
3750 News May 2021
IMPORTANT UPDATES AND REMINDERS FROM THE BOARD
Building Updates
Don’t forget SHRED DAY, SATURDAY, JUNE 5th ,10AM-12Noon, in the Alley.
Security Cameras
Our Security Cameras update to high definition will begin soon. The delay is due to our check being lost in the mail. It really was! The update will not only allow better visuals, but the cameras will continue recording while we’re reviewing earlier video. With our current setup this was not possible.
Hospitality Suite
A glass block window has been installed in the bathroom and a some final proposals will be presented at the next Board Meeting. Thanks to Joan Craig (17F), her associate, Jacquelyn Morrison and Georgeanna Farr (15C) for their creativity, time and effort on this project. Jerry Hocker (10B), as always, is spearheading the project. Thank you Jerry Hocker, for all you do for us! The budget must be approved before we move forward, and it’s going to take a while even after we have the go ahead because of supply chain issues. Shooting for the Holidays, so keep your fingers crossed.
Freight Elevators
The Board is still waiting for bids for refurbishing the freight elevators. The RFPs were complex and the bids will take some time to complete and submit. We also must determine the the most economic way to have the job done…one elevator immediately after the other, one a year, two a year, etc.
Masks, yet again…
Yes. We’re even more tired of wearing them, @#$%$#@!, but things ARE getting better. We are just waiting for a “go” regarding multiple unit residences from the state and city. We are in touch with our lawyer regularly and as soon as we have the good news we’ll pass it on. Things are changing rapidly, as you know. Meantime, thanks for your patience and for being good citizens. You’ve been real troopers and the end is in sight. For now though, MASKS ON PLEASE in all our public areas.
Worth repeating… The CDC says that if you’ve received both vaccinations or the one from Johnson & Johnson, and two weeks have passed, it is safe to spend time unmasked in your home (or someone else’s) with a small group of friends and family who have also been vaccinated. It is also safe to see unvaccinated close family members in your home or theirs. Outside, masks off.
Natural Gas Contract
Thanks to Steve Ryder (12D) for all the research he did on evaluating the proposals and finalizing the renewal of the 3750 natural gas contract for the next two years. Kudos too to Claire Heideman, our Board President and Lindsey Shilling for helping Steve get it done.
Grace Street Planting
Looking good. The Grace Street side will be complete by mid June. Again, we have to thank Jerry Hocker for all his hard work on the planning, execution and upkeep of the 3750 gardens. They have never looked so good.
THE FUN STUFF!
Out of Doors, Finally!
Sydney Marovitz Golf Course
It’s a nine hole course right across the street. Go to sydneymarovitz.cpdgolf.com for information or call 773.661.0140
Tennis on the Lake
Tennis courts are also just across the street. Check out tennisonthelake.com for more information on lessons or how to just to set up a game. Call 773.278.8877
Grant Park and Ravinia are back. Check ravinia.org and grantparkmusicfestival.com for schedules and tickets.
Outdoor Farmers Markets
Listed below are some nearby:
Green City Market Lincoln Park-1817 N. Clark Saturday-7AM (south of the Zoo)
Nettelhorst French Market-3252 N. Broadway-Saturday-8AM (at Melrose)
Lincoln Square Farmers Market-N. Lincoln and W. Leland-Thursday 3PM
Uptown Farmers Market-4620 N. Broadway at Wilson- Wednesday-2:30
For the Total list – Google farmers market chicago.
VIEWING, LISTENING AND MEETING
Recommendations from Linda Stern 10G
VIEWING
Bloodlands – Acorn
Compelling and complex. Veteran detective Tom Brannick works on a series of notorious disappearances including his own wife’s 20 years ago. It’s a case that evokes Northern Ireland’s dark past and twists and turns throughout. You won’t expect the ending.
In Deep – Acorn
Lying, cheating, thieving – they’re the best undercover cops in the business. Nick Berry and Garth O’Halon take on false identities to infiltrate society’s underbelly and stop crime at its core. Extremely dangerous work and unsettling to them and their viewers.
George Gently – Acorn
An oldie but goodie. Inspector Gently, the incorruptible cop investigates brutal crimes of the 60’s. Less blood and guts than the two previous suggestions. George is the kind of cop we wish they all were..
On Prime Video…
The Underground Railroad
Join Cora Randall’s desperate bid for freedom in the Antebellum South. From Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel. This ten part series is getting raves. Critics suggest you don’t binge it.
The Durrells in Corfu
If you haven’t seen it, this is the story of Lawrence and Gerald Durrell’s family adjusting to their new home on Corfu. With not much money and plenty of nerve, the widowed Louisa Durrell
manages to keep the family going, growing and prospering in the end. A charming and delightful family story. The scenery is a plus. And we get to see how Gerald became a world famous naturalist.
LISTEN –
PODCASTS from Linda Stern (10G)
Consider This from NPR
Every weekday afternoon the hosts of All Things Considered help you make sense of a major news story and what it means to you. Just 15 minutes.
This American Life from NPR
Just what the title says…an ode to life’s daily practices: people starting over, the search for missing Native Americans, mind games and the trouble you can get into while playing them.
Stuff You Should Know
Your parachute won’t open. What do you do? How Hot Wheels work. Girl Scouts: More than a cookie, Speed Reading, How Limousines work, Garter Snakes, The Ivy League…you name it, they’ve got it.
Food with Mark Bittman – NEW
The New York Times columnist’s first weekly podcast interview is with Nigella Lawson. They’re talking about cooking during the pandemic, food snobbery an using less popular ingredients. Mark explains how the show will work in the intro and if you’re into cooking (or eating) it’s worth a listen.
PODCASTS from David Narwich 4B
And the music plays on… via two additional suggestions for PODCASTS… (readily available on all popular podcast platforms)
DECOMPOSED is a podcast that breaks down the stories that have shaped classical music, from secrets and scandals to acts of sheer genius. Hear stories accompanied by the symphonies, operas,and other masterpieces they inspired. Hosted by Jade Simmons, a classical concert pianist and storyteller, the first season of Decomposed takes on gender expectations. Cold War propaganda and the danger of putting your personal life on stage.
STICKY NOTES is a classical music podcast for everyone, whether you are just getting interested in classical music for the first time, or if you’ve been listening to it and loving it all your life. Interviews with great artists, in depth looks at pieces in the repertoire, and both basic and deep dives into every era of music. The podcast achieves its goal in proving that classical music is absolutely for everyone.
MEET – THE 3750 BOOK CLUB IS BACK!!
MONDAY, JUNE 21, AT 7PM IN THE GRACE STREET LOBBY
The selection for June is “American Dirt” by Jeanine Cummins.
“Lucia Quixano Perez lives in the Mexican city of Acapulco. She runs a bookstore. She has a son, Luca, the love of her life, and a wonderful husband who is a journalist. And while there are cracks beginning to show in Acapulco because of the drug cartels, her life is, by and large, fairly comfortable.
Even though they’ll never sell, Lydia stocks some of her all time favorite books in her store. And then one day a man enters the shop to browse and comes up to the register with a few books he would like to buy—-two of them her favorites. Javier is erudite. He is charming. And unbeknownst to Lydia, he is the jefe of the newest drug cartel that has gruesomely taken over the city. When Lydia’s husband’s tell-all profile of Javier is published, none of their lives will ever be the same.”
Join us for the lively discussion of this book.
All 3750 residents and their friends are welcome and registration is free.
CONTACT HEATHER ANDERSON (9H) 727.331.2580 or studio@andersonart.com.
THE MUSIC BOX THEATRE
3733 N. Southport Ave. (Just south of Grace )
Check out the link below and make your reservation for their virtual, in garden or in theater presentations.
DINING OUT
Blue Door Kitchen and Garden
52 W. Elm
A restaurant that has deviled eggs, pierogies and tomato soup as starters can’t be all bad.
Mortar & Pestle
3108 N. Broadway (only open Friday-Monday, 9AM-3PM, but what a menu!!
Foie Gras and Eggs, Alaskan King Crab Benedict, Heirloom Tomato Benedict, Cubano, Breakfast Fried Rice to name a few.
Breakfast House
3928 N. Sheridan Road and 3001 N. Ashland are closest to us. M-F 7AM-3PM, S & S 7:30AM-3PM
Breakfast and lunch only, but lots of choices: Chilaquiles, Huevos Rancheros, Chicken & Waffles, Salmon cake Benedict, Traditional Benedict, Paris Omelette, French Toast, Crepes…you get the idea.
EVENTS
Nothing on the calendar right now, but on Sunday, May 16th, 3750 was treated to a Seminar from Michelle Nichols, the Director of Public Observing at the Adler Planetarium. The subject was “The U.S. Mission to Mars: The Perseverance Rover”. It was terrific!! Michelle is extremely knowledgeable and her presentation was clear and compelling. Many thanks to Alice Ginsburgh (4A) for getting Michelle on board and to John McCarthy (9C) for the logistics. Approximately 40 people attended via Zoom. Can’t wait until we can have these events in person again. Especially the tastings!!
A cold (or hot) Asparagus Soup from Ann Harrison (16D)
Makes approximately 4 quarts
Ingredients:
2 1/2 lbs. asparagus
2 medium yellow onions, minced fine
2-3 ribs celery, leaves included, chopped
3-4 cloves garlic
1 quart chicken stock (preferably homemade)
8 oz. creme fraiche
8oz. Heavy cream or half and half
4 tbs butter
Salt and white pepper
Directions:
In a heavy kettle, melt the butter. Add the onions and celery and cook over medium heat until wilted and softened. Add the minced garlic and continue cooking until fragrant (about a minute).
Wash the asparagus and break off the woody ends of the stalks (the stalks will naturally break at the point where they become undesirable). Chop the asparagus into 1/2 inch pieces and add to the kettle along with the chicken stock.
Cook until the asparagus is tender, approx 20-30 minutes. (Cooking time depends on the thickness of the asparagus stalks. When the pieces are sufficiently soft that they give way when crushed along the side of the pot they’re done.)
Stir in the creme fraiche and cream. Using a blender or an immersion blender, purée the soup until very smooth. Taste for seasoning.
NOTES:
Several people with whom I’ve shared this recipe tell me it tastes excellent cold as well as hot.
It freezes beautifully. It’d better because I always make this amount, which is a lot, but you can halve the recipe.
GETTING TO KNOW YOUR NEIGHBORS
MEET NANCY AND RON BARSON – 2B
How long have you lived at 3750?
A very long time!
Where were you born and where did you grow up?
Nancy: Chicago, grew up in Lincolnwood
Ron: Chicago, grew up in Lakeview
What was your favorite vacation?
Both: Any of our cruises. Haven’t traveled much lately
Where would you like to go that you have never been?
Nancy: S. America
Ron: Australia
Which talent would you most like to have?
Nancy: A professional singer
Ron: Being a “Supreme Court Justice”
What is your most treasured possession?
Nancy: Anything my Mom gave me
Ron: 1881 silver dollars from my grandfather
What city would you like to live in if you didn’t live in Chicago?
Nancy: San Diego
Ron: San Diego or Honolulu
Who is the most famous person, either living or dead, that you’d most like to meet?
Nancy: Jacqueline Kennedy
Ron: Winston Churchill
Who is the most famous person you have ever met?
Nancy: Oprah at her show
Ron: Queen Elizabeth (Saw her in London. Not formally)What was your favorite concert?
Nancy: The Eagles, Bruce Springsteen and Paul McCartney
Ron: The Eagles
Who are your favorite authors?
Nancy: None in particular. I like books that I can’t put down
Ron: Clive Cussler
What is your favorite Chicago theater, if any? (Goodman, Steppenwolf, Steep, etc.)
Both: Steppenwolf. We’ve been subscribers for over 25 years.
What is your favorite restaurant in Chicago? Anywhere?
Nancy: Mon Ami Gabi in Chicago
Ron: Benihana in Honolulu
What is your most memorable meal – any time, any place?
Both: Right now since the pandemic it is just nice to dine out anywhere!
If you had to eat one food for the rest of your life, what would that be?
Nancy: Pasta or seafood
Ron: Pizza or pasta
What is your guilty TV pleasure?
Both: Many, many News Shows. Too many!
What have you binge watched, if anything?
Both: Schitt’s Creek, Ozark, The Queen’s Gambit
Nancy: The Crown
What is your classic film favorite?
Nancy: The Godfather “Trilogy
Ron: It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World
Do you have a contrarian position about something that almost everybody likes: (movie, play, book, etc.)
Both: No
What character or attribute in others do you most admire?
Nancy: Honesty and sense of humor
Ron: Subtlety
What profession other than your own would you like to try?
Nancy: Talk Show Host
Ron: Playing Pro Baseball
Thick or thin: 🙂
Both: Either!

