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Thanks to all who attended and supported Uptown United and Uptown Chamber's mega-event Encore, Uptown! on October 26. More than 370 attendees dined on appetizers prepared especially for the event by many Uptown restaurants and a dinner catered by Jewell Special Events Catering. Marc Kelly Smith of Poetry Slam and Frank D'Rone and his Trio entertained for the evening, including poetry, singing and dancing. The Aragon never looked better thanks to Ivan and Mercedes Fernandez and Luis Rossi's attention to detail in their restoration of the nostalgic 1926 masterpiece. Looking out at the dance floor from the mezzanine, one could imagine The Aragon during the Big Band days of World War II, picture all the soldiers on leave and all the romances that began in that fairy-tale atmosphere. Ivan, Mercedes and Luis - thank you for keeping The Aragon alive!

Along with Aragon Entertainment, other honorees for the evening were Dave Jemilo, owner of the legendary Green Mill Cocktail Lounge and JAM Productions. The Green Mill is host to all the greatest in jazz and pop as well as Poetry Slam. Ask anyone in-the-know about music and The Green Mill is always a topic. Dave's great taste in music and flair for the creative has made The Green Mill a destination for folks visiting Chicago from all over the world as well as us locals who like to stop in for drinks and some great jazz.

In case you haven't noticed, The Riviera is one of the busiest rock spots in town thanks to the acumen of Arny Granat and Jerry Mickelson of Jam Productions. With the help of Andrew Kaplan, these guys keep things jumping at the corners of Lawrence, Broadway and Racine. Bringing new folks to Uptown to enjoy our venues and amenities is our goal and JAM definitely knows how to bring them in. Thanks Arny, Jerry and Andrew for making the Riv one of the liveliest and most authentic music destinations in Chicago.

Mayor Daley led the ribbon cutting ceremony at the opening of the newly refurbished Leland Hotel on the occasion of its grand re-opening, November 29, 2005. This historic residential establishment at the Southwest corner of Leland and Racine has been completely rehabbed by Heartland Housing with the help of Heartland's Designs for Dignity board. In attendance with the Mayor were Aldermen Helen Shiller (46th Ward), Mary Ann Smith (48th Ward), Ray Suarez (Chairman, Committee on Housing) and Suellen Long, President of Bridgeview Bank. Be sure to stop by and see the marvelously restored exterior of this Uptown gem.

Don't miss the Roots of Argyle mural at the Southwest corner of Argyle and Winthrop. Business and residential neighbors created the concept and design for this 100-year history of Argyle Street, which was executed by Brother Mark Elder of DePaul University. Brother Mark is a world-renowned muralist who created, among other large works, the giant St. Vincent DePaul in the DePaul athletic field. Neighbors wanted to honor the many groups who have made the Argyle area their homes over the past 100 years, including the movie industry, Eastern European Jews, Chinese and Vietnamese immigrants and refugees. Many notable neighbors are depicted including Alderman Marion Volini, Tam Van Nguyen, and the late Jimmy Wong and Charlie Soo. We look forward to including this mural in our website, so check often for more information on the mural, including a key to all the famous folks and a history of Argyle.