Streeterville News August 2019

VOL. 2 NO. 8

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August 2019

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SKY-HIGH GARDENS

A closer look at the growing, green rooftops in the city

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Air and Water Show takes off Residents concerned about drones, drug deals Page 4

Navy Pier Ferris wheel offers unique look at the city Page 10 Michael Thompson, farm manager and director of Chicago Honey Co-op, opens a honey bee hive halfway up the sloping roof of the Navy Pier’s new welcome center. Photo by Jesse Wright

New park an oasis in Streeterville

Doorperson of the Month: Kahari Jones

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Window blinds send out BCBS message Page 2

Decorated cows back in Chicago

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How to Contact Us info@neweastsidecommunity.com

200 E. Randolph St. Suite 5100 Chicago, IL 60601 (312) 690-3092 Editor: Elaine Hyde elaineh@neweastsidecommunity.com Managing Editor Jesse Wright jwright@neweastsidecommunity.com Staff Writers: Elizabeth Czapski Angela Gagnon Stephanie Racine Elisa Shoenberger Copy Editors: Vivien Lee Bob Oswald Layout/Design: Bob Oswald Community Contributors: Jon Cohn

Eastside Enterprises LLC is the publisher of New Eastside News and Streeterville News. Eastside Enterprises has provided local community news to the Chicago area since 2012.

New Eastside News and Streeterville News are monthly papers that use community writers and contributors. The views expressed by community contributors are their own. Eastside Enterprises does not take responsibility for third-party announcements or events. Eastside Enterprises is independently owned and operated.

Published Aug. 1, 2019 Copyright ©2019. All rights reserved.

At the draw of a window blind, BCBS gets the word out

By Jesse Wright When Blue Cross Blue Shield wants to send a message, they don’t buy a billboard or send out emails—they light up the night sky along the building’s south-facing tower in letters that stretch across several stories.

Blue Cross Blue Shield recently honored nurses with a “We Love Nurses” display. On the Fourth of July, the building showed a message in red, white and blue and prior to that they celebrated Pride month in June.

The lettering is familiar to New Eastsiders, but the story behind the lights may not be.

BCBS spokesperson Colleen Miller said it’s not a high-tech operation.

“It’s just our internal lights that are left on [and] the blinds are left open to show messages,” she said. “It’s very low tech.

It’s literally people going and opening blinds.”

In all, it takes a team of five people to control the window coverings based on a design created in an Excel program. It’s an approach that hasn’t changed much since the tradition began 20 years ago.

The tradition dates to November 1999 when Bears great Walter Payton died.

To honor him, Blue Cross Blue Shield displayed a memorial along the south tower. Blue Cross Blue Shield employee Chris Gillott had the idea to write 34, Payton’s jersey number, along the south tower to honor the football star. From there, a tradition was born.

Miller said the company has used the wall to promote public health.

“We look at it as an asset,” she said, “to send a message to promote community health.”

Other community groups can request a message, though Miller said there are guidelines on what Blue Cross Blue Shield will promote.

“We vet the requests so they’re aligned

Over decades, Blue Cross Blue Shield’s low-tech window messages have become beloved in the New Eastside neighborhood. Here the insurance company displays the message, “honor the fallen.” Photo courtesy BCBS

with our messages,” Miller said. “We don’t do personal messages. It’s not for personal billboarding or that sort of thing.”

When Gillott died in 2013, the company offered “Thanks, Chris” as a farewell to the man who started the New Eastside tradition.

Although the side of the building isn’t visible to many people, Miller said the company will post pictures of the

messages to social media and some of those go viral.

“Talk about low tech, high impact,” she said.

Sports messages are among the most shared. Miller said popular posts were when the Cubs and Blackhawks won championships.

“We get great feedback,” she said. “It’s really about civic pride.”

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| NEWS BRIEFS | Streeterville restaurant launches signature beer The Signature Room, the restaurant located on the 95th floor of the former John Hancock Center, announced in July the launch of its first exclusive beer label, Top View Brew. The beer is a result of a partnership with suburban brewery Crystal Lake Brewing, currently offered exclusively at The Signature Room.

“We have been fans of Crystal Lake Brewing for quite some time—and their Beach Blonde has been a top seller for years—so partnering with them on a custom beer was a no-brainer,” said The Signature Room’s VP of Sales and Marketing, Tricia Bryant. “We hope Top View Brew will be a beverage that guests want to enjoy not just during the summer, but all year-round.

Top View Brew is a golden wheat ale with smooth malt sweetness, low bitterness and a bright lemon aroma at 4.5 percent alcohol by volume. The brew pairs well with salads, along with light fish and chicken dishes and can handle spicy foods and cut through heavier dishes.

Fire station gets Ritz-Carlton heron statue Streeterville’s Engine Co. 98, 202 E. Chicago Ave., added an historic heron statue to their Chicago Fire Department Garden in June.

The statue was donated after an extensive renovation by the Ritz-Carlton. The sculpture of two blue herons was previously part of the lobby fountain. Ritz-Carlton’s general manager Peter Simoncelli said the sculpture has been seen in wedding and anniversary photos dating back to 1975. The heron statue was removed during renovations to the Ritz-Carlton in 2017.

A historic heron statue was donated to the fire house’s garden on Chicago Avenue. Photo courtesy Ald. Brian Hopkins

Restaurant to open in Northwestern Memorial Hospital The New York City-based Craveable Hospitality Group will open a new restaurant on the 18th floor of Northwestern Memorial Hospital, 251 E. Huron later this year.

GreenRiver formerly occupied the space, but closed in 2018.

Craveable declined to offer any details on the new venture, but as of mid-July,

the group had posted hiring notices for a head chef and staff.

According to the hiring notice, “The property will be 200 seats with an upscale American a la carte menu, plus a large catering kitchen and events space, on the outpatient pavilion of Northwestern Memorial Hospital.”

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Residents discuss drones, drug deals at CAPS meeting

By Jesse Wright CAPS officers reported most crime has been on the increase in the 18th police district, which includes Streeterville, over the past two months.

However, Sgt. Christopher Shenk pointed out those months include Memorial Day and the Fourth of July and they coincided with warmer weather and longer days—all factors which can lead to more crime.

Residents who attended the July CAPS meeting complained about daylight drug sales in the area and the head of security for the McDonald’s at Clark and Ontario, complained of party buses and one female minor who continues to wreak havoc at that store.

“We have a female and I believe she’s a minor and she is such a habitual pain in the butt,” the head of security said.

“She assaults our crew and sometimes our customers. …

She’s banned from the store but she still comes in.”

He said she knocks down wet floor safety cones, grabs food from the counter and takes leftover food. He added that he is frustrated because she is a minor and can’t be kept in jail. He said she comes into the store six or seven days a week.

“It’s just one female, but she’s an extremely habitual pain in the butt,” he said.

He added that party buses also cause problems for the restaurant. The buses, which allow tourists to drink alcohol, park illegally on LaSalle or Clark to let riders off to use the McDonald’s bathroom.

“There’s the occasional ones who have been overdrinking and they cause a problem once they’re in there,” the security personnel said. He asked for more traffic police to ticket the illegally parked buses. Police agreed to look into it.

Meanwhile, a female Streeterville resident said she sees

drugs regularly sold from one vehicle and she asked police to keep an eye open for the vehicle. She offered a description of the car with the license plate number. Police took down the information.

Schenk reminded residents never to intervene if they see a drug deal in action, but they can call 911.

Some residents also complained about drones. Several people reported seeing drones around a construction site on Chicago Avenue, though police said they were unaware of any permits allowing drones in the area. Then, several Streeterville residents complained about drones flying window to window along apartment and condominium buildings, either spying on residents or looking for valuables.

Police said residents should call 911 if they catch drones looking into homes.

The next meeting will be 6 p.m. on Sept. 5 at the Access Living building, 115 West Chicago Ave.

| NEWS BRIEFS | Lightfoot, Johnson welcome new, promoted officers

Streeterville residents celebrate Cap Streeter anniversary

Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot and Chicago Police Department (CPD) Superintendent Eddie Johnson congratulated the newest class of 196 police officers and 98 newly promoted chiefs, deputy chiefs, commanders, lieutenants, sergeants and evidence technicians in a July 9 ceremony at Navy Pier.

“Today, with their graduation or promotion, our officers are not only joining or renewing their commitment to a proud community of brothers and sisters, but they’re also fulfilling a sense of duty to the city we all love,” Lightfoot said. “As they embark or continue on this journey, I want all of Chicago’s officers to know that your city will be with you every step of the way.”

The 196 new police officers graduating includes 68 percent from minority backgrounds, with 44 percent identifying as Hispanic, 16 percent African American and 8 percent Asian American. In addition, 31 percent of graduates are female.

Approximately 36 percent of the officers graduated from Chicago Public Schools and 13 percent are military veterans.

Before graduating, police recruits spent six months at the police academy and they will now begin their one-year probationary period, which includes three months of training with a field training officer and district patrol functions.

In July, dozens of Streeterville residents gathered at Streeterville Pizzeria and Tap for a Run A’Ground party to celebrate the anniversary of ‘Cap’ Streeter running aground in the area.

On July 10, 1866, Captain George Streeter ran his boat aground in Lake Michigan, in what is now Streeterville. Over the next fear years, Streeter encouraged developers and residents to dump debris in the shallow water and eventually he developed the real estate.

Gail Spreen, a realtor with Streeterville Properties, hosted the event, and she called July 10 a neighborhood holiday. Sculptor Dennis Downes, the artist behind the Streeter statue on Grand Avenue was on hand, as was Alderman Brian Hopkins, who dressed as Streeter and channeled the neighborhood founder.

“Many fine things happened on this day,” Hopkins said. “A future alderman’s mother was born on this day.”

Alderman Brian Hopkins channels Cap Streeter at Streeterville Pizzeria and Tap to celebrate the day Streeter’s boat ran aground in the area. Photo by Jesse Wright

Navy Pier breaks ground on first pier hotel, set for spring 2020 opening Developers broke ground in mid-July on the first hotel at Navy Pier. ACRON, a real estate investment firm; Maverick Hotels & Restaurants, a hotel management and development company; and Navy Pier are developing the project.

The property, scheduled to open spring 2020, will operate under the

exclusive Curio Collection by Hilton, which includes more than 50 independent hotels around the world.

The new hotel will be located adjacent to Festival Hall at the eastern end of the complex. The hotel will offer 222 guest rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows that showcase views of the city’s famed sky-

line, Lake Michigan and the Pier. The hotel will also offer a first floor restaurant, a fitness center and a 30,000-square-foot rooftop restaurant, bar and event space.

Officials said the hotel development has already led to 600 construction jobs and is expected to create 300 permanent positions.

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Doorperson of the Month

Kahari “KJ” Jones at North Water Apartments

By Jesse Wright Kahari Jones has been working at the North Water Apartments for nearly two years and he’s already made an impression.

He was nominated by two separate residents.

This isn’t the first building he’s worked at though. Years ago, he started at 510 W. Erie on the Lake and he was there for four years, until his mother died. It was a hard time and he said it about wrecked him.

“If you’d have saw me when it happened, you’d have said he’s not going to make it,” Jones said. “But time is the cure for most things. But by the time I was whole again they had another person who was pretty good and they brought me over here.”

Jones said he enjoys the building, and its mix of young and older residents.

“If you’re leaning too much to one side or another, it takes away from the balance of the building,” Jones explained. “I’ve had people who have come here from some other buildings who have said it was just too young over there, it was a college atmosphere. We’ve got people return here who have come back because of that.”

The building is about 427 units and while it is at the end of a cul-de-sac with very little traffic, Jones said it can get busy at times. On the day of the interview, the garage elevator was down, which was frustrating for residents and Jones.

“That can really cripple the building,” he explained.

Jones went to college in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and while there, he fell in love with New Orleans, a one-hour-and-20minute drive east.

“I love the state of Louisiana,” he said. “I always say this about Louisiana and New Orleans specifically, that the eating is comparable to here in Chicago.”

Like the rest of America, Jones watched in horror after the levees breached following Hurricane Katrina in August 2005. Jones went down to New Orleans following the storm and volunteered to clean out houses and do what he could for the city he loved.

“It was very humbling because what you saw on TV, it did nothing. That was noth-

This 1st Annual “Run A’Ground” Event was hosted by Gail Spreen & Sculptor Dennis Downes in conjunction with the Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap. Thanks to everyone who turned out! Special guest appearance by Cap Streeter, AKA Alderman Brian Hopkins, channeling the Captain!

Kahari Jones is the Streeverville Doorperson of the Month. Photo by Jesse Wright

ing,” Jones said. “When I touched down and then drove into the city, for miles and miles the trees were mangled at their tops and they were always pointed in the same direction, hanging, facing the same direction.

Then, when we came into the city, hundreds of cars were flipped over. The stuff I saw on TV versus the stuff I saw when I got there, it was drastically different.”

Jones volunteered with a couple of cleanup crews. He worked long summer days, tearing out drywall and mucking out houses for residents who were very much depending on the kindness of strangers.

It was hard, hot work, but Jones said it changed him for the better.

“It was one of the best things for me,” he said. “It reinvented my disposition. What I can say is, I feel as though I will never really work again after that.”

To nominate your favorite doorperson, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com with the door person’s name and why you think they should be the doorperson of the month. Each winner will receive a $25 gift card to Mariano’s.

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Streeterville park offers green oasis due, in part, to innovative deception

By Jesse Wright As residents move into the newly-opened One Bennett Park luxury skyscraper, the building’s flagship amenity—the two-acre Bennett Park—prepares to open Aug. 6.

By all expectations, the public park is shaping up to be equal in its design and ambition as the skyscraper next door. The park, designed by landscape architect Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates, the firm behind Maggie Daley Park in New Eastside, seems to offer something for everyone.

“Bennett Park includes an inspired children’s play bowl with innovative playground equipment, two dog runs, a lawn bowl for gathering and a shady grove and meandering pathways with native plantings, flowering trees and design elements such as stone formations,” said Annie McDonell, the director of marketing for project developer Related Midwest. “[The park is] open space that serves as a respite within the city for all generations,” McDonell said. She added that the park, “enriches the neighborhood, builds community, and enhances the health and well-

Bennett Park, a two-acre park in Streeterville, offers something for everyone. Photo by Jesse Wright

ness of those living at One Bennett Park.”

But the beauty belies the brains behind the project because the park is as every bit as modern as its namesake luxury skyscraper and this oasis owes more to engineering than mother nature.

Three people assaulted on Washington St. According to the Chicago Police Department, two people were stabbed and another person was hit July 6 at 11:25 in the 100 block of E. Washington St. According to a police report, one black man and one black woman approached three victims, talked with them and then stabbed two and hit the other person. The offenders then ran off.

The police are seeking the public’s help in identifying the attackers. The male is about 6-foot or 6-foot-one-inch tall and has dreads while the female wears her hair in a braid.

If anyone is a victim, police recommend calling 911 immediately and if anyone has information about this incident they should call the bureau of detectives at 312-747-8380.

Constrained on one side by Illinois Street and on all other sides by a high rise, the landscape architects relied on design to turn the rectangular plot into a park.

“The undulating topography and earthen mounds not only serve as a strong contrast

to the flatness of the public streets and sidewalks, they add dimension to the space,” explained McDonell. “This dimensional element of the design incorporates abundant plantings and rolling topography along the edges of every pathway and around the central lawn bowl, giving the park a lush and spacious feel.”

The rolling landscape covered by prairie grasses and bushes are also something of a design trick. Dig down deep enough and there’s a parking garage. What appears at first as green prairie is actually a garage roof, meaning developers had to create a lightweight prairie facsimile. The small, rolling hills? They’re fake.

“To make the undulating topography that gives the park its character, horticultural soil was piled atop lightweight styrofoam structures, which are eco-friendly and very durable,” McDonell said. “By using lightweight foam as the underlying structure to create rolling topography, we kept the soil limits low, allowing more bandwidth to add plantings and trees and still stay under the weight limits of what the garage structure can support.”

City council passes stricter drag racing, drifting penalties In the last week of July, the Chicago City Council passed Alderman Brendan Reilly’s drag racing and drifting ordinance, which will increase the fines for drag racing and drifting to at least $5,000 but no more than $10,000 per offense.

The ordinance also establishes a $500 fine for operating a motor vehicle with an altered muffler within the City of Chicago.

Reilly has been working with the Chicago Police Depart-

ment and the Chicago Department of Transportation to combat the issue of dangerous drag racing and drifting on Lower Wacker Drive.

According to a press release, Reilly believes that his new ordinance will help deter drivers from partaking in this illegal behavior, and will assist the Chicago Police Department in combating this issue. The ordinance will take effect Sept. 28.

Woman sexually assaulted following Randolph St. theft A woman had her phone snatched and was then sexually assaulted on Randolph St. between 3 and 3:40 a.m. on July 9.

According to police, a 27-year-old female was waiting at a Red Line platform at State and Lake when an unknown black male took her phone and started running.

She chased him down the street and eventually to the 100 block of East Randolph at which point the offender ran into an underground parking garage stairwell. The victim followed and the offender sexually assaulted the victim in the stairwell, and then fled on foot.

No one is in custody, though police describe the suspect as black man, 25-35 years old, wearing long black dreads and, at the time, a red or black hat, a black t-shirt, black pants, black shoes and a dark, multi colored backpack.The victim was transported to Northwestern in stable condition.

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| FEATURES |

Navigating drone laws may be tricky for operators in Chicago

By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer While it may be tempting to fly a drone downtown, whether to get a bird’s eye view of the Lollapalooza crowd or a unique shot of the skyline, it may be impossible to do so legally.

Chicago’s laws allow drone operators to fly their craft with a permit, but according to afficionados, getting a permit is near impossible thanks to confusing, byzantine rules.

“All drones are restricted unless given a permit for flying,” said Anthony Guglielmi, Chief Communications Officer of Chicago Police Department.

In addition to a permit, operators have to get permission from the property owner and in the case of Grant Park, that would be the Chicago Parks District.

Without that permission Buckingham Fountain is a tempting place for drone operaand without a permit, oper- tors despite city restrictions. Photo by Elisa Shoenberger ators face citations. getting a permit from the park district Jeffrey Antonelli is a drone enthusiast and while he’s heard some success stories, and also a lawyer, and he believes the he’s been unable to get one. city’s laws wouldn’t stand up in court.

“The city doesn’t have a uniform anAntonelli points out that since the Fedswer,” Antonelli said. eral Aviation Administration regulates A spokesperson for the parks district air space and not the city, Chicago’s air could not explain how to get a permit. regulations would probably be thrown The FAA mandates that people cannot out if someone challenged them in court.

Nevertheless, Antonelli said he doesn’t fly fly drones over people or cars for safety concerns and pilots must be able to see drones in the city. their drone at all times and they cannot Alan Perlman, CEO of UAV Coach, a fly higher than 400 feet. drone training company, said the FAA Perlman said people should first learn classified Grant Park airspace as Class G, how to use their drone. meaning it is uncontrolled airspace, so “You are bringing a flying lawnmower recreational drone pilots should be able to into the air. It’s really important to have fly there under federal law. intimate understanding of how the airEven so, getting a permit is hard. craft works.”

Antonelli said some people have tried

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The face behind the voice of city’s Air and Water Show

Chicago biplane pilot’s Big Red a throwback to WWII-era aircraft

By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer

By Jesse Wright

Chicago-based pilot Susan Dacy with her biplane Big Red.

Susan Dacy does aerial acrobatics in her biplane, leaving behind a plume of environmentally safe smoke. Photos courtesy Susan Dacy

bright red, 450 horsepower Super Stearman named Big Red. Although biplanes are among the earliest planes, the Super Stearman is a WWII-era plane, developed as a reliable craft for young pilots to learn to fly. Because of their reliability and their ubiquity, Dacy said quite a few planes were retired after the war and they flooded the civilian market.

“This type of plane trained bunches and bunches of cadets,” she said. “They made Army and Navy versions so they had gobs and gobs of these airplanes after the war. A lot of bombers and things like that

were crushed up melted down and repurposed but a lot of the Stearmans luckily survived because it was determined they were good for crop dusters.”

It’s a Stearman crop duster that chases Cary Grant in “North by Northwest.”

Dacy’s plane was used in air shows before she bought it. Aside from a new engine, a new “skin” and some aileron flaps, it’s the same plane as the cadets would have piloted in training.

“It’s been a plane that’s pretty much worked its whole life,” she said. “It’s never been in a shed col-

lecting dust.”

Later this month it will be at it again. Although the pilot schedule isn’t set until the day of the show—weather affects what planes can perform—Dacy offered a behind-the-scenes sense of what audiences can expect.

Like all the other pilots, Dacy will take off from Indiana but Big Red is the only biplane scheduled for the day.

Dacy said audiences can expect “barnstormer-type moves,” including some twists and circles, shooting her craft high into the sky before tumbling back down to earth and ending in a barrel roll.

While her performance may shock, surprise or even make audiences anxious, the one person who won’t be wowed is Dacy.

“Of course, we know what to expect, so it’s almost everything seems routine,” she said. Dacy said she’s got an exit plan in case of the worst, but said she doesn’t worry about it.

“You’re always thinking that stuff and it’s not being fatalistic but it’s just common sense,” she said. “But my airplane is so reliable, and of course I make sure maintenance is performed regularly.”

Golden Knights, Blue Angels headline 61st annual event by the lake

By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer

Golden Knights in formation over Chicago. Photo courtesy the Golden Knights

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| CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW |

| CHICAGO AIR AND WATER SHOW |

The Chicago Air and Water show may be famous for its display of high-powered state-of-the art aircraft, but one airplane featured this year is not like the others.

Chicago-based pilot Susan Dacy’s biplane is a throwback to pre-war piloting, to a time before jet engines, but her performance is no less technical and it is no less thrilling.

Dacy, one of the pilots featured at the Chicago Air and Water Show Aug. 17-19, is one of the few female pilots in the U.S. performing in a biplane. But this isn’t her first Air and Water show. Dacy is a commercial pilot and, when she’s not doing tricks during her day job, she tours the country performing rolls, spins and other acrobatic tricks. She said she started in the 1990s and her decades of acrobatic performances is the realization of a goal she’s had since she was a kid and went to her first airshow.

“Of all the performances, what impacted me was the biplane,” she said. “It had the smoke trail and it was loud and it really excited me. I always remembered that.”

The early inspiration is reflected in Dacy’s plane, a

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The U.S. Navy Blue Angels, the U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights and the U.S. Navy Parachute Team Leap Frogs will headline the 61st annual Chicago Air and Water Show, set for 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 17-18.

Last year’s show drew an estimated 1 million people, said Mary May, Public Relations and Media Specialist at DCASE.

The show will also feature the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team The Red Arrows from the United Kingdom.

Nineteen other groups will be performing with nine military demonstrations and ten civilian teams.

This year’s special guests, the RAF Red Arrows have performed nearly 5,000 times in 57 countries since 1965, according to a City of Chicago news release. The Red Arrows will perform in more than 20 displays in the U.S. and Canada on its first North Ameri-

can tour in 11 years, according to the Red Arrows website.

To get the Red Arrows’ Hawk T1 jets to North America, they will be flown over three days, the tour website said. They will have 12 Hawk aircraft and 1 Atlas A400M RAF transport aircraft. The tour will include 108 people, “including pilots, engineers and support staff.”

A regular of the Air and Water Show, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels includes 16 officers. The Commanding

Officer, known as the “Boss” who flies the number 1 jet, is required to “have at least 3,000 tactical jet flight-hours and have commanded a tactical jet squadron,” according to the Blue Angels website. Officers in jets 2 through 8 must “have an aircraft carrier qualification and a minimum of 1,250 tactical jet flight-hours.”

The U.S. Army Parachute Team Golden Knights was founded in 1959 but received its name in 1962 due to all the gold medals the Knights

had won, according to the Golden Knights website.

“The team has earned the U.S. Army 2,148 gold, 1,117 silver, and 693 bronze medals in national and international competition,” the site said. “Team members have also broken 348 world records.” The Golden Knights currently have nearly 95 men and women, including four parachute units and five aircraft, according to their website. They perform annually in over 100 events.

Captain Herb Hunter has been the Voice of the Chicago Air and Water Show for 32 years.

“Talk about living your dream,” said Hunter, now a retired lieutenant colonel.

“I’ve been lucky to do that.”

He went to Olivet Nazarene University where he sang gospel. He explained that he was a bashful kid raised by his grandmother but gospel music “brought me out of my shell.”

Hunter’s fascination with planes, which started when he was five years old, has followed him through many careers. He flew in the U.S. Air Force, the Illinois Air National Guard and United Airlines. He flew in the Chicago Air and Water show in 1979 and 1980 and then served as Supervisor of Flying, the military representative on the platform for two years.

“After flying in the show, I knew I wanted to be part of the show,” Hunter said.

He then got to announce for the KC135 ILANG from 1983-1987 until he was invited to be the voice for the entire show in 1988. That’s where he has been ever since.

To prepare for the show, Hunter has a sticker-covered plastic briefcase, bought in 1988, that contains his showbook for every show with notes on everybody he’s worked with.

Hunter said he doesn’t have a script prepared.

“It allows me to do what is important for the show, which is to transmit my knowledge and emotion to the crowd, and that helps make the show better,” he said.

Hunter makes direct eye contact with a few people near the stage to “feel like I’m having a personal conversation. I want to get an emotional reaction from whom I’m talking to.”

He’s thrilled he has had the opportunity to announce the Air and Water Show for

Captain Herb Hunter narrates the Chicago Air and Water Show. Photo courtesy City of Chicago

so many years and impart his enthusiasm and knowledge to children and parents.

Hunter explained the delight he’s had working with people at the show who have grown up listening to his narration.

Hunter said what makes a person successful is “whether you have the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives, and the air show allows me to do this.”

“Airplanes bring out the kid in all of us,” he said.

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| FEATURES |

Meadows in the skies

A closer look at the growing, green rooftops in the city

By Jesse Wright High above the streets, there are fields throughout the city filled with wildflowers, grasses, trees and even crops.

A growing rooftop greening movement is transforming the downtown environment and, according to Molly Meyer, it’s also improving the buildings.

Meyer, CEO and founder of Omni Ecosystems, an organization that designs sustainable green infrastructure, said her firm has developed rooftop farms and prairies. She said the green trend gained steam about 15 years ago and it’s been going strong ever since.

“In the mid 2000s there were a huge number of green roofs developed,” she said.

Now, every neighborhood in the city has green roofs, mostly only observable from higher floors on neighboring buildings.

But while they may be invisible to most people, they’re still important.

“The top of the McDonald’s headquarters in West Loop is a 20,000 square foot wildlife meadow,” Meyer said. “That’s an important habitat for native butterflies.”

Their green roof includes crops which the company hopes to deliver to the community.

“At McDonald’s headquarters, as employees and visitors collaborate on the ninth floor open work space and outdoor terrace, they are standing directly under one of the premier sustainability features of the headquarters: the green roof,” McDonald’s spokes-

person Anne Christensen said.

“The green roof boasts a garden with food for harvest and is purifying the air in the West Loop.

The garden includes buckwheat, carrots, wheat, radishes, as these items are good for promoting strong soil. Harvesting soon, we hope to partner with a community organization to help us share our crops.”

In Streeterville, Navy Pier got into the game a year ago, when it developed its new welcome center. The center, to the right of the entrance, near Polk Bros Park, features a roof sloping down to the sidewalk and as visitors walk along the south side of the building, the concrete facade gives way to a meadow, complete with two bee boxes, which are a permanent fixture in the meadow.

Michael Thompson, an apiarist and farm manager at Chicago Honey Co-op who manages the boxes for the pier, said in the few months since the boxes have been installed, they have already produced 30-40 pounds of honey.

In just two bee boxes, Navy Pier is home to some 50,000 Italian bees.

According to Savitha Chelladurai, the Navy Pier’s sustainability program manager, the pier will use the honey at various restaurants. She said the rooftop project makes good sense for the Pier.

“The creation of a green roof at the People’s Energy Welcome Pavilion helps to mitigate heat island effects and create a cooler environment for our guests,” said Chelladurai. “In addition, the native plants used at the Pier lead

McDonald’s headquarters’ rooftop gardens boast a wildflower meadow. Photo courtesy Omni Ecosystems LLC

A monarch butterly rests on a flower on Navy Pier’s green roof. Photo

by Jesse Wright

Sam Irwin of Omni Ecosystems shows off how his company can turn a building’s roof into a green space. Photo by Jesse Wright

to better storm-water management and require little fertilizer or chemical applicants.”

The Pier isn’t alone.

“Downtown we have nine bee locations and they’re all on roofs,” Thompson said.

In addition to bees, Meyer said

the greenspaces are habitats for birds and small insects like grasshoppers, likely dropped by birds.

But the roofs offer more than an ecosystem.

Green rooftops are growing in popularity because the city mandates new construction be

“green” or energy efficient, she said, and rooftops help achieve that goal.

“There is a benefit to extending the life of the roof membrane and a green roof protects that,” she said. “And there’s the storm water benefit and energy saving benefit too.”

Besides the buildings, the rooftops also help the city.

“It’s important to make sure the built environment gets more sustainable and resilient,” she said.

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| NEWS |

Navy Pier Ferris wheel offers unique look at the city On a good day during the week, Phams said they get close to 3,500 people on the Ferris wheel, but the number rises to 8,000 during the weekend. It can hold up to 420 people at a time The Navy Pier Ferris wheel is an iconic sight with 8-10 people per gondola. for tourists and Chicagoans.

The Centennial Wheel operates year round; Standing nearly 200 feet high, the Centenwith air conditioning for the hot summer nial Wheel is a behemoth, weighing 992,080 months and heating for the cooler months. The pounds, powered by 8 motors with over 10,000 Ferris wheel team monitors weather conditions, bolts connecting the machine together.

Devonne Phams whether it is ice accumulation in the winter or Devonne Phams, Senior Guest Experience thunderstorms. For safety precautions, the Ferris wheel is Manager, and his staff are responsible for making sure shut down if lightning strikes within 5 miles of Navy Pier. riders have a great experience.

At night, the Ferris wheel staff closes windows that Phams has been with Navy Pier for 6 years, starting as guests may have opened during the day, collect and turn an attraction attendant and working through the ranks to in any lost items and lock and secure the Ferris wheel for be promoted to Senior Guest Experience Manager. Part the night. And the cycle begins the next day. of his role is managing the staff who run the Ferris wheel, Phams’ favorite part of the job is the people. who ensure that guests have “a safe but fun time.”

“We get people from all over the world,” he said. “They Safety is a big part of their work, he said. Each morning, are totally amazed by the new Ferris wheel itself.”

Phams’ team checks the Centennial Wheel to make sure A particular moment that stands out for Phams is the everything is operational. They open and close doors, annual Camp One Step. A nonprofit dedicated to provide check the video screens and PA systems (in case a guest educational and fun experiences for children with cancer needs to contact the operator), as well as making sure the brings a group of kids to Navy Pier to ride the Ferris 42 gondolas are clean.

By Elisa Shoenberger Staff Writer

Cancer survivor runs to raise funds

By Jesse Wright New Eastside resident Alan Goldman remembers what it was like when he got the news he had prostate cancer 12 years ago. It was during a routine physical.

“My first thought was, this is the first time I was exposed to something so severe, that could affect my entire life,” he said. “I wanted to fight it aggressively, and I wanted it out of my body ASAP.” The prostate is a small gland useful for reproduction found only in men. It is also a common source of cancer—after skin cancer it is the second-most common form of cancer in men.

Goldman made it through OK and these days, he is fit and healthy.

“The surgery was very

successful,” he said. “I’m very healthy. I’m one of the lucky ones I guess.”

But he is not done fighting—if not for himself, then for other men.

For the past three years, Goldman has been raising money and running in SEA Blue Chicago Prostate Cancer Walk and Run. This year’s run is Sept. 9 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Lincoln Park.

The walk and run is Chicago’s oldest prostate cancer fundraiser and it raises money for Us TOO International, a nonprofit that supports men who are dealing with prostate cancer and their families.

“I wanted to get involved in something that’s had a big impact on my life,” he said.

Goldman did more than get involved. He is now on

New Eastside resident Alan Goldman. Photo by Jesse Wright

the board of Us TOO, and he is co-chair of the SEA Blue walk and run. Goldman’s charity work helps hundreds, if not thousands of people.

“The money goes to support groups around the United States and we have over 200 support groups,” he said.

To sign up for the charity walk and run, visit ustoo.rallybound.org.

View of the Centennial Wheel on a clear Chicago day. Photos courtesy Navy Pier

wheel. Each year, they put together a campfire song for Phams. “It’s really awesome,” he said.

Phams invites people to check out the Ferris wheel.

The view from the top is phenomenal. There’s nothing like it in the city,” he said.

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| NEWS BRIEFS | Dallas Ferris wheel operator aims to break Navy Pier ride record

Moonet is a cow designed in the French impressionists’ style. Photo by Jesse Wright

Chicago’s Art Cows returned home in July

Ansen Otto mans the Cookie DŌ kiosk near the base of the Navy Pier Ferris Wheel. Photo by Angela Gagnon

Cookie DŌ pop up open at Navy Pier

By Angela Gagnon Staff Writer New York’s popular edible cookie dough has come to Chicago.

Cookie DŌ Confections set up a small stand at the base of the Navy Pier Ferris wheel so Chicagoans and visitors can enjoy edible cookie dough treats through Labor Day. Ryan Manley, a filmmaker from Atlanta, wanted to check out the trending treat in New York, and he was pleasantly surprised to find the pop up Cookie DŌ kiosk at Navy Pier while visiting Chicago to see “Hamilton.”

“It’s really good,” Manley said. “I thought it would be small, but it’s very filling.

I’m glad I got to try it here.”

The abbreviated menu features the raw Cookie DŌ, cookie dough ice cream, cookie sandwiches and ice cream “SanDos.” “We use a pasteurized egg product and a heat-treated ready-to-eat flour which make all of our desserts safe to consume just as they are—unbaked,” founder Kristen Tomlan said.

Cookie DŌ ships nationwide. To purchase flavors outside of what is served at the pop up, visit cookiedonyc.com.

The Cookie DŌ pop up at Navy Pier is open Sundays-Thursdays from 10 a.m.-10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m.-midnight, weather permitting.

Two decades after Chicago’s Cows on Parade exhibit launched the international Cow Parade craze in the United States, the city’s decorative fiberglass cows were rounded up for July and set on display at Jane M. Byrne Plaza, next to the Chicago Water Tower.

The cows were decorated by area artists and auctioned off for charity, and the parade set off a trend of copycat cities across the United States. Today, the cows are owned by various businesses and art collectors across the region,

but for the 20th anniversary of the project, the Magnificent Mile Association reached out to a handful of owners who agreed to let the cows out on loan for a month as part of the “Cows Come Home” seasonal art project.

Adam Skaf, a spokesperson for the association, said August marks the 150th anniversary of the Chicago Water Tower, so pedestrians can expect to discover more than 25 five-foot models of the tower along Michigan Avenue all month long.

According to the Dallas Observer, the operator of a Dallas-based Ferris wheel aims to break the world record for longest Ferris wheel ride.

According to the Guinness Book of World Records, the record is held by Clinton Shepherd, a park operations manager at Navy Pier, who, in 2014, rode the Pier’s Ferris wheel for two days, eight minutes and 25 seconds.

Now, Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ in Dallas is seeking anyone willing to take a longer ride.

“We’ve put some feelers out there to see if we could get the public interested in breaking the record,” said Phillip Schanbaum, in the Observer.

Schanbaum is the co-owner of Ferris Wheelers Backyard and BBQ. Navy Pier spokesperson Payal Patel, wished the Dallas operator well.

“While Clinton Shepherd is no longer an employee at Navy Pier, we are still very proud of the world record he set on the Pier’s behalf in 2014,” Patel said. “Navy Pier extends its best wishes to the individual in Dallas seeking to set a new record for the longest ride on an amusement park attraction.”

Streeterville Best Buy to close Nov. 2 In late July, the home electronics chain Best Buy announced they would not renew their lease at 875 N. Michigan Ave. Best Buy has occupied the space since 2008 and the two-story store is the chain’s flagship location. The chain will not close its 31 remaining stores in Chicagoland.

The Michigan Avenue store is 35,000 square feet. Large retail outlets have struggled in recent years. In 2018 Crate and Barrel left their 646 N. Michigan Ave. location, though a Starbucks roastery is still expected to open later this year.

A spokesperson for the chain, Mathew Smith, said the downtown location had high rent and proved not to be as popular as other locations in the city.

This location has one of the highest rents in our portfolio, even higher than most of our Manhattan stores,” said Smith. “Additionally, we’ve seen that most of our customers prefer to shop at one of our nearby stores like South Loop, North Avenue or Bucktown since parking is easier for big items like TVs and appliances.”

The store employs 35 people and management has said they hope to transfer those workers to other stores.

Despite some popularity among tourists, the Michigan Avenue Best Buy is set to close in November.

Photo by Jesse Wright

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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

Tuesdays

Trivia Test your knowledge every Tuesday with trivia at Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap. Maybe all those Jeopardy! marathons will finally pay off. 7-9 p.m., free, Streeterville Pizzeria & Tap, 355 E. Ohio St., (312)-631-3393, streetervillepizzeriatap.com

Wednesdays

Jazzin’ at the Shedd Live jazz lives at Shedd every Wednesday night through summer. Jazzin’ at the Shedd features a festival-worthy lineup of three of Chicago’s top jazz ensembles each week. As the sun goes down and the music heats up, relax with a drink on the breezy terrace. Tickets are $19.95 for Chicago residents, $24.95 nonresidents and free for members, 1200 S. Lake Shore Drive, 5-10 p.m., sheddaquarium.org Glow Flow Yoga Unleash your inner yogi every Wednesday with an unconventional glow-inthe-dark yoga class. 6-7 p.m., $5, W Chicago—Lakeshore, 644 N. Lake Shore Drive, (312)-943-9200, marriott.com

Thursdays Music on the Terrace offers residents and visitors a chance to enjoy jazz every Tuesday at the MCA. Photo courtesy MCA

Acoustic Thursdays Live acoustic music every Thursday at the Albert. 5-8 p.m., free, the Albert, 228 E. Ontario St., (312)-471-3883, thealbertchicago.com

Music on the Terrace at Museum of Contemporary Art Tuesdays come alive on the MCA’s Anne and John Kern Terrace Garden with free music highlighting artists from Chicago’s jazz community. The performances 5:30-8 p.m., free, 220 W. Chicago Ave., mcachicago.org

Third Thursday of the Month

SOAR Farmer’s Market Join the Streeterville Organization of Active Residents every Tuesday for the SOAR Farmers Market. Through October, SOAR brings fresh goods to the Museum of Contemporary Art Plaza.

Stroll through the market for fruits and vegetables, baked goods, flowers, specialty packaged goods and prepared food.

220 E. Chicago Ave., soarchicago.org

Fridays

Skyline Village writing workshop Skyline Village’s first series of memoir writing workshops continues weekly.

The series ends Aug. 22. This is a members-only series held at Wintrust Bank Community Room, 100 West North Ave., skylinevillagechicago.org

Adler After Dark Experience the planetarium over drinks and unique entertainment every month.

Each event has a different theme. 21 and over, 6:30-10:30 p.m., $20, Adler Planetarium, 1300 S. Lake Shore Dr., (312)922-7827, adlerplanetarium.org Saints & Sinners Walking Tour: Chicago’s Legacy of Virtue and Vice Saint or Sinner? You decide, on this River North neighborhood walking tour that explores Chicago’s history of corruption and altruism.The neighborhood provides fertile ground to discuss prohibition and highlight the main characters in the city’s temperance movement. Tours from 1-4 p.m., tickets are $50 for drinkers and $30 for non-drinkers. The tour is through River North, driehausmuseum.org Free jazz at Navy Pier Navy Pier has teamed up with the Jazz Institute of Chicago once again to host Water Colors, a free, live jazz music se-

ries. On Fridays to Aug. 23, guests enjoy 90-minute music sets at the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park, offering performances from new talent and established artists.

The series celebrates 100 years of jazz in Chicago, as jazz pioneer Joe “King” Oliver arrived from New Orleans in 1919. Free, 600 E. Grand Ave., navypier.org

at the Museum of Contemporary Art. 6 p.m. Lykanthea will be supported by a small string ensemble, and will perform songs which respond to seismic personal shifts through music, dance, and fresh botanical objects. Free, MCA, 220 E. Chicago Ave., mca.org

Aug. 3

Rooftop yoga and brunch at Streeterville Social Unwind and take in fantastic views at Streeterville Social. Tickets are $20-$35.

The yoga begins at 9:30 a.m. at 455 N. Park Drive, (312) 840-6617, loewshotels.com

Aug. 6

Chicago Ideas presents future of cities The futures of cities will be defined by globalization, urbanization, and climate change. With so many factors—and people—in play, new approaches to urban planning will transform the quality of life for much of the world. In this conversation, business and civic leaders explore the intersection of data, technology, and urban design. Tickets are $15 with a discount for members.

515 N. State St., 14th floor, 7-8:30 p.m., chicagoideas.com

The Illinois Holocaust Museum presents An intimate evening with Dr. Ruth. Photo courtesy the Illinois Holocaust Museum

Aug. 10

Aug. 8

An intimate evening with Dr. Ruth Presented by the Illinois Holocaust Museum, meet Dr. Ruth Westheimer, Holocaust survivor, renowned sexpert, and pop culture icon. She will reflect on her painful past and the career that led her to the forefront of the sexual revolution, making her America’s most famous sex therapist. Dr. Ruth will be in conversation with 93.9 LITE FM morning radio personality, Melissa Forman. A book signing will follow. The museum is located at 9603 Woods Drive, Skokie. $20 for the program, $40 for the program and the book. Reservations are required, ilholocaustmuseum.org

Aug. 9

Chicago History Museum History Cruise Learn about the growth and transformation of the city’s skyline on this leisurely river cruise. The cruise is at 3 p.m. Adults $44, $38 members; seniors $41, $35 members; $22 youth (7–18 years); free for kids 6 and under. (312) 642-4600, 465 North McClurg Court, chicagohistory.org

Lincoln Park Zoo Presents: Adults Night Out Ever wonder what it would be like to explore Lincoln Park Zoo after the gates close? Leave the kids at home and head to the zoo for Adults Night Out. Guests enjoy unique animal chats, educational entertainment, and cash bars throughout the zoo. No kids. No crowds. Just strolling among exhibits with a beer or glass of wine. $15, 2001 North Clark St., (312) 742-2000, lpzoo.org In Progress: Lykanthea Hear new material from Lykanthea’s forthcoming EP “Some Viscera”—an album that experiments with the genre of lullaby and South Indian sound and movement traditions through pop idioms

Events continue on page 14

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| STREETERVILLE EVENTS | Schedules are subject to change. Call venues to confirm event information. To submit events or advertise on this page, email info@neweastsidecommunity.com

Aug. 17-18

Air and Water Show VIP viewing package The Signature Room will host its annual Air and Water Show VIP Viewing Party from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Attendees can enjoy unrivaled sights of the cityscape from a lavish, private viewing room while reveling in the high-flying action of the longstanding Chicago Air and Water Show with a buffet and a premium open bar. Buffet offerings feature a gourmet spread of brunch items from executive chef Cardel Reid, including chilled shrimp, fresh seasonal salads, artisan cheeses, and various Chicago-inspired dishes, followed by a variety of desserts and fresh fruit. Tickets $175 per person per day and include an all-youcan-eat buffet, a bar package, and reserved seating. Guests must be 21 years or older.

875 N. Michigan Ave., (312)-280-0465.

Auditorium Theatre and Chicago Sinfonietta present the “Get Out” score Score composer Michael Abels guest conducts the Sinfonietta as they perform the thriller’s heart-pounding music in this Midwest premiere. 7:30 p.m. at the Auditorium Theater. Tickets start at $29 and are available online, by phone at (312)341-2300, or in person at the Auditorium Theatre Box Office at 50 East Ida B. Wells Drive., AuditoriumTheatre.org

Dinner with friends Chef Jeff Vucko from Travelle at The Langham collaborates with Granor Farm Chef (and “Ruffage” author) Abra Berens for a one-night-only dinner. Guests meet at Granor Farm at 6:30 p.m. in Three Oaks, Mich. (about a 90 minutes from Chicago).

Guests will enjoy a tour of the farm. Vucko and Berens will create a seven-course, family-style menu. Showcasing the best ingredients grown by Granor and each chef’s individual cooking style, they create a menu rooted in the country with the sophistication of Chicago. The chefs are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions. $145 (with an additional $35 per ticket for optional red or white wine), 3480 Warren Woods Rd., Three Oaks, Mich., granorfarm.com

Stan’s Donuts 5K/kids run - 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 10 - Soldier Field BTN Big 10K, 5K - Sunday, Aug. 11 - Grant Park Divine Nine 5K - 8 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 17 - Jackson Park Chicago Triathlon - 6 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 25 - Monroe Harbor IL PAMS 5K Run for Peru - 9 a.m., Sunday, Aug. 25 - Lincoln Park

place from 7-11 p.m. at the MCA and is organized by the museum’s department of Performance and Public Practice. Tickets are $60 in advance or $65 at the door, 220 E. Chicago Ave., mcachicago.org

Aug. 21

Frank Lloyd Wright by bus Discover the neighborhood where Wright’s Prairie Style of architecture evolved with the Chicago Architecture Center. The bus tour begins at 9:30 a.m. and includes transportation to and from Oak Park, a one-hour interior tour of Wright’s Home and Studio and a walking tour of the Frank Lloyd Wright Historic District. Included is an interior visit to Frank Lloyd Wright’s newly restored masterpiece, Unity Temple. $55, begins at the CAC, 111 E. Wacker Dr., architecture.org

August Races

Aug. 23

The Museum of Contemporary Art presents: Prime Time: TRADEMARK. Photo courtesy the MCA

Aug. 22

The Museum of Contemporary Art presents Prime Time: TRADEMARK This after-hours event features concerts

by Vic Lloyd, HXLT, and DJ Pharris, with cameo performances by Chicago-based artists. Hosted and co-conceived with Virgil Abloh, this museum takeover brings together live music and dancing with interactive artist-led projects, food and drink, and special late night access to the Virgil Abloh: “Figures of Speech” exhibition and its accompanying pop-up store “Church & State.” With a silent disco and handson design labs, visitors can experience a diverse array of art encounters inspired by the exhibition and activated by Chicago artists. Open to visitors 18 years and older, Prime Time: TRADEMARK takes

Skyline Village Chicago Friday Forum Skyline Village Chicago presents “The Way of Coyote: Shared Journeys in the Urban Wilds.” Author Gavin Van Horn describes the amazing diversity of species that can flourish in urban landscapes such as Chicago. Over a short timespan, Chicago has been altered dramatically, with its soils covered by concrete, its wetlands drained and refilled and its river diverted and made to flow in the opposite direction.

Stories in “The Way of Coyote” lament lost abundance but point toward incredible adaptability and resilience. Tickets are $5 and the event is open to the public. Skyline Village Chicago will hold this Friday Forum at Mity Nice Grill, 835 N. Michigan Ave., Dutch treat lunch, 1-3 p.m., (312) 266-6683, skylinevillagechicago.org

Aug. 24-25

Chicago baby show This is for every new and expectant parent. The event offers experts, top tech gadgets, sleep products, strollers, car seats and foods for babies. Tickets $20-$30.

10 a.m. to 4 p.m. 600 E. Grand Avenue, Festival Hall B, Entrance 2, Lobby 3. (212) 268-3086, chicagobabyshow.com

STREETERVILLE KIDS Mondays

Waterflicks movie series Every Monday evening at 6:30, take the kids to the Lake Stage in Polk Bros Park at Navy Pier for a free superhero movie.

600 E. Grand Ave., navypier.org

Aug. 2

Clay Days Workshop The Chicago Children’s Museum presents a new sound playground.

Make sound, feel sound, hear sound, see sound. Sound Playground lets little ones (and curious grownups) explore all things sound—how we make it, what it feels like, and how people learn from it. Tickets are $13.95, 700 E. Grand Ave., chicagochildrensmuseum.org

Aug. 6

National Night Out Chicago Police host the annual community barbecue and celebration on both sides of the Riverwalk in front of Merchandise Mart. Includes a dunk tank, fishing on the river and games for kids and events for the family. 5:30 p.m., free, (800) 648-3688.

Aug. 10

Make your own paper Make paper using recycled materials and native plant seeds with Fata Morgana Press outside at Seneca Park. Held in collaboration between the Museum of Contemporary Art and the Seneca Park Council. Free, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., 220 E. Chicago Ave., (312) 280-2660, mcachicago.org

Aug. 16

WellieWishers Book Club American Girl presents story time with the WellieWishers from 10:30 to 11 a.m. for girls ages 3 and up. Before the event, girls will be given the selected book for that day. Then they sit down and listen to a reading of the book, then discuss.

Girls will also be able to grab a snack as they leave. The cost is $11 per person. 835 Michigan Ave. Reservations required, (877) 247-5223, americangirl.com

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| NEWS BREAK |

Some friendly (and not so friendly) reminders for watching the Chicago Air and Water Show

O

ne of the Midwest’s great summer events descends upon the city as the Chicago Air and Water Show rears it’s noisy, but exciting, head on Aug. 17 and 18.

Huge crowds are expected and the beachfront will be packed, Jon Cohn which could present some interestCOMMUNITY ing challenges. So, as a long-time CONTRIBUTOR veteran of the spectator wars at the Air and Water Show, we present some crucial “don’t forgets.”

Don’t forget to get there early. Nearly a million people attended last year, so there will be battles for prime viewing

Jumble

UDENDS GIRLA

locations. For an up-close and personal experience, North Avenue Beach is perfect, but prepare to be squished in among a throng of viewers. Great viewing locations exist along Oak Street, Ohio Street and Fullerton Avenue beaches. My secret spot is the long line of elevated steps between Ohio and Oak streets, offering a great, less crowded view.

Don’t forget sunscreen. If it’s a hot day and you forgot your SPF 30, you will cook like a Fourth of July hot dog on a grill. A hat with a flap is also recommended.

Don’t forget to bring fluids (preferably water). Bring snacks, too, if you don’t want to wait in long lines for food.

Speaking of long lines, don’t forget to go to the bathroom before you head out. Washrooms are available along the route, but you might as well bring a book as the wait

can be excruciating.

Don’t forget to bring a camera and binoculars. The up-close looks can be spectacular.

Don’t forget to keep an eye on your dog. The loud noises can freak out even the calmest of pets.

Don’t forget Friday is practice day. Many a downtowner has panicked thinking air raids or worse when the planes do their runs.

Don’t forget to duck when the Blue Angels or The Thunderbirds head your way in a screeching, loud, downward spiral. It’s a natural reaction, we all do it.

Finally, don’t forget to enjoy the show.

Jon Cohn is a New Eastside Resident.

Out and About in July

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

BASNAIT ESSUCSC

What does the sun drink out of?

July answer: Why are there no knock knock jokes about America? Because freedom rings.

An August riddle: What’s the best day to go to the beach?

A: SUNDAY

Got a great joke or riddle? Send it in and make us laugh at info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

Where am I?

This month features a distinctive facade on a major street in Streeterville. Do you know what building this is?

If you think you know, email us at info@neweastsidecommunity.com.

Answer to July Where am I? Congratulations to Michael Basil and Georgia Blumenberg, two sharp-eyed readers who noted the colorful exterior wall of GEMS Academy in 350 East South Water St. in the New Eastside.

Catherine Phaneuf (from left), Arielle Parker and Megan Mullin enjoy a movie in Millennium Park. Photo by Stephanie Racine

Valerie Maloney (left) and her daughter Maya attend the opening celebration of the Purple Pig in June. Photo by Jesse Wright

DJ Smith enjoys a taste of something at Taste of Chicago in July. Photo by Jesse Wright

Gail Spreen and Todd Miles celebrated the anniversary of the day Cap Streeter’s boat ran aground.

Photo by Jesse Wright

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The Back is the New Front On 10,000 coffee tables near you.

Buy an ad at thestreeterville.com/buyad (312) 690-3092

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