What's good for Uptown is good for Edgewater

While the election in the 48th Ward, which covers most of Edgewater, is long over the campaining in the 46th continues. Candidates James Cappleman and Molly Phelan continue to work to get votes as they face off in a run-off election on April 5th. We're curious, who do you feel would be the best Alderman in the 46th Ward? Please vote in the poll and tell us why in the comments.

Evanston dance school moving to Andersonville

Girodano Jazz Dance Chicago will be moving from Evanston to Andersonville. GJDC is a non-profit jazz company that has called Evanston home since 1962. According to their website, "Giordano Jazz Dance Chicago has a very active outreach and education program, including school performances in the Chicago metropolitan area, a residency with the Chicago Park District, and teaching residencies on many college campuses." Giordano currently owns its location in Evanston on Davis St, but has put it up for sale and will soon move to 5230 N Clark in Chicago. Source: Evanston Now: Dance studio ankles for Andersonville

Man pulls knife on crack bud

From the Chicago News Report:

"Police were called to a Far North Side neighborhood apartment building, after a friendly crack-smoking session turned violent. A man who was smoking crack with his buddy at 6151 North Winthrop Avenue in Chicago’s Edgewater neighborhood, called the police after his smoking partner pulled a knife on him, said police dispatch. The incident occurred around 1:19 a.m. in a 10th floor apartment. According to an Internet search, the 6151 North Winthrop address belongs to a building called Winthrop Tower. "

New restaurant on Granville?

A reader tells us that there is a new restaurant coming on Granville, between Bananas Foster Cafe (1147 W Granville) and Subway (1139 W Granville): "Until yesterday the windows had been papered up and I had no idea anything was even being done with the space. Yesterday afternoon the paper was off the walls revealing a nice looking restaurant, but no signage or menu." What could it be? The return of Standee's? Anyone have any info??

Andersonville & Edgewater neighborhood tours

The Chicago Neighborhood Tours program has added an "Andersonville & Edgewater" tour this year. Here's a brief description of the tours, which begin in May and run through November: "Historic architecture, quaint boutiques, and an incredible diversity of cultures and lifestyles characterize these neighboring North Side communities. Experience the Swedish American Museum, where the heritage of Andersonville’s Swedish founders comes to life. Be sure to take a moment to explore the one-of-a-kind shops along Clark Street! Head to Edgewater, where the Art Deco and Tudor Revival architecture of the Bryn Mawr Historic District, and stately lakefront homes along Sheridan Road, await."

For more info click here.

Police helicopter(s) over Edgewater/Uptown?

If you're like us and thought you were hearing helicopters over the neighborhood again last night after 10PM, you're correct. However it appears it was not a delivery of HVAC equipment this time, but rather a manhunt composed of two helicopters in the air and officers on the ground searching alleys and back yards according to our friends at Uptown Update.

Groupon: Andersonville Kitchen & Bath

(click image to be redirected to Groupon - 5 days to purchase!)

Black Watch opens tonight

As a reminder, Black Watch opens tonight at the Broadway Armory. Check out this writeup from the Chicago Tribune to read about how they plan to utilize the spacious Armoury differently than a typical theater for the show.

Reminder: WEAR meeting tonight

Panda Panda replacement?

A reader inquires: "I was walking down the street and I noticed they're doing a lot of work in the old Panda Panda space at 5458 N Broadway. I was wondering if anyone knows what's opening there?"

UPDATE: A Facebook follower stated that it will be a Thai restaurant....

Chicago's first bus

(photo from Chicago Now's Unknown Chicago)

Check out this article in Chicago Now's "Unknown Chicago" which explores the history of busses in Chicago, including this one which first rolled on to the streets in 1917. At the time, the boulevards were controlled by the Chicago Park District, which awarded a bus contract to Chicago Motor Bus.

Welcome to Andersonville

Welcome to Andersonville! from Andersonville on Vimeo.

Check out this great video about the Andersonville neighborhood from the Andersonville Chamber of Commerce. What do you love about Andersonville?

Copter over Sheridan highrise

(a reader submitted the photo above - great shot!) A helicopter continuously visits a highrise on Sheridan near Balmoral this morning, apparently delivering something with a long tow rope. Anyone have any idea what is going on?

Spotlight on Edgewater

The Edgewater Development Corporation and Roosevelt University CCPA are sponsoring the "Spotlight on Edgewater" performing arts showcase at locations throughout Edgewater from April 6-11. Tickets are available through the theatre websites below:

April 6 Wednesday 8:00 pm
CHICAGO SHAKESPEARE THEATRE/
NATIONAL THEATRE OF SCOTLAND'S - BLACK WATCH
Broadway Armory 5917 N Broadway
www.chicagoshakes.com/blackwatch

April 8 Friday 8:00 pm
CITY LIT THEATER - THE COPPERHEAD
1020 W Bryn Mawr Ave
www.citylit.org

April 9 Saturday 5:00-6:00 pm
6:00-6:30 pm talk-back
JOEL HALL DANCE - ILLUMINATION!
Raven Theatre East Stage 6157 N Clark Street
www.joelhall.org

April 9 Saturday 8:00-10:00 pm
RAVEN THEATRE - RADIO GOLF
Raven Theatre East Stage 6157 N Clark Street
www.raventheatre.com

April 10 Sunday 3:00 pm
REDTWIST THEATRE - MAN FROM NEBRASKA
1044 W Bryn Mawr Ave
www.redtwist.org

April 10 Sunday 7:00 pm
NEO-FUTURISTS - TOO MUCH LIGHT MAKES THE BABY GO BLIND
5153 N. Ashland
www.neofuturists.org

April 11 Monday 7:00pm
ROOSEVELT UNIVERSITY CCPA - VIVID" 11
Senn H. S. 5900 N Glenwood Ave
www.roosevelt.edu

Pizza party @ Chicagoland games

As a thank you to everyone who voted and helped Chicagoland Games (5550 N Broadway) with the "Best Local Game Store" contest on About.com, they will be hosting a pizza party and raffle tomorrow at the store! Stop by tomorrow between 2-6PM.

Tantalizing Treasures Sale

Saturday, April 2, 8 a.m. - 6 p.m.

The 2011 Tantalizing Treasures Sale at the Swedish American Museum takes place on Saturday, April 2, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Items for sale include donated new and/or gently used furniture and accessories, antiques, art, jewelry, CDs and DVDs, and more! Don’t miss this opportunity to find a Treasure! This sale is open to the public, and refreshments will be available.

For more information about Tantalizing Treasures Sale–a sale to benefit the Museum–please click here.
.

Windy Knitty opens on Clark

If you're a kniter you'll be thrilled to know that a new yarn store has opened in the neighborhood. Windy Knitty, located at 5653 N Clark, has been open for just over a week and acts as both a yarn store and a community meeting point for knitters. For more info, check out this thourough review from the website "Racked Chicago."

DUI crackdown

DUI STRIKE FORCE PATROL IN THE FOSTER (20th) DISTRICT AND THE ROGERS PARK (24th) DISTRICT
The Chicago Police Department will conduct a DUI Strike Force Patrol in the Foster (20th)
District and the Rogers Park (24th) District. The DUI Strike Force Patrol will commence at 8:00 p.m. on Friday, March 25, 2011 and end at 4:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 26, 2011.

The purpose of this program is to saturate a pre-designated area with roving police officers that continually monitor vehicular traffic for signs of impaired driving. Patrols also place emphasis on speed, alcohol-related and safety belt violations. Police vehicles equipped for speed detection are deployed to apprehend speeding violators. In addition, the Breath Alcohol Testing (BAT) Mobile Unit may also be deployed to allow officers to expedite the process of charging a person with Driving under the Influence (DUI) prior to transporting an alleged into the nearest lockup for bonding. The mobile unit also allows for Individual Recognizance Bonds (I-Bonds) to be issued at the site of the DUI Strike Force Patrol.

Women For Strong Neighborhoods fundraiser

Women for Stronger Neighborhoods (WFSN), a 527 non-for-profit organization focused on investing in the community to maintain diversity and create safer, more vibrant neighborhoods, will host a fundraiser at the Kinetic Playground (1113 West Lawrence) on Sunday, March 27th from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.

Today's Groupon: Shinobu

Saturday: Pack the car

It's time for PACK THE CAR. SATURDAY, March 26th 9-Noon

Corner of Clark and Berwyn

We are really pushing to stock the shelves at Care For Real. If you do not know what to donate, you can also drop off a check made out to Care For Real or a grocery store gift card. If you are scared to donate or think you have to little to donate, remeber that every soup can feeds an someone.

This is what is being accepted:

* Canned goods * Frozen Meat * Toiletries * Baby Food * Diapers * New or Gently used clothing * New House ware essentials * And now we will also be accepting pet food going forward*

Look out for the car with PTC signs at the corner of Clark and Berwyn in front of Home Made Pizza Co.

In case you are not able to make Saturday, please visit www.packthecar.com for a list of 2011 dates.

Chicago's Greenest home here in Edgewater

Edgewater Home Called Greenest, Most Energy Efficient in Chicago: MyFoxCHICAGO.com

Urban Turf recognizes the Edgewater Community Buzz

We're thankful for the online Chicago real estate guide Urban Turf for recognizing the Edgewater Community Buzz as a worthy source for news and info about the Edgewater neighborhood. Check out their article, The Value of Chicago's Neighborhood Blogs to Home Buyers, which features useful links to other neighborhood blogs.

Local designer: LVDesigns

Local designer and Edgewater resident Elvie Jordan designs, knits and creates clothing by hand right here in the neighborhood. Her work includes Christining gowns, naming gowns, jackets and more created from Queen Ann's lace cotton, silk, cotton, or bamboo. Elvie says that one of the coolest features of her children's creations are that they can grow with the child, making the value of her designs well worth every penny. She also creates mens and women's clothing as well. A few examples of her work are below.

If you have an interest in her work, contact Elvie at 312.423.7803 or via email at lvjordan@hotmail.com. Her work can also be found at the Andersonville Galleria or on her Facebook page (LVDesigns).

WEAR Community Meeting

(click image below to enlarge)

Found puggle

From the Bark Bark Club:
We need your help finding the owner of this sweet puggle. She was found on Friday night, March 18th at about 11:30 pm near the Senn High School Parking Lot at Greenview and Thorndale.
She does not have any tags or a collar (she borrowed one for the photo).
Please contact Kairol at 312-560-3880 with any information.

Elderly pedestrian killed in Edgewater crash

Our thoughts go out to Tirco's family. From the Chicago Sun-Times:
An elderly man died Sunday when a car struck him as he was crossing a street in the North Side Edgewater neighborhood.

The man -- identified by the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office as Tirco Magsaysay, 84, of the 5700 block of North Sheridan Road -- was in a crosswalk near Ardmore Avenue and Sheridan Road when the vehicle struck him about 2:40 p.m., police News Affairs Officer Ron Gaines said.

He was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center where he was pronounced dead at 8:33 p.m., Gaines said.

An investigation revealed no wrongdoing on the part of the driver and no citations were issued, Gaines said.

Crackdown of dogs on the beach?

A reader inquires:

I am curious. Have you heard anything or had any information come your way about the increased enforcement of the no dogs on the beach and subsequent ticketing for owners up on thorndale and at the start of the path? The police have been out in and ticketing at lunch and handing out major $$ to people. Not sure if they have been out in the AM. While building up the city coffers, it seems a poor way to use staff given the increased crime in our area.

Blackwatch @ Broadway Armory

Missing person

From the Chicago Police Department:
Above endangered missing was last seen in the vicinity of 5600 block of North Ravenswood. Missing is developmentally disabled and may seem confused. Wearing glasses, black jacket, slacks and boots. Missing recently moved residences and may be in the area of her former residence on the 3000 Block of North Troy. Likes Mcdonalds Coffee and is a heavy smoker. Missing is very shy.

Last Name: THOMPSON
First Name: Barbara
Age: 55
Gender: Female
Height: 5'04"
Weight: 170lbs
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Black Short
Complexion: Dark
Race: African American
Date of birth: 13OCT1955
Date of last contact: 19MAR2011

Please contact the Chicago Police Department's Area 3 Special Victims Unit with any information at (312) 744-8266 or dial 911.

The Renaissance

This residential building is located at 5510 N. Sheridan Rd. Does anyone know of its historical significance?

Medicaid funding yanked at Wincrest Nursing Center

Wincrest Nursing Home (6326 N Winthrop) is having its Medicaid funding terminated by federal authorities afterall, the Chicago Tribune is reporting. As we reported earlier in the week, the facility had multiple serious problems discovered by inspections such as bloody attacks by residents, prosititution, drug and alcohol abuse, and housing felons without reporting them.

Explosion at Edgewater Medical Center - 2 hurt

FOX Chicago News
Chicago - Two children playing on the roof of the vacant Edgewater Medical Center were hospitalized with trauma Friday night after an apparent electrical transformer explosion, Fire Media Affairs Director Larry Langford said.

The electrical fire happened about 8:30 p.m. in the 5700 block of North Ashland Avenue, said police News Affairs Officer Veejay Zala, citing preliminary information.

One child was taken to Comer Children's Hospital and the other to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, Langford said. Both suffered trauma from the electrical blast.

Emergency personnel remained on the scene at 9:45 p.m.

Gang activity at Winthrop/Berwyn?

(photo from Google street view)

From the EBNA blockclub:
"Just finished watching the Latin Kings at the laundrymat, drugs, thugs and recruiting and I watched them going after the local kids and asking people if they want to buy drugs. This was serious business. The girls in the laundrymat are harrassed by them and the police DID NOT respond to their calls tonight. If you have a dog please start walking it at Winthrop and Berwyn. If you want to start positive loittering for a few weeks, now is the time to set that up. EBNA will coordinate if needed. ebna60640@yahoo. com. We need to have a presence for the next month. I was out there tonight and was able to get them all to move away and unfortuately I have identified one of the LKs, for I tried to get his killer put in jail. If you see tagging please report immediately. I notified our CAPs lead tonight."

2 events at Edgewater Historical Society

This Saturday, March 19, 2011, 10am, the Edgewater Historical Society is pleased to present Neal Samors and Bernard Judge, authors of the book "Chicago's Lake Shore Drive", to be held at the Edgewater Branch of the Library, 1210 W. Elmdale.

In addition, at 2pm, the Those Were The Days Radio Players will be performing an hour of comedy from the Golden Age of Radio. This will be at the Edgewater Historical Society museum. The programs are free, but donations are welcome. The location of the EHS Museum is 5358 N. Ashland Ave. Our new hours are Saturdays and Sundays from 1pm to 4pm.

Trouble at Wincrest Nursing Center

(photo from the Chicago Tribune)

The Chicago Tribune ran a report yesterday revealing disturbing stories of violence and drugs at the Wincrest Nursing Center located at 6326 N Winthrop. According to the Tribune, the 80 bed facility in past has failed to report felons living there, and recently federal inspectors documented bloody fights and drug abuse that had spilled into the community. These violations could force the facility to lose Medicaid funding. Wincrest sits within a block of multiple student housing facilities where hundreds of Loyola students reside.

Howard needs a home

You probably remember the sad story of two dogs who were found in the cold water at Howard Street Beach this winter. Those dogs, named Howard and Honey, are still looking for a home. Honey has found a temporary foster home, but Howard is still living at Bark Bark Club and at least needs a temporary foster home. Here's more info about Howard:

He has been in training class for the last month and is doing extremely well. He loves to play with other dogs and humans - I know he would be an amazing agility or frisbee dog if someone would take the time to work with him. He has been fully vaccinated and is just a happy, fun, young spirited dog. If anyone is interested in fostering, please contact Patti at Bark Bark Club or you can visit www.onetail.org to fill out the foster application and email it directly to Anna at AnnaOTAT@gmail.com. Please spread the word about Howard - he really is a sweetheart!

Tickets on sale for "A Taste of RogersEdge"

Thursday, April 14th
5pm to 9pm

Presented by Loyola University Chicago, the Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, and the Rogers Park Business Alliance, a Taste of RogersEdge is a walking crawl celebrating a world of flavors from a diverse mix of restaurants in Rogers Park and Edgewater.

This year's Taste of RogersEdge has over 20 participating restaurants! You probably won't get to them all, so choose your route wisely!

Tickets are now available for $25 in advance or $35 the day of the event.
For more info, or to purchase tickets: click here.

Edgewater Lounge reopens

According to an ECB Facebook follower, the Edgewater Lounge will reopen today "with lots of renovations." Edgewater Lounge was reported last week on Monday as being closed by the City of Chicago's Department of Health for what appear to be minor violations.

Senior Health Fair

(click to enlarge)

- Would you like to find out more about services available to older adults?
- Do you have a question about your electric or gas bill?
- Want to know where to find a free Tai Chi class?
- Do you need your blood pressure or glucose level checked ?

If so, then please come to State Representative Harry Osterman's 11th annual Senior Fair on Tuesday March 22, 10am - 1pm at the Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway (at Thorndale Ave.).

Over 45 representatives of various agencies will be available so you can learn more about their services and get your questions answered. These agencies include healthcare providers, government agencies, utilities and various nonprofits such as the Chicago Dept. of Family & Support Services, ComEd, Peoples Gas, Weiss Hospital, IL Attorney General's Office, Chicago Transit Authority, AARP, White Crane Wellness Center and many more. Free health screenings will be available. At the IL Secretary of State's Mobile Unit you will be able to renew your driver's license or get a state ID. You will also enjoy light refreshments, live entertainment, bingo and a gift bag! This event if free and open to the public.

For more information or to find out which documents you will need to bring to obtain a state ID, please contact the 14th District Office at 773-784-2002 or email gingerw14@gmail.com

Chicago Bungalow and Green Home Expo

The Return of the Chicago Bungalow and Green Home Expo
Preserving Your Home for a Green Future: April 9, 2011

CHICAGO – Chicago’s largest and most popular home restoration, preservation, and energy-efficient renovation exposition, the Historic Chicago Bungalow and Green Home Expo, has been scheduled for Saturday, April 9, 2011 from 10am to 4pm at the Merchandise Mart. The 2011 Expo will feature a diverse lineup of exhibitors, services, and products for Historic Chicago Bungalows and eco-conscious homeowners.

Admission is free, street and lot parking are available, and the Merchandise Mart can be easily reached by public transportation, with a Brown Line CTA stop immediately in front of the building.

For more information on the 2011 Expo, please visit the Historic Chicago Bungalow Association at www.chicagobungalow.org. Expo attendees are strongly encouraged to take public transportation.

Reminder: Crime meeting tonight at Broadway Armory

Shooting on Sheridan

The Chicago News Report is reporting a domestic shooting last night at 5840 N Sheridan Road. Police were called to the building at 2:44AM when a woman called 911 stating that her cousin shot at her mother two times. No further details are known at this time.

Story time for preschoolers

The Chicago Public Library's Edgewater branch (1210 W Elmdale) will host story time tomorrow morning at 10:30AM for pre-school children ages 3-5. For more information call the Edgewater Library at 312-744-0718 or check out their website:
http://www.chipublib.org/events/details/id/60061/

11 injured in this afternoon's fire

Further news coverage from this afternoon's apartment fire from the Chicago Tribune. Watch the video above or read the story here.

UPDATE - ADDITIONAL COVERAGE:
Chicago Sun Times: 12 hurt, one critically in apartment fire near Loyola University
NBC5 Chicago: 11 Injured in North Side Apartment Fire

Fire on Winthrop

According to the Chicago Tribune, five ambulences have been called to 6244 N Winthrop where a fire has broken out in an apartment. We're also hearing reports of helicopters circling above. Also check out WGN's coverage here, reporting 3 injured.

Thanks to a reader who submitted the following photo:

Trash on Berwyn

This photo was submitted to the EBNA block club displaying an overflowing trash can on Berwyn just east of the Red Line stop. EBNA and residents alike have been trying unsuccessfully to get this problem resolved - asking for either more trash cans or more frequent pickups. Please help let our representatives know that this is unacceptable, send them a message today:
- Conrad Suerth at csuerth@cityofchicago.org
- Bess Sagartz at bess@masmith48.com
- General mail box at info@masmith48.com
- Neighbors for Harry Osterman at harry@harryosterman.org

Go Swedish! Smörgåsbord and Beyond

The exhibit Go Swedish! Smörgåsbord and Beyond opens at the Swedish American Museum in Andersonville (5211 N Clark) on Wednesday, March 16 from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.

The Swedish Smörgåsbord has become a well known term and usually means a mix of foods on a buffet table. The typical Swedish Smörgåsbord has some specific food items included, such as herring, cheese, meatballs, salmon, shrimp, knäckebröd, to name a few. Go Swedish! Smörgåsbord and Beyond centers on the traditional foods in this buffet, how different regions in Sweden focus on different types of food and how some things have changed as well as the importance of the table setting and cookware. The Museum will showcase some of the items from its collection.

Events scheduled for Go Swedish! Smörgåsbord and Beyond are:
Exhibit Opening: Wednesday, March 16, 6 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Family Night: Friday, March 18, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m.
Start with Art: Wednesday, March 30, 7:30 a.m. – 10 a.m.

Groupon: Painting class at Transistor

(click the image to be taken to the deal)