No upkeep @ the Clarovista?

A reader writes to us who is currently renting a unit at the Clarovista building located at Broadway & Granville, indicating that the building is not kept clean. He states that the carpets are not routinely cleaned or vacuumed, and they have become so worn down that they are likely needed to be replaced as their condition has deterorated so badly. Management has been contacted, but has indicated that they have no funds to hire a cleaning service. Do you live in the Clarovista? Can you confirm these claims? Tell us in the comments section.

Construction underway at Osterman Beach

A reader shared this photo, indicating that construction has begun on the new beach house at Osterman Beach.

Macbeth showing in Edgewater

City Lit Theater Company’s ‘Macbeth’

Theater: City Lit Theater in Edgewater (1020 W Bryn Mawr).

Showtimes: 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, 3 p.m. Sundays, through Feb. 21; additional performances, 8 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 11 and 18.

Tickets: $25.

Dining: Francesca’s gives a 15 percent discount to City Lit patrons who dine there on show day. Their valet will keep your car during the show (you don’t have to dine to park there).

For more info and tickets click here

Order your Edgewater poster TODAY!

Celebrate Edgewater’s rich history with a poster of one of Chicago’s
most enduring iconic architectural gems.

Professionally designed and illustrated by local Edgewater artist John
Garrison, The Edgewater Beach Collectible Poster allows you to revel in
our rich community while also supporting your neighborhood. When you
purchase your poster from the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, those
proceeds go to benefit our organization and the work we do here in
Edgewater.

The poster comes in a standard size (36”x 24”) making it a perfect
decoration for your office and/or home. Although we do not provide the
framing, feel free to have it framed at a local framing shop like
Granville Gallery and Picture Framing (6200 N. Broadway, 773-764-1919,
Chamber member).

For a limited time, we have autographed versions available too.

Poster: $20
Autographed Poster (by the artist): $30

To order your poster, contact the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce:
Phone at 773-561-6000
E-mail: info@edgewater.org
Address: 1210 W. Rosedale, Chicago, IL 60660

Campaign Finance Disclosure

Because you have a right to know who is financing your elective official's (or aspiring candidate's)campaigns, and how they're spending that cash, we thought we would make you aware of the financial reports are out for the 4th Quarter 2009. You can access the database here and search by name. We're also including some quick links of local representatives:

Alderman Mary Ann Smith: Full report; Itemized contributions

Senator Steans: Full report; Itemized contributions

Senate Candidate Jim Madigan: Full report; Itemized contributions

Thanks to Uptown Update for pointing this website out

Ben's Noodles and Rice

Photo courtesy of acid-tissue on Flickr

We recently had the pleasure of visiting Ben's Noodles and Rice at 1139 W. Bryn Mawr. The restaurant was bustling with people stopping in to pick up takeout orders, presumably on their way home from work. Despite the steady takeout orders and several other tables in the midst of dinner, our server was very friendly, fast and accommodating. The restaurant was also neat and clean, and the prices are reasonable.

We started off with hot tea, ginger ale, edamame and crab rangoon. The edamame was hot and perfectly salted but a little overcooked, while the crab rangoon was flavorful and not too hot or greasy. Hollywood Beach had the miso soup, which I did not have the chance to try.

For entrees, we ordered the pad thai and the curry fried rice. Hollywood's pad thai looked excellent (and more than enough to take home for a future meal) and my fried rice was fantastic. The addition of curry to the fried rice was pretty unique to me!

All in all, I definitely recommend Ben's if you're looking for affordable take out, or a casual dine-in (BYOB) experience.

Sidewalk Cafe Applications

Food-serving business owners hoping to serve their eats outside this summer should apply for their Sidewalk Cafe permit now. The permit can be accessed here, and should first be approved by their Alderman before being submitted to the Department of Business Affairs. Just the thought of dining al fresco soon warms us up in this frigid cold.

Sweetheart of Edgewater

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is calling for nominations for the Sweetheard of Edgewater Award.

The Sweetheart of Edgewater award is intended to honor an unsung hero or group of heroes with a connection to Edgewater. Nominees must be an individual or group of individuals that over a period have contributed outstanding dedication and service to the Edgewater community. The individual/individuals should exhibit fair and honest business practices. Recipients should either live, work, or own a business in Edgewater. The award will be handed out at a party held on Wednesday, Feb. 17 from 6pm-7:45pm at Ethiopian Diamond (6120 N. Broadway).

For more information click here, and click here to download a nomination form.

Repairs coming to Sheridan Road?

A second round of stimulus money is coming to the Illinois Department of Transportation, and Senator Heather Steans, Representative Harry Osterman, and the ASCO block club are pursuing funds to be directed to Sheridan Road. Sheridan is one of the heaviest traveled streets in the city and underground water has caused structural damage. The hopes are to receive funding for a complete overhaul of the road, not just a resurfacing, from Devon to Foster. A meeting is expected to take place in early February.

EBNA Meeting / Berwyn stabbing update

(Rep Osterman & Commander Moy)

The EBNA Block Club invited both State Representative Harry Osterman and the CPD's 20th District Commander Lucy Moy to it's monthly meeting last night. Osterman provided an overview of what was going on in Springfield, while Moy answered questions about the September stabbing of Rocco Lopez and safety in general. Some highlights from the meeting:

Osterman:
-received a $10M promissory note toward installing a Metra station at Peterson/Ravenswood.
-currently focused on pushing forward a complete overhaul of the Red Line from Sheridan to Howard, including both stations and viaducts.
-another major initiative is fixing the state's nursing homes following investigations by the Chicago Tribune.

Moy:

- the Rocco Lopez stabbing was ruled self defense based on evidence and witness accounts. There were no witnesses who observed what happened in the alley, but witnesses did observe three men assaulting a man on the street, who was trying to get away and then stabbed Rocco Lopez and Lopez's acquaintance. Both Lopez and the offender had previous felony records. There were conflicting reports about why Lopez and his acquaintance were even in the alley in the first place.

- security cameras are expected to be installed on all CTA platforms by June. This was also mentioned here in the Chicago Tribune today.
- there has been an uptick of strong arm robberies in the neighborhood (be aware, turn off the iPod, get off the cell phone)
- you can send info to the CPD and Moy via the 20th District's ClearPath portal. Send comments, complaints, photos of gang tags/grafitti, etc.

Share your Favs: Mexican Restaurants

We had such a good response here and on Facebook to our calls for recommendations of coffee shops and Middle Eastern restaurants, we're doing it again. What is your favorite sit-down Mexican restaurant in Edgewater? I'm not talking about little hole-in-the-wall taqueria's, though they're great too, maybe we can discuss those at a later date? Where is your favorite place in the 'hood to sit down to good Mexican food and margaritas? So far tops on our personal list is Cocina Grill on Foster, with La Cocina de Frida's patio in the summer coming in a close second. Though we're sure we'll hear plenty of support for That Little Mexican Cafe on Bryn Mawr, its a bit over-rated in our book.

Future plans for former Engine No. 70 building

The building which formerly housed the Engine No. 70 firehouse, located at 1545 W Rosemont, will become the future home of of Plum Productions, one of Chicago’s premiere video and flash production companies, creating marketing materials for such companies and institutions as Adler Planetarium, Museum of Contemporary Art, WGN, etc. The sale price for the property is $390,000. A new firehouse, located at located at 6030 N. Clark Street, was completed to serve residents in the neighborhoods of Edgewater, Rogers Park and Andersonville in the summer of 2008.

Tonight: Dine for Haiti

On Monday January 25th, Francesca’s Restaurants (1039 W Bryn Mawr) will be joining the Chicago charge in supporting the relief efforts of the tragic earthquake in Haiti. All 19 Francesca’s locations across Chicagoland will be donating 100% of profits of both lunch and dinner to the Red Cross with the pledge of a minimum donation of $10,000 at the “Dine for Haiti” event.

Please join us in support of the people of Haiti because together we can make a difference!

EBNA Block Club Meeting

A block club for renters, neighbors, owners and businesses

Boundaries: North side of Foster to the South side of Hollywood
West side of Sheridan to the East side of Broadway

MEETING TUESDAY JANUARY 26, 2010
7:00pm-8:00/ 9:00pm
EDGEWATER PRESPREBTERIAN CHURCH
KENMORE AND BRYN MAWR

AGENDA

• State Representative Harry Osterman – Springfield Update

• SEPT 19th Update and information session
Mr. Osterman has asked the 20th District and State Attorney's office
to provide the EBNA members with the information provided to them regarding the double stabbing where in 96 hours was deeded self defense. They will also answer any questions you may have regarding this area.

If you would like your block club meeting dates announced, email HollywoodBeach60640@gmail.com.

Great Lake in NY Times

As if they haven't had enough press lately, Great Lake owners Nick Lessins and Lydia Esparza were featured in a Q&A in the New York Times. Check it out here.

(photo courtesy of Roboppy on Flickr)

Engineer: Hollywood Ave viaduct unsafe

From CBS2 Chicago:
On Chicago's North Side, one viaduct is so unsafe and engineer told CBS 2 if it was private property the city would slap it with numerous violations

But it remains open, despite decaying pillars and missing chucks of concrete.

Jim Williams reports you might want to take an alternate route.

Hollywood Avenue is one of Chicago's most heavily travelled streets, a vital pathway to and from Lake Shore Drive for tens of thousands of drivers who live in the city and the north suburbs. Most go under the viaduct and may not realize, as they speed by, just how badly it is decaying.
Continue reading

Berger Park listed in National Register of Historic Places

From the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency:
Berger Park at 6205 – 6247 N. Sheridan Road in Chicago was listed in the National Register of Historic Places on January 12, 2010 by the National Park Service.

Berger Park’s two lakeside mansions from the early 1900s are among the few remaining structures of their type in Chicago’s Edgewater community,” said Jan Grimes, director of the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency, which administers the National Register program in Illinois (www.Illinois-History.gov/PS/historicplaces.htm). “We welcome the park’s inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, the nation’s most prestigious listing of properties with historical significance.”

Berger Park was acquired after the city’s 22 independent park commissions were consolidated into the Chicago Park District in the 1930s. Some of the acreage acquired by the Park District included existing historic structures, such as the two mansions and coach houses in Berger Park. The Joseph Downey House (now known as the Berger Park South Mansion) and its coach house were designed by architect William Carbys Zimmerman and built in 1906. The North Lakeside Cultural Center, originally built in 1910 as the Samuel Gunder House and its coach house, were designed by architect Myron Church. Both two-and-a-half story mansions are excellent examples of the American Four Square style featuring a square floor plan, off-center entrance, hipped roof, central front dormers, and varying secondary details.

LEN: CTA Robberies

Lake Effect News reports on numerous attacks and robberies this month on or near north side CTA trains. Read the article here.

Seminar: Roles and Responsibilities for Boards & Owners

Attorney Kerry Bartell will explain the legal rights and responsibilities of condominium owners and board members, as well as the different covenants and statutes governing condominium associations.

Presented by Kerry T. Bartell, Attorney, Kovitz, Shifrin, Nesbit

Tuesday, February 9, 2010, 5:30 PM-7:30 PM

Edgewater Chicago Public Library

1210 W. Elmdale Ave.

Cost: $25 per participant

To register, login or register at the top of this page. Once you are logged in, the registration option will be displayed. For assistance, please contact Lakeside at (773) 381-5253.

The Chicago Back School

To explain spine care in the 21st Century with emphasis on prevention, Ravenswood Chiropractic & Wellness Center is holding a three part lecture series presented by Dr. Kenneth Weber, a Chiropractic Physician, beginning on February 2nd. The Center is located at 5215 N Ravenswood, Suite 105. For more info on the lecture series, click here.

Mary Ann Smith "hoarding" $1M of available funds

According to an article in the Chicago Sun-Times today, 48th Ward Alderman Mary Ann Smith has chosen to not yet spend $1M of available 2009 funds from an allotment to her that can be used on neighborhood street, sidewalk, alley and anti-crime improvements. Many Alderman have yet to spend all of their funds and the City says it is partially to blame, as the program menus came out late. Also, the money is not lost - it remains in the Alderman's office for future use. Smith's reasoning for not yet spending the money and her future plans for it were also discussed in the article:

"Smith spent $142,001 on diagonal parking and another $175,652 to help design a new Great Lakes Park. She has also used menu money to install public art beneath Lake Shore Drive.

But, Smith acknowledged that she "hords" most of her menu money to "seed" projects that "might not happen" otherwise. They include improving retail space in CTA Red Line stations, building dog parks, and enlarging the soon-to-be-built Edgewater Library.

"This is a very precious pool of money to me. With this menu money, I can make unusually good things happen. But, just because you've got it doesn't mean you need to spend it. There's no rush," she said.

"Our neighborhood has a wish-list. It's our job to make it happen. If that means hoarding some of the money, I hang onto it. Every nickel is a prisoner."

Continue reading the entire article here.

Sunday: That Sounds Fishy

From Crain's Chicago:

The International Chamber Artists performs THAT SOUNDS FISHY at the St. Gregory the Great Church. The ensembles concert will include Bach-inspired music for brass instruments, Franz Schubert's Quintet in A Major, Op. 114, D. 667 and more. Jan. 24, 4 p.m. Suggested donation is $15. 5535 N. Paulina St., (773) 727-5357, http://www.icamusic.org/.

Car stolen from Shoreline Towers

From EveryBlock Chicago:

Our 1994 Green Ford Escort was stolen from the Shoreline Towers Parking lot located at 6301 N Sheridan between 10pm and 7am the night of Saturday Jan 16th to Sunday Jan 17th.

If anyone has any information please contact 773-818-0660.

The car was parked in spot 72 at Shoreline Towers building located at 6301 N Sheridan Chicago, IL 60660

The car is Green with no rust or body damage, 4 doors, and has IL plates. There is a sticker on the top left trunck from a Ford dealership in Milwaukee WI.

THANK YOU!

JB 773-818-0660

Bed Bugs Seminar

Bed Bug Eradication

Thursday, January 21, 2010

12:00 p.m.

Clark-Devon Hardware store - 6401 N. Clark Street

Speaker: Chuck Kaz, The Bug Stop

Bed bugs are the latest pest to take hold in Chicago. In this class they will discuss strategies to eliminate these pests from your building, the steps to be taken prior to spraying, where and how to apply spray and power insecticides, and the use of steamers to eliminate both the insect and their eggs.

For more information, call 1.773.764.3575 or visitwww.clarkdevon.com

Mary's Wedding

Rivendell Theatre Ensemble's "Mary's Wedding" opened on January 17th and is currently showing at the Raven Theatre's West Stage (6157 N Clark). You can get ticket info and learn more about this production on Rivendell's website here. Also check out reviews from Chicago Reader, Gapers Block, and the Chicago Tribune.

EDC Small Business Incubator

ATTENTION SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS & ENTREPRENEURS!!

PLEASE JOIN US FOR THE KICKOFF OF EDC'S SMALL BUSINESS INCUBATOR PROGRAM

THURSDAY, JAN. 27TH 4PM-6PM
EMANUEL CONGREGATION
5959 North Sheridan
Chicago, IL

Edgewater Development Corporation in collaboration with the City of Chicago's 48th Ward and the City of Chicago Department of Housing & Economic Development is launching its Small Business Incubator Program, Thursday, January 27, 2011 from 4pm-6pm at Emanuel Congregation, 5959 North Sheridan Road in Chicago.

Learn the strategies of how to write a winning business plan, how to start, operate and manage a small business and so much more!

Successfull businesses will receive their City of Chicago Business License; Entrepreneurial Training & Education; networking, continued support and affordable incubator spaces for (qualified candidates). The program addresses the demand for much needed businesses and services in the area, and create business and employment opportunities for local residents. Entrepreneurial training classes will be taught by Northwestern University, Kellogg School of Management Professors.

The keynote speaker for the event is Professor Steven Rogers. Steven Rogers is the Gordon and Llura Gund Family Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship. Professor Rogers teaches Entrepreneurial Finance at Kellogg and is the Director of the Larry and Carol Levy Institute for Entrepreneurial Practice. He has received several distinguished awards and has been often quoted in many publications, including Crain's Business Journal, Financial Times, Black Enterprise, The Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, Chicago Sun-Times, Fortune, Monarch and Business Week. In 2002, Professor Rogers published his first book. The Entrepreneur's Guide to Finance and Business. The second edition was published in 2008. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Arts degress from Williams College.

If you are interested in starting a business or if you are an existing small business.... YOU WON'T WANT TO MISS THIS EVENT! For more information, contact our offices at 773-506-4016

Winter Food Fest

Click here for more info

Kitchen Sink update

The coffee's been brewing for over a week, but Kitchen Sink owners Jeff and Ally are now also whipping up an entire line of food! The menu has expanded from the usual coffee-shop baked goods to include everything from creative homemade concoctions such as maple walnut cream cheese, carrot ginger soup and sesame cole slaw to everyday staples such as breakfast sandwiches and a rotating selection of cold cereals. In addition, we've been told the credit card machine is up and running. Stop by Kitchen Sink and try it out for yourself!

Edgewater loses historic home

A reader just shared these photos with us, as this 1905 mansion at Sheridan and Thorndale was recently demolished. The home was located next door to the Edwin Colvin house. If you have any photos of the home when it was intact, please feel free to share them.

Does anyone know what will be built here?

Traffic Signals out @ Broadway & Thorndale

Readers have informed us that traffic signals are not functioning at Broadway & Thorndale, making it difficult for pedestrians to cross the street. Please call 311, the Alderman's office, and the Department of Streets and Sanitation’s Bureau of Electricity to notify them of this outage.

UPDATE (10:30am): The Alderman's office has notified us that the City is sending someone out there within the half hour.

Andersonville on Sale

January 22 6pm - 10pm

The shops and restaurants of Andersonville have joined forces to present the third annual Andersonville on Sale, a one night only sales event that promises the best deals of the year. On Friday, January 22^nd, for four hours only, many of your favorite Andersonville stores and restaurants will be open late and offering deeper-than-the-snow-drifts discounts on distinctive gifts and delectable meals. For more info and on all the special discounts click here.

No progress at Ole Ole?

Ole Ole employees are owed over $125,000 in unpaid wages and planned to protest in front of the "nuevo Latino" restaurant on Clark Street in Andersonville last night. The restaurant is accused of minimum wage violations, unpaid overtime violations and for improperly deductions from employee paychecks. A protest was originally scheduled in December but was called off after Ole Ole ownership agreed to meet to discuss a settlement, as we previously reported.

MLK Service Opportunity & Enrichment Day @ Loyola

MLK Service Opportunity & Enrichment Day

Saturday, January 16, 2010

Klarchek Information Commons

Loyola University Chicago | Lake Shore Campus

Loyola is excited to sponsor its first-ever Martin Luther King, Jr. Service Opportunity & Enrichment Day. Join us for a special literacy event with child-focused activities in celebration of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend. Pre-registration is necessary for all attendees. You can participate through one of two ways.

Serve as an Alumni Volunteer: Orientation & Complimentary Breakfast | 11 AM—12:30 PM. Event Time | 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Attend as a Parent/Guardian with Children: Check-in | 12:30 PM. Event Time | 1:00 - 3:00 PM

Edgewater Satellite Senior Center

From the Edgewater Community Council:

After years of working with city and state officials to bring a senior center to Edgewater, ECC is proud to announce that the City of Chicago has asked it and local senior services agency Heart to Heart to manage the new Edgewater Satellite Senior Center located in the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway (at Thorndale). The center officially opened Tuesday, January 5, 2010, at 9 a.m.

Normal hours of operation will be Monday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The senior center will feature a hot lunch program, medical services, and many free educational and enrichment classes, including tai chi, filates, fitness, yoga, line dancing, art & computer classes and more.

Rocco Lopez stabbing investigation

Killian Walsh, President of the EBNA block club and Edgewater resident, is requesting that any witnesses to the stabbing death of Rocco Lopez in September contact her. She is conducting an investigation into the incident, after the case "the case was tossed into the self defense file within 96 hours." You can contact Killian at ebna60640@yahoo.com.

Coming Soon: New lighting on Kenmore

The office of Mary Ann Smith and the EBNA block club inform us that new lighting is coming to the 5400 & 5500 blocks of North Kenmore. There are currently pink "SL" markings on the ground indicating the locations of the new light pole foundations. Construction is expected to be completed in April, with the parkway landscape restored by May or June.

To Cure a Hangover

Saturdays at 4 PM through January 30

upstairs at the Hopleaf Bar, 5148 N. Clark Street (@Foster)

For tickets ($15) click here

In Fine Spirits retail shop turns 5

In Fine Spirits (5418 N Clark)
Retail Shop's Five Year Anniversary Tasting
Thursday, January 21 from 6 - 8pm
Hosted @ the bar [$20.00 in advance]
Taste over 65 products from the retail shops inventory, poured by local distribution representatives. Ask questions, get answers and receive discounted pricing as we not only celebrate our retail shops five year anniversary but also the one year anniversary of our online store! This event sold out last year so reserve you space now.

Update on Hopleaf/former La Donna space

As previously reported this summer, the owners of Hopleaf purchased the building which formerly housed the Italian eater La Donna in Andersonville. According to the Hopleaf Facebook page, the owners are planning to demolish the existing building and replace it with a new one which will be home to a new restaurant/bar. The new business will be a seperate concept from Hopleaf: "a bit more wine focused but also featuring an all draft beer list with no common products with Hopleaf. Wood grilled meats, poultry and fish will be the kitchen specialty." The owners are currently in the planning stage, so this new addition to the neighborhood is probably still in the distant future.

Another mugging at gunpoint

An individual was in the heart of Andersonville when he was approached by three men at Summerdale and Glenwood on Friday at 5:30pm who attempted to mug him. One of the men had a gun but apparently the individual "reacted" and the muggers freaked out so he got away. Be aware out there, Edgewater - no matter where you are or what time of day it is.

The Coffee Studio named "Top 10 Boutique Coffee Shop"

(photo courtesy of Jakeliefer on Flickr)

Congrats to The Coffee Studio (5628 N Clark) for being named one of the Top 10 Boutique Coffee Shops" in the entire U.S. from Bon Appetite. BA's writeup is below, and you can view the entire article here.

The Coffee Studio
Chicago
Local Intelligentsia-brand beans are used at this smartly designed Andersonville shop, and the baristas are at the top of their craft. They carefully "pull" perfect espressos and elevate the cappuccino to high art. 5628 North Clark Street; 773-271-7881;

Groupon: Soothe Your Senses Day Spa

Soothe Your Senses Day Spa (6260 N Broadway) is featured as today's Groupon! To the best of our knowledge, this is the first Edgewater business featured on Groupon recently. Under the deal, you receive $200 worth of spa services for $99 - a 51% discount. The package includes a Power Force Massage, Perk Up Steam Session, Power Cleanse Facial and Perfect Pedicure in their French-Quarter inspired spa. For more info or to purchase the Groupon click here.

200,000 hits!

Today was a milestone for us at the Edgewater Community Buzz - we reached 200,000 hits! In addition we have almost 600 Facebook fans and 100 Google followers. A big thank you to all who continue to follow and contribute!

As always, if you have any ideas or suggestions for the site, newsworthy stories, photos, business recommendations or events you'd like to promote - just let us know. Post here in the comments or email us directly. We want to make this the best single source for information about everything in and around our great Chicago neighborhood of Edgewater.

Sidewalk snow shoveling

With the snow upon us remember it is a property owner's responsibility to clear the walkways on their property. If you have a neighbor that is repeatedly not doing their part to keep the walks safe & clear of snow/ice, you can report them to 311. Also this year, the City of Chicago has a "Snow removal encouragement campaign." Under this program, you can nominate a business for exceptional snow removal and even print out a friendly "door hanger" to remind those lazy neighbors of their responsibility to clear their walks.

Where do you get your Falafel fill?

Mediterranian and Middle Eastern food have become quite popular in the U.S. over the last few years. We're curious, Edgewater, where do you get your falafel fill in the neighborhood??? Do you prefer the finer dining sit-down staples at the corner of Berwyn/Clark in Reza's or Andies? Or do you prefer the hole in the wall falfel stands such as the longtime Andersonville resident Taste of Lebanon or the newbie on the Edgewater/Rogers Park border Falafil Shack? Let us know!

-my personal favorite, based solely on food alone is Taste of Lebanon.

Armed Robbery / Shots Fired on Early

From EveryBlock Chicago:
On Jan 3rd at 4:30am, a few friends were getting in a taxi that we had called, when 3men approached with guns drawn. They demanded money and a shot was fired. The cab driver sped off but the three gunmen fired shots at the back of the cab, shattering the windshield. Luckily no one was hurt. I've lived on Early for 7 years and have NEVER seen or heard anything like this, I hope it's not a sign of where the neighborhood is headed.

Location 1325 W. Early Ave

More Standee's coverage

(thanks to Dalyn for submitting the photo!)

More coverage of the closing of Standee's in the local/online news sources:

Standee's coffee shop closes after 60 years in Edgewater - Chicago Tribune

Standee's last stand: Beloved diner closes - ChicagoBreakingNews.com

Diner Dumped - The Beachwood Reporter

Standee's Last Stand - Lake Effect News

Standee's, legendary Edgewater greasy spoon, loses its lease - ABC 7

We've also noticed the "Save Sandee's!" and "Close Standees" Facebook pages

Sale @ His Stuff

Men's store His Stuff in Andersonville (5314 N Clark) is offering 60% off clothing and accessories through the end of the month. The store offers "well made and wearable stuff a guy needs to feel confident and look good in any setting - from work to hanging out to going out." The prices are a bit on the higher side from the few times I have dropped in and according to a few Yelpers, but who doesn't love a sale?

Pack the car!

Help EARC Pack the Car!
Saturday, Jan. 8th from 8am-12pm at Berwyn & Clark St. – Look for the Grey Subaru.
East Andersonville Residents’ Council is organizing the first PACK THE CAR event as a way to help the local CARE FOR REAL organization (Edgewater’s food pantry). They are aking everyone to bring a non-perishable food item or new or gently used piece of clothing (i.e. gloves, scarves, hats, coats, sweaters) to the corner of Berwyn and Clark on Saturday, January 9th 2010. Yes, holidays may be over but hunger and the cold does not go away. Our mission is to help feed at least one person or family who is less fortunate in the coming months and we need your help.

Northside day of service

Monday, January 18, 2009 from 9AM to 3PM

Last year, President Obama asked the nation to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, with a day of community service. Locally, our event in Edgewater hosted over 300 volunteers. On Martin Luther King, Jr. Day 2010, please join elected officials and local organizations for a day of service to our community. During the day, projects will include assisting seniors with shoveling and winterizing their homes, painting rooms at a local school, and several other repair and clean up projects for local non-profits and people in need. Projects are available for participants of any age.

Participants are also encouraged to bring gently used winter clothing and unused personal care products to distribute to local non-profit organizations.

There will be two starting locations
- 48th Ward Service Office - 5533 N. Broadway, Chicago, IL 60640 and
- 47th Ward Service Office - 4237 N. Lincoln, Chicago, IL 60625

RSVP with Jen at jen@heathersteans.com or 773-769-1717

Sponsored by State Senator Heather Steans, Alderman Gene Schulter, State Representative Harry Osterman, State Representative Greg Harris, Alderman Mary Ann Smith, Alderman Joe Moore, Committeeman Tom Sharpe, Committeeman Carol Ronen, Committeeman David Fagus, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Community Council, and Edgewater Beautiful
(Additional sponsors are welcome! Please e-mail jen@Heathersteans.com)

Free Admission @ Swedish American Museum Center

Did you know the Swedish American Museum Center (5211 N Clark) offers free admission on the second Tuesday of each month? Stop by next Tuesday to the 24,000 square foot museum which features a children's museum, an exhibit profiling Swedish Immigration to Chicago in the 1800's, a temporary art museum which changes four times per year as well as a store. Hours during the week are 10am - 4pm.

EDC meeting canceled re: former Star Gaze space

The previous Edgewater Development Corporation we posted about here regarding a presentation from Candy Bar Entertainment to discuss their interest/plans for the site formerly occupied by Star Gaze, has been canceled.

Another new topic to be discussed:

New Presentation

Adriatic-new restaurant located at 5553 N. Clark Street (formally Gilly's)

1. They have applied for an Incidental Liquor License.

2. They are also planning for an Outdoor Patio and a PPA. (Public Place of Amusement)

State Senate race candidate showdown

7th DISTRICT STATE SENATE DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE FORUM

Sponsored by Northside Democracy for America, Edgewater Community Council and Americans for Democratic Action.

Candidates: Sen. Heather Steans and Jim Madigan

Wednesday, January 6th, 7:00 p.m.

Sulzer Regional Library

4455 North Lincoln Avenue

Chicago, Illinois 60625

Reception will follow for a chance to meet and mingle with the candidates.

For more information call Lauren at 773-431-9658.

Early voting

Early voting for the February 2nd primary begins January 11th. The location for the 48th Ward is at the Chicago Public Library located at 1210 W Elmdale (9am - 5pm). For a complete list of locations, click here.

Kichen Sink Cafe opening tomorrow

According to their Twitter page, Kitchen Sink Cafe will be opening its doors tomorrow at 6:30am. Kitchen Sink Cafe is located at 1107 W Berwyn in the space formerly occupied by the Pause coffee shop and is owned/operated by two former Pause baristas. Check out their recently posted Metromix listing here.

UPDATE from KSC: Our full menu isn't available yet ... we're still working out the kinks. We hope to offer made-to-order sandwiches and salads by the beginning of next month. We'll begin serving soups this week. Our hours are monday - friday 6:30am til 8:30pm and saturday/sunday 7:30am til 8:30pm. Also check out their blog here.

Work out for FREE

BREAK A SWEAT, NOT THE BANK
Work out for FREE January 2-10 at all Chicago Park District Fitness Centers!

Plus, if you register January 2 – 10 for the winter session (Jan. – March), you’ll receive a free Nike cinch bag, while supplies last.

The Chicago Park District’s 66 new/improved fitness centers offer a high-quality, low-cost alternative to private gyms. Membership rates range from $30-$75 for a three-month session, a fraction of the cost of commercial gyms. These centers feature state-of-the-art equipment such as computerized treadmills, cross trainers, upright bikes, recumbent bikes, free weights and benches, cable cross-overs, multi-station weight machines and core-focused weight equipment. In addition to equipment, many parks also offer a variety of classes including circuit training, conditioning, kickboxing, Pilates, yoga and aerobics.

For a list of Park District fitness centers click here.

Last day to register to vote: January 5th

January 5th is the latest you can register to vote to be eligible to vote in the February primary. For registration information or to check your voting status visit: http://www.chicagoelections.com/.