Traffic on Sheridan Rd., 1965

Photo from Uptown Chicago History

Southbound traffic appears backed up in this view of Sheridan Rd. just south of Thorndale. In the lower left, you can see an entrance to the active construction site of the Thorndale Beach Condominiums.

Aerial View of Edgewater Beach, 1946

Photo from Uptown Chicago History

Looking south from what appears to be Thorndale between Sheridan and Kenmore.

Workout for free w/Chicago Park District

The Edge Card

The EDGE CARD is a new initiative from the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and Edgewater Community Council. It's a community discount card you can show at participating local businesses to receive discounts, deals, and special promotions. The EDGE CARD makes it easy for you to support local businesses and your neighborhood. Use your EDGE CARD to try out local businesses you've never experienced. Members of the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce and the Edgewater Community Council each receive one FREE card as part of their membership. If you have not received yours yet, you should receive it soon.

To Use the EDGE CARD
Discounts are divided into two categories: one-time only discounts and ongoing discounts. Below you'll find a list of participating businesses. When you want to use your card, present it to the business. For one-time only discounts, businesses will cross out the corresponding number on the back. For ongoing discounts, you can show your card anytime. Unless otherwise specified, discounts expire 6/30/2011. Terms and expiration dates are subject to change at each individual business's discretion.

Businesses & Individuals: To Purchase an EDGE CARD or an extra EDGE CARD
Contact the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce at 773-561-6000 or info@edgewater.org. We have a limited supply available, which can be purchased for $15/card. 1,000 cards were printed, and approximately 500 of those are reserved for members of the Chamber and the Edgewater Community Council.

For more info an a complete list of discounts: www.edgewater.org/Edge_Card.aspx

Transistor featured on Groupon today

Photo from Groupon's website

Groupon is offering up "$20 for $40 Worth of Eclectic Music, Art, Books, Electronics, and More at Transistor in Andersonville." Check out the deal and let us know what you think!

ABC7 visits Metropolis

ABC7 : Sneak peek inside Metropolis Coffee Company in Andersonville

New Windows @ Green Element

A reader shares this photo with us - the Green Element Resale store has installed new windows in their storefront. As you may recall, the temporary facade received some negative feedback when the store first opened, but owner Brian Haag assured the neighborhood he would spruce up the store when he was able to do so financially. Brian was unable to secure a loan for the rehab work and the space was just outside of the TIF zone.

Chicago Reader Guide to NYE

Still unsure about where to ring in the New Year? The Chicago Reader has an extensive guide to parties and events going on around the City. You can check it out here.

Merry Christmas, Edgewater

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of our readers and neighbors! This photo is a Christmas card that we found on the Uptown Chicago History blog.

Sundays @ That Little Mexican Cafe

Vivan los Domingos with That Little Mexican Café

Every Sunday from now on brighten up your spirits with a visit to That Little Mexican Cafe on Bryn Mawr for the festive debut of our new Sunday Buffet. Our all-you-can-eat buffet is priced at $10.95 for adults ($2.00 for children under 10). Buffet hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. You'll have an opportunity to sample across the full TLMC menu - plus a few surprise dishes. Choices include fajitas, enchiladas, Tamales, Eggs, etc. Separately, you can purchase house margaritas or house wine at $4 each.

Care for Real on WGN

Pedestrian Signals Requested

The BARGE block club has requested pedestrian signals in their area. If you support this request, contact Alderman Smith's office. The BARGE email to the alderman is below:

We are requesting that the Alderman's office work to install pedestrian signals at the intersections of Hollywood and Magnolia and Ridge and Wayne. Both intersections are not easy to navigate and we are asking for pedestrian signals and flashing lights that will help our residents cross safely.

Storefront Holiday Decoration Awards

From the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce:

Congratulations to the 2010 Storefront Decorating Contest Winners

In conjunction with the recent Holidays Around the World Celebration, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce hosted a Storefront Decorating Contest. The winners were announced during Holidays Around the World, but we wanted to send an email as well to notify the community and to encourage you to check out these displays during the holidays:

Best Overall Design: The Sovereign Apartments (1040 W. Granville)

Most Creative: Edgewater Antique Mall (6314 N. Broadway)

Honorable Mention: Apart Pizza (5624 N. Broadway)

Honorable Mention: Curves Chicago Edgewater (1354 W. Devon)

Honorable Mention: Frank Event Design (5555 N. Sheridan)

Honorable Mention: Redtwist Theatre (1044 W. Bryn Mawr)

Congratulations to all of the winners!

Pastry with an attitude

Earlier this week we learned that Italian pastry shop Pasticceria Natalina was closing from the Chicago Tribune. We have personally never been to the store located at 5406 N Clark, but it appears the owner, Natalie Zarzour, thinks very highly of her pastry making skills and does not think highly of Chicago residents' (who are also potential customers) or food critic's taste palatte or desire to pay $9 for a canoli. Check out these articles, which shed some light on Zarzour's attitude:

Chicago Tribune: Sugar and Spice and everything...

Chicago Reader: Astir in Andersonville

Edgewater Library: Heat restored and open

We've received word that heat has been restored at the Edgewater Library and the branch re-opened yesterday.

Grinch steals presents from Andersonville porch

According to NBC Chicago, an Andersonville couple's home security system recorded this video of a man stealing packages of gifts off their porch while they were out of town. If anyone recognizes the man, please call the Chicago Police Department.

Chicago Childcare Collective Fundraiser and Teen Archers Show at Kitchen Sink tomorrow night

"Come to a great show with Teen Archers, Annah Anti-Palindrome, and Malic + Kate. There's no cover charge, but the Chicago Childcare Collective (ChiChiCo) will be passing the hat for donations to equip childcare volunteers with their very own bags of fun stuff to do with young ones. This is an early, all-ages show, and everyone's welcome.

The Chicago Childcare Collective is a group of volunteers who support the participation of parents, especially mothers, in racial and economic justice work. The collective matches volunteers with community organizations across the city to have fun with kids while their parents participate and lead organizing efforts to defend their rights and build a better Chicago."

Stop by Kitchen Sink's Facebook page for more information.

Northside Toyota gives back

After our recent post about Care for Real's plea for help this holiday season, the owner of Northside Toyota (5625 N Broadway) reached out to us asking how he could help. Northside Toyota ended up donating a check to the neighborhood food pantry. Care for Real provides food, clothing and counseling for neighbors in need, and its great to see local businesses give back to an organization that helps the local community.

Pasticceria Natalina to close

According to this Chicago Tribune article, Italian pastry shop Pasticceria Natalina (5406 N Clark) will close shop in September when it's lease expires.

Harry Osterman receives endorsements

Harry Osterman has picked up endorsements for the February 22nd 48th Ward Aldermanic election from the Chicago Federation of Labor (CFL), American Federation of State County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), and the Independent Voters of Illinois-Independent Precinct Organization (IVI-IPO).

Handmade Holidays @ Strictly Local

Sorry for the late notice, but there's still a day left to check it out!

CHICAGO, Dec. 1, 2010 – Andersonville gallery and artist-exchange studio Strictly Locals, set to open December 11, is brewing up a holiday art sale to promote its introduction into the creative community. The first “Handmade Holidays Art Sale” will open on Friday, December 17-19th, featuring artists’ work ranging from jewelry and accessories, to contemporary art.

As Chicago’s first “Artist’s Exchange”, Strictly Locals is defined as a “mash-up of the Art, Fashion, and Theatre in Andersonville”, combining the characteristics of an art gallery, artist’s studio, and store space in a 3,000 sq. ft location to support and nurture art makers in the community. Also available within the Center will be education on sales marketing, branding, promotion, and poetry/stage readings and performances.

“Handmade Holidays” will promote local Chicago-area artists and designers at affordable prices just in time for the holiday season. Vendors showcasing their fares in jewelry, fashion, contemporary art, and home décor are slated to participate, with an opening reception including hors d'oeuvres and drinks on the 17th from 5-10pm.

Strictly Locals is located at 4866 N. Clark Street in Andersonville. “Handmade Holidays” will be free and open to the public, with hours varying through the weekend; December 17 (5-10pm), December 18 (10am-6pm), and December 19 (10am-6pm).

For more information, visit http://www.strictlylocals.com/index.html, call (508)207-7992, or email mockingbirdschicago@gmail.com.

Edgewater Library Closed

A reader informs us that the Edgewater Library (1210 W Elmdale) has been closed due to a lack of heat. This was confirmed on their website - and there does not appear to be any timeframe for a reopening at this time.

Article: Corruption in independent voter group endorsement processes

An article on a Chicago election blog claims that the Independent Voters of Illinois and Independent Precinct Organization hold a fraudulent endorsement process. Apparently Phil Bernstein went through the nomination process only to find that the nominating committee was composed of 48th Ward Democratic allies Carol Ronen, Heather Steans and Harry Osterman and his wife. As you know, Harry Osterman is a candidate himself in the 48th Ward Aldermanic election.

Article: Apparent corruption in IVI IPO endorsement process

Build Your Own Gingerbread House at Flourish

Join Cake Decorator Korine Adams on Tuesday, December 21st as she shares her best tips on building and decorating the perfect Gingerbread House. Enjoy a tour of Flourish's kitchens once your house is built! All ages welcome! Building kits are $10 each. All homes built-to-eat by owner. Space is limited so please register by sending an email to info@flourishbakerycafe.com. Flourish is located a 1138 W. Bryn Mawr.

Recent burglary at Edgewater church

A reader informed us today that during the early morning hours of December 4th, someone broke into Immanuel Lutheran Church (1500 W. Elmdale Ave.). The offender(s) gained access through a window, and some items were stolen from the church's office and other areas of the building. Chicago Police were called, and the incident was reported.

Late-er Night Andersonville

This Friday Andersonville will stay open later (10PM) for holiday shopping procrastinators. Take advantage of the same discounts from Late Night Andersonville, plus once again enjoy free entertainment and refreshments.

Loyola purchases land

According to Crain's Chicago, Loyola University has purchased an 18,000 square foot site located at Rosemont & Broadway. There are no current plans for the site, but any development would continue the university's welcome expansion into the Edgewater neighborhood. The site was originally slated to be a five-story condo building by a residential developer.

Andersonville's Cassona featured on Groupon

Check out today's GROUPON deal featuring Andersonville's Cassona (5241 N Clark).

For $25 you will receive $50 worth of assessories and furniture.

Foster and Sheridan, 1936

Looking north from Foster Ave., this view remains generally recognizable today. It appears the current site of the new Dominick's was part of the Edgewater Beach Hotel grounds. We've also got a 1934 Ford making a left on to Foster, from one of the three southbound lanes of traffic.

Anyone know what those buses are? CTA?

Death at Dog Beach?

A reader inquires: can you ask your readers if they know what happened at montrose dog beach Saturday? about 8 a.m... i think a dog drowned but don't know for sure. my dog and I were there. seemed very tragic.

Chair Free Chicago

A group has organized to make Chicago "chair free." For a long time there has been a tradition of people trying to save their shoveled out parking spots with chairs or other items in the street. Check out their website: http://www.chairfreechicago.org/.

Admiral Groundbreaking

(Photo credit: Megan Bearder Photography)

On Tuesday, November 30, 2010, The Admiral at the Lake held a groundbreaking ceremony to mark the redevelopment of Chicago’s oldest non-profit organization dedicated since 1858 exclusively to seniors. Located at Foster Avenue and Marine Drive on the border of Chicago’s Edgewater and Uptown neighborhoods The Admiral at the Lake, a life care/continuing care retirement community (CCRC), is being constructed on the site of its former retirement community. The new 31-story high-rise and a 4-story apartment building, to be built for $145 million, will replace the 11-story apartment hotel, built in 1920, which Admiral community members had occupied since 1960.
With future community members committed for more than 80 percent of the independent living apartments and with $202 million bond financing completed on November 19, this CCRC is based on the collaboration of the Admiral at the Lake and , The Kendal Corporation, a not-for-profit, investing in Chicago for the first time.
For more information visit www.thenewadmiral.com or call 773-433-1800.

Skate with Santa

Date: 12/17/10
Start Time: 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
Schedule Notes: Fee includes Hot dog, pop, popcorn and skate rental.
Cost: $5 per person
Location : Margate Park


Light the Menorah, the Kinara and the spruce tree, the holidays are here again! Along with crisp temperatures and fresh falling snow, a variety of events are swirling into Chicago’s parks. Holiday festivities hosted by the Chicago Park District spread cheer throughout the city with celebrations that honor many of the winter holidays; Christmas, Kwanzaa, Hanukkah and Three Kings Day. From holiday concerts, to holiday crafts and dinners with Santa, families will delight in sharing in the season’s joy at their neighborhood park.

Curbs Replaced & Andersonville Street Stampings

You may have noticed that virtually every sidewalk corner in Andersonville was ripped out and replaced this fall. Now more corners feature these nifty little "Andersonville" stampings in the cement, but we're curious as to why all the corners were replaced in the first place.

Edgewater Beach Hotel by night

Cool....and kind of creepy! I'm not sure of the date when this postcard art was created, but it's definitely striking.

Care For Real Needs Your Help!

As you may already know, Care For Real provides food, clothing and counseling services to those in need. The largest single source of donations is their annual holiday appeal. The organization has posted a letter on their website describing their incredible efforts. We hope you'll consider assisting those in need over the holidays and beyond!

Poll results: Holiday bakery

Over the Thanksgiving holiday week, we polled our readers asking "where are you ordering your holiday pie?" and the most popular response (45%) was Flourish Bakery & Cafe, edging out the second favorite Sweedish bakery (37%).

We, too, ordered our holiday pie from Flourish, and had a neutral experience. The ordering and picking up process was seamless, as Flourish's staff is extremely friendly - even on a hectic holiday. The pie filling itself was tasty, with fresh sweet cinnamon-y apples, however the crust was well undercooked and could have stood to have been baked a bit longer. We love Flourish and have had great experiences in the past there, but maybe next time we'll go against our poll results and try the Swedish Bakery, as we've yet to check it out.

Groupon: In Fine Spirts

In Fine Spirits is featured today on Groupon. There are two deals to choose from, or you can get both! For $20 you will receive $40 worth of food and drink at the bar, or for $60 you will receive a 3-month wine club membership (2 bottles of wine per month).

Mortgage Relief Project

(click to enlarge)

Found Dog (Bichon Poodle mix)

From the Bark Bark Club:

This dog was found on Tuesday 12/7 at Campbell and Peterson. Please help us find the owner.
If you recognize this dog please email acnovelo@hotmail.com.

Art opening at Kitchen Sink

Kitchen Sink Cafe is hosting an event this Friday from 7PM-9PM featuring the artwork of Clea Mirza James and Sayward Schoonmaker's poetry. There will be wine and cheese served at the event.

Clea Mirza James makes work exploring identity through memory, filtration, invented narratives and communication failure. She works with cut paper, miniature painting and fabric to create elaborate images pulled from flashes of memory.

Sayward Schoonmaker's poetry and text-based installations explore the clichés of longing through history, place and language. Schoonmaker will give a reading at the opening. The event is free. Show runs through Jan. 15.

facebook event page

Winter Reminders

Its that time of year, so we thought we would remind neighbors of the "Winter rules" around the City:

SNOW REMOVAL: There is a City ordinance that requires building owners or tenants to remove the snow and ice from sidewalks in front of their buildings or vacant lots. The ordinance states that if the sidewalk is wider than five feet, only a five foot path is necessary.

Snow that accumulates before 4:00 p.m. must be removed within three hours after the snow has fallen. Snow that accumulates after 4:00 p.m. or during the night shall be removed before 10:00 a.m. Non-compliance can result in ticketing and fines. Violations can be reported to 311. In addition, you can remind neighbors of their duty by printing handy little door-hanging reminders available here: City of Chicago Sidewalk Snow Removal

OVERNIGHT PARKING BAN: Begining on December 1 and until April 1, a parking ban prohibits parking on designated routes from 3:00 to 7:00 a.m. daily, whether there is snow on the ground or not. Vehicles parked on those routes will be ticketed and towed. Drivers should look for snow route signs on main arterials.

A separate parking ban forbids drivers from parking vehicles on designated main streets when there is at least 2 inches of snow on the ground. These routes are clearly marked by street signs.

Foreclosures & Condo Associations

Attorneys to Advise Board Members
on How to Protect
the Associations from Foreclosure Damage

Thursday, December 9, 2010 7:00 p.m.
Hospitality Room, Park Tower C.A., 5415 N. Sheridan
151 or 147 bus to door
Parking available in building for a fee

Update on FHA rules will be Given. Q&A to follow.

Unit Owners elected to their Boards have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the Association from loss of funds and property values within their powers and the law. No matter how badly you might want to help a unit owner having financial difficulties, your first obligation is to the association.

There also changes in the FHA rules that will be discussed.

Attorneys Eliot G. Schencker and Kristofer D. Kasten of Michael C. Kim & Associates will make the presentation and answer questions.

Bread Delivery

Flourish Bakery has begun a Home Bread Delivery program. If you order 2 large loaves or $10 in small loaves and live within a mile of the store they will deliver the bread to your home for free every week. Click here for more info, or to place an order email them at bread@flourishbakerycafe.com or call 773-271-2253.

Expo 76 at Simon's

Pop rock band Expo 76 will be playing tomorrow night at Simon's. There is no cover for the show, but tips are appreciated. You can read more about Expo 76 in this Chicago Sun Times article: Expo '76 sincerely visits tunes from decades ago

2 charged in White Castle shooting

2 men have been charged in last weekend's shooting at the White Castle located at Clark & Ridge. According to the Chicago Sun Times Paul Myvatt (top photo) and Wilbur Johnson (bottom photo) were each charged with one count of aggravated battery with a firearm and Myvatt was also cited with traffic violations and citations.

Tribune features Andersonville neighborhood

Not sure if you caught the article in the Chicago Tribune this weekend titled "Small Town in the city" which profiles the Andersonville neighborhood and many of its businesses.

Loyola University Community Party

Thursday, December 16, 2010
5:30 - 7:30 p.m.

Mundelein Center, 1st floor
1020 W. Sheridan Road

Please bring a can or package of food for our local food pantries. Music, food, entertainment. Meet your neighbors.

Rahm Emanual visits Mary's

(photo from Al Podgorski/Sun-Times)
Multiple people notified us that mayoral candidate Rahm Emanual was spotted at Hamburger Mary's in Andersonville. According to this Chicago Sun Times article, Rahm was outlining a green initiative to make more Chicago residential and commercial buildings more energy efficient. You can read the entire Sun Times article here: "Emanual outlines green agenda."

Polite gesture turns nasty

According to the Chicago News Report, a woman carrying grocery bags was approached by a white male in his 30's last night who asked if he could help her carry her bags near the Rosemont & Winthrop intersection. After she declined, the man verbally threatened her and the woman called the police.

Park Tower Market to be sold?

According to the Edgewater Community Council & Edgewater Development Corporation, a buyer is looking to purchase the existing grocery & liquor store at 5419 N Sheridan. However, there is a license moratorium (ordinance No. 4-60-022 (48.12) currently in effect. They are requesting the moratorium be lifted so they can proceed with the liquor license application. ECC/EDC will hold a meeting this Thursday,December 9th @ 7PM at the ECC Conference Room (6044 N. Broadway) to discuss.

Holidays Around the World

Winter Wonderland Bazaar

Members of our community and friends will be featured selling their holiday arts, crafts and wares. Stop by and shop with local and "small-box" vendors.