47th Ward Newsletter

4243 N. Lincoln Ave. | info@chicago47.org | Office Hours: M-F 9am to 5pm

September 12, 2013

On this day in 1992, Chicagoan Mar Jemison becomes the first African American woman to go into space.

Dear Neighbor,

I am pleased to announce that the 47th Ward office and our education committee, GROW47, are bringing the StoryBus to every neighborhood elementary school in the 47th Ward! All students and teachers in grades K-2 will participate in the program during the 2013-2014 school years. In 2012, GROW47 was able to bring the StoryBus enrichment program to four 47th Ward neighborhood schools. GROW47 Chairman, Paul Rosenfeld, and the Friends of Ameya Pawar sponsored the StoryBus activities. This year, because of the advocacy and partnership of all the school principals, Local School Councils and the "Friends of" groups, the StoryBus was able to secure grant funding to ensure every school is able to access this reading enrichment program this year.

So, you might be wondering ...

What is StoryBus? (best explained by StoryBus)

StoryBus empowers preschool through second grade teachers by encouraging them to develop their own curriculum and teach to the whole child, utilizing a single classic story. It enables young students to have collaborative literary experiences that bring stories to life, so that they better understand the stories. As a result, children develop a lifelong love of reading.

How does the program work?

Before the classroom portion begins, teachers will have the chance to attend a 15-hour professional development course. Next, teachers will implement the program. Then students in grades K-2 will read a single story, a story that incorporates science, language, motor and other skills to increase reading comprehension. Now comes the best part; after reading the story, the 37-foot StoryBus will visit each school. Once on board, students will be able to enter the story they just read. They will be able to create the things they read about, explore various elements of the story, play games, and much more! Finally, there is also a family literacy workshop that is offered as part of the program.

What does the program cost?

This year, there is no cost to the neighborhood school or parent groups.

What is GROW47?

Every school in the 47th Ward is represented on GROW47, a community led and driven committee composed of parents, teachers, community leaders, neighbors and the 47th Ward office working together to build and maintain strong neighborhood schools. GROW47 works to create a neighborhood K-12 system by linking elementary schools to neighborhood high schools and building positive messages around all of our neighborhood schools. GROW47 believes that when our neighborhood schools win, everybody wins. Click here to learn more.

Chicago Ideas Week

On Tuesday, October 15, I am hosting a youth lab for Chicago Ideas Week (CIW). I will be meeting with 40 students from Chicago high schools to discuss my experience as an alderman. I am really looking forward to meeting with the students!

Chicago Ideas Week is ...

a premier annual gathering of global thought leaders created to provoke new ideas and inspire actionable results. Our goal is to stimulate new initiatives and ventures, create new connections and collaborations, and establish a community of people who have the desire to achieve great things. Many ideas-based events across the globe are exclusive, invitation-only and costs thousands of dollars to attend. CIW events are just $15 per event, helping our community put their ideas into action.

There are some amazing speakers and workshops at CIW including Mayor Rahm Emanuel leading a bike tour via Divvy! I also want to let you know that New York Times bestselling author David Epstein, author of The Sports Gene and younger brother of 47th Ward Chief-of-Staff Charna Epstein, is hosting a CIW lab on October 19, Saturday at 4pm. If you don't know David, here is some background information:

David Epstein is a Senior Writer for Sports Illustrated and award winning journalist from Chicago. This fall, David will be doing investigative reporting for ProPublica. David's investigative work led to exposing Alex Rodriguez and Lance Armstrong for using performance enhancement drugs. David's work on sports concussions and repetitive hits led to changes in legislation, safety policies, etc. David's book, The Sports Gene, explores the relationship between elite athletes and genetics. He debunks the Malcolm Gladwell notion that 10,000 hours of practice results in elite performance.

I am working on hosting David at one of our STEM high schools. He does an amazing job taking complicated science and weaving that information into easy-to-digest stories that everyone can understand. He is an amazing sportswriter but more importantly can help students understand why science and math backgrounds (David is a geologist by training) can lead to very cool careers!

Sincerely,

This Week...

47th Ward Gardening Workshops

47th Ward Night at Black Ensemble

Save the Date! 47th Ward Bike Ride

Residential Pickup Permits

LV2 Info

2013 Street Sweeping

CTA Construction Notice

Property Tax Appeal Workshop

Savory Spice Shop

47th Ward Adoptables

Volunteer to Help Seniors

Jobs Galore 2

47th Ward Plant Exchange

CPS Head Start

Dara Reports

Friends of the Chicago River Canoe Trips

47th A&E

Infrastructure Update

Northcenter Farmers Market

Quigley ACA Workshop

AIC Powwow

Baby Garage Sale @ St. Ben's

ASNA Garage Sale

Fundraiser for CPD K9s

Ravenswood Outdoor Movie Night

Yard Sale

Chase Park Walk-a-thon

Pilgrimfest

Concert @ Ravenswood Pres

Twighlight Canoe at Clark Park

Potbelly Fundraiser for Ravenswood

Horner Park Dog Friendly Meeting

Coop Tour

POV @ Bezazian

Asian Harvest Festival

Bears Bash

Big Night Fundraiser for CACC

"I am Your Neighbor Benefit" for Common Pantry

AIDS Run & Walk Chicago

Submit Poems & Stories

Home Instead Family Workshop

Friends of the Craft and Grape at St. Matthias

Ravenswood Art Walk 2013

Kidical Mass

Community Events

Final Thoughts

Upcoming
Ward Nights

Wednesdays

5:00pm to 7:30pm

September 25
October 16

News from
Our Partners

Events at Sulzer Library

OpenWall Opening Reception, 47th Ward Office

C4 Chicago News

Chicago Center for Green Technology News

On Chicago47.org

Newsletter Archive

Ward Guides

2013 Farmers Market Schedule

Save Your Ash Tree

2013-2014 Residential Pickup Permits Now Available

If you drive a pickup truck or van for your personal use, you need a residential permit to park legally overnight on a residential street.

Simply bring your truck/van into the 47th Ward Office. Note your city sticker and license plate numbers. 47th Ward staff will ensure the truck is not used for commercial use and issue you a permit.

More information is available here. If you have any questions please contact the 47th Ward Office.

LV2 Parking Stickers for Night Baseball

If you need your LV2 parking pass you can come into our office. Bring proof of residence, your license plate number and your city sticker number. More information on the LV2 parking zone can be found on our website.

2013 Street Sweeping

The 2013 Street Sweeping Schedule is now available on our website.

Welcome New Business: Savory Spice Shop

null On Saturday September 14, Savory Spice Shop Lincoln Square will open at 4753 N. Lincoln Avenue, being thrilled to become part of a community fast becoming an epicenter for local cooks and lovers of global flavors. Customers will be welcomed by the aroma of more than 400 fresh ground herbs and spices. Savory makes exploring the globe from your kitchen easy with more than 165 unique and hand-crafted blends, from family-friendly all-purpose blends and seasoning salts to a world of curries. Or trek through an impressive collection of blends representing Latin, Mediterranean, and Asian cuisines. Patrons are always encouraged to sample products while they shop. And by offering custom quantities of as little as one-half ounce, Savory Spice Shop inspires your palate and imagination to wander creatively.

The spice shop has something for every taste. Bakers will find several varieties of cocoas and vanilla beans and more than thirty beautiful extracts. BBQ enthusiasts will marvel at the regional breadth of their rub selection. A growing list of organic selections delivers great taste in an eco-conscious manner. And whether you have a budding cook or a seasoned gourmand on your gift list Savory Spice Shop is the place to find that gift they'll love and use! Choose from among forty themed spice gift packs or custom build your own. Further details regarding the store opening can be found on Facebook at SavorySpiceShopLincolnSq.

Volunteer to Help Seniors in the 47th Ward!

Join Forward Chicago, the 47th Ward Senior Council and the Salvation Army for a kick-off and training for volunteering to help neighborhood seniors on Saturday, September 28th, 9am-12pm. Volunteers will meet for a 30 minute training at the 47th Ward Office (4243 N. Lincoln Ave). Individuals, church groups, businesses, scout troops or high school students can volunteer for this new initiative which will be led by The Salvation Army Family & Community Services. Contact Dara Salk at 773-868-4747

Dara Reports

Want to learn more about Community Gardening? Waters Garden Night with Mr.Leki, 5:00 p.m. until dark every Wednesday. Volunteers are needed and much appreciated -- please come lend a hand and keep our garden looking great. Waters School is located at Sunnyside & Campbell.

If you know anyone that might be interested in taking FREE computer classes at JARC, please refer them to this site. Fall registration will begin on October 8th Jane Addams Resource Center 4432 N. Ravenswood, 773-728-9769. You won't find a better place to learn how to use a computer right here in the neighborhood!

Waters Elementary is calling all artists, craftsters and designers for their local holiday art sale. More info on their website.

Volunteers Needed to Help our Neighbors! There are several upcoming events in the neighborhood that can use your help.

Saturday, September 28th, 9am-12pm. Join us for a kick-off and training for volunteering to help neighborhood seniors. Individuals, church groups, businesses, scout troops or high school students can volunteer for this new initiative which will be led by The Salvation Army Family & Community Services. Contact Shanell Allen: 773-642-9207

Saturday, October 12th, 9:30am-1pm. 1st Annual Community Services & Disability Fair. Contact Dara: 773-868-4747.

Native Plants and Hardy Perennials will be available through the fall for anyone who wants to garden on a parkway or corner. We have a sample corner plot drawing from Designer Rinda West, a neighbor and gifted landscape designer. Lists of native plants and other resources are also available on our website. Call me for more information at 773-868-4747 or dara@chicago47.org.

Bring in Your Old Linens. When you clean out your linen closet please think of the abandoned pets who are awaiting their forever homes at local shelters and foster homes. Bring us your old towels, blankets and sheets and we will deliver them.

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.

Friends of the Chicago River's Canoe Trips

Have you always wanted to canoe along the Chicago River - the western boundary of the ward!?

Saturday September 28th - 6PM - 10PM - Moonlight Paddle - The premier trip we offer. Paddle out into the Skokie Lagoons as the sun sets. See lots of wildlife; including all three species of heron and possibly even cormorant, all native to our area. After a stop on land to hear the story of how the Lagoons were made and a snack, you'll get back in your canoe and paddle back to the launch site under the moonlight. It's a truly magical night. Friends Canoe Program is unique in that each trip is led by trained canoe guides. Before getting in the boat you'll receive safety & paddling instructions. Then when you're on the water, the guides will offer you paddling advice, assistance, answer questions about the ecology or history of the area, and ensure your safety.

By taking these tours, you're supporting the ONLY non-profit that is working to make the Chicago River one of the world's greatest metropolitan rivers. To register on line go to www.chicagoriver.org or call Friends of the Chicago River at 312-939-0490, X10. For more information contact Claire Snyder at 312-939-0490, Ex 14. csnyder@chicagoriver.org.

47th A&E

Summer Festivals & Series

Movies in the Parks-Chicago Park District,

Through September 14^thMovies in the Parks are here! The Chicago Park District will be showing free movies through September 14^th(free)! For a complete schedule of the summer movie series, click here.

Lincoln Square Apple Fest, 4700 block of N. Lincoln Ave.

September 21, Saturday, 8am to 5pm

Visit their website for more information.

City Made Fest, N. Clark from Winona to Ainslie

September 21 and 22, Saturday and Sunday, 12pm to 9pm
Click here for more information.

Ravenswood ArtWalk

October 4-October 6: Friday 7-10:30PM, Saturday 11AM-9:30PM; Sunday 11AM-6PM

Outdoor location is parking lot, SW corner Ravenswood/Wilson

http://www.ravenswoodartwalk.org

47th Ward Infrastructure Update

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 Transportation are working on completing sidewalk repairs and traffic calming installation along Berteau between Lincoln and Clark. The resurfacing of Berteau between Ravenswood and Ashland will take place beginning next week. The final phase of the Greenway will be installing the contraflow bike-traffic light eastbound at Damen and adding street markings and reduced speed and wayfinding signage. We expect all work to be complete by October.

Water Main for 3800 - 3900 N. Seeley (Grace to Irving Park)

City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin work replacing the 1895 water main under Seeley Ave. from Grace to Irving Park. Parking restrictions will be posted and are enforced during designated times M-F. To see the residents' notice, please click here.

Water Main for 2000-2220 W. Berteau (Bell to Damen)

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)

City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management will begin work soon replacing the 1897 water main under Hutchinson St. between Damen and Lincoln. Parking restrictions will be posted and are enforced during designated times M-F. To see the residents' notice, please click here.

METRA Traffic Closures and Detours Around Ravenswood Avenue

Irving Park Lane Restrictions at Ravenswood through September 19, 2013.
Lawrence Lane Restrictions at Ravenswood September 16 through October 4, 2013.
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.
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
Ravenswood (west side) from Montrose to Sunnyside Full Closure until September 28, 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.

Full information on this event can be found by clicking here.

I am Your Neighbor Common Pantry Fundraiser

Community Events

For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.

September 12 Thursday 9:30 AM - 2:00 PM

SeniorFest 2013

Millennium Park, Michigan Av at Washington St

September 12 Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

The Affordable Care Act Information Seminar

DePaul U. Student Center Room 120, 2250 N. Sheffield Avenue

September 14 Saturday 8:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Baby & Kids Green Garage Sale

St. Benedict School Gym, 3941 N. Bell Street

September 14 Saturday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Giant Alley/Garage Sale in ASNA Block Club area

ASNA Block Club Area, Ashland to Ravenswoood, Foster to Winnemac

September 15 Sunday 9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

Chase Park Community Walkathon 5K

Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue

September 15 Sunday 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Giant Alley/Garage Sale in ASNA Block Club area

ASNA Block Club Area, Ashland to Ravenswoood, Foster to Winnemac

September 15 Sunday 12:00 PM - 5:00 PM

PILGRIMFEST!

Pilgrim Church Block Party, 4300 N. Winchester Block

September 15 Sunday 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Open Door Concerts with The Jamie O'Reilly Trio

Ravenswood Presbyterian Church, 4300 N. Hermitage Avenue

September 18 Wednesday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Ravenswood School Fundraiser

Potbelly Lincoln Square, 4709 N. Lincoln Avenue

September 18 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Horner Park Dog Friendly Area Community Meeting

Horner Park Fieldhouse, 2741 W Montrose Avenue

September 19 Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

How to Appeal Your Property Tax Assessment

St. Andrews Auditorium, 3555 N. Hermitage Avenue, 2nd Floor

September 21 Saturday 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Lincoln Square AppleFest

4700 block of N. Lincoln Avenue,

September 21 Saturday 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM

47th Ward Plant Exchange

Waters Elementary School parking lot, 4540 N. Campbell Avenue

September 21 Saturday 10:30 AM - 12:00 PM

Harvest Festival in the Library

Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street

September 21 Saturday 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

5 Broken Cameras, Oscar-nominated documentary

Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie Street

September 22 Sunday 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Fall Reading Festival

Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church, 4511 N. Hermitage Avenue

September 22 Sunday 6:00 PM - 9:30 PM

NBGC 30th Annual Bears Bash

St. Andrew's Gymnasium, 1658 W. Addison Street

September 23 Monday 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

Fall Reading Festival

Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church, 4511 N. Hermitage Avenue

September 27 Friday 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM

"I am Your Neighbor" Benefit for Common Pantry

Architectural Artifacts, Inc., 4325 N. Ravenswood Avenue

October 4 Friday 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Rummage Sale, Ravenswood Methodist Church ($3 fee)

Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church, 4511 N. Hermitage Avenue

October 4 Friday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Friends of the Craft

St. Matthias Parish, 2310 W. Ainslie Street

October 4 Friday 7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

47th Ward Night at Black Ensemble Theater, The Story of Curtis Mayfield

Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark Street

October 5 Saturday 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Rummage Sale, Ravenswood Methodist Church

Ravenswood Fellowship United Methodist Church, 4511 N. Hermitage Avenue

October 5 Saturday 11:00 AM - 9:00 PM

Ravenswood ArtWalk (Saturday)

Ravenswood Corridor, 4100 to 4600 N. Ravenswood Avenue

October 6 Sunday

47th Ward Bike Ride

October 6 Sunday 11:00 AM - 7:00 PM

Ravenswood ArtWalk (Sunday)

Ravenswood Corridor, 4100 to 4600 N. Ravenswood Avenue

October 6 Sunday 12:30 PM - 6:30 PM

Friends of the Grape

St. Matthias Parish, 2310 W. Ainslie Street

October 19 Saturday 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Grand Opening of the Chicago location of the Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA

Taoist Tai Chi Society of the USA, 1629 W. Montrose Av

Want to put your community event in our newsletter? Check the guidelines on our website.

CAPS Meetings. If you would like to get to participate in community policing or express concerns about crime happening in your area, please consider attending your beat meetings. A schedule of beat meetings is available on our website. If you have any questions about CAPS or need additional information, please contact Jim Poole at 773-549-4462 or jim@chicago47.org.

19th District CAPS Office (All areas of the 47th Ward south of Lawrence)
312-744-0064 or CAPS019District@chicagopolice.org.

20th District CAPS Office (All areas of the 47th Ward north of Lawrence)
312-742-8770 or CAPS020District@chicagopolice.org.

Final Thoughts

Have a suggestion or comment for Ameya or the 47th Ward Team? Please contact us at 773-868-4747 or info@chicago47.org.