Summer 2009

BAM! FESTROCKS ROSCOE VILLAGEJune 20th & 21st

Roscoe Village will celebrateits 3rd annual BAM! Fest onBelmont Avenue June 20th &21st. BAM! will feature twodays of non-stop live musicwith over 60 vendors. Q101radio, our own Vintner’s CellarWinery, Anheuser-Busch andthe Roscoe Village Chamberof Commerce invite you tocome out and enjoy yourweekend on Belmont Avenue.Don’t forget to bring Dad forFather’s Day!

If you are interested in volunteering, drop us a lineat: info@rvcc.biz. All volun-teers will receive a very coolt-shirt, FREE admission, anda VIP invite to the pre-volun-teer party at the Four Trey’sTavern Tuesday, June 16th.Check out www.bamfest.bizfor additional info.

DISCOVER MORE IN ROSCOE VILLAGE

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

From the President 2

From the Executive Director 2

Alderman’s Update 3

BAM! FEST Info 4-5

MORE in Roscoe Village 6-7

Commander’s Note 8

Lane Tech Principal’s Note 8

Volume 1 Issue 3

by Kelsey Gonzalez

FROM FUNKY & COOL TO FAMILY-FRIENDLY,DISCOVER WHY BELMONT AVENUE HAS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE.

ART & WINE LOVERS

Moka Gallery Considered the “Most International ArtGallery in Chicago,” Moka represents the artof established, emerging and upcomingartists from around the world. Catch monthlyart openings and exhibits in the main galleryand browse rotating collections in theircollection gallery.Visit from 12-6 p.m. Tuesday-Friday or

make an appointment by calling 773-975-

2285 • www.mokagallery.com

Vintner’s Cellar WineryThose that appreciate their wine are sure toappreciate this unique wine-bar/micro-wineryhybrid. Vintner’s offers daily wine tastings($12 for a sample of six) and Friday-night

live music. The moreadventurous can maketheir own wine throughthe experience ofblending, corking andbottling their ownbatches. Guests also havethe option to createpersonalized labels for atruly customized bottle. Call 773-290-2797 for

private party bookings

www.wine-chicago.com

ORGANIC GOODIES

The Bleeding Heart BakeryCertified-organic, vegan flatbreads, scones,seasonal quiches, cupcakes, cookies, dessertpastries and custom-made cakes make this anatural choice for healthier delectables sureto be a hit at any gathering.773-327-6934

www.thebleedingheartbakery.com

HEALTHY AND FIT

Dream DinnersStreamline dinnertime with Dream Dinners’cool concept to get healthy dinners on thetable in no time flat. Browse their deliciousmonthly menus, make your selections andset up a session-time to prepare. You gohome with freezable entrees without themess of clean-up and with all the benefits ofa home-cooked meal.773-697-4289 • www.dreamdinners.com

Urban Family ChiropracticFrom over-worked grown-ups to kids andmoms-to-be, everyone can benefit from theyears of experience offered by familypractitioner Dr. Shane Swaney. Treating theeffects of working and living in a big city, hecan help you feel better today.773-880-0900 •

www.urbanfamilychiro.com

The Helios Center for MovementNurture mind, body and spirit with Helios’signature Fletcher Pilates® classes. Safe andfun for any age, body-type or fitness level,this Pilates method uses classic mind-body

continued on page 6

FROM THE PRESIDENT

FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

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For this edition of INSIGHT, we decided to feature our 3rdannual BAM! FEST and the businesses on Belmont Avenue.BAM! FEST (Belmont Arts & Music Fest) is produced by theRoscoe Village Chamber of Commerce (RVCC) and will beheld Saturday, June 20th and Sunday, June 21st onBelmont between Damen and Leavitt. This year there will beanother stellar line up of musical acts, great food and morevendors then ever. BAM! FEST is a great way to celebrate

the beginning of summer, and to showcase what the street has to offer. Somestill remember our stretch of Belmont as “Antique Row” and although there arestill great antique shops, Belmont has become a diverse hub of retailers andservice providers. To find out more be sure to check out Discover more inRoscoe Village and our Belmont Avenue Map enclosed. We hope you will get toknow the multitude of Belmont businesses, the services they offer and will doyour best to shop local!

If you own a business and have not done so already, I strongly encourage youto join up and join in and become involved with the Roscoe Village Chamber ofCommerce. More then ever the businesses in our community need to cometogether to support each other and work together. For more information, justcheck out our website at www.RVCC.biz.

Thanks for reading, and we hope to see you at BAM! FEST

Cheers,

Mike Green, President, RVCC

Usually, when we talk about Roscoe Village, the first thingthat comes to mind is Roscoe Street. Its tree lined, filledwith numerous boutiques and restaurants, free of noisy busroutes and quite charming. But what about Belmont Avenue?Sometimes I feel like I'm in a Brady Bunch episode — allwe talk about is Roscoe, Roscoe, Roscoe (Marcia, Marcia,Marcia) with Belmont the equivalent to a Jan Brady — it'sdifficult to get noticed. The RVCC has been working on this

very issue and that's one of the reasons we decided to have BAM! FEST onBelmont Avenue three years ago. The exposure and visibility for the merchants iscritical. In October, the merchants on Belmont will have their inaugural eveningevent Feeling Better on Belmont. No doubt, you will be invited to get acquaintedwith what's new on the Avenue.

In today's newsletter article we highlight some of the businesses on Belmont(we could not include everyone due to space limitations). We hope you enjoyreading about what's on Belmont and we encourage you to take a meander thissummer down Belmont Avenue; I guarantee you will be pleasantly surprised atwhat you might discover.

Happy findings,

Mary Markarian, Executive Director, RVCC

2009 CHAMBER OFFICERS

PresidentMike Green

Village Tap

Vice PresidentGuy Grundhoefer

Dun-Wel Lithograph

TreasurerRon Kinn

Skyline Insurance

SecretaryKim Martorano

Chicago Mortgage Group

DirectorsFrankie Andrae

Original Expressions

Lindsay Dressman

Fifth Third Bank

Colleen Flood

Four Treys Tavern

Carol Ingmanson

DeVry University

Jenna Wilayto

Helios Center for Movement

STAFFExecutive Director

Mary Markarian

BookkeeperChandra Barzvi

The Roscoe Village Chamber of Commerce is a non-for profit organization committed to representing Roscoe Village Businesses and

to advancing the growth and prosperity of theRoscoe Village neighborhood.

RVCC is located at:3201 North Wolcott Ave.

Chicago, IL 60657p • 773.327.5123f • 773.935.3581

DEAR ROSCOE VILLAGE BUSINESSOWNERS AND RESIDENTS,

There are many good thingshappening in our city and on behalf ofthe community, thanks for being a partof it. As many of you know, my officehas implemented a series of policiesthat encourage citizens to getinformation, get involved, and tell us

what they would like to have happen. To that end, we havealso been actively working with the RVCC and neighborhoodgroups to support a strong business community throughoutthe RVCC area of Addison, Ravenswood, Diversey and Western.

In the City Council, I have advocated open and transparentgovernment by sponsoring the TIF (Tax Increment Financing)Districts Sunshine ordinance that will open up the books onthis multi-billion dollar tax. The TIF tax does not show up onyour tax bill, but it does generate hundreds of millions oftaxpayer dollars every year. I have also worked with fellowaldermen to introduce a package of business friendlyproposals that will reduce the burden on small businesses inour city. Working with the Chicagoland Chamber ofCommerce, we want to phase out the Employer Head Tax toencourage more hiring. Eliminate downtown parking taxes onweekends to encourage shopping, dining and theatre goers inthe Central Business District, which if successful can beimplemented elsewhere. Streamline business licenses,permits and fees to make it more efficient for the City andbusinesses and stop the nickel and dime approach, andimplement a moratorium on future meter rate increases until“Pay and Display” metering is installed.

One of the most important fights I have undertaken isagainst the recent parking meter deal that was jammedthrough the City Council in December. The long-term negativeeffects of this ill-advised 75-year lease will be felt for decades;in both the loss of long-term city revenues and in our lostability to conduct simple urban planning in each of ourneighborhoods. The City no longer has effective control overthe meters. My office undertook our own analysis of the deal

when we were denied access to the financial data theAdministration used to cut the deal. The outlook provided inour analysis showed that not only was the price undervaluedbut massive long term debt incurred in the lease will be borneby future generations, while the short term gains remain to beseen.

Springtime is also time for repairing infrastructure andcleaning. The long winter left thousands of potholes andsewer collapses throughout the area and many unfinishedconstruction projects that the City can now complete with thewarmer weather. We are progressing with plans for the DamenAvenue reconstruction, the new vision for the Damen, Elstonand Fullerton reroute, and Water Department sewer reliningand repairs in Roscoe Village. My office will continue tofacilitate the infrastructure repairs and keep you informed ofmajor projects we are considering for the area. I alsoencourage all shop owners to be vigilant in keeping the areaaround your business clean and attractive to residents,businesses and shoppers.

Thanks for taking the time to be a part of the RoscoeVillage Community. If there are issues you would like to knowmore about please call us and let us know.

Thank you,

Alderman Scott Waguespack, 32nd Ward

(773) 248-1330

TIF'S, PARKING AND POTHOLES, OH MY!

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WISHBONE SouthernCooking

JUNE

FRIDAYSFish Camp

THURSDAYS

LIVE MUSIC6:30-9 pm FREE

3 3 0 0 N . L i n c o l n A v e . 7 7 3 . 5 4 9 - 2 6 6 3

BBQ NIGHT

CAR INSURANCE WITH PERSONAL SERVICE. NO EXTRA CHARGE.

State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company • State Farm Indemnity CompanyBloomington, IL • statefarm.com®P040203 05/05

LIKE A GOOD NEIGHBOR, STATE FARM IS THERE.®

Chris Hoskinson, Agent2332 W Belmont AvenueChicago, IL 60618Bus: 773-348-8700www.chrishoskinson.com

Ole’ Fashioned Sidewalk SaleJuly 11 & 12 . 12 PM - 6 PM . Roscoe Village

Shop local and support Roscoe Village Retailers

Huge savings at all your favorite shops

Enjoy great food and drinks at many neighborhood hot spots

If you would like to volunteer, please call 773-327-5123

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BELMONT AVE1823

1832 1846 1902 1906 2042 2048 2058

CHICAGO MORTGAGE

GROUP248.4300

VINTNER’S WINE CELLAR290.2797

S+S HOME BUILDERS

665.1900

WORKROOM472.2140

URBAN FAMILY

CHIROPRACTIC272.2317

SMARTY PARTY

687.0521

SOUTHPORT HAIR STUDIO477.9319

UNICOIART STUDIO975.6515

BUDGET BLINDS

472.4762

ALFARO’SHAIR SALON935.0202

YORUK RUG GALLERY

529.8749

WILLIAMS STOKER & HEATING

549.7997

BRUSHIN’ ON BELMONT281.9800

GLOBAL CHIROPRACTIC

CARE525.8100

2007 2041 2047 2049 2051 2059

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principles of breath, movement and spirit to help you makeinspiring life transformations.773-248-0920 • www.heliosmovement.com

THE KNOCK-OUT BRIDE

Luxe A SalonBring on the mimosas, girlfriend,and vow to wow on the big day atLuxe A Salon. Bring your party in forunbelievable flattering sexy andmodern wedding styles andflawlessly fresh makeup applications.The salon can be yours for one hourto six hours.Call for more details 773-665-2049

• www.luxeasalon.com

Cake GirlsCake Girls founders Mary and Brenda Maher have gained anationwide reputation for their delicious and absolutelymind-blowing artistic cake creations. Little wonder celebritieslike Bono, Queen Latifah, Pete Wentz and Ashlee Simpsonchoose this Belmont Avenue shop for their specialcelebrations. Check out WeTV for their reality show “AmazingWedding Cakes.”Wedding cake consultations by appoint Tues-Sat from

9-4:30pm; all other specialty cake orders by phone at

773-404-3147 • www.thecakegirls.com

Leonie’s PapersCustomers love this little shop forits personal attention and wideselection of wedding invites, birthannouncements and partyinvitations. Custom order premiumpapers and cards or choose from awide selection available forprinting in-store (1-3 days) or onyour own computer. Keep comingback for their unique selection ofany-occasion gifts and cards. Ashining little gem of a resource! 773-935-1070 • www.leoniespaper.com

THE WELL-DRESSED DUDE

RevolverSay goodbye to shopping hell and pull your look together withone trip to this ultra-cool men’s boutique. They offer apersonalized shopping experience that makes it quick andeasy to get all your favorite high-end labels… and carry-off thelatest looks with confidence.773-832-4866 • www.ishoprevolver.com

Families Feel Better on Belmont

WITH SO MANY NEW PARENTS MOVING INTO ROSCOE VILLAGE,IT’S LITTLE WONDER THAT FAMILY-ORIENTED BUSINESS AREPOPPING UP ALL OVER BELMONT.

THROW A PARTY!

Smarty PartyHands down, this place throwsthe best-themed kids partiesyou can imagine! They’ll helpyou set up the entire package,complete with entertainment,and then clean up after thechaos. And, be sure to checkout their fabulous summercamps and day camps whenthe kids are out of school. Smarty Party also offers a wide-variety of activities and classes for kids. Sign school-age kidsup for Spanish classes or take your toddler to pre-school class.773-687-0521 • www.smartyparty.us

Unicoi Art StudioLet imaginations run wild with classes, camps and partiessure to set off the artistic passions of kids and adults alike.Design t-shirts, make a teacher’s class gift, throw aone-of-a-kind baby shower or plan a Girl Scout event. As witheverything creative, the possibilities are endless.773-975-6515 • www.unicoistudio.com

Discover More… continued from page 1

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BELMONT AVE2146 2302 2332

STATE FARM INSURANCE348.8700

SKYLINE INSURANCE525.7500

MORGAN’S DOG TRAINING

FACILITY477.0757

BART HARRISPHOTOGRAPHY

975.0070

DREAMDINNERS

632.7999

ROONEY REALITY

388.1499

CHI-TOWNDOG HOUSE348.9663

EARTHPUPS

348.7877

FARMER’S INSURANCE388.8760

OF MUTTS AND MEN

477.0402

SALONDe VIVE

477.9319

LUXE SALON

665.2049

HELIO’S CENTER FOR MOVEMENT248.0920

223121552149213721252109 2215 2301

2124 2132

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Summertime Fun!

PACK UP A PICNIC AND HEAD TO FELLGER PARK FOR ANAFTERNOON OF SUNSHINE AND FUN. DON’T FORGET TOWELS,THE SPRAY-POOL IS HUGELY POPULAR IN THE DOG-DAYS OFSUMMER!

Suckers CandyAfter the park, head north on Damen for goodies or ice cream.Set-up like an old-fashioned candy store, this place is kidheaven. You can’t miss it; it’s the only place we know of inChicago with a giant penguin in the front.773-549-1706 • www.suckerscandyinc.com

A Sunny Afternoon Strolling forAntiques & Quirky Finds

A CHECKLIST OF FUN SHOPS TO EXPLORE:

Night and Day Vintage773-327-4045 • www.nightanddayvintage.com

Lazy Dog Antiques773-281-3644 • www.lazydogantiques.net

Simon’s Antiques773-525-4322 • www.simonsantiques.com

Father Time AntiquesLongstanding reputation as the place to buy or repairwristwatches, pocket watches and clocks.773-880-5599 • www.fathertimeantiques.com

FOR TRAINING, BOARDING, GROOMING OR JUST PLAIN FUNWITH FIDO, BELMONT HAS A SURPRISING NUMBER OF PLACESTO GO!

Earth PupsSpecializing in small-breeds and special-needs pooches, EarthPups offers free small-breed playgroups as well as grooming,daycare, boarding and a natural food and product boutique.773-348-PUPS (7877) • www.earthpups.com

Morgan’s DogsMorgan’s Dogs has been a staple in the canine fitness/trainingarena for years. Stop by their shop for a large selection healthfoods, treat and non-toxic toys.773-477-0757 • www.morgansdogs.com

Of Mutts and MenNot your usual dog park, this indoor play-park gets you out ofthe weather when walks with Fido just aren’t too appealing.773-477-7171

Chi-Town Dog House4,500 square-feet of indoor/outdoor fun! Chi-Town offersboarding, daycare and baths.773-348-WOOF! • www.chitowndoghouse.com

MUSICALLY-INCLINED

Beat KitchenGather friends for a casual dinner in a pub-style atmosphereand stay for a live performance of local andnationally-recognized bands. From indie rock to punk to heavymetal, you’re sure to find a band that inspires you.Log on to www.beatkitchen.com or call 773-278-6600 for

upcoming events and ticket information.

Andy’s MusicEver heard of a didgeridoo? How about a Hindustani guitar? If music is your passion, you MUST pay a visit to this place.With knowledgeable staff and hundreds of exotic and unusualmusical instruments from around the world, you’ll be in herefor hours. In addition to the more exotic instruments, Andy’soffers a full-service drum store, electric and acoustic guitarsand private lessons.773-868-1234 • www.andysmusic.com

Map not to scale. All phone numbers contain a (773) prefix.

Chamber Members listed only. If your interested in becoming

an RVCC member, please contact us at (773) 327-5123.

BEWARE OF SCAM ARTISTS!

WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBILITY FOR STUDENTS

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Dear Neighbor,Pardon our dust. You may have noticed or

wondered about the construction vehiclesgoing in and out of our parking lot? We arefortunate to be the recipient of a $4 millionADA upgrade to help make Lane’s facilitymore accessible to our wheelchair students.Chief among the many projects are installingramps and replacing the sidewalks within ourhistoric Memorial Garden, restoring andwidening what used to be a beautiful

entrance to the library, installing a lift to enable wheelchair studentsto access the auditorium from the first floor, upgrading eight bath-rooms (4 boys’; 4 girls’) with accessible stalls, constructing a new

dark room and replacing over 100 classroom doors. This constructionwill move into high gear this summer – December 2009 is the targetdate for completion. Later, CPS will also construct a model apartmentcenter within one of our larger classrooms for disabled students topractice independent living skills – due date undetermined.

Finally, we are still hopeful that stadium construction will contin-ue with a renovation of the west stands and also that the dirtmounds left by earlier work on the east side will be removed so ourstudents can once again use the playing fields currently inaccessible.

Antoinette LoBosco, Principal Lane Tech College Prep High School

We all hear about con artists who prey on the elderly. Be aware that in tough times,they cast a wider net for victims. Be cautiousso you and those you love don’t become victims.

Open your e-mail and there are dozens ofoffers. Not just strangers offering to shareinheritances from deceased foreigners or your$50,000 check card awaits. The most suc-cessful scams answer your requests.

Have you tried to sell something on E-bay or Craigslist? Whatabout posting your resume online or advertising your home business?The newest scam involves someone investing time with you. Theyrespond to you by e-mail or texting, show an interest in what you areselling or seeking, share your passions and tell you about their life aswell. They offer to buy your item, place a deposit on your services orpay you a month advance for a job. They are the most pleasant per-son you have never actually met. They agree to what you asked forand send you a cashier’s check.

Oh, and the check was written for more because maybe it wassent by their out of town aunt who didn’t know the price. Or was it for the rent on the office they want you to work from? Maybe it’sfor medicine for the sick relative that you are hired to care for. Thereason there is extra can always be explained. It fits well with the life story they have told you as they gain your confidence. Whatever

reason, would you be so kind as to deposit the check, take your partand send the rest to somebody else?

Banks tend to honor cashier checks without too much question-ing. This is because the FDIC requires a bank to make money avail-able from a cashier’s, certified or teller’s check within five days.Problems start when it is sent off for collection. If it is a high qualityforgery, it could bounce between banks for a few weeks before it isdiscovered. Your new friend has cashed your check and you are leftowing the bank. The scam artist is nothing more then a disposablecell phone number and a closed post office box.

It is never rude to think about an offer. We think nothing of abank asking for identification when we cash a check or being toldthere is a several day hold on out of state checks. It is only fair thatyou ask the same. If you catch yourself, even for an instant, trying to understand the transaction then stop and think it through. If youhave never seen the woman you are giving money to, do you reallyknow it is a woman? The simple rule to follow is never be a thirdparty in moving money through your accounts for people you don’tknow.

You can always call us at (312) 744-5574 with questions aboutcrimes, seatbelt installations, safety surveys and speakers.Community crime information is available online at our ClearMapSystem, gis.chicagopolice.org

Be safe, John Kenny, 19th District Commander