The 2010 Forum will be held in Chicago, a city known for its rich history, excitement, and beauty. We are confident that Chicago will be the perfect backdrop for AIR's 50th Forum, setting the stage for this premier meeting of IR and assessment professionals.

What is Chicago? Numerous writers have tried to capture its essence: “The windy city,” “The second city,” “My kind of town,” and “That toddlin’ town”. Given the city’s diversity, no single phrase completely encompasses the beautiful city on Lake Michigan.

Chicago was organized in 1833 with a population of 350 and was chartered in 1837. C.D. Peacock, Chicago’s oldest jeweler, was founded that same year - and is still in business today. By 1840, Chicago had 4,000 residents, and that number has continued to increase dramatically.

Chicago’s trajectory was severely altered in 1871 when the Great Chicago fire destroyed approximately one-third of the city, including the main business district. The Historic Water Tower, built in 1869, was one of the few buildings to survive the blaze. It still stands at the intersection of Michigan and Chicago avenues (about one mile north of the conference hotel). Subsequent to the fire, the city was rapidly rebuilt; the world’s first skyscraper was constructed in Chicago in 1885.

In 1893, the city hosted the World’s Columbian Exposition (also called the Chicago World’s Fair). This event had a profound effect on Chicago’s subsequent architectural and artistic development, and helped to pave the way for the City Beautiful movement.

Two of the city’s iconic buildings, the Merchandise Mart and the art deco Board of Trade, were completed in 1930. At the time of its completion, the Merchandise Mart was, at 4,000,000 square feet, the largest building in the world.

In the 1950s, the city shrank significantly (by 700,000) as people moved to the suburbs. The 1950s also saw the beginning of the Daley mayoral dynasty. Richard J. Daley was elected mayor in 1955 and served until his death in 1976. He oversaw the tumultuous 1968 Democratic Convention, the construction of four major expressways, and the 1973 erection of the world’s then-tallest building, the Sears Tower (recently renamed Willis Tower). Another project of interest to Daley was the O’Hare International Airport.

His son, Richard M. Daley, was elected mayor in 1989, and continues to serve in that role today. Under the current Mayor Daley, the city has become a model for sustainable urban planning with rooftop gardens, median strip plantings, and the planting of thousands of trees: all in support of Mayor Daley’s goal of creating a clean, livable environment truly described by the city’s 160 year-old motto “Urbs in Horto” (City in a Garden). The mayor’s beautification plans have attracted suburbanites back to the city causing another rapid increase in population.

Today, Chicago is among the world’s 25 largest urban areas, with a population of 2.8 million residents reported in 2007. It is a major transportation hub for North America, and is home to O’Hare International Airport, the second busiest airport in the world. Chicago has big plans for its future development. The city has built a series of large, landscaped municipal parks; some of which were designed by Frederick Law Olmstead, who designed Central Park in New York. Today, Chicago has the distinction of having more parkland than any other city in the U.S. (7,300 acres). Some of the best known of these parks, Grant Park, Lincoln Park, and Washington Park, are all easily accessible from downtown Chicago. Grant Park, which is home to the Buckingham Fountain and the Art Institute of Chicago, is just a few blocks south of the conference hotel.

The city has made a bid to host the 2016 Olympics. Plans include the development of 37 acres of the lakefront just south of downtown and the construction of an Olympic stadium in Washington Park.

Welcome to my kind of town...

The Forum will be a time to celebrate 50 years of coming together to share ideas and practices, and to plan for the next 50. Join us in Chicago as we chart our future in higher education. Visit us online for up-to-date information on the 2010 Annual Forum.


Linda S. Buyer, Ph.D.
Governors State University

Getting Around Chicago
Chicago has an extensive public transportation system throughout the city, and a commuter rail and bus system extending to many suburban areas. In addition, taxis are plentiful, and there is a free trolley system that runs near the Forum hotel to take you to several tourist hot spots. Below is a short guide for getting around, including links to many helpful Web sites.

Chicago Transit Authority
The Forum hotel has service from numerous nearby bus lines going everywhere from Navy Pier to the North, West, and South sides of the city. The hotel is about three-quarters of a mile from the nearest “L” stations.

The Chicago Transit Authority (CTA) operates the nation's second largest public transportation system--a regional transit system that serves the City of Chicago and 40 neighboring communities. In addition to hundreds of bus routes, the CTA consists of eight train lines (known locally as the “L” because the first train lines were an elevated system). Now the term “L” is used for both elevated and subway train lines.

If you plan to use public transit between the airports and hotel or for sightseeing, you will need to purchase a farecard. It is best to purchase a visitor pass online in advance. This will save money, allow unlimited rides for the duration of the pass, and provide the convenience of using the CTA immediately without having to purchase a farecard at the airport or CTA station. (Note that these farecards are valid on the CTA only and will not work on the Metra (commuter rail system) or the Pace suburban bus system.)

All buses and trains are named for their route and end point. When planning your trips, it is helpful to know the direction you wish to travel and the termination point of the “L” or bus in that direction. For bus stops, the direction and end point of each bus appears on the bus stop sign. Travel information is available 24 hours a day by calling 312-836-7000 or visiting the CTA Web site.

Between the Hotel and Airports
Neither of the major “L” lines that service Chicago’s O’Hare or Midway airports stops near the hotel. The fastest and easiest way to get from the airports to the hotel is to arrange for a shuttle service or take a taxi. A taxi ride will cost between $30-$40, depending on traffic. Most taxis also offer shared ride fares from the airports to downtown locations for a flat rate per person.

If you prefer to take public transit to and from the airport, these are the suggested routes:

From O’Hare
Take the Blue Line train from O’Hare airport to Grand (approx. 40 minutes). Exit the Blue Line at Grand and take the #65 Grand Avenue bus toward Navy Pier. Exit the bus at Illinois & Columbus. The #65 bus runs every 10-15 minutes Monday through Friday, and every 15-20 minutes on weekends from early morning to late evening.

From Midway
Take the Orange Line train from Midway to State & Lake (approx 30 minutes). Exit the Orange Line at State & Lake and board the #29 State Street Bus to Navy Pier. Exit the bus at Illinois & Columbus. The #29 bus runs every 10 minutes Monday through Friday, and every 10-15 minutes on weekends until 2 a.m.

Between the Hotel and Metra Train Stations
For Forum visitors commuting daily from the suburbs, here are some bus routes that run between Union Station, Ogilvie Transportation Center, and the hotel.

UNION STATION:

#121 Union/Wacker Express from Jackson & Canal toward Navy Pier to Illinois & Columbus
#124 Navy Pier from Adams & Canal toward Navy Pier to Columbus & North Water

OGILVIE:

#120 Ogilvie/Wacker Express from Canal between Randolph & Washington toward Navy Pier to Columbus & Illinois.
#124 Navy Pier from Madison & Canal toward Navy Pier to Columbus & North Water


Directions from the hotel for popular tourist destinations:

Most destinations will require you to walk to Michigan Avenue to catch a bus, or walk to a nearby “L” station. Because of the way Michigan Avenue splits into upper and lower sections near the river, to get to Upper Michigan Avenue, you will have to walk West on Illinois and walk up a flight of stairs to reach Michigan Avenue shopping or busses. With the exception of the Museum Campus and the Museum of Science and Industry, many of the destinations below are also walking distance from the hotel for those who like to walk. You may also wish to download the CTA Sightseeing Map which contains information on getting to popular destinations.

Museum Campus (Field, Adler Planetarium, Shedd Aquarium): Walk to Michigan Avenue and board the #146 South to the Museum Campus. This bus will also pass most of the State Street shops and through the Loop.

Museum of Science & Industry: Walk to Michigan Avenue and board the #10 bus South to the Museum of Science and Industry.

Art Institute & Symphony Center: Walk to Michigan Avenue and board the #3, #147, or #151 bus southbound and exit at Adams.

Chicago Cultural Center, State Street Shopping & Millennium Park: Walk to Michigan Avenue and board the #3, #147, or #151 bus southbound and exit at Randolph or Washington.

House of Blues: Walk to Michigan Avenue and board the #146, southbound. Exit at State and Wacker and walk 1 block west to Dearborn.

Museum of Contemporary Art: Walk to Michigan Avenue and board the #3, #145, #146, or #151 Northbound to Chicago Avenue. Exit at Chicago and walk two blocks east to Mies Van Der Rohe. For the #3 bus, allow the bus to turn on Chicago and Exit at Chicago and Mies Van Der Rohe.

Water Tower Place & John Hancock Observatory: Walk to Michigan Avenue and board the #145, #146, or #151 Northbound to Chestnut Avenue.

Chinatown: Walk northwest to the Grand Avenue Red Line “L” stop or southwest to the Lake Street Red Line “L” stop. Take the Red Line South (to 95th) and exit at Cermack-Chinatown.

Comiskey Park (US Cellular Field): Walk Northwest to the Grand Avenue Red Line “L” stop or Southwest to the Lake street Red Line “L” stop and take the Red Line South (to 95th) and exit at Sox-35th.

Wrigley Field: Walk Northwest to the Grand avenue Red Line “L” stop and take the Red Line North (to Howard) and exit at Addison.

Additional Resources & Links:

You can easily plan trips between the hotel and nearly any destination in the Chicagoland area by using the Google Maps transit option. Below are links to a Google Map already centered on the Sheraton hotel and a link to Google Transit. Google maps will also provide walking and driving directions.

Google map of Sheraton and surrounding area.

Plan trips to and from the Sheraton with Google Transit.

History and Background
Founded in 1837, Chicago grew quickly into a center of commerce and production. The Chicago Fire of 1871, however, decimated the young city. The commercial heart of the city was particularly marred by this tragedy. With most of downtown Chicago in ruins, the fire created a blank slate for the cultivation of an unprecedented post-fire building boom that would put Chicago on the architectural map. The fire prompted city authorities to ban wooden edifices in high density areas, such as the loop, requiring architects to move away from traditional building methods.

In the decades leading up to the turn of the century, a group of forward thinking architects became active in the rebuilding, planning, and beautification of Chicago. Referred to as the “First Chicago School,” these architects had to contend with both the swamp-like land that lay below city infrastructure as well as the ever-growing price of loop properties. These challenges of weight distribution and the need to build up and not out resulted in the development of the skyscraper. Using a base of iron and steel, the Reliance Building was completed in 1895 by the firm of Burnham and Root. The soaring, window-laden Reliance Building is one of the early skyscrapers which set the mold for glass and steel skyscrapers of the modern era.

The Modern Era and Beyond
After the late 19th century building boom and pioneering efforts in the development of the modern skyscraper, Chicago and its architects did not rest on their laurels. Among this next generation of builders was Louis Sullivan’s student Frank Lloyd Wright. Wright, an idiosyncratic practitioner of the Midwest’s native Prairie School, produced a series of impressive residences throughout Chicago in the 1910s. These horizontally oriented buildings are not simply architectural feats, but also feature built-in furnishings from bookcases to light fixtures throughout. The following decades brought on the influx of high modernism and international style buildings, typified by the work of Mies Van der Rohe and his imitators. These arch-modernist builders took the steel and glass model of the early skyscraper model to new heights and extremes. The 1980s, 90s, and current building projects have been diverse in style and responsive to their impressive architectural heritage.

Tours and Contact Information
Buildings from every era still populate Chicago’s Loop. Together, these disparate styles and decades have created a unique and dynamic skyline. Any Chicago visitor will be struck by the city’s incredible architectural history. What also becomes clear is that Chicago’s architectural history helps illustrate the history of a distinctly American architecture. There are numerous opportunities to take in this rich history. The Frank Lloyd Wright Preservation Trust runs tours of Wright’s studios and building, and The Chicago Architecture Foundation offers a multitude of tours of downtown and neighborhoods all over the city. Most tours cost less than 20 dollars and offer a comprehensive, fascinating, informative and manageable slice of Chicago’s built environment. The 90 minute boat tours are the most popular, offering unforgettable vistas.

Jonathan Keiser
Columbia College (jkeiser@colum.edu)

Chicago has been described as the “City of Neighborhoods.” While at the AIR Forum, take the opportunity to explore some of the distinctive communities of this diverse city. You can find neighborhood descriptions, maps, tour guides, and other travel tools at Explore Chicago.

Chicago’s many institutions of higher education are an integral part of the neighborhood mosaic. While the Loop is recognized as the commercial, civic, and artistic heart of the city, it is also the home to twenty-four colleges and universities enrolling more than 65,000 students. Contributors to that cultural vitality include Roosevelt University’s Auditorium Theatre and the Dance Center of Columbia College, not far from the Theater District.

The main campus of Northwestern University is located in nearby Evanston, but the colleges of law and medicine are situated in Streeterville, the area between the Gold Coast and Millennium Park. Part of the Magnificent Mile along Lake Michigan, the area contains luxury hotels, world-class shopping, and the attractions of Navy Pier.

The historic Hyde Park neighborhood on the city’s South Side is home to the University of Chicago, Frank Lloyd Wright’s Robie House and, of course, the Illinois home of President Obama and his family. At the northern end of the city lies Rogers Park where Loyola University students comprise a sizeable percentage of the neighborhood. On the west side you will find the University of Illinois at Chicago nestled between Greek Town and Little Italy.

The neighborhood connections to higher education also extend to research activities such as the Neighborhood Mapping Project at the University of Chicago and the Great Cities Neighborhood Initiative at the University of Illinois at Chicago. These and other university-sponsored, community-based endeavors create innovative partnerships beneficial to both the institutions and their neighborhoods, ensuring the continued vitality of both.

Mary Lelik
University of Illinois at Chicago (lelik@uic.edu)

Bring the kids! While they may not be interested in IPEDS or the significance of the beta weights in a regression analysis, there are several activities in and around Chicago they will enjoy.

A sunny day means a walk or cab ride less than a mile south of the Forum’s Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers to Millennium Park, where kids can marvel at British artist Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture or chase the water spray from the giant faces of Jaume Plensa’s Crown Fountain. These two activities are fun for kids of all ages!

Less than a mile east of the Sheraton is Chicago’s Historic Navy Pier, with both indoor and outdoor fun. Pier Park features a permanent 150-foot-high Ferris wheel, a musical carousel, an old-fashioned swing ride, an 18-hole miniature golf course, and more. Take a ride on the AeroBalloon or enjoy a two-hour guided Segway tour of the Chicago lakefront. Inside Navy Pier, kids can enjoy activities at the Chicago Children’s Museum, or experience the fun of Amazing Chicago’s Funhouse Maze, where they can navigate through the Mirror Maze, stumble through the Spinning Tunnel, and stomp out the Great Chicago Fire.

A cooler day may mean a trip to one of the many Chicago museums. About a mile and a half south of the Sheraton (or about five minutes by cab), is The Art Institute of Chicago, with family activities available in the Ryan Education Center.

A mile further south is Museum Campus, where kids can dress as penguins at the Shedd Aquarium, see the world’s most famous T. Rex. at the Field Museum of Natural History, and launch into the outer reaches of space at the Adler Planetarium. Before you arrive in Chicago, be sure to check out the Chicago City Pass, which gets you into five Chicago attractions for one price. The museum Web sites list the current exhibits which may interest you.

Further south is the Museum of Science and Industry, about 8 miles or a 15 minute cab ride from the Sheraton. One of the largest science museums in the world, it is home to more than 35,000 artifacts and nearly 14 acres of hands-on exhibits designed to spark scientific inquiry and creativity. It boasts permanent exhibits like the Coal Mine, along with temporary exhibits such as You, the Experience.

No visit to Chicago is complete without a trip to the Skydeck of the Willis Tower (formerly known as the Sears Tower), a world-renowned building and a Chicago icon. The third-tallest building in the world, it remains the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere, standing 1,450 feet and 110 stories tall. But don’t stop there – dare to stand out on The Ledge of the tower and experience the city from 103 stories above ground for an unobstructed view of the city below. At 1,353 feet up, The Ledge’s glass boxes extend 4.3 feet from the skyscraper’s Skydeck on the 103rd floor, providing never-before-seen views of the city and a most memorable finale to your family’s fun in Chicago.

Liz Sanders
DePaul University

Jazz isn’t dead – at least not in Chicago. The long tradition of Chicago jazz continues at a large number of venues. Below are a few spots that deserve special mention, but you can view a comprehensive list of the latest happenings on Chicago’s premier Jazz entertainment and booking resource http://www.chicagojazz.com.

Joe Segal’s Jazz Showcase is one of the oldest jazz clubs in the country. Open seven nights a week, Joe Segal’s features a mix of nationally-known performers and excellent local bands. It is located on the southern edge of the loop (Chicago’s downtown area) and is within walking distance of the conference hotel. Visit http://www.jazzshowcase.com/ for contact information and other details.

Another all-jazz, all-the-time place is Andy’s Jazz Club, located just north of the loop. Incredibly, they have jazz at lunchtime from noon until 2:00 p.m., another band for happy hour from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., and yet a different band from 9: 00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. every day. The food is first-rate and the ambiance is that of a real “jazz joint”. Check out http://www.andysjazzclub.com

Another venue for jazz seven nights a week is the Green Mill on Chicago’s north side. They have a large swing band and dancing on Thursday nights. Green Mill was a hangout for the Al Capone gang, and the 1930’s décor hasn’t changed since those infamous days. Visit http://www.greenmilljazz.com for more information.

Katerina’s, also on the north side of Chicago, is an eclectic music venue that serves excellent food. Katerina’s features music ranging from Greek folk music, to string quartets, to re-creations of the Hot Club of Paris, depending on which night you happen to visit. Visit the Web site at http://www.katerinas.com

Have a swingin’ good time in Chicago!

For more information about things to do in the Chicago area please contact Jonathan Keiser (jkeiser@colum.edu), Local Arrangements Committee Chair for the 2010 AIR Forum.

Herbert H. Stenson

Art Institute of Chicago
111 South Michigan Avenue
Chicago, IL 60603

Hours M-W, F 10:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
TH 10:30 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (free entry from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.)
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $12 (adults), $7 (students and seniors), Free (under 12)

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Museum of Contemporary Art
220 East Chicago Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611

The Museum of Contemporary Art was established in 1967 and houses a collection of art created after 1945 (in sharp contrast to the Art Institute, whose holdings cover 5,000 years). It is located approximately 1 mile north of the conference hotel.

Hours Closed Monday
TU 10:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m. (free admission all day)
W-Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Admission: $12 (adults), $7 (students and seniors), Free (under 12)

The Museum Campus also houses the Adler Planetarium, the Field Museum of Natural History, and the John G Shedd Aquarium all within a 57-acre lakefront park, created when Lake Shore Drive was rerouted to run west of Soldier Field in 1998. The Adler is the only museum in the world with two full-size planetarium theatres. It was the first planetarium built in the western hemisphere and is today, the oldest. The Shedd opened in 1930 and houses more than 25,000 fish and other sea creatures representing more than 2,100 species. In 2007, it was the most popular cultural attraction in Chicago. The Field museum houses many notable exhibits, including Sue, the largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus Rex currently known and the notorious man-eating Tsavo lions. Soldier Field, home of the Chicago Bears, is also located on the museum campus.

Adler Planetarium
1300 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

Hours M-F 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
First Friday of every month 10:00 a.m. – 10:00 p.m.
Admission: Click here for admission information

John G. Shedd Aquarium
1200 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

Hours M-F 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday and Sunday 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Admission: $25 (adult), $18 (seniors and children 3- 11), Free (under 3), 25% off (Chicago residents)

Field Museum of Natural History
1400 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

Hours Every day 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (last admission at 4:00 p.m.)
Admission: Click here for admission information

Soldier Field
1410 South Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60605

Hours: Only open for scheduled events

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Museum of Science and Industry
57th Street and Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60637

Hours: M-SA 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., SU 11:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Admission: Click here for admission information

The Museum of Science and Industry is situated in what once was The Palace of the Fine Arts (constructed for the 1893 World’s Columbian Exposition) in Jackson Park (south of downtown). Among its diverse and expansive exhibits, the Museum features a working coal mine, a German submarine (U-505) captured during World War II, a 3,500-square-foot (330 m2) model railroad, the first diesel-powered streamlined stainless-steel passenger train (Pioneer Zephyr), and a NASA space capsule used on the Apollo 8 mission.

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Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022

Hours: 8:00 a.m. - sunset
Open every day
Admission: Free (without a vehicle), $20 (per car), $7 (senior citizen car), $25 (van), $60 (limousine, minibus or RV)

For a sublime outdoor experience in the north suburbs, escape to the Chicago Botanical Garden. Although it is approximately 20 miles north of downtown Chicago, it is easily accessible by the Metra train.

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Garfield Park Conservatory
300 N Central Park, Avenue
Chicago, IL 60624

Hours Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Wednesdays 9:00 a.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Open every day
Admission: Free

Garfield Park opened just over a hundred years ago, in 1908. It consists of six greenhouses and two exhibition halls as well as outdoor garden space and is one of the largest conservatories in the world. It is easily accessible via public transportation. (Click here for transportation information.)

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Lincoln Park Conservatory
2391 North Stockton Drive
Chicago, IL 60614

Hours: Daily 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Open every day
Admission: Free

Lincoln Park Conservatory is the older of the two conservatories (built between 1890 and 1895) and is immediately adjacent to the Lincoln Park Zoo. It has four display greenhouses: Palm House, Fern Room, Orchid House and the Show House (home to the annual flower shows) as well as “Granny’s garden” (properly called “Grandmother’s Garden”) and the “Front Lawn” located outside of the greenhouses.

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Lincoln Park Zoo
2001 North Clark Street
Chicago, IL 60614

Hours April-May 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Memorial Day to Labor Day weekdays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., weekends 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
Open every day
Admission: Free

The Lincoln Park zoo is approximately 3 miles north of downtown in the Lincoln Park neighborhood, easily accessed via public transportation. It is located in a 49 acre park on the lakefront, houses more than 1,100 mammals, birds, reptiles and amphibians, and attracts approximately 3 million visitors each year.

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Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513

Hours Daily 9:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Admission: Click here for admission information

Brookfield Zoo is 14 miles west of the city (located in Brookfield, IL). It, too, is accessible via public transportation. It is located on 216 acres and houses approximately 450 species of animals.

Linda S. Buyer, Ph.D.
Governors State University

Route 66 was established November 11, 1926 by the National Highway Commission. It begins in Chicago, traveling through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, and ending in Santa Monica, California; a distance of 2,450 miles. During the Great Depression, Route 66 became the primary road for people travelling westbound. John Steinbeck called it the “Mother Road” in his book “The Grapes of Wrath” which was set during the depression. The designation in 1926 of Route 66 as a national highway acknowledged the road as the nation's principal east-west artery between Chicago and the west coast.

Bobby Troupe composed the song "Route 66” made famous by Nat King Cole. As the interest about Route 66 grew so did the popularity of the song. It has now been recorded by hundreds of artists, including the Rolling Stones. Just as the Mother Road drew postwar motorists to the romance and excitement of driving Route 66, you can still find that same excitement today – beginning with the starting point of Route 66 on Adams and Michigan, in the heart of Chicago. Route 66 in Chicago’s Loop ran along Jackson Boulevard and Adams Street; parallel thoroughfares packed with historic sites and structures.

There are many great eateries on Route 66 in Chicago. For a hearty breakfast, visit Lou Mitchell’s – family owned and operated since 1923. As a special treat, donut holes are passed to patrons waiting in line.

Lou Mitchell’s
565 W Jackson
(312) 939-3111 phone
(312) 939-4400 fax
www.loumitchellsrestaurant.com

Enjoy lunch at the famous Berghoff Café, serving M-F, 11:00 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. The café is located in the lower level of the historic Berghoff building.

Berghoff Café
17 West Adams Street
(312) 312.427.7399
www.berghoff.com

One community to visit on Route 66 is “Greektown”, located on Madison and Halstead. The community plays host to more than 10 different restaurants serving Greek cuisine. To learn more about “Greektown” visit www.greektownchicago.org

For Route 66 tour information, contact Windy City Road Warrior Tours at www.windycityroadwarrior.com The Windy City Road Warrior is David G. Clark, the author of “Route 66 in Chicago”. Mr. Clark has written numerous articles for publications about Route 66 in Chicago. He conducts bus tours and gives lectures and visual presentations. Tours last about 2 hours and are about 1 mile in distance. Some stair-climbing is required. Group and Individual rates are available - e-mail dave@windycityroadwarrior.com for more information.

Kathy Miller
Governers State University

Chicago Shakespeare Theater
800 East Grand Avenue on Navy Pier
Chicago, IL 60611
Box Office: 312-595-5600
Box Office: Tue–Sat 12:00noon – 5:00 p.m., Sunday 12:00 noon – 4:00 p.m.

The Chicago Shakespeare Theater will be presenting The Taming of the Shrew from April 7 through June 6, 2010. This timeless play by William Shakespeare is a highly entertaining look at the battle of the sexes. Evening show times are offered Wednesday through Saturday with afternoon matinees on Saturdays and Sundays. The Chicago Shakespeare Theater is located within walking distance from the Sheraton Chicago Hotel & Towers.

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Victory Gardens Theater
2433 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60614
Box Office: 773-871-3000
Box Office Hours: Tue-Sat, 12 noon to 8 p.m.; Sun 12 noon to 4 p.m.

Victory Gardens will be staging the world premiere of Jacob & Jack by ensemble playwright James Sherman and directed by Dennis Zacek. Jacob & Jack is the story of Jack Shore, a well-known television personality, as he is preparing to appear for one night only in a tribute to his grandfather, Jacob Shemerinsky, great star of the Yiddish Theatre. Backstage, in his dressing room, Jack confronts his challenges as an actor and as a husband to his co-starring wife. Simultaneously, 75 years in the past, Jacob has problems of his own. Actors play their past and present roles in a dizzying display of life in the theatre in this time-traveling comedic farce. Not only does the Victory Gardens Theater offer great stage productions, but it is also a Chicago historical landmark. It is currently housed in the old Biograph Theater where legendary American bank robber John Dillinger met his death in an arrest attempt on July 22, 1934.

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Goodman Theater
170 N Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60601
Box Office: 312-443-3811
Box Office Hours: Mon – Fri, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.; Sat – Sun, 12 noon - 5 p.m.

The Goodman Theater will be opening the play The Good Negro, by Tracey Scott Wilson, and directed by Chuck Smith on Saturday, June 1, 2010 . This play is a historical look at the 1960’s American Civil Rights Movement and explores the personal stories behind the historic headlines. Evening show times are offered Wednesday through Saturday with afternoon matinees on Sundays.

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Steppenwolf Theater Company
1650 N. Halsted Street
Chicago, IL 60614-5530
Box Office: 312-335-1650
Box Office Hours: Mon-Sat 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sun 1 p.m. – 5 p.m.

Steppenwolf will be presenting Samuel Beckett’s Endgame, from April 1 – June 6, 2010 directed by Frank Galati and starring ensemble members Ian Barford, Francis Guinan, William Petersen and Rondi Reed. The play is described as “Beckett’s absurd comic masterpiece follows Hamm, a blind man unable to stand, and his servant Clov, who is unable to sit, as they pass their days in a tiny house by the sea—if the sea still exists. Pestered by Hamm’s parents, they move through their daily rituals, awaiting the end of everything.” In addition to Endgame Steppenwolf will be offering various other productions and performances with show times available Tuesdays through Sundays, weekly.

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The Chicago Theatre
175 N. State Street
Chicago, IL 60601
312-902-1500

The Chicago Theatre is one of the city’s most iconic landmarks, and serves as home to national acts and traveling productions. Check their Web site frequently for a calendar of events and ticketing information, as well as information about venue tours.

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Additional Theatres in the Chicago Area
Bank of America Theatre
151 W Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60601-3108
312-902-1400

Lifeline Theater
6912 N. Glenwood Avenue
Chicago, IL
773-761-4477

University of Chicago Court Theater
5535 S Ellis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60637
773-753-4472

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For a complete guide to all things theatre in Chicago, visit http://www.chicago-theater.com/.

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For information on Broadway productions in the Chicago theatre district, please visit http://www.broadwayinchicago.com.

Linda S. Buyer, Ph.D.
Governors State University

Below are the most visited attractions in the Chicago area for 2009 as compiled by Crain’s Chicago Business. We encourage you to explore all Chicago has to offer during your time at the Forum.

#1 Navy Pier
600 E Grand Avenue
Chicago, IL 60611
www.navypier.com
312-595-5100

#2 Millennium Park
201 E Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60602
www.millenniumpark.org
312-742-1168

#3 Chicago Trolley and Double Decker Co.
615 W 41st Street
Chicago, IL 60609
www.chicagotrolley.com
773- 648-5000

#4 Lincoln Park Zoo
2200 N Cannon Drive
Chicago, IL 60614
www.lpzoo.org
312- 742-2000

#5 Six Flags Great America
542 N. State Route 21
Gurnee, IL 60031
www.sixflags.com
847-249-4636

#6 Brookfield Zoo
3300 Golf Road
Brookfield, IL 60513
www.czs.org
708-688-8000

#7 Sears Tower Skydeck (now Willis Tower)
Sears Tower, 103rd Floor
Chicago, IL 60696
www.theskydeck.com
312-875-9696 

#8 Morton Arboretum
4100 State Route 53
Lisle, IL 60532
www.mortonarb.org
630-968-0074

#9 Chicago Botanic Garden
1000 Lake Cook Road
Glencoe, IL 60022
www.chicagobotanic.org
847- 835-5440

#10 John Hancock Observatory
875 N. Michigan Avenue, 94th Floor
Chicago, IL 60611
www.hancockobservatory.com
312-751-3680

As a popular U.S. destination, Chicago offers a wealth of activities and places to see. For those interested in extending their Forum trip or bringing families, it’s important to be aware of the many FREE things to do in the city.

One of my favorite places to visit is the Lincoln Park Zoo. The zoo is free to the public every day. Nestled in the heart of Lincoln Park, with easy access via public transportation, the zoo hosts a variety of special events, learning opportunities, and an array of exhibits.

Just north of the zoo, you’ll find the Lincoln Park Conservatory. Open daily, the always green selection of plant species is sure to provide a fun and educational experience in any type of weather.

Millennium Park is home to many famous landmarks. On Lake Michigan, in the shadow of some of the city’s tallest skyscrapers, this park offers something new every season. Cloud Gate, or “The Bean” as local residents call it, is one of the most engaging sculptures in the city. The Jay Pritzker Pavillion has numerous free concert events throughout the year, and stands as a work of art itself. And Crown Fountain offers a bit of relief on hot summer days.

Just north of Millennium Park, and east of the Forum hotel, you’ll find Navy Pier—an absolute must-see for any visit to Chicago. From the Ferris wheel and boat tours, to shopping and dining options, Navy Pier is fun for the entire family. Most importantly, there are weekly fireworks shows every Saturday and Wednesday evening.

Some of the most interesting events to attend are local comedy shows, concerts, street festivals, farmer’s markets, and special deals on some of the popular Chicago museums. To find specific information on these types of events, visit ChicagoFree.Info, The Local Tourist, Explore Chicago, and Free Attractions.

Becky Culbertson
Argosy University (rculbertson@argosy.edu)

This year’s AIR Forum baseball outing takes us to U.S. Cellular Field, home of the 2005 World Series Champion Chicago White Sox. The stadium opened in 1991 as Comiskey Park (referred to as New Comiskey Park), just across the street from their home of 81 years, the legendary Comiskey Park. A plaque in the parking lot just north of Gate 5 marks the location of home plate. Several design elements from the old stadium were brought over, most notably the “exploding scoreboard” which lights up and shoots fireworks after every Sox home run. Another attraction at U.S. Cellular Field is the Fundamentals Deck, featuring a youth-sized whiffle-ball diamond, batting and pitching cages, and areas for base running.

The last AIR Forum in Chicago included a trip to the north side for a game at the friendly confines of Wrigley Field, home to the Cubs since 1916. Although the Cubs will be out of town during this year’s Forum, you can still check out the historic ballpark by taking a tour of the stadium. Stops include the Cubs clubhouse, press box, visitor's clubhouse, bleachers, dugouts, on deck circles, and mezzanine suites.

One of the indelible images of Chicago sports is of the Bears playing in Soldier Field. The stadium underwent a significant renovation in 2002, but retains links to its past such as the celebrated colonnades. Take a tour of the famous lakefront stadium, with behind-the-scenes stops such as the Field, South Courtyard, Doughboy Statue, Grand Concourse, Colonnades, Skyline Suite, and Visitors Locker Room. 

A popular Chicagoland summertime activity is Arlington Park for an exciting afternoon of horse racing. The park opened in 1927 and hosted the first horse race with a million-dollar purse. There is plenty of lawn space for picnicking, and you can watch the horses up close as they parade from the stables to the starting gates.

If you would rather play than watch, the Chicago Park District oversees 552 parks with over 7,300 acres of parkland and 33 beaches. Most notable is Lincoln Park, Chicago's largest park with over 20 million visitors each year - second only to Central Park in New York City.

Paul Schatz
Northwestern University (p-schatz@northwestern.edu)