Notorious bigot to picket at Congregation Emanuel on Monday

The infamous Reverend Fred Phelps and his merry band of followers from the Westboro Bapstist Church will be picketing and projecting a general sense of ignorance at Edgewater's Congregation Emanuel (5959 N. Sheridan Rd.) on Monday, August 3rd. You may know the good Reverend as the "God hates fags" and "God hates Jews" Reverend. He's also got a thing for protesting at military funerals.

Rabbi Michael Zedek of Congregation Emanuel has asked members of the community to peacefully stand against this showing of hatred and bigotry by gathering at the Congregation by 11:00 AM.

Burglary reported at 1255 Rosedale Ave.

A resident of this address emailed to tell us that his apartment was robbed. The items stolen were a PS3, an XBox and a Macbook with a Sox sticker, Vader sticker and Bowie sticker on it.

Reader's video of last week's dinner crawl

A reader tells us he went to the Edgewater Dinner Crawl last Thursday and says "we went and had an amazing time, we ate so much food and it was all delicious!"

Check out his video about the event!

Tribune Covers Neighborhood Nights

The success of Neighborhood Nights on Thorndale has caught the attention of the Chicago Tribune:

Edgewater loitering: Neighborhood seeks to counteract gangs with special nights along Thorndale Avenue at the 'L' stop

Neighborhood Nights events aim to help community reclaim a piece of Edgewater

By Mary Owen |Special to the Tribune

July 29, 2009

On a typical evening in Edgewater, dozens of young men linger along the sidewalks of Thorndale Avenue near the elevated train stop. Their presence is intimidating, say many in the community, and sometimes there is drug dealing and theft.

But on Monday evenings, the scene changes. Sidewalks fill with children playing board games and adults engaged in cards and chatting over grape leaves, courtesy of local Iraqi refugees.

The organized gatherings -- called Neighborhood Nights -- take aim at a more than 40-year history of gang activity along the business district in the 1100 block of West Thorndale Avenue. The strip has a shoe repair shop, dry cleaner, video store, coin laundry, liquor store and two family-owned restaurants. "It's no coincidence that we chose Thorndale," said Dan Kleinman, housing director of the Edgewater Community Council, which sponsors Neighborhood Nights. "If you can fill Thorndale with an ongoing effort, it starts to become a more enjoyable place." Continue reading

Hopleaf owners buy building for new restaurant

From Crain's Chicago:

By Andrew Schroedter, July 28, 2009

(Crain’s) — The owners of Michael & Louise’s Hopleaf Bar have paid $1.3 million for the former La Donna Restaurant space, about nine months after a deal to buy the same Andersonville building collapsed when they lost their financing.

Michael Roper, co-owner of the popular Hopleaf at 5148 N. Clark St., said he hopes to open a new eatery and wine bar by yearend in the two-story building, next door to his trendy tavern.

The as-yet-unnamed restaurant is to have 90 seats and an outdoor area. The menu will feature Mediterranean-inspired cuisine, an extensive wine list and about 20 American microbrews on tap.

In an interesting twist, Mr. Roper won’t offer liquor, bottled beer or any menu items found at Hopleaf, which opened in 1992 and is known for its Belgian fare and about 200 types of beer. Continue reading

This weekend: Andersonville Sidewalk Sale

The sidewalks of Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood will be lined with a splendid array of specialty gifts, clothing and more from your favorite Andersonville stores during the annual Andersonville Sidewalk Sale. By combining its Swedish roots and small-village charm with some of the city’s newest and hippest stores and restaurants, a day in Andersonville is a great summer getaway. For more info and a complete list of participating businesses click here.

Sun-Times Article on Ridge Ave Parking Plan

From the Chicago Sun-Times:

N. Side drivers may not like this parking plan
Pedestrians apparently win battle over Ridge Avenue
July 23, 2009

BY MARK BROWN Sun-Times Columnist
For thousands of drivers commuting downtown from the city's Far North Side and near north suburbs, Ridge Avenue is a time-saving lifeline that picks up where transportation planners left off -- funneling traffic to and from the dead end of North Lake Shore Drive.

But it turns out the same fast-moving features that make Ridge the in-the-know route for savvy drivers make it a nightmare for local residents who say they can't even cross the street.

Now, the alderman who oversees one of Ridge's busiest stretches says she has decided to open it to parking, essentially shutting down two of the four lanes, except during rush hour, in an effort to slow the cars and divert those commuters elsewhere.

Ald. Mary Ann Smith (48th) says she can't really predict where the traffic will go, but expects drivers will figure something out on their own. Continue reading

Zorro

(Click to enlarge)

From Neighborhood Nights On Thorndale

Dear Community Partner,

Monday, June 20, 2009, saw another successful Neighborhood Night on Thorndale. Turnout was very strong, and we quickly ran out of hotdogs and beverages. Community members also enjoyed traditional Iraqi pastries and sample dishes, generously provided by the Iraqi Mutual Aid Society. As always, there was enthusiastic participation in games that the local company Chicagoland Games brought and coordinated. There were first time participants, as well as a growing crowd of regulars. After eight successful weeks, Neighborhood Nights is truly becoming a staple of Thorndale Avenue. We have exciting plans to make the event even better.

Neighborhood Nights is a free community building event every Monday night from 6 PM to 8 PM near the corner of Thorndale and Broadway. Bring a neighbor and meet new ones. All are welcome.

For more information or to inquire about collaboration, please contact lead organizer Dan Kleinman, at dank@edgewatercommunitycouncil.org.

Sincerely,

The Neighborhood Nights Team

6:32 PM, Clark and Rogers (Pottawatomie Park) - General disturbance call.

6:53, Thorndale Red Line Stop - Premise check.

7:48, 5910 N. Sheridan - Confirmed residential burglary.

8:46, 2100 W. Devon - Gang members have stopped a van and are pounding on it.

8:58, 5733 N. Sheridan - Report of selling on the street.

9:45, Thorndale Red Line stop - General disturbance call.

9:48, Thorndale and Broadway - Officer is requesting an ambulance because there is an intoxicated man down.

Facebook me!

The Buzz is now on Facebook! Find us and become a fan of the page by searching "Edgewater Community Buzz."

3rd Saturdays

Third Saturdays is going on now. If went to the event, tell us about it in the comments.

Contamination along the lake

The ASCO warns that the reason the vacant lot at 6151 N Sheridan is fenced off is due to contamination. The lot was planned to be turned into a park, but has not yet been turned over to the Chicago Park District due to the hazardous waste that was found in the soil. People (and their pets) are advised to stay off the lot.

Puppet Bike

Potholes - not just for the street anymore!

This hole has sat at under the Berwyn Red Line stop, right in front of the doors for the entrance to the station, for a number of weeks now. We wonder if the city or CTA has any plans to fix it soon? It seems like a hazard considering the high level of foot traffic here and the various things one could trip over.

Edgewater woman gets 8 years for beating 'meal ticket' lover

Cook County judge James Linn sentenced Edgewater's Lisa Gunderson to 8 years in prison for the the fatal beating of her lover Barbara Wolf. Linn said that Gunderson took advange of Wolff, who had emotional needs, and "manipulated” her and treated her like a “meal ticket.” Gunderson and Wolff spat over Gunderson’s alleged romantic involvement with a man at their apartment at 5400 N Sheridan in August 2006 and the altercation turned physical. Gunderson shoved Wolff, who hit her head on a dresser, and then Gunderson allegedly grabbed a blanket and wrapped it around Wolf’s head, leaving her "bleeding and gasping."
Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Crain's article regarding empty Piser funeral home site at Foster/Broadway

Mutual Bank alleges loan default on Edgewater site
From the Crain's Chicago Business Newsroom
July 15, 2009
By Thomas A. Corfman and Samantha Sleevi
-----
(Crain’s) — Mutual Bank has filed a foreclosure suit to collect more than $7 million on an Edgewater site that a North Side developer acquired at the top of the market, only to see his plans for a $40-million residential/retail project frustrated first by neighborhood opposition and then the slowdown in the real estate market.

A venture led by Stuart Miller paid $7 million in 2005 for the parcel at 5200-46 N. Broadway St., which included a shuttered funeral home, Piser Weinstein Menorah Chapel, and a three-story apartment building.

Harvey-based Mutual Bank alleges its $6.7-million acquisition loan to Mr. Miller’s venture fell into default in October, when the venture failed to pay off the loan when it came due. Mr. Miller is a defendant in the case because he allegedly personally guaranteed the loan.

Mr. Miller, of Miller Group in Lincoln Park, declined to comment except to say that part of the site is not involved in the foreclosure case. An attorney in the Chicago office of law firm Foley & Lardner LLP, which represents Mutual Bank, did not return a call requesting comment.

Mr. Miller’s proposal for a five-story project that would have included first-floor retail space and condominiums on the upper floors met with strong criticism from local residents in the upscale Lakewood Balmoral neighborhood to the west, who objected to the project’s height.
Continue reading here

Berwyn Red Line stop, August 1979

I came across these 2 interesting older shots while looking through a Transit Chicago group on Flickr. These particular photos show a southbound Howard - Jackson Park "B" train (now obviously the Red Line) pulling into the Berwyn station. The pictures were taken facing southeast from the Jewel-Osco parking lot.

The supporting structure for the overpass sure looks to have been in much better shape back then, and the yellow sign advertising apartments on the brick wall above the train is now almost completely faded away. There aren't too many AMC Hornets or Dodge Darts cruising around Edgewater these days either.

Perfect Wednesday night

8:27 PM, Thorndale and Broadway - Report of 8 males loitering and selling drugs on the corner. Another officer responds and says they're normally in the parking lot. I think he's referring to the Broadway Armory's lot.

8:28 - Another officer responds, says he just went by Thorndale and Broadway and there is basketball tournament going on tonight.

8:39, Morse Red Line stop - Battery in progress. 15 kids are fighting.

8:57, 2551 W. Peterson - Officer reports a female has been hit by a vehicle, EMS requested.

8:59, 6817 N. Clark - Assist car requested by another patrol unit.

9:21, Foster and Rockwell - Man just broke the window of a minivan and took a bag out. Last seen heading westbound on Foster.

Chicago Police Officer catches 4 suspects breaking into his home

An off duty Chicago Police Officer was returning to his garden apartment in the 1600 block of W. Olive Ave. in Andersonville around 10:30 PM this past Sunday when he encountered a man in a gangway near the residence. The Officer stopped the man, and while he was talking to him he saw 3 other men climbing out of a window to his apartment. It was later learned that nothing had been taken as the burglars appeared to have gotten scared and were attempting to flee the scene.

Sun Times Article

Energy Audit Seminar

Energy Audits: How They Work and Help You

Thursday, July 16, 2009 7:00 p.m.

Beachpoint C.A. 5801 N. Sheridan Road
(No parking available, Please walk or take a bus)

Speaker: John Porterfield of E. Zing, Inc.

Stolen Violin Located

The violin reportedly taken in a residential burglary from a home in the 5200 block of N. Wayne Ave. last week has been found. Chicago Police say the violin's owner told them she received an anonymous call directing her to the instrument's location in the south Loop.

Chicago Tribune Article

The Edgewater Lounge

It's mid-July and it seems like the summer weather has finally decided to join us here in Chicago. A great place to dine and drink outdoors is the Edgewater Lounge located off the beaten path at 5600 N Ashland (NW corner of Ashland & Bryn Mawr). While seating is somewhat limited outside, you can sit inside while you wait and enjoy the cozy neighborhood pub feel of the bar and throw back a pint. Beer lovers will enjoy their extensive selection, and you won't find Bud or Miller Lite on tap (though they do have bottles). The food menu features such unique items as a Key-Lime Cod Filet Sandwich, a Smoked Pepper Brisket of Beef Sandwich, sweet potato chips and Crab Rangoon. They also have half-priced 1/2 pound ground sirloin burgers Thursday. Service at the bar and the tables is always super reliable and friendly. We recommend you check it out for yourself.

Visit their website at: http://www.edgewaterlounge.com/

Rare Violin Stolen From Edgewater Home

A 226-year-old Januarius Gagliano violin was stolen from a house in the 5200 block of North Wayne Ave. sometime between midnight and 7 a.m. this past Tuesday. Professional violinist Lori Ashikawa and her husband were asleep when someone entered their home with a spare key that had been hidden outside of the residence. Ashikawa said the violin was left on a table after she had finished practicing. She also indicated that the instrument, its case and 2 bows were the only items missing. Violin dealer Geoffrey Fushi places the value of the violin "in the hundred thousand dollar range."

Police encourage anyone with information to call Belmont Area detectives at (312) 744-8263.

You can read the full story at cbs2.com.

Foster Beach, Summer 1964

Take a look at this vintage shot of Foster Beach. The Edgewater Beach Hotel was in its last few years of operation, set to close in 1967. What's funny is that this view doesn't seem to look much different today!

You can see some other great historic shots of Chicago's fabulous beaches on the Chicago Tribune website today....

In Fine Spirits: 2nd Annual Bastille Day Celebration

In Fine Spirits will be celebrating France's Bastille Day and French winemakers with a garden reception and dinner. Cost is $75 per person and includes 5 wines paired with New World inspired food. Click HERE for more info.

Andersonville Farmer's Market a Hit

Even a light rain couldn't keep people, including myself, away from the Andersonville Farmer's Market today. The event has been a hit so far, as the majority of the vendors sold all their goods well before closing during the initial day of the event in June and new vendors being added since. The market today spanned the full stretch of Berwyn from Ashland to Clark and featured a wide array of products including fruits, veggies, plants, tofu products, organic sauces/salsas and Wisconsin cheeses & curds.

Location: Berwyn between Clark and Ashland
Dates: Wednesdays, through Sept. 9
Time: 4-8 p.m.

From the Edgewater Community Council

Steep Theatre's "The Hollow Lands" featured in Sun-Times

Check out this recent article of the Steep Theatre's production of "The Hollow Lands," a historic epic story about America's pioneers: http://www.suntimes.com/entertainment/weiss/1653101,CST-FTR-weiss06cx.article

You can also learn more about the show, including ticket information, here: http://www.steeptheatre.com/shows/shows_main.html

More info on Dinner Crawl

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New Beach House for Osterman Beach

According to a newsletter from the ASCO, Osterman Beach will be receiving a new beach house. Surveyors from the Public Building Commission were seen on the beaches this weekend, and the project has been confirmed by the Park District. The beach house initiative is being championed by Alderman Smith, State Rep Harry Osterman, and the ASCO. Design ideas will be explored soon, and completion of the facility is expected by Memorial Day, 2010.

State Rep. Harry Osterman to join 'Neighborhood Nights'

Dear Neighbor,

Please join me for the Neighborhood Nights on Thorndale Safety Walk, an event I am hosting on Monday, July 13 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. The goal of this event is to bring neighbors together for games, refreshments, entertainment - and to promote neighborhood safety throughout our community with a neighborhood safety walk. I would greatly appreciate you passing on the information to friends, family members and neighbors encouraging all to participate.

We will kick-off the event by having community members meet on the corner Thorndale Avenue and Broadway Street for the pre-walk activities. Refreshments will be available, including hot dogs and beverages, and the Broadway Armory Park will provide pop corn and snow cones. The park will also provide a jumping castle for neighborhood children.

The Safety Walk will begin promptly at 7:00 p.m. and I will join participants in walking through the Edgewater neighborhood, handing out resource guides on public safety and encouraging area residents to take back their streets through communication, public awareness and community unity.

The Neighborhood Nights on Thorndale Safety Walk is an important community event, and I encourage you to paricipate. Many residents have expressed that loitering and crime in the area are top concerns and, as a community, we want to do our part to show our commitment to safe streets and a safe summer in Edgewater.

Please contact me at your earliest convenience to confirm your participation in the Neighborhood Nights on Thorndale Safety Walk. If you have questions about the event, I can be reached at my district office at (773) 784-2002 or via email to osterman.legislativemail@gmail.com. Thank you.

Sincerely,
Harry Osterman
State Representative
14th District

St. Andrew's Greek Festival

This Saturday & Sunday (7/11 - 7/12) mark the 48th annual Greek Fest at St. Andrews Greek Orthodox Church located at 5649 N Sheridan. Doors open at 2pm on Saturday and noon on Sunday. Admission is free for children under 12 and $2 for adults. This year's festivities include traditional Greek food, folk music and dancing, carnival rides and games, an Orthodox book store, art, a raffle and silent auction.

Light it up....

6:26 PM, Granville and Western - Battery in progress, multiple units en route.

6:41, 1527 W. Thorndale - A small group of kids is reportedly setting plants on fire.

6:54, 5020 N. Clark - Group of people loitering and causing a general disturbance.

7:15, 5538 N. Winthrop - An orange motorcycle has reportedly been stolen.

7:21 - Dispatcher and responding officer confirm that Lincoln Towing has the orange motorcycle.

7:25, 1500 W. Thorndale - A group of kids are trying to set a bench on fire near Senn Park.

8:04, Pratt and Western - Armed robbery call. Responding Officer confirms shots were fired. Hispanic male suspect headed northbound behind the 7-Eleven, reportedly armed with a blue steel revolver and wearing a gray hoody.

8:43 - No resolution on the armed robbery situation.

9:30, 2254 W. Devon - 15 to 20 people getting ready to fight, possibly gang related.

Happy 4th of July, Edgewater

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