24 October 2011
Howard and Western Shopping Center
21 September 2011
Andersonville Walgreens Now Open!
Before this building housed Walgreens, and Thybony's, I remember when it housed an "A & P" grocery store:)
Jackie
19 August 2011
Service With a Smell
Jackie
16 August 2011
Dollar General 5627 N. Lincoln
I also have shopped at Dollar Tree and Family Dollar, in various locations, and one thing that Dollar General has over these two retailers is, it offers more grocery options. Including a wider selection of chilled and frozen products, such as eggs, breakfast meats, lunchmeat, dairy and frozen foods. They also offer the usual sodas, potatoe chips and other snacks.
In addition to food, there are household cleaners, wastebaskets, some apparel, a small selection of shoes, toys, school/office supplies and health products, such as aspirin and toothpaste.
The prices are comparable to Family Dollar; of course, everything is a $1 at Dollar Tree. Dollar General may be untidy, but it's still worth a try. They have their own parking lot.
Jackie
05 August 2011
WBBM Newsradio Bows on FM
Though I have enjoyed listening to the station, it often has been a challenge to tune - in because of annoying static. No matter how I positioned the antenna, the signal was always disrupted by competing radio stations broadcasting on the same frequency. With its debut on the FM dial this week, WBBM is as clear as a bell! Felicia Middlebrooks (morning anchor) never sounded so crisp. Imagine listening to Bears games this coming season!
Tune in to the new WBBM - FM, at 105.9.
Jackie
23 June 2011
Celebrate Clark Street Fest
Jackie
21 June 2011
Walmart: Hate It and Live With It
But even more well off communities should be given another option where they can pick up a bag of pet food, DVD's and a flatscreen TV to watch them on. Love it or hate it, Walmart is a presence one can not (and, probably, should not) ignore. I am within walking distance from a Target store and I think it would be a welcome addition to my shopping list, to have a Walmart nearby to shop now and then. Target, Petsmart and other retail behemoths have been allowed to set up shop within city limits. Whether you agree, or disagree, with the company's policies regarding labor, Walmart should not be singled out for exclusion.
Jackie
17 June 2011
9th June 2011 CAPS Meeting - Beat 2413
Apparently, someone at the Emmerson Park fieldhouse (1820 W Granville) did not get the memo, that the day and time was changed for our CAPS meeting, from the second Tuesday of the month to the second Thursday. The time, however, remains the same: 7 pm. There was no one present to unlock the fieldhouse and admit us, so we held the meeting outside the building! Luckily, there wasn't a severe thunderstorm or an evening temperature of 86 with 110% humidity.
But it was all worth it! This ranked as the most informative CAPS meeting I had ever attended, for it was highlighted by tips on how not to become victims to burglars, from former burglars! The all - male 'panel' were in a program to help them turn their lives around and become productive members of society, rather than continuing their career as criminals. There were six men present. Supervising them, was a representative of the sheriff's office, I believe. The ex - offenders were identified by sequential numbers only, to preserve their anonymity. Their introductions were in the form of stating their offences, their prison terms and what they were doing to transform their lives. Some had jobs, some had jobs lined - up, while others were going to college.
They provided those present with helpful information and advice. For instance, did you know that it takes a burglar only 3 to 5 minutes to complete his/her crime? Also, while some of the ex - offenders stated that they had no particular preference for the type of neighbourhoods in which to commit their crimes, some of the guys specifically targeted upper - class communities.
Also, we were informed that some their favourite parts of a residence to look for valuables were master bedrooms, closets, storage rooms and, even, kids' rooms. Preferred places of entry included, unsecured back and front doors and side windows. Their means of transporting the stoling goods included, any luggage they happened to find (Pullman models were particular favorites of the panel) and other items that were available in their victims' homes.
Deterrents: Deadbolt locks, nosy neighbours and communities in which residents, frequently, congregated outside their homes (they serve as the eyes and ears of law enforcement). Fences are NOT barriers. Dogs usually discouraged the men from breaking into houses and apartment units. But not always! (One member of the panel stated, he loved dogs and would feed them!)
Questions I asked:
"Were any of you armed at the time you committed your crimes?" "No," was the unanimous reply. One of the guys told us, they were not interested in confronting or harming the homeowners; all they wanted were the homeowners' valuables. Also, they advised fleeing if a burglary is in - progress when you return home. Then, call 911.
"Does living on the upper floor of a residential building provide protection from burglaries?" Again, the answer was "No."
One of my neighbours asked "How did you get caught when you committed your last offence?" The answer? Greed! They got greedy until, one day, a neighbour spotted them removing items and called police.
The presentation also included mistakes residents frequently make, such as, displaying decorative items in windows, having insufficient lighting, and leaving doors or windows open.
All in all, it was a very fruitful hour! It gave me hope that these men are making efforts to turn their lives around.
Jackie
Are People Abandoning Their Pets?
Are these just coincidences of pets lost and hungry, not just for food, but for affection? Or are people releasing their animals due to the poor economy? Nothing would make me happier than to be proven wrong. And it would sadden me, greatly, if the latter scenario were the case. Any animal welcomed into a household learns to trust those who feed them and care for their overall well - being; and when I can imagine the animals' heartbreak when that trust is returned with abandonment that leaves them vulnerable to motorists, people with evil intentions and disease as a result of contact with other animals (both, domestic and wild).
Jackie
15 June 2011
09 June 2011
Edgewater Eateries/The Best and Worst
6022 N. Broadway
Always consistent, always friendly. Leo and his wife serve their fare with a smile. This Greek couple always make a visit to Patio Beef a pleasant experience. A true gem in the neighbourhood! And the BEST darned burgers on the planet!
Indie Cafe
5951 N. Broadway
Beautiful presentation! The food that arrives at my table in this pan - Asian restaurant is always fresh and, aesthetically, is as pleasing to the eye as to the palette. The tempura appetizer is almost too pretty to eat, and very delicious. They also serve exceptional sashimi here.
The Worst:
Alexander's
6158 N. Clark St.
The service is so poor at Alexander's, that it makes McDonald's look like an exclusive, 5 - star restaurant listing in a Michelin guidebook. Definitely, stay away from this loser!
Little Corner Restaurant
5937 N. Broadway
One waitress (whose name I learned was, Mena) was dressed like a 'lady of the evening' , and another forgot that I had requested butter on my toast (it arrived without it) and then she kept forgetting to bring me a steak knife (actually, I needed a table saw to cut into the tough New York strip steak). There is nothing good I can say about the Little Corner Restaurant, except, I will NEVER eat there again.
Jackie
04 June 2011
Chaos!
About 30 minutes after I sat down and ordered my meal, one of the servers (named, Mena) showed up on her first day on the job dressed like a hooker. She wore a low - cut, ruffled blouse and had the right side of the blouse lowered to just an inch above her elbow, exposing her bra strap. Either the owner, and/or manager, took her to the side, and told her to pull up her blouse and come dressed more appropriately next time. What a way for one to spend their first day at work!
For stability purposes, the manager should have kept one of the departing waitresses, until the new workers had settled into their new jobs and became more familiar with the way things at the restaurant were run. It was mass chaos! I asked for butter on my toast; it arrived without it. I asked for A1 Sauce; the other (more modestly - dressed) server forgot it.
As you can tell from the tone of this posting, this was not one of my stellar dining experiences. Who knows! Maybe the 'foxy lady' waitress will learn how to dress for work at a restaurant, and not as part of a female escort service; and the other server will improve her memory skills. One can only hope that things will settle down and "The Little Corner Restaurant" will return to serving great food again.
Jackie
24 May 2011
Use TIF funds to make schools better: Pawar - Chicago Sun-Times
Interesting suggestions from Ameya Pawar, one of the freshmen members of the Chicago City Council.
Jackie
20 May 2011
Edgewater Library Demoliton Date Extended
Not long ago, the CPL shortened the hours at several of its branches and laid off workers as a cost - saving measure.
Jackie
18 May 2011
Pekin House
Pekin House's menu includes, what has been rated, the best egg rolls in Chicago! This is, by far, my favourite place to treat myself to delicious Chinese fare. (Living nearby doesn't hurt either. This restaurant has been in the West Roger's Park area, seemingly, forever. And for good reason: The food is exceptional and, for those allergic to MSG, they will omit this ingredient upon request.
Pekin House is located at:
2311 West Devon Avenue, and their phone number is, 773.465.1630 Dine - in and takeout available. Pekin House also delivers.
Jackie
06 May 2011
03 May 2011
When Edgewater Library Closes
Jackie
16 April 2011
Chicago News Report: 'Gays' vs. 'gang members' in Chicago’s West Rogers...
13 April 2011
Changes For Beat 2413 CAPS Meetings
Beat 2413 CAPS Meeting
12 April 2011
40th Ward Townhall Meeting Summary
11 April 2011
April 11 Townhall Meeting - School Lunchroom
Lunchroom
40th Ward Alderman, Patrick O'Connor
Ward Supervisor
Police Commander
Plus, others.
Jackie
30 March 2011
"TODAI": Food is Safe
23 March 2011
Bernard Stone and Debra Silverstein on 'Chicago Tonight'
At one point during the discussion, Stone pulled out a thick, manila ,folder that he claimed contained documents proved the questionable nature of contributions Silverstein had received from various organizations and individual. Including, contributions from mayer - elect, Rahm Emanuel.
Alderman Stone spent most of his airtime patting himself on the back for never being absent at a council meeting. And when host, Phil Ponce, questioned him about accusations that he has been caught sleeping during council meetings, Stone scoffed and claimed that his eyes were closed because of the long and boring council activities. But he denied that he was asleep.
Debra Silverstein (wife of State Representative, Ira Silverstein) said that residents told her that they wanted trash picked up, the streets cleaned, street lightbulbs changed and other basic services. Silverstein also acknowledged the diverse cultures living in the 50th Ward, which I can echo with conviction! You need only to stroll along Devon Avenue, between North Damen and North Kedzie, to see the rich cultures represented inside the several ethnic restaurants, bakeries and grocery stores. It was a sad day for me when "Rosenblum's," (a Jewish gift and book shop) closed and moved to the suburbs. The parking meters threaten to unravel the delicate threads that make up this ward, and make West Rogers Park and West Ridge unique and vibrant.
At its conclusion, if I were a voter in the 50th Ward (I live in the 40th Ward of Patrick "Useless" O'Connor), I would give my support to Silverstein. It's time for a new approach and new ideas. It is time to usher in a new era in city government.
Jackie
21 March 2011
Rogers Park "Late Show"
In the past, Emmerson has seen criminal activity and, with the weather now getting warmer, there is the increased possibility of violence. The park attracts gangbangers, and I don't want any problems.
Jackie
23 February 2011
Mazel Tov, Rahm Emanuel!
Emanuel will inherit an unresolved squabble between his soon - to - be predecessor and United and American Airlines; a parking meter disaster; a budget that's still in the toilet; a local economy still stinging from a nationwide recession. And the list goes on and on! A job like that would give me bleeding ulcers, for sure.
My hats off to Rahm for wanting so desperately to be mayor of Chicago, that he left his post as
President Obama's Chief - of - Staff. Mazel tov, Rahm! Which, in Hebrew, means both 'congratulations' and 'good luck'. (He'll need a lifetime supply of the latter.)
Jackie
40% Voter Turnout
Right at this very moment, people in the Middle East are fighting and dying for the right to vote; a right we Americans, too often, take for granted. We cite the weather, the current state of politics and a poor selection of candidates as reasons not to show up at our polling places, whilst citizens in other parts of the globe risk their lives for the right to cast ballots in a free election.
Jackie
22 February 2011
ABC 7's Tracy Butler Visits Andersonville
http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=7962205
Jackie
16 February 2011
A Boxing Ring in Edgewater
Jackie
Area Borders Books to Close
Jackie
Beat 2413 CAPS Meeting
Apparently an attendant, who is usually available to open the door to the Emmerson Park fieldhouse, never showed up, so, we had to hold a slightly - abbreviated CAPS meeting OUTSIDE under the park lights. Luckily, the weather was mild and not intolerably cold.
This meeting focuses on criminal activity and arrests in Beat 2413- bound by West Devon & Peterson Avenues; and North Kedzie & North Ridge.
Overall, there was a reduction in crime, in this area. At our last meeting, in January 2011, there were a total of 145 crimes committed; as of 15 February, 2011, it has dropped to 108. The greatest increase has involved auto break - ins (the police officers present at the meeting remind members of the community to avoid leaving valuables IN THEIR CARS). During the month of January, there were 7 armed robberies and 2 sexual assaults. Again, a decrease in these incidents.
The next CAPS meeting for Beat 2413 is scheduled for Tuesday, 15 March 2011; 7:00 P.M. @ Green Briar Park @ 2650 West Peterson.
The next CAPS meeting to be held at Emmerson Park @ 1820 West Granville, is scheduled for Tuesday, 19th April 2011, at 7:00 P.M. (Hopefully, there will be someone to let us into the fieldhouse this time.)
Statistics are gathered from 4 police district stations: 19th, 20th, 23rd and 24th.
For additional information about the CAPS meetings, call the Beat 2413 Hotline @ 773.782.6313 or visit them on the Web http://caps24.org
Jackie
14 February 2011
Less Than Enthused, But Grateful
Having mentioned some of the benefits of voting in a free country, I am less than enthusiastic about the choices printed on the ballot. Sometimes I wish the ballot offered 'None of the above' as one of the options. Seems like, no matter whom I select, they'll be sworn into office while carrying more baggage than could fit in a 747. From my perspective, I'm voting for candidates most likely to be indicted! And once in office they NEVER keep their campaign promises. I would do no worse if I voted for Osama bin Laden as Chicago's next mayor.
Despite my complaints, I am grateful that my country allows me the freedom to voice my choice inside a public library, a church, or any facility that serves as a polling place. Campaign workers and newspapers recommend candidates they feel are best qualified for the job, but there is no one standing over my shoulder demanding that I vote for so - and - so, or else. That is something we ALL should be grateful for.
Jackie
12 February 2011
Armed Robbery at Howard St. Dominick's
09 February 2011
My Alderman Wants Condos
But what about the needs of Andersonville's residents? It is with sadness that I watch yet another local election get underway, while Alderman O'Connor is unopposed in his bid for an umpteenth term. Political road blocks are erected so that no one else has a shot at occupying the 40th Ward office. Just another one of the dirty tricks played in Chicago politics. Obstacles are placed before potential opponents, while power gluttons hold on to their seats in the City Council.
Meanwhile, the neighbours in Andersonville dream of a park that would enhance their lives in the community that they call home. Where, they crash on sofas after a hard day's work and sit down for dinner with their families.
Jackie
08 February 2011
Snow an Obstacle Under Metra Tracks
I have contacted Alderman Patrick O'Connor's 40th Ward office. Unfortunately for us, O'Connor is running unopposed for re - election and, therefore, feels no urgency to tend to a problem, such as this. So, the only thing we can do is be a nuisance and keep calling his office until something is done about this.
Jackie
04 February 2011
Several Emergency Vehicles in Edgewater
Jackie
03 February 2011
Chicago Blizzard of 2011: The Aftermath
Jackie
ROGERS PARK LIBRARY REMAINS CLOSED
Jackie
21 January 2011
08 January 2011
A Guide to Devon Avenue - Chicago magazine - January 2011 - Chicago
I never grow tired of my walks along Devon Avenue, between Damen and Kedzie. Cultures ranging from IndoPak to Jewish; Muslim to Hindu; Pakistani barbecue to kosher pizza.
Jackie
Couple Chased on Berwyn
Jackie