Another Edgewater business progressing

If you're like us and live on the southeastern side of Edgewater and enjoy a good watering hole - this is a beautiful sight. We first reported that Burke's Public House was coming to the corner of Broadway & Balmoral in October of 2009, and in May they applied for a liquor license. However, since then we haven't seen much progress/work on the space. A reader sends us this photo today.

Nookies in November - becoming more of a reality

Multiple readers have informed us that the construction activity at Nookies is continuing at a fast pace. On a few occassions workers have had the boards that cover the windows removed, and readers have been able to see inside where the workers are working furiously including installing drywall. In addition, they are redoing the sidewalk in front of the building. If anyone captures a photo of the construction activity or progress, please share it with us.

Personally, I am excited for Nookies to come to Bryn Mawr as that corner has sat empty for years and another business/dining option in the area is always welcome. However, as a former Lakeview resident I would say my past Nookies experiences have been average though I will be sure to give the new one another shot (or two, or three) if it does indeed every open. I'm curious how our readers feel who have dined at a Nookies location previously - vote in our latest poll! For those unfamiliar with Nookies, check them out on the web: www.nookiesrestaurants.net

Flourish 2.0

We mentioned last month that Flourish Bakery & Cafe (1138 W Bryn Mawr) was under new ownership, so of course we had to check it out. The new owners were quick to give the space a facelift in August, and also made some tweaks to the menu (click here to view the new menu). The same friendly service remains, as do many of the sweets that people have been lovin' since Flourish opened in 2006. We stopped in for lunch, and ordered the California Turkey sandwich (with potato salad), the Chopped Chicken salad, and topped it off with a German chocolate cupcake. Everything was delicious, and the portions were hearty. My only critique, and its a minor one at that, was that the lettuce pieces in the "chopped" salad were huge, they needed more chopping. But thankfully it was served with a knife, so this was easily remedied. Whether you've never been to Flourish, or haven't been there recently, we highly recommend you check out the place and the recent improvements the new owners have made. As if you need more reason to go, they will be featuring 2 soups daily with the fall/winter seasons upon us, according to their website (http://www.flourishbakerycafe.com/).

48th Ward Remains Among Safest in the City

From Alderman Mary Ann Smith's newsletter:

Despite an increase in violence over the summer, which occurred throughout most of Chicago, the 48th Ward remains one of the safest in the City. According to the Chicago Police Department's Crime Summary Reports, we were 47th out of 50 Wards in both index crime and overall crime for the 12 months ending September 14.

Index crimes are the eight crimes the FBI combines to produce its annual crime index. These offenses include willful homicide, forcible rape, robbery, burglary, aggravated assault, larceny over $50, motor vehicle theft and arson.

Both the 20th and 24th Police Districts are working closely with our office and neighborhood groups to target problem areas. We've asked the police to step up patrols, and they have. But, because police resources are allocated on 911 calls, criminal reports generated and input at the CAPS meetings, it is important that everyone continues to call 911 whenever they see something illegal or suspicious.

Meet Georgia

Famous Fido has asked us to feature a series of dogs that they are currently fostering at their pet rescue group located at 5240 N Clark. Today we introduce you to Georgia:
Georgia is a beautiful, extremely playful, snugly and friendly one-year-old, 35-pound, skinny brindle and white terrier-mix looking for a loving home.

Georgia is so sweet and cute; she gives kisses, knows the commands sit and down, and takes treats very gently from your fingers. She loves to play with her toys, and enjoys a game of fetch.

Georgia can be a little bossy with other dogs, but she gets along great with confident dogs, and she can play and play.

You can meet Georgia at Famous Fido’s 5430 N. Clark Street in Chicago.

Georgia is spayed, up-to-date on vaccines, micro-chipped, and heartworm-tested. To meet and possibly adopt her, please contact Gloria at fido@famousfidowholesale.com or 773-907-0305. Her adoption fee of $65 benefits the Friends of Chicago Animal Care and Control.

Edgewater Soaps on ABC7

Edgewater Soaps was recently featured on ABC7 news. The company makes liquid soap, body oil, bath balms and more, using all natural ingrediants wherever possible.

Andersonville Arts Weekend

Andersonville is celebrating its vibrant art scene during the 8th annual Andersonville Arts Weekend! The neighborhood will be packed on Friday, October 8th from 6:00-10:00 pm during Night of 100 Parties, the official kick-off to Arts Weekend featuring receptions at dozens of Andersonville businesses. On Saturday, October 9 and Sunday, October 10, you can pick up a map of all of the artists on display in area businesses, as well as attend a variety of workshops and performances throughout the weekend.

Are you Registered?

October 5th is the deadline to register to vote and be eligible to cast a ballot in the November 2, 2010 election. You can learn how to register or check your voter status here.

In addition, any registered voters can now vote by mail. For more info, click here.

Sexual assaults reported near Loyola

According to various news sources, there were 2 sexual assaults reported near the Loyola University campus this past weekend. One incident occured at the 6200 block of North Kenmore, and involved a Loyola student. A second, unrelated incident occured in the 6400 block of North Sheridan.

Sources: Chicago Sun Times, Chicago Tribune, CBS2 Chicago

EBNA Meeting Tonight

The EBNA block club will host its monthly meeting tonight at Edgewater Presbyterian Church (1020 W Bryn Mawr) from 7PM - 8PM. State Senate candidate Adam Robinson will be present and on the agenda.

EBNA serves residents living within the borders of the north side of Foster, south side of Hollywood - east side of Broadway, west side of Sheridan.

Thorndale Action Task Force

(click to enlarge)

Philip Bernstein running for 48th Ward Alderman

We received word on our Facebook page that there is a second candidate running for 48th Ward Alderman: Philip Bernstein. Here is more info on Philip from his "About Me" section of his campaign website:

Dear 48th Ward Citizens:

It is clearly time to end the decades of business as usual in the 48th Ward. It is time to send the ingrained politicians, the political class and the elitist insiders in this ward a message: your time is over. You have done enough damage to the ward, which you have regarded as your personal playground.The 48th ward now reverts back to its 62,000+ citizens, each and every one of them.

When elected Alderman, I will bring fresh air into the ward: professional decision making & management using basic economic and environmental principles and business practices designed to enhance the business community, the vibrancy of business and housing, and of course the resultant livability in the 48th.

No longer will decisions, and influence be had by a handful real estate developers and insiders whose primary objective is to enhance their standing and business at the expense of others. No longer will these insiders and zealots be in a position to say what is best for you: YOU will get your own say when I am alderman. I WILL OPEN MY OFFICES TO HEAR THE VIEWS OF EACH AND EVERY ONE OF YOU, NOT THROUGH SOME 3RD PARTY SPOKESPERSON.

I will forcefully advocate for our ward interests in City Hall. I will insure that our fair share of resources go to the Ward; that city budgets and assets be actively and professionally managed; that new taxes not be considered; that spending and budgets be tied to current tax collections and revenue; that city assets remain the property of the city, not sold to some insider business, hurting us all for decades and decades to come.

And most of all, I will be an independent voice, NOT a YES MAN in the City Council. Imagine the financial footing Chicago would be on if the City Council were made up of 50 independent thinkers, not 50 toadies? We would be the envy of the United States!

I will bring this ward to the status it so richly deserves: a beautiful lakefront community that should have vibrant and unique businesses, be free of crime, and whose worth is multiple times what exists at present.

We will make the 48th Ward what it should have been decades ago, before the insiders, zealots and professional politicians, and the pedigreed legacy political class took it over.

Enough of the current way of doing business. That way is bankrupt. People throughout the state of Illinois are coming to this realization. I know that the people of Edgewater are intelligent enough to come to this conclusion as well.

Together, we will make the 48th Ward the premier ward in the city, a model for good governance and decision making; a model for professional and independent representation in City Hall, and we'll do it the right way.

Sincerely,

Philip Bernstein

For more info on his campaign, visit his website: www.bernsteinforalderman.com

Last week at Senn - not a shootout, but gang activity

Last week we shared comments from a reader who thought there was a shootout at Senn High School on Wednesday. Apparently, that was not the case. Read the following from a faculty member at Senn High School:

I am writing in response to the post "Shootout At Senn High School?" Thankfully the person who posted this item is completely misinformed. Although there was a serious incident at the intersection of Ardmore and Ridge at about 6:10 p.m. on Wednesday, September 22, it did not involve a gun or gunfire. The incident actually involved an individual who was hit by a car as he ran away from the scene of a crime. This individual is a known gang member who along with five other gang members attempted to threaten and attack Senn students in Senn Park. When he ran into traffic and got hit by a car the police, paramedics and fire department responded. The car accident was a direct result of reckless and criminal behavior. It did not involve any sort of shootout. It is important that we get our facts right. Too many people are depending on this site for accurate information. Moreover, many community members are working to make Senn High School and the surrounding community safer. Irresponsible reporting makes this effort more difficult.

A home on the lakefront at 5965 N. Sheridan

Photo from Redfin.com

We've passed by this house a couple of times, and it definitely stands out. It's for sale right now, and can be yours for $1.65 million. For that price, would you renovate the home or demolish it and start new?

Know No Limits BOOT CAMP

Edgewater's own Know No Limits (6125 N Clark) is offering a special fall (peace-lovin) BOOTCAMP to help folks jumpstart their fitness routine. This four week program will include everything from group runs to strength training to sprints in the sand. It's a terrific way to lose those last few pounds or to finally get a fitness routine in motion before the winter months set in. (And for anyone who participates in the bootcamp KNL is also offering a special membership deal so you can keep up the good work through the winter when we need it most!)

Here are the details:
Bootcamp runs October 11th - November 5th
Four mornings a week from 6:30-7:30am (M, T, W, Th)
$200/all 4 weeks
Email info@know-no-limits.com to sign up SOON or just call 773-262-9229.

And for all of you who do the BootCamp, if you also sign up for a three month gym membership by Nov. 1 you get the third month free (no contracts or fees). That's a pretty awesome deal for all you Edgewaterites who know it's time to commit to a fitter winter!!

Charlie's Ale House to re-open as "Acre"

September 23, 2010

Dear Friends and Neighbors:

After many years in the Andersonville neighborhood, we have decided to undertake a make over of Charlie's Ale House. As you may know, the two of us opened Anteprima several years ago, in part, as a way to get back to our dining roots. We've had such a great time working with farm fresh seasonal ingredients that we wanted to incorporate that approach into a restaurant featuring a seasonal American menu supported by a food friendly beverage program. Because of our long term connection with the Andersonville/Edgewater neighborhood, we determined that the Charlie's Ale House space offered the best location for what we want to achieve. So, on October 3rd, Charlie's Ale House will serve its last meal to reopen on October 12th as Acre Restaurant. We want to emphasize that the casual and relaxed atmosphere of Charlies will remain the same, only the name will be different.

Acre will proudly feature:

-Ingredients that are in season, simply prepared, following Chef Carlos Ysaguirre’s approach to “buying the best, doing the least, and letting the ingredients be the star.”
-A seasonal menu appealing to a variety of culinary tastes featuring five categories – each with meat, fish and vegetarian options – ideal for selecting dishes to share or creating a multi-course meal.
-Charcuterie, sausage, pasta and bread that are made in house. Our grilled specialties will be cooked over hardwood.
-A specialized beverage menu including craft beer, food friendly wines and original cocktails.
-The Acre dining room that is modern and rustic, accommodating a quiet dinner for two or a large gathering.
-A casual Tap Room. The existing bar will remain as well as the comfortable booths. The Acre Tap Room will be serving handcrafted sandwiches, hearty regional soups, salads, and light entrees throughout the day.
-A Saturday and Sunday brunch menu (this will start a couple of weeks after Acre opens).

Please be sure to stop into Charlie’s during our farewell week starting September 27th for a chance to win one of one of twenty chef’s tastings for two at Acre.

Cheers,
Tim Rasmussen Marty Fosse

Proprietor Proprietor

Community Alert

5th Annual Andersonville Dessert Crawl

SUGAR ROUTE- $25 in advance:
Andies * Big Jones * The Coffee Studio * Fireside Restaurant * George's Ice Cream & Sweets *
In Fine Spirits * La Cocina de Frida * Mista * Noddle Zone * Swedish Bakery, hosted by Painted Light Photography & Framing Gallery * Starbucks * Taste of Lebanon, hosted by The Landmark of Andersonville

SPICE ROUTE- $25 in advance
Ann Sather * Charlie's Ale House * Ceres Table, hosted by necessary xTRAVagance * Hamburger Mary's * Kopi * M Henry, hosted by FOURSIDED * Piatto Pronto * Potbelly * Ranalli's * Starbucks * Terry's Toffee at the Andersonville Galleria * The Wooden Spoon

EVERYTHING NICE- $40 in advance
Both Sugar & Spice

Shootout at Senn High School?

From the Edgewater Community Buzz Facebook Page:
Dear ECB: My cousin witnessed a shootout at Senn High School on Wednesday. How come I haven't seen any news from any source about this incident. Love, A very concerned neighbor

Crosswalk Sting @ Broadway & Balmoral

As many readers are aware, the crosswalk at Broadway and Balmoral is a dangerous one to cross. EBNA and other residents and groups have long fought for a street light, stop sign, or other solution to protect pedistrians from oncoming traffic. As none of these initiatives have progressed for various reasons, we suggested a CPD traffic "sting" in this area (Call to Action: crosswalk enforcement) in hopes that the Alderman, CPD and other city officials would become more aware of the dangers and daily violations that occur at this intersection (as if a resident getting struck by the car wasn't enough evidence) so that a permanent solution would move forward before another incident occurs. We received word from a reader that a traffic sting did indeed take place this week:

CPD had a small sign in front of the Jewel saying something about crosswalk enforcment area... There was a cop by the pet store and two across the street by the hopefully new restaurant. There were two undercover cops that were crossing the street and when cars did not stop, in EITHER direction, the cops took off, wrote tickets and got back in position.

I tried crossing with my niece and cars were not stopping. The cops pulled out in to the intersection, let us cross and then pulled the cars for not stopping. Seriously, it was like a well choreographed dance... we saw about 10 people get pulled in about 10 minutes... and crossed the street easily... :)

UPDATE: According to this blog, The Expired Meter, enforcement also occured at Clark & Summerdale!

CAPS Beat 2433 Meeting

The next CAPS meeting for beat 2433 will be held on Tuesday, September 28th at 7pm. The meeting will take place at the Edgewater Library (Elmdale and Broadway).

Lost kitty - Kenmore & Balmoral

From Craigslist:

If you see my cat, Comma June, please call Mo immediately at 773-344-5791
She is black with orange and white markings (tortoise shell) and is sporting a "Lion Cut" shaved body, with longer fur around the face, legs and at the end of her tail. She is shy, and probably scared. Please help me bring her home.

UPDATE - COMMA JUNE HAS BEEN FOUND!!

Pomeroy Apartments Update

The Pomeroy Apartments CHA senior home, located at 1039 W Hollywood, has received $18.3 million in Recovery Act funding according to this Skokie Review (SunTimes) article. According to the article, US Rep Jan Schakowsky has placed the project in her White House report of "100 Recovery Act Projects that are Changing America." Mary Ann Smith's office first reported of the coming improvements in 2009 (we posted about it here) but today's Skokie Review article gives much more detail about the project:

The Pomeroy, an 87-year old, nine-story brick building on the north side of Chicago, was closed in 2006 because the aging mechanical systems were failing and the cost of ongoing repairs had become prohibitive. Recovery Act funding will enable the Chicago Housing Authority to rehabilitate the property and reconfigure the interior floor plans to create 104 one-bedroom apartments for senior citizen public housing. The building will undergo a renovation including new mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems, new elevators, new kitchen and bathroom cabinets, fixtures, and appliances. The Pomeroy Apartments project is part of CHA's plan to facilitate transformational energy efficiency and "green" retrofits in order to increase building efficiency and environmental performance of public housing properties and thereby reduce energy costs, generate resident and CHA energy savings, and reduce green house gas emissions attributable to energy consumption. The project will have a green (vegetated) roof providing insulation for the building, reducing heat loss in winter and cooling costs in the summer. Seventy-three workers will help with interior demolition, and 32 workers will help with various pre-development activities.

Chicago News Report reports Edgewater activity

According to the Chicago News Report, the Chicago police caught a man who was attempting to break into a woman's apartment on the 1000 block of West Thorndale.

In addition, CPD was called shortly later to the 5900 block of North Kenmore when someone reported a tall Hispanic man attempting to steal a bike. You can read that story here.

Reminder: GRalley this Saturday

Just a reminder that "Chicago's Largest Alley Party" is this Saturday. From Noon to 10PM the alleys surrounding St. Gertrudes parish will come alive with live music, beer gardens, food tents and kids entertainment. For more information click here.

After School Matters Hero #3: Gene Honda

A champion in the world of Chicago sports, Gene Honda fell into the After School Matters family on a complete whim. Honda, who previously worked for Chicago’s WLIT “Lite FM” for 16 years, found himself unemployed and speaking with friend David Sinski, executive director of After School Matters, about career options. Sinski presented Honda with the opportunity to construct a new program at After School Matters: sports broadcasting.

Honda has since become one of the best known public address announcers in the industry. His resume includes the Chicago White Sox, Chicago Blackhawks and the NCAA Final Four Tournaments, among many other broadcasting stints.

Honda believes that the most important thing that students acquire from his program is how to speak in public, even independently of sports language. He praises After School Matters teens for their open-mindedness and talent, and credits them with teaching him new, exciting things that help him in his job.

Honda recalls being most impressed with one of the outcomes of his program – a weekly high school sports show. One group of students suggested creating a bilingual show, because so much of their audience was Hispanic. “The students who grow through our program are so inspiring. This inventive idea is just one example of how remarkable they are,” said Honda.

After School Matters® is a nonprofit organization that offers an array of high quality, out-of-school-time opportunities for Chicago teens. Founded in a tented area of Block 37 in 1991 by Chicago’s First Lady Maggie Daley and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg, and known then as the gallery37 summer arts program, After School Matters has grown to offer 25,000 program opportunities annually at more than 150 locations throughout the city.

Discount @ Andies

We came across this Sweet Deal for a half-off "Groupon-like" deal at Andies restaurant (5253 N Clark) while reading the Uptown Update blog today. For $10 you will receive a voucher for $20 worth of food and drink, and it can be used at the Andersonville or Lakeview location.

Chefs Care for Real Dinner, 9/27

Antica Pizzeria (5663 N. Clark St.) is sponsoring the next dine out event on Monday, September 27th. Order off the menu, and Antica will donate a percentage of your check to Care for Real.

Reservations are strongly recommended and can be made by calling (773)944-1492. And remember to bring your own drinks, as Antica is BYOB!

See gang tags in your area? CALL 311!

I just called after discovering some recent tagging on a garage in an alley along the Winthrop/Kenmore corridor. 311 will make removal a priority, so be sure to call if you witness this type of activity.

Assault along lakefront

From ChicagoBreakingNews.com:

Man charged with assault near Foster Ave. beach
An Uptown man has been charged with attacking a woman in a public restroom in a park near the Foster Avenue beach, police said this morning.

Joseph Mbatchou, 29, of the 900 block of West Lawrence Avenue, was charged with attempted criminal sexual assault and battery.

A woman told police that Mbatchou came into the restroom at 5100 N. Simonds Drive in Margate Park around 12:20 p.m. Tuesday, struck her in the face and attempted to sexually assault her, police said.
Continue reading

Additional coverage: Chicago Sun Times

Condo Association/Board Training

(click image to enlarge)

Kegs for Kids @ Hopleaf

(click image to enlarge)

Lakewood Balmoral Resident's Council - General Meeting

The Lakewood Balmoral Residents' Council next General Meeting will be held next Tuesday, September 28th at Unity Lutheran Church, at Balmoral and Magnolia. Come hear LBRC updates and Harry Osterman present his Aldermanic Agenda. Snack at 7:15. The meeting beings at 7:30.

The Lakewood Balmoral Resident's council is a block club serving the area north of Foster and south of Bryn Mawr, and including the blocks of Wayne, Lakewood, Magnolia, Berwyn, Balmoral and Catalpa. You can also follow the LBRC on Facebook.

Pack the Car

The 11th Pack the Car event will be held on Saturday, September 25th from 9AM - Noon at the corner of Berwyn and Clark St. Look out for the cars with PTC signs and balloons. The focus for donations will be on food, winter coats, gloves, hats & baby items (diapers and formula).

PACK THE CAR is a grass roots effort started to offer a more convenient method to donate food and clothing for local community support groups. Most donations come into these organizations during the holidays, but it's the time in between when these organizations need our help.

Kathy Osterman Beach Clean-Up

TIF Forum

(click image to enlarge)

Andersonville Farmers Market

Just a reminder that the Andersonville Farmer's Market is being held each Wednesday through October 6th on Berwyn between Clark and Ashland. However, the market is now closing one hour earlier due to it getting darker earlier, so the event runs from 3PM - 7PM.

Edgewater Running Group

A new local running group has formed, the Edgerunners. Come socialize with your neighbors and enjoy the scenic beauty of the lakefront while getting fit. This is a non-competitive running group that meets every Wednesday night to run a 3,4 or 5 mile course depending on your fitness level/goals. Edgerunner's first run will take place on Wednesday, September 29th starting from the North end of Berger Park at 6:30pm. For more information please visit the group's meetup.com website.

La Cocina de Frida

Check out this article in the Chicago Sun Times profiling La Cocina de Frida (5403 N Clark) owner Marlene Benitez. Benitez opened the restaurant after losing her job as a school's bookstore manager.

If you have yet to check out La Cocina de Frida, we highly recommend you do so. Good food, margaritas, and service. And although the weather is becoming cooler, their patio in back is beautiful.

Rents Right Rental Housing Expo

The City of Chicago Department of Community Development and Chicago Rents Right Present:

The 7th Annual Rents Right Rental Housing Expo

Saturday · September 25, 2010

9 a.m. to 2 p.m. · Truman College · 1145 West Wilson Ave., Chicago IL 60640

Come Join Us As We Celebrate 13 Years of Chicago Rents Right and Learn What You Need to Know About Affordable Rental Housing in Chicago!

The Expo features dozens of vendors and workshops about rental housing

Good Tenants, Good Landlords, Great Neighborhoods!

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

Tomorrow: Harry Osterman Fundraiser

Talk like a pirate - get a discount

Did you know that every year there is a special day dedicated just to pirates? This Sunday, September 19th is Talk Like a Pirate Day! To celebrate, Chicagoland Games: Dice Dojo (5550 N Broadway) is offereing a special discount on Sunday only. Visit the shop and talk like a pirate to receive 5% off of your purchase. You may also dress in pirate garb or wear an eye patch to receive the discount!

While you're there, check out the demo library of almost 400 board games from all over the world, which are free to play anytime in the spacious game area. For this special holiday, we recommend Pirate Versus Pirate, the swashbucklin’ game of swords and rewaaarrrds!

For hours and location information, please visit www.chicagolandgames.com.

Edgewater Beach Hotel Interior

(photos courtesty of Chuckman's Photo's)

We've posted a few old photos of the Edgewater Beach Hotel's exterior in the past, but recently came across these postcards which show the interior of the Hotel from Chuckman's Chicago Nostalgia and Memorabilia blog. The blog has tons of old photos and postcards from throughout the city - we recommend you check it out.

In addition, you can view Edgewater specific photos on his photo blog by using the search feature. Click here for a shortcut.

Another Nookies update

We've been told on the ECB Facebook page that it was mentioned at the 48th Ward Democrats candidate forum that Nookies will open in November. We've been hearing this for years, so we won't hold our breath, but we wouldn't be doing our job if we didn't share....

Andersonville South Neighborhood Association Meeting

The next ASNA block club meeting will be on Monday, September 20th. ASNA serves the neighborhood within the borders of Ashland on the east, Ravenswood on the west, Foster on the north, and Winnemac on the south. For more details: click here.

Lost Dog & Cat

A reader shares these photos of more notices of missing furry friends:

Support our Troops

(click image to enlarge )

Did you know that there are close to 159,000 American servicemen and women deployed overseas in defense of our country? Many of these troops are living in very difficult conditions with few, if any, comforts of home.

Operation Support Our Troops of Illinois (OSOTIL) puts together care packages all year long for the troops. This year, OSOTIL and The Breakers are joining forces to put together holiday stocking care packages for the troops.

Items Needed for the Holiday Stocking Include:
Unbreakable Christmas Ornaments, Small Handheld Games, New CDs and DVDs, iTunes Gift Cards, Small Sudoku or Puzzle Books, Mechanical Pencils, AA and AAA Batteries, New Decks of Playing Cards, Granola Bars, Mints & Holiday Candy, Individually Wrapped Slim Jims, Small Bags of Nuts, Fruit Snacks or Rollups, Microwave Popcorn, Chewing Gum, Letters and Cards for the Troops

To sign up to stuff stockings or to make a donation contact Misha at 773-878-5333 ext. 230. Items can be dropped off in the lobby of The Breakers.

After School Matters Hero #2: Miriam Socoloff

Miriam Socoloff could be positioned as a matriarch of After School Matters. She has been with the program since the first tent was pitched on Block 37, and has since dedicated her life to teaching and expanding the program. She recalls a beautiful, circus-like atmosphere in the original gallery37 tents, featuring jugglers, dancers, musicians and artists. She currently teaches advanced painting and drawing.

One of Socoloff’s fondest After School Matters memories is creating benches in the Urban Gateways tent at gallery37. The benches are now found all over Chicago, and even some scattered throughout the country – including one that Hilary Clinton purchased for the White House lawn.

Socoloff credits After School Matters with helping students become leaders in their communities. The programs teach necessary job skills like being punctual, interviewing, seeking opportunities and speaking articulately to the public. She is most inspired by her students’ strength and determination in the face of adversity.

After School Matters® is a nonprofit organization that offers an array of high quality, out-of-school-time opportunities for Chicago teens. Founded in a tented area of Block 37 in 1991 by Chicago’s First Lady Maggie Daley and Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs Commissioner Lois Weisberg, and known then as the gallery37 summer arts program, After School Matters has grown to offer 25,000 program opportunities annually at more than 150 locations throughout the city.

Edgewater Farmers Market

Don't forget, the Edgewater Farmers Market is still running - every Saturday through October 30th from 8AM - 1PM at Broadway & Norwood. The Market features farmers, experts, and artisans selling everything from produce, jams, and fresh bread to coffee, flowers, and hot sauce. Educational and entertaining programming planned for the 2010 season includes tours of True Nature's new beehives, talks from Nate the beekeeper, and much more.

For more details visit http://www.edgewater.org

The man behind the four-plus-one?

(photo of 6128 N Kenmore courtesy of a chicago sojorn)

Check out this blog entitled "a chicago sojurn" which explores architecture and urbanism around Chicago. The post that jumped out at me today was this one, The painted concrete artistry of Jerome Soltan, which explores the four-plus-one buildings throughout Edgewater which were almost all designed by Jerome Soltan. Four-plus-ones are apartment buildings that typically are five stories, but the ground floor is below grade and utilized as a lobby and parking area. Because of this, builders were able to build these buildings in areas zoned R5 and higher. What do you think of the four-plus-one???

Field Recordings Wine Dinner at In Fine Spirits tomorrow night

Photo from In Fine Spirits' Facebook page

From In Fine Spirits....

Winemaker Andrew Jones and our own Chef Marianne Sundquist team up and pair Field Recordings wines with chef's original creations. This event is upstairs at our bar (5420 North Clark St.) and is tomorrow night!

Gerber/Hart Library Benefit

From the Gerber/Hart Library:
Making History: Center Stage
Tickets are now available for the 2010 Gerber/Hart annual benefit, Making History: Center Stage. Join us on Saturday, October 23 at 7 pm as keynote speaker Alexandra Billings works her magic at the Swedish-American Museum Center, 5211 North Clark Street. The talented chanteuse and actress is a favorite of Chicago audiences. Admission tickets are $75, and benefactor tickets are $135. Benefactor tickets include a champagne pre-reception with Ms. Billings and a copy of one of her recordings. Tickets and can be purchased online through Paypal (Gerber/Hart website) by calling Gerber/Hart, or by stopping by the library during open hours.

Parlour on Clark

We've noticed that a new LGBT watering hole has opened at 6341 N. Clark, and it's called Parlour on Clark. It appears they're eagerly catering to a wide range of people, and they've been advertising in local publications. Has anyone stopped by for a drink or two? Let us know what you think!