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bKL Architecture 3D prints face shields for health professionals
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‘MacGyver-type’ skills required to protect homeless from COVID-19 Page 6 bKL employee Andrew Tyson assembles a face shield at the company’s Chicago studio, 225 N. Columbus Drive. Photo by Tom Kerwin
New Eastside helps Chicago Unite At Night
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Doorperson of the Month: Bernard Green
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Cook County Court adapting services to keep wheels of justice moving Page 2
The lake, the river, and coronavirus Page 8
Virtual tip jars help keep bars afloat
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2 / MAY 2020
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200 E. Randolph St. Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 690-3092 Editor: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com Managing Editor Daniel Patton dpatton@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 May 1, 2020 Copyright ©2020. All rights reserved.
Cook County Court adapting services to keep wheels of justice moving By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer The Cook County Court system has reduced services during the pandemic, but some cases are still being heard. An order to limit court matters, entered by Chief Judge Timothy Evans on March 17, has been extended to May 18. Non-emergency cases like traffic and misdemeanors have been postponed. Pressing issues, such as evictions and foreclosures, will not be entered into court. Jury trials are not taking place, and people with jury duty notices have been instructed not to show up. Civil matters that neither party considers to be an emergency, as well as marriage ceremonies, have been halted. But the court is still dealing with critical matters. Criminal hearings related to bail hearings, arraignments and preliminary hearings are continuing. Grand juries in session have continued meeting. Honorable Grace G. Dickler, Presiding Judge of the Domestic Relations Division, said the Domestic Relations Division “remains accessible to everyone.” Cases related to custody, child support, and emergencies related to children and families are being heard. In her division, judges have been “conducting remote hearings.” Victims of domestic violence are still able to obtain orders of protection, and the sheriff ’s office is serving civil summons related to orders of protection, juveniles, and probate. Attorneys are adapting to the new remote environment. Edward Grossman, who normally meets in prison with people accused of violating parole, is now permitted to teleconference and conduct remote hearings with the attorney for the Illinois Department of Corrections. “We haven’t seen any glitch,” Grossman said. “It’s working more or less as if we were physically present in the same place.”
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Doorperson of the Month
Gee Spot, I guess we’re all stuck home another month according to ole Gov J.B.
Bernard Green, The Lancaster, 201 N. Westshore Dr.
Feels like we’ve run aground again Boy!
By Daniel Patton Staff Writer Bernard Green goes above and beyond his professional duties to make life better for residents of The Lancaster. Working the overnight shift as a member of the building’s door staff, he has helped fuel inspirations that have reverberated throughout the city. “Knowing your clients and helping them get together is a skill that every good doorperson should have,” he said. “I love the people who live here.” Born and raised in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, Green graduated from Gage Park High School before entering the retail industry. He was managing a team of six at the Walmart Supercenter in suburban Bloomingdale when he learned about an opportunity at The Lancaster from a member of its door staff, Ryan Turner, who was also one of Green’s “best friends from school.” “He called when the building was short-handed and said, ‘I got something here, and I think they would love you,’” Green said. Green got the job and will celebrate his four-year anniversary in July. A few weeks ago, a resident said she had been celebrating Chicago’s nightly singalong to honor front-line crisis workers by placing a stereo speaker on her balcony. She wanted to know if there were any other residents who would be able to enhance the tribute. Green remembered a resident who had once built a “ridiculous” sound system. “I asked him if it was okay that I gave out his number, and he was all for it,” Green said. That introduction sparked the forming of “The Lancaster Core5,” a group of residents who haul lights and speakers up to the Lancaster rooftop every night to help the neighborhood send a shout-out to the people risking their lives to subdue the health crisis. “I’m happy to know that I had some
I love having you home all the time! And walks whenever I want! Hang in there Cap - we will pull through this so long as all we stay safe and stick together!
Gail Spreen (312)925-7668 Gail@StreetervilleProperties.com Bernard Green, of The Lancaster, is New Eastside News Doorperson of the Month. Courtesy of Bernard Green
part in helping to do it,” Green said. His thoughts about working during the crisis are fueled by a knack for customer service and an inspiration to help others. “We were concerned, but we know that the operations would not function properly without us,” he said. “I look forward to coming to work every day because I know everyone in the building, and they make it a lot easier.” Outside of work, Bernard is a “huge fan of bicycling.” “I try to do 15 to 20 miles a day,” he said. “There are a lot of things that are going to be closed this summer, but hopefully I’ll still be able to do one of my favorites, ‘Bike The Drive,’ when they close Lake Shore Drive, and there are no cars, and you ride the whole 30 miles from like 6 a.m. to 10 a.m.” To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com with their name and why you think they should be the doorperson of the month. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.
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4 / MAY 2020
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The former Z-shaped curve on Lake Shore Drive. Courtesy of Flicker Creative Commons RogerW
Engineer who helped straighten out Lake Shore Drive dies from COVID-19 John LaPlante, the engineer who helped redesign the former Z-shaped curve that once routed Lake Shore Drive around Randolph Street, died on March 22 from “complications of COVID-19 contracted on a personal trip to Egypt,” according to a story published in the Engineering News Record. A 30-year employee of the City of Chicago, LaPlante served as chief traffic engineer and traffic commissioner during his career. The article quoted Mayor Lori Lightfoot as saying that LaPlante’s death “reminds us all of a turning point in the transportation life of our city.”
Doing good for the community The City of Chicago, the State of Illinois and the broader philanthropic community launched the Arts for Illinois Relief Fund on April 1. Pursuing a mission to provide financial assistance to artists, artisans and cultural organizations impacted by COVID-19, the program had received $4 million in financial commitments from public and private sources at the time it was announced. To learn more, visit artsforillinois.org. Chicago chef Rick Bayless converted an anonymous $250,000 donation into relief for restaurant workers enduring the hardships of the COVID-19 crisis. Twice a week, Bayless and a coalition of chefs build 400 “beautiful boxes to distribute,” he said in a Facebook video. “Very beautiful food:
Chef Rick Bayless
fresh vegetables, meat, bread, eggs. All the stuff that could make a really good meal, which is great because most restaurant workers know how to cook.” The Ronald McDonald House announced that a virtual “Un-Gala” would replace the organization’s annual fundraiser that was scheduled to occur during the stay-at-home order this year. The month-long event is intended to raise $1,000,000 for the charity that supports families of children undergoing hospital treatment. It capped off with a four-day online extravaganza that included cooking demonstrations, musical performances, a Q&A with Olympic Gold Medalist Kendall Coyne and a Facebook Live program hosted by radio personality Fred from the “Fred + Angi Morning Show” on 103.5 KISS-FM. To contribute, visit rmhccni.org/ungala.
1,013 local residents test positive for coronavirus The COVID-19 Statistics page on the Illinois Department of Public Health’s (IDPH) website showed more than a thousand new cases of coronavirus disease
have been reported in Chicago’s downtown residential neighborhoods (Magnificent Mile, New Eastside, River North, Streeterville, West Loop and South Loop) as of April 28. The numbers were taken from 242,189 tests performed and submitted by the IDPH, commercial or hospital laboratories. They are subject to change as new updates are tallied. The totals reflect the number of residents who have tested positive for the disease and live within the specified neighborhoods, although they may have contracted coronavirus elsewhere. The breakdown of infected residents by zip code: 45 cases reported in 60601, six cases reported in 60604, 111 cases reported in 60605, 29 cases reported in 60606, 206 cases reported in 60607, 134 cases reported in 60610, 86 cases reported in 60611, 224 cases reported in 60616, 60 cases reported in 60642, 89 cases reported in 60654, and 23 cases reported in 60661. Statewide, 48,102 cases have been reported, resulting in 2,125 deaths. To view statistics, visit dph.illinois. gov/covid19.
Petition alleges disrepair at Lakeshore East Park Discolored fountains, broken lightbulbs, deteriorating walls and unsafe staircases are just a few of the items in a petition asking the Lakeshore East Master Association to address the alleged state of disrepair in Lakeshore East Park. Titled, “The 2020 Lakeshore East Park Project Petition,” the online document recounts the park’s history, calculates its cost, describes its condition and identifies its management before requesting signatures. Among the organizations that took notice of the petition was Alderman Reilly’s office, which addressed the issue in the April 24 edition of the “Alderman Reilly Reports” newsletter. According to the report, the Alderman had “immediately contacted the Lakeshore East Master Association (LEMA) to request prompt attention.” “Alderman Reilly is happy to announce
the LEMA quickly responded and is working to inventory the park for necessary infrastructure repairs,” it continued. “After the inventory has been completed, the LEMA will provide a repair plan and timeline to Alderman Reilly’s office and the Lakeshore East community.”
III Forks Steakhouse adds half-priced wine to carry-out menu A filet mignon with grilled asparagus, mashed potatoes and salad is just one of many meal combinations available for carry-out or delivery on a new menu from III Forks Steakhouse. Other options include steak and seafood entrees, a selection of appetizers, readyto-grill meals and a selection of wines available for a 50% discount. The restaurant will also offer a four course prix fixe carry-out menu for Mother’s Day that includes salad, dessert and a choice of Chateaubriand, pan-seared Alaskan halibut or chicken Marengo entree for $59 per person. Pre-ordering is encouraged. For information, visit 3forks.com/ location/chicago.
Event cancellations begin to roll in for late Spring and Summer Major music festivals and more have been cancelled this summer, due to concerns over the coronavirus. The 5th Annual Chicago House Music Conference & Festival, the 35th Chicago Gospel Music Festival, DCASE’s Chicago In Tune, the 37th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, as well as Chicago Memorial Day Parade and Wreath Laying Ceremony, have been canceled, according to Alderman Brendan Reilly’s office. These events may just be the tip of the iceberg, as Governor Pritzker has extended his shelter in place order until May 30. The governor has already called for other summer events to be canceled. Mayor Lightfoot has extended Chicago’s celebration of “Year of Chicago Music” until 2021 as a result of the cancellations, explains a press release from Alderman Reilly’s office.
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‘MacGyver-type’ skills required in front-line effort to protect homeless from COVID-19 of preconceived notions about homeless people, like, “oh, they’re all drug addicts.” If you’re a person who thinks that, gather your own information and figure out how to bust that myth. You can’t say, “I’m going to do what’s best for you,” if you don’t know the person you’re treating.
By Dan Patton Staff Writer Protecting Chicago’s west side homeless population from COVID-19 is a task that often requires “MacGyver-style” innovation, according to Angela Moss, Assistant Dean of Faculty Practice at Rush Hospital. Moss is one of nearly a hundred people who confront the challenge every day through a citywide partnership announced recently by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Moss begins each day by strategizing with front-line workers about protecting the homeless. “We love our patients very much,” she said. “They’re very savvy and if they don’t like you, you can read it on their faces.” Caring for the homeless population has been part of the institution’s standard operating procedure for more than three decades. When Mayor Lightfoot implemented a system to confront the pandemic, Rush was named one of the program’s leaders. In an exclusive interview, Moss describes the evolution of the city-wide partnership, the success of its efforts, and the everyday ways Chicagoans can help. How did the effort to protect the homeless population from COVID-19 start? It was a conversation with Dr. David Ansell and Dr. Steve Rothschild, who have been working with homeless people and shelters for a long time. We decided to focus on getting ahead of the situation because very likely there will be an outbreak in that group, which is a risk for the public at large. How has the effort evolved? The original idea was just, let’s call a meeting, get together and brainstorm about what we can do. We meet at 8 in the morning, seven days a week. Anyone can join. When we started, it was maybe ten people. Now we have more than 80 members on that phone call: providers like us, social workers, disease specialists, the city, aldermen. We even have an ethicist. How is the city involved? They’re with us every step of the way. We might have an idea—like, we need multiple isolation units for high risk and low risk patients—and the city’s like, you got it. The CPD is also busy. I don’t even think they are sleeping. What is a typical morning call? Someone will say, “I have an outbreak over here, what do I do?” And a tech or someone will say, “I’ll call
How well do your patients experiencing homelessness understand what’s happening? There is a very high level of fear and anxiety in the homeless group. It’s just devastating. They’re hearing the same news everybody else is hearing, like, “stay home,” but they don’t have homes. But the crisis also magnifies the beautiful. One of my patients, an older gentleman, got out of the hospital yesterday. I asked him, “how did it go?” And he said, “with this crisis, I think they’re just nicer. Everybody was so compassionate.”
Angela Moss, Assistant Dean of Faculty Practice at Rush Hospital, with Dr. David Ansell. Photo courtesy of Rush Hospital
some of my colleagues, and we’ll get a team there by one o’clock.” It’s kind of beautiful. What are the general guidelines for treating patients experiencing homelessness? The straight care is pretty basic: you let the virus run its course and you make sure that it does not get to the point where acute care is required. The hard part is getting them to a place where they can safely practice social distancing. There’s not really a way for them to self-isolate or wash their hands all the time. How do you prepare nurses to work with people experiencing homelessness? The care for people in these environments is different from bedside care in a hospital. There are different competencies that you must have. You can advise them to wash their hands, but they don’t have a sink. You have to troubleshoot. It’s kind of like a MacGyver-type of skill: “OK, we’re going to figure this out.” For people who have a history of PTSD or mental diagnosis or neglect, you have to be careful with your words and your approach. You have to be gentler. You have to be in the moment and you can’t think, ‘oh, a patient is a patient is a patient.’ That’s not the case. I tell the nurses, whatever kind of unconscious bias you may have about the homeless, recognize that and figure out how you can address that. There are all kinds
How did focusing on homelessness become part of your career? I started out as a critical care nurse helping really sick people, but I didn’t feel like I was having an impact. So I went back to school and became a nurse practitioner and started to work with the community, because it’s more upstream, a term we use to describe preventative care. I felt that we were doing an okay job with people of means, but I thought we were doing a terrible job with marginalized populations. So it evolved from there. The MacGyver theme—using my skills to address a problem that has no traditional solution—has been my guiding principle all the way through. Can you give an example of the MacGyver theme at work? I needed to find a blood pressure machine for an isolation center. You know, the machines they wheel into the examination room. I put out (a search within the medical community) and found one and went to pick it up, but I really had not thought about how I was going to transport it. I was rolling it down the street and I thought that the police might think I’m stealing medical supplies. I rolled it to my car, a Toyota Venza, and I had to pick it up and it’s topheavy and I would try to put it in the car but it would roll out the other side. I finally loaded it in and, even though one of the wheels was sticking out of the window, I took off. How can our readers help make your job easier? Donations. Not donations of money necessarily, but donations of things. Blankets and new socks and underwear. People in shelters are being moved around because of COVID-19. They get to a new facility and they don’t have what they’re used to. I think I’ve had four requests for new underwear over the past two days.
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bKL Architecture 3D prints face shields for health professionals By Dan Patton Staff Writer
3D printers in bKL Architecture’s Chicago studio are used to produce face shields for health care workers.
bKL Architecture is making face shields, and hundreds were donated in April to the medical industry to help protect health professionals from COVID-19. Operating 10 3D printers around the clock from their design studio in the Aqua Tower, the firm is fabricating and assembling the personal protection equipment with help from a team of employees and volunteers. “Since our office is closed, it seemed like a good idea to start fabricating these,” bKL employee Andrew Tyson said. The main components of the shield are fairly common items: an 8.5 x 11inch transparent sheet of acetate, like the ones used in overhead projectors; and a hair tie, like the ones that you can get from a place like Walgreen’s. They attach to frames that are formed by plastic threads fed through the 3D printers, which are normally used to print miniature architectural models. Under normal circumstances, Tyson spends his days transforming bKL’s architectural plans into scale models for client presentations. Now he and a few volunteers work in an office that is essentially empty. To maximize personal safety, the volunteer teams consist of a bKL employee and the spouse or roommate of that employee. They spend most of their time assembling the shields. The process involves separating the individual frames, which are connected to one another when they emerge from the printer, and punching holes into the acetate where the hair tie “straps” bind the pieces together. Tyson estimated it takes an average printer “about two hours” to create a single frame for the face shield. “One
A face shield assembled in bKL Architecture’s Chicago studio on Columbus Drive.
printer can print twelve masks in 24 hours,” he said. “We let them run all night.” According to Dr. Carina Yang, a New Eastside resident and University of Chicago Medicine, Department of Radiology neuroradiologist, the results are worth the effort. She described the equipment as “fully functional” after receiving a sample from bKL founder Thomas Kerwin. “The face shield is a piece of plastic that hangs in front of your face and helps to stop droplets coming at you,” she said. “It’s got an elastic strap that is adjustable, and the plastic across the forehead is very smooth.” With proper cleaning, she noted that they should be reusable. By Yang’s estimate, approximately 20 interventional radiology faculty, trainees, and staff currently work at the hospital each day. They perform minimally invasive, imaging-guided procedures that are often essential for patients’ wellbeing. A large number of other radiology staff who perform x-rays, CT scans, and MRIs, and are also at risk of exposure to the virus. The extra layer of protection added by the face shields is a welcome addition to their standard equipment. The radiology staff are “very close to the people who might be infected,” she said. “They help set up chest
By Sheetal Balani
A face shield assembled at bKL Architecture is displayed by a friend of the organization. Photos by Tom Kerwin
bKL Architecture operates 10 3D printers around the clock.
scans. They’re in these x-ray and CT scan rooms right next to the patients, helping them get in position and hold their arms in a certain way. They have to really get in there.” Besides enhancing employee safety, Yang believes the equipment provides a priceless morale boost. “Part of it is feeling that someone did
something to help,” she said. “Not that doctors normally need a lot of thanks, but in these times when people are ignoring social distancing guidelines and certain governors elsewhere in the nation are not espousing stay at home orders, it helps.” According to Tyson, there’s a lot of help to go around. He acquired the
print file for bKL’s face shield design from Chicago’s artistic maker community, a group of do-gooders who actively share open-sourced information with people who need it. “From the second this crisis began, they started working on stuff for healthcare workers,” he said. “Face shields, respirators, and a whole plethora of safety equipment that can be made by hand.” The community rallied around bKL’s initiative by funding the purchase of six of the machines through a GoFundMe campaign. “Our initial goal was to produce 100 masks per day,” Tyson said. “Now, we’re producing up to 130 per day. If we can purchase any more printers, we’ll make more masks.” When the health crisis ends, bKL intends to donate the printers to the Chicago Public Library and Chicago Public Schools—both clients of the firm.
The world looks different these days. Our homes have taken on a new meaning. My home has become my workplace, home-school for the kids, fitness studio, and hair salon. Just ask my husband, who is now our kids’ stylist! This adjustment to the “new normal” gives us an opportunity to refocus on what matters the most: gratitude, those we love, and the things that bring us joy, both big and small. I am grateful for the people who support us on a daily basis. My condo building’s door staff have always impressed me with their professionalism and kindness. During this stay-at-home mandate, they have surpassed expectations to keep residents comfortable. From changing their daily procedures to being as contact-free as possible, to checking in on our senior neighbors, they are essential workers keeping us secure,
positive and healthy. The sense of community at Lakeshore East is what I love most about this neighborhood. Fellowship with our neighbors and local businesses is more important now than ever before. Let’s support one another. It can be as simple as a check-in phone call to a friend or neighbor who lives alone. While we eagerly wait for our favorite Chicago restaurants to re-open, we can support local eateries by ordering takeout or purchasing gift cards. An experience that brings me joy is the nightly Lakeshore East ‘8:00 p.m. Shout-Out’ that honors our first responders and essential workers. I have a front-and-center view of this celebration from my living room. The squad cars, fire trucks with sirens blazing, laser light show on the surrounding buildings and people cheering their support is a reminder that we are not alone, and together we are stronger.
Sheetal Balani is a senior broker at Compass, with over 17 years experience in residential real estate. Contact her at (312) 863-9555 or Sheetal.Balani@Compass.com
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Navigating COVID-19
Lake and river-based businesses endure stay-at-home order By Daniel Patton and Mat Cohen Staff Writer The allure of the tropics, thrill of a regatta, and serenity of a kayak ride are water-based attractions that open to great fanfare every May in New Eastside. But Chicago’s unique relationship with the water will look different this year. The businesses and organizations that thrive on Lake Michigan and the Chicago River describe what to expect when the weather heats up and the stay-at-home order is lifted. Columbia Yacht Club Columbia Yacht Club is housed in the Abegweit, a vintage icebreaking barge that used to service Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island and is now docked in Burnham Harbor. The Club stays open year round, except for time in January reserved for renovations. Since COVID-19, the dining room is empty and weddings have been rescheduled. However, the Club is thankful for all the donations they have received and have been engaging members online with trivia, sailing movies and contests. When the Club reopens (with certain restrictions), members will have the chance to dine in other rooms, including the first mate’s cabin.
McCormick Bridgehouse and Chicago River Museum The Bridgehouse museum celebrates the history of the Chicago River and its movable bridges. The museum, located in a historic bridgehouse, occupies five stories in a structure built on the river bank. The museum is closed during winter months because the weather is too cold along the river. However, it offers private tours and hosts private parties. The COVID-19 restrictions have delayed the opening of the museum to June 1. The museum is refreshing its permanent exhibits for the first time since 2006. The lobby, first and fifth floors will be revamped with new panels, along with a new exhibit that will include an overview of the modern day Chicago River System. Programs will include free lunchtime lectures on Mondays during July and August, and Bridge Lift Breakfast in the fall. For information, visit chicagoriver.org. Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) Created in 1889 as the Sanitary District of Chicago, the MWRD is an award-winning, special district responsible for treating wastewater and providing stormwater management for residents and businesses. With the COVID-19 outbreak, the boating season started at the
One of the MWRD boats on the Chicago River. Water-related businesses are gearing up for a rapid reopening. Photo courtesy of MWRD
end of March for MWRD. With the pause around the city, the MWRD has noticed a decrease in river debris. “Less people around, means less garbage in the area,” said Brian Levy. “(Nevertheless,) we’re going to be continuing out on the water, and we’re still picking up debris.” Columbia Sailing School Columbia Sailing School, an independent organization located within Columbia Yacht Club, provides lessons to nearly 80 high school kids over terms that correspond with regular school semesters. “Most of them already know how to sail,” said instructor Chuck Nevel. “We’re teaching them how to race.” Chicago’s stay-at-home order took effect the day before CSC was scheduled to launch its spring season, so the school went online to provide quality content and keep the students engaged. During the quarantine, instructors teach subjects like boat
handling, communications, rules, starts and tactics, and invite experienced sailors like Maggie Shae, crew member for the US Olympic Sailing Team, to provide guest lectures. CSC also hosts races for students through virtualsailing. com, an online sailing site that simulates regattas and weather conditions around the world. Roughly 15 to 50 students virtually compete in Newport, San Francisco, Marseille and Greece. “It’s like any sport,” Nevel said. “The more knowledge you have and the more quickly you can apply that knowledge in a race, the better your finish will potentially be.” Island Party Hut Island Party Hut, a tiki bar that came to the Riverwalk in 2015, operates a fleet of rentable passenger vessels through its sister company, Island Party Boats. “Anybody can buy a ticket and you can hop on for $30 and
take a cruise down the river,” said partner Steve Majerus. The businesses close during the off-season to complete maintenance and general upkeep on the boats. Before Mayor Lori Lightfoot closed the entire Riverwalk to decrease the spread of COVID-19, the tiki bar increased sanitation and observed social-distancing guidelines. “We have such a huge place, so everybody was able to stay ten or twenty feet apart from each other,” Majerus said. The fleet normally does “decent business” in the early spring, especially with corporate charters. “We’ve missed out on a few,” Majerus said. “They do add up.” When the Riverwalk reopens, Island Party Hut expects to modify its seating arrangements so that “a family of four can sit away from other large groups.” “I would assume that, at a minimum, we’ll be looking at an increased spacing requirement,” Majerus added.
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So much we didn’t know before pandemic
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t is a bizarre and unsettling time. Our lives in the New Eastside and Streeterville neighborhoods have been turned, if not upside down, at least swished around Jon Cohn COMMUNITY like fruit in a smoothie CONTRIBUTOR blender on high speed. Through it all, we have learned some different terms and ideas we had no idea about before the new coronavirus: Zoom: Pre-virus, the only time I heard “zoom” was when a little kid was playing with toy cars, or as the onomatopoeia flashed on the screen during a cartoon. Zoom, the computer multi-speak with a group picture mechanism, has become all the rage. Like a popular dance step, everybody is doing it now. Computer screens look like the intro to “The Brady Bunch” TV show. I had my first Zoom experience with my wife’s family, nine
strong, and battled to get the yellow box to light up, indicating it was my turn to speak. When I finally did get the chance, I forgot what I was going to say. A case of “Zoom stage fright.’’ Six-feet social distancing: On this one, I was ahead of my time. There were many people I’ve had my own “social distancing” rule for, long before the virus hit. A couple of family members during political discussions come to mind. Flatten The Curve: I had never heard of this one until a couple months ago. Unless you count what my math scores did to our high school’s overall average. “Tiger King” TV Show: Ratings are higher than the daily infection rate for this tiger-themed Netflix documentary. Featuring a feud between Joe Exotic, a private zoo keeper owner and his counterpart Carol Baskin, a cat conservationist, the show gets truly bizarre with scenes from protests and threats of legal action all the way to “murder for hire” accusations. The supporting characters are often wilder than the animals. I am
not sure what I find more scary, the tigers or the outfits The Tiger King and his friends wear. How to make a homemade face mask: Trying to find an actual face mask is harder than trying to find Nemo. And save those for the medical professionals who really need them. The do-it-yourself mask is the way to go. All kinds of styles are displayed. For me, cutting up an old Chicago Bulls T-shirt, and—with a few nicks and tucks and wraps,—voila! Coolest looking facemask in the neighborhood. Dr. Anthony Fauci: I didn’t know a Fauci from a faucet before all this horror began. But the good doctor has been the voice of reason and comfort for many through these troubled times. It’s only May, but I think we have our early winner of Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year” contest. I would rather have known less about all of the above. But knowledge gained, even in times of emergency, is worth something. John Cohn is a New Eastside resident.
Jon Con during the Covid-19 pandemic. Submitted photo
Virtual tip jars help keep local bars afloat By Mat Cohen Staff Writer Your favorite neighborhood bartender does not have to go tip-less during the pandemic. Virtual tip jars have popped up to help servers, bartenders and wait staff through these difficult times, thanks to the Chicago restaurant community and many star patrons. One virtual jar, created on GoFundMe, is to benefit Lizzie Mcneill’s Irish Pub, a local hotspot in Streeterville. Mike Copenhaver created the fundraiser after talking with a group of loyal Lizzie Mcneill’s customers. Most of the group gathers for trivia nights on Tuesdays. “Everyone knows each other, it’s a large group that congregate,” Copenhaver said. “I was nominated to create the campaign, but it was
Staff members at Monk’s Pub, located in the Loop, one of many restaurants that has a virtual tip fundraiser. Photo courtesy of Beth Weiler Photography
a collective decision. It was just a large group that knew what was in store for what we consider family.” John Wrenn, the general manager, is grateful for the initiative shown by the pub’s core community. “It’s fortunate enough there are
people out there who are looking out (for us),” he said. “It is all done because of our day-to-day customers, our regulars. We’re lucky to be in the location and community that we’re in.” Lizzie McNeill’s completely shut down March 16, like most
other restaurants and bars in the city. Soon after that, virtual tip jars graced GoFundMe, Facebook and websites. Lizzie McNeill’s fundraiser is $200 shy of its $10,000 goal as of April 23. “I was pleasantly surprised,” Copenhaver said. “I didn’t post it on Facebook, maybe texted 10 or 15 people, and it kind of went from there. We set $10,000 as the goal, but didn’t know we’d get there. “None of (the staff ) were expecting anything, and to know they were going to have a little help, everyone is really grateful and surprised.” Other virtual tip jar fundraisers in the area include Second City Bar, Marisol, Theory, Untitled Supper Club, Roka Akor, Stocks & Blondes, 2Twenty2 Tavern and Monk’s Pub. At Monk’s Pub, a popular spot for lunch and after-work drinks
in the Loop, the virtual tip jar has more than $4,000 from 60 donors. “The staff is grateful,” Melissa Shary said. “Not simply for the cash in their pockets, but more because the response has been so great. We’ve received a bunch of messages checking in on us and telling us they can’t wait until we reopen. It’s nice to know they want to take care of us when we cannot take care of them.” Everyone is eager to reopen doors to their regulars and dayto-day customers, but Wrenn said they’re going to be as safe as possible in doing so. Until that day, they’re thankful to have a connection with customers, even if it’s not from behind the bar. “I’m grateful to Mike and the whole core group that frequents Lizzie’s,” Wrenn said. “We’re just really grateful.”
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New Eastside helps Chicago Unite At Night By Daniel Patton Staff Writer At 8 p.m. on April 24, New Eastside residents helped Chicago score a victory against the new coronavirus by joining a celebration to honor the workers fighting against it. They clapped and hooted from their balconies while lights and music filled Lakeshore East Park with hearts, messages and an amplified broadcast of “Sweet Home Chicago.” The excitement came during a recent installment of a nightly singalong that will continue into May and remain in place for the duration of the crisis. Besides paying tribute to heroes on the front lines, the shout-out provided a ceremonial release from the citywide stay-at-home order that many Chicagoans will never forget. “It was really cool,” recalled financial services consultant Nicola Perry, who viewed
Lakeshore East Park esidents join a celebration to honor the workers fighting against coronavirus. Photo by Daniel Patton
the event from the top of the Lancaster building. “I walked over to the other side of our roof to take photos and I noticed that Navy Pier had turned on their Ferris wheel, which has been not operating for weeks.” The display of solidarity is a tradition that started on March 21, when a Rogers Park
Follow along on social media with the hashtag #GEMSatHome to learn more about the school’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Accepting Applications for 2020 312.809.8910 | gemschicago.org | 350 East South Water St., Chicago, IL 60601
couple convinced thousands of Windy City residents to open their windows and sing along to Bon Jovi’s “Livin’ on a Prayer.” From there, the inspiration traveled to the South Loop, where web designer Laarni Livings and a team of like minded influencers created “Chicago Unite At Night,” a city-wide Facebook group, dedicated to the singalongs, that has attracted nearly 7,000 members in little over a month. At first, they shared Spotify playlists to make sure everyone was on the same song. Then the local media got involved. Now, FM 89.5 Vocalo supplies the music every Monday through Wednesday, and 97.1 The Drive plays the Friday night soundtrack. Arranging the set lists is a process that brings the community together. “We poll every day for songs,” Livings said. “People can go to our Facebook group and vote for the song they want to hear.” The South Loop high-rise dwellers also
added their own light shows to the mix, communicating with one another through strobes and colors emanating from the balconies of their apartments and condos. In a nod to Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s “Stay Home, Chicago” campaign, the April 24 selections opened with the National Anthem and followed with the Blues Brothers cover of “Sweet Home, Chicago.” Next came REO Speedwagon’s “Keep on Rolling,” Joe Cocker’s “A Little Help from My Friends” and Ben E. King’s “Stand By Me.” Applause from residents and dogs could be heard throughout the neighborhood. The energy in the New Eastside has grown since Perry first became involved. “I started doing this one night on my own,” she said. “I put my speaker out on my patio and I was out there with my little tambourine and I think there were people from Regatta doing the same thing in their building.”
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Documentary: PAHOKEE Directors Ivete Lucas and Patrick Bresnan take us to the rural town of Pahokee in the Florida Everglades in their documentary film, PAHOKEE. The film explores the rich social fabric of the town as its people tackle the challenges and opportunities of everyday life. Streaming, Cost TBA, Gene Siskel Film Center, siskelfilmcenter.org
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May 6
Singer, songwriter, author Award-winning singer Tori Amos will virtually discuss her new book “Resistance: A Songwriter’s Story of Hope, Change, and Courage!” with Katie Rife from The A.V. Club as part of the Chicago Humanities Festival. 1:00 p.m., free, Chicago Humanities Festival, chicagohumanities.org
May 10
Paint at home Celebrate Mother’s Day with paints and cocktails with Kate Saville through Mid-America Club. Saville will lead a 1-hour tutorial. People can order supplies five days prior to the event on Saville’s website. 3 p.m., $45 per kit, $75 per two, Saville Studios, tinyurl.com Virtual architectural tour Local historian and author, Adam Selzer, will give a Virtual Tour: Architecture on the Chicago River that will cover the architecture and history of the Chicago River. Selzer has many virtual tours covering Chicago all month. 10 a.m., free but donations welcome, Astonishing Chicago, astonishingchicago.com
May 13
Good Dog New York Times bestselling author Jennifer Finney Boylan presents her newest book Good Dog: My Life in Seven Dogs, with Kathy Griffin through the American Writers Museum. 3 p.m., free, American Writers Museum, americanwritersmuseum.org
CAC Live: A Tale of Two Fairs is presented by The Chicago Architecture Center.
May 20
A Tale of Two Fairs The Chicago Architecture Center is hosting CAC Live: A Tale of Two Fairs, exploring the history of World’s Columbian Exposition of 1893 and the Century of Progress International Exposition in 1933. 7p.m., $8 for public, free for members, Chicago Architecture Center, architecture.org
Through May 27
MingHin on Grant Park Inc., 333 E Benton Pl Ste #300, Chicago, IL 60601
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Much Ado About Nothing OPEN for Pick Up & Delivery The Public Theater’s 2019 Shakespeare in the Park production of “Much Ado About Nothing” is streaming on PBS. on orders over $40 This production stars Danielle Brooks, known from Netflix show Orange is theBOMBAYWRAPS.COM www.BombayWraps.com (Streeterville location) Use Code “Streeterville” New Black, and Grantham Coleman LAKEVIEW LOOP Valid STREETERVILLE at Streeterville location. Valid till 4.12.20. Multiple Uses. known from TV show The Americans.3149 N. Broadway St. | 773.799.8989 Cannot combined with other offer. 122 N. Wells St. | 312.737.9727 330 E. Ohio St. | be 312.955.0733 Streaming, free, PBS, pbs.org
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Present Laughter St. James Theater presents the 2017 revival of Noël Coward’s Present Laughter on PBS. The comedy stars Kevin Kline, Kate Burton, Cobie Smuthers, and Kristine Nielsen on PBS. Streaming, free, PBS, pbs.org Revival Red Wyndham Theater presents Red, a 2018 revival play about abstract expressionist Mark Rothko, on PBS. The cast includes Alfred Molina and Alfred Enoch. Streaming, free, PBS, pbs.org
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Cupitol is open 8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. for takeout and delivery Order online at cupitol.com
12 / MAY 2020
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Your Neighborhood’s URBAN REAL ES T ATE
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#1 Office
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On The Park
340 E Randolph Unit 3701 $2,450,000 - 3 Beds 3.1 Baths - 2,371 Sq. Feet Vickie Liu: 312-528-9271 Great location by several parks, the lake, and the river in the New East Side. This gorgeous 2371 sq ft has 3 en-suite bedrooms with a powder room right by the entryway foyer and wraparound
155 N Harbor Unit 3201
400 E Randolph Unit 1701
$299,000 - 0 Bd 1 Ba - 708 Sq. Ft
$315,000 - 0 Bd 1 Ba - 650 Sq. Ft
Millennium Park, the harbor, the Chicago River, and more.
Tyler Stallings: 513-680-3924
Helen Dress: 312-528-9234
Floor-to-ceiling windows and designer, custom-built window shades
South-East-West views overlooking Lake Michigan, Grant Park,
throughout. Two private balconies on the South side by the kitchen and dining room, and Northern's inside master en-suite's. Pristine bamboo floors, Snaidero cabinetry in the kitchen, and 3 bathrooms. SS appliances, GE Monogram fridge and vented culinary hood above a quartz countertop across from extra-large quartz islands. Master suite offers walk-in closet with built-in cabinet. Outstanding amenities including a pro-level 4000 sq ft fitness center, winter garden, and terrace overlooking the same amazing views, and a sundeck, grills, jacuzzi, steam bath, sauna and media room. Steps to the Village
222 N Columbus Unit 4004
400 E Randolph Unit 3315
$270,000 - 1 Bd 1 Ba - 700 Sq. Ft
$399,950 - 1 Bd 1 Ba - 825 Sq. Ft
Roberto Vinci: 312-785-1943
Leslie McGinty: 312-550-0333
Market, the Lakefront, and the Chicago Riverwalk. 2 deeded side-by-side parking spaces available at additional cost.
Breathtaking Views 2 Bd Condo at The Aqua Building 225 N Columbus Unit 6006 $924,500 - 2 Beds 2 Baths - 1,215 Sq. Feet Vickie Liu: 312-528-9271 Sunny 1,215 square foot southeast-facing corner apartment located
155 N Harbor Unit 305
420 E Waterside Unit 1802
$289,000 - 1 Bd 1 Ba - 858 Sq. Ft
$386,000 - 1 Bd 1 Ba - 826 Sq. Ft
Jean Benedict: 312-528-9294
Vickie Liu: 312-528-9271
on the 60th floor of the famous Aqua Building, a striking architectural masterpiece designed by Jeanne Gang. Enjoy breathtaking views of Lake Michigan, Millennium Park, and Michigan Avenue from 9.5 feet floor-to-ceiling windows. Unique wraparound balconies accessible from living room and second bedroom feature composite decking and extended railings. Beautiful hardwood floor throughout. Split bedroom floor plan with master bedroom ensuite. Top-quality finishes including granite countertops, Italian cabinets, stainless steel appliances, and an in-unit washer and dryer. Full amenity building with indoor and outdoor pools, hot tub, running track, basketball court, party room, movie theater, game room, fitness center, sauna, steam room, picnic area and more. Walk to Village Market, Mariano's,
155 N Harbor Unit 304
400 E Randolph Unit 1927
$399,000 - 1 Bd 1.1 Ba - 1,000 Sq. Ft
$350,000 - 1 Bd 1 Ba - 860 Sq. Ft
Michael Emery: 312-528-9288
Ksenia Yankilaytes: 312-890-5428
400 E Randolph Suite 500
superb restaurants, Grant Park and Millennium Park. Located just steps from the Chicago Riverwalk. Convenient access to the Chicago Pedway on the building's L1 level
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*Based on 2019 verified closed sales data from MRED