Category Archives: Andersonville
Crew’s 7th annual Kentucky Derby Party – Saturday May 7th
WHAT A BIG HAT YOU HAVE!
When it comes to horse racing’s premier event, THE KENTUCKY DERBY, the competition isn’t limited to the track itself.
The Kentucky Derby and its sister event, the Kentucky Oaks, are the only sporting events that are also fashion events.
Derby attendees spend as much time and money on their race-day apparel as they do at the betting window — maybe more! And Derby fashionistas are in a race to see who can be declared best dressed.
JOIN CREW!
Crew’s 7th annual
Kentucky Derby Party
Saturday May 7th
Hosted by Sofia Saffire
$4.00 Mint Juleps and
$12.50 Mimosa pitchers
(Photo Nick Adams from Guys and Dolls and Priscilla)
You pick the winning horse and we’ll buy you a drink!
Horse selection begins at 4:00 pm.
Best Hat Contest
1st place $75, 2nd place $50, 3rd place $25 Crew gift card!
See you at the races!
CREW BAR + GRILL 4804 N. Broadway Chicago, IL Phone: 773 784 CREW (2739)
BestGayChicago.com
Tim Weber and Restoration Hair Salons….What Makes Them One of The Best in Chicago?
While there is no shortage of hairs salons in the Chicago area, there is definitely a clear distinction between high quality professional salons, and other average haircut salons.
WHAT MAKES A
GREAT SALON?
Without customers there would not be a hair salon. Therefore, amazing customer service must be a priority. However, it is surprising how many salons forget how import this is.
Customer service is not just about being cordial and providing the minimum service requirements. Hairdressing salons are in an extremely competitive market. Therefore, hair stylists must go above and beyond to create a great experience for you. Doing all the little things (Ensuring you know the cut a person wants, being friendly, and giving customers your undivided attention) will go a long way to be a great hair salon.
And you want to feel comfortable – not intimidated. And at Tim Weber’s RESTORATION salons , they make you feel comfortable, and deliver a great experoence.
Tim opened the original Restoration salon open in Chicago’s historic Lincoln park district in 1993… starting out as a tanning salon. Restoration has since grown into the established salon it is today. With the success of the first salon, Weber then had a vision to open a second salon in the quaint and up-and-coming Andersonville neighborhood. This dream came to fruition in December of 2008.
“Our focus is on hair. Our goal is to restore. Our desire idea is to make you happy. Our commitment is to the needs of our clients. We really do strive to bring you a relaxed yet professional environment. 0ur salons are comfortable, stylish and reflect the creativity of our staff.” says owner Tim Weber.
How do you find a great staff to ensure a good fit with a salon?
Weber reveals, “To ensure the highest quality of cosmetologisty, Restoration sets up an “audition” instead of a traditional interview process. The audition assesses personal style, professionalism, cut and color technique, versatility and personality. We want to make sure you get great service and a high-quality experience that will leave you feeling relaxed rejuvenated and restored!”
Customers RAVE about RESTORATION!
“I always look forward to my appointments at Restoration Salon which boast a clean, comfortable and relaxed setting.”
“Most salons make you feel like your being evaluated and judged from the minute you walk in, all the stylist are friendly and fun they have a work dynamic that allows everyone to sit back, relax and truley enjoy themselves, which is more then I can say for”
“Restoration Salon is lovely and the staff are always fun and friendly.”
“Tim Weber and his team know how to have fun, provide great service, and offer a full complement of hair treatments at affordable prices.”
We don’t know ANY OTHER SALON in Chicagoland that gets perfect scores, across the board.
Amazing reviews on MetroMix!
A perfect score on City Search !
Rave reviews at YELP !
Restoration Hair Salons
5349 N Clark St (between Summerdale Ave & Balmoral Ave) (773) 769-3237
2151 N. Sheffield Ave (south of Webster) (773)327-2151
Best Gay Chicago.com
Ride for AIDS Chicago Kickoff Event January 30
Co-chairs Angie Frank,
Matt Daniel, Rick Heintz,
and Shaine Wynsma
cordially invite you to the
Ride for AIDS Chicago
Kickoff Event.
Sunday, January 30
2 p.m. – 6 p.m. T’s Bar and Restaurant 5025 N. Clark St.
To date: 17 Teams Have Registered, there are8 Community Partners
133 Registered Riders and Crew Members and $15,636 Raised to Fight HIV/AIDS!
$50 Early Biker Registration ends January 31! ($85 after)
Register now online !
For more information, contact Richard at TPAN, (773) 989-9400 ext. 230
Best Gay Chicago.com
Crew Bar + Grill’s 5th Annual Charity Chili Contest January 29th
The annual chili contest lets patrons sample ten different chili recipes for a $10.00 donation to the Edgewater based non-profit, Care for Real . Organized by the Edgewater Community Council, Care for Real is a volunteer operated food pantry and social services group supported by donations from the community.
Wayne Johnson won the NBC Today Show’s “Domestic Diva” contest in 2004 and has since gone on to become a regular contributor to Chicago’s NBC affiliate with his weekly “Wayne’s Weekend” segments, a mix of home and lifestyle tips and events in the Chicago area.
This year will mark Wayne Johnson’s first as celebrity guest host of the Charity Chili Contest. “We are overjoyed to have Wayne, a true Chicago original, as host for the event this year,” Steve Milford, co-owner of Crew Bar + Grill, said, “ but more importantly, we hope to raise even more money for Care For Real this year than we did last year.” Crew’s 2009 Charity Chili Contest raised over $400 and the 2010 Contest raised more than $500. “I’d really like to see us top that by another hundred this year and keep the trend going. In these tough economic times, we’d like to raise as much as possible for Care for Real. So they can continue doing all their good work.”
Patrons are encouraged to enter their recipes for the Chili Contest as soon as possible. Only ten entrants will be allowed, and prizes will be awarded for the best chili recipe, $100 in cash, and the category for best presentation of your chili, the “Christopher Lowell award”, which nets a $50 Crew gift card. “Aside from the great food, I look forward to the clever ways contestants dress up their chili. In years past, we’ve had a tailgate party theme, space odyssey, cosmic chili, and last year’s winner the 60’s inspired Mad Men housewives, who served their chili in martini glasses. Our contestants get really creative with it,” Brian Wells, Crew Bar + Grill co-owner, had to say of the contest’s best presentation award.
Crew Bar + Grill, located at Broadway and Lawrence, is Chicago’s premiere, award winning gay sports bar. In 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson joined the business as co-owners alongside Steve Milford and Brian Wells. Now well into its sixth year, Crew has become a fixture of the Uptown entertainment district with a mix of big games on over 20 HD, flat screen televisions and great food and drinks.
Crew Bar + Grill 4804 N Broadway
Best Gay Chicago.com
GayCo Presents SCREAM If You Love Christmas!
GayCo – Chicago’s premier LGBT-comedy company has more than Kindles and AppleTVs to set beneath the tree this year. Their second original holiday revue, SCREAM IF YOU LOVE CHRISTMAS, unwraps like an explosion of tinsel-laden satire on the one time of year that has everyone shrieking . . . in ecstasy or pain. Hear what it’s like to be on the Dickensian down low. Join the white elephant circle of re-gifting. Share the discomfort of being around your birth family when your loved ones are states away. It’s Jesus, Mary and Joseph in the age of Twitter, Facebook and Grindr. And it will make you scream.
Scream If You Love Christmas
Directed by Katie Watson, Musical Direction by Jeff Poindexter
Written and Performed by Kelly Beeman, Jim Bennett, Kathy Betts, Judy Fabjance, Clay Goodpasture, Vincent Kracht, and Homer Marrs, with additional material by Andy Eninger and John Loos.
Runs
Thursdays @ 8:00 pm, December 9 through 30@
Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640(Broadway at Lawrence, Red Line Lawrence stop, #36 bus to Lawrence)
$15 tickets can be purchased at the door or online at TheAnnoyance.com .
About GayCo Productions: GayCo Productions is the home for comedy where gay is the given, not the punch line. Born at the famed Second City in 1996, GayCo advances the gay agenda through subversive satire by creating high-quality shows for Chicago audiences. GayCo also sends the comedy to the people with a touring ensemble, online videos, and short films. In 2011, GayCo will present a spring revue for the ladies, “Breast in Show,” a new summer revue, and a solo piece on issues related to aging in the gay community. For more information, visit GayCo.com .
CREW BAR + GRILL CELEBRATES 6 YEARS September 7th
On Tuesday, September 7th,
after numerous Super Bowls, World Series, and Stanley Cups, Crew Bar Grill , Chicago’s original gay sports bar, will celebrate a special event of its own: six years of business in the Uptown neighborhood. The party will feature a complimentary taco and nacho bar, plus drink specials on favorites like sangria and Beergarita, Crew’s original tequila and beer concoction.
The Anniversary party will be from 6PM to 8PM at the Broadway and Lawrence nightspot. Attendees are encouraged to sign up for the e-mail list to receive an invitation at Worlds Greatest Bar .
Faced with tough economic times, Steve Milford and Brian Wells, Crew’s original owners, teamed up with two new partners in 2010, Mike Sullivan and Mark Robertson. Working together, the new business team oversaw a remodel of the bar, which included 20 high-definition flat screen TVs, a massive 63” flat screen, new tables and chairs, plus a revamped food and drink menu. “Mike and Mark have been a welcome addition to Crew, bringing a different set of skills and a fresh perspective. It’s been a great partnership,” says Steve Milford.
Crew was the first new business in several years to take a chance on the 4800 block of Uptown in the historic entertainment district. “The talk of great things happening has gone on for years around here, and we feel like we were a positive part of starting to make that happen,” says owner Brian Wells. Crew was named one of the Top 100 Bars by Chicago magazine and has won numerous other awards from a diverse range of media outlets, including Fox Morning News Viewers, Metromix, Chicago Free Press, Chicago “Hearts” Trivia, Competition Magazine, New City and more.
SoFo T Dance for TPAN Sunday August 1
Sofo Proudly Presents
the 3rd Annual T Dance
benefiting Test Positive Aware Network
Sunday August 1st
5025 N. Clark (Across from T’s)
Featuring Chicago’s Hottest DJs
and hosted by Sofo Gay Idol Mark Ortega
Special Guests: Stage Door Johnnies – You’ve seen them at Chicago Takes Off, now see them really strut!
Ride for AIDS Chicago Reunion, 5-7 with a blessing from the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence Windy City Abbey
Don’t miss the fun – Just Dance!
3-11 PM $10 Cover 21+
Portion of proceeds benefit TPAN
Animal Rescue Benefit This Saturday at Wild Pug
Come join American Animal Rescue Society for Dog Days Afternoon at Wild Pug
Saturday, July 10 3-6 pm
Bring your dog, bring your friends, have a great
time! We will also have a raffle with great prizes.
Pre-sale can be purchased on the Amer. Animal Rescue website .
$25 wristbands, all you can drink
mixed well cocktails, domestic draft, with proceeds donated to AARS.
Wild Pug 4810 N. Broadway St
Animal Rescue Benefit This Saturday at Wild Pug
Come join American Animal Rescue Society for Dog Days Afternoon at Wild Pug
Saturday, July 10 3-6 pm
Bring your dog, bring your friends, have a great
time! We will also have a raffle with great prizes.
Pre-sale can be purchased on the Amer. Animal Rescue website .
$25 wristbands, all you can drink
mixed well cocktails, domestic draft, with proceeds donated to AARS.
Wild Pug 4810 N. Broadway St
The Big Gay Gayco Fun Comedy Show in Uptown July 15th
Remember when summer was fun,
back when “BP” stood for “Brad Pitt” and not a greasy gulf? You can keep your Pride buzz going in July when GayCo Productions presents The Big GayCo Fun Show – a variety show of hot twink talent, babydyke standups, and new twists on old camp classics.
For one night only, GayCo takes over the Annoyance Theatre (4830 N. Broadway, Chicago) to entertain audiences with a cavalcade of entertainment from the talented comedians in the GayCo family. From the fractious to the fabulous, GayCo’s brand of humor wraps vicious wit in glamorous glitter to charm while it goes for the throat.
Performances include:
Your favorite GayCo characters
Standup comedians Stace Crowley and Bradley Baloff
Members of Quixotic Sketch Comedy
Contestants from “Impress These Apes”
Comedian Tim Paul “The Homosexualist”
New short films from GayCo
A full cash bar, raffle prizes, and musical surprises make the evening a steal for the $15 ticket price. And you can feel good about your ticket purchase – GayCo doesn’t just exploit gay stereotypes for cash like network television: proceeds from this event benefit GayCo’s upcoming fall sketch comedy show.
Thursday July 15th, 8PM Tickets $15 at the Door
Annoyance Theatre, 4830 N Broadway St, Chicago, IL 60640
About GayCo Productions
GayCo Productions is the home for gay comedy. Born at the famed Second City in 1996, GayCo advances the gay agenda through hilarious, intelligent sketch comedy where gay is the given not the punch line. GayCo is based in Chicago and also sends the comedy to the people with a touring ensemble which has performed nationally, as well as in Canada and Amsterdam. For more information, visit GayCo.com .
Andersonville Dental – Serving Chicago’s Gay LGBT Community Since 1997
Finding a good dentist
or doctor is like finding a good mechanic or any other service professional.
I read a poll recently with the question: Do you trust your mechanic?” And I was surprised to see that 46% of those who responded said “No”, they don’t. This got me to thinking, if you don’t trust your mechanic, why do you bring your car back to them?
If you didn’t trust your doctor, you would find another doctor. Your mechanic is very much like your/a doctor. They have to diagnose and treat your car. In fact, if you want to take it a step further, your mechanic has to be better than your doctor because your car can’t tell them where it hurts!
When I hire service professional, whether it be a mechanic, a plumber, a doctor or dentist, I want someone I can trust, someone who’s advice I value, and someone who will charge me a fair price for services provided and not rob me or overcharge me for things I don’t need.
When we first moved to the Chicago area from Michigan, we needed to find a new dentist, and new doctor. Some newly made friends gave us referrals for both. I had recently chipped a crown so I went to the dentist, I won’t say his name, and upon examining my mouth he told me I was in need in 5 crowns! WHAT? How could that be? I had seen my previous dentist just 9 months prior and had no big issues! I felt this dentist just wanted my $6000 to fund his next vacation! I think there is a difference between a dentist who has an aggressive strategy and those that just seek monetary gain, based on a client’s lack of knowledge. Let’s face it – overtreatment and even unnecessary treatment does exist. The vast majority of dentists probably strive to provide the best treatment possible. But like any profession, dentistry has its bad apples.
I quickly fired him and went to another referral, Andersonville Dental and Dr. Anita Shahin. She examined my mouth and recommended one filling and 1 “watch” for a possible crown down the road. Nothing in need of immediate replacement. WHEW! What a relief. An honest dentist! It’s like finding a good mechanic. Someone you can trust and feel comfortable with.
That was 7 years ago and my partner and I are still clients of Andersonville Dental and tell everyone we know about Anita Shahin. I am extremely confident in recommending Anita as one of the Best Dentists in Chicago. She provides affordable, honest & friendly dentistry. She does not try to sell you things you don’t need, she explains ALL options very well and is very conscientious of cost factors, insurance vs. no insurance, and above all, the client’s needs.
“I am an old school dentist most would say. I believe in restoring function to one’s mouth first and foremost, not cosmetic appearance initially. Many dentists look at cosmetic appearance first. There are a lot of dentists who try to persuade clients into getting things to make their smile better. Sure, I offer all of those services, but I am not going to try to sell them to you, if you don’t want them or need them. If you come in with a toothache, we diagnose and fix that problem.” says Dr. Shahin.
“I take a lot of pride in what I do and it is important to me to be able to do a good job at a fair price. I want to do the job right the first time. This makes me happy and most important it makes my customers happy.”
Remember that it is your mouth and your health.
You are ultimately responsible for making the right choices for you.
Your dentist should act as an expert advisor about the past, present and future health and goals of your mouth to help you make the right choices, not a salesperson.
Your dentist should be willing and happy to explain to you:
•Why they are suggesting the particular treatment
•What the treatment is and how it works
•What alternatives and choices exist (including potential consequences of not having the treatment)
•What the pros and cons of available treatment options are
•What treatment they would choose for themselves if it was their mouth!
Your dentist needs to explain and discuss things with you, in a language you can understand and be very clear on the out-of-pocket expenses. Only then can the two of you reach a joint treatment decision based on an informed win-win consent.
What others say about Dr. Anita Shahin and her Andersonville Dental Practice-
“Dr. Shahin has such a “mom” mentality, she’s great at soothing you through something uncomfortable and gently chides you when you’re doing things wrong.”
“The night before my Birthday, I broke part of my tooth off and I went in the first thing to get it fixed and they got me right in. She saw how panicked I was, made me feel comfortable and then asked me if I ate yet. I told her no, and actually my BF was making me a Birthday Breakfast. She told me to go eat and come back and enjoy my breakfast. So I ate, came back an hour later and she fit me into her schedule like I was important or something.. I love it! She won my heart over with her generosity and her passion to make her patients feel as comfortable as possible.”
“The prices are very reasonable, $75 for a cleaning, and she will do her best to work with you and keep costs down for more elaborate procedures if you need. I also really appreciate the fact that she does the cleanings herself and does not have a hygienist do it.”
“I have been going to Anita for over 10 years, and she is with out a doubt the most thorough, kind and conservative dentist you will find in the city. You definitely will not find yourself a victim of un-needed xrays and costly procedures. Dr. Shanin keeps your teeth healthy and intact with regular cleanings and exams. Her office and equipment are clean, and her employees are friendly and helpful. She takes most insurance plans. I highly recommend her to all my friends, and many have become regular patients.”
Andersonville Dental ~ Anita Shahin, D.D.S. 1700 W. Foster, (773) 334-4200
Cosmetic and Family Dentistry
Bonding, Veneers, Crowns, Implants, Dentures, Extraction, Root Canals, In-house Laser Bleaching or at home Bleaching
Proudly and Honestly Serving the LGBT Community since 1997
Most Insurances Accepted
Mention Best Gay Chicago.com to receive a
15% NEW PATIENT DISCOUNT (For patients with no insurance)
Includes Free Consultation and Initial X-Ray
Consumers Research Council of America gave Dr. Anita Shahin their America’s Top Dentists Excellence Award. Consumers Research Council of America compiled an accurate list of Top Dentists throughout the United States by utilizing a point value system. This method uses a point value for criteria that they deemed valuable in determining the Top Dentists.
Dr. Anita Shahin is also a member of the
American Dental Association and the Illinois State Dental Society .
Richard Cordova and Richards Riders Host Benefit at Wild Pug Wednesday April 21st
3 HOUR OPEN BAR
and BENEFIT!
Such a deal!
This Wednesday April 21st from 6:30 to 9:30 at Wild Pug (4810 N Broadway)
Richards Riders / Ride for AIDS Team will be having a fundraising party.
This is Richard’s third year in the Ride for AIDS and this year he plans to set new records! He is returning with a 21 person team this year and a goal of $30,000, which would be the highest amount ever raised by a team.
“Raising $30,000 is a lofty goal, but with so many people on the team I’m hoping we can rally enough support for such a great cause and make our goal,” said Cordova. He has also run five marathons and three half-marathons. Richard is a health educator at the Center on Halsted and he also is a spinning instructor at the Lakeview Athletic Club.
“The 2009 Ride was great because two of my closest friends, Zak and Andrea, did the ride with me, which really made it a lot of fun,” Cordova said. “I decided to start my own team this year because I knew I was going to do the Ride again and it just seemed like the logical thing to do.” The Ride for AIDS is July 10-11, but fundraising is underway now and the Wild Pug event will be the first in a series.
The Ride For AIDS is a 190-mile bicycle trek from Northwestern University’s Evanston campus to Lake Geneva and back. “The ride is tough. It’s fun, but tough,” Cordova said. “The winds can be brutal while the hills and long flat stretches in Wisconsin are mentally and physically draining. The camaraderie among the riders and the crew helps of course.”
“As someone living with HIV for over eight years now, I’ve come to look at physical challenges as my way of sticking it to the man, as they say, and ‘the man’ being HIV. It’s important that I prove to myself that even though I live with this virus every day that I must continue to stay positive and that having HIV doesn’t stop me from living my best life. Honestly, having this virus in some ways has helped me live an even better one because I’ve come to realize how destructive behaviors in my life were leading me to an early grave.”
Cordova added, “My team would love it if the kind and benevolent LGBTQ community could find it in their hearts and their wallets by helping us support Test Positive Aware Network ( TPAN ) through a donation. No matter how big or small; every bit counts. Whether it be information dissemination, outreach, testing and prevention, and positive living support groups and more, TPAN is on the front lines every day helping those, myself included, who are living their best life possible with HIV/AIDS. We ride to do our part and when you make a decision to support our ride you are doing yours. Thank You!”
Girlstown in Andersonville is Just Wishful Thinking….for Now.
My phone has been ringing off the hook the last 2 weeks with questions about the the proposed “girlstown” idea for Andersonville!
Time Out Chicago ran a piece that claimed “Andersonville resident and out activist Pat Bushman recalls her first big encounter with Boystown’s phallic street statues more than ten years ago. “I was pushing my cat Xena in her stroller up North Halsted when I bumped into one of those ugly rainbow-colored penis things,” says Bushman of the pylons the city constructed in ’98 to officially designate North Halsted as gay-identified ’hood Boystown. “Suddenly, I had an idea.”
Girlstown in Andersonville is Just Wishful Thinking….for Now.
My phone has been ringing off the hook the last 2 weeks with questions about the the proposed “girlstown” idea for Andersonville!
Time Out Chicago ran a piece that claimed “Andersonville resident and out activist Pat Bushman recalls her first big encounter with Boystown’s phallic street statues more than ten years ago. “I was pushing my cat Xena in her stroller up North Halsted when I bumped into one of those ugly rainbow-colored penis things,” says Bushman of the pylons the city constructed in ’98 to officially designate North Halsted as gay-identified ’hood Boystown. “Suddenly, I had an idea.”
Gay Beach Chicago – 83 Degrees on April 1st! – No Joke!
HAPPY SPRING!
What a great week this has been here in Chicago! 75 yesterday and 83 today!
(Adam, pictured above).
The Winter snow fences have not even been taken down yet! But that did not stop the 50+
people, mostly gay men, heading out to Hollywood/Osterman
Gay Beach for some rays of sunshine!
It was a bit windy at times, but the fresh warm air felt great!
A few people even strolled out into the chilly waters!
Progress is slower than I expected on the new restrooms.
The foundation is in and the walls have started going up.
7 weeks until it is supposed to be done.
It will be so nice to have clean, updated bathrooms
and a concession stand!
Gay Beach Chicago – 83 Degrees on April 1st! – No Joke!
HAPPY SPRING!
What a great week this has been here in Chicago! 75 yesterday and 83 today!
(Adam, pictured above).
The Winter snow fences have not even been taken down yet! But that did not stop the 50+
people, mostly gay men, heading out to Hollywood/Osterman
Gay Beach for some rays of sunshine!
It was a bit windy at times, but the fresh warm air felt great!
A few people even strolled out into the chilly waters!
Progress is slower than I expected on the new restrooms.
The foundation is in and the walls have started going up.
7 weeks until it is supposed to be done.
It will be so nice to have clean, updated bathrooms
and a concession stand!
Hollywood Gay Beach Chicago Gets Long Overdue Makeover – New Toilets, Showers and Concession
It’s been talked about for over 2 years now – now it’s a reality for 2010!
Hollywood / Osterman (gay) Beach in Chicago gets a long overdue makeover.
Late last summer, the Chicago Planning Commission approved plans for a new beach house and landscaping at Osterman Beach. The new facility will open by Memorial Day, and will include showers and changing areas for lifeguards.(?)
What does this mean? Who knows. Ground has been broken and we have placed a call to the Planning Commission and have not got an answer back yet.
We were told last year, the new building would include new toilets. A concession stand. And a lockerroom and showere area for the lifeguards.
Foster Beach and Montrose Beach got nice makeovers over the last couple years. It is unclear yet, how the Osterman project will compare. This image was online at PBC Chicago. They are calling it a comfort station. You will notice, there are no gays in the rendering!
In 2009, we saw A LOT more straight people and families coming to the “gay beach”. What else is new? The straights always come to where the gay are.
We also saw an increase of police activity last year. The Hollywood / Osterman beach sometimes enforces rules – and sometimes does not. It is unclear what the rules are exactly.
We have looked high and low, from Bryn Mawr to Hollywood, and we have seen no rules or restriction signs, of any kind. We had heard, there was NO SMOKING, NO PETS, and NO BOTTLES/GLASS/ALCOHOL, and that MOST TOYS are NOT ALLOWED on the beach itself. However, when I called the Alderman Mary Ann Smith’s office, even they were not totally sure about pets. Only no smoking and no glass bottles / alcohol. And the lifeguards will clearly tell you NO BALLS IN THE WATER!! They directed my questions to the Chicago Park Districts, and as of this publishing, no one has returned my calls yet.
So we will see what 2010 brings. I think with this new building, will come with new rules and regulations and/or more enforcement. In the past, lifeguards (and Police) would usually turn their head to smokers and drinkers. However in 2009, there were an increase in the number of tickets at the beach. – It will be nice to have new, clean toilets and a concession area!
Best of Gay Chicago
Hollywood Gay Beach Chicago Gets Long Overdue Makeover – New Toilets, Showers and Concession
It’s been talked about for over 2 years now – now it’s a reality for 2010!
Hollywood / Osterman (gay) Beach in Chicago gets a long overdue makeover.
Late last summer, the Chicago Planning Commission approved plans for a new beach house and landscaping at Osterman Beach. The new facility will open by Memorial Day, and will include showers and changing areas for lifeguards.(?)
What does this mean? Who knows. Ground has been broken and we have placed a call to the Planning Commission and have not got an answer back yet.
We were told last year, the new building would include new toilets. A concession stand. And a lockerroom and showere area for the lifeguards.
Foster Beach and Montrose Beach got nice makeovers over the last couple years. It is unclear yet, how the Osterman project will compare. This image was online at PBC Chicago. They are calling it a comfort station. You will notice, there are no gays in the rendering!
In 2009, we saw A LOT more straight people and families coming to the “gay beach”. What else is new? The straights always come to where the gay are.
We also saw an increase of police activity last year. The Hollywood / Osterman beach sometimes enforces rules – and sometimes does not. It is unclear what the rules are exactly.
We have looked high and low, from Bryn Mawr to Hollywood, and we have seen no rules or restriction signs, of any kind. We had heard, there was NO SMOKING, NO PETS, and NO BOTTLES/GLASS/ALCOHOL, and that MOST TOYS are NOT ALLOWED on the beach itself. However, when I called the Alderman Mary Ann Smith’s office, even they were not totally sure about pets. Only no smoking and no glass bottles / alcohol. And the lifeguards will clearly tell you NO BALLS IN THE WATER!! They directed my questions to the Chicago Park Districts, and as of this publishing, no one has returned my calls yet.
So we will see what 2010 brings. I think with this new building, will come with new rules and regulations and/or more enforcement. In the past, lifeguards (and Police) would usually turn their head to smokers and drinkers. However in 2009, there were an increase in the number of tickets at the beach. – It will be nice to have new, clean toilets and a concession area!
Best of Gay Chicago
Moving To Gay Chicago
Chicago is somewhat of a Midwest melting pot. And the jewel of the Midwest!
A lot of people born in small Midwest towns seem to gravitate to the big city. Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Iowa….boys and girls looking to escape their small town blues, head to Chicago!
Especially in the Spring. May 1st is the busiest moving week of the year here in Chicago! The Chicago tradition of moving on the first day of May can be traced back to English and Dutch practices that were passed on by immigrants. In 1911 rules were enacted to allow leases to be made at any time of the year – however, May continues to be the most popular month to move. With an average temperature of 69 degrees, it makes sense that Chicagoans would want to move in May, before the heat of summer sets in.
“I was born and raised in San Francisco, and I think Chicago is a better city for gay people. It’s not as politicized as SF, people are more open and relaxed here. If you want to be really “out” go to BoysTown, (Lakeview) centering on Halsted Street. If you just want to be yourself and be comfortable, people are very friendly, open and accepting just about anywhere in town. There is a quieter, but growing gay community in the Edgewater, East Rogers Park areas too. ” – Bob
“I like Oak Park. It has the highest gay population of any suburb in Chicago. Don’t be afraid by the word suburb. It’s a very urban suburb and only 11 miles from downtown Chicago. The Green line L (subway) train has 2 stops in Oak Park and will take you into the city in 24 minutes. My husband uses it daily and it’s great. Oak Park is a beautiful suburb with lots to offer, great old architecture and a very accepting and liberal population. It’s not cheap but you can easily live there without a car and may find it a bit more reasonable than Chicago. It’s very diverse. There are people of all colors, sexual orientations, ages, etc. It’s a very accepting community.” – Marcus
“I was born and raised in a small town in Ohio. There were no other gay people that I knew of near me and only one gay bar, which was 30 miles away. I ran to Chicago when I turned 21, and never looked back! It’s amazing here! The whole city is very gay-friendly, for the most part. I feel I can just relax and be ME. “ – Susan
“Andersonville isn’t nearly as “out” as Boystown is. Boystown is to RuPaul as Andersonville is to Ellen Degeneres. Boystown revels in it and shouts, “look how gay I am!” whereas Andersonville keeps to itself without keeping it a secret.” – Drover
Besides the gay bars and nightclubs, Chicago offers gay churches, gay sports teams, gay men’s chorus, gay square dancing, theatre, and lots of dining choices. For the newly transplanted, Chicago offers many exciting choices and the opportunity to feel like part of a community and be welcomed by a very accepting city!
The Best of Gay Chicago
