Restaurants navigate a pandemic - Owners experience loss, recovery and reinvention - Illinois Times
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19 FOOD | Stuffed cabbage rolls 23 FILM | Palm Springs 20 MUSIC | Brother Jefferson
FREE July 16-22, 2020 • Vol. 45, No. 52
Restaurants navigate a pandemic
Owners experience loss, recovery and reinvention
BUSINESS | Rachel Otwell
July 16-22, 2020 | Illinois Times | 1
2 | www.illinoistimes.com | July 16-22, 2020
OPINION
Boards and
commissions
Michael-angelo Madigan matter
The speaker tackles statues Wall of separation influenced
UPON FURTHER REVIEW | Bruce Rushton the Voting Rights lawsuit
GUESTWORK | Larry Golden
I’m numb as a statue state’s second governor, freeing his slaves while en
I may have to beg, borrow or steal route from Virginia, with two of the unfortunates The recent controversy over discrimina-
Some feelings from you kneeling at his feet instead of asking, “What took tion in the composition of Springfield
So I can have some feelings too you so long?” Also, there is a statue of Richard J. city boards and commissions goes well
--Warren Zevon Daley, the Chicago mayor who presided while cops beyond the statement by Alderman Joe
busted heads at the 1968 Democratic convention, McMenamin, who attempted to justify
Farewell, former Lt. Gov. Pierre Menard and just a few months after he ordered police to shoot the appointments of west side individuals
Stephen Douglas. looters during riots after the slaying of Martin at the exclusion of those living on the east
After working in the same building since 1971, Luther King Jr. Accusations of rigging the 1960 side. The statement reflects an attitude
House Speaker Michael Madigan wants to get rid presidential election have not been proven. that has historically prevailed and has been
of the Menard statue outside the Capitol with its Perceptions will vary. When I see the statue the foundation of systemic power and
kneeling Native American and also says depictions of Everett Dirksen, I don’t think of a Republican control based on race and income division
of Douglas, who put slaves in his wife’s name and known for compromise but the hawk who was within Springfield.
is honored with two statues and a portrait, need to LBJ’s confidante, calmly saying “OK” and “Yeah” Springfield’s history of racial division
go. Since Senate President Don Harmon says it’s a while the president told him awful things about a is well established. The federal court order
good idea, Douglas and Menard are good as gone. senseless war that killed tens of thousands of us and to desegregate the schools and the Voting
The speaker also is calling for any other even more of them. Rights lawsuit in 1986 are landmarks in
“inappropriate fixtures” to be removed after a Our Capitol boasts two statues of Douglas, forcing changes of an all-white govern-
review of all paintings, statues and symbols on the an equal number of Lincoln and one of Ulysses ment that had over many years continued
Capitol grounds by the Office of the Architect of S. Grant, but there are no depictions of Ronald policies of neglect, segregation and domi-
the State Capitol. Reagan – not my favorite president, but still – who nation of Springfield’s Black citizens.
These are good steps. Art anywhere should grew up here. Madigan, whom I’d love to watch After the 1908 racial riot by whites on
inspire, even at the Capitol, where the ambitious dedicating a Gipper statue, has proposed putting a the Black population, systematic policies
and arrived bustle, intent on gaining power or portrait of Barack Obama in the House chamber, excluded Black citizens from virtually
preserving it, with a few, maybe, looking to get but wouldn’t the Senate, where he served, be more all aspects of social and economic life in
rich. Lawmakers and their hangers-on deserve appropriate? Springfield. The result was segregation
better inspiration than what they now see around There is, in short, much to consider beyond from the cradle to the grave. At the begin-
them, and we should demand it. simply removing art, and things could get sticky. ning, for example, Black infant mortality
It was interesting, I thought, that the governor’s The elephant in the Capitol, of course, is white was much greater than that of whites
office didn’t immediately endorse the speaker’s and mostly male, which is to say, there are virtually and when life ended, Blacks could not be
move. After all, JB Pritzker marched with no statues or paintings of women or African buried with whites in the public cemetery.
Statue of Stephen Douglas. PHOTO BY BRUCE RUSHTON
Black Lives Matter demonstrators and canceled Americans or other minorities. You can’t fix that In between, Blacks were not allowed to
Confederate Railroad’s performance last year at the simply by adding more statues, both for questions purchase houses in white, often middle-
Du Quoin State Fair. To be fair, this is the General of space and artistic tastes that have swayed from class and upper-class, neighborhoods, not
Assembly’s call, since Madigan and Harmon lifelike bronze and marble toward more symbolic allowed to swim with whites in the mu-
has taken long enough.
control the Office of the Architect, where the depictions of events and values. If we could start nicipal swimming pool, not allowed to sit
The solution seems clear. Instead of adding
governor has no seat on the board. But Pritzker all over again, we would be wise to allow nothing with whites in the movie theaters and not
a bust of Judy Baar Topinka here and a statue
may be smart to stay out of this, at least for now. but a Lincoln statue (the place does seem a bit allowed to work in downtown stores and
of Barack Obama over there, we should install
In Washington, D.C., a statue depicting a freed cluttered), but it’s too late for that -- we have restaurants other than in custodial jobs.
a monument to those who aren’t white males
slave kneeling before Abraham Lincoln has been paintings of everyone from George Washington to There are still many Black citizens living
or privileged, an homage to everyone from Jane
controversial since its 1875 unveiling. In the Illinois Enrico Fermi, who won the Nobel Prize for physics in Springfield who had no Black teachers,
Addams to Laquan McDonald to those who live
Capitol, we have a mural of Edward Coles, the and is buried in Chicago. Getting rid of Douglas nor have they seen any Black police or
and struggle even today. Put it outside and make it
firefighters.
at once somber and inviting, some sort of edifice
Most importantly, this systemic rac-
or pool or structure or all three put together – I’m
ism was maintained by a white power
Editor’s note no artist – that invites both reflection and children
structure comprised of those who owned
in search of some place to play during bus trips to
the property, ran the big businesses and
This week brings realization that the pandemic will last longer and the recession will go deeper the Capitol.
through their total control of city govern-
than most of us had hoped or imagined a month ago. It is like having both hands tied while working Make it so irresistibly cool that it becomes a
ment promulgated policies that benefited
on anti-racism, engaging in a national election campaign and keeping businesses open and people centerpiece and meeting place. Which is what the
the white population.
employed. Illinois, unaccustomed to being at the top of any best performance list, has recently had Capitol is supposed to be in the first place. For
Prior to 1987, under the commis-
good COVID numbers, compared to other states. The time calls for taking upticks seriously, and everyone.
sion form of government, all five of the
remaining patient and calm, while renewing commitment to the long haul. city commissioners lived west of Pasfield
–Fletcher Farrar, editor and CEO Contact Bruce Rushton at
brusthon@illinoistimes.com. continued on page 5
July 16-22, 2020 | Illinois Times | 3
OPINION
Can a new director turn IDES around?
POLITICS | Rich Miller
Gov. JB Pritzker has not had a lot of luck I think, just the sort of person that IDES very critical of government when it doesn’t
with the Illinois Department of Employment desperately needs right now. She has worked function well. I would say that was her greatest
Security since taking office in 2019. on unemployment issues for years and has strength as chief — she was always working
Pritzker appointed Gustavo Giraldo as his been particularly involved since the pandemic for members in the caucus and that, by
IDES director in March of last year. Giraldo began. Illinoisans are hurting and IDES extension, helped the Senate President. She’s as
abruptly walked out of the office two weeks staffers are over-worked and over-wrought. professional as I’ve ever seen.”
later. The Pritzker administration has never The state needs a no-nonsense technocrat as The appointment also helps smooth
explained why. well as a human touch in that position. things over with Senate President Harmon.
A couple of months later, Pritzker Richards also, of course, knows how to Pritzker was widely seen as a supporter of
appointed Tom Chan to lead the agency. Chan handle legislators, which is a hugely important Senate Majority Leader Kim Lightford as a
was a former state Senate Republican legal skill right now because legislative fury at replacement for Cullerton. Hiring Richards
staffer who had been named acting general IDES (and, by extension, the governor) is all allows Harmon to pick a new chief without
counsel for IDES by Gov. Bruce Rauner in too real. At the very least, her appointment suffering any internal pushback from those
2018. Chan was willing to take the top job last immediately gets most Senate Democrats off who still aren’t on board.
year, so, despite being a Republican holdover, the governor’s back. It’ll take her more time to The only downside for the governor is
he got it. By all accounts, he’s a decent guy calm everyone else. you shouldn’t hire somebody you can’t fire.
who helped negotiate a crucial unemployment Results are the main thing, but having the This hire is certainly a gamble, but it’s also
insurance revamp this year. unique skill of effectively handling legislative likely his best bet. The Pritzker people didn’t
Acting Director Chan faded into obscurity egos is crucial for Pritzker’s ability to govern seem all that outwardly concerned about the
until March, when the COVID-19 pandemic going forward. I wrote not long ago that the legislative grumbling before, but they wouldn’t
slammed the world’s economy and hundreds governor needed to find a way to calm the have made this move if they didn’t have some
of thousands of Illinoisans rushed to apply uprising, and this is a smart way to do it. worries. It’s a course correction worth noting.
for unemployment benefits. Every state’s “She can manage the bureaucracy,” said All Richards has to do now is right a
unemployment insurance application system Sen. Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill), who sinking ship amidst the worst jobs crisis
was completely overwhelmed. It’s too early hired Richards away from the governor’s office in anyone’s living memory and save the
1240 S. 6th, Springfield, IL 62703 to say how poorly Illinois fared compared to back when he was John Cullerton’s chief of administration from public ire and legislative
PO Box 5256, Springfield, IL 62705 other states, but it didn’t matter a bit to the staff. “She values customer service. She gets wrath. Piece of cake.
Office phone 217.753.2226 people who suddenly found themselves unable
Fax 217.753.2281 to apply for benefits that they were legally
entitled to receive.
www.illinoistimes.com
Serious problems persist with the IDES
response. As I’ve already told you, most
EDITOR/CEO legislators in both parties are up in arms about
Fletcher Farrar .......................... ffarrar@illinoistimes.com, ext.1140
Letters to the editor ..................................letters@illinoistimes.com how constituents who’ve been out of work
for months still haven’t been able to reach
PUBLISHER
Michelle Ownbey .................mownbey@illinoistimes.com, ext.1139 IDES. Something had to give. Last week,
IDES announced that it was changing its
ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
James Bengfort .................... jbengfort@illinoistimes.com, ext.1142
unemployment benefits application process.
Callers are now promised a callback, instead
STAFF WRITER of having to spend all day, every day waiting
Bruce Rushton ...................... brushton@illinoistimes.com, ext.1122
Rachel Otwell...........................rotwell@illinoistimes.com, ext. 1143 on hold.
And then Chan was suddenly replaced
CALENDAR EDITOR
Stacie Lewis ............................. slewis@illinoistimes.com, ext.1129 with Kristin Richards.
Richards was named Senate President John
PRODUCTION DESIGNERS
Joseph Copley .........................jcopley@illinoistimes.com, ext.1125
Cullerton’s chief of staff in 2016 after serving
Brandon Turley......................... bturley@illinoistimes.com, ext.1124 as Cullerton’s policy and budget director.
Senate President Don Harmon kept her
ADVERTISING
Beth Parkes-Irwin ..................... birwin@illinoistimes.com, ext.1131 on after he was elected to replace Cullerton
Yolanda Bell .................................ybell@illinoistimes.com, ext.1120 several months ago, mainly because she’s a
BUSINESS/CIRCULATION serious policy wonk and he needed her help
Brenda Matheis ....................bmatheis@illinoistimes.com, ext.1134 to transition into his new position. She’s also
Published weekly on Thursday. Copyright 2020 by Central Illinois
beloved and respected by his caucus members.
Communications LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form Richards is super-smart and knows
without permission is prohibited. POSTMASTER: Send address changes government back and forth. Yeah, she can
to: Illinois Times, P.O. Box 5256, Springfield, IL 62705. SUBSCRIPTIONS:
illinoistimes.com./subscribe be tough when times demand it, but she is
also a naturally empathetic person. She is,
4 | www.illinoistimes.com | July 16-22, 2020
OPINION
Boards and
commission matter
continued from page 3
Street, often residing in the far west side of
the city. None lived in, or even near, the five
predominantly Black census tracts. In Janu-
ary 1987 the federal court issued a decision
forcing the city of Springfield to implement
a representative, ward-based government
that offered the Black population the op-
portunity to elect representatives of their
choosing. In a city where there had never
been a Black city council member, two such
representatives, Frank McNeil and Allan
(Left) Roni Betts portraying Martha Hicklin at the 2018 Sangamon County Historical Society Cemetery Walk. (Right) Connie McGee portraying her ancestor, Leanna Woodson, were elected.
Donnegan Knox, during the 2016 Cemetery Walk. PHOTOS COURTESY SANGAMON COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY
One reason Alderman McMenamin’s
comments are so unacceptable is that the
WHERE YOU LIVE MATTERS with this now. Mississippi exclusion of Blacks from boards and com-
LETTERS
Vermont poem # 1, 2020 We welcome letters. Please include Regarding Mike Lang’s column and South Carolina have missions was part of the evidence presented
your full name, address and telephone on racial justice (“What ceased using the Confederate to the court to show that the practices by
number. We edit all letters. Send them whites in Springfield can do flag and the University of city government were, and evidently still
“This hillside cabin of yours has to letters@illinoistimes.com.
for racial justice,” July 2), if Mississippi has stopped are, based on a wall of separation between
dispelled all our desire to see points
he truly practiced what he playing “Dixie” at its sports its Black and white citizens. According to a
further east. Climbed Camel’s Hump
preaches, why doesn’t he live events. How long will Illinois report that I presented to the court in 1986:
yesterday, our introduction to the
WALK THIS WAY on the east side of Springfield remain behind the times? “138 of the 150 members (92%) appointed
Green Mountains – the beauty is over-
The Sangamon County instead of Sherman? The 2020 Ending the faux Indian to the 20 existing boards and commissions
whelming. Ate our picnic on a sunny
ledge at 3000 feet. Five miles up a Vermont
Historical Society’s annual demographics for Sherman music at sports events and lived outside the five predominantly black
mountain is very different from the same cemetery walk, which was indicate no blacks and a ending the merchandising of east side census tracts, while 53% of those
distance on an Illinois flatland! I am now revived in 2015, has in the past population that is 99.08% Native American imagery are appointments resided in seven predomi-
sharing my spot in the sun on your shoreline included presentations about white. essential. University support nantly white census tracts west of State
rocks with about twenty napping caterpillars. a number of those interred in Arthur John Yoggerst of student performances as Street.”
When they are activated by the wind they the “Colored Section,” Block 5 Leland Grove Illiniwek is unconscionable The report went on to say: “Taking all this
only roll over into more comfortable positions.” of Oak Ridge Cemetery (“The and must stop. Efforts by information together, these appointments
colored section,” July 9). OPPORTUNITY FOR CHANGE some trustees and others increase the likelihood that individuals living
Among those the society has The University of Illinois to cajole permission from on the east side of the city have less access and
2020 Jacqueline Jackson
highlighted have been Phoebe announced they will Native Americans to restore influence on their elected officials and on the
Florville, Martha Hicklin and soon release a new plan Illiniwek must cease. And public policy of the city.”
Jameson and Elizabeth Jenkins. for “branding.” I hope establishing a new mascot is Representation on public boards and
They were expertly portrayed, that plan includes ending critical to moving forward. commissions is indicative of the way decision-
respectively, by Kathryn Harris, the stereotyping and These changes are long making is done within Springfield. A close
Veronica Betts and Robert perpetuation of racism overdue. look at the larger structure of power and
and Patricia Davis. In 2017, towards Native Americans I sincerely hope decision-making will show that the control
Connie McGee (pictured and inherent in the Illiniwek Chancellor Robert Jones, and distribution of resources that existed
mentioned in the article) wrote tradition. President Timothy Killeen prior to the Voting Rights decision has not
the script and presented the Whether one cares to and the university trustees been fundamentally altered.
story of her ancestor, Leanna acknowledge it or not, muster the will, join the It is some 33 years since the federal court
Donnegan Knox, whose son current and potential national momentum in in Springfield directed the city to end this
was murdered in the 1908 Race students, particularly stranglehold of systemic racism and income
awareness, energy and
Riot. students of color and student disparity that has been and continues to be
action to end racism and act
The society strives to athletes, continue to consider at the core of this city’s history. Black lives do
decisively to end all forms of
preserve and promote all the Urbana campus as indeed matter. Let’s do more than say it. It is
aspects of the history of discrimination that persist on time for the city of Springfield to show it.
unwelcoming because of this the Urbana campus. Failing to
Sangamon County. The 2020
manifestation of institutional accomplish this now, at this
Cemetery Walk is scheduled for Larry Golden of Springfield is an emeritus
racism. unique moment in history, is
Sunday, Oct. 4, and, we hope, professor of Political Science and Legal Studies
will proceed as planned. Recent events, including certain to negatively impact at University of Illinois Springfield. He was an
Mary Alice Davis the toppling of monuments the university fulfilling its expert witness for the plaintiffs in the case of
Chair, Cemetery Walk to racism around the world, mission. McNeil, et al. v. City of Springfield for which
Past president, Sangamon present a unique opportunity Stephen Kaufman he authored the Report on Racial Discrimina-
County Historical Society for the university to deal Urbana tion in Springfield, Illinois.
July 16-22, 2020 | Illinois Times | 5
NEWS
MASKS?
CAP This week’s Sangamon County Board
CITY meeting lasted a tick longer than two
Cropping up hours, which is longer than typical. More
than half of board members stayed away –
and who, really, could blame them – opting
to participate remotely and figure out the
finer points of mute buttons while they were
Pot licenses sought in Sangamon either listening intently or doing the dishes
or whatever. Nearly 20 people were in the
MARIJUANA | Bruce Rushton chambers, with nearly half not wearing
masks. Included in the unmasked ones were
board chairman Andy Van Meter and county
Pot is going mainstream in Sangamon awarded statewide in the first round of Successful applicants will be allowed to administrator Brian McFadden, who was in
the room briefly at the start and also at the
County, where three growing operations approvals. The state has received more than grow up to 14,000 square feet of pot under
end, breathing unfettered on the assembled,
are under consideration by state and local 475 applications for facilities, and Stone says current law. Stone told neighbors of the
who had gotten there through courthouse
regulators, including one that would have he believes that the first licenses all will go Pleasant Plains proposal that he expects the doors manned by sheriff’s employees who
an elected official as an owner. to social equity applicants. He is pushing 13 state will change the law to allow 24,000 took temperatures. Silly us – we wore a mask.
Jeff Fulgenzi, a trustee of Lincoln grow proposals throughout the state that he square feet due to shortages that have After all, there has been an uptick in local
Land Community College, is listed as a said might eventually become a cooperative. plagued the pot industry since recreational COVID cases since bars, restaurants and other
manager of a limited liability corporation For tax purposes, the facilities will be owned marijuana became legal on Jan. 1. public gathering spots have reopened whilst
that wants to convert The Gym at 1823 by one entity and leased by another, Stone Neighbors in Pleasant Plains said they’re the Capitol remains closed to the public. Gail
Camp Lincoln Road into an indoor pot said, with some people owning portions of worried about smells and appearances, O’Neill, county public health director, told
farm. Dowson Farms, Inc., one of the both entities. particularly at night when security lighting board members on Tuesday that social media
state’s largest corn growers, is one of three Social equity applicants are entities would illuminate the building’s exterior. typically provides more information than
the health department on places where an
managers of Cyclone Labs LLC that this more than half owned by people from Applications for state licenses that include
employee or customer has tested positive. As
week won approval from the Sangamon areas that the state deems to have been ownership information are exempt from the
Chuck Berry might say, c’est la vie – it goes to
County Board to build an indoor pot farm disproportionately impacted by the war state Freedom of Information Act. Stone show that you never can tell.
on land between the 3100 and 3500 blocks on drugs; people who’ve been arrested or told neighbors of the Pleasant Plains project
of Cockrell Lane. convicted of marijuana crimes also qualify. that prospective owners who have an option
Fulgenzi refused to answer questions An applicant with at least 10 workers, on the property are two women employed in
about plans for The Gym, which Rt 66 more than half of whom are from areas the health care industry. He said they want
Rec LLC, of which he is a manager, would disproportionately impacted by the war on anonymity because marijuana is illegal under
purchase for $1.25 million if the county drugs or have been arrested or convicted of federal law.
board grants approval and the state issues marijuana offenses, also qualifies under the “They could lose their jobs, they could
a license. “Until there’s a license awarded, state’s social equity program. Local areas lose their bank accounts, they could lose UIS PLANS CAREFUL
there’s no point in putting me or my family’s identified by the state as disproportionately their credit cards,” Stone said. That wasn’t
name or my partners’ names or anyone else impacted include east and north side good enough for several in the audience.
COMEBACK
CAP Hand sanitizer, face masks and lots
in the newspaper,” said Fulgenzi, whose wife neighborhoods and the village of Jerome. “They need to identify themselves and CITY of cleaning. University of Illinois
serves on the county board and whose father “For all of these applications, they are be accountable if there’s an issue,” one man Springfield has announced it will reopen
is a Springfield alderman. Fulgenzi, a former social equity applicants that meet the true said. “Common sense says you don’t invest campus for fall semester. UIS’ “Return to the
county board member, worked at the county definition and intent of the law,” said Stone, in a business that’s illegal. Is that what you’re Prairie” plan lays out details including protocol
planning commission for nearly eight years a co-owner of Ascend Illinois who’s owned telling me? These women have no common for quarantine should staff or students fall ill. A
before taking a job at the state Department pot businesses in the state since medical sense?” “blended course delivery” model was chosen
of Employment Security in 2016. He left marijuana was legalized in 2013. During Days later, Stone confirmed that that merges in-person and off-campus
that post earlier this year. a meeting last week with nearly two dozen the owners would be Jackie Conder of learning. The approach requires the state to
Chris Stone, who is pushing both projects neighbors of the proposed Pleasant Plains Springfield and Louella Murray of Peoria, stay in Phase Four, its current phase and the
second to last of the state’s reopening plan.
as well as a proposed pot farm that would operations, Stone said that the facility would who are listed as managers of Lincoln
Sangamon County has seen a recent uptick in
be housed in Stone Seed buildings near hire as many as 36 people, including many Labs LLC, the county zoning applicant, cases, and Gov. JB Pritzker said on Tuesday,
Pleasant Plains on Illinois 97, said that minorities, and pay an average wage of in Secretary of State records. Cyclone Labs July 14, he would not hesitate to “reimpose
Dowson Farms, which returned $5.4 million $51,000, with opportunities for employee LLC, which won zoning approval this week some mitigations” if numbers trend upward.
in federal farm subsidies in 2014 to end a ownership. for the Cockrell Lane property, includes The UIS plan requires staff and students wear
criminal investigation, will not be a manager The state was supposed to award licenses Ben Call, Adam Springer and Richard masks when a six-foot distance is impossible.
of the Cockrell Lane project approved this on July 1, but says that the pandemic has McCormick, in addition to Dowson Farms, Student Health Services is supposed to
week by the county board. “We will be slowed the approval process. Stone during as its managers. Rt. 66 Rec LLC, which provide free COVID-19 testing. “We want to
changing that,” Stone said. last week’s meeting said that he expects the wants to convert The Gym into a pot farm, meet students where they want to learn,”
Stone said that all three of the proposed state to issue licenses by Sept. 1, a date that has Fulgenzi, Gary Alexander, Sonny Day Interim Chancellor Karen Whitney told NPR
Sangamon County facilities qualify as Krista Lisser, Department of Agriculture and Bret Hahn as managers. Illinois. “And we want to meet the faculty on
what they believe is the best way students
social equity projects, meaning that they spokeswoman, said she could not confirm.
should learn, and do it with the idea of how
will get bonus points when the state scores The state, she said, has no solid timeframe Contact Bruce Rushton at to be flexible because we don’t know the
applications, with 40 licenses due to be for issuing licenses to grow pot. brushton@illinoistimes.com. future.”
6 | www.illinoistimes.com | July 16-22, 2020
July 16-22, 2020 | Illinois Times | 7
NEWS
Defund police?
Discussion including BLM Springfield suggests
solutions to systemic racism
CULTURE | Rachel Otwell
Calls to reallocate police funding have become as shootings, but “it does increase the amount of
more pronounced in recent weeks. But what Black and brown children who have a criminal
activists are proposing when they say “defund the record.”
police” is not always clear. The national Planned Parenthood Action
Planned Parenthood Illinois Action (PPIA) – Fund has echoed calls from the Movement
the political advocacy-oriented arm of the state’s for Black Lives, an advocacy group that wants
reproductive health organization – hosted a discus- investments in community safety and wellness,
sion on July 9 that addressed the idea to defund including public health. A July 9 blog post states:
police and create “concrete actions for transforma- “Planned Parenthood’s first priority is the health
tional change.” The online event was the second and safety of patients, and that concern doesn’t
installment of PPIA’s 2020 Election Issues Forum, stop once patients walk out of a health center.”
a virtual series tackling state and national issues. The post explains how public health and systemic
The panel included co-founders of Black Lives discrimination are linked in undeniable ways.
Matter Springfield, Sunshine Clemons and Kho- Foxx said the goal is not entirely doing away with
ran Readus. The conversation, which took place police, instead divesting and reallocating funds
via Zoom, also included Kelley Foxx of Chicago, for education and community development.
husband of the first Black female Cook County “Let’s devote resources to preventing crime rather
state’s attorney, and a member of PPIA’s board of than responding to it.”
directors. Foxx noted Planned Parenthood at large Black Lives Matter Springfield vice president
had recently taken the advocacy position to defund Khoran Readus, who worked for the Sangamon
police and provided context. “There’s a fraught County state’s attorney office for nearly two
relationship between particularly Black people and decades, spoke of the school-to-prison pipeline,
brown people and the police,” he said, making the a process which criminalizes the school disciplin-
point that the origin of police was the patrol of ary system, pushing students toward prisons. The
enslaved people. Foxx explained how police have American Civil Liberties Union points to data
long served to enforce unjust laws that called for from the federal Office of Civil Rights which
segregation and discrimination. “So it’s no surprise shows Black students are three times more likely
that we get to a George Floyd (situation) where to be expelled than white students and represent
the rest of America wakes up.” Foxx said budgets, about a third of school arrests. Expelled students
considered to be moral documents, have long are more likely to end up incarcerated.
prioritized law enforcement. “It’s been proven Readus also said police need to do a better
that devoting more money to policing and hiring job at de-escalating situations and everyone who
more police and putting more police in urban, works in criminal justice needs better cultural
Black-dense neighborhoods, that doesn’t work,” sensitivity standards. She also called for a national
Foxx said. misconduct database for police officers, so bad
During the panel discussion, Black Lives Mat- officers don’t get shuffled from one department to
ter Springfield said there’s a pervasive sentiment the next. “Historically, practices have been put in
that the capital city is over-policed, especially in place that seem to control and oppress the Black
certain areas. While Clemons agrees the police are community and further enforce white suprema-
needed, “We want to take some of those things off cy,” said Readus. Black Lives Matter Springfield
of their plate that they shouldn’t have to deal with. said it has been meeting with local law enforce-
They shouldn’t be the first line of defense against ment to discuss these issues.
a homeless person, or something like that, so PPIA’s 2020 election series kicked off in June
there should be alternatives.” Clemons, president with the mission to “lift up a variety of voices and
of Black Lives Matter Springfield, said the goal is opinions, and increase voter engagement.” The
to be proactive in providing resources for those conversation around public health and police was
who live in areas that have been chronically under the second in the series. For details about future
resourced. “We want to work towards removing conversations, which are open to the public, visit
the police officers from our school systems,” she ppiaction.org.
said. Clemons said putting police in schools doesn’t
always prove effective in preventing violence such Contact Rachel Otwell at rotwell@illinoistimes.com.
8 | www.illinoistimes.com | July 16-22, 2020
July 16-22, 2020 | Illinois Times | 9
MUSEUMS
Determined to tell the story
Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum weathers the COVID storm
MUSEUMS | Karen Ackerman Witter
This story was produced in partnership with fraternities, Black Lives Matter and the March 2016 the museum has been located on
the Pulitzer Center. For more stories about League of Women Voters, AAHM is hosting Monument Avenue at the entrance to Oak
the effect of COVID-19 on museums, please eight voter registration events at the museum Ridge Cemetery, in a building it rents from
visit the Prairie State Museums Project at between July 18 and Sept. 22. (See schedule the city of Springfield. The museum’s origin
PrairieStateMuseumsProject.org. below or go to https://spiaahm.org/ for more goes back to 2006, when the Springfield
details.) Illinois African American History Foundation
Like museums all over the world, the COVID-19 has had a dire impact on was incorporated, with the mission of
Springfield and Central Illinois African the museum, and the board of directors is recording the history and contributions
American History Museum (AAHM) closed looking at various ways to raise money to of African Americans to the Springfield
its doors due to the COVID-19 pandemic. pay their bills and is applying for grants. community through oral histories. After
Although the museum is now allowed to “We are struggling, but we are determined to the success of the oral history project, the
open under the Restore Illinois Phase 4 remain open and a vital component of our foundation established the Springfield and
guidelines, no opening date has been set. community,” says Clay. The voter registration Central Illinois African American History
The museum is volunteer-driven, with only events are just one way the museum is Museum on Washington Street across from
one part-time staff member, who has been working to serve the community. the Old State Capitol, opening in February
furloughed. Clay said 2020 was off to a great start, 2012. In May 2014 the museum moved
Nearly all of the museum’s volunteers are with an annual membership meeting, Black temporarily to the historic Strawbridge-
in high-risk categories for the COVID-19 History Bowl with all three high schools and Shepherd House on the University of Illinois
virus, and some won’t return to volunteer a full suite of programs and exhibits planned Springfield campus before relocating to its
A major touring exhibit on Negro Leagues Baseball,
until there is a vaccine. The museum can’t for the year. Then the pandemic hit, and all current location. scheduled to come to the African American History Mu-
reopen until there are enough volunteers to public events and programs came to a halt. Through exhibits, programs, summer camps seum this spring, has been rescheduled for April 2021.
welcome visitors. Nevertheless, the museum The museum canceled its March program for and partnerships with other organizations, the PHOTO COURTESY NEGRO LEAGUES BASEBALL MUSEUM,
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI
is working diligently to stay connected to National Women’s History Month, its grand museum has helped tell important stories – of
members, friends and the entire community opening for a new exhibit featuring Central inspiring African Americans who have impacted
by putting new information on their Illinois African Americans who were first central Illinois and beyond, as well as sad
website on a regular basis, according to Nell in their field, summer programs for youth chapters in our history, such as the Springfield
Clay, board president. The museum is also and the fall annual fundraising gala. The Race Riot of 1908 and Middle Passage slave doors. “I think we are more vital and important
partnering with several organizations to host fall gala typically generates around $25,000, ships. Other exhibits have been about the first than ever,” says Clay. “We pull from the past,
voter registration events at the museum this providing the crucial operating support for African American president, Barack Obama, but we are crucial for the present and essential
summer and fall. the museum. Exhibits are made possible early African American pioneers of Springfield, to the future.” For more information about the
The AAHM board of directors was moved through grants and other fundraising. The Illinois African American families and African museum, volunteering, donating or becoming a
to do something proactive in response to the museum raised enough money to bring a women on U.S. postage stamps. The museum member, contact 217-391-6323, siaahf@yahoo.
large, diverse crowds protesting for justice National Negro Leagues Baseball exhibit is working on applying for a grant for digital com or go to www.spiaahm.org.
in response to the killing of George Floyd. to Springfield from the Kansas City Negro exhibits. An exhibit on Springfield’s five oldest
“In order to make a significant impact in Leagues Baseball Museum. Originally African American churches will be the feature Karen Ackerman Witter is a former associate
our community, our state and our country, scheduled to open in Springfield in April, this exhibit when the museum reopens. director of the Illinois State Museum who started
we need to work together to get everyone in exhibit has been deferred to 2021. Clay is proud of what this small, volunteer freelance writing after retiring from the state of
Springfield who is 18 and older registered “The museum’s mission is telling our organization has accomplished in recent years. Illinois. This is her second in a series of stories
to vote,” says Clay. Then people need to go truths clearly, unapologetically, honestly, COVID-19 is impacting every facet of the about the impact of COVID-19 on museums,
vote, she adds. In partnership with local and in a way that children to seniors will museum – from finances to volunteers to funded by the Pulitzer Center as part of the
chapters of African American sororities and be inspired and hopeful,” says Clay. Since programs and exhibits and the ability to open its Prairie State Museums Project.
Voter registration at the museum Aug. 8, Noon-4 p.m. | League of Women Voters
Registration events take place at Springfield and Central Illinois African American History Museum Aug. 15, 1 p.m.-3 p.m. | Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. Nu Omicron Omega Chapter
1440 Monument Drive, Springfield. Organizations partnering with the museum to host the registrations Sept. 12, Noon-3 p.m. | Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity
are listed with each date. Sept. 22, 5 p.m.-8 p.m. | Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Mu Delta Lambda Chapter
July 18, 11 a.m.-3 p.m. | Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter
July 21, 3 p.m.-7 p.m. | Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc. Epsilon Sigma Sigma Alumnae Chapter Masks or face coverings will be required, social distancing will be practiced, temperatures will be taken
July 23, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. | Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc Springfield-Decatur Area Alumnae Chapter and hand sanitizing will be available. For more information, go to https://spiaahm.org/ or the museum’s
July 25, Noon-4 p.m. | Black Lives Matter social media platforms.
10 | www.illinoistimes.com | July 16-22, 2020July 16-22, 2020 | Illinois Times | 11
T
he line outside The Feed Store on its
FEATURE last day stretched around the block. The
Springfield mainstay has been around
for 43 years. Its green sign faces the Old State
Capitol plaza. It was a perfect place to pick up
a sandwich, salad or some soup while down-
town and eat outside or in the restaurant’s floral
wallpapered interior.
The space was unique yet homey. You’d walk
Restaurants navigate a pandemic in, give your order – likely for standbys like
a chicken salad sandwich and the mushroom
bisque – and go find a place to sit. Someone
Owners experience loss, recovery and reinvention would call your number, drop off a tray, and
you’d later present your receipt to the cashier.
It was no-fuss quality food and service with a
BUSINESS | Rachel Otwell friendly, casual ambiance.
But, no more. Feed Store is one of a
number of businesses to close or shift gears in
Springfield, as, at least partially, a result of the
pandemic. For some, the moves come as the re-
sult of a generational shift, people ready to retire
who got a preemptive taste of freedom during
the forced closures. Others have recovered,
sometimes with fewer staff, and have reinvented
themselves. As the pandemic and community
spread of the coronavirus continues, experts
say it’s hard to predict just what the total loss
of businesses by closing could be. Others say
there’s a bright side – now is the perfect time for
dreaming big.
Ross Richardson and wife, Ann Laurence,
had worked together on the campaign for Gov.
Dan Walker before opening The Feed Store in
the 70s. “We had almost no restaurant experi-
ence between us,” said Richardson. When he
first went to a bank for a loan, he proposed a
place with gourmet cuisine. But the banker
urged him to give sandwiches a try. After all, at
that time there were plenty of state workers –
guaranteed foot traffic over the lunch hour.
The recipes, made with wholesome, top-
notch ingredients, came from a variety of places.
“The beef barley soup recipe came off the label
of a bag of barley that we bought.” The famous
chicken salad recipe? “Straight out of Betty
Crocker.” The cheese soup though – “undoubt-
edly the most popular of the soups” – that was a
Richardson recipe.
The food was comforting. As restaurants
came and went in downtown, The Feed Store
was steadfast. And its appeal was apparent
from the large crowds that showed up once the
closure was announced. The restaurant couldn’t
take any more orders on its last day, instead
fulfilling back-up orders from the day before.
But in the previous days, before the decision
to close was announced, business was slow.
Richardson opted not to apply for the federal
Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), a loan
designed to urge business owners to keep their
workers on the payroll. “I thought about it, I
thought about it as recently as a couple weeks
ago,” he said, on the official last day of The Feed
Store’s operation. “I didn’t really want to take
out a loan if I didn’t know what I was going to
be responsible for.”
Richardson has seen plenty of changes to
12 | www.illinoistimes.com | July 16-22, 2020downtown over the decades. He said there has downtown. The owner of Robbie’s Restaurant,
been a “slow steady decline” in business, start- which had been in business for four decades
ing 15 to 20 years ago. January and February are and was a few doors down from The Feed Store,
generally “the worst possible months” for business, announced in June it would not reopen. Del’s Pop-
and combined with the pandemic and being of corn Shop won’t reopen its downtown location.
retirement age, it was time to close. And Augie’s Front Burner is closed now too.
So now – though the family still owns the
building and their son and the former manager, Reinvention
Dan Richardson, had been considering taking over Not too far from the Old State Capitol Plaza, over
the operation – the longtime restaurant closed for on Broadway, is Arlington’s. It’s in a 1917 building
good. Dan had told the State Journal-Register that that has housed a variety of businesses includ-
the pandemic had “thrown a wrench” in his plans. ing a meatpacking plant, fur factory and music
With plenty of fond memories – like when venue. In 2014, Ebben Moore opened it as its
President Barack Obama visited in 2016 (He current iteration. Having grown up in Springfield
ordered the beef barley soup and a turkey and and worked in the bar and restaurant industry in
cheddar on wheat.) – and success, they served Chicago and other large cities, he moved back to
Springfield well, and it served them well too. Until create his own vision. After the years of experience,
it didn’t anymore. Partially because of a crisis no including managing, he committed to a life of
one had anticipated. grind and grueling hours. “I haven’t had a vacation Investors say the Public Market food hall and bar
It’s a boat The Feed Store shares with others for 12 years.” is due to begin operating at 322 Adams St. next
summer. PHOTO BY BRANDON TURLEY
The first break in a long while was forced by
the pandemic. And while he’s making changes
partially as a result, he said he’s no COVID-19
casualty. “I put everything back into Arlington’s. long shifts himself. During a period of doing good, but was too time-consuming, and going
So you know, when the pandemic hits, it hits carryout in recent months, he had an epiphany. “I for things that are better and a little more wacky,
and it hurts but it’s not devastating.” The break just sat down, crunched the numbers and said, hey, which is more my style anyway,” he said. “We’re
has allowed time for Moore, in his early 40s, to this is the smart thing for my life.” not in any danger of closing. It’s just the right time
re-envision. Moore will still be able to do what he loves in to pivot.”
Part of the appeal of Arlington’s, which had creating interesting flavors with fresh ingredients.
begun as a restaurant, is an upstairs that boasts He has focused on a casual but inspired menu
a bar and venue space. It has become a popular Rebuilding
with amped-up flavors and a dash of vegetarian While some are closing and others are adapting,
venue for events, from the usual suspects like par- offerings. “I think we had 32 sauces at one point.”
ties and weddings, to art shows and even psychic some are dreaming up new plans for the future.
Those flavors will still be available for those who Adams Street in downtown Springfield has
readings thrown in for good measure. Moore get catering at events, as well as pizzas he’ll sell at
decided it was time to focus on that side of the become the hip place to be. With Cafe Moxo, J.P.
the bar, with flavors including black bean meatballs Kelly’s Pub and Buzz Bomb Brewing Company,
business. and pesto alfredo.
For planned events such as birthday parties or investors are now promising a new food hall
Along with those pizzas, another new addition: slated for next summer at 322 Adams St. The new
wedding receptions, “If it rains, they show up. If arcade games. Moore’s sister owned The Neigh-
it snows, they show up. Whereas a restaurant is owners will be applying for TIF funding to the
bors, a “beercade” with old-school arcade and tune of six figures, according to David Lee who is
very much not that,” said Moore. The reliability pinball games that used to be on South Sixth Street
is appealing. Unfortunately, the change meant a managing partner for Adams Fourth Holdings,
before the building got torn down for a railroad LLC. The 30-year-old said the venture’s intent is
Moore had to let some employees go. As a restau- project. So the games are out of storage and seeing
rant, he had always run a tight ship and worked to create a space that will feature a variety of dif-
a new life downtown. While the upper floor of ferent food and booze offerings. It will be a public
Arlington’s is event space, on the main floor there space that can also be rented for private events.
are now 14 games and a dart board. Moore said he The owners – of which there are several, according
has hired someone just to go behind players and to a Facebook post, including Eric Broughton of
sanitize. Springfield Daily and The Incubator – are touting
He has plans to go shopping for a trolley car, a rooftop bar. Both the bar and food hall concept
which would add some vintage charm to the city would be new for Springfield. The goal is a “cool
and be rentable for those who want to bar hop and atmosphere and a nice food experience where
see city sites. For now, the beercade is in full effect, people can have some unique concepts that they
open Wednesday through Saturday evenings. can come in and try out,” said Lee. He didn't pro-
While Moore has seen losses – revenue, employ- vide specifics but said the idea is to make offerings
ees, a restaurant – he hopes he can be a mainstay from multiple entities available.
much like the three restaurants in his vicinity that Another new development this year was 217
recently shuttered had been. “I’m taking what was Black Restaurant Weekend (disclosure: Illinois
Times was a sponsor). Dominic Watson heads the
Springfield Black Chamber of Commerce, the
(Top) David Lee recently gave a tour of the Public Market primary sponsor of the event. “Not only did the
building, which needs major renovations. (Bottom) Arling-
ton’s owner, Ebben Moore, said he is an arcade geek and restaurants see exponential growth during that
incorporating the games into his business was a natural weekend, but over the course of that entire week,
fit. PHOTOS BY BRANDON TURLEY they were seeing a huge amount of foot traffic,” he
said. Watson hopes the new visibility for restau-
July 16-22, 2020 | Illinois Times | 13FEATURE
(Top) Part of the new beercade at Arlington’s.
(Bottom) The upper floor of Arlington’s serves
as event space, with its own bar.
PHOTOS BY BRANDON TURLEY
rants will mean a lasting increase in customers. closing during the pandemic, but is unaware of
Watson said civil uprising against systemic any having made that call. He said he’s working
racism and police brutality has led to a “newfound on a Black business relief fund that could help
sense of urgency to support the black commu- provide donations to those struggling. Adapting
nity” and an “environment where more residents and making changes has long been the name of
are open to learning about Black-owned busi- the game, said Watson. “That’s just the everyday
nesses and how to support them.” The weekend challenge of being a business owner. You have to
coincided with Juneteenth, a commemoration of constantly reinvent yourself and reinvent your
the freeing of enslaved people. business and offer new services and innovative
Watson said he knew a few ways to serve your customers.”
Black-owned Kevin Lust directs the Illinois Small Business
businesses that Development Center at Lincoln Land Commu-
had been on nity College. The office provides free guidance to
the brink of small businesses on behalf of the Small Business
Association and other partners. Lust said in
recent months he’s been inundated with
requests. “Between April and May I worked
individually with as many different clients as
I would have in a typical
year.” Throughout the
uncertainty, he helped
businesses apply for
Jordan Coffey ran American Harvest Eatery
which Augie Mrozowski was a partner in. This
photo was taken as Mrozowski butchered his
last cow for Augie's Front Burner.
PHOTO COURTESY AUGIE MROZOWSKI
14 | www.illinoistimes.com | July 16-22, 2020pedestrian friendly and attractive to residents
and businesses. The pandemic has proven to
be an opportunity to implement some of those
changes, such as more outdoor dining space and
partial street closures for pedestrian traffic during
the weekends. “We’ve talked for years about what
might attract corporations or residents to Spring-
field. Would it be crazy to think that we could
position ourselves as pandemic-proof? The perfect
mix of country and city: not too urban, and not
too rural,” she wrote for Illinois Times in May.
There were long lines for The Feed Store during
its final days. PHOTO BY JOE COPLEY Recovery
In June, Business Insider agreed that Spring-
field is uniquely situated to appeal to resi-
dents after the pandemic. In a post that stated
PPP funds and find other ways to adapt. As polls show more people are now inclined to
more are able to reopen, “The question is, move to less densely populated areas, Spring-
to what extent will their customers return or field was ranked number one out of 30 cities
continue to buy from them?” Lust said. chosen as ideal locations.
Having to reckon with those big-picture Jordan and Aurora Coffey are young chefs
questions has come with a silver lining. who have chosen to call Springfield home
“Somebody said that the pandemic has caused for the long run. The two returned years ago,
the next 10 years’ worth of innovation to after a stint in Chicago, to run American
occur in 10 weeks, and I don’t think that’s Harvest Eatery. Luminary will be their new
far off.” It’s also caused some business owners restaurant, on the west side of town. Jordan
who had retirements in the near future to is a protegé of Augie Mrozowski, the chef
“move up plans,” he said. behind Augie’s Front Burner, which recently
Over at University of Illinois Springfield, closed as Mrozowski chose to retire after
professor Kenneth Kriz studies consumer running his restaurant across from the Old
behavior and economic trends. On July 7, State Capitol for more than two decades. He
he wrote, “There are already signs that the and his wife had been partners in American
recession may be over.” The pain will linger, Harvest.
especially in the labor market, he wrote in a The Coffeys plan to test recipes out of
blog post: “But there is a palpable sense that Mrozowski’s building downtown starting
the situation may be resolving itself.” Still, “If in August, while their new space is under
virus cases continue to surge as they have in development. Their new restaurant will offer
many states, a new round of lockdowns and lunches that are casual and quick, as well
layoffs may proceed a new round of economic as dinner. Jordan said he’s also hoping to
pain.” provide deli selections including charcuterie
Kriz told Illinois Times that restaurant offerings, meats and veggies prepared and
spending has suffered. With a major loss in pickled in-house.
discretionary spending overall, he said he’s The two had operated American Harvest
concerned with the loss in sales tax revenues, off of Iles Avenue before deciding to leave
which could mean a major hit to government the location mid-pandemic, in part due to
coffers. He points to data from Opportunity the cost of rent. Aurora said Luminary is
Insights, run by researchers at Harvard. Their going to be “a lot more approachable from
analysis shows that as of June 30, 2020, total the get-go,” with a casual atmosphere offering
small business revenue decreased by 20.7% modern American cuisine that is built around
compared to revenue in January. In late seasonal, local produce.
March, revenue had decreased 48.9%. They never could have anticipated the
Kriz said much remains to be seen about twists and turns of 2020. But plans are coming
the lasting impacts of a rapid and deep together more quickly than they would have
recession and its recovery. What’s clear is the sans pandemic. “We’ve put the responsibility
economy and public health are inextricable. on ourselves to be people that other restaurants
“If we want to resolve the economic situation, and people in our community can look up to
it’s not going to be resolved until we resolve and have high expectations from to give a great
the public health questions, it just isn’t. meal, a great service – things well thought
Because this is a recession unlike any we’ve out,” said Aurora. And, if anything, the pan-
ever seen.” demic has given us all more time to think.
Lisa Clemmons Stott, the head of Down-
town Springfield, Inc., has long called for Contact Rachel Otwell at
changes that would make downtown more rotwell@illinoistimes.com.
July 16-22, 2020 | Illinois Times | 15You can also read
