Making a Connection.

This is what a neighborhood is all about. Janice sent this as a comment to an older post, but I felt that it should be listed up front as it is an awesome idea!

Hello,

I live in Mt. Greenwood and I have an 8 year old child with Autism. With the unfortunate prevalence of Autism, ADD and ADHD I thought that there is probably a desire for Mom's and Dad's to connect in this community. We know how difficult, and sometimes heartbreaking, everyday tasks can be on the whole family of a special needs child. I'm looking for a means to bring our children together to help them learn to socialize and create friendships that they can't create on their own. I also hope to establish the unique support of one another that only another special needs parent can understand and provide. This site is such a wonderful means for us to connect I thought this would be a great place to start.

If you live in Mt. Greenwood and have a school aged child with special needs and are interested in connecting I've established an email as a means to get the ball rolling.
Please contact me at awesomekids60655@gmail.com and hopefully parents and children alike can get the support and camaraderie we all need so very much.

Have a blessed and happy New Year!

Welcome 2009!

I would like to wish everyone a very Happy New Year!

22nd District link

For those of you that haven't clicked on the 22nd District link to the left, check it out. On this website you will see a link labeled Crime Incidents in 22nd District. It is about a week behind, but lists all the crime that has occurred. You will have to skim through to find the incidents in your beat, but it will keep you apprised of what is happening in the 22nd District.

60655 Blog

I just wanted to write a post to clarify my intention when starting this blog. I did it to give all 60655ers a forum to express their concerns about the neighborhood, to post news about the neighborhood and whatever else came to mind. This blog is supposed to be a positive thing. Please remember that this is a blog, not a news website. I moderate it, but ideas, news, concerns etc. come from you. Most post titles came from comments. I am a normal person, not a cop, reporter, the alderman or the mayor. I try to post whatever you comment on. I cannot confirm right away every piece of information that comes in and hope that you as readers can help with that and some have. Usually it takes me a couple of days to confirm something that is posted. Please take most of what you're reading with a grain of salt.

I also do make mistakes and sometimes things can get posted that shouldn't be and I appreciate it when called to the carpet on it.

I believe that this blog is a good thing and I am trying to make a difference. Over 1400 hits have been recorded in the 20 days this blog has been up and running. I hope that I am doing well and realize that I cannot please everyone. Everyone here has a choice of reading the blog or not. Thank you for your continued support.

Another crime stopped by watchful eyes?

I received an email from a friend:

FYI - this morning 3 adult males in an old brown Cadillac were observed cruising up and down the local alleys. 911 was called (by a watchful citizen) and a squad car was sent out. The subjects were caught in their car sitting in the driveway of a house on 108th and Whipple, pretending that they lived there.

Can anyone verify this? Were they arrested or just slapped on the wrist and sent on their way?

**Update: they were not arrested they were detained, questioned and sent on their way.

Again, please be careful and observe your surroundings. Keep your doors locked. I know a lot of times my house looks empty, but my kids are home.

Awww..makes you feel good!

Here is some Christmas cheer. Man asks woman to marry him with Christmas lights. Congratulations to some of our own 60655ers.

http://www.southtownstar.com/neighborhoodstar/evergreenpark/1350970,122808proposal.article

**cut/copy and paste this link in to see full article, for some reason, blog won't let me put in the link**

Attempted Robbery in 60655

This heads up came from the comments. This was posted as a comment on the police blog (SCC), can anyone verify?

FYI: On Christmas Eve around 4P.M.,(3) M/1/teens were in the area of 106th and Maplewood Ave. The subjects were hiding in a nearby alley/playlot.

A concerned citizen called the police and the 022nd District officers arrived in a timely manner.

As the officers approached the subjects all three fled and after a short foot pursuit a 9mm loaded semi-auto was recovered along with all three subjects. All of the subjects lived near the 6800 block of Talman.

The three subjects were most likely waiting to rob a family of Christmas presents and money from all of the Christmas parties in the area.

P.S. It is the season for the predators to go hunting. Please carry your guns on you, all the time. This is a heavily populated police area as you southsiders know, the criminals keep getting bolder!!!!!!!!

Good Job 022nd District.

***Update: confirmed.

I'm Done With Winter!

Good news is Mother Nature took care of what the City of Chicago could not, got the side streets cleaned up. But now the new problems begin. I woke up to water in my basement. My front and back yards look like lakes, which means when the weather changes and my lakes freeze, I can rent them out as skating rinks. Mt. Greenwood park is underwater too. Ugghhh.

From the Chicago Tribune:

Today's forecast for the region is not likely to ease the pain for Chicagoans who have already had way too much extreme weather for their taste: Rain, flooding, fog, high winds, maybe even tornadoes ... and once it gets colder later tonight, more snow.

And there's this little bit of news: According to the National Weather Service, Chicago set a record for precipitation in 2008 -- the total this morning is 49.84 inches, about a half-inch more than the old record. Hold your applause.

New Poll - Sit down restaurants

TaTa's pizza won with 26%, Fox's had 20% and Beggars came in third with 16%. New poll is listed and will be sit down restaurants in and around 60655. This will span breakfast, lunch and dinner. The criteria is that it must offer waitress service. So even though a restaurant may offer tables, there must be waitress service to be listed. Also, this poll is for the whole package, pricing, taste of food, quality of service, etc.Some of these locations are not quite 60655, but right on the border so they were counted. I can't list every restaurant in Oak Lawn, Alsip, etc. so if you don't see your favorite, don't be mad. Also, if there is a restaurant that is in 60655 that I overlooked, let me know. Thanks.

** Also, there is a link to the left for restaurant coupons***

New Poll - What should it be?

Okay, two more days until the Pizza poll is over. What's next?

Merry Christmas to All!

Wishing everyone here a very Merry Christmas. Thanks to all of you for making this blog a success. We have already made 1000 hits on this blog in the short two weeks it has been up and running.

Thankfully, there has been no new news to tell everyone. I will be moderating the comments that come over in the next couple of days, but unless something truely newsworthy comes in, there will be no new posts.

Stay warm and safe this holiday.

Thank you,
Inandaround60655

Shooting?

I received this comment. I tried to find some information on this in some different places, but cannot find any. Does anyone know anything? The purpose of this blog is to keep 60655 updated on what's going on. At this point, however, this is an alleged incident and cannot be confirmed.

Anyone hear anything about a shooting today near 111th near campbell?
Off duty cop shooting an intruder?

UPDATE: There was no shooting.

Calling non 60655 natives - Where are you from?

What about an entry on where people were from before Mt. Greenwood. I guess, in Chicago, that means what parish. People could reminisce about St. Sabina's, St. Kilian's, St. Ethelreda's, Little Flower, etc.

Of course, I know a lot of people around here are from St. Gab's, Visitation, St. Tommy More, St. Bede, and so many more. Where are you from and what are your memories?

Applesauce For a Good Cause

Please read below.

This is a request asking you to run a link on your web site for a real quality product being sold by a real quality guy, Jim Mullen. He is a disabled Chicago Police Officer that was shot and left paralyzed in October of 1996 while answering a citizen's call for help. I've met Jim and he has one of the best outlooks on life of anyone I've ever met and could serve as a true inspiration to anyone.

Jim remains paralyzed from the neck down and needs the assistance of a ventilator to breathe. In spite of his physical limitations, it has been one of Jim's life long dreams to share some of his favorite family recipes.

I recently bought some of his Applesauce online and wouldn't consider any other brand at any price. I received my order in just a few days and it's fantastic. The label accurately describes it as being "Like 'Apple Pie' without the crust."

...Please patronize this fine mans business, you'll be glad you did.

Jim McMahon

The link to Mullen Foods is located to the left under the Misc Links heading. As you will see, a portion of the proceeds is given to the Chicago Police Memorial Foundation.

RE: Pizza Vote

This poll is for TASTE. I labeled it Pizza Delivery to take out pizza set ups for different places and a pre-made pizzas. I named it pizza delivery to clarify that, but I guess it wasn't too clear. Thanks.

Best of 60655

Well, County Fair won with 33% of the vote. It is listed in the sidebar and when pressed it will link you with the website. Pizza (delivery) vote coming soon.

Thieves Posing as Snow Shovelers

This is from WBBM.com; not quite 60655, but close enough.

There is a potential crime spree in the Morgan Park-Beverly neighborhood -- thieves posing as snow shovelers, robbing houses of Christmas gifts and personal belongings.

It happened to at least one family in that neighborhood, and they want to warn others. CBS 2's Derrick Blakley reports.

From the outside, the Strand family home looks like something out of a Christmas card. But Wednesday, in an hour's time and in broad daylight, burglars broke in and put a damper on the family's holiday celebration.

"They went through every room, overturned every drawer, broke things to get change, tore clothes and personal papers ... and were able to get away with quite a lot," said burglary victim Kathleen Strand.

Snapshots tell the story: Closets rifled. Clothes destroyed. Drawers emptied. Worst of all, the burglars made off with nearly all the family's Christmas presents.

"Just the night before, my sister and mom had wrapped a ton of presents and, as is our tradition, we put them under the tree and set them up -- and they took them all," Strand said.

Only three wrapped gifts remain, left by burglars on the on the doorstep in their apparent haste to get away.

Strand said the thieves entered through a basement door and adds there has been a rash of break-ins the past few weeks in their Beverly neighborhood.

"There's a lot of anxiety out there," she said. "We're just hearing more and more stories about crime increasing, but with the economy ... everybody's struggling and desperate, and certainly that's why we're seeing more of these kinds of robberies."

Ironically, the family's loss has helped them focus on what's most important this holiday season.

"We're all alive and we have a roof over our house, and we're grateful for that," Strand said.

The Strands say they saw a couple of strangers in the neighborhood posing as door-to-door snow shovelers. Neighbors think those folks had been watching the home and knew nobody was there. There's a warning for everyone in the neighborhood to be alert.

Snow Day..

Ah, the memories. Don't we all remember waking up and hearing those fabulous words "Snow Day." Unfortunately, even though the kids (private anyway) get an early start on Christmas Break, some of us risked life and limb to get to work. Stay off the roads until later, then all should be well.

Memories of 60655

Received this suggestion regarding a post:

I think it would be cool to have people leave comments about businesses or places that no longer exist in the neighborhood... i.e., Ray's pizza at 111th & Central park or Chicken Unlimited at 111th & whipple.

So 60655 natives, what are your memories?

Patrolman's Credit Union

Most of you know this from other sites, but just in case anyone has been out of the loop lately.

From the Southtown:

At least 50 members of the Chicago Patrolmen's Credit Union have been targets of thieves who have used their debit card numbers, authorities said Tuesday.

Investigators suspect the thieves are stealing the card numbers when the cards are used to make online payments. Police don't think credit union employees are involved in the thefts. About 12 financial institutions, including the credit union, have been hit.

Investigators suspect the debit card numbers are being sold. Thieves use the numbers to electronically manipulate gift cards to purchase items and steal money from the victims' credit union accounts. Thieves have used the manipulated gift cards to purchase items worth a few hundred dollars to about $1,000, officials said.

Suspects in Rockford, Lansing and Crestwood have been arrested using the gift cards. Police are trying to identify who stole the debit card numbers. The retailers will suffer the losses from the scheme, authorities said.

Walgreen's Revisited

I have had many comments recently about what is going on with Walgreens. Here is a past comment that sounds of truth. Anyone know anything else?

At the Town Hall Meeting on November Alderman Rugai announced that the development at 111th & Kedzie had finally met all requirements for building permits. We should see ground breaking in early spring with a completion date of September 09. I have had the September 09 opening date of Walgreens confirmed with a Walgreens headquarters employee. We did loose Starbucks, but that was because Starbucks decided to shut down so many stores. Dunkin Donuts is working on a propsal for the space.

Best of 60655 - next

Next vote for the "best of 60655" will be pizza delivery. Start nominating your favorites.

No News?

I guess no news is good news. I was going to post about the snow, but hey we knew that was coming and that the streets would be horrible. No surprises there. Anybody got anything to post? Any new news?

Seniors Beware!

This was emailed as a comment.

The Chicago metropolitan area has seen a dramatic increase in home invasion and theft recently. Criminals gain entry by posing as public works employees or inspectors. The most common ruse is requesting a look at the water meter, suggesting “the meter may not be functioning correctly which could result in a higher bill.”
Reports alleged criminals posing as gas, electric, cable, and phone company employees. Similar scams offer a free inspection of your furnace or plumbing contractors who claim to have done previous work in the home. While one impersonator distracts the homeowner, the “assistant” sneaks in and steals anything valuable. Most victims don’t even realize they’ve been robbed until long after the two have gone.
While this is far from new tactics on the part of street-level cons, they’re still very effective, and more dangerous now than ever by the sheer volume of cases. Unfortunately, their target victims are almost always the elderly and/or disabled.
Chicago Police Sergeant Lee Bielecki is doing his best to raise the alarm and educate “our most treasured citizens” in how to protect themselves and thwart those who would prey upon them. His efforts included a visit to Congressman Dan Lipinski’s office with a request to spread the word throughout the district.
Jerry Mulvihill, Head Caseworker in Lipinski’s office, said, “This has always been a problem, but we’re seeing ten times the cases we’ve had in the past. It’s not just happening in Chicago. Crimes like this are taking place just about everywhere in the greater metropolitan area.”
On behalf of Congressman Lipinski’s office and the Chicago Police Department, the following information is offered to aid in your safety and protection.
Never open the door for someone you don’t recognize. Once you open the door just a crack, the criminals will push past you.
Every single utility researched for this article had the same procedures. If access is needed to your home, you will receive a phone call from the prospective office and an appointment will be set. Utility and public works employees will always present a badge, be in an appropriate vehicle, and will gladly wait while you confirm their identity and purpose.
If in doubt, err on the side of safety.
If someone suspicious comes to your door, call 911 immediately and identify yourself as a senior. If you can, get a description of the suspicious person or their vehicle, but never takes any chances to get this information.
Many victims were followed home from the bank, church or grocery store, so it’s extremely important to be aware of your surroundings. If you suspect you’re being followed, first get to a safe place, then call 911 or ask someone there to call.
There is strength in numbers. Try to arrange to go shopping and run errands with family, friends or neighbors. Talk to your neighbors and ask them to keep an eye out for suspicious activity or people in your neighborhood. Offer to do the same for them.
Consider getting a dog. While teacup dogs are adorable, they aren’t very intimidating. On the other hand, a monster sized dog isn’t necessary either. Even a 30 or 40 pound dog can be quite protective without eating you out of house and home. Among the many breeds (or mixed breeds) that are sweet-natured but very protective are Australian Shepherds, Border Collies, and Retrievers.
Spread the word. The more knowledgeable the community is about these scams, the harder it is for criminals to be successful at it.
To cut down on the traffic to your door, post a “No Solicitation” sign on your house.

Yet another robbery!

I received this as a comment. I haven't been able to verify it yet and get all the facts. Does anyone else have any information?

FYI Tru Value was robbed yesterday (the 13th of DEC) by a male invader from east of the tracks. Plus it was done at the height of the day 3pm. Keep on your toes people, because we all know that 22 doesn't do any proactive police work. Just like none of the businesses around there were notified that it happened.

It's Christmas time and the economy sucks. People get desperate. Watch your backs and that of your neighbors.

Self Defense at McAuley

This is a fabulous idea.

(from the Southtownstar)

Mother McAuley High School recently added a new three-session self-defense course, which introduces female students to basic self-defense skills and methods of escape, to their physical education classes.

During the classes, which are led by instructors from the Frankfort Black Belt Academy, students learn about verbal boundaries, assault statistics and self-defense skills. After the demonstration, students are able to practice the techniques with the instructors.

The self-defense program is funded through a donation from the Sheffieck family, who have two daughters who graduated from McAuley.

The Chicago Way

For all you cops and firemen waiting for your raises.



I don't get it, why do we need 50 alderman? What can they do that dialing 311 can't. All that money and most only work part-time.

FYI - Solving the Problems of Ice Rinks We Call Streets

I received an email regarding on how to get the streets salted. I don't know about the rest of you, but I felt like my car was ice skating this past snow fall. Maybe if we all call, we can get our streets salted in a timely manner. Most of us are forced to be taxpayers, so let's get our money's worth.

Contact 311 and they will put a ticket in to salt your side street. I don't know how fast but they do put a ticket in and it is suppose to get done.

They also put a ticket in to track your alley as well.

Here's another one.

This has been emailed to me several times and is under comments in another post. Please, again, be aware of your surroundings.

Ok this is really getting ridiculous. There was another armed robbery in our neighborhood last night (Thursday at 7:15pm) at 2523 W. 110th pl (campbell). The 2 victims were in their vehicle when approached by 3 male blacks. 2 had weapons. All 3 were young (16-19) and wearing doo-rags with half their face only showing. The 3 ran southbound but ended up in front of the Beverly Arts Center. Squads did show and went inside the BAC but the offenders fled. Supposedly 1 is in custody with no weapon recovered as of now. I should get more info tomorrow hopefully. PLEASE be aware of your surroundings and let's all watch out for each other. Don't be afraid to call on ANYONE you think is suspicious! And we ALL have to email or call Rugai and ask what is being done about this. All off the beat cars that are assigned to our areas are usually out east answering other calls and they are working their asses off but not in the area where we need them. Check your windows and make sure they are locked. Lock your doors (including screen doors) at all times. If u go shovel, take garbage out or whatever, lock your door and take your keys with you. Too many times (lately) people are finding people in their homes. Stay safe!"

Empty Stores and Lots

What kind of businesses would you like to see move into the empty stores and lots in 60655? There are plenty of locations up and down 111th Street, a few on Kedzie, many on Western. Corner of 115th and Western is horrible! Would like to see something going in on 111th and Pulaski. Maybe this post will give some future business owners some ideas?

Salvation Army Site?

http://www.southtownstar.com/neighborhoodstar/evergreenpark/1299485,112708salvationarmy.article

There was an article in the Southtown regarding the Salvation Army Center located at 114th and Central Park. What is your opinion? Link path is attached to the article.

Two New Links

New links have been added per Jim McMahon's suggestion:

A map of local gas prices (find the cheapest gas in and around 60655)

Illinois Sex Offenders

More links to follow so keep an eye out.

Watch Your Back

With this economy and the holidays coming, people are becoming more desperate. Please be aware of your surroundings at all times. Look around when exiting and entering your home, car, stores, etc. Do not leave packages in your car. Look around you while at an ATM. Be overly cautious and trust your instincts.

**On December 11, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. there was another robbery at 110th and Rockwell. Two people were getting into their car and they were held up by three people with guns and masks on. One was caught and identified.**

**This was confirmed however the address listed above was wrong. Please see comments.

Posting New Topics on This Board

If anyone is interested in posting a new topic on this board, please email me at
inandaround60655@yahoo.com with your post.

Send me your "bests" and I will put them to a poll if there are more than one in the neighborhood, such as grocery stores, videostores, ice cream parlors, best place for a hot dog, etc. Each week there will be a different poll. The winners will make the "best of 60655" list.

Thanks for everyone's support and for helping to get the word of the blog around.

New Coffee Shop in 60655

Beverly Coffee Shop (formerly Beverly Bean) has now re-opened for business under new ownership. Tried it this morning and the coffee was good. Best of all, they have a drive-thru which is awesome in this weather. They are located at the corner of 111th and Fairfield.

They are serving lunch and pastries in the morning.

Open 7 days a week. M-F 6 a.m to 8 p.m. Sat and Sun 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Please patronize our local establishments.

Please Remember We're Neighbors

Please remember when posting your comments that we are all neighbors and everyone has a right to an opinion. I want to keep this blog informational and everyone is free to post their opinions...if you disagree with someone else's opinion that's fine, but no comments will post containing name calling towards other commentors. Thanks for your cooperation.

School Going-Ons

Here are some of the local schools' important dates. If you have any to add, put them in comments.

**Catholic high school entrance exams are scheduled for January 10.
Please check with individual schools regarding time and cost**

Mother McAuley-7th & 8th Grade Girls Night Out - Friday December 12 from 6:00 to 9:00.

Marist -Christmas Choral Concert - Friday December 12 at 7:00 p.m. (Free)

Keller - Winter Concert - 10:00 a.m.

Barbara Vick - Family Sing-a-long - 6:30 p.m.

St. Christina - Annual Parish Tree Decorating & Lighting Ceremony
on Thursday, December 18 from 6:00 to 7:30 p.m. in the Parish Center.

Queen of Martyrs - Dad's Night Out - Monday, Dec 22 (Bears v. Packers)
Sean's Rhino Bar & Grill, 10330 S Western, 7:15 - 11:00pm, $20.00 includes dinner and beverages... also a chance to win 4 tickets to a Blackhawks game.

Mt. Greenwood Park Issues, Anyone?

Two posts were made regarding Mt. Greenwood Park issues. Does anyone know who the residents would speak to? Can a meeting to discuss the issues surrounding the park be scheduled with Rugai or the head of Mt. Greenwood Park? Obviously there are issues. We know the City is broke.

This past summer there were issues with vandalism in the new playground. The playground was full at the time. Why weren't the police called immediately by the moms and dad's there at the time? Because the kids vandalizing the playground were neighborhood kids? We need to step up and protect what is ours. Residents of Mt. Greenwood fought hard and many people raised tons of money to get that park the way it is.

I would like to know why park rules are not enforced in Mt. greenwood park. People from all over bring their dogs to crap in our park, even in the new ball fields because the police in their suburban parks enforce the law. They come here, no leash, bait the squirrels, and get joy watching their dogs try to kill them. enough is enough.

*Dogs should be leashed at all times. If you see this kind of thing going on, call the police. After a few tickets, these people should learn that this kind of behavior is UNACCEPTABLE.

Why won't they put a snow fence up in Mt. Greenwood park like they did years ago? Us that live across from the park are chest deep in snow and cannot get out of our driveways because of drifting snow. Called the aldermans office and they said they can't afford it. What a joke.

Walgreens Project DEAD???

Someone asked the following:

*How about some information about the 111th and Kedzie project that has turned the area into looking like crap. Are we ever going to get the truth from the Alderman? From the developer? From anyone?

Does anyone know anything...buildings were torn down, stores have moved, and for what??? Now we have empty store fronts and vacant lots. I had heard that Starbucks had pulled out which makes sense since they are closing stores all over.

Where do we go from here? Wasn't the Alderman's platform at re-election mostly based on the development of her Ward? 111th Street from Sacramento to Pulaski is starting to look like a ghost town. Before the snow fell, you could almost see the tumbleweeds rolling down 111th Street.

Home invasions 22nd District

For those who don't know yet, there have been two home invasions in Mt. Greenwood. The first in the 112th block of Whipple and the second in the 107th block of Drake. We do not live in Mayberry and we all must be vigilant about locking our doors (front and back). Look out for your neighbors. If you see someone suspicious, call the police! Luckily, nobody was seriously injured or worse and the offenders were caught in the 112th and Whipple incident.

Rancid Burritos anyone

From the Suntimes New Groups (Dec. 4).... This is just nasty...


A Southwest Side restaurant has been cited after city health
inspectors found mouse droppings
and spoiled meat in the establishment.

Health Department spokesman Tim Hadac said inspectors went to The
Burrito Station, 2750 W. 111th Street on Tuesday and about two
pounds of cooked steak that had a foul odor and was being stored at unsafe temperatures The staff was instructed to discard the meat, which they did.

A $500 citation was issued for the food stored at an unsafe
temperature, Hadac said.

Mouse droppings were also found in an area were food was being stored and a back door had a gap that could potentially allow access by vermin, which
resulted in two citations carrying $250.00 fines each, Hadac said.

A uniformed Morgan Park District police officer claimed he picked up a food order at the restaurant about 12:15 p.m. Monday, police said. He went back to the police station and began to eat. When he took a bite of a burrito,he tasted what seemed to be sewage in his food and spit it out, after which the health department was contacted, police said. Hadac could not confirm the officer's account and had no information about reports of sewagein food, but said inspectors will return to the restaurant by Dec. 9 to follow up on the citations.

In and around 60655

I decided to start this blog as a way for residents 0f 60655 to communicate with each other regarding police issues, school issues, neighborhood issues, whatever. One stop shopping. The 60655 area code is often left out of newspapers such as the Bev Review or Southtown and this is one way to get our information heard and disbursed to all. In the upcoming weeks, there will be links added for neighborhood schools and such. Please use this blog to let everyone know what your thoughts and concerns are, good and bad. If your church or school is having an event, let everyone know here. Thanks and let me know what you think.