Montrose Harbor Shows St. Paddy's Day Spirit
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The History of the Green River as recreated at Montrose Harbor by Uptown’s leaking water mains and sewers (the green dye is used to detect the leaks).
Looking for an Uptown spot to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Check out Crew at Lawrence and Broadway today. They are offering Green Beer pints for $2 and a traditional Irish meal of corned beef and cabbage for $7.99. Yum.
Garage Robbery Suspects Arrested
| 3 comments |Some good news from the 20th District Court Advocates:
- Darius S Heard: 3 counts - 1-Armed Robbery/Firearm, 1-Aggravated Kidnapping/Armed, 1-Aggravated Sexual Assault
- Reginald Harris: 4 counts - 1-Armed Robbery/Firearm, 1-Aggravated Kidnapping/Armed, 2-Aggravated Sexual Assault.
Dominick's Rising
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A reader sends in this photo showing Dominick's rising at Sheridan and Foster. This view is from Foster looking west towards Sheridan. See a rendering of the upcoming Dominick's here.
Good Morning, [Day] Campers! Scholarships Available
| 1 comments |A UU Challenge: Let's Paint Uptown Green
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Our readers have surely noticed areas in Uptown devoid of trees in the parkways. Did you know that you can call 311 and request a tree planting free of charge?
This is our challenge to you:
Walk around your neck of the woods in Uptown and if you see any spot missing a tree between the sidewalks and streets, take note of the nearest address and call 311 to request a tree planting. It's that simple and it takes just a minute to do. We have heard that the city plants trees in the spring so we need to get as many requests in as possible. Use the comment section here to record where you requested a tree planting. Get crackin'!
Whiskey Tasting At The Spot
| 1 comments |"Educator Appreciation Week" At Borders
| 0 comments |Settlement a Solution for Somerset?
Monday, March 15, 2010 | 8 comments |
In previous posts about the closing of Somerset Place, we could only speculate about the relocation of the long-term patients. Today, the Tribune reported that a settlement may be reached to help relocate patients:
"The agreement, expected to be filed Monday in federal court in Chicago, lays out a schedule for state officials to offer approximately 4,500 mentally ill nursing home residents the choice to move out of two dozen large facilities known as 'institutions for mental diseases,' or IMDs, and into smaller settings that experts say are more appropriate and less expensive."
"One of the state's most troubled IMDs, Somerset Place in Uptown, was shuttered Friday after Tribune reports and state and federal inspections documented a pattern of abuse, violence and substandard care."
Read the full article here.
Copters And Sirens
| 3 comments |Update: No one has reported anything to UU mailbox or in comments. We made a few phone calls to folks with police scanners and no one's heard any news. No news is good news in this case.
TIF? What TIF?
| 5 comments |A reader suggested that we make our requests now for information from the Department of Planning. "If they are going to make a new TIF to cover the Maryville campus, then people should be signing up with the Dept of Planning for the Interested Party Announcements. Given that we aren't even told if and when a TIF is being considered, it is a little hard to ask to be put on a specific TIF's disclosure list, but people should try." Request to be put on the Interested Party list here.
In the meantime, to find out about the proposed Maryville TIF, continue to read Lake Effect News for any news about it and the parcels that are being sectioned out of the Wilson Yard TIF for inclusion in it.
If you want to know about events like CTE Parent Discovery Sessions on the South and West Sides, or Job Readiness Workshops downtown, go to http://www.aldermanshiller.com/.
Diabetes Health Fair At Weiss
| 1 comments |Cuyler Car Crime
Sunday, March 14, 2010 | 4 comments |"So, I happened to be up at 4:25 this morning when I heard a sound outside. I witnessed 3 Hispanic men, late-teens to mid-twenties, breaking into cars on the 900 block of Cuyler. I called 911 and described them, told them where the cars were located and let them know which direction they were headed down the street and that I could see they were continuing to check for unlocked doors. I saw them throw a rock into the 2nd car window to get in, and think they did the same to the first one they were in. They were going through the trunk of the 1st car, too. I don't know if the police caught up with them, but if someone's car got broken into, they should file a report - maybe the police caught up with them and retrieved some stuff, maybe more reports filed will mean more police patrols."
Free Internet, WiFi Hotspots At TechLocator
| 2 comments |Another "Jewel" Box?
Saturday, March 13, 2010 | 1 comments |A reader writes in with a question: "Hey, UU, my aunt was in town and mentioned that the EZ8 Electronics store on my block looked a lot like all the Jewels used to look when she was growing up. Do you know what that store used to be?"
We don't, but we went by to take a look and it really does look like the little white glazed tile Jewel stores that used to dot Chicagoland in the 1930s, like the one that's now home to the Salvation Army Thrift Store. It's got a different top than the ones featured on the Chicago Sojourn blog (EZ8 doesn't have those cool art deco corners), and it does have that orange tiled border across the top, but some of us remember that Jewel used to have an orange logo, so that doesn't necessarily count it out. So, readers, anyone been around long enough to know the history of the building at 5045 North Sheridan?
Steal Magnolia Cafe Deals At Groupon!
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Half off at Magnolia Cafe? Don't mind if we do! For $25, you can purchase a groupon worth $50 of dinner at Magnolia Cafe. The groupon is good until September 15th, so it'll really come in handy as that summer patio season is right around the corner (fingers crossed).
PS - you can buy more than one! What a steal! But hurry - the ability to purchase this groupon ends Sunday, March 14th at 11 PM.
Update: The offer concluded with 2,131 Groupons being sold!
Progress On The Sheridan Plaza
| 0 comments |Reading Nook
Friday, March 12, 2010 | 0 comments |- "Quintrell" from In Search Of Words
- "Worried Note" from Girls with Insurance. (Author's Note: "This is a non-fiction piece about my early days in Chicago when I lived in the notorious Uptown neighborhood amongst crackheads, crack dealers, prostitutes, and murderers. My block (Malden between Montrose and Wilson) was home to 10 murders one summer. That was the highest concentration I could find in all of Chicago in my analysis of a Chicago Tribune map. Anyhow, I hope you read and enjoy the story.")
"Agee's" Gone Green
Thursday, March 11, 2010 | 7 comments |
Color us happy.
Agee's Pizzeria & Grill, located at 1118 W. Wilson (next door to Viet Bowl/Hing Wang) is sportin' a shiny, new green awning. This really improves its street presence. The food is reasonably priced and the menu features just about everything you can imagine. This stretch of Wilson is really showing promise.
Lawrence House: 46 Code Violations & "Suspicious" Fire
Wednesday, March 10, 2010 | 4 comments |Read Lake Effect News' story: Cause of Lawrence House Fire “Suspicious” (photo courtesy of Lorraine Swanson/LEN)
Another Side Of The Story
| 62 comments |Former Uptown Resident Dies After Eluding Police
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via Chicago Breaking News:
A man given probation just two days ago for criminal damage to property died Tuesday night after plunging into the Chicago River while being chased by police for tagging a building.
Jason Kitchekeg, 26, of Mokena was one of three men being chased by officers for spray-painting a building on Ashland Avenue, police said. Kitchekeg, a longtime Uptown resident, was likely tagging an abandoned paint manufacturing plant there.
Cops caught two of the men, but Kitchekeg jumped into the river near the 2800 block of South Ashland, officials said. He died of drowning in an accident, an autopsy by the Cook County medical examiner's office found today. Continue Reading
Missing Uptown Woman Commits Suicide
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SUN-TIMES MEDIA WIRE
A woman who left an Uptown nursing home last month and was reported missing plunged to her death from an overpass onto the Dan Ryan Expressway Tuesday afternoon.
At 1:39 p.m. a woman jumped onto the Dan Ryan Expressway from the 95th Street overpass, according to police.
Catherine Ryan, 37, was dead on the scene, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Continue Reading
Vince Vaughn Filming TV Pilot On Wilson
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Cupcake Gallery owner Darius Williams shares exclusive pics and info on today's TV shooting:
"So, I'm in my office at The Cupcake Gallery working on very important things, when a lady comes in and talks to me about removing my sign for a movie shooting. I look outside at all the mayhem and I ask myself how I missed all this commotion. I guess that's what happens when you're baking your heart out all the time.
Anyway, so I asked the questions that you guys want to know! So, they're doing a shooting for a television pilot. Seems as though the big V was here a few days before as well scoping out the place. I asked what kind of show, and they couldn't give me details - but the guy who had the ladder and removed my sign told me "it's supposed to look shitty in the picture." Wow, that's a blow. So, they use Wilson avenue for that purpose? Hmmmm...
Anyway, the guys are here until Friday shooting. And yes, my lovely sign that I had designed when I first opened The Cupcake Gallery is now history. They say they're paying for a new one. You heard it here first - I want my new sign... especially since I had to front the money for it."
UU Note: Check out Darius' blog for even more pics of the shoot.
The Cupcake Gallery is located on Wilson between Malden and Beacon 773-537-5633
Singin' In The Rain
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If you get a chance, check out the window display at "Shake, Rattle & Read" (at Lawrence & Broadway) designed by Pam Puskala and Leslie Rowan. Makes us wanna break out into song!
Meanwhile, At Lawrence & Broadway...
| 18 comments |Inquiring minds want to know how long we can expect JAM Productions' Riviera Theatre to be covered in a white tarp? It would be great to see it restored to match the gorgeously rehabbed Riv Building next door.
Just across Lawrence, our friend the Uptown Theatre has once again been tagged by vandals. We hope that the owners, JAM Productions, will get this removed ASAP. We also encourage our readers to call 311 to report this graffiti. The address is 4816 N. Broadway, and yes, the graffiti is over 6 feet high. How are the vandals getting up here over and over again to do this?
Support Your Local Uptown Businesses!
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When: Always March 29th
National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day celebrates small business owners. These individuals spend countless hours nurturing and growing their young enterprises. The workload demands, and lack of a hired staff, often translates into long and late hours, and many missed family and personal events. But, all in all, they love what they do. After all, they are their own boss.
New businesses have always been a vital, yet not fully appreciated, part of the U.S. economy. On the retail side, they bring different and unique products to the marketplace. They provide stellar and personal service support. When you call, you are more likely to get a real, live person. And unlike big national chains, they know their products. They are outstanding performers in niche markets. In manufacturing, they create many new concepts and ideas, making them creators of new products.
Celebrate National Mom and Pop Business Owners Day by showing your support....shop their stores today, and every day.
UU Note: What are some local businesses you recommend to your neighbors and friends?
Movie Filming On Wilson
Tuesday, March 9, 2010 | 10 comments |
A reader sends in the following pic and info:
"I was walking home from work tonight and noticed "No Parking" signs posted on Wilson between Malden and Beacon. They mention that towing is enforced March 10 from 12pm till 4pm on March 11 for a movie location. Does anyone know what is filming here?"
Another reader writes in:
"Came home to a sign indicating "Funny Little Man Productions" will be filming a TV presentation on Malden tomorrow and Thursday. Can't find a website for the production company. Any idea what is being filmed?"
Lawrence House Fire: No Fire Alarms
| 19 comments |City Could Put % Of TIF To Affordable Housing
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Some Chicago aldermen are introducing an ordinance that calls for 20 percent of the city's TIF funds to subsidize affordable housing. TIF, or tax increment financing, allows the city to use property tax revenue to pay for community development.
Continue reading at Chicago Public Radio's "City Room"
UPDATE: Also read "Theft of Millions Goes Unnoticed" via The Southtown Star
YoChicago: A Drive Through Margate Park
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Joe Askins of YoChicago took a drive through Uptown this past Sunday before visiting the open houses in Margate Park we mentioned here. Check out the video above and view the original post here. This is the first video detailing Joe's most recent visit to Uptown. The rest of his adventures will follow.
Woman Missing From Uptown Nursing Home
Monday, March 8, 2010 | 0 comments |Candlelight Vigil At Somerset Place Tonight At 5pm
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Somerset Place officially closes its doors at 5pm, and community and religious leaders will hold a vigil there this evening. Read all about it in Lake Effect News.
For more about Somerset's closing, reference the 5009 Sheridan blog.
Update from the Tribune: Friday is the last day for Somerset Place.
In Need Of A First Or Second Job?
| 2 comments |We heard from the folks at the Census Bureau:
"We are still recruiting for the U.S. Census and are in a huge push to bring people on board. Attached (click to enlarge) please find the testing times for Uptown & the neighboring area. We hope you will post them on the UU site for those who are in need of jobs.
Also, the questionnaires will be going out soon, please ask recipients to complete the questionnaire and send them back ASAP."
Springtime & Love Is In The Air. Or, Maybe Not
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Another "slice of life video" from those wacky folks on Blood Alley. Welcome to "Love Sick Clifton," and a slight viewer warning that it may not be wise to eat while watching.
50 Alderman/50 Artists
Sunday, March 7, 2010 | 2 comments |Update: Alderman Shiller, 46th: Artist John Geletka, and Alderman Eugene Schulter, 47th: Artist Phineas X. Jones.
Let's Get Physical (Therapy)
| 7 comments |We happened to be at Walgreen's last week and saw that ATI Physical
Therapy is moving into the 'hood, at 4620 North Clark, in the former Blockbuster storefront.
Glad to see an empty retail space get filled, and we welcome ATI to Uptown. The website says "Opening Soon" and workers were moving equipment in while we were there.
Community Gardeners Restore The Prairie, One Seed At A Time
Saturday, March 6, 2010 | 1 comments |
With the sun and melting snow we've had this week, it's a reminder that winter will eventually be over and gardeners will soon be busy beautifying our community. So we thought this press release from One Seed Chicago was timely:
NeighborSpace's One Seed Chicago project lets Chicago gardeners vote on their favorite seed, then distributes the winning seed for free in an effort to help Chicago "Grow Together" in 2010.
CHICAGO-This month gardeners across Chicago will begin voting for their favorite prairie seed for One Seed Chicago and the winning seed will be sent to them through the mail.
“For the third year One Seed Chicago is uniting Chicagoans,” said Ben Helphand, NeighborSpace Executive Director. “By planting a common seed, backyards, windowsills, community gardens and balconies across the City will be linked together in a season-long celebration of urban greening.”
In partnership with GreenNet, Chicago's community greening coalition, One Seed Chicago selected the three candidates Chicagoans will choose from. This year the winning seed will be from a plant that was once commonly found in the prairies around Chicago, but that is now rare in the wild outside of prairie restoration projects and cultivated gardens. Once established this native plant will require little water, is less prone to diseases and attracts beneficial insects and birds to a garden.
Vote until April 1st. The winning seed will be announced at the annual Green and Growing Fair, April 24, 2010 at the Garfield Park Conservatory. For more information or to vote visit http://www.oneseedchicago.com/.



























