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CONNECTING CONTINENTS ‘Ship of Tolerance’ to dock at Navy Pier
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Hotel plan for 227 Walton meets local resistance New trends for the new school year Page 8 Page 12 The Ship of Tolerance, an international art piece, will dock at Navy Pier in September. Photo courtesy Daniel Hegglin
European-style Cabaret comes to Chicago
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Doorperson of the Month: Harry Harris
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Street photographer captures images of downtown life Page 11 Dogs sick after visit to Navy Pier park Page 3
Green City Market paves path for local food
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Phone scammers steal millions but better tech may offer help By Jesse Wright Three years ago Emily got a weird call. Emily—not her real name—answered her cell phone and someone told her she had been overbilled on some recent computer work she’d had done. She was owed $299. “But in order to (refund it), I had to give them access to my checking account, which is the stupidest thing you can do. But they’re so good at this and they sound so sincere,” she said. Instead, the refund set in motion a scam that lasted years and drained tens of thousands from Emily’s bank account. Once the scammers had her account, they deposited a refund nearly $10,000 in excess of the refund amount. They called back, apologized for the mistake and then demand a wire transfer of $10,000 to make up for their error. Of course, there was no error. The check they deposited was no good. Emily lives downtown and she’s retired, but phone scams can happen to anyone. And even though Emily ended up getting most of her money back—she is so embarrassed about what happened she only agreed to speak anonymously. The scammers told her she needed to transfer the excess money from a specific Wells Fargo branch in Evanston. “The most surprisingly thing was, I got the cab and I said I need to go to a Wells Fargo bank on Howard Street in Evanston,” she said. “We were driving and we weren’t very far and the cab driver said, ‘I know exactly where that bank is because I took another woman there about your age yesterday and I said, ‘Oh man, this is just a huge scam.’” But, in case it wasn’t, she went. Emily’s story is common. But officials continue to look for resources to protect consumers. Tom Kossow is the director of the Midwest region office of the Federal Trade Commission, the office in charge of protecting consumers. Kossow said scammers can imitate legitimate-sounding businesses or government offices and
these scams bring in millions every year. “We received 143,000 thousand complaints last year; $55 million dollars in reported losses,” Kossow said. Caller ID is irrelevant in the age of VoIP (voice-over-internet-protocol) systems. VoIP systems route a call through the Internet and in that way, the original phone number may be masked and a fake or even another legitimate phone number can be passed off as the call’s origin. Kossow said a popular scam involves Social Security imposter calls. “Consumers are receiving calls from a spoofed number that shows it’s the Social Security Administration,” he said. “Victims will be told their Social Security number has been suspended due to suspicious activity.” This is a variation on a classic scam, a call from the IRS requesting immediate payment via gift cards, money transfer or another anonymous payment system. “The Social Security Administration is not going to call you with this sort of request,” Kossow said. But scammers will. Kossow said in the past 12 months his offices received 76,000 reports of this scam. If someone is the victim of a scam they can call 1-877-FTC-HELP or 1-877-3824357 or report it online at consumer.ftc.gov. Kossow said consumers should also complain to the Better Business Bureau and the state’s attorney general’s office. “One thing we found out with people who operate frauds is, they know they are operating a fraud so they want to keep their complaints low, so they will often issue a refund at that point just so they can tell those organizations that they issued a refund,” he said. Some cell phone carriers are investing into call blocking or better caller ID technology to alert consumers for would-be scammers. Kossow said consumers can check with their phone provider to learn about those options and people can use Nomorobo, an app which alerts users to robocalls and works on Android and iPhone systems.
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| NEWS BRIEFS | WBEZ gets office updates on Navy Pier In August, the contractor Skender finished interior renovations on a 37,000-square-foot project for WBEZ, the broadcaster for Chicago Public Media. The project updates the WBEZ offices at the Navy Pier, and the improvements include an upgraded A/V system, new workspaces and common areas. Finally, the renovations included updating the rooftop air and heating units.
the city had not heard any complaints directly from pet owners. “The City of Chicago has received reports from news outlets that some dog owners in the Streeterville neighborhood are reporting that their dogs have become ill after visiting Olive Park. The City of Chicago takes these reports seriously, and with coordination from Chicago Animal Care and Control, the Department of Water Management and the Department of Public Health, is investigating these concerns,” the statement read.
Magellan Rewards Festival offers food, fun for downtown residents The 13th annual Magellan Rewards Festival in the Lakeshore East Park, 450 E. Benton Place, will be held Sept. 7. The event offers the public a chance to mix and mingle with neighborhood businesses, try free food, get samples and display products. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and will include over 90 vendors, including the New Eastside News and the Streeterville News. The News will give away tickets for two to a City Winery musical performance in September, so bring business cards for a chance to win. A Magellan spokesperson said the event will offer complimentary fitness classes every 30 minutes. Bright Horizons will host a kids’ activity tent and the Magellan Musician, Justin Elliot and SoBro Star and Jilian Linklater will provide live music.
Dogs sick after visit to Navy Pier park In late August, several downtown dog owners reported their pets got sick after visiting Milton Lee Olive Park along the lakefront. The park is on East Ohio Street, adjacent to Navy Pier and is managed by the Chicago Department of Water Management. The specific cause of the allergic reaction or the cause of the illness has not been reported, though the city is apparently looking into the issue. A statement released from the Department of Animal Care and Control said
Pet Month of the
BROUGHT TO YOU BY EAST SIDE VETERINARY CLINIC
Domino, a 9-year-old Boston terrier, is the September pet of the month. Domino, owned by Stella Roney, enjoys sleeping and eating. He also enjoys rolling in the grass at Lakeshore East Park. The New Eastside News’ September pet of the month is sponsored by East Side Veterinary Clinic, a local full-service clinic, open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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Stockton will offer a variety of food options, including edamame hummus and pita bread. Photo courtesy Stockton
Former Jellyfish owners to open new restaurant on Rush Josh Carl and Joseph De Vito, known for Jellyfish, announced they will open Stockton at 1009 N. Rush St. in September. Stockton will be a globally-inspired restaurant and lounge that will combine eclectic cuisine, artful cocktails and entertainment and offer an atrium, a bar, a lounge and a semi-private dining room. “We have been hearing from people with discerning tastes looking for an incomparable night out in Chicago, where they can go from amazing food to late-night live entertainment, DJs and high-end bottle service, all under one roof,” said Carl, co-owner of Stockton. The restaurant will offer seafood, Asian barbecue, Korean short ribs, steak, pasta, sushi, hummus and more. Meanwhile the bar will offer cocktails, wine and sake. News Briefs continue on page 12
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Rabbi Avi Poupko • Cantor Howard Shalowitz R o S h h a S h a n a h September 29, 30 and october 1 Ko L n i d R e & yo m K i p p u R october 8 & 9 Early Bird Registration: $400 per seat through 8/31 $500 per seat thereafter Student and Children’s pricing available Discount parking available Free Babysitting T i C K e T S & i n f o R m aT i o n : (312) 346-7370 LoopAdmn@ChiLoopSyn.org Purchase online – www.ChiLoopSyn.org
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| 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 Jesse Wright jwright@neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writers: Elizabeth Czapski Angela Gagnon Stephanie Racine 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 Sept. 1, 2019 Copyright ©2019. All rights reserved.
Hotel plan for 227 Walton meets local resistance By Jesse Wright Would-be developers of a condo at 227 E. Walton got an earful from angry neighbors at a community meeting in August. The property is a historically significant 13-story, 25-unit condominium and developers with BRAD Management would like to turn it into an extended-stay corporate suite. The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) organized the meeting and Alderman Brian Hopkins attended. He said he wanted to hear community feedback on the proposal. The development first came to light in June at a SOAR land use meeting, and since the plan was floated, residents have opposed the possibility of turning a condo into a hotel. Hopkins acknowledged the unpopular proposal early in the evening. “We’re starting the discussions to see if there’s anything that can be done to make this more palpable to the community,” Hopkins said at the top of the meeting. Harry Weese designed the building 63 years ago and the city deemed the property a landmark in 2012. Because of that status, the developers cannot alter the outside significantly, and two spokespeople assured the community that wouldn’t happen— but that assurance didn’t go far. Community members said they were concerned introducing a hotel—even an extended stay hotel—would invite strangers and trouble into the neighborhood. “We moved in here be-
Streeterville residents are upset about proposed changes at 227 E. Walton. Photo by Jesse Wright
cause it’s a neighborhood and because it has a neighborhood feel,” a man said. “I would hate to think that because it’s a neighborhood building, we can’t live in the neighborhood and can’t have the environment we enjoy. We don’t want to have transients coming in all day long and all week long.” Michael Monu, one of the spokespeople on behalf of the developers, tried to assure the community the hotel would not
attract rowdy crowds. He said the hotel would not allow single overnight stays and would average stays of four-to-five nights at least. He added that the lobby would have cameras and noise meters and that individual units would have decibel meters and marijuana and cigarette meters. Finally, he said, guests would be screened through a background check. Still, residents said a hotel would drive down property val-
ues and one woman said she was afraid the development would “ruin this neighborhood.” However, Graham Grady, a lawyer for the development team, said the building has limited potential as a residence. “There’s not a great market demand for large, two-bedroom units,” Grady said. “If you lower the rent too much it’s not going to operate in the black for too long.” By the end of the discussion, few—if any—residents seemed convinced and Hopkins said he, too, would wait and see whether or not the developers would agree to address community concerns before he would sign off on the project. “They have to convince me as well as everyone else in this room,” he said. Hopkins did point out that the city could include deed restrictions on the property that would limit not only how the current owners developed the project but how the property could be forever used in the future— meaning even if the property is re-zoned, it would still be held to certain restrictions in line with community support. The next step in the process will be in mid-September, when the developers are scheduled to file a zoning map amendment application, though city council action on the project is still months away and tentatively scheduled for some time in December. In the meantime, Hopkins’ office is seeking community input, and residents can comment through his website, www.aldermanhopkins.com.
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Doorperson of the Month Harry Harris at Lake Point Tower, 505 N. Lake Shore Drive By Jesse Wright Harry Harris has spent most of his life serving the federal government. First, he served in the Marine Corps. He spent nine years in the service, and he enjoyed his time. “I loved serving the country,” Harris said. “It was a different experience and I like to try new things. It had its hectic moments in there, but it was worth it. You get a different outlook.” His work took him to Camp Lejeune in North Carolina, to Hawaii and even to Cuba, to Guantanamo. “I was there about six months,” he said of his time in Cuba. “It’s different now. You only could be on the base at that time, but it was beautiful. Well, what we could see. We couldn’t see outside the base.” After that, Harris worked for decades walking the streets of Chicago delivering letters for the postal service. Harris said he likes to stay busy, so as he pounded the pavement during the day, he managed to squeeze in extra hours as a doorman, until he had to change shifts at the post office. After 25 years as a letter carrier, he retired. “Management told me one of the doormen was retiring, and did I want to come back,” Harris recalled. “And I wanted to come back.” That was in 2011, and he hasn’t looked back. Harris said he loves Lake Point Tower for the reasons many doorpeople love their buildings—the residents are great and he’s made friends at the job—but he added that the building itself is an attraction. This year the building is 51 years old, and Harris said it still attracts tourists and visitors, people curious to see one of the more significant residential properties downtown. Architects John Heinrich and George Schipporeit designed Lake Point Tower. Both were proteges of Ludwig Mies van der Rohe, and the curving, Y-shaped design continues to attract students and fans of architecture—most of whom get turned away except during the Chicago Architecture Center’s annual open house in October. “This is one of the buildings that people always want to get in to,” Harris said. “Every day, we have people come in off the street and say, ‘Can we go upstairs?’ and we say,
Harry Harris is the Streeverville Doorperson of the Month. Photo by Jesse Wright
‘No sorry. It’s a private building.’” When workers completed the building in 1968, it was the tallest residential tower in the world and while that distinction no longer stands, it does remain the only major residential structure on the lakefront side of Lake Shore Drive. Given the city’s prohibition on future development, the building will likely maintain that distinction. All of these things make the building popular among residents and wannabe residents. “What building do you know has a threeacre park on the third floor?” Harris asked. “It’s got a park, an outdoor pool an outdoor pond and BBQ area a waterfall, it’s a whole park. You have restaurants here with a beautiful view. You don’t gotta leave unless you want to.” And few do. Harris said the building has about 875 units and they’re generally all full or if they’re not, they’re in the process of being bought. Units don’t stay empty too long. “I love the people here,” he said. “It’s like a family. They make me feel like I’m part of the family you got all these different families but they make you feel like you’re part of their family. It’s a beautiful atmosphere. I’ve been offered other jobs but I say no, I’m not going to leave Lake Point.” 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.
My how our Streeterville Neighborhood has changed! Contact me to learn about all the latest updates. (312) 925-7668
Gail@StreetervilleProperties.com
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Green City Market paves a path for local food By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer
Duo Rose get into antics with martini glasses. Photo by Elisa Shoenberger
Teatro ZinZanni brings dinner, European-style Cabaret to Chicago By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer Love, Chaos and Dinner. That’s the tagline for Chicago’s newest cabaret show, Teatro ZinZanni. This dinner and a show aims to deliver on all three. A variety of performances include circus acts, clowning performances and song and dance numbers through a multi-course dinner, catered by the Goddess and the Grocer. Founded in 1998 by Norman Langill, Teatro ZinZanni is inspired by the European cabarets. Langill said he wanted to “create an intimate relationship with the artists.” Teatro ZinZanni currently has shows running in Seattle and San Francisco. The show takes place on the 14th floor of the Cambria Hotel, 32 W. Randolph St., in a space discovered in 2017 when the hotel was doing renovations. Langill had been looking for the
right place in Chicago for ten years and when the former Masonic temple was found, “it was a natural,” for the show, Langill said. Now the space is renovated to become the “Spiegeltent ZaZou” described by ZinZanni press as a “Belgium mirror tent filled with unique, historic touches.” The three-hour show has a show within a show feeling as the antics of its performers and wait staff start before the show officially begins. Performers wander around dressed as wait staff and cooks and interact with the customers between the official acts and during the dinner courses. “The food and the waitstaff have to be integrated in the experience. They are the support cast for the evening,” Langill said. “It has to be integrated and seamlessly connected to the show so there is only one experience you are having, not two.”
The “hosts” of Teatro ZinZanni are The Caesar, played by Frank Ferrante, and sultry singer Madame ZinZanni, performed by Amelia Zirin-Brown (AKA Rizo). They are accompanied by a live band with music reminiscent of Édith Piaf and jazz classics. “Lady Rizo is a force of nature.” Rachel Karabenick, a circus performer who attended the show, remarked. “Her voice, her poise, her humor—everything about her performance was simply stunning. I’d say she is one of the best performers I have ever seen live.” The cabaret presents performers from around the world along with local artists from Chicago. Samuel and Sylvia are local performers known as Duo Rose who perform on doubles trapeze. The show will continue through the end of September and a new show “Decadent Delights” with a dining theme will begin in October.
Green City Market will host a free Stove Top Apple Crisp and Apple Tasting Workshop Sept. 26 at Skinner Park, 1331 W. Adams St. in the West Loop. Participants will make a seasonal dessert, sample a variety of local apples and learn about the different types of apples and their uses. For two decades, Green City Market (GCM) has been backing small farmers, educating consumers and increasing access to local, healthy, sustainable food. GCM has a role in supporting nearly 60 local farmers and vendors taking part in the farmers markets in Lincoln Park and the West Loop. GCM also provides aid for farmers through their Farmer Scholarship Program, Green City Market Program Coordinator Taylor Choy and Garden Leader David Toledo at their which includes Edible Gardens in Lincoln Park. Photo courtesy of conferences and Taylor Choy workshops to increase an understanding of sustainable growing practices. Over the summer, GCM Program Coordinator Taylor Choy led a free butter and jam making workshop in Skinner Park. “My role is to provide educational programming for the community,” Choy said. Participants made fresh jam with farmers market berries, a bit of pectin and some sugar. They also whipped up some fresh butter using only heavy whipping cream and a bit of elbow grease. Many chose to pick fresh herbs from the community garden to add flavor to the butter. In addition to farmer support and programming, GCM also has a food access initiative to provide fresh, locally-grown food to all members of the community. Through their Link Matching Program, those on federal food assistance can use their benefits at the markets. “Our first farmers market started with nine vendors in the alleyway of the Chicago Theater,” Choy said. “We’re so happy that our organization has expanded into supporting our midwest farmers, providing food education and making food accessible to all.” For information about the class, visit chicagoparkdistrict. com/events/apple-tasting-and-skillet-apple-crumble-skinner
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Residents meet and greet at local Board Game Night By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer A group of New Eastside and nearby residents have come together to host a regular board game night. The group meets monthly in the party room at The Tides, 360 E. South Water St. New Eastside resident Ishmeet Lamda started the game night by reaching out to neighbors on the social media application NextDoor. She was excited to discover many people in the neighborhood like to play board games. “I’m an extrovert who likes to socialize and also love to play board games,” Lamda said. New Eastside resident Jeffrey Molsen regularly attends. “The neighborhood board game
Board Game Night members rounding out the night with Uff-Da and free massages. Photo by Stephanie Racine
night is great because it allows me to meet new people through sharing some of my favorite games and getting the opportunity to try out new ones,” he said.
A typical board game night includes a warm-up game to account for any latecomers. Short games, such as Uno or Iota, are played. “We then either split into
groups and play, or we all come together and play cooperative games which are super engaging,” Lamda said. Those games, like Pandemic and Avalon, are more
strategic and take longer to play. Lamda’s favorites to play at game night are Stone Age, Iota, Hanabi, Uno, and Codenames. Molsen said his favorite is Fluxx. “The rules start simple, and you just have to do what the cards say after that,” he said. “However, it can quickly devolve into delightful mayhem.” The board game club welcomes all new members. “It is a pretty flexible and happy-go-lucky group,” Lamda said. Plans are put together on NextDoor. Lamda posts information about meetings. The next planned meeting is 6 p.m. on Sept. 6. Lamda asks interested parties to RSVP on New Eastside’s Nextdoor.com site or email boardgamersnes@gmail.com
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| BACK TO SCHOOL |
Parents can help by recognizing signs of stress in students By Jesse Wright Starting a new school year can be both exciting and stressful. Parents can help their kids transition by being on the look out for signs of anxiety and helping children work through their feelings. Parents shouldn’t be afraid to talk to their child if they see behavioral changes, said Emma K. Adam, a Northwestern professor of human development and a faculty fellow at the Institute for Policy Research. Simple things, like sleep trouble, can be a sign of problems for a student, according to Adam. “That’s something that is both a reflection of stress and contributes to more stress,” Adam said. “So that’s one area I would suggest intervening.” Sleep problems can be caused by a return to a school schedule, and they can create a host of problems for the student. “When you’re thinking about the back to school transition, it’s important to get a child’s routine on track prior to beginning school,” Adam said. “It can lead to a form of jet lag
to suddenly switch your child’s schedule to a much earlier wake up time.” Adam said research has shown adolescents tend to fall asleep later, meaning getting a solid sleep is difficult when facing early school days. “There is, in adolescence, a biological shift where they don’t get sleepy until later at night and that runs up against the early start times for high schoolers,” Adam said. “It’s not just the social demands that are keeping adolescents up late, it’s actually harder for them to fall asleep,” she said. “But you can slowly change your adolescents to get them on track to a slightly earlier bedtime.” Adam explains that being sensitive to what a child is feeling will enable parents to support their child. “By adolescence, kids can be good at hiding emotions,” she said. “But parents can see it turn into anxiety and depression, or the adolescent may be less interested in activities. “Some kids can express stress by externalizing problems, through anger and lashing out. Whenever you see a major change in a child, it might be time to sit them down and find out what’s going on in their lives.”
New trends come with new school year By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer A fresh start to the school year means new items to purchase. Be prepared for back-to-school with these useful-for-parents and funfor-kids trends. Home Sweet Locker Decorating lockers has always been a way to showcase personality, but options have been upgraded since the days of magnets and magazine clips. Target has magnetic succulent plants, magnetic and battery-powered “chandeliers,” removable wallpaper and disco balls.
Fashion is Clear A trend for all ages, that’s also helpful for parents: A clear plastic raincoat is cheap, easy to clean, and fashionable for a kids. Available at Walmart online for $10. Clear backpacks are also cool, and don’t require permission before parents can see inside. A Bento-Style Lunch Bento boxes are no longer just for mom or dad’s sushi lunch. The omieBox, available on Amazon, has spaces for both cold and hot foods. It comes with different inserts, depending on what’s for lunch that day, and can include cutlery. Everything
in the box can be put in the dishwasher, to make daily cleanup easy. There are simpler versions, like the stainless steel LunchBots containers. Eraser Fun Put a smile on your child’s face with fun erasers in all sorts of shapes. Yoobi’s fast food eraser set, available at Urban Outfitters, includes a mini hamburger, hotdog, French fry, and sandwich—all for erasing. Acbell’s erasers are in the shape of macaron cookies and brightly colored. Handy Basic’s erasers are ice cream treats. All available on Amazon.
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| BACK TO SCHOOL |
Parents must lead the way through cyberspace might hurt feelings. The way social media works, Lam pointed out, kids don’t even have to intend to hurt someBetween cell phones, computers, tabone’s feelings. lets and other web-connected devices, “It’s a conversation about being kind,” children have plenty of opportunities to Lam said. “What does being kind mean connect to the internet. online? What information are you “We live in a world where digital desharing? And how can you vices are a part of our daily be thoughtful when you’re lives,” said YMCA Chief sharing information?” Operating Officer Denise Kids run the risk of Lam. “From toddlers, to accidental faux pas all day, teens and adults, like it or every day. not, we are in an age where “We thought this only parents are the digital happened during lunch migrants and kids are the time or recess but now it’s digital natives.” happening 24/7 and how But even if parents aren’t do I prepare my child for digital natives, Lam said that,” Lam asked. “How do they set the example and Denise Lam we create a safe environthey need to set the ground ment so children can come to us when rules for healthy online behavior. To they have a problem and how do we facilitate that, the Chicago Y has been help them build a resiliency in an envipartnering with Google on a series of ronment that looks very different from free online safety workshops for parents, grandparents and other adults who when we grew up?” While those answers vary by family work with kids. and by the age of the child, Lam said Lam’s said she’s been with the Y for she has seen valuable conversations over 10 years, and online safety is now develop in the workshops. one of the biggest concerns for parents “It doesn’t matter the age group,” she and while parents may have more tools said. “At the end of the day one of the and their disposal for setting internet biggest takeaways is how important boundaries, it is the kids themselves the adults’ own behavior reflects on who will need to ultimately set their their children. Because I look at my own limits. phone and my computer and my iPad “We want kids to be tech savvy,” all day long. So I set an example for Lam explained, “but we want to make my child of what that behavior should sure they’re safe online and they’re look like.” responsible.” Lam said adults should make ground Once upon a time, parents may have rules for the whole family when it only worried about online strangers, comes to online activity and behavbut these days kids could face online ior and she suggests everyone stick to bullying from their real-life peers—or those rules. they could be bullies themselves. “Everybody and every family has difLam said parents have to teach kids ferent rules for themselves,” she said. how to be smart, alert, strong, kind and To find out more about the YMbrave—smart enough to understand the CA’s online workshops and to attend risk of scams and strangers and strong a workshop, visit the YMCA’s website, and kind enough to stick up for their ymcachicago.org friends online and avoid behaviors that By Jesse Wright
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| BACK TO SCHOOL |
School favorites
It’s back to school season, and we asked some of our New Eastside residents and workers about their favorite subject when they were in school. By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer l
“Physics. I love science and the relation of materials to each other.” Sanaz Maleki
“Science. I like thinking about the universe and how it all works.” Music in the Park musician Justin Elliot. Catch him at The Drunken Bean on Sundays
“Math. I enjoyed it. I was a math major and later became a computer programmer.” Luke Hilgendorff
“History. I find it interesting to learn about our past so we can better our future” Haley Butler (left)
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
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
“Math. You can always find a solution. There are infinite ways to the same result.” Marco Fabrega (right)
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| FEATURES |
Randy Martens moved to Chicago to pursue his passion for street photography. ABOVE: A woman all in red crosses Michigan Ave. RIGHT: A man gazes upward wearing a wreath made of sticks that resembles a crown of thorns. Photos courtesy of Randy Martens
Photographer fuels his passion on Chicago’s streets By Jesse Wright New Eastsider Randy Maretns wasn’t always interested in street photography. Growing up in the country, down in Mendota, Ill., Martens said he got his start taking sports photographs for the local paper and then photos of barns and cows, just for fun. “I fell in love with photography when I started working in an office in Mendota,” Martens said. Martens worked as a billing supervisor and his career was moving along, but it didn’t move him. “The day they offered me a promotion, they were going to make me assistant to the treasurer, I told them I wanted to quit because I wanted to be a photographer.” He moved to Chicago in 1982 to pursue his passion. Looking through a viewfinder, it changed him “It was freedom,” Martens said. “Just to do what you want. Not to have clocks and desks and things like that. Just to go around and see
Randy Martens has spent a few decades documenting day-to-day life in the Loop. Photo by Jesse Wright
what you see. I was always a storyteller. I wrote poetry and things, but that was sort of labor intensive compared to just taking a picture.” Martens first trained his camera on skyscrapers and the manmade world, though soon, wandering through the Loop, he took a look at the river of humanity passing him by and when he wasn’t working his office job, he was out on the street, taking photographs. In 1983, Martens met his future wife and in 1986, they got married.
Randy Martens has photographed all types of people in all sorts of places.
“I was working in an office in downtown Chicago, and after we got married she could see I wasn’t very happy working in an office, she basically said to me, ‘I’ll make you a deal,’” Martens said. “She had a job in human resources in a law firm. She said, ‘I’ll tell you what. If you learn how to cook and keep the house clean, you can be a photographer and I’ll earn the money.’” It sounded like a good deal
to Martens, so he got busy in the kitchen. “I learned to cook,” he said. He also fell deep into photography and his pictures graced the cover of a recent StreetWise Magazine in Chicago. Today, thousands of photographs into his work, Martens has photographed all types of people in all sorts of places. For the most part, Martens said, people in the Loop have been receptive when he asks to take their picture.
“I don’t know if I have a different aura or what, but I get a lot of yesses,” he said. But not always. As Martens spends most of his time on the street, his photos include a lot of the street people he sees, but one man has remained elusive. “There’s one guy I haven’t seen in three months, a black guy with rasta hair,” Martens said. “He used to walk around for 15 years and I hope he’s not gone. He has the darkest skin. I’ve walked up to him and I asked him if I could take his picture and he says ‘No I don’t do pictures,’ and I said, ‘I’ll give you $5 bucks and he says, ‘No.’ I’ll see him a year later and I offered him $10, and he turned it down. I once offered him $50 and he turned me down. Some people just don’t like the idea.” Martens has self-published one book, though it’s not for sale anywhere. He said he is planning a show in the near future, and in the meantime people can check out his website, randymartensphotography.com.
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| NEWS BRIEFS |
Ship of Tolerance to dock at Navy Pier in September The Ship of Tolerance, a sailing ship and art piece, will dock at Navy Pier from Sept. 17 through Oct. 6. The ship is a free, public art installation at the City Stage lawn in Polk Bros Park and guests will have the opportunity to view and interact with the ship courtesy of the Ilya and Emilia Kabakov Foundation. The mission of The Ship of Tolerance is to educate and connect youth from different continents, cultures and identities through the language of art, according to a Navy Pier press release. The conceptual art piece reflects how divergent cultures interpret tolerance and how these understandings overlap. The ship’s sails
are stitched together from drawings, painted on silk by schoolchildren from different ethnic, religious and social backgrounds to convey a message of tolerance and hope. “We are all afraid of the unknown,” said artist Emilia Kabakov. “Like a child, you are afraid of something coming at you from the darkness of different religions, different races. We work with these fears—trying to eliminate them, trying to learn about the others—and trying to make our audience understand that knowledge is a tool, which helps with communication.” Built in Siwa, Egypt in 2005 to engage children and young adults in an active discussion
about tolerance, participants were exposed to different cultures and ideas while creating works of art. These drawings were later sewn together to form a mosaic sail, which was mounted atop a ship. Past iterations of the project have taken place in Venice, Italy; St. Moritz, Switzerland; Sharjah, United Arab Emirates; Miami; Havana; Brooklyn, New York; Moscow; Samara, Russia; Zug, Switzerland; Cham, Switzerland; Rome; Capalbio, Italy; Rostock, Germany; and Duren, Germany. The ship will be shown in London in early September before arriving in Chicago. For more information, visit navypier.org.
Alderman Reilly moves neighborhood offices to City Hall Alderman Brendan Reilly announced in late August his constituent service office at 325 W. Huron, would close and relocate to City Hall. Reilly cited rising rents and low walk-in visits as the reason for the move. “The River North neighborhood is home to rising market-rate rents, and, due to limited budget choices and very minimal walkin traffic, I believe it is in the best interest of the taxpayers to consolidate operations at City Hall, just 10 blocks from my Huron Street office,” Reilly emailed in a statement. City Hall is located at 121 N. LaSalle St. and his offices are in Room 200. The office remains in the 42nd Ward. “I regret having to close operations on Huron St., however, there are numerous benefits to providing our constituent services from City Hall—not the least of which will be the significant cost savings in rent for taxpayers,” he said. Residents can also contact Reilly via phone at (312) 642-4242 or via email at office@ward42chicago.com.
Kimberly Bares is the new CEO of the Magnificent Mile Association
Magnificent Mile Association names new CEO In late August, the Magnificent Mile Association announced Kimberly Bares is the new president and CEO for the organization. The Magnificent Mile Association is a development and community advocacy group for Michigan Avenue and the surrounding area. According to a news release, Bares has more than 25 years experience in commercial district management, governance, strategic planning and placemaking. “We are fortunate to have Kimberly at the helm of our Association at this important time in our 106-year history,” said Rich Gamble, Chairman of the Board of Directors for The Magnificent Mile Association.
The ‘Ship of Tolerance,’ an international art piece, will dock at Navy Pier in September. Photo courtesy Daniel Hegglin
Bares founded PLACE Consulting, a planning consultancy, in 2007 and served as the president for the past 12 years. She has advised associations, non-profits, developers, municipalities and elected officials on issues facing their organizations, business district and cities. She previously served as CEO of neighborhood organizations including the Wicker Park Bucktown Chamber, Old Town Merchants and Residents Organization, and Rogers Park Business Alliance (RPBA).
City begins Chicago Ave. resurfacing project In late August, the street department started resurfacing Chicago Ave. east of Michigan Ave. This project is scheduled to be completed by December. This project is part of the Chicago Department of Transportation’s Arterial Street Resurfacing Central Area Project. These improvements include ADA sidewalk upgrades, curb and gutter removal and replacement, milling and paving of the existing asphalt pavement, and final restoration and striping of the lane. During construction, temporary “No Parking” signs will be periodically in-
stalled as required for each phase of the project. Parking may be restricted during working hours. Chicago Ave. street repairs will wrap up in December.
After four months, Mr. Maki closing while Ramen-San gets reboot Restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You is shuttering Mr. Maki, 676 N. St. Clair St. after four months. The group has not said why they’re closing the Japanese restaurant or what will replace it or when a replacement might open. However, the group’s Ramen-San restaurant on 165. E. Huron will remain open with some changes. In August, Lettuce Entertain You announced the renamed Ramen-San Deluxe will introduce items from sister restaurant Sushi-San in River North. Ramen-San Delux will now offer ramen dishes like kimchi and fried chicken and traditional 10-hour tonkotsu. Other menu items include crispy karaage chicken nuggets, mantou buns, lunch express options, plus new additions like the spicy tuna maki roll, Japanese eggplant fries and a maki express set.
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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com.
Tuesdays
Trivia Test your Knowledge every Tuesday with trivia at Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap. Maybe all those Jeopardy! marathons will finally pay off. 7-9 p.m., free, Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap, 355 E. Ohio St., (312) 631-3393, streetervillepizzeriatap.com Music at the Terrace—Museum of Contemporary Art Tuesdays come alive on the MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden with free music highlighting artists from Chicago’s renowned jazz community. The performances start at 5:30 p.m. and run through 8 p.m., free, 220 W. Chicago Ave. (312) 280-2660. For more information, visit mcachicago.org. SOAR Farmer’s Market Join the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents every Tuesday for the SOAR Farmers Market. Through October, SOAR brings fresh goods to the Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza. Stroll through the market for fruits & vegetables, baked goods, flowers, specialty packaged goods, and prepared food. 220 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 2802596, soarchicago.org
Wednesdays
Jazzin at the Shedd Live jazz lives at Shedd every Wednesday night this summer. Jazzin’ at the Shedd is back with a festival-worthy lineup of three of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles each week at the Shedd. As the sun goes down and the music heats up, relax with a drink on our breezy terrace. Tickets are $19.95 for Chicago residents, $24.95 Nonresidents and free for members. The event is at 1200 S Lake Shore Drive and runs from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., (312) 939-2438 For more information, visit sheddaquarium.org. Glow Flow Yoga Unleash your inner yogi every Wednesday with this unconventional glow-in-the-dark yoga class. 6-7
p.m., $5, W Chicago-Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312) 943-9200, marriott.com
Thursdays
Acoustic Thursdays Enhance your evening with live acoustic music every Thursday at the Albert. 5-8 p.m., free, the Albert, 228 E. Ontario St., (312) 471-3883, thealbertchicago.com
Third Thursday of the Month
Adler After Dark Experience the planetarium over drinks and unique entertainment every month. Each event has a different theme, making it a fun (and educational) date spot. 21 and over, 6:30-10:30 p.m., $20, Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., (312) 922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org
Fridays
Dreihaus Museum presents: Saints & Sinners Walking Tour: Chicago’s Legacy of Virtue and Vice Saint or Sinner? You decide, on this River North neighborhood walking tour that explores Chicago’s complex history of corruption and altruism.The bustling neighborhood provides fertile ground to discuss Chicago’s history of prohibition and highlight the main characters in the City’s Temperance movement. The tours go from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. and tickets are $50 for drinkers and $30 for non-drinkers. The tour is through River North. (312) 482-8933. Visit driehausmuseum. org for more information.
Sept. 2
Live music at the Navy Pier Free live music in the Miller Lite Beer Garden will feature the return of the Bitter Jester Music Festival from 1:20-8 p.m. at Navy Pier’s Miller Lite Beer Garden. The Bitter Jester Foundation for the Arts, NFP (BJFA) was established to produce live music and theatrical productions of new and classic works as
The public is invited to the LH Rooftop’s Star Party on Sept. 3.
well as other forms of literary/performing/media/audio/visual arts and other forms of entertainment. free, (800) 5957437, navypier.org/event.
Sept. 3
LH Rooftop’s Star Party LH Rooftop will host a star party with Chicago Astronomer Joe Guzman on LH Rooftop’s 22nd-floor terrace. Attendees can star-, moon- and planet-gaze through two telescopes while the astronomy team provides insights into the sky’s spectacles. Celestial sights of Saturn, Jupiter, and a crescent moon will be visible. 7-10 p.m., free, 85 E. Upper Wacker Dr., Floor 22-23, email rsvp@ londonhouse.com or (312) 253-2317, londonhousechicago.com
Sept. 6
Driehaus preview, reception of ‘Eternal Light: The Sacred Stained-Glass Windows of Louis Comfort Tiffany’ The Richard H. Driehaus Museum invites the public and members to
Tiffany stained glass windows.
celebrate the opening of the museum’s newest exhibition, “Eternal Light: The Sacred Stained-Glass Windows of Louis Comfort Tiffany.” The exhibit focuses on the design and production of Tiffany’s ecclesiastical window commissions, and explores these works in the context of both the art and social history. 6 p.m., $20 for non-members, 40 E. Erie, (312) 482-8933, driehausmuseum.org Events continue on page 14
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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com
Sept. 14-15
The Storefront Project The Museum of Contemporary Art and PROP THTR present a collaboration that celebrates Chicago’s tradition of storefront and underground theater. Over two weekends, the directors highlight the innovations that are possible when theater-makers experiment with shifting settings and circumstances. The Storefront Project runs on Saturday and Sunday, Sept. 14-15 and 21-22, 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the MCA, 220 E. Chicago Ave., $15, (312) 397-4010 and www.mcachicago.org
Sept. 15
The SOAR First Responders Appreciation Day Day on Sept. 12 gives residents a chance to thank local first responders.
Sept. 12
SOAR’s First Responder’s Appreciation Day Stop by and say hello and thank you to the men and women who serve and protect our city at the 6th annual Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR) First Responders Appreciation Day. The community will pay tribute to Chicago firefighters, paramedics, Chicago police officers and Northwestern University police officers. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., free, Engine 98 Chicago Avenue Fire House, 202 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 280-2596, soarchicago.org
Sept. 14
Center Stage for Access and Inclusion Experience performances by some of Chicago’s greatest artists with and without disabilities in music, dance, art, storytelling and more. Featuring a guest performance by Avett Ray, a 7-year-old piano prodigy who is visually impaired and has appeared on national television. 11 a.m.-2 p.m., free, at 500
Grand Ave., weather permitting, if raining inside the Navy Pier’s Food Experience, (312) 666-1331, chicagolighthouse.org Second ward public paper shredding/recycling Residents can bring paper to shred or electronics to recycle. Limit three boxes per household. Sheriff ’s deputies will collect expired or unwanted prescription drugs. Bring old bikes for donation to Working Bikes, who will fix and redistribute them to needy communities. 9 a.m. to noon, free, 1400 N. Ashland Ave., (312) 643-2299, aldermanhopkins.com Death Café The Transition Network of Chicago will host a Death Café. The Death Café’s objective is to increase awareness of death with a view to helping people make the most of their lives. Email for location. 10 a.m.-noon, free, members only, (630) 567 0299, chicagochapter@ thetransitionnetwork.org
SEA Blue Chicago Prostate Cancer Walk and Run Help raise money for those with prostate cancer. SEA Blue is a celebration of life, of those who have risen to the challenge to fight cancer, of the lives that have been lost and of the people we will help to combat it through advocacy. 8 a.m.-1 p.m. $25$50, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Lincoln Park, 1790 N. Stockton, (630) 795-1002, ustoo. rallybound.org
Sept. 18
‘The Murder of Abraham Lincoln: The Shakespeare Connection’ The Royal James Theater is presenting a stage reading of “The Murder of Abraham Lincoln: The Shakespeare Connection,” by B.J. Mohr. 7:30 p.m. $10, the Greenhouse Theater Center, 2257 N. Lincoln Ave., (312) 818-9340, contact@ royaljamestheater.com
Sept. 21
The Langham to host calligraphy workshop Travelle at The Langham will offer a calligraphy workshops taught by Ricki DiCola of r + ink. Participants learn the art of handwriting while enjoying brunch at Travelle with a glass of champagne. 11 a.m.-1 p.m., $65, 330 N. Wabash Ave., (312) 923-7705, www.travellechicago.com
SEPTEMBER RACES Get Your Rear in Gear 5K/kids run - 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, Montrose Harbor Run Mag Mile 10K/5K - 7 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 7, Grant Park Race Judicata 5K run/walk 6:30 p.m., Thursday, Sept. 12, Lincoln Park Faith and Fitness 5K/10K - 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, Jackson Park Head for the Cure 5K run/walk & kids run - 8 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 15, Diversey Harbor MMRF Team for Cures Chicago 5K run/walk - 9 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 15, Montrose Harbor SEA Blue Prostate Cancer walk/ run - 8 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 15, Lincoln Park Candy Dash 5K/kids run - 8 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Lincoln Park Dispelling Myths 5K - 9 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 21, Oz Park Chicago Lunch Run 10K/5K - 10:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 22, Montrose Harbor Ready to Run 20 Miler - 6:30 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 22, Lincoln Park Chicago Half Marathon 13.1/5K - 7 a.m., Sunday, Sept. 29, Jackson Park
Sept. 26
Aging In Place: House Calls for Older Adults Skyline Village Chicago’s Friday Forum will feature Dwayne Dobscheutz, a geriatric nurse practitioner. Home care visits allow the development of a nurturing relationship between the patient and health care provider. 1 p.m.-3 p.m., $5 not including lunch, at the mezzanine level of Water Tower Place, 835 N. Michigan Ave., (312) 266-6683, info@skylinevillagechicago.org
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| NEWS BREAK |
September chosen (by this column) as best month
I
n an unofficial tabulation of informal voting done by this column—with apologies to runner-ups May, November and December—the month of September has won Best in Show as the overall most enjoyable month of the year. If you are reading this column Jon Cohn in the month of publication, COMMUNITY you’re living the good life (at least CONTRIBUTOR we hope so). Why does September deserve the top month nod? There’s the consistently pleasant, if not gorgeous, weather.
Jumble
Throw in Labor Day weekend, Jazzfest, baseball playoffs, start of the football season and the fact that summer tourists have mostly left the city streets—and you have a winning combination. Did we mention the beautiful weather? September radiates like the smiling bride walking down the aisle, as beautiful in the beginning as she is at the end. The minor dissent (there’s one in every crowd) could come from school-aged children who equate September with the whole back-to-school thing. Admittedly, that could be put a damper on the celebration. But we press on. Another key takeaway is the reminder that summer is not over. Not by a longshot. Remember, the gorgeous
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weather we experience now is payback for the lousy April and May weather. Soak it up and enjoy. If you feel the season went by way too quickly and you didn’t get to all the things you wanted to do, fear not. There’s still time to hack away at the summer wish list. If you didn’t get to that Wisconsin weekend getaway, a boat ride, a ball game, the Navy Pier excursion, the beach visit, a camping trip, cookout or any of the other myriad of summer activities, there is still time. But don’t wait too long. Halloween candy was just spotted at your local grocery store. Jon Cohn is a New Eastside Resident.
Out and About in August Send photos and captions to info@neweastsidecommunity.com for a chance for your photo to be featured.
When do you go at red, but stop at green?
August answer: What does the sun drink out of? Sunglasses.
A September riddle: What do you call an alligator detective? A: AN INVESTI-GATOR
Got a great joke or riddle? Send it in and make us laugh at info@neweastsidecommunity.com.
Where am I?
This New Eastside condo has a view. What building is it?
If you think you know, email us at info@neweastsidecommunity.com.
Answer to July Where am I? Congratulations to sharpeyed readers Anthony Crane, Ilona Polinovsky and PJ Colucci and who correctly identified the August where am I as the NBC building facing North Columbus Drive.
Elizabeth Burgos (left) and James Whitley attend the opening of Bennett Park in Streeterville in August. Photos by Jesse Wright
Silvia Esparza (from left), Adan Guzaman and Jacob Ezparza attend National Night Out.
Elena Pitt (left) and Lizzie Nolan attended a Cocktail Club, a monthly, casual networking event at the Mid-America Club.
Brian O’Malley (left) and Noeleen Griffin spent an afternoon watching the Air and Water Show.
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The Back is the New Front On 10,000 coffee tables near you. Buy an ad at thestreeterville.com/buyad (312) 690-3092
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