The SportsWise team predicts playoffs in baseball.
Healthwise
The warning signs of sleep apnea.
Cover Story: hellobaby
HelloBaby is the first free play space in the nation and its success is thanks to the Woodlawn community.
EATWISE
Vendor A. Allen visits Windy City Gyros in Lakeview.
The Playground
ON THE COVER: Kids at play at HelloBaby. THIS PAGE: Tamika Baker, manager of Hello Baby making crafts alongside Cian Potter, 8 (Citlalli Magali Sotelo photo).
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
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
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS
Compiled by Dave Hamilton
Without Accompaniment!
‘Lamentations’
Chicago a cappella begins its 2024/25 season with “Lamentations,” a program exploring narratives of displacement, yearning for home, and rebuilding. Featuring works that span numerous genres from multiple eras, audiences will be treated to a unique collaboration between the ten singers of CAC and five dancers from dance company Ballet 5:8, presenting a modern twist on a long-time staple of choral repertoire, Thomas Tallis’ “Lamentations of Jeremiah.” A four-concert tour travels around Chicagoland with stops in Chicago (Friday, September 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Allen Recital Hall at Holtschneider Performance Center, 2330 N Halsted St.), Evanston (Sunday, September 29 at 3 p.m. at Nichols Concert Hall, 1490 Chicago Ave.), Oak Park (Saturday, October 5 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church, 924 Lake St.), and Naperville (Sunday October 6 at 4 p.m. at Wentz Concert Hall, 171 E. Chicago Ave.). Tickets are $38 general admission and $48 for preferred seating with a limited number of $10 Student tickets and Pay W hat You Can tickets available at each performance at chicagoacappella.org
Beauty in the Virtual!
‘Augmented Chicago: Inaugural Realities’
“Augmented Chicago: Inaugural Realities” showcases the innovative works of four internationally celebrated Chicago-based artists, Claire Ashley, Faheem Majeed, Yvette Mayorga and Carlos Rolón, pioneering the use of Augmented Reality (AR) for the first time in the vibrant setting of Millennium Park. This exhibition invites visitors to experience a groundbreaking fusion of technology and artistry, transforming the Park’s landscape into a dynamic canvas of digital creativity. By highlighting AR as a new tool and medium in the world of public art, these artists explore new dimensions of interaction, engagement, and expression, offering a fresh perspective on the urban environment. FREE through November 30.
A Harris Debut!
'ROBESOИ': Davóne Tines with D-Composed Chicago’s Black chamber music collective D-Composed (pictured) makes its Harris Theater, 205 E. Randolph St., debut in collaboration with acclaimed operatic bass-baritone Davóne Tines. Created by Tines and director Zack Winokur, “ROBESOИ” is a daring theatrical work that explodes the musical repertoire of influential singer, actor, and activist Paul Robeson across gospel, classical, Broadway, and folk music. Taking the audience on a trip from the stage of Carnegie Hall to the floor of a Moscow hotel room, the work attempts to understand the icon not through aspiring to his monumentality, but through connecting to his vulnerability. The Chicago-exclusive version of “ROBESOИ” will feature D-Composed performing alongside Tines and his band THE TRUTH (bassist Khari Lucas and pianist John Bitoy), in new arrangements by Chicago composer Ahmed Al Abaca. Tuesday October 1 at 6 p.m. Tickets are $20 at harristheaterchicago.org
Go For Gold!
‘Gold Over America Tour: Simone Biles’ Simone Biles, Fred Richard, and other favorite stars of the gymnastics world leap into action at United Center, 1901 W. Madison St., on September 29 at 7 p.m. The tour is an exhilarating display of jaw-dropping athleticism and high-energy choreography with an inspirational message of hope, strength, resilience, and determination. Led by Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast of all time, the Gold Over America Tour—or GOAT—will have audiences on the edge of their seats with every tumble, twist and gravity-defying trick. This pop concert-style spectacle will showcase the athletic brilliance and championship journeys of Biles and cast members Jade Carey, Jordan Chiles, Katelyn Ohashi, PengPeng Lee, Shilese Jones, Fred Richard, Mélanie Johanna De Jesus Dos Santos, Kayla Dicello, Evita Griskenas, Casimir Schmidt and more. Tickets start at $70 at ticketmaster.com (with cheaper options from verified ticket resellers like stubhub.com and vividseats.com).
Opera Meet Theater!
‘Leonora’ Chicago Opera Theater (COT) presents the North American premiere of “Leonora,” a classical Italian opera. The plot of “Leonora” is based on a true story that took place in France in the 18th century about a young woman who disguises herself as a man named Fidelio to rescue her wrongfully imprisoned husband. Playing Tuesday, October 1 at 7:30 p.m., Friday, October 4 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 6 at 3 p.m. at the Studebaker Theater in the Fine Arts Building, 410 S Michigan Ave. Tickets start at $50 with discounts available for subscribers, groups, and students at chicagooperatheater.org
Short Film Screenings!
Aladerri International Film Festival
Aladerri International Film Festival (AIFF) is dedicated to the celebration of "Short Films" in a multi-day event supporting national and international filmmakers and giving them an opportunity to showcase their work in an effort to bring the most inspiring and impactful voices forward. September 27- 29 at Facets Cinema, 1517 W. Fullerton Ave. Films are shown in blocks, tickets for each block are $15. For the full schedule and to purchase tickets, visit aladerrifilmfestival.com
The
Beauty in Nature!
Jane Georges: ‘May Wild Flowers Line Your Path And Sunshine Highlight Your Way’ "May wild flowers line your path and sunshine highlight your way" by artist Jane Georges is dedicated to finding moments of joy and transformation in the unknown paths that draw us inward/outward towards the interconnected and humbling beauty of nature and being outside. On display at the Logan Center for the Arts, 915 E. 60th St., through October 6. FREE.
‘Women at War’
Life As They Know It!
"Women at War" features works by a selection of the leading contemporary women artists working in Ukraine, and provides context for the current war, as represented in art across media. Several works in the exhibition were made immediately following Feb. 24, 2022, when Russia began the full-scale invasion of Ukraine; others date from the 10 years of war following the annexation of Crimea and the creation of separatist Donetsk and Luhansk “People’s Republics” in Donbas in 2014. The exhibition also offers an insight into Ukrainian and other Eastern European feminisms, which are significantly different from the Western mold. FREE. On display at the Chicago Cultural Center, 5th floor, 78 E. Washington St. through December 8.
Find Your Destination!
Destinos Latino Theater Festival
Theatrical works celebrating Latino culture in all its dimensions in a celebration of Latino Heritage Month. The seven-week series (September 30 - November 17) at venues across the city, includes magicians, poetry, drag artists, and a one-woman mariachi musical. Tickets and the full schedule is accessible at clata.org/en/programs/destinos-2024
New Installation!
Franz West: Millennium Park
Sculptor Franz West features three monumental installations: Stonehenge (2011), Kugeln (Balls) (2002), and Dorit (2002), set against the iconic backdrop of Millennium Park. "Stonehenge," with its playful, abstract forms, invites viewers to engage physically and imaginatively, while "Kugeln" (Balls) presents three individual brightly hued spherical sculptures that disrupt conventional expectations of balance and form. "Dorit," characterized by its organic shapes and vibrant colors, further exemplifies West’s unique approach to sculpture, blending humor and a sense of the surreal with profound artistic statements. FREE. On display through November 30.
Who could go to the world series?
John: As we speak in early September, I believe there are six American League contenders in the Major League Baseball pennant/ quasi playoff race: Baltimore, Yankees, Cleveland, Minnesota, Kansas City and Houston.
In the National League, six of the eight teams will be in. The Cubs and Mets have a shot at the wildcard. The Mets are a half game behind Atlanta and the Cubs are 4 1/2 behind. Why the Cubs instead of St. Louis? The Cubs have better pitching, greater run differential and if they get their bats going, could make some noise. To determine this, I combined batting averages of teams, pitching in terms of ERA and strikeouts, and fielding when it comes to errors.
I left the Boston Red Sox out, even though they are at the top in batting, because their fielding is the absolute worst in baseball.
Russell: In the American League East, I think it will come down to two teams: Boston, and Baltimore, which has the best schedule.
AL Central: Interesting! Kansas City, Cleveland and Minnesota. Pretty close. If
I had it my way, Minnesota. Best shot in the American League? Baltimore. In the NL, the Mets are a half-game behind Atlanta -they got three games to play each other -- it might come down to that. As far as the West, the Dodgers are going to be there. They are six, seven games ahead, with Shohei Ohtani, Mr. “Hit Everything.” The Phillies got a good shot, Milwaukee -- I don’t think so.
Allen: I am with Russell. Dodgers all the way. I still got to say, the Sox are the underdog and me, A. Allen, I always go for the underdog, and they beat Baltimore last night. I am not going to stop rubbing that in! I am still rooting for the Cubs to be a wild card, even though they are four games behind Atlanta, four games behind the Mets.
John: I bleed Dodger and Yankee blue. The Cubs would be in better position if they had more home runs.
Talk about the bullpen all you want, but if they do not make the playoffs, it’s because they have the least homers of any contending team: 149. As far as fielding, the New York Yankees have a lot of errors: 83 as of early September, ranked 13th in that category in the AL.
As far as two AL teams that have the best shot at the World Series. Houston’s pitching is splendid; first in AL in batting, third in pitching, sixth as far as fielding. Another team I think can get it is Baltimore, but their manager has to teach them to use the bullpen. If they don’t win the AL East, it will be the Yankees.
Russell: Houston’s got great pitching, but I don’t see them beating LA. I say Dodgers and Baltimore.
Allen: Speaking of pitching, the Cubs pitched a no-hitter last night. They can continue that to a wild card.
John: Two teams in the NL that have the best shot are the Dodgers and Phillies. I don’t see Arizona, because their pitching is not good. I don’t see San Diego and I don’t see Milwaukee.
Russell: The Phillies are the team to watch. If they win the NL East --that’s a tough division -- they have a chance to go to the World Series.
Allen: Still rooting for the Cubs because I am an underdog guy. New York could play New York in the World Series: the Mets against the Yankees.
John: My World Series would be the Dodgers versus the Yankees -- coast to coast.
Any comments, suggestions or topic ideas for the SportsWise team? Email StreetWise Editor Suzanne Hanney at suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com
Vendors (clockwise): Russell Adams, A. Allen, and John Hagan chat about the world of sports.
Obstructive sleep apnea
Do you wake up with a morning headache? Do you still feel tired even though you thought you slept through the night? Do you have low energy during the day or sleepiness? Have you ever gotten elbowed by your sleeping partner due to snoring or pauses in your breathing? Have you and your sleeping partner decided that it was time for a “sleep divorce” by choosing to sleep in separate beds or separate rooms? These may be signs that you have Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA).
OSA is a common sleep disorder that causes breathing to briefly stop or decrease multiple times during sleep. This is caused by the throat muscles relaxing too much and blocking the airway. This can lead to poor sleep and low oxygen levels. If not addressed, it can cause many health problems.
A number of factors can increase the risk of OSA. Here are some of the more common factors:
• Excess weight
• Neck size
• Aging
• Family history
• Musculoskeletal conditions that cause the jaw to be in a position that can block the airway
Common symptoms of OSA include:
• Loud snoring: A common sign, but not everyone who snores has OSA
• Breathing stops: Usually observed by another person
• Gasping for air: Waking up suddenly with shortness of breath
• Morning headache: Due to low oxygen levels
• Daytime sleepiness: Due to interrupted sleep
• Difficulty concentrating: Due to poor sleep quality
• Irritability: Mood changes are common
OSA can lead to serious health issues if untreated. Here are some of the common conditions:
• Coronary artery disease
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Abnormal heart rhythms
• Stroke
• Type 2 diabetes
• Depression
Your doctor may have you take a questionnaire to see if you are at risk for OSA. Detecting OSA usually involves a sleep study, either at home or in a lab. Treatment options, which depend on how severe your symptoms are, may include:
• Lifestyle changes: Weight loss, exercise, and staying away from alcohol and smoking can help
• CPAP machine: A mask worn during sleep that provides a constant stream of air to keep the airway open
• Oral appliances: Devices that keep the throat open by moving the jaw forward
• Surgery: In severe cases, surgery might be needed to remove tissue, reposition the jaw, or implant devices to stimulate the airway muscles
Managing OSA involves both medical treatment and lifestyle changes. If you think you may have OSA, talk to your healthcare provider. Regular check-ups with your healthcare providers are important to monitor and adjust treatments. It is important to stick with the treatment that is prescribed to get the most benefit and reduce the risk of serious health issues. While OSA is a serious condition, it can be managed with proper diagnosis and treatment. Proper treatment can help to get your sleep quality back on track, lower your risk for serious health issues, and greatly improve your quality of life.
Dr. Marina Claudio is a board-certified family physician who has been in practice since 2003. She is currently a Medical Director at Molina Healthcare of Illinois/Wisconsin. She's a graduate of the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Chicago and completed her residency in Family Medicine at the UIC/Advocate Illinois Masonic Family Medicine Residency Program.
by Dr. Marina Claudio
‘What you ’ re doing is something the government should be doing’:
hellobaby The FirsT Free Play sPace in The naTion, Thrives Thanks To communiT y suPPorT.
by Citlalli Magali Sotelo
When Selena Potter first walked past the brightly colored storefront at the corner of 61st Street and St. Lawrence Avenue, she had no idea it would become a “second home” for herself and her granddaughter, Cian. She stopped in to see what was behind the clouds, trees and tulips decorating the windows alongside flower cutouts with children’s photos. Potter, who has a degree in education, has been coming back ever since.
“It [has] helped my mental health, my well-being, because we are able to network with other adults while being in a safe environment, while we have our children here who are also socializing and learning at the same time,” Potter says. And Cian? “She blossomed here.”
HelloBaby is the nation’s first free-standing, free-of-charge drop-in play space for babies, toddlers, preschoolers and their caregivers. On a typical day, it is filled with small children. Some laugh and run around, while others sit at a wooden table with staff members working on colorful seasonal crafts. Parents socialize with other parents and staff members.
HelloBaby was founded by Debbie Frisch, the mother of two grown daughters. Frisch is no stranger to childhood trauma. She grew up in an abusive home where she “never experienced the joy of carefree play in a safe, nurturing space.” As an adult, she was a foster parent to 56 children over the course of 15 years, determined to provide them with a solid foundation during the critical early years.
Early childhood is a window of opportunity for children’s cognitive, social and emotional development. “Children’s brains are built, moment by moment, as they interact with their environments,” according to UNICEF. “The quality of a child’s early experiences makes a critical difference as their brains develop, providing either strong or weak foundations for learning, health and behavior throughout life.”
Frisch realized she needed to scale up if she was going to provide more children with a place where they could get the
experiences they needed in order to flourish. “I decided instead of bringing the babies into my home one at a time, it was my turn to go where the need was the greatest,” she says. The ideal place, she decided, was a community where playgrounds were scarce, which she calls a “play desert.” She chose Woodlawn, on the city’s South Side.
She opened HelloBaby in 2017 as a place where babies, toddlers and caregivers from the neighborhood can interact and be able to obtain resources they need without any shame. Since then, HelloBaby has hosted over 28,000 play visits, with monthly visits averaging 500 to 600. There is a two-hour limit for most visits because food isn’t allowed and naps aren’t possible. However, parents and their children are never forced to leave.
Kids at play at HelloBaby (HelloBaby photo). Opposite page, clockwise from top left: Selena Potter alongside her granddaughter, Cian, inside of HelloBaby on Saturday, April 13; Debbie Frisch, founder of HelloBaby; Tamika Baker inside by window art; Maya Jefferson, assistant manager, playing alongside a child, 1. (Citlalli Magali Sotelo photos).
The nature themes and natural colors at HelloBaby are a deliberate choice in a neighborhood where access to outdoor play is limited. “I think a lot of kids … do not use the parks because they are not well maintained, there’s gang violence, etc.” Frisch says. “I want them to know nature and love it.”
The goal is to allow children to learn through play to help prepare them for kindergarten. “We know that kids who are in a low-income community who start school are 60% behind those who are in stable economically communities,” Frisch says. “If you start behind, that’s probably where you’re going to stay. The time to reach them is now. You can intervene when they’re in school, but the process is so much harder, so much longer.”
HelloBaby includes structured activities such as circle-time, storytelling and music time. While children are engaged, caregivers are able to take a break, make friends, and get access to comfort, advice, and other forms of support.
“All of our caregivers and parents, when they come here, they have time to come here and talk to us. It’s like therapy, a no-judgment zone. You won’t get that anywhere else,” says Tamika Baker, HelloBaby’s manager. “Even our colors are very welcoming blue and green. Our parents are always happy to be back.”
“This place is a stress reliever for them,” agrees Maya Jefferson, HelloBaby’s assistant manager. “They watch their children play, grow and develop, all while talking to other
parents.” This allows caregivers to share concerns and solutions. “Sometimes things they are going through, other parents are too,” Jefferson says. “They come and they are happy to speak with us about their day-to-day issues. Other times it becomes a therapy. Sometimes parents just want to talk and need to be heard while their children play.”
HelloBaby is supported by private donations and grants. People also donate items their own children have outgrown. “What I love is that mothers will wash the clothes they’re giving us before they bring them in,” Frisch says. “We get a lot of book and diaper donations. We’re happy with that!”
Because of these donations, children leave each visit with something they can take home: a book, a craft kit, a snack or a new toy.
neW residents, neW challenges
The influx of tens of thousands of migrants to Chicago, the welcoming city, since August 2022 has posed a challenge to HelloBaby. Families living in nearby shelters sometimes find HelloBaby and come in seeking whatever help they can get.
Since HelloBaby’s policy is to help everyone, these desperate families are welcome, too, though the language barrier
with the non-Spanish speaking staff is an impediment. Often, they use a translation app to communicate. Other times, a caregiver is able to help. “We have HelloBaby parents who speak Spanish or are bilingual and they will sometimes serve as translators. However, not everyone here is bilingual, which makes it harder,” says Baker, who is learning Spanish “just so that we can have a connection with them.”
The migrant families generally come in seeking basic things like clothing, formula and diapers.
But then they discover the benefit of social and emotional support. They, too, make connections with other caregivers and discover they share many similar struggles with others in the area.
“We had a migrant bringing in her baby. She was looking for clothes and resources and help,” Jefferson recalls. “We gave her whatever we had. She broke down and started crying. Even though I couldn’t express myself with language, I knew exactly what she needed. She felt so grateful. As of now, she still comes back.”
“What we do here is help the community, help anyone,” Jefferson continues. “This is why we’re here--to aid the community. “
The staff at HelloBaby see the influx of migrants as an opportunity to build more connections. “We do not believe in giving our backs to anyone,” says Baker.
expanding beyond WoodlaWn
In an effort to encourage similar programs, Frisch recently wrote the book “Hello Baby: Building an Oasis in a Play Desert” with co-author Isaac Stone Simonelli (Rivertown Books, 2023). She hopes the book can serve as a roadmap to others aiming to end play deserts. “We can’t do it all, so we want to share it all, perhaps with others who want to do something similar along the way,” Frisch says.
Frisch also plans to expand HelloBaby beyond Woodlawn. She recently put in an offer for a location in West Englewood. Staff there and at other future locations will come from those neighborhoods, as is the case in Woodlawn. “Depending on other communities we expand to, we will hire what’s more representative from there,” Frisch says.
The key is community embrace of each HelloBaby location. “I really take ownership of the space and they take care of each other and they take care of us, the staff. It’s really this beautiful collaborative environment,” she says.
In an ideal world, these efforts might not be left to the private sector. Frisch recalls something she was told by someone from the Foresight Lab, a social change agency. “What you’re really doing is something the government should be doing!”
“This is a huge, bone-crushing social service gap that primarily impacts low-income people of color,” Frisch says. “So, this should be a national movement.”
For now, it’s making a huge local difference for caregivers and staff in Woodlawn. Baker is grateful that Frisch allows her to bring her 8-year-old to work and remains here because the Hello Baby mission statement speaks volumes to her.
“That is the reason why I am working here and did not go back to teaching,” she says. “I believe in helping a community, building them and everyone having the right to have a safe space. All parents need a break!”
Potter is now bringing her newest granddaughter, Rhea, to HelloBaby. “I keep coming back because I feel welcomed here,” she says. “I stop by to say ‘hi’ sometimes. Debbie always has something going on, and I stop by to show support.”
These pages: Images provided by HelloBaby.
The gyros and fries are exceptionally good at Windy City Gyros, and I'm coming back because it has every kind of food possible. Not just gyros, but burgers, Mexican food, Italian food and beef, hot dogs, BBQ ribs, fish, chicken, salads.
My church friend had gyros ($9.55) and I ordered the gyro plate ($13.40), which comes with their fries – among the best I've had. Tender and fresh, not greasy.
You can easily eat here for under $15, or $25 if you want to splurge.
A soft- or hard-shell taco will cost you $3.45, half-pound hamburger $5.70, a fish sandwich $6.05, an Italian beef $9.35, a chicken breast on pita $9.45. A half slab of ribs is $16 and a whole slab $24.30. Desserts include ice cream, strawberry cheesecake, shakes, cocoa mousse cake and baklava.
Every day of the week, there's two specials (rib eye sandwich, half chicken dinner, shrimp basket, gyros plate, double cheeseburger and more), all $15 or under except for the 1/2 slab of ribs on Wednesday ($17.95). The specials come with french fries, soup or salad; and medium soft drink.
Sports memorabilia covers the walls, which would be expected of a location within a mile of Wrigley Field, at 3932 N. Broadway.
The service is great, the tables are nicely spaced, (many near windows) and the restrooms are very clean.
Windy City Gyros is open late nights. Hours are Monday through Wednesdays from 11 a.m.-2 a.m.; Thursday from 11 a.m.-3 a.m.; Friday and Saturday from 11 a.m.-5 a.m. and Sunday, noon-3 a.m.
There's a $5 minimum on credit card purchases, with a 3.9% discount for paying in cash.
