Action at Thorndale and Broadway

6:25 PM, Thorndale and Broadway - Report of open air drug sales.

6:33, Devon and Sheridan - Gang disturbance. Several men are flashing signs from a van.

6:34, Thorndale and Broadway - Officer reports that an arrest has been made near the Thorndale L stop, likely in relation to the selling call from 6:25. Officers are beginning foot patrols in the general vicinity.

6:39, 6154 N. Ravenswood - 3 Hispanic males are on the roof of a garage and appear to be trying to break in.

6:43, 1775 W. Granville - Second call coming in about the 3 men on a garage roof.

7:00, Kenmore and Winona - Caller says 9 guys are in the middle of the intersection and look like they're getting ready to fight. Officer responds at 7:02 and indicates he has 4 people stopped at Winthrop and Winona.

7:19, (unintelligible) and Broadway - Officers just "shagged about 9 people out of the middle of Broadway."

Car crashes into house on Ridge

From the ECB's Facebook page. A follower posted this picture and asks:

"Anyone know what the story was with this car crashing into the houses on Ridge, right across the street from the Walgreens? They still haven't pulled it out."

Shots fired on Winthrop near school

From the Lake Effect News:

Shots Fired On Winthrop
While investigating a “shots fired” call on the 5800 block of North Winthrop Avenue around 4:45 p.m. March 17, police learned of an altercation between an unknown number of males at the Swift Elementary School playground near Winthrop and Thorndale. Witnesses told police they saw two men chasing two other men on Winthrop. One of them produced a handgun and fired several rounds and then fled. Police found a live round on the same block.

Read LEN's Crime Blotter here

Car fire in alley

A reader sent us the above photo - this is what he found in the alley one night (March 19th) when coming home from work to his residence at Granville & Clark. Luckily the Chicago Fire Department was just a block away and quick to the scene. Police are still unsure what happened - if anyone has any information please contact the Chicago Police.

Office Hours w/State Senator Steans

Questions, comments, concerns for your 7th District State Senator Heather Steans? Steans holds office hours this Thursday at her office (5533 N Broadway) from 3:30pm - 6:30pm.

Andersonville added to National Register of Historic Places

The Andersonville district of Edgewater was recently added to the National Register of Historic Places, the official list of the nation's historic places worthy of preservation.

Chicago Tribune article

Body of missing man identified

It saddens us to report that the man who had ties to the neighborhood that we reported missing in December has been found, dead. The body of David DelCiello was found on the Lake Michigan shoreline in New Buffalo, MI on a private beach earlier this month according to this ChicagoBreakingNews.com article.

Another ghost sign

Here's an old ad for Foremost Liquor Stores, the closest of which is located at 1040 W. Argyle. Does anyone know where this sign is located in Edgewater?

Share your favorite: Brunch

The Chicago Reader recently listed 14 great brunch spots around Chicago, and two of Edgewater's own made the list: M Henry & Banana's Foster Cafe. Read their write-ups below, or the entire article here. We're also curious - where do you brunch in Edgewater?

Bananas Foster Cafe

1147 W. Granville | 773-262-9855

$$

AMERICAN, BREAKFAST, ENGLISH/IRISH/SCOTTISH | BREAKFAST, LUNCH: MONDAY-FRIDAY; DINNER: THURSDAY-SATURDAY | SATURDAY & SUNDAY BRUNCH | RESERVATIONS NOT ACCEPTED

Housed in a corner space by the Granville Red Line stop, Bananas Foster Cafe seems to fill a much-needed niche in Edgewater, drawing droves that are routinely lined out the door. And I can certainly see why it's a popular neighborhood spot for brunch: though the place was packed, service was smooth, and our food—eggs Benedict with Irish back bacon and standout ham and eggs with potatoes and baked beans—was well prepared and came out promptly. I wouldn't exactly call this fine dining—it's a former coffee shop with a garish yellow awning. But so much the better these days. Lunch and dinner menus are eclectic. —Kate Schmidt

M. Henry

5707 N. Clark | 773-561-1600

$

AMERICAN, BREAKFAST | BREAKFAST, LUNCH: TUESDAY-SATURDAY | SUNDAY BRUNCH | CLOSED MONDAY | BYO | RESERVATIONS NOT ACCEPTED

This charming cafe from partners Michael Moorman and Jorge Aviles offers an eclectic selection of breakfast, brunch, and lunch dishes featuring natural ingredients and house-baked breads. A dish called Vegan Epiphany is organic tofu scrambled with red and green peppers, onions, and yuba (a baconlike soy product), while Dulce Banana Rumba is thick-cut brioche French toast with warm bananas, rum, golden raisins, and pecans. Pancakes come with either maple syrup or layered with blackberry compote and vanilla mascarpone and topped with a brown-sugar-and-oat crust. Prices are reasonable, and the staff is friendly and eager to accommodate. —Laura Levy Shatkin

HopLeaf owners nix original plans for La Donna space, plan to expand Hoplead

Hopleaf owners Michael Roper and Louise Molner have decided to change up their plans for the building which they purchased next door that formerly housed the Italian eatery La Donna. Originally it was reported that the plan was to create a completely new concept next door - a Mediterranean inspired restaurant with a wine bar. The plans then changed again later, when we reported that the owners were planning to demolish the entire building and build a new restaurant with wood grilled meats, poultry and fish with no common products as Hopleaf. The latest plan, to expand Hopleaf, will nearly double the capacity, adding 120 new seats as well as a wood-fired grill and 20 new lines for draft beer. We're sure no matter what the Hopleaf owners end up doing, it will be a success.

Businesses beware!!!

A local business owner asked that we share her story with the neighborhood. Apparently this type of scam has happened in the area last year as well, possibly by the same person.

"A man comes around (last year it was just with tags, but this year he had a fire extinguisher) in a rush to replace your tag/extinguisher. He charges you. He is not official. It was found out last year that he had stolen the tags from Loyola University campus. Well I guess I shouldn't assume it's the same person as last year. Anyway, he was all business, in a rush this morning and said, "Oh, they didn't tell you I'd be coming?" I guess he didn't realize the two owners of the shop were who he was speaking to.

I asked to see his ID and he said "Of course, it's out in the truck" and never came back in."

St. Gregory the Great High School to take new, high tech approach to teaching

From the Chicago Tribune:

Struggling school pins hopes on high tech: St. Gregory the Great High School in Chicago is getting a reprieve with a new technology-based teaching and learning initiative that will start in the fall.

Faced with an enrollment of just 140 students, massive deficits and possible closure, officials of St. Gregory the Great High School are getting a reprieve with a new technology-based teaching and learning initiative that will start in the fall.

The board of the Far North Side school, which has a diverse enrollment that is largely low income, voted last month to pin its hopes on a curriculum based on a national model that emphasizes analytical thinking, problem solving and communication, among other things. Behind the model is the non-profit Partnership for 21st Century Skills, which has programs in place in several states.

St. Gregory hopes that teaching children how to solve real-world problems using technology and by working collaboratively will appeal to new students and bring in more funding. Because of the initiative, teachers must reapply for their jobs, and staff cuts are expected.

Continue reading

10 year olds armed with phone books

From EveryBlock Chicago:

Location: Sheridan & Thorndale
"While walking home Monday I was suddenly hit extremely hard on the back of my lower leg. I turned and saw two young (10-12 year old?) African American girls running away and two still packaged phone books they'd hurled at me. I'd just noticed them across the street walking south less than a minute before and had noted they'd looked like nice young girls so I was completely shocked at the assault, and that they'd gone out of their way to do it. Although this was probably the kind of mischief that children engage in and later regret, do be extra aware and hopefully, this is not a trend..."

CPS Safe Haven for Spring Break 2010

The City of Chicago and CPS are bringing back the Safe Haven program designed to help keep students occupied over Spring Break, which begins this Friday and runs through April 5th. Events will be hosted at 40 churches across the city where kids can participate in sports, arts & crafts, and cultural activities.
For more info click here.

Lakeside CDC Bowl a Thon

(click to enlarge)

Daley dedicates new senior center

Click this link to watch a video of WGN news coverage of the senior center opening at the Broadway Armory. Da mayor was present.

You can also read a press release from the City of Chicago here.

Screenz on Clark closes

We've been told that Screenz computing center at 5212 N Clark in Andersonville has closed. Based on the Yelp reviews, this shouldn't come as much of a surprise.

Free Meditation Class @ Yoga Now

Location: Yoga Now, Edgewater (5852 N Broadway)

Dates: Sun 3/21/2010

Time: 7:45 PM - 9:15 PM

Cost: FREE!

Meditation class with Patricia Hyland.

This class happens the third Sunday of every month immediately following Community Class.

All levels of familiarity with meditation are welcome!

Spinal Health Workshop

Dr. Kenneth Weber is again hosting a free lecture of spinal health, titled "Staying Pain Free," at the Ravenswood Chiropractic & Wellness Center (5215 N Ravenswood). The lecture covers methods of easing back pain such as an anti-inflammatory diet, stress management and physical activity. To RSVP for this free event call 773.878.7330 or click here to register online.

Meaning of Life

TOMORROW: "Ghostbusters" actor Harold Ramis and comedian Aaron Freeman get together to discuss the MEANING OF LIFE at Emanuel Congregation. Their opening act, the Gentlemen of Long Pork sketch group, will set the tone for the evening. March 20, 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $40 - $150; proceeds benefit the educational programs at Emanuel Congregation. 5959 N. Sheridan Road, (800) 838-3006, www.brownpapertickets.com.

Activity at Edgewater Medical Center

(photo courtesy of Flickr user Comtesse DeSpair)

A reader writes in:
"Does anyone have any idea what is going on at the Edgewater Medical Center on Ashland? There have been some trucks going in and out of an entrance on Edgewater Ave in between the main building and the parking lot for the last couple of weeks now, and I'm interested to know what is going on as I live in that neighborhood."

Does anyone have any insight as to what this activity is?

Saturday: Winter Farmer's Market

(Click to enlarge)

Police activity @ Thorndale/Broadway

Multiple readers wrote in about police activity at Thorndale and Broadway yesterday late afternoon. It appeared that two large groups of teenagers gathered and were facing off, about to fight. Multiple teens were spotted being held along a fence by police. Does anyone have any additional information on this incident?

Happy St. Patrick's Day

Happy St. Patrick's Day, Edgewater. Where will you venture out to get your St. Patrick's day fix of corned beef & green beer? It's a shame the Thorndale Delicatessen is no longer. But, if you want a delicious corned beef sandwich, we recommend stopping by JB's Deli (5501 N Clark).

Ladies: Reduced priced spa services!

Dove Deodarant is hosting a "Spring 2010 Spa Week" throughout Illinois featuring spa services, massages, etc. for just $50 during the week of April 12th -18th. Edgewater/Andersonville's own Continuum Studio (5671 N Clark) will be participating offering a 60 minute massage, Signature facial or 45 minute LED facial for just $50. To participate, you must sign up with Dove here.

Make Sure Edgewater Counts in the 2010 Census!

The Edgewater Complete Count Committee invites you to a one-hour brainstorming meeting :

TUESDAY, MARCH 16 at 1 P.M.
Edgewater Community Council
6044 N. Broadway
Phone: 773-334-5609

Please RSVP to Jason Liechty at execdir@edgewatercommunitycouncil.org if you plan to attend.
The Census is important for our children, seniors, family and the neighborhood. Population figures collected through the Census are used to distribute more than $400 billion in federal funds each year to communities for establishing and improving schools, hospitals, roads and senior services.

But fewer than 57% of Edgewater residents mailed back their census forms in 2000. Help the Edgewater Complete Count Committee brainstorm ways to count everyone in our neighborhood and ensure our fair share of resources!

Lower Your Mortgage and Bills Seminar

From Mary Ann Smith's eNewsletter:

Saturday, March 20
10:00 a.m. - Noon
St. Augustine College
1333 W. Argyle
Seminar sponsored by the Citizens Utility Board and North Side Community Federal Credit Union will present ways to lower utility costs, mortgage payments and property taxes and provide information about programs to help struggling home owners. To register, call 773 769-5800 X 224.

Tommorow is Zday

Local Chicago Group Celebrates ZDay, a Global Awareness Event

On Saturday, March 13th, 10AM in the Edgewater neighborhood, supporters of The Illinois Chapter of The Zeitgeist Movement will present a free event open to the community in honor of Zeitgeist Day 2010 (shortened: ZDay). ZDay is an annual day of global action, occurring yearly in the month of March, designed to explore the root causes of the unfolding world financial, environmental, and labor collapses that are not discussed in mainstream press or academia, and a proposed solution.

Chicago, IL, March 12, 2010 --(PR.com)-- On Saturday, March 13th from 10AM to 9PM in Chicago's Edgewater neighborhood, supporters of The Illinois Chapter of The Zeitgeist Movement will present a free event open to the community in honor of Zeitgeist Day 2010 (shortened: ZDay). ZDay is an annual day of global action, occurring yearly in the month of March, designed to explore the root causes of the unfolding world financial, environmental, and labor collapses that are not discussed in mainstream press or academia, and to increase awareness about a proposed solution that involves the creative application of Science and Technology for social concern on a global scale in the form of a "Resource-Based Economy".

For more information and registration, visit http://chapters.thezeitgeistmovement.com/il/

Event recap:
Thursday March 11 starting at 7PM: ZDAY2010 Orientation lecture and Q&A
Saturday March 13 starting at 10AM: ZDAY2010 Event Live Streaming and Q&A
Location: 6165 N Winthrop, Chicago (Artists in Residence bldg, large community room)
Registration: http://www.ZDay2010.org

Read the entire press release here.

Mural painted in honor of graffiti artist

Friends of Jason Kitchekeg, the 26 year old graffiti artist who died after jumping into the Chicago River while being chased by Chicago Police earlier this week, gathered to paint a mural in his honor on a wall of the Balmoral Auto Werks bodyshop building behind the Radio Shack located near Balmoral on Broadway. Kitchekeg was being chased by police for spray-painting an abandoned building on South Ashland on Tuesday evening. Kitchekeg lived with his wife in Mokena but was a long time resident of the Uptown neighborhood. Friends had the owners permission to paint the mural on the building, which can be observed from the Red Line.

Source: ChicagoBreakingNews.com

Artists in Motion in NY Times

The New York Times Chicago report published an article today about the Artists in Motion program here in Edgewater. The Chicago report features coverage of public affairs, culture, lifestyle and sports in the region and is produced by the Chicago News Cooperative, a non-profit news organization.

From the NY Times article:

As the recession takes its toll on retailing, empty storefront windows throughout the Chicago area are turning into “pop-up” art galleries, the result of an opportune alignment of interests among artists, landlords and chambers of commerce.

The temporary galleries, which have also sprung up in New York, Paris and other cities, provide a showcase for many artists at a time when conventional galleries are closing or struggling to survive. Although the trend does not signal a sudden cultural awakening among business owners, many of them consider the displays preferable to papered-over or blacked-out windows.

Continue reading

LEN: Curtains Up For Restored Senn Campus Auditorium

By Lorraine Swanson, Lake Effect News

Students, faculty, alumni, parents, VIPs, local elected officials and community members gathered last Friday evening for the unveiling of the newly restored Senn Campus Auditorium, and by all accounts, opening night was a smash.

Like an aging screen siren, the auditorium at Nicholas Senn High School at 5900 N. Glenwood Ave. had seen better days. The wooden seats were cracked. The sight lines were lousy. A boom box and bed sheet had to do for a sound system and movie screen, a sad decline for a once proud performance space that was the rave of the North Side when the school opened its doors in Edgewater in 1911.

Continue Reading

From the Edgewater Historical Society

Saturday, March 20th at 10 a.m. -- The Edgewater Historical Society is presenting a program to be held at the Edgewater Branch of the Chicago Public Library, 1210 W. Elmdale Ave.
The President of the Chicago History Museum, Gary Johnson, will be our speaker. His topic will be the love affair between Abraham Lincoln and Chicago. Mr. Johnson shows his love of both as he speaks. The event is free, but donations are gratefully accepted. The museum is open every Saturday from noon-4pm and upon request.

Bomb scare at Granville and Broadway

ChicagoBreakingNews.com is reporting that a suspicious suitcase was found on the corner of Granville and Broadway causing a bomb scare. The area was cordoned off and the CTA ordered the Red Line to be stopped around 6:50pm between Berwyn and Howard. You can read their story here.

According to comments on the ECB Facebook page, the package was blown up by police and it was determined that it was NOT a bomb.

Chicago Tribune covers Rocco Lopez murder

Edgewater neighbors angered man’s killing labeled self-defense
Chicago Tribune
By Georgia Garvey

Authorities dropped their investigation into the slaying of a man in the Edgewater Beach neighborhood, calling it self-defense, but an activist who has dug deeply into the case wants it reopened.

Killian Walsh, president of the Edgewater Beach Neighbors Association, remembers the balmy September evening last year when Rocco Lopez was stabbed in the neck. She recalls the sirens and the memorials left where the young father of three fell on West Berwyn Avenue.

Haunted by the details and the way the investigation seemed to fade, she and her neighbors pored over police files, talked to witnesses and pursued leads.

What they discovered, they say, has convinced them that the man who killed Lopez and stabbed Lopez's friend, Mario Flores, 19, should not be walking their streets. They said they plan to launch an online petition to draw attention to what happened and have asked prosecutors to reconsider the decision not to pursue charges.
Continue reading

Craigslist scam

A reader wrote to inform us that they had been the victim of a scam on Craigslist. The reader posted a "for rent" advertisement on the Craigslist website in hopes of renting out their home. Someone stole the photos and description of her home, reposted the information as their own, and was soliciting up-front payment for the rental unit's first month's rent and security deposit when interested parties inquired about the rental. After confronting the scammer via email, the reader contacted Craiglist to have the post removed only to have them show up the next day and posted in multiple cities.

Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project Featured in the Chicago Tribune

The Edgewater Community Council's Edgewater Environmental Sustainability Project (EESP) was the featured cover story of the "Chicagoland Extra" section of the Chicago Tribune on March 5th. Check out the article here.

Smash & Grabs on the rise?

A Yelper warns residents that smash and grab incidents are up in the neighborhood, particularly around Thorndale and Sheridan. We can only imagine that the number of these car break ins will increase as the weather gets warmer. Remember to not leave anything of value in your vehicle while it is parked outside, and if you have a GPS system take it, and the bracket holder, inside with you.

Community Massage Therapy with Yoga Now

Dates: Sun 3/14/2010
Time: 7:45 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.

Progress at Clark and Berwyn

It looks like things are coming along nicely with the rehab of this interesting building in Andersonville. The Pars convenience store has moved one door south, but we're not sure if that's permanent or just for the duration of the work being done. There's also a significant amount of office space for rent on the second floor.

Oscars Party

OSCARS PARTY 2010
Broadway Cellars, 5900 N Broadway
20 WINES - 20 DOLLARS

Flat Screen TV's, all the action, every award.

20 Wines to taste including
Oscar worthy wines from Oscar winners
Francis Ford Coppola and Paul Newman.

A beautiful buffet full of dishes inspired
by this years nominated films.

Tasting runs from 6 - 9- pm
Oscar Telecast starts at 7 pm
Plenty of Wine, Plenty of Food!

Pick the most Oscar winners and win a Broadway Cellars goody bag of hot wines.

Saturday: Artisians Sale

Edgewater Community Artisans Sale
1020 W Ardmore (at Kenmore)
Saturday, 10AM - 5PM
(this event occurs the first Saturday of each month)
Artisians gather to sell handmade wares from soaps to purses to art.

Giannoulias interview with the Tribune

Alexi Giannoulias recently visited the Chicago Tribune’s editorial board to answer questions about the struggles and real estate deals of Broadway Bank, the financial institution owned by the Giannoulias family. Read the article here.

Bedbugs Seminar

Protect your home from Bedbugs!

The experts from the Safer Pest Control Project will be teaching how to keep bedbugs out of your house or apartment and what to do if you already have bedbugs

Saturday March 13, 2010 @ 12:30PM

Epworth United Methodist Church
5253 N. Kenmore Avenue - Chicago, IL 60640

Brought to you by The Edgewater Community Council

For more information contact Derick Anderson, ECC Housing Director at 773-381-1345

WANTED

The CPD is asking the 20th (Foster) police district for help identifying these two men, who are accused of burglarizing a business at 3400 N Southport on February 14th.

If you have any information as to the possible identity of the two offenders depicted above, please contact the Area 3 Detective Division at 312) 747-8263.

First Friday Koval Spirits Tasting @ In Fine Spirits

Friday, March 5 from 6-8pm
Join In Fine Spirits at the shop (5418 N Clark) for complimnetary samples of liqueurs and spirits from Koval, our neighborhood distillery.

Beat 2023 CAPS meeting

The next CAPS meeting for Beat 2023 will be held on Thursday, March 11th @ 7pm. The meeting will take place at 5225 N Kenmore.

Friday: Senn Auditorium opening

Senn Campus Auditorium Opening

Where: 5900 N. Glenwood
When: Friday, March 5, 2010 at 7:00 PM

Join us as we raise the curtain for the first time at the new Senn Auditorium. The 1,100 seat theater has been restored to its former glory and now features state-of-the-art sound, lighting, and audio-visual systems.
Featuring Rickover Naval Academy Band, Senn High School Gospel Chorus, Joel Hall Dancers, and a Premiere of "Hall of Jubilance"

Meet your neighbors

TheNeighborhoodFirst.org announced that it has slated its first Meet-Your-Neighbors dinner in Edgewater at St. Andrew’s Pub, 5938 N. Broadway Ave., on Tues., March 9 at 7 p.m.

The dinners, which the group hopes to hold regularly and expand to Uptown and Rogers Park, are designed to foster community-building and networking among residents and neighbors. It is hoped that through the discussions and interactions over dinner, relationships will be established that ultimately lead to an improved sense of community.

For more info: click here.

Tomorrow: Pierce Elementary open house

Peirce Open House

Friends of Peirce & The Local School Council and the SIPAAA Committee cordially invite you to an Open House for business and community leaders to learn about opportunities to support excellence in learning

Helen C. Peirce Elementary
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
6 p.m. - 8 p.m.
1423 West Bryn Mawr
RSVP at http://www.friendsofpeirce.org/kickoff

Benefit for Chicago Tap Theatre

Chicago Tap Theatre's Shim Sham Shindig Benefit!
March 6th from 8:00pm -11:00pm
Swedish American Museum
5211 N. Clark St.
Join Chicago Tap Theatre for the tappening-est party of the year! Delectable desserts, delicious drinks, smoldering entertainment, and the best silent auction in Chicago await you at the Shim Sham Shindig. The event features a sneak preview of CTT's upcoming Story Show, "Love Taps" and a chance to buy discounted tickets. *Tickets are $40 per person and include desserts, drinks, entertainment, and support of Chicago Tap Theatre's mission of bringing the best of American tap dance to Chicago. They are available through Brown Paper Tickets by visiting www.chicagotaptheatre.com or by calling 1-800-838-3006. Reduced rates are available for students and dancers by calling 773-655-1175.

Poluck dinner @ YogaNow

Bring a vegetarian dish, dessert, drinks to share or flowers for the studio.

Potluck Dinner hosted by Yoga Now Edgewater and Ras Dashen. Come enjoy dinner with the Edgewater community!