Tuesday, April 30, 2013

CPD Begins Foot Patrols On Wilson


CBS Chicago has a story today about the police putting beat officers/foot patrols on Wilson this summer in an attempt to lessen gang violence.  Seems like a good start to us.  The text version of the story is here.

Stockton Hosts "Tot Time" For Incoming Kindergarteners


Damaris Woodbury, a Bilingual (Spanish) Kindergarten teacher at Stockton School, will be hosting a weekly free play and informal chat in his classroom for parents of Kinder-age children (siblings can certainly tag along) starting this Wednesday, May 1st from 3pm-5pm and also on Wednesdays, May 15, 22, and 29.   There will be no Tot Time on May 8th.

During this time, families can drop in to see a Kindergarten classroom, informally chat with a Kindergarten teacher, and meet other parents who are considering their neighborhood school options.

Kindergarten can be an anxiety-inducing year for parents and children. Regardless of any proposed school action, the building at 4420 N. Beacon will be welcoming new Kindergarten students.  The goal of this program is to make that transition as smooth as possible for all families who consider their neighborhood school.

Workin' for a Livin' : Huey Lewis & The News
In Concert At Montrose Harbor

Put on your jellies, your one-shouldered sweatshirt, and your big hair and get down to Montrose Beach on Sunday, June 23rd, to see Huey Lewis and The News in concert, celebrating the 30th anniversary of their Sports album.  Tickets are $50 - $100 and part of the proceeds will benefit the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.  Right now there's a tie-in with Mastercard for ticket sales.  All the information is here.

Vice Lord Shot At Windsor & Sheridan

The endless cycle of gang retaliation is in full swing in Uptown.  Tonight shortly after 5pm, a member of the Vice Lords street gang was shot at Windsor and Sheridan.  Two readers saw it happen.
  • "I was walking my bike down the Sheridan when 4-5 shots were fired. I couldn't see the shooter, but one man was injured. Cops were called and the first on the scene initially drove by on Sheridan and stopped at Wilson before turning their lights on and coming back to the scene. The injured person was down in front of Midtown Medical Center. Paramedics arrived within 5 minutes of the shooting."
    -and-
  • "I was coming home at Sheridan and Leland when I heard 2 gunshots ring out. I was at 900 Leland and it sounded like the shots were behind me, but the sound richochets  between the high-rises and it was actually in front of me and to the south.  Got upstairs on the 12th floor and could see the police at Windsor/Sheridan and an ambulance showed up, put a person on the gurney and left.  5 minutes later, another ambulance showed up and took a second person away while the police were putting out the yellow tape."
Ald. Cappleman tweeted that a Vice Lord was shot in the leg, and a woman was initially thought to also be wounded by gunfire, but was actually hurt while she was running from the scene.  "Heavy police presence for tonight."  He added that police have a good description of the shooter.

Until this particular stupid cycle of retaliation ends, make your own safety your highest priority.  The very few urban terrorists who think Uptown is the Wild West are out in full force, protecting their "turf" and their gang's "honor" -- at the expense of the many law-abiding residents who live here.

Update:  The Tribune reports that the shooting was one of nine tonight across the city:  "On the North Side, in the city's Uptown neighborhood, a 22-year-old man was shot near Windsor Avenue and Sheridan Road 5:16 p.m., said police. That man was taken to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center with a gunshot wound to his leg.

Update:  The Sun-Times adds the information that the victim was taken to the hospital in critical condition.

Body Found On Parking Deck At 4550 N Clarendon

Photo courtesy of Batchgeo.com
Many readers are wondering why they are seeing a helicopter hovering over the park at Wilson, and why there are many police cars at 4550 N Clarendon (Lakeview Towers).

Sad news:  the body of an African-American male has been discovered on the building's parking deck, which is situated between the two towers.

We have no further details about the circumstances, but we do know that there is a family that will never be the same after today.  Our condolences to the friends and family of this man.

Update:  The Tribune has a story in its Breaking News section which begins:  "A man jumped to his death after police responded to a complaint of a person smoking marijuana in his 7th floor Uptown apartment, authorities said."  Entire story is here.

Attention, Stockton School Parents


The Welles Park Bulldog has been doing a lot of in-depth stories on the projected CPS school closings and consolidations, including Uptown's McCutcheon, which is one of the schools set to receive students from Edgewater's Trumbull.

The Bulldog staff will be at Stockton School today and CPC Wednesday.  
"The Bulldog is interested in talking to Stockton parents about the closing. Patrick will be at Stockton before and after school Tuesday and at the CPC on Wednesday before and after. He should be easy to spot. If you want to talk, he'll be on the sidewalk, probably not on school property." 
Good chance to let your voice be heard.

If You Park Your Bike, You'll Want To Read This

There's a sneaky little ring of bike thieves in the area.  Here's one reader's experience Monday afternoon, describing how they operate and how they were caught.

"Just got back from the lakefront. Biked to Wilson and the path, ran 4 miles and was coming back and found an unmarked police car, a patrol wagon, and six guys against the car. My bike's front wheel was off, but I was able to put it back on. Not quick release btw.

Turns out these guys had stolen a seat and tire from somebody's bike in front of Ch'ava coffee (Leland/Wilson) right while the owner was in there. She saw them, gave chase, called the cops, and the cops found the guys at the lakefront. They brought the owner by and kept her in the cop car to ID them.

Her wheel was on one of their beater bikes and they were carrying her seat.  So what they do is smart ... they bike around and find high quality bikes and then swap out the wheels to use on their beater  bikes until they sell the wheel. They were on mountain bikes, so it looked strange with a fat mountain tire bike on the back and a road tire on the front (nice Shimano!).  My guess they would have swapped the seats too if they had the time. Mine is a hybrid with a comfort seat, which they may not have been interested in.

The cops searched them and found an Allen wrench and several small knives. The cops said they couldn't charge them for my wheel theft because they didn't see them steal my tire (the boys said my tire was just sitting there!). My bike frame on a kryptonite and the locked tire were untouched. I lock the back tire because I have enclosed gears that would be stolen if the rear tire was taken. 

The cops kept saying that because they were juvies they will just get a slap on the wrist. 

I have been running by the lake for 10 years ... never a problem with my bike, though I never leave it  in the middle of a weekday.  Now I see I'll need to lock my second tire everywhere. At my health club in Andersonville - nobody locks both tires - but I'm going to start doing it.

I've always wondered who steals things like tires and seats. These guys were obviously organized ... with an Allen wrench and on bikes. Shocked there were six of them.  They were truly diverse ... Hispanic, black, and South Asian from their looks.  Looked about 17.  None very physical ... would definitely have challenged them if I arrived while they were in the act.

The punk who had the Allen wrench and a knife was named Leonardo.  And no, I don't care if he is only 17; he is still a thief.  I told them all they were thieves and that felt good. They seemed really humiliated up against the squad car ... at least there for 25 minutes while I was there. Cops did a very nice job ... though didn't seem interested in seeing us going to court. I thanked them profusely.

So now even when I run or go out to the store I need to carry a second lock. What a pain!"

According to the Chicago Stolen Bike Registry, Uptown has been a pretty safe place for bikes.  Keep an eye out for these kids.  They've already had a bad experience, getting arrested in Uptown.  Let's try to make this part of town extremely inhospitable for them.

Shots Fired Last Night South of Truman College

Last night around 10:30, a lot of Uptowners had their windows open on a warm spring night.  Then shots rang out.  Reports came in from all over Uptown, but it turned out that it all happened in the area around Sunnyside/Magnolia.  We have no reports that anyone was hit.  An EMT unit was dispatched, but then returned to the fire station.  Cops were on the scene quickly, and enough witnesses called 911 that descriptions of the shooters got out to the police (and us) pretty fast:
  • "A light gray/green van with white driver's side door was speeding down the alley behind Truman. Police are now on the scene."
  • "The shots came from Sunnyside and the alley between Truman College and Magnolia Avenue. As 911 answered, a gray mini-van sped down the alley behind Magnolia Ave. and continued down the alley across Wilson and down to Leland or Lawrence.  I did get the plate number and gave it to the 911 dispatcher."
Yup, drive-by shooters in soccer mom cars.  This is the joy of living in an area with gangs.   Stay on the lookout for suspicious behavior; call 911 if you see anything that looks odd (and tell the dispatcher you are in an area that has had recent gang shooting activity); be a witness if you can without putting yourself in danger; and most important, take every precaution to keep yourself safe.

The next CAPS meeting for the area including Sunnyside and Magnolia is next Tuesday, May 7th, 7pm, at Truman College.

Monday, April 29, 2013

46th Ward Participatory Budgeting Ballot

If you live in the 46th Ward, we encourage you to vote for up to six of the nine proposals eligible to receive a million dollars of the ward's menu moneyThis is the only week voting will be open, to all ward residents 16 and older.  Show up with an ID at the alderman's office (4544 N Broadway) Monday, Tuesday & Thursday, 9am to 5pm; Wednesday 9am to 7pm; and Friday 9am to noon.  You can also vote this Saturday at Uplift High School, 900 W Wilson, between 10am and 2pm.

If there's a particular proposal you feel strongly about, send us something explaining why it should get your neighbors' votes.  We ran one yesterday about #7 (traffic calming on Leland). We'll run one blurb for each proposal.  Dazzle us!

But the most important thing is, get over to the Ward Office or Uplift and VOTE! Here's a sample copy of the ballot you'll be using:





Another Week Begins

The good news is that it seems that winter is finally behind us.  Enjoy this spring sunrise at Montrose Harbor from reader Mark Vanderah.

Sunday, April 28, 2013

Living With Buddha

We're kind of loving seeing Uptowners get up close and personal with the Ten Thousand Ripples project Buddha heads that live amongst us.



What's A Stop Sign For?


A reader just sent in this video showing the intersection of Beacon and Leland on any average day. It shows the number of motorists who blatantly blow by the four-way stop. Want to know what might help reduce this? Voting for item #7 on the PB ballot which would make Leland from Clark to Clarendon a safe route for bikers and walkers with traffic calming bumpouts, bike lanes and planters. If you haven't voted yet, you can still stop by Alderman Cappleman's office during normal business hours or stop by Uplift High School on May 4 from 10am-2pm.

Hidden Identity Intrigue! Free Film At Bezazian Library

click to enlarge

Somerset Construction Runs Afoul Of The EPA

Somerset Place, at Sheridan and Argyle, is being retrofitted to the purpose for which it was built: rental residences.  But that doesn't mean the process is a smooth one.  Medill Reports ran a feature last week about why construction has been halted:
The transformation of a former troubled nursing home into an apartment complex that some community leaders are hoping will revitalize this stretch of North Side has stalled due to alleged asbestos contamination.

Until last week, construction workers and the sound of jackhammers on the corner of Argyle Street and North Sheridan Road foretold a renovated apartment building ringed with commercial spaces. The towering brick edifice with a swooping façade was meant to be a “linchpin for the revitalization of Sheridan Road,” said Joseph Trendl, president of the Carmen-Winona Block Club.

But earlier this month, a City of Chicago inspector documented workers removing asbestos without proper attire and wearing only paper respirators. Last week, Attorney General Lisa Madigan filed a complaint against the building’s owners and announced that construction would halt.
 The entire article is here.


Morning Has Broken

by Mark Vanderah
A beautiful Uptown sunrise at Montrose Harbor's Fishhook Point,
taken Saturday morning.

"Summer of Learning" For Chicago Students


If you've got kids, you'll want to check out Chicago's Summer of Learning, where over 100 organizations are providing hands-on learning opportunities for children of all ages, particularly in science, technology, engineering, arts, and math.  Locally, Alternatives, Boys & Girls Club, People's Music School, Kuumba Lynx, the Park District, and Chicago Public Library are taking part, and there are organizations all across the city as well.  Kids can earn badges, with benefits carrying over into school in the fall.  The website is here.

Saturday, April 27, 2013

Now Shots Fired On Malden

Now the 4400 block of Malden.  "3 shots fired east of Malden on Montrose. Think the police are on the way. Multiple pedestrians/ cyclists took cover immediately. My wife, dog, and I sought shelter inside, having been in our yard on Malden."

Stay safe.  Call in any suspicious behavior you see, but first and foremost, keep yourself away from harm if you can.

A Sign Of The Times


The scene at 3838 Broadway in nearby Lakeview earlier today.  The classic neon sign has been removed from the Hotel Chateau.

A reminder that there's an appeal to donate new or gently used men's and women's clothing to the residents of the Chateau due to the bedbug infestation inside.

Shots Fired, No One Hit

The warm weather is bringing out the thugs.  Stay alert.

At around 2:20pm, a silver car driving past Lawrence and Sheridan fired a series of shots.  No one was hurt, but some store windows and a parked car were hit.  Video footage of the car is in hands of police, and there were a lot of witnesses.

Could have easily been a person at that busy intersection.  A ton of police from both the 19th and 20th Districts were on the scene quickly.  So was an ambulance, which was thankfully not needed.

Uptown gangs are known for quick retaliation.  Keep an eye out for any suspicious activity and call 911 if you feel it is safe to do so.

You Are Here

A reader sent in this photo and says:

"These look kind of cool. Saw tonight at Sheridan and Foster SW corner. Walking south I saw two more of them before getting to Argyle."

We also noticed a couple by the Lawrence Red Line stop.

Nice.  But a couple questions:  Who put them there?  And what are they: Cool area identifiers, bike racks, or a combination?

Mystery solved! Update from the Uptown United Facebook page:

"Installation of about 30 new 'Uptown Chicago' bike racks started today. Uptown SSA#34 sponsored these racks last fall. Now with spring here, CDOT bike team has started installation. Try them out this weekend!"

Friday, April 26, 2013

Spring Cleaning Your Closets? Your Clothing Is Needed

Generous souls needed!  Due to the bedbug infestation at the Hotel Chateau, there is a great need for clothing for residents.  We don't think any children live there, but men and women's items are definitely welcomed.  From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:
Donate Your Gently Used Clothing.  The 46th Ward Office is collecting gently used clothing for residents moving out of the Hotel Chateau due to the bed bug situation there. Any leftover clothing will be given to the Epilepsy Foundation, which would sell them to benefit people living with epilepsy. Click here for more information about giving to the Epilepsy Foundation.  Please drop off your gently used clothing at the 46th Ward Office (4544 N. Broadway).
The 46th Ward's office hours are Saturday 9-noon; Monday & Tuesday, 9-5, Wednesday 9-7, Thursday 9-5 and Friday 9-noon.

Vote On How The 46th Ward Spends A Million Dollars

We've been posting about Participatory Budgeting (residents vote on how to spend a million dollars of the 46th Ward's "menu money" designated for infrastructure) forever, and now it's time to vote.  Here are the choices from Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"Voting now begins for spending $1 million of 46th Ward menu funds. These projects were formulated by many dedicated volunteers who attended many meetings to assist with the development of these proposals. To review these proposals, click here. To vote, you must show I.D. that you live in the 46th Ward and be at least 16 years of age. 
  • Early Voting.  You can vote early by filling out a ballot at the 46th Ward Office during office hours from Saturday, April 27 through Friday, May 3.
  • Voting Day.  Uplift High School,  900 W. Wilson Avenue, Saturday, May 4; 10AM - 2PM

ARTS
1. Music of the People.  Location: Underpass at Lawrence Red Line.
The community in collaboration with a local artist creates a detachable mural on the north wall depicting Uptown as an entertainment destination.
2. Bike Corral Sculptures.  Location: Broadway and Lawrence, Buena and Broadway, and Sheridan and Broadway.
Functional public sculptures designed by local artists that provide bicycle parking.

BEAUTIFICATION
3. Community Rain Garden. Location: Public Parkways in front of a religious institution
Installation of a public rain garden which will be maintained by a religious or not-for-profit institution. The rain garden will enhance sustainability, beautification, and storm water management in the 46th Ward.

SAFETY AND LIGHTING
4. Left Turn Signals.  Location: Sheridan and Irving Park Intersection.
The addition of two left turn signal lights at the Sheridan/Irving Park intersection for traffic turning east and west onto Irving Park, will help ease traffic congestion and aid in pedestrian safety.
5. Police Video Cameras.  Location: Sunnyside Mall Area.
Installation of two police video cameras to observe known high crime area “hot spots.” Cameras will help provide more eyes on the street and can be used as evidence when crimes occur.

STREETS AND CYCLING
6. Bike Lanes: Expand the citywide bike network to be safer when biking to the lake, store, or work!  Location: Multiple Locations.
This project contains the following types of bike lanes to help riders of all ages be safe. 
- New Bike Lanes: Leland, Broadway, Irving Park, Winthrop,and Kenmore.
- Refresh Bike Lanes: Clarendon and Wilson.
7. Leland Greenway: Safe travel and natural beauty on Leland, connecting Clark to the lakefront. Location: Leland from Clark to Clarendon.
A greenway on Leland with traffic calming, a shared bike lane, and beautiful planters with storm water control. This one mile section would be protected as a safe route to drive, bike, or walk.
8. SherMon Plaza: The redesign of Sheridan, Montrose, and Broadway to calm traffic and improve safety.  Location: Sheridan from Broadway to Montrose.
This project will paint, re-stripe and use bollards, planters, barriers, and fencing to close Sheridan from Broadway to Montrose, safely redirecting traffic for a new pedestrian space and future mini-park – SherMon Plaza.
9. Walkable 46: Repair and refresh!  Location: Multiple Locations.
Repair and refresh the 46th Ward with crosswalks, count-down timers, and traffic calming! Increase safety and walkability! Help make our streets safe and accessible for all!"

The 46th Ward's office hours are Saturday 9-noon; Monday & Tuesday, 9-5, Wednesday 9-7, Thursday 9-5 and Friday 9-noon. 

Art Openings On Foster Tonight

My Cup Runneth Over
by Emily Franklin
Enjoy the first decent weather of the year by taking in a couple art gallery openings on Foster this evening:
Girl With Green Boots
by Marcos Raya
  • SHEart, located at 1519 W Foster, presents the work of Marcos Raya, between 7pm-10pm.  This show, entitled Women in Collage, features multimedia works by Mr. Raya, also known as "The Outlaw of Pilsen."  Some of his work is on permanent display at The National Museum of Mexican Art, and he will be on hand with copies of his most recent book available for sale and for autographs.
  • Las Manos Gallery, located at 1515 W Foster, presents the opening of its annual photography show, featuring the work of Michael McGuire, Mark Pease, Paul Clark, Juan Fernandez, Gwynne Johnson, Patrick Manning, Emily Franklin (above) and Jim Van Bibber.  Tonight's opening runs from 7pm-10pm and the show itself runs through June 2nd.

See CircEAU This Weekend : Final Performances

CircEsteem's CircEAU, the High-Seas Circus Adventure, played to sell-out crowds last weekend.  It wraps up with shows tonight at 7:30pm, and Sunday at 1pm and 4pm.  If you buy two adult tickets, a child's ticket is free.  You can read much more about it in our March 23rd posting.  Ahoy, and have fun!

Thursday, April 25, 2013

"Dine Out For Life" Today

We urge you to give yourself a treat -- and do some good -- today:  Eat at a local restaurant and fight AIDS at the same time.

The Dining Out website says:  "Celebrate food, friends and a great cause at our 20th annual Dining Out For Life! Last year, Chicago raised over $110,000 to continue its mission of providing housing with life services to men, women & children living with HIV/AIDS. This year we hope to raise even more! You can help make a difference by joining us along with 60 other cities throughout North America and Nigeria and dine out on Thursday, April 25th!"

The Uptown restaurants that are participating by donating a portion of their receipts to the cause are:
  • Anna Maria Pasteria, 4400 N Clark (dinner only)
  • Baker & Nosh, 1303 W Wilson (any meal all day)
  • Crew Bar & Grill, 4804 N Broadway (lunch and dinner)
  • Magnolia Cafe, 1224 W Wilson (dinner only)
  • Razon, 4250 N Marine (dinner only)
There are restaurants all over the city participating, including many in Edgewater and Lakeview, but give the hometown heroes some love, okay??  We thank all the participating restaurants for their generosity.

Shermain Miles To Remain In Prison (For Now)

Another day, another chapter in the ongoing dilemma about what to do about someone with 396 arrests and no apparent willingness to change.

Tuesday, the Parole Board had decided "to see if Miles is eligible for a specialized mental health court that likely would require intense supervision," according to the Sun-Times.

Wednesday, it was discovered that Ms. Miles had taken part in that very program last year — and flunked out.

So, due to several arrests during her probation, Ms. Miles is back to prison awaiting trial on new charges.  She was ordered today to take a BCX — the same mental fitness exam that she refused to take earlier this year.

According to the Sun-Times, "[Parole Board Chairman Adam] Monreal and [Cook County ASA Kevin] Sobczyk said they haven’t entirely given up on finding a suitable solution — besides incarceration — for Miles."

Stay tuned.

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

Annoying! Uptown Theater Company To Move Out

It was just a year and two days ago that UU reported that the Annoyance Theater was looking for new digs outside of Uptown.

Now, sadly, the other shoe has dropped and it's been confirmed that the company will be moving to a bigger space in Lakeview.  You can read their reasons here.

But it's also been reported that Pegasus Players, who recently moved to Hull House after losing their long-time space at Truman College a few years ago, may be looking for a new home now that the Hull House property has been bought.  Could the Pegasus Players end up on Broadway?  We like it!

Another Uptown Luminary

This is pretty cool.  Uptowner John Holden had a chance to meet director William Friedkin last week and found out he's just an Uptown guy at heart:
"I went to hear a lecture [on April 16th] at the Harold Washington Library by legendary Oscar-winning director William Friedkin of The Exorcist and French Connection fame.  I knew he was a Chicago guy, but just learned he grew up poor in Uptown.

He was very generous in talking to attendees afterward and he told me he first lived at 4826 N. Sheridan [UU Note: above Asha Foods, at Gunnison] and then moved to Foster and Sheridan.  He is a graduate of the Stewart School, and he seemed deeply saddened when I told him it was closing after this year.

I started reading his book and it is loaded with a lot of great stories from his youth, including the time he was pinched for shoplifting at the Goldblatt's store on Broadway [UU Note: Broadway & Racine].  I said there should be an honorary street name for him in Uptown and he said he would come back for the occasion if there ever was one.

Friedkin's wife is Sherry Lansing, who was probably the most powerful woman in the history of Hollywood history."
So how 'bout it, Aldermen?  Can we honor Mr. Friedkin with a street -- another way to reinforce the perception that Uptown is Chicago's Entertainment District?

"I'm Gonna Change" After 396 Arrests

One of many, many, many Miles/Boone
mugshots the Sun-Times has on its site
Charmaine Boone/Shermain Miles, Uptown's one-percenter, appeared before the parole board Tuesday regarding her 396th arrest, and she may be released to a community-based program for those with underlying mental health issues.  Or she may stay in prison until November for her latest parole violation.

At her hearing on Tuesday, she told the Parole Board that she was a changed person: a role model for young female inmates, even.  She said that she's finally learned her lesson (after 35 years of arrests), and that she leads a prison Bible study.

According to the article in the Sun-Times, "Board Chairman Adam Monreal told Miles that he plans to talk to Paul Biebel Jr., the chief judge at the 26th and California courthouse, to see if Miles is eligible for a specialized mental health court that likely would require intense supervision — and possibly in a community setting."

Now, we can't comment on the state of her mental health.  We understand that Ms. Miles refused to submit to a court-requested BCX (Behavioral Clinical Exam) to determine her competence.  It would be irresponsible to bring up her current mental condition with nothing to base it on.

What we do notice are a couple red flags in the article that suggest Ms. Miles may not be the amenable, willing parolee that she promises to be:
  • When asked by one of the Board members why she hadn't been taking her meds prescribed for her previous diagnosed mental issues, "she said she would only take the right medication."
  • "The board asked Miles about Cappleman, and her compliant tone instantly changed. She denied laying a finger on the alderman, who has organized a campaign to make sure his ward’s notorious resident isn’t released without intense supervision.  “He lied on me and said I pushed him,” Miles snapped."  In reality, many people saw the altercation that day, including several readers of this blog, and as we understand it, as she was running towards Ald. Cappleman, Ms. Miles pushed or ran into another man, who fell against the alderman, causing him to fall into some bushes.
So, the decision about Ms. Miles's immediate future lies with the chief judge at 26th & California, to see if there's room in a program for people with her particular demons.

Well, what the hell.... why not?  God knows nothing else has changed her behavior.  Locking her up hasn't worked.  Living for long stretches in a transient shelter hasn't worked.  Nor has putting her in the care of Thresholds.  Or giving her medication, which she doesn't take because it's not the "right kind."  After 35 years, Ms. Miles is still committing crimes against businesses and residents; still returning to her turf (roughly Lakeview to Rogers Park) after each incarceration; and still gaming the system she knows so well.

In his letter to the Parole Board, Ald. Cappleman urged the Parole Board "to consider a highly structured environment that would not have her interacting with the general public."  The program the Parole Board suggests is described as one with "intense supervision."  Not quite the same thing.

We hope this program stops a 35-year run of predatory behavior and arrests.  But if it proves to be unsuccessful, we want to see Ms. Miles in an environment where she can no longer victimize this community.  It's up to the chief judge and the parole board now.  There are a lot of eyes watching to see what happens.

The Sun-Times article is here.

Tuesday, April 23, 2013

60th Birthday Deal On Car Washes

National Car Wash, at Broadway and Ainslie, will be celebrating its 60th birthday next week, so if you get your car washed there between May 1st and May 8th, you'll get a free wash as a gift.

Opening Reception For the 10,000 Ripples Project


Ten Thousand Ripples (the project responsible for the Buddha heads you see around Uptown, as well as the Uptown artist-in-residence) and Uptown Arts Center presents an exhibition:

Transparent Depictions
Book & Paper Arts
by Trisha Martin & Uptown community participants

Opening Reception:  Friday, May 3rd, 6pm-9pm
Gallery Hours:  Saturday, May 4th and Sunday, May 5th, noon-3pm

It all happens at the Uptown Arts Center
941 W Lawrence, Fourth Floor, in the Preston Bradley Center

What's Up, Dock?

A sign of spring... literally.

Gang Education and Awareness Course Offered


We've just been advised that the Gang Awareness Course has been postponed until autumn.  Those who wanted to attend will be able to do so in the fall.

Chateau Hotel Update

From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"Ald. Cappleman recently convened a meeting with the Dept. of Family & Support Services, BJB Properties (the manager of 3838 N. Broadway, Ltd), Catholic Charities, and other social services to assist with the coordination of moving the residents in the 45 remaining units to safer and affordable housing.

A special thanks to Catholic Charities for taking the lead on working with the remaining residents and the new building owners. This has been crucial to assist the residents with finding more suitable housing at a price they can afford. Once the rehab of this building is complete, we expect the new owners to ensure the building is well managed for the benefit of its tenants and the surrounding community.

In court on April 4th, the judge entered a fine of $18,000 plus $60 court costs against the previous owners of the Chateau Hotel.  These fines will help reimburse past court costs that have occurred over the years. The previous owners will be dismissed from the case upon payment of the fine. The case was continued to June 6th at 11:30 AM for case management.

Last week, Ald. Cappleman worked with the Police and the Dept. of Family & Support Services to coordinate efforts to assist an elderly, fragile woman living at the Chateau who was covered in bed bugs. As a result, the woman was immediately hospitalized. Upon discharge, she will be moving to a safer home."

Monday, April 22, 2013

Pivot Multi-Arts Festival Coming To Uptown & Edgewater In June

The former Wilson Avenue Theater,
now branded as FLATStheater,
at 1050 West Wilson
Uptown and Edgewater will be playing host to a multi-arts festival utilizing some local talent and taking place in some historic venues.  It all takes place June 6 through 22.  Here's the press release:

NEW PIVOT MULTI-ARTS FESTIVAL REIGNITES SPIRIT OF VAUDEVILLE ERA IN CHICAGO’S UPTOWN AND EDGEWATER NEIGHBORHOODS

Top Chicago innovators: Manual Cinema, Mad Shak Dance Company, Mucca Pazza, Theater Oobleck and others lead celebration of multi-disciplinaryperformance in unique and historic spaces

Pivot Arts launches a new celebration of innovative theater, music and dance in unique and often historic spaces from June 6 – 22, 2013 throughout Chicago’s Uptown and Edgewater neighborhoods.

The inaugural PIVOT MULTI-ARTS FESTIVAL answers the City’s call for a reinvigorated Uptown Entertainment District by uniting artists, businesses and local organizations around multidisciplinary “pop-up” performances occurring in a former Vaudeville Theater, an at-one-time Charlie Chaplin film studio and other historic spaces throughout these communities.

Over three weeks, audiences will have the opportunity to attend performances, many of which blur the boundaries between theater, music and dance or use some combination of performance disciplines in their work.  Programming includes: live music, theater, dance, puppetry, a community picnic and performances for children.

Participating Groups/Artists at time of release: 6018NORTH, Backroom Shakespeare Project, Chicago Architectural Foundation, Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak Dance Company, Manual Cinema, Mucca Pazza, Neo-Futurists, Theater Oobleck, RE|Dance Group, Steep Theatre Company, Ruth Margraff and Café Antarsia Ensemble, Jorge Ignacio Cortinas, Alice Austen, Martin Zimmerman, Steve Moulds and Tanya Palmer.

Children’s Performances by: Alternatives Youth Group, Crooked Door Storytelling, Dream Big Performance Workshop, Storytown Improv, People’s Music School and more.

Venues: Berger Park, Broadway Cellars, Burke’s Public House, Chase Park, Essanay Studios at St. Augustine College, FLATStheatre (an historic vaudeville space/bank building), Francesca’s Bryn Mawr, Kitchen Sink Café, Lickity Split, Senn High School, Uncommon Ground and The Waterfront Café at Berger Park.

For complete festival information and to purchase tickets, visit www.PivotArts.org or call 773-609-0782.  Tickets go on sale Tuesday, April 20th, with a range of free events, festival passes and no more than $15 per event.

The Empty Cup


If you're looking forward to a morning cuppa joe at the Lawrence and Broadway Starbucks, you'll need to get up a little earlier to head to another locale.  This one is getting a gut rehab and will be closed (according to the sign) until April 29th, with the Grand Reopening on Wednesday, May 1st.

(Which leads us to wonder just what will be happening on April 30, which kind of got lost in there somehow.)

I've Been Working On The Railroad



Some scenes from the weekend work on the northbound Red Line this weekend, as seen from Broadway and Racine.

From UU's Facebook page:  "CTA workers battled snow flurries and cold temperatures [Friday] night on track repairs south of the Lawrence station."

On The Road Again

click to enlarge

Saturday, April 20, 2013

Vintage Garage Season Opener AND Chicago Style Ride

For those who have been needing a vintage shopping fix since last fall, the wait is over. Vintage Garage returns to 5051 N Broadway tomorrow. To kick things off, there will be a vintage bike ride around Uptown and Edgewater in the morning. Ald. Osterman explains in his weekly newsletter:

"Since its start one year ago, Vintage Garage Chicago has been an exciting addition to the Argyle Street area. This Sunday, April 21 join me at the Vintage Garage Chicago Style Ride. 

The ride kicks off Vintage Garage Chicago's 2013 season and will begin at 11am at Vintage Garage Chicago, 5051 N. Broadway, just north of Argyle. We’ll make a few stops along the way to discuss exciting biking initiatives and infrastructure coming to our community.

The ride will start from Vintage Garage Chicago, head east on Argyle street, turn right and head south on Sheridan Road, enter Buttercup Park, travel through the small park and head east on Margate Terrace, which will lead us to the lakefront trail. We’ll ride the lakefront trail from Margate north to Berwyn, exit and head west on Berwyn, turn left and head south on Winthrop back to Argyle Street and Vintage Garage Chicago.

Ample bike parking will be available and anyone dressed head-to-toe in vintage will receive free admission into the event.

Looking for a bike to ride? Heritage Bicycles offers rentals of their hand-crafted bikes made here in Chicago."

More about Vintage Garage at its website.  Doors open at 9am!

Volunteer Opportunity: Adult Literacy

The Mercy Housing Learning Program is seeking volunteers interested in tutoring adults with low literacy.

The qualifications involve volunteering at least one hour every week to work with an adult student one on one. A background in education is preferred but not required. We will provide a free 12 hour training in ABE (Adult Basic Education). Subjects include GED prep, basic math, basic reading, basic writing as well as financial literacy.

Mercy Housing has seven locations on the north side (all locations are in the Uptown/Lakeview area). If you are interested, please contact Sam Reese at 872-213-1109 or SReese@mercyhousing.org.

Or stop by our Education, Technology and Employment Center located at 1011 W Argyle.

396 Arrests, 83 Aliases: "A Master At Working The System"

Some of Charmaine Boone/Shermain Miles's many mugshots

Shermain Miles (or Charmaine Boone, depending on the day) is a familiar sight to many in Uptown.  Too familiar, most would say.

She's been a one-woman crime wave.  Not only quality-of-life crimes, like public indecency and public intoxication (although there've been plenty of those).  She's also been convicted of attacking senior citizens; punching, slapping and pinching people she randomly encounters; pulling knives on pedestrians; and stopping traffic because she feels like it.  As we said in February"Ms. Miles's long rap sheet lists convictions for armed robbery, attempted robbery, criminal damage to state property, retail theft (twice), possession of controlled substances, possession of narcotics (twice), attempted robbery of a victim who was handicapped or elderly, and robbery."

The Sun-Times has an in-depth article about her today.  She's had a tortured life, and part of us feels sorry for her.  But a bigger part of us feels sorry for Uptown and the North Side, where so many people and businesses have suffered because of her inability to be part of society without causing problems.

As the article says:  "She fakes seizures that mean costly hospital visits. She gets judges to delay her cases. And then she returns to the streets to be arrested again and again — so many times that she ranks in the top 1 percent for all current CPD arrestees."

This woman, who prompted a community letter-writing campaign last February, has been a client of many social services, including Thresholds, which refused to talk to the Sun-Times about Ms. Miles or even about their programs in general. As the article says, she's a master at working the system.  A policeman says she's brilliant at "getting judges to delay cases so that her victims get frustrated, stop coming to court and then the case is dismissed."

Right now (sigh of relief) she's in jail. She may be there until 2014 if a Prisoner Review Board finds her guilty of breaking her parole.  After that?

If nothing changes, she'll come back to Uptown, as she has many times before.  She has family (two sisters and adult daughter) who can't handle her.  So Ms. Miles always makes her way back here.

The entire article is here.

Friday, April 19, 2013

Clean & Green Saturday

Saturday is the citywide "Clean & Green" Day, where volunteers go out and try to make their neighborhoods a little nicer, a little cleaner, after a long winter.  It's a great way to meet the neighbors and make a difference.  If you have an hour or so to spare, we encourage you to go out and help.

Several block clubs and other organizations are getting together, and we'll list what we know below.  If you have any other events, please send them to us at UptownUpdate@hotmail.com and we'll add them to the list.

Additionally, there will be paper shredding, paper recycling, and electronics recycling.  See below.

And you can check Clean Uptown, a new site, as well.

Buena Park Neighbors Clean & Green

Saturday, April 20, 10 a.m.

Meet at Dollop Coffee and Tea (Gordon Terrace and Clarendon)

This is a city-wide day to clean and beautify our neighborhoods. We will supply equipment and materials and you supply your own gloves. We will be picking up trash and doing light landscaping at a few select locations. For further information, go to Buena Park Neighbors.