Rogers Park News
Public group · 10,543 members
Join Group
Have discussions, and share stories and photos of Rogers Park.

Rogers Park's only Public facebook group

Monday, October 31, 2011

Bishop James Alan Wilkowski speaks at Occupy Chicago



Bishop James Alan Wilkowski has contributed to our community through his work as a pastoral leader and treasurer of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce. - Bill Morton


__________________________________________

Saturday, October 29, 2011

Time Out Chicago on RP Halloween activities



"Can't make it to the costume shop in time? Rogers Park's Chamber of Commerce offers masks and bags to any empty-handed child as local businesses along Sheridan Rd open up for trick-or-treating. Festivities end at 7301 N. Sheridan Rd with a Halloween movie and pumpkin patch". - Time Out Chicago

View other kid-friendly Halloween events on Time Out Chicago - Tricks ’n’ treats.



The adult Halloween Party starts at 6pm and will feature horror movies and festivities in The Parlor of Horror at Quest Network Services until 2am.


__________________________________________

Tuesday, October 25, 2011

Rogers Park review

I always enjoy taking the opportunity to review and elaborate on the stories and photography of Rogers Park. Here are a few recommended blog posts as recent as 2011 and classic as the initial 2007 stories regarding our neighborhood.

Please follow the links to the stories that most interest you and leave your own review or comment.

- Bill Morton
Rogers Park in 1,000 Words




     During the first few years of writing Rogers Park in 1,000 Words, I focused mainly on common issues specifically in our neighborhood which remained unresolved due to being overlooked. Such subjects included public safety, health concerns, transportation and our crumbling infrastructure.

Gang takes over bathroom of mexican restaurant was one of my first photo-journals of graffiti in Rogers Park. I took the photos because I thought it was strange that the business owner knew of the gang activity but gave-in to the mass vandalism in their establishment. As I explored our neighborhood deeper, I found that complacency was a default setting for many throughout our diverse neighborhood.

The CTA was captured Fixing the rails with their yellow S-704 above Sherwin and Greenview Avenues while graffiti defaces the Pace 290 bus stop at Rogers and Damen Avenues. When a Biker was hit by a cab on Sheridan and Sherwin Avenues or when a Van was tagged at Ashland and Touhy Avenue, I learned to always have my camera ready.

By the end of 2007, the blog's base was built by observant photography, but received criticism as being a mere complaintant.




     While stating in 2008 that "I feel that these issues have to be addressed rather than ignored to improve life in our community", I became a swift addition to 49th Ward Alderman Joe Moore's "negativity chart" and a regular source for Craig Gernhardt's 'Broken Heart' of Rogers Park blog. Readership grew as Rogers Park in 1,000 Words became a community advocate with more bold photography, writing and in February 2008, original videos.

The North Shore School, 1217 W. Chase Avenue, demolition was controversial considering that Alderman Joe Moore received a campaign contribution from owner, Swanette Triem, before he granted her the permit needed to demolish the historic building. (Petitions and phone questions unanswered by Alderman Joe Moore on North Shore School demolition)

The demolition was also challenged due to complaints to the IEPA concerning Asbestos dust blowing in the wind 9-5pm on weekdays. (Spreading Asbestos in the Air) When the IEPA ceased demolition due to the public health hazard, the demolition crew continued undercover on evenings and weekends. (IEPA at North Shore School) This was another architectural tragedy of a historic building in Rogers Park. (North Shore School - Before and After) The public outrage continued after it's complete destruction. (Memories of North Shore School)




     In February of 2009, I brought my community activism to the forefront with a television interview about How gang graffiti negatively affects local businesses. This video was followed by Our attempt to save the Adelphi Theater, Blogging serves local news needs for Rogers Park and Barren storefronts pose problem in Rogers Park.

With the April 2009 formation of the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce, local business newsletters and updates were included with Rogers Park in 1,000 Words daily posts. The first chamber members Quest Network Services and The Evangelical Catholic Diocese of the Northwest were introduced along with non-chamber 7013 Studio, Alhambra Cafe, Flatt's and Sharpe Music Company, George's Pumpkin Patch/Christmas Tree Lot, Lifeline Theatre, Maureen Flowers, Rogers Bark, The Ardent Center, The Idle Muse Theatre Company, The New 400 Theater and Tu Bloom.

Additionally, events from local organizations were promoted such as CAPS meetings/National Night Out, Family Matters, Park Advisory Council meetings/fundraisers and the Rogers Park Baptist Church.




     This was one of the most blogged years in Rogers Park. Rogers Park in 1,000 Words averaged over two new posts a day partially due to increased business and non-profit organization updates, more original videos and some equipment upgrades.

The Farcroft Building (photo)
Facing south on the beach (Chicago skyline from Rogers Park)
Icy (pier photo)
A drive around Rogers Park (time-lapse video)
Charmers Cafe (photo)
Rogers Park view (photo)
Winter Beach (time-lapse video)
Rogers Park musicians (photos)
Cafe Society silent film night (event)
Willye B. White Park Advisory Council fundraising (event)




     2011 has seen a great increase in blog followers, site hits and search engine rankings. Businesses and events mentioned on Rogers Park in 1,000 Words are receiving new clients and good attendance. The Rogers Park in 1,000 Words archive has reached well over two-hundred thousand photos and one thousand uploaded videos.

Our old water tower with it's top missing on Howard Street near Sheridan Road is a statement on the state of Rogers Park over the past decade or so. How about a friendly "Welcome to Rogers Park!" on a fully-functioning water tower?

The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce August newsletter featured a major redesign of the newsletter along with information about the Preparing for 2012 event.

The October newsletter featured a variety of chamber sponsored and chamber supported events such as The First Annual Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce Art Auction at Alden Village North, Halloween Lore event at Charmers Cafe, Paranormal viewing in The Parlor of Quest Network Services, Halloween Party at Quest Network Services, Wine Tasting at Taste Food & Wine and The Bishop's Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Church of the Atonement.

The S&C Electric Company has been in business in Rogers Park since 1911 in one building (which still stands on the property), and expanded over the years to the become the largest facility in our neighborhood. In this blog post, I featured some abstract night photography and a brief history of our electric power transmission and distribution manufacturer.

It was rainy all day during the annual Here Comes The Sun event this year. Jarvis Avenue was blocked for the day and HCTS tents shared the street with the Rogers Park Garden Group. Reporter Sarah Eberspacher / MEDILL appropriately covered it as Sunny support group brightens up gloomy Saturday.





__________________________________________

Friday, October 21, 2011

Today in Rogers Park - October 21st, 2011

Today in Rogers Park is a series to inform our community of relevant daily events, including the arts, entertainment, presentations and community meetings. - Bill Morton


The Chicago Ghost Hunters Group (CGHG) is a ghost investigation, interest, and research group that operates through Meetup.com but maintains an independent identity as a gathering place for all people who wish to share their curiosity, express their belief or skepticism, and learn more about paranormal phenomena.

The Chicago Ghost Hunters Group meets every third Friday of the Month at Charmers Cafe (1500 W. Jarvis), 7pm. $10 suggested donation. RSVP required.



__________________________________________

Thursday, October 20, 2011

Today in Rogers Park - October 20th, 2011

Today in Rogers Park is a series to inform our community of relevant daily events, including the arts, entertainment, presentations and community meetings. - Bill Morton

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
First Annual Art Auction

7464 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL. 60626


We would like to invite you to join us for great food, networking and a fun auction. All are invited.

Benefits local artists. 5:30pm - 8pm - Free entrance - Please make at least one bid.


__________________________________________

Monday, October 17, 2011

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce October newsletter


You can view the Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce October 2011 newsletter or sign up for monthly updates here.


A quick list of events includes:


Thursday, October 20th - 1st Annual Rogers Park Chamber Art Auction at Alden Village North 7464 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL. 60626 | 5:30pm - 8pm All invited/Free

Friday, October 21st - Halloween Lore at Charmers Cafe 1500 W. Jarvis Avenue Chicago, IL. 60626 | 7pm All invited/$10

Friday, October 21st - Viewing of The Ghost Adventures at Quest Network Services 7301 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL. 60626 | 8:30pm All invited/Free

Saturday, October 29th - Halloween Party at Quest Network Services 7301 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL. 60626 | 5pm - midnight All invited/bring a treat to share

Saturday, November 5th - Bishop's Annual Dinner and Awards Ceremony at Church of the Atonement 5749 N. Kenmore Avenue Chicago, IL. 60660 | 4pm - 10pm RSVP required/$50 per person

Monday, November 7th - Wine Tasting at Taste Food & Wine 1506 W. Jarvis Avenue Chicago, IL. 60626 | 6 - 7:30pm All invited/Free



__________________________________________

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Rogers Bark pumpkin carving contest


Rogers Bark 1447 W. Jarvis Avenue Chicago, IL. 60626


__________________________________________

Rahm at Loyola Station

"It may have has something to do with the upcoming Loyola Station renovation. I have a video press release from the CTA featuring Chicago Transit Board Chairman Terry Peterson, Senator Dick Durbin, Robert Whittmann (CTA) and Vice President of Facilities (Loyola University) Kana Wibbenmeyer regarding the renovation".

- Bill Morton (conversation on EveryBlock)

__________________________________________

Friday, October 14, 2011

RPCC Art Auction at Alden Village North


Thursday, October 20th, 2011

Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce
First Annual Art Auction

Alden Village North
7464 N. Sheridan Road
Chicago, IL. 60626



The Rogers Park Chamber of Commerce will host an art auction that will benefit local artists. Tastes by a local restaurant will be provided by Alden Village North.

5:30pm - 8pm All invited/Free



__________________________________________

Tuesday, October 11, 2011

Our old water tower





__________________________________________

Rogers Park antiquity




__________________________________________

Monday, October 10, 2011

Jackolantern


It's that time of year again!

__________________________________________

7301 N. Sheridan Road









7301 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL. 60626

__________________________________________

Sunday, October 9, 2011

Faces of The Parlor


The Parlor of Quest Network Services 7301 N. Sheridan Road Chicago, IL. 60626

__________________________________________

Saturday, October 8, 2011

Eliza Rickman performs at Charmers Cafe




1500 W. Jarvis Avenue 
Chicago, IL. 60626



Sunday, October 9th, 2011 - 3pm


Eliza Rickman's unique and haunting sound combines the lilting sweetness of popular vocalists like Feist or Annie Clark with the gritty sensibilities of PJ Harvey and the playfulness of Kurt Weill.

Eliza recorded her first full-length effort this past winter with Chicago-based engineer Mark Greenberg (Andrew Bird, Wilco, Mavis Staples). It was funded by a wildly successful Kickstarter campaign during her nationwide spring tour,... when over $12k were raised (out of a $6k goal). The album is anticipated for release in the fall of 2011, and highlights Eliza's talent for writing string arrangements, and includes contributions from percussionist Kevin O'Donnell (Andrew Bird's 'Bowl of Fire') & bassist Tom V. Ray (Neko Case, Jakob Dylan).

Two stunning music videos were made in 2010 with Mindfruit Films for songs off her toy piano-based EP, 'Gild the Lily' (2009). The first video ("Cinnamon Bone") was completed in the spring, and is a reverse effect, slow motion short film about a young woman reliving her heartbreak through the seasons. All effects for the video were analog only, and this unique concept landed "Cinnamon Bone" a spot at 2011's SXSW Film Festival. A stop-motion video for "Black Rose" was released six months later.

More about Eliza Rickman HERE.

__________________________________________

Thursday, October 6, 2011

Rogers Park dogs


__________________________________________

Wednesday, October 5, 2011

It's Happening



__________________________________________

Rogers Park dogs


__________________________________________

Ultimate Soccer Chicago


If you can't get enough soccer, Ultimate Soccer Chicago is here in Rogers Park!

__________________________________________

Tuesday, October 4, 2011

Rogers Park guitarist, Edward Yeo



__________________________________________

It's Happening




__________________________________________

Rogers Park dogs



__________________________________________

Monday, October 3, 2011

It's Happening


Leaves changing at S&C Electric

__________________________________________

Sunday, October 2, 2011

Thoreau's Corner


Thoreau's Corner is located on the Northwest corner of Jarvis and Greenview.


__________________________________________

Saturday, October 1, 2011

Today in Rogers Park - October 1st, 2011

Today in Rogers Park is a series to inform our community of relevant daily events, including the arts, entertainment, presentations and community meetings. - Bill Morton



Yard Sale 1245 W. Jarvis Avenue Chicago, IL. 60626



__________________________________________