Where am I located?

We spotted this lighthouse in the neighborhood, which is a part of the Edgewater Community Council's 50th Anniversary Celebration. We're curious if you can guess where it is at. If anyone else has seen lighthouses in the neighborhood, let us know. Or better yet, send us photos!

Tonight: Thorndale Open House

Join Harry Osterman at the new Thorndale Community Safety Center tonight. Click the flyer below to enlarge it.

Shots fired at Glenlake and Winthrop?

In what seems to be a recent trend along the Winthrop/Kenmore corridor, this afternoon we received another report of shots fired. A reader says "I'm an Edgewater resident near Glenlake and Winthrop. I heard about 6-8 shots fired last night near the intersection around 10:50 PM. I went to the window and noticed a small group of teenagers running east on Glenlake toward Sheridan Rd. Cops arrived within minutes but from the looks of it they didn't find anything."

ECC Executive Director Jason Liechty laid off

The Edgewater Community Council has announced that it is laying off Executive Director Jason Liechty, effective July 1st. The non-profit was advised by Liechty to consider laying off the Executive Director (himself) to reduce expenses. ECC President Reggie Griffin will be taking over as acting interim executive director, assisted by other members of the Board of Directors. You can read the press release here on the ECC website. We wish Jason the best of luck in his future edeavours.

Sunday car crash leaves 7 injured on Sheridan

From ChicagoBreakingNews.com:

Seven people were injured in an auto accident in the Far North Side's Edgewater neighborhood about midday today, a fire official said.

Three of the victims suffered serious injuries in the crash, which took place about noon near the intersection of Granville Avenue and Sheridan Road, Fire Department Kevin MacGregor said.

One person with serious injuries was taken via ambulance to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center; two others with serious injuries were taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, he said. Four other people were taken to Weiss Memorial Hospital with minor injuries.

No information on the circumstances of the crash was immediately available from police.

4th of July Celebration Details

The following streets will be closed to traffic at 7:00 PM Sunday July 4 (Some local traffic with an official Photo ID that show your address may be let through to return home)*: * This depends on how open the streets are. Could there be gridlock?? It may be better to return home before this time and walk in and out if needed.

Lawrence East of Broadway

Foster East of Broadway

Kenmore (Lawrence to Foster)

Winthrop (Lawrence to Foster)

Sheridan (Lawrence to Foster)

Marine Drive (Lawrence to Foster)

Lake Shore Drive exits at Lawrence and Foster will be closed.

Margate Field House will be close to the public on Sunday since it will the forward command post for Police and Fire for this celebration location.

Traffic access to the park will be closed early in the day

Marine Drive may closed to all Parking and cleared of cars 24 to 48 hours earlier

The fire works will start at 9:00 PM and will be from a barge located off the shore between Lawrence and Foster.

Birkam Yoga!

Today's Groupon features Birkam Yoga at 5715 N Clark. The deal is $40 for a 20-Lesson package, a $220 value. What a steal!

Edgewater Farmers Market kicks off Saturday July 3rd

The Edgewater Farmers Market runs every Saturday from 8 AM to 1PM from July 3rd through October 10th at 6034 N. Broadway (at Norwood). This year's Market will feature more even more vendors and offerings, so stop by if you have the chance!

More details are available at the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce.

Car Stolen

This should go without saying, but don't leave the keys in your car...a reader writes:

This morning around 7am I was at the Starbucks at Bryn Mawr/Winthrop, doing the Sunday Crossword, sitting inside along the window that faces Winthrop. A guy pulled up in his silver/gray car and got out of his car to go inside to get his morning cup of joe. The car was no less than 10 feet from the Bryn Mawr corner on the east side on Winthrop.

Well, I couldn't tell if he left the engine running, but a tall, thin black guy (30ish, definitely NOT a teen or early 20-something) in a black and cream Hawaiian type shirt came strolling on an angle toward the car slowly. I looked up from my puzzle and he was nearing the car. I saw him look around (almost as if he was crossing a street) then his head bent down into the car (I was almost 100% sure this wasn't the guy who got out of the car) and he must've seen keys in the ignition and he pulled the handle and then moved like a bat out of hell and hopped into the car.

I heard a guy from inside the Starbucks holler "Hey, get outta my car" The owner ran out and banged on the side of the car. The car pulled away and slowed down when it got to Bryn Mawr (only about 10 feet), and made sure no cross traffic was coming. By this time the car owner caught up to his car and was banging on the trunk. There was a raised "fin" over the trunk lid which he grabbed, but as the thief pulled away the fin came off the trunk and the owner fell face first in the street. The stolen car went south on Winthrop.

Both Starbucks and the owner called the police. They showed up around 10 minutes later and took reports.

Just a reminder, no matter how short a time you tink you might be away from your car, NEVER leave the keys in the ignition, or the car unlocked.

Stormy Nights

We came across these photos on Flickr of the neighborhood during (after?) the recent storm and had to share them. Kudos to the Flickr user "rwchicago" - check out his entire photo stream here.

(Edgewater Beach Apartments)

(Bryn Mawr facing East)

Blockbuster set to close?

We've been wondering if our local Blockbuster video store would make it, as other video renting options such as RedBox and online/mail order options such as Blockbuster Online and Netflix become more popular than brick and mortar stores. Today we noticed a "Space For Lease" sign above the awning at Blockbuster store at Berwyn & Broadway. The store is still open, but we wouldnt be surprised if they are trying to get out of their lease through a sublease or if they do not renew at it's expiration.

More Shots Fired

A reader wrote us last night indicating that he heard more shots fired just south of Foster behind Goudy Elementary School in the alley between Kenmore and Winthrop around 10:45PM. He claims to have heard 9 or 10 shots - this is particularly disturbing considering there was just gunfire one block north of this location about a week ago.

If anyone has any further information on last nights shooting, please let us know.

Tonight: For Colored Girls Who Have Considered Suicide When the Rainbow is Enuf

Presented by InnateVolution Theatre @ The Call (1547 W Bryn Mawr)
June 17, 2010 - June 26, 2010
Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays @ 8PM

Vintage Magic Uncorked at In Fine Spirits

Tuesday June 29th will be your last chance this year to catch magician Scott Masterson as he commands the 35 seat room above In Fine Spirits in Andersonville. Masterson performs vintage style parlor tricks and illusions which include but are not limited to making bottles of absinthe disappear, various card tricks and even recreating a seance with a levitating table.

If you're interested in attending, reservations can be made here. The event begins at 7:30 PM.

Andersonville Farmer's Market

Remember that today is the first day of the Andersonville Farmer's Market, located on Berwyn between Clark and Ashland. The market will run each Wednesday through September 8th from 3PM - 8PM. Today's market entertainment includes kidfriendly singer/songwriter Emily Palmer and Hillions String Band. For more info and a list of vendors click here.

Got a light?

Andersonville house vs. condo sales

Andersonville houses (blue) vs. condos and townhomes (red) sold monthly

Did you know that there are typically less than 5 houses and less than 15 condos sold in Andersonville within any given month? The above graph (courtesy of Chicago Metro Area Real Estate) plots the ups and downs of sales figures from July 2008 to June 2010, providing an interesting perspective on market trends.

Mulle's Outdoor Adventure

Swedish American Museum (5211 N Clark)
Saturday, June 26, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

All ages are welcome for this family event to help remind children to enjoy and appreciate nature and outdoor life, through the eyes of the Swedish character Mulle. Participants can make an eco-friendly craft and enjoy an urban nature walk. Reservations are required. Cost is $5 per child, children under 2 are free. Please call the Museum at 773.728.8111 to make your reservation.

Lighthouses coming to Edgewater

Press Release: 6/21/10

Chicago had cows. Wrigley has a noodle. Edgewater has lighthouses.
Edgewater will be glowing this summer with handmade wooden lighthouses. Two 10-foot lighthouses will be unveiled Saturday, June 26, at 10 a.m. at Gethsemane Garden Center, Clark and Victoria. They are sponsored by Gethsemane.

The lighthouses light the way for the 2010 celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Edgewater Community Council (ECC). Each lighthouse will be decorated in a unique manner by sponsoring businesses and local partners who will display them. Lighting is solar.

The lighthouses reflect the theme, Edgewater Community Council Anniversary, Lighting the Way for 50 Years. Other lighthouse sponsors also will show their creations at Gethsemane Gardens Saturday. Decorating themes run from artistic to amusing.

Among those expected to attend are Mary Ann Smith, Alderman 48th Ward; Marion K. Volini, former 48th Ward Alderman, and Reggie Griffin, president of Edgewater Community Council.

The event kicks off a calendar of observances that includes a juried Art Festival in Berger Park on the lakefront at Granville on Saturday and Sunday, July 17 and 18, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.. During the festival, maps will be available showing the location of the lighthouses to encourage visitors to go on a Lighthouse Crawl..

Also on July 17 a non juried art fair, Galeries de Granville, featuring Artists in Motion, will be held on Granville east of Broadway.
In the fall, Edgewater Community Council will hold an anniversary gala where some of the more lavishly decorated lighthouses will be auctioned to benefit the community council.

For more information, please contact Marion Volini, 773/275-0808, or marionvolini@comcast.net.

Mugging on Catalpa

(photo from Garret Rock on Flickr)

We received the following information from the Lakewood Balmoral Residents Council. A troubling story considered this occured in broad daylight - we're thankful the victim only suffered minor injuries and wish her a speedy recovery:
"A 27 year old young woman was mugged on Catalpa between Magnolia and Lakewood around 3 p.m. Saturday. She was walking west on Catalpa and a black man got out of an older white Trans Am, crossed the street to follow her, then grabbed her purse and ran. The man in the waiting car pointed a gun at the girl. The man who grabbed the purse hit the girl in the head with some type of weapon. The girl was screaming as she chased the man. A neighbor heard her and immediately ran outside to help. The man jumped in the car and drove away, pointing the gun at another responder standing across the street. Neighbors provided ice and towels to stop the bleeding. Police and ambulance were called and she was taken to the emergency room with what appeared to be minor wounds. I think some of the neighbors got a partial license plate number.”

Huge Potholes on Sheridan

A reader informed us on Facebook that there are currently two large potholes on Sheridan Road - one in front of St. Andrews Church on Sheridan, and one at 5815 N Sheridan. We recommend readers call 311, Streets and Sanitation and the Alderman's office until these are fixed.

Indie Cafe applies for liquor license

Popular Asian restaurant Indie Cafe (5951 N Broadway) has applied for a liquor license. One of the draws to the spot was the fact that it is BYOB - we're curious if they will still allow patrons to BYOB while they serve booze, as other businesses have done. Read our review of Indie Cafe in 2009 here.

Slow Food/Goose Island Brewmaster’s dinner

Slow Food/Goose Island Brewmaster’s dinner at Uncommon Ground (1401 W. Devon Ave.; 773-465-9801) on June 21st, for $75. An appetizer reception in the certified-organic rooftop garden—paired with Demolition—starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by four courses—paired with Sofie, Fleur, Matilda, and Père Jacques—at 7 p.m. (The menu touts its local ingredients, so ignore the Prince Edward Island mussels and wild Alaskan salmon.)

Johnny Sprockets

I just returned from picking up my bike at Johnny Sprockets Bicycle Sales and Service (1052 W. Bryn Mawr). It had been in storage for a few years and required a tune-up and cleaning. My experience with Johnny Sprockets was great from start to finish. I made an appointment, took my bike in and a staff member looked it over. I was given a quote for the work, and they called me right on schedule to come and pick it up when it was finished. I arrived this morning when they opened, and I can honestly say my bike is in essentially in new condition. It's a huge improvement compared to how it was running a few days ago. I definitely recommend Johnny Sprockets for all your cycling needs!

Underground Supper Club

According to TimeOut Chicago, Lettuce Entertain You will be hosting an underground supper club at its Lettuce Lab - its test kitchen right here in Edgewater at 5419 N Sheridan. The mysterious events will likely begin this summer, though they will not be widely publicized. If anyone catches any further information, make sure to share with the rest of us!

Shots fired - Winthrop & Berwyn

From the EBNA Block Club:
A little after midnight late Thursday/early Friday a bullet was shot through the living room window at 5253 N. Winthrop. The owner was in the living room, sitting in a chair by the window, with the lights on. A bullet entered midway through the top pane about 4 feet above my head. The owner was not injured. The owner called the police and they came and took a report. The police recovered a bullet from the floor in the living room. According to the officers who took the report, others on the block heard 3 shots fired and also called the police. They said one person saw someone running after hearing the shots.

Two days prior to this incident gang graffiti appeared on the door of 5253 Winthrop. The owner called 311 and the city worker said it would be about 2 weeks before they can come out to remove it. We are not sure if the gun shot and the gang graffiti are related, but it seems that way.

Backlot Bash, June 26-27

2010's Backlot Bash will take place on pride weekend, June 26th and 27th at 5238 N. Clark St. (behind Cheetah Gym).

The event was started 7 years ago by a group of girls in Andersonville who wanted to establish an event to celebrate pride weekend by promoting musical artists, businesses and charities. This year's Backlot Bash kicks off on Saturday, running from 3-10 PM. Festivities continue on Sunday from 2-10 PM. Tickets are $10 before 5PM and $15 after.

EBNA Block Club Meeting

EDGEWATER BEACH NEIGHBORS ASSOCIATION (E.B.N.A.)
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, June 22, 2010 (7:00pm-8:00pm)
EDGEWATER PRESPREBTERIAN CHURCH - KENMORE AND BRYN MAWR

Poll winner: Trader Joe's

Our latest poll asked: What business would you most like to see come (or return) to the Edgewater neighborhood? Trader Joe's was the overwhelming winner taking 60% of the vote. We suggest you contact Trader Joe's directly here and fill out their "Location Request Form," letting them know how badly you want Two Buck Chuck wine and their other fine groceries available in Edgewater/Andersonville. We emailed them the results of this poll, but the more people that contact them the better.

LEN covers Furry Friends Summerfest event

Lake Effect News visited the pet focused Furry Friends Summerfest event at the Broadway Armory. You can read all about it here, and check out Furry Friends yourself at the Broadway Armory every Wednesday this summer from 5:30PM - 8:00PM.

Man robbed, 2 teens caught

According to the Chicago Sun Times, an man in his 50's was robbed in the 1400 block of West Berwyn just after midnight today. Two teenagers, aged 16 and 17, stole the man's backpack but then were arrested just five minutes later by Chicago Police.

Source: Chicago Sun Times

Gaztro Wagon is open for business

We received an email from owner Matt Maroni that Gaztro-Wagon has parked (and opened) in Edgewater at 5973 N Clark. The restaurant serves up street food stuff in Naan bread called "Naan-wiches." The idea is to eventually serve the food mobily all over the city. We recently posted some local new coverage of this new concept here.

4th of July Fireworks info

From Alderman Smith's eNewsLetter:
July 4 Fireworks Come to Edgewater; Expect Traffic Jams

This year, Chicago's July 4th Fireworks will take place in three locations including on the lakefront between Lawrence and Foster. While this will give our community an unprecedented view of the display, it also will mean unprecedented traffic. The 15 minute display will begin at 9:00 p.m., with accompanying music broadcast by The Mix, 101.9.

To ensure everyone's safety and access to the lakefront, the City has been planning for traffic and crowd control for several months.

Margate Park field house will be command central, and the police and fire departments will closely monitor both pedestrian and vehicle traffic flow. 20th District Commander Lucy Moy-Bartosik recommends that people walk to the park if at all possible.

The CTA will be increasing public transit into our area. While street closings have not been defined, the police anticipate that, at some point, it will be so crowded neaer the park that some streets will have to be closed to motor vehicles. There will be no parking on the east side of Marine Drive between Lawrence and Foster.

Everyone is encouraged to have an ID with their current address on it, especially if they want to access their off- street parking in the area.

We will update you in the next newsletter if there are any changes to these plans.

TimeOut Chicago features Andersonville's vintage treasures

As many of us know, Andersonville is a destination for shops featuring incredible vintage furniture and home accessories. TimeOut Chicago recently compiled a listing of some of the most prominent shops on the Clark St. strip, which is a great resource.

Edgewater Beach Hotel Entrance, 1915

Here's a great postcard from the Edgewater Beach Hotel I haven't seen before. The quality of the photo is remarkable, considering it was taken 95 years ago!

Tonight: Chef's Care for Real

The first in a series of "Chef's Care for Real" dining events which are hosted by different neighborhood restaurants is tonight. Dine out at Broadway Cellars (5900 N Broadway) from 5PM - 10PM and a portion of the revenue from the evening will be given back to Care for Real. Reservations can be made by calling (773) 944-1208. Owners Tom and Geri Foley say there will be menu specials, and Tuesday is always "half price wine night."

Art & Soul in the news

Andersonville's Art & Soul (5412 N Clark) was featured in this month's FamilyTime magazine - click the image above to enlarge it. Art & Soul offers art therapy and counseling services for young children, adolescents and families. Art & Soul's Board-Certified, Registered Art Therapists and Licensed Clinical Professional Counselors are network providers for Blue Cross Blue Shield.

Found Cat 1443 Winnemac

This cat was found at 1443 Winnemac - if you or someone you know know who this cat belongs to, please visit this Craigslist ad.

Bus stop removal proposed

The Epworth United Methodist Church is proposing to have the bus stop located on Berwyn just east of Kenmore removed (1000 W Berwyn - visable in the lower left hand corner of the photo above). The church feels that the bus stop is redundant due to the stops just west as well as east on Sheridan. In addition, there have been loitering problems recently around the current bus stop.

Pasteur part deux

We came across this article on ChicagoMag.com stating that the owners of Pasteur are going to give it another run at the same location (5525 N Broadway). Pasteur was a Vietnamese restaurant in the Edgewater neighborhood which closed 3 years ago and has since sat vacant. Owner Kim Nguyen plans to renovate the space and open at the end of the year.

Another Thorndale Ave Event

Midsommarfest 2010

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Midsommarfest!

Driver Safety Class

AARP Driver Safety Program Class

Sponsored by and located in the Edgewater Senior Center

Tuesday, June 22 and

Thursday, June 24th

9 am to 1 pm each day

Edgewater Senior Center

5917 N. Broadway, Chicago

Course Fee:

$14.00 ($12.00 for AARP members)

It is a two-day course; participants must attend both classes. To register or for more information, please contact the Senior Center Office at 312-742-5187.

Cafe Adriatic open this weekend!

A reader informs us that Cafe Adriatic has opened on Clark Street. The new restaurant is serving Serbian and American food, in what we believe is the space formerly occupied by Gullies (5557 N Clark). The outdoor seating is not yet complete, but the inside is open in time for Midsommerfest. If anyone has more details, let us know!

Missing Edgewater Resident

From the Chicago Tribune:

Woman, 76, reported missing from Edgewater residence

June 10, 2010 1:03 PM | No Comments

An 76-year-old woman was reported missing today from her Edgewater residence on the Far North Side,Chicago police said.

Alemitu Demere was last heard from at 6 a.m. this morning. She went missing after leaving her residence in the 1700 block of West Thome Avenue.

She was last seen wearing a dark blue dress with white flowers and beige sandals.

Police described Demere (right) as being in a "confused state." They said she knows her name but does not know where she lives. Police also said she speaks little to no English.

She is African-American with a medium complexion, 4 feet tall, 130 pounds with brown eyes and black hair.

Anyone with information about Demere's whereabouts should call the Belmont Area special victims unit, 312-744-8266.

Edgewater Farmer's Market

The Edgewater Chamber of Commerce is launching a farmers market this summer that will run from July to October. Business owners who would like to promote their business through sponsorship or with a table at the event should give the Chamber a call at 773-561-6000 or email at info@edgewater.org.

Third Saturdays begin June 19th

The Third Saturdays community series kicks off Saturday, June 19 at 11 am with an area-wide sidewalk sale extravaganza! Explore your neighborhood and save!

Date: Saturday, June 19, 2010

Time: 11 AM - 3 PM

Place: Throughout Edgewater

Cost: FREE

Check out the Chamber's website for a growing list of participating businesses: www.edgewater.org

Walk or Donate to help Care for Real

The Greater Chicago Food Depository's 26th Hunger Walk will take place on Saturday, June 26th at Soldier Field. You can help Edgewater's local food panty, Care for Real, by joining the 5K walk or by donating to the Care for Real team here.

Edgewater Cookbook

The "Edgewater's Cooking" cookbook is now available for pre-sale through the Edgewater Community Council. The book is $20 and will be available for pickup in July. To order yours or learn more visit: www.edgewatercookbook.com.

Best place to catch a game: Pumping Company

Congrats to the Pumping Company (6157 N Broadway) for being voted as the best place in Edgewater to watch a sporting event. The former firehouse features plenty of TV's, a good bar menu (try the WINGS) & beer selection, and a friendly staff. P-Co barely edged out Mary's Rec Room by one vote.

We're looking to our readers for suggestions on our next poll. Have an Edgewater related issue you want to poll your neighbors on or want us to do another "Favorite _______" poll? Let us know!!!!

CHA opens family wait list

From the Edgewater Community Council:
For the first time in 10 years, the Chicago Housing Authority will open the Family Housing Wait List, adding 40,000 names to the rolls of those eligible for public housing units as they become available in CHA's family housing properties throughout Chicago. The Wait List will be comprised of names randomly chosen through a Wait List Lottery. To be eligible for the lottery, participants must register online for free anytime between June 14, 2010 and July 9, 2010. All registrations received during this four-week period will have an equal chance to be entered into the lottery.
For more information contact Derick Anderson, ECC Housing Director, at 773-381-1345.