Chatham Food Market closing?

Photo by Worlee Glover

On Nextdoor it was reported that Chatham Food Market (fka Chatham Food Center) will be closing March 24, 2019. It was also reported in that thread that the property that would be left vacant won't be in that state for long. If you believe the photo above by Worlee Glover which was shot sometime on Sunday (also posted on Nextdoor), perhaps a name change is in store.

Here's a video posted on this blog over a decade ago from YoChicago which featured the previous owner of the grocery store located at 79th & Calumet. [VIDEO]

Save the Date: 6th Ward Quarterly Meeting

Save the Date: 6th Ward Quarterly Meeting
Saturday, February 24, 2018
Crerar Memorial Church
8100 S Calumet
10:00am-12:00pm

For more information go to 6ward.com or call 773.635.0006

Here's a post from Concerned Citizens of Chatham displaying a flyer

SCam season again in Chatham!

It's that time again. Scammers are hitting our neighborhood. We last posted this 6 years ago.

Today, they hit the 7900=8100 blocks of South Calumet a few minutes ago. 2 women and a man, with orange jackets, individually going door to door They are asking to see/get your electric and gas bills, and claiming they can remove some charges.

Unfortunately, I wasn't thinking fast enough to take photos... but if you can describe them and the direction they are going, you can call 911 and they can send a patrol car.

Just some warnings/advice --

• do NOT open the door -- use your screen door.
• 
  
• NEVER give them any info
• 
  
• Ask them about the last neighbor they talked to -- you will see if they are lying.. and if not, then call and verify with your neighbor! 
• As soon as they leave, CALL or visit your neighbors! I was able to help one of mine with a quick text

Please forward  to social media and other community leaders. Thanks!

DNA Info on monthly business breakfasts at Fleck's Coffee

JP wrote about this monthly event hosted by Bruce Montgomery at Flecks Coffee a while back. I'm very sorry I missed this write-up from DNA Info about it as well. It was written and published the same day but before the actual breakfast took place. Still worth reading however.

How many of you own businesses in the community and would take advantage of this opportunity? Even if you didn't own a business would you be open to meeting neighborhood entrepreneurs?


The next meeting is scheduled for Friday, November 7 at 8am. Flecks Coffee is located at 343 E. 79th Street, Chicago IL 60640.

The Business First Friday Facebook page is located here.

How did the rain affect you?

Look for a post soon detailing the progress of the sewer we have been following...

But with last night's rain, our basement received the worst flooding in the 4 years we have lived here. Did that happen to anyone else? Or could this problem have been prevented if the sewer work was completed? Or was it just a bad rainstorm?

EDIT: my wife informed me of power outages at 87th Street (including manual traffic control) and at stores such as the strip mall at 83rd & State Street. How have you been affected?

Sewers - repairs are under way.

I posted an entry on Sunday (but written on Friday) about the sewer problem on the 80th block of Calumet. 

Between Friday and Saturday, someone came out and spray painted information for an imminent repair, as well as laying planks to cover the hole.

Also, I drove by Tuesday morning, and regarding the problem at Calumet & 83rd, serious repairs are now under way.  Hopefully, their next stop is 8012 S. Calumet and the 7900 block of Calumet.

83rd & Calumet getting SERIOUS repair

July 2 = Annual Independence Day Outdoor Cookout at the Chatham Food Market

From the Chatham Now blog...

Stop by for the annual Independence Day Outdoor Cookout, from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., Saturday, July 2, 2011, with great grocery shopping at Chatham Food Market, 327 East 79Th Street in the heart of the Chatham retail strip!

Sleep out at Cole Park - Friday August 20th

Ald. Lyle was on the Garrard McClendon Live Show on CLTV on Thursday, July 22. She was being interviewed regarding the latest police slaying. During that time she mentioned a community sleepover being planned. Basically , neighborhood residents staying in the park, like camping, and taking it back for the community.

The date is Friday night, August 20th at Cole Park , 85th & King Drive.

When I mentioned this to my wife, her immediate reaction was to shake her head and say no. Anyone else facing this problem -- of wanting to be involved, but being shut down by people close to you? I wish i could get my daughter out...i just might go by myself if i have to.

We could use an event like that at Ruggles Playlot, just to stave off the alcoholics and gangbangers ruining the park

One other footnote -- I think Garrard McClendon Live is a great show, and I'd love the opportunity to pursuade Garrard and his family to move to our area. People like him, who provided the best reaction to the worst circumstance, is a great community leader, and would be an absolute asset here. I'd love to have him as a neighbor!

Free July 3 BBQ at Chatham Food Market

Just a reminder about the free BBQ at CHatham Food Market this SATURDAY, July 3 (but in honor of Independence day on the 4th).

They are at 327 E. 79th Street (on 79th at Calumet).

Times weren't listed, but  stop by between 11a, and 3pm, and you should find something.

Property for Sale

Here's the listing for 7903 S. Calumet, which is actually the building on the corner of 79th & Calumet.

This is building that houses the oft-mentioned Creative Floral & Gifts.

Here's a real estate website's description:

SIX STORE FRONTS PLUS 16 UNITS (10 STUDIOS, 6- 1 BEDROOM).

STORE FRONTS SEPARATE HEATING INSTALLED 12/08.

WELL MAINTAINED BUILDING.

NEW PORCHES JULY 2009.

NEW WINDOWS.

SELLER SAYS LETS MAKE A DEAL.

I do not believe it is worth the $1.35 million asking price, but i would like to see a good owner take it over. I believe the building next door is for sale as well. Perhaps part can be torn down (but the keep the facade for a lobby), and turned into a parking lot, as there is really no parking for the building.

Perhaps something can be done with the apartments as well...?

Abandoned building at 8212 S. Calumet

Here's a building at 8212 S. Calumet that is apparently abandoned and/or in forclosure.

You can see the wind blowing the curtain on the top photo.

This building is in horrible shape...there are SEVERAL broken windows. Aren't they required to board these up?




This home seems like a nice start up home for young people. A porch on the side to do work, for example.

Anyone have any background on this property? It's very unusual, as other properties are well kept..

UPDATE: Included are some interior photos. The back windows were broken open, so you could see what's left of the interior.





Also, a photo of the garage.
ALSO: The building next door to it is for sale. I talked with an agent who was putting up a sign Thursday. She said the other proerty is a 3 bedroom that needs lots of work. They are asking $60,000 for it, but are very willing to negotiate.
If someone had enough money, it might be worth buying the two proerties and tearing them down. You could build a bigger home, with more yard space, in a safe neighborhood. Anyone interested?

8000 & 8100 South Calumet block club meeting tonight

The 8000 & 8100 blocks of Calumet are meeting TONIGHT (Thursday, March 25th) at 6:30 pm at Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church, 8100 S. Calumet (corner of Calumet and 81st).

We will cast a new vision for the block club, as well as share new information.
If you are just coming form work, please feel free to bring your dinner.

An RSVP is requested.

Contact JP Paulus at 312 (area code), 282- 2809 or e-mail jp ((at)) paulus ((dot)) com to RSVP.

8000 & 8100 South Calumet block club meeting on March 25

The 8000 & 8100 blocks of Calumet are meeting on Thursday, March 25th at 6:30 pm at Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church, 8100 S. Calumet (corner of Calumet and 81st).

We will cast a new vision for the block club, as well as share new information.

If you are just coming from work, please feel free to bring your dinner.

An RSVP is requested.

Contact JP Paulus at 312 (area code), 282- 2809 or e-mail jp ((at)) paulus ((dot)) com to RSVP.

Valentine's Special : Creative Floral

Creative Floral & Gifts has a sale this week.

Order by February 11, and get free delivery. Get 10% off if you mention this blog post (mention JP to the owner, Carole) or bring in an ad.

And if you come in and fill out a survey, you get a free pen, and a chance to win something else.

Creative Floral and Gifts' contact info:

343 E 79th ST
Chicago, IL 60619

phone: (773)-846-2929
fax: (773)-846-2934

The business is located in the southeast corner of 79th & Calumet, across the street from Chatham Food Market.

Christmas Decorations: 8000 block of Calumet

A few photos from my block. Sorry they aren't very good. (We welcome submissions form our readers).

On the 8000 Block of South Calumet, our tradition is to have out light posts alternate between Red & Green colors.

In upcoming posts we will publish photos of different blocks, who each have their own traditions. Please let us know of your own block. We're also interested in finding the best block for Christmas lights in the 6th Ward. Let us know!

Special events at Creative Floral and Gifts

Creative Floral & Gifts are one of my favorite local businesses. Some day we'll write up a profile of the business

A couple of special events to be aware of:
1. Christmas Wreath Classes: Mondays, 5pm - 6:30pm and Tuesdays, 10am-11:30am
2. "Open House" with refreshments, door prizes, as well as 20% Silk arrangements and Christmas Decorations. Dec. 10th & 11th, 17th & 18th
When you go, tell them that JP sent you. You probably won't get a gift or extra discount or anything, but probably a big smile.

Tangent: They also hosted Ruggles school students in a tree decoration a week or so ago. (Just another example of how local businesses can interact with the community in creative ways)

8000 & 8100 S. Calumet block club meeting TOMORROW (Thursday)

The 8000 & 8100 blocks of Calumet are meeting tomorrow (Thursday, Dec. 10) at 6:30 pm at Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church, 8100 S. Calumet (corner of Calumet and 81st).

This meeting will elect new officers for 2010 as well as cast a new vision for the block club.

A light meal will be served (sandwixhes, chips, soft drinks), but an RSVP is requested (toget enough food). Contact JP Paulus at 312 (area code), 282- 2809 or e-mail jp ((at)) paulus ((dot) )com to RSVP.

Please note that this meeting is at the same time as the 6th Ward Alderman's meeting.

8000 & 8100 S. Calumet Block club meeting Dec. 10

The 8000 & 8100 S. Calumet Block club has a meeting on Dec. 10 at 6:30pm. Meet at Crerar Memorial Presbyterian Church, at 81st & Calumet.

This is a very important meetings as not only officers will be elected, but a new vision for the club will be cast.

If you are interested, please contact JP at

Leave a comment as well..

p.s. Note that this is the same time as Alderman Lyle's monthly 6th Ward meeting