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New Eastside entrepreneur pivots apparel business to fight coronavirus Page 2
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The stairs of Cascade Park. Rendering courtesy of Lendlease
Businesses prepare to ‘cautiously reopen’ Page 8
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New Eastside NEWS Streeterville NEWS HowLoop to Contact West NEWSUs info@chicagostarmedia.com 200 E. Randolph St. Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 690-3092 Editor: Elaine Hyde elainehyde@chicagostarmedia.com Managing Editor Daniel Patton danielpatton@chicagostarmedia.com Staff Writers: Mat Cohen Doug Rapp Angela Gagnon Copy Editors: Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design: Bob Oswald Community Contributors: Jon Cohn
Subscriptions info@chicagostarmedia.com Advertising Contact (312) 690-3092 or info@chicagostarmedia.com New Eastside News and Streeterville News are published by Chicago Star Media. New Eastside News and Streeterville News are monthly papers that use community writers and contributors. The views expressed by community contributors are their own. Chicago Star Media does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. Chicago Star Media is independently owned and operated. Published June 1, 2020 Copyright ©2020. All rights reserved.
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New Eastside entrepreneur pivots apparel business to fight coronavirus By Daniel Patton Staff Writer New Eastside resident and entrepreneur Mary Kuiper has become a fashionable force in the effort to reduce coronavirus by introducing a colorful new line of face masks called Cool Shield. Cool Shield face masks are made with two-ply, moisture-wicking, antimicrobial fabric that is breathable, washable and reusable. They also come in dozens of styles including floral, tie-dye, leopard print, and a blue flame pattern that “male customers seem to like,” according to Kuiper. Her company, Raindrops Resort, manufactures and ships thousands of the items to businesses and consumers every day from a cut-and-sew factory in Downers Grove. A third-generation, Chicago-based operation, Raindrops focused primarily on resort and souvenir apparel before developing the new line, which was inspired by a late-night television news report. “I saw an interview with someone who was making masks in her house,” Kuiper said. “She said, ‘it used to take me 15 minutes but now I can do it in 12.’” Besides feeling a strong dose of compassion for “the people working on home-sewing machines,” she also realized that, “we’ve got the equipment to do it faster.” A native Chicagoan “born into the industry,” Kuiper grew up on the city’s south side, started working in the family business when she
New Eastside resident Mary Kuiper at her cut-and-sew factory in Downers Grove. Photo by Steve Doroba
was 16 years old. She moved to 400 E. Randolph in 2013. A proud supplier of stores throughout the continental U.S., Hawaii and the Caribbean, she summarized Raindrops’ ongoing recent expansion with an invigorating and patriotic observation. “I’m not a health care worker but I’m contributing to the front line effort,” she said. Although customers recognized Raindrops as a purveyor of customized t-shirts, socks and hoodies, they were quick to show appreciation for the new line. “We do love ’em,” said David Wiley, owner of Decatur, Alabama-based independent
The Blue Flames face mask by Cool Shields. Photo courtesy of Raindrops Resort
outdoor specialty retailer Wiley’s Trading Company. “For people who want to or are required to wear masks, these are much more comfortable
and a lot more attractive than what I’m seeing with most of the cloth masks.” Kuiper said the Cool Shield line was developed in about two weeks. Since then, it has helped Raindrops earn a spot on the essential business list and generate an abundance of new business. “On average, I am working 14 to 16 hours a day cutting, sewing and shipping,” she said. “I have also hired more employees.” Other than adding more American jobs, she said that the company is not taking advantage of the situation. “We’re not profiting on the crisis,” she said. “We’re fulfilling a need.”
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New Eastside News launches powerful new website By Chicago Star Media Chicago Star Media launched a powerful news website in May to complement the monthly print publications of New Eastside News and Streeterville News. The digital news distribution hub showcases hyper-local neighborhood news, features and interviews within a framework of national entertainment, sports and breaking stories. The website enhances the reading experience with multimedia presentations and current weather and stock market information. New Eastside News publisher and editor Elaine Hyde spearheaded the effort to ensure that the revamped platform would keep the personal touches that have helped the newspaper remain a neighborhood favorite since 2013 and present local advertising in an appealing way. “Besides reporting the news, our mission is to support the community,” she said. “Maintaining a personal focus, constantly looking to the future and remaining engaged with neighborhood residents and groups are passions as well as priorities.” Local commentary, real estate updates, and the Doorperson of the Month feature continue to rank among the publication’s most popular content. All content is free to readers. Online subscriptions to a weekly newsletter are free and a mail print subscription is offered for a fee. After founding the New Eastside
News while residing in the Shoreham apartments, Hyde created Streeterville News and West Loop News, additional neighborhood newspapers that operate within the parent company Chicago Star Media, formed earlier this year. “Packaging all three publications into a single website, Chicago Star Media delivers hyper-local, upto-the-minute information about the businesses, culture, and people who help make the Windy City one of the most unique and desirable places to live on earth,” said Hyde,
who also mentioned that the stayat-home orders of the COVID-19 pandemic allowed them to focus efforts on the long-anticipated rebranding and online strategy. The new website was created by TownNews, a leader in the print and online development industry that has completed dozens of integrations for the likes of AppleTV, CNN, Facebook, Google and Twitter. Advertising and stories from Chicago Star Media are shared on partner Town News Website via a content exchange system.
A drink for the road
Local restaurants offer take-out drink packages By Doug Rapp Staff Writer Several downtown restaurants are easing the shelterin-place process by offering drink packages to-go so Chicagoans can enjoy custom cocktails at home. On Saturdays and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., a weekend “Grab and Go” special is available and includes $5 Blue Margaritas from the Drunken Bean Coffee & Wine Bar and $5 jumbo dogs, bratwursts and burgers from Eggy’s Chicago Diner. III Forks steakhouse offers a multi-seasonal variety of cocktails to-go including the cosmopolitan, margarita, old fashioned, the VIP bootleg and aviation, a pre-made concoction made with Larios London Dry Gin and all-natural ingredients. Beatrix in Streeterville offers a kit that contains enough vodka, mix and tabasco to prepare 16 Bloody Marys. For customers who desire something sweeter, there is a mimosa kit with prosecco and orange juice. “It has always been the goal for us to find creative ways to recreate the full restaurant experience at home,” said Thomas Moore, divisional bar training manager for Lettuce Entertain You, which owns Beatrix. “We’re seeing different kits selling for different reasons, such as Mimosa kits on Mother’s Day, or our Bloody Mary kits for our Weekend Brunch For Two.” The sake bomb kit from Ramen-San in Streeterville includes sake, two Asahi beers, a pair of shot glasses, two mugs and two pairs of chopsticks. Traditionally, the sake is poured into the shot glass, which is balanced on top of the chopsticks, which are laid across the top of the beer mug. Pounding on the table that holds the cocktail topples the shot glass into the mug. Ramen-San is also selling Japanese Ol’ Fashioned Kits. Timothy O’Toole’s in Streeterville offers beer, wine, liquor and kits for mimosas, Moscow Mules and the signature “Dance Party” with O’Toole’s vodka and six Red Bulls. Rick Bayless’ Frontera Grill in River North is selling margarita kits, a new paloma mix and the “boozy and warming” Ancho Chile Old Fashioned that makes 8 to 21 drinks. Acadia, an upscale New American restaurant in the South Loop, has a variety of cocktail kits, including negronis, old-fashioneds and Manhattans.
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Doorperson of the Month Ablavi Ayikpo, The Tides, 360 E. South Water St. By Mat Cohen Staff Writer Most 21 year olds have big dreams, but not on the same level as Ablavi Ayikpo. One of these dreams, to make her parents proud, has come from their inspiration, sacrifice and courage. When she was 6 years old, Ayikpo and her family moved to the United States as refugees from Togo, the West African nation sandwiched between Ghana and Benin. “I’m grateful, we actually struggled a lot,” she said. “My dad wanted a better life for us, he was in the military, so our life was hard. “Whatever I do, I make sure to please my parents and make them proud.” Today, she considers herself a Chicagoan and a happy member of The Tides community, where she became a member of the door staff last November. Although she hadn’t spent time in New Eastside before, she quickly became attached to the property’s welcoming attitude. “I love it,” she said. “I tell the residents, I tell my manager that I don’t want to leave anytime soon. You can’t beat this building, it’s perfect; the residents, the community, it’s perfect.” She also made a quick impression on the patrons at The Tides. One couple who has been quarantined in Canada even called Ayikpo directly to let her know they wouldn’t be coming back anytime soon. “The residents make me feel like I’m at home,” she said. “Days where I doubled and stayed overnight, it doesn’t bother me when I’m not able to go home. I can never hate coming to work.” Home is actually East Rogers Park, where Ayikpo connects to her spiritual side by studying the Bible, which she also brings to work and uses her faith to help people.
Ablavi Ayikpo from the Tides is Doorperson of the month. Photo by Mat Cohen
“We’re very religious and spiritual,” she said. “So I’m always reading books and feeding my spirit.” Ayikpo also hopes to design her own clothing line and launch an online boutique, which is one of the reasons she loves to pick the brains of business-minded residents. “I’m in the process of becoming a business woman,” she said. “There’s always something to talk to them about and I love knowing what they do.” But for now, she is exactly where she wants to be, making her parents proud. “My favorite part of the job is to help the residents,” she said. “I really love when I can solve a problem on my end. We’re right here, so being able to solve problems makes people’s days better. If I can help in any way, I can.” 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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Portion of Rush St. to be outdoor dining The portion of Rush Street from Oak to Cedar streets is among six thoroughfares that will be dedicated to alternative uses, such as outdoor dining, in a new program introduced by Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot. Titled “Our Streets,” the plan reflects a multi-departmental effort coordinated with the Illinois Restaurant Association and local chambers of commerce. It is designed to provide “much needed relief to restaurants of all sizes,” according to a news release. “As our City looks to move into the next phase of our reopening framework, it is essential that we take additional steps to protect the health and safety of Chicagoans as they visit local businesses and travel throughout the city,” Lightfoot said. “This vision to reimagine some of Chicago’s residential streets and key restaurant corridors allows for increased social distancing and adherence to public health guidance as we begin the gradual reopening of our great city.”
City approves second-tallest building City Council approved construction to begin on Tribune Tower East, designed to rise 1,442 feet at 421 North Michigan Ave., The building will become Chicago’s second-tallest skyscraper. It is the centerpiece of a development that includes a hotel, retail space, 687 parking stalls, 14 loading berths and 726 dwelling units. Developers Golub and CIM Group refined the project over several meetings with Ald. Brendan Reilly and met with Cityfront Center West Association and SOAR (Streeterville Organization of Active Residents) as well as residents from 240 East Illinois St. The alderman listed several improvements that had been made to the original design in a newsletter to constituents. Among them: The addition of enhanced lighting. New vehicular and pedestrian entries. An internal building cut-through from Illinois St. to Cityfront Plaza, restricted curbside parking, the extension of a pedestrian refuge, and new, mature parkway trees. A redesign at Pioneer Court with a new public pathway connecting Michigan Avenue and Cityfront Plaza. Construction is expected to begin late next year or early 2022. l l l
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Two towers planned for 400 N. Lake Shore Drive.
CDOT to conduct traffic study before issuing permit for second tower When the first of two towers at 400 N. Lake Shore Drive is completed, the Chicago Department of Transportation will conduct a study to analyze its effect on neighborhood traffic before issuing permits for construction on the second tower, according to Ald. Brendan Reilly. Speaking at a May 27 Virtual Town Hall meeting, the alderman said developer Related Midwest had dropped the proposed hotel use at the location. Approved by the Chicago Plan Committee on May 21, the 400 N. Lake Shore Drive project includes 875- and 765-foot-tall towers that will contain 1,100 residential units.
DuSable Park project to be a ‘very public process’ After declaring “this park has to be spectacular to honor DuSable and Harold Washington’s legacy,” Ald. Brendan Reilly told constituents there will be “no fewer than three community-wide meetings about the process” of building DuSable Park. Described by the Chicago Park District as an “undeveloped 3.44 acre peninsula of reclaimed land located along the Lake Michigan shoreline directly east of North Lake Shore Drive,” the park will be used as a staging area for construction of the first tower at 400 N. Lake Shore Drive. Continued on page 10
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Home matters now more than ever before.
Rendering of Cascade Park and path leading toward Lake Michigan. Courtesy of Lendlease
Community-minded ‘final touch’ added to Lakeshore East Park By Daniel Patton Staff Writer Activity on Chicago’s Cirrus and Cascade towers hasn’t slowed during the pandemic, bringing the neighborhood closer to a new park-like space and connecting it with the lake. Standing near the intersection of Harbor and Waterside drives, the properties will serve a much greater population than the residents moving into its 866 units. The park will accommodate thousands of neighbors and visitors strolling between Lakeshore East Park and Lake Michigan. “Public space in connection to the lakefront for this part of the city is just as important as the architecture,” said Thomas Kerwin, founding principal of bKL Architecture, the firm that designed the buildings. “The location is one of the most strategic key sites in Chicago.” Although Kerwin is quick to explain
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how the bronze color palette his firm created for Cirrus and Cascade will enhance the “preponderance of green and blue glass towers” dominating Chicago’s skyline, he is just as enthusiastic to describe the innovations happening on the ground. “We created this valley park with landscape architect Claude Cormier,” he said. “Rather than having it elevated and detached, it’s sloped and connected. The barrier of Lake Shore Drive disappears because you can graciously walk underneath it.” According to Lendlease Executive General Manager Ted Weldon, who is heading up construction and development, the park reflects a community-minded solution. Driven by research showing up to 2,000 people pass through the area on certain days of the warmer months, it represents an evolution that Continued on page 6
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Cirrus and Cirrus and Cascade park Cascade park Continued from page 5
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“At the top of the park, you the top thethe park, you look“At down andofsee pathlookand down and green see thespace, path-” way all this way and all this green space, he added. “There will be a ” he added. “There will be a coffee shop where you walk Continued from page 5 coffee shop where you walk has occurred since the conunder the lower level.” under the lower level.Design ” haswas occurred sincein the concept developed 2015. Lendlease Creative Lendlease Creative Design cept was developed in 2015. “The original master plan Director Linda Kozloski said Director Linda Kozloski said “The original master plan called for four buildings with the new layout also complethe new layout also complecalled for four buildings with the park in the center,” he ments New Eastside’s unique ments New Eastside’s unique the park in the center,” he said. “It didn’t quite do the personality. personality. said. “It didn’t quite do the site justice because the space “The four-building concept “The four-building concept site justice because the space wasn’t shared by everyone and was like a wall of buildings,” wasn’t shared by everyone and was like a wall of buildings,” did not create great views for she said. “That works for some she said. “That works for some did not create great views for our neighbors.” neighborhoods, but we really neighborhoods, but we really our neighbors.” The revision included wanted to open up the space wanted to open up the space The revision included repositioning the park and and create a place for the comand create a place for the comrepositioning the park and designing a trio of what Kermunity to come together.” munity to come together.” designing a trio of what Kerwin AAregard regardfor foropen openspace space windescribes describesasas“taller, “taller,leaner leaner buildings” (the third tower inspired the design inspired the designof ofthe the buildings” (the third tower has buildings’ buildings’common commonareas, areas, hasnot notyet yetbeen beenunveiled). unveiled). The thatwere werearranged arrangedto toinclude include Thesite siteincludes includesthree three“out“out- that door living rooms” for public views of natural wonder views of natural wonderand and door living rooms” for public use, ”” civic civicbeauty. beauty.The Theamenities amenities use,along alongwith witha adog dogrun, run, Weldon floor floorwill willcontain containan anoutoutWeldonsaid. said.
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door pool, a row of barbecue door and pool,a adeck row overlooking of barbecue grills grillsShore and a Drive deck overlooking Lake and Lake Lake ShoreInside, Drive and Lake Michigan. a fitness Michigan. Inside, a fitness center and indoor pool will center and indoor will a offer the same vistapool through offer the same vista through a glass wall. glass wall. “We all understood imme“We that all understood diately you have toimmeorient diately that you towards have to orient common space Lake common space towards Lake Michigan, ” he said. “The glass Michigan,” he said. “The glass wall on the amenities floor is a wall on the amenities floor is a cool thing, especially at night cool thing, especially at night when there’s traffic on Lake when there’s traffic on Lake Shore Drive. It’s like a river.” Shore Drive. It’s like a river.” One story above the ameOne story above the amenities floor, the Cirrus lobby nities floor, the Cirrus lobby “overlooks Lake Shore Drive “overlooks Lake Shore Drive and right out out and brings brings your your view view right to the water, ” Kozloski said. to the water,” Kozloski said. She DevelShe credits credits Magellan Magellan Development Group for bringing opment Group for bringing the the project project and and the the neighborneighborhood to life. hood to life. “Lendlease with “Lendlease partnered partnered with
Magellan on the last parcel Magellan on the lastwhich parcelwe at Lakeshore East, at Lakeshore which consider the East, crown jewelwe consider because itthe is crown the lastjewel site that because it is the last “There’s site that they had,” she said. they had,”place she said. “There’s no other in the city no other place in the city like this. likeWeldon, this. who believes that Weldon, who believes thatin the buildings “will be seen the buildings “will be seen in any skyline shot from the lake any skyline shot from the lake towards the city,” called the towards the city,” called the project “a great final touch for project “a great final touch for Lakeshore East.” Lakeshore East.” The Magellan Development The Magellan Development Group initiated New Eastside’s Group initiated New Eastside’s transformation by, among transformation by, among other things, turning a forgotother things, turning a forgotten old railroad yard into an ten old railroad yard into an award-winninggreen greenspace. space. award-winning “The land sat fallow fordede“The land sat fallow for cades because nobody could cades because nobody could make itit come cometo tolife, life,””Kerwin Kerwin make said. “Now Lakeshore East said. “Now Lakeshore East Park is one of the most beauti- Skyline view of Cirrus and Cascade towers. RenPark is one of the most beautiSkyline view of Cirrus and Cascade towers. Renderingcourtesy courtesyofofbKL bKLArchitecture Architecture ful parks in the country. dering ful parks in the country.””
Coronavirus Effects on Real Estate in New Eastside By Vikki Kokuzian Ready, set, go! Although we are in such a rush to bust out of our units and scream “Freedom,” believe it or not, the real estate market, especially in our neighborhood, has not shifted drastically. In fact, the luxury market ( $750K+) in the 60601 ZIP code has experienced an eight percent increase in price per square foot since last year for the period January 1 to April 30, from $550 to $603 per square foot. Of course there has been a dip in activity, yet I have been doing showings with buyers virtually and some in person, all while abiding by CDC & NAR guidelines. I am holding Zoom conferences and
presenting relevant market data to sellers and to those who love charts and graphs. Remember, the real estate market has similar parallels to the stock market. Navigating these questionable times not only forces us to look at our position and portfolios, but also give us hope for an emerging revolution in
work, space and lifestyle. This is the time to make the changes you have thought about for years. Are you considering the bigger place so you can work from home more comfortably, or the extra bedroom you need to put your significant other in before you lose your mind? Or perhaps the peace and calmness of water views beckon you to raise your glass of wine while on a Zoom call dressed up top, with your dresseddown bottoms. This is our time to reset, look up and realize there is so much to rebuild and look forward to. Curious about the value of your unit? Want to stop throwing your money away on rent and figure out what you can buy for the same monthly payment? Interest rates
are back to their historical low so that means your buying power has increased. You are my neighbor... let me be your source! Vikki Kokuzian works and lives in New Eastside.
Vikki Kokuzian Global Luxury Condo Specialist Coldwell Banker Gold Coast 676 N. Michigan Ave. Suite #3010 Chicago, Il. 60611 Cell : 312.545.0076
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The mask side-eye By Doug Rapp Staff Writer He gave me the side eye as we passed on the sidewalk. It’s a new age look that new mask wearers have adopted. I was walking to Winnemac Park in Ravenswood for my daily quarantine constitutional, wearing a basic disposable face mask, per the governor’s executive order when in public and unable to maintain six feet social distance. The other guy was not wearing a mask, and his disdainful look suggested he disapproved of my cowardly capitulation to the government’s guidelines. This brief exchange led me to conduct an unscientific survey of how others were dealing with the rules as the holiday weekend’s good weather drew many people outside. Doing laps around the park and furtively talking into my EarPods’ microphone, I counted who was wearing masks, who wasn’t and who was doing it wrong. The numbers: roughly one-third of people were wearing masks, two-thirds weren’t and an outlying seven percent or so had masks but weren’t wearing them correctly. You could realistically walk through the park and avoid coming within six feet of others, but most people were oblivious to this. The most baffling part
Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s executive order requires face masks to be worn when in public and unable to maintain six feet social distance. Photo by Flickr Creative commons Eden, Jaime and Jim
I counted who was wearing masks, who wasn’t and who was doing it wrong. was the mixed-mask couples and groups. I saw a handful of couples with almost always the woman wearing a mask while the man didn’t. I saw biking families with the parents wearing masks while their kids didn’t. I saw groups of friends close together with some in masks and some not. A pregnant woman walked alone with no mask. Contrasted to this, one woman alone in the middle of a field wore a mask with no one within several yards of her. The only consistent thing was inconsistency. Another older man sitting on a bench gave me
a side eye as I passed. Aside from the simple masked or no-mask people were those who had masks and didn’t wear them properly or wear them at all. One older couple, chasing their wayward poodle through the park, had masks around their necks as they yelled, freely passing within inches of others. Many kids on bikes wore masks pulled under their noses. A third maskless man gave me side eye, but then I wondered if it was the kind of mask I wore. It’s a basic light blue face mask that looks similar to surgical masks. Maybe they think I’m hoarding PPE. Regardless of the inconsistency people show as we slowly reemerge from lockdown, a message written in chalk on a walking path in the park offers some hope. It read, “We will get thru this by love!”
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Businesses prepare to ‘cautiously reopen’ By Daniel Patton Staff Writer Phase three of Mayor Lightfoot’s plan to lift coronavirus restrictions has begun. In this stage certain businesses, public amenities and non-essential workers can resume operations, as long as they do it “cautiously” and, if possible, while wearing face masks, remaining in small groups and staying six feet apart. New Eastside business owners and managers are doing their best to accommodate. Island Party Hut According to Steve Majerus, partner at Island Party Hut, the expansive tiki bar and grill with outdoor games and Adirondack chairs has always offered patrons an abundance of social distancing space because it occupies such a large area of the Riverwalk. “We’re like your big backyard in the city,” Majerus said. Still, the location will be ready for healthy rest and relaxation when customers begin to arrive. “We’ve been doing a lot of cleaning and repairs and adjustments to compensate for COVID-19,” he said. “We are spacing our tables eight to ten feet apart and we’ve got dedicated play areas for our outdoor games.”
Other hygienic improvements include a contactless payment system that allows customers to settle up by inserting cards into a chip-reading device. “We can spin the screen around, and customers don’t have to touch something that someone else has touched,” Majerus said. The venue’s river-based sister company, Island Party Boats, also hopes to operate its fleet of recreational and touring vessels. “They’re saying ten people on a boat, so we anticipate being able to take out groups of that size,” he said. “We’re super excited to see all of our neighborhood friends enjoying the outdoors and having Mai Tais, margaritas and Riverwalk Ramblers.” Urban Kayaks Melissa Anderson, general manager at Urban Kayaks, said that the rental operation intends to “follow the guidelines that the city is recommending” at both their Riverwalk and lakefront locations. “That includes having employees wear face masks, even though we’re outside,” she said. “We’re also going to set up sneeze guards at the front desk and wipe down the kayaks and paddles between every use.” The life jackets that customers wear will
Urban Kayaks will follow the city’s guidelines to open in phase three. Courtesy of Urban Kayaks
be washed at the end of every day, she said, unless they are used more than once, which is a rare occurrence. Other precautions include limiting groups to ten or less, placing social-distancing signage and offering disposable gloves to customers in the retail area. Urban Kayaks also encourages customers to make reservations in advance to help minimize the amount of time and number of people at the indoor front desk. Gordon Salon Customers visiting Gordon Salon will be required to complete a “COVID-19
Screening Form” within 24 hours of their scheduled appointments at all the business’s locations, including the one at 333 E. Benton Place. Containing four basic questions about coronavirus symptoms and contact with people who might be infected by the virus, the form is one of several new procedures that the family-owned business will introduce when it reopens in June. Others include requiring guests to bring and wear their own face masks, arrive no sooner than five minutes before their appointments, and avoid touching retail items.
New Eastside buildings begin to reopen common areas By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer As Chicago slides into phase three of the reopening plan, New Eastside residential buildings are creating interim guidelines for the safe use of common areas, rooftops and patios. At the Lancaster, residents can use the outdoor rooftop if they adhere to social distancing, wear masks and limit the number of people in the space. At this time, no guests are permitted. Harbor Point’s outdoor sundeck and terrace is open to res-
Panoramic View the outdoor rooftop at the Lancaster. Courtesy of Elizabeth Johnston
idents only. Facial coverings are required in all common areas and instances when social distancing isn’t possible on the terrace. The pool and fitness center remain closed, but the board is in discus-
sion about how to safely reopen those amenities. The Aqua’s amenities are currently closed and, according to management, there are no plans to open in the foreseeable future.
Though New Eastside buildings have varying amenities and shared spaces, residents can expect that capacity will be limited in common areas. Face coverings should be worn and residents
should comply with social distancing protocols. According to guidelines issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, bringing wipes to disinfect and clean shared patio furniture before and after use will minimize the spread of germs, as well as using hand sanitizer. Avoid common areas and stay home if you have been diagnosed with COVID-19 or have symptoms. Check with individual buildings for rules and requirements for use of amenities and common areas, since moving into phase three will be a gradual transition.
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Future of city summer camps uncertain By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer Summer camp officials have been compelled to make difficult decisions about how to handle children’s programming this year. Some camps have cancelled their summer programs, some plan to start when restrictions loosen and others are transitioning their curriculum to an entirely virtual platform. In the prior years, Chicago Park District’s summer camp program has been so popular that community members camped out overnight in the pedway to secure a spot in the six-week long day camp. This year, CPD has adjusted the summer registration and program dates in response to the modified stay-at-home order. Details are still in the works. “Things are fluid and ever-changing,” Maggie Daley Park Supervisor Jackie Guthrie said. Starting June 1, you can view programming online and registration will begin on June 11. Camp dates would be July 6-31. Camp GEMS, located in Lakeshore East Park, plans to
Children participate in the SAIC Multi-Arts Camp in 2019. Photo by Elizabeth Johnston
open June 15. According to its website, officials are continuing to monitor the situation and follow recommendations made by the World Health Organization. Lookingglass Theater, 821 N. Michigan Ave., will move its summer programming to a virtual platform consisting of live Zoom classes, pre-recorded videos and offline
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
guided projects. The plan is to include writing and art activities, visits from guest artists, playwriting and costume design and workshops in movement and puppetry. There will be significant changes to how kids attend and parents are considering their options. “Even if summer camps were happening, I wouldn’t be sending him,” Chicago resident Kathleen Hayes said, regarding her 10-year-old son, Henry. “I’d consider something virtual and creative that works with the interests of the kids, but no in-person camps. We intend to stay 100% coronavirus free.” New Eastside resident Elizabeth Johnston expressed concerns about her 8-year-old daughter getting headaches and bloodshot eyes from so much screen time. “I can’t imagine having virtual camp all day. It’s too much screen time.” When asked about virtual summer camp for her children, New Eastside resident Alexis Jones said, “I don’t plan to do it, but it could be a good way for them to see friends a bit. The social aspect of summer being taken away is hard to imagine.”
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| EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@chicagostarmedia.com
Through June 30
Registration for Lookingglass Theatre virtual summer camps “Wondergglass” Kindergarten through third grade. The perfect summer camp for that little wonder in your life. Twoweek sessions running Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. begin July 13, July 27 and Aug. 10, $400 per session “summergglass” Entering grades four through eight. Campers can work on guided off-screen projects to accompany their morning classes. Two-week sessions running Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. begin June 29, July 13, July 27 and Aug. 10, $685 per session Summer Camp “On the Lake” Entering grades three through eight. A comprehensive virtual arts camp experience that calls upon budding artists to take stock of and action in our present landscape. Four-week session runs Monday through Friday, 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. from July 6 to 31, $885, (773) 696-0496, lookingglasstheatre.org
June 1-3, July 1
Virtual Summer Camp hosted by Usit Live sessions where college students teach skills to children ages 3 to 8 every week, hosted by Usit, Inc. Everything from iPhone photography to coding to TikTok master classes. Sessions run five days a week, two hours per day for one or four weeks, 9:30 to 11 a.m. and 1 to 3 p.m., $25-$30, virtual.usit.care/ virtual-summer
June 3 and 13
Chicago’s Downtown Theatre District Zoom presentation by Chicago Architecture Center CAC docent Robin Simon outlines the history and shares interesting facts about the Chicago neighborhood that is home to landmark venues like the Cadillac Palace Theatre, the Chicago Theatre and the James M. Nederlander Theatre, 7 p.m. on June 3, 1 p.m. on June 13, $8, architecture.org/ programs-events
June 4
Victoria Jaiani and Temur Suluashvili interview with Joffrey Ballet The real life husband and wife will talk about their experience dancing the lead roles of “Giselle” and “Prince Albrecht” and how they have fared while quarantined as a family with Rehearsal Director Adam Blyde. Part of the Joffrey’s “On Cue” interview series, 2:30 p.m., instagram.com/joffreyballet
June 5-7
Chicago Blues streaming live On the days that would have marked the 37th Annual Chicago Blues Festival, the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events will stream live blues concerts on YouTube, youtube.com/ ChicagoDCASE
June 7
“Train Like the Pros” Joffrey Ballet weekly workout video series Company artist Greig Matthews hosts a
live YouTube exercise program. 11 a.m., youtube.com/TheJoffreyBallet
June 13
Virtual takeover with MCA’s Teen Creative Agency Explore live workshops and performances, downloadable zines, and DIY activities about power, justice, and creative agency in the “21Minus” series hosted by the Museum of Contemporary Art’s Teen Creative Agency, Noon to 5 p.m., mcachicago.org
Ongoing
The Second City online stand-up classes Do you think you’re funny? Prove it. This beginner class will educate participants on the basics of writing and performing stand-up comedy. Second City teacher, Catharine Savage will lead the class and students will be paired with soon-to-be comedians and an experienced instructor. Tuesdays, 4-6 p.m. and Thursdays 7- 9 p.m. www. secondcity.com
| NEWS BRIEFS | Continued from page 4
John and Karen Urie Shields at Smyth have been nominated for a James Beard Award. By Galdones Photography
Four local chefs nominated for Beard Awards Gene Kato at Momotaro, Noah Sandoval at Oriole and John and Karen Urie Shields at Smyth have been nominated for James Beard Awards in the Great Lakes region. The James Beard Foundation is a nonprofit organization which celebrates, nurtures, and honors chefs and other leaders making America’s food culture more delicious, diverse, and sustainable.
Smyth, which also serves New American tasting menus, was named 2019 restaurant of the year by the local Jean Banchet awards. “With everything going on in the world right now, we were surprised when we started getting congratulations texts,” the Shields wrote in an emailed statement. “It feels great to be recognized by James Beard and to have something to celebrate during these strange times.” Momotaro, which blends traditional and contemporary Japanese cuisine, was previously named on “Michelin Guide’s” best Japanese restaurants in Chicago in 2018. Oriole, which offers a New American tasting menu, is offering pickup meal kits for two inspired by Sandoval’s childhood in Virginia.
Chicago launches ‘Millennium Park at home’ Chicago is bringing the city’s legendary Blues Festival into the homes of fans who have helped make it a global sensation. The Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events has launched “Millennium Park at Home,” a series of live virtual concerts streaming on YouTube (youtube.com/ChicagoDCASE) and Facebook (@ MillenniumParkChicago). On the days that would have marked the 37th Annual
Blues Fest—June 5-7—live Blues will still be presented online. Grant Park Music Festival is also preparing online programming this summer, Lurie Garden is posting updates on it’s website and Facebook page, and the Chicago Cultural Center is also offering content about exhibitions and Meet the Artists programming. Additionally, the Year of Chicago Music will continue to amplify the excitement building across the local industry throughout 2021. For information, visit chicagoculturalcenter.org.
Downtown vandalized following George Floyd’s death Following George Floyd’s death in Minneapolis, Chicago residents looked on in dismay at the vandalism caused by protesters who wreaked havoc on downtown streets in the last week of May. The National Guard was called to set up a perimeter around Chicago and restrict access in an effort to prevent further riots. As of printing: 240 people had been arrested, 6 people were shot and one person killed. Local alderman urged residents to stay inside and emergency board-up crews secured hundreds of businesses in anticipation of additional protests. Alderman advised that the clean up would take some time given the extent of the damage.
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| NEWS BREAK |
Road trip during pandemic can be challenging
I
didn’t want to leave Florida. I could have stayed in the Sunshine State for a few more months. My wife, however, had different ideas, so I’m back. A long road trip during the pandemic is a little challenging, but there were some surprising Jon Cohn COMMUNITY advantages as well. CONTRIBUTOR First came trip preparation. Besides the normal packing, you have to add all your protective equipment, including disposable gloves, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, face mask and a bag to throw them all in after use. The trip heading out of Florida was a breeze. Traffic on the highway was light as we cruised into Georgia and
Jumble
MGINKOD CPEHA COLASE
sped through normal downtown Atlanta traffic jams with uncanny ease. Gas stops were part pleasure and part pain. The pleasure was seeing gas prices under $2. The pain? At each stop we had to prepare as if we were heading in for major surgery. Before getting out of the car, it was on with the mask and the gloves. Proper national health organization precautions were taken while filling up the gas tank and entering the rest area snack shops. Then things got complicated. To go to the washroom, you have to touch your belt and pants, of course, but the gloves may now be contaminated, possibly putting the virus on your clothing. What to do? After three and half hours of driving, I didn’t have long to decide. So off come the gloves, followed by the government mandated 20-second vigorous hand wash. Heading
out of the restroom, I put the gloves back on, but I didn’t want to contaminate the door handles of the car, so off come the gloves again. This exhausting back and forth went on at each stop. Let’s get into the hotel. After being informed of the award-winning housekeeping staff, the toilet seat in our room indicated otherwise. The breakfast buffet was kaput, replaced by a less nutritious bagged breakfast to go. The long journey finished with an arrival in Chicago right about rush hour and we cruised through downtown with little delay. What a beautiful view that Chicago skyline is as you drive into the city. It made me glad to be back home. Now, I have to self-quarantine for 14 days, right? John Cohn is a New Eastside resident.
Community photos XETREP ENVUE ASISNG
Send photos and captions of things going on in the neighborhood to info@chicagostarmedia.com for a chance for your photo to be featured. Featured photographers will receive $25.
A difficult or messy situation. Previous answer: Every night I’m told what to do, and each morning I do what I’m told. But I still don’t escape your scold. What am I? An alarm clock
Where am I? Do you know where this is?
If you think you know, email us at info@chicagostarmedia.com.
Lions at the Art Institute of Chicago on Michigan Avenue. Photo by Handel Tejeda
12 / JUNE 2020
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Your Neighborhood’s URBAN REAL ES T ATE
#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
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222 N Columbus Unit 4004
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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
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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
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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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312.528.9200
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*Based on 2019 verified closed sales data from MRED