As we head into our first weekend with the entirety of Illinois in Phase 3, many parks, businesses and restaurants are opening back up. At the same time, we are still battling a pandemic and the fight for racial equality is far from over. Here are five things that you can do, from supporting local and getting outside to helping the fight for change in Chicago and nationwide.
We understand that after months of being cooped up most of us are excited to see the city and businesses begin to open. However, COVID-19 is still present in the community and we urge you to exercise best practices — maintain at least 6 feet of distance, wear a mask and wash your hands properly and frequently — when going out.
Dine Outdoors
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Have you dined outdoors yet? Many restaurants are offering reservations for outdoor seating, with safe restrictions in place. Tables must be 6 feet apart, masks must be worn by staff and guests while entering, and there is a limit of 10 guests per table. Some restaurants are getting creative with their seating options too, by working with neighboring businesses to expand their patio space, or working with their local chamber to extend into sidewalks and bike paths. If you are not comfortable going out, remember you can still order delivery or carry-out at your favorite local restaurants.
Read the full list of rules for outdoor dining here.
Give Back
Activism goes far beyond sharing a black square—it involves taking action. Let’s not let the momentum from last week’s Black Lives Matter protests slow down. These organizations are working daily to make real change—donate, volunteer, or sign their petitions today:
Black Lives Matter Chicago: fights for justice with families most impacted, while working to create just and equitable systems.
Campaign Zero: the comprehensive platform of research-based policy solutions to end police brutality in America.
Chicago Freedom School: provides training and education for young people and adult allies to create a just world.
Brave Space Alliance: empowers and elevates queer and trans voices, particularly those belonging to people of color.
My Block, My Hood, My City: is accepting donations and volunteers to help repair small businesses that have been damaged during protests.⠀
Changing Worlds: fosters inclusive communities through oral history, writing and art programs that improve student learning, affirm identity and enhance cross-cultural understanding.
Breakthrough: partners with those affected by poverty to build connections, develop skills, and open doors of opportunity.
Project Hood: creates leaders, strengthens character, and seeks to end violence and generational poverty in urban areas.
Rogers Park Pop-Up Food Pantry
More ways to give back
Support: Black-owned businesses & Black-owned coffee shops
Read: 75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
Help: BUILD Chicago—Save the Summer for BUILD Kids
“This was always going to be a tense summer. But now, it’s already one of the most devastating and traumatic ever.”
Watch: ‘Somebody Feed Phil’ visits Chicago
Phil Rosenthal, the creator of “Everybody Loves Raymond,” visits Chicago in the new season of his food adventure series. Watching this 47-minute episode will make you nostalgic for summer walks in the city, boat tours and dining out — something we will all appreciate that much more now. Rosenthal hits up many of our favorite spots including Pequod’s, Bang Bang Pie & Biscuits, Monteverde and Virtue Restaurant, and he also takes a ride with the mobile farmers market Urban Growers Collective. On Chicago, Rosenthal says, “The people move you. The architecture. The food. Chicago moves you. How many places can you say all these things?”
Trust us, it’s worth a watch this weekend.
Get Outdoors
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The weather is looking perfect this weekend, and many of our favorite outdoor spots are opening back up, with limited capacity. Here are just a few (and make sure you check their websites before heading there for ticket and safety information):
Chicago Botanic Garden: Limited reopening and accepting reservations for the perimeter walk.
Morton Arboretum: Timed entry tickets are available for purchase.
Navy Pier: Outdoor parks are open as well as outdoor dining, and some boat tours are running. Face masks required for guests.
Winnetka Beaches: Opening June 13 for swimming, with a season pass purchase.
Make This in Honor of National Rosé Day (Saturday)
Strawberry Frosé Winsicle from Noble Vines
Makes 12 popsicles
Ingredients:
1/2 bottle of Noble Vines 515 Rosé
1 cup raspberry lemonade
4 medium-sized strawberries
Handful Basil leaves
Instructions:
In a pitcher or blender, combine the rosé and raspberry lemonade.
Cut the strawberries into small cubes or slices. Add to the rosé mixture and stir. Pour into popsicle molds. Make sure to evenly distribute the fruit. Add the basil leaves.
Place in refrigerator and freeze for at least 3 hours. Enjoy as a regular popsicle or place them in a wine glass with some rosé.
How to help:
Many are finding that helping others is an effective way to help combat feelings of powerlessness in the face of COVID-19. Here are some deserving nonprofits, including food pantries, that need your support.
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Macaire Douglas lives in the Chicago suburbs with her husband and two sons. She proudly supports Save Abandoned Babies Foundation, a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that works tirelessly to prevent the illegal abandonment of newborns nationwide. Since its inception in 2000, more than 3,600 newborns have been safely surrendered and adopted into loving homes.
