Plus: Norma zooms into the Chicago Costume Council funder; Illinois Holocaust Museum's virtual Humanitarian Awards; Girls in the Game's (virtual) Field of Dreams Gala; Chicago Star lights up the Windy City; Steak 48 teams up with Common Threads; The Landan Twins want to help; Richardson Adventure Farm's first ever TULIP FESTIVAL!; Dining in the Dark, a new pop-up culinary experience; Cindy McCain keynotes Rush Woman's Board Luncheon; Back to the movies (what's open NOW?); Jurassic Quest is BAAACCKKK!; The Pendry Chicago set to open mid-May; PAWS Chicago's High Rollers Bingo; The Service Club is "Desperately Seeking Fashion"; ULBGC Ring Lardner Awards; "The Happy Magic Chair" makes its debut; Bear Tie Ball "Untied"; Ingalls' Fashion Reveal; Event updates; Randolph Street Market premieres in Three Oaks!; Memories of Hef on his 95th heavenly birthday; Fun videos and SOOO much more!
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Can't you feel it? Along with Spring, comes a rebirth for Chicago too. It's been over a year now since the horrors of the pandemic began and we are all ready to begin anew without the P word hanging over our heads. I'm thrilled to hear laughter pouring out of our beleaguered restaurants and bars and I loved, loved, loved seeing a few lucky people at the Cubs opener. I'm so glad to see people back in movie theaters again too, albeit socially
distanced. (Godzilla vs Kong is fabulous at AMC River East (600 N. Michigan), a great surprise ending, as is Courier with Benedict Cumberbatch). I think good weather and sunshine are powerful healers as well as having Covid shots opened up for everyone now (aged 16 and older). As of April, data from the CDC tallied over 150,000,000 vaccine doses were administered across the U.S. I know I'm feeling safer and had no qualms whatsoever about getting away for a vaca in February. Recently, I even renewed our passports and made sure we had vaccine certifications just in case. Who knows the places we all might go when things really open up for good? Right? I know we've been dreaming of "getting back to normal" for a long time now but I fear our ideas of normal might never return.
Already, nonprofits have seen the benefits of having virtual events at no-to-low costs, opening up their mission to people they would've never reached before, having easier access to celebs and entertainment who only need to
zoom in and having the ability to be very creative--all assets in this brave, new world. Granted, in-person events are slowly returning too, but the packed ballrooms of old might be a thing of the past--along with handshakes. I think our future events will be fabulous hybrids with virtual and in-person components combined. I know we have all learned a lot of new tricks this past year, like the importance of a good ring light, having a great background and comfortable sweat pants. And honestly, I don't think I'll ever be able to wear my high heels again. (But you know I'll try!) As I mentioned in my last blog, I cleared my closet of overly fancy gowns and dresses. If and when they ever come back again, I believe the look will be outer space chic so they wouldn't work anyway. I have learned the importance of a great book and have been reading now
more than ever! Even though I'm not a big history buff, Erik Larson's (of "Devil in the White City" fame) recent book, "The Splendid and the Vile: A Saga of Churchill, Family, and Defiance During the Blitz," was riveting. I couldn't put it down....Another great book is, "The Rose Code" by Kate Quinn. It's based on true stories of those wacky, wonderful, wise, secret-keeping code-breakers of England's Bletchley Park during WWII. And although my reading skills have increased during the past year, my cooking skills, sadly, have stayed the same. My sister-in-law, Nancy Steinwald,
gifted me with a wonderful cookbook (bless her heart, she's
trying to help), and it's healthy and easy with mouth-watering Mediterranean recipes ("The Mediterranean Diet: Cookbooks for Beginners" by registered dietician/nutritionist Elena Paravantes. (I made the vegetarian paella, sooo good). And even though I've enjoyed this time at home with Chuck, I am ready to rumble! I miss social interaction almost more than breathing. For a Gemini and an only child, social interaction is a life-affirming necessity for me. I need hugs, I need to kiss, I need to embrace humanity again. So, if you see me, you better cross the street.
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The Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum hosted a fascinating discussion, "New Year, New You" with legendary fashion designer Norma Kamali recently. She discussed her new book, "I Am Invincible" and shared so many valuable tips for surviving and thriving through the decades as well as helpful advice for living a healthy lifestyle. The zoom presentation opened with welcoming remarks from Justina Doyle, the Museum's member relations manager. Michelle Bibergal, Costume Council president, thanked sponsors and introduced the event sponsors--Presenting Sponsors were Liz Stiffel, Richard and Diane Weinberg and Lee Blackwell Baur and
Designer's Circle Sponsors were Mary Jo Basler, Courtney Hopkins, Maggie M. Morgan, Karen Peters, Mary Shearson, Dusty Stemer, Mary Kay Touhy and Karen Zupko. CC development chair Maggie Morgan spoke about the "Head to Toe" giving campaign that, to date, has raised over $35,000 to preserve the Museum's collections, that include Norma Kamali pieces. She shared Kamali's exciting history and achievements that
included being one of the first designers to launch e-commerce; designing the iconic swimsuit for the famous Farrah Fawcett poster (which is now in the Smithsonian); being one of the first designers to ink a deal with Walmart to create a collection of classics all priced under $20; seeing her "Sleeping Bag Coat" included in the Met Costume Institute's exhibit; creating a high-heeled sneaker that
was featured in a Met Costume Institute "Extreme Beauty" exhibition; creating some of the first athleisure wear with her "Sweats" collection and so much more. She has always been ahead of the trends because, as she
says, she "likes to live in the moment." In her 50s, she sold everything she had including a fabulous NYC mansion that used to be part of the Woolworth estate. She wanted to free herself of her belongings so she could be "clear about her next direction in life." Her book, "I Am Invincible" came about as the result of a friend's 50th birthday. She wrote a notebook filled with tips about turning 50 and her publisher convinced her to expand it into a book. Her interest in a healthy lifestyle began during the AIDS epidemic when she lost so many friends to the disease. She then realized the importance of a healthy immune system so she immersed herself in learning about how to go about achieving this, including realizing the power of plants and herbs in our diets. In 1967, she opened her first Kamali store in NYC selling clothing brought from London. The next year, she began designing her own pieces. For her first fashion show, her friend Bette Midler narrated. So many celebs have been fans and bought her
clothing--Elvis, Raquel Welch, Sly Stone, John Lennon and Yoko Ono, Robert De Niro and Toukie Smith, JLo and more. She prides herself on the fact that she's never given away free clothes. At age 75, she looks a decade younger and her book
is a great guidebook on aging. She says, "At age 50, I believe everyone is at a point of reinvention. It's how you handle this turning point that dictates your future." She believes that the three pillars of a healthy lifestyle are "sleep, diet and exercise." She is preparing for her next decade and has found that the one thing women in their 80s, 90s and 100s have in common is that they ALL love to dance! Her book is fabulous and I highly recommend it. There are also dozens of recipes included as well. (Buy it here and support the Costume Council of the Chicago History Museum here!)
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The Illinois Holocaust Museum’s Annual Humanitarian Awards Dinner went virtual this year, with close to 2,000 people tuning in to hear the evening’s keynote speaker/activist and former NBA superstar Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Museum CEO Susan Abrams conducted
a conversation with Kareem who passionately addressed current issues surrounding hatred, suggesting “until all of us are free from fear, none of us are free from fear.” He added, “we have to act in ways that challenge, we cannot allow people to express [hatred] without being challenged.” Kareem is a Medal of Freedom recipient, the author of over 14 books, raises awareness for
cancer and is proud of the fact that he's "been able to make a successful transition from basketball." His dad and grandfather were both police officers. He said, "Police officers can be a very positive force in any community but they have to have compassion for the people they serve. Misfortune and lack of opportunity make people do desperate things. When you don't respect the law because the law doesn't respect you, it becomes very
negative and a source of serious conflict." When asked
his message for the future? "Make friends with somebody who doesn't look like you." In addition to hearing Abdul-Jabbar’s insightful words, the Museum presented Humanitarian Awards to Scott Swanson, President of PNC Bank, Illinois and to the Exelon Corporation, accepted by Chris Crane, President, and CEO. Josh Hale, Big Shoulders Fund president/CEO, spoke about Swanson
saying, "He has a goodness in him, a moral compass, that's deeply embedded in his trying to help others." In his emotional acceptance speech, Swanson spoke about his late father who passed last year. "I never heard him say a hateful word about anyone so I know first hand that it is possible to lead a life driven by the need for
tolerance and understanding. The time is now to be an upstander and help to make the world a better place." Each award recipient was recognized for their demonstrated commitment to making a positive difference, including educating current and future generations about the Holocaust and
the dangers of hatred, prejudice, and indifference. Zev and Shifra Karkomi were also honored posthumously with the Survivor Legacy Award, recognizing their vision and support in the creation of the Museum. (They were the first major donors.) The award was accepted by their daughter and board member Susie Karkomi and her husband
Marvin Leavitt. Susie shared, "Their mission was not only to honor the family members they lost, it was important for them that others learn about the horrors experienced by so many in the hope that educating future
generations would prevent such an atrocity from happening again." The Karkomi's longtime friend Maria Pappas (Cook County Treasurer) shared her thoughts about the giving couple too. The Humanitarian Awards Dinner, which raised over $2 million on this night, demonstrates the impact Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center plays in our local community and beyond. “The Museum is here to teach universal lessons that combat hatred, prejudice, and indifference, and to inspire audiences to be Upstanders who speak out for what is right – turning powerful lessons of history into positive actions for today." (Learn more here)
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Girls in the Game hosted its annual Field of Dreams gala virtually this year. Last year marked 25 years of GG helping girls find their voice, discover their strength and gain the confidence they need to be game-changers. Dedicated to the whole girl, GG programs encourage physical and emotional health to promote active minds, bodies and hearts. Last year's event celebrated the nonprofit's silver anniversary just weeks before lockdown orders were issued. This year's event was themed "25th Anniversary Plus One Online." Throughout the evening, guests heard
inspiring stories from some of the girls who have participated in GG's programs as well as from honorees who have changed the game for girls. Honorees included Sue Bird (WNBA Legend and United States Olympian); Jessica Mendoza (ESPN Broadcaster and United States Olympian) and Mary Ann Schaffer (Systems Chief Pilot, United Airlines). Mendoza won 9 Gold Medals in
softball, was the first female analyst to cover a major league post season baseball game and was the first woman analyst for a World Series broadcast. She spoke about how important it was to be a teammate. "Stop trying to fit in, appreciate who you are." Captain Schaffer has been with United Airlines for over 30 years, starting as an electrical engineer working on space programs. She graduated magna cum
laude in law in 2007 and became a United Airlines captain in 1997. One of her favorite things to do is mentoring. "We're always better together than we are as one." WNBA legend Sue Bird has won 4 Olympic Gold Medals, 4
WNBA Championships; 2 NCAA Championships and so much more. She is regarded as the world's premier point guard. She said, "There are so many positive takeaways from sports. I made new friends, learned how to set goals and not give up, how to get along with others, how to handle adversity and how I could grow and be challenged. Some of the greatest lessons in life, I learned through teamwork." The event exceeded its goal, raising over $265,000!! (To learn more about this wonderful nonprofit, click here!)
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I hope you've seen the latest edition (volume 1, no. 2) of Chicago Star! I'm so proud of how far we've come in just a few short months and so much more fun (and upgrades!) to come! We will be adding a nonprofit/ on-the-scene page when our beloved events come back so
please be sure to send me your event info! We're also going to celebrate, in our next issue, Chicago's return to "semi-normalcy" so stay tuned for that too! Also, where to go, what to do in the coming months, with some exciting unexpected suggestions for you. We've been very
lucky to have been included in the press with our "feel-good" newspaper--Thanks again to Fox-32's Sylvia Perez, WGN Radio's Anna Davlantes and Robert Feder for featuring us! Fred Weintraub, a legendary force in the TV/news business, has joined Chicago Star with his
podcast "The Worldly File" which is online now. Our Director of Brand Development, Jay Kopp, will be a regular guest on The Hannah and Fred Show too. So, we're spreading the love as fast as we can! I hope you will consider joining our family by subscribing here! Special thanks to our super-star influencers for being a part of our cover feature story, "Life in the Insta-Lane"--Jen Worman (@Red SolesandRedWine), Meiling Jin (@meilingjinxo), Ali Chanel (the first plus size Playboy Playmate (@AliChanel), Matt Rodriguez, NBC Today co-host (@rodriguesmatt) and Erica Eckman (@everythingerica). Join our family!
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Steak 48 Chicago will team up with Chef Art Smith's nonprofit, Common Threads, on Sunday, April 25 (11:30
am --12:30 pm). Chef Brian Key will demo how to create the perfect steak and give viewers tips and recipes for doing it at home. Steak 48 is donating 100% of the proceeds to Common Threads, an organization dedicated to providing cooking and nutrition education programs for kids (and families) across the country. They currently serve approximately 40,000 children, parents and educators. (To sign up, click here!)
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Congrats and thanks to the Landan Twins (Andrew and Jon), who are two of our city's biggest ambassadors! They have partnered with MyVintro, a new investing website that allows restaurants to pitch their ideas for funding to over 100 investors on the Illinois Restaurant Channel. The Landans say, "Pitch us your idea for your current restaurants, your idea for a new concept or your idea to re-concept your restaurant so we can get our friends to give you money and turn your dream into a reality! Check it out here and good luck!
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Thanks to Heather Spyra for alerting me to the Richardson Adventure Farm TULIP FESTIVAL, going on now! If there ever was a great road trip idea, this is it! Richardson Adventure Farm in Spring Grove, Illinois, is welcoming guests to its first ever Tulip Festival open now through May. 300,000 bulbs in 30 different varieties will provide a colorful backdrop for all your Insta-fun in addition to its beautiful lakeside location and seemingly endless amenities. The farm, established in 1836, offers visitors perks that include food trucks; free parking; walking trails; free games (giant checkers, jenga, cornhole and more); live music on Saturdays and Sundays; friendly dogs on leashes welcome; picnic tables; fall pumpkin patches; Christmas Tree Farm; live pig races; ORBiting (where you put yourself inside a giant, 11' ball, and roll and bounce down a slope); 700' zip line; goat walk; pedal trikes; 50' long slide; campfires; gift shop (with fresh donuts, fudge, popcorn, etc.); 50' tall observation tower and so much more! (The Farm's website predicts the tulips will be best from April 17- May 9 but check its Facebook page and website for updates. (We already have our visit planned!)
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The Pendry Chicago is set to open mid-May. Steeped in history and anchored in style, the hotel is set within the iconic 1929 Art Deco Carbide & Carbon Building in Chicago’s Loop. It's a modern-day luxury hotel that pays homage to both the past and the
present with contemporary, comfortable interiors, signature culinary and cocktail concepts and inspired gathering spaces throughout that embody the spirit of Chicago. Its Parisian-inspired Venteux brasserie is an oyster and champagne bar and cafe, all brought to life by the city's youngest Michelin-starred talent, Chef Donald Young. Boasting stunning 40-foot floor to ceiling windows and an intimate private dining room, it's the perfect spot for special celebrations. (More details/photos to come after I visit it for you!)
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An exciting new dining experience! Discover what goes on within the darkness with Dining in the Dark with The Secret Society's tasting experience (90 minutes) held at Masq at Hubbard Inn (110 W. Hubbard). Guests are encouraged to arrive masked as an ensemble of
assistants, wearing night vision goggles, serves a three course tasting menu paired with wine. As the description goes, "Cutting-edge cuisine will have your taste buds tingling. With luck, you will be initiated into the Secret Society provided you pass a few trivial tests and trials. Dress smart and pay attention, because you’re in for an inconspicuous induction like you’ve never seen before." Tickets are $89 per person, all info here.
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The Woman's Board of Rush University Medical Center will host its first virtual Spring Luncheon on Tuesday, May 11, featuring keynote speaker Cindy McCain, a humanitarian, business leader and chairperson of The McCain Institute. Co-chaired by Katie Frekko and Brooke Kuehnle, the luncheon will begin at 11:45 am with a musical welcome followed by introductions before a Q&A with McCain. Funds raised at the luncheon will be directed to Rush Medical Center’s education, research and community service programs, as well as to its 2021 principal project, The Woman’s Board Fund for Precision Oncology Research. (Event details, and more, here)
As of now, these are the movie theatres that are open! Let's go back to the movies! (List compiled by Chuck Jordan) OPEN: AMC Dine-In (600 N. Michigan, open Fri., Sat., Sun.); AMC River East 21 (321 E. Illinois); AMC Dine-In Block 37 (108 N. State, open Fri., Sat., Sun.), Showplace ICON at Roosevelt Collection with ICON-X (1011 S. Delano Ct. E), Landmark's Century Cinema Theatres (2828 N. Clark St.). CLOSED: Arclight Cinemas (closed permanently); IMAX Navy Pier (Navy Pier, closed permanently), Regal Webster Place (1471 W. Webster). (As of publication, these are the local theatres' standings. Please check websites before planning a visit.)
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THEY'RE BAAAAACKKKKK!!! More than 70 animatronic dinosaurs are ready to return from extinction to delight families and dino fans everywhere, as Jurassic Quest Drive Thru, the nation’s largest and most realistic dinosaur experience, returns to Chicago (to NOW Arena in Hoffman Estates), July 9-25. This fun-filled drive-thru experience has it all for fans of the Jurassic and Triassic Ages, from baby dinos held by its trainer to meet-and-greets, photo opps, a choose-your-own-audio adventure tour and more. Jurassic Quest's herd of animatronic dinos are displayed in
realistic scenes that allow guests to experience them roaring and moving as they drive through the tour. Jurassic Quest worked in collaboration with leading paleontologists to ensure each dinosaur was painstakingly replicated in every detail, from coloration to teeth size(!) to
textured skin, fur or feathers, drawing on the latest research about how we understand dinosaurs and ancient giants of the sea looked and moved. Although the drive-thru experience means visitors will stay safe inside their vehicles, they’ll still need to avoid the swinging tail of the 50-foot Spinosaurus and the gigantic grinning Megalodon! Tickets for Jurassic Quest are $49 per vehicle (8 people or less) and available at www.jurassicquest.com. An audio tour comes standard with every purchase (choose from two; special accommodations can be made for the hearing impaired) as well as a safari-style digital souvenir photo of your vehicle and family transported back in time via a Jurassic setting. Special souvenir packages and other add-ons can be purchased at check out. (The attraction follows all Covid-19 protocols. Police, military, medical personnel and first responders receive 10% off ticket prices with valid ID.) (We went last year and loved it although the car lines were very long!)
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And now for some beloved nonprofit updates:
PAWS Chicago will host High Rollers Bingo on Wednesday, April 28, 6 pm. Join them for 3
rounds of virtual bingo emceed by board member Fred from The Fred Show on 103.5 KISS FM. $20 for one card or $50 for three cards.
And a brand new event for PAWS Chicago, Fore PAWS: A Golf Outing Benefiting PAWS Chicago will take place on Monday, June 14 at Westmoreland Country Club. For info, click here!
Eversight Illinois' Gift of Sight Masquerade, themed Fantasea, will be held at the Peninsula Chicago on Wednesday, September 8, honoring community leaders Justine Fedak and Dr. Parag Majmudar. I'm proud to return as co-chair with Michael Caputo for this friend-raiser to help restore sight and prevent blindness. (Click here for info!)
The Service Club of Chicago will host its uber-popular hat luncheon, this year themed "Desperately Seeking Fashion." The event will be held at the Woman's Athletic Club (WAC) on Friday, May 21. To accommodate safety and distancing requirements, there will be 4 separate rooms of 50 people each, with guests sporting their finest millinery for what has become THE Hat Luncheon in Chicago! Co-chaired by Michelle Baker, Cathy Bell Bartholomay and Annette Findling, the hybrid event will be produced by Tracey Tarantino DiBuono (ZZAZZ Productions). The guest speaker will be Sandy Schreier, the famed fashion curator and historian. For tickets/more info, click here. The SC's next event, Day on the Terrace, will return on Monday, Aug. 2, co-chaired by Sharyl Mackey, Jean Antoniou and Tracey, whose ZZAZZ Productions will again produce the show. More details coming soon for DOT. (Chicago Star Media will be the proud media sponsor!)
The Center for Enriched Living will host a virtual Chef's Night on Monday, June 28. Watch website for details coming soon!
The Union League Boys & Girls Clubs will host the Ring Lardner Awards, honoring excellence in sports journalism via zoom on Thursday, April 29, 7 pm. All funds raised will go to ULBG, which has served the after-school development needs
of Chicago's youth for over 100 years. Since 2002, the program has honored writers and Chicago sports broadcasters who encapsulate the same "wit and warmth" of Lardner's writing. The Ring Lardner Awards represent journalists in three categories: Broadcast, Print, and Posthumous. This year’s honors include Chicago sports journalists Toni Ginnetti (former Chicago Sun-Times reporter, to be presented by current Sun-Times senior columnist Rick Telander); Dan Roan (current WGN TV sports anchor, presented by former WGN TV sportscaster Rich King); and Cooper Rollow (former Chicago Tribune sports editor, to be presented by former Chicago Tribune sports reporter Mike Conklin).
For the past 28 years, Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation has hosted the annual Bear Tie Ball. This event is the nonprofit's largest fundraiser of the year, empowering them to bring joy and hope to children battling cancer. Although this year looks different, families continue to need their support. On May 1, "Bear Tie Ball: Untied," a virtual event, will feature a video showcasing the families, kids, supporters and more. Please consider tuning in/donating or both, here.
The Ingalls Development Foundation will host "Promise of Hope Fashion Reveal," a virtual fashion show produced by ZZAZZ Productions. The event will take place on Sunday, April 18, 5-7 pm CST, to support its cancer research program. Register for FREE here!
Children's Place will celebrate 30 years of supporting Chicago's most vulnerable kids with its annual gala, this year honoring Alex Kotlowitz and Maria Woltjen. (Click here for details!)
"Games Galore” for The Chicago Lighthouse's Associate Board! Join them virtually on Wednesday, April 14 for virtual canasta. Purchase raffle tickets to win some great prizes, including a gold and diamond necklace by Dana Rebecca Designs and so much more! (Tickets and all info here.
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Friday, April 9 was Hugh Marston Hefner's 95th (heavenly) birthday. The memories I have of Playboy and Hef will last me several lifetimes and beyond. I've been dabbling on a book but who knows what will happen with it. All I know is that I miss him so and am so appreciative of the life he's given me. I wrote a sort of love letter to him here in Chicago Star Media. I hope you like it.
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Special thanks to Chicago State Foundation and its executive director Darrious Hilmon for featuring me on "5 Questions with...", a short video series that highlights both local and
national leaders and professionals. The series lives on their YouTube channel. My segment is below. (Chicago State Foundation advances the interest and welfare of Chicago State University by building relationships, securing philanthropic support and more. Read all about it here).
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With Art "Chat Daddy" Sims at a past event.
And special thanks to Art "Chat Daddy" Sims, for having me on his "The Real Chat Daddy Show" in honor of Women's History Month. It was a fun, free-wheeling interview with Art and his co-host K. Renee Mason. See segment below, my part comes in at 1:05, but it's all good!
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______________________________________________________________________ Illustrator Chris Walker, founder of Urbanime.
book, "The Happy Magic Chair" is out now and is a must-have for kids of all ages. It's a story written for children that know they are "magic" and to remind adults OF their magic. The character, Little Pea, beautifully realized by Chris, sometimes feels sad but she doesn't know why. Thanks to the Happy Magic Chair, she realizes that she has everything she needs already inside. (Buy it through publisher Balboa Press here and on Amazon). Enjoying Jennifer Sutton Brieva's special birthday at Le Colonial recently.
As you can see, things are heating up around town, especially with the return of many of our beloved nonprofit events! I know many are still virtual or hybrid but at least they're returning and are STILL HERE! This is very good news! And the La Scarola with Armando, Chuck and Michael Kutza.
same is true for our restaurants, slowly filling with smiling, happy faces. We've visited La Scarola, Gibson's, Le Colonial, RL, Ping Pong, Pizano's, Shaw's Oyster Bar and others, and have been so happy to see them safely filled with new and old customers. A special shout-out again to the Landan Twins for trying to advance restaurants' efforts through their new lending program (see details above). I hope you are successful with your vaccinations and that you're happy and healthy. Just remember, this too shall pass..... Love, as always, Candace P.S. I think cats are human..... |
