A Clark Street staple closes its doors

We just received word that Tomboy has closed its doors for good last week. The place never seemed to be super busy recently, so this doesn't come as a complete surprise to me. However, I did enjoy the spot, with their creative menu and funky/contemporary atmosphere. Tomboy will be missed!

p.s. I over heard some people talking about their closure at a near by establishment. One person commented - "I bet Mary's is happy." Does anyone know if there was a rift between the two establishments or does Mary's have plans to expland?

From the News-Star Crime Blotter

Break-in at small store
A business owner discovered a pair of scissors propping open the back door of his store on the 1900 block of W. Foster. The man arrived around 2:45 p.m. to open his store when he pushed the door open and the scissors fell to the ground. A few drawers were ransacked, but the owner told police he didn't notice anything missing.
Apartment robbed
An apartment on the 1700 block of W. Winnemac was robbed over the Christmas holiday. Its residents returned home around 2:45 p.m. Dec. 28, after their landlord called them the day before, saying that their bedroom window was wide open. They told police that their bedroom was securely shut when they left on Christmas Eve.
Many belongings were missing including a TV set, an iPod, camera equipment and $400 cash.
Walgreens robbed
A man wearing a Bears hat, Bears scarf and khaki pants knocked over the Walgreens at 5158 N. Lincoln around 8:30 a.m. Dec. 22. Employees said the man came into the store and waited until there was no one at the cash register. The man ordered a cashier to open the drawer. When she hesitated, he threatened to kill her, implying that he had a weapon. The cashier opened the register and reached inside it to grab the loot. He fled the store westbound on Winona, with $120.
Mugged on Kenmore
A 19-year-old man was robbed in front of his building on the 5000 block of N. Kenmore around 7:50 p.m. Dec. 17. He told police that a teen walked up to him and began punching him in the face. The kid demanded his bag and the two struggled until video game system feel out of the bag on to the street. The man yelled for help and the teen fled.
Source: Chicago Journal/News-Star

Didn't do enough shopping in December?

ANDERSONVILLE ON SALE

FRIDAY, JANUARY 23RD

6pm - 10pm
A Special One Night Only Sale at Your Favorite Andersonville Stores and Restaurants. Biggest Savings of the Year
More information coming soon!

Edgewater deli set to close

The Thorndale Delicatessen, an Old World Jewish sandwich shop which has been open in Edgewater since the 1950's, will be closing its doors for good tomorrow according to Crain's Chicago. The owner, J. Donald Shaw Jr., 65, tried to find a buyer for his business, but was unsuccessful due to the economy.

Woman in crash dies

A third woman has died as a result of the car crash we previously reported in early December involving 4 Edgewater residents who were members of St. Gertrudes Parrish. Kathleen O'Toole, 75, died Tuesday in a nursing home from injuries related to the crash.
Source: Chicago Tribune

Man freezes to death on Christmas

ChicagoBreakingNews.com, a part of the Chicago Tribune, reports that a man froze to death in the cold on Christmas day in a park near 951 W Berwyn in Edgewater. The unidentified man in his 40's died of hypothermia and exposure to the cold. Ironically this sad story occured just blocks from the REST shelter that is scheduled to close soon.

UPDATE: A reader wrote in that the man actually died at the Cedar Playlot park at 5200 N Winthrop, not 951 W Berwyn as noted above. Apparently the REST shelter has been full recently - we have no word that this particular man was homeless or a frequenter of the REST shelter, but one has to assume there is a high probability.

Happy Holidays!

Happy holidays to all of our readers. Postings will be minimal over the next week or so as we take a break to rest, relax and enjoy the holiday season. We've enjoyed blogging in 2008 about Edgewater and hope 2009 brings great things for the neighborhood, city, nation and world we all share.

Do you remember when.....

...you could hunt in Edgewater? Neither do we, but we found this photo from the Uptown Chicago History blog interesting.

Local news covers last night's REST shelter discussion

ABC 7 was at last night's community meeting at Immanuel Luterheran Church. You can watch the video of their coverage here: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=6570060

Alderman Smith Moving Rest Shelter to Edgewater Glen?

A reader wrote in informing us of some latest developments regarding the REST homeless shelter:
According to the writer, Alderman Smith is pushing for Immanuel Lutheran Church in the Edgewater Glen neighborhood to be the future home of the 65-bed REST shelter. Smith allegedly held a closed-door meeting to change the zoning of Immanuel Lutheran Church from residential to commercial to accommodate the shelter, despite opposition from neighbors, parents of children who attend preschool at the church, and other politicians. A second meeting was held, but it was only open to the congregation of the church. A third meeting will be held tonight @ 7pm at the church (1500 W Elmdale). Apparently there are numerous children's groups at this church, on top of the above mentioned preschool, as well as a park across the street. Why is our Alderman meeting behind closed doors on an issue that neighbors have an obvious concern about?

12/22/08 UPDATE
A reader who attended the meeting wrote:
"I attended the meeting tonight & smith was not there, but sent her Cheif of Staff, Doug Frasier. He said that Immanuel Lutheran is OFF THE TABLE, that there are 2 options in the works, on commercial streets, but REFUSED to say where, what cross roads, etc, but the options are in the 48thward. All of the local media (ABC, FOX, Newsstar) was there as well as a great turnout of parents. He was questionedby numerous attendees on the manner in which the meetings were held (closed door, etc) and he said that due to the time constraint (claiming only 2 weeks, but per a trustee at Epworth, they let the REST & alderman know of the Church notrenewing the lease in 10/07), that the format for letting the community know about the plan wasn't going to be happening "by the book" so to speak (proposal, meeting with block club, etc. as stated on the 48th ward website)....per Doug Frasier, there will be a new meeting about the new location sometime next week, but with the alderman's office being secretive and underhanded with THIS location, I expect the next location's meeting to be done in the same manner."

From the desk of Mary Ann Smith

From the 48th Ward email update:
Parking Meter Lease Gives City Major Financial Boost
The recently approved 75-year lease of Chicago's metered parking system will result in increased annual net revenue, a $600 million reserve and updated technology for the City. The full lease payment, more than $1 billion, will be paid upfront. Alderman Mary Ann Smith joined with 39 other Aldermen to approve the lease; five were opposed and five did not vote. Under the terms of the lease agreement, the City and City Council will maintain their rights to perform enforcement and to retain all enforcement revenues; revise meter rates, locations and hours of operation; add or eliminate parking spaces, and restrict metered parking in special circumstances. The leasing company will maintain and operate the system and pay for all capital improvements including technology upgrades. Hourly parking meter rates will increase over the next five years. In neighborhoods such as the 48th Ward, rates will go from $0.25-$0.50 per hour to $1 per hour in 2009. Planned annual increases will bring this to $2.00 per hour in 2013. Parking will continue to be free for people with valid disabled parking placards or plates. "The deal is a good one for the City and the people of Chicago," Alderman Smith said in explaining her vote. "Seventy-five million will go into the human infrastructure fund and be used for social services; $325 million will help provide budget relief, and the majority, $600 million, will go into the reserve fund. By having a strong reserve, the City's bond rating remains high." Plus, our annual return on this fund will be approximately $30 million per year which is significantly higher than the $18 million per year the City was netting on parking meter revenues. The downside - the increase in parking meter rates - probably would have taken place even if the lease had not gone through."

TCF Bank in Jewel robbed

Recent crimes from the Chicago Journal:

Gimme, Gimme, Gimme

A man wearing a puffy black jacket allegedly robbed the TCF Bank in the Jewel-Osco at 5343 N. Broadway. A bank employee told police that a man in his mid 20s approached him around 3 p.m. Dec. 10 and asked about opening a checking account. The man then reached inside his jacket and said, "I have a gun. Don't look, it's too big. Give me all the hundreds and fifties." As the employee put money into a dye bag, according to a department report, the man said, "gimme, gimme, gimme."
The employee handed the dye bag of money to the robber, who grabbed it and walked through the store out the front door. Approximately $710 was taken. Federal agents are reviewing security footage.
Victim thwarts strong-arm robbery
Two men in their 20s tried to shake down a 46-year-old man on the 1400 block of W. Farragut, according to police. The victim told authorities the two approached him around 8 p.m. Dec. 11 as he was walking home. The men demanded money and pushed the victim down. The victim was able to get inside his front gate and the men fled.
Stuff stolen from car
Someone broke into a 1999 Honda parked on the 4900 block of N. Broadway and stole a flower tote, a cell phone and wool hat worth a total of $560, according to a police report. The theft occurred sometime before 10 p.m. Dec. 8.

Edgewater Nursing Home Catches Fire

According to another blogger, The Bench, there was a fire at Bryn Mawr Care this morning. Bryn Mawr Care is a long term nursing facility located at 5547 N Kenmore. Streets were shut down for hours, but luckily no one was injured in the blaze.

Woman Dies After Scarf Gets Caught In Machine

From the Chicago Sun Times:
CHICAGO (STNG) ― An Edgewater woman died Monday morning after her scarf reportedly became entangled in a machine at a West Side Garfield Park neighborhood envelope factory where she worked, authorities said. Monica Monnie, 61, of 6143 N. Kenmore Ave., was pronounced dead at 9:34 a.m. at Mount Sinai Hospital, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner's Office. A scarf Monnie was wearing became caught in a machine at an envelope factory at 500 N. Sacramento Blvd., according to the medical examiner's office. A spokesman for the Gaw O'Hara Envelope Company, which is listed at the Sacramento address, was not immediately available to comment. Harrison Area detectives, Wood District police and police News Affairs had no information on the incident Tuesday at 2 a.m. An autopsy is scheduled for later Tuesday.

Celebrating the New Year in Edgewater

If you would like your event listed please email: hollywoodbeach60640@gmail.com

Big Jones
In keeping with Southern tradition, the relish tray that arrives at the start of every meal at this Andersonville spot will include black-eyed pea salad—the little legumes are believed to bring good luck in the year ahead. The four-course meal that follows includes at least three options for every course.
Seatings: 5-11:30 p.m.; cocktails until 2:30 a.m.
Reservations: Recommended. Cost: $40.
In Fine Spirits
We're going to ring in '09 with fantastic style! Join us for a Black & White Party inspired by Truman Capote's famous gig in 1966! Our black-and-white themed celebration of 2009 will include: $09 drink menu, including Domaine Carneros 2005 Brut Sparkling Wine; New Year's Eve drink features, including the Black Tie and the White Lady; Cover includes a delicious plate of black & white themed appetizers; Full food menu available until 11; Party favors and a special surprise at midnight... and more!
Reservations: Recommended. Cost: $20.09 in advance, $25 at the door.
Neo-Futurarium
Too Much Light Makes the Baby Go Blind New Year's Eve Performance: Doors open at 9:30 PM for a reception with non-alcoholic beverages and hors d'oeuvres before the 11 PM performance. Pizza and a midnight champagne toast follow the show.
Reservations: Required. Cost: $40.
Broadway Cellars
Dine on a four-course dinner with optional wine pairings while The Elaine Dame Duo and guitarist Dan Effland play live jazz. Includes a champagne toast and party favors.
Reservations: Recommended. Cost: $65-85.

Check back soon - we'll continue to update this list!

5 reasons (not) to live in Andersonville

Recently posted here on Live Here Chicago:

1) Local neighborhoody flavor. With all the independent stores and restaurants, Andersonville has a flavor that’s all it’s own.
2) It’s expensive, but not outrageous. At least not for the North Side of Chicago. Your housing dollars will go a little further here, and thanks to the recent real estate slide, you might even be able to snag yourself a good deal.
3) Home decor shopping Mecca of Chicago. We’re not really sure how this one happened because five years ago there was one furniture store and that was the only game in town. Now you’ve got everything from Urbanest to Scout along Clark Street.
4) Welcomes all people. Andersonville has an open and welcoming vibe. Several of the shops and bars are geared to the neighborhood’s gay and lesbian residents and it’s the kind of area where everyone is welcome from the few remaining Swedish immigrants to young professionals and families.
5) Not overly crowded. Andersonville is one of those rare neighborhoods on the North Side and close to the lake where you can still find parking on the street and get into a good number of restaurants without a reservation.


and the 5 reasons not to live in Andersonville, also from Live Here Chicago

1) It’s far. Relative to living in Lincoln Park or even parts of Lakeview, Andersonville can seem like it’s miles from all the action. And if you end up living in West Andersonville, just past Ashland, it’s likely to feel even farther, especially if you’re walking to the El and riding downtown every day.
2) It’s small. Relative to the endless dining and shopping options in larger neighborhoods, the eight or so blocks along Clark Street could get a little old after a while.
3) It’s expensive. No,we’re not schitzo. Yes, yesterday we said it’s not crazy expensive. But depending on where you’re coming from, you might find Aville’s $350k two bedrooms a little too rich for your blood.
4) Some parts are sketchy. When the neighborhood gets closer to Broadway, all bets are off. The retail isn’t great and some of the nut jobs from the surrounding areas bleed over and have been known to commit a crime or two.
5) Commuting to the burbs is a beast. Going west to get on the highway to go to the Northern burbs takes an eternity and the haul out to the Western burbs via I-290 is bearable in the a.m. but slit-your-wrists brutal in the p.m.

Could all these recent robberies be related?

From this week's Chicago Journal/News Star Police Blotter - seems to be a handful of robberies lately from "3-4 men in their early 20's" between the below and other crimes we've posted.....

Women Robbed on Balmoral
Four men driving a 2004 Chevy Impala robbed two women on the 1400 block of W. Balmoral. The 50- and 40-year-old women were walking eastbound on Balmoral around 9:50 p.m. Dec. 3, when a man in his 20s approached them wielding a tire iron and said, "You're not going anywhere." One of the victims began yelling, "No way, no way." The robber pushed her on the ground and three other men approached the second victim, who reached into her pocket and handed over $65. The men jumped into their car and fled. The victims were able to provide the license plate number to police, who found the car parked at Hoyne and Norwood. The victims positively identified the car, which had also been used in a similar robbery in the 24th District. Police are investigating.
Chump change
A burglar broke into a garage on the 4800 block of N. Magnolia and busted windows of two cars parked inside to steal $10 in change from one of the car's ashtrays. The theft was discovered at 9:45 a.m. Dec. 2.
Glenwood break-in
Someone forced open the door of a home on the 5300 block of N. Glenwood sometime between 7 a.m. and 6:15 p.m. Dec. 2. The burglar swiped a TV, laptop, digital camera and luggage.
Three against one
Three men in their early 20s ganged up on a 43-year-old man and robbed him around 11:30 p.m. Dec. 2. The victim was walking on the 5700 block of N. Magnolia when a man walking ahead of him stopped on the sidewalk. The man demanded money. The other men covered the victim from behind. The victim turned over $54 in cash and the men fled southbound on Magnolia. The victim ran home and called 911.

Community Alert

18th,19th,20th,24th Chicago Police Districts
One to three offenders
- male white or white Hispanic,
- 20's to 30's

- 5'04 to 5'08

- 150-160 lbs

- white or silver automobile, possibly a white hatchback with temporary plates

try to gain entry into homes of lone elderly victims by deception. Offenders claim to be employees of a utility company needing to enter the residence to make repairs. Occasionally the offenders claim to be new neighbors or construction workers. One of the offenders keeps the victim distracted while the others search for and remove valuables and cash from home.
If you have any information please call 911.

More info on recent armed robbery on Balmoral

The Windy City Times today posted an article with more information about this robbery which we recently covered as it happened listening to the police scanner.
An armed robbery occurred in the North Side neighborhood of Andersonville Dec. 3.
The assailants, a group of at least four men, assaulted and stole cash from the two female victims, according to the victim's account of the incident.
The women were heading home from a restaurant around 9:45 p.m. on West Balmoral Avenue, between Clark Street and Glenwood Avenue. As the men surrounded the women, one of them produced a tire iron and demanded cash.
When one of the victims began to yell “Fire,” and “Help,” she was thrown to the ground. At that time the other victim handed the men a small amount of cash, between $20 to $60, she said. The robbers sped off in their car, but the victims were able to get their license plate number.
Someone on the residential block called the police, who arrived on scene within five minutes. Shortly after, the robber's car was pulled over by police and the victims identified the car but did not recognize the driver. However, the victims said they will be assisting police in any way possible to find the offenders.
As of press time, the Chicago Police Department had not responded to messages left concerning this incident. However, according to the department's CLEAR MAP Web site, which shows reported crimes, there were six robberies and thefts in the neighborhood during the month of November. One was an armed robbery that occurred Nov. 7 on the 1700 block of West Foster. The robber was armed with a handgun, according to the Web site.

Details from the scanner here: http://edgewatercb.blogspot.com/2008/12/checking-out-scanner-tonight.html

Alderman Smith to head up new finance subcommittee

Our very own Mary Ann Smith is teaming up with Tom Tunney to find ways to reduce the impact the city's new stinky dumpster fee will have on condo and business owners. Passed under the 2009 city budget, the ordinance will charge private waste haulers to license every dumpster they have within city limits, to the tune of $80 to $780 per receptacle - a cost that will be passed down to condo and business owners. Smith said there were too many unanswered questions about the Dumpster fee ordinance and the unintended consequences it may pose to condominium associations, senior buildings and smaller businesses.
Source: Chicago Journal

Loyola Community Holiday Party

Loyola is getting into the holiday spirit with the third annual Community Holiday Party. Slated for Wednesday, December 10th 2008, the party will go from 5:30-7:30 p.m. and will be held in the first floor auditorium of the Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts, 1020 W Sheridan Rd.

Entertainment and refreshments will be provided and we encourage you to bring donations of packaged or canned goods to help support two local food pantries: Edgewater's Care for Real program and St. Ignacius of Rogers Park. Click here to see the official flier on the Loyola website and to easily register with a few keystrokes. Registration is encouraged but not required.

Hopleaf deal to purchase La Donna space collapses

The owners of Hopleaf Bar at 5148 N Clark had plans to purchase the two-story building currently owned and occupied by La Donna Restaurant, but that deal has collapsed according to an article today in Crain's Chicago. The purchase fell through when Edgebrook Bank withdrew its financing, although co-owner Michael Roper said he still plans to purchase the space and open a tavern that would serve Mediterranean-inspired cuisine and offer a beer selection that would rival the more than 150 varieties served at Hopleaf. La Donna has put its plans to move north on Clark street, as previously reported by the ECB, on hold although it still plans to move forward with the purchase of the location at 6340 N. Clark.
Source: Crain's Chicago

Edgewater bakery featured on Metromix.com

The front page of Metromix.com features an article about Asian bao buns, and Edgewater's Bunz Bakery is featured and recommended. The new eatery opened this summer, and offers a wide variety of interesting treats, eats and coffee just steps from the Red Line Thorndale stop (1136 W. Thorndale ). I plan to check it out tonight, and will post about my experience. If anyone else has tried Bunz, let us know what you thought!

Break-ins Abound in Edgewater

From the Chicago Journal:
'Let's go'
A 22-year-old woman was returning home on the 1300 block of W. Foster when she heard people running around inside her apartment around 9:15 p.m. Dec. 1. She told police that she heard a voice say "Let's go" and then heard people running. She did not see the burglars. Police found pry marks on the door and the woman's belongings lined up at the front door. The burglars managed to get away with a laptop computer, hard drive, digital camera, jewelry and a pillowcase, altogether valued at $6,300.
Lights are on, but nobody's home
A couple returning to their home on the 4900 block of N. Winthrop noticed their lights on around 8:50 p.m. Dec. 1. They saw pry marks on their front door. A laptop, hard drive and jewelry were missing from a back room.
50-inch TV heisted
Burglars ripped off a home undergoing renovation on the 5500 block of N. Virginia. The homeowner told police that everything was secure when he locked up the house at 5 p.m. Nov. 29. When he returned the morning of Dec. 1, the window in the back door was broken. Heisted from the house was a 50-inch TV along with stereo equipment, tools, ladders and dishwasher and clothes dryer both still in their boxes.

Winter's here, but there's still plenty to do in Edgewater!

Upcoming Events:
- Prohibition Party at In Fine Spirits - Today
- Late Night Shopping in Andersonville - Tonight
- Jesus Hopped the 'A' Train - 8pm Fri, Sat (Raven Theatre, 6157 N Clark - COST: $25)
- Shadowlands - 8pm Sat, 3pm Sun (Redtwist Theatre, 1044 W Bryn Mawr - COST: $22-30)
- Julmarknad Swedish Holiday Market - Sat 10am-5pm, Sun 11am - 4pm (Swedish American Museum 5211 N Clark St)
- Farmers Market - 12-3pm Sun (First Evangelical Free Church, 5255 N. Ashland Ave. - COST: FREE)
- Bookslut Reading Series, Jonathan Ames - 7:30pm Tues (Hopleaf, 5148 N Clark)
- Holiday Wine Tasting - 6-9pm Wed (Broadway Cellars, 5900 N. Broadway - COST: $20)

If you'd like your event featured on our site, email details to: hollywoodbeach60640@gmail.com

Mary Ann Smith comments on REST shelter situation

From the 48th Ward Bulletin email:
The plan to relocate the R.E.S.T. men's shelter, which had been located at Epworth Baptist Church, to the former Pasteur Restaurant building has fallen through. Inner Voice, the not-for-profit agency that administers the management contracts with R.E.S.T. and other homeless shelter providers for the City of Chicago, evaluated the site at 5525 N. Broadway and decided the location would not be suitable for a temporary shelter. Alderman Smith's office explored every viable option suggested in the 48th Ward.
Because of their concern for the people who would be displaced, and despite the financial challenges involved with housing the shelter, Epworth Church shelter has compassionately agreed to allow the shelter to remain housed in their facility location until January 2, 2009. Although there are discussions underway regarding other possible sites for the shelter, these locations are not in the 48th Ward.
Whatever the outcome, the potential loss of shelter beds will have consequences for both the homeless and the community. As a neighborhood, there may be more men sleeping in our parks, alleys and vestibules. For the homeless, the result of being without shelter during a Chicago winter can be disastrous.
The challenges this presents will be met in three ways:
1. Over the next few weeks, the City's Department of Human Services (DHS) will expand the number of beds at other locations. A van will be stationed at Peoples Church on Lawrence at Sheridan. This is a location where, for years, men who need a place to sleep for the night have gone to be assigned to a bed. When the shelter at PeoplesChurch is at capacity, the van will transport men to other facilities -- if they are willing to go. They will be strongly encouraged to do so.
2. DHS also is committed to having staff repeatedly visit the homeless who are sleeping outdoors during the winter to try to convince them to accept help and go to an indoor shelter.
3. Alderman Smith's office will work to ensure that relevant laws, such as the 11 p.m. park closing, are enforced and to have boxes, mattresses and clutter removed from the alleys. This is not heartless; it is essential. If the options of sleeping in a cardboard box in an alley or under a tree in the park are not available, the homeless may be more willing to accept the invitation to go to an indoor shelter and get the help and resources available from DHS and other agencies.
At the November 48th Ward Zoning and Planning Committee meeting, delegates and guests spoke about the need to provide for the homeless and how this is a long-term problem that must be addressed with realistic, compassionate long-term solutions. Alderman Smith's office has begun working with advocacy and constituent groups to develop such solutions and will report back to the community through Zoning and Planning and via this newsletter. If you would like to be part of this working group, please e-mail Doug Fraser, chief of staff, doug@masmith48.org.
In addition, we have created a Yahoo Groups forum to enable people to express their opinions about the issue, and connect those who have the ideas and energy to work toward solutions on a local level. You can join the group here.

Bon Bon featured in Chicago Tribune article

Article: Chicago’s sweetest spots are turning out chocolatey holiday treats
bon bon, 5410 N. Clark, (773) 784-9882
Sometimes it's not what's beneath the tree that matters, but the sweet stuff dangling from its branches. bon bon has found a way to make those branches pop with its gigantic chocolate ornaments ($25 each) -- a sugar-fueled sentiment Wonka himself would've surely appreciated, or perhaps tried to claim as his own. Aside from their tiny tinfoil tops, the hollow balls (filled with tiny hard candies) are completely edible, but the hand-painted shells make these shiny treats too pretty to crack at first glance. The edible paint is imported from France and is typically a variety of multi-colored metallics, which creates a shiny swirled rainbow on each ornament. Fortunately, bon bon's got a full stock of bite-size chocolates (ranging from chili-infused pyramids and Saigon cinnamon Buddhas to naughty Kama Sutra kits and rose-petal discs) to sate your sweet tooth until it's time to chuck the tree.

ECB Follows Foot Chase and 2 Robberies in Progress

9:32pm - Female officer calling out of breath or distressed. Appears to be a foot chase in progress 1515 W Albion.

9:33pm - All units in the area requested to respond to foot chase at 6600 N Ashland. Black male now heading south down Ashland. Now changed to 6630 N Ashland. Dispatcher is giving the officer the air, asking others to keep it clear for her.

9:34pm - Man is wearing a hoody and has a gun.

9:35pm - Man is in custody - slow it down.

9:37pm - 6335 N Magnolia - Criminal trespass. Someone gained access to empty second floor apartment.

9:43pm - 5015 N Kenmore - Male hispanic, light skin, wanted for domestic battery. Man fled on foot from this location.

9:44pm - Supervisor requested to respond to a complaint that officers in an unmarked car beat a man up.

9:47pm - Robbery at Hermitage & Granville.

9:47pm- 1414 W Balmoral - Female yelling for help in the alley. Multiple calls to this location. Appears to be a robbery in progress. Multiple people in the alley yelling for help.

9:48pm - 4 male teen Hispanics all wearing black hoodies and jeans seen fleeing eastbound down south Granville alley from the scene from Hermitage & Granville robbery. Victim bit the tallest offender so one may be bleeding.

9:49pm - Hispanic males seen going northbound in alley at Balmoral and Glenwood in a silver/champagne/gold Toyota for female robbery above (9:47pm). Went northbound. A305 002 is license plate #. Keeping the air clear unless absolute emergency.

9:53pm - Officers seem to be getting the two robbery events a bit confused as some details are similar and somewhat close in proximity, but they are not related.

9:55pm - 1414 W Balmoral incident offenders were 18-22 years of age - one was armed with a tire iron. License plate ran came up as a Chevy, not a Toyota.

9:57pm - Hollywood & Sheridan - Disturbance with panhandlers.

9:58pm - Silver Chevy Impala with license plate named above found at Norwood & Hoyne. Offender in custody. Again, officers getting the details of both robberies confused. Dispatcher starting to think both incidents were related, recommends having both victims from different robberies come identify the offender that was caught.

10:03pm - One victim has given a positive ID.

10:20pm - 4840 N Ashland - burglary alarm going off at residence.

Man Gets Prison Time In Edgewater DUI Death

A man who struck and killed an Edgewater resident has been sentenced after pleading guilty to aggravated DUI. Boubacar Bah was driving under the influence of alcohol and marijuana when he struck and killed Thomas Dalof, 26. Bah ran the stop sign at Lakewood and Granville Avenues, resulting in the incident.

Dalof had been out celebrating his acceptance to the Chicago Fire Department academy with his friends. Bah had originally fled the scene but later turned himself in.
Source: ChicagoBreakingNews.com

Other related articles:
Fatal DUI crash in Edgewater nets 8-year prison sentence (Chicago Tribune)
Man Gets 8 Years For Fatal Rogers Park Hit-And-Run (CBS2)

Does anyone else think that 8 years for driving drunk & high and taking a young man's life seems a bit light?????

Celebrate Repeal Day In Andersonville

Celebrate Repeal Day (the end of prohibition!) this Friday December 5th at Andersonville's In Fine Spirits. The festivities include before and after Prohibition-era cocktails, 1930s music and staffers dressed like gangsters. Go ahead and order The Capone (a citrus-y cocktail with Templeton Rye Prohibition Era Whiskey), Prohibition Cocktail (gin cocktail with a touch of apricot) or The Volstead Toddy (spicy-smooth blend of Batavia Arrack, Pendleton’s Whiskey and a touch of pastis that's served warm). 3pm-2am. No cover.

Granville Area to Get Home Cookin, Just Like Ma Used To Make!

John Winslow, the former owner of a bed and breakfast in Key West, is bringing is love for taking care of his patrons to Edgewater. John will be providing locally sustained, natural, comfort foods that are affordable and rich in flavor at his new restaurant, Banana Foster Cafe located at 1147 W Granville. The BFC is expected to open in mid January and will offer breakfast, lunch and dinner between 7am and 10pm, 7 days a week as well as brunch on Saturday/Sunday. Prices are expected to be $8-12 for lunch and $15-20 for dinner.

Homeless Shelter Will Have Home Through Winter

The 65-bed REST emergency homeless center will remain open throughout the winter at two temporary locations. For the duration of the year, REST will remain at Epworth United Methodist Church. From January 1st through May 1st of next year, the shelter will move a mile west to Ebenezer Lutheran Church, 1650 W. Foster. REST was originally scheduled to close at its current location after the Epworth church doubled the rent paid by the organization, but yesterday the church relented and allowed the shelter to stay one more month. A search for a more permanent location will continue.

Lost & Found

From Craigslist:

Eye glasses found at 5416 n. Glenwood st. They are in the soft case, and are left at the porch of 5416 house. Reply to: comm-938814537@craigslist.org

*photo not the glasses that were actually found

Car Crash Kills 2 Edgewater Residents

2 Chicago women killed, 2 hurt in DeKalb crash
Two 70-year-old Chicago women were killed and two others injured Monday when their car struck a semitrailer truck head-on in icy conditions in DeKalb, officials said today.
Killed were Sarah P. Conway and Mary T. Heidkamp, who both lived at St. Gertrude Parish in the Edgewater neighborhood on the city's Far North Side. Two other women, members of the same parish, were flown by helicopter to a nearby hospital.
Their conditions were not available today.
The crash occurred after the women had attended a funeral of a longtime parishioner in DeKalb and were on their way home. The 2004 Toyota Camry crossed into oncoming traffic on Peace Road, just north of Fairview Drive, at 2:20 p.m. and hit the truck, DeKalb Sheriff Roger Scott said.
He said the roads were covered with snow and ice, which likely caused the car to lose control.
Today, members of the St. Gertrude community grieved the loss of two of their most devoted parishioners.
"They were the matriarchs," said Marge Butzen, business/office manager of St. Gertrude's. "Who is going to step into their shoes?"
All four women were the first to volunteer when it came to visiting nursing homes, organizing bake sales and attending funerals, as was the case Monday.
The two other women in the car, Joanne Steenveld, 70, of Skokie and Kathleen O'Toole, 75, of Edgewater were flown by helicopter to OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford.
Source: ChicagoBreakingNews.com

Additional related stories:

Edgewater church remembers 2 parishioners killed in car crash on icy road (Chicago Tribune)

2 North Side parishioners killed in crash (ABC 7 Chicago)

'The gate of heaven had to swing open for them'
EDGEWATER Two giving members of parish die in crash on way from funeral (Sun Times)

Avondale and Logan Square Crime Blotter Launched

For those interested, check out the Avondale and Logan Square Crime Blotter. A concerned Sullivan High School Student has got a new Crime Blotter up and running for these neighborhoods, and so far it looks great!!

Edgewater resident dies in Mumbai attacks

According to the Chicago Tribune, Sandeep "Sam" Jeswani, 43, of 1400 block of West Berwyn Avenue died in the tragic terrorist attacks in Mumbai. Jeswani was a naturalized U.S. citizen and was in India for business. Six Americans were among the foreigners killed in the coordinated shooting rampage, according to The Associated Press. Our thoughts go out to those of the Jeswani family as they mourn their loss.
Other related articles:
N. Sider killed after terrorist checked ID (Sun Times)
Niece: Terrorist asked slain Chicago man for ID (ChicagoBreakingNews.com)
Terrorists Killed Chicago Man After Asking For ID: Niece (Huffinton Post)

Chicago Journal Sweet Occasions/Sweet Thang story

In case you haven't gotten enough of the ongoing saga, check out this article:
http://www.chicagojournal.com/main.asp?SectionID=49&SubSectionID=142&ArticleID=6480&TM=83211.05

Live Greener

Loyola University Chicago is hosting a series of workshops for the Rogers Park and Edgewater neighborhoods to increase awareness on how to live more environmentally-friendly while (keeping warm and) saving money.

Tuesday, December 16th, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

“Home Energy: Cutting your Fuel Costs”

Simpson Multi-Purpose Room, 6333 N. Winthrop Avenue (at the corner of Winthrop & Sheridan Rd.)

Saturday, January 17th, 10:00-12:00 p.m.

“Neighborhood Transportation Alternatives”

Simpson Multi-Purpose Room, 6333 N. Winthrop Avenue (at the corner of Winthrop & Sheridan Rd.)

Tuesday, February 17th, 7:00-8:30 p.m.

“Recycling and Composting”

Simpson Multi-Purpose Room, 6333 N. Winthrop Avenue (at the corner of Winthrop & Sheridan Rd.)

Saturday, March 21st, 10:00-12:00 p.m.

“Gardening and Greening”

McCormick Lounge, Coffey Hall 1010 W. Sheridan Road

Sponsored by Loyola Univ. Chicago, 49th Ward GreenCorps and the Edgewater Community Council.For more information call (773) 508-7450 or e-mail communityrelations@luc.edu.

Edgewater, Beware

Source: Chicago Journal

A 29-year-old man was robbed by two men in their late teens or early 20s around 2:30 a.m. Nov. 15. The men pulled up to the victim in a maroon 2006 Kia. The victim told police that the men got out of the car and shoved him up against a wall. One of the punks clobbered the victim in the head with a revolver with a white handle grip. The two took $300 off the man and fled in their car. The victim heard one of the men refer to the other by his name. Information from the 24th District indicated that the man with the gun hangs out by the Thorndale el stop. The victim was able to provide the license plate number to police. Area 3 detectives traced the license plate to an Uptown address but did not find the suspect.

The second robbery occurred about 40 minutes later at 3:10 a.m. Two men driving a red car approached two men on the 5000 block of N. Kenmore. The 28-year-old and 29-year-old victims told police they were about to enter a restaurant when the car pulled up beside them. Two men in their early 20s got out of the car brandishing handguns. Both demanded money and pistol whipped one of the victims in the face. After taking $25, both got back in the car and fled northbound on Kenmore. A woman and another passenger waited inside the car. The victim who got hit was taken to Weiss Hospital where he was admitted in stable condition. The victims are acquainted with one of the robbers.

Edgewater literacy program helps parents and children

The Jane Adams Hull House Association offers a literacy program for parents and children to get a jump on learning English as a second language. The program, housed at the Edgewater Presbetarian Church on Bryn Mawr, not only helps infants, toddlers and preschool-age children learn to read, but also teaches parents how to reinforce lessons beyond the classroom walls.

REST Shelter Closed

According to this latest story, the REST shelter housed at Kenmore and Berwyn is set to close today. The city and Edgewater neighborhood were unable to find another location in the area as we previously reported. The men who depended on this shelter will be forced to locate to other shelters in Uptown or the west side, or be back on the streets as winter hits.

Another related article in the Sun Times: http://www.suntimes.com/news/metro/1302655,CST-NWS-van27.article