Where Am I Located?

Where do these dragons call home?

Buy CleanSlate Landscaping Services Through Groupon

Now this is cool.  We all know how hard-working and friendly the CleanSlate crews are who care for the streets in the SSA.  What we didn't know is that they also do work for private parties.  You can buy a Groupon for four man-hours of landscaping work for $40 (half price) through Saturday.

"For $40, you get four man-hours of landscaping services from Cleanslate (up to an $80 value). In up to four hours of yard work, Cleanslate interns can mow, rake, weed, clear areas with a leaf blower, trim trees and bushes, and remove nonhazardous debris. Cleanslate can serve any home within Chicago's city limits and will provide the lawn care equipment. This deal applies to man-hours, meaning if two people show up to perform this service, they will each work two hours, totaling in four man-hours."

To purchase, or read more about it, click here.

A Farewell Message From Outgoing Ald. Mary Ann Smith

Photo courtesy
Lorraine Swanson

Dear Friends,

As I prepare to leave office after almost 22 years as Alderman of the 48th Ward, I would like to thank all of you for your support, encouragement and hard work.

Together we have accomplished much. From increasing the safety on our streets and improving our schools to developing our commercial districts and instituting a host of environmental initiatives, our Ward has been transformed.

We've established task forces to address... and improve... problem blocks and areas, created two new parks and renovated or expanded every other park in the Ward. We've built major additions to three of our elementary schools, substantially renovated the Senn campus and created a world-class auditorium there. More importantly, we've instituted new academic programs in our schools that are making a difference for our students.

The 48th Ward has become one of the most desirable areas of the City in which to build, live or run a business. We have six National Register Historic Districts within our boundaries. Clark Street, and now Bryn Mawr and Granville, are popular shopping and dining destinations. We have a vibrant performing arts community and are home to many fine theaters. And, at last, the tools are in place to restore the Uptown theater and revitalize the surrounding entertainment district.

We are the leader in innovative environmental projects, from permeable surfaces to traffic calming and car sharing. Our public art and beautification projects have received national acclaim. And we are proud that we remain the most diverse area of Chicago.

But this did not happen overnight, and I did not do it alone. Special thanks to my hard working staff and to the block clubs, Zoning and Planning Committee members, religious institutions, community organizations and the many people who came to me with ideas and then rolled up their sleeves to make those ideas a reality.

We have accomplished much, but there is more to do. Alderman-elect Harry Osterman will have to do more with less as we try to solve the City's budget crisis. Our community organizations and social service agencies are facing funding cuts, and the needs keep growing. I urge you to stay involved and continue to make this The Great 48th Ward.

I again thank you for all you've done and all you will do. And I wish you and yours health, joy, peace and prosperity.

Warmest regards and good wishes,

Mary Ann Smith

---

Office Closing. Our office will close to the public on May 1 to allow time for closing out projects and doing final clean-up prior to Alderman-elect Osterman taking office. As of that date, we will no longer have phone or e-mail service at 5533 N. Broadway. If you have an emergency, please call 911. If you need to request a City service, e.g., reporting street lights out, tree trimming, etc., call 311. If you need to reach a current 48th Ward staff member, leave a message at 312-744-6860 prior to May 15, our last day with the City.

Farewell Bash For Ald. Shiller

Not only will the incoming 46th Ward alderman be throwing a benefit concert at an Uptown concert hall on Friday, May 6th... but the outgoing 46th Ward alderman is having a 'do just around the corner at another Uptown concert hall at the very same time.  The reader who sent this in says, "So, I just got this in the mail today from Citizens for Shiller. I was never a member, so I don't know how I got onto their mailing list..."

Emanuel Appoints Inspiration Corporation CEO To Top DFSS Post

From the Windy City Times:

"Mayor-elect Rahm Emanuel has appointed John Pfeiffer, a gay man, as the first deputy commissioner of the Department of Family and Support Services. Evelyn Diaz will serve as commissioner.

Pfeiffer is currently the executive director and CEO of Inspiration Corporation, a non-profit that operates the Inspiration Cafe and helps more than 3,000 homeless and low-income Chicagoans achieve greater self-sufficiency and stability each year."

Read more about it at Windy City Times or Chicago Sun-Times.

Memory Lane: Wilson & Broadway

This is a screen grab from a WTTW program called "Remembering Chicago Again," featuring clips, photos and remembrances of 1940s-era Chicago.  This is what Wilson & Broadway looked like 60 or so years ago (facing north).  The sign that currently reads "Wigs & Hair" (and previously read "Two Bros." for many years) used to read "Hillmans."  We're kind of loving the illuminated billboard that sits on top of the building that's currently home to Iyanze, and we have to wonder how many accidents happened involving the concrete pedestal in the middle of the street surrounding the traffic light.  We also find it pretty amusing that we have brand new street lights there that look exactly like the ones in this photo, which were probably replaced for being too old-fashioned.

If you get a chance to watch "Remembering Chicago" (a series of three programs, each covering a different era), we think you'll enjoy them.

Dump Your Drugs

Got old or expired prescription medication you don't know how to dispose of?  Thanks for not adding them to the water system!  This Saturday is National Prescription Drug Take Back Day (um, catchy name...) and you can turn any old medications in at any Chicago Police Station, where they'll be disposed of in an eco-friendly way.  The two closest to Uptown are the 23rd District (850 W Addison) and the 20th District (5400 N Lincoln).  Hours of collection are between 10am and 2pm.

Dining Out For Life Is Tonight

From Crew:  "Don't forget Dining Out For Life tonight.  Crew is a top level Diamond Sponsor again this year.  We'll be raffling off a Blu Ray player, Apple TV, Crew gift cards, Chicago Gay Hockey Association stuff and more.  Come join our host Sofia Saffire and our DOFL Ambassadors Tom Klarquist and Steve Somora for a great cause."

You can read more about Dining Out For Life here.  In Uptown, participating restaurants are Anna Maria Pasteria, Ceres' Table, Crew, Magnolia Cafe, Sofo and T's Restaurant.  There are many participants to the north and south of Uptown.  If you're eating out tonight, help out!

Buy A Discount Coupon For Cupcake Gallery

LocalHolla, a new Grouponesque venture focusing on small businesses, has an offer at The Cupcake Gallery (1319 W Wilson) that's available until midnight:  Half off six classic cupcakes ($8) or six center-filled cupcakes ($11).  Check it out here.

Uptown CSA Ready To Take May Orders

Hey everyone!  Time to place your Uptown CSA orders for May. An order form is available at http://www.uptowncsa.org/ (also below).  Please drop off completed order forms and bring your check to the Leland on Friday, April 29th, between 4:30 and 7pm.

click to enlarge/print

For those of you who haven’t ordered for a while, the Leland is at 1207 Leland (Leland and Racine). We’re in the community room. You can also email the completed form to info@uptowncsa.org and bring your check the first week in May.

Questions – info@uptowncsa.org or http://www.uptowncsa.org/ or Uptown CSA on FB.  Thanks again for your support – see you Friday.

Person Shot Near Broncho Billy Playlot

The injured person was taken away
by ambulance

Last night there were gunshots (detailed on our Facebook page).   Today they hit someone and hijacked a van to escape. Two readers report:

• "I heard six or seven gunshots today while walking home from the Wilson Red Line Stop this afternoon, approximately 4:50.  I had just passed the Truman College, one block west of Magnolia on Sunnyside. I was passed by three gangbangers, walking east on Sunnyside, when I heard multiple gun shots, I believe 6 or 7, I did not count, I just ran out of there and called the police.  I noted a grey (primer paint color)  van was in the area driving westbound on Sunnyside and turned North on Magnolia.
  
  I also recall a person standing in the front yard on the southwest corner of Racine and Sunnyside, with his arms in the air similar to a "touchdown" signal. I saw him within 45 second prior to the shootings taking place.  I have since heard sirens in the area and now there are police and first responders on the scene. Not sure if anyone was hit, since I high tailed out of there."
• "The person shot does not appear to be in bad shape. It sounds as though the shooting happened near Broncho Billy and the offenders fled down Sunnyside, then up an alley to Wilson, where they hijacked a Comcast van near Beacon and Wilson. They showed a handgun and fled in the Comcast van."

Got more? Please put it in the comments.  We're getting a lot of conflicting reports, so this will sort itself with more information.

Mayoral Farewell Tour In The 46th Ward

Richard M. came to the 48th Ward (Edgewater playlot) a couple weekends ago, and will be visiting the Lakeview portion of the 46th Ward on Friday.  Any word on a 47th Ward appearance?

We have to laugh that the Mayor is hitting all three of Uptown's wards without ever stepping a foot into Uptown.  No soup for you!

Start The Inauguration Festivities With A Concert At The Riv

click to enlarge

A super-fun line-up, and the pre-concert VIP Meet & Greet is the hottest ticket in town!  The proceeds go to help James Cappleman pay down his campaign debt.  Enjoy a "homegrown" concert in Uptown.  You can buy the tickets online, or at the Vic or the Cappleman transition office (4133 N Broadway) with no service fee.

Zoning Notice For Winthrop/Lawrence Parking Lot

click to enlarge

A reader sent in this zoning notice: 

"Received today [Tuesday].  Not sure if your readers know more details, but from what I read, it looks like it's to allow the Aragon parking lot to become a ... parking lot...." 

Anyone know enough zoningese to know what this is about?

46th Ward Aldermanic Service Office Closing This Week

A rare email blast from Ald. Shiller's office:

Ward Office Final Hours
Alderman Helen Shiller’s Ward Service Office, located at 4544 N. Broadway, will close to the public at 5pm on Friday, April 29th – with the exception of Monday, May 9th from 4pm until 7pm for the sole purpose of distributing Wrigley Field LV2 permits.  Beginning Monday, May 2nd, all calls to 773-878-4646 will be forwarded to Alderman Shiller’s City Hall office (312-744-6831). Alderman Shiller’s website, http://www.aldermanshiller.com/ will remain active through May 15th and afterward for an indefinite period of time.

Mayor Daley's Neighborhood Appreciation Tour
The Honorable Mayor Richard M. Daley invites you to attend his 46th Ward visit on his Neighborhood Appreciation Tour
Friday, April 29, 2011, 10:30am
Sydney R. Marovitz Golf Course Concession
3600 N. Recreation (East of Lake Shore Dr.)

BPN Meeting Next Week With Guest Speakers

Wow Bao In Uptown?

"Wow Bao" is asking its fans on Facebook where it should open its newest location and Uptown/Edgewater is listed as one of the options. Check out Wow Bao's Facebook page here and be sure to vote for Uptown/Edgewater! Spread the word. There are a few vacant storefronts next to *cough* Target at Wilson Yard that would be excellent.

31-Cent Ice Cream Night On Wednesday

It may not exactly feel like ice cream weather, but you can still get a deal.  Wednesday night, from 5-10pm, participating Baskin/Robbins stores are offering 31-cents-a-scoop deals.  It's to commemorate fallen firefighters and some stores will be accepting donations.  We don't know if they're participating, but there are three Baskin-Robbins stores in Uptown:

• Montrose/Clark
• Wilson/Broadway
• Broadway/Winona

Read more about it here, and enjoy!

Crain's: New Aldermen Will Require Patience

There's a really good article in Crain's today about how having so many new members of the City Council will slow things down while the newbies learn the ropes and find connections and mentors.  Nowhere is this more true than Uptown, where all three of our aldermen are new.

"Just how disruptive an aldermanic transition can be is illustrated by a liquor license change that had been in the works for eight months when Alderman Rey Colon was elected in the 35th Ward eight years ago. The paperwork disappeared with the defeated alderman, says Ty Fujimura, owner of Small Bar in Logan Square. “We ended up pretty much having to go back and reapply,” he says."

We wonder how well Alds. Smith, Shiller and Schulter are cooperating with their successors and if we, the people represented by the aldermen, will be the true victims of a bad or begrudging hand-off?  We hope all three sitting aldermen would be bigger and better than that.

23rd District Open House & Tours‏

The 23rd Police District will be holding an Open House and Group Tours of the new station on Wednesday, April 27th from 6-8PM.  If you haven't seen the new and greatly expanded Police Station, it is well worth the effort.  The station is located at 850 W. Addison and visitor parking is available on the ground floor of the new garage. See you tomorrow!

Visiting The Jade Buddha

So the traffic barriers on Wilson were gone on Monday, and the ear-splitting live entertainment was, too, so we ventured to the Truc Lam Temple at Wilson and Ashland to visit the Jade Buddha.  It is stunning beautiful.  There were thousands of flowers, and a few worshippers lighting incense and kneeling to pray.  Visitors are welcome, since the Jade Buddha's mission is to promote universal peace, no matter what one's religion or politics are.  It's free (there's a donation box if you're so inclined), and it will only be here through Saturday, when it continues on its world tour.

Blue Ocean Deal On Groupon

You know the drill, $15 gets you $30 worth of food and drink at Blue Ocean, Clark and Leland. If you love sushi and other Japanese specialties, this a your groupon!

An Uptown Aerial From 1964

Photo credit: Graham Garfield Collection

Chicago-L.org has added another amazing photo to their Chicago transit photo collection. The shot above is from June 25, 1964 and shows a great view of Uptown looking north over old Wilson Yard that was destroyed by fire in 1996. The most interesting part of the photo to us is the area where Truman College now stands (upper left). Look at the amount of homes that were destroyed and how dense the area was at one time. There are more photos here, and as always, click to enlarge.

Party! Pick-Up! Picnic! Celebrate The Swearing-In

To celebrate the May 16th aldermanic inauguration in the 46th Ward, there's going to be a ton of activities, ranging from

• a ward-wide Day of Service with the block clubs
• a concert at the Riv
• facepainting and family picnic
• a pub crawl
• a free concert at the Kinetic Playground

The 46th is gonna be action-filled from Friday, May 6th, until Inauguration Night, May 16th.  Check out Alderman-elect James Cappleman's website for details, and start planning your route.

Autism Awareness Night At Brennemann School

Clarendon Park Neighborhood Clean-Up On April 30th

From Clarendon Park Neighborhood Ass'n block club:

Saturday 4/30 - 9:00 am - Clarendon Park Neighborhood Clean and Green

Meet at 9am in front of the Clarendon Park fieldhouse to pick up trash bags and rakes (and doughnuts!) for 2 fantastic hours of picking up trash, chip bags, and the other treasures that the winter has deposited on your block.  Wearing gloves is recommended. 

If you show up, your block will get cleaned!  

Raindate: Sunday May 1 at 9am, same meeting place. 

Please see the Clarendon Park Neighborhood Association page on Facebook for more details!

Some Unhappy News From "Yoga Christine"

My dear yoga, meditation and foot massage friends,

I have very sad news, when I tell you that I will be closing 'The Center for Yoga and Meditation' located at 1352 W. Wilson Avenue next weekend (April 30).

I am not closing because I WANT to. I am closing because I HAVE to. The recession is hitting everyone, myself included.

I'm so grateful for the 1-1/2 years we spent together in that lovely, comfy space, and I look forward to seeing you all again, as I continue teaching classes and offering foot massage on Sundays out of my home in Highland Park, or at your location if that's more convenient. Please check the website for details: http://www.squatteam.webstarts.com/.

Remember to be kind, be careful, and always, always, always be yourself!!

Sat Nam.

Christine

Chicago Uptown Ministry Is Home Base for "Ways to Work" Program

From a press release:

"Finding and keeping a job these days is tough enough without having to worry about getting there. And it’s even more difficult for parents who need to figure out how to fit the needs of their children in the family transportation mix.

That’s where the Lutheran Child and Family Services of Illinois (LCFS) Ways to Work program comes in. Ways to Work is an LCFS joint venture with the Salvation Army to provide low-interest car loans to responsible working parents struggling with transportation. Chicago Uptown Ministry will serve as LCFS’ home base for this exciting program. (Chicago Uptown Ministry is a program of LCFS.)  Ways to Work is made possible through grants from the Chicago Community Trust, the Federal Transit Administration, the RTA and the Wal-Mart Foundation. An initial donation from the PNC Financial Services Group helped cover LCFS’ start-up costs for this venture.

The Ways to Work program provides financial education, a low-interest loan and support to working families, assisting them in stabilizing their financial situations and maintaining a state of self-sufficiency. Clients use the loans primarily to purchase reliable used cars to help them retain or move ahead in their jobs, reduce lateness and absenteeism at work, access additional education or job training and meet their family’s needs, such as transporting children to child care, doctors’ appointments and school activities. By successfully completing the Ways to Work program, participants improve their credit scores, giving them better access to future loans with more favorable rates than they had previously been eligible for and helping them avoid predatory lenders.

LCFS’ Director of Community Services DeBorah Al-Waraqi said, “I think this program will be a great opportunity for working families to receive assistance in a form they normally would be unable to obtain on their own.” Indeed, owning a car is not a luxury, but a necessity for many working families. Mass transit cannot meet the needs of all workers, especially those who have multi-point commutes or must bring children to daycare and school before going to work.

Qualifiers for the program must:

• Be employed for at least 20 hours-a-week for at least six months
• Reside in Cook County, Du Page County or Aurora (the long-term goal is to bring the program to Central and Southern Illinois)
• Can be pursuing post high school education
• Be a parent or guardian of a dependent child 18 year old or younger
• Successfully complete the Ways to Work financial literacy program

Ways to Work loan recipients have few if any other opportunities to obtain affordable credit, because they lack credit histories or have poor credit ratings -- especially in a time of tight credit availability. Without Ways to Work, many would be forced into high-cost loans. This program is not for everybody. It's for individuals who are working and moving to financial stability, but still need affordable credit to sustain their progress.

Ways to Work is a program that not only helps families, but also helps to build communities by connecting with local financial institutions, employers and other human services providers.  Parents who are interested in Ways to Work and would like to see if they qualify should call 1-800-363-LCFS (5237)."  You can read more about this program, which is currently operating in more than twenty states, here.

Chase Park Sponsors Ladies' Spa Night

A reader wrote in to tell us about the Fourth Annual Ladies' Spa Night, May 5th, from 7-10pm, sponsored by Chase Park Advisory Council:  "This event is always fun & always sells out.  My favorite part is the shopping.  There are some amazing local artisans that come and sell their goods.  Oh, and the massage!"

The invitation reads:  "Enjoy a variety of mini treatments including manicure, reflexology, massage, facial waxing & threading and now facial spray tan!  Make-up artists and hair stylists will be on hand for your enjoyment as well. Dress comfortably and come ready to relax, enjoy great drinks and delicious Mexican themed food.  Shop from some amazing local artisans as well as bid on our fantastic silent auction items."

Read more here; it includes a link to buy tickets while they're still available.  $40 of the price is tax deductible, as it is a fundraiser for Chase Park.

Pork & Suds

Here's something you don't see everyday... a chance to eat chocolate covered bacon, drink 20 kinds of craft beer, and give to a good cause, all at the same time and within walking distance of home.

Fat Cat is giving you the opportunity to do all three, on May 21st.  You can purchase tickets in advance by contacting chicagoevents@rocketmail.com or calling (773)  716-7200.

All proceeds go to St. Andrew School and Church.  Read more about it here.

Decipher This

Ahhh, the 4600 block of Broadway...
There has been a flurry of activity in the building that formerly housed "Da Spot" clothing store. This building has been in housing court for quite some time now and was the site of a  big Vice Lord gang/drug bust about a year ago. Looks like the owner is finally being forced to clean up his property, but some taggers are still showing their love for this spot in the form of a tag just above the Army Surplus store...complete with an arrow pointing to the building. The door to the apartments just above Gigio's are also sporting gang tags.
We hope our readers will call these tags in to graffiti blasters. The address for the "BTL" tag visible at the top of the Army Surplus is 4647 N. Broadway. The gang tags on the Gigio's building can be called in with 4643 N. Broadway.

Kids, Kites & Dogs ... And Hopefully Sun & Wind

Saturday, May 7th, is going to be a fun day at Montrose Harbor, so we're hoping for good weather.

• The day kicks off with the 17th Annual "Bark In the Park" fundraiser walk for the Anti-Cruelty Society.  The walk is at 9am, but the day begins at 8am and continues through noon with booths, a doggie fashion show, raffles, an obstacle course, microchipping, "ask the vet" and a ton of other activities for Fidos and owners.  You can read more about it, as well as sign up to participate in the walk.  Lots more information is here.
• Then, like the day isn't cute enough already, there's the annual "Kids and Kites" festival from 10am-4pm.  If you've never been, the sight of the Uptown's skies filled with kites of all sizes and descriptions is unforgettable.  (We love the Flying Purple People Eater... or maybe it's a giant cat.)  More information is here.

Flying With A Peregrine Falcon

A reader sent us this BBC video with a literal bird's eye view from the fastest animal on earth: the peregrine falcon. Just to give you a little taste of what the birds who live on the Uptown's roof are capable of.  We've heard they can get from Montrose Harbor back home to the Uptown in under a minute, and after seeing this, we believe it.

Love On A Rooftop

"Recovery of a Species"
copyright held by Jerry Goldner

Good news!  Looks like there's another generation of peregrine falcons set to be born high atop the Uptown Theatre, in a niche off the fire escapes on the Magnolia side.  The Chicago Peregrine Falcon Blog reports that, as of this week, Mama "Zoom" is sitting on a nest of four eggs.

But there's a soap opera aspect:  Zoom's long-time mate, Guy, is nowhere to be seen.  He's been replaced by his son Stan as the male half of the breeding pair.  Guy's fate is unknown.

We look forward to many swoops and flights from the Uptown Theatre as our endangered buddies stay in Uptown for another season.

---

Last year, Jerry Goldner sent us his magnificent mating falcon photo, Recovery of a Species, with which he won the first annual "Nature In Chicago" photo contest.  (You can read more about the contest and see the winning images here.)  This seems like an appropriate time to run it.  Congratulations, and thank you, Jerry.

Carts Of Treasures On Clifton

A frustrated reader writes in:
"I really wanted to believe that things were getting better on the 4600 block of Clifton, aka Blood Alley. What I saw today when I decided to cut over to Wilson was discouraging to say the least. I counted 3 shopping carts, two of which were full of god only knows what. The orange cart I sent the photo of (click to enlarge) is filled with Natural Light and Icehouse beer cans. Recently, when I was in front of Truman, I witnessed a known gang member meet his drug client here on Clifton where they engaged in a well choreographed "dance" where the gangbanger dropped the bag of drugs on the sidewalk in front of the "security guards"  and the client picked it up and was on his way. I called 911 of course. Clifton is the LAST PLACE we need unattended shopping carts filled to the brim. They are the perfect hiding place for drugs. The security guards hired by Cornerstone are turning a blind eye to the drug dealing and drinking (see cart) that are still happening on this street."

Lights Out On Broadway

The leaning and broken light pole at 4653 N. Broadway with some of the burnt out CTA under-track lighting in the background (click to enlarge)

A reader writes in:
"I've been keeping an eye on the new street lighting near my Leland/Broadway area apartment and they do make a big difference. I have been wondering why one of the new light poles just outside Uptown Bikes at 4653 N. Broadway looks like both light globes have been shot out and it is leaning to the east. I suppose it is possible it was damaged during installation but it has been like this for a while now. The one light bulb does come on at night but is exposed to the elements. Hopefully the city is planning to come back and straighten the pole out and add the light globes back. I also counted at least FIFTEEN burnt out lights under the L tracks here. I plan to call the CTA to let them know but I hope your readers will do the same."

Truc Lam Temple Welcomes Famous Jade Buddha

The Truc Lam Buddhist Temple at Wilson and Ashland is looking particularly festive this week.  There's a good reason why:  the famous Jade Buddha for Universal Peace has a stopover there on its year-long tour around the world, beginning Saturday.

According to the tour website, "The purpose of exhibiting the Jade Buddha around the world is for everyone, irrespective of their religion, to take a moment to reflect upon peace; peace for the world; peace in their relationships; peace for their families and friends; peace at work; peace in their mind."

While the Buddha is covered in our photo, it will be unveiled on Saturday and celebrated the entire week.  You can read more about it here, and see a complete list of the festivities here.

Lawrence Avenue To Go On A Diet

Just a small part of this happens in Uptown, but as we posted last summer, it will have an effect on us.  Appropriately for Earth Day...

Lawrence Avenue is getting slimmer between Ashland and Western:  it will lose a driving lane, but gain wider bike lanes, more shade trees, wider sidewalks and pedestrian oases.  It will also be more rainwater-draining.

This article from the Architect's Newspaper has projected photos and lots of details, including this:

"East of Ashland, Lawrence currently contains only two travel lanes, but will still undergo a similar slimming treatment. Sidewalks will be extended to accommodate 100 new shade trees and allow for al fresco dining."

It all sounds lovely, but we'll be happy if they just take care of the gaping potholes.  Everything else is gravy.

Uptown's Violence Contributes To A Pulitzer

Congratulations to Mark Konkol, Frank Main and John J. Kim of the Sun-Times, who won a Pulitzer Prize this week for their multi-part article about Chicago's gun violence and the "no-snitching" code that keeps it thriving.

They featured Uptown in it -- a gunshot victim, Willie Brown, who was shot on Sunnyside near Sheridan, but met the Sun-Times reporter at the Wilson/Sheridan McDonald's and proudly declared he wasn't saying who did it ("I could be Willie the Rat").  We posted about the shooting when it happened, and the article when it was published last summer. 

You can read the entire award-winning series here.

Free Starbucks Coffee For Earth Day

Thanks to Free Things To Do In Chicago for this:

To celebrate Earth Day, participating Starbucks locations in the Chicago area are encouraging everyone to go green. If you bring in your own travel cup on April 22, 2011, Chicago area Starbucks will fill it with coffee or tea for free.

Here's A Surprise

And awayyyyy we go....

A reader writes that "A drug bust is currently going down in the J.J. Peppers parking lot, who would have thunk it?"

We drove past JJP Wednesday night and it was open for business again.  Apparently the parking lot is, too.  Good job, coppers.

For Rent On Broadway

A reader writes in:
"On my way to Target today I noticed that Alderman Shiller's office at 4544 N. Broadway is more or less empty and looks abandoned. I saw no one inside around 11am. A sign on the door says that the last day to get residential parking permits is April 28, but I don't think there would be anyone to help you if you wanted it. They sure were quick to get a FOR RENT sign up. You can call 773-972-8241 if you want to rent this space."

Don't Let Construction Keep You From Alma Pita

A reader writes in:
"There has been more construction on Wilson in the past year than in recent memory between Truman College's renovation, the new street lighting, and now alleys between Malden and Racine are torn up for AT&T work. I stopped into Alma Pita (Wilson & Magnolia) recently and the owner, Alma, mentioned that business has been down from the sidewalk being closed and all the equipment in front of her restaurant. I hope you will remind your readers to stop by this neighborhood gem and have a lamb curry or hummus sandwich. I'm sure Alma will appreciate it and your belly will thank you."

Groupon(esque) Bonanza

Lots of discount deals for our area today.  Enjoy!

• Save up to 63% off a painting or drawing course at Transistor (5045 N Clark).  Pay $60 for a $160 value.  It's through Buy With Me and you've got six days to buy it and 9 months to use it.  Buy it here.  
• It may not feel like it, but we'll have some hot days this year.  That's when you'll appreciate the deal on one hour of JetSki rental (pay $70 for a $145 value).  It's through YouSwoop and you can use it at Montrose Harbor.  Good through early October.  Click here for the deal.
• Just a block or two outside Uptown's borders:  $10 for $20 worth of Italian food at Tutto Fresco (3829 N. Broadway).  It's on Chicago Shopping and needs to be used by October 20th.  Read more about it here; buy by midnight.

Unity Green At Gill Park Groundbreaking

Join the Chicago Park District and The Elements Group for an extraordinary event, as we break ground on the first phase of Unity Green at Gill Park, a community-initiated effort to transform Gill Park into a modern, vibrant, sustainable and safe park.  Through the innovative architectural design of Site Design Group and Studio Gang Architects, the first phase is an exciting step towards the common vision of unifying a diverse community through the park experience.

Date:  Thursday, April 28th at 4:00pm

Location: Gill Park, 825 West Sheridan Road (Southwest Corner of Broadway and West Sheridan Road)

Paved Off

A reader writes in:
"There’s a bunch of construction equipment working on Sunnyside street between Clifton and Racine. This is the south boundary of Truman’s parking garage construction project—sniff, sniff, TIF project.

My husband went out to see what they were doing. The construction foreman told him they’re repaving 2/3’s of the street since that’s all Truman is responsible for repaving!

So another half-ass project that’s torn up our neighborhood. What other ward would allow such a sloppy project?"

Blocked Up Sewer Drains On 4700 Block Of Kenmore

Outside 4718 N. Kenmore

A reader writes in:
"Any thoughts on how to get the city to clean up the 4700 block of Kenmore?  It's constantly trashed and the sewer drains have been blocked up outside 4718 since the big snow storm...With the recent rain, it's even worse than the picture shows.  Standing water and the garden units in our building are now seeing symptoms of flooding patio drains and worried about their units.  We have ALL complained to the city a number of times.  They did attempt a drive by visit one day but people were parked there so they could not get to the drains. Seriously, wouldn't you think the city would put up signs to have no parking that day due to street cleaning."

Montrose & Clarendon, Now & Then

via Library of Congress

via Google Street View

Only one building in the top photo (the building on the SW corner) is still standing today on the corner of Montrose and Clarendon. Check out the single family home that once stood where 4343 Clarendon now stands (click photo to enlarge). The top photo was taken sometime in the early 1900's, the bottom is the view most of us are familiar with. Check out even more photos from this area here.