Welcome to Phase IV, everyone. We made it. But that’s not the only thing to celebrate. We’ve also got the Fourth of July, and this entire issue about why it’s awesome to be a real estate broker in the best city in the world. No, I’m not talking about the Big Apple or the City of Angels. I’m talking about Chitown, Chi-City, the Windy City, the 312. That’s right: Chicago. In the cover story, a bunch of agents who love our town talk about why it’s the best, and what’s in store for the future. Let me lay out some gossip, then you can go check that out.
Did you hear? Our very own special features director, Kim Alessi, birthed a baby! Marie Katherine entered the world weighing in a little over 5 pounds and could only be more adorable if she were a puppy. Both mom and baby are healthy and doing well.
The Who’s Who photo shoots are in full swing, and Alisa Galoozis wanted to be sure to leave her mark. At her recent photoshoot, she set off the alarm at a Hinsdale home by leaning on a panel. Word to the wise: If your shoot is still coming up, watch where you place your elbow.
Now that we’re officially in Phase IV, we’ve seen some agents out and about, enjoying their newfound freedom … socially distant, masked freedom, naturally. Let this column serve as a friendly reminder that we still need to follow the rules, people. We don’t want to be like Arizona or Florida, now, do we? Vincent Anzalone and Tommy Choi were both spotted enjoying some safe outdoor dining at RPM this week, though not at the same time. Perhaps it’s because they’re the same person? I’ll check into it.
Ivonne Payes took her staff out for a spin on a boat around the lake. Kudos to you, Ivonne, for showing your peeps a good time! Speaking of good deeds, Compass’ Charese David and CrossCountry Mortgage’s Beth Lewis joined forces to treat firefighters in Roscoe Village to a scrumptious lunch.
Since it’s not quite safe to actually get a bunch of people in a room together in person, many events are still being held virtually. Which is fine with me, because, as I mentioned before, I don’t really enjoy wearing big-kid pants. On June 25, NAHREP Chicago went live on Facebook with some tips for how to thrive in the new normal (see advice our editor gathered from those smart cookies here). I attended with my camera off and my PJs on.
The Music Box Theatre is reopening, and I almost ventured out on the weekend of June 26th to a screening of “Purple Rain” in the garden patio. I assumed pants were required, though, so I had to sit that one out. Honestly, none of my pants actually fit right now thanks to my quarantine “diet,” by which I mean a handful of jellybeans every time I walk by my pantry.
Happiest of pandemic birthdays to all these people! First, Heather Gustafson parties on July 8, while Kenny Dooley and Julie Busby share a bday on July 11. Janet Belieff celebrates on the 12th, while Jim LaHa and Ilyce Glink share a lucky No. 13 bday. Debora McKay gets wiser on July 14, while Matt Farrell and Grace Sergio can air high-five in honor of their birthday on July 15. Andrew Perkins will party on July 16, Erik Stegemann can get down on the 18th, and then Joe McBreen, Bruce Beddard and Gary Benson can celebrate together (six feet apart) if they wish on July 19. Last, but the farthest from least, give Gail Spreen a holler on July 21.