3......2......1.....

Happy New Year, Edgewater!

Standee's update

Today was reported as Standee's last day of operation in it's current location on Granville, but we are hearing they will remain open until Sunday (1/3/10). As previously reported, Standee's lost their lease as the landlord refused to renew it. Many people have inquired about the future of Standee's and the space it currently occupies. We have received word from unconfirmed sources that the owners of M Henry in Andersonville plan to open up a new eatery (and likely pay a higher rent) in the current Standee's space and that Standee's will re-open shortly in a new space (which, we do not know) across the street.

(photo courtesy of Mark 2400 on Flickr)

Tribune update on Rocco Lopez stabbing

From the Chicago Tribune:

Rocco Lopez killing: Chicago stabbing victim's family angered after prosecutors reject charges

Cook County office says evidence in Edgewater knifing points to self-defense

This holiday season was bleak for Rocco Lopez's family, still mourning his fatal stabbing three months ago in what authorities said may have been an act of self-defense.

"I tell you, it's so confusing," said Rocco's mother, Gloria Lopez, adding that the family still struggles with anger over how the case was handled and that no one has been charged. "It's like something is still missing."

On the evening of Sept. 19, Rocco Lopez was walking with a group of friends and encountered a man whom family members described as a panhandler.

Lopez, 32, had some kind of confrontation in an alley with the man, possibly over money, according to authorities and his family. The struggle moved to the street in the 1100 block of West Berwyn Avenue, where the man pulled out a kitchen knife and stabbed Lopez in the neck, police had said soon after the incident.

The man also stabbed one of Lopez's friends in the neck, then ran to a nearby "L" station where he shouted for help, said officials with the Cook County state's attorney's office.

He yelled, " 'These guys are after me -- they're trying to hurt me,' " said state's attorney spokeswoman Sally Daly. "It was as if he was running away from an attack."

Witnesses, Daly said, had seen Lopez and his friends chase the man, then engage in the dispute.

But according to his family, it's unclear who initiated the encounter. Rocco Lopez of the 2100 block of South Spaulding Avenue and his friends were unarmed, family members said. The only witness to the alley incident, Gloria Lopez said, was a man so inebriated police were unable to interview him.

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Shared Cost Sidewalk Program

Residents in need of repaired sidewalks may call 311 begining January 1st to apply for the 2010 Shared Cost Sidewalk Program. The city recommends you call January 1st or 2nd, if possible, as last year the funds ran out quickly. The Shared Cost Sidewalk Program is a voluntary program in which property owners and the City of Chicago share the cost of replacing sidewalks. Seniors & disabled may be eligible for an additional 50% reduction in cost. For more info click here.

Have you seen Riley?

NYE options in Edgewater

If you're still searching for somewhere to ring in the New Year, check out these options right here in Edgewater:

Broadway Cellars - four course fixed price menu with or without wine pairings. Early seatings (6-7pm) are $45; late seatings (begining at 9pm) are $65; wine pairing add $20.

The Call - light appetizers, $4 Absolut cocktails, midnight toast (8pm-2am).

In Fine Spirits - Black & White Celebration. Tickets are $20.10; pre fixe dinner available starting at 5pm for $50; half-priced bottles of bubbly.

Ole St. Andrew's Inn - Open bar, sweets, appetizer buffet, blues band. Premium package (5-8pm) $65; Deluxe Package (9pm-1am) $100. Purchase tickets ahead of time by calling 773-784-5540 or stopping by.

Uncommon Ground - fixed price menu, live jazz swing band (10pm-12:45am); $75.

Tree Recycling & Free Mulch

Body in the Lake?

The Chicago Tribune reported that a body was spotted in Lake Michigan near Bryn Mawr on Christmas day. After a search by the Chicago Police and Fire Departments, no body was found. Read the story here.

Bingo tonight @ Hamburger Mary's

Hamburger Mary's (5400 N Clark) hosts "Hambingo" every Monday night from 8 - 10pm. Cards cost $5 and 100% of the proceeds go to charity. For more info check out this review by "Chicago Hearts Trivia."

Merry Christmas, from the Buzz

Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays to all of our readers. We hope you enjoyed 2009, as wacky of a year as it has been, and wish everyone a safe and prosperous 2010 and beyond.

Going...going...

All that remains of the former store is now gone, and demolition has now moved to the Chicago Lodge Motel as part of the new Domick's development at Foster/Sheridan.

More on Star Gaze space's future

EDC-ECC Planning & Development Meeting Thursday, January 7, 2010 @ 7PM ECC Conference Room 6044 N. Broadway Agenda Candy Bar Entertainment, LLC and affiliates is seeking to acquire Stargaze, located at 5419 N. Clark. The mission of Candy Bar is to create an entertainment, community education, and dining venue, offering unique and appealing entertainment. Their plan is to provide a restaurant specializing in desserts and BB-Q, a small bar (utilizing the existing incidental license) a live entertainment venue featuring small cabaret style shows, various low cost or complimentary community-based courses in music, dance, the arts and other skills, a small showcase of promotional novelty/souvenir items, and private party entertainment packages for the Chicagoland areas during off peak business hours.

The purpose of the Planning & Development meeting is for the community to hear presentations on proposals for new developments & new businesses, zoning change requests, special permit requests, and community planning issues. The presentations are followed by informative discussions with input from individuals with skills and knowledge relevant to the topics. The standard meeting date is the first Thursday of the month. If no development, zoning, business permit or related proposals are before the Committee, the meeting may be cancelled. Watch for e-mails or call for more information: 773-334-5609 or 773-506-4016. This is an open public meeting. Come and get informed! Sincerely, Edgewater Development Corporation & Edgewater Community Council

Sun-Times profiles Simon's Glogg

Check out this article in the Chicago Sun-Times profiling Simon's owner Scott Martin's family tradition of serving up the Sweedish holiday beverage, Glogg. Simon's has served up the stuff since it opened in 1934. We recently experienced Simon's Glogg and highly recommend you stop in to try a glass or four!

Chicago's last lesbian bar to close

According to this article in the Windy City Times, Chicago's only full time lesbian bar, Star Gaze, will close its doors on New Years Eve. A few months back we posted about a possible replacement, but have not heard any further information/confirmation regarding this. Photo courtesy of CenterStageChicago.

Neighborhood diner to close

We've received word that Standee's diner, a staple on Granville Avenue for decades, will soon close due to losing their lease. You can read more from the Chicago News Bench, and also show your support for the diner through this event from the TheNeighborhoodFirst.org:

TheNeighborhoodFirst.org would like to invite you to join us in saying farewell to the Granville diner, Standee's.

The business has been in the Edgewater community at 1133 W. Granville for decades, but is now closing at the end of the year. To help celebrate their history in the community, TheNeighborhoodFirst.org will be sponsoring "Thank You" cards all day Tuesday, December 29, 2009. Please join us in showing your appreciation for this well liked neighborhood establishment. Stop by to share a memory and sign a card. We hope to see you there.

For more information, please visit www.TheNeighborhoodFirst.org, or email us at Dan@TheNeighborhoodFirst.org.

Chicago restaurants open on Christmas day

If you do not celebrate the holiday or are simply looking for an excuse not to cook, click this link for a list of Chicagoland eateries which will be open for business on Christmas Day. Some Edgewater restaurants include Ann Sather, Fireside, Reza's and Andies.

Ole Ole owner and workers meeting today

An update from our "Whats going on at Ole Ole" post....

The owner of Ole Ole has agreed to meet with workers and organizers of Restaurant Opportunity Center (ROC) after claims of unpaid wages. According to ROC national policy director Jose Olivia, six Ole Ole employees are owed almost $200,000 in back wages, including servers who say they have been working for tips only -- a clear violation of labor law that mandates a minimum wage even for tipped restaurant workers. A protest was planned for Friday, December 18th, but the owner agreed to meet before that occured and it was called off.

Source

Nursing homes report more felons

From the Chicago Tribune:

Facilities statewide noted increase of 3 percent from November to December

Following Tribune reports of violent attacks by felons living in nursing homes, some facilities are scrambling to comply with a 4-year-old disclosure law requiring them to notify state public health officials when they admit offenders, state officials say.

As a result, the number of felons reported to be living in the facilities increased last month, according to state records and interviews. Illinois nursing homes disclosed that they held 3,326 offenders as of Dec. 10, up from 3,224 on Nov. 5.

Some had been living in the facilities undeclared for as long as a year, records show.

"If they have not been reporting individuals in the past, they've begun reporting them," said Richard Dees, chief of the state Department of Public Health's Bureau of Long-Term Care.

Statewide, the rate at which facilities reported new felons has doubled from about 50 a month to 100 last month.
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Gunfire @ Berwyn

We've received word that there was gunfire near the Berwyn stop last night around 4AM. A man was walking toward the El stop when he was suddenly tackled by another man who yelled
"get down" as shots fired out. We will post more details as we obtain them, but if you have more info please let us know via email or the comments.

Early Christmas for Edgewater children

From the Lake Effect News:

Hundreds of grateful parents worried about filling their children’s stockings this Christmas turned out to “shop” for donated toys at Care for Real on Thursday.

The Edgewater food pantry at 6044 N. Broadway was transformed into a veritable toy land as parents chose from hundreds of unwrapped children’s toys donated by local businesses, churches, schools and organizations. Parents received hats and mitten, books, board games, stocking stuffers, and large toys for each child in the family.

Client families were given vouchers to come in and browse the toy tables during two shopping periods on Thursday. Nikia Pierce, who is unemployed, selected crayons and a Barbie doll for her daughter, Deanna, 6. “This is all she’s going to get,” Pierce said. “I don’t have the income or the money to shop for Christmas. These are all very caring people.”
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Later Night Andersonville

Andersonville merchants are staying open a few hours later again tomorrow night for holiday shopping procrastinators. You can also click here for a printable coupon for special deals. A schedule of the events is below:

Schedule of Events - Late-er Night Andersonville

6:00-9:00pm Beer, wine, or spirits tasting In Fine Spirits Shop
6:00-9:00pm Make your own gifts this year!: Bring your family photographs or artwork in for "colorize it yourself" and "frame-it-yourself" workshops (frames up to 8x10 only) -- We'll help you with your frame or ours – free matting up to 8x10 (with frame purchase)! Painted Light Photography & Framing Gallery
6:00-10:00pm Artist demos Andersonville Galleria
6:00-10:00pm Last-minute cocktail party Skinstinct
6:00-10:00pm St. Nicholas Night: Buy one get one free on selected items Brimfield
7:00-10:00pm Discover your dream space with Oneida Mejia Decor Cassona
7:00-9:00pm Live entertainment Marguerite Gardens
7:00-9:00pm Toffee tasting Terry's Toffee (at the Galleria)
8:00-9:00pm Live music: Chicago quartet Split Transistor
8:00-10:00pm Live guitar performance Ruff N' Stuff

Have you seen Cooper?

(Click image to enlarge)

Cooper's owner returned from work on 12/1 to find her house burglarized and her dog missing. He's a male, maltese/poodle mix and was wearing a blue tag and collar. $1000 Reward - no questions asked for his safe return. PLEASE HELP US TO BRING HIM HOME! Please call 773-865-3785 with any information that might help bring him home safely to his heartbroken family.

What's going on @ Ole Ole?

We're wondering how long nuevo Latino restaurant Ole Ole (5413 N Clark) will remain open based on a few curious observations. First, the restaurant is often closed at hours one would expect them to be open. Second, the place is rarely full with patrons as it was just a year or so agao. And lastly, they recently hired a new chef, Jon-Antony, just a few weeks ago and he helped them create a new menu. According to Jon-Antony's blog, he was let go already (and apparently it wasn't a pretty seperation, though he has since toned-down his blog post). What's going on?

48th Ward Launches Anti-Noise Initiative

Alderman Mary Ann Smith recently hosted a meeting in which local residents, police and representatives from the Department of the Environment discussed ways to reduce general noise in the community. Actions that were suggested at the meeting included the following....

• Planting walls of vegetation (such as ivy) on buildings to absorb sound
• Posting signage and increasing enforcement of quiet zones
• Denying permits for special events in the lakefront park areas west of Lake Shore Drive
• Requiring festival hosts to point sound systems toward the lake
• Planting/replacing trees along Marine Dr.
• Enforcing the public way sound regulations on weekends at the parks and during festivals

A committee has also been formed to work on the Anti-Noise Initiative. The Alderman's office has expressed that they welcome suggestions and input from the community. Please contact monica@masmith48.org if you would like to participate!

Fox News covers Steans incident

Fox News Chicago is the latest to cover Senator Heather Steans' husband, Leo Smith, crashing Steans' political opponent's fundraiser at Edgewater gay bar The Call. Steans has yet to personally comment on the event despite inquiries by Fox, but her campaign manager said, "(Smith) did something dumb, and we'll leave it at that. All Mr. Madigan seems to want to do is distort (the senator's) record. The whole thing is pretty silly." You can read or watch the Fox News story here.

Teen arrested in iPhone theft

A 17 year old boy from Rogers Park was arrested yesterday for theft and strong arm robbery after stealing an iPhone and another Apple product from two different individuals according to Chicago Police and ChicagoBreakingNews.com. Anthony Williams, of the 7400 block of North Ashland Boulevard, was charged Monday night and has been arrested as recently as Nov. 23, charged with having a replica firearm. Similar crimes have been reported recently in the area, such as the recent robbery on the Red Line near the Loyola stop - but we are not sure if Williams is connected or suspected to be connected to these crimes.

Man who recently lived in Andersonville missing

David DelCiello who as recently as July lived and worked at 5219 North Clark has gone missing. He lived in an apartment at this location behind the business he owned, 3Pear Studios, until it went out of business and was apparently living in Lincoln Park. Daivd is described as 6 foot 2, 140 pounds with brown eyes, brown hair and a fair complexion and is known to frequent the North Side along Clark Street. If you see David DelCiello please call the Belmont Area Special Victim's Unit of the Chicago Police Department at 312-744-8200. Source & for more info: Chicago News Bench.

Missing Person

According to this Sun Times article, 14 year old Tianna Huertas is missing and one area she frequents is Edgewater (specifically a home at Berwyn/Winthrop). Anyone with information should contact Grand Central Area detectives at (312) 746-8365 or (312) 746-8282 or call 911.

Night out: Against Chicago school violence

In an effort to take a stand against violence, students from Rogers Park's Sullivan High School are holding a community event at the Raven Theatre (6157 N Clark) this Wednesday @ 6PM. The students, along with Raven artists, will present a one-night show, “A Bird of Prey,” featuring scenes the teens have written about exclusion, violence and community, along with Jim Grimsley’s drama. The goal of the is to shift the dialogue from parents and politicians to the teenagers who are directly effected by school violence, empowering them as proponents for change in their own neighborhoods.
Source: Dining Chicago

Residential burglary Monday

5:48 PM, 2557 W. Winnemac - Confirmed residential burglary.

5:53, 4851 N. Broadway - Auto theft reported. The car is a silver Buick Lucerne with handicapped plates, and is presumed to be headed northbound toward Edgewater.

5:59, 1055 W. Bryn Mawr - Suspicious male lingering/loitering around this address. Possible street dealing call given the location.

6:03, Clark and Hollywood - Officer reports there are a large number of Latin Kings gathering just south of the intersection.

Approximately 6:15 - Officer reports that the silver Buick has been located. It was towed and is now at Lincoln Towing on Clark St.

6:34, 5630 N. Sheridan - Report of a habitual offender.

6:57, 6332 N. Glenwood - Officers responding to a report of a residential burglary at a single family home have found the back door open.

7:45, 6508 N. Claremont - Possible burglary in progress. Caller is a neighbor who says they heard what sounded like a window breaking and loud voices.

8:23, 1020 W. Hollywood - Report of shots fired in the alley. Unit arrives on site within 1 minute.

9:03, Thorndale Red Line stop - El check.

Not so colorful situation at Catalpa Gardens

Realtor Sue Fox writes about a troubling situation at the Catalpa Gardens condo building. There are currently 13 short sales listed in the building, and the developer has yet to even sell its remaining units. According to Fox there is a 2 bedroom unit listed for $192K on the MLS which sold for $440K in 2007. Read her article here. Photo courtesy of YoChicago on Flickr.

Heather Steans' husband disrupts rival candidate's event

Sen. Heather Steans Husband Crashes & Disrupts Opponent's Neighborhood Event
by: JimMadigan
Fri Dec 11, 2009 at 17:59:36 PM CST

On Thursday night at a neighborhood bar in Andersonville, lobbyist Leo Smith - husband of State Senator Heather Steans - infiltrated his wife’s challenger’s fundraiser event, drank at the bar alone for an hour, and then belligerently stormed candidate Jim Madigan, swearing and speaking in non sequiturs.

On Thursday, December 10, 2009, The Call (a neighborhood gay bar in Andersonville) held a small fundraiser to support Democratic candidate for the Illinois State Senate, 7th District, Jim Madigan.

Leo Smith came to the bar, passed by the check-in table, and hid in the back corner of the bar. Smith sat at the bar for an hour drinking and appeared disheveled. Staff assumed the man was a local resident who had not come for the event. Madigan quietly mentioned to his campaign manager that the man at the bar was staring at him strangely and looked a lot like Senator Steans’ husband. At one point, Smith arose from the bar and disappeared into the men’s room for about ten minutes.

Madigan was speaking to U.S. Senate candidate Jacob Meister, who stopped by the event, when Smith suddenly emerged from the bathroom and walked swiftly toward Madigan, standing at his side with his face close to Madigan’s.

When Madigan turned, Smith told Madigan his name. “Yes, I know,” Madigan replied. “I’m Heather’s husband!” Smith barked. Madigan nodded and replied: “Yeah, I know. Thank you for coming.” Madigan turned back to his conversation with Meister.

Smith then began badgering Madigan, saying: “I’m not here for your event! I know you think you’re gonna get famous with all your BULLSHIT! But those things are about me!”
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Also check out the Chicago News Bench & The Bilerico Project

Missing Student

From the Lake Effect News:

Rickover Student Missing

Belmont Area 3 detectives have issued a critical reach alert for a 15-year-old Rickover Naval Academy student who has been missing since Nov. 26.

Kayla Downer left her residence after a disagreement with her parents. She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt with karate fighters on the front and white jogging pants. Kayla has not attended classes at Rickover since she disappeared.

Kayla was born Jan. 12, 1994. She is described as African American; five feet, five inches tall, weighing 160 pounds, with black hair and a medium brown complexion. If you have seen Kayla or have any information where she is, please call the Area 3 Special Victims Unit at 312-744-8266 or 911.

The case number is HR663593.

Missing Man

Police Search for Missing North Side Man
From Fox News Chicago
Chicago - A man who suffers from mental problems was reported missing Thursday from his North Side residence.

Jonathan Hillman, 24, left his residence in the 5800 block of North Sheridan Road and has not been seen since Thursday, according to a release from Belmont Area detectives.

Hillman is “mentally disturbed” and may not give out his name, police said. He may be heading to north suburban Evanston.

He is described as 5-foot-8 and 150 pounds with brown eyes, black hair and a medium complexion, the release said. He was last seen wearing mismatched shoes, blue jeans, a “summer jacket" and no hat, the release said.

Hillman has been hospitalized in the past, the release said.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Belmont Area detectives at (312) 744-8266.

Community Shopping/Donation Event

Tomorrow TheNeighborhoodFirst.org is hosting a community shopping & donation event at Dominick's to benefit Edgewater's food pantry Care for Real. The plan is to meet at the front door of the Dominick's on 6009 N Broadway (between Glenlake Ave. and Thorndale Ave.) at 1:00 PM to purchase nonperishable goods together. Afterwards, the group will deliver the goods purchased across the street to Care For Real, at 6044 N. Broadway.

Any contribution is really appreciated, as it is for a great cause.

This is a wonderful way to meet your neighbors, but it is also a great opportunity to help ensure that everyone has a joyous and healthy holiday season. For more info visit TheNeighborhoodFirst.org.

Community Alert: Residential Burglaries

(Click image to enlarge)

Man killed at Hollywood/Sheridan

Our condolences go out to the Chiakulas family.

Man dies after rear-end collision at North Side intersection
A 69-year-old man died after his car was struck from behind at a North Side intersection, police said.

The collision happened about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday at Hollywood Avenue and Sheridan Road. The force of the crash sent James Chiakulas' vehicle into a light pole, said Chicago Police News Affairs Officer Amina Greer.

Chiakulas told firefighters at the scene that he felt dizzy. He was taken taken to Weiss Memorial Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to the Cook County medical examiner's office. An autopsy is scheduled for later today.

No other injuries were reported.

Greer said no citations have so far been issued or criminal charges filed. But she said the driver of the vehicle that hit Chiakulas could be cited for following too closely.
Source: ChicagoBreakingNews.com

Chiakulas lived in the 5300 block of North Sheridan Road.

Loyola Community Holiday Party

President Michael J. Garanzini, S.J., and the staff and faculty of Loyola University Chicago invite you to a holiday celebration in the beautifully restored Mundelein Center for the Fine and Performing Arts.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009
5:30-7:30 p.m.
1020 West Sheridan Road, first floor auditorium

Light refreshments and entertainment will be provided

Please support Care for Real, St. Ignatius Food Pantry and Good News Community Kitchen by bringing packaged foods or canned goods. Proceeds will be equitably distributed to each organization.

For more information contact the Department of Community Relations at Loyola University Chicago at 773-508-7450 or communityrelations@luc.edu.

To register, click here www.luc.edu/communityholidayparty.

Be aware, Red Line riders

From CBS2 Chicago:
Man Robbed At Gunpoint On Red Line Train
Robber Takes iPhone At Loyola Station

CHICAGO (CBS) ― A man was just sitting on a CTA Red Line train headed through Rogers Park, when suddenly he found a gun shoved in his ribcage.

Police Tuesday morning were investigating the robbery, after a teen stole the 37-year-old victim's iPhone while at the Loyola stop.

The robbery happened around 8:45 p.m. Tuesday.

The 18-year-old robber allegedly held the victim at gunpoint and said, "Give me the motherf***ing phone and don't say s**t." Then he took the iPhone and got off the train at the Loyola stop before the doors had closed, a Rogers Park District police lieutenant said.

The victim was unharmed, the lieutenant said.

The offender is described as six-foot-one, 155 pounds, wearing a winter hat with ear tassels, the lieutenant said.
The Sun-Times Media Wire contributed to this report.

Ollie's Lounge - 1064 W Berwyn

(photo courtesy of Strass on Flickr)

If you've had a curiousity about Ollie's, the neighborhood bar tucked away at Winthrop and Berwyn, but never ventured inside this fellow blogger recently visited and shared her experience. Check it out:

"There is nothing quite like a good dive bar. The opportunity for people watching alone is always worth the trip. My most recent dive bar experience in Chicago is Ollie's Lounge in Edgewater. Steps away from the Berwyn Red Line stop, this bar is the definition of a dive."
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NY Times profiles Andersonville Galleria

(photo from Chicago Home+Garden)

If you've never been to the Andersonville Galleria (5247 N Clark) you should check it out. The Galleria hosts multiple booths of small artists and vendors who might not otherwise be able to rent an entire retail store on their own all under one roof. Its a great place to find unique items and holiday gifts.

Store Review: The Andersonville Galleria in Chicago
By BONNIE TSUI
Published: December 6, 2009
Located in a traditionally Swedish neighborhood that’s undergone an arty transformation, the Andersonville Galleria is quietly becoming the go-to spot for handmade jewelry, clothing and other wares, most made locally by an eclectic mix of artists and designers who rent space month to month.

In late 2007, two local developers, Mark Falanga and Ray Pesavento, opened the galleria in a 7,000-square-foot exposed-brick space that was once home to Wikstrom’s Gourmet Foods, the neighborhood’s historic Swedish deli. It has since grown to become an incubator for homegrown indie artisans; there are now over 90 tenants on four floors. A flea market this is not — more like a clean, well-lighted gallery, down to the spotlighted photographs and artist bios, and the front counter, fashioned from the deli’s antique freezer.
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3 people injured in fire at Edgewater Beach high rise

A fire on the 27th floor of the Malibu East Condominium building at 6033 N. Sheridan resulted in 3 people being sent to the hospital due to smoke inhalation. Today's fire occurred around 11:50 AM, and was reportedly localized to one unit of the building.

Chicago Tribune article

TIF Transperency

The Chicago Reader recently obtained a copy of the City's "Shadow Budget" which outlines where TIF dollars, and your property taxes, are being spent. You can check out a few of the Edgewater TIF's below (as always, click to enlarge the images), or view the entire list and Reader article here.

St Lucia Festival of Lights -12/13

ST. LUCIA FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS
Go caroling with a candlelit procession in Andersonville to honor Saint Lucia, the young Christian martyr. Afterward, swing by the museum for sing-alongs and refreshments. Swedish American Museum Center, 5211 N. Clark, (773)728-8111. Dec 13, 4:45pm. Parade is free, $1 or canned good donation for post-party.

Indoor Winter Farmer's Market

Winter Farmers Market
First Evangelical Free Church (5255 N Ashland)
December 6th 12 - 3 pm
This is a great opportunity to stock up on pantry items, meats for the freezer, and fresh produce. Many of the vendors from the Andersonville Farmer's Market will be participating! Pick up some unique and meaningful holiday gifts including natural spa and body products, yarn and woolen goods, specialty farmstead foods such as preserves, honey, salsas, vinegars, and much more. They will also be hosting a delicious locally-sourced cafe, so come for lunch and stay to shop!

Kidnapper holds victim at Heart of Chicago motel

From Fox Chicago:
Man Charged with Kidnapping, Attacking Ex-Girlfriend
A Lake View neighborhood man has been charged with kidnapping for allegedly taking his ex-girlfriend from her South Side home and holding her against her will at a North Side motel.

Pablo Torres, 35, of the 3800 block of North Broadway was charged late Wednesday with attempted murder, criminal sexual assault and kidnapping for the Nov. 25 incident, according to police.

Torres is accused of attacking the woman after taking her from her South Side home in the 4000 block of South California Avenue and holding her against her will at the Heart O’ Chicago Motel at 5990 N. Ridge Ave.

St. Nick's Bazaar @ St. Gertrude

The annual St. Nick's Bazaar at St. Gertrude Parish is this Saturday, December 5th, 10:00-4:00 and Sunday, December 6th, 9:00-2:30, with a pancake breakfast on Sunday after all masses. There will be lots of unique gifts (books, baked goods, crafts) for sale, a white elephant table, kids' art projects, food and fun for the whole family. Santa arrives for a visit both days and will be available for professional photographs from 11:00-2:00. Plan to shop, eat, make Christmas decorations with the kids, and enjoy friends and neighbors at this great community event. The bazaar takes place in the St. Gertrude gymnasium at the corner of Granville and Glenwood.
For more info: http://www.stgertrudechicago.org/.

Lake Effect News coverage of CTA meetings

From Lake Effect News:
CTA Red Line An ‘Unfunded Priority’

By LORRAINE SWANSON
Residents up and down the north Red and Purple Lines got their chance to speak their piece to CTA officials this week at four community open houses designed to garner public feedback for future improvements to the “work horse” of the CTA’s rail system from Addison to Linden.

The $3 million, CTA vision study is the first step toward creating a long-term renovation plan that will essentially rebuild the Red and Purple Lines, both of which are at the end of their life cycles that will make them safe and viable for another 50 to 100 years.

Continue reading

Jingle Pups - 12/12

December 12th, 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Check out the Jingle Puppies in the courtyard next to White Attic, 5225 N. Clark, Chicago. These charming dogs--some dressed like holiday elves--will be collecting pocket change. Of course, they'll be spreading holiday cheer, too. Proceeds benefit the Red Door Animal Shelter (www.reddoorshelter.org)

Repeal Day Party

Join the folks from Templeton Rye (reputedly Al Capone's favorite) at In Fine Spirits (5420 N Clark) in a period-themed celebration of classic cocktails at this great cocktail lounge in Andersonville.

Holidays Around the World - 12/12

From the Edgewater Community Council e-Newsletter:Festive Streets, Storefronts, and Shopping
Noon-4pm * Two free trolleys along Broadway & Devon
Enjoy roaming carolers, a storefront decorating contest, and special holidays promotions from area businesses.
Holiday Fair & Community Tree Lighting
2pm-5pm * Broadway Armory Park * 5917 N. Broadway
Join us and local ethnic organizations to celebrate with food, crafts, music, and information about how the winter holidays are experienced around the world and participate in a holiday sing-a-long! The entertainment program will begin promptly at 4:00pm with the tree lighting immediately following. Additional entertainment program details coming shortly - check back soon!
Edgewater Artists in Motion Holiday Art Fest
11am-6pm * Two locations: 5501 N. Broadway & 6056 N. Broadway
Enjoy an art fair from the Edgewater Artists in Motion and purchase work from local artists for the holidays!
Holidays Around the World is a collaboration by State Rep. Harry Osterman, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and SSA #26 with additional support from the Edgewater Community Council, Edgewater Development Corporation, and Bryn Mawr Task Force.

Click here for more info

Reminder: Overnight parking ban in effect

The Parking Ticket Geek and the Chicago Tribune reported that the City of Chicago had tow trucks out on December 1st, despite no snow or chance of snow, enforcing the winter overnight parking ban on major arterial streets. Over 200 vehicles were towed. Also remember, there is another seperate winter parking ban which forbids drivers from parking vehicles on designated main streets when there is at least 2 inches of snow on the ground. For more info and maps click here to be directed to the Streets and Sanitation department's snow season info.

Alderman's response to nursing home issues

From the 48th Ward e-newsletter:

Alderman Smith Tackles Nursing Home Abuses
For more than 20 years, Alderman Mary Ann Smith has been calling for improvements in nursing homes and an end to housing the mentally ill and felons in the same facility as vulnerable seniors and people with medical problems. Long before the Chicago Tribune series on the state of nursing homes in the City, and in Edgewater and Uptown in particular, she has fought for changes in the industry.

As the problem of warehousing the mentally ill in our neighborhood's nursing homes, with the attendant impact on public safety in the community, has grown, these efforts have increased.

"Warehousing the mentally ill in our neighborhood's nursing homes is not a sustainable or ethical way to care for this vulnerable population. The homes are not equipped or choose not to provide the monitoring and treatment these people deserve," she commented. "Even more, to house convicted felons within facilities that cater to the ill or elderly is totally unconscionable."

To address the issue, she has taken the following actions:

· Met with the relevant agencies to persuade them to enforce nursing home regulations and monitor how federal funds are spent in these facilities.
· Met with the Federal Centers for Medicare and Medicaid to the same end since many nursing home residents are funded through these agencies.
· Repeatedly asked the Illinois Department of Public Health to fine, suspend or revoke the licenses and/or shut down certain nursing homes in the Ward to ensure residents receive the highest quality of care.
· Testified at state hearings into the issue to demand that the state revoke licenses of nursing homes with bad track records and fund quality community care.
· Introduced a resolution calling for hearings about nursing homes in the City Council Committee on Health where the Chicago Commissioner for Public Health and the Illinois Department of Public Health would be questioned about the actions they are taking to improve the situation. The hearing is scheduled for January, 2010.

For more information on this issue, please go to www.ActionUptown.com. If you have any questions or comments, please contact dana@masmith48.org or monica@masmith48.org.

More opportunities to meet Santa

In addition to the opportunity to meet Santa at George's Ice Cream & Sweets this Saturday, Santa will also be stopping in at the Steep Theatre (1115 W. Berwyn, from 5-7PM) and the Wild Pug (info above) for free picture opportunities.

Lady Gregory's

As we previously reported last week, it appears there is a new restaurant coming to the southwest corner of Berwyn & Clark from the owner's of Wilde in Lakeview. Here is more information, along with a name to the place, from Metromix (we don't anticipate them making their summer 2009 debut):

Lady Gregory's, 5254 N Clark
This Andersonville pub from the owners of Wilde and Beckett's is working toward a late summer 2009 debut. Though this won't be an exact clone, Lady Gregory's will, like its sibling spots, feature a fireplace, library nook and a portrait of its Irish namesake on the wall. In addition to beer, burgers and brunch, this location will also offer a barista churning out coffee drinks in the afternoon.

Last night's CTA Vision Planning meeting

The biggest takeaway from the CTA Vision Planning meeting was that any major overhaul of the Red Line in Edgewater is still just that, a VISION. While we are pleased that the CTA sought neighborhood feedback for improvements, it was explained that it still remains a big "if" if any funding will ever be allocated to major Red Line improvements from Wilson to Howard, and even if that were to happen, any construction would be a good 2-10 years away from inception. Click any photos to enlarge.

Some issues the CTA has already identified. Pretty straight forward. We suggested adding public safety and vacant retail to this list.

Each station in Edgewater had a profile, such as this one above regarding the Thorndale stop.

Apparently the CTA held similar community meetings about two years ago where neighbors could provide their input specific to their nearest station and surrounding areas and the CTA also conducted a formal study investigating possible station improvements. Above is the end result for that initiative regarding the Berwyn station. Obviously the feedback/input from the previous meeting did not go anywhere but to fantasy land - we hope that the same does not happen with the feedback provided from the community last night and it wasn't just a dog and pony show for politicians and CTA officials.