VOL. 8 NO. 2
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February 2020
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RUMMAGE SALE FOR CHARITY New Eastiders host high-rise garage sale to benefit homeless
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Inside the Gentleman’s Cooperative Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge celebrates 20 years Page 2
Rosebud plans to open in former Tavern on the Park Page 4
Page 3 Charlene Roderick and Barbara Thomas celebrate the Parkshore’s fundraising success at 195 N. Harbor Drive. Photo by Mat Cohen
Seeing luxury in the city’s Pedway system
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Doorperson of the Month: Alonzo
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Happily ever after—Tips from couples who made it Page 11
Stay ‘inn’ luxury at local hotels
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200 E. Randolph St. Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 690-3092 Editor: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com Managing Editor Stephanie Racine stephanieracine@ neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writers: Mat Cohen Jacqueline Covey Angela Gagnon Doug Rapp Elisa Shoenberger Copy Editors: Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design: Bob Oswald Community Contributors: Jon Cohn
Subscriptions info@neweastsidecommunity.com or visit neatside.com Eastside Enterprises LLC is the publisher of New Eastside News and Streeterville News. Eastside Enterprises has provided local community news to the Chicago area since 2012. New Eastside News and Streeterville News are monthly papers that use community writers and contributors. The views expressed by community contributors are their own. Eastside Enterprises does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. Eastside Enterprises is independently owned and operated. Published Feb. 1, 2020 Copyright ©2020. All rights reserved.
Polar Plungers run into the lake in 2018. Photo courtesy of Special Olympics Chicago
Freezin’ for a reason
Special Olympics’ Polar Plunge celebrates 20 years By Doug Rapp Staff Writer They’re freezin’ for a reason. The 20th annual Chicago Polar Plunge to benefit Special Olympics Chicago is scheduled for Sunday, March 1, 2020, at North Avenue Beach. “Plungers” collect donations and pledge to jump into the icy waters of Lake Michigan. “People are excited we’ve been doing this event this long,” said Heather Kundert, executive director of Special Olympics Chicago. Kundert said they’re expecting 4,000 plungers, a combination of nearly 300 teams and individuals. Their goal, she said, is to raise $2,020,000 for the year 2020, all of which benefits the Chicago Special Olympics organization. For the 20th anniversary, Kundert said they’re recognizing people who’ve participated since the beginning. Long-standing team Kidd Krue has raised over $42,000 and is the top non-corporate team. Some of the polar plunge founders attending this year include Gerry Henaghan, Pam Mu-
nizzi, Ernest Alvarado, Richard McAvoy and Michael Brady. Kundert said they also want to recognize some other participating agencies, such as Envision and Misericordia, that support people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “We’re excited to partner with some of our sister agencies in a different way this year,” she said. New this year, Kundert said, will be an “Olympic village,” where sponsors and partner agencies will have different fun activities to encourage people to learn about other agencies helping out people with disabilities. Kundert also praised the park district and the dive team on hand during the plunge. “We’re really proud that the city has really embraced this,” she said. “We wouldn’t be able to do a lot of what we do at the scale we do it without the park district’s help and their partnerships.” John Fahey, of Team Dan Fahey is plunging for the fourth time this year. His brother Daniel is a Special Olympics athlete, he said, who plays basketball
and baseball among other sports at Mt. Greenwood Park. John Fahey said his team raised $38,000 last year but this year they’re hoping to raise $40,000. “We know it’s a good cause...we wanted to give back a little,” Fahey said. Fahey recalled how last year was exceptionally cold and ice had to be cleared to make way for the plungers, but it’s an experience he still enjoys. “It’s pretty awesome,” he said of running into the chilly lake. “It’s exhilarating, you get a pretty big rush. The adrenaline’s pumping. You’re yelling and screaming out there with a bunch of your friends.” Kundert said many of the participants like Fahey have a personal connection to the Special Olympics but many plungers just want to help out. “Really they’re just all trying to get behind the city of Chicago and what we’re doing and what we do for these individuals,” Kundert said. “They really believe in supporting individuals with intellectual disabilities.” To register as a team or individual or to donate, visit sochicago.org
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Turning trash into treasure: New Eastsiders give back By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer What started out as a regifting event turned into something much more. In December, a group of Parkshore residents had an idea. Resident Jonni Miklos and social director of the Parkshore, Charlene Roderick, met to discuss how to give back for the holiday season. Miklos noted that people who moved from the suburbs to the Parkshore, 195 N. Harbor Drive, had a lot of stuff, but less room to store it in a downtown Chicago condo. “Someone’s trash is somebody else’s treasure,” Roderick said. From Dec. 4-7, Parkshore residents brought down items they no longer needed for others to purchase. “People brought things out in droves,” Roderick said. All the proceeds went to The Chicago Coalition for the Homeless.
Charlene Roderick (right) with Doug Schenkelberg, Executive Director of the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless. Photo by Mat Cohen
Roderick and Miklos were hoping to raise about $2,020 but Parkshore residents ended up with $6,146. “I cried when I saw it was (that much),” Roderick said. Residents said the event went beyond the money being raised—it gave residents a sense of community.
“People were talking about this building coming together,” resident Russ Fahrner said. It was more than just getting together for a glass of wine—it was staying engaged with one another over the course of a few days, he said. Resident Barbara Thomas felt the residents came together as a team. “Together each accomplishes more... Team,” she said. “I felt as if I had a family of people who cared.” Residents did everything they could to support the event, according to Roderick. If they didn’t have items to donate, there was a box for monetary donations. If they were unable to donate, residents volunteered their time to work the event. Miklos believed people were so enthusiastic because the event was supporting a greater good. “Everyone was committed to contributing to make a difference,” Miklos said. One person who was especially thankful
was executive director of Chicago Coalition for the Homeless Doug Schenkelberg. “We appreciate it when people choose to support our work,” Schenkelberg said. Schenkelberg was unaware the money was being raised and thought it was “wonderful” that Parkshore chose his organization. Chicago Coalition for the Homeless is an advocacy organization that seeks to prevent homelessness. Approximately 86,000 people are homeless in Chicago. Members of the Parkshore Board met to present Schenkelberg with their check on Jan. 24. Roderick thanked the board for their willingness to come together as a community. Overall, residents hoped that this event would start a precedent. “Other buildings ought to take this on,” Roderick said. To learn more about Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, visit chicagohomeless.org.
Aldermanic prerogative and what that means for New Eastsiders
Alderman Brendan Reilly of the 42nd Ward explains implications of mayor’s executive order By Jacqueline Covey Staff Writer
In New Eastside, town hall meetings held by 42nd Ward Alderman Brendan Reilly, present and consider zoning issues and new construction. He is able to host such meetings because he has aldermanic prerogative. The prerogative, often called alderman privilege, gives an alderman a chance to initiate or block city government actions within their ward. Reilly said he uses aldermanic prerogative as a transparent process, particularly in regard to zoning. He hosts meetings and generally sees a lot
of involvement from his constituents. Reilly presents developer plans to residents. With a little back and forth, he said he hopes each project is beneficial to the area in some way and encapsulates the uniqueness of the 42nd Ward. After the meeting, the alderman comes up with a “working punch list” that he provides to the developer. “I say, ‘Here’s your homework,’ [and] usually all the items are addressed,” he said of second-draft plans from developers. The privilege is not an outright piece of legislation, but rather a power intertwined in the confines of the Chicago Municipal Code, that has been used to initiate or block actions since the 19th Century. The day Lori Lightfoot was inaugurated as mayor of Chicago, she signed Executive Order No. 2019-2, which prohibited some 30 Chicago depart-
ments from deferring to aldermanic prerogative. The departments were told to conduct a 60-day report on the changes made to their codes. In the order, the aldermanic prerogative is defined as the ability of an alderman to “unilaterally approve, affirm, block or veto a departmental decision, whether such power is granted or required by the Municipal Code of Chicago or by tradition or custom.” In the executive order, Mayor Lightfoot recognized the importance of aldermen and their input on city decisions, however, sometimes that influence has led to “abuse, a source of corruption and mistrust, and thereby undermined the legitimacy of the government in the eyes of the public.” She said the abuse of aldermanic prerogative is unnecessary, and at times an Continued on page 4
New Eastside News founder Elaine Hyde meets with Alderman Brendan Reilly in his downtown office. Photo by Jacqueline Covey
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Traffic congestion something to get used to By Mat Cohen Staff Writer At the Jan. 2 New Eastside CAPS meeting, which is now the first week of the month, community members discussed traffic clogs, pedestrian safety and an increase in construction in the neighborhood. A resident said that due to the construction of three new condos in the neighborhood, there are construction vehicles speeding in and out of New Eastside, where
she likes to walk her dog. “We need a plan because construction is only going to increase,” she said. “There’s no regulation, no signals, no signs— they’re speeding in and out.” She also stated that the construction is creating a place where the homeless are gathering—on the steps at the end of Randolph Street going up to the middle level. “I don’t feel the homeless are a problem, but people are starting to gather,” she said. “I’m feeling
really uncomfortable where I used to feel safe.” The CAPS team said they would give the area special attention moving forward. A man at the meeting asked about strategies to deal with traffic jams occurring on the middle tier of the neighborhood, as well as cars running through stop signs. With rideshare popularity in the area compounding normal rush-hour traffic, the CAPS team said congestion would have to
be something to get used to. Not helping the problem, they said, is the fact that many rideshare drivers from outside the city are not used to driving downtown, but come because they make more money with downtown rides. Another issue residents discussed was safety in Cancer Survivors’ Garden, a strip located to the east of Maggie Daley Park. One resident, who said she had been followed in the gardens one morning walking her dog, asked about the patrol presence in
| NEWS BRIEFS | Tides renovates lobby The Tides apartments are being updated for 2020, according to The Tides leasing manager, Alison O’Hara. The Tides has not received a major update since its opening in 2008. Changes focused on the lobby began at the end of 2019 and will continue into 2020. The Tides expects the renovations to be completed in February. There will be a fireplace in the lobby, along with new furniture and a bookcase, according to O’Hara. The elevators, both connecting to units and to the garage, have been updated and improved. The mailroom has also been updated. O’Hara says this is only phase one of the renovations coming to The Tides. They have begun planning unit updates and tours of two model units. The Tides will then listen to feedback on what improvements are most desired and valued by stakeholders.
Marina planned for Navy Pier in 2021 Randy Podolsky, a real estate developer and boat enthusiast, is bringing a marina to Navy Pier. Projected to cost $9 million, the marina plans to offer space to boats of up to 130 feet by 2021. The marina will include other amenities such as WiFi, a lounge, and concierge services. The City
Council gave approval for the project in 2016. Podolsky hopes to provide boaters— local and visiting—with much-needed pier-side services.
Rosebud plans to open in former Tavern on the Park Rosebud Restaurants plans to open its sixth Chicago location in the former Tavern on the Park location, after Tavern closed in March 2019. The restaurant, while still in the planning stages, will provide Italian food and steaks, for which Rosebud has been known for over 40 years. The restaurant chain has nine locations in the Chicagoland area including Rosebud Steakhouse in Streeterville, Rosebud Prime in the Loop, and Carmine’s in the Gold Coast.
Loop Alliance working on State Street Corridor Plan Chicago Loop Alliance is working on the first plan for the area since 1987 when they called for State Street to be reopened to traffic. Chicago Loop Alliance selected site design group, ltd., a landscape architecture, urban design, and architecture firm, to create the plan, which will “emphasize community engagement,” according to a Chicago Loop Alliance
press release. “Chicago Loop Alliance is interested in being a leader in envisioning a new version of State Street. We see this street as a connector for all of Chicago’s neighborhoods. Our corridor plan will guide us in keeping the street competitive in a changing economic landscape, and in keeping it a ‘great street’ for all Chicagoans,” said Chicago Loop Alliance Director of Planning Kalindi Parikh.
Thompson Center pinata on display in Pedway A pinata in the shape of the James R. Thompson Center was displayed in the p11 space in the Pedway, reports the Chicago Tribune. Designed by Chelsea Lombardo, the pinata was filled with “memory data” by asking people “What is the Thompson Center?” according to the p11 website. After five days, the pinata was broken open in the studio, the artist explains. The piece was supported by the James R. Thompson Center Historical Society. The three preservationists who comprise the society—Elizabeth Blasius, A.J. LaTrace and Jonathan Solomon—focus on advocating for the preservation of the building, creating affinity to the building and “assemble, catalog, and share historic material regarding the JRTC,” according to their website.
neighborhood parks. The CAPS team said there’s always one patrol car designated for all the parks in the district. Residents were urged to continue to call so extra patrols could be directed. The CAPS team reminded everyone to call 911 if they witness something is happening on the spot, but to call 311 if reporting an incident that happened in the past. The next New Eastside CAPS meeting will take place Feb. 6 at 130 N. Garland Court.
Prerogative Continued from page 3 “illegal” part of providing city services. Of the 30 departments targeted, 21 reported no such language within departmental procedures matched the mayor’s definition of aldermanic deferment. Changes affected the Department of Transportation, Cultural Affairs, Special Events and Planning and Development where the need for alderman approval was removed. The Department of Streets and Sanitation will now provide ward services directly, rather than through the ward offices. Reilly, who calls himself an ally to Lightfoot, said there have been pros and cons to the practice of aldermanic prerogative. In his ward, he believes it works and is used for positive effect. He sticks to zoning, an area he believes should be heavily influenced by wards. He finds out how residents feel about a zoning issue and relays that feedback to developers, further connecting residents with what is happening in their community and giving the residents a voice. But he said applying the order to land use is “a step too far.” “Residents have an equal seat,” Reilly said. “And if that goes away, that advocacy (from your community) goes away.”
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| COMMUNITY CORNER |
‘Keep it weird’ Chicago Pedway a unique, hidden gem By Mat Cohen Staff Writer The Pedway system has its lovers and its haters. Some people frequent the walkway everyday while others won’t step foot in it. Enjoy it or not, the tunnels are an integral and symbolic part of the city with their perfect imperfections. Margaret Hicks leads a regular tour through the walkway and can understand people being intimidated by the unknown. “I think it is inherently confusing to anybody trying to use this on their own,” she said. “I think that there have been people who have been confused by the (Pedway) symbol who have left.” Starting at the Fairmont Hotel and heading down an escalator, Hicks led the tour past a Burger King, where Batman rode his Motorcycle in the Dark Knight, and eventually west to Block 37. The journey included murals, a pool, stained glass and signs of homelessness. “I’m definitely in the keep-it-weird camp, I don’t want them to sterilize the Pedway,” she said. “I want them to keep it weird, but I don’t want people to feel like they’re not welcome.” Space p11, an independent art gallery at 55 E. Randolph, has art installations curat-
Margaret Hicks leads a tour through the Pedway system and loves its ever-changing environment. Photo by Mat Cohen
ed with the help of the Chicago Loop Alliance displayed in the Pedway. Director Jonathan Solomon believes the Pedway is a perfect space to grow the community of Chicago. “The pedway is so interesting to me because it’s part of the city’s master narrative of growth and flow and exchange,” he said. “Today while parts are heavily travelled, many parts are neglected or abandoned, it’s become an eddy in the stream for Chicago.” The Pedway system is imperfect—people can get lost as it’s not a grid like the rest of Chicago but all different people use it. “I see the most potential as a cultural space,” Solomon said. “We have lots of retail, lots of shops—I think the exciting thing
is the potential to create cultural programs that maybe don’t have a place on the street.” Hicks and Solomon both love the essence of the Pedway despite its imperfections and agree it’s a massive part of the city. “It’s always changing, it’s never the same,” Hicks said. “It’s really one of the neighborhoods.” “It’s grown a culture of its own,” Solomon said. “It’s different from the street above it, different from the neighborhood. It’s one of the few places in Chicago where you can get lost because it’s not organized on this grid.” For more information about Hicks and her tours, visit chicagoelevated.com, for news and upcoming events for Space p11, visit space-p11.com
Doorperson of the Month Alonzo, 400 E. Randolph By Mat Cohen Staff Writer For Alonzo, there’s nothing better than a great football game, jazz music and his family, which includes the people at 400 E. Randolph. “Everyone is special at 400 E. Randolph,” he said. “I make sure they feel special. I try to make the family at 400 feel as I would want to feel.” Alonzo is a versatile employee for the building. He spends time in the package room, working in receiving, greeting people at the front desk and checking guests in at the workout space. “Multitasking at 400 E. Randolph makes the job very fulfilling,” he said. “You can tell that you can make a difference with someone.” Making a difference among people’s lives has been ingrained in Alonzo’s heart from his childhood. “Helping people has to be from your heart and if it’s not genuine, they’ll know,” he said. “I get it from my parents, my mother and father. “They said if you live good through your heart, your blessings are unlimited.” Alonzo has given away coats and shoes to the homeless on lower Wacker Drive outside his post in the receiving room. He’s warm and welcoming to every resident and believes
Alonzo, at 400 E. Randolph, is the New Eastside Doorperson of the Month. Photo by Mat Cohen
the world would be a better place if everyone took a little time to give. “It could be a conversation, you could even sit in silence with someone,” he said. “Look around, we all have something to give.” “(For) me, giving comes from my heart, it’s not an act. Helping people should be from your heart.” Before getting the job at 400, he had an eye on the spot. “The job found me,” he said. “I passed here thousands of times and I just always said that it would be a nice place to work, and it just worked out. It was meant to be.” Alonzo has given a lot to 400 E. Randolph, but isn’t too keen on recognition, except for when he won track medals in Grammar School.
“I’m just a low-key guy, I’m glad about it, but it’s just shocking,” he said about being selected as Doorperson of the Month. There’s no doubt he deserves the recognition, but he wants to make it clear the building deserves recognition of its own. “I don’t know if they made it a landmark, but 400 is iconic,” he said. “Because it was built before a lot of these other buildings. That sounds like I’m bragging about 400, but we set a high standard to go above and beyond.” To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@ neweastsidecommunity.com with their name and why you think they should be the doorperson of the month. Each winner will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.
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Owner of The Goddess and Grocer says feeding 300 people is nothing By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer Debbie Sharpe came through Chicago on Paul McCartney tours while working as a caterer. “I met some people and I thought, ‘Oh nice place to stay,’ and so I just decided to stay,” Sharpe said. Sharpe opened her own business, The Goddess and Grocer, which provides both ready-made and made-to-order food in several locations in the city. She’s even licensed out the name Goddess and The Baker to stores, including a recently opened location on 44 E. Grand Ave. Australian-born Sharpe started off as a music journalist and went to England working for Adam Ant’s manager. She ended up working in the catering company for a year and thought, “I can do this myself,” and that’s what she did. Sharpe wanted to open an Australian deli. Fifteen years ago she could not easily find a good sandwich. “I was used to having a food store you could get sandwiches at and you could get prepared foods that you can just take home and reheat and not bother about going to the supermarket,” she explained. Sharpe still caters to the musicians, working big shows like Lollapalooza or
The Goddess and Grocer owner Debbie Sharpe stayed after coming to Chicago with Paul McCartney’s tour. Photo by Mat Cohen
Michigan-based Electric Forest. “I love the bigger the numbers, the better for me ‘cause I like the challenge.” The biggest event Sharpe ever catered was over 2,000 people in Lenin Stadium for the Moscow Music Peace Festival in 1989. They had just fed about 1,000 people but realized there were many more people waiting in line to be fed. She told her staff, “Oh no, we are so not done.” On a considerably smaller scale, The Goddess and Grocer caters for Teatro ZinZanni, the downtown cabaret circus show. She was asked to cater for the show long before the show found the space in the Cambria Hotel Building. Each night they serve 300 people but that’s not the challenge, Sharpe said. “Catering 300 people is
nothing for me. But you’ve got to get 300 dinners in 22 minutes with a dance routine. It really adds a new level of difficulty.” Sharpe’s staff are an important part of the show, she explained. “They sing, they dance, they move props,” all while serving food. The Goddess and Grocer features a popular and immensely Instagrammable Rainbow Cake. Asked where it originated, Sharpe said, “We’re not sure. We just think one of our pastry chefs made it one day.” While it’s not exclusive to the Goddess stores, Sharpe recommended Goddess’ version. “I just think ours tastes really much better than everybody else’s because of the buttercream frosting.” For information, visit goddessandgrocer.com
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| FEATURES |
What is love?
“I think it’s really just a feeling, when you’re in love you just kind of know. It’s pretty indescribable.” Ryan Ferrell
We ask some Chicago residents “How do you describe love?” By Mat Cohen
l
Staff Writer
“Love is intention, positive intention.” Andre and his wife, Diana, have been married for five years.
Dan Boyd described a meme which portrays an older woman knitting a large sweater, and asking, what am I going to do with all this love? He said, “I think love is something to do with this thing to give away in a selfless manner.” He also added that seeing his dog Zero snuggled next to his girlfriend in the morning is love in his eyes. Dan Boyd and his dog, Zero.
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Sam said, “Love is the ability to feel unapologetically yourself with someone.” Alana said, “the feeling of acceptance,” and Dorothy added, “comfort.” Dorothy Sawyer, Alana Paul and Sam Maiolo.
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| LUXURY LIVING |
Treating yourself has never been so active By Mat Cohen Staff Writer
Gentleman’s Cooperative has a luxurious event space including a bar, pool table and cigar deck.
Gentleman’s Cooperative is the house of modern luxury, including a master tailor and professional stylists. Photos by Mat Cohen
House of Modern Luxury
Gentleman’s Cooperative provides of services, activities in one downtown spot By Mat Cohen Staff Writer One of the most interesting spaces in Chicago combines style, confidence and luxury to create a haven in the middle of the city. The Gentleman’s Cooperative, located at the penthouse of 111 W. Jackson Blvd., includes a barbershop, pool table, full bar, master tailoring, customized suits, a private cigar deck and corporate event space. Beginning with a pop-up shop, co-owners Mike Berntsen and Chris Flores have been offering luxurious services to local professionals for more than six years. “We help to maximize our clients’ personal and business impact,” director of business development Rich Moran said. “I think we do that very well.” The space is across from the Chicago Board of Trade, making it easy to feel Chicago’s heartbeat through its windows. “We are in such prime real estate,” Moran said. “We are constantly surrounded by the best executives in the state. It makes it easy for our clients to come in. Our location is everything.” The Cooperative offers a barber and styl-
Gentleman’s Cooperative master tailor Mousa Hazare comes from a family of tailors, getting his start in Pakistan.
ist membership, a master tailor and professional clothiers, as well as master barbers and stylists. Not to mention a luxurious event space to host corporate gatherings. “Our clients work hard and we are big believers in taking time for yourself and taking a load off,” Moran said. “People work hard and people deserve to take care of themselves.” Away from the hustle, tucked in his own quiet space, is master tailor Mousa Hazare. The room is draped with fabric, scattered with sewing machines and pop-
ping with all colors of the rainbow. Hazare was born in Mongolia, moved to Pakistan when he was six years old and comes from a family of tailors, including his father and four brothers. He got his start at eight years old working for his dad’s shop in Pakistan. Seven years ago he moved to the U.S. and after a year in San Diego, he came to Chicago. Hazare, 33, is a key member of the Cooperative team and goes the extra mile for clients. “I have the confidence they will get the things that they are really looking for,” he said. “My job is to make sure everything is perfect. If the manufacturers did something wrong I’m here to fix that. Most of the time they get the garments perfect, but sometimes there are some minor tweaks. And we want perfect.” Hazare’s favorite part of the job is working with clients while taking measurements because he says that’s the easiest part of the process. However, he enjoys problem-solving and calls himself an ultimate problem solver. To learn more about the space visit gentsco-op.com
River North has become a haven for luxury workout studios. From the Red Room of Barry’s Bootcamp to the cryotherapy at GOAT Climb & Cryo and the infrared heat of Yoga 2.0, the neighborhood has plenty of top-of-the-line fitness options to treat yourself to a new kind of workout in 2020. Yoga 2.0 opened its doors in May of last year at 215 W. Ontario St. The loft-style studios, located on the second floor with artistic murals in the lobby and Limitless Nitro Brew on tap, has taken yoga to the next level. “Considering the area, there isn’t really something like it that exists for yoga,” director of content and branding, and Lululemon ambassador Manny Garcia said. “People Continued on page 10
Virtual Reality will be set up at Mayweather Boxing and Fitness. Photo courtesy of Mayweather Boxing and Fitness
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| LUXURY LIVING |
Pamper your pet this winter By Mat Cohen Staff Writer According to the American Kennel Club, dogs need 30 minutes to two hours of exercise a day, depending on size and breed. Although they don’t say much about pampering, our best friends could use some luxury as well. When it’s dark and below freezing in the middle of the Chicago winter, luxury pet services providers are there for your pooch. When people get away to warmer places, dog resort Paradise 4 Paws has locations near O’Hare and Midway. It offers massage therapy, a spa, grooming and 20,000 square feet of space. Paradise 4 Paws works with Pooch Hotel, which has locations in the South Loop, Lincoln Park and West Loop. Morgan Fontes, general manager of the West Loop location, said demand for their services
increases during the winter. “We see a big increase for the majority of our services offered, but generally our highest margin is within our grooming services,” she said. “Most of our parents have more family visits over the winter due to (the holidays) and they all want clean dogs to have at home.” Streeterville dog walker, Jennifer Jakubiak, has a strategy to brave the winter months. “Proper gear,” she said. “I have down jackets, boots, everything you can possibly imagine to truck in this weather.” Jakubiak uses a dog-walking app called Rover and has four dogs to entertain everyday in the cold. “It takes a lot to have a dog in the city just because it is a lot of responsibility,” she said. “But they love me and I love it.” Dog owners can use daycares, winter coats and booties, all feeding the pet
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industry. The American Pet Products Association estimated the industry to be worth $75.3 billion in 2019. Dan Rubenstein, CEO and founder of Pups Pet Club, said the winter months are just as hard on dogs as on humans. “If you’re cold, imagine what your dog is feeling,” he said. “You have layers of sweaters, and jackets, and gloves and your dog is completely exposed.” Pups Pet Club, which opened in Streeterville at 316 W. Illinois St. last spring, gets an influx of participants in the winter. Rubenstein has advice for dog owners. “Use your apartment hallways without destroying them,” he said. “But ultimately, your dog still needs an hour and half of exercise per day.” As winter lingers, the dogs coming into Pups Pet Club are about ready to burst, just like humans, Rubenstein said. “In the winter months we kind of hiber-
Streeterville dog walker Jennifer Jakubiak plays with Breeze in Bennett Park. Photo by Mat Cohen
nate, so when we have an opportunity to get out to the gym or on vacation somewhere warm, we really explode with all this energy and enthusiasm.” City Pets, at 432 E. Grand Ave., offers grooming, daycare and winter products. Owner Lisa Harper sells Saltsox Winter Boots to help protect paws. “We’ve tried all different brands and we like those because they’re durable and they stay on the best,” she said.
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| LUXURY LIVING |
Stay ‘inn’ luxury this February at local hotels By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer Don’t have time to get away this winter? Take a staycation at one of Chicago’s best hotels. The Ivy Hotel, 233 E. Ontario in Streeterville, offers an at-home getaway for Chicagoans. The hotel has spacious and apartment-size rooms, with rainfall showers and deep-soaking tubs. The hotel is offering a special staycation deal for Illinois residents. With a state ID, rooms are 10% off for one night, plus a dessert of choice from the hotel’s restaurants. Options include Divine Lounge’s Carrot Cake or Cookie Sundae. With the discount, a studio queen starts at $98. For information, visit ivyhotelchicago.com. The Park Hyatt has sumptuous food and spa experiences in February for downtowners looking
Active Continued from page 8 have different experiences, but there really isn’t one for yoga, and we wanted to make it.” Yoga 2.0 found the best products to offer, including filling the room with triple-filtered humidity that’s cleaner than tap water. “Every detail was thought out for the entire studio, from our rental
for an escape. The Chef ’s Counter Tasting Menu at The Park Hyatt restaurant NoMI is an exclusive and decadent experience. With just four seats at the counter, the chefs prepare an eight-course meal right in front of you. Menus change every 4-6 weeks and focus on one food group. The current focus is alliums—think garlic, shallots, onions and leeks. The offer is available for $145 per person on the reservation website Tock. The Park Hyatt’s spa has a “tasting menu” of their own. Pick three spa treatments, each lasting 45 minutes, for a well-rounded relaxation experience. Options include facials, massages and body treatments. Pricing starts at $410 and treatments can be booked by calling the spa at (312) 239-4200. Hotel Julian is offering romantic “Cultured and Cuffed” packages, during “cuffing season,” a slang term used for the colder months
mats being the best mats on the market, to the EO products in the bathrooms,” Garcia said. “And when it comes to the class experience you have to reserve the mat space, so that takes the pre-class stress away. Everything is done for you.” GOAT Climb & Cryo, which opened in June, sits right across the street. The studio uses versaclimbers to provide a full-body workout, as well as Cryo-
Dine at the chef’s counter at The Park Hyatt’s NoMI. Photo courtesy of The Park Hyatt
when love tends to bloom. Each package is based on a famous Chicago couple. The Barack and Michelle Obama package includes tickets to the Art Institute and an in-room champagne toast. Hotel Julian suggests their Smart TVs, using personal streaming accounts, to view “Southside with You,” the biographical film based on the couple’s early years. The Melissa McCarthy and Ben Falcone package is based on the
therapy to offer innovative recovery sessions. Being so close allows the studios to work together. “It builds a community,” Garcia said. “So many of our students take class with us, but might also go boxing, or pilates in the area. It’s such a fitness forward community, which makes our typical student outgoing and want to socialize.” On Thursdays, GOAT members get to take class at 2.0 on discount and
Hotel Julian’s spa-like bathrooms adds to the comfort of the Cultured and Cuffed package. Photo by Wagstaff Chicago
Hollywood comedic pair, who met at a writing class in Chicago in 1998. The deal includes Second City tickets and pre-comedy show cocktails at Hotel Julian’s restaurant, ALK. To book one of the packages, email info@hoteljulianchicago.com The Loews Chicago Hotel staycation offer is for the whole family. The hotel encourages visitors to “get snowed ‘inn’” with them. The
members from the yoga studio get Cryotherapy on discount. Mayweather Boxing and Fitness, a new gym opening this month at 219 W. Hubbard, will be offering the gold standard of fitness just like its leader, boxing champion Floyd Mayweather. This is the first franchise in Chicago, but there are plans to open three more. The space will have treadmills, rowers, strength
package includes valet parking, 20% off restaurant and room service and two free cocktails. For the kids, enjoy one free movie rental (up to $19.99), hot cocoa, a decorate-your-own cookie set created by Loews’ pastry chef and a kid’s pop up tent and “campfire.” Book between Feb. 7-12 and the package will include two free tickets per family for the Centennial Wheel at Navy Pier. Visit loewshotels.com/chicago-downtown.
equipment, as well as boxing equipment. There will even be virtual reality set up where you can be trained by Floyd himself, box against him, or partake in a number of different workouts. A big reason the franchise wanted to be in River North was the mix of residential and business buildings in the area. “It was a no-brainer for us to look at the neighborhood,” franchise owner
Sara McSpedon said. “I think there’s (workout studios in the area) because the mix between the residential and the business—it’s very rare to find a neighborhood within downtown Chicago that has so much of both.” If you’re in the area and you’d like some more options, you can also visit Studio Three, Shadowbox, Row House, Studio Lagree, Kick@55, Solidcore or CycleBar.
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| FEATURES |
Romance for the ages: From couples who made it By Mat Cohen Staff Writer No one knows love more than the people who have been pierced by Cupid’s arrow and withstood the test of time. Two couples in the Streeterville neighborhood offered their stories and advice for others. Bill and D Clancy, married 60 years, went on the most epic first date you can imagine, and Roger and Jeannette Becker are high school sweethearts, married 56 years. Both know a thing or two about love. D, who goes by the first initial of her maiden name, met Bill when she was 10. She was seven years younger than her future husband and friends with his niece. Bill’s and D’s families are from Chicago and knew each other. “The reality is we both really knew each other’s families for a long time,” D said. “I think sometimes newlyweds have problems with families and we never had that, but we both already knew each other’s families really well.” And everyone thought they’d be together. “Our first date was more than 24 hours,” D said. They went to a lecture, to dinner and
Bill and D Clancy have been married 60 years. Photo courtesy of the Clancys
then out dancing, which is enough to last three dates, but there’s more. Bill crashed on D’s couch for a few hours of sleep, then they attended 6 a.m. mass the next morning, drove north to visit his brother, and finally back home. They’ve always had fun together, which continued when they had kids in the 1960s. “Bill and I had so much fun with our kids,” she said. “And that’s not true for everyone.” They took a month-long road trip along the California coast and camped in a van along with four kids and a dog. “I don’t think too many people do that,” D said. “I’m not sure if we were wise or not, but it was great. “The ability to laugh at things helps your relationship, sometimes people take things
Roger and Jeanette Becker have been married for 56 years. Photo courtesy of the Beckers
too seriously.” High school sweethearts Roger and Jeannette Becker started dating their junior year after Roger asked Jeannette to the prom, partly because of her shiny hair. “There was kind of a click,” Roger said. “A fit that developed more over time. I went away to college, but we saw each other close to every weekend. And we got married right when I got out of college.” Jeannette agreed, “It was really meant to be.” When Roger joined the army, distance was introduced to the relationship. “It takes work to have a good marriage, and by that I don’t mean it’s a struggle,” he said. “Sometimes you just have to pay
attention. It’s a miracle that people can change in compatible ways. Both of us are different people than we were back in high school, but we’ve been lucky the changes have been compatible. We’re still best friends and plan to stay that way.” The Beckers grew up close to St. Louis and moved to Chicago in 1996. Roger teaches a current events class and joined a gentlemen’s club, and Jeannette stays active at church and various seniors groups. “(Chicago) has so much energy, it revitalized us,” Roger said. “We take advantage of what Chicago has to offer.” For the Clancys, Chicago is not their permanent home. Having Florida to escape to during winter helped the marriage blossom from the start. “Another thing that was wise of us,” D said. “Bill hates the cold weather, so after we got married we moved to Florida over the winter and into May. I think starting out life with each other there, we got a chance to know each other better.” Through thick and thin, the couples have grown together, mourned losses together, and loved deeply together. But there is always some luck involved. “We’ve been lucky,” Jeanette said. “I got a really great guy.”
No winter break for the marine unit in Chicago By Doug Rapp Staff Writer In the summertime, you see police boats and helicopters cruising the shoreline. But during winter, although the lakefront is desolate—save for a few hardy joggers—it doesn’t mean the marine unit isn’t working. “During the winter, we still see a fair amount of activity on the lake as the marine unit is still responsible for various Homeland
Security checks, lakefront and river patrols and emergency rescues of individuals that may fall in or be discovered in the lake,” said Anthony Guglielmi, chief communications officer with the Chicago Police Department. “It’s also when the officers within the unit complete much of their mandated departmental training,” he said. Sgt. Eddie Beltran, training and dive coordinator for the marine unit, said
A CPD marine unit boat patrols the lake. Photo by Freddy Love
winter can be just as busy as summer. People end up in the water “all the time,” he said. “It doesn’t change because
of the weather.” Beltran cited a recent incident when a park district salt truck slid into the lake near Oak Street beach. The
two employees escaped the truck before it submerged, according to ABC7 Chicago, and the marine unit helped recover the vehicle. Beltran said the group also does ice training in the winter to simulate rescues when the lake and river are frozen. “It’s different with the ice.” he said. “We always tell people there’s no such thing as safe ice. People walk out on the ice and it’s possible they could fall through and
get themselves in trouble.” A 12-year veteran of the marine unit, Beltran said all officers are certified divers and their equipment is able to handle the brutal Chicago winters. They wear “drysuits,” which are completely waterproof, along with full face masks. “It protects us from contaminants but also protects us from exposure,” Beltran said. “It’s pretty good in the winter...we’re completely encapsulated.”
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A year later — Have you evaluated what ‘brings you joy?’ By Urban Real Estate Last February, in the heart of a cold Chicago winter, we focused on a story about organizer-extraordinaire Marie Kondo (from the Netflix hit “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo”) and her philosophy of “choosing joy” when it comes to deciding on which items to get rid of while decluttering. Winter in Chicago is another perfect opportunity to embark on this endeavor. So, have you gotten that far? What have you done? We live in a world where storage is everything. But really, what are you storing? Items you need? Items you haven’t taken the time to purge? If you took the time to declutter your storage unit, would you add any of those items to your home? According to statistic from the blog “The Simplicity Habit,” 52% of self-storage customers rent for a year or more, and there are 48,500 storage units in the U.S., which is more than McDonald’s & Starbucks locations combined. While we often talk about decluttering in real estate for different reasons (for example, to ensure a prospective buyer can “visualize” themselves in a space, so that a buyer is less focused on your life, and more focused on the home, etc.) living in a residence that looks and feels great is an all-around win. Kondo’s six-step method is a physical and emotional journey. The importance of loving your space isn’t just about the walls you live in – but the momentos that share your home. Michael Emery, senior partner and broker with Urban Real Estate, often sees clients torn over what to do with belongings. “We cannot reiterate this enough,” Emery said. “It’s not a esoteric principle. Living in a clearer, organized, open space brings a tenor to a home for those who live in it, and those who visit it that is tremendously calming and appealing. Save things from loved ones, pack away things
Winter in Chicago is a perfect opportunity for decluttering “stuff.” Photo courtesy of Urban Real Estate
you might want one day, but evaluate your space and find ways or people who need them more, and create a home that is inviting and brings you happiness. Consider donating items, consigning them, or simply disposing if they have no future use to you.” It’s important to note that whichever process you undergo to remove items that don’t bring you joy, or that you don’t need, tread with strategy. “That’s what storage facilities are for, when used strategically. Think about what could go where, what you might keep for a second home or investment property, or what could be better used by someone else you know, and proceed confidently,” added Emery. “But have a game plan, otherwise your storage fees over time may end up costing you more than the items are worth in their memories or their dollar value. Most importantly, become familiar with your homeowner’s insurance, as well as the policy you take from the facility, as sometimes, even the most expensive items may not be reimbursed in a loss at the facility.” Contact us at Urban Real Estate for a consult on resources we have for storing, organizing, staging, or next home/ second home opportunities at UrbanRealEstate.com or (312) 528-9200.
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| NEW EASTSIDE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com.
Ongoing
Feb. 1
Emma A new musical based on the famous novel by Jane Austen. Emma Woodhouse is obsessed with matchmaking, albeit with misguided skill. Lora Lee Gayer stars as the titular character. The production runs throughout February and until March 15. Times vary, tickets start at $35, Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier, 800 E. Grand Ave., (312) 595-5600, chicagoshakes.com From Asia, With Love An ongoing film festival with the Siskel Film Center that features contemporary cinema from Asia. The series will run through May and will include lectures with Jennifer Dorothy Lee, Assistant Professor of East Asian Art at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago on Tuesdays. Times vary, prices vary, Gene Siskel Film Center, 164 N. State St., (312) 846-2800, siskelfilmcenter.org Midwest Film Festival The Midwest Film festival begins Feb. 22 and lasts throughout 2020. Dedicated to midwest filmmakers, most of the events will take place at the Chicago Cultural Center. The festival opens with Comedy Shorts Night, along with a convention and followed by an after party. Times vary, locations vary, midwestfilm.com The Queen of Spades The famed Tchaikovsky opera comes to the Lyric Opera, in a new-to-Chicago experience. Gherman has an obsession with the mysterious countess, who always wins at cards. The opera is sung in Russian with English translations projected. There will be five performances throughout February. Times vary, tickets start at $69, The Lyric Opera of Chicago, 20 N. Wacker Drive, (312) 332-2244, lyricopera.org
Feb. 8 and 22
Nordic Series LondonHouse presents their annual Nordic series event. Tickets include a five-course Nordic tasting dinner and paired with cocktails. Items served include Bosna sausage and Skyr with
Navigating Transitions Workshop The Transition Network, a supportive group for women 50 plus, presents a workshop to help combat the changes that come from lifestyle changes. For those women who need help transitioning to the next chapter of their lives. Email chicagochapter@thetransitionnetwork.org for more information. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., $50 for nonmembers, 345 E. Ohio St., (630) 567-0299, thetransitionnetwork.org
The Times are Racing. Courtesy of The Joffrey Ballet
buckwheat honey and lingonberry. 6 p.m., $90 per person, LH Rooftop at LondonHouse, 85 E. Upper Wacker Drive, Floor 22, (312) 253-2317, londonhousechicago.com/rooftop
Through Feb. 9
Chicago Restaurant Week 400 restaurants will participate in Chicago Restaurant Week this year. Special course prix fixe menus will be offered at these restaurants in affordable price ranges. Reservations are not required to participate in Restaurant Week, but they are recommended. Times vary, $24 for lunch or brunch, $36 or $48 for dinner, locations vary, choosechicago.com/ chicago-restaurant-week
Feb. 13-23
Chicago Theatre Week During Chicago Theatre week, Chicago shows offer tickets for just $15 or $30—sometimes less. Shows include “Summer: The Donna Summer Musical,” “The Rover” and “Blue Man Group.” Performances are all across Chicago to showcase the entirety of Chicago theater. Times vary, prices vary, locations vary, choosechicago.com
Feb. 12-23
The Times Are Racing The Joffrey Ballet presents a mixed rep-
ertory program with four of Chicago’s leading choreographers. The eponymous “The Times Are Racing” is a Chicago premiere by choreographer Justin Peck. Four other works will also be showcased. Times vary, tickets start at $35, Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive, (312) 386-8905, joffrey.org
Through Feb. 16
Wake Up, Brother Bear! An interactive show for kids ages 0-6. The story follows two loveable bears through the four seasons. There will be pre and post show activities in the lobby for the little ones including music and interactive movements, with butterflies and waterfalls to see. Saturdays and Sundays at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m., $22-$32, Chicago Children’s Theatre, The Station, 100 S. Racine Ave., (312) 374-8835, chicagochildenstheatre.org
Through Feb. 23
Roe A play diving into the story of Roe v. Wade beyond the court case. Attorney Sarah Weddington and the plaintiff Norma McCorvey (“Jane Roe”) each have a different relationship to the case. There will be evening shows and matinees. Times vary, tickets start at $20, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., (312) 443-3800, goodmantheatre.org
Chili CookOff The 15th Annual Chili CookOff at The Columbia Yacht Club is for chili makers and spectators alike. Nonmembers are more than welcome to come and vote on their favorite chili, best side dish, best name and best presentation. Judged categories include meat, vegetarian and overall best. 6 p.m., $20 for spectators, Columbia Yacht Club Rail Deck, 111 N. Lakeshore Drive, (312) 938-3625, columbiayachtclub.org
Feb. 2
The Big Game on ROOF ROOF on the Wit celebrates the Superbowl with a party. Enjoy chilled cocktails, food, a state-of-the-art sound system and a giant 160-inch screen. RSVP on the Eventbrite website or reserve a table on ROOF’s website. 4 p.m., free, ROOF on the Wit, 201 N. State St., (312) 239-9502, roofonthewit.com
Feb. 4
Montreux Jazz Festival with Jalen N’Gonda The famous Montreaux Jazz Festival has partnered with Fairmont hotels to bring their artists on tour. Jalen N’Gonda is this year’s featured artist and award winner. N’Gonda brings his style of modern jazz to the Fairmont and Chicago. 7:30-10:30 p.m., free with registration, Fairmont Chicago, 200 N. Columbus Drive, (312) 565-8000, fairmont.com/chicago Events continue on page 14
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| NEW EASTSIDE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com.
Feb. 6
CAPS Meeting CAPS meetings begin again for 2020. Meet with police representatives that cover the community beat. Raise new issues of concern, or find out how the police and Alderman’s office have responded to previous problems. This is a monthly event. 6:30 p.m., free, 130 N. Garland Court., (312) 745-4290, home. chicagopolice.org
February races
Feb. 7
Hustle Chicago Climb stair climb - Sunday, Feb. 23 - John Hancock Building
Astro Wifey + Blowout Junkie Pop Up Chicago nail artist Astro Wifey and blowout salon Blowout Junkie come to the St. Jane hotel for a one evening pop-up. Blowout Junkie will be offering dry styles, braids, and lash applications. For nail appointments please email: RSVP@stjanehotel.com and for hair appointments please email: style@blowoutjunkie.com. 5-7 p.m., prices vary, St. Jane Hotel, 230 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 345-1000, stjanehotel.com
Feb. 8
An Afternoon with Mary Schmich and Mary Wisniewski Journalists Mary Schmich and Mary Wisniewski will be interviewed about their lives, careers and Chicago connections. There will be a question and answer session from the audience. Although the event is free, registration on the Chicago Writers Association website is required. 1-3 p.m., free, Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., chicagowrites.org Lunar New Year Celebration and Lantern Procession Celebrate the Lunar New Year with a lantern procession from Millennium Park to Maggie Daley Park’s skating ribbon. After the procession, join in other New Year activities like artmaking and ice skating. The event will conclude with a lion dance finale. 5-7:30 p.m., free, Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park, (312) 742-3918, maggiedaleypark.com
Cupid’s Undie Run 1 mile - Noon, Saturday, Feb. 8 - Sluggers World Class Sports Bar Universal Sole Valentine’s Trail Challenge 4.5 miles - 9 a.m., Saturday, Feb. 8 - Schiller Woods Honda Miles Per Hour 1 hour indoor run - 8 a.m., Sunday, Feb. 16 - McCormick Place
Feb. 11
Danez Smith: The Homies Tour Danez Smith presents their new poetry collection, “Homie.” Inspired by the death of one of Smith’s best friends, the book searches for joy and intimacy in a world that seems lacking. Smith will be joined by performance poet Britteney Black Rose Kapri. 6:30 p.m., $10, American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 374-8790, americanwritersmuseum.org
Feb. 13
Lakeshore East Book Club All are welcome to join the Lakeshore East Book Club. They meet the 2nd Tuesday of every month in the Tides Party Room. This month, the selected reading is “The Buddha in the Attic” by Julie Otsuka. 6-7:30 p.m., free, The Tides, 360 E. South Water St. Town Hall: Pedestrian Safety on Michigan Ave. A town hall discussion on how to make Michigan Avenue safer for pedestrians. A panel will present on these issues, including Alderman Hopkins and Mamta Swaroop, a trauma surgeon at Northwestern. Michigan Avenue is the third highest crash site in Chicago. Email info@skylinevillagechicago.org for more information. 6 p.m., free, Ogden Elementary School, 24 W. Walton St., (312) 638-9293
Feb. 14-15
Valentine’s Day Dining III Forks offers a “sweetheart menu” for two. The three-course menu features a surf-and-turf entree, with each diner receiving a 6 oz. filet mignon and a 6 oz. lobster tail. Dessert is a chocolate ganache cake with chocolate ice cream and chocolate mousse. Available at dinner on both nights, $180 per couple, III Forks, 180 N. Field Blvd., (312) 938-4303, 3forks.com/location/chicago
ebrate and support the Little Wish Foundation. The Foundation grants those children who are fighting cancer “little wishes” to help bring them hope. This event is open to both members and nonmembers of The Mid-America Club. RSVP required. 6-8:30 p.m., $35 for members and $50 for nonmembers, The Mid-America Club, 200 E. Randolph Drive, 80th floor, (312) 861-1100, clubcorp.com/Clubs/ Mid-America-Club
Feb. 20
Feb. 28
Chicago Loop Alliance Foundation’s 2020 Annual Meeting The Chicago Loop Alliance’s annual meeting brings together business owners and community leaders to discuss issues that impact the Loop. This year, the focus will be on the 2020 State Street Corridor Plan, which suggests a revamp for State St. 8-10:15 a.m., $75 members, $85 nonmembers, Palmer House Hilton, 17 E. Monroe St., Grand Ballroom, 4th Floor, loopchicago.com
Feb. 21
FLIP Fabrique Part of the Mix at Six series at The Harris Theater, the circus troupe performs their newest production BLIZZARD. BLIZZARD examines the Canadian troupe’s relationship to winter. Speciality cocktails and food will be available for purchase in the lobby. 6 p.m., $15, Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph, (312) 3347777, harristheaterchicago.org
Feb. 23
International Carnivale Celebration Carnivale is a celebration across the world. Enjoy bands and dancers from carnivale-celebrating places like Italy, the Caribbean, New Orleans and Brazil. Food and drink will be available for purchase. 1-5 p.m., free, Navy Pier, Aon Grand Ballroom, 840 E. Grand Ave., (312) 595-7436, navypier.org
Feb. 27
Little Wish, Big Dreams Join The Mid-America Club to cel-
Trivia Night Fundraiser The Auditorium Theatre Auxiliary Board hosts a trivia night to raise money for Hearts to Art, Auditorium Theatre’s free performing arts camp for young people who have lost a parent. Raffle tickets will be sold throughout the night featuring prizes like Cubs tickets. 6:30 p.m., $45 per person or $240 for a team of 6 people, Fainman Lounge Roosevelt University, 430 S. Michigan Ave., (312) 341-2310, auditoriumtheatre.org
Feb. 28
Skyline Village Chicago: Friday Forum A representative from the League of Women Voters will be discussing the upcoming March 17 Illinois Primary Election. Who is on the ballot? What’s on the ballot? Questions will be answered. RSVP to info@skylinevillagechicago.org. 1-3p.m.,free, Mity Nice Grill, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Mezzanine Level, (312) 638-9293
Feb. 29-March 1
Nick Jr. Live! Join Nick Jr. with characters from favorite television shows like Paw Patrol, Dora the Explorer, Shimmer and Shine, and Bubble Guppies for a new on-stage adventure. Children under one have free admittance, as long as they sit in a parent or guardian’s lap. 10:30 a.m., 2:30 p.m., 5 p.m., tickets start at $29, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., (312) 462-6300, msg.com/the-chicago-theatre
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| NEWS BREAK |
Cold weather not a problem for Chicago golfers
I
f you are a hard-core golfer stuck in the throes of long Chicago winters, there is no need to worry. It’s not necessary to plan trips to warm exotic locations to play your favorite game. You can put the plane ticket away, cancel Jon Cohn COMMUNITY hotel reservations and killer CONTRIBUTOR greens fees and tell your golf buddies, you’re saving money and staying home this winter. Plenty of indoor golf options have opened in Chicago’s
downtown. Oftentimes just a stone’s throw from where you work or live. Among the options are indoor facilities such as Play 18 Chicago, 17 N. Wabash, TopGolf Swing Suites, 900 N. Michigan Ave., My Chicago Golf, 707 N. Milwaukee Ave., Catalyst Golf Performance, 440 LaSalle St. (in the Chicago Stock Exchange building), Five Iron Golf Chicago, 609 N. Dearborn and in the neighborhood, The Lakeshore Fitness Club. All offer the unique option of playing golf indoors and include a variety of league and game play competitions. The new indoor golf facilities use high-level technology. You will hear terms such as “Trackman Launch Analysis,” “Quintac Ball Roll Analysis” and “Immersive Golf
Technology.” Not sure what they all mean (I had a bad sophomore year geometry class flashback just writing those words) but all are designed to fine tune the avid golfers game and give optimal realism in play. With the improvements in video technology and virtual reality, golfers can now “play’’ 50 of the greatest golf courses in the world indoors, and all with the sound of snow plows and shovels hovering just outside. A new day hath dawned for winter golf enthusiasts in New Eastside, which funnily enough is itself built on the site of Chicago’s first public golf course. John Cohn is a New Eastside resident.
Out and About in December
Jumble NOCI ADRYH
BTEDAI WNTEI
Send photos and captions to info@neweastsidecommunity.com for a chance for your photo to be featured.
Where does today come before yesterday?
? January answer: What question can you never answer yes to? Are you asleep
Where am I? Do you know where this is?
If you think you know, email us at info@neweastsidecommunity.com.
Answer to January Where am I? The northeast end of DuSable Bridge (Michigan Ave. bridge). Congratulations to Jacqueline Hairston and Ilona Polinovsky for correctly identifying the spot.
Steve Wine (from left), Arun Midha, Susan Templeton, Kim Taylor and Jill Wine-Banks at lunch at Le Colonial on Dec. 26. Photo courtesy of SOAR
Megan Turnquist, Mark Piroch and Paul Deziel attend a Jan. 22 performance of “Roe” at the Goodman Theatre. Photo by Stephanie Racine
Barbara Thomas (from left), Russ Fahrner and Charlene Roderick at a social event at the Parkshore. Photo by Mat Cohen
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