J.R. Boz Sweets and Eats

As the weather is getting warmer and spring is around the corner, we will soon be thinking of Ice Cream. Please visit J.R. Boz's Sweets and Eats at 3402 W. 111th Street at Homan. It is a wonderful little piece of nostalgia with the penny candy we will all remember plus a lot of the new favorites. The ice cream counter serves all our favorites made with Edy's Brand Ice Cream.

Support our local businesses and give this wonderful business a visit.

Southside Irish Parade

The parade is two weeks from tomorrow. Are you ready? If you go to the parade, where do you watch it from? East or West Side of Western? 103, 1o5, 111th, etc????

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Walgreen's Revisted - Again

12 years later. Still nothing.
Committees formed. Still nothing.

From MGLRC - Breaking News

City Council Adopts Ordinance
‘Coming Soon’ just got sooner. An Ordinance authorizing the redevelopment agreement between developers of the Walgreens Signature Corner project and the City of Chicago was approved October 8, 2008. This is a huge step in moving closer to an actual groundbreaking.

Then going back a year or so, found this on the web (from the Southwestobserver) - Emphasis added to highlight complete and utter POOP!

Spring 2008.

It was an answer that more than 60 Mount Greenwood residents were looking for Monday night when they packed the Chicago Public Library's Mount Greenwood Branch to air their questions and concerns with the developer of the northwest corner of 111th Street and Kedzie Avenue.......

But the question on everyone's mind was: When will construction begin? It likely will be as early as spring 2008 but no later than summer of that year.

Ald. Ginger Rugai stepped in halfway through the hour-long meeting to calm what was fast becoming a fiesty crowd. (hmmm, wonder why everyone was mad, after 11 years in the making)

She explained to those in attendance that the process to create a signature corner, which began four years ago (try many more than that since the plan was initially approved in 1997) with Terraco's initial purchases, has progressively (too funny, we ALL know the City does nothing quick, at least without secret pocket $$$) made its way through the city's planning and zoning departments.

Nonetheless the process - however slow - is moving ahead, added Rugai, who underscored the need for such a development. "There was no sense of Mount Greenwood pride," she said. "This creates a signature corner at 111th and Kedzie."....

"Our home values are skyrocketing (not anymore)," argued resident Maureen Chausse. "But 111th Street, which is our signature, looks like the ghetto. (with our 1960's Walgreens, Currency Exchange, Dollar Store and Nail Place, this is something to be proud of, Mt. Greenwood's signature corner!)"

Anyway, I called the alderman's office this morning, after getting the "I'm not sure what is going on" I was told to call the Mt. Greenwood ward office, of course, being city run, nobody answered. But I was told by the Beverly ward office that the

"WALGREENS' PROJECT IS NOT DEAD, BUT HAS SLOWED DUE TO LACK OF MONEY"......what?????????????

So I guess we need to raise money for the Signature Corner now too....just like the park project that took years to get done???

I don't get it, please someone explain, how did all the stores at 95th and Western get put up within weeks, but the Walgreen's project has been 12 years in the making.

Fat Tommy's

I heard it through reliable sources that Fat Tommy's will be moving to 3031 S. 111th Street (or where Veggie Bite was). They will have ice cream too!!!! The nice thing about that location is that there is 1) parking and 2) an outside courtyard. So keep a look out in the future for the new Fat Tommy's.

60655 blog

This blog was started to be informational and fun. As a commentor stated, it has become a place to bicker and fight over the smallest things. In the beginning, I censored everything. Then I realized that all opinions, if stated correctly, have a place here and started letting MOST comments in.

Please don't forget that we are all adults and all neighbors with one goal in mind and that is to keep 60655 a great place to live and raise our families. I put up an open post every week where you can talk about anything you like. Please use this post to state your opinions and comments that have nothing to with a specific listed topic. Please remember that this post is for 60655, which includes West Beverly and Morgan Park, not just Mt. Greenwood. If someone doesn't like the dog poop in the park, well, that's a legitimate concern to that person and let that person have a opinion without worrying whether or not they will be verbally attacked. That will stop now. This is not the place to tell the world that a neighbor is a loud mouth. Or to air your personal vendetta against a co-worker. This is the place however, to list what concerns you regarding the neighborhood, such as crime, school events, if you need a dentist, etc. Keep your comments racially void, as not everyone in 60655 is just like you.

I am sure that not everyone is going to like these rules and if you don't, I apologize, but let's keep this blog informative and fun.

Thanks for your readerships and comments.

Lent begins tomorrow!

So, that time has come again. LENT. Have you ever noticed you never crave chocolate as much until you give it up for lent?

Just for fun, what are you giving up? Where is the best fish fry in the area?

Walgreens Robbery

From the comments section:

(this message came from the Chamber of Commerce)

A strong armed robbery occurred approximately 11:45 a.m. this morning 2/23 at the Walgreens parking lot located at 111th and Kedzie.An African American girl was using the ATM machine located inside Walgreens. Upon leaving Walgreens two African American men in their thirties took her purse and fled in a black old work van.

Please be on alert for your own safety.

Poll

74% thought the Olympics is a bad idea all around, with a majority thinking that the City just can't afford it. Thanks for voting.

I'm trying to think of a new poll.

Open post 2/23 - 3/2

Here is this week's open post.

Arrests Made in Shooting of Mt. Greenwood Native

Two were arrested in the shooting and murder of Jason Mueller. Mueller was shot and killed last August while hailing a cab on the northside of Chicago.

Patty Mueller said the family is glad that Collazo and Contreras will not be able to cause another family so much pain.

"It's not going to bring him back, but they won't do it to another family. We don't want anyone else to go through this," she said. "You watch the news and you think, 'that's sad,' but when you live it, I can't even explain it."

Family and friends established a $10,000 reward last year to catch the shooter. Two bean bag tournaments were held during the past few months to raise funds, and a benefit set for June 27 will go on as planned, Patty Mueller said.

The organization Justice for Jason Mueller at www.justiceforjasonmueller.com now is a charity and is setting up scholarships at Mueller's alma maters: St. Christina Grammar School, Marist High School, the University of Illinois and DePaul University.

Patty Mueller said the organization plans to hold annual tournaments to fund the scholarships.

"Jason was all about school, so it's appropriate," she said. "We're keeping his legacy alive."

Read the whole article below.

http://www.southtownstar.com/news/1442383,022109Mueller.article

Swap/barter post

I can't do separate pages or links for a swapping site as this a blog not a website. I can give you a post though. You can list your items in comments and go to it from there.

Also, if this doesn't work, there is a link to the left "America Swaps Online" that you can try to establish a 60655 swapping post also. This is also a blog, but that blog is dedicated solely to swapping and bartering.

Good luck

Anyone got anything interesting?

Been a slow week, anyone got any news? Start thinking of what you would like to see in the next poll or if you want a poll at all. Give me some ideas.

Good Businesses

If you have had great service, prices and all around great experience with a company, please list them.

*** I had to take off bad businesses because as one person commented, I could be sued for libel. In this liberal PC world...you can't say negative things about any PROPER NOUN.*** You can talk good about anyone all you want, but G-d forbid if you say something negative, even if it is the truth.

So in the future, if you make a negative comment about someone, such as our alderperson, mayor, blah, blah, blah, please do so with discretion. I think George Orwell was on to something in 1948 when he wrote the book 1984. Big brother is definitely watching.

What's your issue?

What's your issue, potholes? need a stop sign? crime? Put your issue in the comments section. Maybe something can be done if the right person reads this.

New poll

Kean won by a landslide. I love Kean. You may pay a few cents more a gallon, but when its -10 out there, I rather pay a little more and give the kid a tip then risk frostbite!

New poll - Olympics. I decided to make it multiple choice as it really is more than a yes and no answer.

Rest in Peace.

Today is the one year anniversary of the NIU shooting. 5 lives ended too soon.

Rest in Peace - Gayle Dubowski, 20; Catalina Garcia, 20; Julianna Gehant, 32; Ryanne Mace, 19; and Daniel Parmenter, 20.

Open Post 2/14 - 2/21

This week's open post. By the way, Happy Valentine's Day.

22nd District CAPS Meeting Schedule

Beat 2221: Christ the King School, 9225 S. Hamilton, (1st Tuesday of each month).
Beat 2212: 22nd District Police Station, 1900 W. Monterey Ave., (1st Thursday of the month).
Beat 2213: Ridge Park, 9601 S. Longwood Dr., (2nd Thursday of the month).
Beat 2211: Mount Greenwood Park, 3721 W. 111th St., (3rd Thursday of each month).

Beverly Arts Center

Have you been? I drive by it everyday and always tell myself, I should check it out....So I did. The link is to the left and there are some great events coming...March 6-11 is the Irish Film Festival. March 18 they are playing Slumdog Millionaire (winner of Golden Globes) and plenty more. They are going to be putting on the play "Bye, Bye Birdie." Check out their calendar. Plus they offer classes.

Did you know?

Most of the Catholic Schools/Parishes in the area have MANNA/TRIP? For those reading with your own child(ren), grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends' kids, etc., (public or Catholic educated) you can help the parish of your choice AND get credit for current or future tuition in a Catholic ran school. (*PC disclaimer - if you choose to go Catholic)

How? Many merchants participate in the program by allowing you to purchase gift cards or gift certificates through the parish that are used like cash at merchants’ places of business, or through their catalog if applicable. The merchants give the parish a percentage of the cost of the gift cards or certificates. Buying Manna/Trip is the same as buying them from a merchant; it’s worth the amount you pay for it. You can purchase Manna/Trip in advance and use it at your convenience. When you buy the certificates, a percentage of the cost is given to the parish and a percentage is "banked" for tuition. Many schools allow "banked" money to pay for CCD classes also.

Imagine, if you just had a baby, plan on sending them to public grammar school and a Catholic high school, you can buy your certificates and bank your credit for 13 years....you may actually get a free years tuition (or two)... Get your family on board with you and have them buy certificates too, the more you buy, the more credit you get.

This is free money...you are already buying gas for your car, groceries, clothes, eat out at restaurants, etc...why not get credit for it?

Just food for thought...

Open Post for 2/8 through 2/14

Here's this week's open post.

St. Baldrick's

St. Baldrick’s began as a casual conversation between friends and has exploded into the world’s biggest volunteer-driven fundraising program for childhood cancer! In nine years, events have taken place in 18 countries and 48 US states, raising over $50 million, and shaving more than 72,000 heads.

www.stbaldricks.org

Please visit the website to find out how to volunteer, become a shavee, start your own fundraiser or donate.

Will you be shaving your head this St. Patrick's Day? If you have a page to donate to, please post in comments.

The CPD and CFD both have fundraiser events for this cause.

Poll

Well the "other" profession won. However, 60655 is definitely a city/county neighborhood, when we add the city/county votes, they definitely out voted the "other."

New poll coming soon...anyone have any ideas?

For those keeping track ~

60 days until Sox opener

66 days until Cub's opener

37 days until the Southside Irish Parade (a little over a month to brace yourselves for the suburban onslaught)

65 days until Easter (which means 19 days until the first day of Lent)

New Link - All My Favs

To the left of the home page is a new link, check it out! It is one website with links to all your favorite websites...They are listed under different categories.

Thanks to Jim McMahon for sending me the link!

Paul Vallas to Replace Stroger?

I don't know what the rest of you think, but maybe if Vallas would have won the governor's race, Illinois wouldn't be such a laughing stock for the rest of the country? Please let him win...Stroger is a pompous idiot who should never have gotten into office riding his father's coat tails! What is your opinion, do you think Vallas can win and turn the County around?

From the Southtown:

Former Chicago Public Schools chief Paul Vallas is planning a return to Illinois to run for the presidency of the Cook County Board of Commissioners.

Vallas, who currently heads the New Orleans school system, told the Chicago Sun-Times he will run as a Republican, a party that has not controlled the board since Richard Ogilvie in 1960. The current president is Todd Stroger, son of the long-time president of the board John Stroger, who died in office.

Vallas contends Cook County government is broken, and said he likes to fix things.

Vallas lost the 2002 Democratic gubernatorial primary to Rod Blagojevich by about 25,000 votes. He then moved on to Philadelphia to head that city's public schools.

Please Remember - Say a Prayer

Today is the one-year anniversity of the murders at the Tinley Park Lane Bryant store where five women lost their lives. Say a small prayer for the families and friends who have to live without these women.

The victims:

Rhoda McFarland, 42
Sarah Szafranki, 22
Carrie Hudek Chiuso, 33
Connie Woolfolk, 37
Jennifer L. Bishop, 34

One year later and still no suspects, no arrests, nothing. Hopefully justice will prevail.

Open Post

Here is this week's open post...go to it!