Category Archives: Waveland

Even after baseball returned in 2020, a walk around Wrigleyville was anything but normal. The sounds of the Lowery organ, the players walkup music, and the fake crowd noise pumping out of the empty ballpark made the streets felt haunted. There were a handful of ballhawks at the corner of Kenmore and Waveland, and a few adventurous souls watched the games from the limited capacity rooftops across the street. But vendors were nowhere to be seen, and most of the nearby pubs and taverns were shuttered. A neighborhood that welcomes more than three million fans annually to the majors second oldest park felt like a ghost town.

Ten and a half months later, baseball and fans have returned to Wrigley Field, and so did I. Though I wasnt entirely sure what to expect as I joined the 25% capacity crowd during the Cubs first home stand, I braced myself for that same feeling I experienced so many times walking through the neighborhood in 2020. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised that the sense of desertion had been replaced by one of cautious renewal. Pandemic baseball isnt the same as the standing-room-only crowds I remember from 2019, but it isnt the shell we saw last season, either.

Not that everything is back to normal; there were constant reminders that we are still in a pandemic. Social distancing markers keep you six feet apart you line up to enter the ballpark and when you to go to the restrooms and concession stands. The center-concourse booths that used to sell t-shirts and programs have been removed to allow more room for fans, who are effectively zoned into certain areas in order to prevent crowds; tickets for Wrigley Field now contain a color code and specific entry time that corresponds to entry gates.

With the reduced capacity, the days of sitting next to a complete stranger are over. Like many teams, the Cubs require that ticket holders resell them only to someone within their close circle of COVID contacts or to another cohesive group. As much as the introvert in me liked the extra space, I was a bit sad thinking about how long it will be before I can teach a curious kid sitting next to me how to keep score. Nor do the Cubs encourage you leaving your seats or moving around.Unsold seats are zip-tied shut. If youre hungry, you can place in-seat concession orders using a QR code or through the MLB Ballpark app for a limited number of items (at Wrigley, its hot dogs and drinks) that are delivered, prepackaged, to your seat. If you want to buy something in the concourse, you order via the app and pick them up once they are ready, with plexiglass separating you from the vendors.

The vast majority of fans wore their masks, with more handed out at the gate for those without. There were a handful of people near me who had to be repeatedly reminded by the ushers to put their masks on, but they were far enough away that I didnt feel threatened by them. That feeling of risk will be a very personal calculation for each fan and is also informed by the ballparks capacity limit, which depends on the team.

COVID-19 Capacity Limits and Mask Rules by Ballpark

SOURCE: Each teams COVID protocols, supplemented by reporting from The Athletic

Additional specifications: * No gaiters/bandanas/vents, # No gaiters/vents, ! No face shields without mask/vents, % No gaiters, & No vents

The new health and safety policies are extensive and cover a lot more than masks; I couldnt help but think that some of these policy changes have been on teams wishlists for awhile, and that the pandemic simply offered them an opportunity to enact them in the name of health and safety. Take, for example, the new bag policies that exist across the league. As Rich Hill and his wife found out when they tried to attend a Patriots game in 2019, sporting venues have installed increasingly restrictive bag policies in recent years. Athletic Business (a magazine for professionals in the athletic, fitness and recreation industry) explained the motivation for teams in 2016 in an article about clear bag policies:

Any event management teams preference would be to see fans arrive with nothing in hand but a ticket and perhaps a jacket. Bags brought to athletics events present a list of safety and security concerns ranging from mere nuisance to terrorism fans may sneak in food, alcohol, noisemakers, weapons or other prohibited items and checking each individual bag represents a substantial commitment of manpower, time, access control technology, or perhaps all three.

If this were a league-wide clear bag mandate like the NFL has, it might make sense. MLB, however, has 30 different teams adopting a hodgepodge of regulations. My 9-by-5 three-pocket crossbody bag is fine at Wrigley and 10 other ballparks, but in Atlanta, fans can only have a 9-by-5 single compartment purse. The Dodgers will let you bring in a much larger 12-by-12-by-6 bag, but it has to be clear. A handful of teams (the Tigers and Rays) have gone even further, banning all bags except for diaper bags and those that are medically necessary.It wouldnt surprise me to see these restrictions stay in place long after social distancing and mask requirements have been relaxed or removed entirely.

Similarly, cash has been eliminated at 26 ballparks, including Wrigley; the remaining four strongly encourage cashless transactions. Like the bag policies, a cashless ballpark experience has been on the radar of sports teams long before the pandemic: Former Levy E15 CEO Jamie Faulkner talked about itwith Forbes in February of 2019 when the Rays became the first MLB team to go that route. Concerns that COVID-19 could be passed on via surfaces provided an opportunity for teams to enact those policies, even though a recent study from the Bank of England cast doubt on physical money as a transmission vector.

If you dont have a debit or credit card, most ballparks have set up some form of reverse ATM that will turn your cash into a debit card. But while these policies may be growing in popularity,they tend toharm the poor and further segregate the retail sector, as 7% of American households have no inhabitants with a checking or savings account households that skew non-white. Making the game less welcome seems to fly in the face of MLBs obsession with growing the game, but the pandemic created an opening, and baseball is far from alone in running through that door.

The fine print is not limited to capacity, bags, masks and cash. There are all sorts of idiosyncratic rules that differ from park to park. Many of them are based on local COVID-19 restrictions, which can vary substantially even across relatively small distances. So while New York City has predictably similar rules for the Mets and the Yankees (if you want to attend a game there this season, you will need either proof that you have been vaccinated with enough time for the vaccine to be fully effective or a negative COVID-19 test that was taken within 72 hours of the event), the rules elsewhere are less cohesive. The Giants are the only team outside New York City to require vaccination or a negative COVID test and are alsolimiting ticket sales to California residents. But across the bay in Oakland, you wont need proof of a vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test to attend an As game, though the same residency rules apply.

Ill be the first to admit that the small print and endless new rules can be a bit overwhelming. My mind was racing as I walked up Waveland Avenue. Am I actually, really going to get to watch a Cubs game in-person? What if my bag isnt the right type or size? What if I missed the fine print on the mask rule? Will they let me in at all?

But the hassle and anxiety of it all faded as I entered the left field gate, got my scorecard, and walked up the stairs to my seat in the grandstand. It turns out baseball is still, at least temporarily, an antidote to my tendency to overthink things.

The best moment of the game I went to back on April 7 was the most unexpected. I knew I would get teary-eyed when I saw the field for the first time; that occasionally happens even in non-pandemic circumstances. But I was totally unprepared to well up when the Cubs finally gave the home crowd something to cheer for in the eighth inning, whenJoc Pederson tied the game with a home run and Javier Bez stepped up to the plate with no one out and a chance to take the lead. Suddenly, 10,000 people I didnt know began chanting Javy! Javy! in a way that was both familiar and stunning. I had forgotten the feeling of community and hope that exists in a baseball crowd, and even though Bez struck out, it was a shared optimism that has been missing in my life for the last year.

I looked around and realized I wasnt the only one with tears in their eyes, soaking in the whole moment. In my little section in left field, no one left this Cubs loss early; everyone was savoring the return of baseball to a neighborhood built around the nations pastime. It was a homecoming that restored something essential something wed all been missing for more than a year.

See more here:

Take Me Out to the (Socially Distanced) Ballgame - FanGraphs

By Alexandra Kennedy

PRCC Public Relations

WAVELAND, Miss.Pearl River Community College is one step closer to offering more groundbreaking training and educational opportunities in Hancock County through therecentappropriation of$1.9 million in Gulf Coast Restoration Funds for the institutionsHancockAviation Aerospace Workforce Academy.

We are grateful for the overwhelming support provided by district and coastal legislative delegation,Pearl River President Dr. Adam Breerwood said. This academy will serve as an economic engine for the entire region. Our goal is to provide premier educational and workforce development opportunities. This investment will provide the financial resources to acquire state-of-the-art equipment that is necessary to train our workforce to compete in a global market.

The allocated money will provide state-of-the-art equipment for the Academys career and technical workforce programs. These programs will give the opportunity forMississippiansto gain the skills needed to be more productive and have an improved quality of life. The facility will also provide employers a better trained and educated workforce.

It has been great working with Pearl River Community College and Stennis International Airport and we look forward to the continued growth of Hancock County, District 122 Representative Brent Anderson said.

The Academy will be able to meet the ever-changing needs and growth of the technical fields and remain on the forefront of research and innovative technologies. Through partnerships, it will create a center of excellence unique to this region and allow Mississippi to boast a competitive edge that cannot easily be matched.

Ive had the honor and privilege of working with Pearl River Community College and the State from the beginning of this new endeavor and partnership between PRCC and the new workforce development center located in Hancock County, District 46 Senator Philip Moran said.

Added Angie Kothmann, Pearl River Director of Government & Community Relations: PRCC was very fortunate this legislative session.By receiving this $1.9 million, it will assist in providing career technical and workforce equipment to the Hancock Aviation Aerospace Workforce Academy. This new state-of-the-art PRCC campus will not only be a game changer for Hancock County and the state of Mississippi, but our entire Gulf Coast region as well.

District 93 Representative Timmy Ladner has also been supportive of PRCC andtheproject since its beginning.

FACILITY DETAILSThe Academy located adjacent to Stennis International Airport, Hancock High School and the Stennis Space Center Buffer Zone, will be an estimated 26,000square feet and representsanexpanded presence for PRCC in Hancock County on Fred and Al Key Road. The facility will consist of eight classrooms, five labs, reception area, faculty and staff offices, break room/kitchenette for staff, indoor sitting/vending area for students and an outdoor courtyard sitting area.

The hangar will be an estimated 18,000 square feet and will consist of two classrooms with labs, open hangar area with hands-on lab stations, outdoor covered area for equipment training, lobby with reception area, faculty and staff offices, break room/kitchenette for staff, small vending area for students. The hangar and classroom facility will be an extension of the Academy with hands-on training space as well as state of the art classroom learning environments. Direct runway access will allow for study and testing of operational vehicles with attention given to state-of-the art composites and sheet metal materials. Aviation systems and power plant design, repair and maintenance can be studied, performed and tested in real time on operational equipment. The facility will have direct access to the Stennis International Airport runways, service and fueling facilities. The hangar will offer the following programs: Aviation MaintenanceTechnology, Unmanned Systems and Precision Manufacturing& Machining Technology.

The Academy will provide state-of-the-art learning spaces for students in the form of computer and video enhanced classrooms along with adjacent hands-on labs and shop spaces. The learning environments will combine computer simulated training with the benefits of hands-on work with the tools and equipment used in the vehicles located in the adjacent PRCC Hangar Facility. It is the intention for this facility to promote learning and skill creation for the workforce training needed to operate and maintain the equipment and vehicles we will use during this century and beyond.

Every classroom and lab will be designed to be multifunctional and versatile to constantly fit the changing needs of the business and industries in this area. Programs listed are the ore offerings to start, but they can be amended at any time.

The Hangar is estimated to be completed in 2022 and the Academy in 2023.

PROGRAM OFFERINGSThe academy will offer diverse educational opportunities including academic, career and technical and workforce programs.

The Academy will offer the following programs: Instrumentation, Industrial Electronics Technology, Practical Nursing, Welding and Cutting Technology, Computer Aided Design and Drafting, Business Management Technology,Academic Courses, Workforce Programs and Adult Education/GED.

The programs that will be new to the Hancock location upon its opening are Instrumentation, Aviation MaintenanceTechnology, Industrial Electronics Technology, Precision Manufacturing& Machining Technology, Computer Aided Design and Drafting,Business Management Technologyand Coding Technology.

WILDCAT EXPERIENCEPearl River Community College is inviting all prospective students to its Poplarville Campus on April 20 for a fun and informative event GET ONBOARD: The Wildcat Experience.

The Wildcat Experience is a chance for future Wildcats to enjoy a free fun event where they can experience college life activities while also getting answers to all their important questions about the onboarding process of becoming a Wildcat. The come-and-go event will be held on PRCCs Poplarville Campus, 101 Hwy 11 North, from 1 p.m. 3 p.m. and is open to any prospective students.

Students can register for the Wildcat Experience by visitingPRCC.EDU/wildcatexperience.

Read the rest here:

Pearl River Community College receives $1.9 million in Gulf Coast Restoration Funds for Aerospace Academy - Picayune Item - Picayune Item

DES MOINES, IOWA Ingersoll Avenue is known as an east-west connection out of western downtown. Years ago that connection was made by rail and this week some pieces of that history were discovered when road crews repaving Ingersoll found buried streetcar tracks.

Actually it was put in an 1895, that Ingersoll line was put in all the way out to West Des Moines or Valley Junction as it was, said Earl Short of the Facebook Group Des Moines Streetcar Friends. Street cars actually started in Des Moines in 1866 horse drawn, and then the electric came in 1888, and the electric car were here until 1951.

And after that overhead line electric buses served Des Moines.

This week crews were tearing up pavement around the 2400 block of Ingersoll. The work uncovered the streetcar tracks which had not been used in 70 years. The workers used grinders to cut the rails into 10 foot sections to be saved for historical purposes.

My Dad was a streetcar operator starting in 1923, said Short. He worked with the company until 1961, I rode with him on the street cars out on this loop.

The loop that Short rode as a kid was along University which went as far west as Waveland Golf Course. It was constructed as a way to get people out to the golf course. Now the turn-around loop for the trolley is still there, but its been paved over for busses to use to turn around.

Friends of the Waveland Trolley plan a $275,000 monument to the Des Moines Streetcars.

The monument is going to be 27 foot long 10 foot high its in the form of a street car and will have information boards around explaining the streetcar era, said Short. Brick pavers they call them, they will go in there to simulate this track with streetcar tracks are and were.

The group still needs $45,000 to help get the project going. If the money gets raised soon, construction could start in September.

Here is a link to the Friends of the Waveland Trolley, where there is a form you can use to send, if youd like to donate to this. Here is a link to Des Moines Streetcar Friends

Read this article:

Pieces of Des Moines Streetcar Past Uncovered Beneath Ingersoll Avenue - WHBF - OurQuadCities.com

These items are from Niles Police Department incident reports. The Niles Journal publishes this police blotter every Wednesday.

Assault Charged

Robert J. Serafini, 34, of the 9400 block of Washington Street in Niles, was charged with assault and disorderly conduct. Police were called to his home for a well-being check at 3:45 a.m. Monday, March 22. When they arrived, Serafini was allegedly in a highly intoxicated state and made threatening statements to the officers. He was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. He was taken into custody again at 1:56 a.m. Thursday, March 25 at Cheers, 8006 W. Oakton St. In the second incident he was charged with public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and cost of emergency services for allegedly being highly intoxicated at the business. He was again taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

Drug Charges

Marcus L. Smith, 36, of the 4300 block of W. End Avenue in Chicago, was charged with delivery of cannabis, possession of cannabis, and traffic violations. He was pulled over at 8:18 p.m. Monday, March 22 in the 8800 block of W. Dempster Street where police found he was allegedly in possession of a large amount of suspected cannabis.

DUI Charges

Victor H. Walchuk, 62, of the 4100 block of Waveland Avenue in Chicago, was charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol and damage to village property. He was apprehended at 8:50 p.m. Sunday, March 21 after an alleged single vehicle traffic crash at Howard Street and Nordica Avenue. Police did not say what property was allegedly damaged in the crash.

Retail Theft Reported

Two people took a sweatshirt and sweatpants valued at a total of more than $60 and fled Old Navy, 8315 W. Golf Rd., without paying. The theft occurred at 5:36 p.m. Wednesday, March 24.

A person known to store personnel at Hobby Lobby, 7229 W. Dempster St., allegedly tried to leave without paying for items valued at a total of $302.81 at 7 p.m. Wednesday, March 24. Employees confronted the suspect who returned the items and left.

An unknown person took electronics valued at a total of $1,179.91 from Target, 6150 W. Touhy Ave., and fled without paying. The theft occurred at 2:05 p.m. Monday, March 22.

A person known to store personnel at Walmart, 8500 W. Golf Rd., allegedly tried to leave without paying for items valued at a total of $105.75. When employees confronted the suspect at 8:07 p.m. Friday, March 19, the suspect gave back the items then left the store.

Tobacco Sales Charged

Mohammad D. Zabadneh, 41, of the 7400 block of Lincoln Avenue in Skokie, was charged with sale of tobacco to a minor at 8:54 p.m. Wednesday, March 24. He was working at Marathon Gas, 8401 Milwaukee Ave., when he allegedly sold tobacco to a minor.

Driving Charges

David A. Wilk, 21, of the 9800 block of Robin Road in Niles, was charged with no valid drivers license and speeding. He was pulled over at 7:21 p.m. Saturday, March 20 for allegedly driving at 80 mph in a 35 mph zone in the 8100 block of Dempster Street.

Victor M. Alvarado, 47, of the 1500 block of Cumberland Avenue in Park Ridge, was charged with speeding at 7:49 p.m. Saturday, March 20. Police stopped him for allegedly driving at 64 mph in a 35 mph zone in the 6300 block of Touhy Avenue.

Alfredo Terrazas, 30, of the 8900 block of Robin Drive in Des Plaines, was charged with speeding in the 6900 block of Caldwell Avenue. He was pulled over at 12:31 p.m. Monday, March 22 for allegedly driving at 65 mph in a 35 mph zone.

Flwra A. Yusif, 37, of the 1600 block of Buckingham Drive in Des Plaines, was charged with speeding at 1:14 p.m. Monday, March 22. An officer pulled her over for allegedly driving at 65 mph in a 35 mph zone in the 6900 block of Caldwell Avenue.

Anakin Olshock, 21, of the 8500 block of Crawford Avenue in Skokie, was charged with driving with a suspended drivers license and speeding. He was stopped in the 8100 block of Dempster Street for allegedly driving at 65 mph in a 35 mph zone at 4:43 p.m. Tuesday, March 23.

Laverne B. Russo, 53, of the 500 block of Talcott Avenue in Arlington Heights, was charged with driving with a suspended drivers license at 9:48 p.m. Tuesday, March 23. An officer stopped her at Harlem Avenue and Oakton Street for allegedly having an expired registration. Police did not state what additional tickets were given to her.

Alpaiz Ismailov, 30, of the 2100 block of Arthur Avenue in Chicago, was charged with speeding at 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, March 24. He was pulled over for allegedly driving at 63 mph in a 35 mph zone in the 7900 block of Dempster Street.

Apostoli Sarantopoulos, 22, of the 6400 block of Drake Avenue in Lincolnwood, was charged with speeding in the 7900 block of Dempster Street. Police stopped him for allegedly driving at 65 mph in a 35 mph zone at 10:54 p.m. Wednesday, March 24.

Locker Burglarized

Someone took $80 cash and the lock from a locked locker at X-Sport Fitness Club, 9210 N. Milwaukee Ave. The burglary occurred before 3:29 p.m. Sunday, March 21.

Tire Swiped

The spare tire was taken from a pickup truck in the 7000 block of Grace Avenue before 8:06 a.m. Thursday, March 25.

Read the original post:

Niles Blotter: Resident Taken Into Custody Twice In Same Week - Journal & Topics Newspapers Online

CHICAGO The Chicago Cubs today announced Horizon Therapeutics (Nasdaq: HZNP) as a new Legacy Partner. The long-term partnership includes naming rights to the left field gate located on Waveland Avenue, various in-ballpark signage elements at Sloan Park and Wrigley Field including the prominent left field sign behind the Budweiser Bleachers and static signage behind home plate, as well as a new Cubs STEAM Program, presented by Horizon, created in an effort to inspire more Chicagoland-area middle and high school students to explore opportunities in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art and math).

The Cubs STEAM Program, presented by Horizon and in partnership with Science of Sport, will provide local students with increased access to STEAM in an effort to inspire todays youth to consider and pursue these fields as future career paths. To build awareness of these fields of study, the program will focus primarily on the science of baseball, where students can explore through real-world examples and hands-on learning the mathematics and science behind baseball-related actions such as launch angles, curveballs and fastballs. The program will launch this fall and will include a citywide science fair where participants will be provided with the opportunity to show off their STEAM skills for a chance to attend a two-week STEAM summer camp.

Were excited to welcome Horizon to the Cubs family as our newest Legacy Partner, said Cubs President of Business Operations Crane Kenney. Horizon shares our commitment to being a good neighbor in the communities where we work and live, so we are thrilled to launch the Cubs STEAM Program to expose Chicagoland youth to future education and career options. By focusing this effort in Chicago, we hope students across this great city take full advantage of this innovative, citywide science camp and fair.

Horizon, which was founded in 2008, is an international biotechnology company with U.S. headquarters in Deerfield, IL, that focuses on researching, developing and commercializing medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases. In order to bring awareness to the more than 7,000 known rare diseases, the Cubs and Horizon will host an event next season during Spring Training in recognition of Rare Disease Day.

Horizon started from humble roots in the Chicago-area in 2008 and as we continue to grow, we look for partners like the Cubs to help us continue to make a meaningful impact in the community, said Horizon Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer Tim Walbert. Together with the Cubs, we have the opportunity to harness the ingenuity of these students, nurture the next generation of science leaders through this unique programming, as well as raise awareness about the significant impact of rare diseases.

Horizon will become the 11th Legacy Partner of the Cubs joining Advocate Health Care, American Airlines, Anheuser-Busch, Beam Suntory, Gallagher, Marriott, Nuveen, Sloan Valve Company, Toyota and Wintrust.

About Horizon: Horizon is focused on the discovery, development and commercialization of medicines that address critical needs for people impacted by rare, autoimmune and severe inflammatory diseases. Our pipeline is purposeful: we apply scientific expertise and courage to bring clinically meaningful therapies to patients. We believe science and compassion must work together to transform lives. For more information on how we go to incredible lengths to impact lives, please visit http://www.horizontherapeutics.com and follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram and Facebook.

Original post:

Chicago Cubs announce Horizon Therapeutics as new legacy partner - MLB.com

Erik Baylis sometimes sat alone in The Irish Oak after cleaning an empty kitchen or cooking a burger for himself. The Clark Street bar is usually filled with energy, close enough to Wrigley Field to hear the crack of the bat and the roar from the crowd during Cubs games. That made the place feel even more empty.

The missing parts have defined the COVID-19 pandemic. There are the absences felt after the deaths of more than 546,000 people in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Millions of American workers have filed for unemployment benefits. Remote learning became a new reality for teachers and students across the country. Think of all the milestone events like graduation ceremonies and weddings that were disrupted within the last year. Simple pleasures, like sipping a freshly poured Guinness, vanished.

There was nothing you could do, Baylis, the president/owner of Big Onion Hospitality, said.

View original post here:

The return of Cubs fans is a glimmer of hope after gut-wrenching year in Wrigleyville - The Athletic

It was honestly the most pandemic meeting ever. Ten minutes into the 18th annual (and first-ever virtual) Wrigley Field Community Meeting the only things that had been communicated were instructions on muting, unmuting, whose audio was garbled, whose audio was incoherent, and, finally, instructions to turn off cameras in order to spare the bandwidth. No one was immune. I could only hear every fifth word of 44th Ward Alderman Tom Tunneys opening remarks, but I imagine if there was any critical information there he repeated it later when his audio situation cleared up a bit.

Before I jump into information from the meeting Id like to comment that the City of Chicago and the Cubs would do well to offer virtual access to this meeting in the future. I have attended this meeting for Bleed Cubbie Blue for the last five years. In fact, its one of the last in-person events I attended before everything shut down due to COVID-19 in 2020. Ive never counted the number of people in attendance but Id estimate its in the 20-30 range. Thats including reporters, the Cubs staff members in attendance and various city representatives. The one exception was 2017 when the 19th Police District was standing room only, but Im 90 percent sure that was just because the World Series Trophy made an appearance. This years meeting shattered that record with a reported 285 people on the call. Just as importantly, there were representatives from all adjoining Wards (44th, 46th, 47th and 32nd) on the call at least initially. No Ward representatives, including Ald. Tunney, were on later in the call when they were called.

The meeting began appropriately with a COVID-19 update from Dr. Rachel Bernard of the Chicago Department of Public Health. Dr. Bernard noted that they are carefully monitoring the COVID positivity rate which has crept up from 2.9 percent to 3.4 percent in the city in the last two weeks. She noted that increase is concentrated in younger populations so they do not expect a spike in hospitalization or death rates as a result of the increase. She also offered some optimistic news on vaccine rates in the city, although if youve been trying and failing at scoring an appointment for yourself or someone you love you likely feel like the vaccine process looks a lot more like this:

Ald. Tunney then began his remarks keeping in the spirit of 2021 with Can you hear me now? We could and he thanked everyone for their participation in the meeting before turning it over to representatives from the Cubs.

In previous years Assistant Director of Government and Community Affairs, Heather Way Kitzes, has taken the lead on this call. She was present and actively involved this year as well although the bulk of the Cubs initial comments were presented by Senior Vice President of Operations David Cromwell.

The Cubs are looking forward to welcoming fans back to the Friendly Confines and reiterated their four pillars of community engagement, specifically their commitment to keep the neighborhood safe, informed, clean and vibrant.

There is a lot more detail on all of the Cubs initiatives at the Cubs fan portal and honestly, I cannot stress enough how much you should visit that webpage before you head to Wrigley Field this year. I will get into some of the new procedures below, but pretty much every question you can imagine, and some you likely havent thought of yet, are on the Cubs fan portal.

While there will not be temperature checks to enter Wrigley Field this season, there will be pretty much everything else COVID-related, and most of it will require the MLB Ballpark App. Fans will need to attest they are symptom free prior to entry and paper tickets are a thing of the past, your phone is your ticket to the ballpark this year. Additionally, every ticket will include entry gate information. While this information was available to fans in previous years in 2021 it will be non-negotiable. One of the ways the Cubs will control crowds at Wrigley Field is by ensuring fans enter and exit through their preassigned gates. Your ticket will also include an entry time before the game. I was lucky enough to score a single ticket for the first homestand and you can see what that information looks like here:

As an aside, the prices were quite reasonable for the opening homestand, although that face value was bumped up considerably by fees and taxes in Chicago.

One other key change here: Gates at Wrigley Field used to open two hours before game time, that has been cut back to 90 minutes before game time.

As Al wrote earlier this week the magnetometers at Wrigley Field have been completely replaced by machines from Evolv Technology. You should check out the whole piece, but here are the specifics:

I had a chance to speak with Anil Chitkara, co-founder of Evolv Technology. He told me that these systems can screen up to 3,600 people an hour, 10 times what a traditional metal detector can screen. That will help the Cubs keep lines moving and in social distancing people coming to games, which is why you have a time of entry on your ticket if you have tickets for the opening homestand.

In addition to the ability to screen a lot more people per machine, these machines should allow fans to keep their cell phones and keys in their pockets. Bags are now limited at Wrigley Field to a 9x 5 purse with the only exceptions being medial and diaper bags. Fans should not need to empty these bags of small metal items, which is a relief for those of us who always worried about losing our keys taking them in and out of our pockets and bags as we entered the park.

One other element you might have noticed on the above ticket are the zone assignments. In order to keep congestion at restrooms and concession stands down fans are supposed to stay in their designated zone during the game. Speaking of concessions, the way you get your nosh on at the ballpark will be a bit different in 2021. The Ballpark App isnt just your ticket, its also your way to order delicious food and drink from your seat. From the Cubs fan portal:

All fans over two years old will be required to wear masks when they are not actively eating or drinking and social distancing will be enforced. Cromwell noted that Wrigley will be staffed for well over the 25 percent capacity it is set to open at (note, even as of the meeting that number was stated as 20 percent, but it appears to have gone up as Al wrote here.) That will help the Cubs manage the additional responsibilities of enforcing COVID protocols, including social distancing, in the stands and the concourse and in-seat concessions.

There was no new information on any events that might or might not happen at Wrigley Field and/or Gallagher Way this season. Cromwell said the Cubs are focused on 81 home games and currently have no plans for other announcements. That does not mean concerts, farmers markets and food trucks will never return to Wrigley Field, but the Cubs want to make sure theyve got the baseball part of the equation right first.

The vast majority of this meeting is usually an update on baseballs impact on the neighborhood followed by a question-and-answer period from residents focusing on their most pressing concerns. With such a limited 2020 schedule those updates were not really relevant or helpful, although Ald. Tunney did request 2020 numbers on parking tickets in the neighborhood and those should be up on the 44th Ward website soon. I have no idea why this information is helpful, unless Tunney would like to know what it would look like if the Cubs ever stop playing baseball in the 44th Ward. He should probably ask the businesses in the neighborhood how they feel about that before going too far down that road, but I digress.

One change visitors to the area should be aware of revolves around signage. In previous years Wrigley Field night game and event dates were posted on signs in and around the neighborhood. Those dates were not available when the signs were printed, so that signage will not exist in 2021. If you plan to drive down to the ballpark and will be parking in Lakeview or Uptown youd do well to check the parking regulations before you arrive.

There will also be additional oversight of bars and restaurants near Wrigley to ensure they are complying with capacity and social distancing requirements. Even as Chicago slowly expands capacity and reopens the city wants to be clear that local establishment owners will be diligent as (limited) crowds return to Wrigley Field.

At this point the question and answer period of this meeting is basically always the same. Someone will ask about trash cleanup, the Cubs will tout their additional investments into cleaning up the neighborhood. Someone will ask about street closures, the Cubs and/or the city will discuss the standard procedures there. None of this changed in 2021.

There are still a lot of concerns about delivery trucks arriving early in the morning on Waveland. As a person who routinely walks by Wrigley Field in the morning I can attest those trucks are loud, although since Im not an early morning person (unless I absolutely have to be) I can neither confirm nor deny that those trucks are routinely there before 7 a.m. as some residents claim.

Here is the original post:

The 2021 Wrigley Field Community Meeting: Can you hear me now? - Bleed Cubbie Blue

Jared McMurry | jmcmurry@jrpress.com

When the tone goes off, dozens of volunteer first responders across Montgomery County answer the call.

And that hasnt changed during the COVID-19 pandemic instead making their job that much more important.

You do have to appreciate people who are willing to go help people, Waveland fire chief Nathan Poynter said. Weve got a good group of people and that goes for every department across this county. The tone goes off and people come to help. They know they may not come back, let alone get sick or whatever. There cant be enough said about that for anybody.

When the pandemic first started in March 2020, departments scrambled for personal protective equipment, including N95 masks, hand sanitizer and Tyvek suits.

The Valero Ethanol plant in Linden made hand sanitizer, and the Indiana Emergency Management Agency eventually provided PPE.

The state EMA has been gracious enough to keep us in full gear, Coal Creek Township fire chief Darren Foreman said.

In the early going, many departments tried to mimic some of the protocols Crawfordsvilles fire department put into place.

On a medical call, we put in a protocol that kind of mirrored Crawfordsville, but with the focus on more what we do, Foreman said. Where we have one emergency responder enter the home on every call despite what it comes in as, and they evaluate is this a COVID restriction kind of a case or do we feel like theres not much of a COVID chance.

And even a year into the pandemic, each department is still evaluating every call for service to determine if COVID-19 is a threat.

I told all of the department, if youre in doubt at all, suit up and take all the precautions. Its better to be safe than sorry, Madison Township fire chief Earl Heide said.

Poynter said they try and treat all symptomatic calls the same.

Anything that is flu-like symptoms we protect ourselves to think that it is something that is highly contagious, he said. Weve had our fair share of COVID cases. We had five in seven days.

In the early going Coal Creek banded together with Waynetowns fire department to supply boxed lunches for students that were in need of daily meals after schools were closed. There have been some unexpected costs in the last year and several lost fundraising opportunities, but Foreman says Coal Creek, which is the largest township in Montgomery County, is hanging in there financially.

Our fundraising is not our lifeblood, he said. We are not a poor township, but we have a lot of rural area, so not a whole lot of tax-base there, so we would supplemental our non-essential stuff by doing fundraisers. So far our township trustee and town boards have been gracious enough to help us when they could.

Coal Creek, Madison and Waveland all saw fluctuation in calls for service in the last year. Poynter attributes a 10-15% decrease in calls to a lost spring of hiking at Shades State Park, while Heide said at the height of COVID, they only received calls for COVID-19 related symptoms or someone who desparately needed 911. Foreman said Coal Creak has seen a slight uptick in calls.

The biggest change has come in the increase in the length of medical and fire runs.

The big difference is, usually we come back and we do our paperwork and we are out of there, but when you have to come back and de-contaminate one or two people and the rescue truck and all of our equipment, it put a lot more tax on the volunteers, Foreman said. These folks are volunteering their time. Ive got an amazing crew at Coal Creek. Not once did anybody not make a run, not once did anyone complain.

As COVID-19 numbers continue to decline across Montgomery County with a corresponding incline in vaccinations, Heide said Madison Township has played its part in encouraging residents to get the shot that is now available to all Indiana residents ages 45 and older.

Weve talked to a lot of people in our community and theyre getting their shots, he said. We were one of the first departments around that starting getting shots. And you know how scared everybody was of taking their shots, we didnt get no computer chip and we didnt turn green or anything like that. Its just a precautionary shot just like any other that you take.

In every facet of life, society has adjusted in the last year and that has extended to first responders giving everyone a new perspective.

It didnt really bring on things that we should start doing, it made us aware of things that we needed to be doing from day one, Poynter said. I think awareness is the best thing that its done to help our department.

Visit link:

Answering the Call - Journal Review

Wayne Thomas Bell, 86, of Waveland passed away Friday morning, Feb. 19, 2021, at St. Vincent Hospital, Indianapolis.

He was born March 1, 1934, at Roachdale, to the late Dory and Bertha (Myers) Bell. He married Magnollie Sturman on his 20th birthday. She preceded him in death Sept. 21, 2009.

Wayne worked as a tool and dye machinist. He retired from California Pellet Mill in 1970. He was a member of the Browns Valley Missionary Baptist Church. He enjoyed spending time in the woods, hunting ginseng and mushrooms, woodworking and spending time with his family. He will be greatly missed by many.

He is survived by his grandchildren, Staci (Rob) Smith, Dennis (Trisha) Barker Jr. and Kara Kellerman; step-son Dennis (SueAnn) Barker; nine great-grandchildren; several great-great-grandchildren; three foster children, Douglas Meagher (Jeff Barnett) Starlah (Daniel) Meagher Smith and Rex (Dana Ann) Meagher; and several nieces and nephews.

Wayne was preceded in death by his parents, wife and siblings.

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 24 at Machledt & Servies Funeral Home, 301 E. Green St., Waveland, with Pastor Rodney Coffman officiating. Burial will follow in Old Union Cemetery. Friends are invited to visit with the family 3-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 23 at the funeral home. We ask that all in attendance wear masks and practice social distancing.

You are invited to visit http://www.machledtservies.com where you may share a memory or leave a condolence for the family.

Go here to read the rest:

Wayne Thomas Bell - Journal Review

The snow. It just wont stop. Leave me alone. Nobody wants you here anymore.

David Ross confirmed that Rowan Wicks intercostal injury (ribs) is related to the oblique strain that ended his 2020 season, which is mildly concerning, even as hes right that its early (Cubs.com): It was feeling better and then he started throwing. Its just still a little bit uncomfortable. Theres just literally zero reason to rush anything right now, and we want that guy to be healthy. As important as Wick can be for the Cubs this year, its important to remember that guys might not be able to pitch a full six months (plus postseason) anyway this year. So with an overload of possible bullpen options for the Cubs this year (some without minor league options remaining), it really wouldnt be the worst thing in the world for Wick to begin the season on the IL anyway. In fact, if there arent long-term concerns, bringing him along slowly and pushing back his season debut may actually wind up the best thing for the team and his own performance.

Speaking of the bullpen overload and roster decisions, the Brandon Workman signing is official as of this morning, and the Cubs DFAd infielder Sergio Alcantara to make room on the 40-man roster. The Cubs will have a week to trade, release, or waive Alcantara. Given the need to keep some middle infield depth around especially a guy who can play top-tier defense at shortstop if needed I expect the Cubs to waive Alcantara, hope he clears, and then outright him to Iowa. The Cubs will need to soon clear out one more 40-man spot for Jake Marisnick.

On Workmans terrible 2020 after a dominant 2019:

Adding to that, Workman got wrecked on his curveball in 2020, which is probably why he started throwing it less often as the year went on but you also always wonder about how the whole pitch mix is working together. Its not always just that a guy doesnt have a single pitch for a season.

Kyle Hendricks on the return of Jake Arrieta: We both kinda said it was weird, like no time ever passed. I dont know where those three years went, but its almost like he never left. Me and him have had an awesome relationship since day one. One thing thats great about the two getting back together is that theyre both such cerebral, hard-working, dig-in-behind-the-scenes types and now both such long-standing successful veterans that their comfort in helping each other, maybe even with things the other isnt seeing, is probably going to be huge.

Folks:

Fernando Tatis, Jr.s massive extension is, as you might have guessed, tremendously backloaded:

Given how much its backloaded, the lack of opt-outs may not really matter, as he wouldve been a lot less likely to exercise one. That said, the fact that its hugely backloaded AND hes getting full no-trade rights means that he is now entirely in control of his career going forward. If there ever comes a time when the Padres decide they need to get his contract off the books, then Tatis is going to get to dictate that process. So, even without the opt-outs, Tatis still has a lot of control here.

Random, indeed:

The podcast I do over at The Athletic is back on our regular schedule for Spring Training, so go ahead and find Onto Waveland wherever you get your podcasts, and smack that subscribe button:

This *might* be my favorite locker room picture in the history of baseball. Emphasis on history:

This ends tonight at midnight:

View original post here:

Alcantara DFA'd, Wick's Injury, Hendricks and Arrieta, Tatis Particulars, Wilkins, and Other Cubs Bullets - bleachernation.com