Lord Stanley's Cup Makes A Return Trip To Uptown

Sen. Kirk (light blue shirt) and Lisa Madigan (purple shirt) hoisting the Cup
(photo by Milos Otic)

Crew owners Mark Robertson and Mike Sullivan (photo by Milos Otic)

Yesterday morning, before the Stanley Cup made an appearance in the Pride Parade, it visited Crew (4804 North Broadway), along with a coterie of political and sports figures.  The Chicago Gay Hockey Association and Equality Illinois held pre-parade breakfast receptions with elected officials including Sen. Mark Kirk, Attorney General Lisa Madigan, Congresswoman Tammy Duckworth, Alderman James Cappleman, and others.  This was the Cup's second 2015 visit to Uptown; it also appeared at the Mumford & Sons concert earlier this month.

Lawrence Bridge Is Falling Down

The area of the bridge where concrete chunks fell over the weekend,
necessitating the closure of the westbound lanes and emergency repairs

Timberrrrrrr!  On Saturday afternoon, several concrete chunks fell to the ground from the dilapidated bridge over Lawrence at Lake Shore Drive.  We're talking scary, lethal-sized slabs; one piece was approximately fifteen feet in length.  It's a stroke of serendipity that no one happened to be walking or driving under the busy viaduct at the time, because there's a very real possibility that a death would have occurred.

911 was called and the police immediately shut down the westbound lanes under the bridge. CDOT came out and performed emergency repairs Saturday evening.  A complete bridge inspection has been requested.

This section of the bridge was already in bad shape in 2008,
when Uptown Update did a story about the crumbling infrastructure, but ....

... it's in even worse shape now, with more exposed rebar and more corroded concrete.
Note in particular how badly the back bridge support has deteriorated.  (Photo taken June 27, 2015)

Back in April 2008, Uptown Update did a photo essay on the crumbling viaducts at Lawrence and Wilson.  The bridges were in terrible shape then and nothing has been done to to improve them, so they're even more dangerous now.  Of course, there have been promises made for their rehabilitation over the years:

• In November 2007, Ald. Mary Ann Smith said the Lawrence viaduct was her next priority.  It didn't happen.
• In April 2008, CDOT held public meetings to address the issues with the bridges and the "construction schedule."  Nothing happened.
• In March 2011, the Sun-Times listed structurally deficient bridges in Illinois by traffic volume, and Lawrence and Wilson were in the top five.  Nothing happened.
• In September 2011, we learned they were in the 2011-2015 City Park Department capital budget and slated for replacement.  It didn't happen.
• In November 2011, they were declared "structurally deficit" -- meaning they are in need of "critical maintenance or replacement."  Nothing happened.
• Finally some plain talk.  In March 2014, Ald. Cappleman wrote: "The State of Illinois has plans for rebuilding these bridges, but we expect it will take several more years for that funding to be released. Speaking for all of us, it can't start soon enough." True that.
• In July 2014, he wrote, "The work for these underpasses will need to last until the State of Illinois has sufficient funds to do the major overhaul of the bridges, which could be ten more years."  Can these bridges, which are already dropping huge chunks of concrete, last another decade?

The only action taken has been to bolster the medians with metal supports so the bridges don't collapse. Nothing has been done to address the crumbling concrete.  After this rainy spring, how much more can these bridges withstand?  How many more 15-foot chunks are waiting to fall?

We urge the city and state to take immediate action on these viaducts before more pieces of the bridge come crashing down.  We know that money is an issue, but this is a no-brainer. Fix the bridges now and bear the cost -- or wait until they get even more decrepit and pay a grieving family for a wrongful death and fix the bridges then.

These bridges are dangerous and clearly don't have another ten years in them, no matter what the State of Illinois budget problems are.

Unhappy Meal -- Woman Shot In Front of McDonald's Sunday Evening

Tonight at 5:45pm, in front of a crowd of onlookers and several police officers who were already on the scene, there was a drive-by shooting at Wilson and Sheridan.  A woman standing in front of McDonald's was struck in the elbow by shots fired from a silver Nissan.  It's not known whether she was the intended target.  She was taken to Illinois Masonic, where she was said to be in good condition.  The Nissan, which was heading east on Wilson, made a turn onto northbound Sheridan after the shots were fired. Police pursued it, and it's not known whether they were able to apprehend the suspects.

The "Pride on Montrose" festival returned to Montrose Harbor this year and took place without incident.  At one point, the police stopped cars from entering the park because it was so full.  The festival let out around 8pm, and Wilson Avenue was closed so that the large number of festival attendees could get quickly to the Red Line from the park.  Once they were there, there were a few incidents that necessitated the police getting involved, including one where 50 members of the crowd got into the intersection in front of the station and started throwing punches.  The police got it quickly under control, and by 9:30, everything was back to normal.

It was a beautiful day, spirits were high, and the parade and festival were joyful.  Uptown had a huge police presence, with police vehicles at each intersection on the main streets.  But the violent incidents that always seem to come post-parade are frustrating and unnecessary.  It's been worse in previous years, and we're glad to hear that the shooting victim wasn't badly hurt.

A day about love and acceptance shouldn't end in violence, and we hope that someday we get the chance to experience a Pride Parade unmarred by such idiocy.

Post-Parade "Excitement"

Someone's trying to rain on the parade.

We're getting a lot of reports -- trying to sort it out from scanner reports from Crime In Wrigleyville and what we're hearing from readers. More will be clear as time goes by and more definitive reports are filed. Remember that this is all from preliminary reports.

What we think happened is that there was a six-person fight at Broadway and Wilson. Police broke it up. Traditionally, in years past, Uptown has has gang idiocy break out after the parade because the police are involved along the parade route and in Lakeview. Not so much this year, with the police having a robust presence here throughout the day.

When police arrived to break up the fight, a foot chase occurred. Perps ran away, cops followed. Readers are reporting that they heard a single gunshot near Kenmore and Winthrop (which do intersect, immediately north of Wilson). They thought it was a firecracker, until the police came into the area and told them to get back inside their homes. Immediate scanner reports say someone being chased shot AT the police, a person was taken into custody, a weapon was recovered, and shell casings were found at 4625 Kenmore.

But this is where it gets tricky. Readers are saying that they saw a man with a ski mask and a rifle, on a bike, in the area. Police swarmed the area, and sirens were heard up to 45 minutes after the initial reports. Police vehicles blocked off Kenmore and Winthrop between Lawrence and Wilson, as more police arrived on foot and in vehicles.

The good news is, no more shots have been fired. More good news is, Uptown is absolutely swarming with police. That's something that hasn't happened in past years, which has led to a lot of gang violence. We hope this is the only incident. There's a Channel 2 news truck on Kenmore, according to readers, so we'll see what they have to say.

Additionally: Readers have been asking about the large police presence at Montrose Harbor. The Pride on Montrose festival (formerly Montrose Rocks) is taking place there. We haven't heard of any incidents, but the scanner listeners are reporting that the beach is at capacity and no more cars are being allowed in. Police presence seems to be a precautionary measure. Again, a good thing to have a large police presence in Uptown post-parade. It hasn't been that way in the past, and the criminals know it.

We will update with more information as we learn more.

Update:  As we reported, the alleged shooter was taken into custody after the food chase and after he shot at an officer.  Plot twist: He's 16.  A reader took this photo of the arrests being made on Kenmore. Note that all suspects are presumed innocent until they are found guilty by the criminal court system.  DNAinfo's coverage is here.

Shop, Drink and Eat Local On Pride Day

With the huge crowds coming to Uptown Sunday, our local establishments are getting ready.  Here are what some are offering:

UPTOWN UNDERGROUND, 4707 North Broadway, catches you coming and going. They're having a Pre-Parade Staging Party beginning at 10am.  "As you're staking your spot for the festivities, find shelter from the sun at our watering hole this Pride. We're opening our doors early, 10 am early. Come see Muffy Fishbasket and her Broadway Divas as we all await the first float."  Then at 2pm, it's the Post-Parade Party.  "When the parade passes, follow the parade of patrons to the hottest after-party in town at Uptown Underground. Expect spontaneous performances from our residents and guests throughout the day and evening as you enjoy a treat at our Hot Dog Buffet."

BAKER & NOSH, at 1303 West Wilson, will have the La Columbe coffee truck out front giving out freebies.  NOTE:  B&N is closing at noon!

"Remember this little guy?  La Colombe will be here this Sunday, to help celebrate what will undoubtedly be one of the most historic Pride weekends ever! Stop by on the way to the parade, enjoy a tasty treat along with a free cup of coffee. We are guessing several of you will need a little "kick start" to get the day going. Have a safe and happy Pride weekend!!"

DRIFTWOOD, 1021 West Montrose, is right where the parade kicks off. It will open at 11am.

CREW, at 4804 North Broadway, says, "To all the parade goers and float riders and parade-skippers, stop during and after the parade tomorrow for some cool refreshing beverages! We open at 11:30. 

Miller Lite Pitchers $11.50; Double Bloody Marys $7.00; Mimosa Pitchers $14.00; Beergarita Pints $4.75"

LA CIUDAD serves up the tastiest Mexican food, and it's BYOB. They're located at 4515 North Sheridan.

For many, many other options, check out the Shopping and Dining page at Uptown Proud.

"Color Our World With Pride" Parade Kicks Off In Uptown

For the fourth consecutive year, Uptown is hosting the first leg of the Pride Parade on Sunday. It comes with crowds and some logistical planning, but we're getting to be pros at this.  The forecast calls for ideal weather conditions (low 70s, some sun, no rain) and there's much good news to celebrate, so prepare for a good time.

The parade kicks off at noon at Broadway and Montrose, and heads south on Broadway.  The staging area for the floats and participants will be along Broadway from Montrose to Wilson, and along Montrose from Broadway to Clark.  It will take approximately two and a half hours for all the parade entries to pass the starting point.  As veteran parade watchers know, Streets and San sweepers show up immediately afterward to clean the streets.

Be sure to look for the Stanley Cup!  It will be on the WGN Radio float.  There are 200 entries in the parade (see complete lineup here), and the Cup will be on #17.

There are a lot of parking restrictions, and they begin at 5AM and last until 8PM.  Ald. Tunney warns that ticketing and towing will begin promptly at 5AM.  If you're not going to be using your car, we suggest moving it NOW while you can.  We've supplied a map showing the Uptown streets on which parking is not allowed on Sunday.  There are many more street restrictions in Lakeview; see the entire list here.

CTA Service will be affected!

• The Red Line trains will run approximately every five minutes between 9am and 7:30pm.
• Between 8am and 6:30pm, there will be reroutes of these bus lines: 8 Halsted; 22 Clark; 36 Broadway; 76 Diversey; 77 Belmont; 78 Montrose; 80 Irving Park; 151 Sheridan; 152 Addison.
• The CTA has an entire page devoted to getting around during the parade; check it out here.

Be Uptown Proud!  Visit www.uptownproud.org and look for flags that will be given out along the parade route.

Montrose Rocks has been renamed Pride at Montrose and will take place between 11am and 8pm in a fenced-in area at Cricket Hill.  More details are here.

Don't drink on the public way. According to just about everyone, the wink-wink-I-don't-see-anything attitude of years past isn't happening this year. There will be ticketing and fines of up to $1000.  The parade committee has hired 80-100 off-duty cops to mingle in the crowd and make sure things stay within the law.

Ald. Cappleman's newsletter with info about the parade is here.

Have fun, be proud, stay safe!

Saturday Morning 47th Ward Ride With The Alderman

Saturday morning, Ald. Pawar will lead a bike ride around the 47th Ward, between 8:30am and 10:30am.  It's a very Divvy-friendly and family-friendly route, starting out at Ravenswood and Berteau, at Montrose Metro Community Gardens (on the West side of the Ravenswood Metra tracks).

The organizers say, "We will look at neighborhood school improvements and transportation highlights, including a trip to the newest part of the ward, South Andersonville! Great friendly pace for folks who have never participated in a group ride and who want to learn a bit more about our neighborhood. We ride rain or shine!"

Please RSVP at this link.  Free, of course.  Helmets are required, and all ages are invited.  For more info, contact Brad Gregorka in the 47th Ward office at 773-549-2745 or brad@chicago47.org.

"Spiritual Beans" Intrafaith Discussion Group Meets Saturday

Treasures of Uptown is hosting its monthly "Spiritual Beans" discussion this Saturday, June 27th at 4pm at the Golden House Restaurant and Pancake House. While we typically generate discussion around a particular idea or theme, this month is a little different -- instead of bringing a specific topic to the table, we would like to hear suggestions from Uptown residents about ways the group can continue to use its interfaith discussions and events to grow and strengthen the community. Please see the Facebook event for more information!

Throwback Thursday : Pride Parade

Click to enlarge

The first Pride Parade in Chicago took place on June 27, 1970, along the sidewalks of Michigan Avenue, with 150 participants.  It ended up with an impromptu dance circle around the Picasso in what was then known as the Civic Center.

On the eve of the 46th Annual Pride Parade, kicking off in Uptown on Sunday at Montrose and Broadway, with such large crowds that there's debate on whether or not the parade has outgrown the communities in which it is held, it's fun to look back at the early celebrations (60,000 attendees in 1986! Whoo-Hoo!) and see how they have grown:

• Chicago Magazine:  A Brief History of Chicago’s Pride Parade
• ChicagoPride.com;  Gay Chicago Rewind: History of the Chicago Pride Parade
• Sun-Times:  From The Archives: Remembering Chicago’s first pride march

Argyle Streetscape To Begin Year-Long Project In July; Informational Meetings Next Week

From Ald. Osterman's email blast today:

"The Argyle Streetscape Project is scheduled to begin on Monday, July 6. The work will include a renovation to the sidewalks, lighting areas, and street from the property line on the north side to the property line on the south side. The tentative outline of the process is as follows:

• Stage 1 is from July 6-October 6, 2015; Broadway to Sheridan, north side of Argyle St.
• Stage 2 is from October 6-November 20, 2015; Broadway to Kenmore, south side of Argyle St.
• Winter Shutdown
• Stage 3/4 Spring 2016; Kenmore to Sheridan and Argyle Street

Stage 1 of the project will begin on the north side of Argyle, starting at Broadway and working east. Traffic will be one-way only going east 24/7 throughout the project. Westbound traffic will have detours posted throughout the community. Parking will remain on the south side of street, where possible. All staging of materials will be in the work zone. There will be no work being done on weekends.

There will be access to the CTA station and all businesses throughout the project. All pedestrians will be encouraged to use the south side of the street.

• A community meeting will be held at 6:30 pm Tuesday June 30 at Furama Restaurant, 4936 N. Broadway, to show the entire project to the surrounding community and to answer any questions. In attendance will be representatives from CDOT and Speedy Gonzales, the contractor who was awarded this project. 
• A meeting for the business community will be held at 2 pm Wednesday July 1 at Hon Kee restaurant, 1064 W. Argyle St.

The Contractor, Speedy Gonzales, will have an onsite office on Argyle (1008 Argyle). They will be open to the community to answer any questions and will hold periodic meetings throughout the project.

You may contact my office at 773-784-5277 or mmh48thward@gmail.com with any questions or concerns. If you would like to join the email list for weekly updates on the project, please send an email to mmh48thward@gmail.com.
   
I urge you to come out and support all of our wonderful Argyle area businesses during construction.

And please be sure to attend the 3rd Annual Argyle Night Market. The Market starts July 9 and will run from 5-9 pm every Thursday through August 27. The Market, featuring farm stands, food vendors, retail goods and live performances, will be on Argyle Street between Kenmore Avenue and Sheridan Road. (Note that the location may change as construction continues.)"

Here's a previous article with lots of links about what will be going on and what to expect.

Aspiring Thespians! Green Shirt Acting Studio Announces Its Summer Schedule

Green Shirt Studio, which offers a wide variety of classes in acting, voice and movement for adults, is offering everything from one-day workshops to ten-week long classes this summer.

The workshop schedule is as follows:

• June 24: Introduction to Fitzmaurice Voicework, 7-9 p.m. $25
• June 25: Season General Auditioning Tips for Actors, 7-9 p.m. $20
• June 28: Meisner Acting Workshop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE;
  Actor Resume Bootcamp, 7-9 p.m. $20
• July 1: Solo Performance Workshop, 6:30-9:30 p.m. $25
• July 2: Introduction to Fitzmaurice Voicework, 7-9 p.m. $25
• July 4: Meisner Acting Workshop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE
• July 5: Meisner Acting Workshop, 10 a.m.-3 p.m. FREE
• July 12: Introduction to the Suzuki Method for Actors, 6-9 p.m. $25

In addition, longer, multi-week classes will be offered in acting and voice.

• A 10-week Level 1 Meisner acting class will be offered on Wednesday evenings from 7-9:30 p.m. (starting July 8) or on Sundays from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. (starting July 12).
• An eight-week Linklater Voice Class will be held on Saturdays from 1-3 p.m. (starting July 11), and an eight-week Fitzmaurice Voice Class will be held on Tuesdays from 7-8:30 p.m. (starting July 28).
• All classes are $295 per session. 

Advance registration is required for all classes and workshops. To register for a class or workshop, please visit: http://www.greenshirtstudio.com/.

Green Shirt Studio is run by husband-and-wife acting teachers Andrew Gallant and Sommer Austin. They opened their first studio space in the Uptown neighborhood in September 2014.  GSS is located at 4407 North Clark.  More information can be obtained at 773-217-9656 or www.greenshirtstudio.com.

Julianne Moore Takes A Star Turn In Bezazian Movie Screening

Tom Skilling To Speak At Climate Change Forum

Okay, so it's a little out of our zone.  But it's Tom Skilling!  Tom Freaking Skilling!  So we'll break the "usually nothing north of Foster" rule to let our readers know about this.

Volunteers Needed! Friends of the 46th Ward Schools Seeks New Board

If you'd like to help have an impact on the children growing up and attending public schools, here's a great chance to make some lives better.  Friends of the 46th Ward Schools sent out an email this morning:

For the last four years, the three of us at Friends of the 46th Ward Schools have worked hard to support the schools in the 46th Ward.  Along with some key supporters, we have organized five school supply drives, pulled off three fundraisers, and brought in thousands of dollars in donations for the schools in our ward, all while parenting five young children among us, working our regular day jobs, and living our lives in the 46th Ward.  

Whoever thinks one person can't make an impact is wrong, wrong, wrong!  We have loved every minute of it.  We've witnessed the generosity of our community.  We've seen residents, businesses, teachers, students, local government, and parents unite to support our schools.  We've grown personally as we accomplished things we've never done and didn't know we could do. And we've been inspired by all of our supporters.

As our kids grow older and our lives demand more from us, we've found ourselves with less to give Friends of the 46th Ward Schools.  We absolutely do not want all of our hard work over the last four years to go to waste (not to mention our own funds we've contributed to the group's formation).  But, in order to continue as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organization, we need to pass on much of the organizational leadership to new board members.  

We need someone (or a few someones) who can take over and implement his/her/their own vision for supporting the 46th Ward's public schools. We'll be around to help and advise, but we'd love for someone to come in and take over and do your thing.  Or discover your thing.  No experience necessary, just some time on your hands and a desire to contribute somehow, some way.  We've done a lot of the hard stuff already:  501(c)(3) registration, website, social media, community networking, relationships with schools.  The structure is there.  We just can't continue at the level we think the organization needs.  

We'll be honest with you.  If we don't find anyone to take over the reigns, we will be forced to dissolve.  It has been an extremely difficult conclusion to come to, but we know what we're capable of and we can't deny that life and children are pulling us in different directions.  

If you think you might be interested in working with our group, please let us know.  You don't have to commit now.  We can meet for coffee and just chat.  If you know someone who you think might be looking for a volunteer opportunity or a way to make an impact in the community, please pass our message along.

We'd love to give someone the opportunity to experience the sense of community and personal growth we've experienced over the last four years.  It has changed our lives for the better.  Will it change yours?

You can contact Friends of the 46th Ward Schools here.

Jay Michael's Cancer Journey, Part III

Photo by Melissa Salvatore for Splash

Cedar Street's Jay Michael continues his series about dealing with a cancer diagnosis, MY CHOICE TO LIVE, in Splash, with a column about learning a difficult lesson: how to accept help at a time when everything is difficult due to his Stage IV Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

It was at the moment that I realized that it was OK to ask for help, because I had no other choice. It was OK to let go and ask selfishly of those who love me most — I have given freely of myself for as long as I can remember but this is my time to take — and as much as that may have felt unnatural, it also felt right, for the first time ever. [...]

If there is one thing I have learned more than anything from cancer, it is how to graciously accept the unbelievable amount of love and kindness that has overtaken me from all directions. Of course, my dear friends and family have been beyond remarkable, but what has really taken me aback has been the outpouring of love and emotion from people I knew only in passing or those whom I had not known at all.

Our links to Part I and Part II of Jay's diary are hyperlinked.  Jay is in our thoughts and prayers as he continues this phase of his life as "a newly appointed Warrior against stage IV cancer."

Budget Town Hall Meeting Sponsored By State Sen. & Reps

Youth Basketball Tournament On Saturday

Please note the revised hours of the tournament.  It's now 10am to 3pm.

Meningitis Shots Available At Crew Tuesday Evening

If you can't make it to Crew on Tuesday, there are many other sites in Uptown that provide free meningitis shots, including Montrose Rocks on Sunday, Howard Brown Clinic, Uptown Community Health Center, and several Walgreen's locations.  A complete list is here.  We are grateful to everyone who is participating in making these potentially lifesaving vaccinations so readily available.

Work Underway On FLATS Artist Housing

The 3 story section of 1132-40 W. Wilson along Clifton

Work is underway on Cedar Street/FLATS planned rehab at Wilson & Clifton. You might recall that the building is being gutted with the 40 rental units being geared toward artists. This building includes the 3 story section shown here on Clifton, just north of Wilson with plans to add ground level retail.
New retail on this section of Clifton? Would've been unheard of 5 years ago, but now it is becoming reality.

Montrose Closed At Paulina Wednesday Through Friday

Not in our area, but it may affect your commute.  From Ald. Pawar:

"Crews from the Department of Water Management will begin working to replace the sewer under N. Paulina St. from Cullom to Montrose and on W. Cullom from Ravenswood to Paulina next week. As part of this work, they need to make a connection to the existing sewer main under Montrose Avenue at Paulina.

To facilitate this work, there will be a FULL CLOSURE of Montrose Avenue at Paulina from 9am on Wednesday, June 24th until 4pm on Friday, June 26th. The designated detour will be via Damen, Lawrence and Ashland. Please plan your travel accordingly, and avoid the area if at all possible. Pedestrian access will be maintained on Montrose throughout this closure."

Next Monday At The Bezazian: Wilde, Part of Pride Month Festival

The Queer Film Society, in association with The Chicago Public Library, present The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name, a free series celebrating Victorian era LGBT movies in honor of Gay Pride month. The series comprises four free screenings taking place on the first four Mondays in June – at the Bezazian branch at 6pm (doors at 5:30pm). All the screenings will feature discussion following the film.  The Bezazian is located at 1226 West Ainslie, and there is a small parking lot on Magnolia.

The lineup for The Love That Dare Not Speak Its Name focuses on LGBT characters – real and fictional – and themes within the repressive 19th Century Victorian era. This series contains films with mature subject matter. Viewer discretion is advised.

Monday, June 22, 6pm-8pm:  Wilde (1997). A superbly acted recounting of the complicated life of the legendary Irish writer, renowned wit, and gay icon Oscar Wilde, his headline-making exploits and his infamous affair with Lord Alfred Douglas and the ensuing scandal that erupted because of it. Stephen Fry is mesmerizing as Wilde, Jude Law is his young, petulant lover, and Vanessa Redgrave, Jennifer Ehle, and Tom Wilkinson round out the cast.

What Happened To The Retail Component?

Construction has begun at 4027 Broadway, in the footprint of the former vintage building that housed Ace Furniture. After community discussion in 2014 with the residents of Buena Park, it got the go-ahead for 20 residential units (one-bedroom to four-bedroom).  According to the building permit, it will have enclosed parking, and a community room on the first floor. However, there is no retail included in the building, which contradicts what the developer told Buena Park Neighbors last July. You can see renderings of what the building will look like at Curbed Chicago.

Update: This building was at one point a retail powerhouse.  In this undated photo, it was home to N. Rosenstein's Uptown Delicatessen, Chicago Sea Food Market (for rent at the time), and Broadway Hand Laundry.  The terra cotta was lovely.  We sure hope it got preserved when the building came down.

click to enlarge

A Banner Day!

A new Uptown banner gracing a not-so beautiful light pole on Lawrence

The new Uptown banners designed by artist Judith Mayer are starting to pop up around the neighborhood.
Mayer shares her inspiration for the banners that will eventually replace the current "Uptown Proud" banners you see:

"The Uptown banner design has Deco-inspired, geometric hand-lettering, alongside a composition of musical instruments, and peeking through is a criss-cross brick pattern-an architectural detail found on the Aragon and Uptown Theater buildings. All of the elements reflect the Uptown neighborhood of Chicago, a designated music & entertainment district with strong roots in the prohibition era."

Our thanks to Uptown United and all of the local businesses that are sponsoring these beautifully designed additions to our streetscape! 

A better view of the banners that are sponsored by local businesses

Free Senior Health Care Fair On Tuesday

Weiss Hospital will provide free health screenings for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, carotid artery blockage, vascular health, and balance and strength testing. Doctors from Weiss Hospital will host classes on managing foot and ankle pain, improving circulation, stroke prevention, and what to expect during a visit to the urologist. 27 additional vendors will participate and offer free resources.

ICA Sponsors A Community Conversation With CTA

Block Club Area Meetings To Discuss 46th Ward Permit Parking

From Ald. Cappleman's latest newsletter:

"After receiving many requests from residents and with the expectation of increased visitors in our ward in the near future with the growth of the Uptown Entertainment District, I want to give the opportunity and forum for Ward residents to decide on zoned residential parking for their area. Each area has been divided by their block club boundaries and will decide by voting if they will adapt zoned parking for their area.

We will be hosting meetings until the end of July for each area to inform residents on the zone parking and information on how to vote. If you are concerned or want more information, please attend the meeting for your area listed on the chart below. To get more information about your block club, click here. We will also be putting up fliers in the areas to let neighbors without web access know about these meetings.

You can vote at the meeting, by stopping by or calling our office at 773-878-4646 or completing an online survey (click here for survey) that will be up on our website until 9:00 AM on August 1, 2015. Full name and address is needed to register a vote. Addresses will be verified to ensure the correct votes are counted for each specific area."

Vintage Vinyl Day At Vintage Garage On Sunday

From Vintage Garage, happening on Sunday, 10am-5pm, at 5051 North Broadway.  Admission is $5:

"June 21st, Uptown, is the Father's Day edition of the Vintage Garage.  If your Dad is cool, he'll want to come hang out with us and replace the records Grandma sold at her yard sale or that special album, destroyed at the party you had in 1985.

June is our Record Ramp show.  Besides the usual great merchandise seen across the spectrum of vintage  our dealers bring out the vinyl, stereo and musical gear they have been hoarding for this show.  If Dads been thinking about getting the band back together, make him drive.

In its 4th seasonm the Vintage Garage is Chicago's only all vintage market and draws vintage lovers from all over Chicago and beyond.  With 100 vendors specializing in all things vintage, it's awesome and not your typical BBQ.

Show him Uptown

• After the show, North Broadway in Uptown is chock full of cool things to do with Dad.  Stop at Shake Rattle & Read and ask Ric about the time his sister's took him to see the Beatles or that time he saw Led Zeppelin on a small stage in Cleveland.    He's located at 4812 North Broadway, just north of Lawrence.
• Stop for a drink at the Green Mill Cocktail Lounge and check out a piece of Chicago history. The Green Mill was and still is a legendary jazz club from the Al Capone era.  It is known as the city's oldest night club and you can sit in Capone's favorite booth with clear views of the front and back entrances.  It is located at  just south of Shake Rattle & Read on North Broadway.
• If Dad likes Chicago architecture there are some great spots in Uptown.  Check out the facade of the Uptown Theatre at 4703 N. Broadway or the amazing Uptown Broadway Building at 4707 N. Broadway in Chicago.  This link will take you to a pretty solid page about Uptown and its landmarks.

The 2015 Vintage Garage dates are April 19, May 17, June 21, July 19, August 16, September 20, and October 18.  We are located at 5051 N. Broadway in the big parking garage.  3rd Sunday of the month. Easy access via the Red Line (Argyle stop) and the #36 Broadway bus. 10am to 5pm $5 admission."

WFCW Block Club Yard Sale Saturday

click to enlarge

scan on your mobile device for a walking map

"Greetings Neighbors!  This Saturday, June 20th is the WFCW annual Yard Sale from 9am-4pm.

It looks like we have 33 neighbors who have taken advantage of this year's event, so there should be something for everyone.  Whether you're looking for clothing, kitchen items, native plants, lemonade stand or home decor, you will find it this Saturday.

Attached is the map of our participants to help you plan your day."

And while you're in the area, be sure to stop by Tree House Humane Society, 1212 West Carmen, which is having its annual rummage sale Saturday and Sunday between 9am and 4pm.

Summer Festival At Buddhist Temple Of Chicago on Sunday

Sunday June 21, 11am-5pm

"Natsu Matsuri" summer festival at the Buddhist Temple of Chicago

(1151 W. Leland, just west of Broadway) 

Let your nose follow the aroma of grilled teriyaki chicken or your ears follow the sound of taiko drumming and join us at our annual bazaar. Open to the public, free admission. Enjoy cultural exhibits, craft demonstrations, mini-lectures on Buddhism and of course, tasty Japanese food.

Sustainability Workshop On Saturday

The Institute of Cultural Affairs (the big white building at the corner of Lawrence and Sheridan) will be holding a community workshop on Saturday focused on sustainability. Some workshops will include soap making and shiitake mushroom lop starters.  They'll also be screening the film Food Patriots created by Jeffrey Spitz.  Click on the flyer above for a larger version of it.

Man Killed In Drive-By Shooting

A 19-year-old man was shot and killed in an alley in Sheridan Park shortly before midnight.

A reader wrote to say, "Multiple gunshots heard at 11:50 from the alley behind a VOP [Voice of the People-owned] building at 4418 N. Magnolia. Following the shots there was a lot of commotion and screaming. One person yelled something about 'not knowing he had a gun', and 'Now he had done it, the police are here.'  It sounded like someone was shot and was screaming in pain. Multiple police units are currently on site."

Shortly afterward, the police scanner called it a homicide.  We waited for confirmation, which came shortly after 1am.  According to the Sun-Times, "Officers responding to a call of shots fired about 11:45 p.m. found him unresponsive in an alley with gunshot wounds to the side in the 4400 block of North Magnolia.... Police said the shooting may have been a drive-by attack."

19 years old and shot dead in an alley.  You'd think this and so many similar incidents of violence would discourage kids from joining gangs. What a hellish and short life they choose when they join up.

Crew Opening Early For Viewing Party of Parade & Rally

Uptown's official Blackhawks bar, Crew (4804 N Broadway), is opening early on Thursday to celebrate!  An email says:

"The Blackhawks have done it again, winning a third Stanley Cup in just six seasons.  Join us at Crew for the parade and rally.  We're opening our doors early, at 10am, so you won't miss a minute of the celebration.  Can't miss all that work? Join us for lunch -- the party will still be going on!"

Mumford & Sons Show Postponed Until Friday

"Really?"

Well, that's the last time we believe a promoter who says the show will go on, no matter what.

JAM Productions has announced the Mumford & Sons show has been postponed a couple days, until Friday, June 19th.

From JAM's website:

"RESCHEDULED! SHOW NOW THIS FRIDAY, JUNE 19!!  Due to the dangerous weather conditions that began on Monday, along with several consecutive days of rain - which have impacted the crew’s ability to get the concert site completed in time for tonight’s concert - the show is being postponed until this Friday, June 19. Tickets purchased for tonight’s show will be honored at the gates on Friday."

As you were.....

Update:  Statement from the band on Facebook--

"**Tonight’s Concert at Montrose Beach & Park POSTPONED UNTIL FRIDAY 19th JUNE**

It is with massive regret that we have to announce that tonight's headline show in Chicago has to be postponed to Friday June 19.

Despite huge efforts against really unfavourable weather, the local promoters have been unable to build us a stage in time for the show tonight. It takes a lot for us to pull a show, it's something we try to avoid at all costs, but tonight it's just not going to happen. Of course we are devastated.

So what we're planning to do is to play this show on Friday night. We hope that as many of you as possible will come on Friday instead, where your tickets will be valid.

If you can't make the show on Friday, you can instead redeem your tickets at our Waverly GOTR Stopover this weekend, all details will be posted on the Gentlemen of the Road website. www.gentlemenoftheroad.com

And of course if neither of those are going to work for you, you can get a full refund here. https://www.etix.com/ticket/online/help2.jsp

We are so sorry. We are absolutely gutted and more than a little frustrated - this is our biggest ever headline show away from home, so you can understand that for all the days not to be able to do a show, this one hurts the most.

But Friday night is going to be all the more special for it, so we really, really hope you can make it."

Community Meeting Regarding Permit Parking In Magnolia Malden Neighbors Block Club Area

Residential permit parking has been proposed for the 4600 and 4700 blocks of Magnolia and Malden, and a community meeting will be held on Wednesday, June 24th, at 7pm at Truman College (1145 West Wilson) to discuss it. Ald. Cappleman and the Magnolia Malden Neighbors block club are hosting the meeting. Residents living on those four blocks will have the opportunity to vote [update: on August 1st] on whether or not they want permit parking.

If permit parking is approved, some things are set in stone by the city:

• Residents who have vehicles registered at an address within the zone area will have the opportunity to purchase an annual street parking permit for $25 (on top of the regular city sticker fee).  Your vehicle must have a valid city sticker to have an annual parking permit.
• No one is required to purchase a residential permit, although if you park on the street during the hours permit parking is in effect, your vehicle must display either a residential permit or a guest pass, or you risk getting a parking ticket.  If you use an off-street parking space, consider how often you park your vehicle on the street, and whether it's worth it to pay $25 annually or if you'd be okay using guest passes, or if you need either option.
• Anyone living within the zone who can prove that they live there (drivers license, mail, utility bill, etc.) can buy daily guest stickers in increments of 15 for $8, with a maximum of 30 per month. Each sticker is good for a 24-hour period and can be purchased at the alderman's office, any City Clerk's office, by mail, or online.  You don't need to own a vehicle to purchase guest passes, but you do need to live in the zoned area.
• It won't happen immediately. The city has to take a survey to make sure a certain percentage of cars parked in the proposed zone belong to non-residents.  The City Council has to give their okay. CDOT has to come out and put up street signs and notify residents that a change will be taking place. We live in a city of red tape. Some patience will be required.

If permit parking is approved, some things can be determined by the community and alderman, and these are issues that will likely be discussed at the meeting at Truman:

• Buffer streets. Will residents living on nearby streets be able to purchase annual parking and daily guest passes to park within the zone?  If so, what streets should be included in the buffer zone?
• Hours of enforcement.  Permit parking could be in effect 24 hours a day, or only from 6pm to 6am, or any other time period determined by the residents and alderman.  Think about when you're unable to find parking near your home due to non-residents parking there -- is it when Truman College is in session? When there are concerts at the Riviera and Aragon? Is there a criminal element that you're trying to discourage from parking on your street?  Enforcement hours are something else that will likely be discussed at the meeting.

Residential permit parking is nothing new to Uptown.  It's already in effect in several areas (take a look at the map here), although we have very little compared to Lakeview and Ravenswood.  (We have more than Edgewater, which essentially has none south of Granville.)

If you have strong feelings one way or the other about the subject, we urge you to show up at the meeting at Truman College and be heard.  A Facebook page for the meeting has been created.

Update from Magnolia Malden Neighbors:

"More information about the Permit Parking meeting on June 24th.
Voting will be open until August 1st, so there will be plenty of time to register your vote - yea, or nay. There will be more meetings as well. Ours is the first. All details will be discussed at the meeting.
For more information, contact the Alderman's office."

Rain Or Shine, It's Mumford Time -- On Friday

Update:  Concert has been postponed until Friday due to unsafe conditions at the site of the concert due to rain.

Wednesday Friday evening, Mumford & Sons and a couple opening acts will perform in the park at Montrose Beach.

35,000 tickets have been sold, plus there will be people hanging out hoping to hear the music for free. So a few things to know, courtesy of the 19th District CAPS office and Ald. Cappleman:

• There will be no parking inside the park for the concert. Attendees are encouraged to use public transportation or bikes. But you know people will drive anyway.  Our advice to you, if you don't need to move your parked car Wednesday, don't. You'll have a hard time finding parking on the streets until the concert is over and those attending have left the area.
• Montrose, Wilson and Lawrence east of Lake Shore Drive will be closed to vehicular traffic.
• OEMC will be in the area beginning at 2pm to do traffic control. Concert gates open at 3pm. The concert will begin at 6pm and will be over by 10pm.
• For more info, check out the very detailed account of an informational meeting here.
• Ald. Cappleman's website has info here.

We've done this before, albeit on a smaller scale.  There've been concerts at the beach over the past few years (Huey Lewis, Kool & The Gang, Guster, Boston, The Doobie Brothers) and the Beach Boys will be there later this month.  The Wavefront Festival was there a couple years. The cops and OEMC have been prepping for this for weeks.  If you're going, enjoy!

Actors Studio Now Open On Clark Street

The tattoo parlor has moved out and the actors have moved in!  Green Shirt Studio, which teaches the Meisner Approach to Acting, is open for business at 4407 North Clark. According to its blog, it's totally rehabbed the space, with two classrooms and a new open space in the basement.  If you're interested in the summer class schedule or in learning more about how they teach, check out their website here.