Streeterville News March 2019 by neweastsidenews

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THE TRADITION OF TULIPS The story behind the award-winning Mag Mile displays that have inspired cities across the country

GOING GREEN

The story behind the green river Page 8

Streeterville hotels named best in nation Page 3 Page 10 Chicago Department of Transportation workers plant tulips in the fall in preparation for spring. Photo courtesy CDOT

Holi celebration to light up Navy Pier

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Doorperson of the month: Tom Bohlen

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Local news drives newspaper readership Page 3 Spring cleaning tips for every household Page 12

Girl Scouts partner with Streeterville businesses

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Editor: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writers: Elizabeth Czapski Angela Gagnon Stephanie Racine Jesse Wright 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 March 1, 2019 Copyright ÂŠ2019. All rights reserved.

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info@neweastsidecommunity.com / (312) 690-3092 Index News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3-6 Community Corner . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7-12 Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13-14 News Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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| NEWS BRIEFS |

The Four Seasons, fifth in the nation, is one of three hotels in the Streeterville area to get one of the top spots in a ranking.

The Langham was ranked the number seven hotel in the nation.

The Peninsula Hotel was recently named the number two hotel in the nation. Photos by Jesse Wright

Three Streeterville hotels snag Top-10 spots in national ranking U.S. News and World Reports has ranked three hotels in or adjacent to Streeterville in the Top 10 best hotels in the United States. They are the only Chicago hotels to be included on the list. In February, the magazine announced The Peninsula at 108 E. Superior St., The

Local news drives newspaper readership, study finds

Despite declining readership trends in big industry players, local news is still popular among readers. Photo by Elaine Hyde

A large study by Medill’s Local News Initiative discovered in February that local news still matters to readers and it may save newspapers. The study analyzed subscriber data from three met-

Four Seasons Hotel at 120 E. Delaware Place and The Langham at 330 N. Wabash Ave. among the best in the country. David Whitaker, president and CEO of Choose Chicago, said the news is great for the city as it reflects Chicago’s place as a tourist destination. He added

ropolitan news websites in an attempt to see what content most attracted readers. The intention was to provide newspapers with a guide to improving community service and to shore up financial sustainability as the media landscape changes. The study showed that rather than viral stories, readers want quality local content. “This research illustrates a sea change in the relationship between local news organizations and their readers,” Tim Franklin said in a news release. Franklin, a senior associate dean at Northwestern’s Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, heads the Medill Local News Initiative, a project that includes this study and other research to help local journalism overcome the industry’s loss of readers and revenue. Medill partnered with

the FAA confirmed O’Hare is the busiest airport in the nation, and 2018 was a record-breaking year for both O’Hare and Midway airports. “This comes on the heels of announcing another record tourism year as Chicago welcomed over 57 million visitors in

2018. The key to a destination’s appeal and success is the experience,” Whitaker said in a news release. “Success translates into top hotels, easy access and a city that is home to the great experiences that matter most to you. It’s no coincidence that Chicago and its best are being celebrated.”

three news organizations—the Chicago Tribune, The Indianapolis Star and the San Francisco Chronicle—that provided 13 terabytes of anonymous reader data for the study.

Police warn Streeterville residents of cell phone thefts Police are warning residents of a string of cellphone thefts in the Streeterville area. In each of the six reported robberies, a group of one to four male teens and young adults approached the victims and forcibly grabbed the cell phones from their hands, Chicago police said in a community alert. They either run away or leave in a black four-door car, police said. The robberies happened in the evening hours of:

Police are warning Streeterville residents to be aware of their surroundings when using a cell phone in public. Photo by Jesse Wright

Jan. 28 in the first block of East Ohio Street Jan. 21 in the 600 block of North Wells Street Jan. 9 and 10 in the 300 block of East Illinois Street Jan. 9 in the first block of l

East Huron Street Jan. 5 in the 500 block of North Rush Street Anyone with information is asked to call detectives at (312) 747-8380. Turn to News Briefs, Page 4 l

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| NEWS |

Can pay-as-you-go fix Chicago’s streets? By Jesse Wright Staff Writer In December, Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel called for an increase on the state’s fuel tax to fund transportation infrastructure improvements. The state legislature hasn’t increased the tax since 1990, even though the tax hasn’t risen with inflation and more fuel efficient cars and electric cars mean the tax brings in less money. But a permanent fix to transportation woes may take more imagination than a mere tax hike. In February, State Rep. Marcus C. Evans Jr. (D-Chicago) introduced the first bill that would have charged a by-the-mile tax so every driver—regardless of the

NEWS BRIEFS Continued from Page 3

SOAR to host speaker series The Streeterville Organization of Active Residents will kick off the second year of its speaker series March 20 with Steve Dolinsky, the “Hungry Hound” of ABC 7 and the co-host of the podcast “The Feed.” Dolinsky will talk about why Chicago is America’s greatest pizza town. The time and location of the series is yet to be announced. Check SOAR’s website, soarchicago.org, for details.

Cityfront Place for sale, Renelle on the River prepares to open According to Crain’s Chicago Business, Cityfront Place at 400 N. McClurg Court is on the market for $160 million while across the neighborhood Renelle on the River, 405

vehicle—would pay for the road repairs. Critics immediately pushed back on social media and Evans tabled the bill. But the debate around a pay-as-you-go system isn’t going away. On Feb. 22, The Metropolitan Planning Council, a nonprofit agency focused on the Chicago area, held a roundtable on a pay-by-the-mile system. Maureen Bock from the Oregon Department of Transportation joined Audrey Wennick, the MPC’s director of transportation and Nate Bryer, the vice president of a mileage tracking system to make the case for a pay-as-you-go system. Oregon has a pay-by-the-mile system and Bock said it works well. Drivers are tracked via a simple mileage tracking device and everyone pays about 1.7 cents per mile.

N. Wabash Ave., prepares to open its doors in a matter of months. The new building is offering 50 three-and-four-bedroom luxury condominiums from $1.3-$2.3 million and buyers can move in over the summer. For more information on the building, visit renellechicago.com

WTTW11 program to highlight Midwest history Take a nostalgic family road trip throughout the Midwest when “Chicago on Vacation with Geoffrey Baer” premieres on WTTW11, Chicago’s PBS station, and online at wttw.com/vacation at 7:30 p.m. on March 5. Inspired by his family adventures, Baer sets out in a 1973 Chevrolet Impala station wagon (the same car his family drove) to visit favorite tourist destinations and discover hidden history throughout the Midwest. Stunning archival film and home movies take viewers back to a time when road trips

Bock said before the program was rolled out, critics raised issues about tracking and privacy, but the basic fairness of the system appealed to motorists. “The user should pay for what they’re getting,” she explained. The system only applies to cars that weigh 10,000 pounds or less. Larger vehicles pay more under a different system. “We started it because there was a recognition that the fuel tax is unsustainable even if we kept raising the tax rate,” Bock said. A fuel tax is unfair for people who can’t afford newer or electric cars and it’s unfair for people who prefer classic cars, she added. Wennink pointed out Illinois faces a severe decline in revenue. When the current fuel tax was passed in 1990, she said the average driver paid about $160 in taxes per

year. Today, with more efficient cars, drivers pay $100 a year—and they drive more. Wennink said Illinois needs $43 billion in road repairs because needed maintenance has been deferred for lack of funds. “We need more revenue to get our system to the state it needs to be in,” she said. “People are going to be getting a lot more mileage as people buy new cars… and that’s not good for our revenue and we need to plan for that.” Wennink said despite the failure of Evans’ bill, she believes a state infrastructure bill will pass and legislators need to find ways to fund that. “That’s why we’re having this conversation today, to debunk some of the myths, and reduce the fear about changing (tax) mechanisms,” she said.

were routine for families looking for an affordable, drivable getaway. Highlights of Geoffrey’s 2,000mile road trip include: Touring Lake Geneva with two teenagers that deliver mail by jumping off a moving boat Meeting an all-female ice-fishing group from Wisconsin’s Northwoods Discovering a renewed interest in the “Black Eden” of Idlewild, Mich., a popular spot for African Americans when segregation during the Jim Crow era limited vacation options Visiting the once-booming Jewish resorts in South Haven, Mich., previously called the “Catskills of the Midwest” l

Lawry’s The Prime Rib to host a night of restaurant nostalgia March 7 Lawry’s The Prime Rib at 100 E. Ontario St., the former home of Kungsholm, will host an evening

Lawry’s will host a book reading social event celebrating historic Chicago restaurants. Photo by Jesse Wright

of restaurant nostalgia and food for the launch of Greg Borzo’s book “Lost Restaurants of Chicago.” Award-winning author Greg Borzo and special guest Hot Doug’s Doug Sohn will lead a discussion about Chicago’s most

colorful and quirky restaurants and how these dining institutions have impacted the dining scene today. A book signing will follow the program. The event is set for 6:30 p.m. on March 7.

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| COMMUNITY CORNER |

Doorperson of the Month Tom Bohlen, doorman at 201 E. Chestnut St. By Elizabeth Czapski Staff Writer Tom Bohlen has been a doorman at 201 E. Chestnut St. since 2007. Previously, he worked in construction, but after he was laid off, a friend of a friend suggested he apply to the building. He’s been there ever since. Morning is madness, a scramble to get residents out the door and on their way, into cabs and off to work, Bohlen said. After that, it settles down and he accepts packages and greets visitors. Bohlen said he’s always been a people person, and his favorite part of his job is interacting with residents. “I enjoy my job [and] watching people go by,” he said. His most memorable experience as a doorman has been seeing the kids in the building grow up, Bohlen said. Aspiring doorpeople should be attentive and polite, he said. Anyone who wants to work in the field must be a people person, ready to learn the ways and the routines of residents. “Keep your eyes and ears open. Get to know people, what their habits are,” he said. Bohlen said when he’s not working, he likes to golf and he enjoys spending time with his rescue dog, a red nose pitbull named Bear, whom he calls “Cookie.”

Do You Know This Man? Tom Bohlen is the Streeterville doorperson of the month. Photo by Elizabeth Czapski

Bohlen was nominated for Streeterville Doorperson of the Month by Gayle Hargrove, a resident and board secretary of the building. She praised Bohlen’s dedication to his job and the building. “In all my years as a resident, I have not known him to 'call in' an absence unexpectedly—including during the recent polar vortex when his train broke down on his way to work,”

she wrote in an email. “Tom has an uncanny way of learning our [residents’] habits...and always has a kind word to offer.” To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@ neweastsidecommunity.com with the doorperson’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.

Send Gail your favorite and most outrageous story about this notable neighborhood figure. The best story will receive a $50 gift card to D4. Gail Spreen Your Streeterville Expert Senior Vice President, Sales 312.925.7668 Gail@StreetervilleProperties.com

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| NEWS |

Ida B. Wells honored with downtown street name By Jesse Wright Staff Writer Civil rights activist Ida B. Wells was honored Feb. 11 when city and state officials unveiled new street signs for Ida B. Wells Drive. The 1.2-mile downtown street was formerly known as Congress Parkway. Aldermen Sophia King (Fourth Ward) and Brendan Reilly (42nd Ward) co-sponsored the ordinance to rename the street in July 2018. This is the first downtown street named after an African-American woman. “She was an original boss,” King said. “She spoke truth to power and … changed the landscape of Chicago and the world.” Wells was born into slavery in 1862 in Mississippi, but it was her pioneering work as a Memphis publisher and journalist that first gained her widespread attention. In 1891 Wells, who was also a public school teacher, began reporting on unequal conditions in black schools. Those stories got

Mayor Rahm Emanuel (left) stands next to Michelle Duster, Ida B. Well’s great granddaughter, and Adlerman Sophia King at the sign unveiling in Feburary. Photo by Jesse Wright

her fired from teaching. A year later, she began work on a series of articles about lynching. The series enraged white Memphians, who burned Wells’ offices and destroyed her printing press, forcing her to flee the South, though the series received national distribution in black newspapers. Eventually, she settled in Chicago and continued civil rights work until her death in 1931. Alderman Reilly said this honor is “long overdue.”

“I believe it is wrong that until this day no street in downtown Chicago has ever been named for an African-American woman,” he said. Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton also praised Wells’ legacy. Emanuel said he hopes the street inspires people. “This is more than a street sign. It’s a sign of her service. It is a sign of her strength and a sign of her selflessness,” he said. Keynote speaker Chaz Ebert said public memorials to people of color are import-

ant, especially for children of color. “As a little girl I used to wonder, did we really matter? As a little girl I had never seen a black fireman or a black nun,” she said. “And I would wonder, did we matter?” Michelle Duster, a great-granddaughter of Wells, said she hopes the street is an inspiration. “Ida B. Wells Drive will remind everyone, no matter where they start in life, that it is possible to make their voice heard,” Duster said.

Hindu celebration Holi—festival of colors, love—set for Navy Pier By Stephanie Racine Staff Writer Holi is coming to downtown Chicago. Holi is a Hindu celebration that runs March 20-21. Navy Pier is hosting a free Holi festival on March 23, from 1 to 5 p.m. in the Aon Grand Ballroom. The celebration is known as the festival of colors and the festival of love. It is a celebration of letting go of resentments, while playfully dousing others in colored powder or water. Holi begins with the lighting of a bonfire, meant to symbolize the triumph of good over evil, according to the official Holi Festival website. A number of legends are attached to the festival. The legend that is said to have led to the celebration of

Holi, known as the festival of colors, involves colored powders based on a Hindu legend. Photo courtesy of Navy Pier

colors involves the Hindi god Krishna becoming jealous of his soulmate Radha’s light complexion, according to the Holi site. Krishna complained to his mother, who

told him to color Radha’s skin any color he wished. He did so, and the mischievous act turned into a celebration and a symbol of love between partners. “Lovers long to apply color on their beloved’s face and express their affection for each other,” the Holi site said. Navy Pier’s celebration will feature musicians Red Baraat and Funkadesi. There will also be dance performances from groups including Peirce Elementary School and Mandala Arts. Bombay Wraps will sell food and colored powders will be available to be thrown outside in the Miller Lite Beer Garden, as supplies last, until 4 p.m. Visitors may not throw powder inside. To learn more about the Holi celebration at Navy Pier, visit navypier.org/event. To learn more about Holi, visit holifestival.org.

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| FEATURES |

Bob Lempa and his fiancee Peggy Baker pose high above Lempa’s Maggie Daley Park marriage proposal, written in the snow. Photo courtesy Peggy Baker

A Maggie Daley marriage proposal heard ’round the world By Jesse Wright Staff Writer Bob Lempa wanted to do something big for Peggy Baker, his longtime girlfriend. They’d been dating for years and he knew she was special and he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her. It was just a matter of finding the right time and place to ask her to marry him. So, one snowy morning, armed with twine, some stakes and a snow shovel, he went to work in Maggie Daley Park, first marking out the letters and then shoveling. Six hours later, the words “marry me” were written across the snowy canvas of Maggie Daley Park. “I had no idea whether security would kick me out when I started doing this,” Baker said. “But they were supportive. I wasn’t writing something negative, it wasn’t something political and it wasn’t a commercial.” It was painstaking, Baker said. But it worked. After he wrapped up, Lempa called Baker. It was a day after Valentine’s Day and he had told her she’d be getting a card. “At four he called and said, ‘Did you get my card yet?’ and I said, ‘no’ and then he said ‘look out your window,’” said Baker. “I knew it was for me and I saw the message

and my co-workers overheard and they started congratulating me and giving me hugs. They clapped and cheered. I met Bob at the park and the park district people were there and I got to say yes officially when I went down there.” Lempa caught more than Baker’s attention though. Since the public proposal caught the attention of downtown, Lempa said he’s seen his name pop up in stories around the world. “I wasn’t doing it for the publicity, although I thought I might get some,” Lempa said. “But it is all across the States and it hit Mexico, Spain and New Delhi.” Baker said she’s thrilled to be part of a good news story. Prior to the engagement, Baker had been thinking about a fun vacation as a way to shake up her winter. “I was thinking a week ago, I need to plan a vacation or something exciting,” she said. “Who knew how the week would go? So many people are reaching out and this got so much attention. It is amazing. I was on TV this week! So many people are talking about it.” Lempa said he certainly doesn’t mind. “I was looking to hit a homerun and I hit a grand slam,” he said. The couple hasn’t set a date for the wedding yet, but Lempa said they’re thinking about sometime over the summer.

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A look behind the dye

By Jesse Wright Staff Writer Green river. Green beer. Green buildings. Is Chicago the greenest city in the world? For the seventh year in a row, the nonprofit group ShamROCK Chicago says, yes. ShamROCK Chicago is the nonprofit that works with downtown buildings to go green—to light up at night in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. Blair Ciecko, director of branding and communications for the group, said the project is a fun way to promote Irish culture. The tradition of greening landmarks comes from Tourism Ireland, the marketing body responsible for marketing

Ireland overseas, and dates back 10 years. Chicago joins cities worldwide, including London and Sydney, who also participate in the greening initiative. Ciecko said the Chicago project is also a bit of competition with Boston—a city famous for its Irish roots. This year’s greening kicks off March 11 with an event at a Chicago Blackhawks game. “Prior to the game, in the atrium, we’re going to flip a big switch to turn the building green,” Ciecko said. She said building owners are receptive to the celebration and the greening has grown since it started. This year, Ciecko said residents can expect nearly a dozen buildings to go green, including

Willis Tower, Soldier Field and the Broadway in Chicago playhouses. Last year Navy Pier joined in and the iconic Ferris wheel lit its spokes in green light. Ciecko added she hopes the lights get people in the spirit of the season, because even without Irish heritage, there’s a reason to celebrate. “There’s no political aspect or donation aspect,” she said. “It’s a good way to let everyone know it’s St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago.” “Take some selfies and post them on our Facebook page,” she said. “Or tweet them at us.” The greening will run from March 11 to 17. To find out more about the group, visit shamrockchicago2019.com.

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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like a real Dubliner By Jesse Wright Staff Writer While St. Patrick’s Day may be confused for a day of excessive drinking, green beer and general rowdiness in America, Ireland’s national day is celebrated a bit differently in the homeland. Justin Dolan, vice-consul at the Irish consulate in Chicago, said in Ireland, the holiday honoring the country’s patron saint is a day for family, food and, for some, a church service. While some Irish may drink on St. Patrick’s Day, green beer is only for tourists. “There’s partly a religious sense to it and it’s our national day as well,” Dolan said. “So some people might go to church or Mass, and some people might have an Irish fry for breakfast.” An Irish fry could include bacon, sausages and eggs; it is not a light breakfast and not the sort of thing people eat every day. “It might be the one day they allow it,” Dolan said. Dolan said larger Irish cities have a noontime parade, and the rivers stay free of dye—as does the beer. “We don’t dye our river,” Dolan said. “And green beer is something I’ve never seen in Ireland. It might be some of the bars that expect

By Jesse Wright Staff Writer

Buildings go green to show St. Pat’s Day pride

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| ST. PATRICK’S DAY |

Besides the river and beer, now Chicago buildings, including the Wrigley Building (clockwise from left), Old St Patrick's Church and Soldier Field, are going green for St. Patrick's Day. Photo courtesy Celtic Chicago

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Dyeing the Chicago River green is a downtown tradition that spans decades. Plumbers with the Plumbers Local 130 union began using dye for spotting water leaks and river pollution in 1962, after Mayor Richard M. Daley sought attractions to draw crowds downtown and to the river—which at the time wasn’t developed. Pat McCarthy, a recording secretary with the Plumbers Local 130 union and the boat coordinator, said volunteers still prepare the dye and sift it by hand into the water. “We use about 50 pounds of dye,” he said. “It’s a powder and it starts off [as] an orange color. We sprinkle that into a quarter-mile stretch of the river.” The group dyes the same stretch of the river every year—the section separating Streeterville and the New Eastside starting at either Wabash or State Street and following Wacker to the lake. The exact portions of the river that will be dyed are announced closer to the day. The dye—whose exact formula remains a mystery—is harmless to fish and other living organisms in the river, and McCarthy said it only lasts a day or a day and a half. It’s a messy job that leaves volunteers covered in color. “There’s a lot of cleanup on the boats afterward,” he said. McCarthy works to coordinate the St. Patrick’s Day parade in addition to his river duties. It’s a busy, dirty and long day for him, but he doesn’t mind. McCarthy said he’s proud to be involved in the events because he’s a first-generation American. His parents emigrated from Ireland, so being involved with an Irish holiday in the city that adopted his family is a special experience for him.

a lot of American visitors offer it. But you might drink a pint of Guinness. It’s not a day for heavy drinking but it does happen.” While the color green is part of the holiday, Dolan said it’s not ever-present on the holiday the way it is in the United States. “In Ireland, yes, people will wear a bit of green but the most important thing is they wear a sprig of shamrock—a live shamrock they pick from their garden—and they wear it on their lapel,” he said. At its heart, the holiday is about celebrating everyday Irish culture, including food and family. “It’s got a family focus for sure,” Dolan said. “People in Ireland tend to eat things like bacon and cabbage; that’s the Irish sister of corned beef and cabbage.” Other popular Irish dishes include kale and potatoes, soda bread and a fish pie, roast beef or an Irish stew. “There’s no one food [for St. Patrick’s Day],” Dolan said. “It’s a day for eating the best of Irish ingredients. So you might have a beef and Guinness stew with a pint of Guinness. It’s a day for good Irish food.” Dolan said many Irish bars in Chicago will have some sort of Irish food on the menu for St. Patrick’s Day but the culinary curious can also have a look at the Irish Food Board’s website at bordbia.ie for ideas and recipes.

Braised beef in Irish stout Courtesy Bord Bia To get in the Irish spirit, here is an authentic St. Patrick’s Day staple. Sláinte! Serves 4-6

Volunteers green the Chicago River in an annual St. Patrick’s Day tradition. Photo courtesy Amy Ulivieri

INGREDIENTS 1kg shoulder beef, cut into thin slices 1 tablespoon olive or rapeseed oil 1 onion, chopped 2 leeks, 2 carrots, 2 celery sticks, chopped 2 cloves garlic 250 ml well reduced beef stock 125 ml stout Salt and black pepper

50 g butter 75 g streaky bacon, diced 100 g wild mushrooms, sliced 50 g small onions, peeled 25 g flour TO COOK Heat the oil in a large pan, brown the meat well. Remove to a pot. Next sauté half an onion, leeks, carrots and celery. Add to the meat along with the garlic. Pour in the stock and stout, season. Simmer gently for approximately 1½ hours. Remove the meat from the pot. Strain the liquid. Discard the vegetables. Place the meat back in a clean pot, plus the liquid. Sauté the bacon, mushrooms and re-

Braised beef in Irish stout is a St. Patrick’s Day staple. Photo courtesy Bord Bia

maining onion in 25g of butter. Add to the pot. Reheat the lot. Blend the flour with remaining butter. Stir it into the sauce, stirring well. Taste for seasoning. SERVING SUGGESTIONS Serve in a deep dish with buttery mash. For more information visit bordbia.ie

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| FEATURES |

Chicago Department of Transportation plant tulips in the fall of 2018 in preparation for spring. Photos courtesy CDOT

Tough and hearty, the tradition of tulips along Michigan Avenue celebrates the city’s spirit, history By Jesse Wright Staff Writer All along Michigan Avenue, flower boxes sit, topped with a layer of pine boughs and inches of snow, ice and street salt. They are as gray as winter skies. But, buried within the boxes are bulbs— thousands of tulips and hyacinth bulbs—ready to erupt into a riot of color just as soon as the mercury allows. The seasonal routine began in the early 1990s, an initiative of Mayor Richard M. Daley and business leaders on Michigan Avenue as a way to spruce up the busy thoroughfare. In the decades since, the flowers have become nothing short of a national phenomenon. In 2016, the American Society of Landscape Architects awarded the city and the Michigan Avenue Streetscape Association its Landmark Award for 20 years of Magnificent Mile blooms. Chicago Department of Transportation spokesperson Mike Claffey said the flowers

have found fans in cities far and wide. CDOT is now in charge of the planting program. “Many cities have reached out to CDOT for background on how to launch a similar planting program—including New York City and San Francisco,” Claffey said in an email. “When Gavin Newsom (now governor of California) was mayor of San Francisco, he asked for and was given a tour of Chicago’s tulips on Michigan Avenue and he asked a number of detailed questions about the program.” Maintaining the 2.3 miles of Michigan Avenue included in the program is a big job. Claffey said each November the city plants 110,000 bulbs on Michigan Avenue from Roosevelt Road to Oak Street and the southern section where the planters are bigger, from Roosevelt to the river, includes 78,000 grape hyacinth. Over eight days in November, a 10-person crew of A Safe Haven workers plant the bulbs. A Safe Haven Foundation employs at-risk youth, veterans and people recovering from substance abuse. This year’s tulip varieties

are show winner, margarita, orange emperor, double negrita, apricot impression and pretty princess. Later, the beds are covered with pine boughs to protect the bulbs from extreme cold. The flowers must be chosen carefully, as not too much can survive Chicago’s winters which can be downright arctic, even without polar vortices. But, Claffey said, when the bulbs bloom, usually in early April, it’s a treat for Chicagoans. “They represent the spirit of Chicago,” Claffey said, adding that the city’s motto is urbs in horto, Latin for city in a garden. “It’s a way to celebrate another winter is over in Chicago and the toughness of the city,” he said. By May, however, it is over and the city replants the planters with summer selections. But the bulbs live on. “They’re transported to the Garfield Park Conservatory where each year the public is invited to pick up a bag of tulip bulbs in late May for the low, low price of zero dollars,” Claffey said.

Each year the city plants 110,000 bulbs in flower boxes along Michigan Avenue.

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| FEATURES |

Area businesses help Girl Scouts sell cookies By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer

Repairs are being done on steel beams that cracked earlier this year on Lake Shore Drive. Photo courtesy of The Office of Alderman Brian Hopkins

North Lake Shore Drive re-opens with temporary fix By Jesse Wright Staff Writer Work continues on steel beams that cracked earlier this year on Lake Shore Drive. The trouble began the morning of Feb. 11 when Chicago Department of Transportation employees noticed two cracked girders on Lake Shore Drive and another cracked girder on a ramp from Wacker to South Lake Shore Drive. The northbound Lake Shore Drive lane was closed off as CDOT employees erected temporary fixes. Despite assurances of the road’s structural safety, some local residents said the cracked beams gave them pause. “Yes, definitely I was concerned,” New Eastside resident Jim Kurek said. “I walk the

CDOT Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld speaks at a press conference about the broken beams. Photo by Jesse Wright

dog underneath the road every day.” Kurek said until the temporary fixes were installed, he didn’t walk under Lake Shore Drive. CDOT spokesperson Susan Hofer said more permanent repairs will continue through early March. She said the extreme winter weather in January could

be responsible for the cracked beams. At a news conference Feb. 12, CDOT Commissioner Rebekah Scheinfeld said all the broken beams were bolstered with four temporary shoring towers. “This will allow us to make repairs,” she explained. “We expect permanent repairs will

be done over the next several weeks.” The shoring towers can each withstand 300,000 pounds of pressure. The total cost of the temporary and permanent fix isn’t known. Hofer added that CDOT is still not sure what exactly led to the cracks, though the polar vortex might have been a factor. “We think the extreme temp variations might be part of the problem,” she said. “We're still working on determining the causes.” CDOT engineers continue to inspect other girders throughout the road system for cracks. The system was built in 1986 and, according to CDOT, officials last inspected the beams in 2017. The next scheduled inspection would be in June.

Girl Scouts are busy selling their famous cookies all over downtown Chicago while partnering with businesses that provide warm spaces where scouts can sell extra boxes through the end of March. Troop 20461, from South Loop Elementary, recently sold cookies at Pinstripes in Streeterville on a blustery Saturday morning. Troop co-leader Angelica Prado helped set up, and fourth grade troop members Mia Prado and Katie Boone sold to Pinstripes customers. “My favorite part of selling Girl Scout cookies is asking people to buy our cookies,” Mia said. “Even if they say no, they know who we are and they can tell more people about the cookies.” “I like selling Girl Scout cookies because it teaches me to set a goal and try to complete that goal,” Katie added. “The girls decide on a cookie goal and work to reach that goal,” Katie’s mom and troop co-leader Aimee Boone said. Troop 20461 set their goal for each girl to sell 100 boxes of cookies. At the end of cookie season, the troop can decide what to do with their share of the profits, which is about 90 cents per box. A portion goes to a charitable donation of the troop’s choice. Troop 20461 will be donating to Mercy Home for Boys and Girls this year. They also vote on something fun to do as a troop, as a reward for all the hard work they do during cookie sales. Girl Scouts will set up booths at select locations until the end of March. Troop 20461 will be back at Pinstripes, 435 E Illinois St., March 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. On March 2, they will be selling cookies at Sod Room, 1454 S. Michigan Ave., from 9:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. “Inviting them to sell at Sod Room helps shift the ownership back to the child,” Sod Room owner Cynthia Valenciana said. “That’s hard in today’s climate, and there’s so much power in that.” For a list of cookie booth locations, dates and times, visit the Girl Scouts’ website, girlscouts.org, and use the “cookie finder” to locate nearby booths.

Troop 20461 Co-Leader Angelica Prado and Girl Scouts Mia Prado and Katie Boone sell cookies at Pinstripes in Streeterville. Photo by Angela Gagnon

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A look inside One Bennett Park By Jesse Wright Staff Writer With work wrapping up, developers of One Bennett Park said residents of the upper floor condominiums will begin moving into the property in March. Floors one through 39 opened in November. The 70-story project gives Streeterville one of the tallest buildings in the city and will add hundreds of residents to the 451 E. Grand Ave. location. Tricia Van Horn, vice president of marketing and communications for Related Midwest, said her company is no stranger to the Streeterville area. “Related Midwest has developed highly successful apartment and condominium buildings in Streeterville for more than two decades, including 500 Lake Shore Drive, and we know it’s a terrific place to call home,” she said in an email. Van Horn cited the neighborhood’s history and proximity to retail, transportation and cultural institutions as attractive features for developers. She

said she expects the One Bennett Park development will be a good fit. The building was designed by Robert A. M. Stern Architects (RAMSA), and Van Horn said the exterior reflects a classic, historic style. “One Bennett Park, Related Midwest and RAMSA have created an all-residential, heirloom building whose design pays homage to the city’s beloved pre-war architectural heritage. A limestone podium, formal motor courts, ornamental metalwork, vertical setbacks and a lantern ‘crown’ distinguish the building from most new construction towers,” she said. The exterior might look old-school, but the inside amenities are modern. Apartments and condominiums range from $3,700 to $18,500 per month, with floor plans from 905 to 3,323 square feet. Residents will have access to fitness and wellness facilities located on the third and fourth floors. These include training studios, a club-level gym with cardiovascular and strength equipment, a 60-foot indoor pool and a 10,000-square-foot deck overlooking Bennett Park with an outdoor

One Bennet Park lobby. Photo courtesy One Bennett Park

pool, fire pits and grilling stations, Van Horn said. The third and fourth floor amenities include a children’s play area, prep and catering kitchens, and a “tween room” with games, televisions and modular lounge seating. Additionally, the two-acre Bennett Park is expected to open in summer 2019. Designed by Michael Van Valkenburgh, the creator of Maggie Daley

Park, the park will lie adjacent to the property and include a playground, dog runs and meandering pathways, Van Horn said. The park will be closed certain days each year for One Bennett Park residents to hold private events. As of February, units were still available. Contact a Related representative at www.onebennettpark.com for information.

Spark joy with organizing tips from Chicago’s experts By Elizabeth Czapski Staff Writer With spring warmth just around the corner, it’s time to clean house. Local pros have some advice. Monica Friel, president and founder of Chaos to Order, a Chicago-based organizing company, recommends decluttering the house twice a year, in the fall and in the spring, to keep on top of the mess. Marie Kondo’s KonMari

Method of tidying emphasizes discarding anything that doesn’t “spark joy.” The method suggests going through items by category (books, clothing and so on) and touching each one. If it sparks joy, keep it—then, once you’ve gotten rid of the things you don’t want, you can organize the rest. Friel said Kondo’s Netflix show has resulted in an uptick in her business. “I think it’s great that Marie Kondo has inspired us to declutter and get rid of things that don’t

bring us joy.” While Kondo’s methods don’t work for everyone, Friel said getting rid of excess baggage is healthy. “I believe that the clutter that accumulates in and around our homes really weighs us down, and it’s kind of a burden that you carry,” Friel said. Terri Albert of The Chicago Organizer said the KonMari Method doesn’t tend to work well for her clients because they often need more hands-on coaching. Instead of “sparking joy,”

Albert uses three words with her clients: need, use and love. Items that you need in your life, use regularly, and have a strong attachment to can stay. Everything else can be thrown away or donated. The time it takes for someone to go through their entire house varies, so Albert suggests setting a timer and working for 15 or 30 minutes at a time. “People will be very amazed that they can get a lot more done if they really focus,” she said.

As for staying organized, Albert said it’s necessary to have a realistic “baseline,” or vision of what your ideal space looks like. Albert said changing habits is hard but can be done by taking baby steps. "A good one is to open up your mail every single day, immediately recycle the junk mail, immediately enter important event dates in your calendar, and if you can’t get to the rest of it, attend to the rest of it as soon as you can,” she said.

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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.

March 2

Global Connections: International Carnivale Celebration Navy Pier is partnering with ComEd to present international art, music and dance celebrating Carnivale. 1-5 p.m., free, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-595-7437, navypier.org

March 2019 Races

Talk: A Tale of Today: Yinka Shonibare CBE A panel including the executive director of the Driehaus Museum, Richard P. Townsend, explores the work of British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE. Shonibare uses history, politics and fashion to explore our understanding of the past in relation to today’s changing global-cultural landscape. 3-4:30 p.m., $15, tickets at driehausmuseum.org, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660, mcachicago.org

St. Paddy’s Day 5K/8K - 10 a.m., Saturday, March 16 - Lincoln Park

Junior League Annual Gala The Junior League’s Annual Gala will take place at the Drake Hotel. A ticket includes a cocktail reception, a three-course dinner, a silent auction, live music and dancing. All proceeds benefit the Junior League’s community programs, which help women and children in the Chicago area, as well as support the League’s other philanthropic initiatives. Black tie is encouraged. 6-11 p.m., $225, The Drake Hotel, 140 E. Walton Pl., 312-664-4462, jlchicago.org

March 3

19th Annual Chicago Polar Plunge Support Special Olympics Chicago with an icy dip in Lake Michigan! All participants must raise a minimum of $200. There is a postevent “Melt Down Party” with music, food, a cash bar and more. Costumes are encouraged. 10 a.m.-2 p.m., North Avenue Beach, 1600 N. Lake Shore Drive, chicagopolarplunge.org

March 5

2019 Brent Seabrook Celebrity ICE Bowl Bowl with the Blackhawks for charity. This event is hosted by the Inner-City Education Program and gives bowlers a chance to meet Blackhawks players as well as other celebrity guests. A silent auction is also part of the program. 6:30-9:30 p.m., tickets

Mardi Gras Chaser 5K/10K - 10 a.m., Saturday, March 2 - Montrose Harbor Fight for Air Climb Stair Climb - 7 a.m., Sunday, March 10 - Presidential Towers Pi Day Pi K Fun Run 3.1 mile run - 6 p.m., Thursday, March 14 - South Loop Fleet Feet and Lincoln Square Fleet Feet Shamrock Shuffle 8k - 8:30 a.m., Sunday, March 24 - Grant Park Chicago Lakefront 50K George Cheung Memorial Race - 8:30 a.m., Saturday, March 30 - Jackson Park from $25, Lucky Strike, 322 E. Illinois St., innercityeducation.org

March 7

CAPS Meeting The 18th Police District will hold a community meeting for beats 1831, 1832, 1833 and 1834 to discuss happenings in the community with fellow residents and the CPD officers. 6 p.m., free, Access Living, 115 W. Chicago Ave., 312742-5778, chicagopolice.org Introduction to Brush Calligraphy Workshop If you’ve ever wanted to dip your toes into brush calligraphy, this is the course for you. Learn basic techniques and take home a handwritten card you made yourself! Ticket includes course material, a brush pen and pencil, stationary and envelopes, a custom tote bag, wine and light bites. 6:30-8:30 p.m., $75, The Lunchroom at SPACE 519, 200 E. Chestnut St., briannaschmall.com

March 9

Chicago Beer Festival at the Field Museum Sample spring beers from over 70 breweries at this one-of-a-kind event. Food, music and access to some of the museum’s exhibits will accompany the brews. 7-11 p.m., $45, 21+, The Field Museum, 1400 S. Lake Shore Drive, thechicagobeerfestival.com

March 9-17

St. Patrick’s Day Booze Cruises Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a boozy cruise on the lake. Discover a variety of cruises at chicagopartyboat.com. Times and prices vary.

Through March 10

Ice skating in Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park The ice rinks at Millennium Park and Maggie Daley Park are open through March 10. Take your ice skates for one last spin this winter for free in either park. Skate rental is available for an extra cost. Hours vary, free, Millennium Park, 201 E. Randolph St., (312) 742-1168, cityofchicago.org An Inspector Calls at Chicago Shakespeare Theater The award-winning play An Inspector Calls comes to Chicago from the National Theatre of Great Britain. Notable director Stephen Daldry brings this suspenseful story to life; a peaceful dinner party is interrupted by an inspector investigating a young woman’s death. Times vary, tickets from $46, Chicago Shakespeare Theater, 800 E. Grand Ave., 312-595-5600, chicagoshakes.com

March 11-13

Understanding the Mindset Fraudsters + Conducting Internal Investigations The Association of Certified Fraud Examiners is offering three days of courses covering how fraudsters think and conducting internal investigations. 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., $990 for three courses for members, $1290 for non-members, Embassy Suites Chicago Downtown Magnificent Mile, 511 N. Columbus Dr., 512-478-9000, acfe.com

March 14

The Three Escapes of Hannah Arendt — Exhibition Opening Ken Krimstein’s “The Three Escapes of

Chicago Flower & Garden Show is set for March 20-24.

Hannah Arendt” is a graphic biography of philosopher Hannah Arendt and a finalist for the National Jewish Book Award. Explore Arendt’s story and meet the author, who will be signing books. Krimstein will be also be interviewed by Alexandra Salomon, editor of WBEZ’s Curious City. 5:30-8 p.m., free, Spertus Institute for Jewish Learning and Leadership, 610 S. Michigan Ave., 312-322-1700, spertus.edu

March 15

Chicago Bilingual & Diversity Job Fair Meet with representatives from top companies looking for diverse and bilingual job candidates. Don’t forget your resume and work attire. RSVP online. 9:30 a.m.-3 p.m., free, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Chicago - Magnificent Mile, 300 E. Ohio St., 954-727-3844, diversityjobs.com

March 16

St. Patrick’s Day Parade & River Dyeing Celebrate all things Irish with Chicago’s tradition of a parade—whose theme this year is “The Music of Ireland”—and dyeing the river green. Dyeing starts at 9 a.m., and the parade starts at noon at Balbo and Columbus. More information, including the best spots for viewing, can be found at chicagostpatricksdayparade.org.

March 16

Comics and Art Book Fest: Jessica Campbell with Zine Not Dead Celebrate the world of Chicago comics with Chicago Works artist Jessica Campbell. Get to know local artists with a micro-book fair and performances organized by the collective Zine Not Dead. 12-5 p.m., free, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660, mcachicago.org

March 20-24

Chicago Flower & Garden Show

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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 Explore over 700 plant varieties at the flower show. This year’s theme is “FLOWERTALES: The Story Grows On!” and visitors can experience roses, tulips, houseplants, landscaping displays and more. Plus, this year’s show features a new floor plan designed by the Illinois chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects. Wednesday - Saturday 10a.m. - 8 p.m., Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m., $20, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-241-1250, chicagoflower.com

KID LIST March 7

Play Late Thursday: Open Mic! Sing, dance, or tell a story at this open mic event. All ages. Free with admission, Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., 312-527-1000, chicagochildrensmuseum.org

March 9

March 21-24

Annie Dorsen: The Great Outdoors This interactive art experience explores the Internet as a few form of celestial authority with infinite possibilities. Audiences lie on yoga mats in an inflatable planetarium under a sky of stars, Sébastien Roux’s live-mixed composition plays in the background, and a female performer reads recent comments from Reddit and 4chan aloud. You might find yourself coming away from the experience with a new perspective on the Internet. 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday, $30, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660, mcachicago.org

March 22-24

C2E2 Comic & Entertainment Expo This year’s Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo—the largest pop culture convention in the Midwest—brings entertainers and fans together for a fun-filled three-day expo. Featured guests include Paul Rudd, David Tennant and Eve Ewing. Don’t forget your sonic screwdriver. See website for hours, tickets from $30, South Building at McCormick Place, 2301 S. Lake Shore Drive, 800-354-4003, c2e2.com

March 23

Shedd Yoga Flow Start your weekend right with a calming yoga class in one of the Shedd Aquarium’s animal habitats. After the class, meet an animal or go behind the scenes of the exhibit. 18+, yoga mats and museum admission not included. 8-10 a.m., $40 for non-members, $35 for members, Shedd

MCA Family Day is set for March 9.

March 28 Chicago Comic and Entertainment Expo is set for March 22-24.

Aquarium, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, 312939-2438, sheddaquarium.org

March 24

Magician Michael Carbonaro at The Chicago Theatre Mixing sleight of hand, performance art and illusions, Michael Carbonaro stuns audiences with his magical expertise. Witty, fun and entertaining, this will be a performance you won’t forget. 7 p.m., tickets from $45, The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., 312-462-6300, thechicagotheatre.com

March 25

Dialogue Forum: Future Activism A panel of activists and artists discuss how youth voices change perspectives and add to public discourse. The panel will include National Youth Poet Laureate Patricia Frazier; DeRay Mckesson, author, activist, and Rock the Vote board member; and José Olivarez, author of Citizen Illegal and Teaching Artist Fellow at Young Chicago Authors. 6-7 p.m., free with RSVP, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660, mcachicago.org

Personal Power Workshop Network with other professionals and learn how to use your personal power to open up opportunities and generate success in this free workshop from Wright Living. RSVP online befire the event. 5:308 p.m., free, Wright Living, 445 E. Ohio St., seievent.com

March 30

Hide N Seek - Roaring ‘20s Get into a Gatsby state of mind at the Chicago Children’s Museum’s Roaring ‘20s-themed gala. Tickets include drinks, hors d'oeuvres, dancing, raffle prizes and access to museum exhibits. This event will help raise funds for the museum’s community inclusion initiatives. 8:30 p.m.-12:30 a.m., $125, Chicago Children’s Museum, 700 E. Grand Ave., 312-464-7714, ccmevents.org

Every Wednesday

Glow Flow Yoga Get your exercise in with glow-in-the-dark yoga every Wednesday at the W Chicago. Blacklights, glowsticks, and heavy beats included. Advance registration is recommended; search “Glow Flow Yoga” at eventbrite.com. 6-7 p.m., free for hotel guests, $5 for everyone else, W Chicago - Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, 312-943-9200

MCA Family Day: Mega-Tiny Kids and their families can use their creativity and explore the museum with local Chicago artists. This month’s Family Day includes artists Gwyneth Anderson and Juneer Kibria. 11 a.m.-3 p.m., free, Museum of Contemporary Art, 220 E. Chicago Ave., 312-280-2660, mcachicago.org

March 23

Global Connections: Holi Navy Pier is partnering with ComEd to celebrate Holi, a Hindu spring festival also known as the festival of colors. Enjoy music, dancing, and color throwing—and wear clothes you don’t mind staining. 1-5 p.m., free, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-595-7437, navypier.org

Tuesdays through March 26 Stroller Grooves Stroller Grooves is a free music series presented in partnership with the Chicago Children’s Museum. 12-12:45 p.m., free, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand Ave., 312-595-7437, navypier.org

March 29

Blaire’s Family Dinner Series Come together with your family members for an evening of farmto-table food inspired by American Girl’s Girl of the Year, Blaire Wilson. Tickets also include a goody bag, a create-your-own-appetizer station and family-style desserts. For girls ages 8 and up. This event supports The Family Dinner Project at the Harvard Graduate School of Education. 6-7:30 p.m., $25, American Girl Place, 835 Michigan Ave., 877-247-5223, americangirl.com

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| NEWS BREAK |

First we learn to crawl, then we learn to drink

’m not sure how the great tradition of the pub crawl started. I’m not even sure that Chicago is the home for these particular events, but based on the number of them planned, we might as well be. Jon Cohn For those not familiar with COMMUNITY this concept, let’s loosely call it CONTRIBUTOR a form of recreation, socialization, physical exercise (remember, there is walking involved) and of course drinking. The basic idea—and there have been many takes

on this—is for groups of people to meet with a common theme and wander to various drinking establishment in an assigned area. One drink per location. A rule, not surprisingly, that is often broken. As you can see from the description, the concept isn’t very complicated. The beauty is in its simplicity. Here’s the good part: Whether you are a veteran pub crawler or a novice looking for a new experience, there are plenty of opportunities to get in on the fun later this month. St. Patrick’s Day alone offers several opportunities. Among the selections would be the Irish Stroll Pub Crawl in River North, the Wicker Park Bar Crawl, the Lincoln Park Bar Crawl, the Division

Out and About in February

Jumble CARPERS SINRE TEGNISREG TIEMUN

Street Bar crawl, the Logan Square Bar crawl and the Shamrock Crawl in Wrigleyville—all on St. Patrick’s Day. Can’t make it St. Patrick’s Day but the idea interests you? No worries. There are many more to come, such as the Cultural Crawl (drink and explore new neighborhoods) on April 13, The Office Trivia Bar crawl April 6, and the Cover Your Bases bar crawl in Wrigleyville on May 18. September, October and Halloween bring on another barrage of potential pub crawl experiences. These pub crawls often start at 8 a.m.— yes a.m. Pub crawls are apparently not for the faint of heart (or liver).

What season is it when you are on a trampoline?

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

The February answer is: Q: With February comes the: A: SEASON OF LOVE

A March riddle: Why is everyone so tired on April 1? A They’ve just finished a long, 31 day March!

Submit jokes and quotes to info@ neweastsidecommunity.com Daniela Mota (left) and John Garcai attend a Chinese New Year event at Navy Pier. Photo by Jesse Wright

Where am I?

Where do you think this Streeterville entryway is? Let us know and if you’re right you’ll get a shout-out in the New Eastside News. Submit your guess at info@ neweastsidecommunity. com. Good luck! The answer to the February “Where am I” is … These decorative windows are above a door in the 600 block of Ohio Street.

Catherine Jacobi (left) and Cheryl Berger attend a presentation about beer history at the Dreihous Museum in Febrary. Photo by Jesse Wright

Mary Bober and Mary Murphy attended a Stigler Center lecture in February. Photo by Jesse Wright

Katie Johnston (left) and her mother Lari Johnston attend "Anna Karenina" in February. Photo by Stephanie Racine

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MADE YOU LOOK MARISOL The restaurant and bar at the MCA. Enjoy ever-changing, seasonally inspired menus and a neighborhood atmosphere. Make reservations at marisolchicago.com. Skate wing with brussels sprout choucroute, speck, and bonito aioli Photo: John Neil Burger

ON THE MCA STAGE #MCAMadeYouLook OPEN UNTIL 9 PM TUESDAYS AND FRIDAYS YOUTH 18 AND UNDER ARE FREE

Annie Dorsen The Great Outdoors

Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago

Thu–Sun, Mar 21–24 Book tickets at mcachicago.org/visit/ box-office