all that jazz

The Beverly All Stars are back at the Music Station this Thursday night, 7-10 p.m., with special guests Andre Mills and his energetic young group Perfect Pitch, George Wells (vocals), Bob Helme (woodwinds) and maybe others. Come on down! No cover. 1808 W. 103rd St. (near Wood).

non sequitur Friday

from flooding to fixed

In the last few weeks, flooding on Longwood Drive and other nearby areas has happened a few times due to heavy rains. Last week, construction began on a project that should help ease the problem.

You may have noticed road closure signs at 99th & Longwood, 103rd & Longwood, and on other adjacent streets. Right now construction is under way to replace old sewer pipes (as old as 1895) on Longwood between 100th St. and 101st Pl. The work area extends west to Seeley. Aside from reduced flooding, this will mean repaving of the affected streets (many of which are now in rough condition). The area behind St. Barnabas School (Walden south of 101st) is being used as a staging area for equipment and materials.

The project is supposed to be completed in approx. 6 weeks. If you have any problems or questions, you can call 311, Alderman Matt O'Shea (773-238-8766) or Asst. Water Mgmt. Commissioner Tom LaPorte (312-742-1029).

non sequitur Friday

My Dad always loved bluegrass, so here's a little taste for Father's Day in memory of Dad. If you've never heard these guys before, they are some seriously talented musicians.

weekend flood pickups

From a 19th ward e-mail received today:

Many homeowners in our community were victims of basement, yard or street flooding during yesterday's storm. To aid in the cleanup efforts, the Dept. of Streets and Sanitation will have additional crews collecting flood damaged materials tomorrow, Sat. 6/11 from 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. Any areas not picked up tomorrow will be collected early next week.

Also, we would ask any homeowner who experienced a flooding problem to contact 3-1-1 or our office to make a report. It is important for us to document every instance of flooding so that we can accurately address any sewer problems we may have.

I apologize for your any losses you have suffered as a result of this storm and appreciate your ongoing patience as we work to address these problems.

Thank you,
Matt O'Shea
(773) 238-8766

non sequitur Friday

tree watering

A couple of sources that I've read give a reminder about watering to keep your trees healthy during dry times in summer. Trees need enough moisture to prevent drought stress, otherwise they are more vulnerable to disease, insect problems or death.

A regular sprinkler does not water a tree efficiently and wastes a lot of water. Use a soaker hose instead. Start with a wrap around the trunk, working outward in circles towards the edge of the tree canopy (otherwise known as the drip line). Give the tree a good soak for about 2 hours per week in weeks when there is no rain. The soaker hose will let the water go just where it's needed, without a lot of evaporation or runoff to the street. Your tree will stay healthier.