Changes in latitude, changes in attitude. Jimmy Buffet said it best. I know everyone needs a change of scenery during Chicago’s long, cold, dark, winters and I feel their pain.
Luckily, we were able to make it back to Palm Beach and in a week, I already felt like I’d been away for a month. It’s a great feeling. It’s no wonder people in warmer climates tend to live longer. These days, coming from Chicago to Palm Beach is like slipping into another dimension-one that seems cleaner, free of crime, and then there’s the palm trees, of course. I’ve been coming down here with my Mom before I met Chuck. Miami Beach was our go-to spot. I always forced her out of her comfort zone and she loved it. I took her to
the Delano when it first opened, Vizcaya, Bal Harbor (often) – we did it all and I cherish those memories. And then Chuck and I started going there after we were married, and I don’t think there was a club we missed. You know he lives to
dance, lol, but he was always a good sport about it. Now, Palm Beach is where we love to spend time when we can (thank you dear Leslie Hindman). It’s not as stodgy as it used to be, with lots of young blood and beautiful people flocking there in season. There are more restaurants opening and the climate can’t be beat. The place is definitely a mood elevator and it saves your sanity in more ways than one. We enjoyed some great restaurants like Swifty's (where GM
Robert Caravaggi was celebrating the debut of the book "Mortimer's, Moments in Time"); La Goulue (which feels more like Paris than Paris); BrickTop's and our favorite, Pizza al Fresco. We even saw
the famous pig Mona Lisa (a service pig owned by Dee and Nick Adams ). They live in that fabulous Mizner home right on Worth Avenue. He's a descendant of President John Adams, don't ya know! Anyway, a highlight was a visit to Mar-a-Lago, thanks to dear friends of ours Kim Renk Dryer and Greg Dryer. It has always been on my bucket list and did not disappoint. Former President Trump bought the property, a national historic landmark, in 1985 and has kept a lot of the decor from former owner Marjorie Merriweather Post, right down to a Marie Antoinette tapestry! Since 1994, the 126-room, 62,500-square-foot
mansion (that was built in 1924) has become the Mar-a-Lago Club, a members-only club with guest rooms, a spa and other
hotel-style amenities. (1100 S. Ocean Blvd.) On the night we visited, it was "disco night" and lo and behold, the former President and First Lady came to watch the action. They stayed to hear "YMCA" (lol!) but left shortly afterwards. For the rest of our stay, we soaked up the sun and splashed in the pool. A truly life-affirming trip in every way. It's become our happy place.
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The Service Club of Chicago brought back a much-loved tradition, their 2nd annual Valentine's Day Tea! Back in the day, this idea was brilliantly brought to life by the
much-loved man-about-town, Bunky Cushing who hosted the event every year, usually at the Ritz, and always benefiting the Howard Brown Health Clinic. Women (and some men) would clamor for the coveted invites to this well publicized event. The invites always insisted on red attire, with Bunky clad in his signature bow tie. I loved seeing the ladies there, all dressed
up, and bubbling over with excitement. The event was always covered in every social magazine as well as this Blog. For the second year, The Service Club of Chicago has continued this “sweet” tradition. The bright, airy Atrium at the Ritz was filled with over 60 guests, all wearing red and every shade of
pink. President Jean Antoniou welcomed all by saying “Please know how much you are appreciated. On a cold February day, you put on your red, bought your tickets, and came out to support Service Club like you always do! Thank you." A wonderful raffle allowed ticket buyers to “choose the item” they wanted to win, and the tickets sold
fast and furious. Prizes ranged from a Fumee Claire candle basket to a glam gift basket from Dr. Stacie McClane to an exciting dinner for 8 planned and executed by Second City Prime, a top steak and seafood purveyor, who also provided/donated gift certificates and packets of seasonings for every goody bag! Champagne flowed and guests celebrated old and new friendships. Attendees were already talking about “next year.” Designed as a new event to fill the winter months, the Valentine’s Day Tea was, again, quite the success. Co-chaired by Bobbi Panter, Kathy Piccone, Heather Spyra and Myra Reilly, this year’s event raised
over $26,000. The nonprofit's mission is to assist, improve and expand upon nonprofit agency programs in the Chicagoland area. Its grant recipients operate in the areas of social service, cultural, educational, and civic fields and serve children, elderly, the abused and neglected individuals in our community. The Service Club of Chicago is an all-volunteer women's organization founded in 1890. Mark your calendars now for the SC's popular Spring Hat Luncheon on Monday, May 8, co-chaired by Bethany Florek, Whitney Reynolds and Julia Jacobs, and the exciting Day on the Terrace Fashion Show & Luncheon on Monday, August 7, co-chaired by Jean Antoniou, Sharyl Mackey and Tracey Tarantino DiBuono, (All event details here).
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The Chicago Auto Show’s First Look for Charity gala brought in more than $2.5 million to benefit 18 local charities on February 10. This amount exceeded last
year’s fundraising efforts by $1 million! The black-tie event is always held the evening before the auto show opens its 10-day public run, and raised $2,520,465, bringing the 31-year total funds raised to $60 million. “First Look for Charity is one of Chicago’s finest one-day fundraisers and we are thrilled to have such a great
turnout this year to support the charities,” said Kevin Keefe, 2023 Chicago Auto Show chairman. “On behalf of the Chicagoland new-car dealers, we couldn’t be prouder to host this benevolent event that directly impacts our communities.” As the name of the event implies, those who attended ‘First Look for Charity’ are part of the premier viewing of each year’s Chicago
Auto Show. This year's event featured almost 1000 vehicles on display. Tickets to the fundraiser were $275 each, and purchasers could elect to have their proceeds equally benefit all participating charities, or any one charity of their choosing. For the event, the auto show floor was
replete with live entertainment and a variety of gourmet food and beverage stations. A highlight of the evening was the drawing for the event’s grand prize vehicles: a 2023 Honda CR-V Hybrid and a 2023 Subaru Crosstrek, compliments of the Chicagoland and Northwest Indiana Honda dealers and
Chicagoland Subaru dealers. The first winner, Patty R., Chicago resident and Misericordia supporter, said “First Look for Charity is one of my favorite events! I have been eyeing the CR-V for a few years. [I am] happy to see it is a hybrid
and now it's mine!" Winning the 2023 Subaru Crosstrek was Eddie H. of Chicago. “Thank you to Subaru for donating to such a wonderful charitable event. My family and me are thrilled to be the lucky winners.” The 2023 First Look for Charity beneficiaries included: 100
Club of Illinois; Advocate Health Care; the ALS Association Greater Chicago Chapter; Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago; Boys & Girls Clubs of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago; Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Joliet; Franciscan Community Benefit Services; Glenwood Academy; Habitat for Humanity; Jesse White Tumbling Team; Lydia Home & Safe Families for Children; and Misericordia; New Star; Special Olympics Illinois; Susan G. Komen, Chicago and Turning Pointe Autism Foundation.
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A few protestors didn’t dim the enthusiasm or excitement for The Joffrey Ballet’s opening night performance of “Anna Karenina” on Wednesday, February 15. It was a full
house at the Lyric Opera House for this haunting, sensual, romantic and tragic story based on Leo Tolstoy’s novel about an affair between a married woman and a dashing count in late 19th century Russia. Yuri Possokhov’s adaptation of this Tolstoy story, with original composition by Ilya Demutsky, opened with a quote by
Tolstoy: "Nothing can make our life, or the lives of other people, more beautiful than perpetual kindness." An announcement followed: “Tolstoy's compelling words still ring true. He reminds us that the more thoughtful we are, the more compassion we can find in others. The Joffrey Ballet holds all Ukrainians in our hearts as we hope for a better world and an end to
oppression for all people. We dedicate this performance to the people of Ukraine.” The performance then began with the Lyric Opera Orchestra playing “Melody” by Ukrainian composer Myroslav Skoryk. On this night, the magnificent Victoria Jaiani played the lead role as Anna Karenina. Now that we’ve seen her, we couldn’t imagine another
playing this role. She is from Tbilisi in the Republic of Georgia and her haunting looks and fluid movements make you wonder if she even has a skeleton. She was perfectly partnered by Dylan Gutierrez (as Alexey Karenin, her husband) and Alberto Velazquez (as Count Alexey Vronsky, her lover). The stage designs were
striking and spare but still dramatically portrayed the settings where the story took place: a train station, racecourse and a field in the countryside, replete with ‘haystacks.’ The dancers were dressed in burnt orange, red and dark shades of blue by designer Tom Pye. The ballet’s choreographer, Yuri Possokhov, was born in Luthansk, Ukraine, and trained in
Moscow before joining the Bolshoi Ballet. His beautiful, spare version of Tolstoy’s epic tale is a jointly commissioned production by Chicago’s Joffrey Ballet and the Australian Ballet. Seen on the seen were George Jewel, Ken Norgan, Marina and Dr. Arnold Tatar (who were live music sponsors), Bill and Shelley
Farley, Dia Weill, Anne Kaplan, John P. Walcher, Cheryl Tama-Oblander, Harriet and Irwin Ross, Rob LoPrete and David Germaine-LoPrete, Bill Drendel, Leslie and Bob Zentner, James Kinney and Brian White, Pierre Desy and Michele Desjardins and former Joffrey dancer Temur Suluashvili, who was in the audience cheering on his prima ballerina wife Victoria. On opening night, the production received four curtain calls, and deservedly so. Scott Speck, the Joffrey Ballet’s Music Director (who conducted the Lyric Opera Orchestra) presented Victoria with flowers before their bows. (“Anna Karenina” at the Lyric Opera House, 20 N. Wacker, now through February 26, Joffrey.org, 312.386.8905. Tickets start at $36) Don’t miss it!
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Welcome to the inaugural “Candid Candace – The Podcast”! In this first edition, I share my hopeful vision of Chicago as one of its biggest cheerleaders, with event news, nonprofit record-breakers and where to go next. I chat with civic leader/philanthropist John Robak who gives some great advice for “giving back” as well as the beloved founder of Chicago Antique Market Randolph Street, Sally Schwartz. Sit back, relax and enjoy this front row seat to what’s happening in the Windy City! (Produced by John St. Augustine, who is also a part-time co-host, with opening by Jenniffer Weigel) LISTEN HERE: https://candidcandacejordan.podbean.com/
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The AIDS Foundation of Chicago hosted its popular World of Chocolate fundraiser at Union Station on February 17. It was the first time since 2019 that guests were able
to gather in-person again for this Willy Wonka-esque event to support AFC. Over 20 chocolatiers presented their best sweets, savories and libations for a panel of judges and an appreciative crowd of over 1000. There was a dish to satisfy every sweet tooth. Everything from braised lamb topped with a chocolate, cardamon streusel (a dish that garnered two awards
for Executive Chef Marco Bahena of David Rubenstein Forum) to a delicious peanut butter and jelly toffee (a new creation from Terry’s Toffee). Other dishes included an Italian Sundae (that won two awards for The Ritz-Carlton Chicago); a chocolate rosemary Rice Krispie treat (Chicago Athletic Association); and chocolate “old-fashioned”
chicken and waffles (Black Rosie Pastries/Steel City Bakery). Al’s Cookie Mixx not only had delicious triple chocolate chip cookies but also a great story. Chef Alvin, whose son Aiden is autistic, combines his love of cooking with giving back by providing employment opportunities for adults in the community with special needs. Besides the
participating vendors, guests also enjoyed a light buffet, an open bar, and a raffle and punch-board filled with prizes for lucky winners. DJ Moose provided background music for the night. Glen Pietrandoni and John Peller, AFC president/CEO, welcomed guests and announced the winners. Seven local media personalities, food writers and chefs—Valerie Beck, Richard
Dayhoff, Scott Duff, Paul Lisnek, Victoria LePinske and Art "Chat Daddy" Sims, Rey Rodriquez, and moi—judged the participating vendors in six categories. Partygoers had their say, too, with the People’s Choice Award. Winners include: Best Small Business: David Rubenstein Forum; Best Large Business: Ritz Carlton; Best Libation: JoJo’s Shake Bar; Best Savory: David Rubenstein Forum; Best Sweet: Amy’s Candy Bar; Best Sculpture: Chef Blaque – Black Rose Pastries; People's Choice: Ritz Carlton. (A full list of 2023 Chocolatiers can be found here.) In the past, the event was typically held in December to commemorate World AIDS Day, a celebration of local, national and global progress the HIV/AIDS community has made to end the epidemic. The event raised $250,000 to support AFC’s mission to end HIV/AIDS cases in Illinois and to support those who are living with the disease by providing housing, medical and food services, advocacy and more. (aidschicago.org)
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Special thanks to Catie Keogh ("Let's Go With Catie Keogh") for including me on her WLS-890 podcast recently! It was a lovefest for Chicago with these cool ladies: Segment 1: Wendy Altshuler (Travel Writer for Forbes, TripSavvy, Foder’s Travel and more. Author of Perfect Day Chicago! Her book, Perfect Day Chicago, is full of itineraries, you can spend the day exploring the lakefront, wandering through the first planetarium in the
Western Hemisphere, cheering in the second-oldest ballpark, dancing at one of the more than 70 music festivals, or seeing a performance in a live theater venue; Segment 2: Amanda Puck, Director, Strategic Brand Development for Mariano's. She is a recognized leader in the hospitality, event and communications space. She was the Managing Partner of Spago Restaurant and also the two-time Emmy Award winning host of “Check, Please” on WTTW Channel 11 for its first two seasons in 2001 and 2002 and ran her blog called The Foodarazzi; Segment 3: Dominique Leach, BBQ G.O.A.T Award-Winning Chef Black Woman Pit Master, Wagyu Dog retail product in-stores, Owner of @lexingtonbettysmokehouse 756 East 111th Street in Chicago. Also a contestant on The Food Network’s CHOPPED “Playing with Fire.” I was the last guest. Listen here for some great tips on how to enjoy our beautiful city!
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Michael Kutza, the founder of the Chicago International Film Festival, is on a whirlwind tour with his new book, "Starstruck: How I Magically Transformed Chicago into Hollywood for More Than Fifty Years." In one of his latest Q&As, I had the pleasure of interviewing him at the Union League Club. (Enjoy this snippet below and watch longer version here.)
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JARS by Fabio Viviani is now open in the West Loop! Created by celebrity chef and 'Top Chef' alum, Fabio Viviani, JARS is a dessert experience like none other: one that combines nostalgically classic flavor combinations with the
most creative presentations imaginable. The menu will feature decadent treats, pies, and desserts from all over like tiramisu, cannoli, cakes, classic pies, s’mores, and other American staples – all served in eye-catching reusable jars. A family-friendly, Instagram-ready concept, JARS will have something to satisfy every type of sweet tooth. The grand opening celebrations will take place from Monday, February 27th - Monday, March 6th at the West Loop location - 905 W Fulton St, Chicago. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
“When one is tired of London,” said Samuel Johnson, “one is tired of life. Because there is in London all that life can afford.” English composer William Boyce knew Mozart, who composed his first symphony in the city when he was only eight years old. Handel’s Water Music was composed for the “stage” of the River Thames. And Haydn wrote his Clock Symphony for a grand performance in the city’s main concert hall. All of these pieces will be included in Music of the Baroque’s “London Calling” concerts with Principal Guest Conductor (and London resident) Nicholas Kraemer. Final performances will be held at the Harris Theater, Feb. 27, and OnDemand on March 3, beginning at 10 a.m. (For tickets and more info, click here. ______________________________________________________________________________________________________
The 2023 Dream Awards honors individuals who have achieved their dreams in their careers in media, arts and entertainment. The event will be held on Saturday, June 10 at the Center for Performing Arts Theater at Governor State University (1 University Park, IL). My heart is grateful and full to be honored with the evening's Excellence in Media Award. Other honorees include Hosea Sanders (Media & TV); George Daniels (Living Legend); Joan Collaso (Visionary); Jayne Kennedy Overton (Icon); Tracey Bell (Trailblazer); Tony Caseau (Luminary); Billy Brown (Lifetime Achievement) and Gene Chandler (Living Legend). The event wil be hosted by Robin Robinson ❤️, with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Jazz Institute Of Chicago to assist students in music. Thank you Mable Buckner !
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Chicago Public Library Foundation will host “Night in the Stacks”! The hippest party at Chicago Public Library is back on April 14 (7pm – 11pm). Grab your friends, co-
workers and family members for a night of dancing, drinking, and socializing with fellow library lovers around the city. After three years, the Chicago Public Library Foundation’s Associate Board is bringing back Night in the Stacks! Get ready to be part of history as they celebrate the Library’s 150th birthday in the Winter Garden. Join them in the Harold Washington Library Center (400 S. State Street). Dance to live music from DJ Rex Balcita. Enjoy an open bar. Dress to impress and take a spin in front of the 360-degree glam cam. Ticket price: $125; Dress code: Bold and Colorful Cocktail Attire; this is a 21 and older event. All info here!
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The College of DuPage (COD) Foundation, in support of the McAninch Arts Center (MAC) and the Cleve Carney Museum of Art (CCMA), hosted their “For the Love of
Warhol: A Night at Studio 54” benefit gala in Downers Grove on Feb. 18. The event attracted more than 330 guests and raised nearly $200,000, to support the Major Exhibition Fund of the College of DuPage Foundation dedicated to presenting future exhibitions, most notably, the upcoming “Warhol: Featuring Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop / Works from the Bank of America” presented by Bank of America
and hosted by the MAC and CCMA (June 3 - Sept. 10, 2023). The event was chaired by Marcie Peterson with committee members Sharon D’Alessandro, Kim Dorn, Amy Frese, Jameena Ivory, Maryellen Klang, Karen Kuhn, Nancy Lehrer, Diana Martinez, Janie Oldfield, Paul Pyrcik,
Barb Reimann and René Richards. “Andy Warhol” assembled his stunningly-dressed “entourage” of dancers from the Chicago Movement Collective on the stairs before they disco-strutted through the reception ushering gala guests into dinner. Once seated, guests received a special pre-dinner welcome from COD President Dr. Brian Caputo. Following dinner, guests were treated to an
overview of what to expect at the multi-faceted “Warhol” exhibit by CCMA Curator Justin Witte, and a peek into the many exciting summer 2023 community programs and events inspired by the exhibit by MAC Director Diana Martinez. COD Vice President,
Institutional Advancement Walter J. Johnson then stepped into the spotlight to lead the paddle raise and live auction which featured top ticket items of a luxury weekend test ride of a LUCID (an all-electric sports sedan), a catered champagne brunch for ten, a week in
Vail and more. The evening wrapped up with a jaw-droppingly authentic performance by CHER tribute artist Lisa McClowry, followed by the chance for everyone to cut some disco moves of their own on the dance floor. The Warhol exhibit will feature 94 original screen print works from “Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop”, on loan through Bank of America’s Art in our Communities® program from June 3-10 at the CCMA (Cleve Carney Museum of Art, 425 Fawell Blvd., Glen Ellyn, IL , theccma.org)
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The 2nd Annual Culinary Futures Fundraiser benefiting No Matter What will be held on Sunday, March 5 at Zhou B. Art Center in Bridgeport. The evening will feature delicious bites prepared and served by Chicago Public School (CPS)
students (from Charles A. Prosser Career Academy, Neal F. Simeon Career Academy, Roberto Clemente Community Academy, and others), an open bar, live music, and a silent auction – all to support the youth of Chicago’s community. No Matter What is a nonprofit founded by Kenneth Griffin (do we miss him or what?!) dedicated to the youth of Chicagoland. Guests will enjoy a live performance from two-time GRAMMY nominee John Primer, the former bandleader and guitarist for Muddy Waters, Willie Dixon, and Magic Slim & The Teardrops. Tickets for the event are $125. (Zhou B. Art Center,1029 West 35th Street. For more info and to purchase tickets or a sponsorship, please click here.)
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For fans and friends of Playboy and Dolores Del Monte, this is sad news. Miss March 1954, one of the magazine’s oldest Playmates passed away on February 10 (a month shy of her 91st birthday!) surrounded by loved ones. She appeared in Issue No. 4 of Playboy
magazine and, in a story she shared with New York Magazine, Dolores said that she was an “aspiring actress from Spokane who agreed to do some ‘figure modeling’ for a calendar.” Somewhere between home and the photographer’s studio, she realized it probably meant sans clothing, but it was $50 for an hour of work, so she said all right. She was in relatively exclusive company, having followed Marilyn Monroe’s debut centerfold by only a few months, but Del Monte, who got
married and had three children not long after her nude pictures were taken, didn’t realize they had ended up in Playboy until her son pointed them out years later. The photo shown here was published by Champion Line and is
entitled “Radiant Beauty.” Del Monte began her modeling career in 1951 posing for the legendary photographer Bruno Bernard and the acclaimed pin-up painter Zoe Mozert. A year later Del Monte quit modeling. In 1954, her pin-up photo was offered to Playboy. Though Bruno Bernard shot it, the centerfold credited the John Baumgarth Company of Melrose Park, Illinois. When Del Monte received a letter asking permission to use her likeness she assumed Playboy was a standard pin-up magazine, and the images requested were from a shoot she recalled where she wore a leopard pattern bathing suit. As long as I knew her, she was always proud of her Playboy background and appeared at many Glamourcons (fan conventions) signing memorabilia and sharing tales of her past association with Hefner and Playboy. We will miss you dear Dolores. (Note, Larry Armstrong, one of Dolores' longtime friends, tells me that she was the #3 Playmate as Marilyn Monroe was NOT considered a Playmate but rather "Sweetheart of the Month.")
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Second City Prime, a purveyor of fine meat and seafood, hosted a tasty Weber Grills/ Wagyu Steak Tasting at its warehouse in Northbrook recently. Fans and friends drove from across the city to attend and stock up on items that included Wild-Caught Chilean Sea Bass, Bone-In Berkshire Pork Chops, Spanish Iberico Pork, Amish-Raised Poultry, Wild-Caught Norwegian Salmon, Japanese and Australian Wagyu Beef, South African Cold-Water Lobsters, Wild-Caught Caribbean Red Snapper, Colorado Rack of Lamb....well, you get the picture. (Their UMAMI secret sauce is to die for!) SCP carries the highest quality of products as you can see. Seen on the scene were friends Mark Olley and Jim Ellsworth, Chilli Pepper, Myra Reilly, Jonathan Tam, Frank and Michael Cucco and so many others. Congrats, w/ love, to Chris and Susie Maloyan and Jimmy Place!
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Reminder to please mark your calendars! I hope you will join Giordano Dance Chicago (and me) on Saturday, April 1, when we celebrate this amazing dance company's 60th anniversary! Following an exhilarating performance at the Harris Theater , we will celebrate ONSTAGE with the dancers, friends and supporters! The event will honor Ben Hodge and Mort Kessler. I'm proud to chair this exciting event and want to thank all who agreed to be on this important host committee! Names listed below! (For tickets, and more info, please visit: https://www.giordanodance.org/gala, Creative Black-Tie)
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Thank you Cook County Treasurer Maria Pappas for introducing me to Pastor John Harrell, co-founder of Black Men United. If you aren't familiar with this group,
you should know about them. They are working hard to do good in their community, donating much needed supplies, food and spreading positivity and hope. I met the Pastor through the Treasurer and it opened my eyes to BMU, a group that is working behind the scenes to "be a part of the change you want to see in the world" (their mantra). Please check them out at BlackMenUnitedUSA.org. Congrats to all the BMU team who work will all people for progress.
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Mark your calendars for Chicago's best loved market, Randolph Street Market is set to come roaring back to its newly redesigned space at Plumber's Hall (1341 W. Randolph) on Memorial Day Weekend, May 27-28! This event will celebrate RSM's 20th anniversary! Congrats, with love Sally Schwartz! Long may you reign! _______________________________________________________________________
That's it for now! It's been a delight "chatting" with you! I hope you've enjoyed all the news from around town (and beyond). As you can see, Chicago is BACK and we are finally moving forward! Congrats to all the change-makers who are ensuring we're on the right trajectory! Please make sure to send along any news you would like me to share to [email protected]. I always love hearing from you! And, if not a subscriber, please sign up here! If you're interested in advertising on this fabulous website that reaches everyone you want to reach, please send a request to this email and I will send you all the details! I would love to have you!
Love,
Candace
P.S. And, as always, something to leave you with a smile.
