New Eastside News

VOL.3 NO.1

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

A NEWSLETTER FROM THE NEW EASTSIDE COMMUNITY

September/October 2015

www.neweastsidecommunity.com

Baby pumpkins stolen from Chicago’s urban pumpkin patch

By Tracey Lewis | Staff Writer

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Tech savvy residents prefer Uber Page 4

Not long after David Sudler finished a pumpkin patch garden located in an empty lot behind Fifth Third Bank, 400 E. South Water St., someone sabotaged it by stealing ‘baby’ pumpkins.

“I spent hundreds of hours putting this pumpkin patch together for the neighborhood only to have a mean spirited person steal from it,” he added.

In fact, Sudler said the stolen pumpkin could have grown to weigh 300 pounds, but instead “it was no bigger than a golf ball.”

Sudler is no stranger to New Eastside. He has lived in Columbus Plaza, 233 E. Upper Wacker Drive for over 20 years. His grandfather, Louis Courtenay Sudler, was a real estate mogul and Chicago philanthropist.

Yum Cha Dim Sum Parlor moves out Page 3

Sudler has been working on the pumpkin patch since April and chose the location because it received a lot of sunshine and was close to the river.

The ‘robbery’ of the pumpkin was upsetting to Gwen Sylvain, a Photo by Tracey Lewis. David Sudler stands in his pumpkin patch garden and holds a picture of the pumpkin that was stolen from the patch in late August.

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Turn to Pumpkin, Page 4

Calendar of Events New Eastside P9

2 / SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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North Harbor Tower goes smoke-free

By Ophelia Dodds | Community Contributor

How to contact us info@neweastsidecommunity.com

(708) 628-3652 Publisher: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com Managing Editor: Wendell Hutson whutson@southloopnews.com Copy Editor: Kari Greczek Staff Writer: Tracey Lewis tracey@neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writer: Angela Gagnon angela@neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writer: Ophelia Dodds ophelia@neweastsidecommunity.com Community Contributors: Elizabeth Johnston, Michael Oz, Reemaa Konkimalla, John Cohn, Mary Cummings New Eastside News is published bimonthly by Eastside Enterprises.

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.

The announcement in August by North Harbor Tower management that the building will transition to non-smoking is a huge turning point for the neighborhood. Back in 2013 when the new Coast apartment building was completed, 345 E. Upper Wacker Dr., its nonsmoking status made it highly desirable, especially for families with small children.

With current CDC statistics showing that only 17.8% of all adults smoke, there is a clear demographic shift in the market that needs to be addressed by any apartment or condo building management wanting to improve the appeal to potential buyers or renters.

There are also huge additional benefits for the building owners, as it reduces damage to the apartments, cleaning costs and the risk of fire as well as the likelihood that it will reduce insurance premiums.

The process of moving a building from smoking to non-smoking, however, is a huge enterprise and not to be taken lightly. The program will be phased, with all new leases including a nonsmoking clause, and all lease renewals having this added as they come up for renewal. They expect

the process to be complete by December 2016.

Resident Ben Jones joked “We are going to have to find a new place to inhale secondhand smoke. It was so convenient to do that in our living room.” His wife Alexis said that they considering moving as they felt it was not acceptable for their young children to breathe in secondhand smoke on a regular basis.

Another NHT resident, Herman Pihltrad who is president of air filter company Blueair systems, notes that a lot of the customer service calls he receives are about neighbors smoking in apartment buildings and points out three solutions: ventilate - which lowers the energy efficiency of buildings; air filtration - which can remove the pollutants but not the smell, and lastly, to remove the source.

Clearly NHT is employing the best solution by removing the source.

With eight out of ten people in the US being non-smokers, this is very clearly a good sales point for the building. Let’s hope that many more Lakeshore East buildings become smoke-free.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 / 3

Yum Cha sells to MingHin Cuisine

By Wendell Hutson | Staff Writer

Photo courtesy of Yum Cha Dim Sum Parlor

Less than two years after first moving into the Village Market the Yum Cha Dim Sum Parlor is moving out.

According to Crain’s Chicago Business, MingHin Cuisine restaurant in Chinatown will soon occupy the space, but until then Yum Cha, which opened last April, will maintain its presence there serving dim sum throughout the handover.

The Village Market opened in 2011 as a retail complex in Lakeshore East, which also houses Mariano’s.

This is the second restaurant to exit the Village Market. In 2013, French themed restaurant Maison Brasserie closed six months after it opened.

Magellan Development Group, the developer of the Village Market, reportedly has a majority stake in Eggy’s diner also located in the complex. David Carlins, president of Magellan Development Group, was unavailable for comment.

But according to the website for Magellan Development, the retail space in Village Market totals 107,156-square-feet and has nine current tenants but could accommodate up to 14 with rents at $50 per square foot.

New Eastside residents described Yum Cha as a fine restaurant.

Turn to Yum Cha, Page 4

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Tech savvy residents prefer Uber Pumpkin patch will be ready for Halloween

By Wendell Hutson | Staff Writer

Photo by Wendell Hutson. Maizelle Pruitt has been a Uber driver for a month and said while she lives on the South Side mainly picks up New Eastside and Downtown residents.

Ever since Uber was launched in Chicago, New Eastside residents said it has become easier for them to travel throughout the city.

“I take Uber everywhere. I don’t own a car but I don’t need to when I live and work downtown and have Uber at my finger tips,” said Ellen Barrymore, 47.

According to Barrymore, Uber is more convenient and less expensive than a traditional cab.

“Uber riders come right away and do not take their time like cab drivers do when you call them,” she said. “Plus, I can see how close a Uber driver is to me and which street is being taken to pick me up. I like this component.”

For Uber, which debuted in Chicago in 2011, it has become a $40 billion, national transportation company known as Uber Technologies Inc. All drivers are contract employees,

who use their own vehicles to transport riders around.

And unlike cab drivers, who must first take and pass a driving and safety course with the City Colleges of Chicago, Uber drivers only need a valid driver’s license, auto insurance and is able to pass a background check before hitting the road.

Fares are calculated based on mileage and a riders’ credit charged [which must first be on file] is charged once the ride ends.

Uber drivers said it is the best parttime job available in Chicago.

“I get to work when I feel like making some extra money, and I get paid (via direct deposit) every Thursday,” said Michael Johnson, 44, who mainly services New Eastside. “Most of my riders are going or coming from work, parties or the airport.”

Pumpkin, from Page 1 resident in Lakeshore East. “It’s a shame that the patch was messed with because Mr. Sudler gave the urban children in our community a chance to see where the food they eat comes from,” Sylvain told New Eastside News. “Some [children] never have an opportunity to see their food source. I am very sorry that some outsider came along and vandalized his hard work.”

According to Sudler, it took a lot of work to care for the pumpkins, which involved hand pollinating and watering them. He planted seeds from various pumpkins, such as White and Atlantic Giant pumpkins.

Sudler guarantees his patch will be up and running by Labor Day (Sept.

7). “Whether they have turned orange yet is another matter,” he said. “Currently the pumpkins are green [but will] turn orange, white and some yellow depending on the type of pumpkin.”

The remaining pumpkins should ripen before Halloween. If there are enough pumpkins, Sudler plans to make pies for the firefighters of Company 13, the New Eastside local fire station.

Sudler said he enjoys talking to people and welcomes everyone to come look at his pumpkins.

Yum Cha sells to MingHin Cuisine Yum Cha, from Page 3

New Eastside resident Joseph Simms, 32, most recently used Uber to pick up his brother from O’Hare International Airport and later that day they went to Navy Pier.

“He (my brother) thought the Uber driver was my personal chauffeur because he was so polite to us and drove a black SUV,” recalled Simms, who said his brother lives in Alaska where Uber is not available. “I told him this is how we roll in Chicago.”

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Photo by Daniel Patton. David and Sidney Gui live in New Eastside and said they enjoy eating at the Yum Cha Dim Sum Parlor in Lakeshore East.

“We [my wife and I] love it. We’re huge dim sum fans and it’s really nice to have a restaurant that originated in Chinatown come Downtown,” said David Gui. “[I recommend people] try their dim sum menu. Try their foie gras egg tarts. Those are really good.”

Another resident Scott Phillips is glad the restaurant will remain open during the change over. “The

food was excellent, maybe a little overpriced and a little loud in the restaurant area. I just heard about (the change in ownership). I’m glad it’s not being closed because a vacant space there would be unattractive to the neighborhood. I hope that the new owners make it a little more kid friendly to match the neighborhood a little better.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 / 5

N A T U

DOORPERSON OF THE MONTH

R

By Ophelia Dodds | Community Contributor

A L P E T

Each month we select a doorperson to interview to find out what’s life like at the building, how are the residents and how enjoyable is the job.

Q: What is your name?

A: My name is Raychanette Treadway.

Q: Wow, that’s an unusual first name! Where did it come from?

A: My mom was in the hospital having me and (unprepared as usual) she didn’t have a girl’s name.

Luckily the lady next to her had a boy, and my name was the name she had chosen for a girl!

Q: How long have you worked at the Buckingham Athletic Club Hotel (444 S. LaSalle St.)?

A: I have worked here for 10 years.

Q: How did you become a doorperson in the first place?

Cute pet alert

A: My mom worked here for 22 years so she recommended me - it’s the family business!

Q: What do you like best about your job?

A: I’m a people person. I love to talk with people and make them smile.

And being around people makes me feel good. It’s my source of energy, much like the sun.

Q: What is the strangest thing that has happened to you while working as a doorperson?

Photo by Daniel Patton.

Name: Bentley Lives in: Lakeshore East Breed: Yorkie mix Good habits: When he sees people he likes to look them up and down as if he is smiling.

Bad Habits: Barks for no reason at times.

Personality: Skittish & playful Fun fact: He enjoys being outside when it is warm and sunny.

A: A few months back I was helping a resident unload her groceries from her car when suddenly another car, whose driver wasn’t concentrating, ran into her and pinned her under the car. Luckily the car was moving slowly and the resident was fine, but it did scare me.

Q: What changes have you seen in this area since you’ve been here?

A: Mainly the new park across the street (Maggie Daley). I’ve seen a massive increase in traffic and parking on Randolph Street since it opened. There are a lot more tourists and visitors too.

Photo by Ophelia Dodds.

Q: Describe yourself in three words (we enlisted Ray’s coworkers to help with this question) A: Gracious, helpful and enthusiastic is how I would describe myself.

Q: What’s the best place for a night out in Chicago?

A: Howl at the Moon is a high-energy piano bar where you put in your request and the musicians play live on a variety of instruments. The cocktails are great fun too!

Q: What is the best accolade you’ve had?

A: I get amazing feedback from residents all the time. I really do feel overwhelming loved from everyone.

Amazingly, I have a fantastic relationship with local cab drivers.

Some will even turn around for me if the light is on.

Nominate your doorperson at info@neweastsidecommunity.com

6 / SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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It’s ‘Back to School’ for New Eastside

By Angela Gagnon | Staff Writer

While families living in New Eastside may have several options when it comes to getting an education, there are two main schools that parents consider.

The Ogden International School of Chicago, 24 W. Walton St., is a private school in New Eastside that offers an International Baccalaureate program from kindergarten to 12th grade.

New Eastside resident Payal Mohan has a son who attends Ogden International.

Photo by Daniel Patton. New Eastside children said they are eager to return to school.

“It’s diverse and the teachers are great. The building looks great and has the latest technology,” said Mohan.

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She added that Ogden is a local school, so New Eastside children may already know many of the students.

life and influence their behavior.”

needs are being met,” said Jones.

GEMS World Academy-Chicago located at 350 E. South Water St., which opened last year is another school in New Eastside.

Here are some back-to-school tips for parents:

“My son was lucky to have two of his closest friends in his class,” she said.

At a recent open-house event, Head of Lower School, Andrew Slater, said GEMS is “uniquely positioned to prepare students for the future.”

While Ogden does have larger class sizes than other private schools, Mohan said it does not hinder children from learning and the teachers manage their classes well.

Much like Ogden, GEMS has an International Baccalaureate program that has “overarching themes that people across the world share,” added Slater.

“Our son’s teacher was firm, yet sweet.

She used certain mechanisms to make 30 kids listen to her. She divided the class into groups for reading according to their levels and focused on what was needed,” explained Mohan. “Teachers play such an important part in a child’s

And New Eastside resident Alexis Jones said her daughter will attend kindergarten at GEMS this year.

“My daughter is very excited and I am happy to be sending her to a place where I don’t have to worry about whether her

» Get to know the community. Reach out to current families and learn as much as you can about the school.

Find a buddy who already attends the school or perhaps team up with someone who will also be new this year. » Ease into the routine. Going from leisurely summer mornings to rushed and hectic back- to-school commutes can be a rough adjustment. » Prepare for an adjustment. It takes time to learn a new routine and feel comfortable in a new setting. For some kids it may take longer for them to settle in.

Segway tours making their way through Chicago

By Wendell Hutson | Staff Writer

There are several Chicago businesses that offer Segway tours and Steve’s Segway Tours in New Eastside is among them.

On any given day—especially on weekends—Steve Beier, who owns the business at 155 N. Harbor Drive, said you would see tourists riding downtown on a Segway.

“This is one of the most popular tourist attractions during the summer,” he said. “People enjoy riding through New Eastside, River North, Museum Campus, and beyond, learning so much about the rich history of Chicago.”

Tours run three hours and cost $70 per person, “but for that price you learn a lot about our city and get to see it firsthand,” contends Beier. “In Los Angeles Segway tours go for $150 per person and it’s less than three hours.”

All riders must be at least 12 years old and usually groups do not exceed eight people.

“We could take large groups if necessary but when you have a large group it dimmers the tour because you spend too much time waiting on everyone to cross the street, which is impossible with a large group of say 30 people,” he added.

However, Alderman Brendan Reilly (42nd) said he has reservations about Segway tours and introduced a 2014 ordinance to limit tour groups’ size and speed.

“Pedestrians have complained about large Segway tours monopolizing sidewalk space. There have been near misses due to excessive speed. This is designed to make Segway tours safe, not only for the tourists, but for the hundreds of thousands of pedestrians who use our sidewalks every day,” said Reilly.

The ordinance, which did not pass, would have limited tours to eight and put the speed limit to 12 miles per hour.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 / 7

Two local principals chosen for leadership program

By Wendell Hutson | Staff Writer

to innovate as they operate their schools.

According to Forrest Claypool, CEO of Chicago Public Schools, Powers and Shelton were selected in part because they have built strong operations within their schools, leveraged support from the community, led the school for at least three years and achieved “Proficient or Distinguished” evaluation ratings since 2012.

Photo by Wendell Hutson. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Alderman Michelle Harris (8th) visited a South Side high school May 2015 to congratulate the students and teachers for improved, state test scores.

Two principals at Downtown schools were among 28 principals chosen for the newly created Independent Schools Principal program in an effort by Chicago Public Schools to improve public schools and to develop and retain principals.

That means that Joe Powers, principal at William Jones College Preparatory High School; and Tara Shelton, principal at South Loop Elementary School, will now be allowed to run their schools with less oversight from Central Office and have greater flexibility

“CPS has made great strides in recent years and principals have played a key role in driving student performance, so it is critical the District continues to develop and retain our most effective school leaders,” said Claypool.

“This is an opportunity for some of our strongest principals to focus more time on their schools and their students, and not on red tape.”

But the ISP program is not just about greater administrative flexibility, said Janice Jackson, chief education officer for CPS. “It’s also an excellent opportunity for principals to participate in a

professional learning community, to discuss what strategies are working best and to problem solve together,” said Jackson. “The practices and insights of our top principals will inform how we approach educational opportunities and challenges across the district and that will translate into a better educational experience for our students in the years to come.”

Mayor Rahm Emanuel said he introduced the idea of independent schools earlier this year as part of a larger strategy to provide more autonomy to school principals.

“Chicago Public Schools has incredibly talented principals and their leadership drives success throughout the district,” said Emanuel. “The first group of principals to be recognized for the Independent Schools Principal program have a track record of success in schools across the city and their creativity, professionalism and dedication to our students, teachers and parents will ensure we can meet our goal to provide all CPS students with a high quality education.”

President Obama opening the gates to Cuba

By Michael Oz | Community Contributor

President Barack Obama said he expects Congress to approve his request to lift an embargo placed against Cuba in 1961 by year-end that would then allow Americans to freely start traveling there by 2016.

workshops, athletic competitions

Before December 2014, Americans could only travel to Cuba, whose residents total 11 million, with permission from the U.S. State Department. Today, U.S. tourists may visit Cuba under one of the 12 preapproved travel categories:

11. Exportation, importation

1. Family visits 2. Official business of the U.S. 3. Journalistic activity 4. Professional research and meetings 5. Educational activities 6. Religious activities 7. Public performances, clinics,

8. Support for the Cuban people 9. Humanitarian projects

Obama on December 2014 marked the beginning of a new chapter in American foreign policy,” said U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin.

Durbin added that reestablishing travel and trade relations could benefit Illinois businesses and working families.

10. Activities of private foundations, research, or educational institutions 12. Certain export transactions that may be considered for authorization under existing regulations and guidelines.

According to a Travelzoo survey, less than 1 percent of Americans have traveled to Cuba even though 14 percent said they would like to someday do so.

In January, several U.S. senators, as part of a congressional delegation, were the first to visit Cuba.

“We had a very productive trip.

The changes to America’s Cuba policy announced by President

Photo courtesy of Michael Oz. The United States recently eased travel restrictions for Americans to travel to Cuba for the first time in more than a decade.

8 / SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015

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Lucas Museum remains in holding pattern

By Wendell Hutson | Staff Writer

For the second consecutive year Chicago will host the National Football League’s Draft Day.

Ever since ‘Star Wars’ creator George Lucas announced he would build the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art along 17 acres of lakefront land near Soldier Field not much has happened to move the project forward.

NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said the draft will run from April 28-30 in Grant Park.

“We’re thrilled. [Chicago] earned it,” Goodell said. “The success we had last year I think set a new bar for the draft.”

In June 2014 Lucas told the world that Chicago is where his museum would be built.

“I am humbled to be joining such an extraordinary museum community and to be creating the museum in a city that has a long tradition of embracing the arts and architecture,” Lucas said at the time.

Regardless, Mayor Rahm Emanuel said the new museum would not only be a huge hit to tourists and Chicago residents, but would also benefit Northerly Island.

“There’ll be a lot of green space. And I believe the Lucas Museum — in combination with all of the other museums plus Northerly Island, which is 50 acres of nature preserve, will be really open, accessible and green,” said Emanuel. “Right now, you have a parking lot. The goal is to have a big, green space that contributes to the open space and also is focused on its mission of education.”

Last fall, Chinese architect Ma Yansong unveiled a conceptual design of a

The mayor said he was elated to have the draft return to Chicago despite the Bears not making it to the playoffs last season.

Rendering courtesy of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art. Since Chicago was chosen for the creation of the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art not much progress has been made other than recent designs for how the museum will look.

flowing white sculptural building topped by a Saturn-like floating ring of an observation deck. He called it a “new type of architecture for the world.”

The only thing that has happened lately was the mayor sending the architect back to the drawing board for a redesign.

The founding president of the museum said the wait would be well worth it once the museum opens.

“My hope is that the Lucas Museum will educate and engage millions of visitors of all ages and backgrounds to explore new creative frontiers. I’m eager to collaborate with Chicago’s

many outstanding cultural institutions and organizations as we work to create an unprecedented cultural experience for residents and visitors alike,” said Don Bacigalupi.

According to Bacigalupi, the first museum of its kind, its unique collection features popular art from illustration to comics, an insider’s perspective on the cinematic creative process, and the boundless potential of the digital medium.

In 2013, Lucas married Melody Hobson, president of Ariel Investments Inc. headquartered in the Aon Building in New Eastside.

Centennial anniversary for Navy Pier

By Nancy Simon | Community Contributor

As Navy Pier gets ready to celebrate its 100th anniversary next year the popular tourist site is busy wrapping up renovations and programming enhancements.

NFL Draft returning to Downtown Chicago

The renovations are expected to be finished by year-end and once completed will increase the ferris wheel height to 200 feet from 150 and add more seats for a better visual exposure, Navy Pier officials said.

Nick Shields, a spokesman for Navy Pier, said once the renovations are done the public will love the new facility.

Photo courtesy of Navy Pier. Navy Pier, a popular tourist site in New Eastside, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2016.

“[This all] coincides perfectly with the aging out of the old ferris wheel,” he said in a reference

to the average 20-year-life-span for the structure of a ferris wheel.

Shields described Navy Pier as “one of the most fascinating locations in Chicago. It brings in all walks of life, from every neighborhood. There’s something for everyone and a lot of it’s free.”

Emanuel added that it was always a part of his long-term plan to recruit the NFL back to Chicago. The draft also was held in Chicago in 1938, 1942-44, 1951 and 1962-64.

League officials said it wanted to have the event in one centralized area. And while this year’s draft was held at the Auditorium Theatre, more than 200,000 fans watched it at Draft Town, a threeday fan festival held in Grant Park that was considered a great success.

“We’re going to do the same places, everything is going to be the same — Grant Park, the [Auditorium Theatre].

We made the investments already and upgraded so we’ll continue to do it there,” Emanuel said. “The NFL is happy.”

The event included an unprecedented free outdoor fan festival in Grant Park called “Draft Town” that featured games and food.

The Draft generated a total economic impact of $81.6 million, according to a Sport Industry Research Center at Temple University study commissioned by the Chicago Sports Commission. Half of the attendees were from outside Chicago and generated 31,000 hotel nights; Another 5,600 hotel nights came from NFL staff, sponsors and media.

As examples of the Navy Pier’s huge variety of offerings, upcoming events include Venetian Night, Sept.

12; and the International Exposition of Art and Modern Art Festival, from Sept. 17-20.

And while the last fireworks show is Sept. 7 (Labor Day), fireworks will also go off during Venetian Night as well as special occasions throughout the year.

Photo courtesy of the National Football League.

The 2016 Draft for the National Football League will be held in Grant Park April 28-30.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2015 / 9

Essay: Elevator Ups and Downs

By John Cohn | Community Contributor

Almost everyone living in our New Eastside location has become quite used to the joys, thrills, and occasional spills, of riding elevators in our various buildings.

elevator that you find “interesting” (this refers to the singles).

Elevator-riding can truly be an experience unto its own.

Spill: Meeting someone on the elevator that you find “interesting”… but they exit right away because they live on one of the lower floors.

Proper etiquette is key, and there are important things to keep in mind when dealing with the ups and downs of what I like to call our MVTS (Metallic Vertical Transit System).

Here is our quick primer on the thrills and spills of the MVTS.

(Here is some unprofessional, unsolicited advice here for the riders: Throw your arm out and stop the door from closing. Ask the person’s name and maybe exchange a contact number. Hey, you only live once. No risk, no reward.)

Thrill: Pushing the button and door opens up immediately. Don’t get too excited; this rarely happens.

Thrill: No one else is in the elevator in the morning, and all of the surrounding mirrors give you a great chance to primp.

Spill: Getting in the elevator with two not-so-friendly dogs staring you down.

Thrill: Living on one of the top floors, and getting a full-speed, solo ride straight up, with no stops.

Spill: Holding a conversation in the elevator for a few minutes and then realizing you are on the same floor as you started on because neither of you pushed a button. This scores an 8.5 out of 10 on the embarrassment scale.

Thrill: Meeting someone on the

life depends on every time you step into the MVTS for one of your daily, motorized rides.

Note: Usually this is a good time to find the registration label inside the elevator and check when the last time it was inspected.

In conclusion, we may have a bit of a love/hate relationship with our elevators, but like every relationship, it will have its ups and downs (sorry, I couldn’t resist).

But they are here with us for the long run, so I guess we’d best find a way to get along.

Spills: Also while riding solo, doing anything mildly embarrassing and then wondering “are there cameras in this thing?”

Thrills: Not having to walk up or down the stairs. The elevator is awfully nice after a long day at the office.

Spills: The not-so-smooth ride. When you feel a few bumps and a few shakes and you start to worry about those elevator cables, which, basically, your

Photo by Doug Shugrats/Here & Now. Conversations people have while riding the elevator are often not about work, home or school but about their social lives, gossip and things on their minds.

Get published Share your story with us New Eastside News is about you and what you care about. We use and value community contributions and we are committed to bringing you relevant and useful content written by New Eastside residents for their fellow neighbors.

Submit, photos and stories to info@ neweastsidecommunity.com

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER CALENDAR *Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information.

SEPTEMBER

Tours start at 221 N. Columbus inside main lobby - Radisson Blu Hotel and end near Wrigley Building - 400 N. Michigan. The duration of the tour is three hours with minimal walkingone mile on Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. Adults - $50, seniors and children under 12-$45. Please note: while the tours are leisurely strolls, there are many stairs along the tour route. There will be places to sit and places in the shade. Unfortunately, we do not recommend the use of wheel chairs, strollers, canes, walkers etc. Until October 31. Please check online to see which days are available. chicagosfinesttours.com/summertours/brunch-tour.

Wednesday, Sept. 2 Riverwalk Brunch Tour Learn about Chicago as you work up an appetite for a brunch at Houlihans.

Jazzin’ at the Shedd Step out on the terrace at the Shedd Aquarium and enjoy cocktails, jazz, and fireworks. Takes place from 5 p.m.-10

p.m. Tickets $20 or $18 if bought in advance online at sheddaquarium.org/ Jazzin. Also Sept. 9

Thursday, Sept. 3 Night of Jazz Please join us for a Night of Jazz at The Mid-America Club 5:30- 7:30 p.m. Your choice of any Thursday evening in September! Come meet Members and guests, while enjoying live jazz music and complimentary hors d’oeuvres. In addition, our Board of Governors is pleased to extend to

you a preferred invitation to join the Club in membership. Please contact Melissa Czyz at 312-861-1100 to make your reservation for your chosen evening or to arrange a separate time to visit the club.

Chicago Jazz Festival Enjoy listening to live jazz music at Millennium Park. This festival is a FREE event that promotes awareness and appreciation for all types of jazz. For more information, go online to cityofchicago. org/city/en/depts/dca/supp_info/ chicago_jazz_festival.html. Unitl Sept. 6

Friday, Sept. 4 North Coast Music Festival This is an all-ages music festival featuring music ranging from hip-hop to electronic to indie rock. There will be over 20 local vendors providing food.

The event takes place at Union Park, 1501 West Randolph St. Festival hours

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER CALENDAR will start at 3 p.m. on Friday and at 1 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Single-day passes are $69 with a $10.67 service fee or you can purchase a 3-day pass for $159 with a $21.65 service fee. www. northcoastfestival.com. Until Sept. 6

The Magnificent Mile Shopping Festival There will be outdoor shops along Michigan Ave., culinary events, exclusive offers, fashion shows, celebrity appearances, concerts and much more. To see the special offers go online to themagnificentmile.com/ events/shopping-festival/specialoffers. Until Sept. 7

Monday, Sept. 7

LABOR DAY

Tuesday, Sept. 8 Free Science Museum Days Get in to the Museum of Science and Industry for FREE by showing your Illinois ID. Note: Weekends are excluded. For more information, go online to msichicago.org/visit-themuseum/museum-info/admission/ free-days. Until Sept. 30

Wednesday, Sept. 9 Reflections Attend the free annual kick-off day of Reflections at the Art Institute. There will be free slide talks to the older adult and retirement communities.

Please use the entrance at the museum’s Modern Wing entrance (159 E. Monroe St.). The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Reservations are not necessary. See the schedule of events online at artic. edu/event/lifelong-learning-21stannual-reflections.

Friday, Sept. 11 Stars of Lyric Opera at Millennium Park Bring a picnic and enjoy the FREE opera performance in Millennium Park starting at 7:30 p.m. Excerpts will be performed from Gounod’s Romeo and Juliet, Mozart’s The Marriage of Figaro, Rossini’s Cinderella and more. For more information, go online to lyricopera. org/millenniumpark.

Shaw’s Oyster Fest Block Party This block party offers guests the freshest oysters on the half shell and delicious food provided

by Shaw’s Crab House located on Hubbard and Rush. There will be wine and beer as well as live music!

Tickets are $30 plus $6.34 service fee. Free for kids 12 and under.

For more information go online to oysterfestchicago.com. Also Sept. 12

Windy City Wine Festival Sample more than 300 wines from around the world. There will be wine seminars, cooking demonstrations and live music. Tickets are $35 in advance and $45 at the door. The event will take place at Buckingham Fountain.

Hours: Friday, Sept. 11 from 4:3010 p.m. and Saturday, Sept. 12 from 2:30-8 p.m. For more information, go online to windycitywinefestival.com.

Saturday September 12 Windy City BBQ Classic One hundred BBQ teams will compete for the title of Grand Champion and winnings of $12,500.

Teams can turn in four categories of meat: ribs, chicken, pork and brisket. The event will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. at Soldier Field. Go online to windycitybbqclassic.com to see what types of tickets are still available.

Magellan Festival The 9th Annual Magellan Festival kicks off at 11 a.m. with complimentary yoga at 11:30 a.m. at Lakeshore East Park, 450 E. Benton Place, running until 2 p.m. There will be a boxing display at 12:30 p.m. followed by a pet costume contest. Over 70 vendors will be on hand along with lots of games and activities for children.

Venetian Night at Navy Pier View a FREE lighted boat parade at 7 p.m. on Navy Pier’s East End Plaza along the South Dock. Chicago’s Lakefront and Navy Pier will look like the romance of Venice, Italy. The boats will float on the water set to music on Lake Michigan. The event will last approximately one hour. Fireworks will follow at 9:30 p.m. www.

chicagoyachtingassociation.org/index. php/events/venetian-night

Wednesday, Sept. 16 Berghoff Oktoberfest This three-day outdoor festival will be celebrating 30 years of brats, beer and live music in Chicago playing tribute to the era around 1985. The event is FREE and will be from 11 a.m.- 9 p.m. at West Adams Street and Dearborn Avenue. www.theberghoff.com/ oktoberfest-in-chicago. Unitil Sept. 18 Joffrey Ballet Millennials The Joffrey Ballet celebrates its 60th anniversary with Millennials, a oneweekend-only engagement showcasing new works by this country’s next generation of choreographic talents. The five performances of the Millennials will be held at the Chicago’s Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Congress Parkway, and tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at 800-928-2787 or online at ticketmaster.com. Until Sept. 20

Friday, Sept. 18 Festiv-Ale Hand-crafted, high-end beers will be showcased from brewers of the Midwest. The event will have a bucket raffle, silent auction, Tower of Beer raffle (three changes to

Mariano’s Lakeshore East

www.Marianos.com/LakeshoreEast 333 E. Benton Place, Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 228-1349 FREE Kids Activity: Make your own Caterpillar!

Saturday, Sept. 5 @ 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 6 @ 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

FREE Kids Activity: Celebrate National Grandparents Day! Celebrating by making a card for your grandparents!

Friday, September 12 @ 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Marathon Nutrition: Learn How to Be Saturday, September 13 @ 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Race Day Ready Thursday, September 10 @ 7 p.m.-8 p.m. Miss Jamie from the Farm Tuesday, September 15 @ 3:30 p.m.-4 p.m.

Saturday, Sept. 5 @ 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

Sunday, Sept. 6 @ 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

FREE Kids Activity: Tales for Tot! Sunday, September 10 @ 7 p.m.-8pm Saturday and Sunday story time 12 p.m.-5 p.m.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER CALENDAR win over 30 cases of beer) and live music! The event will be at Block 37, 108 N. State St. and will begin at 6 p.m. Tickets are $65. festivalechicago.eventscff.org

Saturday, September 19 Small Business Expo The city of Chicago’s Department of Business Affairs and the Small Business Center invites small business owners and entrepreneurs to its FREE Small Business Center on the Road Expo with more than 40 exhibitors. The keynote speaker is Chicago author Bill Rancic, who was also the winner of the first season of NBC’s “The Apprentice” show. The free event runs from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. in room 1871 at the Merchandise Mart, 222 W. Merchandise Mart.

OCTOBER

Monday, Oct. 12

Friday, Oct. 2

Columbus Day

Vogue Knitting LIVE If you enjoy knitting, this is a three-day event you should attend where you can take master-level, hand-knitting workshops. Registration is from 3-7 p.m. on Oct. 1, and the event will be held at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel, 17 E. Monroe St. For different ticket types, go to www.vogueknittinglive.com/ ehome/127659/pricing/. Until Oct. 4

Monday, October 5 Chicago Sinfonietta Tap in. Turn Up The percussive rhythms of dancing feet punctuate the sounds of classical works in season opener Tap in. Turn Up featuring Chicago-based flamenco troupe Clinard Dance Theatre and acclaimed Washington, D.C based tapprodigy Cartier Williams. The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. at the Orchestra Hall of Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Single tickets range from $16-$99 with special $10 pricing available for students. Purchase tickets by calling the Chicago Sinfonietta at 312-236-3681 ext. 2 or online at chicagosinfonietta.org.

Friday, Sept. 25 Chicago Gourmet Enjoy a culinary all-star weekend with celebrity chefs, cocktail and wine seminars, tastings of food, wine, spirits and beer. There will be over 150 of the best chefs and restaurants, hundreds of breweries, spirits and wineries at Millennium Park. There are many events to choose from. Go to chicagogourmet. org to see which events are still available. Until Sept. 27

www.cityofchicago.org/city/en/depts/ dca/supp_info/parade3.html

Tuesday, Oct. 13 Chalk Preschool Open House Stop by Chalk Preschool between 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. to look around the school and meet the teachers. Also Oct. 15

Thursday, Oct. 15 Chicago International Film Festival More than 100 short and full-length films will be featured from 50 countries including free panel discussions. Films will be shown at AMC River East 21, 322 E. Illinois St. For more information go to: www.chicagofilmfestival.com/festival/ entries. Until Oct. 29

Wednesday, Oct. 21

Tuesday, September 22 Food Truck Fest A variety of food trucks will converge on Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St. Sept., 22, 28. Oct., 7, 14, 21, 28. from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

The event will include a line-up of trucks offering different culinary while bringing more awareness to Chicago residents and visitors who may not be familiar with the variety of trucks in the city.

Columbus Day Parade The free parade stars at 12:30 p.m. and goes down State Street from Wacker Drive to Van Buren Street. The Columbus Day Parade has over 150 units – floats, marchers and bands. Mayor Rahm Emanuel, and other dignitaries from city, state and the Italian community will be part of the parade.

Mid-America Club Complimentary Reception Please join us for a complimentary reception from 5:30 -7 p.m., tour

the Club and learn more about membership. Reservations are required (secured building) and can be made my calling the Club at 312-8611100 or email susan.marzec@ourclub. com. Pedway-accessible and business casual attire. Aon Center, 200 E. Randolph Drive on the 80th Floor. www.midamclub.com

Saturday, October 24 Open House for GEMS GEMS World Academy is hosting a special Open House for interested families from 10 a.m. to noon. Parents will have the opportunity to meet with the Head of School, Geoff Jones, and the Head of the Lower School, Andrew Slater. Visitors will also tour the facilities, see classrooms and meet with head teachers, specialists, and admissions officers.

Saturday, Oct. 31 The Haunted Halloween Ball at Navy Pier The event will be held in the Grand Ballroom at Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave. The evening will be filled with sounds from the orchestra as well as glamour, mystery and gruesome costumes. Early bird tickets are $20 and general admission tickets are $35. chitownevents.com/venue/chicago/ grand-ballroom-at-the-navy-pier

September/October Races

Thursday, Oct. 8 Halloween Segway Tour This Haunted Halloween Tour on a Segway is the first of its kind in Chicago.

The guides will take you to haunted locations in Downtown Chicago while telling stories of Chicago’s haunted houses, hotels, murders, ghosts, and other gruesome disasters. The tour will visit the sites of the Morgue on State, the haunted Iroquois Theater disaster, the Dead Alley and the past home of Al Capone’s haunted yacht. Tours take place Thursday through Sunday at 6:15 p.m. and 9 p.m. at 300 E. Monroe St. The tour will last two hours a cost $65. chicagosegways.com/specialty.html

SEPTEMBER The Magnificent Mile Chicago Women’s Half Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sunday, September 6, Grant Park Race Judicata 5K, 6:30pm, Thursday, September 10, Grant Park Super Bears Shuffle 5K, 6:30pm, Thursday, September 10, Soldier Field The Super Run 5K, 9 a.m., Saturday, September 12, Grant Park The Fit Foodie 5K, 7 a.m., Saturday, September 12, Jackson Park Women ROCK 5K/10K/Half Marathon, 7 a.m., Saturday, September 19, Jackson Park AIDS run/walk Chicago, 10K/5K, Sunday, September 20, Soldier Field Get Your Rear in Gear 5K run/walk, kids run, 8 a.m., Sunday, September 20, Montrose Harbor

Burning Sands 5K, Sunday, September 27, Navy Pier Chicago Half Marathon and 5K, 7 a.m., Sunday, September 27, Jackson Park OCTOBER Ditka Dash 5K, 8 a.m., Saturday, October 3, Soldier Field Harvest Hop 5K, 12:30pm, Sunday, October 4, Diversey Harbor Bank of America Chicago Marathon, 7:30 a.m., Sunday, October 11, Grant Park Chicago Lakefront 50K/50mile, 6:30 a.m., Saturday, October 31, Jackson Park Chicago Monster Dash Half Marathon/10K/5K, Saturday, October 31, Grant Park

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Be Ambitious

At British International School of Chicago, South Loop, we take learning personal.

Our highly skilled teachers deliver lessons according to each student’s unique learning style, inspiring them to be innovative and ambitious in all endeavors.

We’re now accepting applications for 2016-17! For more information, call (773) 998-BISC. www.bischicagosl.org

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