BPN To Hold Community Meeting Next Thursday To Discuss Special Use Permit For Sober Living House

Residents of Buena Park are invited to a community meeting on Thursday, July 6th, at 6:30pm to discuss a proposed Special Use Permit for a sober living house at 928 West Cullom (between Broadway and Hazel). You can read more about it here.

RibFest Volunteers Still Needed

About half the people who signed up to volunteer at RibFest for the first shift today couldn't make it, so the call is out for volunteers for the rest of the festival.

What you may not know if that the spots that can't be filled by volunteers are filled by paid staff, and that takes away from the profits, which go to support Uptown United and Business Partners, and all the programming they do year-round.

"We’ve added some new spots to our volunteer registration page for the rest of the weekend.  If you, or anyone you know, might be able to help us out this weekend, please register at this link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/volunteer-sign-up

Full volunteer details below:

Hello RibFest Volunteers!

• Shifts:  It’s important that everyone arrives on time and plans to stay for the duration of their shift(s). We will need you to volunteer rain or shine!
• Tips:  Volunteers do not receive any monetary compensation for their shifts at the beer tent. All tips and a portion of the beer/wine sales will go to the Chamber.
• Parking:  Ribfest will be located on Broadway between Lawrence and Leland in Uptown. Unfortunately, we do not have reserved parking for our volunteers.  If possible, please take public transportation:

• Red Line to Wilson or Lawrence stations

• Bus:  #36 and #151

• OR….try ParqEx:  ParqEx is offering a special promo to guests of this event - $25 in free parking credit ($5 per transaction) when using the promo code UPTOWN.  Details here!

• Admission:  There will be a $5 suggested donation to get into the festival, but please feel free to tell them you’re a volunteer if you’re asked for a donation at one of the gates.
• Volunteer Registration:  Upon arrival, please make your way to the Chamber Tent on the east side of Broadway (near Bridgeview Bank building) to sign-in and receive your t-shirt.  DO NOT GO DIRECTLY TO THE BEER TENTS WITHOUT SIGNING IN FIRST!  We will also need you to sign the Volunteer Agreement form before volunteering.
• Attire:  Please be sure to wear cool and comfortable clothing and, most importantly, comfortable shoes.  All volunteers will receive a RibFest t-shirt that should be worn while volunteering.  You can pick up your t-shirt anytime during RibFest hours at the Chamber Tent, this Friday through Sunday (12pm – 9pm).
• Water:  We will provide all volunteers with water during your shift.
• Contact:  If you need to reach me on the day of the event, please call 312-731-6674."

Uptown Lounge Celebrates All Weekend Long

RibFest Comes To Uptown This Weekend

The Windy City RibFest takes place in Uptown for the eighth consecutive year, starting today! Drop by Broadway between Leland and Lawrence for all the fun. In addition to the music, the food, and the vendors, RibFest also features arts, crafts and a daytime kids’ activity area - plus strolling performances by Uptown favorites CircEsteem, Uptown Underground, and the Chinese Mutual Aid Association's Lion Dancers.

Suggested admission is $5, which goes to support Business Partners, The Chamber for Uptown and its programs. There is no additional fee for the concerts. Parking is on the street (if you can find it) or $10 in the lot at Lawrence and Winthrop.

The hours are:

• Friday, June 30th, noon to 10pm
• Saturday, July 1st, noon to 10pm
• Sunday, July 2nd, noon to 9pm

The ribbers competing are BBQ King Smokehouse, Chicago BBQ Company, Porky Chicks BBQ, Rancho Mateo, ​Robinson’s Ribs, and Austin’s Texas Lightning BBQ.

The music on the main stage features Berlin, Too White Crew, and JC Brooks and the Uptown Sound. A full listing and schedule can be found here.

There will be parking restrictions! Here's the notice we got from the Chamber on Thursday:

"NO PARKING will be allowed from 8pm THURSDAY night, June 29th, thru 4am MONDAY morning, July 3rd, on the following streets:

• Broadway: Lawrence to Wilson
• Racine: Broadway to Wilson

ALL VEHICLES LEFT ON THE STREET THURSDAY NIGHT AFTER 8 PM, WILL BE TICKETED AND TOWED BY THE CITY OF CHICAGO!

Vehicles will be allowed to park on Broadway during business hours only on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between Wilson and Clifton. 'Business hours' refers to the hours of the businesses located on that block.

Broadway will have a soft closure stating “Local Traffic Only” between Wilson and south to Clifton. Vehicles will be allowed to enter at Wilson and will then be directed out at Clifton, where Broadway southbound will be Road Closed.

**If you have any questions regarding street re-routes or vehicle removal, please call Special Events Management at 773-868-3010. **

**If a vehicle has been towed, please call the City of Chicago at 311.**"

One-Time Problem Building Proposes Converting Commercial Spaces to Residential Rentals

Residents who live near Leland and Kenmore are telling us that they have received letters from a zoning attorney informing them that a zoning change is proposed that would convert the five storefronts in the building at 1016-1028 West Leland to residential rentals. A copy of the letter is above.

The storefronts are now occupied by a Nigerian restaurant, a uniform store, a video store, and a barber shop. One is vacant. All the businesses have been in the community for several years (some much longer), and we hope that they remain in Uptown, should they have to move. Business Partners maintains a list of available commercial properties on its website and can assist in helping them find new homes.

This building has had quite a checked history -- illegal condo conversions, floods, housing court, foreclosures, receivership -- but has been a good neighbor since new ownership took over six or seven years ago. We will keep you informed as we learn what's going on with the proposed conversion.

New Business Alert: Welcome, Bodi Shak!

Bodi Shak Gym at 4704 N. Broadway

If you were sad to see Body Fit Athletic Club close a few years back at the corner of Broadway and Leland, a new business is looking to fill that void!
"Bodi Shak" will be opening soon at 4704 N. Broadway and the storefront windows claim the location will specialize in yoga, pilates, boxing, cycling and strength. The interior has been updated a bit and looks relaxing, but no equipment has been installed as of yet. The website www.bodishak.com is not active yet, but check back there for fees and hours of operation.

Buttercup Park Wins $1,000 Grant to "Pollinate Peace"

Congratulations to Buttercup Park Advisory Council, who were awarded a $1,000 grant by The Chicago Community Trust and Goodcity Chicago. The Acting Up awards are cash prizes to help Chicago-area residents with creative ideas take action to make their communities safer, stronger and more dynamic.

There were 71 grants awarded to various community groups who literally brought them to the table for discussion during the recent On The Table events held throughout the city.

BPAC's idea for "pollinating peace" is an art installation that is explained in their application video, above. The Bees of Buttercup Park Uptown project will work with youth in the community to create and display at least 200 images of bees to pollinate peace with inspiring messages.

Summer Food Programs For Children Ages 1-18

Chicago Public Schools serve meals to students during the school year because the vast majority of CPS kids come from low-income homes (in school year 2016-17, 80.22% of students citywide were classified as "economically disadvantaged").

No one wants kids to go hungry, so there is a summer program that serves free nutritious breakfasts and lunches to children up to 18 years old, whether or not they are CPS students. The Summer Food Service Program serves meals inside schools, and LunchStop provides them outdoors. The programs run Monday to Friday. Individual schools offer meals during varying time spans, depending on summer classes. The program goes through August 25th, although not at all locations.

The schools in and around Uptown that are participating in the program are listed below.

For more information, call the Illinois Hunger Hotline at (800) 359-2163 or text FOODIL to 877877.

The funding for the program comes from the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

• Disney School, 4140 N Marine
  Indoor
  Breakfast: 8-8:30am; Lunch: noon-12:45pm
  Dates: June 26 - August 25
• Greeley School, 832 W Sheridan
  Indoor
  Breakfast: 8:30-9:15am; Lunch: 11:55am-12:30pm
  Dates: June 26 - July 27
• McCutcheon School, 4865 N Sheridan
  LunchStop
  Breakfast: 7:45-8:15am; Lunch: 11am-noon
  Dates: July 5 - August 10
• Lake View High School, 4015 N Ashland
  Indoor
  Breakfast 8-8:30am; Lunch: 11-11:30am
  Dates: June 26 - August 4
• Ravenswood School, 4332 N Paulina
  Indoor
  Breakfast: 8:30-9am; Lunch noon-12:30pm
  Dates: June 26 - August 18
• Uplift High School, 900 W Wilson
  LunchStop
  Lunch: 10:30am-12:30pm
  Dates: June 26 - August 25

How Uptown Showed Its Pride

Thank you to Uptown-based Make Stuff Media production company for this video of the parade highlights! Check out their Facebook page and website to see what else they can do!

Lionel showed what "A Pride of Lion(s)" really is.

The parade was great, even far back in the crowd.

Provisions Uptown showed their colors.

Uptown Arcade was one of the many businesses that showed its #UptownPride

BPN Community Meeting At Yacht Club Monday Night

Anchors aweigh! Experience one of Uptown's hidden gems, the Chicago Corinthian Yacht Club, when you attend Monday's community meeting of Buena Park Neighbors, hosted by Dominic Irpino of Irpino Real Estate, who made this location available.

The meeting takes place on Monday, June 26th, beginning at 7pm. The program will be shortened to allow time for some refreshments and socializing afterwards. The club is located at 601 West Montrose, right on the harbor. See the map below for the exact location.

"The topic is New Business in Buena Park. Meet some of our new business owners and learn about efforts to attract business to Uptown from the team at Uptown United. But it's not all talk.

• Experience the wares of our businesses first hand in our gala basket raffle. Estelle Chandler has worked with each business to construct a magnificent summer gift basket. These baskets will be raffled off with proceeds to benefit Buena Park Neighbors.
• The presentation will end with an update and Q&A from Alderman Cappleman.  After that enjoy refreshments and socializing on one of the most beautiful patios in Chicago.
• Final Note: Alderman Cappleman is working to schedule a second meeting with the folks from CERSC/Haymarket Books. As soon as we know details we will spread the word."

Buena Park Neighbors is a 46th Ward neighborhood association of more than 200 residents, businesses and not-for-profit organizations in the nationally registered Buena Park Historic District. Its mission is to improve the quality of life for everyone in Buena Park.

Raise Your Pride Flag!

Uptown United says, "Look for rainbow Uptown Proud flags in Uptown businesses all month long and enjoy perks & discounts." Here are participating businesses, their discounts, and the day(s) they are being offered. (Check Uptown United's Pride page for any changes or additions.)

• Alchemia Art of Hair — 20% off haircuts — The rest of June
• Demera Ethiopian — 20% off total bill with Pride flag — Day of parade
• Fat Cat — Complementary warm cinnamon sugar donuts with any entrée purchase. One per table. — Day of parade
• Fonseca Martial Arts — Free Week of Karate Classes — June 26 – June 30
• Nick’s on Wilson — $5.00 Pride Punch — Day of parade
• Papa Ray’s — Offers with Pride flag: • 1 monster pizza slice plus soda: $4; • 6 traditional wings plus soda: $7; • Any salad plus soda: $7; • $3 off any extra-large 16″ pizza; • $5 off any monster 24″ pizza — Day of parade
• Primary Crossfit — Free workout from with Pride flag — June 17-July 1
• Provisions Uptown — 10% off — Day of parade
• Spoil Me Salon — 10% off haircuts with Pride flag from June 26 – June 29
• Tesfa Ethiopian — 10% off total bill with Pride flag — Day of parade
• Uptown Arcade — $3 shots — Day of parade
• Uptown Bikes — 10% off parts & accessories — Day of parade
• World Class Concierge — 20% off services between June 25 – July 1

Don't Rain On Our Parade -- Or Park Near The Route

Hey, we're hosting a parade on Sunday! This is the sixth year that the Pride Parade kicks off in Uptown, so we're pretty good at it by now.

The parade's official start is at Montrose and Broadway at noon on Sunday, June 25.

The staging areas, where the participants line up, are on Montrose between Broadway and Clark, and on Broadway between Wilson and Montrose.

In previous years, the parades have lasted anywhere between three and four hours, so expect the staging areas to be occupied until at least 3pm.

The Grand Marshal of the Parade is Lea DeLaria, from Orange is the New Black.  According to the Sun-Times, "organizers say she’ll be out an hour before the parade’s start to mingle with the crowd."

Parking restrictions begin at 5am on Sunday and last through 8pm that evening. If you are not going to be using your car until then, move it ASAP. It gets incredibly congested here, and the City doesn't play around with tickets and tows. Find a place early if you won't be using your car until after the restrictions end.

This is where not to park in Uptown on Sunday (and remember to look for permit parking restrictions if you park on residential streets):

• Broadway from Leland to Grace
• Buena from Sheridan to Broadway
• Clifton from Montrose to Sunnyside
• Montrose from Greenview to Hazel
• Sheridan from Sunnyside to Buena
• Sunnyside from Broadway to Sheridan

There are no rooftop parties allowed along the parade route, and don't drink on the public way -- fines are going up to $1000 if you are ticketed.

Happy Pride! #UptownProud

From Uptown United:

"We are Uptown Proud! Check out the awesome LGBT owned and LGBT friendly businesses and organizations in Uptown! To learn about specials at Uptown businesses during Pride Week, visit http://exploreuptown.org/pride/

Featured businesses (in order): Ald. James Cappleman, Ald. Harry Osterman, Fat Cat Bar, Papa Ray’s Pizza & Wings, Aardvark Insurance Agency, Byline Bank, Big Chicks / Tweet, Bezazian Branch Chicago Public Library, Balancing Point Center for Wellness, Fonseca Martial Arts, Eye See Ravenswood, Demera Ethiopian Restaurant, Chicago Healing Center, Foursided Chicago, Chicago Market, Gold Cuts, The Guesthouse Hotel, Pride Films and Plays, Heartland Alliance, Hopleaf Bar, Bridgeview Bank Group, Irpino Real Estate, Kal’ish, Primary Crossfit & Yoga, Lakeview Pantry, Provisions Uptown, Schuman & Iselt, LLC, Shopping Girl XOXO, The SMB Help Desk, Sheridan Park Consulting, S. Wolf & Associates, iCandee Apparel & Marketing, Spoil Me Hair Salon & Spa, Aragon Ballroom, Crew Bar + Grill, Audience Logic, Tesfa Ethiopian Cuisine, Needle & Thread Law, Dave Fredrickson State Farm Insurance Agent, Target, Weiss Memorial Hospital, The Public Barber, Uptown Bikes, Uptown Underground, A World Class Concierge Service, Inc., Alchemia Art of Hair, Thorek Memorial Hospital."

Shots Fired Near Wilson and Racine This Afternoon

Last night a few readers noticed that there was an awful lot of gang loitering on Wilson near Racine, in front of Jimmy John's. We encouraged them to write to the 19th District CAPS Office to let them know. Today we received this from Truman College saying there had been shots fired near that location.

Please call 9-1-1 if you see anything suspicious or if you know anything that would help them with this incident.

The next CAPS meeting for Sheridan Park (Beat 1913) is Wednesday, July 5th, at 6:30pm at Courtenay School, Beacon and Montrose

Get In The Swim: World's Largest Swimming Lesson Is Tonight

To kick off summer, the Chicago Park District is taking part in The World's Largest Swimming Lesson. Last year people all over the city, the country, and the world set a new record, and they're going for it again tonight at 6pm.

"Join hundreds of kids and families at 76 Chicago Park District swimming pools around Chicago and thousands around the globe for The World’s Largest Swim Lesson on June 22, 2017 at 6pm. We are looking to break the Guinness World Record again this year to spread the word that swimming lessons do save lives.  This event is open to all ages and for all swim levels (Non-Swimmers, Beginners and Swimmers).  Children under 6 need to be accompanied by an adult in the water. Register in advance here."

Speaking of summer and swimming, Uptown has four Park District pools in and near us. They are listed below with links to their swim schedules and hours:

• Chase Park (outdoor pool), 4701 N Ashland:  Schedule
• Gill Park (indoor pool), 825 W Sheridan:  Schedule 
• Uplift High School (indoor pool), 900 W Wilson: Schedule
• Welles Park (indoor pool), 2333 W Sunnyside: Schedule

Feel like going to the beach instead?  Check the conditions here first.  The website shows the air temperature, water temperature, and water quality for each beach.

Dermot Moffett, Age 34, Missing From Malden

Dermott Moffet is missing from the 4700 block of Malden Avenue.

He is schizophrenic. He is 34 years old, 5'9", weighs 120 lbs., and has brown hair and brown eyes. No clothing description was given.

He was last seen Sunday morning.

If you have any information about his whereabouts, please contact the CPD's Special Victims Unit at 312-744-8266, or dial 9-1-1.

Progress Seen on Installation of Fourth (and Final) Wilson Station Track

Last week Broadway was closed to vehicular traffic at night so workers could continue the installation of the fourth and final track. You can see what they accomplished. When it's done, the Wilson station will be a full Red and Purple Line transfer station.

CTA's reps are telling us that the platforms, tracks, entrances and exits (including escalators and elevators) should be substantially done by the end of September, and the renovated Gerber Building should be done by January. It's been two and a half years since the ground-breaking, and while it's been entertaining to watch the changes, we're ready for it to be over, and start enjoying the amenities of a new station.

Here are the last of the old tracks being taken down a few months ago.

Coming Soon: New Apartments on Broadway

Photo courtesy of Quest Realty Group

While most of the new development in Uptown has been occurring in the 46th Ward, there is a new apartment building under construction in the 5100 block of North Broadway in the 48th Ward. Formerly medical offices, the previous building at 5137 North Broadway was demolished earlier this year and will be replaced with new construction apartments. Developed by Quest Realty Group, construction will be completed in early 2018 with the first move-ins anticipated in May 2018. According to the building permit, there will be offices on the first floor, and an interior garage for 18 cars.

A total of 36 units are planned with a mix of studio, one, and two bedroom units. Were waiting for additional information on this project from Alderman Harry Osterman's office and/or the developer.

Godzilla's Coming To Buttercup Park on Saturday

Business Partners Mixer At Nick's On Wilson

From Business Partners - the Chamber for Uptown:

"Join us this Wednesday, June 21 for our next Uptown networking mixer!  This event will take place in the newly re-opened Nick's on Wilson.

Meet other business owners and community members while enjoying light food provided by The Jerk Stop and drinks offered by Nick's.  Our monthly Member Mixers build community among Uptown businesses, non-profits and neighborhood groups, strengthening our local economy through the development of strategic partnerships. Non-members welcome!  

We are pleased to feature and recognize the work of the Cook County State's Attorney's Office Community Justice Center North, founded on the principle that prosecutors have a responsibility not only to prosecute cases but to solve public safety problems, prevent crime and improve the quality of life for communities.

Working out of neighborhood offices, the Community Justice Centers collaborate and partner with police, businesses, faith based organizations, elected officials, schools, government entities, social service agencies and community groups. The goal is met in three ways: prevention, problem solving and prosecution."

Register here.

Pride Month Movie: Tchindas Tonight At The Bezazian Branch Library

As part of Pride Month, the Bezazian Branch Library will screen the movie Tchindas tonight, a documentary about Carnivale on the African island of Cape Verde, and the well-loved trans woman at the center of it. The screening is at 6pm. The library is located at Magnolia and Ainslie.

"Within a small, tropical Cape Verdean Island, the beloved Tchinda is hard at work preparing for a Carnival she hopes will capture the town’s imagination.

Despite her great reputation, Tchinda remains humble and every afternoon she happily tours the neighborhood to sell her best coxinhas, a classic Brazilian treat: delicious fried balls of chicken.

Filmmakers Marc Serena and Pablo García Pérez de Lara have crafted a lush, perceptive documentary that at times feels akin to a fairy tale. The film reveals a hidden landscape tucked far away from the world we know, where trans inclusion and teamwork make up the fundamental structure of a truly magical community and culture."

Hear What's In Store For Lake Shore Drive

Talk By Philosophy Professor Sunday Evening

Vintage Garage Celebrates Dads, Vintage Vinyl, and Man Caves Today

It's the third Sunday of the month, and that means it's time for Vintage Garage, the all-vintage marketplace inside the parking garage at 5051 North Broadway. It opens at 10am and goes until 5pm. This month's themes? VINTAGE VINYL and MAN CAVE FINDS. See what over 100 vendors have to offer Pops on his special day.

Because the Garage is covered, no need to worry about sun or rain. It's always shopping time.

It's $5 to get in. See more about Vintage Garage here.

Shred Those Credit Card Offers!

A reminder that this really happens.

A reader wrote, "Last night my housekeeper was leaving and snapped this pic of a guy going through the recycle bins on my street. He was taking out credit card offers. Probably to use for identity theft! He went from bin to bin. He snapped a pic of him. This was on W Carmen between Broadway & Glenwood."

So it's not just an urban myth. Shred those offers and papers with personal information instead of putting them out on the street.

'Tis the season for shredding events. We know of three in the area in the next month or so, including one tomorrow:

• MB Bank parking lot, Clark and Belmont (see flyer below), 1pm-4pm on Saturday, June 17
• Ald. Cappleman's office, 4544 North Broadway, 9am-noon on Saturday, July 29th
• 40th Ward Sanitation Office, 5333 North Western, 9am-noon on Saturday, August 5
• If you Google shred events, you will find many that banks, community groups, and aldermen across the city and suburbs hold all summer long.

George Maher Mansion On Sheridan Is Now Up For Sale

4506 N. Sheridan shortly after completion in 1902 (Inland Architects)

Are you interested in buying a George Maher-designed home with beautiful original features? For a fraction of what you would pay elsewhere?

Now is your chance. The 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath home at 4506 North Sheridan just went on the market today, for $650K.

Compare the prices that Maher homes go for in Buena Park, Evanston, and Oak Park to see what a comparative bargain this one is.

This beautiful building has 11 rooms, six parking spaces, and is located on a 7500sf lot.

The room sizes, while they made sense in 1895 when the house was built, are mind-boggling to us today: a 12' x 31' foyer; a 16' x 15' sitting room; and a 30' x 24' family room. Additionally, there is a full basement, a finished attic, a mud room, an enclosed porch, and a breakfast room.

The house has an interesting history. Although it was designed as a single-family home in 1895, by 1928 it was the Wellcliff Restaurant.

Then it became the McCready Funeral Home, where John Dillinger's body was prepared for burial in 1934, and thousands of people crowded Sheridan Avenue in hopes of catching a glimpse of his casket. It remained McCready for many decades, and certainly a large number of Uptowners recall it being so.

Most recently, it was the home of the Neon Street shelter, run by Heartland Corporation. Budget cuts caused Heartland to move the shelter to another location which is less costly to operate.

The real estate listing says, "This historic 1895 mansion, is situated on a 50x150 lot, zoned R-4 residential. Return to a single family or renovate into multi-unit. Original woodwork, trim, pocket and panel doors, and three decorative fireplaces.

Ornate details throughout, beautiful over sized front door leads into huge foyer with grand staircase and exquisite stained glass. Third floor originally a ballroom with lots of light from large windows on all sides. Home was previously used by non-profit with lots of flexibility for future use.

One block from Target, near el, lake, and major developments. Property being sold As-Is."

To see more photos or schedule a showing, visit the listing here.

Renovations And A New Owner For The Hazelton Apartments On Montrose

The Hazelton, an SRO located at 851 West Montrose, has changed hands and renovations have begun.

It's hard to believe, looking at it from the outside, that this building contains 75 units. It was built in 1915 as the Montrose Hotel and remained as such well into the 1970s. In 1928, it had a barber shop in its ground floor retail space (no longer in existence).

The sale, for just over $2million, was finalized last August after the purchaser and seller complied with the conditions of Chicago's relatively new SRO Ordinance.

The owner is a newly formed LLC owned by the principals of City Pads, a company that owns and rents apartments in Edgewater and other neighborhoods across the city. In a prospectus that was online last year, but is no longer available, it says,

"City Pads intends to: Redevelop the Hazelton building; an SRO property in the Uptown neighborhood... Re‐tenant and raise rents.... Rehabilitate the building structure; replace all the mechanicals and plumbing systems.... Completely rehabilitate the residential spaces of the building... Provide a minimum of 10% affordable housing.... Quickly fill the building post‐rehabilitation... Hold the property for a minimum of 7‐10 years in an attempt to maximize cash flow in an improving neighborhood."

The previous owners had put the building on the market several times since they bought it in 2004. In 2014, the asking price was $1.5 million; by 2016, the asking price had jumped to $2.2 million.

Ten years ago, the Hazelton was run by one of Uptown's less well-thought-of landlords, John Klyse/Circle Management. In 2009, then-48th Ward Ald. Mary Ann Smith arranged to have city housing subsidiaries removed from Circle Management's properties in the 48th Ward, citing 60 building violations as proof that Circle was a "bad landlord" who maintained "dangerous buildings." The Hazelton, being in the 46th Ward, had no such incentive to clean up its act. It was regularly in housing court, along with 1325 West Wilson, which Circle also managed.

The new owners plan to deconvert the building into 60 units. Building permits were issued this week for the renovation.

Alexis Stubbs' Classmates Seek Funding For Memorial T-Shirts (Updated 2x)

Update: With $373 raised in just a couple hours, the GoFundMe has been funded (and then some) and the campaign has been ended. Thank to you all who contributed so quickly and with loving hearts.

Update:  After fees from GoFundMe were deducted, $333 was raised. With the extra money, the class will have a plaque made and plant a tree in Alexis's memory.

Original Post:

Alexis Stubbs' classmates in Mrs. Holden's class at Courtenay School are raising money to have t-shirts made with her photo on them so they can wear them to her memorial service. A local company, Swagmatic, has generously agreed to print the shirts at cost. The shirts are $8 apiece and there are 24 students.

A neighbor has set up a GoFundMe to pay for the students' t-shirts. Mrs. Holden has said she will pay whatever the difference is between what is raised and the cost of the shirts. Donating is a way to lessen the financial burden on their big-hearted teacher.

The goal is a small one, just $180. If you can make a donation, it would be much appreciated. As the GoFundMe page says, "Our hearts are with these hurting students."

The link is here.

Pivots Arts Receives NEA Grant For Uptown-Centric Programming

Yay, Pivot Arts!

"Pivot Arts is thrilled to announce that the more than $82 million awarded for arts projects nationwide in the National Endowment for The Arts’ second round for FY17 includes a $12,000 Art Works grant awarded to Pivot Arts.

The grant will go towards funding a fall performance that takes place in the form of a site-specific tour in Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood and highlights the stories of diverse residents. Pivot Arts was recognized for its multidisciplinary focus and the project will include artists from several performance disciplines. Devon de Mayo, a director who focuses on devised works, will direct."

New "SaveMore Fresh Market" Is Hiring

SaveMore Fresh Market, the new grocery store at the site of the former Fresh Harvest Market, 4652 North Sheridan, has a "COMING SOON" banner up, as well as a "NOW HIRING" sign. If you are interested in applying as a butcher, cashier, stockperson, cook, or produce worker, apply at the site. There's a handwritten sign on the door saying to knock hard. Good luck!

La Ciudad Offering Pre-Pride Brunch From 8AM-12PM

Man Accused of Murdering Alexis Stubbs Denied Bail

John Singleton, the man accused of murdering 12-year-old Alexis Stubbs on Sunday night, appeared in court Tuesday at a bond hearing. This is done to determine whether or not a person who has been arrested should remain in jail while his case is going through the court process.

Cook County Judge Maria Kuriakos Ciesil denied bail to Mr. Singleton after hearing witnesses' sworn testimony about the events of Sunday and Monday. She also ordered that he be evaluated at the Cook County Jail's medical facility after his lawyer said he had a history of mental illness and had recently discussed suicidal thoughts.

He is being charged with first degree murder, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault of a police officer. When he was in custody and being questioned on Monday, the police allege that he punched a detective.

The testimony given Tuesday during the bond hearing was, according to newspaper accounts, very detailed and very disturbing. One of the things about doing a community blog is that we sometimes hear and read more than we are comfortable knowing. The accounts of what happened on Sunday night, as recounted in court testimony, are tragic and heartrending. Since so many of our readers knew Alexis and have fond memories of her, we will not summarize them here.

If you want to know what was said in court, you can read about it in the Sun-Times, in the Tribune, and in DNAinfo. The links are to the stories of Tuesday's testimony. If you knew Alexis and want your memories to be of the lively, smiling young lady that we hear she was, we suggest you think hard before clicking on them. All of them are rough reads.

Our thoughts are with those who loved her.

Coping With The Heat for You, Your Neighbors, and Your Pets

Monday was a good reminder of how unexpectedly steamy Chicago can get during the summer. Some tips on how to take care of yourself and to ensure your neighbors and relatives stay safe:

• Two words: COOLING CENTERS. Chicago has six of them, and one is right here in Uptown at 845 West Wilson. Additionally, public buildings (park fieldhouses, libraries, senior centers, police stations) act as cooling centers as well.
• If you can't get in touch with a neighbor or relative you are checking in on, call 3-1-1 and request a well-being check.
• Someone reminded us of this recently, and it's a good point. Often seniors have fans and/or air conditioning, but either don't realize the danger the heat brings, or are too cost-conscious to use them. Please make sure they are using what they need to stay cool. This is not the time to be thrifty.
• If you see someone or know someone who needs a cooling center but can't get there, call 3-1-1 and the city will send someone to bring them to one.
• Area pools open on Friday (Chase Park, Gill Park, and Uplift High School).
• Some neighborhood playlots have water features (Broncho Billy Playlot, Aster Playlot, and Buttercup Playlot).
• We can't believe it need to be said, but there are always news stories: Don't leave your kid or pet in a closed car.
• Speaking of pets, here are some hints on how to keep them safe as well.

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Invalid Absentee Voting Ballots Being Circulated

Oh, lordy, this isn't even an election year and we're dealing with ballot issues.

There will be a meeting Wednesday for the Buena Park community to discuss a special use permit about the feasibility of having a community room in the mansion at 800 West Buena. Today Buena Park Neighbors posted this photo and a warning:

"Watch out for these false 'ballots' currently being circulated. Voting will be in person only for Buena Park residents. 

Come to the meeting Wednesday, June 14, 7:30pm at Klein's Bakery, 4155 N Broadway at Buena to learn first hand about plans for 800 W Buena. Hope to see you there!"

Eats & Sweets Rebrands as "The Mothership"

When Eats & Sweets opened a smaller version of itself in Uptown a few months ago, the name "Satellite Cafe" made us smile. Now they've gone a step further: Eats & Sweets has rebranded itself as "The Mothership Cafe" effective Monday.

Satellite Cafe will continue to carry on (hint: try the tomato bisque soup!) at 942 West Montrose, next to Ross Dress For Less. You can see the menu here. It's quick bites, delicious pastries, and the lighter side of breakfast and lunch.

The newly named Mothership Cafe, located just west of Uptown at 1636 West Montrose, has longer hours and serves dinner. As part of the rebranding, it has added several menu items, as well as the rollout of a formalized catering menu. It will continue to offer breakfast and lunch options, while expanding dinner choices. You can see the menu here.

Owners Tim Benedict and Margaret McCall have named the corporation overseeing both cafes (with an eye to more in the future?) Intergalactic Cafes, Inc. The website with more information is here.

(And seriously, check out the tomato bisque soup.)