December 6 - 12, 2023 by StreetWise_CHI

December 6 - 12, 2023 Vol. 31 No. 48

$3 $1.85 + Tips go to your Vendor

STAY COVERED WITH MEDICAID! C H E C K YO U R S TAT U S AT A B E . I L L I N O I S . G O V.

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4 Arts & Entertainment 6 SportsWise 7 Cover Story: Local Gifts Event highlights of the week!

The SportsWise team discusses the decline in popularity of heavyweight boxing.

The StreetWise annual Gift Guide customarily celebrates entrepreneurs – just like our vendors! We combed individual markets for unique products, made locally. All of them embody the dreams of their makers and some create local employment for others as well.

14 Inside StreetWise

Premium Blend Consulting brought the holiday cheer to our annual Thanksgiving dinner for our vendors!

15 The Playground

DISCLAIMER: The views, opinions, positions or strategies expressed by the authors and those providing comments are theirs alone, and do not necessarily reflect the views, opinions, or positions of StreetWise.

Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher

dhamilton@streetwise.org

StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI

Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief

suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

Amanda Jones, Director of programs

ajones@streetwise.org

Julie Youngquist, Executive director

jyoungquist@streetwise.org

Ph: 773-334-6600 Office: 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL, 60616

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ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Compiled by Mary Mathieu

Thrilling Holiday Magic!

Twas The Night Before By Cirque Du Soleil “Twas the Night Before” is Cirque du Soleil’s first holiday show based on the classic poem “A Visit from Saint Nicholas” by Clement Clarke Moore. Memorable lines from this cherished classic inspired Cirque’s story about a jaded young girl who discovers the magic of the holidays. A festive flurry of love and cheer created especially for families, “Twas the Night” features thrilling acrobatics, lovable characters and a soundtrack including holiday classics re-invented by Cirque du Soleil. The show is at the Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., December 7 - 28, and was conceived and directed by Cirque du Soleil Senior Artistic Director James Hadley, a 25-year veteran of circus productions and live theater. Tickets $44+ at cirquedusoleil.com

Light it Up!

ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT

Menorah Lighting Ceremony The entire Evanston community is invited to join Tannenbaum Chabad House on December 7, 5:30 p.m. to celebrate Hanukkah and ignite a public 10-foot menorah at Fountain Square, Davis Street at Sherman and Orrington Avenues, Evanston. The celebration will feature greetings from Evanston Mayor Daniel Biss, live music, a LED robot dancer and Hanukkah treats. Evanston’s menorah is one of more than 15,000 large public menorahs sponsored by Chabad in more than 100 countries around the world, including in front of landmarks such as the White House, the Eiffel Tower and this year throughout Ukraine, helping children and adults of all walks of life discover and enjoy the holiday message.

All-Aboard!

CTA Holiday Train Santa rides a flatbed rail car on a CTA train outlined in thousands of twinkling lights to deliver food baskets donated by CTA employees to charitable agencies around Chicago. You can tag along on the CTA Holiday Train during rush hour Wednesday, December 6 on the Purple Line, December 7 on the Red Line, and December 8 on the Purple Line again, and on both lines for photo ops Saturday, December 9. Santa will travel the Pink Line December 12 and 13, the Blue Line during rush hour December 14 and 15, and again for photos Saturday, December 16. He’ll wrap up the season on the Yellow Line December 21. Exact times at www.transitchicago.com/holidayfleet/

Let Me Take You On An Icecapade!

Nutcracker On Ice “The Nutcracker On Ice,” Robert Crown Community Center’s beloved winter ice show, will celebrate its 48th year entertaining families with three performances this holiday season. One matinee and two evening performances of the special holiday show, performed by Robert Crown Center’s ice skating school students and competitive figure skaters, will be held the weekend of December 8-10. Showtimes are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. The Nutcracker on Ice features hundreds of skaters of all ages telling the familiar tale of Clara and her musical holiday adventures. Exquisite costumes, Tchaikovsky’s familiar music and exciting special effects bring the characters to life, making this the perfect family show to spread the holiday spirit, located at 1801 Main St., Evanston. Tickets are $12+ at cityofevanston.org or (847)448-8258.

Get Lit!

Get Lit: Sun, Surf & Santa Claus Dive into the holiday spirit on December 12, 5:30 p.m. with a unique twist as the American Writers Museum, 180 N. Michigan Ave., celebrates the world of beach readers. Take pictures with Santa, join Santa for storytime, participate in a book swap, create arts and crafts, enjoy drinks and visit the museum’s gift shop. Chicago Books to Women in Prison, an organization that distributes paperback books free of charge to incarcerated people nationwide, focusing on all women, trans and non-binary people, has partnered with the American Writers Museum for this event and is asking participants to bring additional books to donate. Tickets $15+ at americanwritersmuseum.org

Sounds of the Season!

Merry, Merry Chicago Chicago Symphony Orchestra performs familiar carols and festive holiday songs, including “I’ll Be Home for Christmas,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Sleigh Ride” in this two-hour program suitable for ages 5+. The CSO will be led by Thomas Wilkins, who is principal conductor of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra and the Boston Symphony’s artistic adviser/education and community engagement; with singing by Ashley Brown, who originated the title role of Mary Poppins on Broadway. Matinees and evening performances December 15-23 at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. Tickets $45+ at cso.org

Artist Collaborations!

Dee Alexander’s “Ancestors Reign” “Ancestors Reign” is a collaboration between some of Chicago’s premier established and up-and-coming artists, celebrating the power of music and dance, paying tribute to those that have gone on before us. The group gives thanks and honors the ancestors, asking for continued blessings and guidance as we take a journey through their original compositions being performed on December 8, 8 p.m. at Studio5, 1938 Dempster St., Evanston. The aim of “Ancestors Reign” is to bring joy, spread peace, love and the gathering of community to support one another during these tumultuous times. Tickets $25+ at tickettailor.com

Make the Holidays Gay!

Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus: The Big 4-0, Ho Ho! Chicago Gay Men’s Chorus celebrates its 40th anniversary with “The Big 4-0, Ho, Ho,” a celebration of CGMC’s holiday favorites over the last 40 years, located at the Auditorium Theatre, 50 E. Ida B. Wells Drive. Featuring festive arrangements from current Artistic Director Jimmy Morehead and a plethora of music from Chorus Alumni, this choral show on December 8, 8 p.m. honors how far it has come as an LGBTQIA+ organization and proves that it is still here. Join in on the fun and ring in the holidays and raise our voices for another 40 years! Tickets $29+ at auditoriumtheatre.org

For All of Your Senses!

Candlelight Aurora: Featuring Vivaldi’s Four Seasons & More Candlelight concerts bring the magic of a live and multi-sensory musical experience to awe-inspiring locations. Discover the music of Vivaldi and more, 6:15 p.m. December 8 at New England Congregational Church, 406 W. Galena Boulevard, Aurora. Tickets $32+ at feverup.com

Voices United!

Chicago a cappella presents ‘Hanukkah a cappella’ Back by popular demand, and to mark the release of the new recording with Cedille Records, “Miracle of Miracles: Music for Hanukkah,” the first night of Hanukkah will be celebrated at 7:30 p.m. December 7 at Temple Har Zion, 1040 N. Harlem Ave., River Forest with a reprise of this much-loved concert from last season, digging deeper than the “Dreidel Song” to unveil the richer meaning of the festival. Tickets $38+ at chicagoacappella.org. Enjoy latkes and a light Hanukkah meal beforehand, reservations $10 at (708)366-9000.

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Vendors (l-r) Russell Adams, A. Allen and John Hagan chat about the world of sports.

Heavyweight boxing takes a beating John: Heavyweight boxing has taken a beating over the past several decades. Why do you think it is in such sharp decline?

SPORTSWISE

A. Allen: We don't have boxers like we used to have. We had Mohammad Ali, we had George Foreman, we had Mike Tyson, Joe Frazier, who would give you a really good show. You know, these boxers today get paid, but I don't think they're getting paid as much. Russell: I think they're getting paid enough, probably too much, that’s why they don’t want to go out there and fight. Back in our day, when they fought for the heavyweight championships, the next guy in line would be in the stands watching, taking notes, getting ready. George Foreman, Mohammad Ali, Ken Norton, Joe Frazier, those guys were waiting for Ali to beat whomever so they could get him next. They were motivated. These guys now, they don’t want to fight. All they want to do is spend all this money, buy nice cars and hang around with women. A. Allen: Not only that, but you had a lot of good promoters. Don King gave it a lot of publicity. People knew what

was coming up and they was anxious to see it, they was willing to put money in the pot for the boxers. Russell: And the trainers are not the same, them guys had them ready to fight. Next in line! A. Allen: Mike Tyson had a good trainer, the same guy who trained Sugar Ray Robinson: Cus D’Amato. Tyson went to live with D’Amato as a teenager. Russell: Because if Tyson was all that, Buster Douglas wouldn’t have beat Tyson, who wasn’t taking the man seriously. Tyson got knocked out. Douglas was 42:1, but he wanted the title more than anybody. He got it in February 1990, the biggest upset in boxing history. John: It’s true boxers might not be as hungry, but I think the reason for the decline is

Pay Per View. Back in the day, when you wanted to watch Muhammad Ali against Joe Frazier, you could watch them on ABC Wide World of Sports with Howard Cosell. Also, with boxing, they don’t use sheer power, like who is the strongest guy? So, you cannot craft your boxing skills. And Mixed Martial Arts has taken off in the last 10, 15 years. Boxing is not the No. 1 priority like it was with Don King or Cosell. A. Allen: Since you mention wrestling, boxing is the most physical sport. We tone it down by watching football. People want to see a lot of physical contact. Mike Tyson was a knockout artist. Another knockout artist would bring flavor back to the sport. Russell: I agree with John. Back in our day, fights was on TV for free. Now you got to do Pay for View. Everyone don’t have that kind of money. You got to pay all

this money to watch a sport that might last two rounds. Back in our day, they’d go 15 rounds. John: I think the solution is to have some of the boxing back on free TV, like Russell said. Maybe Wednesday night fights. There's really nothing on Wednesdays anymore, like Fox has wrestling on Friday night. Also, they gotta have boxers who have a craft. Russell: Back in the day, they advertised a lot. You’d see posters on the street. Get ready for it. A. Allen: And then, like you say, it was on it was on regular TV. You could just tune in. We’re not able to access it like we used to. A lot of people can’t afford it. Any comments, suggestions or topic ideas for the SportsWise team? Email StreetWise Editor Suzanne Hanney at suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

Locally-made Gift ideas

Tasty Treats

StreetWise vendors are entrepreneurs, and so we are promoting other Chicago entrepreneurs of innovative products – many of them nonprofits – from varied cultures. We are all in this together. by Judi Strauss-Lipkin

Amy's Candy Bar

Chef Amy Hansen is a confectioner and a graduate of the French Pastry School in Chicago. She refined her training under industry masters – Chef Vincent Gerlais, awarded du Meilleur Chocolatier de France, and Chef Ramon Morato, awarded Spain’s best master pastry chef and director of the Chocolate Academy in Spain. From milk chocolate peanuts to barrel-aged bourbon cordials to dark chocolate sea salt cashews to limoncello marzipan and even peanut butter turkeys or many gift boxes, her shop is a fixture for families, neighbors, businesses, couples planning weddings and grandparents who want to share the sweet treats of their childhood with the kids they love most. Today, customers from coast to coast indulge their sweet tooth with a few clicks in Amy’s online boutique (amyscandybar.com) extending the corner candy shop at 4704 N. Damen Ave. across the country and far beyond.

Javez Java

Javez Java is a family-owned coffee roastery located in Chicago. It started when “my wife noticed my passion for coffee drinking and challenged me to roast coffee the way it should taste.” The name/business is a combo of the owner’s middle name Javez, and java (coffee), created by his creative mind, the artsy mind of his daughter and the business mind of his wife. Javez Java uses only high-quality beans, which they roast. Selections range from sweet, to spicy to nutty to earthy. Their most popular coffee is Eminence, an Ethiopian blend of coffee marinated in Cognac and roasted. Enjoy their story and order for holiday giving at: javezjava.com and at the Far South CDC Marketplace.

Keep It Savory Salt Company

Keep It Savory Salt Company is the only salt company on Chicago’s West Side. It is on a mission to make our world (and dinner) more savory. Joanna (a middle school teacher) started crafting small batches in 2013, hand-cured sea salts with fresh ingredients. It all started because of a little lemon and thyme. "Lemon Thyme” was the flavor batch that made her realize curing fresh and local-as-possible ingredients was not only the most delicious way to cure, but it was also the most environmentally sustainable and socially responsible. She sources fresh ingredients from local growers in Chicago like the Windy City Youth Farm and small neighborhood sources like Forty Acres Fresh Market, and donates 10% of annual revenue to organizations that are working to unravel the decades of intentional racism and economic disinvestment in our city. Why? Because food tastes better when everyone is at the table. Her “salty” gifts include Garlic Scape Sea Salt, Jalapeno Lime Sea Salt, Lavender Sage Sea Salt, Mediterranean Sea Salt, Thai Ginger Lemongrass Sea Salt, among others. Order online: keepitsavory. com or on Facebook: Keep It Savory Salt Company.

Laudi Vidni

Laudi Vidni (individual spelled backwards) was founded by two friends, Laura Kofoid and Grace Tsao-Wu. The pair was tired of buying bags that weren’t quite right, rejecting both the status quo and snobbery of traditional handbag labels. As retail veterans, they were ready to rewrite the rules. The first part was easy—they sought out exquisite handcrafting, sourced the best-quality materials, and created styles and shapes that any person could take anyplace. The second part was a bigger deal: build a more environmentally sustainable business model that individually custom-made those bags for an affordable price so that people could get what they wanted, celebrating themselves rather than a commercially-driven ideal or celebrity endorsement. From luggage tags to cosmetic bags to wristlets or laptop sleeves to handbags and backpacks, their unique items will be treasured for years. And your purchase will do good as well. In 2017, Grace passed away from cancer. Laudi Vidni honors her spirit by donating a portion of every sale of Grace Wristlet to the Grace Tsao-Wu Difference Maker Fellowship at One Million Degrees, an amazing organization that empowers low-income, community college students to succeed in school, life and work. Find them online: laudividni.com

Fash Optimo Hat Company

Optimo began with the dream of a “real” hat. More than two decades later, that dream is intact. Every step it takes today is another step towards refinement and mastery of their craft, the ability to produce “real” hats. And care for our own hats as well. Optimo Hat Company was founded in 1996 by Graham Thompson, who has spent his career recovering and advancing the lost art of fine hat making. The foundation for his knowledge was obtained by apprenticing seven years with Johnny Tyus, a legendary hatmaker from Chicago. His quest to resurrect a lost quality has taken him around the world in search of the finest materials and in locating and bringing back to life antique machinery from the Golden Age of hat making. Located in Beverly, an historic neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, Optimo’s headquarters consolidates its design, operations, and production spaces inside a 100-year-old decommissioned firehouse. To create a space reflective of our ethos of craftsmanship, authenticity, and timeless luxury, he engaged SOM, Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill – the iconic Chicago architectural firm, which shares the same values, to approach design with integrity and purpose. Their store at 51 W. Jackson St. in the Loop has a full collection, but look at their wonderful hats online: optimo.com/ hats. You’ll find Fedoras, The Jazz Collection, Original West and more in colors from blue to black to grey and granite.

Bezels and Bubbles

Bezels and Bubbles is owned, run, and created by Maggie Graf. Maggie learned metalsmithing while studying fashion design at Columbia College Chicago. While she immediately fell in love with the process, it was not an option to invest in the materials and tools outside of taking the available class options. Maggie began Bezels and Bubbles in fall 2018. While the goal is to turn jewelry making into a full-time thing, that is not realistic yet. To support herself until that can become a reality, she is an Uber driver in Chicago. This allows complete flexibility to work on her jewelry as much as possible without the mental drain of an office job. From one-of-a-kind moon star necklaces to bubble stacking bands to a wonderful green tranquility ring and mushroom dangle earrings, her creations will be gifts to love and treasure. Find them at: bezelsandbubbles.com or at Midwest Nice, 4619 N. Lincoln Ave. and Little Broken Things, 2137 N. Western Ave.

Giveashi*t

GiveaShirt is a Chicago-based charity that has teamed with StreetWise and local artists and musicians to make limited edition, hand-screened designer T-shirts. It’s all part of a campaign called Give A Shi*t. 100% of profits from every T-shirt sold goes to StreetWise and StreetWise vendors. “It’s sort of that lifeline or extra support that vendors need,” StreetWise Executive Director Julie Youngquist told Heidi Stevens in the Chicago Tribune. “It maybe covers a weekly rate at an SRO. It may help cover prescription medicine or other costs from an unexpected health problem. It’s been a fantastic partnership.” GiveaShirt is a venture of Daily Planet Ltd, a Chicago based fullservice video production company that creates and edits videos, animations and motion graphics for broadcast and web. Scott Marvel, president of Daily Planet, founded GiveaShirt after he met a man asking for change outside his local Starbucks. To shop and learn more, please visit giveashirt.net.

hion Lilla Barn Clothing

Bergen Anderson started Lilla Barn Clothing in 2011 with her mother Anne and sister Liv She was raised in Iowa, lived in Sweden, studied in Minnesota, and now calls Chicago home, all of which influence her design choices. Just see if you can't find the Swedish character in her clean lined, boldly printed clothes. She loves finding creative ways to live a simpler life for herself and her family and she travels to explore more inspiration. The company spirit is packaged up in two little Swedish words, lilla barn, which translates as “little child". Remember how childhood can feel? Hopeful. Bold. Expressive. Their clothes embody those hands in-the-air-sliding-down-a-slide freedom of movement while making an all-eyes-on-me statement. Lilla Barn makes thoughtful, durable products for adventurous kids of all ages that create room for individuality, reflect our considered values, and last from one person to the next. They value self-expression, especially when it comes to gender, and offer adaptable prints, colors, and patterns for everyone who loves to stand out. Sustainably made with organic textiles and a Scandinavian sensibility, their clothes are made for fun. They also have clothes for adults with bright colors and wonderful patterns as well as gifts from hair accessories to wallets and pouches and so much more. Find them online: www.lillabarn.com Or Facebook: Lilla Barn, or visit their store at 5535 N. Clark St., Chicago IL 60640.

Cards by Blake

Cards by Blake is a Chicago-based business started and owned by Susan Blake with the goal of “Designing with love, Homemade Cards for People You Cherish Sending Love, Sprinkling Joy.” She was raised in a small town in central Illinois and overcame identity issues and alcoholism. She started her business “to help others find self-esteem and authenticity, hopefully much earlier in life than I did. It is my hope that my cards carry that message.“ Her handcrafted funky and fun cards are perfect for Christmas and birthdays, friendship and love, get well, inspiration, pride, sympathy, and woman. The cards are truly a reflection of Susan, with one FB comment –“These are exquisite. Powerful. Contemporary and CLEARLY needed today.” Order Online: www.cardsbyblake.com or find her on Facebook: Cards by Blake.

Paper goods www.streetwise.org

Wonder City Studio

Based in Chicago’s Ravenswood neighborhood, the Wonder City Studio is the life’s work of Katie Lauffenburger and Phil Thompson. Both born and raised in Pennsylvania, individually, they came to Chicago for work. They met through an online dating site, got married and shared a passion for creativity. Thompson as a kid was always drawing, but he had a career in sales. In 2010 he said he “wanted to rekindle the love for drawing I had as a kid.” That soon developed into a side hustle and then a full-time business. The couple create artwork that honors the architecture and history of places worth preserving, with a special love for Chicago. They help clients honor cherished homes, buildings, neighborhoods, cities. Their work has been displayed at the Chicago Architecture Center, the Field Museum, in TV shows, and featured in Block Club Chicago, the Chicago Tribune, and the Washington Post, among others. Prints in stock include the L, the Chicago River, Chicago the Marathon Map, Art Deco Chicago, The Designs of Frank Lloyd Wright, Lincoln Square Map and Vignettes and the Andersonville Corridor, and more. They also do custom work to honor your home, including the personal touches that make your home yours: the tree, the curtains, even the family pet. Find them online: wondercitystudio.com or on Facebook: Pottery After Dark. Or visit a store in your neighborhood: Chicago Architecture Design Center, I Love Chicago on Navy Pier, among others found on their website.

home decor Pottery after dark

Anneliese Moy has worked with clay since 2003 at the Lincoln Square Pottery Studio Learning Center in Chicago. She was searching for creative expressions to balance life. An accomplished potter, her work focuses primarily on functional pieces, both wheel thrown, and hand built. She teaches the children’s pottery class on Saturdays at LSPS Learning Center. In 2013 Anneliese built a private studio called Pottery After Dark, which allowed her to ramp up production and creativity. Anneliese accepts commissioned orders and enjoys personalizing each piece for individual needs. Her diverse array of work and experience speaks for the many hours spent at the studio (after dark). From colorful bowls to plates to vases and coffee cups, each design is unique and will become a treasure in your house or as a gift. Find her online: potteryafterdark.com, or on Facebook: Pottery After Dark. Or visit one of the stores in your neighborhood: The Scent Queens, Lincoln Square Pottery, 4-Legs or Estrella Negra.

Kandle 33 by karo

Kandle 33 by Karo is, yes, a candle business - hand poured in Chicago. As expressed on its website, KANDLE AROMA: “Scent plays a role in the ambience of your space. Let our kandles be a part of your story.” The owner is Karolina, Karo for short. Like many millennials, she tried to navigate life, to find out what it is that she wanted to do, only to end up at jobs that after a few years didn't make her happy. Trying both at a start-up & then later corporate, she realized a big fact about herself – she hated being told what to do and wanted & NEEDED to be her own boss but had no idea of what to do or where to start, so she stayed at her job and was miserable. She Googled hobbies to keep her mind off work. Finding candles was therapeutic and right at the perfect time (the end of 2019). Perfect scents for fall include Pumpkin, Cozy Blanket and Cardamom. Other wonderful scents include Green Tea, Mahogany Teakwood, Pretzel Stand, Lemon Biscotti, or their Winter Sampler collection, among many choices. Order online: kandle33.com or find her on Facebook: Kandle 33.

Experiential

The Chicago School of Guitar Making

Chicago is steeped in a rich tradition of guitar making. At one time it was even the guitar making capital of the world! These days, more and more companies are abandoning traditional building techniques in favor of cheaper overseas manufacturing. This has left fewer and fewer opportunities for students interested in the tradition of guitar building than ever before. The Chicago School of Guitar Making strives to keep the tradition of lutherie – building and repairing stringed, necked instruments – alive and thriving. Here you can learn instrument repair, design and making directly from a professional luthier in their workshop. They also teach tube amplifier making and repair. Thousands of students have enrolled in CSGM classes since it was founded in 2005. Many have started careers as Luthiers, Guitar or Amp Technicians, and craftspeople of all stripes and scopes. Guitar workshops are part of the foundation curriculum and are structured to teach students the essentials of guitar design, construction, and repair. All the guitar making and repair courses provide good groundwork for anyone interested in building their own custom guitar. Electronics courses teach the fundamentals of audio electronics circuits and the construction techniques used in any electronics assembly or repair project. In addition to offering the student workspace, tools, and guidance to see them through a chosen project, these workshops prepare the student to approach electronics projects mindfully from the perspective of an electronics professional. You can also buy guitars and other instruments such as mandolas, ukuleles and lutes. Visit them online: www.chicagomusic.org/ chicago-school-guitar-making, or in person at: 1240 N. Homan Ave, Chicago, IL 60651.

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HOps + Market

BUDDY Chicago Market

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at Chicago Cultural Center, 78 E. Washington St., is a project of Public Media Institute in collaboration with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) that gives Chicago artists and small manufacturers a place to showcase and sell their goods and artwork: clothing, jewelry, stationery, toys and games, 3D art and more. Ornaments4All on sale through December. First Floor South. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tues-Sun. hi-buddy.org

Chicago Art Department Holiday Market,

1926 S. Halsted St. Music, holiday spiced drinks and more than 30 local artists and makers at this December 8 event in Pilsen. Free admission. Hours 6-10 p.m. Fri.

Chicago Fair Trade, the largest grassroots fair trade coali-

tion in the U.S., has its 10th annual holiday pop-up shop this year at 2352 N. Clark St. through December 23. The 10,000-square-foot museum and store showcases 30+ vendors for delicious food, comfy warm socks and fashionable clothing and accessories, home goods and toys, such as RefuSHE: handcrafted and hand-dyed, incredibly soft cotton/rayon wrap scarves made by refugee artisans in Kenya; and The Fair Shirt Project, men’s winter weight cotton, handwoven by artisan weavers in India, cut and sewn by an Indian social enterprise. Hours: Mon-Sat, 11 a.m.- 7 p.m.; Sunday, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. More information and volunteer signups at chicagofairtrade. org/holiday-pop-up-shop/

Christkindlmarket is the traditional German market on

Chicago’s City Hall Square, (Daley Plaza, 50 W. Washington St.) through December 24. Inspired by the original market on Nuremberg’s central square that dates to the 16th century, it’s the most authentic in the U.S.! Find German foods like pretzels, brats and beer, along with pierogi, Austrian strudel, hot chocolate and spiced Gluhwein as well as traditional gifts from Germany and around the world. Free admission. Book a Stammtisch table reservation and more information at christkindlmarket.com Hours: 11 a.m.-8 p.m. Sun-Thurs, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri-Sat; Christmas Eve (December 24) 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Also at Wrigleyville, Gallagher Way, 3635 N. Clark St., 3-9 p.m. Mon-Thurs., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Fri-Sat, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Sun.; 11 a.m.—4 p.m. Christmas Eve, CLOSED Christmas, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. December 26-28, 11 a.m.-4 p.m. New Year’s Eve, December 31. And, Aurora River Edge park, 360 N. Broadway, 11 a.m.7 p.m. Thursday, 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Fri-Sat, 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun. Special hours December 18-20: 11 a.m.-7 p.m., Christmas Eve, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

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Far South CDC Market,

an undertaking of the nonprofit Far South Community Development Corporation, funded in part by the City of Chicago’s Small Business Storefront Activation program, is open through December 23 at 837 W. 115th St. The nine vendors here are Aries Rising lifestyle brand for souldriven vision and purpose, Body and Soul Experience aromatherapy and scented candles, Javez Java Coffee Roastery, Gifted Hands Quality Care scrubs for healthcare and daycare staff, Chic T Boutique for affordable women’s clothing and accessories, Cosmic Creole holistic health through medicinal plants, Max Candle Co. holistic healing through aromatherapy, Simply Stuff clothing, shoes and handbags for every occasion, and Vessels of the Paut Neteru, which honors the ancestors’ way of life with necklaces, stud earrings, plaques, and more. The Adinkra, for example, had too-much-like-right sayings such as “What I hear, I keep” and “No one should bite another,” while the Neteru Egyptian gods sought balance in the universe as an alternative to chaos. Hours: Noon-6 p.m. daily, though individual vendors in CDC marketplace set own times. ritatownesvesselsofthepautneteru.art/adinkra-features; farsouthcdc.org/marketplace; 773.831.7107

Holiday Market at The Plant, 1400 W. 46th St., on

December 10 features foods and crafts made there, from Whiner Beer to Heffer Texas-inspired BBQ, to chocolate by Mez Foods, hyper local honey by Bike a Bee and Back of the Yards goods from LaSelva, as well as handmade jewelry, baked goods, crochetware, greeting cards and more. insidetheplant.com Hours: 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday

Holiday Uprising Market at the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., on December 9 showcases Far South Side artists with handmade wares, along with seasonal music and libations. beverlyarts.org Hours: Noon-4 p.m. Saturday

Holly Jolly Holiday Market,

4100 N. Damen Ave. North Center Neighbors Association brings friends together December 9 for shopping, eating, drinking and enjoying music in its very own town Town Square. ncnaneighbors.org Hours: Noon-6 p.m. Saturday

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St. in Fulton Market. Multisensory outdoor market offers two acres of shopping, axe throwing, ice skating, cocktails, nighttime light displays, Instagramable photo ops. All ages welcome: 18+ for axe throwing. Tickets $15+ at welcometojacks.com Hours: 4-10 p.m. Mon-Thurs, 4-11 p.m. Fri, 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Sat., 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sun.; check ticket link for holiday variations. Text at 312.850.8190.

Jack Frost Pop-up, through December 31, 170 N. Green

Lumberland, December 9 at the ReBuilding Exchange,

1740 W. Webster Ave. Local craft vendors, food, beer and non-alcoholic beverage, “scraptaciular” ornament making, a giveaway contest and more. Admission ($25/VIP $25+) supports non-profit’s mission of keeping building materials out of landfills and training people for careers in the construction trades. eventbrite.com Hours: 6:30-9:30 p.m. Saturday

One of a Kind Show, December 7-10 at The MART, 222

W. Merchandise Mart Plaza, offers 500 artisans across 20 categories, from fashion to jewelry, furniture to fiber art, pet products to toys. oneofakindshowchicago.com Hours: 10 a.m.-7 p.m. Thurs-Sun.

Paylessforperfumes.com started in the MLK room of St. Benedict the African East Church in Englewood in summer 2022 when formerly justice-involved youth and their mentors decided solutions were going to be more defining than obstacles. The youth average $20 an hour when selling and capture revenue that would otherwise leave the neighborhood. They’ve created partnerships to allow cutting-edge entrepreneurial training in safe selling practices, customer relationship management and scent creation; several students are already at work on custom fragrances. You’ll recognize fragrances for sale now as alternatives to famousname grapefruit, bergamot, orchid, and dark resinous wood. paylessforperfume.com

Renegade Craft Show December 16-17 at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan Ave. Shop from 170 local and national artists offering fashion, artwork, bath products, cocktail mixes, jewelry and more. Hours: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Sat-Sun. renegadecraft.com

Sauced Night Market Before Christmas, December 8-9 at

Chicago Athletic Association Hotel, 12 S. Michigan Ave. Shop from 40+ chefs, vendors and artisans, and bust some moves to live beats by DJ Johnny Walker. RSVP at do312.com/sauced-night-market for free entry. saucedmarket.com Hours 5-10 p.m.

ShopColumbia Holiday Market, 619 S. Wabash Ave.

Market is open year round (through December 20 for holidays) with fine art alongside handcrafted merchandise – fashion, jewelry, art, housewares and more -- by Columbia College students, alumni, faculty and staff. Students earn 75% of sales, staff and alumni 50%. students.colum.edu Kristin Uhrich developed Terrier and Hound LLC dog treats after her pup had a bad reaction to mass-produced ones. Her organic, gourmet treats are beautifully molded and also fight doggy bad breath with the power of coconut. Try coconut crisps with pumpkin, cheddar chompers with tennis ball, “Merry Woofmas” Advent Calendar. Find them at the website terrierandhound.com, at the Wine Styles Holiday PopUp, 1-4 p.m. Sunday, December 1 at 6182 N. Northwest Highway, and inside The Painted Tree Boutiques, 368 W. Army Trail Road in Bloomingdale.

The Trashy Holiday Market

Come be dazzled by debris at the Trashy Holiday Market on December 10, 1 p.m. Featuring ingenious local artisans who work their magic to turn almost-trash into one-of-a-kind wonders. Shop from eco- and socially-conscious local businesses offering an array of uniquely upcycled, hand-crafted wares such as home goods, planters, art, fashion, bath and body, and more. Plus, more hands-on, trashy activities for all ages, located at Ignite Glass Studios, 401 N. Armour St. - complied by Suzanne Hanney

www.streetwise.org

A THANKSGIVING TO REMEMBER When Premium Blend Consulting decided to have its annual meeting in Chicago, they decided to include a day of volunteering. Their employees from all over the world stopped by the StreetWise offices to serve our vendors in celebration of the holiday season! It was a day filled with great food, awesome stories, and some of the coolest volunteers ever!

INSIDE STREETWISE

pictures by Amanda Jones

1 to 9.

e 11/4/19 Sudoku

PuzzleJunction.com

Streetwise 11/11/19 Crossword

Sudoku To solve the Sudoku puzzle, each row, column and box must contain the numbers 1 to 9.

65 Wilkes-___, Pa. 66 Surefooted goat 67 Castle defense 68 Regarding 69 Mailed

11 Atlas stat 40 Close 12 Apricots have 43 Know-it-all them 46 Sister of 13 Token taker Apollo 22 Golfer’s 48 E.U. member concern 49 Fryer 24 Battering 51 Grieve wind 52 Wax-coated 25 Passengers Down cheese 26 Allege as fact 53 Agrippina’s 27 Assess 1 Greek war god slayer 28 Invalidate 2 Snug 54 Hammett 30 Clark of 3 Have coming hound “Comrade X” 55 Like some 4 Stoker vampire 31 Gladden 5 Loot losers 32 ___ souci 6 Lion-colored 57 Toothpaste 33 Cocktail 7 Milieu for holder decapod Lemieux 58 Solar disk 34 Quiets 8 Indivisible 59 Student’s book 9 Pricing word 35 Employ 61 Camel hair 10 Carlsbad 39 Defeat fabric attractions decisively 62 Groupie Copyright ©2023 PuzzleJunction.com

LastSudoku week's Answers Solution

Solution

Sudoku Solution

Find your nearest StreetWise Vendor at www.streetwise.org

Puzzle

Crossword Across 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 1 Olympics city 15 14 16 after St. Moritz 5 Golf hazard 18 17 19 9 Rocket section 22 23 20 21 14 Needy 15 Woman of 26 27 25 28 29 distinction 30 31 16 ___ green 17 Hamburg’s 38 35 36 37 river 41 40 18 Commendation 44 45 43 46 47 19 Permeate 20 Mechanical 49 48 50 man 51 52 22 Schools of thought 59 60 56 57 58 61 24 Taps 65 66 63 64 25 Unspecified number 69 68 26 ___ Christian 71 72 Andersen 28 Harvest ©2019 PuzzleJunction.com goddess 30 Like some 6 Evaluation 56 Lacking slack 37 vases 7 Accumulate 59 “___ I care!” 38 31 Tire filler 8 Short wave? 61 Nonsensical 41 32 Apply gently 63 Boo-boo 9 Hit the slopes 42 35 Beach shelter 65 Rental units 10 Some workers, 44 38 Comrade in briefly (Abbr.) 45 arms 67 Lady of Lisbon 11 Jessica of 46 39 Hotel freebie 68 “Saturday Night “Dark Angel” 47 40 Concluded 12 Oversupply Fever” music 50 41 Have dinner 69 Soup vegetable 13 Storm centers 51 42 It’s half the 21 Flimsy 70 Kind of 52 faun 23 Gardener’s testimony 53 43 Meadow purchase 71 Quench 54 44 Out of control 72 Small whirlpool 27 Bibliographical 55 46 Spain and suffix 73 Vega’s 56 Portugal 29 Meddle constellation 48 Biblical boat 30 Calendar abbr. 57 49 Salon goo 31 Swiss peak Down 58 50 Fat unit 1 La Scala offering 32 Last name in 51 Nine-sound fashion 2 Sage 60 signal 33 Super berry 3 Vestibule 52 Civil rights 4 Black-and-white 34 ___ carotene 62 concern 35 Bubbly drink treat 64 53 Starter’s need 36 Allege as fact 5 QBs’ goals 66

39 42

53 62 67 70

Schnozz Razor-billed bird Our sun Rare find “Give it ___!” City in Arizona Author Levin Low in pitch Talented Farm animals Human, e.g. “Old ___” Of an arm bone African antelope Spreads grass for drying Seed cover Constellation bear Shopaholic’s delight Matinee hero Seafood delicacy Wild blue yonder

How StreetWise Works Buy the Magazine, Take the Magazine Vendors purchase When you buy the magazine, take the the magazine for $1.15 and sell it for magazine, and read the $3 plus tips. The vendor keeps all of magazine, you are supporting our their earnings. microentrepreneurs earning an income with dignity. -or-

All vendors go through an orientation focusing on their rights and responsibilities as a StreetWise Magazine Vendor. Authorized vendors have badges with their name, picture and current year.

New vendor orientation is every Tuesday and Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at 2009 S. State St. Find your nearest vendor at www.streetwise.org

THE PLAYGROUND

StreetWise exists to elevate marginalized voices and provide opportunities for individuals to earn an income and gain employment. Anyone who wants to work has the opportunity to move themselves out of crisis. StreetWise provides “a hand up, not a handout.”

Solutio

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