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

October 3, 2013  
On this day in 1967, Riverview amusement park was sold.    
 
Dear Neighbor,

 

There has been a lot of talk regarding the Chicago Transit Authority's (CTA) proposed Ashland Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) proposal. I have mentioned my excitement about a possible BRT system in Chicago to various transportation policy journalists and organizations, but I haven't declared support for a specific plan yet because the City is still in the process of fine tuning their plans based on public input. The current proposal will ultimately be revised to reflect community input collected during this "public engagement" phase of the project.  Following the collection, assessment and incorporation of input from citizens, an environmental assessment will be conducted to determine impacts before a design and implementation plan will be finalized. 

 

That said, I want to take some time to explain why I support BRT as a concept for Ashland Avenue. Chicago has some of the longest commute times and the worst traffic congestion in the United States. More congestion equals more pollution which results in increased asthma rates and a variety of other health impacts. A recent Harvard University study links traffic congestion with increased rates of heart disease and early mortality. Climate change is dramatically impacting our communities as we see more localized flooding and more extreme weather patterns. Brutal traffic, congestion, poor health and the impacts of climate change is not an acceptable "new normal." Coupled with these issues is the fact that Chicago's tax base has been shrinking for decades; Chicago lost an alarming number of residents (200,000) to other communities and cities from 2000 to 2010. To combat traffic issues, environmental degradation and a shrinking tax base, we must be forward thinking. Growing Chicago in a sustainable manner requires us to invest in mass transit. Does this mean I am anti-car? Absolutely not. In fact, I know many people must drive for their job, getting their kids to and from school, etc. To reduce congestion for those who must drive, it is absolutely critical that Chicago invest in public transit. This will allow the many people who currently drive because of a lack of public transit options to use public transit and this will result in thousands less cars on the street. One recent example is Divvy bike-share. Since Divvy launched this summer, nearly 460,000 miles have been logged on the bikes. More people are using Divvy to run errands and commute to work and school. Over time, this will reduce traffic congestion. Ashland BRT can also significantly reduce traffic congestion on Ashland and reduce travel times. Remember, absent any investments in public transit, the only other way to reduce traffic congestion is to widen roads. This is neither a feasible nor environmentally responsible solution.

 

The most successful plan is one strengthened with community input and one that responds to community needs. Now is the time for everyone to look at the proposed plan and provide your feedback. If you want specifics on the proposal, renderings, videos or just want to provide feedback, please click here.

 

Of course I have concerns of my own and I will be bringing these to CTA as well.   

 

Sincerely,
Ameya
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This Week...
47th Ward Night at Black Ensemble
ACA Info Session
CTA Construction
Residential Pickup Permits
2013 Street Sweeping
47th Ward Bike Ride
47th Ward Fall Cleanup
47th Ward Health & Wellness Day
Welcome Child's Voice
Bloomingdale's Features Ravenswood ArtWalk Artists
47th Ward Adoptables
Disposing of Expired and Unused Prescription
Workforce Development Investment Puts More Chicagoans Back to Work
Beware of Catalytic Converter Thefts
Redefine the Drive Public Meeting Feedback
Ravenswood Playground Rally
Dara Reports
Infrastructure Update
Diamonds in the Ruff
Northcenter Farmers Market
Art Lakeview
Friends of the Craft and Grape at St. Matthias
Oktoberfest at St. Ben's
Ravenswood Art Walk 2013
Ravenswood Detour 2013
Blues on the River
Kidical Mass
Food: Full Circle
Essanay Studios: Man in the Silk Hat
LSFC Grand Opening
GiGi's Playhouse 3rd Anniversary
Forced Migration
Save the Date: Circus in the Parks
Remembering Haymarket
Hidden History of Ravenswood & Lakeview
Community Events
Final Thoughts
Alderman Ameya Pawar
Upcoming
Ward Nights
Wednesdays
5:00pm to 7:30pm   

October 16 


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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.   

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

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Welcome New Non-Profit:  Child's Voice     

Child's Voice is thrilled to announce the opening of a new location in Chicago's Roscoe Village neighborhood. Child's Voice is a listening and spoken language program for children with hearing loss (birth to three years old) and their families. With early identification and early access to sound, children with hearing loss have the same opportunity to learn how to talk as a baby born with typical hearing. Child's Voice provides speech and aural rehabilitation home-based services and offers a toddler group class at the center. Our program places emphasis on giving parents the support and tools needed to make listening and spoken language a part of their baby's daily life. Our students learn the skills needed to successfully attend their neighborhood schools where they will be able to participate alongside their hearing peers with little to no additional assistance. Child's Voice currently serves 20 children in the city of Chicago. For more information, please call 773-516-5720 or visit www.childsvoice.org.

Bloomingdale's Chicago Features Four Ravenswood ArtWalk Artists   

Bloomingdale's Chicago is proud to feature four outstanding Ravenswood ArtWalk artists: Bill Bartelt, Cathi Schwalbe, Shirley Nannina, and Hiroshi Ariyama in a special exhibit to mark the 12th year of Ravenswood ArtWalk. Bloomingdale's honors and supports the arts in Chicago and celebrate all that makes Chicago Like No Other City in the World. Ravenswood ArtWalk (RAW), the oldest art walk in the city of Chicago, was founded on a commitment to generate community awareness and investment in one of Chicago's most vibrant and historic neighborhoods.  RAW continues to promote Ravenswood's artistic and business community: it's an event that attracts thousands of visitors each year. This year on Saturday, October 5th and Sunday, October 6, visitors will enjoy a weekend of arts, music, film, literary events, food, craft beer tasting and more. Ravenswood ArtWalk officially kicks off Chicago Artists Month. Exhibit locations: 1st FL - Bill Bartelt, Cathi Schwalbe; 3rd FL - Shirley Nannina; Today - Hiroshi Ariyama. Exhibit dates: Saturday, September 27- Sunday, October 27, 2013


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.    

Workforce Development Investment Puts More Chicagoans Back to Work 

The Chicago Department of Aviation will provide up to $1.6 million in funding over three years for worker training and direct placement program assistance to help unemployed Chicago residents obtain positions at companies that contract with O'Hare International Airport. The funding will be utilized by Skills for Chicagoland's Future (SCF), a public-private partnership working to close the skills gap by helping to match businesses that have current, unmet hiring needs with qualified, unemployed job seekers. For more information about SCF, visit www.skillsforchicagolandsfuture.com.


Redefine the Drive: Public Meeting Feedback Posted 

Over 430 members of the public attended one of three public meetings held at Gill Park, Truman College and the Peggy Notebaert Nature Museum in early August. During the meetings, people watched a PowerPoint presentation, filled out comment forms, shared what they enjoy most about the drive and their ideas for improvements. More than 300 public comments in various formats were received. All of the information collected at the public meetings has been posted to the project website. This includes the Activity Card tallies, Postcards from the Drive, Needs Assessment, Share Your Ideas and comment forms. We invite you to review your comments and those of the other meeting participants. You may also still review the public meeting materials at www.northlakeshoredrive.org.


Dara Reports

 

Last Saturday, 35 volunteers working in small groups, led by Salvation Army's Two are Better Than One Program met for a light breakfast here in the alderman's office, then went out to help 8 of our neighborhood seniors. We did light chores that ranged from yard work, garage organizing, removing an old television and just having friendly chats. We ranged in age from 10 to 70 yrs. of age; the one thing we all had in common is that we enjoyed every minute we spent with our neighbors.  

 

The next step in the Two Are Better Than One Program will be for groups of neighbors to support a neighborhood senior to continue to live well in their own homes. Each group will commit to a year of assistance, a couple of hours a week, doing small tasks, such as raking leaves or snow shoveling, moving a piece of furniture or just checking in. There are seniors waiting for us to give them a hand.

This could be an enlivening experience for the whole family. Interested? Call Dara 773-868-4747.

 

Plan Your Visit: Free Presentations

Saturday, October 26th Health & Wellness Event

 

10:00  Pets Bring Health & Wellness        Tree House Animal Shelter

10:30  Yoga mini-class                              Mary Kay McCaw

11:00  Health Care Power of Attorney      Kathryn Chapman

11:30  Fostering Emotional Health           C4     

12:00   All about Acupuncture                  Natalie Shuler

12:30  Nutritious Choices                         Sarah Calamaro

1:00   Aging As You Wish                        Karen Kolb - Age With Ease

1:30   Taiji Fit mini-class                          SAS-Sanford Stark

2:00   Yoga, Art and Health                      Rachel Lochocki

 


Waters Today Informational Meeting, Red Lion Pub, October 3, 7:30 p.m. Have you always wanted to know more about Waters Today? Who this group is and what are they doing? Are you looking for a way to become more involved with Waters? Have you considered donating your time to our school as a board member? Join Waters Today President Colleen Herman and others to learn more about Waters Today. Questions? email info@waterstoday.org 

 

Donations Needed!  Our three local pantries will distribute items to our neighbors (and their beloved pets) in need.

  • Personal care/hygiene items: toothpaste, soap, deodorant, shampoo, etc.
  • Pet food - especially canned cat food, litter, toys, treats, collars, leashes and beds.
  • Winter coats, gloves, hats and scarves for all ages.
Your friends, church group, scout troop, business or school can organize a drive! Let us know how we can help. You may bring your donations to our office Mon-Fri, 9am-5pm

 

Along with our Electronic & Paper Recycling Day on October 19, we will be collecting many more items for donations during the week of October 15th-18th

Please bring books, CD's, DVD's, bikes, crutches, and sewing machines to our office that week or to the ward yard on Saturday, October 19th.

 

Open-Books will take any and all Books, CD's & DVD's (even VHS tapes) for sale in their book. They then create literacy programing for Chicago and area school children. www.open-book.org 

 

Working Bikes collects used bikes, refurbishes them and donates them to folks in Chicago and internationally. www.workingbikes.org 

 

Community Christian Church will re-launch its Lincoln Square campus on October 20 at Gateway to Learning, 4925 N. Lincoln Avenue in Chicago.  The non-denominational Christian church extends an open invitation to the entire community to attend its grand re-opening celebration service on October 20 at 10:30 a.m. To learn more about Community Christian Church, please call 630-388-5000 or visit www.communitychristian.org.

 

Zerolandfill Chicago, an award winning upcycling program, is giving away free Upcycled Art Supplies to students, teachers, and community members in October. Visit the Chicago Center for Green Technology 

October 10th through October 19th for high quality architectural scrap material including carpet tiles, paint swatches, metal, glass, wood and other materials and then get creative! 

 

Contact info@zlfchicago.net with any questions.


Want to volunteer for a good cause? Gigi's Playhouse Anniversary Party 11am - 2pm: October 13th  Face Painters -- No experience required!  Help us do face painting at the event Event Support -- Help us monitor the inflatable area; greet guests as they arrive; and blow up balloons

(High School Students: Bring a friend and you can both earn Community Service Hours!)

Call: Amy Archer, Gigi's Playhouse, 3948 N. Lincoln Ave Chicago, IL  60613 (773) 583-7529


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!  

 

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.

 

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.   

47th Ward Infrastructure Update 

Check out the infrastructure map on our webpage!

 

Crack Sealing

The Chicago Department of Transportation has been sealing center-line cracks on residential streets that have been repaved in the last several years to prevent future pot holes. You may see "No Parking" signs indicating street resurfacing on these blocks posted.  Crews are working to get these done as quickly as possible and will remove the no parking signs as they go. Already they have completed approximately 10 blocks in our ward.  Next week they will be working on the following 14 blocks plus some additional spot repairs:



 

 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 is coming to a close. All that remains is some followup repairs we have been waiting on. Now that the new lights are on we are being assured that these last repairs will be made by the end of the season. Some remaining planting may take place in the spring.

 

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 All asphalt and concrete work 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 the middle of October.

 

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

City Crews from the Dept. of Water Management have begun 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. 

 

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.
  • 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.  


NC Farmers Market Promo

FOTG and FOTC @ St. Matthias

Ravenswood Art Walk 2013


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

 

October 4   Friday   3:00 PM - 10:00 PM

St. Benedict's OktoberFest

St. Benedict Courtyard, 2215 W. Irving Park Road

 

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   9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

48th Ward Electronics Recycling

Weinsten Parking lot, W. Devon at N. Lakewood, south side

 

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

Ravenswood ArtWalk (Saturday)

Ravenswood Corridor, 4100 to 4600 N. Ravenswood Avenue

 

October 5   Saturday   1:00 PM - 10:00 PM

St. Benedict's OktoberFest

St. Benedict Courtyard, 2215 W. Irving Park Road

 

October 5   Saturday   2:30 PM - 5:30 PM

Perceptual Motion at Ravenswood ArtWalk

Beyond Design, Inc., 4515 N. Ravenswood Avenue Courtyard

 

October 5   Saturday   7:00 PM - 12:00 AM

Blues on the River

Found Chicago, 4130 N. Rockwell Street

 

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 6   Sunday   1:00 PM - 10:00 PM

St. Benedict's OktoberFest

St. Benedict Courtyard, 2215 W. Irving Park Road

 

October 9   Wednesday   6:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Food Waste & Insinkerator Project Talk

Fat Cat, 4840 N. Broadway

 

October 10   Thursday   5:30 PM - 9:00 PM

Essanay Lighting, Man in the Silk Hat screening

Essanay Center, St. Augustine College, 1345 W. Argyle Street

 

October 12   Saturday   9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

40th Ward Paper Shred and Clothing Drive Event

40th Ward Streets & San Yard, 5333 N. Western Avenue

 

October 12   Saturday   12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

Playground Rally

Ravenswood Elementary School, south playground, 4332 N. Paulina 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 13   Sunday   11:00 AM - 2:00 PM

Gigi's Playhouse 3rd Anniversary

MB Financial Bank parking lot, 3959 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

October 17   Thursday   6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Forced Migration Photovoice Exhibit Opening

Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

October 18   Friday   6:30 PM - 11:00 PM

Epiphany UCC's Welcome Meal Benefit

Wellington UCC, 615 W. Wellington 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

 

October 25   Friday   6:00 PM - 9:00 PM

"Will You Step Into My Parlour?" Nicole Hollander's Living Room

LillStreet Art Center, 4401 N. Ravenswood Avenue

 

October 25   Friday   7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Midnight Circus at Welles Park (Friday)

Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Avenue

 

October 26   Saturday   9:30 AM - 2:30 PM

47th Ward Health & Wellness

Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

October 26   Saturday   2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Midnight Circus at Welles Park (Saturday)

Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Avenue

 

October 26   Saturday   9:00 PM - 1:00 AM

Essanay Center Gala Masquerade Ball

Essanay Center, St. Agustine College, 1345 W. Argyle Street

 

October 27   Sunday   12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Halloween Jamboree

Chase Park, 4701 N. Ashland Avenue

 

October 27   Sunday   1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Midnight Circus at Welles Park (Sunday)

Welles Park, 2333 W. Sunnyside Avenue

 

November 9   Saturday   10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Holiday Delight/Kodomo Matsuri (Children's Festival)

Japanese American Service Committee, 4427 N. Clark Street

 

November 9   Saturday   7:00 PM - 10:00 PM

ArtReach Fall Fundraiser

Lillstreet Loft, 4437 N. Ravenswood Avenue

 

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.