An Annual Tradition!
Chicago Thanksgiving Parade
Get ready to kick off this holiday season at the Chicago Thanksgiving Parade! This annual tradition, celebrating its 90th year, will fill State Street with festive floats, dazzling performances, and vibrant energy on November 28 from 8-11 a.m. Starting at Ida B. Wells Drive and continuing north to Randolph Street, this city-wide event promises a morning packed with fun for all ages. For more information, visit www.chicagothanksgivingparade.com. FREE.
Shop Local!
Evanston Art Center Annual Winter Arts & Craft Expo
The Evanston Art Center’s (1717 Central St.) Annual Winter Arts & Craft Expo is a must-see for fans of original, handmade arts and crafts. November 23 - December 20, Monday - Thursday from 9 a.m. - 6 p.m., Fridays 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., and weekends 9 a.m. - 4 p.m., this event showcases over 140 selected artisans, offering everything from jewelry and ceramics to metal, glass, photography, and mixed media, making it a fantastic opportunity to purchase unique handmade gifts for the holidays or to add something special to your own collection. For more information, visit www.evanstonartcenter.org. FREE.
It's That Time of Year Again!
ZooLights at The Lincoln Park Zoo
The Lincoln Park Zoo’s (2001 N. Clark St.) annual ZooLights, a festive tradition for over 30 years, is returning this holiday season from November 15 - January 5. This immersive event features over 3 million LED lights illuminating the zoo grounds, along with interactive displays and seasonal experiences. Ticket prices range from $7 on weekdays to $10 on weekends and premium nights. Lincoln Park Zoo members receive discounted tickets. For more information, visit www.lpzoo.org
Off to See the Wizard!
'Wizard of Oz' in Concert
Take a trip over the rainbow and experience "The Wizard of Oz" like never before, accompanied by live music from the Chicago Symphony Orchestra at Symphony Center, 220 S. Michigan Ave. This beloved 1939 classic follows Dorothy, Toto, and friends as they journey through Oz to meet the Wizard, bringing to life memorable characters and music. This show runs from November 29 - December 1 with tickets ranging from $100 - $300. For more information, visit www.cso.org
Pilsen’s Autumn Vintage & Artisan Fest
Holiday Shopping, Covered!
Discover the 1st Vintage & Artisan Market in Pilsen at the stunning bow truss event space at Xoco House Gallery (2317 W. 18th St.)! Happening on Saturday, November 23 - Sunday, November 24 from 12-6 p.m., this market offers an array of unique vintage treasures, artisan goods, delicious food, and more. Explore offerings from over 50 local businesses and enjoy an inhouse art gallery featuring works by co-owner and artist Ruben Mandujano. Free admission, all ages welcome, and pet-friendly! For more information, visit @windycitymarket on Instagram.
Celebrate Art!
JACOLLA: Live @ The Met!
Prepare yourself for an art show like no other! Forget the usual gallery vibes–this is an art show where fun is not only allowed but highly encouraged! On November 21 at 6 p.m., expect a night full of visual art, live entertainment, and music by Skip Class and The Dropouts, hosted by Jaccola and The Metropolitan Club of Chicago (233 S. Wacker Drive). Chicago artist Jason Accola draws on pop culture and art history to create memorable pieces that are both playful and affordable, so dress to impress for an unforgettable celebration of art and community! For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com. FREE.
Giving thanks for chicago sports
John Hagan Jr.
I am thankful for the Chicago Bears improving. After many, many decades, Caleb Williams is a legitimate NFL quarterback who can lead the Chicago Bears not only to the playoffs but to the Super Bowl. Maybe not this year, but maybe in the next five years. As far as the Cubs, I am thankful they are in the top 10, according to ESPN. Will the Cubs be as good as the Yankees or the Dodgers? Maybe not, but they will at least be in the conversation to compete for the World Series title. It seems like they got the right manager in Gregg Counsell. If they get a couple more players, particularly in the batting lineup, they can compete with the Dodgers, Yankees and Orioles.
The other teams have to step it up. The Blackhawks’ Connor Bedard will bring it; I have no comment on the White Sox. This World Series ended up with my two favorite teams: the New York Yankees and L.A. Dodgers. The Dodgers, my No. 1 team, won. I am hoping in 2025, they can have a dynasty.
As far as Chicago sports, let them all compete, be in conversation as far as the playoffs.
Robert Laine
I am thankful the Cubs have a far better record than the White Sox. And I am thankful for the White Sox breaking the modern-day record for the most losses in a season. I am thankful for the Bears getting Caleb Williams and improving the team to the point where they actually have a shot at the playoffs for the first time in years. And I am thankful for the Bulls keeping Zach Levine.
Green Holmes I am thankful for the Bulls, the Sky girls. I love the Sky girls.
Any comments, suggestions or topic ideas for the SportsWise team? Email StreetWise Editor Suzanne Hanney at suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Gerald Farmer
I am glad we have sports teams. There’s a lot of cities that don’t. Although they overall haven’t looked too good in recent years, we do have past championships from all the teams. I would like an improvement so that they are more competitive, and all the teams are in the playoffs and have a run at the championships every year. It’s heartbreaking to watch your team lose because of poor management or poor scouting. The Bears are the team that I think is improving the most. I think all of the major cities – Chicago, New York, Los Angeles – all their teams should be at least in the playoffs every year because they have the money to get good players. Maybe not some years because of injuries, but to go year after year and the teams don’t even look good, that’s frustrating for the fans. To make these promises and the team finds ways to lose games they should win. You can be Mr. Nice Guy as a coach, but they have to find a way to motivate these teams to try and win. They are getting paid a lot of money.
Paula
It's Cool to be Kind
As we head into Thanksgiving season, StreetWise Vendors reflect on acts of kindness (sometimes things they have done, and sometimes kindness they have received), and it reminds us we all have a lot to be thankful for!
Compiled by Suzanne Hanney
D’Rone Moore
An example of kindness: I was in Starbucks to purchase some items. And when I was about to pay, the guy behind the counter said, “Oh, she just got you: a random act of kindness. She comped you.”
I looked around and no one was there. I went outside because it blew me away emotionally. I had to compose myself. I came back and asked, “Was it the lady with the black hair and the nice black dress? [The counter guy] said, “Yeah, it was her.” I remember her being nice to me before.
It was evening, so I was probably having either hot chocolate with whipped cream and a chocolate chip cookie or a chocolate chip cookie and warm milk with honey and cinnamon. I like when people do that because some people go out and imitate it.
I see kindness on a random basis, in people I meet, but on the world stage, individuals robbing businesses, that’s not kind. These people have to put food on their table, pay their bills, keep their homes. When you’re stealing their inventory, you’re stealing their money. And God hates a thief. You have the opportunity to do anything in this country. It doesn’t matter what someone is trying to stop you from doing. Be a physician, a doctor, an astronaut. It’s hard, you’ve got to make a lot of sacrifices, but you can do it.
I am disappointed for all this political crap; [it makes me] feel sorry for the soldiers who lost their lives, because people are at each other’s throats. They don’t see the country, they [each] see what they think is their philosophy. He thinks his philosophy is important. It’s like, “You’re both Americans.” At the end of the day, we all have to live together. There’s only one planet Earth.
Tyrone A. Bush
Being kind is sublime. When you wear a smile and you practice the 3 C’s, which are care, concern and consideration, it just makes the entire experience a beautiful and positive one. We need to be continually kind to each other and as we do, we begin to grow as individuals in this world. We need a lot of kindness, so be kind, to your brothers, to your sisters, to everybody you come in contact with. Most certainly I would say there is not enough kindness because people do not really understand, and because of their own experiences, they may tend not to be happy. But kindness is an effort, to put forth that effort makes your life experience worthwhile. So, we thank God for kindness. Everybody needs to try to be more kind.
Henry Johnson
Julie [Youngquist, executive director of StreetWise] let me back into StreetWise when I was doing everything that was not the right thing. I didn’t have a spot. I was at everybody else’s spot. I didn’t have a badge; I made my own badge. I was panhandling because they wouldn’t let me sell at off-limit areas, private property. I have been here 32 years.
I have a house. I pay taxes. My mother left me a house and I kept it up. If it weren’t for StreetWise, I wouldn’t have the income to sustain it. About two years ago, I came here with $1,000 and Julie put up $150. The tax place said they would take the money. I owed $1200.
When she took me back, she just said, ‘Do the right thing,’ and bought me a Subway gift card. All her friends give me encouragement, too.
DeBorah Jackson
Kindness comes in different forms. It depends upon the person. Being a StreetWise vendor, there are people who make purchases constantly and those who do not. It’s amazing to see how caring they are about the vendor: your health, how you’re looking. Some of them can even determine when something is wrong and something is bothering you. I appreciate my customers and appreciate the conversations they give me. Sometimes when I am not feeling as well as I would want to, a lot of customers just bring that level up.
James Griggs
I go to the Church of God on California and Walnut, which is turning 100. They don't teach nothing but love. They teach us to hug each other, embrace each other, work together as a team like StreetWise.
This young punk came over where I work at selling StreetWise and bust me up the side of my head. There was kindness that everybody showed to me. Everybody in the store came out and asked if I was alright, brought me a towel and some tissue, asked me if I wanted them to call the police. I said I was alright. I did the best I could to not go back to my old way of life [and attack back]. I believe he was a typical gangbanger that didn’t like me. The act of kindness was that a lady told me anybody could be a so and so. She told me not to retaliate and gave me $100.
Ren
It’s a very small example but I remember it because it was very meaningful. I sell near Starbucks in Andersonville. We have a group of regulars. One of our group was recently diagnosed with cancer. The rest of us were sitting around the big table talking about something and I was into the conversation. The guy recently diagnosed came in a little later and sat next to me. I said “Hi” but was engrossed in my own thing. One of our other regulars made a point of coming to the other side of the table, sitting next to the guy diagnosed with cancer, squatting down and having a conversation with him. His concern for the guy overrode his interest in the conversation. He wanted him to be a part of what was going on. Cancer, you feel untouchable or out of everything. You’re on a different path than everyone else in the normal world. This guy made a point to include him, make him feel wanted.
Patrick Halston
Examples of kindness are being polite, telling a person thank you after they give you something.
I was running for the bus and another person said, “Wait a minute. Somebody’s coming.” They were kind enough to stop the bus because they could see I was trying to make it, so I could get to my destination and wouldn’t be late.
Joe Jones
Kindness is something you do from your heart for someone. And it makes you happier for being on the other end of giving and not receiving. I have examples every day. Some people don’t have the money, but they can say, “Have a nice day.” It’s not just about money, it’s about words that can lift your heart.
Kim Brown
One day a lady was hungry, and she asked me for change. I gave her $4. She went into Walgreens and bought some pop and some chips.
A. Allen
Kindness is when customers recognize StreetWise vendors as not being hustlers or panhandlers but everyday people who are trying to make a respectful, honest living. Kindness is like love. It makes the world go around.
Cora Rambert
Kindness is going beyond what anyone else can foresee. Kindness shows up when oth ers may not even be expecting it. Kindness should be shown to any and each one of us, no matter what we look like, no matter where we came from, no matter what our background is, we are all one. We are all of this universe. If somebody says they’re hungry, I am not going to say, “Well, come back a little later.” If I have something, I am going to share it with them, whether it’s monetary or my time. Kindness is something that is taught to us, but it can also be learned. It’s not something you seek to do. It’s just naturally in you. It’s hard to be kind when you look at the world, so many things, mental health and everything. It’s something you have to strive to be better for. It becomes almost like a habit.
Paula Green Holmes
Some people at St. Clement’s gave a person some food because he was really hungry. He was just walking past and asked. They said sure.
It was in between the first, second and third masses. They have tables with food outside. I could tell the man was going to go and ask. They said sure and gave him pizza. I thought that was very kind. He was not a parishioner, just a bystander.
Lee A. Holmes
One of my customers and I were having a conversation. I was telling them I was behind in my rent. He actu ally helped me pay my rent. And I give him gratitude for that.
Gerald Farmer
A smile and a wave, speak to them when they come and when they leave, tell them “God bless you and have a nice day” whether they say anything or not. Those that don’t say anything, I know after a while to just leave them be, don’t say anything to them. But smile at them anyway.
Ed Cephus
The kindest thing I have ever seen was three, four years ago a block north of the spot where I sell at the Art Institute, I saw a man who literally took off his shoes and gave them to a homeless person who was standing there with no shoes on. It made me feel bad because I had seen this guy walking around with his shoes off and had never found out about his situation. Maybe there was something I could have helped with, so I was glad someone else did.
Derrick Livingston
The best way to deal with it is, just be nice. Someone comes up and starts hollering and screaming at you with profane words. Say, “I am sorry you had a bad day,” but just be nice. A guy doesn’t want to leave your [StreetWise selling] spot. Say nicely, “Sir, I am trying to work here, could you please go over on the other side of the street?” but be nice.
A guy comes up to you, puts his hands on you, be nice. Do it with a smile. That’s worked a lot of times for me.
Gwen Freeman
I cook for the holidays, and I take a plate to people who are homeless near me. I have referred them as vendors, too.
Bessie Salter
An example of kindness is, if you have an automobile and take someone or a family to a pantry to be able to get the meal. They have pantries that are open on Thanksgiving. You can load them up in your car and the meal will be already prepared.
Kevin Taylor
Yesterday, my battery went dead on my car, so I needed to go get a new battery. It was a lot of stress. I called AutoZone. It was last-minute, they were about to close. The young man said, “I can get you a discount and put the battery in for you.” He was just a good person to do that for me at the last minute. Everything was lined up at the perfect time. And he gave me an employee discount.
Robert Laine
Julius Vance
First and foremost, you have to be selfless and willing to listen to others with your undivided attention, so that you give them the correct response to answers. That way, they know you are listening to them and not just letting it go through one ear and out the other.
That’s when they come to realize that you are genuinely concerned about their situation. So, kindness is selflessness, concern for others, listening to people and giving them proper feedback on their answers, letting them know they could count on you and ask you anything without being judged, that what we talk about is between us and goes no farther.
Everything I am wearing was given to me by customers and people who have seen me sleeping in Belmont Harbor and have given me what I needed to survive. More importantly, what has transpired in the last two weeks is that a parishioner at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church helped me secure two pairs of glasses along with an eye exam and bought me sunglasses that fit over the glasses. The gift of eyesight is the most important thing in my life. I am thankful for all of my parishioners, even the ones who don’t buy. We still talk. At least they treat me like a human being.
StreetWise exists to
ized
Anyone who wants to work has the opportunity to move themselves out of
StreetWise provides “a hand up, not a handout.”
