Community is helping to restore Josephine's

The community is helping restore Josephine's!

The Chicago Tribune has reported in today's paper that Josephine's (also known as Captain's Hard TIme Dining), is back in business. They had to shut down due to copper wiring being stolen. Thepaper reported that IBEW Local 134, electric company MZI Group Inc. and ComEd are reworking wires at cost to help restore the business.

The NextDoor Community and Jahmal Cole of My Block, My Hood, My City have been huge contributors to the restoration.

You can still contribute by going to the GoFundMe page from Jahmal Cole. The fund is currently at $5389 of the $10,000 goal, more than half way there. Keep it up, community!

Josephine's Dining closed due to copper theft

Our very own Josephine's was robbed last night of copper wiring, causing the restaurant to close until further repairs can be done.

Josephine's (also known to many as Captain Hard Times Dining) is located at 436 E. 79th and has been a community fixture for many years.

And another of our very own, Jahmal Cole, has set up a Go Fund Me to help Josephine's. As of 3:30pm today, they reached $2073 out of a $10,000 goal.

The story appeared on Fox 32 news at noon. Expect tosee it at other outlets soon.

Here is the full story from the Chicago Tribune:

Copper wire theft has has hit another Chicago restaurant.

Surveillance cameras recorded someone climbing to the roof of Capt.’s Hard Time Dining in the Chatham neighborhood Tuesday night, according to multiple sources.

Owner Josephine Wade, known as Mother Wade in the community, could not be reached immediately for comment. The restaurant is currently closed, confirmed employee Barbara Wade, no relation.

The soul food restaurant, open for more than 50 years, is perhaps best known for its chicken and waffles.Total damage estimates may be as high as $20,000, said sources close to Mother Wade, including repairs, refrigerated food loss and lost revenue, according to television news reports.

A GoFundMe crowdfunding campaign has been created by My Block, My Hood, My City founder Jahmal Cole. At last check, $1,933 of the $10,000 goal had been raised.

Earlier this year, Antique Taco’s Bridgeport location was also hit by copper wire theft, forcing a temporary closure. The restauraunt reopened April 2.

Capt.’s Hard Time Dining, 436 E. 79th St., 773-487-2900; www.gofundme.com/capt-hard-times-needs-your-help

lchu@chicagotribune.com
Twitter @louisachu

Let us know you have been touched by Josephine Wade and how you would like to help.

Celebrating Josephine "Mother" Wade

Josephine "Mother" Wade , owner of Josephine's Cooking (formerly known as Captain's Hard Time Dining), at 436 E. 79th Street,  has had a very good week.

This weekend, she was honored with a stretch of 79th street named after her, in an honorary street sign. The event was attended by several community leaders and politicians.

She was also featured in  the most recent issue of the African American Tribune (on the cover and a story; the issue is available in many places, such as churches).

From the Inspiration 1390 AM Facebook page - https://www.facebook.com/Inspiration1390/photos/pcb.10154717253174900/10154717238704900/?type=3&theater

Today she was on the morning show on Inspiration 1390 AM with Sonya Blakey. She talked about her history with the neighborhorhood, community involvement. She also noted that she actually wanted to keep the name Captain's Hard Time Dining. Her son, in consultation with others, thought it would be better branding to not have "negativity" (i.e. "Hard time") in the name, though she noted that the name change threw a lot of people off. She also shared th emany connections she has in our city and community.

  I (JP Paulus) even called in, and with a short description was able to identify me. (I am not sure if that aired...I called around 8:45 am but didn't hear it in the next hour). She definitely has the gift of connection.

Sonia posted a Facebook live conversation at https://www.facebook.com/Sonya-Blakey-189143197792913/

Mother Wade was in the restaurant shortly after her appearance on 1390AM, and might still be there if you stop by today to wish her Happy Birthday!


Congratulations Mother Wade!

Community press conference regarding Eddie Johnson

A press conference was called today by Richard Wooten, former police officer and current leader of the Gathering Point Community Council and Grater Chatham Alliance, meeting at Josephine’s (formerly Captain’s Hard Time dining

Eddie Johnson was scheduled to appear (after meeting with Wooten and several ministers a few days ago). Unfortunately, Johnson was called into a meeting with Mayor Emanuel as well as having the President come to University of Chicago that day, so he was not in attendance.

Wooten instead used the press conference as an opportunity to express support for Eddie Johnson as permanent Police Superintendent. Wooten was joined by representatives of community organizations from West Chesterfield, Chesterfield, Chatham, Englewood, Greater Grand Crossing and Park Manor as well as 6^th Ward Alderman Rod Sawyer and Victor Love & Josephine Wade of the restaurant.

 

Wooten and others noted that “We are not pleased with the process, but we are pleased with the person.”

Praises for Johnson included how he boosted morale for officers in the 6^th district, reduced crime, and instituted “Peace in the Park” program at Cole Park, immediately following the death of Thomas Wortham IV.

Wooten also talked about plans for a Justice Town Hall meeting, especially for the residents of the greater area, in which Eddie Johnson will be invited. Specifics will be determined, pending Johnson’s schedule.

Andrea Watson of DNAinfo was in attendance, so expect a story very soon. Channel 2,5,7 and 32 (local CBS, NBC, ABC, & Fox stations, respectively) were also in attendance, so expect stories today as well, perhaps as early as noon or 4pm .

Reporters asked tough questions such as “How can Eddie Johnson change the culture of ‘Code of Silence’ which has been around for generations”

Valentine's Day in Chatham - DNAInfo

If you're looking for last minute activities, DNAInfo has what's going on in Chatham

Here's the list:

• For those looking for some fine wine: A&S Beverages, 308 E. 75th St., is hosting a "Valentine's Day Love Affair" from 6-9 p.m. Friday, a free wine tasting that includes a raffle for a couple to receive a $50 store credit. 
• For those looking to eat southern style food: Luversia's is a hometown favorite in Chatham. 
• For those couples looking for a spiritual environment: Carter Temple CME Church, 7841 S. Wabash Ave., is sponsoring a dinner dance for couples beginning at 7 p.m.
• For those looking for a good rubdown: Infinite Touch of Chicago, 231 E. 79th St., is a massage therapy and mobile spa that personalizes its massages, which include deep skin tissue rubdowns and hot oil treatments. 
• For those looking to eat a little of this and a little of that: Josephine's Cooking, 436 E. 79th St., offers a broad menu from soul food to a good old-fashioned burger. 

For more details, go to
http://www.dnainfo.com/chicago/20140213/chatham/valentines-day-chatham-church-dance-in-home-massages-wine-tasting