Streeterville News November 2019

VOL. 2 NO. 11

Got a story tip or question? Call (312) 690-3092

November 2019

www.thestreeterville.com

FREE

HITTING THE PAVEMENT

Streeterville Walks welcomes newcomers to neighborhood

Page 4

University of Chicago’s outpatient facility will open early 2020 Starbucks flagship set to open Nov. 15 Page 3 Page 4 A Streeterville Walks group takes in the sights and sounds of the area. Photo by Mat Cohen

Comedy showcase marks decade in Streeterville

Page 12

Doorperson of the Month: Ralph Johnson

Page 5

Kids scale walls, shoot hoops as cold weather sets in Page 8 Drunk Shakespeare delivers unpredictable laughs Page 6

Locals embrace ‘Season of Giving’

Page 10

2 / NOVEMBER 2019

N E W

E A S T S I D E

N E W S / S T R E E T E R V I L L E

N E W S

www.neatside.com

| NEWS |

How to Contact Us info@neweastsidecommunity.com

200 E. Randolph St. Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 690-3092 Editor: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com Managing Editor Stephanie Racine stephanieracine@ neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writers: Doug Rapp Mat Cohen Angela Gagnon Elisa Shoenberger Copy Editors: Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design: Bob Oswald Community Contributors: Jon Cohn

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 Nov. 1, 2019 Copyright ©2019. All rights reserved.

A Circuit rider is picked up at Navy Pier. Photo Courtesy of Circuit

Going green with Circuit ridesharing

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer With Mayor Lightfoot’s new proposal on taxing solo rideshares, Circuit is a new viable option.

Circuit is a free and green rideshare company that made their debut in Chicago over the summer. New Eastside and Streeterville are popular stops.

The cars resemble shuttles, with each of the six passengers having their own door. The vehicles are fully electric and are hailed just like other rideshare companies, by using an app.

Circuit has almost completed its pilot period in downtown Chicago and is winding down in November, but the company has no plans to leave.

“By no means do we want to leave Chicago. We’d love to be there full time,” said Circuit Co-Founder Alexander Esposito.

Circuit brand ambassador Matt Grothendieck has been giving free rides in Chicago since mid-August. Photo by Mat Cohen

Circuit is looking for new ad partners for Chicago, but ideally they’d like to operate in Chicago by working with the city itself.

“We’re hoping to secure a longer-term service agreement with the City, local transit agencies or another local organization,” said Esposito.

In San Diego, there are 22 Circuit cars in operation with

around 21,000 rides a month.

Chicago’s ridesharing numbers are much larger than that, with the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning reporting 286,000 rideshare rides per day.

Esposito said they want to help with downtown congestion by making Circuit easily accessible at parking garages.

They also want to help promote public transportation use.

“If more people could get a ride to the train, I think more people would use public transportation,” Esposito said.

According to co-Founder James Mirras, there was a trend of Circuit customers using the service to get to and from the Washington/Wells CTA station.

“I was visiting family in the suburbs and used Circuit to get from the Metra to an appointment I had,” said Circuit user Ana Ayrempour.

Ayrempour was surprised

at how smooth the process was, especially with it being a free service.

“It was a quick pickup and the driver was nice,” she said.

Circuit employs drivers full-time and wants to focus on having local people driving their cars. Esposito thinks this helps bring a more comfortable feel to the experience.

“I’ve seen a driver taking time to teach an older woman how to use the app,” Esposito said.

Circuit was started by Esposito and his partner, James Mirras, as a beach shuttle in the Hamptons in New York, and was originally called The Free Ride. Now, Circuit has grown in different cities—both big and small. South Florida, Texas, California, and the Jersey Shore currently have Circuit.

For more information and to download the app, visit thefreeride.com

www.neatside.com www.thestreeterville.com

N E W

E A S T S IS DT ER ENEETWE SR /VSI TL RL EE E N T E W R VS I L L E

N E W S

NOVEMBER 2019 / 3

| NEWS BRIEFS | Stockton takes over former Jellyfish space

Chicago Roastery Exterior Design Rendering. Courtesy of Starbucks

Starbucks flagship set to open Nov. 15 The highly anticipated Starbucks Reserve Roastery Chicago will open 9 a.m. Nov. 15 at 646 N. Michigan Ave. The 43,000-squarefoot coffee shop will be the world’s largest Starbucks housed in the former Crate and Barrel location downtown. In addition to coffee and pastries, they will serve pizza and cocktails. For its cocktail program, Starbucks is working with bartenders Annie Beebe-Tron of Fat Rice and Rachel Miller of Community Tavern. Princi, a Starbucks backed Italian bakery will supply the pizza.

Stockton celebrated their grand opening Oct. 10 in the former Jellyfish space at 1009 N. Rush St. Stockton.

The “globally-inspired” restaurant features fresh seafood, shareable meat dishes and Seafood Tower. Courtesy vegan and vegetarian of The Stockton options, according to a news release. A seafood tower will be available in two sizes and will include options such as king crab, lobster, and oysters. Vegan dishes include spinach hummus and gluten-free vegetable pasta. Speciality cocktails will include the Matcha Ordinary Mojito, which is mixed with Bacardi Superior and mint-infused ice. Brunch will be served on weekends, with items like an Acai Bowl and Cinnamon Roll Pancakes.

In November, Stockton Lounge will open in

Learning Locally, Thinking Globally At GEMS World Academy Chicago, the International Baccalaureate curriculum and our commitment to using Chicago as an extension of the classroom help students discover a world of possibility in and beyond their city. As part of a network of schools around the world focusing on developing the culturally competent leaders of tomorrow, we offer exchange and collaboration to inspire new perspectives, challenge convention, and develop the resilience to embrace a future of unknowns.

312.809.8910 | 350 East South Water Street, Chicago, IL 60601

the space. “The Lounge will deliver a defined selection of dishes from the dining menu, along with exclusive cocktails and impressive wine list,” according to the release.

For more information, visit stocktonchicago.com

Forever21 flagship closes on Michigan Ave. and other branches could follow Troubled clothing retailer Forever21 closed its flagship store on Michigan Ave. after ten years at the 30,200-square-foot space. However, Forever21’s troubles are far from over—it filed for bankruptcy protection at the end of September and has announced a third of its 549 stores may be closed across the US. Company officials hope that negotiating leases and rent reductions may help keep some of the threatened locations from closing. Among the announced closures is the other Michigan Ave. branch at Water Tower Place as well as two stores in Chicago and four in the suburbs.

Continued on page 10

Apply Now for 2020 Admissions Join us at our October 26 Open House.

Details and registration at gemschicago.org.

Select space available for the current school year

4 / NOVEMBER 2019

N E W

E A S T S IS DT ER ENEETWE SR /VSI TL RL EE E N T E W R VS I L L E

N E W S

www.thestreeterville.com www.neatside.com

| NEWS |

Streeterville Walks welcomes newcomers to the neighborhood

By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer Streeterville Walks, a social walking program of Streeterville Neighborhood Advocates, has been around for nearly six years.

Craig Kaiser, who organizes the walks, started the program as a neighborhood watch endeavor.

But he noticed people who came on the watch were much more interested in the social aspect, so the event evolved.

The walk was then focused on hidden gems including public art, architecture, and businesses.

Now, Streeterville Walks adds a different angle: welcoming newcomers to the neighborhood.

“We will introduce new people to the highlights of living [in Streeterville], including the usual history, art and architecture but also pointing out the great amenities like

groceries, coffee shops, childcare, pet care, parks etc.,” Kaiser said.

The first walk of the season took place at 10 a.m. on Oct 5.

The group met at the plaza next to the new Apple Store, on Michigan Avenue, just north of the river.

New residents come to Streeterville frequently. With schools and hospitals in the area, including Northwestern Law and Northwestern Hospital, there are a lot of newcomers every year. According to Kaiser, more than thirty thousand people live in Streeterville, along with ten thousand dogs.

Christian and Janet Silge moved to Streeterville from Lake Forest about six months ago. “We were looking for a way to get to know the neighborhood a bit better,” Christian Silge said. They happened upon the Streeterville Walk on the neighborhood app

NextDoor and have been happy with the experience.

“We love the fact that each walk has a different focus and we are always excited to learn some new tidbit of information or some historical significance of a street, building, park, monument, mural, or other artwork” Silge said.

The couple is happy to be more educated about the community and look forward to future walks.

“Who knows, maybe we will lead some future walks ourselves,” Silge said.

Kaiser took note of classic Streeterville lore, mentioning the story of its founder—George Wellington “Cap” Streeter. He also pointed out definitive restaurants in Streeterville, such as Robert’s Pizzeria, Yolk, and Lizzie McNeil’s. He spouted little-known architectural factoids, including

Craig Kaiser (center) points out historical facts to residents Chris Silge (right), Mike and Margaret Ewing during the Streeterville walk last month.

Photo by Mat Cohen

the ordinance that Tribune Tower will always have an uninterrupted view of the lake.

Kaiser is hoping to partner with real estate agents in the area who sell or rent to newcomers, so they will have an opportunity to go on a walk and learn about

the neighborhood, while also meeting their neighbors.

For more information about the Streeterville Walks program, email SNA60611@gmail.com, or join their official Streeterville Neighborhood Advocates Facebook group.

University of Chicago’s outpatient facility set to open early 2020

By Stephanie Racine and Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writers University of Chicago Medicine will open a state-of-the-art clinic at 355 E. Grand Ave. in Streeterville in early 2020. The 42,000-square-foot center, which encompasses two floors, will house several medical departments. Primary care, urology, cardiology, dermatology, gastroenterology, X-ray services, women’s care and other services will be provided in the new facility, as well as extended-hour urgent care.

UChicago Medicine has two other clinics in Streeterville, 150 E. Huron St. and 680 N. Lake Shore Drive. Previously, these locations were home to a multispeciality facility at 150 E. Huron, and a women’s

A rendering of what the new UChicago Facility in Streeterville will look like. Image courtesy of UChicago Medicine

health facility at 680 N. Lake Shore. After the new clinic is constructed, these locations will be consolidated into the new Grand Avenue location. It will be the first clinic outside its Hyde Park campus that

can provide immediate care, according to a news release.

“This is in recognition of patients’ growing needs to access quality health care when their physicians’ offices are closed or

when they need urgent medical attention that isn’t life threatening,” said Kenneth S. Polonsky, MD, dean and executive vice president for medical affairs at the University of Chicago.

UChicago Medicine serves the estimated 387,500 people who live in proximity to the new facility, plus the estimated 62,000 residents in UChicago Medicine’s planning area who commute downtown.

“This $17 million construction project represents a continuation to develop UChicago Medicine’s footprint and reach, increase access and convenience for our patients, and meet the growing demand for health services in the area,” Polonsky said.

For more information about the new facility, visit uchicagomedicine.org.

www.neatside.com www.thestreeterville.com

N E W

E A S T S IS DT ER ENEETWE SR /VSI TL RL EE E N T E W R VS I L L E

N E W S

NOVEMBER 2019 / 5

| COMMUNITY CORNER |

Doorperson Ralph Johnson has been working at 200 E. Delaware Place since 1982. Photo by Mat Cohen

Doorperson of the Month Ralph Johnson at 200 E. Delaware Place

By Mat Cohen Staff Writer If there are any similarities between tending to 60 aquariums of freshwater tropical fish and being a doorman in a high-rise apartment building, Ralph Johnson would know.

Johnson, who has worked at 200 E. Delaware Place for 37 years, is the Streeterville Doorperson of the Month. He has been around for three lobby renovations and has seen kids grow to adulthood and have families of their own.

Johnson successfully bred tropical fish and supplied them to 30 pet stores in the Chicago area.

“It’s nice, you see the people through the years,” he said. “Everyone is really friendly, I’ve seen people with little kids when they came here, and now their kids are having kids. And I’ve seen those children come to live here.”

Johnson’s favorite part of the job is building connections with residents. Some of whom he’s had over to his house for barbecues.

“Helping people is a big thing,” he said. “I’m more personable, but there are some people that seem more attached to certain people.

“It’s personable when you’re a condo doorman rather than a hotel doorman.

You get to know the people.”

Johnson has many stories to tell about love, friends and family. But his greatest

story is of meeting his wife.

About 10 years ago, his future wife moved into the building to work as a cleaning lady. They met and ended up getting married on a cliff in Lake Tahoe with just the two of them and a minister.

A dream come true for Johnson.

He also built a great relationship with a Jewish Hungarian couple who showed him the definition of true love each day.

“They would always walk hand-in-hand when they went out,” he said. “You could see a real love between them.

“When she couldn’t get out and was getting into her 80s, he would walk from underneath this canopy out front and look up to his wife in the window and wave. He would shuffle another 10 or 15 feet and look up and wave. Before he got to the end of the block he would do that three or four times. Their love was really strong.”

Johnson looks forward to his birthday in June and retiring around that time as well. He’ll be happy to have more time without the commute from Des Plaines.

To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com with the door person’s name and why you think they should be the doorperson of the month. Each winner will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.

The Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Parade Saturday November 23 Parade Steps off at 5:30 PM Michigan Avenue: Oak Street to Wacker Drive Kick off the 2019 Holiday Season with Lights Fest Chair Gail Spreen.

Fun begins Friday 4PM -8PM at Pioneer court 401 N Michigan Ave with a Kids Zone and tons of free food & fun!

(312)925-7668

Gail@StreetervilleProperties.com

“YOUR STREETERVILLE EXPERT”

6 / NOVEMBER 2019

N E W

E A S T S I D E

N E W S / S T R E E T E R V I L L E

N E W S

www.neatside.com

| FEATURES |

‘Drink sir, is a great provoker’ Drunk Shakespeare delivers unpredictable laughs

By Doug Rapp Staff Writer Behind an unmarked door on Wabash Street on a narrow stage, actor Courtney Rikki Green downs four shots of whiskey.

She isn’t fighting stage fright— this is part of the show.

Welcome to Drunk Shakespeare, a self-proclaimed drinking club with a Shakespeare problem. The small troupe performs one of Shakespeare’s plays with a twist: one actor is drinking. A lot.

The chosen actor takes four shots before the show, then two more during the performance in a space modeled to look like a hidden library speakeasy.

“It’s taking a fresh look at Shakespeare and playing with it and letting people know that it’s approachable,” resident director Kathleen Coombs said.

At two recent performances of Macbeth, Courtney Rikki Green imbibed 12 shots of whiskey throughout the night while playing Macduff, Macbeth’s nemesis.

Drunk Shakespeare mainly sticks to the plot but allows plenty of room for improvisation. The actors, including Elizabeth Rentfro and Chelsea David, faithfully recite monologues while breaking into contemporary songs (Radiohead’s “Creep”), pulling audience members on stage or bringing out a birthday cake for actor Jordan Golding, who played Macbeth.

Thomas Toles is the host, or “designated plot driver” as he calls it.

“I’m there to keep the story somewhat on track and also enable [the actors] at any moment to be their worst selves,” he said.

Green, for her part, held up remarkably well. She did drink hot sauce on stage, made a puppet

do inappropriate things and poke Golding in sensitive areas with props, but returned to form to deliver her lines when needed.

“The alcohol helps so much,” Green said. “I’m into it.”

Before joining Drunk Shakespeare, she said the idea of drinking before a performance was unthinkable.

“Now, I’m like ‘Yes!’ That is how I unlock and unfurl and uncover the best parts of my acting ability,” Green said.

Coombs said alcohol helps the actors’ improv, allowing surprises and discoveries for a unique show each time. It all dovetails with Chicago’s reputation as the mecca of improv.

“I think it’s a really great fit for Chicago,” Coombs said. “We’re a theater town, an improv town and a town that loves drinking and having fun.”

Toles said drinking makes

Actor Jordan Golding prepares to take a shot during a performance of Drunk Shakespeare. Courtesy of Drunk Shakespeare

Shakespeare more relatable. High school English teachers have told him they wish they could bring classes to see what makes Shakespeare “so special and interesting and fun.” The show is 21 and over.

The diverse audiences at the frequently sold-out shows are approaching Shakespeare from various angles, Toles said.

“That’s a nice feeling when you get the nerdy Shakespeare fan and the jock from the frat house and they both are invested,” he said.

“That’s so cool.”

“It’s a unique beast of a show that

is truly unlike anything in Chicago,” Green added.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, binge drinking (having 4 or more drinks within 2 hours) has serious health risks such as strokes, liver disease, various cancers plus memory and learning problems (like forgetting lines from MacBeth).

Drunk Shakespeare performs Wednesday through Sunday at 182 N. Wabash Ave. Visit drunkshakespeare.com for showtimes and tickets, and remember to drink responsibly.

AmazonGo coming to Prudential

By Stephanie Racine and Mat Cohen Staff Writers

The new AmazonGo will be located at One Two Pru at Randolph and Stetson. Photo by Stephanie Racine

AmazonGo is under construction at the One Prudential Plaza tower, 130 E. Randolph St., near Lake Street and Stetson Avenue, according to the Amazon website.

It will be the second AmazonGo location in New Eastside, joining its Illinois Center location at 111 E. Wacker Drive. AmazonGo is Amazon’s version of grocery and convenience store shopping. Customers scan in with the AmazonGo app, take what they need from the shelves, and walk out.

“Our checkout-free shopping experience is made possible by the

same types of technologies used in self-driving cars: computer vision, sensor fusion, and deep learning,” the website stated. After Amazon automatically detects what has been taken, the items appear in a virtual cart, and the customer’s account is charged.

AmazonGo is a popular stop for workers and busy people in New Eastside. “I’m about to get on an airplane so just wanted to stop in quick to grab a bottle of water” said AmazonGo shopper Bill Meier.

Meier has been to the AmazonGo in San Francisco as well, and is a big fan of the convenience. “It’s high-tech, futuristic and where things are going,” said Meier.

“I don’t always have a ton of time in the middle of the work day, or

when I’m trying to get home at the end of the day,” said shopper Catherine Phaneuf. For Phaneuf, stopping at AmazonGo is the easiest and fastest way to grab a snack, or a full meal in a hurry.

Beyond groceries, AmazonGo offers ready-to-make meal kits, which can be cooked for two people in 30 minutes. Local bakery and other artisanal items are also available.

AmazonGo even has organic raw beef or chicken to pick up. “It saves an extra trip to the grocery store if you decide to cook something on a whim last minute,” says Phaneuf.

For more information about AmazonGo, visit amazon.com or download the AmazonGo app.

www.neatside.com

N E W

E A S T S I D E

N E W S / S T R E E T E R V I L L E

N E W S

NOVEMBER 2019 / 7

| FEATURES |

Musician wins a spot in the heart of New Eastside

By Mat Cohen Staff Writer In New Eastside’s version of American Idol, there’s no Ryan Seacrest or dimming of lights, but there is a pretty great prize for the winner.

Musician Justin Elliott has reaped the rewards after winning the competition Magellan Development Group puts on each year.

Elliot, a solo artist as well as frontman for the band Honeystone, has been living at the Aqua since the summer in exchange for being the real estate developer’s inhouse musician.

The performance venue includes the Drunken Bean Coffee and Wine Bar every Sunday from 10 a.m. to noon.

Musician Justin Elliott plays at the Drunken Bean Coffee and Wine Bar every Sunday from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Photo courtesy of Justin Elliott

“I like it, it’s a great atmosphere,” he said. “Sunday morning people are coming before football or after exercising. There’s a lot of traffic and I hope some people stay a little

longer than normal because they like what they hear.”

Elliott also played in the park during the summer and throughout the neighborhood in other

Magellan Development properties.

“I am grateful for Magellan and the whole Lakeshore East community for being so supportive,” he said. “I’ve put a lot of work in creating this solo business so I can have events like the Drunken Bean. Same goes for the band, they’re some of my closest friends in the city and it’s been an irreplaceable experience.”

Elliott, originally from Connecticut, moved to Chicago in 2015 with a goal of using music to make a living. He said it took about two years to become financially sustainable.

Creating the band was an integral part of his Chicago success. Honeystone formed in fall 2016 with members David Koslovsky, John Nordquist and Adam Hatcher.

The band released a new album at the end of October, but will be

splitting when Elliott moves to Charlotte, N.C., in January for “a dream opportunity” and the next challenge in his music career.

But before then he will be playing his guitar and soothing vocals at the Drunken Bean every Sunday through December.

“I’m hoping to soak in the last few months here,” he said. “But I’m also excited to move onwards.”

He’s happy with how far he’s come in his career, his time in Chicago and what the community has done for him.

“For this opportunity I am so grateful for how amazing Magellan has been to me,” he said. “Overall, I’m super happy with the fact I’ve been able to make a living off of something I love to do while living in a city that I love.”

A TAVERN FOR TODAY’S TRAVELERS 455 North Park Dr. | Chicago, IL | 60611

BREAKFAST Lunch Dinner Cocktails Beer/Wine Visit us at www.etarestaurantandbar.com or call (312) 840-6605 for reservations @etachicago

8 / NOVEMBER 2019

N E W

E A S T S I D E

N E W S / S T R E E T E R V I L L E

N E W S

www.neatside.com

| FEATURES |

Local kids scale walls, shoot hoops as cold weather sets in

By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer There are plenty of nearby options to help kids stay active as winter approaches.

Lakeshore Sports and Fitness (LSF), 211 N. Stetson Ave., is offering new children’s programming for members and nonmembers. Youth basketball classes, including group and private lessons, are available for kids aged 4 and up. Kids nine months and up can learn to swim, and older kids can hone their skills in the water with swimming lessons in the pool. LSF also has a seven-story indoor climbing wall with climbing lessons for kids aged 6 and up.

“We want to get everyone excited about working out and being healthy,” said LSF General Manager Jarrett Brown. “We also want to build a sense of community for kids and families in the neighborhood and bring healthy habits home.”

Besides organized classes, LSF also has a new kids playroom available to all members and their little ones during club hours.

According to Brown, the play area provides a safe space for kids to run around and enjoy open play with others. Parents and caregivers are required to stay and supervise their children but it’s a good opportunity to socialize.

For more information on programming and offerings at LSF, contact Jarrett Brown at JarrettB@lakeshoresf.com or call (312) 856-1111. Information is also available at lakeshoresf.com/illinois-center To keep kids’ climbing skills sharp during the winter months, there are two indoor climbing wall facilities near New Eastside offering youth programs.

First Ascent, 108 N. State St., is on the fourth floor of Block 37 and offers age-based progressive programs for kids of all abilities. Their teachings provide a structured approach to help kids become skilled and confident climbers. firstascentclimbing.com Brooklyn Boulders, 100 S. Morgan St. in the West Loop, offers kids climbing classes, private youth coaching, climbing teams and Adventure Days on select school holidays. They seek to instill a strong sense of

Coach Brian Harris teaches kids ball handling skills during the basketball classes at LSF. Photo by Angela Gagnon

self-confidence, teach problem-solving skills and improve concentration, movement and spatial awareness. brooklynboulders.com For those who don’t mind a little chill in the air, Maggie Daley Park’s ice skating ribbon will open mid-November. Kids can have fun exercising while skating on the unique and festive winding ice ribbon. Admission is free, and skate rental is available

for a fee in the field house.

“Parents can model healthy behavior at home,” Brown said. “Encourage kids to be active. Walk through the pedways together, dance, move around, do any type of sporting activity.”

Whether its climbing, sports or a midday dance party, kids will certainly have plenty of activities available this winter in New Eastside.

Thank a veteran on Veterans Day

By Doug Rapp Staff Writer

Veterans salute at Arlington National Cemetery. Courtesy of White House archives

Veterans Day is Monday, Nov. 11, and whether you mistakenly spell it with an apostrophe or not, there are several ways to thank Chicago-area veterans.

Officials with the Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs (IDVA) say there is no single way to thank a veteran.

“There is no best way to thank a veteran, other than to thank

them sincerely,” said IDVA acting director Linda Chapa LaVia. “If you want to offer to shake their hand, do that. If you want to simply say ‘Thank you for your service,’ do that. Whatever you do, do it with genuine gratitude for the freedom and security that their service has afforded you,” she said.

The aptly named Soldier Field will be honoring veterans at 11 a.m on Nov. 11 with a ceremony in the south courtyard. Originally named Grant Park Munic-

ipal Stadium, it was renamed Soldier Field after WWII at the request of the Chicago Gold Star Mothers, an organization for women who lost children in military service, according to Soldier Field’s website.

The Pritzker Military Museum & Library, 104 S. Michigan Ave., will have free admission on Veterans Day. The museum features a 75th anniversary exhibit on D-Day along with an exhibit recognizing Medal of Honor recipients.

www.neatside.com

N E W

E A S T S I D E

N E W S / S T R E E T E R V I L L E

N E W S

NOVEMBER 2019 / 9

| FEATURES |

New Eastside seniors stay active and grateful

By Mat Cohen Staff Writer No matter how many times you’ve been through it, the winter months can still catch you off guard.

Despite the weather, New Eastside seniors can get out and about downtown and enjoy a new class to help combat the winter blues.

Some use services to get around, some use their own motivation, some use the Pedway and some use volunteering as a means to stay active, while many people just want to stay inside.

Overall, seniors are thankful for time spent connecting with other people.

For Win Eggers, who lives in Park Millennium at 222 N. Columbus Drive, it takes personal motivation and a drive to get out of the house and volunteer.

“I’m retired and I could be sitting in the Lazy Boy,” she said. “I could be getting fatter and all that stuff but I just won’t let that happen to myself.”

Seniors stay active during the winter while volunteering at the Chicago Cultural Center. Photo courtesy of Renaissance Court Senior Center

Eggers volunteers at the Chicago Architecture Center and the Chicago Cultural Center and is grateful for interactions with different people during the holidays.

“It’s neat because you’re meeting a lot of tourists,” she said. “You learn about what their country is like this time of year and

then compare it to what we’re like here.

It’s just a great way to meet people and I’m thankful I’m able to do it.”

She said it’s easy to get around in New Eastside while staying relatively warm.

“I can take buses, trains, cabs, I got it all right here,” she said. “Also the Pedway,

you don’t have any excuse for not walking because it’s always there and always nice in the winter time.”

The Renaissance Court Regional Senior Center, at the Cultural Center, offers bridge, movies, clown classes and a choral group.

Joyce Gallagher, director of senior services of the Department of Family and Support Services, knows how important these programs can be during the dark days of winter.

“There’s something for everyone,” she said.

“And if there’s not, we actually go and create them for you.”

The City of Chicago operates 21 senior centers, each hoping to reach seniors by delivering meals or providing an educational outlet.

For Gallagher, who lives at Harbor Point, looking at Lake Michigan is something she cherishes, no matter how cold it gets.

“I love to sit and look at the lake because it’s ever-changing,” she said. “We are so fortunate in the New Eastside to have that at our front door.”

10 / NOVEMBER 2019

N E W

E A S T S I D E

N E W S / S T R E E T E R V I L L E

N E W S

www.neatside.com

| FEATURES |

Season of giving

We ask some Chicago residents how they are giving back this year

By Mat Cohen

l

Staff Writer

“I like to create things and give them away.

Create anything I can just put together, whether it’s soap, lotion, something small.

I like the element of surprise—being spontaneous. Their expressions are sufficient, and I expect nothing in return.”

Pablo Guerro

“Sammy probably gives back way more than I do. He goes to the public schools because he’s a reader dog for the SitStayRead program. All the kids love him, he gets lots of treats and sits there to help the kids feel comfortable reading which is really nice. He is my glory child.”

Tess Strellis and Sammy

NEWS BRIEFS Continued from page 3

Mayor Lightfoot proposes downtown tax on solo rideshares In an effort to cut down on car congestion and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has proposed a tax on solo rideshare trips within the downtown area. Under this proposal, a single rider hailing a rideshare company downtown could be charged an additional $1.75 tax per ride. This new surcharge, would be in addition to the 72 cent tax charged on all rideshare trips, adding nearly $3 for solo riders. Using a rideshare pool would incur a tax of 60 cents. The taxable area

“I like to do Movember to raise awareness for men’s health.

I got a little headstart with that, and last month I ran the marathon to raise awareness for autism research. I like to put effort in as well, not just make it a monetary donation.”

Tim Callesen

“I donate to the Salvation Army—we buy toys for kids and donate them to different organizations, and we also volunteer for some of the Christmas programs they have for the less fortunate.”

Marketa Allen

would include North Avenue to Roosevelt Road, and Lake Shore Drive through parts of West Loop. The surcharge would be enforced during weekdays between 6 a.m and 10 p.m—the time of highest downtown congestion, according to a study done by the City of Chicago.

Navy Pier Flyover will not be finished until 2020 The Navy Pier Flyover is now projected to open in Spring of 2020. The $60 million project for a pedestrian and bicyclist bridge has had previous delays, but CDOT maintains the delays are due to safety. “Safety is our paramount concern as we continue work on the Navy Pier Flyover, which has been a complex project both in terms of construction and staging,” CDOT said in a statement.

Jose Andreas’ Tapas place set to open in former Naha location Chef Jose Andreas plans to open his tapas restaurant, Jaleo, in River North.

Andreas has wanted to open a restaurant in Chicago for several years. In addition to being a well-known Spanish chef, he’s known for his disaster relief efforts, providing food to disaster zone victims during recovery efforts. After Hurricane Maria, he and a group of volunteers served more than 3.5 million meals in Puerto Rico. He’s also a 2019 Nobel Peace Prize nominee for his work. He has opened five locations of his restaurant, Jaleo, across the country including DC; Las Vegas; Walt Disney World, Fla.; Arlington, Va., and Bethesda, Md. Jaleo is

“From where I was working in Germany there are always social events that we do, like charity runs. I am originally from India, so I like to send money to a program called Teach India, which works with underprivileged kids. Some of my friends are working there as volunteers.”

Tanmoy Samdr projected to open in Spring 2020.

Library Fees Abolished in City of Chicago As of Oct. 1, Chicago Public Libraries removed library fines for items in circulation. Any previous fines will be wiped clean from accounts. Going forward, library goers will still be responsible for the items they check out. Overdue items will automatically renew up to 15 times. After the 15th time, the item will be marked as “lost,” and patrons will be charged for the cost of the item. However, if the item is returned or replaced, the cost will be waived. Chicago is now the largest public library system in the U.S. to abolish overdue fines. Mayor Lightfoot instituted the elimination to promote economic inclusion across Chicago.

www.neatside.com

N E W

E A S T S I D E

N E W S / S T R E E T E R V I L L E

N E W S

NOVEMBER 2019 / 11

| FEATURES |

Christkindlmarket brings German Christmas to Chicago

By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer Entering its 24th year, the Christkindlmarket brings a bit of German Christmas to Chicago. Debuting in Pioneer Court in 1996, the market grew to three markets in 2019, expanding to locations in Daley Plaza, Wrigleyville and Milwaukee, Wisc.

The German American Chamber of Commerce (GACC) founded the market for business and cultural reasons. They wanted an opportunity to provide small businesses in Germany with a place to feature their products before deciding to invest in the U.S., explains Maren Priebe, CEO of German American Events, a subsidiary of the GACC. But it wasn’t just about commerce. Christkindlmarkets are popular across Germany and the rest of the European Union. The tradition of Christkindlmarkets grew out of medieval markets going back to the 14th century, said Kate Bleeker, director of the German American Events. Annual holiday markets began to evolve into social occasions where families

The Christkindlmarket brings a bit of German Christmas to Chicago. Courtesy of GACC

and entire communities came together.

The Chicago market was modeled after Germany’s Nuremberg market, reflected by the red and white huts.

The market was a bit of a risky venture given Chicago’s snowy winters, Priebe said.

But the risk paid off in the first year when 300,000 people showed up to enjoy the mar-

GPAC members look forward to wintertime in Chicago

The News Gets Around Take a little piece of home with you when you travel this holiday season.

Show love for your community by snapping a photo holding up New Eastside News in a new and exciting location. We would love to hear the story behind the photo as well. The best photo and story we receive each month will get a spot in the paper and a gift card.

ket with 13 vendors in Pioneer Court. The following year, Mayor Richard M. Daley’s office invited them to Daley Plaza, where the market has been since.

The Christkindlmarket “has become a centerpiece of the city’s holiday celebration for locals and tourists,” Priebe said. The central location of the market, close to transpor-

tation, hotels, and the business district, and free admission have helped the market grow.

In 2014, the market expanded to Wrigleyville and in 2018 Christkindlmarket opened in Milwaukee. GACC has consulted with other fairs across the country but as far as they know they are the most traditional of the Christkindlmarkets in the US. Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate and Wacky Wonderworks are two new vendors in this year’s market. Based in Downers Grove, Wacky Wonderworks sells 3D wooden puzzles, such as Tyrannosaurus Rex or Pegasus, that do not require additional tools. Bob’s Belgian Hot Chocolate will sell his hot chocolate, made from combining Belgium dark and milk chocolate, as well as other chocolate products.

For many, collecting the Christkindlmarket cup is a long tradition. Priebe said the new Christkindlmarket cup will be unveiled Nov. 4.

The Milwaukee and Daley Plaza markets are open from Nov. 15 to Dec. 24 and the Wrigleyville market is open Nov. 22 to Dec. 31.

By Mat Cohen Staff Writer

Managing Editor Stephanie Racine just took a trip to Newport Beach, California. Before having lunch with a view of the Pacific, Stephanie took a picture with the September edition of New Eastside News in front of Pacific Coast Highway and the ocean. Photo by Angela Racine

Like the people of Chicago, the parks are gearing up for winter.

The preparations were discussed Oct. 16 at Maggie Daley Field House.

The Grant Park Advisory Council (GPAC) discussed revised by-laws, an approach for more signage throughout the park, dog-friendly events and physical park updates.

The revised by-laws were passed by unanimous vote.

Maggie Daley Park Supervisor Jackie Guthrie said winter programming will be announced Nov. 18. The low-

er Hutchinson Field is being re-sodded and a few broken sprinklers will be repaired and ready for spring.

Guthrie added the ice rink at Maggie Daley Park this winter will be operated by Rink Management, a change from last year. Rink Management is one of the largest organizations operating ice rinks in the country.

GPAC President Leslie Recht assured meeting attendees the park is moving in the right direction for improvement of the dog-friendly area, including a possible dog agility event in spring.

Recht said there are too many complaints of people

getting confused while finding their way through the park.

“We need to try and work with everybody to get better signage throughout the park to help with people from Chicago and people who are visiting,” she said.

She said the GPAC wants to work with parking garages surrounding the area to incorporate a validation system.

“It would be a benefit to everyone bringing more people into the park,” Recht said.

The next GPAC meeting will be Nov. 20 at Maggie Daley Field House. There will not be a meeting in December and dates for the 2020 meetings have not yet been announced.

12 / NOVEMBER 2019

N E W

T E R ENE ET W E S R /V SI TL R L E E NT EE W S I L L E E A S T S S I D R V

N E W S

www.thestreeterville.com www.neatside.com

| FEATURES |

Comedy showcase marks decade in Streeterville

By Doug Rapp Staff Writer Kanye West’s “Homecoming” boomed through the dark room.

As the lights came up, host Blake Burkhart took the stage riling up the audience of 90 gathered in a back room at Timothy O’Toole’s Pub in Streeterville.

Taking off a beanie to reveal his newly shaved head, Burkhart said he was giving in to his baldness.

“I look like a room temperature John Malkovich,” he said, or even worse, “a young Dr. Phil.”

Burkhart was hosting “Comedians You Should Know,” or “CYSK,” a weekly showcase of Chicago comedians that’s been staged for nearly 12 years. Each Wednesday night, a rotating host and six comedians perform. The venue charges an $8 cover.

“It’s the cream of the crop as far as Chicago comedians go,” said Danny Kallas, one of the founders of the show.

“CYSK” started in 2008 in Lakeview but moved downtown to its current home base nearly 10 years ago.

“Our idea was to put on the best standup show we could put on,” Kallas said. “It’s a celebration of Chicago comedians past, present and future.”

Comedian Ed Towns at Comedians You Should Know. Photo courtesy of Ed Towns

The 90-minute show features touring veterans as well as up-and-comers on the Chicago comedy scene. On a recent Wednesday night, three club headliners performed, including Marty DeRosa, Sean Flannery and Pat Tomasu-

lo. Having more than one headliner on a showcase is rare, Kallas said, but their show attracts top Chicago talent.

Kallas noted many Chicago comedians who have performed at “CYSK” have gone on to national fame, including Hannibal Burress, SNL actor Chris Redd and Cameron Esposito. Over 25 comedy albums have been recorded there as well, Kallas said. The showcase has added weekly shows in New York and LA, making it the only simultaneous comedy show in the three biggest comedy markets.

Jonah Jurkens, one of the show’s producers, occasionally hosts and performs.

“We host the best comics in the city,” Jurkens said. “It makes you want to be a better comedian because you’re surrounded by the best.”

Besides the three touring comedians, three local comedians, Ed Towns, Malic White and Gena Gephart, performed that night.

“When you get on this show that’s when you know you’re starting to make your way,” Jurkens said.

Kallas said most people can name a handful of famous comedians but the average Chicagoan doesn’t realize how many great comedians live next door to them. They’re trying to attract more Streeterville residents to show.

“Take a chance on Chicago comedy,” he said.

Run, Naruto, Run: Cosplay event planned around Trump Tower

By Doug Rapp Staff Writer If you see a group of people wearing shiny headbands and running around Trump Tower, know it was planned.

Called the “Naruto Run Around Every Trump Tower,” the Sunday, Nov. 3 event is hosted by a comedy podcast, Thought Cops, which takes a weekly look at “outrage culture.”

The plan is for attendees to gather at 4 p.m. in cosplay (costume play) as Naruto, the young ninja star of a Japanese manga series, said Kevin Podas, one of the organizers and co-host of Thought Cops.

Naruto runs leaning forward, with his arms sticking straight behind him. Participants will then run Naruto-style around Trump Tower at 4:20 p.m.

“This is apolitical,” Podas said. “It’s about coming together. It’s for a good cause.”

People in the cosplay community

A cosplayer dressed as Naruto (left) runs around Trump Tower in 2017. Photo courtesy of Nitty Gritty City

are at both ends of the political spectrum, he said.

If people see it as a Trump protest, “that’s up for interpretation,” Podas said.

“Most people just want to dress up and

run around like cartoons,” he said.

Podas is hoping for a couple hundred participants, using word of mouth and plugging the run on the podcast, co-hosted by Grant Mooney, to boost attendance. Up to 75 peo-

ple have expressed interest so far, he said.

“I’m grateful that people have taken an interest in anything we do and the fact that people are sharing this is pretty cool,” Podas said.

Another Naruto Run around Trump Tower was organized in 2017. Even though Podas and Mooney didn’t organize it, they filmed a short video of it for their YouTube Channel.

Podas said there was “quite a police presence” near Trump Tower at that event.

The run had barely started before one participant ran into the street, prompting the police to arrest him and shut down the event.

Podas said, like the 2017 event, they’re hoping to attract college students from DePaul and Columbia who are into Naruto.

“It’s supposed to be fun and funny,” he said. “If anyone can enjoy [Naruto] the way we do, I’m thankful for that.”

www.thestreeterville.com www.neatside.com

N E W

E A S T S IS DT ER ENEETWE SR /VSI TL RL EE E N T E W R VS I L L E

N E W S

NOVEMBER 2019 / 13

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

Ongoing

The Steadfast Tin Soldier Based on the story by Hans Christian Andersen, “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” tells a story about a tin soldier who won’t give up. The play is family-friendly, but only recommended for children over 5. Times vary, tickets start at $42, The Lookingglass Theatre, 821 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 337-0665, lookingglasstheatre.org

Tavern on Rush also presents a weekly raffle—first prize is a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. Second and Third prizes include gift cards to Tavern on Rush and Platinum 34 Salon. Raffle begins at 9 p.m., free, Tavern on Rush, 1031 N. Rush St., (312) 664-9600, tavernonrush.com

Tuesdays, Thursdays, Sundays

Shaw’s Live Music Shaw’s Oyster Bar hosts live blues music.

Snack on oysters and seafood with blues, jazz, and sometimes folk music. There is no cover charge, and it is first-come, first-serve for seating. 7-10 p.m., free, Shaw’s Crab House, 21 E. Hubbard St., (312) 527-2772, shawscrabhouse.com

Tuesdays Romeo and Juliet is being presented by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

Romeo and Juliet The classic tragedy presented by the Chicago Shakespeare Theater is an intimate experience in their Courtyard Theater. The star-crossed lovers fight to be together despite the feud between their families, with disastrous and tragic consequences. Times vary, Tickets start at $35, Chicago Shakespeare Theater at Navy Pier 800 E. Grand Ave., (312) 5955600, chicagoshakes.com Toys ‘R Us Adventure Taking over the old Top Shop building in a pop-up, the classic kids store features fun toy experiences across 8 rooms.

Enjoy favorite toy box-themed rooms with familiar friends like Paw Patrol and Melissa and Doug. 10 a.m.-8:30 p.m. 11 a.m. on Saturdays, $28 for Adults $20 for kids 4-12, kids under 4 are free, Toys “R” Us Adventure Chicago, 830 N. Michigan Ave., toysrusadventure.com

Mondays

Ladies’ Night Join Tavern on Rush for food and drink specials available all night to all guests.

Bar Trivia Tuesday night bar trivia returns to Lizzie McNeill’s. Come answer classic bar trivia questions, while enjoying some of Lizzie McNeill’s drink specials. Food menu available until 11 p.m. and features pub classics like Shepherd’s Pie and Bangers and Mash. 7:30 p.m., free, Lizzie McNeill’s, 400 N. McClurg Court, (312) 467-1992, lizziemcneills.com

Nov. 1-17

Eataly Restaurant Fest Throughout the beginning of November, Eataly Chicago will offer two-course lunch and dinner deals and wines at special prices. Eataly’s chefs create new dishes for fall that celebrate autumn harvest foods in the Italian tradition. All day, 2 courses start at $15, Eataly, 43 E. Ohio St., (312) 521-8700, eataly.com

Nov. 1-9

Vera Wang Fall 2020 Preview The luxury bridal design house’s Chicago debut of its Fall 2020 collection. This will be the first time Vera Wang’s Fall 2020 pieces will be viewable to brides-to-be in Chicago. Appointments are recommended by calling. 10 a.m.-6 p.m., free, Vera Wang, 945 N. Rush St., (312) 379-5355, verawang.com

Nov. 1-3

Romona Keveza Spring 2020 Trunk Show Saks Fifth Avenue showcases couture designer Romona Keveza’s Spring 2020 collection. This is an opportunity to buy or browse Keveza’s newest items.

Located in-store at Women’s Designer on Floor 2. 10 a.m.-7 p.m. ends at 5 p.m. on Nov. 3, free, Saks Fifth Avenue, 700 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 944-6500, saksfifthavenue.com

Nov. 1

Wine Down Foodlife at Water Tower offers wine pours, passed appetizers and more. This event is offered monthly on the first Friday of every month. RSVP not required.

6-8 p.m., $20, Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 335-3663, foodlifechicago.com

Nov. 2

Sunday Riley Sephora Michigan Ave. hosts an in-store event to sample the new and different from skincare line Sunday Riley. Come see new trends in the brand and what they are offering. Open house event available to the public, RSVP available.

12-6 p.m., free, Sephora, 605 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 649-9343, sephora.com

Wow Bao presents the National Bao eating championship. Courtesy of Lettuce Entertain You

National Bao Eating Championship Wow Bao presents the National Bao eating championship. Bao are Chinese dumplings with fillings ranging from pork to vegetables. 10 finalists will compete for a chance to win free bao for a year and other prizes. Spectators welcome. RSVP required. 2 p.m., free,

Water Tower Place dining court, 835 N. Michigan Ave., 888-4-WOWBAO, leye. com/events

Nov. 5

History Tour and Tea The Drake Hotel is amass with history. Sarah View guides a tour featuring stories of celebrity visitors, royal stays, Chicago crimes, architectural factoids and even some paranormal whisperings. Tour includes afternoon tea. Email sarah.view@hilton.com for reservations and more details. 2:30 p.m., $69 per person, The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Place, (312) 932-4307, thedrakehotel.com Executive Speaker Series Young Catholic Professionals invites young adults in their 20s and 30s to a presentation by Fr. Peter Wojcik. Topic of discussion will be: “The Greatest Gift—Generosity.” Professional attire encouraged, registration required.

6:15-9:00 p.m., free, Holy Name Cathedral Auditorium, 730 N. Wabash Ave., ycpchicago.org

Nov. 9

Make Believe Gala: Cirque!

A Gala benefiting the Children’s Museum at Navy Pier. There will be entertainment, dinner, and dancing.

This event is meant for adults and is black tie, but guests are encouraged to throw a little magic dust onto their attire. 6:30 p.m. to midnight, tickets start at $500, Navy Pier Aon Grand Ballroom, 840 E. Grand Ave., (312) 464-7714, chicagochildrensmuseum. org/support-the-gala

Nov. 14-Dec. 8

Don Giovanni Mozart’s opera about the philandering antihero stars Davide Luciano in his debut at the Lyric Opera. The opera will be sung in Italian with English translation projections. If you arrive an hour early to the performance, there will be a 30 Events continue on page 14

14 / NOVEMBER 2019

N E W

E A S T S IS DT ER ENEETWE SR /VSI TL RL EE E N T E W R VS I L L E

N E W S

www.neatside.com www.thestreeterville.com

| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com minute talk about the opera at no extra charge. Times vary, tickets start at $69, Lyric Opera, 20 N. Wacker Drive, (312) 332-2244, lyricopera.org

Nov. 16

Wine and Food Experience Brought to you by Martha Stewart and USA Today, the Wine and Food Experience will have cooking demonstrations, chef meet-and-greets and seminars. There will also be wine tastings, plus rum and Irish cream liqueur tastings. 1-4 p.m., tickets start at $65, Soldier Field United Club, 1410 Museum Campus Drive, wineandfood.usatoday.com

Nov. 16-Dec. 29

A Christmas Carol The Goodman Theatre’s 42nd production of Charles Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol.” Miserly Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by three Christmas spirits over the course of a Christmas Eve evening, in order for him to reexamine his outlook on life. Times vary, tickets start at $35, Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., (312) 443-3800, goodmantheatre.org

Nov. 17

Winter Mysteries Book Club For American Girl bookworms. Attendees will read the A Year of Mini Mysteries book together. The girls will then discuss and speculate on the mystery before the answer is revealed. Snack and book provided in ticket cost. 10:30-11:00 a.m., $12, American Girl Store, Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com

Nov. 18

Civic Orchestra: Bach Marathon Finale The Civic Orchestra’s culmination of their Bach concert series throughout Chicago. The series focuses on Bach’s Brandenburg Concertos. This performance will feature a special guest harpsichordist, Nicholas Kraemer. 7-9 p.m., tickets are free but fees vary, Fourth Presbyterian Church, 126 E. Chestnut St., (312) 294-3000, cso.org

November races Chicago Lakefront 50K/50mile 6:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 2 - Foster Avenue Beach Hot Cider Hustle 8K - 8:30 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 2 - Montrose Harbor Hot Chocolate 15K/5K - 7 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 3 - Grant Park Polish Independence 10K/5K 11:11 a.m., Sunday, Nov. 10 - Montrose Harbor Turkey Trot Chicago8K/5K/kids run - 9 a.m., Thursday, Nov. 28 Lincoln Park Grant Park Turkey Trot 5K/kids run - 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 30 Grant Park

Nov. 21

Adler After Dark: Enchantment Under the Stars The Planetarium’s Adler After Dark event features a sneak peek at their newest exhibit: Chicago’s Night Sky. After buying tickets, you can add on an extra $10 to see Adler’s Sphere performance, which takes you on an immersive journey through the universe with live music. 6-10 p.m., $20, Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Drive, (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org

Nov. 22

Annual Christmas Tree Lighting Presented by the City of Chicago, the classic Christmas Tree lighting event at Millennium Park features an appearance

by Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with holiday music and a choir. Special guests to be announced. 6 p.m., free, Millennium Park’s Wrigley Square, Michigan Ave. & Randolph St., chicago.gov November’s Friday Forum Sponsored by Skyline Village Chicago, the Forum will feature two Illinois state legislators who also are Skyline-Land Representatives. Rep. Kam Buckner and Rep. Lamont Robinson will address such issues as implementation of recreational cannabis, street crime, the

Chicago Casino, pension reform, and the Fair Tax. To register email info@ skylinevillagechicago.org. 1-3 p.m. $5 room fee is payable at the event, Mity Nice Grill on the Mezzanine Level of Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., skylinevillagechicago.org

Nov. 22, 23

Magnificent Mile Lights Festival Family activities and a visit from Santa starts out the weekend in Pioneer Court on Michigan Avenue. The celebration continues on Saturday with music, food, and entertainment. The weekend concludes with the Lights Parade at 5:30 p.m. down Michigan Avenue, as the trees are lit for the season. The parade concludes with fireworks. Times vary, free, Michigan Avenue between Oak Street and Wacker Drive, themagnificentmile.com

Nov. 23, 24

Chicago Toy and Game Fair All-ages event showcases games and toys for kids and adults. Check out activities for adults in the Beer Garden, or take your toddler to the Playspace. Kids in Frozen costumes on Saturday get in free.

10 a.m.-5 p.m., kids $7, adults $14, Navy Pier Festival Hall A & B, 840 E. Grand Ave., (847) 677-8277, chitag.com

Nov 28

Chicago Thanksgiving Parade

The annual Thanksgiving Parade hits the streets featuring floats, balloons, marching bands, horses, celebrities, special performances and a visit from Santa Claus. For those unable to attend, the event will be broadcast on WGN 9 and their website. 8-11 a.m., free, State Street from Ida B. Wells to Randolph, chicagothanksgivingparade.com

Nov. 29-Dec. 8

’Twas the Night Before…

Cirque du Soleil’s first Christmas show will make its Chicago premiere in a limited engagement. The show is family-friendly, unique and dazzling, as is customary for Cirque du Soleil. The production follows Isabella who meets characters from the famous Christmas poem. Times vary, tickets start at $48, Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St, (800) 745-3000, chicagotheatre.com/cirque

Nov. 30 – Dec. 29

Joffrey Ballet’s The Nutcracker The Joffrey Ballet celebrates the holidays with Christopher Wheeldon’s Chicago-set The Nutcracker. The reimagined holiday classic highlights one of Chicago’s greatest moments of achievement—the famous World’s Fair of 1893. At the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Dr. 29 performances, Nov. 30-Dec. 29, 2019. (312) 386 8905, joffrey.org

Cirque du Soleil presents its first Christmas show at the Chicago Theatre Nov. 29 to Dec. 8.

Courtesy of The Chicago Theatre

www.neatside.com

N E W

E A S T S I D E

N E W S / S T R E E T E R V I L L E

N E W S

NOVEMBER 2019 / 15

| NEWS BREAK |

Talking politics with family a tricky task

I

f this month’s topic was a gymnastic event, the judges would give it a degree of difficulty rating in the high 9s.

Figuring out the best way to talk politics with friends or family members during the holidays may be a near herculean task. It’s Jon Cohn like a gymnast fighting desperCOMMUNITY ately to regain her balance as she CONTRIBUTOR leans perilously close to falling off the beam—first leaning too much to the left, then too much to the right.

But having no particular fear of heights, or touchy topics, we take on the task.

Let’s start with an area of agreement.

It’s a volatile and controversial political time. There are some strongly divided views of our country and how it is being handled. Heated discussions on the topic have caused bad blood between otherwise friendly compatriots.

Often, because of our natural aversion to conflict, we stay silent. When friends and family get together, they will discuss everything from movies to music and birthdays to sports. But politics? A little too dangerous. Call it the “stay away—danger ahead” zone.

I suggest a break from the norm.

I think now more than ever we need to be talking about these things. What’s happening in this country and around the world is tremendously significant. Volatile,

John Cohn is a New Eastside resident.

Out and About in October

Jumble OTCA PSSIN REOCOTS

dangerous and controversial, yes. But, not things to ignore or not discuss.

We need to be informed. We need to hear other sides of the argument. We need to keep discussion lines open.

And somehow, we need to deal with opposing views and come to common ground and understanding.

So this Thanksgiving, don’t be afraid to get into it a bit with Uncle George, Aunt Martha or crazy cousin Clyde.

Feel free to fire up the old discussion grill and have a go at it. Just remember to keep it civil. No matter how heated it gets, understand you’re still family and you’re still friends.

It requires a tough exterior, no doubt, but ignoring the topics can be just as dangerous.

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

AFMO LTRAIO

What kind of coat is always wet when you put it on?

October answer: I live in my little house all alone. There are no windows or doors, and if I want to go out I have to break through the wall. What am I? A chick in its egg.

Where am I? Do you know where this is?

Answer to October Where am I?

Omar Roa (center front), is with Lexi (from left), Felipe and Vanessa Dominguez at the Chicago Marathon finish line. Photo by Mat Cohen

Congratulations to Doris Geck for correctly identifying this

Dr. Omer Ibrahim (from left), Dr. Carolyn Jacob, Dr. Lauren Fine and Dr. Rachel Pritzker at Chicago Cosmetic Surgery and Dermatology’s Night of Beauty Open House on Oct. 10. Photo courtesy of Sarah McDermott

New Eastside Sculpture located at the Chicago Fairmont Hotel on Columbus Dr.

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

Carrie McCormick, Ann Caron and Mary Pat Wallace at Caron and McCormick’s Luxury Networking Event at One Bennett Park. Photo by Stephanie Racine

Dyana, Abigail and David Ortiz at Fall Fest Oct. 19 in Maggie Daley Park. Photo by Mat Cohen

16 / NOVEMBER 2019

N E W

N EE R WVS I L L E E A S T S ISDT ER EN EE TWE SR/ VS ITLRLEEE T

N E W S

www.thestreeterville.com www.neatside.com

What We Do! The Chicago Real Estate Market is Complex— We are here to support you on your next move.

We are your neighbors. We live, work, play, and enjoy the lifestyle of Streeterville. Hire us to sell your home, or assist you in buying a new home. Let our 40 years combined experience give YOU the best of both worlds.

Call us today!

Carrie McCormick

Ann Caron

312.961.4612 carrie@atproperties.com

312.420.2202 anncaron@atproperties.com

Over half a Billion in Sales* | Ranked Top 1% of REALTORS® in Chicago† @carriemccormickrealestate | www.carriemccormickre.com

*MRED, LLC, Career Sales Collected, 9/19/19 †Chicago Association of REALTORS®, 2018