Ridge99

non sequitur Friday

2012-02-10T06:04:00.000-06:00

my 19th ward bike and pedestrian wish list

2012-02-04T09:41:00.000-06:00

In my travels around the ward as a cyclist and pedestrian, I've observed a lot of long-term problem spots, and some more recent ones. If I could make changes to improve bike and pedestrian safety in the ward, the following is a start on my wish list.

Installation of new ADA curb ramps has been poorly done in many locations. When the street is being repaved at the same time, it turns out well. When old asphalt is cut out to do the new curb installation, we usually end up with seeds of new potholes, because gaps are left. Many of these installations done in the last 2 years are already deteriorating. Could CDOT or its contractors do a better job of filling in the asphalt, then use flexible crack sealer to close the joint where old asphalt meets new? In some spots, some type of crack sealer has been used, but only in the crosswalk zone. Perhaps if the whole joint was sealed we wouldn't get potholes starting there so quickly.

The old concrete pavement on 93rd St. has seen better days. Isn't there a better way of filling the ever-growing gaps in the concrete than asphalt cold patch? The asphalt doesn't hold up very long. I'm not an engineer, but I learned years ago in science classes that different materials expand and contract at different rates. The pavement here is a textbook example. We've had years of lessons showing us that asphalt certainly expands and contracts at a different rate than concrete. The asphalt keeps crumbling out, but it keeps getting patched the same way and it doesn't work. This street is often used by bicyclists, including students at Christ the King, and conditions are poor for bike riding. It can't be good for runners either.

Bike lanes on 99th St. would be an amazing improvement. They could potentially slow the speeding traffic a bit, and make it easier for people to ride for transportation through the neighborhood. Slowing down the speeders could also make it easier for pedestrians to cross.

Things that go bump: more than a few locations have persistent problems with potholes and have been patched beyond belief. I'd love to see these locations repaved: 97th St. from Hamilton to Leavitt, 96th St. from Damen to Bell (and the adjacent section of Damen), Leavitt from 99th to 103rd, Longwood from 103rd to 105th Pl., 102nd St. from Leavitt to Seeley, 101st near Hoyne, 100th from Leavitt to Longwood, and 94th from Claremont to Leavitt. I could go on, because there are plenty more. In these locations, the pavement is patches upon patches and is crumbling away to nothing in some spots. The section of 100th in the photo below looks better than average, because it was recently patched. Nearby sections have even more patches, which will probably be blooming with potholes by spring.

We've got a lot of streets in bad shape. Many of them are the quieter streets that are better for bike riding. People of all ages ride in the neighborhood, and we need to be able to get around safely. I understand the budget situation and recognize that it's unlikely to get all of them fixed in one year. I do hope that some of these problem spots can be ground down and repaved this year. We have too many places where going one street over doesn't help, because the next street is just as bad.

On that topic, I'd like to say THANK YOU for the prompt response in getting the holes filled on 100th opposite Hurley Park after I contacted the 19th ward office. This has been a longtime problem spot, where these holes were untouched for a few years and kept getting wider and deeper in spite of repeated 311 calls. It was great to see a change from this:

To this:

Better snow removal - In a recent snow storm, we ended up with many crosswalks along 95th St. blocked by a wall of snow, with no openings to allow pedestrians to cross the street. Some snow was left on the surface when sidewalks were cleared. It melted and refroze into a skim of ice, with no sand or salt to make the sidewalk safer. Many bus stops were blocked by snow. Trinity UCC Community Center failed to clear their sidewalk AGAIN, so the well-used bus stop in front of their building was surrounded by snow compacted into ice.

On the positive side, the sidewalk around the parking lot at the SW corner of 95th and Damen was cleared - first time I've ever seen that during my time in the neighborhood (summer 2006 to now). To whoever is responsible - THANK YOU! I'd also like to say thank you to whoever was responsible for cutting through the wall of snow in front of the Beverly library.

Clearing a path in front of businesses gets most of the job done, but that only goes so far if crosswalks and bus stops are blocked. Everyone needs to be able to get to and from their destinations safely, whatever their means of transportation.

Many yellow curb zones have seen their paint disappear in recent years. One of these is the zone by the fire hydrant in front of County Fair, where 108th Pl. meets Western. I often see people parking in front of this hydrant, and there is NO parking enforcement at all. People also park across the badly faded crosswalks at the same location. How about repainting the crosswalks and yellow curb zone and extending the zone past the crosswalks to discourage people from parking across them? There are other yellow curb zones around the ward missing their paint. It would be great to have that visual reminder restored.

Pedestrian and bike safety makes a big difference in the qualify of life in our ward. I'd like to see this become more of a priority. It makes our ward a more inviting place to live and helps our business community.

I'll get off my soapbox for now, but I'll be back soon with more ideas. Wishing you safe travels through the neighborhood.

non sequitur Friday

2012-02-03T06:02:00.000-06:00

Variations on a theme... thinking of Summertime on a winter day.

what's the story behind Sunday's early morning gunfire?

2012-01-30T06:30:00.000-06:00

Yesterday I woke up at 5 a.m. to a loud boom, then another and another.... 25 in all. Sure sounded like gunshots to me - from a BIG gun. Lying in bed, half asleep, I couldn't figure out what direction they were coming from. It was a disturbing way to wake up. I figured that someone else in the neighborhood must have heard it, and that everyone didn't sleep through it like my husband.

I posted it on EveryBlock and Facebook and got several responses from other people who heard it, too. The locations of people who responded covered a wide area: 111th Pl near I-57, 111st St. near Kedzie, 97th & Longwood, 107th & Drew, somewhere on Wood St., 95th & Western. All reported that they heard MANY shots from a big gun. Some people said they heard shots around 3:00 to 3:30 a.m. AND around 5:00 a.m. One person said he was listening to a police scanner at the time and heard that many people called 911 reporting shots fired around 5:00 a.m.

A few people also reported hearing another set of gunshots (about a dozen) between 3:00 and 3:30 a.m., coming from the east. The newspapers have NOTHING on this. What's the story? Does anyone have information on what actually happened?

good musical memories

2012-01-28T16:51:00.000-06:00

Last Saturday's Ronnie Baker Brooks concert at the Beverly Arts Center was a lot of fun.

It was a first rate show. Seeing it at a good neighborhood venue made it that much better. We enjoyed being part of his birthday celebration, when his father Lonnie brought out the cake.

Ronnie - Wishing you another year of great music. Keep on promoting your family's musical legacy, and come on back to the neighborhood anytime.

a little courtesy goes a long way

2012-01-27T16:50:00.001-06:00

Earlier this afternoon, I was heading out for a bike ride and saw a CDOT guy taking our SOS sign and our neighbor's from our front yards. I stopped him and asked him why. He said he'd gotten a lot of complaints about too many yard signs and was removing the ones that were on the parkways. He recited his bureaucratic spiel about "possible distraction to drivers," "possible tripping hazard," etc.

Possible tripping hazard? In the middle of my garden bed? 99% of the time the only person who walks there is ME, and that's when I'm doing garden maintenance, which sure isn't happening at this time of year.

This week a lot of new yard signs HAVE been added - for this weekend's open houses for prospective students at a few local schools, signup for summer baseball and softball leagues, nonprofit fundraisers, a few political campaigns, and our local open space initiative. The vast majority of these were for nonprofit efforts and would be there for a very short time frame. Many were for events this weekend.

I made him give back our signs and placed ours on the other side of the sidewalk, closer to the house where it won't be as visible as it was on the corner. Our neighbor happened to arrive home at that moment, and I handed his signs back to him.

The city expects a lot from us in terms of maintaining the parkways, which are technically city property. We're expected to mow the grass and keep the parkway neat in front of our house. Fine, we've got no problem doing that, because it makes our house and neighborhood more pleasant. City law requires us to clear snow and ice from the sidewalks. Got no problem with that either, because it's a good neighborly thing that greatly improves quality of life by keeping our sidewalks walkable. Then they send this guy around to steal items that we chose to place on our parkways, in the middle of the afternoon when day shift workers are generally at work and night shift workers are running errands or sleeping.

Just because it's bureacratically mandated stealing doesn't change what it is: stealing. How about getting word out through the alderman's office or BAPA and giving us the weekend to move signs instead of just stealing them?

We appreciate what CDOT does to maintain our roads and other infrastructure. How about showing some appreciation by giving us a little consideration in return? Give us reasonable notice (a few days) on things like signs, or non-emergency construction that affects our parkways and sidewalks. A little bit of courtesy goes a long way.

non sequitur Friday

2012-01-27T06:18:00.000-06:00

A couple of real oldies...

watch out for credit card fraud/identity theft

2012-01-25T15:24:00.003-06:00

I've heard from a police officer friend that fake credit cards have become a BIG problem. Some of the criminals doing this type of identity theft have mobile credit card-making machines, operating in cars or other locations right around the corner from where thieves are stealing people's wallets.

The thieves bring the wallets with real credit cards to the card maker, who makes fake IDs and fake credit cards on the spot. They create an ID with a photo of a member of their theft ring and a fake name, and a fake credit card using a number from a real stolen credit card and the same fake name that's on the fake ID. The person who's on the ID then goes to a nearby store to buy merchandise (often for later sale) with the credit card before the victim reports their cards as stolen, and it may be expensive stuff.

You may want to program the phone numbers for your credit card companies into your cell phone and perhaps keep them on a card tucked in your pocket, too, so that you can call IMMEDIATELY if your cards are lost or stolen. Even better - carry your wallet in a secure spot where thieves can't reach it. If you need to declutter your wallet to thin it down in order to fit it into an inside pocket, that's a small price to pay for avoiding theft and all the hassles that come with it.

If you are a merchant who accepts credit cards, look carefully at the back of each credit card. On the fake cards, the signature strip does not look like the strip you'd find on a legit card. Apparently they haven't gotten that part right on the mobile credit card-making machines yet.

My police officer friend responds to many calls involving pickpockets, identity theft, retail fraud and shoplifting. He arrested someone for a fraudulent transaction last night, and the credit card from which the numbers were lifted had been stolen less than one half hour before that fraudulent transaction. Given the current state of the economy, this is a HUGE problem right now. It costs you, your credit card issuer and the merchants whose goods are stolen.

It's much easier for police to catch the thieves if you report lost cards right away - as soon as you can possibly make a call after you realize they're gone. If the card is reported stolen before any fraudulent transactions, it goes into the system right away, and the cashier gets an alert when trying to process the sale. They can get store security and police, and the thief is usually caught. For most incidents, this is a felony charge, likely to result in jail time for convicted offenders.

I was robbed a few years ago and was able to cancel my cards right away. There were no fraudulent transactions, so I only had to deal with the annoying process of replacing my cards - much easier than the consequences of paying for purchases I didn't make or having a damaged credit rating.

Sen. Kirk's response on SOPA and PIPA

2012-01-23T14:29:00.000-06:00

I wrote recently to Senator Kirk, urging him to vote against internet censorship and received the following response:

Thankyou for contacting me about the PROTECT IP Act (PIPA), S. 968,and its House of Representatives companion, the Stop Online Piracy Act (SOPA). I appreciate your inputand want to let you know my view on this important issue.

Istand with those who stand for freedom in opposing PIPA in its current form. Freedom of speech is aninalienable right granted to each and every American, and the Internet has become the primary tool withwhich we utilize this right. The Internet empowers Americans to learn, create, innovate, and expresstheir views. While we should protect American intellectual property, consumer safety and human rights,we should do so in a manner that specifically targets criminal activity. The extreme measures taken inPIPA not only stifle First Amendment rights but also hamper innovation on the Internet.

S.968, as currently written, allows for abuse of our Constitutional rights, giving the Attorney Generalsweeping powers to block domain names of websites they deem "dedicatedto infringing activities".Under current law, the Digital Millennium Copyright Act requires service providers to block access toonly infringing material, but S. 968 would block access to entire websites that may carry a pagecontaining infringing material generated by a third-party user. In my view, thisis an unacceptable violation of our First Amendment rights.I also worry this type of censorship will be used as a model for foreign repressive regimes to censorthe web within their own countries.

S.968 also places too greata burden on small Internet startups, as the bill would provide a private right of action to copyrightowners. Since the bill would force the takedown of an entire site, not just the specific infringing page,it would hold user-generated websites liable for any content posted. This fear of liability and resultinguncertainty will cripple innovation on the Internet, one of our greatest economic engines.

Iam also concerned about the bill's provisions that would undermine the security of the entire Internet.Network engineers and cybersecurity experts warn the technical implementation of the Domain Name Systemblocking requirement cannot function with the new security protocols, also known as DNSSEC, currentlybeing implemented across the worldwide web.

WhileI support the underlying goals of the bill to crack down on online intellectual property theft, I believePIPA in its current form is unacceptable. It will havewidespread unintended consequences that will stifle freedom of speech and Internet innovation acrossthe globe. This bill places far too much regulation on the Internet and will impact more than just thoseforeign "rogue" websites for which it is intended. I cannot support a bill that recklessly tampers withthe Internet and our inalienable rights as citizens of a free nation.

Thankyou for taking the time to contact me on this issue.

While I don't agree with his positions on many issues, I appreciate this thorough and well considered response. I was sorry to hear today's news about the stroke he suffered over the weekend and I hope that he's able to make a full recovery.

has hell frozen over?

2012-01-21T17:12:00.001-06:00

And I mean that in a good way. I just got back from a walk to the health food store and a few other places on 95th St.

This is my 6th winter in the neighborhood, and today is the first time EVER that I've seen the sidewalk cleared around the parking lot at the SW corner of 95th & Damen. They must be using someone new to plow the lot. There was clear access to the crosswalk in front of the library - without me having to make a phone call. These changes get a BIG thumbs up!

Unfortunately, many crosswalks and bus stops are still blocked by snow. That neglect gets a big THUMBS DOWN. Another thumbs down to Trinity UCC Community Center for their sidewalk - untouched, still full of snow. :( The sidewalks were cleared in front of most properties, but there was enough snow left to melt and refreeze that much of it is icy this afternoon.

If we want a healthier ward and healthier business districts, people need to be able to walk and get to and from the bus safely. It's a lot tougher to do that if snow at the curbs isn't cleared at crosswalk locations and sidewalks are left icy. It also doesn't help when people who cleared their sidewalks beautifully don't finish the job by clearing a path through the wall left by the snow plows.

Clearing our sidewalks is part of promoting community. It's an opportunity to see our neighbors when we're spending a lot less time outdoors. I'm a believer in having a real community, where people walk and ride bikes and talk on the street. How about you?

Streets for Cycling 2020 Plan - public meeting on 1/25

2012-01-21T05:08:00.000-06:00

Do you ride a bike? Would you like to feel safer riding on city streets? The Streets for Cycling 2020 plan is for you!

The city's bike program has gotten a substantial chunk of federal grant money for the purpose of adding bike lanes (protected, buffered or regular), bike boulevards and other improvements to make city streets better for transportation cycling, and reduce traffic congestion. The Dept. of Transportation is seeking input from regular cyclists to determine where these improvements should be added.

One of the program's goals is identifying locations where local cyclists would like to see protected bike lanes on busier streets.Click here to view a video showing the city's first protected lane, so that you can see an example of the concept.

Bike boulevards are another goal. They are residential streets with traffic calming measures, designed to offer safe transportation for cyclists of all ages. Click here to see examples of the concept.

On Wednesday 1/25, there is a south side meeting at Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Anyone is welcome to attend this meeting, where they can get more information about the project and offer their ideas on where they'd like to go by bike, and where they'd like to see bike lanes and bike boulevards.

Those who are not able to attend a public meeting areencouraged to interact using the program's Facebook page. The site will be updated withproject news as well as provide opportunities for people to sharetheir ideas.

There will also be 2 webinars available: Friday 2/3 from noon to 1:00 p.m. and Monday 2/6 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please note that the webinars require advance registration.

Please share this information with anyone you know who may be interested.

man wanted for questioning in South Bend murder

2012-01-20T13:39:00.000-06:00

A car belonging to a South Bend murder victim was found Wednesday evening, abandoned at a bank near 87th and Wood. A nearby motel was also checked for evidence, but police did not find the suspect.

Here's an ABC news story and a Tribune story, each of which includes a photo of the suspect and more information.

The locations where he abandoned the car and was seen on video surveillance are close enough that he could be in our neighborhood.I'll be keeping my eyes open for this guy, ready to call 911 if I spot him. I hope you'll do the same.

how your ride affects what you see and how you see it

2012-01-20T09:48:00.000-06:00

A while back, I was on vacation in Oregon. My reading included Pedal Power: The Quiet Rise of the Bicycle in American Public Life, written by DePaul political science professor Harry Wray, who makes many astute observations about contemporary America. I highly recommend the book.

After getting home, I started thinking about my impressions of Portland, Oregon. I got around primarily on foot and by public transit, with some time on a bike. Before leaving Portland for points south, I got a rental car for going to destinations that were not easily accessible by public transit. Portland was a pleasure to navigate without a car. On my one stop in town after getting the car, parking was a hassle. I was happy once I got away from the car.

At home in Chicago, I try to drive as little as possible. In a densely populated area, the car can be more of a trap than a source of freedom. We've reached a point where congestion and road rage can have a very damaging effect on our physical and mental wellbeing. Endless hours are wasted in traffic jams, creating a greater sense of urgency about reaching one's destination and enough frustration to motivate risky behavior. The current price of gas, combined with congestion, is igniting rage even in otherwise reasonable drivers. As a culture, the pleasure of our journeys has been mostly replaced by grimly creeping in traffic towards the destination.

This morning, I was visiting a few neighborhood destinations by car due to the cold weather. These are places I usually visit by bike, and the lack of parking I encountered today made me appreciate how much easier these trips are by bike.

Traveling in neighborhoods where I am a minority, I've sometimes been the target of hostility when I am driving. BTW, it's a 20-year-old Honda Civic, not some fancy car. I've been yelled at, spit at, cut off in traffic, and been on the receiving end of nasty racial slurs, all while driving reasonably, without hostility. If I ride my bike in those same areas, at the same times of day, the response is more friendly - a smile, a wave, a little kid riding alongside smiling and just being a kid. If I'm waiting for a bus, the response is usually neutral or friendly. I am not isolated by the car. We are on equal footing.

If one's mode of transportation affects how one is perceived, this can also affect how experiences a place. The bike is a means of transportation that is affordable to all income levels. It promotes interaction with the environmental and is not threatening. In contrast, a car is a bubble around its occupants, more likely to create social isolation, with potential to injure or kill others.

One's mode of transportation tends to affect one's feelings about and reactions to a place. A car junkie's perception is often all about how much time is spent sitting in traffic and how much hassle it is to find parking. There may be beautiful gardens, interesting shops, interesting architecture and other small-scale pleasures along the way. A pedestrian would probably see them and be able to stop and check them out. A cyclist would have a reasonable chance of doing the same. Either might have conversations with others while waiting at lights. A driver would probably miss them entirely, preoccupied with getting through the next light before it turns red, or angry at being cut off by another driver or simply traveling too fast to notice them.

The culture of a place also affects one's perspective. Portland is considered one of the most bike friendly American cities. Its bike infrastructure is a big factor. Chicago is in the next tier of bike friendly cities. Bike infrastructure has vastly improved its bike friendliness compared to 20 years ago. However, infrastructure only goes so far. Portland is a peaceful, mellow place. In my experiences there, road rage was rare. In Chicago, the opposite is true.

We will never be nearly as bike friendly as Portland until Chicago experiences a significant cultural shift away from rage and hostility on our streets. This may happen when enough people get out of their cars if bike and public transit infrastructure continue to improve and expand to meet the demands of increasing ridership. It will require increasing maturity and tolerance on the part of both cyclists and drivers. Too many Chicago cyclists fail to understand that rude and reckless behavior will hurt ALL of us, because it provokes similar behavior from drivers.

Sorry, folks. Sometimes the truth hurts. To get good karma, ya gotta give it - to cars, pedestrians, and other cyclists. Otherwise the bad stuff you dish out will come back to bite you in the a$$ sooner or later. Let's try for peace in our lifetimes on our streets. If enough of us get out of our cars, it can happen.

Now we've got a unique opportunity to get better bike facilities in our neighborhoods. The city's Streets for Cycling 2020 Plan offers regular people a chance to ask for bike lanes and bike boulevards in locations that matter to them. The next public meeting happens on Wed. 1/25 at Woodson Regional Library. I hope you can be there to ask for bike facilities that matter to you.

non sequitur Friday

2012-01-20T04:54:00.000-06:00

stand up for libraries

2012-01-19T08:40:00.000-06:00

I just got this from an e-mail and wanted to share it with you.

Mayor Emanuel has closed branch libraries on Mondays. This Monday, library staff and supporters will gather in front of branch libraries across the city for

PEOPLE'S LIBRARY HOURS

Join us for music, story time, hot chocolate and more.
Monday, January 23 at 10:00 a.m.
Beverly Library, 1962 W. 95th St.
as well as the Little Village and Bucktown libraries

Mayor Emanuel cut the library budget and laid off 176 library staff. Then he unilaterally shut down branch libraries on Mondays.

But the facts don't support the mayor's argument that library hours should be reduced. There are many options for funding libraries: TIF surpluses, scaling back corporate subsidies, asking companies to support libraries as they are being asked to support the G8 meeting in Chicago and more.

Show up and send a clear message!
Chicago residents love their libraries.
Reverse the cuts at ALL Chicago libraries
and restore all hours and jobs.

www.keepchicagoworking.org

stop SOPA day

2012-01-18T00:05:00.000-06:00

Do you oppose heavy-handed censorship of the internet? Click here to voice that opposition.

Streets for Cycling 2020 plan - public meeting on 1/17

2012-01-15T05:05:00.000-06:00

Do you ride a bike? Would you like to feel safer riding on city streets? The Streets for Cycling 2020 plan is for you!

The city's bike program has gotten a substantial chunk of federal grant money for the purpose of adding bike lanes (protected, buffered or regular), bike boulevards and other improvements to make city streets better for transportation cycling, and reduce traffic congestion. The Dept. of Transportation is seeking input from regular cyclists to determine where these improvements should be added.

One of the program's goals is identifying locations where local cyclists would like to see protected bike lanes on busier streets.Click here to view a video showing the city's first protected lane, so that you can see an example of the concept.

Bike boulevards are another goal. They are residential streets with traffic calming measures, designed to offer safe transportation for cyclists of all ages. Click here to see examples of the concept.

There are 2 public meetings scheduled in our area in the next 2 weeks. On Tuesday 1/17, there is a neighborhood meeting at Ridge Park fieldhouse, 9625 S. Longwood Dr., from 7:00 to 8:30 p.m.

On Wednesday 1/25, there is a south side meeting at Woodson Regional Library, 9525 S. Halsted, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m., with a presentation at 6:30 p.m.

Anyone is welcome to attend either meeting, where they can get more information about the project and offer their ideas on where they'd like to go by bike, and where they'd like to see bike lanes and bike boulevards.

Those who are not able to attend one of the public meetings areencouraged to interact using the program's Facebook page. The site will be updated withproject news as well as provide opportunities for people to sharetheir ideas.

There will also be 2 webinars available: Friday 2/3 from noon to 1:00 p.m. and Monday 2/6 from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. Please note that the webinars require advance registration.

Please share this information with anyone you know who may be interested.

non sequitur Friday

2012-01-13T06:02:00.000-06:00

she's gone away

2012-01-13T05:57:00.000-06:00

Hopefully our surprise hummingbird visitor has finally gone south for the winter.

are you interested in beekeeping?

2012-01-09T18:46:00.002-06:00

Garfield Park Conservatory is offering a beginning beekeeping class on 1/21. Click here for info.

non sequitur Friday

2012-01-06T09:07:00.000-06:00

recycle your Christmas tree

2012-01-01T13:14:00.000-06:00

Now that Christmas has passed, you may be thinking about taking down the Christmas tree soon. If it's a real tree, please consider taking it to one of the recycling sites mentioned in this article, so that it can be turned into mulch to help protect trees around the city.

If you have dead strings of Christmas lights or other items that may not be among the regular items accepted in our recycling pickups, here's a resource to find a place to recycle them.

Wishing you and your family a healthy, prosperous, green New Year.

do you need to get your sidewalk replaced?

2012-01-01T09:03:00.003-06:00

Info from the 19th ward office:

Funding for the City of Chicago's shared cost sidewalk program will become available at the start of the New Year. This program, which allows residents to pay a portion of the cost for new sidewalks in front of their homes, is very popular and the limited funding does go quickly.

If you are interested in participating in the program this year, please call 311 or follow instructions on this web site this week to enroll.

For more information on the shared cost program, please click here .

wishing everyone a better year in 2012

2011-12-31T21:25:00.001-06:00

I just got back from a walk through the neighborhood. As I crossed 95th St. into North Beverly, I was passed by fire trucks with lights and sirens on. A little while later, I found their destination - a house fire on Bell near 92nd Place. Helluva way for the residents of that house to end the year. My sympathy to them, with a wish that no one suffered serious injuries.

On my walk south, I saw the start of a few private fireworks shows. Wishing everyone a fun New Year's Eve, with a safe trip home, and a good start to 2012. I sure hope that it's a better year than the dismal reality that was 2011. Cheers!

non sequitur Friday

2011-12-30T07:57:00.000-06:00

A couple of musical thoughts to end the year:

Money for Nothing

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T07:32:00.001-06:00

Wishing you and yours a peaceful and merry Christmas.

holiday lights

2011-12-23T20:20:00.000-06:00

non sequitur Friday

2011-12-23T06:00:00.000-06:00

an oddity

2011-12-21T17:00:00.001-06:00

Yesterday I was walking past a spot in the neighborhood that always leaves me puzzled. Does anyone know why this crosswalk does not meet the sidewalk? Seems rather odd to have this kind of discrepancy right in front of a school.

how to gift wrap a cat for Christmas

2011-12-20T23:32:00.000-06:00

A friend sent me this. Good silly fun.

non sequitur Friday

2011-12-16T06:07:00.000-06:00

A few old seasonal favorites.

non sequitur Friday

2011-12-09T06:16:00.000-06:00

community alert

2011-12-08T08:27:00.001-06:00

Got this news from the alderman's office last night:

Yesterday, two African American males were arrested in the area while stealing UPS packages from the front porch of two homes. This holiday season, please be mindful of having items delivered to your home and left unsupervised on your porch. If you cannot be home when a package is set to be delivered, consider having your items sent to a friend or neighbor who is available to receive them. Remember to call 9-1-1 to report ANY suspicious activity and encourage your neighbors to do so as well.

Don't forget to shop locally this holiday season - many local merchants are offering Deals of the Day during the month of December. For a complete list of Deals of the Day, please visit www.bapa.org.

attack at St. Margaret of Scotland

2011-12-06T11:11:00.001-06:00

Every day we hear about people being robbed in various settings. It's especially sad when it happens to a more vulnerable member of our community - an 80 year old priest. Rev. Dan Mallette was robbed and assaulted last night at St. Margaret of Scotland Church. I hope that he's able to make a full recovery from his injuries.

you can help make Chicago more bike friendly

2011-12-05T11:55:00.000-06:00

A recent blog piece on Grid Chicago talked about the issues we face on the south side that make parts of our area anything but bike friendly. (Here's Part 2 of that piece.)

Protected bike lanes can help create safer conditions for transportation riding, and the mayor has pledged 100 miles of new protected lanes between now and 2014. You may be asking "what do these lanes look like and how do they help?" Check out this link and view the videos and pictures there. The 18th St. video offers a "before" and a "partially completed" view. The Kinzie St. video shows an "after" view.

Whether you are an everyday cyclist, someone who rides occasionally in the neighborhood, or someone who would like to be able to ride to neighborhood destinations but doesn't feel safe riding on anything but quiet streets or paths, the Streets for Cycling 2020 Plan would like to hear from you over the next several weeks.

The goal of this plan is to create conditions that will make it possible for a wider range of people to ride for transportation, so that people all over the city have more transportation options.

What do they want to know? Take a look at a map and spend a few minutes making a list of destinations you where would like to go by bike - library, work, train station, school, restaurant, a friend's home, the lakefront, etc. Then make a list of barriers that currently make it difficult or impossible for you to ride to places you'd like to go - heavy traffic streets connecting neighborhoods, railroad viaducts, expressways, bridges with fast traffic and no safe place for bikes, etc.

The first public meeting will be next Saturday 12/10 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 23 E. Madison. There will also be public meetings in January and February. Our south side meeting will be Wednesday 1/25 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Woodson Regional Library, 95th & Halsted. If you're unable to attend one of the public meetings, but would like send your lists by e-mail, please click here.

You can find additional updates on the Chicago Dept. of Transportation Bike Program page.

Please share this information with anyone you know who rides for transportation and anyone who currently does not but might like to if conditions were safer.

building urban gardens - learning opportunity

2011-12-04T14:27:00.001-06:00

Want to learn about organic gardening? Building Urban Gardens (BUGs) equips city-based community and backyard gardeners with the knowledge and hands-on training necessary to plant and grow organically. The next 6-week class starts 1/28/12 at Garfield Park Conservatory.

non sequitur Friday

2011-12-02T06:02:00.003-06:00

bold burglars

2011-11-28T08:08:00.000-06:00

What common thread do you notice between these incident listings from EveryBlock? Most of them happened between 7:30 and 9:30 a.m. on a weekday morning, when there's usually a bit of traffic as kids go to school and people go to work (or come home from overnight shifts). This is a change from the pattern we were seeing for a while where a lot of burglaries were happening at 3 or 4 a.m.

Burglary: Forcible entry / Residence (garage)
2500 block W. 118th Pl.November 19, 2011 @ 10:50 a.m.
Burglary: Forcible entry / Residence
12800 block S. Peoria St.November 18, 2011 @ 9:30 a.m.
Burglary: Forcible entry / Residence
9700 block S. Seeley Ave.November 18, 2011 @ 9 a.m.
Burglary: Attempted forcible entry / Residence
1500 block W. 107th St.November 17, 2011 @ 3:37 p.m.
Burglary: Forcible entry / Residence (garage)
900 block W. 111th St.November 17, 2011 @ 8 a.m.
Burglary: Forcible entry / Residence (garage)
900 block W. 111th St.November 17, 2011 @ 8 a.m.
Burglary: Forcible entry / Residence
10700 block S. Wood St.November 17, 2011 @ 7:45 a.m.
Burglary: Unlawful entry / Residence
9600 block S. Carpenter St.November 17, 2011 @ 7:35 a.m.
Burglary: Forcible entry / Residence
10100 block S. Aberdeen St.November 17, 2011 @ 5:30 a.m.

non sequitur Friday

2011-11-25T06:02:00.000-06:00

Here are two by an old favorite band from New England.

non sequitur Friday

2011-11-18T06:15:00.000-06:00

Two takes on a classic...

The Bangles' cover

And the Simon and Garfunkel original

non sequitur Friday

2011-11-11T06:04:00.000-06:00

More musical time travel...

ward remap public meeting on 11/9

2011-11-04T22:47:00.000-05:00

If you're interested in attending a public meeting about the proposed ward remap, there's one in the neighborhood on Wed. 11/9 at Morgan Park High School auditorium, 1744 W. Pryor Ave., from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

If you're unable to attend that meeting, there will be another on Thurs. 11/17 at City Hall City Council chambers, 121 N. LaSalle St. from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. I'm betting that one will be a bit more crowded.

non sequitur Friday

2011-11-04T06:01:00.006-05:00

1980s flashback

And the Talking Heads' cover of Al Green's "Take Me to the River."

household hazardous waste collection on Sat. 11/5

2011-11-01T06:38:00.000-05:00

The Green Sanctuary Group of Beverly Unitarian Church will collect household hazardous waste and electronics for recycling Sat. 11/5, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. in the church parking lot, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. (the Castle). For details on which items are accepted, click here and scroll down on the Green Sanctuary Group page.

Modest contributions to help offset transportation costs are appreciated. For more information, call 773-233-7080.

Halloween music

2011-10-31T06:30:00.005-05:00

last call

2011-10-29T07:34:00.000-05:00

If you need one more Rainbow Cone fix before they close for winter, this weekend is your last chance. Give yourself a treat and give them a good fall sendoff.

Tomorrow is also the last farmers market of the season. They'll be at 95th and Longwood for that last visit, with plenty of delicious things.

I plan to enjoy both.

non sequitur Friday

2011-10-28T06:00:00.000-05:00

Two takes on California Dreaming

non sequitur Friday

2011-10-21T06:02:00.004-05:00

Continuing the psychedelic theme...

proposed Metra fare increases

2011-10-19T11:03:00.001-05:00

Will proposed Metra fare increases affect your commute? Want to voice your opinion? There will be public hearings in several locations throughout the metro area on 11/2 and 11/3.

In Chicago, the hearing will be held on Thursday 11/3 at 547 W. Jackson, 13th floor board room, from 4-7 p.m.

If you would like to comment on the proposed 2012 Program & Budget, but can't attend the scheduled public hearings, you can email your comments to onthebilevel@metrarr.com (please enter 2012 budget in the subject field) or via fax to 312-322-7094.

Comments must be received by November 4, 2011.

non sequitur Friday

2011-10-14T06:15:00.002-05:00

Two versions of a spooky psychedelic tune, the original and a bluesy take.

non sequitur Friday

2011-10-07T06:18:00.003-05:00

beat 2212 alert

2011-10-06T19:42:00.000-05:00

There have been recent daytime home burglaries and robberies in the area of 104th St and Wood where electronics and computers have been stolen.

Don't leave windows, doors unsecured! Be aware of your surroundings and make note of details about anyone unfamiliar to you. If you see suspicious activity, call 911.

East Beverly Assoc. meeting on 10/3

2011-09-30T12:04:00.002-05:00

from an e-mail received today:

East Beverly Association (EBA) will hold its monthly meeting on Monday 10/3 at 7 p.m. This meeting is open to the entire community served by The Beverly Review. Topics may include ward remap status and 91st & Western retail development proposal.

Alderman Matt O’Shea will be their guest speaker discussing neighborhood issues. You are welcome to attend and bring a friend. The meeting location is The Music Station (the old World Music) at 1808 W. 103rd St. Refreshments will be served.

If you live in East Beverly and are not a member, please consider joining.

non sequitur Friday

2011-09-30T06:01:00.004-05:00

Here are two by a promising young local singer who I saw at last weekend's Hyde Park Jazz Festival.

If you want to learn a little more about her, check this one out. Her appearance starts about 2:00 into the video. Next year she'll be performing at the Montreux Jazz Festival.

Beverly All Stars at Favia Cafe Fri. 9/30

2011-09-29T19:13:00.007-05:00

Can't make the show tonight? You can catch the Beverly All Stars in their first appearance at Favia Cafe tomorrow, Friday 9/30, from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. Enjoy some jazz with your soup, salad, sandwich or dessert.

If there are several in your group, you might want to call ahead to reserve a table, since it's a small space. 773-881-3284

Beverly All Stars at Music Station TONIGHT

2011-09-29T16:13:00.000-05:00

Want a dose of jazz tonight? Stop by the Music Station between 7:00 and 9:30 p.m. tonight for some fine tunes by the Beverly All Stars. Never been there before? It's easy to find at 1808 W. 103rd St. No cover charge.

You could even make it a double header by having dinner just down the street before you go. You've got choices: Cafe 103, Calabria, or Subway - something for any budget.

BACtoberfest on 10/1

2011-09-26T07:09:00.006-05:00

Join the Octoberfest party at Beverly Arts Center, with live music, German foods and a Goose Island beer tasting. It's happening Sat. 10/1 from 2:00 to 10:00 p.m. 2407 W. 111th St. ($10)

Hyde Park Jazz Fest this weekend

2011-09-23T07:28:00.000-05:00

It's here! The Hyde Park Jazz Festival starts tomorrow, and it's two days this year! Who are you going to hear?

non sequitur Friday

2011-09-23T06:22:00.000-05:00

Today I'm featuring a few artists who will be be performing at this weekend's Hyde Park Jazz Festival.

Tatsu Aoki - here with his Miyumi Big Band

Dee Alexander

Paulinho Garcia

99th Street update

2011-09-22T14:54:00.001-05:00

The replacement of the 99th St. Metra crossing is done. The street is open again. Thank you, Metra, for making quick work of this project. It's great to have a smoother crossing again.

meeting on 9/20 re: red line extension to 130th St.

2011-09-19T15:51:00.000-05:00

I just got the following information from Developing Communities Project and wanted to share it with you.

The Red Line Oversight (Extension) Committee (ROC) is preparing to push for more jobs and transportation spending as part of National Support Transit Day
on Tuesday 9/20, 6:00-7:45 p.m. (5:30 p.m. Sign In) at Lutheran Church of the Holy Spirit, 1335 W. 115th St. (fully accessible space)

President Obama’s newly proposed “American Jobs Act” prioritizes transportation spending as the key component to “Jump Start” the economy! Eliminating slow zones along the South branch of the Red Line and station improvements at the 95th street station are both “Shovel Ready” projects. Fast tracking the Environmental Impact and Engineering Study for the Red Line Extension is now “Center Stage”. Come prepared to participate!

We need you to join us to:
• Roll up your sleeves, bring your hard hats and prepare to push for Jobs and Transit!
• Kick off the Far Southside’s Environmental Impact Study and related Projects.
• Add to the public call to include the Red Line Extension in the State’s 5-year Transportation Budget Plan. Comment period ends September 30th.

This season over $80 billion in Federal/State Transit dollars are up for grabs!
The Red Line Extension Deserves SOME!

Confirm your attendance by calling John Paul Jones, DCP’s Community Organizer @ 773-928-2500 ext. 15 or via email jpjones.dcp@gmail.com. Check out the website: www.dcpchicago.org. Join us on Facebook @ developing communities project.

construction everywhere!

2011-09-19T15:47:00.000-05:00

Right now it really seems like there's construction almost everywhere we want to go. At the moment, the combination of the 99th St. Metra track/grade crossing replacement and the continuing utility project on Longwood Dr. is doing a number on me.

I just passed by both sites. It's possible to go east-west on 100th around the Longwood construction when the guys aren't working. It's also possible to go north-south on the east side sidewalk - if you're on foot. That one was supposed to be done by mid August, but I see no end in sight.

The 99th St. project should be done a bit sooner. They've taken out the old tracks and grade crossing. Today they were putting the new tracks in place. Looks like that one could be done within a week. Thanks, Metra!

internet safety and your children

2011-09-17T07:57:00.001-05:00

Are you concerned about the safety of your kids online? Cook County State's Attorney Anita Alvarez and the 22nd police district will be offering a presentation on internet safety on Wed. 9/21 at the 22nd district police station, 1900 W. Monterey, 6:00 p.m. For more information, call 773-783-5109.

non sequitur Friday

2011-09-16T06:46:00.000-05:00

Just read about these guys - old school soul/funk - playing tonight at Double Door.

Blue Island historical architecture walking tour

2011-09-15T07:05:00.002-05:00

There are some amazing old houses in Blue Island. If you've never seen them, this tour sounds like a great excuse to explore.

The Blue Island Historical Society will offer a historical architecture walking tour on Sun. 10/18 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. It starts at BIHS/Albee House, 13018 Maple Ave., Blue Island. You can buy tickets ($10) at the Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York St., or call 708-371-8546.

used bike drive Sat. 9/17

2011-09-15T06:44:00.002-05:00

Got any old bikes in need of new homes? Bring 'em to the Beverly Unitarian Church 10244 S. Longwood. Bikes will be donated to Blackstone Bicycle Works, a youth education program in Woodlawn. Stop by on Sat. 9/17 between 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

shredding day

2011-09-14T07:54:00.000-05:00

Got old documents you don't want to risk in the trash, but no shredder in the house? The Chicago High School for Agricultural Sciences will host a free shredding day on Sat. 9/17 at 3857 W. 111th St., 9:00 to 11:00 a.m.

It's sponsored by the 19th Ward and Midway Document Destruction.

does anyone know what happened here?

2011-09-12T10:16:00.000-05:00

I was reading through today's EveryBlock items for our area, expecting to see the usual stuff, and this item popped out. Does anyone know more about what happened there on the afternoon of 9/2?

used bike drive tomorrow 9/10

2011-09-09T07:42:00.000-05:00

Got some old bikes that could use a new home? Bring 'em to the bike drive tomorrow.

It's happening at two locations:
Christ The King, 9235 S. Hamilton and
Bethany Union Church, 1750 W. 103rd St.

The drive is organized by Working Bikes, an organization that sends bikes to developing countries for use as basic transportation. Bring your bikes tomorrow, Sat. 9/10, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

non sequitur Friday

2011-09-09T06:33:00.000-05:00

non sequitur Friday

2011-09-02T06:39:00.000-05:00

It's Jazz Festival week, so let's enjoy a few of the featured artists.

lost dog - near 101st & Talman

2011-08-26T18:13:00.000-05:00

Got this from EveryBlock and wanted to share it in case any readers might have seen this missing dog.

"We lost our baby girl 'Ava' - a white Toy Maltese with no tags. She wandered off yesterday (8/25/11) early morning. Please contact us immediately if you have seen her!!! 630-524-1337"

opening up

2011-08-26T05:22:00.000-05:00

For those of you who have been wondering if and when Pizzeria Deepo would ever open its doors on 99th St., today's the day. They're offering deep dish pizza samples between noon and 2 p.m. You can check it out at 1742 W. 99th St. (773) 840-3087. They'll be BYOB, too.

non sequitur Friday

2011-08-19T06:02:00.000-05:00

non sequitur Friday

2011-08-12T06:40:00.001-05:00

Two takes on a country classic. The first is a real oldie.

non sequitur Friday

2011-08-05T06:36:00.000-05:00

How many of you know why I put this particular combination together?

Do you give up? Here's a clue.

household hazardous waste collection on Sat. 8/6

2011-08-01T06:37:00.000-05:00

The Green Sanctuary Group of Beverly Unitarian Church will collect household hazardous waste and electronics for recycling Sat. 8/6, 8:30 to 10:00 a.m. in the church parking lot, 10244 S. Longwood Dr. (the Castle). For details on which items are accepted, click here and scroll down on the Green Sanctuary Group page.

Modest contributions to help offset transportation costs are appreciated. For more information, call 773-233-7080.

non sequitur Friday

2011-07-29T06:33:00.000-05:00

Beverly Art Feast on Sunday 7/24

2011-07-22T21:00:00.000-05:00

The 103rd Street Merchants present the Beverly Art Feast this Sunday 7/24, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on 103rd Street from Longwood to Hale. Come out and enjoy local artists' work, food, music, children's activities and more. Free admission.

non sequitur Friday

2011-07-22T06:56:00.000-05:00

Two versions of an old song

non sequitur Friday

2011-07-15T06:19:00.008-05:00

A couple of tunes by fun Robbie Fulks, who's playing the Hideout on Monday.

non sequitur Friday

2011-07-08T06:16:00.000-05:00

An entertaining wake-up by a fun local band - Twang Bang.

non sequitur Friday

2011-07-01T06:44:00.000-05:00

This one is appropriate to the week's news. TGIF!

all that jazz

2011-06-28T11:44:00.000-05:00

The Beverly All Stars are back at the Music Station this Thursday night, 7-10 p.m., with special guests Andre Mills and his energetic young group Perfect Pitch, George Wells (vocals), Bob Helme (woodwinds) and maybe others. Come on down! No cover. 1808 W. 103rd St. (near Wood).

non sequitur Friday

2011-06-24T06:03:00.000-05:00

from flooding to fixed

2011-06-21T06:18:00.005-05:00

In the last few weeks, flooding on Longwood Drive and other nearby areas has happened a few times due to heavy rains. Last week, construction began on a project that should help ease the problem.

You may have noticed road closure signs at 99th & Longwood, 103rd & Longwood, and on other adjacent streets. Right now construction is under way to replace old sewer pipes (as old as 1895) on Longwood between 100th St. and 101st Pl. The work area extends west to Seeley. Aside from reduced flooding, this will mean repaving of the affected streets (many of which are now in rough condition). The area behind St. Barnabas School (Walden south of 101st) is being used as a staging area for equipment and materials.

The project is supposed to be completed in approx. 6 weeks. If you have any problems or questions, you can call 311, Alderman Matt O'Shea (773-238-8766) or Asst. Water Mgmt. Commissioner Tom LaPorte (312-742-1029).

non sequitur Friday

2011-06-17T06:14:00.002-05:00

My Dad always loved bluegrass, so here's a little taste for Father's Day in memory of Dad. If you've never heard these guys before, they are some seriously talented musicians.

weekend flood pickups

2011-06-10T17:40:00.000-05:00

From a 19th ward e-mail received today:

Many homeowners in our community were victims of basement, yard or street flooding during yesterday's storm. To aid in the cleanup efforts, the Dept. of Streets and Sanitation will have additional crews collecting flood damaged materials tomorrow, Sat. 6/11 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Any areas not picked up tomorrow will be collected early next week.

Also, we would ask any homeowner who experienced a flooding problem to contact 3-1-1 or our office to make a report. It is important for us to document every instance of flooding so that we can accurately address any sewer problems we may have.

I apologize for your any losses you have suffered as a result of this storm and appreciate your ongoing patience as we work to address these problems.

Thank you,
Matt O'Shea
(773) 238-8766

non sequitur Friday

2011-06-10T06:06:00.000-05:00

tree watering

2011-06-06T19:07:00.000-05:00

A couple of sources that I've read give a reminder about watering to keep your trees healthy during dry times in summer. Trees need enough moisture to prevent drought stress, otherwise they are more vulnerable to disease, insect problems or death.

A regular sprinkler does not water a tree efficiently and wastes a lot of water. Use a soaker hose instead. Start with a wrap around the trunk, working outward in circles towards the edge of the tree canopy (otherwise known as the drip line). Give the tree a good soak for about 2 hours per week in weeks when there is no rain. The soaker hose will let the water go just where it's needed, without a lot of evaporation or runoff to the street. Your tree will stay healthier.

next weekend

2011-05-30T13:30:00.000-05:00

We've got a fine doubleheader on tap to kick off summer: the 57th Street Art Fair and Printers Row Book Fair. In Hyde Park, you get two fairs for the price of one, since the Hyde Park Community Art Fair is right next to the 57th St. fair.

Between the two Hyde Park fairs and Printers Row, it's a great gift shopping opportunity for all price ranges. Of course, you can buy a few gifts for yourself, too.

keep your eyes open

2011-05-27T09:53:00.000-05:00

We've had a few recent crime patterns worth noting.

In central and north Beverly, there were several incidents of teens being assaulted and robbed of iPhones and other electronics in the last two weeks. These incidents happened when the teens were just walking down the street. A suspect was arrested, and he identified his accomplices, who were also arrested.

Several home burglaries were reported in north Beverly in the last few weeks - on Hamilton, Leavitt, Hoyne and Winchester, all at the north end of the neighborhood. All homes were entered via first floor windows. According to police, laptops, cell phones, cash and small valuables were taken. An observant neighbor, knowing that the neighbors weren't home, called 911 after seeing activity at their house. Speedy response by a beat car resulted in the arrest of 3 suspects.

A few days ago, I went to the 99th St. Metra station to catch a train to the Loop. As I reached the station, I noticed something odd: the copper downspout on the street side of the station was missing, and the wire that ran inside it was just dangling. As I noticed where the straps attaching it to the wall had been ripped out, a Metra police officer pulled up and asked what was up. I showed him where the downspout was missing and he called it in. This is part of an ongoing problem with vandalism and theft at this beautifully restored station. When the officer was talking to the station attendant, she said that a customer mentioned seeing something odd but didn't understand what was happening, so she didn't call police. That customer had actually seen the copper thieves getting away with the downspout. If she'd thought a little more about what she was seeing and called police, the thieves might have been caught red handed.

Want to see information on recent crime in the 22nd district? Click here.

Observant neighbors can make the difference between being plagued with crime and making the neighborhood safer. Police can't be everywhere all the time. Our information has helped them solve recent crimes. If we continue to keep our eyes open and report problems or suspicious activity, we can help them keep us safer. Look out for yourself and your neighbors. Help keep our neighborhood safe by calling 911 when you see suspicious activity.

in the neighborhood this week

2011-05-27T09:36:00.000-05:00

There's an adult open mic tonight 5/27, 7 to 10 p.m. at the Music Station, 1808 W. 103rd St. $5 cover. 773-840-3005.

On Monday, Memorial Day, we'll have the Ridge Run, starting and ending at Ridge Park, 96th & Longwood. There's still time to sign up if you'd like to do a 5K run/walk or 10K run. The event starts at 8:00 a.m.

Race packets, information, and t-shirts can be picked up prior to the day of the race at Ridge Park 96th & Longwood Drive: Today 5/27 noon to 7:00 pm, Sat. 5/28 11:00 am to 5:00 pm, or Sun. 5/29 noon to 4:00 pm. For more information, click here or call 773-233-3100.

The Memorial Day parade will follow the run, starting from 110th and Longwood at 10:30 a.m. and continues up Longwood to Ridge Park. This year's Grand Marshall, Air Force Brigadier General James F. Smith, will be joined by an Air Force Color Guard.

Next week's BACinema feature is the documentary "Queen of the Sun: What are the bees telling us?" on Wed. 6/1 at 7:30 p.m., Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St. $7.50 ($5.50/BAC members). 773-445-3838

non sequitur Friday

2011-05-13T06:17:00.004-05:00

Major Taylor Trail Ride to the River on Sat. 5/14

2011-05-10T13:37:00.000-05:00

This Saturday 5/14, Friends of the Major Taylor Trail and Major Taylor Cycling Club Chicago present Ride to the River.

It will be a casual ride of approx. 14 miles, along the Major Taylor Trail from 83rd St. (Dan Ryan Woods) to Whistler Woods.

Time: May 14, 2011 from 8:30am to 1pm
Location: Dan Ryan Woods, Grove 16
Street: approx. 2260 W. 83rd Street

This event is intended to be a readiness event for Bike the Drive & the Late Ride to encourage physical and mechanical preparation. Peter Taylor will be leading the event.

8:30 – 10:00 a.m.: Pre-ride festival of bike preparation and wellness
(with mechanics and representatives of Advocate Health)
10:00 - 10:15 a.m.: Welcome address and points of interest
10:15 – 11:00 a.m.: Ride to Whistler Woods
11:15 - 11:45 a.m.: Chicago River Day Presentation & rest stop
12:00 – 1:00 p.m.: Return to Dan Ryan Woods

Please share this info with anyone you know who may be interested in the ride.

Beverly-Morgan Park Home Tour on Sunday 5/15

2011-05-10T13:34:00.000-05:00

Five beautiful homes will be open to visitors for BAPA's 41st Annual Beverly Hills/Morgan Park Home Tour. All tours leave from the Beverly Arts Center, 2407 W. 111th St., 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Participants can choose to self-guide in their own vehicles, take the tour by bike or, for an additional $5, take the guided tour of the historic districts by trolley. Trolleys will leave at 11:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 3 p.m. Tickets are $25 in advance or $30 at the door, and are available by calling 773-233-3100 or online.

Bike the Home Tour! Thanks to the Active Transportation Alliance, bike racks will be available at the Home Tour stops this year. Go green, get great decorating ideas AND get fit!

The home tour is an great way to see more of the neighborhood. Homes will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. With the bike option, now there's another fun way to experience it.

non sequitur Friday

2011-05-06T06:15:00.005-05:00

neighborhood events this week

2011-05-03T15:50:00.000-05:00

There are a LOT of events happening in the neighborhood this week. I don't think I'll catch all of them here, but I'll try for a good cross section.

Tuesday 5/3
Running Excels group run starting at 6 p.m.

Wednesday 5/4
Garden Club of Morgan Park/Beverly Hills plant auction, 10 a.m., 10726 S. Fairfield. The sale is open to all and features plants divided out of the gardens of club members, so you know they'll grow well in our area.

"Barney's Version" at Beverly Arts Center, 7:30 p.m.

Thursday 5/5
Beverly Bike Club ride, 6:30 p.m., starting at Starbucks, 103rd & Longwood.

Running Excels group run starting at 6 p.m.

Saturday 5/7
Plant sale, 2260 W. 108th Pl. from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Pam Holt, whose yard features many beautiful and unusual species of plants, has divided some of her plants and has them for sale. I've bought some from her in the past and been very pleased with the selection of healthy plants at reasonable prices. For more info, call 773-412-1232

Pre-season flower market - before the official start of the 95th St. farmers market, this special flower market is happening from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the 95th St. park & ride lot, 95th & Longwood Dr. For more info, call 312-744-0565 or send e-mail.

Sunday 5/8
Mother's Day Breast Cancer Walk - The 3 mile walk starts at 8 a.m. at Ridge Park (96th & Longwood). To register and get more information, click here.

how blogging has changed

2011-05-03T15:34:00.000-05:00

It's truly amazing how blogging has changed in the last 5 years. There are some amazing blogs out there - on Open Salon, Blogger, Wordpress and other sites, as well as stand-alone blogs. The variety of content keeps getting more amazing, and the quality of some of the work is exceptional.

I just checked my comments and found 44 spam messages waiting for review - in English, Russian, Polish and Japanese. That's just from the last 10 days. Spam comments weren't much of a problem 5 years ago, but they sure are now. I'm grateful that the Google folks have good spam filtering, so that this garbage rarely sees the light of day. I wish that all blog sites handled spam this well.

As technology continues to progress, I expect the blog world to keep evolving. I'll be curious to see how it looks in another 5 years.

non sequitur Friday

2011-04-29T06:14:00.000-05:00

This next one is a really beautiful take on Chicago's "If You Leave Me Now."