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EveryBlock collects 22 types of news in Chicago — including articles, real estate listings, meetups and conversations neighbors are having — and organizes it by location. Below is all the recent news and discussion near Ravenswood Gardens.

29 hours ago

Updated 3 hours ago

Crime in Albany Park

I moved to this area about two years ago and I might have to move cause the crime is getting worst. Why did some kids come on private property and just bust a mans new car windows out for no reason at all. It was a camera video of this crime and the police will be going over to the local schools in the area to ID these kids.

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  • That's sad that people are scared of change. I have a house on the westside that I purchased brand new but had to flee cause of the horrible crime. I will be moving to round lake at the end of the year cause enough is enough.

  • It breaks my heart ... but I have to admit that AP is no longer my home. I lived there for 45 years and saw SO many different changes, some good, some not so good. The past few years have not been good and it pains me that the place...

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    It breaks my heart ... but I have to admit that AP is no longer my home. I lived there for 45 years and saw SO many different changes, some good, some not so good. The past few years have not been good and it pains me that the place that I called home for most of my life has changed so much. We are losing our home due to foreclosure, but making the decision to leave wasn't as difficult as it would have been a few years ago. We battled gangs and all kinds of problems during all of these years, but because of the increasing violence and change in atmosphere, we felt best to give in and get out. Fifteen years (or so) ago, we battled gangs and won. When apartment buildings switched to condos, the neighborhood became the "must move to" area in Chicago. The diversity was the most wonderful thing I could have given my children. But now? The elementary school that my children attended has gone from exemplary to the bottom of the CPS list. My beater of a cargo van was broken into - they tried to hotwire the wothless hunk of metal!!! The sirens that we have heard nightly have made us uneasy. Our alleys are dark, filthy and frightful. These new gangs and the vandalism that is prominent is like nothing we have ever experienced. We have heard that there are more than 4,000 foreclosures in AP (not sure if those statistics are correct, however). So many houses are up for sale and/or stand empty. We have seen many of the condos revert back to apartments. "For sale" signs have changed back to "for rent". The value of our house was almost halved after the economic crisis a few years back. Is it any wonder that the area is in chaos? :(

3 days ago

Updated 7 hours ago

Landlord and life-long north side Chicago Resident

No tax dollars for Wrigley Field improvements!

In light of the scandalous intentions of the Cubs owners', let your aldermen know not to enter into any arrangement to improve the ballpark that includes any tax payer money. Make them use their own money to grow their business instead of using that money for divisive Superpac messages. I couldn't be more disenfranchised from this family...true colors shining through. What an eye opener!

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  • Improving Wrigley should be at the bottom of Chicago's list of priorities. Chicago has so many more critical things to spend money on: infrastructure, schools, our massive budget hole, public transit, emergency services, parks, and so on.

    This doesn't have to be a question of politics or baseball. Wrigley is a privately owned building, so let its owners pay for upgrades. Individuals wanting to support Wrigley's improvement can buy paving stones, refreshments and souvenirs inside the stadium, etc.

  • Shawn Ritchie South Side transplant to North Center since 2007

    Not. One. Dime. For. The. Cubs.

    I fully believe the full Ricketts clan knew what was up with these proposed ads. And it's emblematic of most of the 1% class that they begrudge and fight with all of their might any dime going to the lower classes while also expecting...

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    Not. One. Dime. For. The. Cubs.

    I fully believe the full Ricketts clan knew what was up with these proposed ads. And it's emblematic of most of the 1% class that they begrudge and fight with all of their might any dime going to the lower classes while also expecting us to let them slide on taxes and give away the farm for the privilege of keeping their precious businesses in town. They can go to hell. If they can keep their crappy, urine-scented dump of a ballpark profitable on their own, it can collapse into a pile of brick for all I care.

17 hours ago

Updated 9 hours ago

10 Year Ravenswood Romance

Chicago Landmark?

The building at 4400 N. Hermitage has a little Landmark Registry plaque on the front of it, but with no explanation as to why, or what is so special about that building. I've been hunting around online and haven't been able to find anything.
Anyone know? Anyone have ideas as to how I can find out?
Many thanks!!

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  • Pete F. Lifelong Chicagoan

    The cynic in me wants to say it's a bogus plaque put up by a real estate agent to sell a condo, ha!

  • Freddy M. Uptown/Andersonville resident for most of my life

    I wonder if the alderman's office could shed some light or the chamber of commerce in the neighborhood. I'm not terribly familiar with the area, but if the neighborhood has its own historical society or museum, like Edgewater does, for example, they may have more info about historic buildings in the area. Good luck!

13 hours ago

Updated 11 hours ago

tuesday can't come soon enough..

I'm sooooo over NATO... I feel like I am living in some communist country... I do want to thank anyone protecting us, hope everyone is safe.. Thank you!

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  • Bradley 11 Year Buena Park resident

    Have you ever been to a communist country Amy? How about a fascist dictatorship? In my experience, public expression of dissent, not immediately followed by tanks and slaughter is an unique charicteristic of democracy.

  • Pete F. Lifelong Chicagoan

    I find it all very interesting and, to an extent, exciting. I was out and about a little yesterday taking it all in, and while I don't necessarily support every cause being represented both on the streets and behind the summit doors, I do feel a great sense of pride in both my city and our democracy in action.

    I think the police have done a superb job so far, and so have those seeking to have their voices heard.

  • MandaLeigh 10 Year Ravenswood Romance

    Oh, it's one more day of inconvenience. And yes, this is quite far from a communist country. People are protesting, which is 100% in their rights as Americans, and the police are just doing their jobs, keeping things in order. I'm sure the cops aren't pleased having to pile on their gear and standing around for 12 hour shifts every day through this.
    I'm currently downtown at work in the financial district, and will be here again tomorrow. It could be a lot worse.

16 hours ago

Updated 14 hours ago

New to Neighborhood - New to Chicago!

Anyone know what all the sirens are for??

I live off Western and have been hearing sirens nonstop for the past 30 mins. Anyone know the reasoning?

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15 hours ago

pmonaghan posted 1 photo to Flickr:

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16 hours ago

pmonaghan posted 2 photos to Flickr:

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16 hours ago

pmonaghan posted 1 photo to Flickr:

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3 days ago

Updated 18 hours ago

"Working" from home

I'm on a Nato-cation tomorrow and Monday and won't get anything done if I stay in my house. And I would prefer not to sit at Starbucks all day. Does anyone have recommendations for bars in Lincoln Square/Northcenter that are open during the day, have Wifi, food and wouldn't mind someone hanging out for a few hours (while enjoying a beer or two)?

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  • Rachel writer, indexer, editor, researcher

    Steve, I agree. My "office" is a laptop, a cell phone, and a wi-fi connection, and I have no clients who need to see me in person (and even if I did, I'd probably meet them somewhere else, as the house is a mess and my husband also works from home). There's nothing in my set-up that precludes me working somewhere else.

    (She says, nibbling on a muffin in the coffeeshop.)

  • JoshT Parent, Neighbor, 2 flat owner/glorified janitor

    "That is why they PAY you"

    I pay me. : )

18 hours ago

pmonaghan posted 1 photo to Flickr:

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18 hours ago

pmonaghan posted 2 photos to Flickr:

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May 09

Updated 20 hours ago

Near Rockwell L

Inexpensive document shredding

This outfit will shred & then recycle all your useless old papers.

They charge 50 cents a pound, $10 minimum for their walk-in service, which sounds pretty cheap to me if you've got 20~30 lbs of this clutter like I do. (Tax records from 1978....)

They have a loading zone, too- don't even have to feed the parking machine.

Secure Eco Shred
4455 N. Elston Ave | Chicago, Illinois 60630
Tel: 773.685.0100 | Fax: 773.777.8344
www.secureecoshred.com
NAID AAA Certified

The City (via your alderman) also runs a free shredding service once a year or so.

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  • maxam67 Northcenter resident for 18+ years

    You are welcome! I think I heard about this through the Neighborhood Boys and Girls Club on Irving Park Rd.

    I'm giving myself a forehead slap, however, because I completely forgot about this event. Let's see if I can get some of my "stuff" together and make it over there before one. Even if only for a shoulder rub! :)

  • Ed NorthCenter via NJ (Exit 9)

    Went to eccoshred on Friday with my 20 lbs of papers. Great service and prices for drop off.

    Sadly Rocky has moved on to doggy heaven. The new dog is Sailor.

6 days ago

Updated 20 hours ago

33 year Ravenswood neighbor

yard sale

anyone know of a yard sale at the end of june?

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  • I haven't seen a time on any of the info I've seen but in previous year, I believe it was 9:00 a.m., but, people do come earlier. If you go earlier, not all garages will be open yet, but, there are so many that you can make the rounds twice, really. There are individuals posting their addresses on craigslist, too. But the sellers will have maps showing sellers' locations.

  • The 16th annual Bowmanville street sale is June 2 from 9-4pm. Parameters are Foster to Bowmanville & Ravenswood to Western. It seems to be getting bigger and better each year. Enjoy!

2 days ago

Updated 20 hours ago

Garage Sales Anyone?

Hello All!

It's that time of the year again - Garage, Yard and Sidewalk Sales time again!

How do I get information on them so I don't miss these?

Do you guys post them up here?

Thanks.

Ready to buy some junk!

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4 days ago

Updated 22 hours ago

New Chicago resident

Looking for a gym

I have been racking my brain trying to find a new gym. I knew when I moved here that I would never find anything to replace the beautiful, state of the art YMCA that I used to go to in Michigan for $64 a month, but I am still hoping to find something comparable (yes, I know it won't be that cheap).

I am not incredibly high maintenance; I'd like some free weights, some mats and spaces for those mats,...

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I have been racking my brain trying to find a new gym. I knew when I moved here that I would never find anything to replace the beautiful, state of the art YMCA that I used to go to in Michigan for $64 a month, but I am still hoping to find something comparable (yes, I know it won't be that cheap).

I am not incredibly high maintenance; I'd like some free weights, some mats and spaces for those mats, some sort of towel service, and I'd like to not wait for machines. I primarily use a treadmill, and occasionally the elliptical. I currently go to a very very small gym that is not bad, but after getting the death glare from knocking into people a couple times because there's no room, I'd like something bigger.

I don't have a car so I don't care about parking, but I'd like something convenient to me (via the Clark Bus, Brown line, red line, or near the loop for work) via public transportation. I have been of course checking out Yelp, but I am having trouble discerning how accurate the reviews are. Some gyms have wonderful reviews, but then the ones from the past six months are awful, for example.

I have been looking at some of the following gyms and have found little things that don't exactly fit into my dream gym, but maybe you all can shed some light based on your personal experiences, or perhaps tell me about a gym that I haven't thought of:
Cheetah Gym
Edgewater Athletic Club
FFC West Loop (For some reason cheaper than other FFCs..)
Lincoln Square Athletic Club
Thanks in advance!

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  • Cindy Values community.

    Does anyone know when the pool is coming to LSAC? Indoor, or outdoor on roof, I wonder?

  • The LSAC pool will be in the building behind Lincoln Quality Meat Market...not sure exact opening, but I thought it was sometime this summer.

42 hours ago

Updated 24 hours ago

Safe Apartment locations

Hi everyone,

I'm a prospective Ravenswood neighbor. I looked at a couple apartments near the Montrose brownline stop and really like the neighborhood but not the actual apartments. I have an appointment with a realtor service to see a couple places in my price range on Hermitage and Paulina both between Lawrence and Foster. Is this a safe area for a single female living alone to stay? I need to feel safe walking my dog at night. I'm looking for 500+ square footage for under a $1000. I also do not have a car and rely on public transit.

Thanks so much in advance for all your advice!

Melanie

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  • Freddy M. Uptown/Andersonville resident for most of my life

    Melanie, Uptown begins just east of Clark, if you follow Lawrence. The neighborhood you're looking to settle in is pretty much the same in terms of safety when you go further north, until you get to about Peterson.

    I would be cautios being alone in Uptown, but I wouldn'y stay...

    Read full comment…

    Melanie, Uptown begins just east of Clark, if you follow Lawrence. The neighborhood you're looking to settle in is pretty much the same in terms of safety when you go further north, until you get to about Peterson.

    I would be cautios being alone in Uptown, but I wouldn'y stay clear. You would miss out on a lot of great restaurants, night life, theatre and culture. A lot of the sketchy stuff happens late at night, and mostly between gangs. Places to steer clear of in the city are places that are isolated, homogeous in race, have really high crime rates and don't really have much to go to or see, like Englewood.

    If you walk around late at night, try not to be alone. There's a lot to see, though, like New China Town at Argyle and Broadway, The Green Mill, and lots of other fascinating places. Hope you enjoy the area! I've lived here all my life and can't really imagine living elsewhere in this city.

  • Also, have you looked at padmapper.com? They have a "Spot Crime Overlay" Filter you can apply to your search which will help you see where the area starts to get sketchy. When entering your search criteria, click on "show more filters" and then click on the "super secret filter"

27 hours ago

pmonaghan posted 3 photos to Flickr:

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6 days ago

Updated 29 hours ago

Director of Community Management

Where do you get your favorite burger?

In honor of May being National Burger Month, where do you go for the best burger in or around Ravenswood?

My favorite spot near the EveryBlock office is Bad Apple.

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  • Chicago Joe's on Irving Park and Claredon is awesome and Great super juicy comes with fries on Mondays its only $4.00 and $2.00 margaritas Check them you wont be disappointed Enjoy!! Mangia Mangia :)

  • I'm now gonna check out Kuma's!

3 days ago

Updated 39 hours ago

Free Breakfast at Windy City Inn this Saturday May 19

Stop by Windy City Inn this Saturday between 11:00am - 1:00pm for a FREE breakfast featuring items from our usual Sunday brunch menu!

A few of the items that Chef Jeff will be serving up include his famous Wilma's french toast. His recipe includes his secret Bailey's batter along with your choice of bacon, country ham or sausage. Other items include Nova Lox and Bagels, omelets and more!

Drink purchase required.

Windy City Inn
2257 W Irving Park Rd.
Chicago, IL 60618
773-588-7088

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  • you should post a photo of your restaurant so people can find you

  • Rebecca S Dog Walker/Pet Sitter in Bowmanville

    It's just east of the walgreens, Nolan! I think we're going!

  • Rebecca S Dog Walker/Pet Sitter in Bowmanville

    We went and it was yummy!

39 hours ago

Steve Rhodes posted 1 photo to Flickr:

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44 hours ago

Found Keys

I found a set of what appear to be house keys yesterday morning while walking my dog. It was around 6:15 am. They were in the crosswalk on Leland and Talman in Ravenswood Gardens. They were on a red keychain. If these are yours, please respond by describing the particular key chain to verify.

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3 days ago

Updated 45 hours ago

Lifelong Chicagoan

Chicago Craft Beer Week

Tonight begins the oddly named 10 day Chicago Craft Beer Week!

Bars all over Chicago will be serving up craft beers from all over the world, including many from right here in Chicago, for only $4 each.

You can check out all of the craft brews, participating bars, schedules and more by visiting http://chibeerweek.com/

I, myself, am going to use this as an excuse to check out The Bad Apple that everyone is talking about over in the burger discussion. Their special is $4 for any and all Chicago beers.

Enjoy and be responsible!

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  • Pete F. Lifelong Chicagoan

    Didn't make it to Bad Apple last night :( But I will soon! Instead I went down to the Old Town Pour House with all of the beautiful people because I just had to try the Mikkeller 1000 IBU.

    My tongue is still numb.

    For those who know not of...

    Read full comment…

    Didn't make it to Bad Apple last night :( But I will soon! Instead I went down to the Old Town Pour House with all of the beautiful people because I just had to try the Mikkeller 1000 IBU.

    My tongue is still numb.

    For those who know not of what I speak, I excerpt the following from a Beer Advocate review:

    "Crazily full-on flavours, a lengthy assault of tongue-coating, abrasive hops. [...] The bitter seems to linger indefinitely..."

    Yep.

    The way I see it, it was a good way to start off the week. Everything from here on out will taste like milk and honey compared to that beer!

    Anyone else try anything new last night?

  • Pete-as much as you talk about beer, you really are short changing yourself by having not stepped in to the Bad Apple yet. And the food is really great too.

May 11

Updated 2 days ago

Lincoln Square homeowner

Grills on wood porches: what's the law?

I assume gas grills are legal, since I see them everywhere. What about charcoal? Does anyone know where on the city's website they declare this one way or the other (or if they do)?

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  • sunnyside parent

    I had no idea charcoal could do that, Thanks What is the best way to store it then? Plastic container, in a basement. in a garage?

  • Shelly Lifelong suburbanite, now in South Lakeview.

    Sunnyside-We store our charcoal in a plastic container on the front porch and have never had an issue. Grill is not on the porch, but sits near. We live in a different style of a condo here, where it's a bunch of houses that are all together. So it's more of a townhouse style.

3 days ago

Updated 2 days ago

Dog Owners

Hello everyone! I'm relatively new to the area and just adopted a dog back in April from chicago animal control. She was a stray and is about 8 months old now. We think she is a boxer/ maybe pitbull mix. She is a super sweet 45 lb toddler. Not always well behaved then again she was a stray puppy. Two things : I'm looking for someplace to take her to obedience class near home because I don't have a car....

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Hello everyone! I'm relatively new to the area and just adopted a dog back in April from chicago animal control. She was a stray and is about 8 months old now. We think she is a boxer/ maybe pitbull mix. She is a super sweet 45 lb toddler. Not always well behaved then again she was a stray puppy. Two things : I'm looking for someplace to take her to obedience class near home because I don't have a car. We live near montrose and pulaski. Also maybe some advice. She of course as a puppy is super playful and only has me to play with, no other dogs. When she gets really excited she can get kind of nippy and jumps up. I think its because of her lack of suitable playmate. I have a little fenced in yard for her to play in but she desperately needs and wants a doggy friend. Her eyes light up and she gets super excited when we see other dogs. As far as I know there isn't any dog parks near us and I don't dare take her off her leash at the park ( she isn't the greatest with the command "come" yet haha I'm pretty sure she knows it just doesn't want to do it (cause being outside or playing with her toys is way too much fun). Would anyone around my area ( pulaski to kimball/ Lawrence to montrose ) be interested in a doggie play date?

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  • kelly the one w/the squirrel-obsessed pit bull :)

    Yes, please let us know the name of it. I'd like to avoid it as well. And, Rachel, if you ever decide to take your pup to daycare from time to time - another option (besides The Barking Lot) is Lucky Dog. My dog is always happy to go there - they are really great w/the dogs. I am also very happy w/Mayfair as a vet :)

  • sunnyside parent

    I will get the name and post it on Saturday of the training place on Elston. It is so sad because my dog is so fear agressive now after being in those classes she is hard to walk with others around. It is great to hear someone in the area...

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    I will get the name and post it on Saturday of the training place on Elston. It is so sad because my dog is so fear agressive now after being in those classes she is hard to walk with others around. It is great to hear someone in the area using Milankis they do small animals and do not charge these outrageous fees because they are exotics like the others places do. And the father is such a no frills he will tell you what you don't need. Not sell so much to you. They will even cut nails and clean ears during the exam if you need. The have even opened longer hours for me when needed who else would do that!

6 days ago

Updated 2 days ago

12 year resident

Injured cat needs a home!

Hi to all the animal lovers in the neighborhood,
This is a stray cat that has been coming around my home. He is badly injured around his ear and really needs someone who can adopt him. He is a very cute Tuxedo cat (see pic - although he looks very startled in the picture!), with all white paws. He is very sweet and aprroachable and needs a loving home. I would guess he is 1-2 years old and he is...

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Hi to all the animal lovers in the neighborhood,
This is a stray cat that has been coming around my home. He is badly injured around his ear and really needs someone who can adopt him. He is a very cute Tuxedo cat (see pic - although he looks very startled in the picture!), with all white paws. He is very sweet and aprroachable and needs a loving home. I would guess he is 1-2 years old and he is not fixed. I've been feeding him so he's not starving to death anymore, but he needs his forever home. <3

If you, or if you know someone who would love a lovable little guy to call their own, let me know.

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  • Tree House will rent out a humane trap, and will give you your money back when you return it. Something like $15-$20. I believe the Cat Hospital on Irving Park/California will also rent one. I've caught all of my strays this way (and several turned out to be my pets afterwards).

  • Please let me know if I can be of assistance.

4 days ago

Updated 2 days ago

Ravenswood citizen

Sears Parking Lot - Ravenswood

I know there are plans for developing the Sears parking lot at Ravenswood and Lawrence. I've always wondered what used to be in that parking lot, especially towards the north end of the property. Was it a factory? A building? Wondering if any long time residents know what was there way back when.

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  • The Auto Service Center is still there. They do oil changes, brakes, batteries, tires. Not muche else that I know of.

  • Once years ago, when it was bitter cold, I had a flat tire when parked at Wolcott & Ainslie. The Sears auto guys really bailed me out by walking through the alley there & changing it out for me. My mother just mentioned it the other day--it was memorable!

Apr 26

Updated 2 days ago

Greenwood Nurseries setting up in Sears parking lot on Lawrence

Greenwood Nurseries is setting up in the Sears parking lot on Lawrence. I paid them a visit today, and am told that Sears has allowed them to set up until August. Unless a new location is forthcoming for next year, I'm afraid this will probably be their last year, but, I'm so happy to give them my business for another season. I often find plants there that I find nowhere else.

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  • I've learned that they have now changed their name to Bloomfield Gardens and are looking into a location elsewhere on Lawrence for the future (but I do not know exact location).

  • I was just there heating up my credit card. I asked the clerk about a way to contact them, in case they were still operating in the neighborhood next year, and she said they were starting a website and also an email list. She had me write my name down for the email list, so hopefully they'll let me know if they're back next season. They have some of the nicest plants I've seen around.

5 days ago

Updated 2 days ago

Critically Thinking about Chicago Public Schools

Sun, May 20, 2012 5pm - 7pm

Critically Thinking about Chicago Public Schools

Public Forum

Panel Presentation
Q-A session.

The notion of education reform is not a contentious issue for the vast majority of Chicago voters, as 82% consider reform either extremely or very important. However, not all reform is viewed the same. What shape does that reform take? Hear from members of the community involved in reshaping education so it benefits all stakeholders.

Ameya Pawar
Invited - 47th Ward Alderman
Jackson Potter
Chicago Teachers Union Staff...

Read full message…

Critically Thinking about Chicago Public Schools

Public Forum

Panel Presentation
Q-A session.

The notion of education reform is not a contentious issue for the vast majority of Chicago voters, as 82% consider reform either extremely or very important. However, not all reform is viewed the same. What shape does that reform take? Hear from members of the community involved in reshaping education so it benefits all stakeholders.

Ameya Pawar
Invited - 47th Ward Alderman
Jackson Potter
Chicago Teachers Union Staff Coordinator
Kurt Hilgendorf
CTU CPS Budget Evaluation Committee
Kate Brandt
6.5 to Thrive
Erica Clark
Parents4Teachers
Wanda Hopkins
Parents United for Responsible Education (P.U.R.E)
Sonia Kwon
Raise Your Hand - Illinois
Raul Botello
Albany Park Neighborhood Council (A.P.N.C.)
Victor Alquicira
VOYCE - Voices of Youth in Chicago Education

CPS Board Members
Invited

Sunday 20 May 2012
5 PM – 7 PM

Luther Memorial Church
2500 W. Wilson
Chicago, IL

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  • We - the organizers of this event - agree that parent groups are a key to success. This is why we have four parent groups on the panel. Most all CPS schools that function well - function well because of great parental involvement. This is what happens at schools like...

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    We - the organizers of this event - agree that parent groups are a key to success. This is why we have four parent groups on the panel. Most all CPS schools that function well - function well because of great parental involvement. This is what happens at schools like Nettlehorst and Waters and Hamilton. It is what helps schools to truly turnaround. There are, however, other issues at hand: social economic status and funding.
    Successful school reform - it is an equation of parents/teachers/students/community.
    For clarification: This public forum is a 'one time' affair - it is not a group per se.
    The forum was organized to give people a place to learn about/talk about/think/consider issues. The persons who are speaking on the panel are 'groups.' The panel - itself - and the public forum is the product of my and other individuals' hard work to organize it to help people find a place to learn and consider the issues.

  • SchoolSparrow.com Neighborhood Web Developer

    Thanks for you work in putting this together. I hope I can attend.

3 days ago

Updated 2 days ago

neighbor, senior citizen

CPS Preschool for child on autism spectrum

Wondering if anybody in the North Center area has a child on the autism spectrum enrolled in a CPS preschool. If so, has it been a good experience? Is the IEP followed, etc.

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  • Hannah G. Solomon has a fantastic staff. 6206 N. Hamlin.

  • SchoolSparrow.com Neighborhood Web Developer

    Coonley has 2 separate blended PreK classes with 20 students each. 14 students are mainstream, up to 6 with IEP's. One teacher and one special ed teacher in the classroom at all times, and at least one aide. Great experience. You do not necessarily have to live in the district with an IEP. Good luck!

3 days ago

Updated 2 days ago

Queen of Trash

Waters Neighbors - A meeting to organize Block Clubs in the area of Montrose, Wesern, Wilson, the River

Tue, May 22, 2012 7 PM

If you live within this area please join us for a meeting to organize our area to be a part of the 47th Ward Advisory Committee. Get to know your neighbors, talk trash, recycling, dogs, parking, schools, corner gardens, be a Block
Captain. Luther Memorial Church, 2500 W Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL

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  • Against The Grain Lincoln Square

    I'm not sure what the neighbors would think if I came to the meeting and talked trash. Best foot forward and such.

2 days ago

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5 days ago

Updated 3 days ago

IT Manager, Music Enthusiast, Technophile

Just moved in to Ravenswood Gardens

Hello Everyone. I'm Eric and I just moved from Lincoln Park into an apartment in Ravenswood Gardens today. I thought I would say hi!

I look forward to neighborhood events and getting to know people in the community! I love this area. It feels like the neighborhood I grew up in.

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  • AParkRes 6 yr AP resident, neighborhood vigilante.

    Thanks April. I just do what I would hope others would do for me :) I'm one of "those" neighbors, I guess. I like to know who lives next to me. Not just their names, but REALLY know them. In fact, back in the day, some of the girls from...

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    Thanks April. I just do what I would hope others would do for me :) I'm one of "those" neighbors, I guess. I like to know who lives next to me. Not just their names, but REALLY know them. In fact, back in the day, some of the girls from the building and I would make baked goods for any new neighbors moving in. It's a great way to break the ice (and find out the scoop) with any newcomers... A delicious assorted pastry basket always has its price. Alas, all of my other neighbors have since moved out, and we are soon to leave as well. I just hope my new 'hood is as neighborly as I am!!

  • foolishrobot IT Manager, Music Enthusiast, Technophile

    Yes, William. I love a good cross town classic! Even though my loyalties are with my Sox, I'm dating a die hard Cubs fan. With that being said, I certainly know how to handle myslef as a displaced south sider. :P

    AParkRes, how neighborly! I can confirm that I didn't move in next to you, but I wish I did! That was really nice of you.

3 days ago

Free BBQ and Blues at Windy City Inn Friday May 18

Windy City Inn would like to introduce you to their new BBQ menu by offering up samples of their BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders, Brisket, Ribs and BBQ Pork and Beans.

An added treat will be a performance by west side blues legend Mary Jane & her No Static Blues Band. Mary is a 77 year old powerhouse that always keeps the crowd entertained.

Windy City Inn
2257 W Irving Park Rd
Chicago, IL 60618
773-588-7088

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4 days ago

Updated 3 days ago

Looking for an exterminator and someone to help with water issue in the basement

Sheesh! When it rains, it pours, so to speak. Our basement has a little water seeping up from a crack in the floor. Unrelatedly (I assume), we have some ants squatting too. Anyone know of good local resources who can help? TIA!

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  • fiftyfifty neighbourhood explorer

    for the ants..peel a cucumber, take the peel, put some salt on the peel, leave the salted peels along the ant trail....say bye, bye ants forever.....i swear. cost nothing.
    For the water issue.....install drain tile and sump pump....cost less than $10,000.

  • Matt Johnson Your Neighbor

    You could also just fill the crack. I used Permaseal and I believe it was $250/crack. I have also just used flexible crack sealant on floor cracks which works just fine.

  • Melissa 2 flat owner

    The Center for Neighborhood Technology is piloting a one-stop wet weather retrofit service—“Wetrofit”. Albany Park is one of the targeted neighborhoods. For more information go to the link below or contact Ryan Wilson, Stormwater Program Manager, rwilson@cnt.org

    http://www.cnt.org/water/neighborhood-flood-reduction

5 days ago

Updated 3 days ago

BOO.

Rezoning Craziness on Wolcott

Sounds like everyone is jumping on the Lycee Francais gravy train. Just saw a new item on the 47th Ward site where someone submitted an application and letters to rezone 4400 AND 4500 North Wolcott from RS3 to RT3.5. TWO WHOLE BLOCKS. And you can imagine my surprise to find out that the five families who signed the letter don't even LIVE on my block. FRIGHTENING!

There's no project or drawings or anything attached to the request. Just a blanket...

Read full message…

Sounds like everyone is jumping on the Lycee Francais gravy train. Just saw a new item on the 47th Ward site where someone submitted an application and letters to rezone 4400 AND 4500 North Wolcott from RS3 to RT3.5. TWO WHOLE BLOCKS. And you can imagine my surprise to find out that the five families who signed the letter don't even LIVE on my block. FRIGHTENING!

There's no project or drawings or anything attached to the request. Just a blanket LET'S REZONE THE TWO BLOCKS PLEASE.

Can you even do this? Ask to rezone a block full of people where you don't even live? And don't they have to tell you what they intend to do with the property? PRETTY SCARY. Dying to see how this one is handled.

Ghosts don't lie. Check it out.

http://chicago47.org/wp-content/uploads/Zoning-info-form-4400-4500-blocks-of-N.-Wolcott.pdf

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  • @jeff f, I appreciate your post. You inadvertently made a point for me to which, I think, we can all agree; public participation is key. Pursuant to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, public notice is required for any zoning variance, which is a zoning change for a particular property (ie Lycee...

    Read full comment…

    @jeff f, I appreciate your post. You inadvertently made a point for me to which, I think, we can all agree; public participation is key. Pursuant to the Chicago Zoning Ordinance, public notice is required for any zoning variance, which is a zoning change for a particular property (ie Lycee Francais). Once an entire area is up-zoned, there is no mandate for public notice, given that the project fits the current zoning parameters. A builder would be able to build the maximum amount of units, to the maximum height, without any public input or scrutiny. Serving on the zoning advisory committee, I am sure you are well aware of the fact that a zoning variation, in and of itself, does not set a precedent. However, a complete zoning change would set a precedent. If this happens you will see a domino effect throughout the neighborhood. If you were truly concerned with public participation, you would be vehemently opposed to the up-zoning.

  • Tom Herlihy Interested Neighbor

    Everyone should remember that the downzoning (and upzoning) that happened city wide 10 years ago or so was intentional and meant to stop this repeated rezoning process. There was LOTS of public notice. Even if your alderman recently snuck a rezone through the system, you can challenge it (and win)...

    Read full comment…

    Everyone should remember that the downzoning (and upzoning) that happened city wide 10 years ago or so was intentional and meant to stop this repeated rezoning process. There was LOTS of public notice. Even if your alderman recently snuck a rezone through the system, you can challenge it (and win) if you can prove they didn't follow proper notification procedures.

    If your building is larger than current zoning allows, you are lucky and your property is more valuable as result. You do not need to bring zoning in line with existing for any reason other than major changes to your building or new construction. Selling has no bearing on zoning either. If everyone needed to bring their building into compliance with the zoning it actually is, then the entire city would need to revert to what it was prior to the big rezoning event. If you want to dormer your house and it has no impact on the neighborhood, talk to your alderman about that and he/she can work with you on it.

    That being said, if the neighborhood want to upzone/downzone on a block by block basis (not parcel by parcel) then with support of the block, it should be able to happen just fine with the proper reasons. And the proper reasons to change an entire block do not include reasons regarding individual parcel zoning issues.

5 days ago

Updated 4 days ago

Career Fair @ Truman College

City Colleges of Chicago are recruiting part time instructors for a variety of credit and non credit areas. Subjects include: Physical Science, Humanities, Reading Specialist. Mandarin , Arabic, TOEFL, Child care, Asian studies, and more. The Career Fair is Friday May 18, 2012 from 1:00 - 6:00 PM @ Truman College located at 1145 W. Wilson
Chicago.

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May 13

Updated 4 days ago

I have lived in this location for over 20 years. I

Looking for Plumber for Kitchen Sink

Can anyone refer me an honest and good plumber, for a broken pipe under kitchen sink.

Sincerely, Sharon

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  • Edwin from Chicagoland Plumbing!

  • Studs Kill the bunny, love the bunny, kill the bunny

    I went through a phonebook's worth of plumbers trying to rip me off for five times what it should have cost. then I found Netzel Plumbing. fair rates, good people, skilled plumbers. I won't ever call anyone else but Netzel, and they're office is in a building you can visil, with an actual address, doors, and windows in Ravenswood. I prefer that to plumbers with only a cell phone and a van who insist you pay with cash.

4 days ago

Manor Garden Club Plant and Bake Sale

Sat, May 19, 2012 10:00am to Noon

We sell fresh, nursery grown plants and a selection of perennials from members' own gardens. A great selection of heirloom tomatoes, herbs, vegetables, annuals and perennials are picked by members based on their own growing experience. Cash or first party checks only. Also, check out the delicious, home-baked treats. Sale is rain or shine. Come early for best selection-the herbs sell out fast. We will offer a small number of containers and soil if you'd like us to pot up your purchases. In front of Luther Memorial Church.

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4 days ago

Updated 4 days ago

GARAGE SALE

Sat, May 19, 2012 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

Furniture, lamps, glassware, bike trainer, bike wheels, snowblower, mower, clothes, lots more.

Moving to California

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May 02

Updated 4 days ago

Ward 47 home and business owner

Lawrence Avenue Streetscape Art Identifiers

The New Lawrence Avenue Streetscape is going to have two Art Identifiers to designate the area between Ravenswood and probably Oakley. Community representatives met to decide on a basic concept, moving,wheels and hub were the most popular as it portrays the essence of the street at that location. Local artists who attended the meeting submitted some designs. Below are the adaptations that CDOT came up with, which design do you like more and why? Thanks!

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  • JoshT Parent, Neighbor, 2 flat owner/glorified janitor

    Yes. More tree please.

  • Whenever I hear someone ID the eastern stretch of Lawrence, they use the Sears store. It's been there since 1925:
    http://www.searsarchives.com/stores/history_chicago_oldest.htm

    I've always thought of the Lincoln statue at Western/Lawrence as the other end of the stretch that begins with the Metra tracks. It was placed after the area was...

    Read full comment…

    Whenever I hear someone ID the eastern stretch of Lawrence, they use the Sears store. It's been there since 1925:
    http://www.searsarchives.com/stores/history_chicago_oldest.htm

    I've always thought of the Lincoln statue at Western/Lawrence as the other end of the stretch that begins with the Metra tracks. It was placed after the area was already called Lincoln Square: http://www.explorechicago.org/city/en/neighborhoods/lincoln_square__ravenswood.html

    Definitely agree that something by the Metra stop would attract attention & demarcate entry to the area, plus it could make a great anchor meeting point equidistant from quite a few destinations.

    I'm always on my bike wondering what time it is, or I've got time to duck in somewhere before the train comes. Could it be something functional like a clock or modern sundial?

Apr 28

Updated 5 days ago

Albany Park Library Branch - closing :(

I just found out the Albany Park branch is closing in June! They are going to demolish the building and build a new library, but the librarian I talked to said that process could take up to two years. I know we have Sulzer nearby, but AP was quieter and faster when requesting books online.

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  • Alderman Laurino's office just announced the general community meeting about the AP Library:

    Please join
    Alderman Margaret Laurino with Chicago Public Library Commissioner Brian Bannon and Public Building Commission Director Erin Lavin Cabonargi

    at the
    Albany Park Public Library

    For a public meeting to learn about a new, larger, state-of-the-art
    Albany Park Library

    Thursday, May 24, 6:30 pm
    Albany Park Public Library, 5150 N. Kimball

  • She will also be speaking tonight at the Hollywood-North Park Community Association "State of the 39th Ward" meeting tonight at 7:30pm at Northside College Prep HS.

5 days ago

Updated 5 days ago

EveryBlock founder, NW side, Chicago.

NATO protest today at Horner Park / Montrose

Just got this from Alderman Mell:

------

Dear 33rd Ward Resident,

We have just been informed that an impromptu rally and march has been called for Horner Park starting at noon and scheduled until 2:00 p.m. TODAY (Tuesday, May 15).

The objective of this protest, under the banner of "Healthcare - Not Welfare", is a march en mass from Horner Park across the river to the Mayor's house in the 47th Ward.

Please avoid driving in that area if at all possible.

Sincerely yours,
Alderman Richard F. Mell

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  • Adrian H. EveryBlock founder, NW side, Chicago.

    The latest from Mell, via email:

    -----------

    Dear 33rd Ward Resident,

    Conflicting sources are citing differing dates for Horner Park Demonstration. The Host Committee's advisory gave the information as today. The Police Department contact said they gained the information from the OccupyChicago site.

    However, an alert and involved constituent pointed...

    Read full comment…

    The latest from Mell, via email:

    -----------

    Dear 33rd Ward Resident,

    Conflicting sources are citing differing dates for Horner Park Demonstration. The Host Committee's advisory gave the information as today. The Police Department contact said they gained the information from the OccupyChicago site.

    However, an alert and involved constituent pointed out that the sponsoring organizations Facebook page lists the event as "Healthcare --- Not Warfare" and it cites the date as SATURDAY (May 19) from noon to 2:00 p.m.

    We are awaiting confirmation but it is most probable that Saturday is the correct date. This gives the community more time to prepare for the event.

    Please avoid driving in that area if possible.

    Sincerely yours,
    Alderman Richard F. Mell

  • F. R. Johnson Ravenswood old buildings enthusiast

    Should be an interesting weekend.

5 days ago

Busy mom

Amundsen High School Band

Walking at Winnemac Park around 10:30am today & heard loud orchestral music. Walled around the outside of the high school until I found a 30+? member band playing OUTSIDE along Foster Avenue! They had brought out all the big drums, xylophones, horn & more. So great & the kids looked so happy. Trucks honked approval & I stayed and applauded. Not a scheduled performance, just a class. Hope to catch them again -- what a treat on a beautiful morning!

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Ravenswood Gardens

Citywide staff pick

From New Bike Racks - where did they come from?:

"Just curious about the new bike racks you see through Lakeview. They are cool colors and in the shape of a bike. I like them and just wondering if they were purchased by the city or some how locally. Any comments would be helpful?"

Zman 15 year Lake View guy
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