Winter Parking Ban Begins Tonight, Including Foster West Of Clark

Chicago's winter parking ban on certain arterial streets between 3am and 7am begins tonight and lasts through March 2014.

Luckily for us, Uptown is almost wholly devoid of streets that qualify under the ban -- the only exception is Foster Avenue, west of Clark Street.

DO NOT PARK THERE after 3am.  Even if there's no snow.  Even if it's so hot that someone's set up a beach hammock between the street lights.  Even if Mayor Emanuel himself tells you it's okay.  It's not.  Your vehicle will be towed.  It's not cheap to get it back:  $60 parking ticket... $150 tow fee... $20 a day for storing your car, which you never asked them to store anyway.

This is different than the snow routes, which are illegal to park on if more than two inches of snow fall.  We'll talk about that when it happens.  But for now, don't park on Foster west of Clark.  You can check out a map of all the arterial streets affected here.

Two(!!) Businesses Open At Buena & Broadway

At long last, no more "site of the former KFC"! 7-11 has remodeled and officially opened on the southwest corner.

Meanwhile, on the northwest corner, the long-rumored "high-end wine and cheese store" is a reality!  North Buena Deli & Wines opened last night, with the Grand Opening to take place next Saturday, December 7th.  The hours are 10am to 10pm seven days a week, and the phone number is 773-270-4179.

It's a nice space, with some better quality candies, cookies, and snacks; a small seating area looking out the windows; a good assortment of wines and spirits; and a two deli counters with a mouth-watering variety of meats and cheeses.

It's Small Business Saturday!

We love our national chains, but we also love our mom-n-pops!  Today is Small Business Saturday, a chance to show our locally owned businesses some love and some dollars.

Did you know that when you shop at an independent business, more of your money gets reinvested right back into Uptown?  "A study conducted by Andersonville Development Corporation in Chicago shows that for every $100 spent at a national chain only $43 stays in the community. If that same $100 is spent at locally owned independent stores $68 stays in the community."

There are truly too many locally owned businesses to list, but you have your favorites, we're sure.  Spend some money there!  Choose an independent retailer close to home and be a champion.

The Explore Uptown page has some "special finds."  Check 'em out.

These businesses have reached out to UU with notice of their specials for Small Business Saturday.  It is just a thumbnail version of what's available in our community.  Show them, and others, that your love them buy shopping there!

Hollenberg & Co. (4609 N Clark) is offering 30% off all furniture all weekend.

Revive Massage Therapy (4860 N Clark):

Spoil Me Salon (4660 N Broadway):

Crew (4804 N Broadway).  Earn a $5 bonus gift card for every $25 in gift cards purchased between November 30th and December 24th.  Bonus gift cards can be used between January 7th and March 6th, 2014.

Baker & Nosh Gift Boxes (1303 W Wilson).  Beginning December 1st, Baker & Nosh will be offering three unique bakery inspired gift boxes for the holiday season including:

• Coffee Lover's Box | $50.  Includes a can of La Colombe coffee beans, a Baker & Nosh coffee much, a jar of La Colombe coffee caramel, and a bar of Amedei chocolate.
• Baker & Nosh Cheese Crate | $75.  Includes 3 cheeses, a charcuterie selection, box of gourmet Water Wheel crackers, dried and fresh fruit, and specialty jam in a custom reclaimed wood crate by Square Nail (http://squarenailchicago.com/).
• Baker & Nosh Deluxe Cheese Crate | $100.  Includes 5 cheeses featuring a Camembert and Baker & Nosh's house cheese spread, Neva Betta crackers, box of gourmet Water Wheel crackers, dried and fresh fruit, and specialty jam in a custom reclaimed wood crate by Square Nail (http://squarenailchicago.com/).
• Pair a gift box any gift box with a floral arrangement from Forget me Knodt (http://forgetmeknodt.com/) next door and get free delivery within the city of Chicago!

Lining Up For Bargains

This was the scene at Target tonight at 9:30 as bargain hunters awaited Black Friday shopping.  Hope it was warm enough to be worth it!

Wishing You Gratitude and Togetherness

Did You Get A Street Cleaning Ticket In The 46th Ward On Tuesday?

From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"Parking Tickets for Street Cleaning. If you received a parking ticket for street cleaning today (Tuesday, Nov. 26), please contact the Alderman's office (info@james46.org) so that we can provide you with a letter of support to be excused from paying this ticket.

No tickets should be issued because there was no street cleaning."

Winthrop and Leland, A Century Ago

click to enlarge

These are the Bon Air Apartments, which used to stand at the northeast corner of Winthrop and Leland, where Christopher House is now.

We're not sure about the exact history of this place, but we found rental ads for it in 1906 Chicago newspapers.  In 1908 it was the subject of a landmark court case, Hart v. Everhardt; the owner stated the building was worth $85,000 (that's $2,076,000 in 2013 currency).  According to the maps on HistoricAerials.com, the Bon Air was still standing in 1962, but had disappeared by the time 1972 rolled around.

We don't know when this picture was taken, but noting the lack of vehicles and the fact that both Leland and Winthrop were dirt roads, we suspect it was quite a long time ago.  If anyone has any further information about the Bon Air Apartments, please add it to the comments.

Sonic Rising

It was a parking lot five weeks ago.  Ground-breaking was October 23rd.  The foundation is in place, and the walls of the new Sonic are now going up.

According to their rep, it takes 75-90 days to build a Sonic.  Figure in an additional ten or fifteen working days for bad weather, and our best guess is that we'll be able to try a local limeade sometime between Valentine's Day and St. Patrick's Day.

UU Note:  For those who aren't into fast food, remember Uptown's newest restaurant, Loving Heart Vegan Cafe.  And there's also the always lovely, always reliable Urban Vegan.  Diversity, even in your dining options.

Helpful Thanksgiving Prep Tips From Baker & Nosh

Updated JDL Maryville Development Plans Presented

First phase of the Maryville development, looking NE towards Clarendon Park

JDL presented their updated plans for the Maryville site at Montrose and Clarendon. The main tower (shown above) on the NW corner of Montrose & Clarendon has been reduced in size (260' tall) and number of units. JDL has also lowered the amount of TIF requested to $14M. The second phase, just north at Clarendon and Agatite, would increase in a size (156' tall). A small grocer is slated for the retail space. A dogpark and outdoor pool are planned as just some of the amenities for residents of the building.
A presentation about the potential for Clarendon Park Fieldhouse was also given. Money from the TIF would be set aside to rehab the crumbling fieldhouse. Read the entire JDL proposal at Ald. Cappleman's ward website here.

Bob Rehak Compares 1970s Uptown To Today

As you may know, photographer Robert Rehak returned to Uptown for the first time since the mid-1970s last week. He was on TV a couple times (WGN and WTTW) promoting his book of 1970s Uptown photographs, but said the "most exhilarating" experience was returning to the Uptown branch library to speak last Thursday.

Some of the subjects of his photographs were there, and he was glad to meet current Uptowners as well, many of whom had questions about what the neighborhood was like during his time he was photographing it. We recommend reading his blog post about his impressions of today's Uptown as compared with the one of the 1970s.

This part really resonated:

"I was shocked by how much Uptown today has improved compared to what it was in the mid-1970s. The burned out buildings, bars, pawnshops and resale shops that defined Uptown in the mid-1970s are virtually gone. So are the litter, graffiti, abandoned cars, and run down houses. In their place are nice new buildings and trees – lots of trees. The businesses I visited seemed to be busy and prosperous. I sensed optimism and hope in the people I talked to. Property values seemed to be improving.

That’s a tribute to all those who never gave up on Uptown and saw something worth saving. It took a lot of hard work, vision, faith, creativity and dedication to make those improvements.

Uptown had a glorious past. Whether up or down, it has always been one of Chicago’s most unique and storied neighborhoods."

Plans For 4642 Magnolia Presented, Pending Upzoning Approval

Proposal for 4642 N. Magnolia

If upzoning is approved, and the 1896 Victorian home is demolished at 4642 N. Magnolia, here is a good idea of what you can expect. Those in attendance say that the meeting tonight at Clarendon Park Fieldhouse was especially uncomfortable during a "spirited," impromptu presentation by the the Victorian home's owner. No decision has been made and the potential developer is willing to tweak the design if upzoning is granted. A tough decision for sure.

Gassman Presents Development For 3800 Block of N. Broadway

Proposed development for the east side of the 3800 block of N. Broadway

Dave Gassman presented his plans for the 3800 block of Broadway at tonight's Zoning and Development committee meeting. Gassman is asking for upzoning to allow the construction of a 6 story building and also a one story addition to the beautiful white terracotta building with eagles adorning its roofline. A zoning decision was not made tonight. Gassman does not own two buildings on the east side of the 3800 block, namely the building housing Subway and another that is home to a dentist office. Gassman also stated that the red brick building on the NE corner of Broadway and Grace WOULD NOT be demolished as part of the development.

More Info About Tonight's Meetings

From Abby at the 46th Ward office:

"There are 2 meetings tonight at Clarendon Park field house [4501 N Clarendon].

The developer will meet with Magnolia Malden block club and interested residents at 6pm to discuss 4642 N. Magnolia. Since this is a small project it doesn't require full committee review, just the block club. I know there is a lot of concern about this building in Sheridan Park so anyone who is interested may attend.

At 7pm is our regular Zoning and Development committee meeting, where we will see Dave Gassman's proposal for the east side of the 3800 block of Broadway and the updated proposal from JDL for the Maryville site. This will be in the gym, we will be prepared for a large crowd.

Interesting stuff, worth braving the weather."

3rd Annual 48th Ward Hat & Glove Drive

From Ald. Osterman:

"
Last year, we collected over 400 hats and gloves for students at our local schools. Join us in our effort to surpass last year's number in our annual Hat & Glove Drive benefiting 48th Ward elementary schools: Swift, McCutcheon, Goudy, Hayt and Peirce Elementary. This drive will provide warm clothes to children in need in our community.

You can bring hats and gloves to the 48th Ward office at 5533 N. Broadway. Our office is open Monday - Friday 9:00am-5:00pm and by appointment in the evening. The drive will end on Friday, December 13."

Meeting Monday Night On Rezoning Request For 1896 Victorian Home On Magnolia

A note from Dover Street Neighbors' Facebook page:

"Re: 4642 N. Magnolia Ave:

Ald. Cappleman's office has scheduled a meeting on Monday, November 25th, at 6 p.m., at the Clarendon Park field house [4501 N Clarendon], to discuss a proposal for possible upzoning and redevelopment of 4642 N. Magnolia. Neighbors welcome. My understanding is that residents of the Magnolia-Malden Block Club will be eligible to vote on the issue."  

UU Note:  Magnolia-Malden Block Club covers the area bordered by Wilson, Broadway, Lawrence and Malden.

Background:  Ald. Cappleman said in his weekly newsletter in late October:

• "4642 N. Magnolia Home.  This home in Sheridan Park is gutted inside due to a fire that occurred close to 2 decades ago. The prospective buyer is only interested in purchasing this home if he is allowed to tear it down in order to build something else on this site. Because the home is orange-rated (meaning it has historical significance), there's an automatic evaluation to assess if this building has Landmark status. All orange-rated buildings go through this same process.

1. If the Historic Preservation Division (part of the Dept. of Planning) deems this property to be historically significant, it will not be torn down and there will be no need to upzone the property. Someone who is interested in restoring the house would have to purchase the property. For information how a property is determined to have historical significance, click here.
2. If the Historic Preservation Division does not want to proceed with landmarking this building, the house will be torn down and the new owner will present new building plans to the Magnolia-Malden Block Club. If the new proposal requires an upzone, members of the block club will have a strong say on whether or not this would occur. If the new proposal does not require any zoning change, the new owner does not need community input to build as long as it remains within the current zoning guidelines.

Email the block club president to join: kathy.cook@am.jll.com. You must live within the boundaries to vote."

Sheridan Park Man Charged With Felony Public Indecency

What is it with these guys?  First a man from who-knows-where is reported to have parked in Uptown at least twice and self-pleasured in clear sight of passersby, and now there is a man from Uptown accused of exposing himself to children on school buses driving on the Eisenhower Expressway.

In the latest, Eugene Himelstein of the 4700 block of North Racine is charged with twice following school buses full of children leaving downtown and then exposing himself while driving next to them once they got on the expressway.  It happened twice, on September 6th and September 10th.  He was reported by a social worker and a bus driver.  Thanks to someone having written down the license plate number of his car, he was arrested at his home on Saturday morning.

We're glad that the cops are taking incidents like these seriously and bringing felony charges.  If you happen to see such behavior, please call 911 and try to get the license number and a description of the person.  Because... yuck.  Just yuck.

"Chicago Tonight" Interviews Uptown Photographer Bob Rehak

If you missed 1970s street photographer Robert Rehak on Chicago Tonight earlier this week, here's the interview.  Bob was supposed to be part of the Chicago Book Expo on Sunday, but had a business conflict, so the Expo folks arranged for him to speak at the Uptown branch library on Thursday.  We'd love to have heard his impressions about today's Uptown as compared to the one he photographed four decades ago.

Jazz Up Your Weekend At Agami

Trio Bamba, the instrumental jazz section of Rio Bamba, will be performing in Uptown at AGAMI Restaurant, 4712 N. Broadway, on Friday, November 22, and Saturday, November 23, 7 to 10pm. Come out and listen to live Jazz with dinner and drinks in a beautiful atmosphere at AGAMI!

Sign Of Change

Lawdy, lawdy.  A reader snapped this photo and says:  "Noticed this new public notice up on the south side of Wilson under the El. Progress."

Feeling "Betrayed"?

The TV series Betrayal is filming at the Bridgeview Bank Building today and tomorrow.  Readers with good memories might recall that they were filming at Montrose Harbor a few months ago.  Thanks to reader JM for the photos and info.

Free POV Series Screening: "Neurotypical"

Reminder - Chicago Book Expo Returns To Uptown On Sunday

The Chicago Book Expo (www.chicagobookexpo.com) is a pop-up bookstore and literary fair that will take place on Sunday, November 24, 2013 in the Uptown neighborhood from 11am-5pm at St. Augustine College, 1345 W. Argyle in Chicago. An afterparty will follow at 5 pm at Fat Cat, 4840 N. Broadway. All events are free and open to the public.

The event features an expo hall with over 70 exhibitors, including Chicago's best independent publishers and authors selling books, as well as author readings, panel discussions, writing workshops, and bilingual/Spanish programs. Nonprofits and associations serving the writing and publishing communities will be represented.

Chicago Book Expo is run by a nonprofit group of volunteers whose mission is to celebrate Chicago’s vital indie publishing scene. Our fiscal sponsor is Uptown United, a 501(c)3, with generous support for the Chicago Book Expo provided by the Uptown SSA.

The Expo originated in 2011 as a project of Chicago Writers House, and was founded by John Rich. Forty publishers participated, and a wide array of workshops and other events accompanied it. Named by Newcity named as “best new literary event” in Chicago, it was attended by 1,200 people. Since then, a variety of pop-up events at the Empty Bottle have continued to bring readers and indie publishers together. While Chicago Writers House is no longer officially associated with the event, we plan to continue its vision with this new Expo.

New This Year

• New venue: This year’s location, St. Augustine College, is the first bilingual institution of higher education in Illinois and also houses Charlie Chaplin’s historic Essanay Studios, making it a venue that nicely marries the future and past of Chicago.
• Expanded programming:  We will feature six tracks of programs going on simultaneously; one track will be in the Charlie Chaplin Auditorium in the Essanay Studios, with the rest held in the classrooms at St. Augustine.
• Bilingual programming: A track of bilingual programming is planned.
• Non-fiction Chicago-related programming: In addition to featuring poetry and fiction, we will include discussions of Chicago history (Chicago Tribune theater critic Chris Jones in conversation with Harvey Young), politics (Kari Lydersen on Rahm Emanuel), and culture (Jessa Crispin and Charles Blackstone discussing Bookslut).
• Publishing and writing programming: Flash fiction and self-publishing workshops, as well as panels on publishing issues, will educate those who have been inspired by the offerings of local presses and authors.
•  Self-published authors: To celebrate the rise of self-publishing as an increasingly respected avenue of publication, this Expo features the expanded presence of authors who have chosen this route.

For more information and a complete list of exhibitors, visit www.chicagobookexpo.com.

Anaphora Presents 3rd Annual "Sounds of Chicago" Concert At The Green Mill

Chamber music ensemble Anaphora presents an Uptown holiday tradition, its 3rd annual SOUNDS OF CHICAGO concert.  It all takes place at The Green Mill, 4802 N Broadway, on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, December 1 at 2pm.  This year the bi-coastal artists A/B Duo and a trio of world premieres are featured. Admission is $5.  Click here for more information.

This year's program, subject to change:

• “Limb” (scored for contrabass flute, piccolo, vibraphone, crotales, and Thai gongs)
  Drew Baker / Commissioned by A/B Duo - WORLD PREMIERE 
• “Stitch” for flute and percussion
  Jenna Lyle /Commissioned by A/B Duo - WORLD PREMIERE 
• “Nocturne” for contrabass flute and djembe
  Carolyn O'Brien / Commissioned by A/B Duo - WORLD PREMIERE
• “Noise Pollution”
  Brian Baxter / Commissioned by Anaphora (sample here)
• “Sometimes the City is Silent” for solo flute
  Janice Misurell-Mitchell
• “Centripetal Paths”
  Igor Santos
• “moonwave”
  David E. Farrell

Uptown Photographer on "Chicago Tonight"

Bob Rehak, whose book goes on sale today and who will be speaking at the Uptown Library tomorrow, will be interviewed about the Uptown he photographed in the mid-1970s on Chicago Tonight on WTTW's Chicago Tonight, airing at 7pm and repeating at midnight..

Taking A Look At Uptown 40 Years Ago.  In the mid-70s, the Uptown neighborhood was filled with poor whites, blacks, Hispanics and Asians. It was infected with gang activity, mental illness and a unique architectural style. One man decided to document it all with his camera, and is now sharing the images in his new book, Uptown: Portrait of a Chicago Neighborhood in the Mid 1970s. We talk with Bob Rehak as he shares his experiences while documenting a diverse Chicago neighborhood. Check back here later to view a slideshow of images and captions from the author.

Cold Weather's Here....

Disney School Benefactor Passes Away

Diane Disney Miller, Walt Disney's oldest daughter, died Tuesday at age 79.

Mrs. Miller, a philanthropist, had a lifetime desire to keep her father's memory alive by distributing the family's wealth in non-commercial ways for the benefit of entire communities.  So when Chicago's very first magnet school was named after her father, she became a generous benefactor to Uptown's Walt Disney Magnet, located at 4140 N Marine Drive.

In 2004, she visited the school and donated $250,000 for the creation of an animation lab.  By 2010, she had donated an additional $700,000, some of which went to create a digital music studio.  When she visited the school that year, students put on a presentation that incorporated parts of Disney Studios' most famous films, as well as original works they had created in the animation lab and music studio she made possible.

Mrs. Miller was charmed.  She said, according to the Sun-Times:

"[My father] believed education should be fun. You should have to work hard at it, but it should be fun.''  If Walt Disney were to tour Disney Magnet today, "He'd say 'This is what I meant,'" Miller said.  "When I walk in this school, I am so proud of it. I wish this could happen in every city in the country."

Rest in peace, Mrs. Miller. Thank you for your generosity to Uptown's students.

Gloomy Graceland

Buena Parker Scott Hobbs took his camera to Graceland Cemetery last weekend and came away with some suitably eerie shots to match the day's weather.  These are but two of them.  To see the whole set, and gloomy Graceland through Scott's lens, click here.  Scott recently moved to Chicago, so he's seeing things with a fresh perspective.

Razon Debuts Live Music Fridays

Razon has retooled!  The restaurant is still located in the Imperial Towers, 4250 N Marine Drive, but new ownership is making some changes.  This Friday is the inaugural Live Music Night, so come check it out with half-priced appetizers and $5 wines.

You can find them on Facebook:  www.facebook.com/ChicagoRazon.

ACA Workshop On Sunday At Uptown Baptist Church

On Sunday, November 24, 2013, Uptown residents will have the opportunity to meet with an In-Person Counselor / Certified Navigator from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. to learn more about enrolling in benefits under the Affordable Care Act.  Through the Health Insurance Marketplace, Illinoisans can find the health insurance plans that cover important benefits like doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions and more.  Most people will get help paying for their health plan, and many may be eligible for low-cost or free coverage.   For more information, please refer to the attached flyer and call 773-784-2922 to register for this free seminar.

Public Lewdness Reported Near School

A reader reports that seeing a man parked at the corner of Lawrence and Beacon this morning. The car's engine was running, and he was sitting inside self-pleasuring with everything visible to passers-by.

Needless to say, not what we'd like to see, or have kids walking to Courtenay School (Beacon and Montrose) see.

The reader immediately called 911 to report what was going on and gave a description. The man observed her doing this and immediately drove away.

Please keep an eye out for him and call 911 if you see similar lewd behavior in the future. The man is described as Latino and the car is a small electric blue sports coupe with a license plate beginning with "R47."

Won't Be Long Now

The former KFC at Buena and Broadway has been transforming into a 7-Eleven for the past few months, and it looks like it won't be long until the franchise currently located on the southeast corner makes the move to its new freestanding building on the southwest corner.  Reader DR took this photo Monday and says:  "I didn't get a chance to get a picture during the day but it looks like the 7-11 signage has gone up.  Certainly better than the rusting frame of a former sign."  Opening day can't be far away.

Shermain Miles Out Of Prison, Vows She Has Changed

Chandler West/For Sun-Times Media

Shermain Miles is once again on the front page of the Sun-Times, where she's been many times before.

396 arrests (putting her in the top one percent of Illinois criminals), assaulting an alderman, and having the chairman of the Illinois Prisoner Review Board attend your misdemeanor trials will do that.

After nearly a year behind bars, she's sober and back in Chicago as of Monday, this time taking up residence at a second-chance residential home for ex-inmates in Humboldt Park.  She says that drinking made her "a monster" and that she knows that remaining sober and staying away from her former street companions are the keys to her new life.

The entire article is here; Stefano Esposito of the Sun-Times has done a stellar job of tracking Ms. Miles's progress over the past year or so, and this article is no exception.

A lifetime of bad habits and criminal activity is a hard pattern to break out of.  Addiction is, as the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous puts it, "cunning, baffling and powerful."  We hope Ms. Miles is up to the challenge and that she remains sober and non-newsworthy.  We'd love to never have to write about her again, and hope the counter on her arrest records stays frozen right where it is now.

Is Uptown/Edgewater Getting A Whole Foods?

Right now it's an unconfirmed rumor, but it's certainly intriguing!  A reader writes:

My neighbor went shopping at [the Foster/Sheridan] Dominick’s today and an employee told her that the staff had just been told the store will become a Whole Foods.

An inquiry to the store's customer service department was met with a quick "I don't know" -- so whatever's happening, it's not official until the announcement is made.

All Dominick's stores will be closing December 28th, so we won't have long to wait to see if this one is true.

1970s Photographer Publishes Book, Returns For First Time In 40 Years

Last summer, Uptown Update found out about a website of photos taken in Uptown during the mid 1970s by photographer Robert Rehak.  We shared it, and Mr. Rehak began adding photos and descriptions to his site, many of which we linked to on our Facebook page.  His photos show almost unimaginable poverty, an Uptown that is truly decrepit, and countless ways in which the human spirit shines through.

From the L, I caught glimpses of streets littered with garbage, broken pavement, flop houses, winos sleeping on sidewalks, stripped and abandoned cars, buildings covered with gang graffiti, plus day labor agencies, taverns, pawn shops, and resale stores stretching to infinity.

On Wednesday, his book Uptown: Portrait of a Chicago Neighborhood In the mid-1970's will be published and available through both Amazon and Barnes & Noble for $25.93 (paperback) and $38.98 (hardcover).  It's 272 pages long and features information for photographers as well as Mr. Rehak's recollections of the neighborhood and his times here. Many of the photos that are featured on his website will be included.

According to an interview in DNAinfo, Mr. Rehak will appear at the Uptown Library (929 W Buena) and speak about the book on Thursday, November 21st, between 4pm and 5:30pm.  He says it's his first trip back in nearly 40 years.  What changes he will see, both in the community and its residents!  We look forward to the opportunity to hear him speak and to own the book that shows our community at a very low point in its evolution.

Sheridan and Foster, A Century Ago

Hard to believe this is the block on Sheridan between Foster and Winona, in 1909.  Now it's MickeyD's, parking lots, and modern buildings, not to mention some epic traffic.  None of these buildings have survived (although some very similar ones still exist on the east side of the block just south of this one).

But we are tickled that the sentiment on the card could easily be found on Facebook today next to a cell phone camera picture, proving some things never change:  "This is where we live.  Hope you will both visit us very soon."

The card is currently for sale on eBay.

Gilbert Gottfried At Paper Machete This Saturday

from www.GilbertGottfried.com

Paper Machete, the always lively, always free, live magazine that takes place at the Green Mill every Saturday, has a special guest.

"Gilbert Gottfried is headlining the Machete this Saturday.

He's flanked by a cast of comedy rock stars and hipster hotshot musicians. Should be a swell afternoon for all involved."

The Paper Machete starts at 3pm.  This week's lineup consists of Jorin Garguilo, Gilbert Gottfried, Greg Hollimon and Marz Timms, Ali Klingler, Edward Thomas Herrera, Julia Weiss, plus Chad The Bird,  cabaret tunes by Ami Saraiya and musical guests The Kickback.  The historic Green Mill is located at 4802 N Broadway.

Gilbert Gottfried is appearing at local Zanies comedy clubs this week, but why pay?  See him locally, and free, close to home.

The Knot Is Tied

Congratulations to James Cappleman and Richard Thale, who each gained a husband and 1138 additional rights today after 22 years together. The alderman sent in the above photo with the note:  "We got married today in Seattle at 1pm Pacific Time." Congratulations, fellas!

Loving Heart Vegan Cafe Opens

Loving Heart, which bills itself as a "pure vegan cafe," has opened in the former Purple Cow storefront at 838 W Montrose, just a couple doors down from The Reservoir.  A reader gives rave reviews to its Hearty Bean Wrap, declaring it "delicious!"  No one would ever accuse us of being vegan, but the Eden Wrap and Coconutty Smoothie sound enticing, so we'll be stopping by soon to give those a try.

Loving Heart says it does carryout and self-serve dine-in (no delivery).  It's open Sunday 2pm-8pm, and Monday & Wednesday-Saturday noon-8pm (closed Tuesdays).

Check out the website here and a larger version of the menu here.  The phone number is 773-561-5399.

Two vegan restaurants (three if you count Ch'ava).  Definitely not your father's Uptown.  Welcome to Loving Heart!

Chicagoist's Photographers Visit Uptown

Flickr photo by Irina Hynes
"a muse and a memory of local tenor sax legend, Von Freeman"

Chicagoist's "Around Town" feature focuses on Uptown today, with pictures ranging from Jake's -- to FLATStheatre from the inside out -- to a kid discovering that the new Uptown bike racks make great skateboard ramps.  Check it out here.

St. Boniface Cemetery Tour With Guide Ursula Bielski of "Chicago Hauntings"

NOTE:  If you're more of an indoor person with an interest in history, don't forget that Patrick Butler's Hidden History of Uptown & Edgewater takes place at the same time tomorrow.  Details here.

Ornament Painting Class At Hollenberg & Co.

New Uptown business Hollenberg & Co. will be holding a paint-and-take ornament class on Saturday, the 23rd of November.  Drop by the store (4609 N Clark) between 11am and 6pm and take home a free ornament that you've created yourself.

"Come stop by to paint and take home a very unique ornament! Shapes, letters, even learn how to make a little fox ornament.

We will also be accepting donations for Toys for Tots throughout this holiday season. Fun to be had by all ages, don't miss out!"

The Facebook event page is here.

With Friends Like These....

The Tribune reports:

"In the Uptown neighborhood, at 5:40 p.m. police were called to the 1000 block of West Lawrence Avenue after two people were stabbed, [police spokesman Antoinette] Ursitti said. When they arrived, officers found two people stabbed and learned they both had been stabbed by a third person whom they knew, Ursitti said.

A woman, about age 55, and a man, about age 38, were stabbed in the incident, according to Chicago Fire Department spokesman Larry Langford. The two were taken in serious condition to Advocate Illinois Masonic Medical Center, he said."

We have to wonder if this is connected to the loitering and drinking that takes place on the south side of the street nearly all day.

More Info On The 1896 Victorian Home

People may not be able to read the public notice from the street, but an intrepid reader did some online sleuthing and we're betting it reads something like this:

"Applicant seeks to construct a new building consisting of six residential units.  The subject property will be used for six residential dwelling units. Six parking spaces will be provided. No commercial space is proposed. The proposed building will be thirty-eight feet in height."

• To see the entire zoning reclassification application filed by the prospective new owners, click here.
• According to DNAinfo, the zoning request was to come before the Committee on Zoning, Landmarks and Building Standards today, but was delayed at the request of Ald. Cappleman, who wants to get community feedback.
• If you'd like to see what the inside of the house looks like, there are photos on Redfin.  Remember that the interior is gutted, which isn't very visible in the photos (very effective photography!).  But there are some pretty, pretty bones in that home.
• To read a quick review of the issues involved, here's a link to Ald. Cappleman's newsletter from late October.