Happy Halloween Edgewater!

Vital Bridges delivers 10 millionth meal

From Medill:
Vital Images looks just like any other storefront on Broadway Avenue in the Edgewater community. But on the inside, a mural spans the walls in the front of the shop, giving it a Miami vibe. The furniture is plush and eclectic. Festive Halloween decorations fill the shop’s nooks and crannies. Vital Bridges has a distinct homey feel.

According to Debbie Hinde, the company’s president and CEO, the decor in the facility serving those living with HIV or AIDS is intentional.

“Each of our spaces is a little bit different,” she said. “When people walk in the door at any of the sites, we want them to feel accepted, cared for and comfortable.

Vital Images delivered its 10 millionth meal to an AIDS sufferer Thursday. Since 1988, it has been providing healthy meals at no charge to the more than 1,500 clients it serves yearly.

Continue reading article
(we're not sure if the use of "Vital Images" instead of Vital Bridges is a typo?)

EDC markets Edgewater commercial real estate w/trolley tour

Edgewater Development Corporation sponsored a Commercial Real Estate Trolley Tour with the support of 40th Ward Alderman Patrick O'Connor, 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith, and 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore. The Tour highlighted commercial real estate properties available for sale or lease within the Edgewater community and presented an opportunity for the Aldermen to present their vision for additional development in Edgewater.

* info and photo from the EDC e-newsletter

Peirce School Fundraiser @ Hopleaf

The third annual Peirce School fundraiser will be held Sunday, November 1 at Hopleaf, 5148 N. Clark. Tickets for the all-you-can-eat buffet brunch, silent auction and raffle are $25 per person. There are two seatings: 10:30 am. - noon and 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Hopleaf owners Mike Roper and Louise Molnar again are generously underwriting the event.

Money raised at the event will be used for arts education, programs that currently are not funded in the Peirce budget. For tickets and more information contact peirceschool@gmail.com or call (224) 688-1265.

Coming soon - Burke's!!!

About a year ago, we reported a zoning change in the space formerly occupied by the Writer's Lounge. We just received word that a new much-needed pub (east of Broadway) is coming to the Edgewater neighborhood at Balmoral and Broadway. Burke's will feature traditional casual bar food such as burgers and sandwiches and have a laid-back neighborhood feel along with flat screen TV's for sports-lovers. No timeframe is set yet for Burke's - but this recent news is promising.

Armed robbery

The Shell gas station located on the Edgewater/Rogers Park border at Clark & Devon was robbed on Sunday night. According to Fox News, two black males in their young 20's walked into the station, pulled out a pistol, and walked away with $500. You can read the Fox News article here.

Stabbing on Berwyn ruled self defense

We've received word that there will be no charges in the stabbing that killed Rocco Lopez and injured another in the alley at 1100 W Berwyn. Apparently the stabbing was ruled self defense. As was previously reported by LEN, an altercation occured after a man confronted Mr. Lopez "about money." These new details were word of mouth, and we have not verified the credibility of them. While it is relieving that this was apparently not just a random act of violence, it does not discount the fact that a life was lost.

Also see:

http://www.lakeeffectnews.com/2009/10/02/stabbing-victim-may-have-started-fight/

CTA Hearing

Hearing on CTA Fare Increases and Service Cuts

The CTA will hold a public hearing on its proposed 2010 budget, which includes service cuts and fare increases, at Lane Tech High School, 2501 W. Addison, on Monday, November 3 at 6:00 p.m.

Among the proposals are increases in bus, rail, express bus and transit card fares; the elimination of several express bus routes, although none serving the 48th Ward, and change in service hours for 41 bus routes. Routes that will see either later start times or earlier end times are the 36, 92, 146, 147 and 155. There will be no change in service on the rail lines.

Andersonville goes GREEN!

eco-Andersonville Launches Streetscape Recycling Program

http://www.eco-andersonville.org/ Chicago’s Andersonville area launches city’s first neighborhood streetscape recycling program
On November 1, 2009, Chicago’s Andersonville neighborhood will launch the City’s first streetscape recycling program, allowing Andersonville patrons to recycle while they shop, dine, and play in the neighborhood. The program is being implemented by the non-profit Andersonville Development Corporation (ADC).

The program will install 15 public recycling receptacles throughout the Clark Street corridor, stretching from Winona (5000 N.) on the south to Olive (5650 N.) on the north. Each receptacle will collect paper, glass, or plastic and aluminum. Recyclables will be picked up by the Chicago Resource Center, a not-for-profit hauling organization on Chicago’s South Side. The Chicago Resource Center guarantees a recycling rate of 99%. .

“eco-Andersonville’s programs aim to significantly lessen the Andersonville commercial district’s environmental impact,” notes ADC managing director Sara Dinges.

The streetscape recycling program is part of Andersonville Development Corporation’s eco-Andersonville, a comprehensive initiative that promotes and encourages environmental, economic, and social sustainability in the Andersonville commercial area.

Other eco-Andersonville initiatives include:
The Sustainable Business Certification Program, aimed at helping small, local businesses and adopt the best sustainable practices for their business
Events that promote sustainability, including workshops at the Andersonville Farmers Market
Business recycling and composting (currently in development)

Collection is made possible through partnerships with the following Andersonville businesses: The Coffee Studio, Hamburger Mary’s, Green Genes, Bridgeview Bank, Avalon Chiropractic, Styles, Marilyn Fumagalli, Painted Light Photography and Framing Gallery, Fisheye Graphics, The Runner’s Edge, and Covenant Methodist Services.

The program is funded in part by a grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity

The Andersonville neighborhood has gained national acclaim in recent years for its thriving business district comprised almost entirely of locally owned, independent businesses. Andersonville was a featured community at the 2009 National Main Streets Conference. In February, 2007, Andersonville was named one of America’s “Top Ten Eco-Communities” by Natural Home Magazine.

The Andersonville Development Corporation fosters sustainable community and economic development in the Andersonville commercial district. ADC promotes responsible community growth that allows the area to continue to develop while also helping to sustain its current character and diversity.

Fire reported at Deluxe Diner

The Sun-Times says there was a fire around 1:00 AM today at "a diner at Clark Street and Devon Avenue." There was no indication of whether it was serious. Has anyone been by there today?

Dominick's Update

The Dominick's grocery store located at Foster/Sheridan has closed. Demolition will soon follow. You can view a rendering of the new flagship "lifestyles store" that will replace it in Fall 2010 here.

Grocery grabbing on Kenmore

6:55 PM, 5525 N. Kenmore - Robbery report. Female caller says she put down her groceries to get her keys out. Someone came up behind her, took the groceries and her coat and ran.

7:00, 6738 N. Sheridan - Intoxicated female inside the Starbucks at this address is acting disorderly, accusing people of shoving her.

7:21, 5528 N. Washtenaw - Report of 15 males fighting in the street. There is a victim who was hit by a flying bottle, and he's refusing medical service.

7:22, 5500 block of N. Washtenaw - Female caller says her son was threatened by several gang members.

7:32, 5620 N. Kenmore - Male caller says his intoxicated girlfriend is causing a disturbance at the front door.

7:47, Clark and Bryn Mawr - Report of drug sales going on.

7:53, 5851 N. Magnolia - Suspicious person. Female caller says motion lights are going on out back and she can hear footsteps. She is concerned because she's home alone with 3 kids.

8:34, 1726 W. Carmen - Female caller says a male in a black hoody on a bike stole her purse and fled.

9:32, 1443 W. Hollywood - Report of a residential burglary in progress.

9:36, Ridge and Ardmore - About 8 kids walking around with bricks and looking suspicious.

10:31, Bryn Mawr and Broadway - Possible assault in progress. A male is threatening another male with a baseball bat. Unit en route.

10:34, Bryn Mawr and Broadway -Responding unit arrived within 30 seconds, reports there is nothing going on.

Trick or Treat

Cheetah Gym and the exciting mix of Andersonville's businesses are proud sponsors of the organized Trick or Treat walk for kids ages 2-12. Kids and their parents will register at Cheetah Gym and receive their official Trick or Treat bag and registration number. Registration is free. Then kids and their parents walk along Clark Street in the heart of Andersonville stopping at each participating business to Trick or Treat.

Entrants must register from 2:30PM until 4:30PM to qualify for the costume contest and must return to Cheetah Gym by 5PM to be eligible for prizes. Contest costume winners will be announced at 5:15PM at Cheetah Gym.

1st Place - $200

2nd Place - $100

3rd Place - $50

Contact Cheetah Gym at 773.728.7777 or email: kristen@cheetahgym.comThis e-mail address is being protected from spambots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it for more information.

Edgewater Community Council Seeks Candidates

Do you want to take on an active role in our community? The Edgewater Community Council is looking for dynamic candidates to serve three year terms on the Board of Directors, and a candidate for the position of President.

To learn more about the positions and possibly seek election as a Director or President, email the ECC at nominations@edgewatercommunitycouncil.org, give them a call at (773) 334-5609.

Loyola holds lakefront expansion forum

Check out the Urban Coaster's coverage of the lakefront expansion forum held at Loyola University earlier this month. Urban Coaster is against the lakefront expansion, as are the majority of voters in Edgewater and Rogers Park based on this issue being on previous election ballots.

ECC Fall Gala

November 7th (6pm - 11pm)
Misericordia's Jean Ryan Community Center, 6300 N. Ridge, Chicago
Click here for ticket info

Let there be light!

We're happy to report that the Alderman's office has informed us that the City will be upgrading the two lights on Berwyn between the Red Line and Winthrop. Also, they will trim the trees along the north side of the street, as they block the light that shines on the sidewalk. Unfortunately, its going to take 4-6 weeks for this part to happen, when the leaves will be gone. Also, we noticed that one of these lights and others in the alley where Rocco Lopez was stabbed in the neck and murdered were all out. After a few calls to 311 the city came out and fixed them. Lastly, the Alderman's office is working with the EBNA block club to upgrade the lights along the 5400 block of N Kenmore to include sidewalk lighting. Thanks to the Alderman's staff, EBNA, and the City for all the progress.

Another iPhone robbery at gunpoint

Yesterday we posted the robbery from Lake Effect News' crime blotter which involved a man meeting another man he met on Craiglist to sell his iPhone but instead robbed him of the device by gunpoint. According to the Sun Times, it appears there was another iPhone stolen at gunpoint last night around midnight. A man was walking at Greenview & Granville when two 20-something males approached him, one with a gun, and stole the phone. The man was not injured.

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

Lake Effect News' police blotter

Read about recent crimes on Lake Effect News' police blotter:

Police Blotters, 20th District:

Purse Snatching On Berwyn
An 18-year-old woman was robbed of her purse after she parked her car on the 1400 block of West Berwyn around 4:50 p.m. Oct. 8. The victim told police she noticed two men in their 20s pass her on the sidewalk, then double back and walk toward her. As they approached, one of them punched her in the face and pushed her to the ground. The me rifled through her pockets and took her purse, fleeing northbound. The victim sustained minor swelling to her face but refused medical attention. The robbers got away with $103, a digital camera and the victim’s keys.

House Robbed During Wedding
Family members returned home from the wedding of their sister, only to find that their house on the 2700 block of North Bryn Mawr had been robbed between noon and 6:30 p.m. The victims told police they found their back door unlocked and the house ransacked. Gone are passports, a cell phone, jewelry, a flat screen TV and $5,000 cash. Neighbors told police that a red SUV with four male occupants was parked in front of the house. Two men carried out the flat screen TV. One of the men wore a sock on his hand for a glove. The men put the TV into the trunk and drove off.

No Good Deed Goes Unpunished
A 62-year-old man flagged down police saying he had been robbed by a stranger he had invited into his apartment on the 5900 block of North Sheridan. The victim said that a man in his early 40s knocked on his door asking for money. He invited the man into his apartment and they talked about him finding work. The man put the victim into a headlock and pushed him to the floor, removing the victim’s cell phone and $35. The man fled in an unknown direction. The victim had a small cut on his head but refused medical treatment.

Craigslist Crook
A 54-year-old man was robbed in a parking garage on the 5100 block of North Sheridan by a potential buyer who responded to his Craigslit ad for an iPhone. The victim arranged to meet the man, described in his mid-20s, in the parking garage around 9:40 p.m. Oct. 9. The man asked the victim to see the phone, at which time, he pulled up his jacket to reveal a gun tucked into his waistband. After he threatened to shoot the victim, he took the phone and ran southbound down an alley toward Winona.

Senn Students Arrested for Reckless Conduct
A pair of 15-year-old boys were arrested when they disobeyed police orders to leave the Senn High School campus at 5900 N. Glenwood. Students were dismissed from school at 2:50 p.m. Oct. 6, and were hanging around the campus picking fights with other students, police said. Both were told a number of times to go home and refused. Instead, both boys began to incite the crowd to fight and chant, “F— the police.” The boys were arrested and charged with reckless conduct.

Read all of the Lake Effect News' police blotter here.

No Nookies for you!

Word on the street is that the idea of Nookies coming to Edgewater is dead. Nookies, a popular breakfast spot with locations in Lakeview, Lincoln Park and Old Town, was long planning to open a fourth location in Edgewater at the corner of Bryn Mawr and Winthrop. The city released this press release in 2003 describing the usage of TIF money to help redevelop the building for Nookies' use. The Alderman's office even updated our community via her e-newsletter in 2008 saying that construction progress was being made and a Fall 2008 opening was likely.

Update: The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce still believes Nookies is a "go" - although they didn't have any up to date info and acknowledged the project has been start/stop for the past few years.

More Halloween Events

From Alderman Mary Ann Smith's Office:

The 20th Police District is again hosting a Haunted House for ages 8 and up. The House, at 5400 N. Lincoln, will be open Friday and Saturday, Oct. 23 and 24, from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. and Sunday, October 25 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. A $3.00 per person donation is requested.

Puptown, the 48th Ward's Dog Friendly Area at 4800 N. Marine Drive, is holding its 9th Annual Howl-O-Ween dog costume contest at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24. The rain date is Sunday, October 25. Contest registration begins at 1:15 p.m. There is a $5 per dog registration fee; the money raised is used for the park's upkeep.

Rogue photocopier on Sheridan

7:04 PM, 5200 N. Sheridan Rd. - A man is making copies and is not on the tenant list. Caller says the man refuses to leave the building.

7:14, Damen and Foster - Report of a large group of kids causing a disturbance and getting ready to fight. An Officer responds and says he just drove through that intersection and there's nothing going on.

9:17, 6816 N. Ashland - Caller says a man threw a bottle at him while he was walking through the alley.

9:18, 1007 W. Winona - Narcotics dispersal.

9:30, 5343 N. Broadway - Offender is being held at the Jewel store at this address.

9:33, Ridge and Devon - Some type of commotion/disturbance going on. Multiple units responding.

10:27, 1330 W. Argyle - Residential burglary report.

Upgrades @ Foster/Broadway

The retail storefronts that have remained vacant for years on the northwest corner of Foster & Broadway were being worked on this weekend. It appears that not only the facade has been upgraded, but workers were busy inside the storefront and apartments above. If anyone has any info on what is going into this space let us know in the comments.

Carpenters Halloween

OPENS on October 14th
LIVES every Tuesday-Saturday at 8pm
DIES on November 7

Mary's Attic, 5400 N Clark
Tickets: $15-20, on sale now
www.scootyjojo.com

Monday Mix @ the Bar

Join the founders of neighborhood distillery Koval to throw back a few at the monthly cocktail tasting at In Fine Spirits (5418-5420 N. Clark). The event runs from 8-10PM this Monday October 12th, and costs $15.

Chilly night

6:47 PM, 6140 N. Rockwell - Residential burglary report. Female caller says she returned home to find her apartment ransacked.

6:51, 1055 W. Bryn Mawr - A man in front of the 7-Eleven at this location is harassing the employees.

6:53, 1529 W. Bryn Mawr - Gang disturbance. 6-7 guys on the corner flashing gang signs.

9:30, Devon and Oakley - Male wearing a red hoody and dark jeans snatched a woman's purse and fled southbound on foot.

Citywide Film Showcase

CITYWIDE FILM SHOWCASE
Saturday, October 10th, 2009 - 8:00 PM
Chicago Filmmakers (5243 N Clark)

Co-Presented by Amir George/The Film Culture

This second annual event will screen the most promising new films and videos from some of Chicago's most talented film students. Here is your only chance to see a cross section of the area's film schools represented by work made during the 2008-09 academic year. Last year this show sold out, and the films featured were as good as any we've seen. It's a tribute to the prestigious institutions, the diversity and creativity of young filmmakers, and the city that inspires them.

Trick or Treat @ Loyola

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
LOYOLA PROVIDES SAFE LOCATION FOR HALLOWEEN TRICK-OR-TREATERS

Chicago, IL - 5 October 2009 - Loyola University's student programing board is partnering with the community outreach group TheNeighborhoodFirst.org, to provide a safe place for local elementary school students to trick-or-treat.

On Saturday, October 31, 2009, Dumbach Hall of Loyola's Lake Shore Campus will be decked in fun and spooky decorations, courtesy of Loyola's students. Local families are invited to bring their children from 4PM - 6PM to trick-or-treat through the hallways. Loyola students will wait behind classroom doors with plenty of candy on hand so that neighborhood children may have a fun, and above all safe, halloween experience.

For more information, including a map of location, please visit http://www.theneighborhoodfirst.org/halloween

Loyola student contact: Kristen Thometz, kthometz@luc.edu

Foreclosure at 5411

This article entitled "What were they thinking?" on the WBEZ Chicago Public Radio blog explores the attempted development, and then foreclosure, of the 70's four plus one building and its developer at 5411 N Winthrop. The 96 unit building is currently listed as a short sale for $7.5 million. See the listing here.

Co-si-na Grill opens on Foster

Located at 1706 W Foster, Co-si-na Grill opened just a few weeks ago serving up "Mexican flavors with a contemporary twist." Open for lunch and dinner, this spot is BYOB.

Day of Service in Edgewater, Monday October 12th

If you are interested in volunteering for this fall's Day of Service, please plan to meet at Alderman Mary Ann Smith's office at 5533 N. Broadway next Monday. Volunteers will have the option to work shifts starting at either 10AM or 5PM, and people of all ages are welcome.

Projects will include winterizing the men's shelter at Epworth, assisting the Edgewater Public Library with organizational efforts, picking up litter, cleaning up the neighborhood and more.

If you plan to attend, be sure to RSVP to jen@heathersteans.com.

New community website launched

The volunteers who brought you Neighborhood Nights on Thorndale are working on a new initiative - the Neighborhood First campaign. The group hopes "to help strengthen community bonds in Edgewater, Chicago. By organizing and fostering positive, community-building experiences, and by promoting dialogue and exchange, neighborhoods can work together to achieve shared aspirations and common goals." Check out the website here:
http://www.theneighborhoodfirst.org

CBS2 covers Ridge parking issue

OR

Ald. Smith Wants Parking On Busy Ridge Avenue
Some Residents Fear Move Would Create Traffic Nightmare

CHICAGO (CBS) ― Ridge Avenue, a busy four-lane street on Chicago's North Side would be reduced to two lanes, except during rush hour travel times, to allow on-street parking under a plan endorsed by local Ald. Mary Ann Smith (48th)

As Dana Kozlov reports, a half mile stretch of Ridge Avenue may soon be parker-friendly. But people who use the four lane road as a cut-through from Lake Shore Drive to the Edens don't like the idea at all.

But people who live along Ridge say drivers use it like a superhighway, often traveling at speeds of up to 50 miles per hour through a primarily residential area.

Fear, for pedestrian and driver safety, is just one reason Alderman Mary Ann Smith (48th) wants to put the brakes on the Ridge Avenue speedway, at least part of the time, by allowing people to park between Broadway and Clark. That would bring the four lane road down to two lanes except during peak, rush-hour travel times.
Continue reading

What do you think Edgewater?

Edgewater teen beating gang-related

According to this Chicago Tribune article, the Mather high school teen who was beaten severely is now able to speak, and thankfully it looks like he is going to survive. Still no one is in custody, but according to police superintendent Jody Weis Chicago Police believe this incident was gang-related.

Arts & Home Weekend

This popular event turns many of the businesses in Andersonville into galleries for the weekend, with each featuring a different (primarily) Chicago-based artist or artists. In addition to highlighting the artists, this year it will also recognize all of the great home & design businesses that over the past few years have not only brought the neighborhood a lot of attention, but made the neighborhood one of the hottest go-to design districts in the city!

Public Safety Seminars on Home and Street Safety, 10/5

In light of recent events, please join State Representative Harry Osterman, State Senator Heather Steans and the Edgewater Community Council on Monday October 5th for two Public Safety Seminars. The Chicago Police Department's Preventative Programs Unit will lead both seminars, which are free and open to all area residents.

A Home Safety Seminar will begin at 6:30PM, and will provide tips on how to keep your home and property safe. A Street Safety Seminar will follow, starting at 7:30PM. This second seminar aims to teach residents how to stay safe while walking in our community.

Both events will take place at the Broadway Armory (5917 N. Broadway) in the 2nd floor ballroom.

Man charged with burning son

From the Chicago Sun Times:
An Edgewater neighborhood man has been charged after allegedly burning his 3-year-old son’s arm with a hot clothing iron, police said.

Fernando Montes, 43, of the 1000 block of West Hollywood Avenue, was charged Tuesday night with aggravated battery to a child, according to police. Montes was arrested Monday at 1:10 pm. in the 1800 block of West Pershing Road.

Montes was at home with his 3-year-old son when he allegedly used a hot clothing iron to severely burn the child’s left arm, according to police who said no one else was there at the time.
Continue reading entire article

Additional info: CBS2 Chicago

Edgewater teen critically beaten

Last night a 14 year old boy was beaten on the 6300 N Paulina block in Edgewater. Three males were seen chasing the boy around 7:45pm. The assailants caught the victim and all three violently beat him and one was seen hitting him with a shiny object. The unidentified boy has a cracked scull and is hanging on to his life after the bloody beating. This comes just two days after the fatal beating of 16-year-old Derrion Albert near Fenger High School which was caught on video and outraged not only the city, but the nation. Police have not yet made any arrests, but we're hoping they do - quickly. Our thoughts go out to this victim and his family toward a recovery.

Source: ChicagoBreakingNews.com & Fox Chicago

UPDATE: As of 1pm, no one was in custody. The victim is a student @ Mather High School, and is still in critical condition - police are not able to interview him due to his condition.
Source: CBS2 Chicago

Alderman's office, EBNA block club quick to respond

Alderman Mary Ann Smith's office and the EBNA block club were quick to respond to inquiries from the Edgewater Community Buzz yesterday about the stretch of Berwyn mentioned that needs more light - now lets hope this response includes just as quick action as it continues to get darker quicker. A representative from the Alderman's office was sent out who confirmed that, indeed, there is a lack of lighting in this area. They will further look into a solution - and tree trimming, brighter lights in existing lighting and additional lights were all suggested as possible solutions. The block club also indicates they are looking at other dimly lit areas including areas on Kenmore, Winthrop, Catalpa and Balmoral.

Thanks to everyone who took action and contacted the Alderman - now, let there be light! We will stay on top of this issue and keep you posted as we learn more.