The EPIC Block Club was founded in 1975, its acronym drawn from its name - Every Person Is Concerned. Now observing its 32nd year, EPIC is one of the oldest block clubs in Edgewater. Its geographic borders are the west side of Broadway, east side of Glenwood, north side of Elmdale, south side of Rosedale and both sides of Magnolia to Ardmore. The entire area is voluntarily covered by 10 block captains or co-captains who distribute flyers announcing meetings and events and gather signatures when petitions are required, among other responsibilities.

EPIC has been served by 17 presidents, its first, the late Kathy Osterman and its most recent, Lynn Pierce. It is governed by an executive board consisting of five officers: president, vice president, corresponding secretary, recording secretary and treasurer. The Executive Board answers to a constituency of over 600 residents, including property owners and tenants. The block club meets quarterly but calls special sessions when issues so demand and hosts informal gatherings, including garage sales, garden walks and potluck dinners. Its annual meeting is held in March when the Executive Board is elected for one-year terms and membership dues of $10.00 per household are collected.

EPIC members have been and are elected to the board of two effective and highly visible community organizations – the Edgewater Community Council and Edgewater Development Corporation. They also represent the block club and its membership as a voting member of the 48th Ward’s Zoning and Planning Committee and as members of Community Policing Beats (CAPS) 2013 and 2433.

In recent years, EPIC has undertaken several initiatives aimed at improving the quality of life in its jurisdictional area. They have included the installation of traffic calming devices, including circles and speed bumps; the posting of rear house numbers on garages, gates and fences; the upgrading of lighting in the 1200 and 1300 blocks of West Elmdale; the search for much needed off-site parking spaces and targeting problem buildings within the block club’s boundaries.

EPIC, through a poll of its membership, also responds to requests from the 48th Ward Alderman’s office, including the approval of liquor license applications and sidewalk cafes. In the wake of increased crime in the area, the block club organized and is conducting weekly positive loitering walks throughout the neighborhood.