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Artist paints message of hope on particleboards installed to protect windows and doorways from Protesters
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Kids trade rocks for donations Page 2
Page 10 Chicago artist Marco Rios paints a mural at the AT&T store on Michigan Avenue. Photo courtesy of AT&T
Streeterville Social opens to support local restaurants Page 5
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New Eastside NEWS Streeterville NEWS HowLoop to Contact Us West NEWS info@chicagostarmedia.com 200 E. Randolph St. Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 690-3092 Editor: Elaine Hyde elainehyde@chicagostarmedia.com Managing Editor Daniel Patton danielpatton@chicagostarmedia.com Staff Writers: Angela Gagnon Peter Kaspari Nuria Mathog Doug Rapp Copy Editors: Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design: Bob Oswald Community Contributors: Jon Cohn
Subscriptions info@chicagostarmedia.com Advertising Contact (312) 690-3092 or info@chicagostarmedia.com New Eastside News and Streeterville News are published by Chicago Star Media. New Eastside News and Streeterville News are monthly papers that use community writers and contributors. The views expressed by community contributors are their own. Chicago Star Media does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. Chicago Star Media is independently owned and operated. Published July 1, 2020 Copyright ©2020. All rights reserved.
New Eastside kids show off the money they raised for charity by asking for donations in Lakeshore East park in June. Photo by Angela Gagnon
New Eastside kids trade rocks for donations to help out during pandemic By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer A group of New Eastside kids recently traded rocks for charitable donations. As Chicago entered phase three of the reopening in early June, neighbors poured into Lakeshore East Park to enjoy the nice weather and rekindle long lost social interactions. The kids, many friends since infancy, decided a worthwhile project would be to collect money for charity. “I saw people struggling during this pandemic, and I wanted to make a difference in my neighborhood and community,” said Léa Lutfi, 9. The kids split up in pairs and casually approached people in the park to ask for donations. “We are raising money to give to charity,” they said, according to Lutfi. “Do you
have a small donation in exchange for shiny rocks?” They offered rocks they collected as a token of appreciation, in addition to a smile and a “thank you.” “We all worked together to make it happen,” said Isabella Kim, 9. “It was so nice that people donated, and it felt good to raise money for charity.” “What I enjoyed most about this is that I was doing it for a good cause and that it was helping other people,” added Sophie Slotnik, 9. The group collected $65 on a Saturday afternoon, which was donated to The Chicago Help Initiative (CHI), a charity that the kids are familiar with. “I volunteered at a Wednesday night dinner this past winter with my school,” Kim said. “My friends and I had fun and fed people all at the same time.”
Though CHI suspended sit-down meals in the dining room, it is still serving meals to the homeless on a to-go basis. For more information, visitchicagohelpinitiative.org. Raising money for charity isn’t the only thing New Eastside kids have been doing to help. At the onset of the pandemic, Slotnik used her sewing machine to make masks for the students at her school. She made more than fifty masks and distributed them in the neighborhood. Talia Lutfi, Léa’s younger sister, made cards for health care workers on the front line. “I love coloring and wanted to make nurses and doctors happy,” said Talia, 6. The cards were sent to Mercy Hospital and Medical Center and Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where her father, Dr. Rami Lutfi, works.
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Replace the Taste Creating a stay-at-home Taste of Chicago By Daniel Patton Staff Writer The Taste of Chicago has been canceled, but the city’s restaurants are still cooking. This creates an ideal scenario for foodies to host their own private sampling feasts at home. A handful of Streeterville residents and professionals shared their thoughts on the best food to serve to friends when celebrating what will hopefully become a never-repeated tradition known as “Replace the Taste.” Gail Spreen and Dennis Downes Combining dynamic professional pursuits with active social calendars, Streeterville husband and wife Dennis Downes and Gail
Dennis Downes and Gail Spreen. Photos by Daniel Patton
Justin Olivas and his mother Elizabeth.
Spreen and have become experts in Chicago dining. Spreen is a top-producing real estate agent and a co-chair for the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents (SOAR). Downes is an artist and writer whose work includes the Cap Streeter sculpture in front of
Yolk restaurant at 355 E. Ohio. “We definitely have our favorite restaurants in the neighborhood that we have really tried to support during COVID,” Spreen said. “Number one would be D4, which is the Irish pub here on Grand Ave.” Among the best
Follow along on social media with the hashtag #GEMSatHome to learn more about the school’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Accepting Applications for 2020 312.809.8910 | gemschicago.org | 350 East South Water St., Chicago, IL 60601
items for a tasting, she listed the chicken fingers, the shepherd’s pie and the nachos made with pot roast that, according to Downes, are “to die for.” Other recommendations included meatballs from Robert’s Pizza, flatbreads from Pinstripes, ribs from Carson’s, appetizers from Pinched, French fries from Flamingo and the house salad with chicken from Cupitol. “We’re not the fanciest eaters in the world,” Downes said. “But we like good food served by good people.” Justin Olivas Justin Olivas, a Northwestern Medicine resident who recently arrived in Chicago from Hous-
ton, was en route to have lunch in Chinatown with his mother Elizabeth when he paused to share his culinary suggestions. Although he has never experienced Taste of Chicago, Olivas was quick to offer an impromptu sampling of what friends could expect if he were to replicate the festival at home. “Probably Szechuan, sushi, different types of pizza and maybe like some different types of burgers as well,” he said. He also explained the somewhat lofty reputation that the Windy City restaurant scene enjoys in his hometown. “I look forward to visiting the rooftop restaurants in Chicago,” Continued on page 8
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Churches reopen while keeping virtual services By Nuria Mathog Staff Writer As Chicago’s shutdown gradually lifts, West Loop churches are looking to reintroduce in-person services while continuing to use many of the technological tools that have enabled them to build and maintain strong community relationships from home. Old St. Patrick’s Church, 700 W. Adams St., opened mass services to the public June 21, though the number of services was initially limited, per the recommendations of the Archdiocese of Chicago, Keara Ette, director of ministries said. The first in-person service had approximately 50 attendees. For Amada Giordano, a Roscoe Village resident who has been a
Old St. Patrick’s Church members Dean, Aiden and Amada Giordano at the church. Photo courtesy of Amada Giordano
member of the church since 2005, attending the first in-person mass since the shutdown was an experience that moved her to tears. The
church has played a “very special” role in her life. She and her husband Dean were married at St. Patrick’s, and their son Aiden was baptized there. Because of the 50-person limit for the initial service, the Giordanos decided that they would only use one spot so other families would have a chance to participate. Amada Giordano was the first to go. “When I arrived on Sunday, they told us to get there at 7:45 a.m.,” Giordano said. “They had markers where we should stand before we could proceed into church, and then we were checked in. We had to do hand sanitizer and then we were ordered up to the pews. So, it was obviously very well organized … there were two people to a pew, unless you were with your family,
but it was very much spread out and obviously different, like we all had our masks on. But it was a beautiful experience.” At New Community Church, the pandemic has not stopped congregants and church leaders from staying connected, with virtual services and prayer meetings regularly livestreamed on Facebook and small group meetings held on Zoom, Executive Pastor Frank Cho said. “It caused us to kind of rethink what the future of our church is going to look like,” he said. “Obviously, now that we’re reopening, a lot of people still feel like they want to stay at home, and we’re OK with that, and so we continue to livestream.” “People really love to physically be together, I think especially as a
church, a religious organization,” he said. “I’m a pastor, but I’m an introvert. I prefer to be alone. But it’s extremely difficult being alone, and you realize the absolute need to stay connected with people.” Lake Shore Church, a congregation of about 20 members, moved its Sunday morning worship and Wednesday fellowship meetings to Zoom when the pandemic hit, Pastor Brian Larson said. The church has also begun hosting weeknight prayer meetings each evening through the same platform. “It’s been going great,” he said. “It’s been really fabulous, and it’s something. In some ways we’re probably going to continue and keep using Zoom to hold some meetings.”
Summer Vib and Views
Await at Chicago’s Largest Rooftop Lounge Serving neighborhood eats and crafty cocktails
Streeterville Social is downtown Chicago’s go-to rooftop bar and lounge, serving refreshing cocktails and local fare with a unique view on the city. Now open Thursday–Friday from 4pm–10pm | Saturday–Sunday from 2pm–10pm streetervillesocial.com | 312.840.6617 | 455 N. Park Drive
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Streeterville Social opens to support local restaurants By Peter Kaspari Staff Writer The reopening of Streeterville Social not only means that summer has arrived, but for this year, area restaurants impacted by the COVID-19 quarantine have an opportunity for extra business. Located on the second-floor rooftop terrace of the Loews Chicago Hotel, 455 N. Park Drive, Streeterville Social has been a place for hotel guests and people just walking by to enjoy cocktails, grab some food, and socialize with friends, according to Christian Hansen, the hotel’s managing director. This year, Streeterville Social teamed up with six neighborhood restaurants to help them bounce back after temporarily shuttering due to COVID-19 restrictions. “We’re in the neighborhood,” Hansen said. “Streeterville is just a really good community. (There are) a lot of good residential folks who know us.” Because the Streeterville Social kitchen isn’t open yet, and will remain closed throughout the month of July, he said the restaurant wanted to try something different. “We actually have partnered with local restaurants in Streeterville,” he said. “We just thought that would be better for our neighbors. Normally, I’m not going to let
Streeterville Social, on the second-floor rooftop terrace of the Loews Chicago Hotel, is offering its space to help out area restaurants. Photo by Peter Kaspari
people bring food in and sit up here.” Streeterville Social has partnered with Pinched on the River, a Mediterranean restaurant on Ogden Slip, NIU Japanese Fusion Lounge, Luella’s Southern Kitchen, D4 Irish Pub & Cafe, Robert’s Pizza and Dough Company, and Carson’s Ribs Prime Steaks & Famous Barbecue. Streeterville Social is open 4-10 p.m., Thursday through Sunday. Lesley Catayong, the hotel’s director of outlets who oversees Streeterville Social, said they’ve also opened an area of the terrace that’s normally just used for private events. It features a second bar, an open space for gathering and games. “We’re using it for overflow,” she said. Catayong said the community is happy the terrace reopened for summer. “We didn’t even announce we were open,” she said. “(Guests) told us, ‘We
saw the umbrellas. We heard the music. We couldn’t wait to come down.’” Additionally, Melissa Cesario, Loews’ director of catering and conference management, said Phase 4 has allowed them to service up to 100 guests, since the terrace is outdoors. “We have a large 40 by 60 foot canopy to provide shade with dimmable string lighting for the evening,” she said. “There is a great open space for wedding ceremonies with a great skyline backdrop.” Cesario said the Streeterville Social has also seen an interest in “micro weddings.” “Many couples don’t want to postpone another year or those that wanted to postpone couldn’t find date availability in 2021,” she said. “Many couples also want to leverage the current climate in an effort to save money and restrict their guest count without having to worry about upsetting anyone.”
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Restaurants, parks open to visitors as city enters phase 4 By Daniel Patton Staff Writer All-day rain dampened Chicago’s return to indoor drinking and dining on Friday, June 26, when the five-phase plan to reopen the city allowed patrons to enter and sit down in restaurants and bars at 25% of their capacity. Alternating between downpour and drizzle, the storm seemed to chase everyone away from the Riverwalk and Millennium Park. But the sun returned Saturday, along with the crowds. Construction worker Antonio Shelton and photographer Kellan Blankenship traveled to the city from West Virginia to “visit family and see Chicago since it’s been reopened,” according to Shelton. “I like small restaurants, like locally owned restaurants. So we’re going to find some of them,” he said. On a first-time visit to Chicago, Blankenship intends to photograph “the buildings and the lake and graffiti.” Chemical industry professional Jeff Kenton journeyed from suburban Hazel Crest to celebrate a friend’s birthday at III Forks restaurant on Lakeshore East Park. An avid restaurant-goer, he is a fan of the venue’s steaks and seafood. “I haven’t eaten inside since the pandemic,” he said. “But I’d rather be in the patio if the sun was shining.” III Forks Manager Alex Hall and Chef Proprietor Adrian Corkill exemplified the venue’s legendary commitment to food, drink and service during the rainstorm on Friday.
“It feels absolutely amazing to be back,” Corkill said. “It’s all about passion—we love what we do, and we want to make sure our guests are happy and everything tastes great.” His personal favorite menu item is the New York Strip, which pairs well with “any glass of wine that we’ve got.” Hall is a “filet person” who prefers the classics. “Your filets, your ribeyes, mashed potatoes and asparagus are always amazing,” she said. “I always get the parmesan crust on my steak.” Wildberry was at capacity at lunchtime on Saturday, which gave Manager and New Eastside resident Frank Curetti a chance to seat the open tables that have been nagging him throughout the pandemic. “It feels like I finally got back into the business that I was put on this earth for,” he said. Curetti is a fan of the entire menu, but said that the “hottest item” is “definitely the Berry Bliss Pancakes.” Atlanta native Chelsea H. decided to visit friends, clubs, bars, and restaurants in Chicago during a week of vacation from her job in the tech industry. On Saturday morning, she enjoyed pancakes, eggs, and a Bellini (or two) while dining inside at Remington’s on Michigan Avenue. She also followed up on the travel advice offered by the attentive staff. “They told me I need to see The Bean, so I came over here.” Iowa State University students Maddy Lakomek, Nora Sullivan, Ashley Reinhart and Lexie Carey took a chance on “what was going to be opened” during a
Alex Hall and Adrian Corkill.
Streeterville attorney Candace Hodge and husband Jake Hodge. Photos by Daniel Patton
Antonio Shelton and Kellan Blankenship.
recreational trip to Chicago. “We had to wear facemasks at The Bean, but it’s fine,” Lakomek said. Chicago “doesn’t smell as bad” as New York City,” Sullivan said. Other stops on the agenda included eating pizza, visiting the Riverwalk and shopping. Streeterville attorney Candace Hodge said she and husband Jake Hodge enjoyed spending “a lot of time” in their kitchen during the pandemic, but they were delighted to lunch at Island Party Hut Saturday afternoon. “It’s beautiful,” she said “We’re happy to see our local spots opening back up.”
Chelsea H.
Jeff Kenton
Frank Curetti
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Bygone customs
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Adjusting to a new normal By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer When there’s a birthday, there’s cake. And candles topped with tiny triangles of fiery plumes. There’s also the song, followed by the customary display of the celebrant making a wish and blowing out the candles. In the time of COVID-19, it’s hard to imagine someone basically spitting on the cake guests are about to eat. Will we ever blow out birthday candles again? The pandemic has caused some to rethink their behavior when it comes to sanitation and safety. Handshakes and hugs are strongly discouraged by the Centers for Disease and Prevention (CDC), and we can assume this applies to high fives and any other close contact that violates social distancing guidelines. Will the elbow bump become the new norm for greetings? Or will it be jazz hands? High rise buildings in New Eastside suggest limiting elevator capacity, so holding the door, once considered polite, is now discouraged. That might also mean awkward elevator small talk is a thing of the past. New Eastside resident Al Hartley is looking forward to a lack of elevator chit chat.
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New Eastside residents Will Biggar and Ian Goldberg demonstrate the “elbow bump”, a safer form of greeting than the handshake. Photo by Angela Gagnon
“I don’t mind the silence, and I don’t mind riding the elevator alone,” he said. Grocery samples, which once lured shoppers into trying a new product or satisfying a growling stomach, are no longer set out in stores. Salad bars, hot bars and buffets have been hastily removed due to the risk of contamination. Reading material has vanished from doctors’ waiting rooms at the CDC’s recommendation. Children’s toys and games and other communal items are missing as well, replaced only by hand sanitizer and maybe a box of tissues. Ordering meals from communal touch screens at restaurants and cafes
was becoming a new norm, and we have also routinely used touch screens for banking, pumping gas and credit card transactions. Perhaps now we will do all of this on personal smart devices. Nearly twenty years ago, we learned new airport security procedures, such as removing shoes and coats and sending all personal items, including liquid and gels, through the scanner belt before boarding an airplane. It took some time, but we adjusted. And we will adjust again, as temperature scans and immunity cards become more prevalent in our daily life. Perhaps mandatory face coverings will emerge as the next trendy fashion accessory.
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| COMMUNITY CORNER |
Doorperson of the Month
Stay-at-home Taste of Chicago
Rene Mendez, Grand Ohio Condominiums, 211 E. Ohio St.
Continued from page 3 he said. “There are not that many rooftop bars in Houston, or Texas in general.” Marcia and Michael Dylan Retired Streeterville husband and wife Marcia and Michael Dylan moved to the neighborhood six years ago and, according to Marcia, “we love it.” Marcia’s ideal homebound feast would include “almost anything on the menu” from Le Colonial on Oak. “They have some wonderful shrimp dishes,” she said. Michael’s preference leans toward Coco Pazzo, where any of the
Cap Streeter in front of his boat “The Reutan”
By Daniel Patton Staff Writer Shelly L. and Tabatha P. Marcia and Michael Dylan.
pastas would suffice. For regular nights out, the Dylans recommend Pinstripes at River East. The large indoor and outdoor venue features bowling, bocce and enough room to “keep people apart” in a patio along Ogden slip, according to Michael. “They have very good food, too,” Marcia said, “If you’re a neighbor, you can get a little red wristband and your first wine is a dollar.”
Shelly L. and Tabatha P. When dining out, Northwestern Medicine phlebotomists Shelly and Tabatha prefer upscale restaurants that offer stylish interior design and warm ambience as well as tasty cuisine. But if they were to host a Taste of Chicago event at home, they would stick with the classics. “Tacos from Uncle Julio’s; drinks from Bar Louie,” Tabatha said. “French fries,” Shelly added.
On this date July 10, 1886 Cap George Wellington Streeter ran his boat aground and claimed ownership of a new district that would eventually be known as Streeterville.
Join Gail Spreen & Sculptor of Cap Streeter Dennis Downes for a special “Run A’Ground” Celebration! Friday July 10, 2020 The Streeterville Social Rooftop @ Loews Chicago Hotel 455 N Park Dr. 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
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Rene Mendez offers a distinct advantage to residents at the Grand Ohio Condominiums, 211 E. Ohio St., where he has worked as a member of the door staff for nearly a decade. In addition to a homegrown regard for courtesy, he brings a well-tested range of experience to the front desk. “I’m here for the residents,” he said. “When people call on me, I try to take care of them as best I can.” Mendez spent the early part of his career in the manufacturing industry, first at the Froedtert Malting Company, which supplied ingredients to major breweries, then at the factory of auto parts maker Fuel Systems Inc., where he worked as a grinder, removing the solidified steel that splattered on gas tanks during the welding process. The experience satisfied a personal interest while also continuing a family tradition. “I like industrial stuff,” Mendez said. “My dad used to work for U.S. Steel on the south side of Chicago.” It also allowed him to take advantage of the lessons that he had learned from his parents, who raised six sons and four daughters in Englewood. “I come from a humble family,” he continued. “They taught me to treat people in the same manner that I would prefer to be treated.” When Fuel Systems shuttered, he faced a significant challenge. “That’s when the 2008 economic plunge happened,” he said. “I made the choice to pull out my 401k and pay off the loan on my 2009 Toyota Corolla so I could use the car to get a job.” Following the advice of a co-worker, he pursued a position with the garage staff at the Grand Ohio. “I didn’t know how to drive stick, but I was honest with Dory from Community Specialists, who interviewed me,” he said. “She told me, ‘why don’t you try to
Rene Mendez, from the Grand Ohio Condominiums, is Doorperson of the Month. Photo by Daniel Patton
become part of the door staff?’” After spending several months as a substitute for the regular staff, Rene became a full-time member of the staff in 2011. “We do the best we can for the residents,” he said. “I try to make their day and to learn about what they do, and I like to think that they learn from me, too.” When he’s not at work, Rene likes to hang out on the lakefront, spend time with his family and enrich himself by visiting as many museums as possible. “About four years ago, I took my son to the Babylon exhibit at the University of Chicago,” he said. “When he started learning about history, he saw the value in it.” To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@chicagostarmedia.com with their name and why you think they should be the doorperson of the month. Winners will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.
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| NEWS BRIEFS | COVID-19 survivor receives lung transplant at Northwestern Memorial A woman whose lungs were permanently damaged by COVID-19 was the recipient of a life-saving double-lung transplant at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in June. According to a hospital news release, the patient, identified as a Hispanic woman in her 20s, was previously in the COVID-19 intensive care unit for six weeks on a ventilator and a life-support device called an extracorporeal membrane oxygenation machine, or ECMO. The patient’s lungs showed irreversible damage from the disease. Dr. Ankit Bharat, chief of thoracic surgery and surgical director of the Northwestern Medicine Lung Transplant Program, said in the release that a lung transplant was the patient’s only hope for survival. “We are one of the first health systems to successfully perform a lung transplant on a patient recovering from COVID-19,” he said. “We want other transplant centers to know that while the transplant procedure in these patients is quite technically challenging, it can be done safely, and it offers the terminally ill COVID-19 patients another option for survival.”
Former Alderman Burt Natarus praised at city council meeting
Chicago 42nd Ward Ald. Brendan Reilly led his fellow legislators in a cavalcade of praise for the performance and memory of former 42nd Ward Ald. Burton Natarus during a virtual meeting of the Chicago City Council on June 17. Natarus, who died June 11 at the age of 86, was Chicago’s 42nd Ward Alderman from 1971 to 2007. During that time, he served on more than half a dozen committees, including the Traffic and Safety, Rules and Ethics, and Zoning committees. He was unseated by Reilly in 2007. Describing his predecessor as a friend, Reilly recalled how the intensity of the two mens’ “vicious campaign” for the Aldermanic seat in 2007 gradually transformed into a bond of mutual fondness and admiration.
“After the election, Ald. Natarus didn’t concede,” Reilly said. “But over time, we developed a respect for one another. Having walked in his shoes for a time, I realized what a difficult job he had, and so we became friends.” Other officials who spoke in favor of Natarus’ career and character include 2nd Ward Alderman Brian Hopkins, 37th Ward Ald. Emma Mitts, 5th Ward Ald. Leslie Hairston, 11th Ward Ald. Patrick Thompson, and 12th Ward Ald. George Cardenas.
Lakeshore Sport & Fitness to launch camp July 13 Lakeshore Sport & Fitness will be launching Camp Lakeshore for children aged three-and-a-half to 12 years old on July 13. “We have a spacious rooftop and various indoor space to utilize for camp programming as well as outdoor parks,” according to the Lakeshore East Facebook page Programming will feature planned activities and experiences such as science, sports, crafts, weekly themes and dress-up days. Scheduling will include traditional day camps from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. as well as a half-day option from 9 a.m. to noon. The cost of a full-day camp is $645 per week ($495 for members). The cost of the half-day camp is $395 per week ($295 for members). For additional information, email ICKids@LakeshoreSF.com.
Murals celebrating LGBTQ community come to Magnificent Mile A series of murals created by Sam Kirk, an artist from Chicago, was installed at the Magnificent Mile in late June, Block Club Chicago reported. According to the article, Kirk’s murals were previously on display in New York City for WorldPride in 2019, an event that recognized the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall riots that paved the way for the gay rights movement. The brightly colored panels depict LGBTQ individuals from a variety of racial backgrounds and were installed at 401 N. Michigan Ave., the article states. Continued on page 13
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Artist brings message of hope to Michigan Ave. By Daniel Patton Staff Writer Chicago artist Marco Rios transformed his passion for diversity into a symbol of progress on Michigan Avenue. Combining blue skies, green leaves, and a pair of fists holding an “equality” banner underneath the words “Black Lives Matter,” he painted a message of unity that will remain on display at AT&T’s flagship location for weeks. “It’s like cultivating solidarity,” he said. “Something that has to be grown and learned.” The artwork is featured on particleboards installed to protect windows and doorways from recent protests sparked by the death of George Floyd. Although the illustration decorates a physical barrier, it is meant to strengthen community and raise inclusivity. “It’s like a bridge between two communities, because I’m Puerto Rican, and we have African heritage,” Rios said. “It’s something that has to be discussed, because there’s racism everywhere.” Born and raised on Chicago’s northwest side, Rios has been immersed in diversity since he entered the Franklin Fine Arts Center in Old Town in third grade, which differed greatly from the Catholic school where he had spent the previous two years. “To see that many different cultures, it was like a shock,” he recalled. He eventually earned a degree in Industrial Design from University of Illinois at Chicago. AT&T was one of several Michigan Avenue retailers that began boarding up their shops on May 31, the day after the first demonstration against police brutality erupted in sparse but undeniable destruction along the Magnificent Mile. “Our windows were broken, but a lot of the company’s leaders got together and decided to cover up the boards with messages about Black Lives Matter and solidarity,” said Marketing Communications Media Manager Kat Cruz. “We wanted to emphasize people over property.” In sharing this message of unity, AT&T would reinforce its commitment to “embrace and participate in the struggle for equality,” which Cruz explained to
Chicago artist Marco Rios painted particleboards installed to protect windows and doorways from recent protests. Photos courtesy of AT&T
Rios when she contacted him. She had been a fan of his style since viewing it at a Humboldt Park gallery opening last year, and knew that his “bold use of color and depictions of people of color” would make a fitting complement to AT&T’s message. The managers at AT&T were not the only people working to realize a vision of hope on Michigan Avenue. Dozens of volunteers joined emergency crews to repair the thoroughfare on May 31, the day after the initial demonstration. Among them were Mikala Thompkins and Pedro Guerrero, who had biked downtown from Buena Park with a group of like-minded friends and a load of cleaning supplies. “It’s our duty to be here,” said Thompkins,
who teaches high school in Blue Island. At least two members of the community expressed similar views. Retired Streeterville resident Mark Blasingam, who was taking his dog on a dinnertime stroll near the John Hancock Tower, said that the destruction and the protests were “two different issues.” “Smash and grabs take place here all the time,” he said. “This is a broader issue. This is a culmination of lots of things that are going on for our entire society right now. The protests, I support. I don’t support the vandalism.” Streeterville resident Senese Hamilton described the issue in larger terms. “I respect the law,” she said. “I respect
people who are put in authority to serve and protect, whether you are a police officer, fireman, priest, pastor, preacher. But the way that they handle minorities and people who don’t look like the majority … it’s a problem that’s been happening, and they wanted to turn it into the norm, but the people are tired.” Rios, who resides in Humboldt Park, recalled having “heavy conversations” about Floyd’s fatal encounter with Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, but he was unable to view the entire video of the incident. “I just listened to it, and it was disgusting,” he said. “This is 400 years of pent-up frustration and injustice. Slavery and segregation are not really that long ago.” He began posting sketches on Instagram while working his maintenance job at a Chicago school, but otherwise remained quiet about the issue. “I didn’t want to react out of emotion,” he said. When presented with the opportunity to collaborate with AT&T, he initially hesitated because “they are a corporation.” But after talking to Cruz and visiting the store, he realized “they were real people” and he got onboard. His work is on display to residents, visitors and tourists from around the world. “I thought it was a shame that someone had to die to spark change,” he said. “But what came out of it, I thought, was beautiful.”
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Daycares aim to provide safe environment amid reopening By Nuria Mathog Staff Writer As Illinois heads into the fourth phase of its multi-stage reopening plan, Chicago daycares, preschools and other childcare providers are welcoming back children while navigating new state requirements designed to curb the potential spread of COVID-19 through increased sanitation and social distancing measures. The Gardner School, which operates 20 schools in six states, closed all of its schools in mid-March, said Joy Haynes, the organization’s marketing manager. As the school reopens in phases, maintaining students’ safety is a top priority. “We want them to learn, but we want them to learn in a safe and healthy environment, especially given that the virus is still out there,” Haynes said. Alicia Hein, a West Loop resident whose two-and-ahalf-year-old son Thomas attends The Gardner School’s West Loop location, said taking her son to school in the morning has been “super fast and efficient, yet thorough.” Parents stand outside in line on marked spots for social distancing when picking up and dropping off their children, and a mobile app helps facilitate the check-in and check-out process, she said. “The (Brightwheel) mobile app they use is really great,” Hein said. “Both parents get notifications when their child
Thomas Hein, who attends The Gardner School’s West Loop location, poses for a photo outside the school as he waits to enter the building. Photo courtesy of Alicia Hein
is checked in or checked out of school and by whom, which makes us feel really secure. And of course we get the usual pictures and meal updates in there as well.” Hein said the school has helped the children maintain social distancing during meals and nap times, and the children still have opportunities for fun and exercise, such as taking daily walks outside with masks on. “I would say overall the school and their staff have been extremely diligent and are taking every precaution with the kids,” Hein said.
“Our son is loving being back at school and after a week acclimated to the new procedures without issues.” While many daycares were forced to temporarily shut down, others were able to operate on a limited basis by obtaining emergency licenses. One of the first daycares to receive the license was Caterpillar Care, which has locations in East Village, Noble Square and Streeterville. “We were very proud of that, and we were very happy, because it allows us to keep our doors open to serve
essential workers,” Caterpillar Care founder and CEO Sharif Nassr said. Under current rules released by the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services, daycares must submit an action plan that addresses procedures such as daily health checks for children and staff members, limits on non-essential visitors and the use of personal protective equipment. Caterpillar Care has enacted measures such as posting additional signs stating “No mask, no entry,” Nassr said. “If you’re symptomatic, we’re going to have to turn you away,” he said. In accordance with the state’s new guidelines, the classroom capacity at Guidepost Montessori at West Loop has been reduced. A classroom designated for children aged 3-6 can now accommodate a maximum of 15 students, which has resulted in changes to staffing, Assistant Head of School Taylor Fleurissaint said. “The new requirements require that there are two staff members in a room at all time, regardless of how many children are there,” Fleurissaint explained. “If there’s one child, there’s still going to be two staff members to keep up with the sanitation requirements. That’s definitely affected our staffing, and that’s been challenging, because we did have staff on furlough, so we’re not able to offer everybody full-time work as they come back.”
Charities find another way as running events cancelled By Jon Cohn Many of Chicago’s summer running events have been canceled due to the recent pandemic. Nearly every weekend in Chicago, somewhere along the lakefront, runners gather to participate in the races, which have become significant fundraisers for charitable organizations. The many cancellations have impacted their fundraising efforts. “Our run in July is probably our second biggest fundraiser for the year,” said Jeremy Barewin, director of communications at Les Turner ALS Foundation. “The Strike Out ALS 5k has been done for many years and brings out so many friends and families. We’ll really miss that this year.” Even though the event has been cancelled, people can still contribute by competing virtually anytime between now and the previously scheduled run date of July 16. “We even have an app that runners can sign into and post their videos,” Barewin added. The Make-A-Wish Foundation has canceled an event at Montrose Harbor but offered a vitual option. “We had over 100 teams compete and send in videos,” Make-A-Wish spokesperson Jessica Miller said. “It’s not the same, but a pretty good turnout considering.” One of the city’s largest events, the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge, was scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, but instead of going virtual, has rescheduled the event for Aug. 27. “We were hoping to still get teams together and raise money,” said Tom Dooley of LakeShore Athletic Services, which helps to organize the event. The run raises funds for Chicago Cares Charity. Dooley also coordinates the Lurie Cancer Survivors walk in Streeterville. That event will do a virtual walk in hopes of gaining some portion of revenue they would normally receive. The city’s biggest race, the Bank of America Chicago Marathon, at time of press, is still scheduled for Oct. 11.
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Museums continue operating using online resources By Nuria Mathog Staff Writer While the COVID-19 pandemic temporarily closed museums in Streeterville, Chicago residents can still take advantage of virtual museum events and activities geared toward educating children and appreciating the arts at home. After closing its physical location March 13, the Chicago Children’s Museum established “a place of learning online,” said Twania Brewster, the museum’s vice president of marketing, communications and guest services operations. On June 26, Chicago moved into phase four of the State’s reopening plan, which allows for limited reopenings of public attractions such as zoos, museums and performing arts centers. But as of late June, the Chicago Children’s Museum had not yet scheduled an official reopening date, Brewster said. “We’re assessing what stage four means, and what it will mean for us, and we’re taking a look and seeing if we can make those parameters work,” she said. “But right now, we are just in evaluation mode still.” Staff members who would typically handle activities at the Chicago Children’s Museum developed activities for two new virtual resources, Recipes for Play at Home and The Parenting Playbook. Recipes for Play at Home, designed to help parents recreate an interactive museum experience with their children, offers about three dozen age-appropriate projects, such as making muffin tin crayons and cardboard robots. The Parenting Playbook also has activities families can do together, along with tips and advice for parents. Recent recommended
Noah Raja plays with homemade playdough, one of online activities created by the Chicago Children’s Museum. Photo courtesy of Sooha Ahmad
projects include mandala drawing and making three-dimensional paint out of flour, glue, shaving cream and food coloring. “It has specific videos about how to do something from beginning to end with their children, as well as other pieces about playing in the time of coronavirus and some of the anxiety-relieving and tension-relieving aspects and benefits of play for children,” Brewster said. Brewster said she was a big fan of the tabletop “bubbleology” activity, which encourages children to learn about geometry and science through a series of experiments with dish soap bubbles. “I had a great time with it myself with my 8-year-old and my 13-year-old,” she said. Lombard resident Sooha Ahmad said she and her two-and-a-halfyear-old son, Noah Raja, enjoyed taking part in the museum’s Perfect Playdough activity, which involves creating and shaping a homemade batch of dough. Ahmad discovered the activity through the Chicago
Children’s Museum Instagram page, which she began following after the family’s first visit to the museum in January. “It was fun and easy,” Ahmad said. “There were only four or so common ingredients, although I did have to make a quick trip to the store for flour and food coloring. No cook, one pot, and I got to play around with the amount of coloring I used.” Ahmad said she appreciated that the museum’s at-home projects get children away from the screen and give them something constructive and creative to do. “With the playdough, he was sitting down, using his hands, rolling, creating something on his own,” she said. “Any activity that gets them playing, even a sedentary activity, is better than the inevitable screen time they will get if they are at home all day with two full-time working from home parents.” At the Museum of Contemporary Art Chicago, The Commons Online offers a digital space for the community to stay engaged with art and current cultural and social issues. Among the virtual events hosted on the platform are storytimes, studio visits with artists, art shows and open dialogues on themes such as generational inequality. Katy O’Malley, media relations manager at the museum, said the museum is scheduled to reopen to the public Friday, July 24. The museum will offer free admission and be open from 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through the end of August, she said. More information on the online programming at the two museums can be found online at their websites, chicagochildrensmuseum.org and mcachicago.org.
Streeterville’s Loop Medical Center offers free COVID-19 tests By Daniel Patton Staff Writer Although the Loop Medical Center at 432 E. Grand Ave. is not scheduled to officially open until later this summer, the facility is offering free COVID-19 swab and blood antibody tests to anyone who schedules an appointment and provides a valid ID or social security number in the meantime. To schedule an appointment, visit loopmedicalcenter.com. Founder and Medical Director Dr. Nidal Elbaridi, a Streeterville resident himself, launched the service after receiving requests about personal protective equipment from “well-meaning citizens, retired police officers and others who worked in law enforcement.” “I did a lot of reading and plugged into medical resources and alumni at Harvard,” he said. “I partnered with Lab Corp and the Illinois Department of Public Health and started to understand that testing is a necessary part of returning to normality.” An ambitious plan, no doubt, but Elbaridi wields the expertise to get it done. Born and raised in Belgrade, Serbia, he earned a degree in physical therapy from the University of Illinois before attending Harvard medical school, where he graduated with specialties in anesthesiol-
ogy and critical care and a sub-specialty in cosmetic surgery. Besides taking advantage of the clinic’s status as an official Illinois Department of Public Health testing site, the inspiration to provide free testing was fueled by his goal to help the community maintain its “homeostasis.” “Homeostasis is the condition of staying the same,” he said. “A separation from the status quo—not enough sleep, exercise, or too much food—removes you from the homeostatic environment.” It also extends to the people who work at the clinic. “I was in the same boat as everyone else and I have a staff that I’m responsible for,” he said. “I saw this as a way to engage my staff and allow them to be busy. I’ve not laid off a single person.” Elbaridi founded the first Loop Medical Center four years ago at 1931 S. Michigan Ave. Since then, he has added clinics in Oak Park and Lincoln Park. When the Streeterville facility is completed, he says that it will be a “multiplex that offers fitness, testing, advice and aesthetics in an inviting and welcoming facility.” “My mission is to provide an access point in a very centralized area within the community where I live,” he said. “Streeterville deserves this. It is a great neighborhood.”
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Young Professionals of Streeterville adapt to COVID-19 changes By Peter Kaspari Staff Writer When life throws you a curveball, you have to adapt. For the Young Professionals of Streeterville (YPS), that meant having to change up its plans for social events, which were no longer allowed following the COVID-19 pandemic. YPS member Mario Hollemans said the group thought of different ways they could hold events while still practicing guidelines
from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the governor and the city. While YPS typically hosts monthly networking events and quarterly service opportunities, Hollemans said social media proved to be a critical resource in keeping members informed, connected and able to participate. “We created an Instagram challenge where our members promoted their favorite local venues that have hosted YPS,” he said. “In lieu of our regular service events,
we have shifted our focus to celebrating our essential workers.” They also lended a hand to those battling COVID-19. “In solidarity with our health care workers, we promoted a donation drive hosted by our service chair, Dr. Valerie Mayuga, who collected over 90 electronic tablets for COVID-19 patients at local hospitals,” Hollemans said. “This group started off as five friends committed to building a community-focused group for young professionals to network
and give back,” he said. The group has also thought of ways to help local restaurants. “While we miss frequenting our favorite neighborhood venues, we have been able to support Streeterville’s businesses by creating an online restaurant guide promoting our past venues,” he said. Even though quarantine has impacted YPS, Hollemans said interest has continued to grow. The group has seen an increase in online followers over the past few months.
Slowly, YPS has been going back to certain activities that were held prior to quarantine. Although groups are limited to 10 people, Hollemans said the executive board and committee meetings are able to be held in person again. He added that the social committee is looking to host an outdoor event in August. The 600-member strong group hosts social and service events, along with providing young adults in Streeterville the opportunity to network.
| NEWS BRIEFS | Continued from page 9
Architectural walking tours return for small groups The Chicago Architecture Center resumed its walking tours June 20 for groups of up to six people, in addition to offering options for participants seeking a shared adventure or a more specialized experience. The My Social Circle private tour option can accommodate small groups of friends and family members along any existing tour route for a flat fee of $180. Chicago Architecture Center members receive a 25% discount for booking. For a custom experience centered around specific interests, groups can book the Architectural Conversations tour, which starts at $375 for a two-hour tour with a $125 fee for each additional hour. To ensure guest safety, all participants who have not isolated together must maintain at least six feet of distance. All attendees, including the docent, are required to wear face coverings at all times. Tickets for all walking tours must be purchased in advance at the Chicago Architecture Center’s website or by phone at the organization’s box office. Private and custom tours can be booked at groupsales@architecture.org. Because these tours depend on docent availability, making a reservation at least seven days in advance is recommended.
Island Party Hut partner Steve Majerus prepares to welcome customers back to the Riverwalk tiki bar and lounge. Photo by Daniel Patton
Chicago Riverwalk back in business Urban Kayaks, Island Party Hut and Shoreline Sightseeing’s Architecture Boat Tour are among the Riverwalk vendors that welcomed customers June 12, the first time they have conducted business since the city closed the entire location to fight the coronavirus pandemic in March. Mayor Lori Lightfoot announced that “the Riverwalk can safely reopen and operate throughout the summer months” in a news release that also listed a face-covering requirement for “anyone using the Riverwalk and its facilities.”
The Riverwalk is open to the public from 5 a.m. to 9 p.m. Recreational activities will occur between 5 and 10 a.m., and concessions will operate between 11 a.m. and 9 p.m. It will close briefly at 10 a.m. for cleaning. During the recreational hours, people using the Riverwalk are permitted to run, jog, walk and bike along the path between Lake Shore Drive and Lake Street. The new Riverwalk rules and regulations include requiring all users to wear face coverings and limiting access to points of entry at Lake Street and through Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliant ramps between Franklin and Lake streets and State and Columbus streets.
Lakeshore East Beer & Food Garden coming to New Eastside Magellan Development has announced that a Lakeshore East Beer & Food Garden will be coming “very soon” to the corner of East Benton Place and North Park Drive. Boasting nearly 75 picnic tables arranged at least six feet apart, the garden will occupy Parcel O between the Aqua Tower and the Blue Cross Blue Shield building. Food and drink will be provided by Eggy’s Chicago Diner and Gordo’s Tiny Taco Bar, which is taking over the space that has housed
Mezcalina for the past eight years. They will offer a mixed menu available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. The rectangular lot is located on North Park Drive directly across from Lakeshore East Park. It is bordered by windowless, three-story concrete walls to the north and south. A tree and a patch of shrubs grow at the western end, which extends to a section of guardrails and I-beams that support upper and lower Columbus Avenue. Unobstructed sunlight fills the area from mid-morning to mid-afternoon.
Joffrey Ballet cancels performances through 2020 Due to the ongoing pandemic, The Joffrey Ballet has cancelled all of its performances for the remainder of the year, including Christopher Wheeldon’s “The Nutcracker.” Winter and spring performances scheduled for February, April and May 2021 will continue as planned with specific programming will be announced at a later date. “Like all arts organizations, the Joffrey is dealing with unprecedented and unpredictable conditions,” said Ashley Wheater MBE, the Mary B. Galvin artistic director of the ballet. “Based on advice from health experts and local officials, it is not feasible to present the first half of our season in a manner that guarantees the safety of our audience, artists, production crew and staff members.”
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Chris Pena, United Auto Workers Local 551 President, Ford Motor Company By Daniel Patton Staff Writer Chris Pena, born in Chicago’s Pullman neighborhood, moved to nearby Calumet City when he was 6 years old. The son of a father who worked for Ford and a mother who was employed by ComEd, he graduated from Marian Catholic High School in 1993 and took a job on the assembly line at Ford’s Chicago Assembly Plant. Like his father, he joined the United Auto Workers union and is serving his third term as the group’s president. The 2.8-million-square-foot facility, 12600 S. Torrance Ave., was built in 1924 to assemble the Model T. Today, it employs nearly 6,000 people and produces about 350,000 Ford Interceptors and Lincoln Aviators every year, many of which are up-fitted into police vehicles. Pena achieved one of his “life goals” by relocating from the suburbs to Streeterville in 2014. “I grew up in the outskirts but always wanted to live downtown in the city,” he said. “I couldn’t have picked a better neighborhood.” His first car was a Ford Escort, and he currently drives an Explorer. He’s owned a succession of Fords, including a 1985 Mustang and a 1990 F150 pickup, both modified to be as fast as the machines used to drag race on Doty Road, just down the street from the Ford plant. What is the function of the United Auto Workers? We represent about 6,000 assembly line workers and skilled tradespeople like electricians, carpenters, and toolmakers. We negotiate benefits, health care, safety conditions and wages. What are your responsibilities? We’re bringing in about a hun-
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Tuesdays through Oct. 27
ton Streeter, who founded Streeterville by running his boat aground in the neighborhood on July 10, 1886. This annual soiree is hosted by real estate agent Gail Spreen and artist Dennis Downes, creator of the Cap Streeter sculptor at Grand Avenue and McClurg Court. 5:30-7:30 p.m., free (cash bar), The Streeterville Social at Loews Hotel, 455 N. Park Drive, (312) 925-7668, gail@ streetervilleproperties.com
Thursdays through July 30
July 20
SOAR Farmers Market Shop for farm fresh produce, baked goods and beautiful flowers from more than a dozen vendors at the plaza of the Chicago Museum of Contemporary Art. State and City guidelines for social distancing, sanitation and contactless payment apply. 7 a.m.-2 p.m., free, MCA Plaza, 226 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 280-2596, soarchicago.org United Auto Workers Union Local 551 president Chris Pena holds his 5-yearold son. Photo by Daniel Patton
dred new employees a week, and I orient them by explaining how the union works and describing our community outreach. I oversee about fifteen committees that increase awareness and raise money for different causes and charities. I’m also part of the diversity and inclusion program to make sure that we’re hiring veterans and minorities across all age groups, and I work with Ald. Susan Garza to hire a certain amount of people from the 10th Ward. How do you maintain the trust of the people you represent? Any job that someone’s doing, I’ve probably done it before. We have an emergency response team that I was a member of for ten years, so a lot of people have seen me performing CPR or tending to injuries in the plant. I guess I gained some trust through that. How has the pandemic affected the plant? A supplier on our campus reported a case in March, so we shut down. We began slowly bringing back crews in mid-May. We’ve also modified the plant and
introduced safety procedures like face shields, thermal temperature readers and questionnaires. What’s the most rewarding thing about working for Ford? I’ve always loved cars, and the plant’s history intrigues me. During World War II, we built jeeps and armored personnel carriers and started employing a lot of women, because men were fighting overseas. In the ’70s, we built the Starsky & Hutch Gran Torino. Now we’re doing police cars. A lot of people have seen me become a man at this place, and I know many of the employees, as well as their parents and grandparents. Now, my 5-year-old son loves Hot Wheels and always asks what we build. What are the current challenges the U.S. auto industry faces? Besides providing affordable vehicles that meet today’s safety and environmental standards, we’re challenged by the tariff war with China. We import about 150 foreign cars for every single American car that we export. We have to do better on that balance.
Thirsty Thursdays Learn the tricks of mixology through online forums hosted by veteran bartenders. 5:30 p.m., free, online, (312) 2281349, eventbrite.com
Fridays through July 31
Live! At Mariano’s! Start the weekend with live music online. 6 p.m., free, online, (312) 228-1349, facebook. com/marianosmarket/posts
July 8
Building Tall on Broad Shoulders Tour the design and construction of the world’s first skyscrapers during a Chicago Architecture Center Zoom event hosted by CAC docent Bill Lipsman. 7 p.m., $8, free for CAC members, online, (312) 922-3432, architecture.org
July 10
‘Run A’Ground’ celebration Celebrate the memory of Captain George Welling-
Design your neighborhood camp Explore what makes Chicago’s neighborhoods unique and reimagine a corner of your own during a five-day Chicago Architecture Center virtual summer camp for ages 8-10. 9 a.m., $225 for the public, $180 for CAC members, online, (312) 922-3432, architecture.org
July 30
Mid-America Club Prospective Member Reception Lakeshore East residents can learn about membership and the club’s “Community in the Sky.” Expand local networks, make valuable connections and enjoy amazing views. Reservations required and space is limited. RSVP to the Membership Department at (312) 856-9484 or email melissa.czyz@clubcorp. com. Business-casual attire. 5:30-7 p.m., free, 200 E. Randolph, 80th Floor, (312) 861-1100, clubcorp.com/ Clubs/Mid-America-Club
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Elevator etiquette pandemic style
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ith the virus still among us, proper elevator etiquette has taken on some rules. Many residents already abide by these, Jon Cohn COMMUNITY while others are CONTRIBUTOR still in the “learning process.” Still others completely disregard said etiquette. (For those of you in the last group, you may now skip reading and go directly to the last line of this column). First and foremost is to wear a mask. This is critical! Getting in the elevator with a stranger while not wearing a mask is the modern-day equivalent of smoking in a
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restaurant. A definite no-no. Also key to remember is when the elevator door opens, even if you are in a hurry, stand back and let the riders disembark, thus preventing any ugly collisions. Now comes the challenging part. After entering the elevator, remember to stand as far as possible from other riders. This should be done with such force that you may actually leave your body imprint on the mirror or wall you were leaning against. Next comes the pushing of the buttons for your designated floor. Once a mere afterthought, it has now become a crucial part of the riding experience. Strict unwritten rules are in place here. If you forget and accidently push the button with one of your exposed fingers, be aware that alarms may go off at Chicago Police Department headquarters.
Best way to push the button? Knuckles work. Back of the hand is good. Using a towel or wipe or another foreign object gets you off the hook as well. But for extra style points, use a pointy object such as a pencil, pen or maybe the tip of your car key. Particularly effective if you want to impress a first date. Finally, whatever you do, do not sneeze or cough in the elevator. This breaks every code. Hold it in, fight it off, whatever it takes—even if it means turning as red as a can of tomatoes. Bottom line? We all thought we had this elevator etiquette thing down pretty well, but the recent virus attack has made us rethink. Oh, and feel free to print this column out and hand it to someone who might need some “friendly reminding”. John Cohn is a New Eastside resident.
A Regatta resident follows new rules while riding the elevator. Photo by Jon Cohn
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Streeterville Answer to June Where am I? The lobby of One Prudential Plaza, 130 E. Randolph St. Congratulations to Larry McCasland for correctly identifying the spot.
Columbia Yacht Club’s club ship, “Abegweit”, at DuSable Harbor. Photo by Chuck Nevel, keelboat director at Columbia Sailing School
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