Streeterville News March 2020

VOL. 3 NO. 3

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March 2020

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HIGH EXPECTATIONS

Streeterville doctor’s class helps expectant parents

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University of Chicago opens outpatient center Streeterville gets new police commander Page 3 Page 5 Dr. Daniel Weissbluth offers free classes for expectant parents. Photo courtesy of Daniel Weissbluth

St. Patrick’s Day events set in Chicago

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Doorperson of the Month: Sheri Campbell

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Wednesday wine deals at Pinched on the River Page 6 Volumes Bookstore begins new chapter in Gold Coast Page 7

One Earth Film Festival connects people to planet

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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 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 Advertising Contact (312) 690-3092 or info@neweastsidecommunity.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 March 1, 2020 Copyright ©2020. All rights reserved.

David Whitaker and Cynthia Noble at the Chicago Loop Alliance Annual Meeting Feb. 20 at the Palmer House Hilton. Photos Courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance

Deputy Mayor of Economic and Neighborhood Development Samir Mayekar speaks at the Chicago Loop Alliance’s Annual Meeting.

‘The heart of the city’ State Street Corridor to be revitalized

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer “Elevating State” will be the goal and catchphrase of a new plan to revamp the State Street Corridor in the Chicago Loop.

The State Street Corridor plan was the main focus of the Chicago Loop Alliance and Foundation Annual Meeting on Feb. 20. Ernest Wong, co-founder and principal of Site Design Group, presented his plan for the revitalization.

“I am excited about the State Street Corridor plan,” said Deputy Mayor of Economic and Neighborhood Development Samir Mayekar in his speech at the meeting.

State Street has a long history of being the hub of commerce and tourism in Chicago, Wong said. Marshall Field’s and Sears were heavily visited

Janette Outlaw, Jennifer McGregor and Rich Gamble at the Chicago Loop Alliance Annual Meeting on Feb. 20 at the Palmer House Hilton.

by locals and tourists for many years in the 1900s, but Wong recognizes commerce has changed.

“Retail is more of an experience” he said.

Retail locations need to change to meet the new nature of the business, according to Wong. Wong has looked to

other famous streets for inspiration and examined why they are so popular.

Great activities and destinations, safety, equitability, accessibility and an inviting nature are all aspects of a street designed to be visited, Wong said.

He observed the humor of streets in Shanghai with

anthropomorphized dumpling sculptures and noted that it really is the people that make a place.

Wong plans to conduct workshops this year that focus on three features of developing State Street—place, mobility and market.

Wong and Chicago Loop Alliance welcome the opinions of residents on how to Elevate State Street in the upcoming months. By late 2020, using the workshops plus feedback from residents, Wong will solidify the plan for the corridor.

“The Loop is the heart of the city, and we want to make sure the heart is strong,” Mayekar said.

To learn more about the project and to lend your voice to the upcoming plan, text ELEVATE to #63566 or visit loopchicago.com/elevatestate

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| NEWS BRIEFS | Infrastructure repairs of Jane Byrne Plaza complete Repairs of Jane M. Byrne Plaza, 180 E. Pearson St., have been completed.

According to Alderman Brendan Reilly’s office, the Department of Water Management (DWM), made numerous repairs including mending and replacing sidewalks, repainting fences and seating areas, dealing with irrigation and foundation plumbing, replacing decorative lamp post bases and putting in new mulch and trees. Additionally, the DWM undertook repairs of the Water Tower including repairing the stairs and mounted light fixtures as well as replacing uppermost windows.

MingHin opened its sixth location at 215 E. Ohio St., which features an Art Deco feel.

Photo courtesy of MingHin

Chick-fil-A plans move to The Purple Pig location

MingHin opens Streeterville location

A popular fried chicken franchise is making plans to move on to Michi gan Avenue in The Purple Pig’s, 500 N. Michigan Ave., location. Chick-fil-A arrived in Chicago in 2011 at 30 E. Chicago Ave. and has two other Chicago locations with plans to open a drive-through at Roosevelt Road and Jefferson Street. The Purple Pig opened in 2009 and moved into 444 N. Michigan Ave. in 2019. Details on when the new Chick-fil-A will open have not yet been released.

Popular dim sum restaurant MingHin had a soft opening of its sixth location on 215 E. Ohio St. in early February. The chain first opened in Chinatown in 2010 and has been opening new locations across Chicagoland, including a South Loop location in January. Patrons can get their favorite dim sum dishes at the Streeterville location, which Eater reports has an Art Deco feel. The new location is the former location of Emilio’s Tapas Sol y Nieve, according to Eater.

Streeterville gets new police commander Jill Stevens has become the new police commander of the 18th district, which is north of the Chicago River to Fullerton Avenue. She has been with the Chicago Police Department for 17 years and previously served as executive officer in the district. She also served as the commanding officer in the department’s special events section as well as a lieutenant in the 24th and 10th districts, according to a CPD news release. She attended the Northwestern University School of Command and received a B.A. in English and Sociology from Northern Illinois University.

21c Museum Hotel Chicago opens its doors 21c Museum Hotel, 55 E. Ontario, opened its first location in Chicago, ninth in the chain on Feb. 4. The hotel features 297 rooms and 10,000 square feet of exhibition space, according to Architectural Digest. According to the hotel website, the museum is open 365 days a year with docent tours every Wednesday and Friday at 5 p.m. The first exhibition, open until December 2020, is “This We Believe,” which “explores the power and evolution of belief systems—religious, political, economic—and how adherence to and rejection of these ideologies has influenced our current global culture of divisiveness and polarization.”

University of Chicago’s new outpatient center. Photo courtesy of University of Chicago Medicine

University of Chicago opens outpatient center On Feb. 24, the University of Chicago’s $20 million outpatient center opened at 355 E. Grand. The 40,000-square-foot center brings specialized outpatient care in areas including cardiology, nephrology and rheumatology. At the ribbon cutting, President of the University of Chicago Medical Center Sharon O’Keefe said, “We’re bringing the forefront of medicine in to more patients in this community.”

The facility includes three dozen exam rooms and a center for voice and airway disorders. The University of Chicago is planning to open a new state-of-the-art mammography center in River East later in 2020.

Benny’s Chophouse closes The famed steakhouse, 444 N. Wabash Ave., closed its doors on Feb. 29.

After opening in 2010, the steakhouse won several accolades including Chicago Magazine’s “essential steakhouse” in 2013 and recognition by Wine Spectator for its collection of 1,700 wine bottles five years in a row (2012-2016). Eater notes that the steakhouse had “Japanese A5 Tajima and Miyazaki beef, available at only a few restaurants in the U.S.” Moreover, the steakhouse featured live jazz four nights a week. According to Eater, there is no word on what may replace the steakhouse.

Gene & Georgetti’s to reopen after 2019 fire Chicago’s oldest steakhouse, Gene & Georgetti, 500 N. Franklin, plans to reopen in 2020 after a grease fire destroyed the restaurant in October. No one was injured in the early morning fire in the

wooden establishment. In a statement, the Durpetti family, owners of the restaurant, said they are “planning a symbolic reopening that pays homage to a rich past while celebrating the future of the Gene & Georgetti name.” In so doing, the family announced strategic relationships with Gerard Centioli of ICON INC and Janet Isabelli of Isabelli Media Relations. Daughter Michelle Durpetti will be in charge of this new chapter.

Northwestern Memorial Hospital gives out four humanitarian awards During Northwestern Memorial’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. celebration, the hospital gave four individual humanitarian awards to staff members: Rellina Brown, Cory Cleggett, Cameron DeHaven and Joan Rembacz, according to a news release. Since 1979, the hospital’s Humanitarian Award has been given to 81 employees and 29 physicians for their work which has had “a positive impact in the community.” Cameron DeHaven received recognition for his nonprofit Sneaker Heartz whose mission is to get shoes on the feet who need them the most.

The nonprofit has donated more than 1,500 pairs of shoes.

Northwestern plans to add 49 additional beds Due to overcrowding in Northwestern’s ER, the hospital will spend $77.6 million on additional beds and a “three-story connector between two of its buildings in Streeterville” according to the Chicago Tribune. The Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board will review the plan Continued on page 4

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when they meet June 30. The three story connector will “help staff safely transport ‘critically deteriorating’ patients because they won’t need to take as many elevator trips, and it will help staff move supplies, medications, equipment and food between the two buildings more efficiently.”

If approved, construction is expected to be finished December 2022.

Affirm plans to open River North location in 2020 Affirm, a Silicon Valley company, plans to open its first Chicago-based office later this year. The company has already hired 20 staff members with plans to hire 80 more. Affirm is still finalizing its location in River North. The company was founded by Max Levchin, founding Chief Technology Officer of PayPal in 2012 that now serves 4.5 million customers by allowing “them to buy now and pay later

through simple monthly payments.” In a news release, Levchin said, “Chicago was my first home after immigrating to the United States when I was a teenager and, in many ways, it still feels like home. I’m excited for Affirm to join this great community, and look forward to welcoming new, exceptional talent that will help us grow Affirm’s network of merchants and consumers.”

Doorperson of the Month Sheri Campbell at Elm Street Plaza

Sweet Mandy B’s to open in Streeterville The bakery famous in Chicago for its old-fashioned desserts is opening its second location in the city at 259 E. Erie St. Sweet Mandy B’s has been serving the Lincoln Park community since 2002 and caters to weddings, holiday events and community birthdays with custom-order cakes, cookies and cupcakes.

There’s not a set date for opening. Visit sweetmandybs.com/streeterville for more information.

Dennis Downes, Sculptor of Captain George Wellington Streeter, will be premiering his newest 7-foot Bronze Native American Trail Marker Tree at the Navy Pier Flower and Garden Show March 18 - 22, 2020.

The artist is also one of the Guest Speakers & will be in attendance during the event.

Get tickets at chicagoflower.com/tickets/

The Horses Newest Bronze Project by Downes Studio

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| NEWS BRIEFS | Continued from page 3

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George Wellington “Cap” Streeter 16-Foot Trail Marker Tree Sculpture Sculpture in front of Yolk Grand Ave & McClurg Ct The Grove in Glenview, IL

Sheri Campbell has won Streeterville Doorperson of the Month. Photo by Mat Cohen

By Mat Cohen Staff Writer Sheri Campbell is an integral part of the community she loves.

She’s been a doorperson at Elm Street Plaza, 1130 N. Dearborn St., for four years.

“It’s all just a lot of customer service and interacting with people,” she said.

“It’s helping people, communication and meeting new people. I enjoy it, I’m a people-person, you kind of have to be.”

Campbell grew up in Cicero and worked in security for 25 years, including stints for retail buildings, other apartment buildings and the Chicago Public Libraries.

She works the morning shift at Elm Street Plaza, from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., and enjoys sending people off to work with a smile and quick conversation.

“I love being kind and courteous, anything to help people,” she said. The meaning in her job comes from smiling and speaking to people.

She also enjoys watching kids get older and enter high school. She said events

the building puts on bring the whole community together. At a pool party last summer, a maintenance worker in the building danced the hula to win a prize.

The event was a highlight of her year.

“He put his hula skirt on and really danced his heart out because there were tickets for a trip,” she said. “So he wanted to win the tickets, it was so hilarious. It’s good when all the tenants and staff come together and we do events for both.”

When she’s not at the building, Campbell likes to bowl with friends or catch a movie at the theater. She’s been bowling since she was a teenager and was familiar with the neighborhood because of the shows and theaters.

“I used to do that a lot maybe ten years ago, so I’m familiar with the area,” she said. “It’s a nice area and it’s a really nice building with really nice people.”

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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| FEATURES |

Streeterville doctor’s class helps expectant parents know what to expect

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer Expectant parent classes can cost a substantial amount in downtown Chicago. For example, classes at Northwestern Hospital cost from $50-$120. But Dr. Daniel Weissbluth, a pediatrician who has an office in Northwestern’s campus in Streeterville, is out to buck the trend.

“We figure it should be free,” he said.

Weissbluth’s office offers free prenatal classes on topics including CPR and infant safety, breastfeeding, sleep and newborn care.

Dr. Daniel Weissbluth offers free classes for expectant “We saw an educational parents. Photo courtesy of Daniel Weissbluth gap and we wanted to fill to attend are welcome—as long as they it,” he said. register in advance.

The classes include important inforThe instructors offer their email mation for new parents. Weissbluth said address for participants to follow up most first-time parents are unaware of with any questions they may have. the sleep deprivation that comes from Weissbluth’s office is also available for having a new baby. information.

New parent Jessica Kushner took the “We encourage questions,” Weissclasses at Weissbluth’s office in preparabluth said. tion for her son Lorenzo, born Oct. 14, Northwestern Hospital offers free tours 2019. The most valuable class she took of their triage, labor and delivery and was Newborn Care: The First 48 Hours postpartum floors at Prentice Women’s and Beyond, Weissbluth said. Newborn Hospital. Registration is required. Visit Care covers the delivery process in the classes.nm.org for information. hospital and what to expect once new For other expectant parent classes, parents arrive home.

UChicago Medicine offers free classes at “I would have been walking in blind,” their Hyde Park location. Visit uchicagoKushner said. medicine.org for information.

The internet is inundated with inforWeissbluth’s Streeterville office is at mation about having a baby, but Weiss737 N. Michigan Ave., Suite 820. For bluth’s classes gave Kushner a baseline of questions about the free classes or the truth, she said. practice, call (312) 202-0300. Register for The classes are intended for first-time classes at weissbluthpediatrics.com parents and family members who want

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Pinched on the River opens wine bar with dollar deal

By Doug Rapp Staff Writer A local eatery is offering mid-week wine deals.

On Wednesdays, Pinched on the River, 443 E. Illinois St., is offering first glasses of wine for $1.

From 6 to 8 p.m. on hump days, customers can try a glass of red, white, rose or sparkling wine for a buck. The choices will be rotating varieties selected by staff, general manager Nasi Dimashi said.

The wines will be offered upstairs at Pinched, where their coffee shop is located, but are also available downstairs at the restaurant’s main bar.

Dimashi said the restaurant, which serves eclectic fast-casual Mediterranean food, started the deal in late January.

“People want to grab a quick drink,” Dimashi said. “We thought, why don’t we offer wine since we have so many delicious ones?” Customers aren’t obligated to eat but can grab a drink for a nice “mid-week break.”

“We want to bring some unique wines you don’t find daily yet they are delicious,” he said, noting that many came from countries not known for wine, such as Bulgaria and Slovenia.

Dimashi said his favorite is the Pullus pinot grigio from Slovenia, which is dry but looks like a rosé since it’s fermented with the grape skins to give it a

Customers at the upstairs bar and coffee shop at Pinched on the River. Photos courtesy of Pinched on the River

rosy shade.

“It’s a very interesting wine,” he said.

The initial dollar wine night exceeded their expectations, Dimashi said.

They thought a few people might stop by, but “the entire place filled up… which was a good problem to have,” he said.

The response from the neighborhood has been great, he said. “Overall the neighborhood has been very supportive. We’ve seen an increase in walkin traffic.”

In addition to wine, Pinched offers cider and beer, both traditional and craft, including from local breweries such as 312 and Two Brothers, which makes a special hazy IPA called Son of a Pinched exclusively for the restaurant.

Happy hour at the main bar is 3 to 6 p.m. on weekdays.

Pinched on the River, named because of the

The dining room at Pinched on the River.

“pinch” of many flavors, Dimashi said, is the business’ second location. The original is in Lombard and owner Ranka Njegovan chose Streeterville when looking for restaurant space in the city.

“We wanted to be somewhere neighborhoody,” Dimashi said. “It’s a friendly environment, and touristy with Navy Pier nearby...I love the neighborhood.”

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| FEATURES |

Volumes Bookstore begins new chapter in Gold Coast

By Doug Rapp Staff Writer A popular Wicker Park bookstore has opened a second location at 900 North Michigan Shops in the Gold Coast.

Rebecca George, who co-owns Volumes Bookstore with her sister Kimberly, said they were approached by the six-level shopping destination after they had a successful pop-up store at Water Tower Place during the 2018 holidays.

“They recognized that most of their clientele were more local and how they can serve the needs of that local community in a more effective way…I think our missions align a little bit,” George said A former educator, George said the response to Volumes’ new downtown location, which opened in late September, has been positive.

“Everyone’s very thankful that there’s a

Volumes Bookstore co-owner Rebecca George said people are “thankful that there’s a bookstore nearby.” Photo courtesy of Volumes Bookstore

bookstore nearby,” she said. “We already have a number of regulars we see on a weekly basis.”

Similar to their original location, the new Volumes will feature supplemental programming. George said they’re hosting weekly

story time and may branch out beyond their fifth-floor location to do events in the Aster Hall space on the fifth and sixth floors. She added that they’re starting a happy hour book club next month and another afternoon book club catering to retirees living nearby.

George said they will host author events as well, including mystery and thriller writers in late March. John F. Hogan, who wrote a history of the Chicago Water Tower, spoke in December but bad weather hampered attendance, so they may reschedule, George said.

“We’ve got lots of plans in the works,” she said, noting that 900 N. Michigan wants more programming that will help build the community. “We’re just now getting into the programming aspect and what we hope to build over there.”

George said it is challenging to open a bookstore these days downtown.

“It’s like any bookstore—it’s a tough margin business, it’s a small margin busi-

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ness,” she said.

George said joining the established 900 North Michigan Shops makes it easier.

“No bookstore in today’s world could open ground level downtown,” she said.

“It’s impossible. The cost is too insane anywhere in downtown Chicago…The trouble with being downtown right there is that in a vertical world, everyone’s really contained especially in the cold months.”

George said they’re hoping to reach out to businesses and hotels in the area to raise awareness and are considering a delivery service for customers with limited mobility. Despite the challenges of opening a new location, George said she’s pleased with what she, her sister and their employees have established.

“I really enjoy that community,” she said.

“I’ve gotten to know a lot of really interesting people. I’m excited for what we can get done there in the world of books.”

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

St. Patrick’s Day Events March 14

St. Patrick’s Day Parade The 65th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place on Columbus Drive, from Balbo Street to Monroe Street. 2020’s Grand Marshal is Fr. Thomas Hurley of Historic Old St. Pat’s Church. Entry to the parade route will only be permitted at Jackson Avenue and Ida B. Wells Drive. Security will be checking all bags.

Parade step-off is at noon, free, chicagostpatricksdayparade.org

with green beer, mimosas and specialty cocktails. Reservations are required and can be made by calling the restaurant. 8 a.m., $100 minimum, 330 N. Wabash, (312) 923-7705, travellechicago.com Safehouse Chicago This clandestine bar is offering St. Patrick’s Day specials such as $5 green Miller Lites and a corned beef sandwich with special secret sauce for $12. Reservations required and can be made on Yelp or by calling. Times vary, 60 E. Ontario St., (312) 313-1007 safehousechicago.com

Ongoing

Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day at ETA Restaurant and Bar at the Loews Chicago Hotel. Photo courtesy of Loews Chicago Hotel

ETA Restaurant and Bar Loews Hotel celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Irish-inspired food and drink specials, including green beer. Reservations are available by calling the restaurant or booking on OpenTable. All day, free, ETA Restaurant and Bar, Loews Chicago Hotel, 455 N. Park Drive, (312) 8406605, etarestaurantandbar.com St. Patrick’s Day at Sheraton Grand on the Riverwalk Sheraton Grand is having an all-day celebration for St. Patrick’s Day. There will be live music with the Emerald Society Bag Pipers, drink specials and complimentary Irish brunch bites from 8:30-9:30 a.m. in Chi Bar. 8 a.m.-8 p.m., free, Sheraton Grand Chicago, 301 E. North Water St., (312) 464-1000, RSVP on Facebook Travelle at the Langham With floor to ceiling windows, Travelle has panoramic views of the Chicago River. Bar tables are available with a reservation and a $100 spending minimum.

A breakfast buffet will be available, along

graveyard shift A world premiere at the Goodman Theatre, this play is loosely inspired by Sandra Bland. Written by Korde Arrington Tuttle, the piece follows Janelle who moves to Texas to live with her partner, Kane. Meanwhile, a small-town police officer has difficulties adjusting to change. Through March 8, times vary, tickets start at $15, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., (312) 443-3800, goodmantheatre.org Her Honor Jane Byrne Lookingglass Theatre’s new play by J. Nicole Brooks is about Chicago’s late mayor Jane Byrne moving to Cabrini Green in 1981. Christine Mary Dunford plays the lead role. The play explores the three weeks in which residents, the major, the Chicago machine and other players clash.

Through April 12, times vary. Tickets start at $35, LookingGlass Theater, Water Tower Works, 821 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 337-0665, lookingglasstheatre.org

March 3

Happy Hour Book Club at Aster Hall Volumes Bookstore is holding a monthly happy hour book club at Aster Hall.

March’s book is Sally Rooney’s “Conversations with Friends”. Participants will get a ten percent off Aster Hall’s happy hour menu. People can reserve copies of the book at Volumes Bookstore. 6-8 p.m., free, Aster Hall, 900 N. Michigan Ave., 6th floor, (312) 995-0235, shop900.com

March 4

What the Constitution Means to Me In this touring play, a fifteen-year-old Heidi won money from Constitutional debate competitions to fund her college education. Now she looks back on her life, her family and their relationship to the Constitution. Maria Dizzia stars as Heidi. Times vary through April 12, tickets start at $26.50, Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower, 175 E. Chestnut St., (312) 977-1700, broadwayinchicago.com Neighborhood Networking Night: Lucky Strike Young Professionals Streeterville presents its March networking night with bowling and fun. No admission charge, and attendees pay their own way. Meet members from the community and make new friends. 6-8 p.m., free, Lucky Strike, 322 E. Illinois St., ypstreeterville@gmail.com

March 5

CAPS Meeting CAPS meetings continue through 2020. Meet with police representatives who 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. 6:00 p.m., free, Access Living, 115 W. Chicago Ave., (312) 7425870, home.chicagopolice.org

March 6

Jurassic Quest This prehistoric event allows families to find more than 100 true-to-size dinosaurs from the Cretaceous, Jurassic and Triassic periods. Ancient Oceans is the newest addition where you can meet a 50-foot moving Megalodon. Through March 8, hours vary per day, adult tickets start at $24, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., (312) 595-7437, jurassicquest.com The Minnetonka High School Bel Canto Choir Visiting from Minnetonka, Minn., The Minnetonka High School Bel Canto Choir, a freshman women’s high school

choir, will perform a series of classical, modern, pop, ethereal, multi-cultural and gospel songs. This is a one-off performance and free event from a state award-winning choir. 3 p.m., free, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., (312) 787-4570, fourthchurch.org

March 6

Flamenco Show: El ritmo de la tierra As part of the Cervantes Institute’s Flamenco festival, famous flamenco dancer Nino de los Reyes will perform.

José Cortés Fernández will accompany him on vocals with José Luis de la Paz on flamenco guitar. Also March 7, 7 p.m. both days, $30, Cervantes Institute, 31 W. Ohio St., (312) 335-1996, chicago. cervantes.es

March 7

Mary Stallings at Winter’s Jazz Club San Francisco legendary singer Mary Stallings will perform at the jazz club for the release of her new album “Songs Were Made to Sing.” Jeremy Kahn will accompany Stallings on piano with Dennis Carroll on bass and George Fludas on drums. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m., tickets start at $25 (with $10 drink minimum per set), Winter’s Jazz Club, 465 N. McClurg Court (Promenade), (312) 3441270, wintersjazzclub.com CPR: Infant & Child Taught by American Heart Association instructors, this class is for people interested in learning CPR and anti-choking techniques for infants. Participants will get hands on practice in a small classroom setting. It’s recommended for pregnant couples, babysitters and others.

Also March 14, 21 and 28, 9:30 a.m.noon, $60 with registration, Prentice Women’s Hospital, 250 E. Superior St., (877) 926-4664, classes.nm.org

March 10

Trivia Night at Jake Melnick’s Every 2nd and 4th Tuesday, Jake Melnick’s hosts a trivia night partnering

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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com with Two Brothers Brewing and Baig of Tricks in the Keg Room. The first 10 guests get $10 off their tab. Also March 24, 7-9 p.m., free with drinks or dinner, Jake Melnicks, 41 E. Superior St., (312) 266-0400, jakemelnicks.com

March 12

Belgique: Exposition “Chers Bienfaiteurs” The exhibition focuses on 1915 letters

by Belgium children thanking the U.S. for the Belgian Food Aid Campaign during WWI. The letters will be presented in French with English translation.

Reception will follow. 6:30-8:30 p.m., free with registration, Alliance Francaise, 810 N. Dearborn St., (312) 337-1070, af-chicago.org One Earth Film Festival: Seasons of Change on Henry’s Farm The film is about organic farmer Henry Brockman and his wife Hiroko. When Brockman takes a fallow year to Japan, his former apprentices take over running the farm. But things do not go well due to flooding. Reception at 5:30 p.m., 6:30 p.m. movie start, $20, Patagonia Chicago, 48 E. Walton St., (312) 640-5934, oneearthfilmfest.org

March 14

MetLive: Der Fliegende Holländer MetLive presents Richard Wagner’s story of a doomed sea captain cursed to sail the seas for eternity. The Dutchman, the lead, is played by Evgeny Nikitin, directed by Francois Girard and conducted by Valery Gergiev. Also March 18, 11:55 a.m., $25 for adults, AMC River East, 322 E. Illinois St., (312) 596-0333, amctheatres.com Jeffrey Panko on Piano Friends of the St. James Chapel is hosting its monthly 2nd Saturday concert.

Enjoy the classical stylings of Jeffrey Panko on piano in the St. James Chapel in the Chicago Archdiocese building. 1 p.m., free, St. James Chapel, 835 N. Rush St., (312) 534-8092, windows.org

March 16

Meet the Author: Louise Erdrich Meet the National Book Award winning author Louise Erdrich at her talk about her new book “The Night Watchman.”

The book is about Erdrich’s grandfather who worked as a night watchman and fought against Native dispossession.

6 p.m. reading, 7 p.m. signing, free (reserve tickets), The Newberry Library, 60 W. Walton St., (312) 943-9090, newberry.org

March 17

Talk: Deborah Stratman To celebrate the screening of Stratman’s film “The Illinois Fables,” MCA will host a talk with the artist and curator Jack Schneider. The film travels through the area’s history including Cherokee resettlement, the invention of the nuclear bomb at University of Chicago and other notable events. Exhibition runs from March 17 to July 26. 6-7:15 p.m., free with admission, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org

March 18

Illinois’ Fields of Green Sean Farrell, Professor of History at Northern Illinois University, will talk about the rich and complex history of the Irish people in Illinois. He co-authored “The Irish in Illinois” with Mathieu W. Billings, scheduled for October release. 6-7:30 p.m., $20 for adults, The Richard H. Driehaus Museum, 40 E. Erie St., (312) 482-8933, driehausmuseum.org

March 19

Jennie C. Jones: Constant Structure Artist Jennie Jones presents her new work based on the idea of constant structure, a term borrowed from Modern jazz composition. The exhibition will include acoustic panel paintings and works on paper. March 19 to May 22, gallery hours vary, free, Art Club of Chicago, 201 E. Ontario St., (312) 787-3997, artsclubchicago.org

March 20

Winning Works The Joffrey Ballet celebrates its 10th annual Winning Works choreographic competition. The winners showcase their pieces and receive a $5,000 stipend. This year, the winners are Chanel DaSilva, Tsai Hsi Hung, Pablo Sánchez and Durante Verzola. Also March 22, 2 and 7:30 p.m., $30, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 3868905, joffrey.org

March 21

Forms & Features Reads: Celebrating the Poets of Chicago Senior Centers Come for a celebration of seniors’ voices and experiences. Poets will share their work from Forms & Features, a long-running poetry workshop that has held sessions at senior centers Renaissance Court and North Center. 6 p.m., free, Poetry Foundation, 61 W. Superior St., (312) 787-7070, poetryfoundation.org

March 23

Ramen Workshop Learn to make ramen from scratch.

Students will learn a variety of skills including making noodles, preparing pork and chicken broth and working with miso paste. 6-9 p.m., $104.50, The Chopping Block, 222 Merchandise Mart Plaza, Suite 107, (312) 644-6360, thechoppingblock.com

March 24

Beers for Buses 2: Movie Trivia and Fundraiser!

This event will raise funds for transportation for schoolchildren to attend the Chicago International Film Festival’s year-round education program. People will be invited to play movie trivia, win prizes and participate in a raffle. 5:308:30 p.m., early bird tickets $20, regular $25, Chicago International Film Festival, 322 E. Illinois St., (312) 683-0121, RSVP on Facebook.

Time Creatures with Iram Asghar Children ages 4 and up will work with

March races Fight for Air Stair Climb - 7 a.m., Sunday, March 8 - Presidential Towers Pi Day Pi K Fun Run 5K - 10 a.m., Saturday, March 14 - Fleet Feet Sports Chicago St Paddy’s Day 5K/8K - 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 14 - Lincoln Park The Mile 1 mile - 9:30 a.m., Saturday, March 21 - Grant Park Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle 8K / 2 mile - 8:30 a.m., Sunday, March 22 - Grant Park Chicago Lakefront 50K George Cheung Memorial Race - 8 a.m., Saturday, March 28 - Jackson Park

textile artist and educator Iram Asghar to make a time creature using items in daily life. Kids can build their creatures to tell a story. 1, 2, 3 and 4 p.m., free with admission, The Chicago Children’s Museum, Art Studio, 700 E. Grand Ave., (312) 527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org

March 26

Hands-On Cheesemaking: Burrata Learn to make delicious burrata in this cheesemaking course. Participants will make cheese in class and will go home with curds to make more. Antipasti and prosecco will be tasted in the class. 5:307 p.m., $65, Eataly Chicago, 43 E. Ohio St., (312) 521-8700, eataly.com

March 27

Game of Imagination: An Evening of Mind Reading Jonathan Pritchard, world traveling mentalist and author, will provide an evening of entertainment and wonder. Pritchard will show the depths and peculiarities of the human mind, specifically the visitors’ minds. 7-9 p.m., starting at $55, Millennium Knickerbocker, 163 E. Walton St., (312) 751-8100, RSVP on Facebook

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| FEATURES |

A NOVEL APPROACH

Local writer Richard Rose works in new genre

By Doug Rapp Staff Writer Local writer Richard Rose thought his screenplay, “Comic Crusaders,” would never get off the ground. It had been optioned twice by movie producers but never made.

Then Savant Books reached out, looking for works to publish as screenplay novels, which Rose describes as a bridge between novel and screenplay. He offered up “Comic Crusaders” which was released last November.

Rose described the plot in two sentences, likening his summary to the logline for a movie in TV Guide: “A teenage cartoonist uses a magic pen to bring a superhero to life to help him find his father who has mysteriously disappeared. In so doing, he unwittingly unleashes a grotesque supervillain and his

dark legions challenging him to video games and movies.” find a way to save his father while Rose, who has also published preventing the dark legions from several novels and short stories, taking over the world.” thinks screenplay novels like To read a screenplay novel, “Comic Crusaders” are one way “the reader has to use his or her to reach them. imagination,” the semi-retired fi“It’s a revolutionary way to nancial advisor said. “The action beget a new genre and attract a and the dialogue move the story much younger audience,” he said. forward at a much faster pace.”

The roots of “Comic CrusadRichard Rose Whereas a novel or story ers” go back to Rose’s childhood might describe a scene in several parain Kokomo, Ind. He and his brother Charlie graphs, Rose said he opens a scene in would create comic strips with superheroes “Comic Crusaders” in an adolescent’s bed- and villains parodying well-known citizens of room with a simple, “A teenage junkyard.” his north-central Indiana hometown. Over The longtime Streeterville resident had time, Rose said, it morphed into a story. been thinking of ways to reach today’s read“It’s lighthearted and a fun read,” he ers after observing people in bookstores. said, contrasting it with contemporary “Kids don’t read like we did,” Rose said. superhero stories that he characterized as “They’re very impatient. They’re looking at violent and lacking humor.

Rose said he is working on “Redemption,” a sequel to his novel “The Lazarus Conspiracies,” about a maverick Chicago cop who uncovers a deadly conspiracy.

“Comic Crusaders” is available at Amazon.com

One Earth Film Festival connects people to the planet

By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer

One Earth Film Festival Screening at Northwestern.

Photo courtesy of One Earth

The One Earth Film Festival hopes to change hearts and minds about the environment, sustainability, and climate change through the power of film. The festival will be presenting 48 films throughout Chicago from March 6-15.

“I think film presents us with stories,” said festival president Ana Garcia Doyle.

“These are mostly documentaries. They put people into a place where they can connect with someone’s story or a story of a group of people.”

But the festival screenings include more than just the movies. Each show has action partners related to the

documentary. Action partners include the Nature Conservancy and the Natural Resources Defence Council who provide additional information and help people who want to get more involved, said Cassandra West, publicist for the festival.

“We want them to take something from the film and inspire them to look around their community to see how they can make the environment they live in more sustainable,” West said.

Each year’s festival presents a broad spectrum of films covering areas of conservation, climate change and sustainable agriculture.

Several films highlight issues in Chicago and Illinois. “It personalizes the issues in a

way that few other things can,” Doyle said.

Director Ines Sommer will be showing her film “Seasons of Change on Henry’s Farm” at Patagonia, 48 E. Walton, from 5:30-9 p.m. on March 12. The film is about Illinois organic farmer Henry and Brockman who takes a fallow year. His former apprentices take over the farm but end up facing unexpected consequences—notably flooding.

“I think as the climate is changing, our food production will absolutely be impacted, farmers are already struggling now. Ultimately it will impact what we see on food shelves,” Sommers said.

Many films take the story of climate change and conserva-

tion and add the human element to them. “When people find out we are doing environmental work, they think we are talking about lightbulbs, not driving... we are, but it’s so much deeper than that. I do hope people will think it’s a human issue,” Doyle said.

The festival started when a group of people met after an event with community organization Green Community Connections in 2012, West said. Now in its ninth year, the festival has expanded from Oak Park to Chicago and other suburbs. There’s also a youth filmmaking contest with entries from all over the US. For more information, visit oneearthfilmfest.org

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| NEWS BREAK |

Get your brackets ready for March Madness

I

t’s all about the brackets in March.

Bracketology, to be precise. No, it’s not about shopping hints from the fix-it folks at your local hardware store. And these brackets will definitely not be sold on the Home ShopJon Cohn COMMUNITY ping Network.

CONTRIBUTOR The brackets that come to the forefront this month are all basketball induced. College basketball to be precise.

For the uninitiated, brackets refer to a 68 team tournament, involving the top college basketball teams. Now

famously known as March Madness, it has become all the craze the past couple decades.

The cool thing about the tournament is that it brings in even the non-sports fans. Chicago residents who may never glance at a college basketball score during the regular season, and who may think the “three second rule” has to do with picking up food that you dropped on the floor, suddenly become fans.

Office pools, family and friends lotteries, posted brackets everywhere. Just the general buzz of conversation can bring the most remote of fans into the frenzy.

Often we have a favorite team. Maybe it’s the college we attended. Maybe it’s a local school (not much here in Chicago with only Loyola University a contender to make the “big

John Cohn is a New Eastside resident.

Out and About in February

Jumble HISSEF ZEUBORS

dance”), or maybe it’s a team you just happened to pick out of the selection hat and if the piece of paper said “Duke”— lucky you. My pick is often a school that ends in “Technical Institute,” which usually means my players will graduate with great jobs but my team loses in the first round.

All the fun begins with Selection Sunday on March 15.

Once it begins, the games come at you in waves. It is a three-week whirlwind that culminates on Monday April 6 with the National Championship.

Finally, one of the 68 competing teams will be crowned as Champion.

And then March Madness quietly recedes.

FWERE TITRORA

ERENV

Send photos and captions to info@neweastsidecommunity.com for a chance for your photo to be featured.

A man calls his dog from the opposite side of a river. The dog crosses the river without getting wet and without using a bridge or boat. How? Febuary answer: Where does today come before yesterday? THE DICTIONARY

Where am I? Do you know where this is?

If you think you know, email us at info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

Young Professionals of Streeterville board members Valerie Mayuga (from left), Sophie Manley, Mario Hollemans, Casey Doherty, Nikki Wheeler and Yousaf Khan at the Hampton Social Streeterville event. Photo by Tim Wong

Answer to February Where am I? A park between Chandler and Regatta at the north end of Harbor. Congratulations to Erik Slagter and Ilona Polinovsky for correctly identifying the spot.

Connie Rivera and Ernie Wong at the Chicago Loop Alliance meeting at the Palmer House Hilton. Photo courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance

Michael Edwards and Nora Gainer at Chicago Loop Alliance’s meeting at the Palmer House Hilton. Photo Courtesy of Chicago Loop Alliance

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