Always Andersonville: The Podcast

This week, we welcome Bridget Gainer, the Cook County Commissioner of the 10th District. Elected to the board in 2010, Commissioner Gainer has used her leadership role in the non-profit, government and corporate sectors. She has worked tirelessly to create pension reform solutions, was able to institute the Cook County Land Bank and has continued to create new assets for regional workforce development, to name a few.

This week, Laura is joined by former Andersonville Chamber of Commerce employee and now current manager of the Uptown Business Center, Heather Saenger. The Uptown Business Center is one of eight business centers throughout Chicago. It aims to support new and existing business owners with licensing, permitting, and additional, specialized business assistance in collaboration with BACP, local Chambers, and community partners.

This week, David and Laura are joined by Virgil Roundtree, owner of Downstate Donuts. Downstate Donuts has been cranking out life changing donuts since 2018.  Many were shocked after just 4 months on the donut scene they stole the show with first place @donutfest for a "simple" vanilla glazed donut.  It's all about that potato! Chicago restaurant industry pro Virgil, has taken the potato donut to new heights by focusing on fresh, local, and wholesome ingredients. Check out their flavors here, and find them locally at Ándale Market or order for a weekend delivery!

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Sean Todd, owner of UnicornLife: The Creative Agency. Unicorn Life offers services related to branding, digital design development + marketing, and print design. Sean is a firm believer that your mind should not be confined to an ideal set by the world around you. If your mind can imagine it, Unicorn Life can achieve it! 

This week, David and Laura are joined by owner of WasteNot Compost, Liam Donnelly.  WasteNot Compost, Chicago’s first and only zero-emission compost collection, was born in 2015. WasteNot Compost currently serves homes and all business types ranging from schools, cafes, bakeries, to farmers markets, and everything in between. They take the work out of composting for you so it can not only be easy to do so in an urban setting, but is a clean experience with all tools provided every pickup.

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by our 2021-22 Neighborhood Guide photographer, Jamie Kelter Davis. Jamie is a local photographer, storyteller and traveler based in Logan Square who shoots compelling visual narratives with subjects ranging from: women in farming, organic agriculture, projects about the American Midwest, art activism, women fighting for social justice using art, aging in rural areas, and now, the small business community of Andersonville!

This week, Joelle and Kaylee are joined by Jamar Holloway of Visionary Eye Care in Andersonville at 5222 N Clark. Visionary believes that balancing great eye care and great eyewear is not an act; it’s their commitment to you. They’ve mastered the balance for over 25 years, bringing you expertise and style simultaneously. The team of doctors bring an incredible depth of knowledge to your care in order to bring you the best patient experience. Visionary won’t let you walk out looking anything short of your best, and they want their commitment to your care to shine through. You’ll see.

This week, Joelle and Kaylee are joined by Marisa Paolillo, owner of Mango Pickle. Mango Pickle is a delicious bistro with Indian influences. They offer a number of different dishes, such as curries, various regional dishes, and are currently offering an impressive seasonal supper series. They also offer great cocktails and Indian coffee and tea. With the great reviews they’ve received, there’s no question that Mango Pickle is a must-go at 5842 N Broadway. 

This week, Laura and Joelle are joined by Mia Sakai and Tim Hannifan, owners of Ándale Market, the fan favorite “bodega with swag” that opened this past December, 2020. Ándale offers a curated selection of goods on-the-go, from pantry items you never knew you needed to gourmet chocolate bars, puzzles, pretty pink dog poop bags, soup kits and more at 5232 N Clark.

This week, Joelle and Kaylee are joined by Stephanie Sinnott owner of Sandbox Baby Boutique opening soon at 5349 N Clark. Stephanie is a Chicago native and has lived in the Andersonville area for six years. She hopes that Sandbox will be a hub for parents, parents-to-be and anyone with a child in their life by offering a number of different sustainable products and clothing lines. We are very excited to welcome her to the Neighborhood.