Cicadas: They're edible.

Just one of the take-aways from our April 23 Lunch & Learn with insect taxonomist & systematist Maureen Turcatel from Chicago's Field Museum. Spring of 2024 will see an historic, loud and -- let's be honest -- kind of gross super emergence of the 13-year and 17-year periodical cicadas in Illinois. Billions of them -- actual billions. It is the first time the two broods emerged together in 221 years (or, if you're wondering, during Thomas Jefferson's presidency).

After the learning was the lunching ... and we're happy to report that cicadas were NOT on the menu (maybe next time, Maureen).

Magellan has supported dozens of nonprofits in Chicagoland over the years, is proud to contribute to the pressing needs of our community and contribute to our rich cultural landscape. We greatly value our partnership with The Field Museum.

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Joakim Noah and Eddy Curry never shared the court while they were Chicago Bulls, but they most definitely held court at Magellan during a Thursday, February 29 (Leap Day!) visit and Lunch & Learn. After an office tour, Joakim and Noah gave a little chalk talk, deftly monitored by Adrienne Scherenzel, VP of Community Engagement for the Chicago Bulls. Eddy Curry was a Chicago Bull from 2001 - 2005, while Joakim played for the Bulls from 2007 - 2016. Both spoke of their love for Chicago, recounted some of their most profound -- and silliest -- moments in pro ball, their favorite coaches, places to play, and most memorable moments as players.

And both are doing some pretty amazing things in their post-pro lives. Eddy Curry spends a lot of time working with pro basketball players on financial literacy, a subject he learned about the hard way, as an 18 year old who skipped college to go directly into the NBA draft.

Joakim Noah co-founded Noah's Arc Foundation with his mother, Swedish former model Cecilia Rodhe. Noah's Arc provides opportunities for kids to become more aware of their ability to make a positive impact on themselves and the community. The Bulls brought along the Championship trophies for some great photo-ops, and everyone left with a little swag, full bellies, and smiles on faces from a terrific afternoon.

An absolute pleasure to host some friends from Misericordia Heart of Mercy for a behind-the-scenes look at all that goes in to the training of a Chicago Bull!

The day started with lunch at the Advocate Center -- just across the street from the United Center -- with a great chalk talk by Basketball Operations Assistant Coach Martin Rancik. Misericordia residents enjoyed posing for pics with the Championship trophies before some fun Q&A with Bulls greats, former player & coach Randy Brown and former coach Jud Buechler.

Then it was down to the courts to watch a little practice in action, see the training facility, where the guys lift weights, and finally, have a seat in film room.

Misericordia is home to children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. By serving society's most vulnerable citizens, Misericordia also serves the families who want the best for them, yet cannot provide it at home.

Our day with 15 residents and their fantastic staff members was indeed memorable. Thank you, Misericordia and Chicago Bulls for making this possible!

When Magellan's own David Twiford (Retired Force Master Chief, US Navy) told us about his involvement in the National Museum of the American Sailor and their SeaPerch Competition, we hopped on board!

The Navy Great Lakes Regional SeaPerch Competition brings together students and the Navy to learn and employ STEM concepts in a fun, engaging way. A goal of SeaPerch is that students walk away with real-world understandings of STEM concepts and how those concepts are used by engineers as well as Navy Sailors. And on Saturday, March 16, 2024 at Lake Forest Academy participants put the Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs) they had built to the test. The results were impressive.

The National Museum of the American Sailor is open to the public and located outside the main gate of Naval Station Great Lakes.

During preparation and the competition itself, students learned engineering concepts, problem solving, teamwork, and technical applications -- and clearly had a lot of fun doing it. Magellan was delighted to support the Museum and these future engineers at SeaPerch.

It was a PACKED house during the Chicago Fire's 2024 Season Kickoff Luncheon, sponsored by Magellan and held at Swissotel Chicago on Tuesday, February 20. Our crew enjoyed EVERY SECOND of it!

Fire President of Business Operations David Baldwin promised a rousing season (we're holding you to it, Dave) during a keynote address, the crowd was introduced to the entire 2024 Fire first team and coaching staff, and all the while we were raising funds for the Club's P.L.A.Y.S. Program (Participate, Learn, Achieve, Youth, Soccer).

Among guests and staff at Magellan's tables were Wayne Arner, Phil Salter, Gabriella Pan, Abby Bruggeman, Betty Bogg, Antonio Marshall, Bob Arthur, Adam Pierce and Irshad Ahmed -- joined at table by Head Coach of the Chicago Fire, Frank Klopas. Also attending were Nicholas Burandt, Tim Parilla, Patrick Dahl, Kayla Roan, Alison Ashley, Joey Eshleman and Kasey Madden, whose table happily hosted Chicago Fire winger Xherdan Shaqiri.

Magellan is delighted to once again be sponsoring the Chicago Fire. Can't wait to see these guys on the pitch!

The Chicago Blackhawks promised — and delivered — the #BestDayEver for their February 17 game against the Ottawa Senators. One hundred Magellan clients, staff & family members gathered at the United Center for a day where Tiny Hawks (kid fans) were royalty.

Pre-game festivities included balloon animals, a puppy meet-and-greet with adoptable pooches, and loads of games in the United Center concourse. Our guests then adjourned to a banquet that was complete with a chalk talk with legend Denis "Savoir Faire" Savard and Magellan's own resident hockey guru Josh Dunnington.

And the fun did not end there. The Blackhawks snapped an eight-game losing streak with a 3-2 win. Best day ever, indeed!

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