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This week, the Council Office of Financial Analysis (COFA) oversight committee held our first meeting. I am happy to announce that we are currently seeking applicants to head this new office. The Council Financial Analyst/Chief Administrative Officer will provide critical leadership and ensure that COFA can provide the independent and fresh perspective that we need when considering the budget and other financial proposals. To see the official job posting, please click here. Anyone interested in applying should email their resume and cover letter to COFA@cityofchicago.org by Friday, May 16, 2014. I will keep you updated as we make progress on getting COFA up and running.
COFA is the sixth piece of legislation I have advanced in City Council. To learn more about legislation I have sponsored, please click here.
In addition to the first meeting of the COFA oversight committee this week, we also had a City Council Meeting on April 30th. Below, I have summarized a number of important ordinances that made their way through City Council.
Plastic Bag Ordinance
Ald. Joe Moreno (1st Ward) has been working diligently on an ordinance to address the huge amount of plastic bags that end up in landfills, trees, clog sewers and litter our streets. I was proud to co-sponsor his original ordinance. After working closely with Ald. George Cardenas (12th Ward) and Mayor Emanuel, a compromise measure was reached that will eliminate the use of plastic bags at large stores and smaller chains in the City of Chicago.
Beginning on August 1, 2015, retailers with a floor area larger than 10,000 square feet will no longer be allowed to provide disposable plastic bags to their customers. On August 1, 2016 this measure will go into effect for stores with a floor area smaller than 10,000 square feet. This ordinance does not apply to any dine-in or take-out restaurant or any store that that has less than three locations of common ownership and is not part of a franchise.
I voted "yes" on this ordinance because I think that this is an important step we can take to help our environment while reducing litter in our community. To see a copy of the ordinance, please click here.
Sunday Morning Alcohol Sales
Ald. Patrick O'Connor (40th Ward) sponsored an ordinance to amend the rules regarding the sale of alcohol at supermarkets on Sunday mornings. Starting at the end of May, supermarket retailers who meet criteria set forth in the ordinance will be able to apply for permission to begin alcohol sales at 8am on Sundays. The time to begin sales had been 11am.
I voted "yes" on this ordinance. To see a copy of the ordinance, please click here.
Petcoke Regulation
On the southeast side of Chicago there are facilities that are home to gigantic piles of an oil refinery by-product called petroleum coke or petcoke. This substance is a fine particulate that is prone to blowing into neighboring residential areas and impacts the health and quality of life of the people living nearby. Mayor Emanuel, Ald. John Pope (10th Ward) and Ald. Edward Burke (14th Ward) introduced an ordinance to better regulate these sites and create the toughest limits on petcoke storage in the United States. These new regulations will force the current operators of these piles to enclose them and will closely regulate the use of this material and the locations where it may be stored in Chicago.
This ordinance will also prevent Chicago from becoming a dumping ground for petcoke, and is an important step in protecting residents who live near these facilities. The City of Chicago will continue to monitor these facilities, and if necessary, will continue to take aggressive action against to protect residents and public health.
I voted "yes" on this ordinance. To see a copy of the ordinance, please click here.
Digital Sign Regulation
I co-sponsored a measure, along with several of my colleagues and Mayor Emanuel, to improve the regulation of digital signage in Chicago. Our laws regarding signage were not adequate to address the impacts that new digital signs have on neighboring residents and businesses. Under these new regulations, new signs in neighborhood business districts can be no larger than 32 square feet, and those in the larger business districts cannot exceed 64 square feet. The ordinance places limits on brightness and requires that signs be shut off between midnight and 5am unless the sign is an on-premises sign for a business that operates during those hours.
I voted "yes" on this ordinance because it updates our regulations on these new types of signs and ensures that there will not be detrimental impacts to residents related to their installation. You may remember that I, along with my colleagues on the Zoning Committee, stopped Digital Green Signs from pulling and end-run on City Council from installing an off-premises sign in our ward and other locations in Chicago. This is a welcome effort to prevent the proliferation of large digital signs in our business and residential districts. While I would prefer to see them banned completely, this is a reasonable step. To see a copy of the ordinance, please click here.
Pedicabs
Ald. Tom Tunney (44th Ward) sponsored an ordinance for the first-ever regulations to be placed on pedicabs in the City of Chicago. This ordinance restricts where and when pedicabs can operate. It also requires operators to get a city-issued $250 license for each pedicab, and that the drivers of the pedicabs must have a $25 chuaffeur license. Pedicab operators will also have to purchase insurance and post their fare schedules for their customers.
I voted "yes" on this ordinance because it is important that we provide the same safety and insurance standards that you would expect from any other transportation option. To see a copy of the ordinance, please click here.
Ride-Share Ordinance
Many of you have called or e-mailed regarding the ordinance that seeks to regulate ride-share companies like Lyft, Uber and Sidecar. The ordinance was deferred in City Council and will be voted on at a later date. To see the most up-to-date version of the ordinance, please click here.
Have a great weekend!
Sincerely,
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New Construction Building Moving Forward at 4601 N. Ravenswood
The long-stalled project for the vacant lot on the northeast corner of Ravenswood and Wilson is moving forward. The mixed-use development, being built by Trianon Development, will be home to 27 rental units with 27 parking spots along with up to 4 storefronts. Residential rents will range from $1,250 to $3,200. The building will contain 6 one-bedroom, 18 two-bedroom and 3 three-bedroom units. If you have any questions about this development, please contact Ernie Constantino in the 47th Ward Office at ernie@chicago47.org. |
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Upcoming
Ward Nights
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Wednesdays5:00pm to 7:00pm
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LV2 Cubs Night Game Parking
If you live in the LV2 zone for Cubs Night Games, the first night game of the season is April 8, 2014. LV2 passes are not yet available.
LV2 passes will be mailed out in late March. We will announce when they are available in the 47th Ward Office through an email.
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Street Sweeping
From April 1 until December 1 the Department of Streets and Sanitation has sweepers working in the 47th Ward to clear debris and dust from residential and arterial streets. The schedule for street cleaning on residential and arterial streets can be found on chicago47.org.
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2013-2014 Residential Pickup Permits
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. The truck must be registered to your home address in the 47th Ward.
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.
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Flirty Cupcakes, 4631 N. Lincoln
Now the north side will be able to indulge in tasty treats from Flirty Cupcakes Dessert Garage located at 4631 N. Lincoln Avenue. The Dessert Garage will offer a full range of baked goods, classes, party space rental, and an extensive coffee service, including crafted custom blends by Chicago's own Sparrow micro roaster. On Friday May 2nd Flirty Cupcakes will fling open the doors and meet the neighbors. A local musician will play an acoustic guitar set from 6-8:30pm, lip smackin' desserts and a featured dessert item using spices from our Lincoln Square neighbor Savory Spice Shop will be on hand to taste. Guest will be treated to coffee from Sparrow a local Chicago micro roaster. Sunday May 4th from 1-2:30 is "Kiddo" Day. Kiddos will hang and jam with live music from Jeremy Babcock of The Dreamtree Shakers, from the Old Town School of Folk Music. Kids will also have fun decorating mini cupcakes. The Flirty Cupcakes Dessert Garage will offer over 18 cupcake flavors each day including a few vegan options (beginning in mid-May), cupcakes just for the kiddos, cookies, muffins, cinnamon rolls, breads, brownies, cake pops, sandwich cookies, marshmallow treats, pies, pop tarts, cake pops and ice cream (summer) . The 1500 square feet Lincoln Square location has the same industrial chic look and feel of the Taylor location but with an added Wi-Fi window bar, sofa lounge area, tables, and a kiddie corner. Hours of operation: Closed Monday's through April. Tuesday - Thurs 10-8:30, Friday-Saturday 10-9 & Sun 10-6. Effective May 1, 10am-8:30PM). Tiffany Kurtz and Chris Sewall (Husband and wife team) began by squealing its tires curbside as the first food truck in Chicago in 2010 as Flirty Cupcakes on Wheels. Due to demand it expanded into a brick and mortar, Flirty Cupcakes Dessert Garage which opened in February of 2012 at 1030 W. Taylor. Flirty Cupcakes continues to squeal its tires curbside with Flirty Cupcakes on Wheels, deliveries are conducted via Flirty Cupcakes On Mini Wheels (Mini Cooper Delivery Vehicle) and serves customers in its quaint two brick-and-mortar locations. |
Fit Body Boot Camp, 1830 W. Irving Park
David Bostik, successful Chicago boot camp owner and personal trainer, announces the May 3rd Grand Opening of his second Fit Body Boot Camp location at 1830 W. Irving Park Road. Chicago North Center Fit Body Boot Camp is a results driven and energetic fitness and fat loss workout program that includes motivation, accountability and dynamic resistance training; all designed to get you the body that you want in a safe, fun and non-intimidating atmosphere. The Grand Opening charity event is an effort to support the local fire department after recent budget cuts were made to their fitness facilities. Kicking off at 12:00 PM and continuing until 4:00 PM, the activities will include a raffle for big ticket items, such as memberships to the boot camp, Cubs tickets, iPads, heart rate monitors, and gift cards to various local businesses (click here for more info).  David himself is a success story from taking control of his life through fitness. Weighing a whopping 346 pounds at one point, he decided to join a local gym, get a personal trainer, and two years later he lost 140 pounds and regained his confidence and self-esteem. Having been overweight most of his life he knows the hardships and difficulties of an unhealthy life. Visit him at his new facility and learn more about their programs (click here). |
SpringCross Media
 New to the 47th Ward is Lakeview's SpringCross Media, a small multimedia production company run by Sylvia Springer and Paul Crossey. Both Sylvia and Paul have worked on and produced most forms of broadcast, branding, documentary, news and online content while at the Chicago Tribune, Tribune Broadcasting and other media companies. Now they embrace the spirit of collaboration, communication and everything else that goes into producing informative and entertaining video and photo media. They also enjoy the process of creating mini-documentaries that help tell engaging stories about interesting individuals and families, as well as brands and businesses. If you would like to give the gift of a family member's life story, contact them at http://springcross.webs.com/. Take a look at their current project with Forward Chicago or see other samples on their website .
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Department of Water Management is Hiring
This year, the Chicago Department of Water Management plans to replace 85 miles of water mains, 21 miles of sewer mains and complete 55 miles of sewer lining. They are currently hiring for the following positions: 60 Laborer Apprentices 18 Hoisting Engineers 24 Seasonal Plumbers 8 Operating Engineers A 28 Operating Engineers B If you are interested in applying for one of these positions, please call the Department of Human Resources at 312-744-4976 or check their website. |
Report Graffiti
As the weather turns warmer, we are seeing more graffiti throughout Chicago. Be sure to report any graffiti to our office (info@chicago47.org, 773-868-4747), 311, or through the Chicago Works app. You'll need to know the address, type of surface tagged, and whether or not the tag is more than six feet from the ground. Graffiti that contains profanity, hate language or is done on a church or school receives special attention. The faster we remove graffiti the less likely vandals are to target that area again. Thanks for your help!
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Arts & Culture in the 47th Ward: Brazil in Chicago and Cornservatory
Weekly Articles by Office Intern Luis Lopez Reichling, Senior at St. Benedict Preparatory School
Tucked away on Sunnyside Avenue in the neighborhood north of Wells Park, Brazil in Chicago is a local treasure that can be easily overlooked. Founded by Brazilian native Marcelo Jarmendi, this small organization offers language classes in Brazilian Portuguese and acts as an information hub for local Brazil-related activities. Mr. Jarmendia, who studied political science and anthropology, taught Spanish when he first arrived in Chicago. Over time, however, he discovered a growing demand for Portuguese language teachers and a keen interest in all things Brazilian. Although the Brazilian community in Chicago is relatively small at about 8,000, the country's vibrant culture and its growing status as a world economic power have created intense interest in its language, art and music. To accommodate this interest, Brazil in Chicago was established in 2006. Here, students learn that the giant South American country has one of the world's largest economies and a rich, diverse culture which extends far beyond samba, soccer and Carnival! And did you know that Brazil will launch the next World Cup and the 2016 Olympics? Brazil in Chicago is involved with many local cultural and educational institutions. They are a member of the Chicago Cultural Alliance, are partnered with Brazilian Mothers in Illinois and work with schools around the city. On September 7th, they will host a Brazilian barbeque, and in November, they will also participate in the "Mostra" Brazilian Film at the Old Town School of Folk Music. Check out their Facebook page to find out about other interesting cultural events! For over 20 years, Lincoln Square's Cornservatory has been serving up satire and comedy that are bawdy and fresh. Inaugurated in a small upstairs room in Bucktown back in 1992, the enterprise has grown considerably since then, expanding to the 47th Ward in 1999. The Cornservatory features a highly diverse ensemble, self-described as "close-knit and committed" to their craft. Its multi-talented members embrace the notion of "local," meaning all staff and volunteers are Chicago-based. Fun, irreverent and occasionally raunchy, the ensemble is dedicated to showcasing community material and talent at an affordable price. This weekend only, May 2 to 4, the Cornservatory will present "William Shakespeare's Star Wars: Verily, A New Hope," a creative mash-up of Shakespeare puns and science fiction geekiness. Through June 29th, there will be weekly performances of "Deathprov" every Sunday at 7:30 PM. The kid-friendly "Mileep Saves Tuesdays" will also run on Saturdays and Sundays at 11 AM from May 10th through June 15th. |
47th Ward A&C*
*Arts & Culture, by Intern Luis Reichling
The New Colony, 4740 N. Western Avenue, 773-413-0862
Orville and Wilbur Did It!, June 13th to July 20th Witness firsthand the ups, downs and ego clashes of five actors and a stage manager traveling across the country www.thenewcolony.org Alibi Fine Art Exhibit, 1966 W Montrose Ave, 773-454-1512
Boldly, We Go Blindly, thru May 24th This photography gallery's theme is about works and people who have been overlooked and forgotten.
www.alibifineart.com American Theater Company, 1909 W. Byron Street, 773-409-4125
Hair, starts April 25th A group of hippies explore the idea of love and civil rights in 1968 in this classic rock musical.
www.atcweb.org The Public House Theater, 3914 N Clark St. 773-904-8777
Bye Bye Liver, every Friday & Saturday 8PM & 10PM
A series of outrageous and hilarious comedic sketches, all centered around one thing...alcohol! www.pubhousetheatre.com Cornelia Arts Building, 1800 W Cornelia Ave, 773-316-9223
Open House, May 16th Friday 6-10PM
Take a look at some of the most cutting-edge artwork in our community and get a chance to talk to the artists themselves!
www.corneliaartsbuilding.com The Black Ensemble Theater, 4450 N. Clark St., 773-769-4451 Pimprov, every Friday at 10:30 PM An improv sketch with "pimps" that may not be politically correct, but will leave you laughing on the floor! One Hit Wonders, May 18th Sunday at 3:00 PM A musical with mashup of the biggest hits of the 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s, this unique play is a blast to teh past! Includes songs like Funkytown, Macarena, I Will Survive, among many others. www.blackensembletheater.org Ravenswood Community Orchestra Spring Concert, May 17th Saturday at 7:00 PM, Ackerman Center, St. Benedict Church, 2219 W. Irving Park Rd. More information here. Cornservatory Deathprov, thru June 29th, Sundays at 7:30pm Finding ways to kill someone may not seem that amusing, but in this improve sketch set in post Apolcalyptic world, it is. The only warning here is to not laugh yourself to death. www.cornservatory.com |
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School Tours & Promotions
Waters Elementary
There are three more school tours this year. If you know parents interested in hearing about Waters School, please share the following dates with them. Please be prompt.
Tours start EXACTLY at 8:45am.
- Thurs, May 22, 8:45am in Annex
Tour dates also posted on the Waters School website.
McPherson Elementary
McPherson School Tours are designed for neighborhood and Options for Knowledge parents to get a better idea of what makes McPherson unique. Come see for yourself and get all your questions answered live and in person! - Friday, May 9 @ 9:30 a.m.
- Friday, May 30 @ 9:30 a.m.
RSVP: Marianne Turk, mturk@cps.edu, 773-534-2625, ext. 167874728 North Wolcott Avenue | Enter through the main office door (#1) from Wolcott and sign in at the office.  
Ravenswood Elementary Ravenswood Elementary School offers comprehensive school tours on the second Tuesday of every month that school is in session. All tours begin at 9 a.m. in the multi-purpose room, where we'll grab a cup of coffee and set off to observe classrooms, discuss the curriculum and learn what makes Ravenswood Elementary School a truly hidden gem. Mr. Manaen, Ravenswood School principal, will meet with prospective parents for an open question-and-answer session following the tour. Not sure if you're in the Ravenswood Elementary School attendance boundaries? Please click here . Tours for the rest of the school year will be May 13 and June 10, all at 9 a.m. in the multi-purpose room. All are welcome! Ravenswood also hosted a fabulous Walk-a-Thon. We want to congratulate the classes listed below for their wonderful efforts. Room 104, Kindergarten, Ms. Alban $2575.00 Room 206, Kindergarten, Ms. Residori $955.00 Room 208, 1st, Mr. Jacobi, $575.00 Room 310, 3rd, Mr. Tajchman, $485.00 Room 203, 2nd, Ms. Salomonsson, $455.00 Room 007, Pre-K, Ms. Mehl, $415.00 Room 008, Pre-K, Ms. Zurawic, $355.00 Room 207, Kindergarten, Ms. Brooks, $320.00 Room 111, 1st, Ms. Rivas, $135.00 Room 312, 3rd, Ms. Ludwig, $100.00 Audubon Elementary 
Amundsen High School Amundsen High School offers comprehensive school tours at 10 a.m. on the first Friday and the second Thursday of every month school is in session. Come learn more about Amundsen High School, its International Baccalaureate (IB) program and more great programs available at our neighborhood high school. To join the tour, meet in the school office at 10 a.m. (enter through the main doors on Damen Avenue). Remaining tour dates for this year are: - Thursday, May 8 at 10 a.m.
- Friday, June 6 at 10 a.m.
- Thursday, June 12 at 10 a.m.
School tours are also available by appointment by contacting friendsofamundsen@gmail.com. AMUNDSEN VIKING ART EXHIBIT Featuring the Outstanding Artistic Expressions of the Amundsen High School Photography Class (Teacher Ms. Jessica Gansz) Amundsen High School photography students are teaming up with Buzz, a neighborhood restaurant located at 1935 W. Irving Park Road, to hold an art show displaying the work of our young student artists! This show will be on display to all Buzz patrons from May 1st through May 22nd. EVERYONE IS WELCOMED TO ATTEND an Opening Reception with the Viking Artists on May 5th from 4:30 - 6 p.m. Soft-drinks and light snacks will be served. After 6 p.m., anyone interested in remaining at Buzz to indulge in a tasty dining experience that features a variety of gourmet hamburgers and amazing sides is welcomed to stay. Adult beverages will be available at this time. Through May 22, to raise badly needed funds for the Amundsen High School Photography Class, Buzz is offering the following to all restaurant patrons that mention Amundsen High School when ordering: Buzz will make a $2 donation to the AHS Photography Club on any food bill greater than $10 and provide a $3 discount on any food bill greater than $10. (To maximize proceeds to the AHS Photography Class, Buzz's will increase its donation to the AHS Photography Class to $5 for any patron who is willing to forgo the $3 discount. If you are feeling particularly generous, please feel free to leave your donation of any amount in the Photography Class Donation Box, which will be available to all Buzz patrons through May 22.) Lane Tech College Prep On Friday, May 16th and Saturday, May 17th, Lane Tech will be hosting 2 Days of Art & Music. Check out this website to learn more about this fabulous event. |
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Dara Reports
Thanks to everyone who brought their unwanted items for recycling. We filled a 20 yard dumpster with recyclables and paper to be shredded. We also collected over 1,000 pounds of books, 2 sewing machines, a pair of crutches and 9 bicycles for donations! Thanks also to Andres Hernandez, a C3 leader and CTE Department Head at Von Steuben along with his hardworking students for their good humor and help unloading cars.
Thanks also to all of you who planted, painted, swept, picked-up; your good deed helps keep our neighborhood one of the best places to live in the city.
Jumping Jack Forms Are In! You can print them off of our website or stop into the office. Once again the city is offering a limited number of Jumping Jacks for Block Parties on Saturdays & Sundays from May 24 - August 31. Please fill out the form and email or mail the application directly to the city. If you really want one, plan your Block Party for a Sunday.
On May 10, Friends of the Chicago River will host their 22nd annual Chicago River Day when up to 3,000 volunteers descend on the Chicago River to help beautify the river and its banks. Friends invites the public to volunteer and participate in this event at one of more than 70 locations along the Chicago River and the Calumet River. To learn more about this event or to register, please visit their website.
Hopefully the Polar Vortex has led to depletion in the rat population in the neighborhood. However, if you want a permanent, non-poisonous solution to rodents in your part of the block - look no further than Tree House Humane Societies Cats at Work Program! Watch this video and see for yourself how this win-win-win program works. The only losers are the RATS! Email me at dara@chicago47.org for more information.
Friends of Animal Care & Control began a kitty foster care program 4 yrs. ago. They are in desperate need of foster families. Having been a foster family for several years, I can tell you my children loved it and were always happy to give the kitties back when they were ready for adoption because they knew that every one of them were going to a loving family. After a few weeks with us, all of the kitties even loved dogs! Think about becoming a foster family. Email; kat@fcacc.org
If you can't foster, consider making a monetary donation for medical care, spay/neuter surgeries, inoculations and more. Volunteers are needed every single day at ACC. Email Susan; volunteerwithfriends@gmail.com
Are you interested in making a difference in the lives of older adults who need just a little support to remain independent? Then become a program volunteer!
Join Concordia Place in helping your neighbors. The program helps to reduce loneliness and isolation among area seniors. The Friendly Visitor program provides the human connection necessary to enhance a senior's quality of life and overall well-being. Volunteers help seniors by performing services such as transportation, medical appointments, grocery shopping, phone outreach and well-being visits.
Each program volunteer is trained, supervised and given the proper tools to make a positive difference. In return you are enriching your own life by making a difference for someone else. Our volunteers are matched with a senior on a one-to-one basis.
We are officially members of a worldwide movement! Please check out www.repaircafe.org . We'll soon be listed on their website. So far we will offer the skills of: 2 generally handy-people, 2 sewers (with sewing machines) and a knitter/jewelry repair person. Do you have a skill you'd like to share?
This is a win-win-win-win: people with skills help others, others learn, an item is kept out of the landfill and we all build a greater sense of community in our neighborhood!
47th Ward Repair Café
Lincoln Square Friendship Center
2733 W. Lawrence Avenue
2nd Saturday of the Month - 10am-1pm
May 10, June 14, July 12, August 6, September 13, October 11, November 8
On the 3rd Friday of the month The Lincoln Square Friendship Center 2733 W. Lawrence is the home to Friendship Pet Food Pantry. Pet food is provided to folks who are having a hard time feeding their beloved pets.
We have been so successful that we are currently low on cat food. If you would like to donate bags or cans of cat food or cat litter, it would be greatly appreciated. You may drop off donations at the alderman's office or Lincoln Square Friendship Center on Thursday afternoons or during the monthly Pet Food Pantry at 2733 W. Lawrence. Thanks to all of our caring, generous neighbors in 6 months, which is 6 distribution days - we have fed 255 cats and 140 dogs! Your kindness is much needed and greatly appreciated.
Upcoming dates are: May 16, June 20 from 3-5pm
If you know anyone who needs assistance, please pass this along.
Lincoln Square Friendship Center Pantry Are you interested in our newest neighborhood pantry? Sign up for their newsletter: lincolnsquarefc@gmail.com
There are many ways for you to help - volunteer, help fundraise, hold a food drive, donate bins, pick-up donations, sponsor/manage a community garden bed. We are neighbors helping neighbors and making a difference.
Forward Chicago Bridge & Chess Club meets at Sulzer Library on the first and third Fridays of the month from 10:30am to 12pm. All are welcome.
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.
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 Click here to get your ticket.
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47th Ward Infrastructure Update
Check out the infrastructure map on our webpage!
Lawrence Avenue Streetscape
- New pedestrian refuge islands (including ADA compliant ramps) have been installed between Damen and Clark, and center turn lanes have been striped. Sidewalk replacement continues and ADA ramps will be installed to line up with the street crossings at the pedestrian islands.
- Sidewalk installation work on the north side of Lawrence between Clark and Ravenswood will be completed by mid-May.
- Sewer and electrical work will start early to mid-May. Plantings along this section of the corridor are expected to be complete by the end of May. The remaining landscaping work will be completed next spring.
- Work on the south side of the street near McPherson will be completed over the summer once school is not in session.
- Sreet resurfacing and final striping will be completed in the fall.
Water Main Replacement for Hutchinson between Lincoln and Damen
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management have finished replacing the water main from 1897 under Hutchinson St. between Lincoln and Damen. Restoration will occur once the asphalt plant opens (Mid-April or May). For full information, please click here.
Water Main Replacement for Hoyne between Irving Park and Grace
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the water main from 1895 under Hoyne between Irving Park and Grace. No parking will be enforced between 7am and 4pm Monday through Friday. During work, there will be no thru traffic allowed. For full information, please click here.
Water Main Replacement for Byron between Damen and Ravenswood
Contractors working with the Dept. of Water Management are replacing the water main from 1891 under Byron from Damen to Ravenswood. No parking will be enforced between 7am and 4pm Monday through Friday. During work, there will be no thru traffic allowed. For full information, please click here.
Water Mains Coming Soon:
Berteau (Bell to Damen): Start in May.
Warner (Leavitt to Damen): Start in May.
Ashland (Irving to Lawrence): Delayed until July - Stay Tuned!
The Chicago Cubs have provided some additional funding for infrastructure improvements in the 44th 46th and 47th Wards. In the 47th ward we will be getting new residential street lighting on: W Byron (Clark to Ashland), N Janssen (Addison to Irving Park) and N Greenview (Addison to Irving Park).
Chicago River Work (east side) Berteau to Montrose (from Riverbank Neighbors)
Please check out this updated landscaping plan for the bank.
New to the plan:
- removal of all Ailanthus, honeysuckle and buckthorn (all invasives);
- add soil to the rip rap on the upper sections of the project area to make planting easier and recovery quicker;
- substitute for the elderberry, since we said we have a thriving e-berry community already;
- substituted a cover seed mix instead of the IDOT mix we objected to;
- four species of gray dogwood (stakes) that a vigorous colonizers for the new territories.
These will be substantial new lands, with the bank secured, and planting begun. Riverbank Neighbors will be able to enrich species diversity over time and introduce many new forbs. Habitat for birds and reptiles and amphibians and mammals will be greatly improved.
Horner Park Riverbank Project (from US Army Corps)
Tree cutting is complete. Erosion Control consisting of silt fence, silt curtain, inlet protection is being installed. Excavation of topsoil, stripping, fill disposal and topsoil placement has started. Excavation to install Limestone/Flagstone will begin this week. Root Wads will also be installed along the river bank.
USACE was informed of a complaint about truck traffic on Montrose. In response, no parking signs have been installed so that trucks can line up along the curb and off the main thru traffic lane. Truck traffic is expected until early-June.
Brown Line Construction
Work on the Brown Line tracks near the Rockwell Station will continue through June or July. CTA is replacing ties on the bridge over the river to improve the slow zone. Some work will be done on weekends, where trains will operate on one side of the tracks.
METRA Traffic Closures and Detours Around Ravenswood Avenue
- Leland Ave Full Closure will be up until June, 2014.
- Ravenswood from Lawrence to Leland Ave Full Closure will be up until June, 2014 on the west side of Ravenswood.
- Ravenswood (east side) between Ainslie and Winnemac blockades may be in place on the street to make room for the work to be done however there is not a parking restriction when workers are not present.
- Ravenswood (west side) between Berteau and Grace landscaping projects are expected to begin late April or early May along the base of the walls along the Metra tracks. Short closures will be necessary to install the new plants, so pay attention to parking restriction signs.
- Ravenswood (west side) between Lawrence and Berteau landscaping projects are expected to start mid May. Again, short closures will be required to install the new trees and plants. Fencing is also being installed in the planting areas.
For more information, visit the infrastructure section of our website or contact Jim Poole at jim@chicago47.org or 773-549-4462.
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Community Events
For details on the events listed below, please see the events section of our website.
May 3 Saturday 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM 10th Annual Run to Remember Gold Star Families Memorial & Park, 1410 S. Museum Campus Drive May 3 Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM Get Organized Chicago 2014--Recycling/Shredding Event Lane Tech High School Parking Lot, 2501 W. Addison St. May 3 Saturday 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM Luxury Garage Sale benefitting Found 1800 Block of North Sedgwick, May 3 Saturday 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Swedish Covenant Kentucky Derby Benefit Derby Bar & Grill, 1224 W. Webster May 3 Saturday 2:00 PM - 6:00 PM Midwest Aikido Center Open House Midwest Aikido Center, 4349 N. Damen May 3 Saturday 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM Boy Scout Troop 894's Mostaccioli Dinner Queen of Angels Parish in the Lower Church, 2330 W. Sunnyside Avenue May 4 Sunday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Chicago Kidical Mass Family Bike Parade Audubon School, 3500 N. Hoyne May 5 Monday 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM Amundsen Viking Art Exhibit Buzz, 1935 W. Irving Park May 6 Tuesday 1:00 PM - 5:00 PM Second Wind Tour Copernicus Concert Hall, 5216 W. Lawrence May 6 Tuesday 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM Eat Out for Audubon Bartoli's Pizzeria, 1955 W. Addison May 6 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM Recycling in Chicago presented by 47th Ward Green Council Sulzer Library, 4544 N. Lincoln May 7 Wednesday 4:00 PM - 10:30 PM Eat Out for Audubon Bartoli's Pizzeria, 1955 W. Addison May 7 Wednesday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM 47th Ward Property Tax Appeal Workshop All Saints Episcopal Church, 1757 W. Wilson, Parish Hall May 8 Thursday 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM Pianist Abraham Stokman @ Bethany Retirement Community Bethany Retirement Community, 4950 N. Ashland May 8 Thursday 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM 6th Annual Ladies Spa Night River West Meetings, 3616 N. Lincoln May 9 Friday 4:00 PM - 8:30 PM Babysitter's Training for ages 11-15 Concordia Place, 3300 N. Whipple St. May 9 Friday 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM Lasagna Night @ American Legion Tattler Post #973 American Legion Tattler Post #973, 4355 N. Western Avenue May 10 Saturday 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM 47th Ward Repair Cafe Lincoln Square Friendship Center, 2733 W. Lawrence May 10 Saturday 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM The Chicago Art Girls Spring Pop-Up Shop Ravenswood Event Center, 4011 N. Ravenswood Avenue May 10 Saturday 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Mexico Fiesta 2014 All Saints Episcopal Church, 1757 W. Wilson, Parish Hall May 10 Saturday 6:30 PM - 9:00 PM Mexico Fiesta 2014 All Saints Parish Hall, 1757 W. Wilson May 13 Tuesday 11:30 AM - 1:00 PM "Aging at Home" CCEJC Seminar Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor) May 13 Tuesday 3:30 PM - 6:00 PM World Premiere Film Screening @ NCSSC North Center Senior Satellite Center, 4040 N. Oakley Ave May 13 Tuesday 6:30 PM - 8:30 PM Game Night @ Sulzer Library Sulzer Library, 4455 N. Lincoln May 16 Friday 12:00 AM - 12:00 AM 2 Days of Art & Music @ Lane Tech Lane Tech High School, 2501 W. Addison May 17 Saturday 6:00 PM - 11:00 PM GlobalFest @ St. Matthias St. Matthias School, 4910 N Claremont May 20 Tuesday 4:00 PM - 6:30 PM Midwest Pesticide Action Center 20th Birthday Midwest Pesticide Action Center, 4611 N. Ravenswood - Suite 107 May 20 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beats 1911 & 1912 Kindred Hospital, 2544 W. Montrose May 21 Wednesday 3:30 PM - 4:00 PM McPherson New Campus & Playground Groundbreaking McPherson Elementary, 4728 N. Wolcott May 21 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beats 1921 & 1922 Police Auditorium, 2452 W. Belmont May 27 Tuesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beat 2031 Anderson Pavilion, 2751 W. Winona May 28 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beat 2032 Ravenswood Evangelical Church, 4900 N. Damen May 29 Thursday 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM Identity Theft & Scams - CCEJC Seminar Richard J. Daley Center, 50 W. Washington - Courtroom 2005 (20th Floor) May 29 Thursday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM Court Advocacy Training Seminar 19th District Community Room, 850 W. Addison May 31 Saturday 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM 47th Ward City Sticker Sale Sulzer Regional Library, 4455 N. Lincoln June 1 Sunday 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM Chicago Kidical Mass Family Bike Parade Audubon School, 3500 N. Hoyne June 4 Wednesday 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM CAPS Meeting - Beat 2033 Bezazian Library, 1226 W. Ainslie June 5 Thursday 7:30 PM - 10:00 PM Common Pantry Summer Wine Tasting Fine Wine Brokers, 4621 N. Lincoln Avenue
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.
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