Senior Health Fair

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Is Edgewater greener?

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Edgewater Athletic Club featured in TimeOut

The Edgewater Athletic Club (1040 W Granville) was recently featured in TimeOut magazine as one of the best budget gyms in Chicago. Check out the article here. We're curious if anyone frequents the EAC or can recommend other gyms in Edgewater.

Chicago Jewish Day School teacher faces child porn charges

An Evanston man who teaches music part-time at the Chicago Jewish Day School (5959 N Sheridan) is facing charges for transporting child pornography over his computer. Richard Mann, 53, was arrested after federal agents searched his home and computer. Mann also taught at Congregation Sanai and Solomon Schechter campuses in Northbrook and Skokie

Source: Chicago Tribune

"Neighborhood Nights" to return

We're told that the Neighborhood Nights events on Thorndale will occur again this summer. Stay tuned for details.

Woman charged in newborn's death

As a follow up to our previous post regarding the dead newborn girl found in a closet, multiple news sources are reporting that the baby girl's 25 year old mother has been charged with murder. According to reports, Marisol Molina of the 6100 block of N Sheridan gave birth to the baby and then stashed her into a closet in a plastic bag. Bond has been set at $200,000 and the state may seek the death penalty in this case.

Additional coverage: WBBM 780; Chicago Tribune; Fox News; Sun Times

Senator Steans appointed Chairwoman of nursing care subcomittee

As safety in nursing homes has become a heated issue recently, the Chicago Tribune reports that State of Illinois is stepping up its efforts to ensure that nursing home residents are safe through unannounced visits and broad safety checks. In addition, State Senator Heather Steans has been appointed chairwoman of a new five member subcommittee on nursing home care.
Check out the Chicago Tribune article here.

Edgewater designer chosen as Oscars® Designer Challenge 2010 Finalist

Press Release:
Premier Chicago couture designer, Elda De La Rosa, announces that she has been chosen as one of nine designers to participate in Oscars® Designer Challenge 2010. For the 2nd year, the Academy of Motion Pictures Arts and Sciences is inviting the public to vote for one designer to have their original gown worn by one of the Awards escorts as she brings the statuettes onto the stage during the 82nd Academy Awards on March 7, 2010.

Elda De La Rosa Couture is located at 5555 North Sheridan Road, Suite 0015 in the historic Edgewater Beach Apartment "Pink Palace" building. For more information, please visit http://www.eldadelarosa.com/.

Click here to read the entire press release

"Psyche-Out Cafe" at City Lit Theater

On Wednesday March 3rd, you can join Chicago mentalist Fred Zimmerman for a night of "mind games, fascinating stories, experiments to test your psychic abilities and demonstrations of ESP that provide a glimpse into the secret world of psychic practitioners."

The event will take place at City Lit Theater, located at 1020 W. Bryn Mawr Ave. (the Edgewater Presbyterian Church). Tickets are $20, and valet parking is conveniently available at Francesca's Bryn Mawr, right across the street. The show starts at 7:30 PM.

Edgewater Medical Center....who owns it?

Photo courtesy of Stewie811 on Flickr

While the Edgewater Medical Center (5700 N. Ashland Ave.) closed down in 2001, it has sat idle ever since. Does anyone know who currently owns and/or is responsible for the property?

Also check out our post from 2008 for a look inside the EMC.

Share your favs: Bloody Mary

Todays "Share your fav" inquires - where in Edgewater do you go to get your bloody mary fix? If you're a build-your-own kinda person who enjoys the 100+ item bloody mary bars, then check out Charlies Ale House or Fireside. But if that sounds like too much work to nurse the hangover and you're in the mood to have a bartender whip up some spicey goodness, we recommend checking out Pumping Company's bloody. Where do you recommend, Edgewater?

Dead newborn girl found in North Side closet

From the Chicago Sun Times:
A newborn girl was found dead in a closet Friday evening in a North Side Edgewater neighborhood apartment, just blocks from the campus of Loyola University Chicago.

Baby girl Molina, born on Thursday, was found dead at the apartment in the 6000 block of N. Sheridan Rd., according to a Cook County Medical Examiner’s office spokesman, who said the newborn was found dead in a closet.

Police were notified of the death about 6:30 p.m., police News Affairs Officer Daniel O’Brien said. It was unclear who called police and no one was in custody Friday night.

Loyola University Chicago's Lake Shore campus is located just blocks away.

Belmont Area detectives are conducting a death investigation and an autopsy is scheduled for Saturday.

Walgreens to replace Thybony Paint and Wallcovering in Andersonville

A reader alerted us to the following story he read on Chicago Real Estate Daily today....

"A Walgreens Pharmacy is slated to replace Thybony Paint and Wallcovering Co.'s store at 5440 N. Clark St. in the Andersonville neighborhood. The store is expected to open in the fall, says a spokeswoman for Deerfield-based Walgreen Co."

Complete story

Community Accupuncture @ Yoga Now

Location: Yoga Now, Edgewater location

(5852 N Broadway)
Dates: Sun 2/28/2010
Time: 7:45 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $15

Thrive Acupuncture and Herbal Therapy invites you to join us for an evening of community acupuncture. Following Community yoga class we will be giving treatments to interested participants. The purpose of the treatment will be to balance your constitution and remedy a chief complaint. We will do a brief intake in hushed tones, feel your pulse and look at your tongue (important diagnostic tools for us) to determine the source of imbalance in your body. We will then insert 8-10 very fine gauge acupuncture needles into acupuncture points we have chosen. You can rest with the needles for up to 45 minutes. For more info on Thrive Acupuncture visit www.thriveacupuncture.net

Community acupuncture is a new trend in the acupuncture world that has been designed to help mitigate the normally high cost of treatment. Acupuncture is a process, and generally serves best when used on a regular basis. We at Thrive do not want cost to be a deterrent to incorporating acupuncture into your wellness routine. By treating several people in a room together cost for each patient can be greatly reduced. Similar to doing yoga or meditation in a group, the effect of the acupuncture treatment is enhanced by the collective energy in the room.

Community Acupuncture at Yoga Now Edgewater will be happening on the 4th Sunday of every month. We look forward to seeing you!

Space is limited to twelve openings. Sign up today to reserve your spot! (payment required for reservation- 24 hour cancellation policy)

Man falls onto Redline tracks @ Bryn Mawr

(photo from "Dont Fence Me In" on Flickr)

Man Injured In CTA Station Fall

CHICAGO (Sun-Times Media Wire) ― A man was hospitalized after falling onto CTA tracks Sunday evening at the Bryn Mawr station in the Edgewater neighborhood.

The CTA was notified about 6:30 p.m. that a person had fallen off the platform at the Red Line's Bryn Mawr station onto the tracks, according to spokeswoman Kim Myles. There was no contact with the third rail or with any trains.

Emergency crews took the person to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center in "trauma" condition by an advanced life support ambulance, Fire Media Affairs Chief Kevin MacGregor said. Crews responded to the scene at 6:34 p.m.
Continue reading

Man arrested for having sex with underage girl

Tennis instructor charged with having sex with underaged student

CHICAGO (STMW) -- A tennis instructor from northwest suburban Park Ridge has been charged with having sex with one of his students, who was 16 at the time, police said.

Robert Kurek, 30, of the 1700 block of South Ashland Avenue in Park Ridge, was arrested Friday at his home at 2:35 p.m. and charged at 11 p.m. Friday with criminal sexual assault in the Nov. 22, 2008 incident.

The female victim was a student of his, taking lessons at TAM in north suburban Niles, according to a police report.

Kurek allegedly took the girl to a hotel in the 5900 block of North Ridge Avenue in Chicago where they had sexual intercourse. He also allegedly had sex with her on four other occasions in his vehicle that was parked in a CVS store parking lot in the Rogers Park neighborhood, on the 6100 block of North Broadway, according to the report.

Chicago Police were notified on Feb. 1.

Belmont Area detectives were investigating.

Source: WBBM 780

Share your favs: Fast food Mexican taqueria

Last month we asked you what your favorite sitdown Mexican restaurant in Edgewater was, and many votes here and on Facebook went to That Little Mexican Cafe. Now we ask, what is your favorite hole-in-the-wall Mexican fast food (taqueria) place? El Norte, anyone?

ASCO Meeting

The Association of Sheridan Condominium/Co-op Owners (ASCO) will hold their annual meeting and board elections this Tuesday, February 16th at 7pm. The ASCO meets in the Hospitality Room of the Park Tower building (5415 N. Sheridan Rd). ASCO represents 35 condo/co-op associations between 5200 and 6400 North on Sheridan Road with over 7,064 units.

Community Alert: Wanted man

Man Wanted On Arrest Warrant For 2009 Fatal Hit and Run Traffic Accident near 4300 N. Lincoln.

Carlos Castillo, 23, is wanted on an arrest warrant for a fatal hit and run traffic accident. The accident occurred near 4300 N. Lincoln in Chicago on Halloween night, 2009. The young victim was struck and killed as she left work that night.

Castillo is 5'07 and weighs 200 lbs. His last known address in on West Jarlath in Chicago.

Anyone with information on the whereabouts of Carlos Castillo is urged to call the Chicago Police Department's Major Accident Investigation Unit at 312-745-4521.

El Pueblo Canta

Saturday, February 20, 2010
2nd Annual El Pueblo Canta: A Concert Celebrating the Struggle for Immigrant Justice and supporting local immigrant justice work
St. Gertrude Social Hall, 1420 W. Granville Ave
Chicago , IL 60660

Doors open at 6:30pm and concert starts at 7pm.
Cost of ticket: $25 general admission; $10 Students/Limited Income

Reader: A+? Not so fast...

A reader wrote us to share their personal experience and frustration of getting a response from Alderman Smith's office after we gave Smith an "A+" for her response during the Fox News Aldermanic investigation:

Kudos to Alderman O'Connor for informing constituents (and non-constituents) of the delay in receiving sewer rebate forms. Several Malibu residents have asked me when the forms will be mailed. I have called Alderman Smith's office several times already this year requesting informationon when the sewer rebate forms would be available. I have received NO information from her (Smith) this year.

Community Alert from CPD

Public Service Campaign Against Code of Silence Announced To Raise Awareness of the Impact of Protecting Criminals.

Mayor Richard M. Daley announced a comprehensive public service campaign funded with $500,000 in federal economic stimulus money aimed at raising the awareness of the devastating impact the “code of silence” protecting criminals has on every resident of Chicago.

“Ending the violence against our young people is the most troubling and frustrating challenge our city faces today,” Daley said in a news conference held at South Shore High School 7520 S. Constance Av.

“One of the most troubling parts of the violence against our young people is the code of silence in many neighborhoods that protects the gang bangers and drug dealers who are killing our children. It must end,” he said.

The public service campaign, called “Silence Kills,” features the parents and loved ones of young Chicagoans who have been killed by criminal violence.

The campaign includes television and print public service announcements in which the family members share their personal stories and a powerful message with their fellow residents: “Stop the violence. Stop the silence. Silence kills.”

In addition, the campaign will include community forums to be held all across the city to address the code of silence issue and will train young people to carry the message into their neighborhoods.

The three-year grant will also support filling a full-time position within the CAPS program dedicated to working with the Chicago Public Schools, the police department, community-based organizations and young people to develop and carry out steps that address the challenge of the code of silence.

The Mayor thanked the families taking part in the campaign for their willingness to help the City carry the message into Chicago’s neighborhoods and for their commitment to making Chicago a city in which other parents won’t suffer the loss they have already endured.
Daley said the Chicago Police Department has stepped up its strategies to fight gang, drug and gun violence to make sure they're effectively using every tool at their disposal, including breaking up the gangs that are behind much of the violence.

In 2009, all homicides were down 10.5 percent from the previous year and the number of homicides involving young people was down 24 percent while shootings were down 9 percent.

“That's good news, but of little comfort to me and those who have lost their loved ones. And I can't emphasize how important it is for all residents of Chicago to accept their responsibility to keep our children safe,” he said.

Daley urged Chicago television and radio stations, cable systems and newspapers to run the announcements and spread the message that “silence kills,” and he again challenged every person in Chicago to end the code of silence.

He said it is the shared responsibility of all Chicagoans to get the City’s most troubled kids on the right track and away from gangs in the first place, to better protect every student from violence at school and on the way to and from school and to engage young people in positive activities and provide the mentors and positive role models they need.

“If you know about a crime, report it. If you know who is involved in a crime, report them. Something as simple as using a cell phone to report a crime can solve a crime. And there are many ways people can safely and anonymously report crimes and criminals -- including through their religious leaders,” the Mayor said.

“I pledge that we will never give in to the gang bangers and drug dealers who perpetuate violence and don't care about whether people live or die,” he said.

Tribune article on Star Gaze closing

From the Chicago Tribune:

Mamie Lake was away from her Andersonville bar and social hub for Chicago's lesbian community for a total of only 14 days from the day it opened in 1998 to last call in the wee hours of this new year.

"I opened the bar knowing there was a need for it," said Lake, 62. "It went big time. We had people moving into the neighborhood because of the bar. It was like a gay Mayberry."

For more than a decade, the bar — Star Gaze — had been an icon in the gay community, so much so that many gay women still can't believe it's gone. It was, by many accounts, the last full-time lesbian bar in Chicago.

Continue reading

Molitor Financial receives nomination

According to their Facebook page, Molitor Financial Group (5412 N Clark) has been nominated for the Retail - Mortgage Company of the Year award by the Illinois Association of Mortgage Professionals. Congrats to MFG on this recognition.

Alderman Smith's office passes Fox News test

Fox News ran a story tonight on an invistigation in which they conducted tests on Aldermanic offices' responses to citizen complaints. Fox placed three calls to each of the 50 Chicago Alderman's offices throughout the city after hours, and left voicemail messages seeking a response. We're pleased to report that our very own Mary Ann Smith's office was one of only 14 offices to respond "in a timely and helpful fashion" to all three of the voice mail messages. Check out the Fox story here.

Dibs in Edgewater?

We've never seen this enduring Chicago "tradition" occurring in the neighborhood. Are we just missing it, or not looking hard enough?

Free concert on Valentine's Day

Free Jazz Concert

(featuring Chris White on piano http://www.chriswhitepiano.com/)

When: Feb 14 Time: 2:00 p.m.
Where: North Shore Baptist Church 5244 N Lakewood
Chicago IL 60640 Berwyn and Lakewood
Phone: 773-728-4200

Don't be scammed

We thought we would share this info, as there have been many door to door scams of late throughout Edgewater and Uptown. Realize that census workers will not begin visiting households until May. We'll repost this info then as well.

How to Identify a Census Field Representative

Safety first! If you are visited by someone from the Census Bureau at your home, here are some recognition tips to assure the validity of the field representative:

•Must present an ID Badge which contains: photograph of field representative, Department of Commerce watermark, and expiration date.
•Will provide you with supervisor contact information and/or the regional office phone number for verification, if asked.
•Will provide you with a letter from the director of the Census Bureau on U.S. Census Bureau letterhead.
When in doubt, please call the Chicago Regional Office for verification.

Man charged in 1984 Edgewater stabbing

(photo from ABC7 News)

Chicago police have arrested Melvin Green, 44, in connection with the murder of Sheila Johnson, pregnant mother of four, in 1984. She was found stabbed 27 times in her Edgewater apartment on the 5800 block of N Winthrop 26 years ago, and new DNA evidence led to Green after the cold case squad revisited the case in 2008. Green is charged with aggravated criminal sexual assault and first-degree murder.

Sources: ABC7 & Chicago Tribune

Break-in on Early

A reader informs us of a break-in in his building Friday night:

"Just thought my neighbors should know that my 3-flat apartment building on the 1300 block of W. Early had a break-in into our basement last night (February 5) around 8pm. They entered through a window that can be accessed through our front yard. There were some crashing sounds in the basement, and then the power was shut off to the whole building. Thankfully, when my roommate and another neighbor went down to the basement to turn the power back on, the burglars fled through the same window. Thankfully nothing was stolen (we think), but a lot of things were taken out and thrown around from a storage closet.

The police informed us that a gang of approximately 12 teenagers have been burglarizing and vandalizing basements recently. And as your recent article showed, most crimes are down but burglaries are still up! So let's everyone be careful out there and catch these guys."

Twelve Angry Men (benefiting Pierce School)

Peirce School MPTSO

and
Raven Theatre

present
a Benefit Performance of
Twelve Angry Men

Sunday, March 7, 2010
3:00 PM
at Raven Theatre
6157 North Clark Street

Enjoy the Raven Theatre production of Reginald Rose’s courthouse drama,Twelve Angry Men, directed by Guest Artist Aaron Todd Douglas, while supporting the arts at Peirce School. All proceeds from this performance will be used to help fund the Raven Theatre Outreach Program at Peirce School. Now in its fourth year, this program provides weekly drama classes to Peirce fourth graders and has proven to greatly enrich the social, emotional and academic development of the students it serves.

Tickets are $25 and include a Dessert Reception.
This play is recommended for ages 12 and up.
To purchase tickets, contact Solveig Roverud at chicagosol@sbcglobal.net or (773) 275-5727.

LEN: Window Dressings

Check out this article from the Lake Effect News covering Edgewater's Artists in Motion program. Through the program, artists are able to feature their artwork in the windows of vacant storefronts, bringing a better look to the neighborhood while allowing artists to display their work.

Super Bowl @ St. Andrew's Inn

Ole St. Andrews Inn, 5938 N Broadway St
Check out their Super Bowl Party Specials:

JUMBO WINGS OF FIRE $0.75 each
FISH & CHIPS (all you can eat) $11.99

Or,

ALL YOU CAN EAT BUFFET $12.00
*St. Andrew's Chili
*BBQ Rib Tips
*Polish sausage w/ sauteed onion
*Homemade cole slaw
*Fries

All House drinks $4.00
Beers: Bedele, Schlitz, Stroh's, PBR $2.75
Shots: Tequila, Kamikaze, Washington apple

Plus great give-aways!

Man struck and killed by Red Line train at Loyola station

Photo via sierraromeo on Flickr

Around 4:30 this morning, a man reportedly emerged from under the L platform at the Loyola station as a northbound Red Line train was departing. He proceeded to walk on to the tracks and was hit.

Chicago Tribune article

Ole Ole workers file lawsuit

Four Ole Ole employees filed a federal lawsuit against their employer on Thursday, February 4th, seeking back wages and proper compensation for time worked that would be considered overtime. Workers are owed over $100,000 in back pay as they were not being paid and working solely on tips according to Restaurant Opportunities Center.

Read more here on NBC5 and Gapers Block.

CPD: Crime down in Chicago

Total Crime in Chicago Drops for First Month of 2010

CHICAGO – Today Chicago Police released preliminary crime statistics for the first month of the year, recognizing a 3.7 percent decrease in crime overall compared to the same time last year. The murder total was down 16 percent, with 12 of the Department’s 25 Districts reporting zero murders through the end of January, and another nine showing double digit or greater decreases.

"Going in to 2010, we announced our commitment to intelligence-based policing strategies and employing best practices to fight gangs, guns and drugs in our neighborhoods, keep young people safe, and engage businesses and community organizations to increase public safety," said Superintendent Jody P. Weis. "I am encouraged that the city's crime rate continues to fall."

Violent crime in Chicago declined by 9 percent compared to last year and was led by sharp decreases in criminal sexual assaults, which were down nearly 30 percent, and aggravated assaults, which dropped by almost 20 percent. As violent crime decreased in all categories, robbery also was down 6.4 percent and aggravated batteries down 3 percent. Sixteen Districts showed solid decreases in total violent crime, with the top five districts dropping an average of around 32 percent.

Other crime drops showed in property offenses, which overall dropped 2.2 percent through the end of January. Down 9.5 percent, theft offenses reflected the greatest property crime decrease, followed by a slight half percent dip in burglary. Arson increased 25 percent (nine more incidents than 2009) and motor vehicle theft was up just over 22 percent.

At the end of January, Chicago Police recovered 74 more firearms than it had seized last year during the same time period. A total of 791 firearms included weapons which were seized from multiple caches uncovered during the successful execution of several search warrants last month. Gang Enforcement Section officers recovered 11 firearms along with ammunition and $35,000 of cannabis from a residence in the Morgan Park community on January 10.

Two weeks later, Harrison (11th) District and Narcotics Section officers recovered a total of 16 guns and narcotics valued over $27,000 after receiving unrelated tips from community members.

"Many of these successes are the result of strong partnerships: the hard work of police officers and the participation and assistance of members of the community. We cannot underestimate the value of partnerships," said Weis. "I am grateful for our strong outreach efforts and the assistance and commitment of so many of Chicago’s residents."

Chicago Police closed January with other search warrant success, including the Austin (15th) District’s efforts to arrest four offenders involved in a West Side fencing operation. Some of the recovered stolen items were returned to the rightful owners after police held a public viewing of property.

Other notable arrests included Town Hall (23rd) District officers’ work to apprehend an offender who forcibly attacked a senior citizen in an Uptown robbery last month, as well as arrests in two separate Area Three and Area Five arson incidents on the City’s North and Northwest Sides.

Superintendent Weis said he was "encouraged that the strategies put in place in 2009 continue to have a positive impact on the city's crime rate as we look to new and innovative ways to reduce crime in 2010. However, the reduction in the overall crime rate that we have experienced thus far only motivates us to achieve even more reductions in crime over the remainder of the year."

According to preliminary statistics through the end of January 2010:

Violent Index Crime is down 9.0 percent
Homicide – down 16 percent
Criminal Sexual Assault – down 28.9 percent
Robbery – down 6.4 percent
Aggravated Assault – down 19.7 percent
Aggravated Battery – down 3.0 percent

Property Index Crime is down 2.2 percent
Burglary – up 4.1 percent
Theft – down 9.5 percent
Motor Vehicle Theft – up 22.4 percent
Arson – up 25.0 percent

###

Seeing the light in Edgewater Beach

A reader wrote in with an update regarding street lighting, and tells us "The 5550 block of N. Kenmore has gotten two new lights installed already and boy do they make a world of difference! Today I also saw them working on putting up new lights in the 5400 block."

Open Mic Night

Epworth Church (located at Berywn and Kenmore) is hosting an open-mic event tomorrow night from 6-8PM in their parlor. It is a benefit for a local neighbor who is having financial difficulties, but donations are not required. Coffee, tea and pastries will also be provided. All are welcome to stop in and listen, or bring an instrument and perform a couple of songs.

Winter Fun Day

State Representative Harry Osterman invites you to join him for the 2nd Annual Winter Fun Day tomorrow, February 6th. The event runs from 1-4PM, and will be held at the Broadway Armory located at 5917 N. Broadway.

The Winter Fun Day will feature music, free refreshments and a bouncing castle for kids. This is a free event, and everyone is welcome to attend!

Community Massage Therapy

Location: Yoga Now Edgewater Location (5852 N Broadway)
Dates: Sun 2/14/2010
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:15 PM
Cost: $15
Enjoy receiving supportive massage while resting in gentle poses which invite the body into relaxation and restorative peace. During this one hour session, each participant will be guided into basic, restorative, effortless floor postures (sivasana, baddha konasana, childs pose, spinal twist...), allowing the body to unwind and renew itself. Personal meditation practice is welcome. Each participant will receive 10-15 min of individual hands-on attention throughout the session which may include hand/foot reflexology, head/neck work, or gentle passive stretching. As the seasons continue to change, herbal heat packs may be placed on specific areas of the body to further relieve aches and pains

Who does that?

Tonight around 10:30pm a taxi was witnessed being pulled over on the Lakeshore Drive bike path just east of the Bryn Mawr exit ramp facing south. If you know the location, there is no "street" to drive on besides going west under the underpass. Apparently this cabbie had a better idea.

Missing Endangered Person

We received the following notification from the CPD via Nixle:

Endangered Missing Person: STOCKSTILL,DONALD

(18 years old, Male, 5'06,175lbs)

Chicago Police Dept seeks your help in locating a missing "at risk" person:

STOCKSTILL,DONALD (18 years old, Male, 5'06,175lbs)
Last seen wearing a dark hoodie, dark jeans and dark shoes.
Last seen: Lawrence ave and Sheridan Road, Feb. 03 2010

Subject was being transported to River Edge Hospital in Forest Park Il. when he fled the vehicle.
If you have information that can assist in helping safely locate STOCKSTILL,DONALD, please call 911 or AREA 3 SPECIAL VICTIMS UNIT AT 312-744-8200.

Another honor for Great Lake Pizza

Great Lake has been named the best pizza in the Midwest by Rachel Ray's "Every Day" magazine. First it was GQ naming it the best pizza in America despite few people knowing that the place existed at 1477 W Balmoral, and now it seems to garner a new award every other week. What do you think - worth the hype or over rated?

Grow Your Own Vegetables in the Parks

From Alderman Smith's office:

The Chicago Park District is looking at developing more vegetable garden plots in park areas this year. If you are interested in vegetable gardening in a park setting, please email your name, address and phone number and your preferred park location to Ernie at the Alderman's office: ernie@masmith48.org.

Smith: Nursing home initiatives pay off

Alderman Mary Ann Smith's office reports in her e-Newsletter that progress is being made on her efforts to improve conditions in neighborhood nursing homes. Smith played an integral part in pushing the City Council Committee on Health to hold their first hearing into the situation. In addition, a special audit and inspection was conducted by investigators from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services at Somerset place (5000 N Sheridan) in Uptown. The result of the inspection were numerous fines and a threat to shut down the facility if the owners do not quickly remedy safety breaches.

Steep Theatre's "Harper Regan" Extended

Steep Theatre has extended its "Harper Regan" play through March 28th after completely selling out the entire original run. The show is performed on Thursday through Sunday. Visit the Steep Theater's website here for more show information or to purchase tickets ($22).

Get out and VOTE

Don't forget to vote today. If you're unsure of your polling location, you can find it here.

Mystery Building

We're curious about this building located at 1475 W. Berwyn Ave., just east of Clark St. Currently it appears to be a residential building, but its general scale and large entrance seem to suggest that at one point it had another purpose. I'm thinking maybe it was a community building, perhaps a VFW hall or something similar.

Does anyone know what it used to be, or have any ideas?

Positive Loitering Seminar