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

October 10, 2013  
On this day in 1845, US Naval Academy in Annapolis Opens.
The 47th Ward Office will be CLOSED on Monday, October 14th 
 
Dear Neighbor,

 

I am pleased to inform you that my office and CPS are moving forward on a 17-classroom addition to John C. Coonley Elementary School located at 4046 N. Leavitt Street. The $16.5 million addition is 100% financed with Tax Increment Finance (TIF) funds from the Western Avenue South TIF District. Because Coonley resides in this TIF district, I made it a priority to secure TIF funds and fund the construction of this addition. After two-plus years, I am happy that this project is moving forward, and if all goes well the new classrooms will be opened in January of 2015. The Public Building Commission is handling the construction of the addition. I want to thank the entire Coonley community (LSC and Friends of Coonley), Principal Greg Zurawski, Pat Taylor, CPS,  Erin Lavin and the Public Building Commission. Finally, I want to thank Mayor Emanuel for his partnership on the Coonley addition. You can follow the project throughout the construction process by clicking here.

 

The allocation of TIF funds for Coonley follows my commitment to use 47th Ward TIF funds for public schools, parks and infrastructure. Projects we've funded so far include:

  • Lake View High School STEM labs              $2 million
  • Sulzer Library                                                $5 million
  • Coonley Elementary                                     $16.5 million
  • Kerry Wood Cubs Field                                $1.25 million (environmental study in progress)
  • Clark Park Boat House                                 $1.25 million
  • Lawrence Avenue Streetscape                     $13 million
  • Divvy bike stations                                       $200k   
  • Green alleys (to reduce localized flooding) $227k
  • Clark Park improvements                            TBD

Chicago Near North Soccer Complex

I am pleased to announce that after working for nearly a year, the Chicago Near North Soccer Complex is about to become a reality. This $13 million sports complex will be located at 3636 N. Talman Avenue. The new sports facility will include two indoor/outdoor soccer fields, a training center, fitness center and restaurant on the Chicago River. The soccer fields and facilities will be used by youth and adult soccer leagues. The plans for the complex will incorporate a planned pedestrian walkway along the Chicago River and as a result transform the area into a family friendly destination on the water!  Learn more about this new 47th Ward addition here.

   

Sincerely,
Ameya


This Week...
Keep Leaves Off the Street
Get Covered Illinois
47th Ward Fall Cleanup
47th Ward Health & Wellness Day
Message for Veterans
McPherson Playground
47th Ward Adoptables
47th Ward Bike Ride
Insinkerator Pilot
Ravenswood Playground Rally
Dara Reports
Infrastructure Update
Northcenter Farmers Market
Andersonville Arts Weekend
American Legion Pasta Night
LSFC Grand Opening
GiGi's Playhouse 3rd Anniversary
Northcenter Restaurantour
Forced Migration
BET Evening with Roberta Flack
Tom Ryan Youth Fund Benefit
Ravenswood UCC Oktoberfest
Author Nancy Grossman Event
American Legion Burger Night
Spirits of Ravenswood
Save the Date: Circus in the Parks
RCC Annual Meeting
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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Message for Veterans from the Recorder of Deeds     

On the Eleventh Hour of the Eleventh Day of the Eleventh Month, the Armistice between the Allied Forces and Germany went into effect. This was to be the end of the "War to End All Wars"; in 1919, President Wilson declared this date to be Armistice Day. This later became what we now celebrate as Veterans Day.

As we honor those who served before us and serve us now, I want to urge all veterans to record their DD-214 military discharge records with the Cook County Recorder of Deeds-Veterans Service Office. This extremely valuable document is what is required to apply for your well-deserved benefits such as medical care, educational benefits, and VA loans for housing, among others.
In a time of need, wouldn't you like the peace of mind that your family can access these valuable documents in a safe and secure fashion? It is nice to know they don't have to hunt through desk drawers or find the keys to a safety deposit box. Letting them know, in advance, that our office has a copy can save them time and worry. All of this is provided to you for free for recordation and for $1.25 when you or a member of your family wishes to retrieve a certified copy of a DD-214 that you have recorded.

My family has a proud history of serving this nation. My father and husband have served, as well as my brother and sister, and my son presently serves this nation as a Captain the United States Army. Because of this, I take this facet of my role very seriously. All DD-214s are protected from public view, and are available only to the person named in the document, the named person's dependents, the county veteran's service officer, and representatives from the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans may record their DD-214s at our Downtown Office at 118 N. Clark or at any of the courthouses conveniently located in Cook County. These locations are in Bridgeview, Markham, Maywood, Rolling Meadows and Skokie (at this time, certified copies are only available at our Downtown Office) If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us at 312-603-5788.

I want to thank all our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they have made in order to protect our freedoms at home, and spread the message of hope and peace throughout the world. I also want to wish everyone a safe and happy Thanksgiving.
From: Karen A. Yarbrough, Cook County Recorder of Deeds



Thanks to everyone who came out for a wonderful 47th Ward Bike Ride!


Dara Reports
Forward Chicago, a new, grass-roots, all volunteer non-profit, is for folks in and around the 47th Ward. The mission is to build a stronger community by connecting neighbors, businesses and local organizations. They aim to create a neighborhood where people of all ages are active, engaged and influential. Forward Chicago takes advantage of the many resources available in our neighborhood, along with new initiatives sparked by members to develop a programming calendar. Whether you are interested in meeting folks and enjoying a meal at a neighborhood restaurant or in sewing, crafts, chess, card games, bird-watching or learning a new skill - Forward Chicago has something for you. 

 

Check out what's going on at www.forwardchicago.org.

  

Neighborhood Group News

West Lakeview Neighbors has expanded to include the blocks between Ravenswood, Ashland, Addison & Belmont

Riverbank Neighbors, along with their neighbors across the river, helped save trees in Horner Park

Winnemac Park Neighbors meeting on 10/15 will include updates from Amundsen, Lawrence Ave, etc.  http://www.winnemac.org/ 

 

Attention Gardeners! Vinca for you! It's a perfect ground cover for your parkway or corners. Little violet flowers bloom all spring, grows well around tree roots, doesn't need much sun and loves to spread. The only catch is you need to dig it up. Contact: Dara 773-868-4747


We've seen news items recently about veterans visiting the WWII Memorial in Washington.

If you know any, please have them check out Honor Flight Chicago. It's a not-for-profit charity organization dedicated to honoring Chicago area World War II veterans by flying them, all-expense paid, to Washington DC for a day of reflection at their memorial. This volunteer-based group works year round to raise the money needed to provide these veterans with this experience, and each flight is funded entirely by private donations. For more information, please visit www.honorflightchicago.org  

 

Waters School had a visit from Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Friday! He stopped by to inquire about their wonderful garden and Ecology program. He was very interested in Water's green philosophy and listened attentively as Mr. Leki and students spoke about Waters' composting, recycling and Ecology programs. 


On Tuesday October 15, 2013 at 6:30 pm, In the Community Meeting Room of the Sulzer Regional Library at 4455 North Lincoln Avenue, there will be a program of Japanese Ghost Stories presented by Dr. Kuri Shea. She will talk about the different kinds of Japanese Ghosts and Ghouls as well as telling some spine tingling tales. This program is best for teens and adults and has been made possible by funding from the Chicago Public Library's Asian American Concerns Committee.

 

"Adopt" your sewers and catch basins.  Keep the tops clear of leaves and litter.

This will cut down on flooding. If the drain appears to be clogged after removing leaves from the surface, and water does not drain within 12 hours of rainfall please call our office so we can get the sewer on the schedule for cleaning.  To learn more about what you can do for storm water management please click here .

 

Volunteers are sought for Perceptual Motion, Inc.'s Wine and Chocolate benefit on Saturday, November 9, 2013. Contact Lin Shook at 773 549-3958 or pmidance@gmail.com.

 

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

 

German International School Chicago Fall 2013 Open Houses

  • Thursday, October 10 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Thursday, October 24 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Thursday, November 7 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • Thursday, November 21 from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm

For parents who are unable to attend the Open House events, private tours are available upon request. Please contact info@germanschoolchicago.com to set up an appointment.

 

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!

 

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.    

 

Asphalt is being laid on the north side of the road between Damen and Western tomorrow, completing all concrete and asphalt work.  Brick paver installation will follow.  Some work on the plaza and adjacent alley was delayed to confirm an engineering issue which has been resolved.

 

Work on the sidewalks continues 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

The final phase of the Neighborhood Greenway is complete! Today green thrermoplastic was added to the contraflow bike lanes on the east extent of the greenway;  the west extent pavement markings were completed in temporary paint as this block will be having some sewer work done within the next year. Following this work all paint will be replaced with thermoplastic.

 

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 . 

 

Western Avenue Roadway Repairs 

Western Avenue from George Street to School Street will be reciving spot repairs over the next few weeks. This is part of the Chicago Department of Transportation's Arterial Street Resurfacing - Term North Area Project, in the 47th Ward. 

 

Construction is tentatively scheduled to begin on Monday, October 14, 2013.  The work will include ADA sidewalk, curb and gutter removal and replacement, milling the existing asphalt pavement, asphalt paving, bus pad concrete pavement construction, and pavement markings.

 

During construction, temporary "No Parking" signs will be periodically installed as required for each activity listed above.  These temporary signs will restrict parking during working hours, while adhering to rush hour restrictions, for the completion of the work.  All work on this corridor is scheduled to be completed by  December 16, 2013.

 

NOTE: NO DEMOLITION OR REPAIRS WILL BE DONE TO THE OVERPASS AT THIS TIME.  Demolition of the Belmont overpass and reconfiguration of the streetscape has been planned and is awaiting funding approvals.  This is not expected to begin until 2015.  

 

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 asphalt finishing is done through October 18, 2013.

 

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


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

 

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 11   Friday   5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Pasta Night at Tattler Post #973

American Legion Tattler Post #973, 4355 N. Western Avenue

 

October 11   Friday   6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Willy Wonka & the Chocolate Factory movie at McPherson

McPherson School auditorium (enter door 3), 4728 N. Wolcott Avenue

 

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 School

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 15   Tuesday   6:00 PM - 8:00 PM

How Will New "Get Covered Illinois" Health Marketplace Affect You?

Truman College large cafeteria, 1145 W. Wilson Avenue

 

October 16   Wednesday   5:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Northcenter RestauranTOUR

Northcenter chamber area,

 

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

Forced Migration Photovoice Exhibit Opening

Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

October 18   Friday   6:00 PM - 10:00 PM

Black Ensemble Theater benefit, An Evening with Roberta Flack

Hilton Chicago, 720 S. Michigan 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 19   Saturday   1:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Tom Ryan 53rd Annual Youth Fund

Tattler Post #973, 4355 N. Western Avenue

 

October 20   Sunday   12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Oktoberfest at Ravenswood UCC

Ravenswood United Church of Christ, 2050 W. Pensacola Avenue

 

October 24   Thursday   6:00 PM - 7:30 PM

Author Nancy Grossman is coming to Sulzer Library

Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln Avenue

 

October 25   Friday   5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Burger Night at Tattler Post #973

American Legion Tattler Post #973, 4355 N. Western Avenue

 

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

 

October 29   Tuesday   6:00 PM - 8:30 PM

RCC Annual Public Meeting

Dolce Casa Cafe, 4947 N. Damen 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 "Art to the People"

Lillstreet Loft, 4437 N. Ravenswood Avenue

 

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

a taste of Wine + Chocolate benefit for Perceptual Motion

St. Andrew's Greek Orthodox Church, 5649 N. Sheridan Road

 

November 10   Sunday   2:30 PM - 3:30 PM

6th Annual Laternenfest and St. Martin's Parade

DANK Haus German American Cultural Center, 4740 N. Western 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.