This Sunday the autumnal equinox will occur at 3:44PM - Happy Fall
|
|
|
|
Dear Neighbor,
As many of you know, there is a plan to restore the western bank of the North Branch of the Chicago River between Irving Park Road and Montrose Avenue (the western bank falls in the 33rd Ward and the eastern bank in the 47th). This project is sponsored by the Chicago Park District and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and has been developed in conjunction with the Horner Park Advisory Council and the Friends of the River. The original project plan was developed between 1999 and 2001 but is just now coming to fruition. Many people and groups are excited about the project, but many others have serious concerns. I, too, am happy about the prospect of a needed restoration but share many of the concerns raised by neighboring residents.
The benefits of the project include a restored and stable river bank with great native plantings while building a better and more usable Horner Park. However, in order to do this work many mature trees along the riverbank will need to be cut down. These trees and the wildlife along the river are both loved by the neighbors of the river and provide a buffer to the 60ft lights and dust blowing off the ball fields. In 2001, when the plan was first created, there were no 60-foot lights. Additionally, while the project will take one year to complete, it will take nearly 25 for the entire restoration to come to full completion as the plants and trees will take time to mature. In talking with all community stakeholders, it became apparent that the plan needed to evolve to reflect the evolution of the communities on both sides of the bank. And, the original plan also seemed severe and in need of more community input, calling for:
- Removal of the majority of the upland trees along the east side of Horner Park
- Removal of the majority of the mature trees along the riverbank
- No consideration of the impacts of the lights and ball field dust for residents on the east side of the river
Hundreds of neighbors and my office voiced major concerns about the original plan. So in order to build a better plan we held a meeting with community members and community groups, the USACE, the Chicago Park District, the 33rd Ward and the 47th Ward. The meeting included a walk-through of the area, during which the USACE agreed to make changes and preserve many of the upland trees. I followed up with a written request for formalized information from USACE and the Chicago Park District, including the following:
From the Chicago Park District (CPD):
- A written statement that CPD will only use the light towers while park activities are in progress and the lights will be promptly turned off after the activities are complete.
- A written statement regarding what actions the CPD will take to screen lights and/or other measures necessary to mitigate the light impacts to neighbors.
- A written statement describing what steps can be taken to limit the amount of dust blowing off the baseball fields.
From the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and partner entities:
- A map showing which trees are marked for removal and which trees stay.
- A map indicating the how the lights would impact neighboring residents with the remaining trees (trees not cut down).
- A timeline of events and activities - 1 year, 3 years, 5 years, etc.
- A written commitment to engage the Horner Park Advisory Council and the Riverbank Neighbors throughout the project.
In response to my request, the USACE and the CPD responded with the following letter outlining a revised plan. Click here to view their response and corresponding maps.
As you will see in the letter and plans, substantive changes have been made to the project and many trees have been saved as a result. I still have concerns about tree loss on the bank of the river. The USACE and the CPD must make every effort to preserve and protect as many trees as possible. In addition, I am continuing to ask questions about the use herbicide and specific commitments the CPD can make regarding the lights.
Restoring the riverbank is a necessary project. I appreciate the work and effort of USACE and the Chicago Park District teams to revise plans and release them to the public in an expeditious manner. Finally, I will continue to raise concerns put forward by all members of our community and will continue to ask questions and seek out answers.
To see the Chicago Tonight discussion on the Horner Park riverbank restoration, click here.
Sincerely,
|
|
|
|
Upcoming
Ward Nights
|
Wednesdays5:00pm to 7:30pm
|
|
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. |
|
|
Veg Head, 4064 N. Lincoln
Local resident Lynn Kardasz had an idea. How to make fruits and vegetables as easy to grab and go and eat on the run as junk food. Now she is realizing this idea with the opening of Veg Head at the site of the former UPS store in North Center. As an alternative to searching out and preparing healthy produce, Veg Head staff will wash, slice, combine and in any other way prepare your meal ready for eating. Salads are made to order and come with a hunk of Red Hen bread. The local grown produce comes from farms in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan and Indiana. Employees are all hired through The Inspiration Corporation, which serves homeless and low-income individuals, with leftover produce being donated to the Lakeview Pantry.
|
Meditate - Yoga & Meditation Center, 4237 N. Lincoln
Meditate - Yoga and Meditation Center opened quietly this summer on July 8. This business occupies the former Aldermen's office at 4237 N. Lincoln Ave right across from the Northcenter Jewel. They offer a variety of yoga and meditation classes throughout the week with a vision of providing a comfortable, convenient location for spiritual seekers to practice both yoga and meditation at the same place. Getting to know the neighborhood community for a couple of months the Center is ready to operate in full gear! Sat. Sept. 21 is the Grand Opening which will also kick off the Fall Class Schedule including the addition of 13 new classes each week!
Please stop by for a free yoga class, a guided meditation session or a Level 1 meditation instruction. We offer Vinyasa yoga, Hatha, Yoga for Runners and even Restorative Yoga. Beginning Sept. 22, weekday daytime classes and weekend classes begin. Please visit our website for all the details!
|
mind art core PILATES PERFORMANCE, 4945 N. Damen
mind art core PILATES PERFORMANCE is a studio dedicated to providing the highest quality mind-body techniques while offering fun, functional fitness. They provide an open space for individuals to learn more about their bodies and explore movement in order to bring strength and stability to their everyday lives. At mind art core Pilates Performance, they erase the concept of "levels" for your Pilates class. Instead, choose your experience. Whether you want to increase your heart rate, challenge your balance or connect deeper to your body through movement, they have a class that's right for you. Don't believe them? Check it out yourself!
mind art core PILATES PERFORMANCE is also a rehearsal, performance and movement training ground for performers. They provide weekly drop-in classes in Somatics and Contemplative Movement. They will also host workshops specifically geared towards specific types of performers, ie, improvisers, musicians and theatre devisors. As a community of artists, they are interested in opening the conversation: What is performance? How do we continue to train as performers outside of an academic setting? How can we collaborate as a community to share and inspire each others' work?
Ask about our great rehearsal rates!
Contact them at info@mindartcore.com or 773-654-3148 |
Immediate MD, 3909 N. Western
North Center's first urgent care center, Immediate MD provides walk-in medical treatment, including lab and x-ray services, for most minor injuries and illnesses without the cost or wait times of emergency rooms. The founding physicians recognized that easy access to a physician is difficult and have worked to make accessibility a standard in the Chicago healthcare environment. Immediate MD treats patients of all ages with all patients seen by a physician and most insurances accepted.
This Immediate MD's second location joining the first one that opened in February at 2077 N. Clybourn in the Lincoln Park neighborhood. According to Jeff Bohmer, medical director of Immediate MD "Patients should expect a warm, inviting environment where their treatment, overall experience, and cost combined with convenience will help provide a gap in the local healthcare market that has been missing." Hours of business for walk-in patients at the new North Center location will be 8 AM to 8 PM Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 6 PM Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM Sunday with free parking on the premises. Please contact Immediate MD at 773-886-1500 or visit www.immediatemd.net with any questions.
|
Pilates by Asha, 4607 N. Wolcott
Asha is Owner of Pilates by Asha and a Certified Pilates Instructor who has been teaching for 13 years. She has received her training in "classical style" Pilates Certification from the Pilates Studio of L.A. where she trained versatile clientele, that included celebrities such as Sharon Stone, Robert Downey Jr., Paula Patton and Queen Latifah. She has taught 100 people Pilates Mat class in Jack Canfield's "Breakthrough to Success" 7-day retreat in Scottsdale AZ and Mr. Money participants in L.A. I encourage, motivate and inspire each person to truly experience the greatness of what Pilates has to offer for your life, Mind, Body and Soul. It is a great opportunity to strengthen and transform the self. My current plan for this location is to be successful and to make a difference in peoples lives by teaching them Pilates. Pilates is a journey and a practice just like our lives are and I want people to truly get how Pilates can change, help and enhance their own lives for the better.
GRAND OPENING SPECIALS
1/2 hour free consultation
55min Private Session $39/reg. $80
Intro Package: 3 Private Sessions for new clients only $159
Contact Asha at: 224-659-0440
|
Ravenswood ArtWalk Announces 2013 Service & Advocate Award
Ravenswood ArtWalk announced the recipient of their 2013 RAW Service & Advocate Award: Richard Stromberg, photographer and founder of the Learning Center. Richard has devoted 40 years to teaching photography to over 25,000 students in the Lakeview and Ravenswood communities. Please join them in congratulating Richard as he receives his award Friday evening, October 4th at the Opening Reception and Artists Salon, located at the Ravenswood Event Center Showroom, 4025 N Ravenswood Avenue.
This year RAW is pleased to host a book signing event featuring Chicago Historian Patrick Bulter. The author will be on hand to autograph copies of Hidden History of Ravenswood and Lakeview published by the History Press. Stop by to meet and chat with Patrick at 4025 N Ravenswood, Saturday, October 5th, between 2 - 5pm and Sunday between 3 - 6pm. While you're there, why not take an architectural tour that begins at the same location. Witness the rich history of invention, engineering, arts, and literature of Ravenswood.
Around the corner from the Ravenswood ArtWalk Detour, located at Berteau & Ravenswood (east side of Metra tracks), stop by 1802 W Berteau for The Student Gallery Exhibit and The Short Film Theater. Student artists from Amundsen, Lake View, Lane Technical College Preparatory, and St. Benedict PreparatoryHigh Schools; Chappell, James B. McPherson, John C. Coonley, Ravenswood, Thomas J. Waters, and Queen of Angels Catholic Elementary Schools; German International School of Chicago; and Lycée Français de Chicagowill show their talents. Enjoy the movies and a bag of popcorn in the Short Film Theater, Room 102. For a small donation, take home a 2013 film poster. 2013 RAW T Shirts & Posters will be for sale at the Short Film Theater, the RAW Street Fair, and at the ArtWalk Detour. T Shirts will be available in all sizes & prices will be posted.
The 12th Annual Ravenswood ArtWalk Tour of Arts & Industry takes place along North Ravenswood Avenue between Waveland and Leland Avenue, Saturday, October 5th, 11am to 7pm, and Sunday, October 6th, 11am to 6pm. Ravenswood ArtWalk willkick off Chicago Artists Month.
|
Disposing of Expired and Unused Prescription Drugs
Chicago's pharmaceutical disposal program offers you an easy and safe way to dispose of unwanted prescriptions. The Chicago Police Department and Chicago Department of Public Health recently expanded the number of drop-off locations which includes the North Area Headquarters at Belmont and Western in the 47th Ward. You can also drop unwanted prescriptions at the Household Chemical and Computer Recycling Facility located at 1150 N. North Branch St.
By using the police facilities as a drop-off location, controlled substances can be deposited safely and destroyed under the observation of sworn law enforcement officials. The Chicago pharmaceutical program is provided as a service for residents only. Business and commercial sector waste will not be accepted at any of the drop-off locations.
|
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
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.
Perceptual Motion's silent auction is one of the highlights of our benefit with everyone a winner! Volunteers are sought for the silent auction committee for their Wine and Chocolate benefit on Saturday, November 9, 2013. They need people to assemble and package auction items, write descriptions for bid sheets, set up the display at the event and solicit auction items. Contact Lin Shook at 773 549-3958 or pmidance@gmail.com. Like food? They also need people to serve on the food committee. Contact Wilma Stevens at 773 274-2754.
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.
|
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 continues on the north side of Lawrence at Damen working to Western Ave. and has begun on the south side, on schedule to complete to Damen by November. 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 landscaping on the curb extensions and traffic circle installed in the past weeks. The resurfacing of Berteau between Ravenswood and Ashland is complete. The final phase of the Greenway will be adding street markings and reduced speed and wayfinding signage. We expect all work to be complete in 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 - Lawrence Lane Restrictions at Ravenswood 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. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
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 19 Thursday 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Bowmanville Revisited: A Second Look at "Chicago's Greatest Indian Village"
Sulzer Regional Library Auditorium, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue
September 21 Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Lincoln Square Apple Fest
Lincoln, Lawrence to Leland, 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 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Art Party at Filbert Playlot Park
Filbert Playlot Park, 1822 W. Larchmont 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 26 Thursday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
An Evening for Freedom: benefit for survivors of human trafficking
Hotel Sax Chicago, Crimson Lounge, 333 N. Dearborn 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 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
47th Ward Bike Ride
Chase Park fieldhouse entrance, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue
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 12 Saturday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
The Friendship Center grand opening, new pantry in Lincoln Square
Lincoln Square Friendship Center, 2733 W. Lawrence Avenue
October 19 Saturday 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM
47th Ward Electronics Recycling & Beauti-Fall Clean-Up Day!
47th Ward Yard, 5333 N. Western Avenue
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.
|
|
|
