Thursday, December 31, 2009
Remembering the Adelphi Theater
It would not be fitting for me to end another year out without a retrospect of the Adelphi Theater. I ask the question "Was it in the best interest of Rogers Park to destroy this?" rhetorically, because this theater was in great shape and structurally sound before the wrecking ball did it's damage. Nearly ready for its Grand Re-Opening, we had spent roughly two years renovating the Adelphi before a developer destroyed it and left another dangerous hole in the ground.
Wondering how many empty lots and dangerous holes we will have in the coming New Year?
Wondering how many realtor-owned properties will remain incomplete and in disrepair in the coming decade?
Even if you can't review every street and property in Rogers Park, you can keep an eye on them right here for the year to come and beyond.
Happy New Years,
- Bill Morton
Rogers Park in 1,000 Words
www.RP1000.blogspot.com
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
Adelphi site for sale
hey Bill
Don't know if you noticed, but I was driving south on Clark Street yesterday and spotted a for sale sign on the Adelphi lot; so maybe Joe Moore's little real estate weasel has given up on his hole in the ground, or been foreclosed on? I know that's one of the driving forces in your blog, but I hadn't noticed anything lately, so thought I'd let you know.
Cheers. Love the wintertime photos.
Bill
blog note:
site of the former
Adelphi Theater
7070-78 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL. 60626
Don't know if you noticed, but I was driving south on Clark Street yesterday and spotted a for sale sign on the Adelphi lot; so maybe Joe Moore's little real estate weasel has given up on his hole in the ground, or been foreclosed on? I know that's one of the driving forces in your blog, but I hadn't noticed anything lately, so thought I'd let you know.
Cheers. Love the wintertime photos.
Bill
blog note:
site of the former
Adelphi Theater
7070-78 N. Clark Street
Chicago, IL. 60626
Monday, December 28, 2009
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Craig Gernhardt asks, "Where's the Urban Coaster?"
He poses the question here:
http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/2009/12/wheres-urban-coaster.html
File under: Rogers Park blogs
http://morsehellhole.blogspot.com/2009/12/wheres-urban-coaster.html
File under: Rogers Park blogs
Friday, December 25, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Renaming Triangle Park - Online poll update
Renaming Triangle Park poll is online at:
http://www.renamingtrianglepark.blogspot.com
Who should Triangle Park be named after?
Carmen Dyse-Ellis Nature Park 330 (73%)
Mary Jo Doyle Nature Park 25 (5%)
Tobey Prinz Nature Park 95 (21%)
Votes so far: 450
Days left to vote: 7
note: paper ballots are also located at Willye B. White Recreation Center.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Sunday, December 20, 2009
Saturday, December 19, 2009
Ursula Bielski at Charmers Cafe
Ursula Bielski at Charmers Cafe
Ursula Bielski at Charmers Cafe
Ursula Bielski at Charmers Cafe
Ursula Bielski at Charmers Cafe
Ursula Bielski at Charmers Cafe
Ursula Bielski at Charmers Cafe
Thursday, December 17, 2009
Ursula Bielski to visit Rogers Park for book signing
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Ursula Bielski to visit Rogers Park for book signing
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Ursula Bielski to visit Rogers Park for book signing
Monday, December 14, 2009
Rogers Park music events this week
7pm - 9pm
Alhambra Cafe
1622 W Morse Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60626
Saturday, December 19, 2009
5pm - 7pm
Starbucks Coffee
6738 N Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626
Alhambra Cafe
1622 W Morse Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60626
Saturday, December 19, 2009
5pm - 7pm
Starbucks Coffee
6738 N Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL 60626
Ursula Bielski to visit Rogers Park for book signing
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
ALHAMBRA CAFÉ Coffee House - December 12th, 2009
ALHAMBRA CAFÉ - December 12th, 2009
Tarotguy 4pm - 10pm
Members of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce will be available throughout the day and evening to discuss your thoughts on how to improve Rogers Park through its local businesses.
On Saturday, December 12th, 2009, the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce will be supporting ALHAMBRA CAFÉ Coffee House by inviting Rogers Park residents and local business owners for a taste of Alhambra!
Support a local business by purchasing a coffee, tea or dessert at:
ALHAMBRA CAFÉ Coffee House
1622 West Morse Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60626
10am - 10pm
Support a local business by purchasing a coffee, tea or dessert at:
ALHAMBRA CAFÉ Coffee House
1622 West Morse Avenue
Chicago, IL. 60626
10am - 10pm
Musical guests for this event include:
Chris Marshall 12pm - 3pm
Chris Marshall 12pm - 3pm
Driftin' Luke 3pm - 5pm
William Netherland 5pm - 7pm
Edward Yeo 7pm - 9pm
William Netherland 5pm - 7pm
Edward Yeo 7pm - 9pm
Tarotguy 4pm - 10pm
Members of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce will be available throughout the day and evening to discuss your thoughts on how to improve Rogers Park through its local businesses.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Renaming Triangle Park
Triangle Park will soon be renamed.
Why rename Triangle Park?
Triangle Park is a 2.5 acre park located at 7700 N. Hermitage. It was a community managed park built in 1985 under Urban Renewal restrictions. It is a passive park with no sports or play structures on it. The community considers it a nature park, with an ecological focus and used for picnics, impromptu sports, and community events. In 2000 it was transferred to the Chicago Park District as Park #518. The Park District has asked new parks to be named after a notable woman. Therefore the Triangle Park Advisory Council has drawn up a short description of 3 candidates, each having either lived or worked in Rogers Park and contributed to the advancement of our community.
About the three Candidates
Carmen Dyse-Ellis
Carmen Dyse-Ellis, born Aug. 22, 1958, taught at Gale Academy for 21 years. She was the Science and Lang. Arts teacher for grades 7 and 8. A devoted teacher, she many times worked extra with her children one on one, and even brought them to her home where she lived above her mother’s apt. on S. Halsted St. Carmen wrote plays and inspiring poetry. Her students could call her at any time about anything. Carmen was so faithful to being in school that when she died of cancer Nov. 27, 2008 she still had 100% of her sick leave.
Mary Jo Doyle
Mary Jo Doyle, born April 8, 1939, was a founding member and Executive Director for the Rogers Park/ West Ridge Historical Society in 1975. A member of the Historical Society for 28 years, she co-authored two books about Rogers Park, “Chicago’s Far North Side” and “Neighborhoods within Neighborhoods”. She was known as the “Voice of 1000 stories”, having interviewed countless people for their personal recollections. Mary Jo was extremely active in Rogers Park. She was a member of the Rotary of Chicago-Rogers Park, the Rogers Park Lions Club, and the Far North Side Women’s Network. She died Dec. 17, 2007.
Tobey Prinz
Tobey Prinz, born Nov. 3, 1911, was a charter member of the Chicago Teacher’s Union in 1937. In the early 1950’s Tobey Prinz and other activists formed the Rogers Park Community Council. She was best known as the leader of the 1954 campaign to save Rogers Park’s beaches from high rise development, thus preserving the beach as public space. Tobey founded the Rogers Park Tenants Committee, fought for racial integration, and was known citywide as a key organizer for the Tenant Bill of Rights in Chicago. She also served on the board of the Howard Area Community Center. A community leader and outspoken activist, Tobey Prinz died June 26, 1984.
About the Vote
The Triangle Park Advisory Council are encouraging those who reside, work, visit, recreate... in Rogers Park to participate in the poll.
Paper/pencil poll sheets are at Willye B. White Recreation Center at 1610 W. Howard Street.
There is also an online poll, located at:
www.renamingtrianglepark.blogspot.com
Voting ends on December 31st, 2009.
Why rename Triangle Park?
Triangle Park is a 2.5 acre park located at 7700 N. Hermitage. It was a community managed park built in 1985 under Urban Renewal restrictions. It is a passive park with no sports or play structures on it. The community considers it a nature park, with an ecological focus and used for picnics, impromptu sports, and community events. In 2000 it was transferred to the Chicago Park District as Park #518. The Park District has asked new parks to be named after a notable woman. Therefore the Triangle Park Advisory Council has drawn up a short description of 3 candidates, each having either lived or worked in Rogers Park and contributed to the advancement of our community.
About the three Candidates
Carmen Dyse-Ellis
Carmen Dyse-Ellis, born Aug. 22, 1958, taught at Gale Academy for 21 years. She was the Science and Lang. Arts teacher for grades 7 and 8. A devoted teacher, she many times worked extra with her children one on one, and even brought them to her home where she lived above her mother’s apt. on S. Halsted St. Carmen wrote plays and inspiring poetry. Her students could call her at any time about anything. Carmen was so faithful to being in school that when she died of cancer Nov. 27, 2008 she still had 100% of her sick leave.
Mary Jo Doyle
Mary Jo Doyle, born April 8, 1939, was a founding member and Executive Director for the Rogers Park/ West Ridge Historical Society in 1975. A member of the Historical Society for 28 years, she co-authored two books about Rogers Park, “Chicago’s Far North Side” and “Neighborhoods within Neighborhoods”. She was known as the “Voice of 1000 stories”, having interviewed countless people for their personal recollections. Mary Jo was extremely active in Rogers Park. She was a member of the Rotary of Chicago-Rogers Park, the Rogers Park Lions Club, and the Far North Side Women’s Network. She died Dec. 17, 2007.
Tobey Prinz
Tobey Prinz, born Nov. 3, 1911, was a charter member of the Chicago Teacher’s Union in 1937. In the early 1950’s Tobey Prinz and other activists formed the Rogers Park Community Council. She was best known as the leader of the 1954 campaign to save Rogers Park’s beaches from high rise development, thus preserving the beach as public space. Tobey founded the Rogers Park Tenants Committee, fought for racial integration, and was known citywide as a key organizer for the Tenant Bill of Rights in Chicago. She also served on the board of the Howard Area Community Center. A community leader and outspoken activist, Tobey Prinz died June 26, 1984.
About the Vote
The Triangle Park Advisory Council are encouraging those who reside, work, visit, recreate... in Rogers Park to participate in the poll.
Paper/pencil poll sheets are at Willye B. White Recreation Center at 1610 W. Howard Street.
There is also an online poll, located at:
www.renamingtrianglepark.blogspot.com
Voting ends on December 31st, 2009.
Saturday, December 5, 2009
African immigrant seeks alliance with Chicago's Mexicans
A few months after arriving from Sierra Leone, Alie Kabba learned the dynamics of Chicago immigrant life when he found a pickup soccer game near his Rogers Park apartment. All of the players were Mexicans.
"I didn't have enough for my own team," he recalled. "They had the numbers."
Now head of the United African Organization, Kabba is pursuing an intriguing and complicated experiment: to see whether Africans can forge a political alliance with the Mexicans, who make up the largest share of immigrants in Chicago.
Last month, Kabba's group organized a first large-scale meeting with Mexican leaders, in which the sounds of Liberian drummers meshed with casual conversations in Spanish.
Both sides say broadening their base is crucial because lawmakers in Washington are set to debate a plan to legalize illegal immigrants and bring in foreign "guest workers," an idea unpopular with many Americans.
Kabba, 47, has been stirring the pot since he was a university student leader in the western African nation of Sierra Leone. A "liberal, almost radical leader," as he now describes himself when younger, Kabba spent regular stints in jail after challenging a longtime dictatorship.
In the early 1990s, while Kabba was attending the University of Illinois at Chicago on a student visa, a full-fledged civil war broke out in Sierra Leone. Fearing for his life if he returned, Kabba was granted political asylum. He is now a U.S. citizen.
Almost immediately, he revived his activism in Chicago as a man who could blend scholarly explanations about global economics with a warm smile that pops up even when discussing his own political persecution.
A natural storyteller, Kabba recounted how he was hunting for plantains one day in Rogers Park and finally found them -- in a Latin American grocery store. As a Puerto Rican merengue tune thumped in the store, Kabba realized that the rhythms came from Africa.
Those touchy-feely anecdotes have a broader purpose, in Kabba's view. As he told those at last week's meeting, "We realize that the right thing is to build a common front and find our common humanity."
In 2006, Kabba opted to establish the United African Organization's office in the black cultural hotbed of Bronzeville instead of the usual African immigrant enclaves of Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park.
Read more at http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-africa-activist_aviladec06,0,2887331.story .
"I didn't have enough for my own team," he recalled. "They had the numbers."
Now head of the United African Organization, Kabba is pursuing an intriguing and complicated experiment: to see whether Africans can forge a political alliance with the Mexicans, who make up the largest share of immigrants in Chicago.
Last month, Kabba's group organized a first large-scale meeting with Mexican leaders, in which the sounds of Liberian drummers meshed with casual conversations in Spanish.
Both sides say broadening their base is crucial because lawmakers in Washington are set to debate a plan to legalize illegal immigrants and bring in foreign "guest workers," an idea unpopular with many Americans.
Kabba, 47, has been stirring the pot since he was a university student leader in the western African nation of Sierra Leone. A "liberal, almost radical leader," as he now describes himself when younger, Kabba spent regular stints in jail after challenging a longtime dictatorship.
In the early 1990s, while Kabba was attending the University of Illinois at Chicago on a student visa, a full-fledged civil war broke out in Sierra Leone. Fearing for his life if he returned, Kabba was granted political asylum. He is now a U.S. citizen.
Almost immediately, he revived his activism in Chicago as a man who could blend scholarly explanations about global economics with a warm smile that pops up even when discussing his own political persecution.
A natural storyteller, Kabba recounted how he was hunting for plantains one day in Rogers Park and finally found them -- in a Latin American grocery store. As a Puerto Rican merengue tune thumped in the store, Kabba realized that the rhythms came from Africa.
Those touchy-feely anecdotes have a broader purpose, in Kabba's view. As he told those at last week's meeting, "We realize that the right thing is to build a common front and find our common humanity."
In 2006, Kabba opted to establish the United African Organization's office in the black cultural hotbed of Bronzeville instead of the usual African immigrant enclaves of Uptown, Edgewater and Rogers Park.
Read more at http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/chi-africa-activist_aviladec06,0,2887331.story .
Pub Crawl in Rogers Park
We've got a pub crawl in the 'hood to celebrate the holidays! Granted, it's a tiny pub crawl and involves the small group of usual suspects, but hey.
The crawl involves stops at Morseland, Duke's, Heartland, and the Glenwood and will be herding drunks from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. I wish they put these events on a Friday or Saturday, but perhaps not everyone likes drinking beer as much as I do.
Read more at http://rp-and-beyond.blogspot.com/2009/12/pub-crawl-in-rp.html .
Note:
From December 06, 2009 4:00 PM
Until December 06, 2009 8:00 PM
The crawl involves stops at Morseland, Duke's, Heartland, and the Glenwood and will be herding drunks from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. I wish they put these events on a Friday or Saturday, but perhaps not everyone likes drinking beer as much as I do.
Read more at http://rp-and-beyond.blogspot.com/2009/12/pub-crawl-in-rp.html .
Note:
From December 06, 2009 4:00 PM
Until December 06, 2009 8:00 PM
Friday, December 4, 2009
Rogers Park Mugging victim's phone returned
Bridget Seemann felt violated after being mugged by a pair of young men steps from her Rogers Park home on Tuesday night.
They punched her in the head, ripped her jacket and stole her cell phone, which held information relating to just about every facet of her life: pictures of her young twins, contact information for friends and family, even her personal calendar. She didn't want to feel bitter, but it was hard not to.
Then on Wednesday, she was contacted by her father, who told her that a student at an alternative school on the South Side had found her phone. The girl's teacher had called contacts in her phone, including Seemann's father.
Read more at http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/12/student-finds-returns-mugging-victims-phone.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChicagoBreakingNews+%28Chicago+Breaking+News%29 .
They punched her in the head, ripped her jacket and stole her cell phone, which held information relating to just about every facet of her life: pictures of her young twins, contact information for friends and family, even her personal calendar. She didn't want to feel bitter, but it was hard not to.
Then on Wednesday, she was contacted by her father, who told her that a student at an alternative school on the South Side had found her phone. The girl's teacher had called contacts in her phone, including Seemann's father.
Read more at http://www.chicagobreakingnews.com/2009/12/student-finds-returns-mugging-victims-phone.html?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+ChicagoBreakingNews+%28Chicago+Breaking+News%29 .