Woman Shot On Argyle Sunday Night; Ald. Osterman Gives Details

Uptown recorded its third shooting of the year this past weekend, on Argyle. It occurred just steps away from the first shooting of the year, which took place in March (a suspect has been arrested in that one). Ald. Osterman released a statement on Monday:

"Dear Neighbor:

Last night, following a verbal altercation between two women visiting our community from other parts of the city, a shooting occurred on the 5000 block of Winthrop Ave. The women involved are believed by police to know each other. One woman was shot in the leg and is expected to recover fully from her injuries.

Thank you to the 20th District Police Officers who responded to this incident. If you have additional information regarding this case, please contact Area North Detectives at 312-744-8263. I will share more information about this incident with neighbors as it becomes available.

The 20th District has increased police presence in the Argyle area and I am working to have a new light and security camera installed mid-block on the 5000 block of Winthrop.

At this time I would also like to extend my sorrow and sympathy toward those affected by the shooting at a synagogue in San Diego this weekend. The senseless gun violence that continues to take place our city and country can feel overwhelming. It is important that we come together to build bridges and understanding across communities.


Sincerely,

Harry Osterman
Alderman, 48th Ward"

New Police Commander Promoted to 19th District; CPD Announces Summer Safety Strategy

Commander Marc Buslik of the 19th police district (which includes all sections of Uptown south of Lawrence Avenue) is reaching the mandatory retirement age, so there will be a new commander for the district.

In a statement about new police command restructuring citywide, Supt. Eddie T. Johnson today said:

"I have promoted Lieutenant CHRIS PAPAIOANNOU to Commander of the 19th District. He previously served as the Commanding Officer of the Recruit Training Section of the Education and Training Division, overseeing day-to-day operations. He has also been in several supervisory positions within patrol, gun and tactical teams. He has a master’s degree in public safety administration from Calumet College of St. Joseph. He has 19 years of service."

Sean Loughran remains in command of the 20th District (including Uptown north of Lawrence).

There will be a retirement reception for Commander Buslik on May 13th; RSVPs required. We wish him the best and hope he enjoys the leisure time after 30 years on the force.

Elsewhere in the statement, Supt. Johnson addressed plans for summer safety:

"Plans for the upcoming summer months are multifaceted. One strategy includes increased visibility along Chicago's lakefront, beaches and on Lake Shore Drive. Officers will also make patrolling busy parks and mass transit stations a priority. Bike patrols will also have a presence within the city's entertainment districts and other popular areas experiencing higher foot traffic due to the summer weather.

These increased patrols will rely on a combination of existing data and ongoing intelligence operations to deploy officers to areas in an effort to deter crime before it happens. In addition to beat officers, both the Summer Mobile Team and Saturation Team will supplement officers on the street with additional manpower as needed for the seasonal period from May to September."

The Eagles Have Landed

It's a good and familiar sight! The white terra cotta eagles have returned to their roost at the corner of Broadway and West Sheridan Road, a block from Uptown's southern border.

They were carefully removed for restoration and storage back in September 2016, as the nearly block-long construction of a new building by developer David Gassman got underway.

But now they're back and looking (sorry) fly.

To compare then and now, below is a photo of them from the wonderful Designslinger blog before their removal. You can read about the history of that corner and the Isaac G. Ettleson Building, where they looked down from their corner perch for many years.

pre-restoration photo, courtesy of Designslinger

Welcome back, fellas.

Free Legal Help Offered Monthly At McCutcheon Elementary School

Former Laurie's Pizza Corner About To Undergo Big Changes

The green construction site fencing is up, and that means changes are on the horizon.

In February, CedarSt/FLATS acquired the properties on the southeast corner of Foster and Broadway, at Uptown's northernmost boundary. Best known as "the Laurie's Pizza corner," the buildings had been for sale since 2015.

CedarSt announced plans to demolish the existing retail buildings from Broadway to the alley east, and from Foster south to (but not including) the church at 5145 North Broadway. In its place will go a mixed-use, 27-unit TOD apartment building with 6,000 square feet of ground floor retail and a roof deck. Future tenants will have access to the amenities at the larger FLATS building currently under construction down the street, The Draper, at 5050 Broadway.

Laurie's Pizza, the former flagship business at that corner, permanently closed in June 2012 after a 13-year-old boy who was eating inside with his family was shot and killed by a rival gang member during the Memorial Day weekend.

Laurie's had been an institution at that location for decades (maybe 50 years?) and at one point there were a liquor store, a hot dog stand, and a sitdown restaurant on-site. Unfortunately, it had gone downhill in the years before the murder and for several years prior, it had been the site of gang violence. Although many Uptowners hold fond memories of the place in its glory days, it hadn't lived up to that standard for quite a while. It has been closed since the night of murder, nearly seven years ago.

The other businesses at the site have all relocated:

• the currency exchange (Frontier Financial Services) is at 6165 N Broadway (Granville)
• Jenny Nguyan Allstate Insurance is now at 3000 W Lawrence
• Bee Tattoo says its artists will be providing services by appointment at various North Side locations
• Dean Matsas Law Offices are now at 5441-1/2 N Lincoln

As for what the planned new building will look like, we haven't gotten confirmation from Cedar Street. Its site architect, LEVEL Architecture Incorporated, has posted some renderings on its own website. Whether or not the renderings are what the finished project will look like is anyone's guess. We'll post the final renderings when we hear from Cedar Street/FLATS.

This corner is in the 48th Ward.

Missing Man Located and Safely Home (Update)

We are hearing directly from family members that he has been located and is safely home.

At their request, we have deleted the information in the original post.

Easter Sunday Egg Hunt Open To All Neighborhood Children At St. Mary Of The Lake

On Sunday, April 21st, St Mary of the Lake (corner of Buena and Sheridan) will hold Easter egg hunts on the church lawn at 10:30am and 2pm, following the conclusion of services.

All neighborhood children are welcome!

These are eggs that were filled with candy by Buena Bunnies a couple of weeks ago as part of Buena Park Neighbors block club's community service.

Egg Hunt & Petting Zoo After Bunny Rock 5K On Saturday At Montrose Harbor

On Saturday, April 20th, after the Bunny Rock 5K, there will be an Egg Hunt for children between the ages of 2 and 10, with a petting zoo (20 animals) and the Easter Bunny.

"A KIDS EGG HUNT will be available after the 5K with over 3000 candy filled eggs for children (Ages 2-10), a live Petting Zoo, and opportunities to take a picture with the Easter Bunny! All Egg Hunt Participants will receive bunny ears, sunglasses, a basket, and of course, eggs!"

Approximate time is 10:15am.

Unlike all the other Easter events we're highlighting, this one has a cost: $15 if you buy your tickets by April 19th, and $20 on the day.

For more information, check out the website here.

48th Ward Spring Fling / Egg Hunt On Saturday Morning

Join us this Saturday for our annual 48th Ward Spring Fling & Egg Hunt at the Senn Park Playground (Elmdale & Greenview). We will have arts activities beginning at 9:30am, with the Egg Hunt kicking off promptly at 10am. This is a BYOB -- Bring Your Own Basket -- event! The Easter Bunny is planning to stop by to pose for photos with families. We look forward to celebrating the beginning of a new season with our neighbors!

Thank you to our event partners: Immanuel Lutheran Church, Families Together Cooperative Nursery School, Chicago Friends School, Helix Cafe, and Senn Park Advisory Council. Click here for more information.

The Facebook Event Page is here.

The Senn Park Playground is located at Elmdale and Greenview in Edgewater.

Chase Park Presents Its Annual Eggstravaganza

FREE community event! Come join us for a fun filled day full of egg hunts, face painting, crafts and the Bunny himself! The Facebook Event Page is here.

Chase Park is located at 4701 North Ashland, at Leland and Ashland.

20th District Egg Hunt This Saturday

Mark your Calendar for the @ChicagoCAPS20 Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday April 20th from 12 pm to 2 pm at  20th District.  Bring your kids for a fun filled event.  Take a photo with the Easter Bunny, live entertainment and Magic show with Mary Macaroni, arts & crafts and Egg Hunt.

Egg Hunt At Clarendon Park On Saturday

Come out and enjoy and enjoy a festive Egg Hunt, arts & crafts, an inflatable and more! It's BYOB - Bring your own basket.

It's free, but registration is required, here.

Clarendon Park is located at Clarendon and Sunnyside (4501 N Clarendon).

$5 Friday Tour: Lock Up Your Phone and Join Chicago Foodways Tours For A 12-Tasting Tour of Argyle and Andersonville

Update: A second tour has been added that leaves North Face at 11:30am.

Turn on Explore Mode: Saigon-to-Stockholm

On Friday, April 19th, the North Face is teaming up with Chicago Foodways Tours for an urban culinary expedition. Explore the cultures and global flavors of the Uptown and Andersonville neighborhoods.

• Discover the Asia on Argyle neighborhood and taste the best Vietnamese food in the city
• Learn to toast like a Viking in a haunted former speakeasy
• Make your taste buds dance during a guided Middle Eastern spice tasting
• Stumble on a forgotten silent film study where Hollywood’s biggest star made his name
• Travel through time to as you learn the stories of Chicago’s many waves of immigration
• Feed your belly and your soul with 12 generous food tastings, plus coffee and spirits
• Lock your phone away and connect in real life to the world, each other and yourself

Event Details:

• Complimentary motorcoach transportation is provided from The North Face, 875 N. Michigan Avenue, with return transportation
• Meet at The North Face at 10:30 to attend the first tour, at 11:30 to attend the second tour.
• Food tour is 3 hours long
• Total walking on the tour is 1.25 miles
• 12 generous food and drink tastings provided from 6 restaurants
• Enjoy the tastes of Vietnamese, Middle Eastern and Swedish cuisines
  Learn about the history of these diverse neighborhoods
• Menu includes shrimp, pork, and dairy unless Vegetarian is specified
• EventBrite ticket is required

The North Face is covering most of your ticket fee in exchange for an agreement to lock up your phone in a Yondr case to help you unplug and explore the city.  Cameras will be provided to document the experience

Buy your tickets here. Vegetarian options are available. Tickets are going fast!

Free Condo Workshop Offered For Owners And Those Thinking About Buying

Do you know about North Side Community Federal Credit Union, a member-owned community development credit union that offers a local alternative to big banks?

NSCFCU is offering community members a FREE Condo workshop to give you all the tools necessary to make your dream home possible.

Are you a condo owner or thinking of becoming one? Come and learn all about:

• The differences between owning a single-family home vs. condo
• How to make sure your condo board is compliant 
• Evaluating your building’s financial risk 
• How to plan for assessments and major repairs

This is especially targeted to condo-owners in self-managed buildings!

Snacks and all workshop materials will be provided.

RSVP here.

• Thursday, April 25, 2019, 6:00 PM
• ICA Greenrise Building
  4750 North Sheridan Road (at Lawrence)
  In the MLK Room

Building A Better Wheel (Updated)

The long-awaited art fixture at the new plaza in front of the Riviera is finally happening. Based on a design by Uptown artist Lowell Thompson, the wheel of colors will represent the great diversity present in our community. It will stand 17 feet tall and light up at night.

The sculpture was in the process of being installed last year when the base cracked, and it had to be reconfigured. Looks like one of the final pieces of the streetscaping project is about to happen!

We really love how Uptown will have sculptures by talented local artists AND internationally known artists, like  Arpeggio by Cecil Balmond a couple blocks south of this, at the Wilson L station. The whimsical nature of the color wheel will play off the Flyboy mural across the street by Hebru Brantley.

Update: Matt from Ald. Cappleman's office says, "Hopefully the third time's the charm on installing this thing, as crews are scheduled to return this Friday to finish the heavy work."

Ald. Cappleman Announces Win; 4 More Years!

Ald. Cappleman outside the nearly completed 4555 N. Sheridan 

Alderman Cappleman just sent out an email to his constituents:

"This 46th Ward election should erase all doubt about how important it is to vote to have your voice heard. I am honored to be your alderman for another 4 years and I owe this win to all those many people who believed in a vision that involves us working together to move this ward forward for the benefit of everyone.

The 46th Ward is the best place to live because of the people here who call it their home. I love that the strength of our community is that we can celebrate each other’s diversity through the many values that unite us. We are an example for our city and the rest of this country.  I look forward to another 4 years of being your public servant.

A special thanks to all those who made the decision to run for alderman in this ward. It’s a true testament that we are a community that believes in community involvement and public service. There will be plenty of tough obstacles that will come our way in the next 4 years, but I’m convinced now more than ever that we can meet them with both grace and strength.

I also want to thank all those who worked tirelessly on my campaign. Their hard work and commitment to our ward has paid off.

The best is yet to come!"

Thank you again for putting your trust in me,

James

Waldos Forever Fest Back Again At Clark & Argyle On 4/20

Do312 presents the second annual Waldos Forever Fest! The fest will unfold in Andersonville, right outside Chicago's fabulous Dispensary33, providing a full day of music, education and fun for cannabis lovers - and anyone that loves a good time. From morning ‘til night, we'll curate a cast of vendors, musicians, educators and - of course - a munchie food truck court. RSVP here.

Hear DJs sets from:

All the Way Kay

Jill Hopkins 

Enjoy a munchie from local food trucks: 

Three Legged Tacos

Chicago Lunchbox

Participating Vendors:

Ataraxia

Verano

Bedford Grow

Cresco Labs

PTS

Grassroots Cannabis

GTI Clinic

IESO

Revolution Cannabis Co.

Blue Sky Marketing

Grassroots California

Crystal Gravy

Pin Stop Shop

Watch Us Grow

Emma Alamo

Topo Chico

Cappleman Leads By 25 As Vote Counting Ends; Possible Recount Requested?

The Board of Elections has stopped counting ballots in Chicago's April 2nd runoff election, two weeks after Election Day. In the 46th Ward aldermanic race, five votes came in on the last day, all for Marianne Lalonde.

It ended up with James Cappleman having a 25-vote lead (7,079 votes, and 50.09%) over Lalonde (7,054 votes, and 49.91%) at the end of the unofficial count.

The election results will be certified by the Board of Elections on Thursday, April 18th.

There's every indication that there will be a request made before a judge for a full or partial recount of votes, so it ain't over 'til it's over.

There was a total of 14,133 votes counted, a gain of 772 new votes since the polls closed on Election Day.

When the votes were counted on the evening of April 2nd, each candidate had the exact same percentage of votes as they ended up with two weeks later. Lalonde had 49.91% (6,669 votes) and Cappleman had 50.09% (6,692 votes) after all 40 precincts were counted.

We couldn't find any evidence of a recount reversing any prior Chicago election, but there's a first time for everything. The most recent recount came in 2015, when Ald. John Pope lost by 20 votes to Susan Sadlowski Garza and asked for a partial recount. He dropped the challenge and conceded on May 12, 2015, after the partial recount indicated he had no clear path to victory.

Meanwhile, in the 33rd District, Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez maintained her lead over incumbent Deb Mall by a 13-vote margin. We have no information as to whether Ald. Mell, who won her last election by 17 votes, will request a recount.

For a brief explanation of how a recount works, check out Ward Room.

Block Club Chicago's article is here: Ald. James Cappleman Holds Onto 46th Ward Seat By Just 25 Votes As Final Tally Announced

Tell WBEZ All About Your Hidden Uptown Gems & Best Recommendations For Summer Fun

WBEZ is reaching out to our readers: "We're crowdsourcing a fill-in-the-blanks guide to Chicago summer activities and are hoping to get recommendations from every neighborhood!" Fill out the survey with your suggestions here, hopefully focusing on Uptown gems and experiences.

Here's the link:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdDvmbNLNymKvmrMEim4h2t2y9iQADTxPVgB9SZDEHFyd3nGQ/viewform

Burglars Entering Homes Via Unlocked Windows (Updated)

We're not blaming the victims here, but please don't make it easy for the criminals by leaving your windows open or unlocked if you're asleep or not home. (And for that matter, if your butt isn't in the driver's seat, don't leave your car running.) Be aware and on the lookout, folks:

click to enlarge

Update: One more incident has been added by CPD: "1200 block of West Montrose Ave on April 7th, 2019 at 1630PM"

Don't Mind The Plywood -- Jake's Is Open For Business

Jake's Pup in the Ruf, the legendary Uptown greasy spoon at Sheridan and Montrose, is famous for its windows. Remember, "Only a rooster can get a better piece of chicken than Jake's"!

So someone went low and nasty last week when they went after Jake's windows, shattering the ones on the Sheridan side of the store.

The rumor mill went into full gear, and we've been asking around to see what happened. Here's what we've heard from several sources:

An intoxicated customer became irate with one of Jake's employees. They argued. The intoxicated customer expressed his displeasure by taking a baseball bat and knocking out the full-length windows on the Sheridan side, as well as the glass door. (That brings back memories of another long-time Uptown character, George "Batman" Atkins. He didn't do this, though.)

As you can see, Jake's is boarded up and fully operational again. One of the people we spoke to said that during her visit, "The staff seemed to be in good spirits and their dining room was full."

So if you haven't been there and want to support them, stop on by. They open at 5:30am. They've been a part of the fabric of Uptown life for 60 years now.

Have some crinkle fries, a greasy breakfast, and/or one of their famous 49¢ soft serve cones. Leave a couple quarters or a buck in the tip jar. Stopping by Jake's is what Uptowners have done for generations. In fact, the second generation of the Jake's family now runs it.

Or join the Buena Park Wine Walk on April 28th, and make sure you fill your wine glass at Jake's, which is a participant in the event. Just because they've been here forever doesn't mean they aren't keeping up with the times.

At the very least, take a moment to enjoy the window graphics on the Montrose side, which remain untouched, as you make your way to the Satellite Cafe (942 Montrose) or Ross Dress For Less (918 Montrose).

It'll take more than a few broken windows to stop Jake's. It's got staying power.

Latest Count Has Cappleman Leading Lalonde By 30 Votes In 46th Ward Runoff Election

The ballot counting is coming down to the wire.

Today the Board of Elections released the latest total of ballots counted, which we have been told includes votes submitted by overseas military personnel; recently received absentee/mail-in votes; and provisional ballots.

With the most recent numbers, there were 41 votes added to the tally:

• There have been 14,128 total votes counted so far
• Cappleman currently holds a 30-vote lead, with 7,079 votes (50.11%)
• Lalonde has 7,049 votes (49.89%)
• Cappleman added a net five-vote gain since Friday's count

Counting continues. The Board of Elections will count any ballots received by Tuesday, April 16th.

The election will be officially certified on Thursday, April 18th.

Both 46th Ward run-off candidates filed papers to preserve their right to contest the election results, should they choose to do so.

In the other nailbiter, in the 33rd Ward, Deb Mell now trails Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez by 13 votes.

City Council Approves TIF Funding To Aid Construction of Sarah's Circle New Building

In its April 10th meeting, the City Council directed $3.5 million in TIF funds to Sarah's Circle to build new supporting housing at the corner of Sheridan and Leland. The new shelter will be owned by the organization and will take the place of space it currently rents in the ICA Greenrise building at 4750 North Sheridan.

Its funding will come from a combination of the $3.5 million TIF money; a $14 million grant from a private donor who wishes to remain anonymous; and the remainder from individuals and foundations.

According to Crain's Chicago Business, the groundbreaking will be in June, with a projected opening date in 2020.

On its website, Sarah's Circle thanks "Alderman James Cappleman of the 46th Ward; Perkins + Will; Brinshore Development; and Mayer Brown" for their assistance.

The city made the following announcement in its notes from the City Council meeting:

"TIF Will Enable 38-Unit Supportive Housing Development in Uptown

A 38-unit supportive housing facility will be built in Uptown through $3.5 million Tax Increment Financing (TIF) assistance approved today by City Council.

Planned for the southwest corner of Sheridan Road and Leland Avenue by Sarah’s on Sheridan LLC, the $17.5 million project will be affordable for tenants earning up to 60 percent of area median income. Each unit will also receive a rental subsidy from the Chicago Housing Authority.

The six-story building will include dining and laundry facilities, a computer lab and on-site social service resources. The facility will also include a 50-bed interim housing shelter that will provide temporary housing, food, and other basic supportive services for people in need."

Program Honoring WWII Interned Japanese Americans To Be Held At JASC

click to enlarge

The Seventh Chicago-Area All-Camps Reunion will be held on Sunday, April 28, 2019 from 2:30pm to 5pm at the Japanese American Service Committee (4427 N. Clark Street, Chicago, IL 60640). 

This program is free and open to the public, and there is ample parking with a number of accessible parking spaces.

At this event we invite all Japanese Americans and their families who had experienced the incarceration/internment process during World War II to reunite and to reconnect as we reflect on the past and the present.

This year we will have a roundtable discussion with former incarcerees, the screening of a short documentary on the incarceration and resettlement process drawing from the joint Japanese American Service Committee and Chicago Japanese American Historical Society oral history project, along with other musical entertainment.

This event is co-sponsored by the Chicago Japanese American Historical Society, JACL - Chicago Chapter, Japanese American Service Committee, and the Japanese Mutual Aid Society of Chicago.

Ald. Pawar Talks About Aldermanic Transition In The 47th Ward

Alderman-elect Matt Martin
with Alderman Ameya Pawar

Ald. Pawar posted on Facebook on April 12th:

"Dear Neighbor,

As you can imagine, the result from the election was not what I had hoped for. I fought hard, creating a platform around ideas big enough to match our current and future financial challenges. At the end of the day I came up short on this one, but I believe strongly in pushing hard and fast on these most pressing issues of social and economic justice.

I’m proud that I had the opportunity to bring issues like a public bank, moral investing, and universal basic income into the mainstream conversation. I’ve never been scared to go big and coming up short on this one won’t stop me from continuing to be an advocate for economic and social justice, most especially the work to build a coalition which transcends race, class, and geography.

I will be rooting for Treasurer-Elect Melissa Conyears-Ervin, Mayor-Elect Lori Lightfoot, and Alderman-Elect Matt Martin. In fact, Matt joined me at last night’s Ward Night to kick-off the transition process. And I am serving on Mayor-Elect Lightfoot’s transition committee for government reform. The people voted and now we must work together for the greater good.

Over the next five weeks, my team will be meeting with Matt’s team to provide insight into major capital projects, the aldermanic menu, ongoing service issues, and zoning matters. I will do everything in my power to setup Matt’s administration for success. This is my promise to you and Matt. After all, he is going to be my alderman in a few weeks!

What’s next? I don’t know yet. I still have some work to complete in the ward before I leave office on May 17. And after? I’ve been…I should say we (Charna and I) have been living the lifestyle of public service non-stop for the last 10 years. We got married and moved to our place over four years ago and have yet to hang a picture on our wall or take a real break. So my plan in the near term is to catch up on all the things we put on hold and spend time with family.

Prior to leaving office, we will host a community ward night/open house, an ‘exit interview’ town hall, and I want to leave office the same way I came in: I will be knocking on doors but this time to say thank you.

Thank you so much for giving me a chance eight years ago. Serving you has been one of the great honors of my life. In my final few weeks, I will keep you updated on the transition and provide some highlights of what we’ve accomplished together. As the days get warmer, I look forward to seeing you around the neighborhood.

Thank you for allowing me to go big. Thank you for your unwavering support.

With love and gratitude,

Ameya"

Matt Martin will begin his term as alderman of the 47th Ward on May 20th.

Volunteers Needed For Buena Park Wine Walk

From Uptown United:

"Hello, Uptown Volunteers!

We’re looking for some help with our upcoming wine walk – the 2nd Annual Toast of Uptown: A Buena Park Wine Walk on Sunday, April 28 between 1:00 – 5:30pm (various shifts available).

Volunteers needed to help out as runners between a few of the stops along the route.

As a volunteer, you are welcome to enjoy the event as our guest before/after your shift begins.  

CLICK HERE for full details and to sign-up!"

Join BPN At Their Spring Meeting, Monday April 22nd

Latest Results In the 46th Ward Run-Off Election

The Board of Elections released the numbers of the latest vote count in the 46th Ward aldermanic runoff today:

As of Friday morning, there were 20 votes added to the tally:

• There have been 14,087 votes counted so far
• Cappleman currently holds a 25-vote lead, with 7,056 votes (50.09%)
• Lalonde has 7,031 votes (49.91%)

Starting Monday, provisional votes and any straggler mail-in votes will be counted.

There will be no new votes counted after Tuesday.

In the 33rd Ward, Deb Mell trails Rossana Rodriguez Sanchez by 14 votes.

All four candidates in the two races with paper-thin margins have filed papers to protect their right to contest the voting results should they lose. So even when the totals are released late Tuesday, it still may not be over.

Grab A Coffee With 19th District Cops Friday

Alderman Cappleman posted on Facebook:

Atlas Obscura Offers Walking Tours Of Graceland Saturday, April 20th

Graceland Cemetery and Aboretum Walking Tours
4001 North Clark
11am and 1:30pm, April 20th
Buy tickets here. Each tour has a limit of 35 participants
$20 per person per tour

History is quite literally carved in stone at Graceland Cemetery—but many of the stories are buried deep.

Come with Atlas Obscura Society Chicago and learn the secrets hidden in this historic cemetery, where many masterful gravestones were designed by the city's greatest architects. Stories range from the lonesome death of Barton Edsall (buried the day of the Great Chicago Fire) to the tangled history of the eerie "Statue of Death"; and from the first female American spy to the unmarked grave of a Revolutionary War widow. Every walk offers a broad spectrum of history—if you know where to look.

About Adam Selzer: In late 2018, Graceland offered author and field agent Adam Selzer the chance to do a new "Who's Who" book on the cemetery, and he's spent the winter in the archives putting the book together. The author of over a dozen Chicago history books, his research has turned up some incredible new stories, and new information on famous ones, like the "Inez" statue.

Meeting Point: Meet Field Agent Adam Selzer inside the cemetery entrance, at the northeast corner of Clark St. and Irving Park Rd. A short talk will be given at the start, but the majority of the event will be a walking tour on the roads around the cemetery. There will be a small amount of off-path walking.

There is limited parking inside the cemetery. Street parking is available on Clark and Irving Park Rd.  or you can take the #22 Clark Bus to the cemetery entrance.

ADDITIONAL DETAILS

• The 11am tour will be Adam Selzer's signature route, and the 1:30 tour will be an alternate route with only a tiny bit of overlap between the two. 
• The event will run rain, shine, or snow.
• The tour is approximately 2 miles.
• This tour is family friendly, though we must insist that parents keep a close watch on their children.
• The event has limited ADA access. Pavement is mostly available, but the tour might also stray off the beaten path to walk on the grass and through small woods.
• Wear your walking shoes and bring your cameras!

QUESTIONS? Email Adam Selzer at adam.selzer@atlasobscura.com.

The Facebook event page, with more information, is here.

Job & Resource Fair For Ages 14-24 On Saturday

From Ald. Osterman:

"This Saturday, my office is hosting a job and resource fair for youth aged 14-24, featuring more than 30 employment partners and resource providers.

48th Ward Youth Job & Resource Fair
Saturday, April 13, 10am - 1pm
Broadway Armory, 5917 N. Broadway

Participating employers and resource providers represent industries including healthcare, retail, senior care, arts, and more.There will also be an opportunity for attendees to receive resume help and practice interview skills.  Please encourage anyone you know in this age range to attend the event -- we welcome youth from across the region to learn about available opportunities!

Connecting youth to positive opportunities has always been a top priority for me. Youth employment is an important way to empower young people in the community and help them grow as future leaders.

Thank you to our planning partners who made this event possible: Andersonville Chamber of Comerce, Edgewater Chamber of Commerce, Edgewater Development Corporation, Uptown United & Business Partners - the Chamber for Uptown, Evanston Youth Job Center, and the Northside American Job Center/Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership.

Please contact my office with questions about the event."

The Facebook event page is here.

Suspect From Rockford Arrested In March 19th Argyle Shooting

From Ald. Osterman in an email blast today:

"Earlier this week, an individual was taken into custody and charged with one count of attempted murder in connection with a shooting incident on Argyle that occurred in late March of this year. The offender is from Rockford, IL, and was arrested on the 6800 block of S. Calumet.

The incident occurred near 1023 W. Argyle. A conflict between two people took place on the block, and led to the subsequent shooting. Two men were injured in the incident and have been treated for their injuries.

I want to thank the 20th District police and other law enforcement who were involved in this arrest. Public safety on and around Argyle St. remains a top priority for my office and the 20th Police District. We will be reopening our Argyle Satellite Safety Office early this year, and plan to open in early May.

If you are interested in serving as a court advocate for this case, please contact Alan Oviedo in my office at alan@48thward.org."

*Photo taken by reader RR

Vote By Mail Acknowledgments; Latest Vote Counts In 46th Ward

An update on the white-knuckles ride that is the 46th Ward aldermanic vote count tally:

As of Tuesday's posted results:

• There have been 14,067 votes counted so far
• Cappleman holds a 21-vote lead, with 7,044 votes (50.07%)
• Lalonde has 7,023 votes (49.93%)

According to Mark Brown in the Sun-Times,

"The main pool of potential votes yet to be counted are provisional ballots cast by individuals whose eligibility was challenged at the polling place, usually over a question about their voter registration or whether they had participated in early voting or vote by mail.

In the 46th Ward, there are 51 provisional ballots. Election officials ruled 20 of those will be counted, another 14 will not be counted and two will be counted only for mayor and treasurer. Another 15 are pending."

Mark Brown also says that Cappleman and Lalonde have both filed lawsuits challenging the results of the run-off election, as have the two candidates in a similarly close race in the 33rd Ward.


Finally, if you voted by mail and didn't get a confirmation that your ballot was received, you can check it online or call the Board of Elections. Usually there is an emailed confirmation sent on election night, but a few readers have told us that they didn't get one this time around.

One told us that he contacted the Board of Elections, and the representative told him that the confirmations were emailed, but some were never received. They have no idea why.

If you voted by mail and never heard back from the Board of Elections that your vote was received, you can check its status here: https://chicagoelections.com/en/vote-by-mail-status.html


We're all getting a civics lesson -- when they say every vote counts, they mean it! Stay tuned. The count will be finalized on April 16th, and certified by the Board of Elections on April 18th.

Then, there are those legal challenges filed by both Cappleman and Lalonde....

Roller coaster photo courtesy of Parade Magazine

In Need Of Some Amnesty?

If you have collection fees on traffic tickets for moving violations, you may be interested in knowing that Amnesty Week is coming up.

Clerk of the Circuit Court Dorothy Brown has posted: "Amnesty Week is April 15 - 19, 2019. For 5 days get collection fees waived on all Past Due fines: Traffic Moving Violations ONLY! NOT FOR PARKING TICKETS OR RED LIGHT CAMERA VIOLATIONS, See flyer for full details."

Welcome Back To Our Orbit, Satellite Cafe

Click to enlarge; check out the new murals and the new coffee/tea selections

Owners Margaret McCall and Tim Benedict

Saturday begins Chapter Two of the Satellite Cafe in Uptown! Stop by between 7am and 2pm every day for a snack, or a meal, or a glass of beer or wine. Or you can select a drink from their new coffee and tea menu. We've missed them; please stop by and welcome them back to Uptown. The Satellite Cafe is located at 942 West Montrose, across from Jewel.

More Votes Are Counted; Cappleman Now Ahead By 56 23 (Updated)

The Chicago Board of Elections just posted today's vote count.

324 new votes were counted since Thursday afternoon. With the 203 votes that were tallied by the Board of Elections on Thursday, that's a total of 527 new votes counted since the polls closed on Tuesday night.

Cappleman moves ahead of Lalonde by a "whopping" 56 votes now. The new totals are:

• 13,888 total votes counted in the 46th Ward so far.
• Cappleman has 6,972 (50.20%)
• Lalonde has 6,916 (49.80% )

Late voting totals come from Vote By Mail (absentee) ballots; from those who are incarcerated in the Cook County Jail; from 20 nursing homes throughout the city that had voting come to them on Monday; and provisional ballots that are found to be valid.

There's no way to know how many additional votes will come in. The Board of Elections will count them through April 16th, and the election will be certified on April 18th.

UPDATE: Per the results posted at the Board of Elections site, 163 new votes were added to the totals on Saturday, April 6th. With the new votes,

• 14,051 total votes counted in the 46th Ward so far.
• Cappleman has 7,037 (50.08%)
• Lalonde has 7,014 (49.92% )

Registration For The Only Uptown Neighborhood 5K Is Now Open

For the third consecutive year, join the Chinese Mutual Aid Association in the DIM SUM & THEN SOME : UPTOWN 5K! Entertainment along the route, t-shirts, and dim sum after the race concludes. Last year 650 runners participated; will you be one of them this year?

Reigstration is now open. More information can be found here.

Calling All Political Junkies (And Latest Vote Counts)

If you like to drill down into the numbers of the elections, this is for you!

City Bureau has come out with an interactive map where you can check, all the way down to the precinct level, how the voter turnout was, and how the votes went in both the April 2nd runoff and the February 26th general election.

Check it out here.

In the latest runoff results (released Thursday), there were an additional 203 votes added to the 46th Ward totals since the polls closed on Election Day. Latest results have it at Cappleman with 50.15% of the votes counted so far (6,802) and Lalonde with 49.85% (6,762). Still a nail-biter.

The Board of Elections is still waiting for more mail-in, provisional, and Cook County Jail votes, and will certify all election results on April 16th.

In the runoff, 31.87% of registered voters came out to the polls citywide. Uptown's three wards all exceeded the city average. Turnout in the 46th Ward was 39.36%; in the 47th, it was 46.30%; and in the 48th, it was 41.97%. Well done.

North Magazine Issue 03 Continues to Celebrate the People of Chicago

Founded in 2015, North Magazine is a print publication that documents the stories of small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and the faces that give life to Chicago. When we think of our neighborhood, specific people and environments come to mind; North is the documentation of those scenes. In Issue 03, the stories of Edgewater, Uptown, Ravenswood and River North feature hot sauce makers and culinary start-ups, healthcare heroes and after-school programs, entertainers and night life that keep us up ‘til morning.

North Magazine is produced by FLATS® and envisioned by the late Jay Michael to highlight the unique character of neighborhoods on the North side of Chicago through stunning photography and in-depth interviews. This tradition has been carried on in the third issue of what is now a biennial publication, distributed throughout the Flats apartment lobbies that are open for the public as well as at businesses throughout the city.

Join us for the launch party of the magazine and see the pages come to life. This event will feature a photography from the magazine as well as artwork from Mike Turner whose illustrative map work is featured as the center fold. In addition, a variety of vendors featured in the magazine such as Koval Liquors, Kyoto Cold Brew, Edge of Sweetness Bakery, Square Nail custom furniture, and more.


When: Thursday, April 25th, 5:30 – 8:30 PM

Where: FLATS – The Bush Temple, 108 W Chicago Ave

RSVP on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/north-issue-3-launch-tickets-59609612957?aff=ebdssbdestsearch

Community Passover Seder At Chabad of Uptown

"You are invited to join Chabad of Uptown for the Community Passover Seder.

Celebrate Passover in the great company of friends, family, and community. The Passover Seder features a gourmet four course meal, hand baked Shmurah Matza, four cups of wine, Personal Hebrew, English, and Russian Hagadas, and beautiful insights into the Festival of Freedom.

• Friday, April 19th
• 7:15pm  
• Chabad of Uptown 
• RSVP www.uptownjew.com

The Facebook event page is here.

Woman With Possible Dementia, Age 79, Missing - May Be In Uptown Area (UPDATED: Located)

UPDATE: CPD announced Wednesday that Ms. Samuel has been located.

Gloria Samuel, age 79, was reported missing on March 30th. The last time she was seen was March 12th.

She is known to frequent the Uptown area, especially the area around Clarendon Park, on foot. She may suffer from dementia and other possible mental disorders, according to the police.

She is 5'7" and weighs 125 lbs., with brown eyes and black hair.

If you know of her whereabouts or have seen her, please contact the Chicago Police Area North Detective Division, Special Victims Unit at 312-744-8266.

Many Happy Returns!

Well, here we are again, waiting for the results of a runoff election.

It's 7pm and the polls are closed! So how do we know how the voting went?

Well, you could stand at Racine and Broadway and stare at First Ascent / Huntington Bank, in hopes of seeing the returns projected on a screen on the building, as Uptowners did 99 years ago for the 1920 presidential election.

Or, you could call up the websites for the Tribune and Sun-Times, or the Chicago Board of Elections. CLTV is running live election coverage.

We'll be here updating returns for a couple hours. Keep checking back and hitting refresh.

7:28PM

Alderman 46th Ward 4 out of 40 precincts (10.00 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	490	40.36 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	724	59.64 %

Alderman 47th Ward

8 out of 48 precincts (16.67 %)

MATT MARTIN	1,861	63.23 %
MICHAEL A. NEGRON	1,082	36.77 %

7:32

Alderman 46th Ward

12 out of 40 precincts (30.00 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	2,001	51.05 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	1,919	48.95 %

Alderman 47th Ward

24 out of 48 precincts (50.00 %)

MATT MARTIN	5,795	63.48 %
MICHAEL A. NEGRON	3,334	36.52 %

7:43

Alderman 46th Ward

22 out of 40 precincts (55.00 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	3,636	50.10 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	3,621	49.90 %

Alderman 47th Ward

34 out of 48 precincts (70.83 %)

MATT MARTIN	8,201	62.64 %
MICHAEL A. NEGRON	4,891	37.36 %

7:54

Alderman 46th Ward

25 out of 40 precincts (62.50 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	4,129	50.29 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	4,081	49.71 %

Alderman 47th Ward

39 out of 48 precincts (81.25 %)

MATT MARTIN	9,305	62.37 %
MICHAEL A. NEGRON	5,614	37.63 %

8:19

Alderman 46th Ward

28 out of 40 precincts (70.00 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	4,602	49.94 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	4,613	50.06 %

Alderman 47th Ward

41 out of 48 precincts (85.42 %)

MATT MARTIN	9,836	62.27 %
MICHAEL A. NEGRON	5,960	37.73 %

8:27

Alderman 46th Ward

31 out of 40 precincts (77.50 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	5,023	49.59 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	5,106	50.41 %

Alderman 47th Ward

42 out of 48 precincts (87.50 %)

MATT MARTIN	9,950	62.24 %
MICHAEL A. NEGRON	6,036	37.76 %

(Michael Negron has conceded to Matt Martin, so we'll stop coverage of this race now)

8:49

Alderman 46th Ward

32 out of 40 precincts (80.00 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	5,172	49.47 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	5,282	50.53 %

9:00

Alderman 46th Ward

34 out of 40 precincts (85.00 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	5,587	49.67 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	5,662	50.33 %

9:10

Alderman 46th Ward

38 out of 40 precincts (95.00 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	6,261	49.93 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	6,278	50.07 %

9:23

Alderman 46th Ward

39 out of 40 precincts (97.50 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	6,501	50.33 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	6,402	49.65 %

9:46

Alderman 46th Ward

40 out of 40 precincts (100.00 %)

JAMES CAPPLEMAN	6,692	50.09 %
MARIANNE LALONDE	6,669	49.91 %

And now it goes to the mail-in votes. Not sure how long it takes - they must be postmarked by today, and received by the Board of Elections by Friday. So nothing until at least Friday. We'll keep you in the loop.

Walking Tour: Uptown's Past and Future Selves

As a wrap up to this season’s One Book, One Chicago programming, Chicago Public Library is hosting five walking tours. These tours will showcase significant and compelling changes that have occurred in the city within the past few decades and what’s to come for the future of Chicago.

The Uptown's Past and Future Selves tour will take place on Saturday, April 6th, between 11am and noon. It will depart from the Uptown Branch Library, 929 West Buena (between Sheridan and Broadway). Meet inside the main doors.

The description of the tour reads:

"Uptown is a neighborhood very much in transition, and today it continues to change with the renovation of the Uptown Theater, the construction of new housing and an influx of new arrivals.

This walking tour would look back at Uptown's past lives and how it continues to look into the future as a place that contains both speculative plans for reinvention combined with a reverence for those groups that have made the community what it is today.

This tour is led by urbanologist Max Grinnell. Rain or shine!

This program is a part of the 2018-2019 One Book, One Chicago season, exploring the theme Imagine The Future and the book Do Androids Dream of Electric Sheep? by Philip K. Dick. For more information on other events, visit www.onebookonechicago.org."