When Aileen Bishop & Nick Huaman decided to pursue their dream of opening a board game store, there was little discussion over the location. "Lincoln Square is where we live and shop and it's a place where we feel absolutely comfortable with our customers coming and going safely." Wanderers' Refuge opened their doors last October at 4546 N. Western Avenue and was immediately embraced by their community. "Our neighbors at Piggy Toes and Los Nopales have been fantastic, as have the many parents from Queen of Angels and Waters Elementary School who stop by regularly in the afternoons." In addition to carrying a variety of board games, miniatures, hobby supplies and books, Wanderers' Refuge currently hosts many regular weekly events, including board game nights, kids gaming, Magic the Gathering tournaments and role-playing game campaigns. Nick and Aileen also wanted to make sure that they're building a community, adding "It was important to us when we opened that this become a safe space for gamers of every gender/identity, age, sexuality, size and color. So far our community of gamers tells us we've been successful in that." For all of the latest information on events and new products, follow Wanderers' Refuge on Facebook or just drop in!

Lincoln Square in the News: National commercial shot in Giddings Plaza  

Lincoln Square Friendship Center. Many of the ward clergy and a representative of Alderman Pawar's office have been meeting for over a year and during those meetings that it was learned that there is more hunger in our neighborhood than we ever thought. Due to a couple of small pantries closing over the past year or so, there is a real need in our community. We are hoping to open the Lincoln Square Friendship Center in 2013 in partnership with the North Park Friendship Center. (Below are two articles from the Welles Park Bulldog and the detailed information about the new pantry.)  

A church, a neighborhood, and a city continually made new 

Please remember to pick up after your dog. We have laminated signs for anyone who would like to post one on your fence.

Coyotes Sighted in the 47th Ward.  In Illinois, coyotes are protected as a furbearer. Coyotes have been in the area for some time and our one of the many wild species that call Chicago home.  There have been no human attacks by coyotes in Illinois in 30 years.  Our furry neighbors are often seen along the riverbank or near Graceland Cemetery.  Do not approach coyotes.  For more information on coyotes, please click here.  

Protect Yourself from the Flu.  The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has reported widespread influenza activity in Illinois and across the nation this year.  In response, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) encourages all residents to take simple steps to help prevent the spread of influenza and continues to offer flu shots in neighborhood locations across the city.

CDPH Fast-Track Immunization Clinics provide flu vaccinations at no charge for adults and children six months and older.  Clinics are open five days a week in several locations across Chicago.  For locations and hours of operation, click here.  Additionally, the CDPH Mobile Immunization CareVan offers free immunizations.

In addition to getting a flu shot, CDPH recommends these simple steps to avoid contracting or spreading the flu.   

Check out the infrastructure map on our webpage !

Water Main for Marshfield  

City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin replacing the 1906 water main under Marshfield from Irving Park to Byron.  This work was slated to start soon, but will be delayed until early Spring. To see the residents' notice, please click here. 

Water Main for Leavitt 

City contractor will be replacing the 1895 water main under Leavitt St. from Irving Park to Montrose.  The work should be completed by early March 2013.  To see the residents' notice, please click here. 

Sewer Mains for Wolcott and Ravenswood

City crews are installing sewer pipes on Wolcott (Addison to Bradley) and Ravenswood (Belmont to Roscoe). The installation will be completed by the end of February and restoration will follow in Spring 2013.  To see the residents' notice, please click here.

Irving Park Streetscape

The final phase of this 2-year streetscape construction will be installation of the new parkway permeable pavers is delayed until spring.  Curb and gutter was completed however the parkway will be filled with a temporary concrete in locations that the pavers were not completed so that they will not create a hazard over the winter.

Metra Traffic Closures and Detours 

• The sidewalk at Foster and Ravenswood is CLOSED until 1/04/2013 to install the bridge supports
• The bridge at Leland is CLOSED until 2/28/2013 to install bridge supports.  
• The bridge at Wilson will have a partial closure until 1/17/2013 to install the structural steel.
• 4500-4600 N. Ravenswood Parking is restricted until 2/28/2013  
• The Ravenswood Metra Station construction continues with intermittent parking restrictions.
• Tieback installation continues between Montrose and Irving Park road with intermittent parking restrictions.
• Parking restrictions and detours may be opened, when possible, and re-closed once work is ready to resume.  

For more information, visit the infrastructure section of our website or contact Bill Higgins at bill@chicago47.org or 773-549-2745.