The battle against rats continues in Chicago, and the Bureau of Rodent Control is on the front-line.  Thanks to modern sanitation these critters no longer pose the health threat they did in days gone by, but we all still need to do our part to limit their population.  Limiting food sources is crucial so cleaning up after that backyard barbeque, keeping pet food inside, closing your garbage cart/dumpster, and picking up after pets are the easy ways we can do our part to limit the rodent population.  

Don't wait for the problem to be severe before making a baiting request.  Call 311, the 47th Ward Office, or use the city's website to make a request to have your area baited and/or to replace a damaged blue or black cart.  Baiting is done based on calls for service, and the problem will not go away on its own.  If you're getting rats inside your home, please consider hiring a private exterminator so they can determine the point of entry and help you address the issue.  In addition to city services, Treehouse runs the 'Cats at Work' program that is a proven way to control the rodent population.  Please click here for more information.   

If you have any questions, please contact Jim Poole in the 47th Ward Office at jim@chicago47.org. 

Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) is hosting mental health first aid courses. Mental Health First Aid is an innovative community course designed to teach members of the public how to offer initial help to people experiencing a mental health crisis or developing mental illness. Register today at c4chicago.org/mhfa!  Upcoming courses: Sep. 5 & 6, Oct. 7 & 8, and Oct. 24 & 26. Continuing education hours available upon request.To host a training at your organization, contact: Natalie Robinson, Mental Health First Aid Coordinator, natalie.robinson@c4chiago.org or 773-765-0814.

Did you realize that there were thousands of Chicago Public Schools high school students eagerly studying specific career paths (including yours) in your ward but they need your help?  For you, members of your office, or businesses in your ward to help us in our goal of preparing these youth for careers and college, encourage :

• Registration by October 31st for Qualifying (Mock) Interviews on a Saturday in December.

Click here for a more detailed Information Sheet on both initiatives.

Qualifying Interviews will aid thousands of students in over 60 community, selective enrollment, and career high schools throughout the city.  These students are pursuing career training in a particular area (e.g. business, IT, health, pre-engineering, transportation, etc.) while still completing their core CPS academic requirements.  

EVALUATION FEEDBACK FROM LAST YEAR

• "I enjoyed participating because it is always gratifying to see young adults engaged in meaningful activities.  To be a part of this is rewarding."
• "It is refreshing to see students who are motivated and willing to give up their Saturday to better their skills."
• "This was a great event. I will encourage my peers to participate."

REGISTER

Please click here to volunteer.  Also, please feel free to forward this email to other professionals in your office or ward who you believe would be good volunteers.

Sulzer needs your old games.  Thanks to our neighbors who have donated games for the Sulzer's Game Night!  If you have games that your family no longer uses, please bring them to the 47th Ward Office or to Sulzer Library. Their ever-popular "Game Night" could use a few more board games like Sorry, Chess, Life, Uno, Jenga, Rummy Cube, etc.   

Check out the infrastructure map on our webpage!

Lawrence Avenue Streetscape

The Lawrence Avenue Streetscape is underway.  We have posted a draft of the streetscape design on our website if you would like to review the details.    

Work on the sidewalks has begun on the north side of Lawrence at Damen working to Western Ave. and back to Damen by November.  Most of the walkway section of the sidewalk from Damen to Leavitt is completed and curb and gutter is being installed along with the ADA ramps.  In the next week they will be moving west of Leavitt on to Western Avenue before crossing to the south side and making their way back east to Damen. Next year the project will be completed from Damen to Clark St.   

Irving Park Streetscape

The last phase of the Irving Park Streetscape, removing the old streetlights and quality control repairs to pavers and final curb repairs will begin over the next few weeks.  This was delayed due to an electrical issue that has since been resolved. The project should be fully complete before November 1st. 

Berteau Neighborhood Greenway

City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin work replacing the 1894 water main under Berteau Ave. from Bell to Damen.  Parking restrictions will be posted and are enforced during designated times M-F.  To see the residents' notice, please click here.

Water Main for 2000-2100 W. Hutchinson (Damen to Lincoln) 

METRA Traffic Closures and Detours Around Ravenswood Avenue 

• Leland Ave Full Closure will be up until April, 2014.
• Ravenswood from Lawrence to Leland Ave Full Closure will be up until April, 2014 on the west side of Ravenswood
• Irving Park at Ravenswood Lane Restrictions intermittent through August 30, 2013
• Ravenswood (west side) from Berteau to Irving Park Intermittent Closures for finishing through August 30, 2013
• Ravenswood (east side) Ave from Ainslie to Winnemac Full Closure through September 28, 2013
• Ravenswood (west side) from Irving Park to Grace Full Closure while wall panels are installed until October 11, 2013

Parking restrictions and detours may be re-opened, when possible, and re-closed once work is ready to resume. Walsh Construction is continuing to work with our office to minimize closures and parking restrictions, and reduce their construction footprint as much as possible while getting their work done. 

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