastside

By Tracey Lewis | Staff Writer

New hotels are springing up near the New Eastside and they’re not just for visitors to enjoy. The extra hotel rooms help when your family comes to town and they can’t fit in your modest-sized apartment, but the restaurants, bars and amenities are exciting for us locals, too.

In addition to the four hotels already in New Eastside – Radisson Blu, Hyatt Regency, Swissôtel and the Fairmont – the new Loews and the first-ever Virgin Hotels in the world, are both within a quick walk from home and add to the hotel selection just across the river in Streeterville which also is home to the Sheraton and Embassy Suites.

Loews

Richard Branson has taken his Virgin brand into the world of hotels, and has chosen Chicago as the location to launch his first-ever Virgin Hotel.

Set in the historically listed Dearborn Bank building at 203 N. Wabash, the 26-story hotel opened the doors to its 250 rooms in January of 2015 after five years of renovation.

Opened in May 2015 the hotel is located just over the Columbus Street Bridge at 455 N. Park Dr. in Streeterville near the AMC movie theater. Like our neighbor the Aqua building, this is a mixed-use property. At 52 stories high, the first 14 floors make up the 400-room Loews Hotel; the remaining floors are part of the North Water Apartments, run by a separate company.

Stephanie Casanova, Director of Public Relations for Loews, explained the concept behind the Loews brand.

“Each Loews hotel is designed to be like you are in that city,” she said.

This is the case with the Streeterville location, which is designed by a Chicago-based company. The lobby has furnishings made of mohair, leather, fur and wool, to represent Chicago’s need to keep warm and stay stylish.

The lobby offers plenty of places to sit and work plus tables to order light bites or drinks, and free live jazz open to the public on Thursday and Friday nights. From the moment you walk into the hotel’s onsite Argentine steakhouse, Rural Society, you can smell the wood-fired meat and grilled fish featured on the menu.

Guests can also enjoy the spa, indoor swimming pool and the expansive indoor and outdoor meeting space, but

Virgin Hotels

Photo by Tracey Lewis Loews new hotel in Streeterville

it is the 9,000-square-foot outdoor area on the third floor that might be the most exciting aspect of this new hotel.

Called Streeterville Social, this expansive rooftop lounge is open to the public and features a bistro area with seating on one side and a large grassy area for games like croquet and a giant Jenga on the other.

The bistro is open from 11AM - 10:30PM daily and the terrace opens from 4PM 10:30PM daily.

The British flavor can be felt throughout the hotel: the entryway is called “The Junction”; rooms are referred to as “chambers”; restroom signs are designated for “blokes” and “birds.” Two Zero Three, a coffee and wine bar, and Miss Ricky’s Diner are Photo by Tracey Lewis both open to the public, as is the The new Virgin Hotels in the Loop rooftop bar on the 26th floor, which features DJs on Fridays and Saturdays features the Shag Room cocktail from 4PM until late. lounge and a Funny Library, which consists only of books about comedy.

The Commons Bar, on the second Guests can also take advantage of floor, offers a one-hour guest-only the spa treatment room and the open bar from 7PM. This floor also gym, along with a hi-tech app called “Lucy,” which allows guests to check in and out, control the TV, room temperature, and order room service.

For more information visit www. loewshotels.com/chicago-downtown Photo by Tracey Lewis Second-floor bar offering an hour of open bar daily for guests.

Speaking of checking in and out, Virgin Hotels does not charge for early check-in or late check-out. This flexibility is very convenient so you can take advantage of every last minute when friends and family come in for a visit.

For more information visit www. virginhotels.com

New Eastside area hotel room rate comparison Hotel Name

Photo by Tracey Lewis The bistro section of the 9,000-square-foot outside roo op at the Loews hotel.

Hyatt Regency The Fairmont Loews Virgin Hotels Radisson Blu Aqua Swissotel Embassy Suites Sheraton *Prices calculated on June 23, 2015.

Rate for July 24, 2015 1 room with king bed before taxes $199.00 $359.00 $389.00 $269.00 $409.50 $309.00 $344.00 $319.00

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

JULY/AUGUST 2015 / 7

Meet your neighbor: Gwen Sylvain

By Tracey Lewis | Staff Writer

When I first moved to the New Eastside, I couldn’t help but notice a friendly woman walking a different dog every time I saw her. If you live in The Tides, you have probably seen her, too. Her name is Gwen Sylvain, a pet-sitter and walker who lives in The Tides. She has been in the dog-walking business for eight years.

Before she became our resident pet-sitter, Sylvain spent 24 years in the legal department at AT&T, time at Sears as a programmer and department manager, and a decade as an eighth grade teacher at Chicago Public Schools. When she retired, Sylvain took up quilting. She then began to walk the neighborhood dogs to make extra money for her quilting fabric. The business took off and now, she says, “I have more fabric than I will live long enough to quilt.” Sylvain has always loved animals and grew up with dogs, cats, birds, and other animals, and says “it was just natural to do some type of pet services because I just love animals.” Her animal clients are her “babies” and she says they call her “Auntie Gwen.”

“There is not a day that goes by that I am not laughing or giggling about something one of my dogs has done. I love their innocent joy. It can be just a simple leaf blowing by or the sound of

keys dropping next to them,” she says, that entertains her from day to day.

Out of all her clients, it was a fish that was the most interesting. This was because the owner loved his fish, named Killer, so much that he wanted to fly it with him to the Hamptons for the summer. The TSA rules wouldn’t allow him to bring Killer on board, so she ended up spending the summer taking care of just one fish. Why Killer? She giggled and said, “it had killed all the other fish in the aquarium.”

The job is not always easy. “Seeing some of my babies leave this world is the hardest part of my job. I have had a number of dogs and cats pass away for various reasons in the past eight years. It is as if I have lost my own animal each time,” said Sylvain. She also says that the worst season for her is spring. She does not mind the brutal cold or the wind, but getting caught in the rain with the dogs is something she could live without.

Sylvain has 50-55 clients in Lakeshore East. She keeps all the keys organized in a Japanese bento box, individually tagged. Owners get an extra perk, too: if they get locked out of their apartment, they can contact her to let them in – and her clients do!

Sylvain’s son, AJ Sylvain, helped her walk some of her clients when

Photo by Tracey Lewis Gwen Sylvain with her five-year-old Samoyed named Slushy and three of her clients, from le to right: Deja, a 12-year- old Dachshund; Murphy,a 9-year-old Dachshund; and Indy, a 4-year-old Dachshund.

she broke her hip a few years ago.

He lives in New Eastside as well and works in pet services. Soon he will be taking on her new clients.

He already has assistants to help with the “walk load” as Sylvain calls the workload. Her son will take

care of the dog-walking part as she transitions to do more of the paperwork—or as she jokingly calls it, “business management”—for the poop she picks up. Gwen and AJ can be reached at 630-660-0909 or gtsylvain@gmail.com

Crashing the race party

By Jon Cohn | Community Contributor

I will let you in on a little secret about all those bike races, 5k race celebrations and post-parties you see over at Grant Park. You know the ones with the tents, booths, music and all kinds of buzzing activity going on—usually in the late morning? They are not private celebrations; almost all of these post-race parties are open for fans or spectators. And they are a blast to go to!

I found this out almost by happenstance when I walked by last summer and saw all the fun going on and just meandered

in. At first a little tentative, I easily got caught up in the joy of the crowd, which included runners plus their families and friends (and maybe a few stragglers like myself).

in the midmorning, you will be in a much better mood than when you came in. The participants welcome

You don’t have far to go to experience the high energy and enthusiasm at these races; many take place right here in the new Eastside or over at Grant Park.

Go over, cheer on the participants and join in the celebrations. Walk around, see the competitors in their post-run exhaustion and euphoria, check out the booths and listen to some great music.

You might even run into some people you know!

One thing I can guarantee is that when you leave these events, sometime

Photo by Jon Cohn 2015 Color Run at Grant Park

the support, as do the organizers, so feel free to take part in these positive morning festivities.

8 / JULY/AUGUST 2015

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

The lowdown on downtown rock climbing

By Angela Gagnon | Staff Writer

Photo by Angela Gagno Eight-year-old Abbey Gaus of New Eastside gets ready to tackle the climbing wall on her birthday.

The Maggie Daley Climbing Wall caters to all skill levels, whether you are an experienced climber hoping to hone your skills in a specific area, or a novice looking to have fun.

Spectators may even appreciate rock climbing as an art form; watching climbers seemingly glide up the wall with no effort, defying gravity and maneuvering cautiously and deliberately as they ascend to the top. According to instructor Matt Graber, “Climbing is inherently dangerous, but by making sure everything (safety harness, helmet and shoes) is locked up, checked and secure before you climb, it can be 99.9% safe.” A typical climb with a private instructor starts on the ground, says Graber. Instructors will inquire about your experience and

comfort levels regarding climbing.

“Beginners will typically climb about five to ten feet up, slowly sit back, and release from the wall to get the feel of being suspended before continuing upward,” says Graber.

Those who are comfortable can go straight to the top.

Most visitors are likely to belay, which involves a harness, a rope and someone below pulling the rope as you climb to the top. The park also has an auto-belay system, in which a machine takes the place of the person holding the rope. Bouldering is climbing without the use of ropes or harnesses with crash pads below for falls.

Graber says there really is something for everyone, and he has seen the

gamut of participants since the wall opened in May. Families with young kids prefer the auto-belay option, so kids can climb while their parents watch. Experienced climbers head straight to the 40-foot wall to work on skills. Employees who work nearby come on their lunch breaks for a quick climb.

The climbing wall is managed by Lakeshore Sport and Fitness. Prices differ if you are a first-time climber or a certified climber. For a firsttime climber the cost is $29 and for a certified climber, daily usage is $7.

For more information about pricing and hours, head over to the Maggie Daley Climbing Wall or visit www. maggiedaleypark.com/things-to-dosee/climbing-wall

Guide to Decluttering your home

By Karen Carpino | Community Contributor

As an interior designer, I know how overwhelmed my clients can feel about too much clutter. The key to decluttering is to break down the project into smaller, manageable tasks.

2. What is the worst that will happen if I give it up?

GET STARTED Work in scheduled blocks of time. Keep sessions short. Mark this time on your calendar like any other appointment. Schedule times when your energy level is highest.

5. Does it contribute to my lifestyle and vision now?

1. Attack the visible clutter first.

2. Invite a friend over regularly to keep you on track.

2. Move into the simplest room and tackle that, or pick just one closet or one drawer at a time.

3. Remember your vision vision. If you haven’t already achieved it, go through the steps again.

3. Find a friend to work with - a clutter buddy that will commit to helping you.

4. Review the Sentimental box. If your interests have changed or you realize you don’t need or use it, then let it go.

4. Schedule a reward after each session, like coffee at your favorite café.

3. Does someone else in my circle of family and friends love it?

4. Is it ugly? Do I feel great in it?

HOW TO MAINTAIN A CLUTTER-FREE APARTMENT 1. Regularly schedule time to put things away where they belong.

SUPPLIES 1. Sturdy garbage bags 2. Markers 3. Packing tape 4. Removable stickers 5. Boxes- Label five of them as follows: Give Away, Other People’s Stuff, Put Away, Shred and Recycle, Sentimental ASK QUESTIONS 1. Do I like it? Do I love it?

Have I used it, worn it or read it this year?

By Mike McCune; Flickr.com

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

JULY/AUGUST 2015 / 9

Rent the Runway opens offline boutique in Chicago’s Gold Coast

By Shanti Nagarka i | Community Contributor

Photo by Shanti Nagarka i

Shanti Nagarka i tries on a dress by Marchesa in front of the selfie mirror.

Founded in 2009, New-York based Rent the Runway (RTR) began online and is portrayed as the Netflix of evening gowns. According to a company spokeswoman, Chicago is RTR’s second largest market, after New York. Up until this past spring, stylish Chicagoans could only access RTR online. On April 30, the retailer opened its first Chicago storefront, a 2,940-square-foot space at 710 North Wabash Ave.

Perks of the brick-andmortar location include personal styling, pickup and drop-off of orders, dress exchange options, and same-day rentals.

The Gold Coast store features more than 300 designers, including Marchesa Notte, Diane von Furstenberg, Monique Lhuillier, and Reem Acra.

Recognizing that men have long been able to rent formalwear, women are increasingly craving alternatives to buying a dress that will only be worn once. If you are female and have had to attend more than one formal function each season, you might already know about Rent the Runway.

Having walked past a handful of times, I was curious to peek inside and see what my options were for an Art Institute benefit. I decided

to book a styling appointment ($25 fee for a 45-minute session).

A shopper who wants to line up several looks can book a 90-minute styling session for $40.

I found myself trying on dresses that I could have sworn were not my style at first, only to fall in love with them once I had them on. According to stylist Kate Loscalzo, it is essential to try a variety of pieces to “break out of the comfort zone, to mix things up and have fun with fashion.” The in-store styling service makes the experience more like shopping with a fashionable friend.

High-tech, flattering mirrors in fitting rooms can be set to evening, office, or outdoor lighting. iPad minis allow stylists to upload dresses to virtual closets and add comments for future reference. An innovative “selfie mirror” can snap 360- degree photos of shoppers to assist them in making their selections. The offline location

comes to the rescue for customers to swap or exchange dresses free of charge if their online order doesn’t look or fit as envisioned.

Apparel costs between $30-$800 and is available in sizes 0-22, while accessory rentals are $5-$400. Both can be rented for four to eight days.

Each dress rental includes a backup size at no additional cost to ensure fit. Shoppers who want options can add a second style to their order for $32.50.

When it is time to return the dresses, customers can either return their items to the Gold Coast store or send them back via a provided prepaid envelope on the due date.

RTR handles the dry cleaning; insurance coverage is included in the rental fee.

Shoppers are responding positively to the retailer’s promise of an endless closet. “It gives you a fun reason to dress up,” said Loscalzo. shanti@neweastsidecommunity.com

CALENDAR JULY

Saturday, July 4

LEGO® Build Every Sunday Guests of all ages are invited to the Design Studio at the Chicago Architecture Foundation, 224 S. Michigan Ave., for an afternoon of LEGO® building. These casual weekly builds are inspired by a new theme each month, and are a great place to learn about design principles while exploring the playful side of architecture.

Register in advance or walk-ins welcome.

Cost: $10 adults and children, $5 members. 11:00AM-2:00PM every Sunday until September 27.

Happy 4th of July!

Enjoy fireworks with patriotic music at Navy Pier to celebrate the 4th of July. New Eastside residents can get a great view from DuSable Harbor. Fireworks start at 9:30PM. Cost: FREE. Riverwalk Brunch Tour

Thursday, July 2 Downtown Sound Enjoy music at the Jay Pritzker Pavilion, 201 E. Randolph St., every Thursday at 6:30PM. The event—formerly known as Loops and Variations—will include a wide arrange of artists from electric music to cutting-edge Indie rock. Runs through July 23. Cost: FREE. www. cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/millennium_park1.html

Learn about Chicago as you work up an appetite for brunch at Houlihans. Tours start at the Radisson Blu Hotel, in the main lobby, at 221 North Columbus, and end near the Wrigley Building at 400 North Michigan. The tour includes a mile walk and lasts approximately three hours.

Expect stairs along the route. The use of wheelchairs, strollers, canes, and walkers is not recommended. Until October 21st, Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30AM. Cost: Adults $50, seniors and children under 12, $45. www.chicagosfinesttours.com/ summer-tours/brunch-tour

The event will be held at Grant Park at Jackson and Columbus, and the hours are: 11:00AM-9:00PM, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, and 10:00AM9:00PM Saturday and Sunday, until July 12. Entry to the park is free. Food and drink tickets can be purchased at the door. www.cityofchicago.org

Saturday, July 11 Photo by Tracey Lewis

Millennium Park Summer Workouts Enjoy free exercise classes in Millennium Park every Saturday morning all summer long. Each class is 45 minutes long. Tai Chi, 7:00AM-8:00AM; Yoga, 8:00AM9:00AM; Pilates, 10:00AM- 11:00AM; and Zumba, 9:00AM-10:00AM. Until September 5. www.cityofchicago.orgmber 5. www.cityofchicago.org

A Shore Thing Go to the east end of Navy Pier and watch the parade of boats leave for the yearly Race to Mackinac. Learn facts about each ship and its crew. Hours: 10:00AM-2:30PM. Cost: FREE. www. upshiftcreative.com/ashorething

Wednesday, July 8 Taste of Chicago Get out and enjoy the world’s largest food festival. There will be music and exciting activities for the entire family.

Photo by Tracey Lewis

10 / JULY/AUGUST 2015

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

CALENDAR Mariano’s Lakeshore East Mariano’s is celebrating its five-year anniversary!

There will be all kinds of special events, including kids’ activities, demonstrations, free samples and more through August 26. There will be many prizes throughout the celebration, including a chance to win a vacation or a brandnew Vespa. Enjoy $5 daily special on items throughout the store for each day of the celebration, plus special anniversary-edition items that’ll be available for a limited time only, including a new Vero gelato flavor, Vero drink, cupcakes and much more! For more information, please visit marianos.com/anniversary All-store kids’ activities: Stop by your local Mariano’s to decorate a birthday hat every Wednesday from 10:00AM-2:00PM. Weekend children’s activities each Saturday & Sunday from 10:00AM2:00PM at Mariano’s in Lakeshore East July Events Happy Fourth of July! July 3rd, 4th & 5th Fourth of July Flag Coloring--FREEMaterials in mailbag--FREE Decorate a Baby Bella Cupcake, July 11th and 12th Cost will be for a Baby Bella cupcake and decorating materials: a Baby Bella cupcake is 75 cents per unit or $2.25 for a Bella cupcake.

Scavenger Hunt, July 18th & 19th Follow the treasure map to make a healthy recipe! Kids can do the scavenger hunt for free, but they will have to purchase the groceries at the end to make the recipe. Treasure maps and recipe cards will arrive via red mailbag.

Friendship Pasta Necklaces, July 25th and July 26th Make your friend or your mom matching friendship pasta necklaces! More details will be posted on the Website.

August Events Chalk Art Contest, August 1st & 2nd Join us for a colorful weekend! Draw Mini Masters: Color Play at the Art Institute Kids can search for their favorite colors in pieces of artwork on a playful gallery tour at the Art Institute of Chicago. Hear a story that brings colors to life, and make a colorful art project. Hours: 11:00AM– 12:00PM. Cost: FREE. Ages 3-5; registration required. www.cvent.com/events

Wednesday, July 15 Mid-America Club Complimentary Reception Please join us for a complimentary reception from 5:30PM-7:00PM, tour the Club, and learn about member-

on our sidewalk in front of the store to show how creative you are! All participants will receive a prize. Registration is required.

Saturday Storytime, August 8th (10-10:30AM) and August 9th TBD Complimentary snacks for kids will be served. FREE. Decorate your own Cookie, August 15th & 16th Fee will be charged for cookie and decorating materials. A regular chocolate chip cookie can be purchased for 75 cents.

Book Swap, August 22nd & 23rd Done with a book? Trade it for another. Make your very own bookmark for back-to-school.

Extra books for the swap will be sent to your store via red mailbag, along with the bookmark-making materials. FREE. Make sure to check times and dates for events, as they are subject to change.

ship. Reservations are required (secured building) and can be made by calling the Club at 312-861-1100 or email susan. marzec@ourclub.com. Pedway-accessible and business casual attire. AON Center, 200 E. Randolph Dr., 80th Floor. www. midamclub.com Lioco Wine Dinner at III Forks Enjoy a specially crafted menu with Enjoy a specially crafted menu with wine pairing at III Forks. The menu will feature six courses, each paired with a different Lioco wine. The menu features dishes such as rabbit rillette and citrus-cured pork belly. $125 per person.

180 N. Field Blvd., Chicago. Phone 312938-4303

Friday, July 17 Taste of River North Try food from local restaurants, shop from local vendors, and hear live music at Ward Park, at Kingsbury and Erie Street. Hours: Friday, 5:00PM-10:00PM, Saturday, Noon-10:00PM and Sunday, 11:00AM-8:00PM. Donation suggested.

Until July 19. www.tasteofrivernorth. com

Saturday, July 18 Disability Pride Parade: On the Road to Freedom For the first time, the parade will be marching right on Chicago’s famous State Street to celebrate disability pride.

The event starts at the Harold Washington Library, 400 S. State St. and ends at the Daley Center, 50 W. Washington St. Go to www.disabilityprideparade.org to register to march in the parade or to be a sponsor. There will be a post-parade event at 12:30PM. 20th Annual Kaleidoscope Family Day Make art and explore different activity stations at the Ryan Education at the Art Institute of Chicago. Please use the Modern Wing entrance at 159 E. Monroe St. for access to the Ryan Education Center.

10:30AM-3:00PM.Cost: FREE. www. artic.edu/event/20th-annual-kaleidoscope-family-day

Sunday, July 19 Dearborn Garden Walk Located in Chicago’s Gold Coast neighborhood, this event includes access to 20 gardens, a narrated architectural walking tour of historic Dearborn Street, and live jazz and classical performances in select gardens. Tickets are $35 or $30 in advance. Enter at the Latin Middle School, 45 W. North Blvd. All ticket sales are nonrefundable. Advance sale closes Saturday, July 18. Hours: Noon-5:00PM. www.dearborngardenwalk.com/indexNDAredesigngw.html Chinatown Summer Fair This fair is one of the most ethnically unique events in the Chicago and the Midwest. Experience the world of ancient and modern Chinese pleasures.

There will be music, artisans, food from award-winning neighborhood restaurants, a petting zoo, pony rides, a hot legs contest for men, a cutest

baby contest and more. It takes place at Wentworth Ave. from Cermak Rd. to 24th Place, 10:00AM-8:00PM. Cost: FREE. www.chicagoevents.com/event. cfm?eid=116om/event.cfm?eid=116

Sunday, July 26 Free Family Workshop: Puppets in the Lurie Garden, 201 E. Randolph St. Children and adults enjoy a scavenger hunt to find the three characters from “How Do We Sing?” the new Web series about love, hope, the universe, and puppets. Each character will explore a special part of Lurie Garden. Families will have fun discovering these surprise moments, and the puppets will also present a small gift of nature to each child who finds them. Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required.

L Hours: 1:00PM-3:00PM. Cost: FREE. www.cityofchicago.org

Thursday, July 30 Movies in the Park at Lakeshore East Complimentary movie snacks provided.

Get there early at 6:00PM to listen to free music. The movie Mockingjay will start at sundown. FREE.

Friday, July 31 Lollapalooza Music Festival Lollapalooza is a three-day music festival with more than 100 popular alternative rock, punk rock, heavy metal, and hip hop bands. Tickets are sold out, but you can take a short walk over to Grant Park from New Eastside and hear some of the music from behind the fences. Until August 2. www.lollapalooza.com

AUGUST

Flickr; by Fuzzy Gerdes

Monday, August 3 Chamber Mondays The Chicago Cultural Center plays a range of chamber music featuring Chicago’s most talented jazz, classical, and ethnic music instrumentalists and vocalists.

Mozart’s Sonata No. 33 in E flat major, K. 481 and Beethoven’s Sonata No. 2 in A major, op.12 will be performed on

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

JULY/AUGUST 2015 / 11

CALENDAR August 3rd. Performers are Joseph Genualdi on the violin and Richard Wilson on the piano. Concerts take place every Monday at 12:15PM in the Preston Bradley Hall, 78 E. Washington St. Cost: FREE. For more information visit www. chicagochambermusiciansensemble.org.

to enjoy live, FREE music. Each concert starts with a short set by young, aspiring musicians from Chicago-area high schools as part of the Jazz Institute of Chicago’s Jazz Links Student Ensembles. Until August 27. www. jazzinchicago.org

Wednesday, August 5

Saturday, August 8

Wine Down Wednesday Try different wines and vote on your favorite to be featured for the month at III Forks, 180 N. Field Blvd. Tasty hors d’oeuvres will also be served. 5:00PM7:00PM, $20. For more info, call (312) 938-4303 or go to their website at www.

3forks.com.

Chicago Bears Family Fest This is a perfect event for the entire family. Head on over to Soldier Field at 9:30AM to join Coach John Fox and the 2015 Chicago Bears practice. There will be fun outdoor activities and games, live music, alumni autographs, giveaways, and more.

Practice begins at 11:35AM. Tickets are $8-$12. To purchase tickets go to www.chicagobears.com/events/ family-fest.htmll

Thursday, August 6 Windy City Rubber Ducky Derby This is a yearly fundraiser benefiting the Special Olympics of Illinois. Thousands of people watch more than 50,000 yellow rubber ducks splash into the Chicago River from the Columbus Drive Bridge as they float downriver towards the finish line. Events begin at 10:00AM, 400 N. Michigan Ave., at The Wrigley Building.

There will be entertainment for the entire family: face painting, games, and appearances by several sports mascots.

Splashdown for the Duck Derby is at 1:00PM. You can adopt a duck for $5 at www.duckrace.com.

Kurios by Cirque du Soleil Cirque du Soleil returns to Chicago after four years with its newest touring show, KURIOS – Cabinet of Curiosities™, performing under the iconic blue-andyellow Big Top at the United Center parking lot, 1901 W. Madison Street, August 6 – September 20, 2015. Tickets are available for purchase by visiting cirquedusoleil.com/kurios or calling 1-877-9 CIRQUE (1-877-924-7783). Tickets range from $35 - $145.

Made in Chicago: World Class Jazz Come out to Millennium Park every Thursday evening at 6:30PM in August

Thursday, August 13 Kids Music in The Park Sing along and dance with Mr. Dave in the children’s playground in Park at Lakeshore East. Appropriate for toddlers-7 years of age. Hours: 11:00AM11:40AM. Cost: FREE. Sponsored by GEMS World Academy-Chicago

Saturday, August 15 Chicago Air and Water Show This is the largest free show of its kind in the United States. The show features daredevil pilots, parachute teams, and jets flying in formation, plus waterskiing and boat jumping.

Hours: 10:00AM-3:00PM both days.

The show can be viewed along the lakefront with the focal point being North Avenue Beach. www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/chicago_air_and_watershow.html

Sunday, August 16 Free Family Workshop: Stories and Ecology Learn about the diverse ecology of our area by joining Lurie Garden staff members as they lead educational activities, games, and crafts.

Children must be accompanied by an adult. No registration is required.

Hours: 11:00AM-Noon. FREE. Lurie Garden, 201 E. Randolph. www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/dca/ supp_info/millennium_park_-luriegarden.html

Thursday, August 20 Free Adult Lecture: Gardening with Hardy Orchids Scott Stewart, Director of the Lurie Garden, will show you how orchids bring a unique splash of color and texture to your garden and how to find, plant, and maintain selected hardy orchids.

10:00AM-11:30AM. FREE. Lurie Garden, 201 E. Randolph. Pre-registration is required at www.luriegarden.org USO Clark A er Dark Support Illinois troops and their families with live music, drinks, live auction and a raffle. More than 80,000 troops from Illinois have deployed since 9/11. There will be music from the 70s, 80s, and 90s.

Lineup TBA. A suggested $10 donation benefits the USO of Illinois. Hours: 5:00PM-10:00PM at Hubbard St. at Clark. www.starevents.com/festivals/clark-dark

Saturday, August 22 Food Truck Festival Enjoy a meal from one of many food trucks and listen to some live music at the same time. The festival will be held on Milwaukee Ave. between Division St. and Noble. Hours: 11:00AM-10:00PM, and runs through Sunday, August 23. A $5 donation is requested. www.chicagofoodsocial.com/home Taste of Greektown Enjoy Greek food at this neighborhood

festival. There will also be plenty of music and entertainment, including Greek bands and games for kids and families.

Saturday and Sunday, Noon-11:00PM. 400 S. Halsted St. at Van Buren.

FREE. www.chicagoevents.com/event. cfm?eid=287

Tuesday, August 25 Chicago Dancing Festival The nations’s largest dance festival brings together leading ballet, modern and contemporary dancers from Chicago and across the country. The festival includes five free programs in four days at Harris Theater for Music and Dance, the Museum of Contemporary Art and Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Millennium Park, and is open to audiences of all ages.

August 25-29. Visit www.chicagodancingfestival.com for more info.

Thursday, August 27 Kids Music in The Park Come sing along and dance with Mr. Dave in the children’s playground area of the Park at Lakeshore East. Classic children’s songs will be played with an acoustic twist.

Appropriate for toddlers-7 years of age.

Hours: 11:00AM-11:40AM. FREE. Sponsored by GEMS World Academy-Chicago.

Movies in the Park at Lakeshore East Complimentary movie snacks provided.

Get there early at 6:00PM to listen to music. The movie Cinderella will start at sunset. FREE.

July & August Races Chicago Chinatown 5K and Kids Run – 8:00AM, Saturday, July 11, Chinatown Square Miles for Melanoma Chicago 5K – 8:30AM, Sunday, July 12, Montrose Harbor Strike Out ALS 5K – 6:30PM, Tuesday, July 14, US Cellular Field Run for the Kids 5K Run/Walk – 7:00PM, Thursday, July 16, Soldier Field Divine Nine 5K – 9:00AM, Sunday, July 19, Montrose Harbor Rock N Roll Chicago Half Marathon/10K/5K – Saturday/Sunday July 18 & 19, Grant Park Esprit de She Chicago 10K/5K Run – 7:00PM, Thursday, July 23, Montrose Beach

Run for Gus 5K/Kids Run – 7:00PM, Thursday, July 23, Diversey Harbor BTN 10K – 7:00AM, Saturday, July 25, Soldier Field Rock the Night 5K – 7:00PM, Thursday, July 30, Soldier Field Biggest Loser Half Marathon/5K – 7::30AM, Sunday, August 2, Soldier Field Chicago 10K – 8:00AM, Sunday August 9, Grant Park Chicago Kids Triathlon – 8:30AM, Saturday August 29, Montrose Avenue Beach Fleet Feet Chicago SuperSprint Triathlon – 7:00AM, Saturday, August 29, Montrose Avenue Beach Chicago Triathlon – 6:15AM, Sunday, August 30, Monroe Harbor

12 / JULY/AUGUST 2015

W W W. N E W E A S T S I DE C O M M U N I T Y. C O M

400 E Randolph • Suite 500

312 • 528 • 9200

www.UrbanRealEstate.com

400 E Randolph

360 E Randolph

225 N Columbus

195 N Harbor

Outer Drive East

The Buckingham

The Aqua

The Parkshore

3 Bed / 3 Bath Combined end units on high floor with spectacular south views of city and lake! $985,000

2 Bed / 2 Bath Complete redesign and remodel lend to larger bedrooms and closets! $550,000

1 Bed / 1.5 Bath Floor-to-ceiling windows and designer kitchen fuel this luxury resort style living! $799,000

2 Bed / 2 Bath So spacious! Oversized master suite and bay windows in every room! $555,000

BROKERAGE • MANAGEMENT • DEVELOPMENT [If your property is currently listed, please disregard. Data provided by MRED, LLC.]

JOIN THE TEAM Managing Editor Editors Writers Photographers Journalists Sales Reps Volunteers needed to help with distribution.

Advertise with Us

Circulation 10,000 and growing!

More details at www.neweastsidecommunity.com | Call 708 628 3652