November 29 - December 5, 2021

November 29 - December 5, 2021 Vol. 29 No. 47

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$1.10 goes to vendor

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Arts & (Home) Entertainment

More and more events are happening in Chicago, and we want you to know about the best of the best!

6 SportsWise 7 Cover Story: local gifts

The SportsWise team predicts college football frontrunners.

Life didn't change as much as we were expecting in 2021, but StreetWise was blessed with help from its friends and so now this holiday season, we are using our city-wide platform to return the favor. StreetWise vendors are entrepreneurs, and so we are promoting other Chicago entrepreneurs of innovative products – many of them nonprofits – from varied cultures. We are all in this together.

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The Playground Dave Hamilton, Creative Director/Publisher

dhamilton@streetwise.org

StreetWiseChicago @StreetWise_CHI

Suzanne Hanney, Editor-In-Chief

suzannestreetwise@yahoo.com

Amanda Jones, Director of programs

ajones@streetwise.org

Julie Youngquist, Executive Director

jyoungquist@streetwise.org

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

LEARN MORE AT streetwise.org

DONATE

To make a donation to StreetWise, visit our website at www.streetwise.org/donate/ or cut out this form and mail it with your donation to StreetWise, Inc., 2009 S. State St., Chicago, IL 60616.

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ARTS & (HOME) ENTERTAINMENT RECOMMENDATIONS Since being stuck inside, which shows have you been watching? Which movies? Have you read any good books lately? Any new music releases have you dancing in your living room? StreetWise vendors, readers and staff are sharing what is occupying their attention during this unprecedented time.

To be featured in a future edition, send your recommendations of things you do at home and why you love them to Creative Director / Publisher Dave Hamilton at dhamilton@streetwise.org

Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light Christmas Around the World and Holidays of Light at the Museum of Science and Industry, 5700 S. DuSable Lake Shore Drive, is a holiday tradition that started in 1942 with a single tree to remind us that the things that unite us are bigger than the things that separate us. The 50 trees in the museum's rotunda are each decorated by members of different Chicago communities who emigrated from all over the globe. Hours are 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. Tickets are $22 at msichicago.org.

Oh, Oh, Oh, It's Magic!

Magic Immersive Experience The Magic Immersive Experience, 360 N. State St., is the world’s first immersive magic show! Created by Jamie Allan, Magic Immersive uses 3D projections, holograms, and live magicians for a one-of-a-kind experience. This show will feature death-defying escapes, vanishing acts, levitation, the famous duo Penn and Teller, as well as Houdini’s famous water chamber. Magic Immersive runs December 3 to Jan. 2, 2022. Tickets start at $45 and time slots vary. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit magicimmersive.com.

Bah, Humbug!

(HOME) ENTERTAINMENT

‘A Christmas Carol’ The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., presents “A Christmas Carol” through December 31. This classic holiday story follows the old miser Ebenezer Scrooge as he is visited by the ghosts of past, present and future on a journey toward kindness and redemption. Adapted from Charles Dickens's short novel, "A Christmas Carol," this must-see holiday show features live music, singing and dancing. The Goodman Theatre requires all guests to show proof of vaccination. Tickets start at $25.

For tickets and a full schedule of show times, visit goodmantheatre.org.

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Live Chat!

Meet the Author: Louise Erdrich Tune in to Zoom from 5-6 p.m. December 2 for a virtual meet-the-author event with Louise Erdrich. Erdrich will be introduced by poet Mark Turcotte and joined by Native American literature scholar Kelly Wisecup for a conversation about her latest novel, “The Sentence.” “The Sentence” asks what we owe to the living, to the dead, to the reader, and the book. A small independent bookstore in Minneapolis is haunted from November 2019 to November 2020 by the store's most annoying customer. Flora died on All Souls' Day, but she simply won't leave the store. Tookie, who has landed a job selling books after years of incarceration that she survived by reading, must solve the mystery of this haunting while at the same time trying to understand all that occurs in Minneapolis during a year of grief, astonishment, isolation, and furious reckoning. For more information about this event and to access the Zoom link please visit newberry.org.

An Acrobatic Christmas!

Cirque du Soleil’s ‘'Twas the Night Before…’

The Chicago Theatre, 175 N. State St., hosts Cirque du Soleil’s “'Twas the Night Before…” with multiple showings through December 5. Cirque du Soleil’s exhilarating spin on the beloved Christmas tale returns to Chicago where it premiered in 2019. A flurry of Christmas cheer, rip-roaring fun, and hugely lovable characters, “'Twas the Night Before…” will introduce audiences to the magic of Cirque du Soleil and help families create new holiday traditions.

Join Isabella, a curious girl, jaded by the craze surrounding Christmas, as she is whisked away to an upside-down, inside-out world where she meets a host of colorful characters. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased at msg. com/the-chicago-theatre.

Your Inner Artist!

‘Van Gogh Visits Chicago’ Painting Session Looking for a DIY present to give to a friend or family member? Well, the Color Cocktail Factory, 917 W. 18th St., is hosting a Van Gogh Chicago painting session on December 5 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. With the help of a professional instructor, you will customize a fusion of Van Gogh’s “The Starry Night” with the Chicago skyline to create a one-of-a-kind piece of art. No art experience is necessary. Tickets are $25 at eventbrite. com.

Author Appearance!

Book Signing Women and Children First, 5233 N. Clark St., is hosting a book signing with Kyle Lukoff at 3 p.m. December 2. Lukoff is the author of “Too Bright to See,” a finalist for the National Book Award for Young People's literature. The book has been described as a ghost story about growing up, coping with grief, and navigating gender identity. It follows two best friends, Moira and Bug, getting ready to enter middle school. However, Bug is confronted by a ghost and soon discovers their identity.

FREE. Learn more and register at womenandchildrenfirst.com.

New Stages Festival!

‘Nightwatch’ The Goodman Theatre, 170 N. Dearborn St., presents “Nightwatch” as part of its New Stages Festival, 7:30 p.m. December 1.

The festival, an annual celebration of innovative work by some of the country's most ambitious playwrights, is in its 17th year.

"Nightwatch" by Max Yu, a winner of the 2019 Relentless Award, tells the story of 20-year-old Leo, who dropped out of school and returned home, only to find that his father had died. In an attempt to cope with his father's death, Leo examines his family's untold past in the Chinese Communist Cultural Revolution, redefining everything and everyone he thought was in his bloodline. The show is free, but registration is required at goodmantheatre.org.

A Psychological Thriller!

‘Bug’ Steppenwolf Theatre, 1650 N. Halsted St., opens another season with a revival of "Bug," Tracy Letts' mind-bending cult classic. A young drifter and a lonely waitress begin a love affair in a seedy motel room in Oklahoma -- and then the bugs appear. This award-winning production is a luridly funny tale of love, paranoia and government conspiracy. Multiple showings through December 12. For a full schedule of performances, visit steppenwolf.org.

-Compiled by Paige Bialik & Suzanne Hanney & Fran Johns

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Vendors Russ Adams, John Hagan and Donald Morris chat about the world of sports with Executive Assistant Patrick Edwards.

Russ: I'm gonna begin with my college football predictions: I have Georgia and Alabama as no. 1 and 2; to come up with the remaining two teams is tough, though.

I believe the remaining two teams will come from these four: Cincinnati, Oregon, Ohio State and, maybe, Notre Dame.

John: I guess figuring out the culprits who figure into the consideration is pretty universal, but this year, it’s not that tough. Instead of hitting y’all with predictions, I want to speak a bit to the format of the playoffs. The format, in my opinion, favors Big Blue Brothers, as Les Grobstein from The Score WSCR 670AM would call it.

SPORTSWISE

Donald: So, who’re these Big Blue Brothers?

John: Glad you asked. With the current format, teams such as Alabama, Ohio State, Notre Dame, would get the benefit of the doubt with one loss apiece. Cincinnati could go undefeated and still be denied a playoffs spot because, according to the experts, they don’t schedule quality opponents. That would be fine, but the hypocrisy comes in when these same experts don’t hold Alabama or Ohio State to those same standards.

Donald: Right, and it’s especially true in Alabama's case, because their out-of-conference schedule has a couple of presumed easy-wins in Citadel and New Mexico State.

Patrick: Where do you have Notre Dame?

Patrick: A team that Alabama crushed earlier 59-3.

Patrick: Oh, wow. Well, I’m pulling for Notre Dame to get there. A loss by a couple of the teams ahead of them and it’s on. All right, so, what do y’all think should be done differently?

Donald: At 8, after Cincinnati, Michigan and Michigan State.

the winners of those two games play either Georgia or Alabama. Then, the last two teams rock it out—winner takes all. I feel this is fair.

Donald: I agree.

Russ: Ouch. All right, enough with the depressing stuff. I’m going back to my predictions! So, if I had it my way, it’ll be Georgia versus Ohio State, and Alabama taking on Notre Dame. I do feel bad for Cincinnati, Oregon, Michigan State, Oklahoma and Oklahoma State, but, shoot, everybody can’t make it, right?

Donald: Now, I love me some Notre Dame—root for them like I went there—but, at the moment, I’m going with Georgia at 1, Alabama at 2, Oregon at 3, and Ohio State at 4.

John: My solution is the four best teams, based on their merit—quality victories—are selected. Basically, hold teams like Alabama and Ohio State to the same standards as teams like Cincinnati. Have teams earn their way to the playoffs—not have to play politics.

Russ: Okay, so, I would have Notre Dame play Oklahoma State, have Oregon play Oklahoma and, then,

Russ: And, by the way, I personally like Georgia and Notre Dame. These other teams still have a shot, but it’s a long shot. Michigan State, Michigan, The University of Texas at San Antonio—yes, and undefeated at 10-0—can still get a good bowl game and go out and kick some booty like Boise State did to Oklahoma a few years back.

Patrick: I guess one way to deal with it is to sit back, kick one’s feet up, and enjoy the action.

Any comments or suggestions?

Email pedwards@streetwise.org

Locally-made Gift ideas

Jewelry

Life didn't change as much as we were expecting in 2021, but StreetWise was blessed with help from its friends and so now this holiday season, we are using our city-wide platform to return the favor. StreetWise vendors are entrepreneurs, and so we are promoting other Chicago entrepreneurs of innovative products – many of them nonprofits – from varied cultures. We are all in this together. by Paige Bialik, Suzanne Hanney, & Judi Strauss Lipkin

caromadexo

When Columbus landed in what is now Puerto Rico in 1493, the Indigenous people greeted him with the word, “Taino” – “peace.” A century later, the so-named Taino people were nearly extinct, thanks to intermarriage, forced relocation, starvation, slavery and disease brought by the conquistadors. Recent studies, however, have found that a majority of today’s Puerto Rican people have some Indigenous DNA. CAROmadeXO reflects this heritage with the molded plastic Taino sun god, said to provide strength and longevity to crops and people; and with the coqui, the small frog who is the symbol of the small island. Endangered by deforestation, coqui has survived, and he has a big voice. Taino sun, coqui, hibiscus flower earrings ($10), rear view mirror pendants ($12) at Caromadexo.com.

Lingua Nigra

Alicia Goodwin has been making jewelry since shortly after she graduated from Fashion Institute of Technology in New York. Now back in Chicago, her work in brass, silver and gold is inspired by nature, with a focus on ancient talismans and works of the Victorian era. Her use of acid etching and metal reticulation yield random texture to each piece, further transformed when electroplated by 22K gold. Lansana’s Priestess Large Brass Post Earrings ($43), Tiny Sculptured Organic Earrings ($63), Edge of the Earth Gold Plated Wing Earrings ($85) (pictured), Building a Ladder Hand Etched Earrings ($146). Lingua Nigra has also been featured on Good Morning America, The HuffPost, Shoppe Black, and worn by Garcelle Beauvais, Anika Noni Rose, Ava Duvernay and many others. Find it at the Renegade Craft Show, December 18 and 19 at Fulton Market and at linguanigra.com.

Lindsay Lewis Jewelry

Lindsay Lewis Jewelry offers geometrically shaped handmade rings, bracelets, necklaces, earrings, and more. A graduate of the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Lewis started creating jewelry after discovering her passion for metalsmithing during a class in 2004. Now in her West Town studio, she creates gold, silver, and brass jewelry by hand. She finds inspiration from architecture and translates those fine lines into her timeless jewelry. Unisex round bands from $250; Bar and white sprong band $825; Billie ring from $975; Sway ring from $68 (pictured). Find her at lindsay-lewis.com and the Renegade Craft Show, December 18 and 19 at Fulton Market.

YWCA

The feminine symbol is all over this limited edition lustrous silk scarf in the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago colors. Another color option is persimmon and gray. The medium weight twill silk is ideal for all seasons, and can be worn with many fashions.

Designed exclusively for the YWCA by Shop4Ties, this generously sized 18″ x 70″ scarf is finished with a hand rolled hem ($65).

You can order it at Yshop.org, an online store managed by the YWCA. It offers a curated selection of goods and services, and a portion of each purchase benefits the YWCA and the communities it supports. YShop is a place where consumers can make great purchases with their hard-earned dollars, while helping make real positive changes in the world. Founded 145 years ago, the YWCA recognizes that the health of our communities rests on three factors: achieving freedom from violence, accessing quality education and training, and obtaining economic sustainability.

Fash Akese Stylelines

Women go through a lot of challenges, and every opportunity to have fun must be memorable, says fashion designer Jennifer Akese-Burney. What better way to be remembered than in her Statement Piece Collection, created for the woman who is not afraid to be the center of attention. The Boss Powersuit ($625) in red, sheer lace and neoprene, features wide legs and a peplum accent in front, topped with the Nkasa Jacket ($350) (both pictured). The Blossom Jumpsuit ($525) features a blooming flower in front, pockets, and a zipper in back. Born and raised in Ghana and now living in the Chicago area, Akese-Burney received her bachelor’s degree in fashion design and technology from Takoradi Polytechnic. She mixes African prints with western fabrics and silhouettes. Find them at akesestylelines.com.

made free

MADE FREE products are designed in Chicago and made by free women in India, addressing the root cause of slavery, including human trafficking, with sustainable, ethical jobs. Its small factory teams are certified by the World Fair Trade Organization. They are women like Kanika, widowed with a special needs son; like Jyoti, rescued from a line in the lines and now married, who visits brothels to tell girls there is another way; and Saima, oldest of four sisters, with an elderly father and a mother with paralysis, MADE FREE uses eco-friendly, organic and recycled materials, where possible: 100% organic cotton canvas and vegetable tanned, biodegradable leather that is a waste product and would otherwise be discarded into a landfill. Check out its Chicago Skyline Market Tote ($24), unisex Leather Laptop Case ($95) and Leather Day Tote ($185) (pictured) at madefree.co.

KOLUNTU

Koluntu means “community” in the South African Xhosa language, and when you purchase one of its glamorous pieces of Africa to wear for a lifetime, you are making a difference in the lives of its fairly paid women and their children.

Koluntu crafts wearable art from the feathers and skin of humanely raised ostriches, and springbok handbags that upcycle unused hides from animal control programs.

Jewelry items include ostrich feather earrings ($19) and 1.5-inch leather cuff ($49) in a variety of colors.

Purses include the Yumi Bag ($195) with ostrich feathers stitched on suede leather with suede lining and magnetic clasp, in black, navy, hot pink or beige (pictured); and the 7 by 7.5-inch leather and feather wristlet ($145). Billfolds and wallets in a variety of colors offer unisex gift options. The two-sided credit card and cash wallet is $49 and the folding credit card holder is $85. Ostrich skin has natural oils that contribute to its durability, so that it will not crack under even extreme temperatures. Available at koluntu. com, Chicago Fair Trade and yshop.org.

Giveashi*t

GiveaShirt is a Chicago based charity that has teamed with StreetWise and local artists and musicians to make limited edition, hand-screened designer T-shirts. It’s all part of a campaign called Give A Shi*t. 100% of profits from every T-shirt sold goes to StreetWise and StreetWise vendors: $180,000 over the last six years.

“It’s sort of that lifeline or extra support that vendors need,” StreetWise Executive Director Julie Youngquist told Heidi Stevens in the Chicago Tribune. “It maybe covers a weekly rate at an SRO. It may help cover prescription medicine or other costs from an unexpected health problem. It’s been a fantastic partnership.”

GiveaShirt is a venture of Daily Planet Ltd, a Chicago based fullservice video production company that creates and edits videos, animations and motion graphics for broadcast and web. Scott Marvel, president of Daily Planet, founded GiveaShirt after he met a man asking for change outside his local Starbucks. Marvel brought the man some clean T-shirts before a job interview, but the man thought he was supposed to sell them to make money. Marvel was inspired to ask musicians and artists to donate designs; Jon Langford donated a few, as did Jeff Tweedy of Wilco, including a design inspired by Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree” (pictured). Matthew Hoffman of the You Are Beautiful signs around the city donated “We are All Equal.” Marvel hand screens the designs in his Norwood Park basement. To shop and learn more, please visit giveashirt.net.

hion Ila Allen Designs

Long-time Evanston resident Ila Allen of Ila Allen Designs creates different styles of handbags in various fabrics such as vegan leather and cork, with different textures and colors. No two bags are alike; they are all made by hand, not in a factory. The main objective, she says, is to “Show the customer that accessories, especially handbags, can be created out of fabrics other than (animal) leather. It’s all about sourcing the right fabric, quality, workmanship, and a whole lot of creativity”. Rustic Orange Yanna Shoulder Bag, $85; Big Girl Tote, $160 (pictured); available at ilaallendesigns.com, evanstonmade.org and Artem Pop up Gallery, 1627 Sherman Ave., Evanston, artempopupgallery.com.

Laila Textiles

Laila Textiles was started by Liz Mortensen in 2018 as a way to promote slow fashion and hand-dyed clothes, which she discovered while studying in Israel. Whereas fast fashion focuses on keeping up with current trends, slow fashion takes more time to curate clothes while respecting the environment, employees, and ensuring that each item is quality made. All Laila Textiles items are hand-dyed using natural dyes from food and plant waste. Made-to-order 21x21 inch Habotai silk Yellow Red scarf is naturally tie-dyed with Brazilwood & Osage wood ($45); Purple Plant Dyed Silk Scarf was naturally bundle-dyed with Logwood, Madder root, Osage wood, & Hibiscus flowers ($53, pictured, worn as a top). She also offers silk scrunchies and natural dye kits. Find them at lailatextiles.com and the Renegade Craft Show, December 18 and 19 at Revel Fulton Market.

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Hines Brines

Samuel Hines started his Hines Brines spice blends business after a Thanksgiving where he prepared dinner for his parents and son in his two-bedroom Rogers Park apartment. Looking for the perfect ingredients to make his turkey juicy and flavorful, he devised his Original Brine Blend (1/2 cup jar, $9.50) of black peppercorns, Mediterranean and Mexican oregano, Herbs de Provence and others. He brings you home with Mabel’s Sunday Chicken Seasoning, (1/2 cup jar, $9) hand blended from marjoram, rubbed sage, smoked paprika and more. Kits include Errythang But Salt (Pollo Asado, Sam’s Creole, Pizza Night and Mabel’s Sunday Chicken $34); Holiday Spice (Auntie D’s Sweet Potato Pie Spice, ChChChai Spice, a mix of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, and rose petals; and Heavenly Hot Chocolate Mix $26).

Boystown Blend, meanwhile, features annual editions for 2019-21, the latest a bourbon- and oak-smoked flaky salt ($23.50). Find them at hinesbrines.com and the Chicago Artisan Market, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday, December 12 at Morgan Manufacturing, 401 N. Morgan St.

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Javez java

Javez Java is a family-owned coffee roastery located in Chicago. It started when “my wife noticed my passion for coffee drinking and challenged me to roast coffee the way it should taste.” The name/business is a combo of the owner’s middle name- Javez – and Java- coffee. His brainstorm, augmented by the artsy mind of his daughter and the business mind of his wife, uses only high-quality beans, which they roast in-house. Its selections range from sweet, to spicy to nutty to earthy.

Their most popular coffee is Eminence, an Ethiopian blend of coffee marinated in Cognac and roasted. Enjoy their story and order for holiday giving a javezjava.com.

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Sugar Bliss

Sugar Bliss is a woman minority-owned bakery at 122 S. Wabash Ave. in Chicago, offering a wide variety of baked goods, including morning pastries, cupcakes, cake pops, French macarons, brownies, cookies, and more. Everything is baked on-site and from scratch, using only the highest quality, natural ingredients, like European Cocoa, Nielsen Massey vanilla, and real fruits. Sugar Bliss caters corporate events, office meetings, and a variety of celebrations including birthdays, retirement, weddings, and bridal and baby showers. We’re craving its Afternoon Tea and Sweets Package (6 French Macarons, 4 Mini Cupcakes, 4 Mini Double Chocolate Brownies, 2 Cake Pops, 4 Assorted Rishi Teas $40) and its Date Night Package (2 Cupcakes - Red Velvet and Chocolate Milk Chocolate, 6 French Macarons, Double Chocolate Brownie, OMG Cookie, 3 Cake Pops in a Gift Box with Ribbon $40) at Sugarblisscakes.com and Yshop.org.

Twidley bits

The founder of Twidley Bits, Lauren Ocello, is a former chocolatier and French Pastry School alumna-turned maker of jams and sheeses. Twidley Bits specializes in vegan cheeses, gourmet jams, and fruit butter. Bourbon Peach Vanilla Bean is made from locally distilled Koval bourbon and real vanilla beans, while the aptly named Strawberry Prosecco ($10) goes well at brunch. Find these yummy treats at twidleybits.com, at Raw Edge Modern Artisan Boutique, 4757 N. Lincoln Ave., and at City Olive, 5644 N. Clark St.

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Coiff Dew

Coiff Dew Natural Shampoo and Leave-In Conditioner™ may well be an unexpected but totally appreciated holiday gift. The business was created and is owned by a Black woman with an active lifestyle who “chooses to wear my thick and kinky natural hair in all phases of my personal and professional life.” These products simplify the beauty routines of vigorous and athletic women. They are low cost, work quickly and don’t require special brushes or heat appliances to work effectively to cleanse, style and maintain natural hair. They are gentle on your skin/scalp and low impact on the Earth and can be used by women, men, and children too! Buy your new favorite at www.coiffdew.com.

LXMI Skincare

aB o h&B yd

LXMI specializes in face and body care, using all-natural and plant-based ingredients derived from Uganda and packaged in New York. All of its products are made ethically by providing fair pay and safe working conditions for women in Uganda and people with disabilities in New York.

Its signature ingredient is Nilotica Reserve, a rare relative of shea harvested near the source of the Nile that contains sky high essential fatty acids and enhanced vitamin and nutrient potency. Pure Nilotica Melt (50 ml $28) has soothing allantoin, and Vitamin A, E + K to hydrate, brighten, and protect skin—even reversing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Use it as a deeply nourishing overnight mask, nutrient-dense moisturizer, as a healing salve for dry spots, hands, sunburns or scars, or as needed. It’s safe enough to eat, Moms can use it on growing bellies and babies’ newborn skin. Your purchase combats deforestation and thus combats climate change. It’s been featured in Forbes and Business Insider, and you can find it now at LXMI.com.

Thistle Farms

Thistle Farms candles, bath and body products, home goods, books, apparel and jewelry are as good for the women making them as those using them. Becca Steves founded Thistle Farms, a nonprofit dedicated to helping women survivors from prostitution, trafficking, abuse, and addiction. Try its Jet Set (Lavender enriched body lotion, head to toe body wash, lip balm and Eucalyptus Mint shave Balm, $25) or Love Heals Bath Soak Trio (Eucalyptus Mint Moringa Muscle Soak, Lavender Serenity Soak, Citrus Wood Uplifting Soak, each 8-oz, $34). Find them at thistlefarms.org.

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it's Oksana

Born in the eastern European country of Ukraine, Oksana loved playing with scraps of linen and the colored threads her mother and grandmother used to embroider them – a hallmark of Ukrainian culture and a symbol of the family. True linens, in her experience, were not made from cotton, but from flax, which uses less water and pesticides in production than cotton. With each washing, real linen also becomes softer and stronger – an heirloom. Her enterprise, It’s Oksana, works with artisans who are adept at traditional embroidery, weaving techniques and designs, to create sustainable, environmentally-friendly textiles for the home. Natural linen kitchen towels (World Cuisines, Fruit, Coffee, Wine designs) $9.50; geometric bath towels $23; grey and white striped square Kosa decorative pillow $160; hand embroidered rectangular linen Vesna decorative pillow $250 (pictured); sheet sets $270. Itsoksana.com.

Labyrinth made

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Labyrinth Made candles are hand-filled in Illinois with 100% soy wax and bespoke fragrances that include blends of essential oils, extracts, and aromatic ingredients to create a unique sensory experience. Choose Visualize (citrusy pomelo, earthy spices, frankincense); Tranquility (warming amber, pumpkin, ground clove); Revitalize (torn mint leaves, lemon slices, oolong tea); or the four seasons, including Winter (icy air, pine needles and balsam fir forest) 6-oz. candles $15, 12-oz $30.

Part of the YWCA McLean County, Labyrinth Made Goods reinvests all proceeds from the nonprofit social enterprise to create professional development, apprenticeships and permanent employment for women who have experienced incarceration. “Labyrinth Made Goods is helping me to get ready for my future by giving me structure and helping me to work on my own goals,” said participant Shay on labyrinthmadegoods.org. You can also find them at the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s yshop.org/products/handmade-soy-candles.

modern sprout

Modern Sprout LLC was created by wife and husband team, Sarah Burrows and Nick Behr, two non-green thumb people, inside their Chicago home. They make thoughtfully handcrafted and innovative gardening products to simplify plants and indoor gardening, so you feel good. By using the logic of hydroponics redesigned into beautiful, space-savvy products, they help you overcome modern gardening challenges. Products include indoor gardening kits, from fresh herbs to the fullest of flowers, stylish hydroponic planters, grow lights and indoor bulb kits. Check out their website at www.modsprout.com.

Ron Crawford Art

As a documentary film cameraman, Ron Crawford realized he could combine his drawing talent with filmmaking, and he became an animator. His impulse drawings encompass scenes from Chicago’s L, the Cubs Win, the Chicago Theater; of Evanston, New York, San Francisco and politics. He captures people in the moment, often with just a touch of humor, such as a protester’s “Melania, Blink Twice if You Need Help” sign at a women’s rally. His prints start at $22 for an 8.5x11 print, $46 for an 11x14 and $187 for an 13x19 museum quality Giclee print on fine art paper suitable for framing, inspected and handsigned. His works have hung in the homes of Frank Sinatra, Mia Farrow and Julia LouisDreyfus. Roncrawfordart.com and Artem Pop up Gallery, 1627 Sherman Ave., Evanston, artempopupgallery.com.

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Art by Alec

Art by Alec is a most interesting and perhaps unique gift from a Chicago-based artist.

Alec Rudek combines a passion for visual art with knowledge of interactive media and design to create both art and gifts such as cool jellyfish LED lanterns (large and small) with the intent to enhance the user experience and stimulate wonder. Each jellyfish works as a functioning lantern and includes a battery-operated LED string light. It also looks great in natural light! He continues to paint abstract and totally unique pieces. You can check out his work at www.instagram.com/artbyalec.

rnishings Brown Sugar's Balloon designs

Brown Sugar’s Balloon Designs & Academy provides an expansive décor alternative to flowers, whether forming an archway or garlanding a stairway. Brown Sugar’s owner Iesha Trotter always knew she could be an Englewood success story. At 14, she made $100 a day selling snowballs in the summer. Going from “kidpreneur to entrepreneur,” she graduated from Robert Morris University and the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago’s Plan for Profit course, with stops in between learning security and food management sanitation.

Today she is a Certified Party Decorator, specializing in weddings and graduations.

Brown Sugar’s Academy in Chicago recently became a member of the Qualatex Balloon Network (QBN®), a professional organization dedicated to the pursuit of excellence in balloon decor and bouquets and the belief that balloons uniquely create atmosphere and communicate emotion. The Academy teaches the art to women and teens who want to earn extra money or start their own business. brownsugarsballoondesignsacademy.com and yshop.org.

Swoon Living

Swoon Living was founded by Patrick Fitzpatrick in 2012 right here in Chicago! Swoon Living specializes in masterfully crafted wood décor and glassware: handmade revolving wine glasses, revolving wine decanters; city skylines ($75) and state outlines ($40) from reclaimed barn wood; tabletop fire pits (from $75)— even Flaming Fondue (from $145) and Ultimate S’mores (from $165, pictured) kits that can be used indoors on a tabletop.

You’ll feel cozy these holidays in the comfort of your home.

S wo o n l i v i n g.c o m and their studio at 2850 N Pulaski, Suite 3.

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A Favorite Design

Looking for some cute holiday cards this season? A Favorite Design has got you covered with its wide selection of handprinted cards! Founded by Amber Favorite in 2005, its mission is to encourage long distance warm fuzzies via snail mail. Amber’s passion for crafting and vintage typewriters, wood block type and old signage was facilitated by her 1913 C&P handfed press and her soulmate Tom. They offer cards for every occasion and every interest. Have a friend who loves everything spiritual? Check out their palm reading cards! A Favorite Design sells cards, stationery, pencils, notebooks, and more! A Favorite Design is sold across the continental United States and Hawaii, but their main shop is located at 4432 N. Kedzie Ave., with more local outlets listed at afavoritedesign.com. www.streetwise.org

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St. Nick’s Fest St. Nicholas was the 3rd century bishop whose gift-giving inspired Santa Claus; he rescued three low-income girls by paying their dowries in gold. In some European countries today, his day is when children receive gifts. St. Nicholas Church in Evanston celebrates December 3-6 with a “Night with St. Nick” at 7 p.m. Friday; a craft fair featuring handmade pottery, notecards, tree ornaments, knitwear, wood-turned bowls and more 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Saturday and 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday; a raffle and Mexican gourmet food to go at its Pope John XXIII School Cafeteria and Oldershaw Hall (1108 & 1120 Washington St.).

The Andersonville Winter Market on Catalpa Avenue,

3-8 p.m. December 3, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. December 4 and 11 a.m.-5 p.m. December 5. Highlights include over 20 independent artists, Swedish food vendors, photos with Santa, lighting Andersonville’s Menorah on Sunday along with Drag Queen Story Time. Free to all ages.

Andersonville Late nights this year will be Friday De-

cember 3 and 17, from 5 to 8 p.m. Select local businesses will hand out cookies, cider and offer discounts. To find out more, please visit andersonville.org

Julmarknad

is the Swedish American Museum’s (5211 N.Clark St.) Christmas Bazaar! Traditional Scandinavian and modern handicrafts and food will be available from 10 a.m.5 p.m. Saturday, December 4 and 10 a.m.-4 p.m, Sunday, December 5. Santa will also pay a visit. Free admission, but donations accepted.

On St. Lucia Day December 13, girls age 5 to 24 will form a procession from the museum at 5 p.m.

This year’s Made in Chicago Holiday Market will take place virtually from 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. December 4. This market features candles, bath and body products, stationery, Chicago clothing and art, and clothes. The virtual event will allow you to meet some of the makers and enter for a chance to win some free giveaways! Madeinchicagomarket.com

The Handmade Market noon-4 p.m. December 11 at the Empty Bottle, (1035 N. Western Ave.). This market is only open on the second Saturday of each month, so be sure to visit! Vendors specialize in handmade jewelry, hand-poured candles, art decor, accessories, and more. Free admission.

The Chicago Artisan Market 10 a.m.-4 p.m. December

12 at Morgan Manufacturing, (401 N. Morgan St.). The market specializes in food, fashion, home goods and art. Tickets are $8 and must be purchased ahead of time at chicagoartisanmarket.com Cocktails are available for an additional price.

The Oak Park River Forest House Walk is virtual again

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this year from Dec. 10 - Jan. 10. It is the largest fundraiser of the year for the Infant Welfare Society, which provides medical, dental, and mental health care for those who are unable to afford it. There is also a monthlong raffle for a $10,000 prize. Raffle tickets and access to the virtual house walk start at $55 and can be purchased on childrenscliniciws.org.

The 8th annual Martyr's Krampusfest is back from noon to 6 p.m. December 11 at Martyrs' (3855 N. Lincoln Ave.). Krampusfest features German food and Glühwein, and the Krampuslauf costume contest for the naughty character. There will also be an artisan market that offers German street food, baked goods, and more. Free admission for shoppers.

Renegade Chicago returns on December 18 and 19 from

11 a.m.- 5 p.m. at the Revel Fulton Market, (1215 W. Fulton Market). Renegade vendors are all independent artists and business owners. Items at this year’s craft fair include aromatherapy oils, macrame potholders, paint brush holders, plant-based makeup and soaps. A small donation is encouraged to benefit The Nature Conservancy.

The Sauced Night Market

presents The Night Market Before Christmas, 5-10 p.m. on December 9 and 10 at the Chicago Athletic Association Hotel (12 S. Michigan Ave.).

Sauced is an “underground” market that features up and coming chefs and artists, as well as food, drinks, and a live DJ. The market is free and welcomes visitors of all ages.

This year’s Randolph Street Holiday Market will take place 10 a.m.- 5 p.m. on December 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, and 19 at 830 N. Michigan Ave. This market is filled with champagne, costumes, vintage clothes for everyone, surprise goody bags, food, and more. Tickets cost $10 for each weekend or $25 for all 3 weekends and are available at randolphstreetmarket.com. Children under the age of 12 get in for free.

Chicago Fair Trade’s 8th annual pop up is open through

December 24 at 5228 N. Clark St. Hours are 11 a.m.-6 p.m.

Tues-Thurs; 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Fri-Sat; 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Sun; closed Mondays. All of the products sold are ethically made, from fuzzy socks, to toys, clothes, and home goods. Food available for purchase on-site. Free admission.

The Christkindlmarkets are back for the upcoming holi-

day season, everyday through December 24. The two locations this year are at Daley Plaza (50 W. Washington St.) and in Wrigleyville (3635 N. Clark St). Hours are 11 a.m.-8 p.m. (except on Fridays and Saturdays when they close at 10 p.m.). Over 50 vendors offer candles, ornaments, clothing, pastries, food, and more! Christkindlmarket is inspired by the 16th-century Christkindlesmarkt in Nuremberg, Germany, which was one of the first outdoor holiday markets.

The Evanston Art Center at 1717 Central St. is hosting

a Winter Arts and Crafts Expo December 4-20. Featured media include jewelry, ceramics, fiber, metal, glass, painting, photography, and more, with student work included. Hours are 9 a.m.-10 p.m. Mon-Thurs; 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Fri; 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Sat & Sun.

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Streetwise 11/22/21 Crossword

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

Sudoku 9

1 3

82 21 4 8 5 3 7 3 4 9 1 5 34 75 7 44 2 8 1 6 2 3 4 2 8 1 65 2 5 3 3 8 2 7 1 ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

8 Depth charge 39 Disembodied target spirits 9 Female hormone 40 Travel 10 To the rear document 11 Writer Uris 42 Jog 12 Travelers to 4 45 Not digital 5 Bethlehem 47 Paragraph 13 Greek portico 6 starter 21 ___ Cayes, Haiti 48 Drone, e.g.

7 23 Fixed charges 50 Oil supporter 25 One of the 8 52 Supreme Diana Osmonds 53 Land o’ 9 27 ___ New Guinea blarney 28 Express joy 54 Apple variety 30 Sun Valley wn 55 Shopaholic’s 1 Office fill-in locale delight 31 Electrolysis 2 Dwarf buffalo 57 Creme-filled particle 3 Impoverished snack 4 Losers 32 Lord’s mate 58 Lasting 33 Drops off 5 Clothing line impression 6 Overhead light? 35 Blackbird 59 Perceive Copyright PuzzleJunction.com 7 Urban haze 36 ©2021 Welsh dog 62 Elephant grp.

Oust Kind of surgeon Missouri feeder Tolkien creatures Round building Honeydew, e.g.

Bring in the sheaves Glitch Caught some Z’s Whig’s rival

Copyright ©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

©PuzzleJunction.com

Sudoku Solution last week's Puzzle Answers

Solution

1 5 2 9 4 6 8 1 7 3 Solution 5 4Sudoku 2 3 9 4 78 27 1 5 4 6 8 9 3 5 6 47 58 9 1 6 2 3 2 1 7 8 69 81 3 4 1 5 5 7 2 9 4 96 42 2 3 5 8 1 8 6 3 7 13 39 6 6 9 7 7 4 5 8 2 8 7 5 2 6 3 9 4 1 5 6 7 3 4 1 8 2 9 Find your nearest 9 5 4 6 3 Vendor at 2 1 8 7 StreetWise 3 9 4 8 2 6 7 1 5 www.streetwise.org 3 5 1 8 2 9 6 7 4

4 7 9 1 3 6 2 5 8

8 2 6 7 4 5 3 9 1

6 9 8 5 1 3 7 4 2

7 3 2 6 9 4 8 1 5

Crossword Across 1 Speck in the ocean 6 In the thick of 10 Amorphous mass 14 Primed 15 Lymph bump 16 Rake 17 Combat gear 18 Warner Bros. creation, briefly 19 Toward dawn 20 Day break?

21 Parroted 23 Kind of ray 24 Oklahoma city 25 Dressed 27 Tranquil 30 Computer generated copy 34 Spencer of film 60 Destiny 35 Gift tag word 62 Perpetually 36 Maori war 63 Party pooper dance 64 Manner of 37 Sphere speaking 38 Fore-and-aft65 Alluring rigged vessel 66 No Einstein 39 Pub fixture 67 Recesses 40 Beaks 42 Song of praise Down 43 Migratory 1 Farsi-speaking birds land 45 Versions 2 Antitoxins 47 Stock units 3 Light source 48 Steel 4 Shogun’s ingredient capital 49 Brew 5 Dictatorship 50 In flames 6 Chipped in 53 Perjurer chips 54 La Brea goo 7 Kind of ring or 57 Baby elephant swing 58 Sign in a store 8 Promising window words

How StreetWise Works

Our Mission

Orientation Participants complete a monthlong orientation, focusing on customer service skills, financial literacy and time management to become a badged vendor.

Financial Literacy Vendors buy StreetWise for $0.90, and sell it for $2. The profit of $1.10 goes directly to the licensed vendor for them to earn a living.

Supportive Services StreetWise provides referrals, advocacy and other support to assist participants in meeting their basic needs and getting out of crisis.

S.T.E.P. Program StreetWise’s S.T.E.P. Program provides job readiness training and ongoing direct service support to ensure participants’ success in entering the traditional workforce.

©2021 PuzzleJunction.com

9 10 11 12 13 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33

Easy chair site Scope Student aid Evict Kind of blocker Bakery item Isle of ___ Common Market letters Sing like Bing Not stiff Backgammon piece Missed the mark Jewish spiritual leader School dances Horse opera Imperial decree Records

35 Errol of “Robin Hood” fame 38 Spot remover?

41 Use a wok 43 Pickle 44 Musical gift 46 Hot temper 47 Adriatic, e.g.

49 Numbers game 50 Whizzes 51 Best-loved, these days 52 Holly 53 Starring role 54 Small combo 55 In a frenzy 56 Butts 58 Kooky 59 Country club figure 61 Commotion

Solution

THE PLAYGROUND

To empower the entrepreneurial spirit through the dignity of self-employment by providing Chicagoans facing homelessness with a combination of supportive social services, workforce development resources and immediate access to gainful employment.

PuzzleJu

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